Carib Scope

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  • New Scholarship Opens Door for Girls in Tech

    New Scholarship Opens Door for Girls in Tech

    A groundbreaking educational partnership between Saint Ignatius High School in Belize and Mexico’s Universidad Politécnica de Bacalar (UPB) has established an annual scholarship program specifically designed to empower young women pursuing careers in technology. The five-year agreement, formally announced during a January 22nd signing ceremony in Santa Elena, will provide full tuition support for one female student annually to study software engineering through UPB’s information technology and digital innovation program.

    The initiative, extending through 2029, represents a strategic effort to address gender disparities in Belize’s technology sector by creating structured pathways for female participation. Principal Jeaneane Neal of Saint Ignatius High School projected that the partnership will produce at least five professionally trained software engineers for Belize by 2030, significantly boosting the nation’s technical workforce.

    Selection for the prestigious scholarship involves a rigorous assessment process combined with comprehensive mentorship preparation. Students currently receive guidance from Byron Cera, identified as Belize’s sole licensed network engineer, ensuring candidates are thoroughly prepared for their international educational experience. The program seeks academically exceptional students with demonstrated strength in STEM subjects, while simultaneously encouraging broader female participation in technology fields.

    Beyond financial support, the scholarship provides successful candidates access to an international network of women working in technology, creating valuable professional connections and mentorship opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Principal Neal emphasized the program’s broader mission: “We want to ensure that our young girls know that anything is possible,” highlighting the initiative’s role in challenging gender stereotypes and expanding career aspirations for Belizean women.

  • City Council Employee Accused of Stealing From A Child

    City Council Employee Accused of Stealing From A Child

    The Belmopan City Council has issued a strong condemnation following allegations that one of its municipal employees stole money from a child at a local commercial establishment. The incident, which occurred in the Cayo District, has prompted an official institutional response characterized by the council as “deeply troubling” and “completely unacceptable.

    According to the council’s official statement, the child had temporarily left the money at a business counter when the municipal employee allegedly seized it. The council emphasized its strict zero-tolerance policy regarding theft, abuse of trust, or any conduct that causes harm to community residents, with particular concern for vulnerable populations such as children.

    The mayor and council members explicitly stated they do not condone the employee’s alleged actions, which they said brings disrepute to the municipal institution. In response to the incident, administrative and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the employee in accordance with established municipal protocols and procedures.

    The council’s statement serves both as a public acknowledgment of the incident and a reaffirmation of its commitment to ethical standards and public trust. The case has drawn significant public attention and discussion regarding accountability within public institutions.

  • Minister Zabaneh Engages Muslim Leaders

    Minister Zabaneh Engages Muslim Leaders

    BELIZE CITY – In a significant move toward interfaith collaboration, Belize’s Minister of Religious Affairs Dr. Louis Zabaneh convened a pivotal meeting with the nation’s Muslim leadership on Friday, January 27, 2026. The high-level discussion centered on enhancing the community’s participation in national policy formulation processes.

    Government officials and Muslim representatives engaged in substantive dialogue regarding representation mechanisms and the critical need for incorporating faith-based perspectives into governmental decision-making. Community leaders emphasized the fundamental importance of consistent consultation practices and cultivating mutual respect between religious groups and state institutions.

    The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued an official statement reaffirming its dedication to administering religious matters in a manner that honors Belize’s pluralistic society. The administration committed to developing frameworks that ensure all religious communities maintain active engagement in national affairs. The dialogue further addressed implementing enhanced transparency measures and establishing structured collaboration channels among diverse faith groups to advance societal understanding and inclusive governance.

    This meeting represents Belize’s ongoing commitment to recognizing religious diversity as a cornerstone of national identity while working to institutionalize interfaith cooperation in the country’s political landscape.

  • Minister of Infrastructure’s update of projects

    Minister of Infrastructure’s update of projects

    The Grenadian government has declared 2026 a pivotal year for national infrastructure development, with the Ministry of Infrastructure implementing a comprehensive strategy built on four foundational pillars: resilience against climate challenges, sustainability through green technologies, innovation via digital transformation, and enhanced regional connectivity.

    This strategic approach comes amid global economic uncertainty, prompting the ministry to adopt stringent cost-saving measures. Key initiatives include standardizing equipment rental rates, implementing enhanced design reviews for cost efficiency, conducting targeted contractor negotiations, and strengthening internal technical capacity to reduce reliance on external consultants.

    Several major projects face significant challenges. The Cliff Road rehabilitation project, originally contracted at $16.5 million, has experienced substantial delays due to contractor performance issues and weather complications, with completion now expected by end-Q1 2026. The Clozier Retaining Wall Project has encountered a dramatic cost escalation from $249,171 to $1.37 million due to unforeseen ground conditions, pushing its completion to May 2026.

    The Willis Road Rehabilitation Project faced setbacks following the unexpected passing of a key joint venture partner, while the Seamoon Cultural Centre reconstruction continues with anticipated Q2 2026 completion. The Snell Hall Bridge project ($1.4 million contract) progresses despite weather-related interruptions to riverbed construction work.

