Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Uber officially launches in Saint Lucia

    Uber officially launches in Saint Lucia

    Saint Lucia has officially joined Uber’s global network with the launch of its app-based taxi service on January 27th. The ride-hailing giant has introduced Uber Taxi, a specialized service utilizing exclusively licensed local taxi drivers rather than private vehicles, marking a significant development in the island’s transportation landscape.

    The service enables both tourists and residents to request rides through Uber’s platform, providing transparency through upfront fare estimates, real-time route tracking, and detailed driver information. This strategic approach represents Uber’s effort to integrate with rather than disrupt Saint Lucia’s existing taxi ecosystem.

    Jorge Cordero, Uber’s General Manager for Saint Lucia, emphasized the service’s potential to enhance visitor experiences: “Saint Lucia welcomes visitors from around the world, and this launch brings a familiar, app-based way to get around the island. Uber Taxi connects tourists with licensed local taxi drivers, with upfront trip details designed to make exploring Saint Lucia more seamless.”

    The rollout follows months of preparation, with Uber beginning to onboard local taxi drivers in late 2023. Cordero reported strong initial market response, noting that taxis are already active and completing trips through the platform. The company continues discussions with transportation companies and taxi organizations to facilitate additional onboarding.

    However, the launch occurs amidst ongoing regulatory discussions. Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire revealed last week that while Uber had formally expressed interest in operating in Saint Lucia, no direct meetings had occurred between the company and government officials. Hilaire indicated openness to dialogue with all stakeholders and suggested existing laws might not prevent Uber’s operation if it functions primarily as a technology platform.

    The service introduction has generated mixed reactions among local operators. The National Taxi Union and other taxi representatives have previously expressed reservations about Uber’s market entry, characterizing it as potentially detrimental to existing services.

  • Gov’t implementing ‘mitigation measures’ for Pichelin area after landslide

    Gov’t implementing ‘mitigation measures’ for Pichelin area after landslide

    Dominican authorities have launched comprehensive stabilization efforts following a significant landslide that occurred in the Pichelin region over the weekend. The government’s coordinated response involves multiple agencies working to contain potential hazards and prevent further environmental disruption.

    Joseph Flossiac, Project Manager for the Loubiere to Grand Bay Road Initiative, disclosed that engineering teams are implementing strategic measures to address water accumulation and sediment displacement in the affected area. “Our immediate priority involves developing systematic water diversion solutions while commencing a carefully calibrated removal of debris to minimize secondary impacts,” Flossiac explained during a technical briefing.

    Official assessments from government engineers and disaster management consultants have confirmed that Pichelin residents face no imminent danger from the geological event. The Office of Disaster Management has established continuous monitoring protocols to evaluate slope stability and ground movement patterns around the clock.

    Local community leadership has actively partnered with national authorities to maintain transparent communication channels. Shyla Shillingford-Thomas, Chairperson of the Pichelin Village Council, reported the development of contingency plans and preemptive identification of vulnerable households. “We’ve conducted direct engagement with residents to provide reassurance that this situation receives maximum priority response while establishing emergency protocols should conditions evolve,” Shillingford-Thomas stated.

    Parliamentary Representative Hon. Jullan Defoe commended the interagency collaboration while emphasizing the importance of community vigilance during ongoing mitigation operations. Minister for National Security Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore reinforced the government’s commitment to public safety, stating that all necessary resources would be deployed to protect both citizens and infrastructure throughout the stabilization process.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates 100th Birthday of Elfrida “Ms. Tiny” Payne-Abbott

    Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates 100th Birthday of Elfrida “Ms. Tiny” Payne-Abbott

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has celebrated a remarkable national milestone with the 100th birthday of Elfrida Payne-Abbott on January 27th. Affectionately known throughout her community as ‘Ms. Tiny’, the centenarian was honored at a special gathering at the Lebanon Moravian Church, attended by family members, friends, and prominent community figures.

    Born in 1926 in Seaview Farm, Payne-Abbott has lived through an entire century of profound social transformation and economic development. Her life story stands as a powerful testament to unwavering faith, relentless hard work, and extraordinary resilience. The celebration gained national significance with the attendance of Sir Rodney Williams, who presented an official commemorative gift and conveyed heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the entire nation.

    The narrative of Payne-Abbott’s life reveals a journey of remarkable strength. After becoming widowed in her thirties, she single-handedly raised four children through determination and diverse employment. Her professional journey encompassed farming, domestic work, baking, and entrepreneurial ventures, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and perseverance.

    During the celebration, multiple speakers honored Payne-Abbott as a foundational pillar of strength within her community, emphasizing how her values and subtle leadership qualities have inspired multiple generations. As she reached her centennial milestone, Payne-Abbott shared distilled wisdom for younger generations: embrace hard work, maintain faith in God, and preserve strong family connections.

  • Police Arrest One Man in Connection with Aggravated Robbery

    Police Arrest One Man in Connection with Aggravated Robbery

    Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have made a significant breakthrough in a violent robbery case following the arrest of a male suspect. The Royal Police Force confirmed the detention on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, connecting the individual to an aggravated robbery that transpired approximately 24 hours earlier.

