Carib Scope

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  • The government is not ignoring pipe replacement, Minister says

    The government is not ignoring pipe replacement, Minister says

    The Antigua and Barbuda government has announced a strategic prioritization of immediate water production increases over comprehensive pipeline replacement to tackle the nation’s pressing water shortage crisis. Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas, during a recent appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Taking Stock’ program, provided detailed insights into the country’s water infrastructure challenges.

    Minister Nicholas revealed that a substantial portion of the nation’s water distribution network consists of corroded cast-iron pipes exceeding 50 years of service. These aging conduits have deteriorated significantly over time, contributing to persistent issues including water discoloration and substantial leakage problems throughout the system.

    The government’s current approach focuses on enhancing potable water production capacity despite recognizing that increased output places additional strain on the compromised infrastructure. Nicholas explained that this temporary measure is necessary to provide residents with relief from immediate water shortages while long-term solutions are developed.

    Regarding the pipeline replacement initiative, the minister confirmed the securing of external grant funding valued at approximately US$60 million dedicated to infrastructure modernization. However, he emphasized the monumental scale of the undertaking, noting that the network spans hundreds of miles across the nation, requiring a phased implementation approach due to both systemic complexity and logistical considerations.

    While replacement work has commenced in critically affected areas, Nicholas stressed that production improvements cannot be delayed pending full infrastructure overhaul. The government’s dual-focused strategy aims to address both immediate citizen needs and long-term water system sustainability through this carefully balanced approach.

  • Seven schools progress to round two of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition

    Seven schools progress to round two of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition

    The 2026 Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition has commenced with exceptional vigor, showcasing remarkable intellectual talent across Dominica’s educational landscape. Seven institutions have successfully advanced to the second round following a challenging knockout phase held on January 22nd and 23rd.

    This year’s competition introduced a groundbreaking format shift, moving away from traditional team-based debates to a focus on individual excellence. Each participating school was represented by a single student, with advancement determined exclusively by individual performance scores rather than collective team results.

    The inaugural debate session on January 22nd featured six schools engaging with the environmentally-conscious motion: ‘Local communities should have veto power over projects that significantly affect their environment.’ Participants included Orion Academy, Isaiah Thomas Secondary School, Wesley High School, St. Mary’s Academy, Convent High School, and Arthur Waldron Seventh-Day Adventist Academy.

    The competition intensified on January 23rd as Castle Bruce Secondary School, St. Martin Secondary School, and Portsmouth Secondary School addressed the socio-economic proposition: ‘The legal driving age in Dominica should be lowered to increase youth independence and national productivity.’

    Seven exceptional debaters emerged victorious through their outstanding performances. Leading the scoreboard was Shanaiyah John from St. Martin Secondary School, achieving an impressive 341 points. Close behind were Hephzibah Abenole of Wesley High School (328 points) and Taya Charles from Orion Academy (320 points). The qualifying cohort further included Sienna Andrew (Convent High School, 317 points), Maliah Ettienne (Portsmouth Secondary, 302 points), Isaac Roberts (Castle Bruce Secondary, 299 points), and Kianna Aaron (Isaiah Thomas Secondary, 288 points).

    Narrowly missing advancement were Lucas Sorhaindo of St. Mary’s Academy (286 points) and Khaleed Colaire from Arthur Waldron Seventh-Day Adventist Academy (263 points).

    These seven qualifying schools will progress to Round Two, scheduled for February 25th and 26th, where they will be joined by defending champions Dominica Grammar School.

    Event organizer Trudy Christian characterized the preliminary round as both challenging and enlightening, noting that the exceptional performances indicate 2026 will be a landmark year for debating excellence. Christian specifically acknowledged main sponsor Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd. for their sustained commitment to youth development and fostering substantive national discourse through educational initiatives.

  • APUA to Take Responsibility for Road Reinstatement by June, Utilities Minister Says

    APUA to Take Responsibility for Road Reinstatement by June, Utilities Minister Says

    In a significant policy shift aimed at resolving a perennial infrastructure issue, Antigua’s Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas has announced that the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will assume full responsibility for road reinstatement following underground utility works starting this June. The announcement was made during Minister Nicholas’s appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Taking Stock’ program, where he characterized the current situation as a ‘long-standing and deeply entrenched problem.’

    The minister detailed how the existing system created a vicious cycle of infrastructure deterioration: newly repaired or resurfaced roads would frequently be excavated shortly afterward for utility repairs, leading to premature damage and repeated financial burdens on the state. This decades-old practice, according to Nicholas, has consistently compromised road quality nationwide while creating ongoing inconveniences for motorists and pedestrians.