    New for 2026, the ministry has outlined four major road packages focusing on critical corridors including Cliff Junction to Maurice Bishop Highway and Republic Bank roundabout to Burns Point. Additionally, bridge projects at Marquis, Morne Fendue, and Mt Rich will advance with careful planning to minimize public disruption.

    The ministry’s enhanced maintenance capabilities will include a new pothole patcher truck, delayed until mid-February due to weather conditions. Concurrently, multiple police station renovations and school construction projects continue throughout Grenada, with several scheduled for Q1 and Q2 2026 completions.

  • Honduras Swears in New President

    Honduras Swears in New President

    Tegucigalpa witnessed the presidential inauguration of conservative business leader Nasry “Tito” Asfura on January 27, 2026, following one of Honduras’ most contentious electoral processes. The 67-year-old politician assumed power after securing a razor-thin victory in the November 2025 elections, which required extensive manual vote recounts due to the narrow margin.

    The electoral authorities confirmed Asfura captured just over 40% of the popular vote, narrowly defeating right-leaning centrist candidate Salvador Nasralla who obtained slightly under 39%. Rixi Moncada, representing the ruling Libre party, finished a distant third with approximately 19% support. The official results showed a winning margin of merely 0.74%, triggering a manual recount of approximately 15% of all tally sheets to verify the outcome.

    This political transition carries significant geopolitical implications as Asfura’s victory strengthens United States influence in Latin America. Then-US President Donald Trump openly endorsed Asfura during the campaign, warning Honduran voters of potential “catastrophic results” should his preferred candidate fail. In a controversial pre-election move, Trump granted clemency to former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández—a member of Asfura’s political party—who was serving a 45-year narcotics trafficking sentence in the United States for facilitating the smuggling of 400 tons of cocaine.

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally congratulated Asfura on his electoral success, expressing Washington’s anticipation of collaborative governance with the new administration. The inauguration ceremony at the Congressional building in Tegucigalpa marks the beginning of Asfura’s four-year presidential term amidst both domestic scrutiny and international observation.

  • Lobster and Lambie Festival launched in Carriacou

    Lobster and Lambie Festival launched in Carriacou

    Carriacou and Petite Martinique witnessed the inauguration of a landmark culinary event on January 16, 2026, as the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) unveiled the Lobster and Lambie Festival. This strategic initiative aims to transform the islands’ tourism landscape by celebrating their unique gastronomic heritage and cultural identity while stimulating economic growth.

    At the opening ceremony held at Windward Fish Market, GTA CEO Stacey Liburd articulated the vision for establishing this festival as a signature experience that resonates with both residents and international visitors. “Today’s travelers increasingly seek authentic, place-based experiences that facilitate genuine connections with destinations,” Liburd emphasized. “We are deliberate about developing tourism that is authentic, community-rooted and economically meaningful for Carriacou and Petite Martinique.”

    The festival received strong governmental endorsement with Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Tevin Andrews welcoming the addition to the islands’ expanding event calendar. While acknowledging Carriacou’s established reputation as a festival hub through events like the Regatta and Maroon Festival, Andrews addressed critical infrastructure challenges: “Room stock remains a major concern. Thanks to this initiative, we’ve reached full occupancy. We’re collaborating with three hotels, including True Blue Bay Resort which will begin constructing a 30-plus room boutique hotel at L’Esterre Bay in September.”

    Tourism Minister Adrian Thomas pledged full governmental support for the festival’s development, characterizing it as “the beginning of a new chapter” that could elevate the international profile of the sister islands. “This festival sends a powerful message: visitors don’t simply come to beautiful islands—they enter a living culture, taste generational stories, and meet people who take pride in their heritage,” Thomas stated, noting the event’s alignment with national goals for inclusive, locally-driven sustainable tourism.

    GTA Marketing Director Tornia Charles highlighted the dual focus on tourism development and economic impact: “This event aims to increase visitor arrivals while promoting cultural traditions, culinary skills, and musical heritage. It strategically strengthens Carriacou and Petite Martinique’s brand identity as a premier seafood destination.”

    The three-day celebration featured dedicated activities on Petite Martinique, incorporating culinary showcases, musical performances, and traditional games that collectively created a vibrant tapestry of community, culture, and cuisine.

  • Sarteneja Village Gets $2.2 Million Water System Upgrade

    Sarteneja Village Gets $2.2 Million Water System Upgrade

    The coastal community of Sarteneja in Belize has inaugurated a comprehensively upgraded water system following the completion of a $2.2 million infrastructure project. This transformative initiative represents a collaborative effort between the Government of Belize and multiple international partners, including the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT), UNICEF, and the South Korean Fund.

    The comprehensive rehabilitation project addresses both immediate water access challenges and long-term sustainability needs. Engineering improvements feature the installation of a reverse osmosis purification system to ensure drinking water meets highest quality standards. The infrastructure now includes a backup generator to maintain uninterrupted water supply during power outages, alongside significant repairs to the reservoir and water board administrative facilities.

