Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Dodentol aardbeving Colombia verdubbeld

    Dodentol aardbeving Colombia verdubbeld

    On August 10, 2026, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake—the strongest seismic event to hit Colombia in this century—struck the western region of the South American nation, leaving a growing trail of death and destruction. As of August 11, official updates confirm the death toll has climbed to at least 224, with more than 2,700 people still unaccounted for across the hardest-hit areas.

    The coastal Chocó region, along with the major urban centers of Cali and Pereira, bore the brunt of the quake’s damage. In Cali, a bustling city home to approximately 2.2 million residents, dozens of buildings collapsed or suffered severe structural damage, forcing hundreds of displaced residents to take shelter on public streets. Thirty-five of the confirmed fatalities are recorded in Cali alone. Across both Cali and Pereira, widespread destruction has left thousands of people homeless, with crumbled structures dotting the urban landscape as recovery teams work around the clock.

    Colombia’s recently inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national state of emergency, deploying the entire national military and police force to lead and support rescue operations. Rescue workers, volunteer civilians, and military personnel have been working nonstop, sifting through collapsed rubble and listening for signs of life trapped below. Multiple successful rescues have already been reported: two women and two children were pulled alive from fallen buildings in Cali, while a young boy was extracted from the wreckage of a collapsed bakery in Pereira.

    The remote Chocó region presents one of the greatest challenges to response teams. Much of the area is only accessible by boat or aircraft, making it difficult to get a full, accurate assessment of the damage and casualties. In response, the Colombian government has deployed specialized teams including structural engineers, search-and-rescue units, and detection dogs to reach isolated communities and deliver life-saving aid.

    Daily life across all impacted regions has been severely disrupted. Authorities have implemented overnight curfews in Cali, Armenia, Manizales, and other affected areas to maintain public order. Local hospitals are operating at maximum capacity amid a surge of injured patients, and regional airports have temporarily suspended operations to allow for critical safety inspections of infrastructure. Despite the chaos, local communities have rallied together: residents are sharing food, donating emergency supplies, and actively joining search efforts to help their neighbors.

    The international community has moved quickly to offer support to Colombia. The United States has committed $15.5 million in emergency humanitarian aid, while the European Union has deployed satellite imagery technology to help guide and inform on-the-ground rescue operations. Neighboring nations including El Salvador and Mexico have also offered assistance, sending specialized rescue teams and medical supplies to support the response. Colombian global pop icon Shakira has also publicly called for national unity and solidarity across the country as it navigates this crisis.

  • Dominica heads to Trinidad & Tobago for annual tourism sales mission

    Dominica heads to Trinidad & Tobago for annual tourism sales mission

    The Caribbean island nation of Dominica is ramping up its regional tourism outreach this month, as the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) kicks off its annual destination sales mission in Trinidad, running from August 12 to 18. Designed to cement Dominica’s footprint in one of its most important neighboring source markets, the week-long initiative is structured to connect Dominica’s tourism sector with a wide range of stakeholders across Trinidad, from prospective leisure travelers and travel industry leaders to local media and the large Dominican diaspora community based in the country.

    A key highlight of this year’s mission is the participation of Contour Airlines, the US-based regional carrier that is set to launch brand new direct flights connecting Trinidad and Dominica on October 5, 2026. This new air link marks a major milestone for Dominica’s tourism growth, opening up simplified, direct access for Trinidadian travelers that previously required connecting itineraries. The mission also dovetails with two of Dominica’s biggest annual cultural events, giving organizers a timely hook to draw visitors: the iconic World Creole Music Festival, scheduled for October 23 to 25, 2026, and Dominica’s vibrant pre-Lenten Carnival, set to take place on February 8 and 9, 2027.

    The mission’s public outreach schedule kicks off with three consecutive days of consumer-focused activations at high-traffic Trinidadian shopping centers. On August 13, the team will set up at West Mall, followed by East Gates Mall on August 14 and the C3 Centre on August 15. At each stop, attendees will have the chance to interact directly with Dominica’s destination representatives, explore details of the island’s diverse tourism offerings, learn more about the new Contour Airlines route, get information on upcoming special events, and participate in interactive promotional activities.