    Under the new framework, APUA will be required to restore excavated roads to acceptable standards immediately upon completion of their underground works, rather than leaving this task to the Public Works Department after the fact. This approach marks a fundamental restructuring of accountability mechanisms, with Nicholas emphasizing that ‘clearer coordination and defined responsibility’ are essential for achieving longer road service life.

    While specific enforcement mechanisms were not outlined during the broadcast, the minister positioned this policy change as a deliberate corrective to systemic failures that have persisted across generations. The initiative represents an effort to institutionalize higher standards and greater accountability within the country’s infrastructure development processes, potentially ending a pattern that has plagued Antigua’s transportation network for decades.

  • Tevin Willock Sentenced to Seven Months’ Imprisonment for escaping custody

    Tevin Willock Sentenced to Seven Months’ Imprisonment for escaping custody

    In a decisive ruling at the Magistrate’s Court of Antigua and Barbuda, Tevin Willock of Green Bay has been ordered to serve a seven-month custodial sentence after admitting guilt to two criminal charges. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by Magistrate Mighty following Willock’s confession to the crimes of Escaping Lawful Custody and Malicious Damage.

    The judicial proceedings revealed that Willock executed an escape from the St. John’s Police Station, subsequently evading authorities for a period before his capture. Law enforcement agencies initiated an extensive manhunt, issuing public alerts and conducting specialized operations to secure his apprehension. The breakthrough occurred when police units focused their efforts in the Gray’s Farm district, successfully locating and returning the fugitive to custody.

    Magistrate Mighty imposed a six-month incarceration term for the jailbreak violation, supplemented by an additional one-month sentence for the property destruction offense, mandating consecutive service of both penalties at His Majesty’s Prison.

    The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has formally acknowledged the collaborative role played by community members in facilitating Willock’s recapture. In an official statement, the Police Administration expressed profound appreciation for public cooperation, emphasizing its essential contribution to law enforcement effectiveness and the preservation of societal security across the nation.

  • Proteas crush Windies in Paarl opener

    Proteas crush Windies in Paarl opener

    South Africa delivered a commanding performance to crush the West Indies by nine wickets in the opening match of the KFC T20 International series at Boland Park in Paarl on January 27. The victory marked South Africa’s largest margin of victory by wickets against the Caribbean side in T20 history.

    The match, which served as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, saw the West Indies competing without regular captain Shai Hope, who was rested for the fixture. Roston Chase assumed leadership duties for his 50th T20 international appearance.

    After winning the toss and electing to field, South African captain Aiden Markram’s decision proved immediately justified as the Proteas restricted the visitors to 57/3 during the powerplay period. The West Indies’ innings struggled to gain momentum despite a resilient sixth-wicket partnership between Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer, who combined for a crucial 74-run stand off 50 deliveries. Their efforts propelled the Caribbean side to a seemingly competitive total of 173/7 from their allotted 20 overs.

    South Africa’s response was nothing short of dominant, with openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Markram launching a blistering assault that yielded 68 runs without loss during the powerplay. The West Indies’ fielding woes compounded their troubles when both Pretorius (on 21) and Markram (on 27) were dropped in the field. Pretorius eventually fell for 44, but Markram continued his destructive innings, smashing 86 runs from just 47 deliveries. Ryan Rickelton provided supporting fire with an unbeaten 40 as South Africa cruised to victory with 9 wickets and 20 balls to spare.

  • Dr Fontaine on voter confirmation: Birth certificates should be permissible

    Dr Fontaine on voter confirmation: Birth certificates should be permissible

    United Workers Party (UWP) leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine has issued grave concerns regarding significant challenges plaguing Dominica’s ongoing Voter Confirmation Process. In an exclusive interview with Dominica News Online (DNO), Fontaine revealed that numerous citizens are encountering substantial barriers when attempting to complete their electoral registration.

    The opposition leader identified the passport ownership requirement as a primary obstacle preventing eligible voters from confirming their registration status. Despite concerted efforts by multiple political factions, including collaborative outreach with the Electoral Reform Coalition and separate communications directly to the Electoral Commission, authorities have remained unresponsive to these concerns.

    “We have reached out through multiple channels—both jointly with other parties and through independent statements—yet we’ve received absolutely no feedback from the commission,” Fontaine disclosed. The political coalition includes representation from The Freedom Party, The UPP, and the Team Unity Dominica (TUD) party.

    Fontaine emphasized the alarming combination of low confirmation rates and procedural sluggishness, stating: “The extremely slow pace of confirmation and the minimal numbers processed to date raise serious questions about the sustainability of this entire process.”

