Carib Scope

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  • Attorney General accepts Azruddin Mohamed’s payment of court costs in cash, some coins

    Attorney General accepts Azruddin Mohamed’s payment of court costs in cash, some coins

    In an extraordinary display of financial theatrics, prominent Guyanese businessmen Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed fulfilled a High Court monetary order by transporting approximately GY$900,500 in small denomination bills and coins using two wheelbarrows to the Attorney General’s Chambers on Thursday. The payment followed a formal warning from Attorney General Anil Nandlall that he would seek court enforcement if the costs related to lost extradition committal proceedings were not immediately settled.

    The delivery, which consisted primarily of low-value currency notes alongside coins up to the legal limit of GY$500, required government employees to remain until approximately 5:30 PM to complete the counting process. Nandlall confirmed via Facebook that public servants were significantly inconvenienced by the unusual payment method, noting that the Mohameds still owed a balance of GY$99,500 despite the elaborate display.

    Azruddin Mohamed, who leads the opposition WIN party and serves as Guyana’s Opposition Leader, explained to Demerara Waves Online News that the payment method was necessitated by banking restrictions imposed after the United States Treasury Department’s OFAC sanctions in June 2024. The sanctions, which alleged gold smuggling and tax evasion exceeding US$50 million, resulted in the revocation of the brothers’ foreign exchange license and the closure of their commercial bank accounts.

    Mohamed asserted the money originated from his child’s piggy bank, emphasizing his commitment to ‘honor the rules of the country’ despite the political tensions. He further revealed plans to appeal both the High Court and Court of Appeal decisions regarding alleged political bias in the extradition proceedings initiated by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond.

    The transaction occurred under the provisions of the Bank of Guyana Act, which establishes legal tender limitations for coin payments while imposing no restrictions on currency notes. Mohamed indicated he would return with additional currency notes to settle the outstanding balance, maintaining his stance that the payment spectacle highlighted the government’s contradictory acceptance of funds from sanctioned individuals despite previous warnings about associated risks.

  • Belizean Students in Cuba Are Not Ready to Come Home

    Belizean Students in Cuba Are Not Ready to Come Home

    Amid Cuba’s escalating economic and energy crisis, the Belizean government has confirmed that its 28 citizens pursuing medical education on the island have chosen to remain and complete their academic programs rather than return home prematurely. Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca disclosed that authorities maintain near-daily communication with the students through Belize’s embassy in Havana, with regular welfare checks confirming their safety and academic progress.

    The students, predominantly in advanced stages of medical training, have demonstrated remarkable commitment to their education despite Cuba’s severe fuel shortages and widespread power outages resulting from U.S. oil shipment restrictions imposed since February. Approximately twenty students are reportedly approaching graduation, making their decision to stay particularly significant for both their professional futures and Belize’s healthcare sector.

    Minister Fonseca emphasized that while the government respects the students’ determination to complete their studies, contingency plans remain activated for potential evacuation should conditions deteriorate further. “Should either the students or Cuban authorities indicate that repatriation becomes necessary, we stand ready to facilitate their immediate return,” Fonseca stated, underscoring the government’s balanced approach of monitoring without intervention unless requested.

    The situation highlights the complex interplay between international education partnerships and geopolitical tensions, with Caribbean nations navigating relationships while prioritizing citizen welfare. Belize’s measured response reflects both support for academic aspirations and preparedness for crisis management, setting a precedent for how smaller nations might address similar challenges involving overseas students in volatile regions.

  • Carol Foster’s Lens on Belize Comes to Life in “WILD 501” Exhibition

    Carol Foster’s Lens on Belize Comes to Life in “WILD 501” Exhibition

    A landmark photographic exhibition honoring the lifelong conservation work of visual storyteller Carol Foster has premiered, showcasing Belize’s ecological wonders through the lens of one of its most dedicated documentarians. “WILD 501” represents the culmination of Foster’s collaborative career with her late husband Richard Foster, featuring their internationally recognized nature photography and filmography that brought global attention to Central America’s vibrant ecosystems.

    The exhibition, curated by prominent Belizean artist Gilvano Swasey, serves as both an artistic tribute and historical archive, preserving decades of environmental storytelling that transformed international perceptions of Belize’s biodiversity. The Foster partnership began when Carol first encountered Belize through Richard’s descriptions, immediately recognizing the country as her permanent home and creative muse.

    “Our shared passion for both the natural world and each other created this incredible synergy,” Foster reflected. “We turned our personal fairytale into a mission to showcase Belize’s untouched beauty to worldwide audiences.”

    Beyond their artistic contributions, the Fosters played instrumental roles in conservation initiatives, including foundational support for the establishment of the Belize Zoo. Richard’s absence from the exhibition is acknowledged as profoundly felt, though Carol expresses confidence that returning their collective work to the nation through this comprehensive display fulfills their shared vision.

    “WILD 501” stands as both memorial and living legacy, ensuring future generations can experience Belize’s wilderness through the eyes of two of its most devoted advocates.