    To extend its reach beyond in-person activations, the DDA will also run a coordinated media campaign across Trinidad’s radio, television, and print outlets, sharing tailored information to help prospective travelers plan their trips to Dominica. Starting August 17, the focus of the mission will shift to B2B industry engagement, where Dominican tourism stakeholders will present their properties, excursions, and services to Trinidad-based travel agents and tour operators. These group presentations will be followed by scheduled one-on-one meetings, designed to foster new collaborative partnerships and drive future booking volume for Dominica-bound travel.

    The mission will wrap up on August 18 with an invitation-only destination cocktail reception, which will bring together all participating stakeholders: DDA representatives, Contour Airlines delegates, Trinidadian travel agents, tour operators, local media, and other industry partners. This year’s mission marks the first joint outreach effort between the DDA and Contour Airlines in the Trinidad market, creating a unique opportunity to build buzz around the upcoming direct air service ahead of its launch.

    In a press statement announcing the initiative, the DDA noted that the annual Trinidad sales mission is a core part of its long-term regional growth strategy. By maintaining consistent, visible presence in the market, the authority aims to stay top of mind for Trinidadian travelers, nurture ongoing connections with local travel industry professionals, and grow visitor arrivals from the key regional market. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to position Dominica as an easily accessible, must-visit Caribbean destination that offers far more than just seasonal events: the campaign will also showcase the island’s year-round attractions, from its world-famous unspoiled natural landscapes and adventure tourism offerings to its wellness retreats, rich Creole culture, diverse local cuisine, and wide range of accommodation options for every budget and travel style.

  • Telling our stories in our own voices: ‘Tiwé Listwa’ comes to life

    Telling our stories in our own voices: ‘Tiwé Listwa’ comes to life

    More than two and a half years of intentional community building and narrative reclamation has culminated in the launch of a landmark literary collection that centers underrepresented local voices from the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.

    Titled *Tiwé Listwa: Emerging Voices from Saint Lucia*, the new anthology brings together short fiction, poetry, and personal essays from 12 up-and-coming Saint Lucian writers, and made its public debut on August 8 at the Finance Administrative Centre. The launch was intentionally scheduled as a core feature of the island’s annual Emancipation celebrations, aligning with the project’s core mission of centering local historical narratives.

    The idea that grew into this published collection traces back to early 2024, when Amanie Mathurin—founder and creative director of the Listwa Collective, as well as the anthology’s lead editor—found herself fixated on a deceptively simple question: what would unfold if emerging Saint Lucian creators were given dedicated space, mentorship, and community to nurture their craft and claim their unique narrative voices?

    That question bloomed into the organization of the inaugural three-day Tiwé Listwa Writing Retreat, held in October 2025 on the grounds of a former 19th-century slave plantation. Unlike generic writing workshops that focus solely on technical skill building, the retreat was designed to push participants to engage deeply with Saint Lucia’s layered history, distinct cultural identity, and unwritten local stories, encouraging creators to frame these narratives from their own lived perspectives rather than external interpretations.

    “At the heart of this idea was a desire to help them see writing as more than storytelling and imagination,” Mathurin explained. “I wanted them to appreciate writing as an exercise in courage and a tool of narrative justice. A means of confronting the past, making sense of the present, and imagining new possibilities for the future.”

    Over the retreat weekend, participating writers attended workshops covering everything from story structure and publishing navigation to cultural identity, oral folklore, and historical research. Activities included hands-on traditional oral storytelling sessions, deep dives into personal family lineage, and guided tours of the former plantation grounds, where participants processed the site’s complex history. Renowned Jamaican poet and author Kei Miller also joined the retreat to share his decades of experience and industry insight with the emerging creators.

    The resulting anthology features work from a diverse cohort of new writers: Tia Christopher, Monique Auguste, Petana Emilaire, Lyndell Halliday, Kerwin Eloise, Hayzan Louis, Kristina Daniel, Amanda Faye Clarke, Amanie Mathurin, Tresha Lionel, Danielle Ayla Du Bois, and Christa St Ange. Their contributions span a wide range of themes, from retellings of local folklore and explorations of colonial history to intimate personal reflections on family, community, and modern Saint Lucian identity. Mathurin notes the finished collection balances deep affection for the island with thoughtful reflection on its ongoing social and cultural challenges.

