Carib Scope

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  • Funglode presents alarming report on femicides in the Dominican Republic

    Funglode presents alarming report on femicides in the Dominican Republic

    In a groundbreaking event held at the Funglode Auditorium in Santo Domingo, the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (Funglode) unveiled a comprehensive study titled ‘Femicides in the Dominican Republic: X-ray of Femicidal Violence 2016–2024.’ The report, presented by the Dominican Political Observatory (OPD) under the leadership of Nathanael Concepción, delves into nearly a decade of data on gender-based killings in the country. Former President and Funglode President Dr. Leonel Fernández underscored the critical importance of this research in shaping effective public policies, describing the findings as ‘an urgent call to action and collective responsibility of the State and society.’

    The study, coordinated by researcher Flor Esmirna Batista Polo, revealed alarming statistics: 706 femicides were recorded between 2016 and 2024, with victims spanning all age groups, from infants to elderly women. In 2024 alone, 73 cases were reported, 89% of which were classified as intimate partner femicides, leaving 77 children orphaned. The data also highlighted the methods of violence, with 53% of the murders committed using bladed weapons and 37% involving firearms. Additionally, 18 cases ended in femicide-suicides, a troubling trend on the rise. Batista Polo emphasized that the persistence of these figures indicates a failure of current policies to bring about structural change.

    A panel discussion titled ‘Where Are We and Where Are We Going?’ followed the presentation, featuring representatives from government, academia, and civil society, including Rosalba Ramos, Juliana O’Neal, Ana Iris Linares, Susi Aquino Grauteraux, and Patricia Liranzo. The panelists unanimously called for enhanced institutional coordination, improved prevention strategies, and educational initiatives promoting equality and respect. Key proposals included the development of a georeferenced risk prediction system, early warning protocols, and ongoing training for justice and security personnel.

    The event concluded with a resounding call to action, urging stronger national efforts to prevent, address, and penalize gender violence. Attendees were encouraged to utilize existing support services, such as the Ministry of Women (212), 911 Emergencies, and Life Line (809-200-1202), to seek help and report incidents.

  • Succotz Chairman Demands the Return of Cancha

    Succotz Chairman Demands the Return of Cancha

    In Succotz Village, a heated debate has erupted over the fate of the community’s beloved cancha, a once-thriving public space now transformed into a welcome center for tourists. Village Chairman Armando Ventura Cocom is leading the charge to reclaim the cancha for the villagers, arguing that the government’s decision to repurpose the space was made without proper consultation or transparency.

  • Belize Adventist College Welcomes New Smart Classroom

    Belize Adventist College Welcomes New Smart Classroom

    Belize Adventist College in Corozal has taken a significant leap into the future of education with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art Smart Classroom. This innovative space, equipped with advanced technology, aims to empower students with the digital skills necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving world. The initiative, supported by the Corozal Think Tank and the Government of Belize, includes a donation of fifteen new computers, a 3D printer, and a year’s supply of filaments, alongside access to specialized training programs. Lincoln Blake, Director of the Investment Policy and Compliance Unit, highlighted the broader vision of integrating digital learning across the country, emphasizing the importance of embracing technologies like cloud computing and blockchain as part of the fourth industrial revolution. Minister of Human Development Thea Garcia-Ramirez underscored the transformative potential of digital education in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, while also promoting gender equality by ensuring equal access to technology for all students. Minister of Community Development Florencio Marin Jr. framed the initiative as a long-term investment in Belize’s future, preparing the next generation to take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to society. This project marks a pivotal step in bridging the digital divide and equipping young Belizeans with the tools to thrive in the global digital economy.