  • St Ignatius Welding Students Return from North Carolina Inspired and Empowered

    St Ignatius Welding Students Return from North Carolina Inspired and Empowered

    A cohort of seven exceptional students from St Ignatius High School has returned to Belize following an immersive ten-day educational expedition to North Carolina, reporting significantly enhanced professional confidence and broadened vocational aspirations in welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) disciplines.

    This transformative initiative, substantially funded by the STEM U Foundation, constitutes an integral component of an annual international exchange program designed to fortify technical education and industrial exposure for youth. Marking the second consecutive year of collaboration between the foundation and St Ignatius High School, the program specifically targets the advancement of STEM education opportunities.

    Principal Jeaneane Neal emphasized the program’s strategic focus on welding and NDT—technical domains historically characterized by male predominance. “STEM U Foundation has emerged as our premier sponsor for this pioneering initiative,” Neal stated. “This international exchange represents our sustained commitment to empowering St Ignatius students through specialized STEM pathways.”

    The delegation, comprising six female students and one male student, departed Belize on March 9th, returning with profoundly changed perspectives. Fourth-form participant Bettina Myers characterized the experience as both intellectually illuminating and professionally empowering. “Witnessing numerous female specialists excelling in their technical fields has profoundly motivated me to pursue advanced studies and ultimately establish my own enterprise,” Myers reflected.

    This industry immersion program provides hands-on technical training while simultaneously challenging traditional gender norms within industrial professions, potentially establishing new benchmarks for vocational education in Central America.

  • U-17 WC Morocco 2026 Qualifications : Our Grenadières humiliated by the United States [0-9] (video)

    U-17 WC Morocco 2026 Qualifications : Our Grenadières humiliated by the United States [0-9] (video)

    In a stunning display of football dominance, the United States U-17 Women’s National Team delivered a devastating 9-0 victory against Haiti during the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The match, played on March 19, 2026, at the Costa Rican Football Federation Stadium, showcased the overwhelming gap between the two squads as the Americans systematically dismantled their Caribbean opponents.

    The match began ominously for Haiti when defender Kaylee Mallebranche scored an own goal in the 5th minute, setting the tone for what would become a relentless American offensive. The US team’s attacking prowess was on full display as Giselle Aguilar recorded a remarkable hat-trick (25′, 45+1′, 52′), while teammates Grace Murra, Mak Whitham, Loradana Paletta, and Deus Stanislaus (who scored twice) completed the scoring rout. Jordyn Heathcock provided multiple assists, demonstrating exceptional playmaking ability throughout the match.

    Haitian coach Marc-Ogil Frenoy Baptiste attempted to shift momentum with strategic substitutions, including bringing in Krystel Châtelain for Mallebranche in the 17th minute and Samira Ductan for Laetitia Decombe at halftime. However, these changes proved insufficient against the American onslaught.

    The result leaves Haiti at the bottom of Group B with zero points from two matches, having conceded 12 goals while scoring only one. The United States and Puerto Rico lead the group with perfect records, though the Americans boast a staggering +28 goal difference. Haiti’s final opportunity for redemption comes against Bermuda on March 22, though World Cup qualification is now mathematically impossible.

    This performance underscores the developmental challenges facing Caribbean football programs against well-established soccer nations like the United States, which continues to demonstrate its depth of talent in women’s youth football.

  • Eden High Career Day: “Dream It, Explore It, Become It”

    Eden High Career Day: “Dream It, Explore It, Become It”

    Eden High School’s campus transformed into a dynamic professional exploration center on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, as students participated in the institution’s comprehensive Career Day initiative. The event, themed “Dream It, Explore It, Become It,” brought together twenty-four diverse businesses and organizations to provide students with tangible career pathway insights.

    Vice Principal Sherilyn Flowers characterized the gathering as “real learning in action,” expressing profound gratitude toward participating entities including Greater Belize Media. “I am so proud and extremely thankful because these organizations accepted our invitation, and these kids are having an awesome time,” Flowers remarked. Early feedback indicated significant student engagement, with multiple presenters reporting substantial interest from attendees exploring potential career options.

    The Greater Belize Media session offered particularly revealing glimpses into journalism careers, addressing practical considerations from editorial selection processes to managing professional rejection. Students posed incisive questions regarding story selection criteria and resilience strategies before participating in mock live broadcast simulations. Numerous participants demonstrated unexpected composure and natural aptitude during these hands-on exercises.

    What originated as an institutional event evolved into a catalyst for professional aspiration, demonstrating how targeted exposure and encouragement can transform abstract ambitions into concrete plans. The initiative successfully bridged the gap between academic instruction and practical career preparation, providing students with both inspiration and practical guidance for their future endeavors.

  • DOWASCO launches week-long schedule commemorating World Water Day

    DOWASCO launches week-long schedule commemorating World Water Day

    The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Limited (DOWASCO) has unveiled an extensive schedule of events for Water Week 2026, scheduled from March 22-28 in alignment with World Water Day observances. This year’s programming adopts the international theme “Water’s Role in Gender Equality,” spotlighting the interconnectedness of water accessibility and social equity.

    The week-long initiative will commence with an interdenominational church service at God’s Family House of Worship in Portsmouth on March 22, followed by an official opening ceremony on March 23. Central to the agenda is an Interschool Trivia Competition hosted at the University of the West Indies Auditorium, where secondary students will demonstrate their knowledge of hydrological science and sustainable resource management.