    As a solution, the UWP leader has formally petitioned the Electoral Commission to reinstate SRO 27 provisions that previously permitted birth certificates as valid identification for voter confirmation. This regulatory adjustment would eliminate the passport mandate that currently disenfranchises many potential voters.

    The voter confirmation initiative, which commenced on October 15, 2025, after extensive delays, involves a multi-step verification process: examination of the May 2025 voters list, validation of witness registration within matching polling districts, document review, completion of Form 31 before enrollment officials, electronic data entry with photograph and document scanning, dual-screen verification by applicants, and final receipt issuance via Form 32.

  • Government of Antigua and Barbuda to Host Executive Committee Meeting of the Council of Legal Education

    Government of Antigua and Barbuda to Host Executive Committee Meeting of the Council of Legal Education

    Antigua and Barbuda has been selected as the host nation for the biannual Executive Committee meeting of the Council of Legal Education (CLE), scheduled for January 30-31, 2026. The high-level gathering will convene at the prestigious St. James Club and Villas, marking a significant moment for Caribbean legal education collaboration.

    Established over five decades ago, the Council of Legal Education maintains its critical role in standardizing legal training across Caribbean nations while ensuring adherence to the highest ethical benchmarks within the profession. The Executive Committee functions as the primary administrative and strategic authority, directing regional legal education policies, overseeing law school operations, and formulating long-term developmental strategies.

    The upcoming summit will bring together Executive Committee members and Attorneys General from throughout the Caribbean region for intensive strategic dialogues. Key agenda items include enhancing operational effectiveness of CLE-affiliated law schools, addressing financial sustainability challenges, reviewing regulatory frameworks, and advancing the broader mission of legal education excellence across the Caribbean basin.

    Hon. Sir Steadroy ‘Cutie’ Benjamin, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, expressed profound honor regarding Antigua and Barbuda’s selection as host nation. ‘This prestigious gathering underscores our nation’s growing prominence in legal education leadership,’ Minister Benjamin stated, reaffirming the government’s dedication to fostering professional excellence and ethical integrity within the legal sector.

    The announcement reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s established track record in producing exceptional legal talent, with numerous graduates from regional law schools achieving distinction both within the Ministry of Legal Affairs and through private practice across the Caribbean region. The government anticipates the 2026 meeting will further solidify the nation’s contributions to advancing legal education standards throughout the Caribbean community.

  • US-dollar: ‘Gewonde hegemonie’ of veilig als de machtigste valuta ter wereld?

    US-dollar: ‘Gewonde hegemonie’ of veilig als de machtigste valuta ter wereld?

    A strategic shift is underway in global finance as BRICS nations intensify their campaign to reduce dependence on the US dollar in international trade. This movement, spearheaded by developing economies across the Global South, represents the most significant challenge to dollar dominance since the currency established its hegemony after World War II.

    The recent integration of Standard Bank—Africa’s largest bank by assets—into China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) marks a pivotal development. This connection enables African businesses to conduct direct transactions with China in renminbi, eliminating the need for dollar intermediation. Similar initiatives are proliferating: Brazil now settles soybean exports to China in local currencies, while India and the UAE conduct trade in rupees and dirhams. China has also established yuan-based trade agreements with numerous partners including Argentina, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

    Beyond bilateral arrangements, the BRICS coalition is developing more comprehensive alternatives. Project mBridge, a multi-central bank digital currency platform utilizing blockchain technology, aims to facilitate trade without dollar involvement or reliance on the SWIFT messaging system. Although not yet operational, a working model is anticipated at the upcoming BRICS summit in India.

    Analysts identify multiple drivers behind this de-dollarization trend. Sanusha Naidu, foreign policy analyst at South Africa’s Institute for Global Dialogue, highlights the ‘hidden cost’ imposed by dollar transactions that ultimately benefits the United States. Additionally, growing concerns about US political unpredictability and mounting national debt—now exceeding $38 trillion—have eroded confidence in dollar stability, as reflected in rising gold and silver prices.

    Despite these developments, experts caution that dollar supremacy remains secure for the foreseeable future. Investment analyst Chris Weafer notes that the dollar continues to serve as the primary pricing currency for oil and commodities, while maintaining its status as the dominant reserve currency among central banks. The lack of viable alternatives ensures continued dollar dominance in the short to medium term.

    However, the strategic direction is clear. Countries seek not necessarily to replace the dollar but to diversify settlement systems and avoid Western-controlled financial infrastructure. As Professor Danny Bradlow of the University of Pretoria observes, a system less dependent on one nation’s monetary policy would reduce vulnerability for all participants.