    “*Tiwé Listwa: Emerging Voices from Saint Lucia* is many things. It is at once a love letter to our homeland and an expression of quiet concern; a plea to be heard and a call to care,” Mathurin said.

    For the contributing authors, the journey from retreat brainstorm to published book has been a transformative, almost surreal experience. Christa St Ange, one of the featured writers, described the project as a one-of-a-kind opportunity for local creators.

    “It is a carefully crafted Saint Lucian writing space and experience like no other,” St Ange said. “I was able to pick at and probe so many thoughts that were triggered during our writing retreat. The outcome: A love letter to Saint Lucia posing as this impressive anthology of exceptional written works. I am immensely proud to be one of those featured.”

    Fellow contributor Hayzan Louis echoed that sentiment, noting the full emotional weight of the experience was impossible to anticipate before taking part. “Living this experience, from the retreat to the launch, honestly felt like a dream. I could have never imagined the range of emotions I would feel … from being part of such an enlightening retreat surrounded by so many inspirational people, to creating a piece of my own that could hopefully inspire others.”

    The launch event itself held a special surprise for the participating authors: none had seen the final printed volume or its cover art before the official unveiling. The original cover artwork, created by artist Jonathan Gladding, was revealed to the creators and audience for the first time that evening. Ten of the 12 contributors read excerpts from their work during the event, which also featured cultural performances from violinist Michael Fletcher, vocalist Shan Lucien, and the Youth In Arts masqueraders. The Cultural Development Foundation provided funding to support the launch event.

  • Team Dominica makes history with first-ever world athletics U20 medal

    Team Dominica makes history with first-ever world athletics U20 medal

    The small Caribbean island nation of Dominica has etched its name into the global youth athletics record books, following a breakthrough performance by its two-person national team at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships held in Eugene, Oregon. The Dominica Athletic Association Inc. (DAA Inc.) is hailing this outing as a transformative milestone for the country’s track and field program, marking the first time a Dominican athlete has claimed a medal at the prestigious under-20 global competition.

    Leading the historic charge was javelin thrower Addison James, who delivered a standout effort against a stacked field of the world’s top young talent to secure the bronze medal. James’ podium finish cements his status as a rising star in Caribbean athletics and puts Dominica firmly on the map as an emerging competitor in global youth track and field.

    Joining James on the delegation was sprinter Kerelle Etienne, who represented Dominica in the women’s 100-meter event. Etienne turned heads with her strong showing, outperforming many elite young runners to advance from the preliminary rounds to the competition’s semi-final. Her run marked another notable achievement for the small delegation, showcasing the depth of emerging talent coming out of the island nation.

    The team’s success did not come by accident. In the weeks leading up to the championships, the pair and their head coach Godwin Dorsette completed an intensive, high-performance training camp hosted right in Eugene from July 22 to August 3. During the pre-competition preparation period, the Dominican squad trained side-by-side with fellow Caribbean teams from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, creating a collaborative environment that elevated all three nations’ preparation efforts.

    In a statement following the conclusion of the championships, DAA Inc. celebrated the breakthrough results, noting that the team’s performance sets an inspiring new benchmark for current and future generations of Dominican athletes. The association emphasized that the historic medal and Etienne’s deep run in the sprints demonstrate that Dominica’s presence in international track and field is growing stronger year over year. DAA Inc. officially extended its warmest congratulations to Coach Dorsette, James, and Etienne, adding that it looks forward to watching the young athletes continue their athletic and academic pursuits as they return to their respective schools.

  • NCCU awards scholarships to 19 secondary school students

    NCCU awards scholarships to 19 secondary school students

    On a Tuesday in 2026, the National Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) held its annual scholarship award ceremony at the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) building in the capital city of Roseau, formally honoring 19 local secondary school students selected as the latest recipients of its youth education support initiative.