    DOWASCO has curated multiple public engagement opportunities, including daily draws from March 23-26 offering customers free water service subscriptions. A distinctive “Spin the Wheel and Win” promotion on March 27 will provide additional incentives for public participation. The company will simultaneously observe Customer Appreciation Day with mini-exhibitions and refreshments at its Roseau and Portsmouth offices.

    Educational components feature prominently through facility tours at DOWASCO’s Antrim complex and instructional presentations at schools island-wide. These sessions will elucidate water’s journey from source to tap while emphasizing conservation imperatives. A collaborative panel discussion with the Dominica Meteorological Office, Forestry Division, and environmental organizations will examine gender dimensions of water access through DBS Radio broadcasts.

    The comprehensive programming reflects Dominica’s commitment to global water sustainability dialogues while addressing localized needs for resource education and equitable distribution systems.

  • Will Belize “Capitulate” to US Pressure?

    Will Belize “Capitulate” to US Pressure?

    The Belizean government has initiated a comprehensive review of its longstanding medical cooperation program with Cuba as mounting diplomatic pressure from the United States creates regional tensions. This development comes amid what Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca characterizes as Cuba’s “most difficult period in perhaps the last 40 years.

    Cabinet has formally instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Wellness to develop contingency plans for the Cuban Medical Brigade program, which has served as a fundamental component of Belize’s public healthcare infrastructure for decades. The program currently employs 92 Cuban medical professionals throughout Belize, including 45 physicians who have been instrumental in delivering healthcare services to remote rural communities.

    Minister Fonseca confirmed the review during recent statements, emphasizing that while no direct threats or sanctions have been issued by US officials, the American position on Cuba remains unequivocal. “The Americans have made no secret about the fact that this is a priority issue for them in the Western Hemisphere,” Fonseca noted, referencing diplomatic exchanges with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during regional meetings in St. Kitts.

    The Foreign Minister maintained that discussions with US representatives have been conducted respectfully, describing them as “pragmatic and practical” without elements of intimidation. However, he acknowledged that the changing circumstances in Cuba necessitate strategic preparation to ensure the continuity of Belize’s healthcare system.

    While several Latin American nations have already scaled back or terminated similar medical agreements with Cuba under US pressure, Belize has until now maintained its program. The current evaluation represents a significant shift in approach, though government officials continue to express profound gratitude for Cuba’s medical contributions to the nation’s development.

    The contingency planning process will examine multiple options, including the possibility of transitioning away from Cuban medical support, though no definitive decisions have been announced. The primary objective remains safeguarding Belize’s healthcare infrastructure during a period of regional geopolitical uncertainty.

  • Female Taxi Driver Denicia Martin Charged with 5 Offences After Incident With Police

    Female Taxi Driver Denicia Martin Charged with 5 Offences After Incident With Police

    A Bethesda resident, Denicia Martin, has been formally charged with five criminal offenses following a contentious encounter with a law enforcement officer on Long Street. The incident, which occurred on March 16, escalated into a physical altercation with a female police officer, leading to Martin’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.

    The specific charges filed against Martin include disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, failure to comply with a lawful police direction, and using indecent and abusive language toward the officer. The case has garnered significant public attention after video footage of the confrontation circulated widely across social media platforms, sparking discussions about police-citizen interactions.

    During her appearance before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, Martin was granted bail set at $4,500. The bail conditions require a $1,000 cash deposit plus two sureties. Additional pretrial restrictions mandate that Martin report to the Gray’s Farm Police Station three times weekly and surrender her passport to authorities to ensure she remains within the jurisdiction.

    The judicial process has been temporarily paused with the case adjourned until May 20, when proceedings will resume. The court will then hear further evidence and testimony related to the alleged offenses. Legal experts note that such cases typically involve careful examination of both police procedure and civilian conduct during arrest situations.

  • Water storage tank restoration underway at Crabbs, minister says

    Water storage tank restoration underway at Crabbs, minister says

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a significant infrastructure project with the commencement of restoration work on a massive water storage facility at Crabbs. This critical reservoir, capable of holding approximately 1.2 million imperial gallons of water, represents a cornerstone in the nation’s comprehensive strategy to overhaul its water utility network.

    Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas provided official confirmation of the project’s progress through a video presentation, emphasizing that this rehabilitation effort constitutes an integral component of wider systemic enhancements within the Water Utilities framework. Minister Nicholas stated: ‘Restoration of this 1.2 million imperial gallon storage tank is underway at Crabbs. The infrastructural development and renovation of the country’s Water Utilities continues apace.’

    The substantial investment in water infrastructure is projected to deliver tangible improvements to water storage capabilities while facilitating more consistent and reliable distribution services to neighboring communities. This development forms part of a concerted governmental response to address persistent water supply challenges that have affected residents and businesses across the region.

    While project specifications and engineering details have been disclosed, government authorities have not yet established a definitive timeline for the completion of these rehabilitation works. The initiative reflects ongoing national commitments to modernize essential public utilities and ensure sustainable water resource management for future generations.