    The incident unfolded at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday in the Gunthorpes district. According to official reports, two unidentified males allegedly stormed a local business establishment. The perpetrators brandished a knife, threatening the proprietor before seizing a knapsack containing an undisclosed sum of cash alongside various personal documents.

    Following the confrontation, the suspects reportedly fled the scene promptly. However, investigative efforts led to the subsequent recovery of the stolen bag, though specific details regarding its contents or recovery location remain undisclosed to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

    In a decisive escalation of their response, police units executed multiple search warrants across several locations in St. John’s on Tuesday. This coordinated operation formed a critical component of the strategic investigative process, ultimately culminating in the apprehension of one individual. The suspect is currently in custody, being questioned on allegations of aggravated robbery.

    The Royal Police Force has emphasized that their investigation remains active and ongoing, suggesting further developments and potential additional arrests may follow as officers continue to pursue all leads related to this serious criminal offense.

  • Iraida Martha Ooft maakt kans op de Libris Literatuur Prijs 2026

    Iraida Martha Ooft maakt kans op de Libris Literatuur Prijs 2026

    Surinamese author Iraida Martha Ooft has achieved literary recognition with her novel ‘Toen de val’ (When the Fall), securing a coveted spot on the longlist for the prestigious Libris Literatuur Prijs 2026. The selection committee, chaired by Noraly Beyer alongside jurors Sander Bax, Liesbeth D’Hoker, Roos van Rijswijk, and John Vervoort, meticulously reviewed 188 submissions before choosing eighteen exceptional works for this year’s longlist.

    Set against the tragic backdrop of the 1989 SLM air disaster, Ooft’s novel explores the profound human connections between those who lost loved ones and the victims themselves. Through intricate narrative weaving, the author reveals the interconnected stories of waiting parents, a father and daughter, the pilot and his beloved, and a pyjai’s spiritual quest. The work serves as both a historical examination of late-1980s Suriname and a deeper exploration of the nation’s cultural roots, while simultaneously addressing the universal human struggle to embrace life after unimaginable loss.

    Published by Uitgeverij Van Oorschot in November 2025, ‘Toen de val’ received its official presentation in Paramaribo on November 23rd. The publishing house celebrates additional recognition with two other longlisted titles: Ester Naomi Perquin’s ‘Tot alles in beweging komt’ and Emma Laura Schouten’s ‘Nachtschade’.

    The Libris Literatuur Prijs stands as one of the Netherlands’ most distinguished literary awards. The shortlist announcements are scheduled for March 9th, followed by the grand reveal of the winner during a ceremonial event in Amsterdam on May 11th. This year’s laureate will receive a €50,000 cash prize accompanied by a bronze commemorative medal.

  • WATCH: Sir Molwyn Adorned in Traditional Ghanaian Attire by Official Delegation

    WATCH: Sir Molwyn Adorned in Traditional Ghanaian Attire by Official Delegation

    A significant diplomatic gesture unfolded as Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, was ceremoniously adorned in traditional Ghanaian Kente cloth by an official delegation. The event, captured on video, highlights the strengthening bilateral ties between the Caribbean nation and the West African republic.

    The ceremony represents more than a symbolic wardrobe change; it is a profound cultural honor within Ghanaian tradition. The presentation of Kente, a handwoven silk and cotton fabric rich with symbolic patterns and colors, is reserved for dignitaries and individuals held in high esteem. Each pattern and color combination within the cloth carries specific meanings, often representing historical concepts, moral values, or social codes.

    This act serves as a cornerstone of cultural diplomacy, fostering mutual respect and understanding beyond formal political dialogue. By accepting and wearing the Kente, Sir Molwyn actively participates in a ritual that acknowledges shared heritage and a commitment to deepened cooperation. The event is widely interpreted as a step towards bolstering collaborative efforts, potentially in areas of public health, economic development, and cultural exchange, leveraging the historical connections between the African continent and the Caribbean diaspora.

    The delegation’s gesture underscores a growing trend of South-South cooperation, where nations from the Global South are actively building strategic partnerships independent of traditional Western intermediaries. This fostering of direct international relations is pivotal for smaller nations seeking to amplify their voice on the global stage and pursue collaborative development initiatives.

  • PM Signals Series of Town Hall Meetings to Improve Public Engagement

    PM Signals Series of Town Hall Meetings to Improve Public Engagement

    The administration of Antigua and Barbuda, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has unveiled plans to launch an extensive series of town hall meetings aimed at strengthening governmental transparency and public dialogue. This initiative emerged during Prime Minister Browne’s recent appearance on the ‘Browne and Browne’ program broadcast by Pointe FM, where he addressed growing critiques of current policies and emphasized the necessity of direct citizen-official interaction.

    While specific operational details including dates, venues, and a comprehensive schedule remain undisclosed, the Prime Minister characterized these forthcoming sessions as crucial components of the government’s enhanced public outreach strategy. Browne articulated that these forums would serve dual purposes: enabling residents to receive firsthand information about governmental operations while simultaneously providing a platform to voice community concerns and inquiries.