  • Empowering Young Women in Leadership to Charge in Belize

    Empowering Young Women in Leadership to Charge in Belize

    Belize has taken a significant step toward gender equality in politics with the launch of the Young Women in Leadership initiative. Spearheaded by the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, this groundbreaking program aims to inspire and empower young women across the Caribbean to pursue public leadership roles. At the inaugural ceremony on November 12, 2025, Carolyn Trench-Sandiford, President of the Senate, emphasized the importance of this initiative in a nation often divided by political differences. She highlighted that empowering young women is a cause that transcends political boundaries and requires collective support. Trench-Sandiford shared compelling statistics, noting that while the global percentage of women in parliament has risen from 11.3% in 1995 to 27.2% in 2025, Belize still lags behind with only 19.5% female representation. This translates to one woman for every five parliamentarians, starkly contrasting the fact that women constitute half of Belize’s population. She stressed the need for visible female role models in the National Assembly, quoting Marian Wright Edelman: ‘You can’t be what you can’t see.’ Trench-Sandiford argued that young women must witness a diverse and inclusive parliament to feel inspired and empowered to enter political life. The initiative seeks to bridge this gap by showcasing women who share their backgrounds and visions for Belize, fostering a new generation of leaders.

  • Young Women Connected, Young Women Contributing

    Young Women Connected, Young Women Contributing

    The Young Women in Leadership program in Belize is making waves by uniting passionate young women from across the nation to foster learning, leadership, and mutual support. Centered around the theme ‘Youth: Empowered, Connected, and Thriving for National Development’, the initiative underscores the critical role of women in societal progress. Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition, expressed her enthusiasm for participating in this transformative event. She highlighted the importance of creating broader opportunities for women in public life, stating, ‘We can lead and we must be heard.’ Reflecting on her own journey, Taegar-Panton shared her pride in being elected as the first female Leader of the Opposition, a milestone she views as a collective victory for all women in Belize. She emphasized that this initiative is not just about individual success but about empowering the 51% of women who contribute to nation-building in various capacities—from political organizations to family nurturing. The program aims to inspire young women to take active roles in shaping Belize’s future, ensuring the nation reaches its full potential for generations to come.

  • Abinader and Molina present “Justice of the Future 2034” plan

    Abinader and Molina present “Justice of the Future 2034” plan

    Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Judiciary has finalized its groundbreaking Ten-Year Plan, titled “Justice of the Future 2034,” marking a significant milestone in the nation’s judicial reform efforts. The final document was officially presented to stakeholders during a high-profile ceremony on Wednesday, presided over by President Luis Abinader and Chief Justice Henry Molina at Casa San Pablo. The event drew over 3,000 participants, including Supreme Court justices, prosecutors, public defenders, legislators, business leaders, and civil society representatives, all of whom played a pivotal role in this collaborative strategic planning initiative. Chief Justice Molina outlined the plan’s ambitious goals, which include enhancing accessibility, transparency, reliability, and citizen-centered service within the justice system. The official launch is set for November 19 at 8:00 p.m., broadcasted via the Judicial Branch’s YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook channels. Molina emphasized that the plan was developed using the scenario planning methodology, a first for the Dominican Republic, previously implemented in countries like South Africa and Colombia. He described the initiative as “not merely a technical exercise but an ethical, institutional, and strategic act.” The Justice of the Future 2034 Plan aims to address systemic issues such as judicial delays, geographical and economic barriers, and the exclusion of vulnerable groups, fostering a more inclusive and participatory justice system. President Abinader lauded the plan as a national commitment and a cornerstone of democratic strengthening, stating, “This plan is not just a Judiciary initiative; it’s a commitment to a justice system that transforms lives and strengthens citizen confidence.”

  • Development : $80 million from the World Bank for road infrastructure

    Development : $80 million from the World Bank for road infrastructure

    In a significant move to bolster Haiti’s infrastructure, the World Bank has greenlit an $80 million initiative aimed at enhancing rural road connectivity and accessibility across key regions. The Haiti Resilient Corridors Project, approved on November 11, 2025, will focus on the West, South, Southeast, and North departments, targeting critical road sections such as National Road 2, Departmental Route 41, and the border road linking Ouanaminthe to the Dominican Republic. The project will restore and modernize essential bridges like La Digue, Côte-de-Fer, and Mahot, alongside improving culverts and rural roads to create a sustainable and resilient network. Additionally, it will fortify the Ministry of Public Works’ capacity to address geological and climate risks by renewing emergency bridge stocks. The initiative also includes the rehabilitation of 100 kilometers of tertiary and rural roads in vulnerable urban areas, particularly in the South, Nippes, Grand’Anse, and Southeast departments, to enhance transportation reliability, especially during the rainy season. The project is set to benefit nearly 2.9 million people by providing better access to sustainable transportation infrastructure and services, while also generating 300,000 direct workdays for the local workforce. A notable aspect of the project is its emphasis on gender inclusion, supporting training and certification for women in heavy equipment operation and road construction techniques, alongside capacity building for Ministry and construction company staff.