    First established back in 2010, the NCCU scholarship program has grown into a cornerstone of the financial cooperative’s community outreach work, centered on expanding educational access, uplifting young Dominicans, and nurturing the next generation of leaders that will shape the island nation’s future. Over the 16 years since its launch, the program has disbursed awards to more than 240 students across the country, a track record that underscores NCCU’s long-standing commitment to investing in Dominican youth.

    For the 2025/2026 academic year, NCCU allocated a total of $146,228.80 to fund its full slate of scholarship programming. Unlike many targeted awards that only support new students, the initiative extends financial assistance to both first-time recipients and returning scholars currently enrolled in secondary schools across the entire island.

    Program administrators designed the scholarship package to directly ease the heavy financial burden that secondary education places on Dominican families, covering a range of common and often costly educational expenses. Recipients can access up to $700 to cover the cost of required textbooks and essential school supplies. Uniform allowances are also provided, with first-year students receiving $500 and continuing scholars eligible for $300. Eligible students also get monthly transportation stipends that range between $50 and $100, depending on individual travel needs. The support even covers mandatory school fees and examination costs for key regional certifications, including the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC).

    In a move that expands the program’s impact beyond formal awardees, NCCU also opens its existing inventory of textbooks and school supplies to all students, regardless of whether their family holds membership with the credit union or if they have been selected as official scholarship recipients. This additional outreach ensures that more low-income households can access the resources they need to keep students in school.

    The 19 students recognized as 2026 scholarship recipients are: Grace Destiny St. Ville, Jewel Ayanna Samuel, Caleb Ron George, Shanaya Elisha Lewis, Kylan Aguero Kenrick Prince Francis, Rivaldo Justin Charles, Christiano Julio Leonardo St Fleur, Na-hyme Nelson, Zion St. Hilaire, Marlon Marley Francis, Zaila Yannicka Joseph, Hordane Joseph, Samara Samai Charles, Casity Demeara Devine Casimir, Ajahni Jefferson Trevon Cockrane, Lorenzo Rhael Hector, Ellianna Kieanna Blandford, Sharian Etienne, and Akiva Serena Elizee.

  • Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Climbs Past 200

    Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Climbs Past 200

    Three days after a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, the confirmed death toll has climbed past 200, reaching at least 224 as rescue teams continue to excavate rubble for trapped survivors and work to clear blocked access routes to the hard-to-reach epicenter.

    According to Colombia’s Geological Service, more than 70 aftershocks have shaken the region since the initial quake on Monday, with a 3.8 magnitude tremor registered across multiple urban centers early Thursday. All major aftershocks have traced their origin back to San José del Palmar, the municipality in Chocó department that also hosted the original earthquake’s epicenter, though Thursday’s tremor originated nearly 100 kilometers underground—far deeper than the main quake. The agency has warned that aftershocks, which have already reached a maximum strength of 4.8 magnitude, could persist for an extended period. “These seismic events can continue for days, weeks, or even months, as subsurface energy is gradually released until tectonic pressure stabilizes across the area surrounding the main rupture zone,” the service explained in an official statement.

    In Manizales, one of the hardest-hit urban areas, local mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas confirmed five deaths linked to the disaster, and warned that long-term reconstruction will take years to complete. So far, 60 buildings in the city have suffered full or partial collapse, with municipal officials projecting that the number of displaced and affected residents will double from the current count of 2,000 to as high as 4,000 as damage assessments continue.

    Across Chocó department, where the epicenter is located, governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba-Curi reported nine additional deaths, bringing the department’s total death toll well above initial counts, alongside 138 recorded injuries and five people still unaccounted for. More than 1,500 residential structures across the entire affected region have been damaged or completely destroyed, leaving thousands without shelter.

    The disaster has presented an early unplanned test for Colombia’s newly inaugurated president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office just one week prior on a campaign centered on hardline domestic security. Before the earthquake struck, his administration had already faced a series of early security challenges: a drone attack that killed a sitting police officer, the controversial transfer of more than 100 high-profile inmates to maximum-security facilities, and a reported operation that killed the alleged leader of a major leftist militant group, which was expected to be the focus of his first weeks in office.