    The announcement positions these town halls as integral to the administration’s methodology for advancing significant policy reforms and development projects. Browne underscored that maintaining open channels of communication is particularly vital during periods of substantial governmental initiative. The administration has committed to releasing further particulars regarding the town hall series in subsequent announcements, indicating a structured approach to implementing this participatory democratic exercise.

  • Local filmmaker named finalist at Australian film festival

    Local filmmaker named finalist at Australian film festival

    Elijah Anatole’s cinematic creation ‘Omyra’ has achieved significant milestone by securing a coveted finalist position at the prestigious ÂME International Film Festival scheduled for January 5, 2026, in Australia. The short film’s journey to the final round represents a remarkable accomplishment in the competitive landscape of international cinema.

    Following its initial selection for the festival roster, ‘Omyra’ has now progressed to the ultimate evaluation phase where it will compete against a carefully curated selection of international films for top honors. This advancement underscores the film’s artistic merit and narrative power within the global film community.

    Through an official statement, Anatole conveyed profound appreciation for the recognition: “We extend our gratitude to each festival and jury panel for acknowledging ‘Omyra’ throughout these progressive stages. The continued support during the film’s international exhibition journey has been tremendously encouraging.”

    The film initially premiered on the international circuit during December’s Sundarban International Film Festival, where it immediately captured attention by winning the Best Short Film award in its category. Adding to its growing list of achievements, ‘Omyra’ has also received a nomination in the Best Short Film Block C category at the ongoing Chandler International Film Festival in Arizona, further solidifying its status as an emerging force in independent filmmaking.

    Produced by Artlas Studios, ‘Omyra’ continues to demonstrate the powerful impact of visionary storytelling within the international film festival circuit, representing a significant achievement for Anatole and the entire creative team behind the project.

  • PM Mottley invites CARICOM, Commonwealth observers to monitor poll

    PM Mottley invites CARICOM, Commonwealth observers to monitor poll

    In a landmark decision aimed at preserving electoral transparency, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has formally invited international observers to monitor the nation’s February 11 general elections. The unprecedented move comes amid mounting concerns regarding electoral preparedness and voter list integrity raised by opposition parties.

    Addressing journalists after submitting her nomination papers for the St Michael North East constituency, Prime Minister Mottley emphasized her administration’s commitment to protecting Barbados’ democratic reputation. “We spend our time trying to protect the reputation of this nation,” Mottley stated, “and I’m not going to, under any circumstances, agree that it should be sullied.”

    The Prime Minister revealed she had personally contacted both the CARICOM Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Secretary-General to request electoral monitoring missions. While acknowledging the unusual timing of the request, Mottley explained that previous elections hadn’t required such measures due to what she described as “sober maturity” exhibited by all political stakeholders.

    Official correspondence has been dispatched to Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, President of Barbados, and Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Ramon Alleyne for dissemination to all commission members. The commission currently includes three representatives from Mottley’s Barbados Labour Party and two from the opposition Democratic Labour Party.

    Mottley clarified that neither her office nor opposition leadership holds direct authority over election administration, which remains constitutionally vested in the independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. “If there is any doubt or suspicion being cast,” the Prime Minister asserted, “let the independent observers cast a judgment on the conduct of elections in this country.”

    This intervention represents a proactive measure to ensure electoral credibility amid growing political tensions, with Mottley characterizing the decision as “an unfortunate moment, but a necessary moment to protect the integrity and good name of this country.”

  • DLP’s Marshall secures St Philip South nomination with “quiet confidence”

    DLP’s Marshall secures St Philip South nomination with “quiet confidence”

    In a subdued political ceremony devoid of traditional fanfare, Democratic Labour Party candidate Neil Marshall formally submitted his nomination for the St Philip South constituency on Thursday morning. The nomination process, administered by Returning Officer Karan Callender and Election Clerk Jacquiline Trotman, commenced at 11 a.m. and concluded approximately 55 minutes later, marking Marshall’s second consecutive bid for the parliamentary seat.

    Distinguishing his approach from the typical carnival-like atmosphere that characterizes Barbadian political nominations, Marshall emphasized his commitment to substantive representation over theatrical politics. ‘This is a serious exercise, serious business, and I don’t make light of it,’ Marshall stated, articulating his conviction that constituents prioritize genuine engagement over political ‘razzmatazz.’

    As a resident of the constituency himself, Marshall claims intimate familiarity with the pressing issues facing the community. He identified three primary concerns dominating voter priorities: the escalating cost of living, rising crime rates, and deteriorating road infrastructure. His campaign platform centers on addressing these concrete problems rather than employing spectacle-driven politics.

    The nomination process in St Philip South anticipates two additional candidates: John Wayne Scantlebury representing the Bajan Free Party and Omar Smith from Friends of Democracy, both expected to complete their filings imminently. This sets the stage for a multi-party contest in the upcoming elections, with Marshall positioning himself as the serious, community-rooted alternative to incumbent Indar Weir.