    The ultimate transformation of global currency architecture, experts suggest, would require the ‘petroyuan’ replacing the ‘petrodollar’ as the primary oil pricing and settlement currency—a development that would fundamentally alter the dollar’s global standing. While such a shift remains distant, the current trajectory indicates a gradual but persistent decline in dollar centrality within the international financial system.

  • Fresh Prince star Tatyana Ali, Dr Vaughn Rasberry to speak at CFMA Youth Forum

    Fresh Prince star Tatyana Ali, Dr Vaughn Rasberry to speak at CFMA Youth Forum

    The Caribbean Film & Media Academy (CFMA) is set to launch its inaugural Creativity & Innovation Youth Forum on January 31st, featuring an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers. Harvard graduate and ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ star Tatyana Ali will join forces with Dr. Vaughn Rasberry, celebrated author and Stanford University associate vice provost, to address young creative minds across the Caribbean region.

    This pioneering one-day forum, specifically designed for students, educators, and creative professionals aged 13-21, will place Caribbean storytelling and academic excellence at the forefront of its agenda. As part of Imagine Media International Limited, CFMA has structured the event as the first in a series intended to travel throughout the Caribbean, with the initial edition coinciding with Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureate Festival.

    The forum pays homage to Caribbean intellectual giants Sir Derek Walcott and Sir Arthur Lewis, whose legacies embody the fusion of intellectual rigor and creative courage that the event seeks to promote. Lisa Wickham, CFMA Founder, emphasized the initiative’s mission: “Walcott and Lewis demonstrated that Caribbean excellence is both intellectual and imaginative. This forum translates that legacy into lived experience for young people, helping them understand that their stories, ideas, and scholarship have value, power, and global relevance.”

    Ali, a five-time NAACP Image Award winner, producer, business owner, and activist, will engage in a keynote conversation on Storytelling & Scholarship alongside her husband, Dr. Rasberry. Their dialogue will explore the interconnected realms of narrative artistry, education, and the profound influence of self-definition in community building.

    Beyond the keynote addresses, participants will experience CFMA-led interactive MicroLabs covering acting, writing, digital content creation, spoken word, and creative entrepreneurship. The event will further facilitate connections between young creatives and established leaders through a Leadership Pairing Initiative Luncheon.

    Held at the Pastoral Centre with free admission ensured through public and private sector support, the forum represents a significant investment in Caribbean creative youth. The event enjoys support from multiple partners including Minotaur Shipping & Project Management Ltd, Dove Productions, Wavemaker Productions, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, and Bank of St Lucia Limited.

  • Venezuela’s acting president says she has had ‘enough’ of US orders

    Venezuela’s acting president says she has had ‘enough’ of US orders

    Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has publicly challenged Washington’s directives, declaring she has had “enough” of external commands while navigating the nation’s complex political transition. The statement, delivered to oil workers in Puerto La Cruz and broadcast on state television, marks a significant shift in tone from the US-backed interim leader who assumed power following the dramatic capture of former president Nicolás Maduro.

    Rodríguez finds herself balancing competing pressures: maintaining support from Maduro loyalists domestically while managing expectations from the Biden administration that facilitated her interim leadership. Her remarks represent the first major pushback against US demands, particularly regarding the resumption of Venezuela’s oil production. “Let Venezuelan politics resolve our differences and our internal conflicts,” she asserted, referencing the nation’s substantial costs from confronting fascism and extremism.

    The White House maintained diplomatic distance from Rodríguez’s comments, with President Trump stating he was unaware of her criticisms while emphasizing the countries’ “very good relationship.” This response comes despite Trump’s earlier assertion that the US would “run” Venezuela following Maduro’s capture in a January raid that brought the former leader to face charges in the United States.

    In a demonstration of confidence, Rodríguez declared Venezuela does not fear the US while advocating for “respectful relations based on international law and basic human respect.” This delicate positioning reflects her strategy of asserting sovereignty while avoiding direct confrontation with Washington.

    Concurrently, Venezuela has undertaken significant confidence-building measures, releasing at least 104 political prisoners on Sunday according to rights group Foro Penal. This brings the total releases to approximately 266 since January 8, when the government promised “significant” releases as a peace gesture. President Trump acknowledged these efforts as a “powerful humanitarian gesture,” while Venezuelan officials indicated openness to a UN verification mission.

    The developments occur against the backdrop of Venezuela’s crucial oil industry, which remains central to both its economy and diplomatic relations. With the world’s largest extra-heavy crude reserves compatible with US refineries, Rodríguez is expected to prioritize arrangements with US oil companies despite her recent assertions of independence.