    Now, the new president must pivot to respond to a humanitarian emergency in one of the country’s most challenging regions. Chocó ranks among Colombia’s least developed departments, and has long been a hotbed of activity for criminal and militant factions. Paramilitaries have scattered landmines across large swathes of rural territory, restricting movement for local communities and complicating access for emergency response teams. Officials have not yet released a clear assessment of how ongoing security instability will impact search operations and long-term reconstruction efforts in the coming weeks.

    International and local aid organizations have warned that the humanitarian crisis is still worsening as remote communities remain cut off from support. A senior United Nations official noted that food distribution will become a critical priority in the next 48 to 72 hours, and at least one indigenous leader from a community near the epicenter confirmed that no emergency assistance had reached his group as of Thursday morning.

  • LIVE: Handing over of Jungle Bay funded Dominique Marchand Pre-School to Ministry of Education

    LIVE: Handing over of Jungle Bay funded Dominique Marchand Pre-School to Ministry of Education

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  • DCA’s Clement Marcelin thanks corporate partners, as Dominica celebrates Windward Islands Super 50 triumph

    DCA’s Clement Marcelin thanks corporate partners, as Dominica celebrates Windward Islands Super 50 triumph

    Dominica’s senior men’s national cricket team capped off a standout run at the 2026 Windward Islands Super 50 Championship by securing the tournament title on August 4, a victory that association leaders say would not have been possible without consistent backing from the island’s corporate and public sector partners.

    In a post-tournament interview with local RF Media Services held on Monday, Clement Marcelin Jr., president of the Dominica Cricket Association, opened by extending sincere gratitude to every business and institution that has continued to invest in the island’s grassroots and elite cricket programming. Marcelin emphasized that ongoing corporate sponsorship is not just a nice-to-have for Dominican cricket — it is the foundational support that allows emerging and established players alike to hone their skills on the pitch and earn critical competitive exposure at the regional level.

    The championship final itself showcased Dominica’s well-rounded competitiveness, starting with a dominant batting display that set the team up for victory. The side put up an impressive 248 runs all out from 44.3 overs, led by a standout innings from Earsinho Fontaine who remained unbeaten on 90 runs off just 91 deliveries. Stephan Pascal further bolstered the total with a solid 57 runs from 70 balls, giving Dominica a defensible target heading into the second innings.

    St. Vincent and the Grenadines got off to a promising start in their chase, with opening batters Ethan Gibson and Desron Maloney pairing up to build a 94-run opening stand that put the title within reach. But Dominica’s bowling attack rallied under pressure, anchored by Jedd Joseph who claimed three key wickets to turn the tide of the match and secure the championship win for the island.

    Marcelin went on to outline the specific contributions of key sponsors that made the season and tournament run possible. The National Cooperative Credit Union provided support for the association’s Premier Division, while the Central Cooperative Credit Union backed the Intermediate Division, and the Government of Dominica covered the national team’s airfare for the regional tournament.

    Despite the historic title win, Marcelin stressed that the victory is a reward for the years of work invested into the program, not a signal that development work is complete. He issued a public call for additional local and regional companies to step forward and partner with the association to grow cricket across the island, noting that sustained investment will be needed to build on this latest success. Looking ahead, Marcelin confirmed that the association and national team management will continue prioritizing iterative improvement across all areas of the program, even as the team celebrates this major regional achievement.

  • Cabinet to Hear From SSB, PUC, BTL, BCCI, and Unions Before Deciding Position on Speednet Deal

    Cabinet to Hear From SSB, PUC, BTL, BCCI, and Unions Before Deciding Position on Speednet Deal

    In response to weeks of growing public and institutional pressure over the proposed Speednet acquisition by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), Belize’s Cabinet has announced a structured consultation process that will bring all key conflicting stakeholders to the table to present their cases directly before the government finalizes its official position on the transaction.

