Carib Scope

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  • Free Seedling Distribution Heads to Barbuda Under Plant2Plate Programme

    Free Seedling Distribution Heads to Barbuda Under Plant2Plate Programme

    The innovative Plant2Plate Backyard Gardening Competition is extending its reach to the island of Barbuda, marking a significant expansion of Antigua and Barbuda’s national food security initiative. Organized through the Agricultural Extension Division, this government-backed program will host its inaugural registration and seedling distribution event on Barbuda on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM local time.

    Barbudan residents are encouraged to participate as backyard gardeners and receive complimentary seedlings featuring seven diverse vegetable varieties: watermelon, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, eggplant, sweet pepper, and Chinese cabbage. This strategic selection offers both nutritional diversity and growing versatility for household gardens.

    The expansion represents a critical step in the broader Plant2Plate initiative’s mission to strengthen domestic food production capabilities across the twin-island nation. By empowering citizens to cultivate their own produce, the program directly addresses food import dependency while building resilient local food systems.

    This grassroots approach to food security emphasizes practical, household-level solutions that collectively contribute to national self-sufficiency goals. The competition framework adds an engaging element that encourages sustained participation and knowledge sharing among community members.

    Interested participants can obtain additional information by contacting 722-2942 or visiting the official government agriculture portal at agriculture.gov.ag for comprehensive program details and ongoing updates.

  • Flow Honoured as “Builder of Cayman”

    Flow Honoured as “Builder of Cayman”

    In a significant recognition of technological advancement, Flow Cayman has received the National Recognition Award from the Cayman Islands Government for its transformative role as a ‘Builder of Cayman.’ The honor was conferred during the National Heroes Day ceremony on January 26, celebrating the connectivity provider’s sixty-year partnership in developing the archipelago’s communications infrastructure and digital capabilities.

    The award highlights Flow’s pioneering achievements, including the historic June 2024 deployment of the Caribbean’s first operational 5G network. This milestone established the Cayman Islands as the region’s inaugural territory to experience fifth-generation mobile technology through the activation of Flow’s initial 5G-enabled cell towers.

    Bruno Delhaise, Country Manager of Flow Cayman, emphasized that “this national recognition reflects a relationship built on trust, service and purpose.”

    The company’s contributions extend beyond connectivity infrastructure. Through collaborative initiatives with government entities, private sector organizations, and community groups, Flow has established comprehensive digital pathways for Caymanians. These include vocational training programs and apprenticeships that foster local careers in technology and engineering, alongside specialized programs assisting small and medium enterprises in digital commerce and scaling operations online.

    Susanna O’Sullivan, VP of North Caribbean at Liberty Caribbean (Flow’s parent company), outlined the company’s transformation from traditional telecommunications to technology-first services: “In our evolution from a traditional telco to a technology-first company, our objective is to turn network capability into tangible outcomes for Caymanians.”

    O’Sullivan further detailed these outcomes as encompassing “faster, more reliable services but also better healthcare access, more resilient public services, safer and more efficient businesses, and expanded economic opportunity for people across the islands.” She committed to honoring the recognition through continued investment in “people, partnerships and programmes that deliver measurable social and economic value.”

    The executive also acknowledged Flow’s local team, recognizing their essential role in achieving this milestone and inspiring continued community development.

    Liberty Caribbean, operating under Liberty Latin America, maintains a significant regional presence with operations across more than 20 Caribbean markets. Through its consumer brands Flow and BTC, the company provides comprehensive broadband, mobile, video, and voice services to residential customers. Its B2B division, Liberty Business, delivers enterprise-grade connectivity, cloud solutions, security services, and data center infrastructure to corporate and governmental clients, supporting digital transformation across the region.

    With a legacy spanning over 150 years, Liberty Caribbean remains deeply embedded in the Caribbean region, providing robust network infrastructure, personalized local support, and customized solutions that address the specific needs of the communities it serves.

  • IMF holds discussions with Central Bank Officials

    IMF holds discussions with Central Bank Officials

    The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) hosted a pivotal two-day summit with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on January 21-22, marking the annual policy consultations for the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) member states. The high-level meetings, held at the ECCB Headquarters, were spearheaded by IMF Mission Chief Christoph Duenwald.

    The engagement commenced with comprehensive talks between the IMF delegation and ECCB Governor Timothy N. J. Antoine alongside his senior policy team on January 21. Subsequent discussions extended to broader ECCB staff members on January 22, facilitating a multi-tiered exchange of insights.

    Central to this year’s dialogue was a forward-looking analysis of the ECCU’s economic trajectory. Delegates examined critical macroeconomic indicators, fiscal performance metrics, debt sustainability frameworks, and financial sector stability projections for 2025 and beyond. The conversations specifically addressed medium-term economic expectations and policy coordination mechanisms across the currency union.

    As an outcome of these consultations, the IMF team will compile an exhaustive staff report detailing the ECCU’s economic standing and prospects. This comprehensive assessment is scheduled for presentation to the IMF’s Executive Board during the latter part of this year, potentially influencing future policy directives and financial support mechanisms for the region.