    Modernization efforts extend to the implementation of 250 individual household meters and an additional bulk meter to accurately monitor community water usage patterns. The water management system has been enhanced with contemporary office equipment to streamline billing procedures and digitalize record-keeping processes.

    The official inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of key stakeholders including Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, and Area Representative Florencio Marin Jr. The event also gathered officials from UNICEF, PACT, Belize Water Services, and the Sarteneja Village Council, symbolizing the collective commitment to community development.

    Government representatives emphasized that this substantial investment directly contributes to improved public health outcomes while simultaneously fostering economic development opportunities for one of Belize’s largest coastal communities.

  • Families of Trinidadian men killed at sea file lawsuit against US government

    Families of Trinidadian men killed at sea file lawsuit against US government

    In a landmark legal challenge, the families of two Trinidadian nationals killed in a US military operation have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the United States government. The case, lodged in a Massachusetts federal court, centers on the October 14th missile strike that killed six individuals aboard a vessel in the Caribbean.

    The plaintiffs, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), allege that the US government unlawfully targeted and killed Chad Joseph (26) and Rishi Samaroo (41) without justification. The lawsuit invokes both the Death on the High Seas Act and the Alien Tort Statute, seeking to establish legal accountability for what they characterize as extrajudicial killings.

    This legal action directly challenges the Trump administration’s justification that such military operations fall within the scope of an armed conflict against designated narcoterrorist organizations. The administration has previously asserted that drug cartels represent a non-international armed conflict scenario, thereby legitimizing the use of lethal force.

    However, the lawsuit contends there exists no such armed conflict, rendering the laws of war inapplicable. It further argues that the victims were not affiliated with drug cartels but were merely returning to Trinidad from Venezuela where they had been engaged in fishing and agricultural work.

    The case has drawn attention to the broader US military campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, which has reportedly resulted in at least 125 fatalities since September. Notably, the Trinidad and Tobago government has expressed support for these operations, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar previously endorsing violent measures against those involved in illegal drug trafficking.

    The plaintiffs seek punitive damages while emphasizing their primary goal of establishing legal accountability for what they describe as ‘lawless killings in cold blood.’

  • Parliamentary Elections Office staff to participate in retreat

    Parliamentary Elections Office staff to participate in retreat

    Grenada’s electoral authorities are proactively enhancing their operational readiness amid the constitutional possibility of early general elections. The Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO) has organized a comprehensive staff retreat designed to deepen understanding of electoral legislation and improve voter service delivery.

    Supervisor of Elections Arthur Pierre emphasized the dual purpose of the retreat, which will bring together registration officers and assistant registration officers nationwide. The gathering aims to provide thorough education on the Representation of the People Act, the foundational legislation governing electoral processes, voter registration procedures, and House of Representatives elections in Grenada.

    The timing of this retreat coincides with a critical electoral calendar milestone. The sessions are scheduled for January 29, 2026, which marks the final day for submitting claims and objections to the 2025 consolidated voter list published on January 22. According to an official notice in the January 16 Government Gazette, citizens have a seven-day window from January 22-29 to request corrections regarding any errors in names, addresses, or polling divisions through their Constituency Registration Officers.

    Electoral officials are urging particular attention from citizens who registered during the October-December 2025 quarter to verify their inclusion on the published list. The notice additionally encourages public scrutiny to identify any improperly included names, ensuring list integrity.

    While Grenada’s constitution mandates general elections by October 2027 at the latest, the Prime Minister retains authority to dissolve parliament unexpectedly and call elections with just 21 days’ notice. This constitutional provision underscores the importance of maintaining continuous electoral preparedness throughout the election cycle.

  • BTL Says Protestors Were Trespassers

    BTL Says Protestors Were Trespassers

    Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has issued a strong condemnation against protestors who allegedly engaged in unauthorized entry at its corporate headquarters in Belize City on January 27, 2026. The telecommunications company characterized the incident as unlawful trespassing that disrupted normal business operations.

    The demonstration, organized primarily by the United Democratic Party (UDP) with participation from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTCUB) and its members, was staged in opposition to BTL’s proposed acquisition of Speednet Communications Limited (SMART). According to the company’s official statement, while BTL acknowledges the right to lawful protest, certain individuals crossed boundaries by entering the secured compound without authorization and resisting police intervention.

    The timing of the protest coincided with a scheduled Board of Directors meeting that BTL claims was significantly disrupted. The company revealed that the board was convening to address critical human resources matters, including implementation of a severance decision previously issued by the Caribbean Court of Justice on November 5, 2025. BTL described the protestors’ actions as not only regrettable but counterproductive to legitimate business proceedings.

    In its statement, BTL emphasized zero tolerance for intimidation tactics or unlawful entry, affirming that board meetings would proceed as planned regardless of external pressure. The company asserted that directors yielding to intimidation would constitute a breach of their fiduciary duties to exercise independent judgment, ultimately acting against the interests of BTL and its shareholders.

    The incident highlights growing tensions surrounding BTL’s expansion strategy through the SMART acquisition, demonstrating the intersection of corporate governance, labor concerns, and political activism in Belize’s telecommunications sector.