Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • BYD launched in Saint Lucia, set to feature at EV Lucian Car Expo

    BYD launched in Saint Lucia, set to feature at EV Lucian Car Expo

    JQ Motors has officially introduced BYD, one of the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) brands, to Saint Lucia, marking a significant milestone in the island’s automotive landscape. The October 25 launch event showcased BYD’s diverse lineup, featuring both full battery electric and plug-in hybrid models, aligning with the global shift toward sustainable and technologically advanced transportation.

    Brand Manager Neron Joseph emphasized BYD’s pioneering role in the industry, stating, ‘The automotive sector is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, and BYD is at the forefront of this revolution. Their mission, encapsulated in the slogan ‘Build Your Dreams,’ is to create a cleaner, greener future through innovation.’ Joseph highlighted BYD’s origins as a battery manufacturer, which has positioned the brand as a leader in EV technology. ‘Their expertise in energy storage is the foundation of their success in the electric vehicle market,’ he explained.

    The event also unveiled BYD’s cutting-edge innovations, including the Blade Battery and e-Platform 3.0, which offer enhanced safety, durability, and efficiency. New models such as the Sealion 7, a full electric all-wheel-drive SUV, and the Yuan Pro, a compact and affordable EV, were introduced to the local market. Joseph also showcased the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, demonstrating its practicality by powering the event’s DJ setup with a BYD Shark pickup truck.

    Gordon Charles, Group CEO of JQ Charles Group of Companies, described the launch as a transformative moment for JQ Motors. ‘The automotive industry is rapidly evolving, and legacy automakers must adapt or risk obsolescence. BYD is leading this charge,’ he said. Charles emphasized that securing the BYD dealership rights reflects JQ Motors’ strategic commitment to sustainability and innovation.

    For those who missed the launch, BYD models will be on display at the EV Lucian Car Show on November 15 at the Caribbean Cinemas car park, offering the public an opportunity to explore the vehicles and engage with JQ Motors representatives.

  • Cummings wants Grace to say if she got 2 salaries while on contract

    Cummings wants Grace to say if she got 2 salaries while on contract

    Daniel Cummings, Chairman of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), has intensified scrutiny over the EC$144,000 one-year contract awarded to Grace Walters, a Hospital Administrator and Unity Labour Party (ULP) candidate for North Windward. Cummings raised critical questions about the contract’s timeline and Walters’ dual roles, demanding clarity on whether she continued to receive her EC$8,000 monthly salary as a hospital administrator while simultaneously benefiting from the EC$12,000 monthly consultancy contract. Speaking at an NDP campaign event in Owia, Cummings challenged Walters to disclose if she was paid EC$20,000 monthly from the Treasury until August. He further questioned the transparency of the contract’s awarding process, asking whether it was publicly tendered or authorized by the Public Service Commission. Walters, a first-time candidate aiming to retain North Windward for the ULP, defended the contract, stating it is common for public sector workers to receive such agreements. She revealed she had taken no-pay leave to contest the election, emphasizing her qualifications for the consultancy role. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, ULP leader, countered by referencing Cummings’ own past contract with the Central Water and Sewerage Authority. Cummings, however, stood by his criticisms, accusing the ULP of long-standing corruption and defending his integrity. The controversy has sparked debates about accountability and transparency in government contracts, with both parties trading accusations ahead of the upcoming elections.

  • Deposit Rates Sink to 15-Year Low

    Deposit Rates Sink to 15-Year Low

    Belizeans are experiencing the lowest returns on their bank deposits in over 15 years, according to recent data from the Central Bank of Belize. The weighted average deposit rate fell to 0.9 percent in September 2025, reflecting a sustained decline in what banks pay customers for savings and time-deposit accounts. This downward trend is primarily driven by savings and time deposits, which constitute the majority of customer funds. Savings accounts now yield between 2.6 and 2.7 percent, while time deposits, often used for fixed-term investments, have dropped to 1.9 to 2.0 percent. Demand and chequing accounts, which typically offer minimal or no interest, have remained stable and play a lesser role in the overall decline. The long-term trend reveals a stark reduction in deposit earnings. In early 2010, the average rate was nearly 6 percent, but by 2020, it had fallen to around 1.3 percent. The continued decrease into 2024 and 2025 indicates that low deposit returns have become a permanent feature of Belize’s banking system. For example, time deposit rates, which stood at 7.4 percent in 2010, have plummeted by 74 percent to 1.9 percent today. Several factors contribute to this shift, including banks’ ample liquidity, which reduces their need to offer high interest rates to attract deposits, and slow lending growth, which diminishes competition for customer savings. For Belizeans, these historically low rates mean that savings grow at a sluggish pace, making it increasingly difficult to keep up with rising living costs. Over the same period, headline inflation has surged by nearly 30 percent, exacerbating the financial strain on households.