  • Newton Urges Residents to Return to Backyard Farming

    Newton Urges Residents to Return to Backyard Farming

    In a compelling address on The Morning Point programme, Senator Lamin Newton of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has issued a urgent call for citizens to revive backyard farming practices, citing critical vulnerabilities in food security exposed by recent global crises.

    The ABLP caretaker for All Saints East and St. Luke articulated how the COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark revelation of how rapidly international supply chains could disintegrate, particularly endangering small island nations. “The pandemic provided a profoundly damning lesson,” Newton stated. “None could have conceived in their wildest imagination that global operations would grind to a complete halt. Yet we witnessed it firsthand.”

    Newton emphasized that while many residents initially embraced home gardening during the health crisis, most abandoned these efforts once normality resumed. “During COVID, everyone sought backyard gardens,” he observed. “That enthusiasm has since dissipated as we returned to comfort zones.”

    The senator highlighted current geopolitical tensions as additional justification for maintaining local food production capabilities. “Given the unpredictable global landscape, we must position ourselves to be sustained by local produce for at least one to two months during emergencies,” Newton advised.

    He specifically encouraged utilizing any available land, however limited, for cultivation. “Acquire even a small plot in your backyard and grow something,” he urged, framing food security not as a matter of convenience but as fundamental to survival. “Sustenance remains the primary requirement for human existence—without it, neither survival nor existence is possible.”

  • Animator seeks to bring Caribbean youth hero to screen

    Animator seeks to bring Caribbean youth hero to screen

    An innovative animated project rooted in Afrofuturism principles is gaining remarkable traction on crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, achieving 90% of its financial target within just four days of launch. “The Kazi: Village Rescue,” created by a Bermudian artist of Jamaican descent, represents a significant cultural milestone by bringing authentic Caribbean narratives to global audiences through the medium of animation.

    The project transcends conventional science fiction aesthetics by embracing Afrofuturism’s core tenets of cultural reclamation, heritage celebration, and Black protagonism. The narrative follows Andreas, a young Caribbean hero characterized by intelligence, emotional resilience, and courage as he confronts corruption and defends his mountainous village from mysterious threats. His journey embodies values highly prized across Caribbean communities—responsibility, bravery, compassion, and collective protection.

    Creator Bassett explains the project’s fundamental motivation: “The Caribbean is full of powerful stories and powerful people. I wanted to create something that shows our young men they can be protectors, leaders, and heroes, not just in real life, but in the worlds of fantasy and imagination too.”

    Drawing creative inspiration from anime, fantasy genres, and Afrofuturist storytelling traditions, the animation uniquely blends authentic island life elements with futuristic concepts. This synthesis demonstrates that exceptional animation and compelling universal storytelling can originate from small island nations.

    The project represents a groundbreaking opportunity for Caribbean-born creativity to claim space in international animation, challenging geographical limitations and asserting that Caribbean youth deserve epic worlds, legendary quests, and cinematic representation. With three weeks remaining in its fundraising campaign, the creator continues seeking additional resources to realize this ambitious vision dedicated to Caribbean youth who “envision beyond horizons.”

  • Millet/Vanard cruise into Veterans T20 Final with seven-wicket win

    Millet/Vanard cruise into Veterans T20 Final with seven-wicket win

    Millet/Vanard delivered a commanding performance to secure their place in the championship final of the John Estephane Veterans T20 Tapeball Tournament with a decisive seven-wicket triumph over L’Abayee. The match, held at Balata Playing Field on January 26, showcased Millet/Vanard’s comprehensive dominance in both bowling and batting departments.

    L’Abayee, opting to bat first after winning the toss, struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Millet/Vanard bowling attack. Their innings concluded at 126-6 after the allotted overs, with Julius Archie Simon providing the primary resistance through a determined knock of 53 runs. Shalamia Biscette offered secondary support with 21 runs. The bowling effort from Millet/Vanard was notably collective, with Justus Leo leading the attack by capturing two wickets. Avitus James, Bradley Giddings, Shervon Leo, and David Justin each contributed significantly with one wicket apiece, demonstrating well-coordinated team execution.

    The chase proved remarkably straightforward for Millet/Vanard, who reached their target of 127 in a mere 14 overs, losing only three wickets in the process. The victory was anchored by a spectacular batting display from Aloysius Charles, who smashed a rapid 54 runs, effectively dismantling the opposition’s bowling strategy. He received substantial support from Marvin Charles, whose contribution of 31 runs further solidified their team’s commanding position and seamless path to victory.

    This emphatic win propels Millet/Vanard into the tournament final, scheduled for February 1 again at the Balata Playing Field. They are set to compete against fellow finalists Mini Bus in what anticipates being a highly competitive summit clash. The final is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start and will be preceded by the third-place playoff encounter between L’Abayee and Combined Vets.

  • Education officials respond mass casualty

    Education officials respond mass casualty

    The Ministry of Educational Transformation in Barbados has activated its emergency response protocol following a serious traffic incident involving students on Tuesday morning. The collision, which involved a public service vehicle (PSV) carrying several students, prompted immediate deployment of secondary school officers to provide critical support to those affected.