    The multi-stage consultation kicked off on August 11, 2026, with the first round of closed-door presentations delivered to Cabinet in Belmopan, where representatives from three core institutional parties—the Belize Social Security Board (SSB), the national Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and BTL leadership—outlined their respective perspectives on the proposed deal. Local outlet News Five has on-the-ground reporting stationed in Belmopan to cover the ongoing proceedings.

    A second round of presentations is scheduled for this Thursday, when two other major stakeholders will get the opportunity to share their stances: the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, the umbrella organization representing the country’s organized labor groups that have been among the most vocal critics of the acquisition.

    Following the conclusion of all stakeholder inputs, Cabinet will hold a dedicated deliberation session during its scheduled meeting on August 18, after which an official public statement of the government’s position on the transaction will be released.

    This formal consultation process comes after weeks of mounting controversy that has put increasing pressure on the Belizean government to take a transparent stance. Shortly after BTL’s board approved the transaction earlier this month, union organizers led repeated public protests outside BTL’s headquarters, raising concerns over the terms of the deal and potential impacts on workers. The BCCI has also publicly criticized the process, claiming the acquisition was pushed forward as a pre-decided outcome before adequate regulatory safeguards could be put in place to protect public interest. Even sitting cabinet ministers have previously declined to comment on the matter, noting that they would not share positions until they received an official, comprehensive briefing on all details of the proposed acquisition. Critics have gone as far as labeling the government’s prior silence on the high-stakes deal as a blatant act of disrespect to the people of Belize, amplifying calls for a transparent, inclusive decision-making process.

  • Brandweer blijft alert bij Ornamibo na grote brand en rookontwikkeling

    Brandweer blijft alert bij Ornamibo na grote brand en rookontwikkeling

    A large blaze that broke out earlier this week at the Ornamibo landfill in Wanica-Zuidoost, Suriname, has been fully contained, though fire crews remain on site to monitor for lingering smoldering deep beneath the 9-meter-high waste mound, local officials confirmed Friday.

    District Commissioner Ernesto Muller told reporters the first report of the fire came in between 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Monday, with fire and police services dispatched immediately to the scene. What started as a small, contained ignition quickly escalated into an intense inferno that generated thick plumes of smoke by Monday evening, creating serious risks for both local residents and the surrounding ecosystem, Muller explained.

    While the main fire is now under control, crews have not pulled out of the site. The white smoke still visible rising from the waste mound does not indicate active open flame, according to fire department assessments, but officials are taking no chances: embers can still smolder unseen deep in the compacted waste pile, requiring continued monitoring and suppression work to prevent a reignition.

    Investigators have not ruled out arson as a potential cause of the blaze, Muller noted, though no concrete evidence of intentional ignition has been uncovered so far. National environmental authorities and the National Disaster Coordination Center have been involved in response efforts since Monday evening, working alongside local first responders to assess environmental and public health impacts.

    This blaze is far from an isolated incident: the Ornamibo landfill has a repeated history of fire outbreaks, which consistently pose threats to surrounding communities through toxic smoke exposure. In response to the recurring risk, Muller is pushing for urgent preventive changes to reduce the chance of future large-scale fires. He has already presented a proposal to fire department leadership and the Ministry of Public Works and Spatial Planning (OWRO) calling for the installation of permanent water hoses fitted with sprinklers across the site. The system would keep sections of the landfill consistently moist, slowing the spread of any new small ignitions before they can grow into out-of-control infernos.

    Beyond immediate fire prevention measures, Muller is also calling for a broader reassessment of Suriname’s waste management practices, pushing for a transition away from the current outdated open-air landfill model. “We need to move toward more modern, nature-friendly methods of processing our waste,” Muller said, noting that the current site creates ongoing harm to local agricultural and livestock operations, the broader regional ecosystem, and public health for nearby communities. He plans to convene talks with OWRO and other relevant stakeholders to explore long-term alternative waste solutions.

    Local officials have also issued public health guidance for residents living near the landfill. In the event of continued smoke emissions, residents are advised to keep all windows and doors closed tightly. Anyone who must go outside should wear a well-fitting face mask to reduce inhalation of smoke particles. Residents who develop respiratory issues after exposure are urged to contact a medical provider or seek emergency care immediately.