  • Police investigate shooting death in Silver Lake

    Police investigate shooting death in Silver Lake

    The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has launched an investigation into the tragic shooting death of a young man from Silver Lake. The incident reportedly took place in the early hours of Friday morning within the community. The victim, identified as Eddie James Jr., is believed to be in his early 30s. As of now, specific details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting remain unclear. Authorities are actively working to gather more information, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. Dominica News Online (DNO) has expressed its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.

  • Sir Ira Simmons School hosts ‘Anything but Bag Day’ to ease exam tension

    Sir Ira Simmons School hosts ‘Anything but Bag Day’ to ease exam tension

    Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School recently introduced a novel initiative to alleviate student stress ahead of exams with its first-ever ‘Anything but a Bag Day.’ The event, organized by the Student Council and supported by school leadership, aimed to disrupt the monotony of traditional classroom activities and encourage creative self-expression. Principal Martina Belizaire revealed that the idea originated from students who sought a fun and relaxing activity before the intense exam period. The event followed a survey indicating a strong desire for engaging and participatory activities among the student body. Students showcased remarkable ingenuity by crafting unique handmade creations to carry their school supplies. Highlights included a functional ATM, a realistic microwave, a vanity set, and even a cereal box with a 3D design. Belizaire praised the students’ unmatched creativity, noting the event significantly boosted their morale. The school plans to continue fostering a positive atmosphere with upcoming activities like Fun Sports and a road race. This term also saw the success of Afro Day, part of Creole Week, which promoted cultural pride and self-expression through natural hair celebrations.

  • Caribbean Court of Justice dismisses appeal in wrongful termination case in Barbados

    Caribbean Court of Justice dismisses appeal in wrongful termination case in Barbados

    On November 13, 2025, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) upheld a previous ruling by the Court of Appeal, declaring the summary dismissal of Merton Forde by Massy Stores (Barbados) Limited as unlawful. The case, identified as CCJ Appeal No. BBCV2025/001, centered on Forde’s abrupt termination after he admitted to taking ‘condemned rice,’ a company property. Summary dismissal, which involves no prior notice or severance pay, is typically reserved for severe misconduct. However, the CCJ found the dismissal excessive and unjustified. The Magistrate’s Court initially ruled in Forde’s favor, emphasizing a contextual approach that considered his employment history, the minor value of the stolen property, and the seriousness of the misconduct. The Court of Appeal agreed, and the CCJ, in a majority judgment authored by Justice Rajnauth-Lee, supported by Justices Jamadar, Ononaiwu, and Eboe-Osuji, affirmed this decision. The CCJ highlighted the need for Barbadian law to reflect contemporary social values, ensuring fairness, proportionality, and respect for workers’ rights. The Court also noted that the disciplinary procedures outlined in the employee handbook had not been followed, denying Forde a fair hearing. Justice Eboe-Osuji, in a separate opinion, emphasized the evolving nature of common law and the importance of reasonableness and fairness. Justice Barrow dissented, arguing that Forde’s dishonesty justified his dismissal. The full decision is available at www.ccj.org.

  • Sugar Prices Rebound Sharply After Global Lows

    Sugar Prices Rebound Sharply After Global Lows

    The global sugar market has experienced a dramatic turnaround from the multi-year lows observed in late September and early November, with benchmark prices now surging due to production shortfalls in key exporting nations. This shift has been driven by severe drought conditions in Brazil’s Center-South region, unusually dry monsoon patterns in India, and weather-related stress in Thailand. These disruptions have collectively erased earlier expectations of abundant supply, which had previously pushed prices downward. International agencies, including the International Sugar Organization, now project a significant deficit of 5.47 million metric tons for 2024/25, marking a nine-year high. Private analysts and the USDA also anticipate a multi-million-ton shortfall and a 4.7 percent drop in global inventories by early 2025. Demand remains robust, particularly in emerging markets where consumption of processed foods and beverages is rising. Additionally, growth in ethanol demand adds complexity, as higher crude oil prices incentivize mills to divert cane to biofuel production, reducing sugar availability and amplifying price volatility. The market shift has uneven implications for industry players. While sugar and ethanol groups like Brazil’s Cosan may benefit from stronger prices, food and beverage manufacturers face higher input costs, squeezing margins. Government interventions, such as India’s export restrictions and Mexico’s recent 156 percent tariff on imports, further reshape market dynamics. For Belize, the rebound in global prices could moderate downside risks for cane farmers, though local challenges like disease pressures and potential contraband activity remain concerns. The rally also feeds into broader food inflation dynamics, with economists warning of potential upward pressure on global food prices. Analysts note that sugar markets are historically cyclical, with weather and policy decisions driving pronounced peaks and troughs. While improved rainfall or stronger harvests could soften prices, the current structural tightness suggests heightened volatility through 2026. For Belize, the situation underscores the need for agile policy responses and sustained investment in climate-resilient cane production.