  • ‘Street kid’ stabs, kills teen in Kingstown

    ‘Street kid’ stabs, kills teen in Kingstown

    An 18-year-old youth, identified as Gary Butler from Campden Park, was fatally stabbed in Kingstown on Tuesday morning, marking the third homicide in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in less than a week. The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. near Gonsalves Liquor on Middle and Melville streets. According to an eyewitness, the assailant, described as a ‘street kid,’ retrieved what appeared to be an ice pick from a window ledge and stabbed Butler once in the chest, causing him to collapse. Butler was rushed to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Police have yet to comment on the incident, which has raised the year’s homicide count to 36. The killing has reignited concerns about the growing number of children, particularly teenage boys, living or frequently seen on the streets of Kingstown. This issue has been repeatedly highlighted in public forums, including radio shows, with complaints about their aggressive behavior and violence towards each other. The incident follows the recent discovery of Lee-Chang Anthony’s body in a shallow grave and the fatal shooting of Shem Walker, who was killed in Akers just 25 days before his 26th birthday. Walker’s death came after he received multiple threatening comments on his Instagram account. The community is now grappling with the escalating violence and the urgent need for interventions to address the plight of street children.

  • Vreedzaam vraagt in openbrief Simons helderheid gouddiefstal Grassalco

    Vreedzaam vraagt in openbrief Simons helderheid gouddiefstal Grassalco

    In a formal open letter to President Jennifer Simons, National Assembly member Jennifer Vreedzaam has called for immediate clarification regarding the alleged theft of gold at the state-owned company N.V. Grassalco. Reports of discrepancies in the company’s gold reserves have raised significant concerns about transparency and accountability. Vreedzaam, representing the Para district where Grassalco is headquartered, emphasized the company’s critical role in the economic and social development of the region, particularly for the indigenous communities in the Maripaston area, where gold mining operations are conducted. She highlighted the initial promise of ‘fair benefit sharing’ and sustainable, mercury-free mining, which has yet to materialize in meaningful community participation. Vreedzaam stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged theft, citing potential systemic failures in Grassalco’s management and internal controls. She referenced Article 13 of the Anti-Corruption Act, which prohibits actions causing financial harm to state institutions, and posed a series of critical questions. These included inquiries into contractual transparency, financial oversight, governance protocols, and the handling of the incident. Additionally, she questioned the application of FPIC (Free, Prior, and Informed Consent) protocols to ensure the rights of indigenous communities. Vreedzaam urged prompt and comprehensive responses to these issues, underscoring the public’s right to accountability and integrity in state operations.

  • BEL Crew Heads to Jamaica to Help Restore Power After Hurricane Melissa

    BEL Crew Heads to Jamaica to Help Restore Power After Hurricane Melissa

    A specialized team from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has embarked on a mission to Jamaica to aid in the restoration of power infrastructure devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 hurricane struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, unleashing winds surpassing 180 miles per hour and causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and critical utilities, particularly in the central and western parishes. The BEL crew, led by Line Supervisor Tyrone Reynolds, includes skilled Power Line Technicians Kareem Lopez, Perr Tillett, Ethan Alvarado, Bladimir Alvarez, Adolfo Oliva, and Kendale August. They will collaborate with other regional teams under the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) to expedite the recovery process. BEL CEO John Mencias emphasized the company’s commitment, stating, ‘We stand in solidarity with our Jamaican brothers and sisters by joining our thoughts and prayers with our actions.’ This initiative underscores the regional cooperation and resilience in the face of natural disasters.