    According to official communications with the Barbados Police Service, the accident resulted in injuries to four students total. Preliminary reports indicate two students traveling in the PSV and two students in another vehicle involved in the collision sustained injuries of varying severity.

    The Ministry has committed to maintaining close surveillance on the medical progress of the injured students and has pledged to provide all necessary support services during their recovery. This comprehensive approach includes psychological support and academic accommodations as required.

    In light of this incident, educational authorities have issued a renewed plea for heightened road safety awareness. The Ministry emphasized the collective responsibility of all road users—including drivers, pedestrians, and students—to exercise extreme caution and vigilance while navigating the nation’s transportation networks. This appeal aims to reduce the frequency of such traumatic events that disrupt educational continuity and student wellbeing.

  • UDP Protesters Enter BTL Compound

    UDP Protesters Enter BTL Compound

    BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – January 27, 2026 – In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, United Democratic Party (UDP) protesters breached the gates of Belize Telemedia Limited’s compound on St. Thomas Street earlier today. The demonstration commenced shortly after 10 a.m., fulfilling the group’s previously declared commitment to directly confront the telecommunications giant.

    Opposition Leader Tracy Panton arrived at the scene and delivered impassioned remarks to assembled journalists, confirming her awareness that BTL’s anticipated board meeting had been unexpectedly postponed. The meeting was reportedly scheduled to consider provisional approval for a controversial acquisition deal that has become the center of political conflict.

    Panton defended the protest as essential despite the meeting’s cancellation, stating: ‘We had to demonstrate our serious opposition to corruption. This Briceno administration will be remembered as the most corrupt in our nation’s history.’ The Opposition Leader explicitly condemned the proposed acquisition of SMART by BTL as ‘detrimental to Belize’s interests’ and vowed that her party would ‘persist in resistance’ against the arrangement.

    In a show of political solidarity, Panton pledged UDP’s full support for any party members facing legal consequences from the protest action. Major labor organizations including the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) and the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) have joined the demonstration, significantly amplifying its impact.

    Panton characterized the government’s approach to the acquisition as fundamentally undemocratic, noting: ‘Had our concerns been taken seriously during meetings with the Ashcroft Alliance and BTL’s board, this public action might have been unnecessary. Their apparent determination to force this deal through regardless of opposition left us no alternative.’

  • More history for Megan Nestor

    More history for Megan Nestor

    Megan Nestor, a senior forward for the University of North Texas, has officially ascended to the pinnacle of NCAA Division I women’s basketball, securing her status as the nation’s most dominant rebounder. The latest statistical report from the U.S. collegiate athletics organization, dated January 26, confirms her position at the top.

    The 6-foot-4 transfer from Saint Lucia delivered yet another historic performance on January 23, amassing a staggering 27 rebounds alongside 19 points achieved with remarkable efficiency on just nine field goal attempts. This monumental effort marks the third occasion this season she has exceeded 20 rebounds in a single game and the second time within a week. Nestor now possesses the two highest single-game rebound totals in the entire NCAA this season, having previously hauled in 31 boards back in December.

    Despite Nestor’s individual brilliance, the Mean Green suffered a narrow 57-53 defeat to Tulsa at the Super Pit. The loss places their overall record at 11-9 and 5-3 within the American Conference. North Texas controlled the contest for the majority of the afternoon, leading for over 33 minutes of game time and holding Tulsa to a season-low 18 first-half points. However, a scoring drought in the final stretch ultimately resulted in their ninth loss.

    Nestor’s 27-rebound outing stands as the second-most prolific performance in the history of the American Conference, trailing only her own record-setting December game. Her season averages have soared to 13.2 rebounds and 265 total boards, both leading the nation. In conference play, her dominance is even more pronounced, averaging 13.6 points and 15.5 rebounds per game, accompanied by six double-doubles.

    Head Coach Jason Burton praised her incredible achievement, stating, ‘Talk about another NCAA-type record performance. You’d hope that comes in a win, so as a staff, we’ll keep at it. We’ll keep trying to figure some things out.’ Nestor’s season places her among an elite group, as one of only four players nationwide averaging a double-double with at least 12 points and 12 rebounds per game.

  • PHOTOS: Westerly Street Roadworks Underway as Infrastructure Upgrades Continue

    PHOTOS: Westerly Street Roadworks Underway as Infrastructure Upgrades Continue

    Residents of the constituency are witnessing tangible progress in local infrastructure as construction teams actively execute road improvement operations along Westerly Street. This project represents a critical phase within a broader, coordinated initiative aimed at modernizing the area’s transportation network. The ongoing upgrades focus on enhancing road durability, improving traffic flow efficiency, and elevating overall safety standards for both motorists and pedestrians. Local authorities have coordinated the construction schedule to minimize disruption while ensuring timely completion. The Westerly Street improvements specifically address long-standing maintenance requirements that have accumulated over previous years. These infrastructure investments form part of the constituency’s comprehensive strategy to bolster public works systems and stimulate community development through enhanced urban facilities. Construction managers report that the project remains on schedule despite weather-related challenges encountered during early implementation phases. The initiative has generated positive feedback from community members who have long advocated for infrastructure attention in this corridor.