  • Belize Ports Positioned for Mexico Trade Boost

    Belize Ports Positioned for Mexico Trade Boost

    In a landmark cross-border meeting held on November 12 at the Corozal Free Zone conference room, officials from Belize and Quintana Roo, Mexico, explored strategies to enhance trade, investment, and regional cooperation. The session, attended by high-level representatives from both jurisdictions, focused on leveraging Belize’s cost-effective ports as gateways for goods destined for southern Mexico and beyond. Quintana Roo’s delegation highlighted Belize’s strategic geographic location and its role in facilitating access to CARICOM and other regional markets, paving the way for targeted discussions on joint investment promotion and production initiatives. The meeting also addressed critical areas such as border management, gender-based violence interventions, and beach-erosion responses in the Chetumal Bay area. Both sides agreed to update two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to modernize cooperation frameworks and bolster institutional support for cross-border commerce. The revised agreements will strengthen ties between Belize’s Ministry of Investment and Quintana Roo’s Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico, as well as between the Corozal Free Zone and the Recinto Fiscalizado Estratégico de Chetumal. The Quintana Roo delegation included senior officials from Mexico’s foreign relations, economic development, and trade agencies, while Belize’s team comprised representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Human Development, the Ministry of Immigration, the Corozal Free Zone, BELTRAIDE, and key investment and border-management units. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advance joint efforts in investment promotion, trade facilitation, and coordinated development initiatives, reinforcing the enduring partnership between Belize and southern Mexico.

  • Cloudy Skies, More Rain and Ongoing Flood Threat Across Belize

    Cloudy Skies, More Rain and Ongoing Flood Threat Across Belize

    Belize remains under the grip of relentless wet weather as the National Meteorological Service forecasts another day dominated by cloudy skies, intermittent rain, scattered showers, and a slight possibility of isolated thunderstorms. Northern and central regions, along with offshore areas, are expected to bear the brunt of this weather activity. Despite the ongoing precipitation, there is a silver lining: the North Atlantic Basin is currently tranquil, with no tropical cyclones posing an immediate threat to Belize or its coastal waters. Saturday’s weather outlook predicts generally cloudy conditions with sporadic showers or light rain, primarily concentrated in the north and offshore areas, gradually tapering off by day’s end. This follows a government advisory issued yesterday, urging residents to prepare for potential flooding as heavy rains persist across multiple regions. A Flash Flood Alert remains in effect for inland western, central, and southern areas, as well as the central coast. Specific locations at heightened risk include the Belize River at More Tomorrow and downstream communities, the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun, the Sittee River at Kendal, and the Golden Stream River at Hellgate in Region Eleven. The national forecast map highlights communities in red as facing the highest flash flood risk, while those in orange are at medium to high risk. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of staying informed through official weather updates and exercising caution near rivers and low-lying areas.

  • PM Skerrit weighs in on suspension of voter confirmation; alleges opposition is attempting to confuse voters

    PM Skerrit weighs in on suspension of voter confirmation; alleges opposition is attempting to confuse voters

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has emphasized the importance of voter registration in the ongoing electoral reform process, urging all eligible citizens to confirm their registration. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Skerrit addressed concerns about misinformation campaigns by opposition groups and reiterated the independence of the Electoral Commission in managing the process. The Registration of Electors Act 2025, a cornerstone of electoral modernization, mandates that all registered voters confirm their registration by October 14, 2026. Over 4,000 voters have already completed this process in the first month. Skerrit encouraged citizens, both domestic and abroad, to visit enrollment centers to ensure their names remain on the voters list. He also clarified that the Electoral Commission, as an independent body, is solely responsible for overseeing voter registration and confirmation. Skerrit expressed disappointment with the Commission’s recent decision to remove alternative identification methods, such as affidavits of identity, which he argued disadvantages elderly and low-income voters. He called for the Commission to revisit this decision to ensure broader participation. Additionally, Skerrit criticized the suspension of new voter registrations, citing the Commission’s prior experience with technology-enabled systems. He also condemned misinformation spread by opposition leaders, particularly Dr. Thomson-Fontaine of the United Workers’ Party, accusing him of making false claims to confuse voters. Skerrit urged political leaders to uphold the integrity of Dominica’s electoral process, emphasizing that every vote matters in maintaining the country’s democracy.