Carib Scope

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  • 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.

  • Weir confident of third term after filing St Philip South nomination

    Weir confident of third term after filing St Philip South nomination

    In a vibrant display of political mobilization, Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate Indar Weir has officially become the first contender to complete the nomination process for the St Philip South constituency ahead of the February 11 general election. The nomination proceedings, conducted under the supervision of Returning Officer Karan Callender and Election Clerk Jacqueline Trotman, unfolded at Rices Pavillion amidst enthusiastic supporters adorned in the party’s signature red colors.

    Weir, accompanied by his campaign team, arrived at approximately 10:05 a.m. to formalize his candidacy, a procedural requirement that concluded within thirty minutes. The atmosphere was electrified by music and the visible enthusiasm of placard-bearing supporters, creating a carnival-like political spectacle.

    The incumbent parliamentarian, who has represented the constituency since 2018, expressed robust confidence in securing a third consecutive electoral victory. He revealed that his campaign apparatus was actively engaging with the constituency’s substantial electorate of over 11,000 voters. Weir acknowledged the practical challenges of maintaining regular contact with all constituents but emphasized his accessibility and responsiveness to community concerns.

    This electoral battle marks a significant transformation for St Philip South, traditionally considered a stronghold of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) before Weir’s previous successes. The upcoming election will feature a four-candidate contest, with Weir facing challenges from DLP candidate and legal professional Neil Marshall, Omar Smith representing the Friends of Democracy party, and Sean Wayne Scantlebury of the Bajan Free Party.

  • Woordvoerder president: vaste percentages ingevoerd na evaluatie

    Woordvoerder president: vaste percentages ingevoerd na evaluatie

    The Presidential Cabinet has implemented a major restructuring of ministerial allowances following an internal evaluation, establishing three fixed compensation categories of 20%, 40%, and 60%. Presidential spokesperson Roberto Lindveld confirmed the policy shift amid growing public debate surrounding supplementary payments to government officials.

    According to Lindveld, cabinet allowances have been institutional practice for approximately fifteen to sixteen years, with successive administrations implementing varying approaches to supplementary compensation. President Jennifer Simons, upon assuming office in 2025, initiated a comprehensive assessment to determine eligibility criteria and establish clear parameters for allowance distribution based on specific job functions.

    The newly implemented framework designates the 20% allowance tier for staff members who maintain daily working proximity to the president, regularly work overtime, and are ineligible for separate overtime compensation. This fixed monthly allocation aims to prevent potentially higher costs associated with traditional overtime reimbursement systems.

    Middle management personnel qualify for the 40% category, while the highest compensation tier of 60% is reserved for senior officials including directors and advisors who engage in intensive, extended-duration collaboration with the president. Lindveld emphasized that the president personally determines eligibility for this premium category based on both positional authority and demonstrated commitment.

    The presidential office’s detailed explanation represents a strategic effort to enhance transparency and provide clarity regarding the administration’s allowance policy amid increasing public scrutiny of government expenditure practices.

  • Belize Moves Toward Solar Power

    Belize Moves Toward Solar Power

    In a significant stride toward sustainable energy transformation, Belize has formally initiated development of a nationwide solar power infrastructure project. The ambitious endeavor, a collaborative effort between Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), the national government, and the International Finance Corporation, aims to establish up to 80 megawatts of large-scale solar generation capacity across multiple strategic locations.

    The project advancement commenced with BEL’s issuance of a formal ‘Request for Prequalification’ on January 26th, 2026. This preliminary procurement phase seeks to identify and vet qualified private sector entities capable of developing solar installations at three to four designated sites throughout the country.

    The operational framework will follow the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, wherein selected companies will assume full responsibility for financing, construction, ownership, and long-term operational management of the solar facilities. These private entities will maintain plant operations over a 25-year contractual period, with BEL committing to purchase the generated electricity through power purchase agreements.

    This renewable energy initiative represents a cornerstone of Belize’s national energy strategy, which targets generating 75% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The solar expansion is projected to substantially diminish Belize’s reliance on imported electricity while simultaneously enhancing grid stability and power supply reliability for consumers nationwide.

    The prequalification stage serves as the critical first filter in the competitive selection process. Only companies demonstrating robust technical expertise, financial capacity, and proven experience in utility-scale solar development will advance to the subsequent phase, where they will be invited to submit comprehensive project proposals.

  • Rise & Thrive initiative strengthens community leadership in Kingston ZOSO

    Rise & Thrive initiative strengthens community leadership in Kingston ZOSO

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A transformative initiative is delivering crucial support to community organizations operating within Kingston and St Andrew’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. The six-month Rise & Thrive project, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), represents a strategic intervention in four Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) communities: Parade Gardens, Greenwich Town, Denham Town and August Town.

    The program specifically addresses governance gaps that have emerged following the initial security-focused phases of Jamaica’s ZOSO framework. According to Project Manager Damion Hylton, while earlier ZOSO phases concentrated on ‘clearing and holding’ operations, the crucial ‘build phase’ requires strengthened community governance to ensure sustainable social and infrastructure development.

    Rather than introducing new programs, the initiative focuses on enhancing existing community-led efforts through institutional capacity building. In close collaboration with the Social Development Commission (SDC), the project provides targeted training in governance structures, project planning, financial management, and monitoring systems. This approach enables Community Development Committees (CDCs) and other grassroots organizations to transition into formal civil society entities capable of independently accessing funding and implementing programs.

    A distinctive feature of the initiative is its emphasis on youth leadership development. Recognizing that young people are both disproportionately affected by violence and statistically overrepresented in crime statistics, the program actively cultivates their participation in community decision-making processes.

    The personal impact is already evident among participants. Jada Brown, a 20-year-old university student from August Town, reports that the leadership training has transformed her self-perception: ‘Being selected as a leader for change has made me feel empowered. I believe I can use what I’ve learnt to inspire other young people.’

    Similarly, Hopeton Robinson of Parade Gardens has leveraged the initiative to advance youth development through a football program that successfully unites youths from previously conflicting communities.

    The project incorporates peacebuilding, restorative justice, and violence interruption approaches to address various community conflicts beyond crime reduction. By the conclusion of the six-month period, communities are expected to demonstrate more active CDCs, enhanced collaboration among civil society groups, and stronger partnerships with government agencies through coordinated ‘community conversations’ that assess needs and reduce effort duplication.

  • TotalEnergies Jamaica donates 1,884 solar lamps to aid hurricane recovery

    TotalEnergies Jamaica donates 1,884 solar lamps to aid hurricane recovery

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant boost to post-hurricane recovery efforts, TotalEnergies Jamaica has delivered 1,884 solar-powered lamps to humanitarian organizations across the island. The substantial donation, distributed between Food For The Poor (FFTP) and the Salvation Army, was formally presented during a ceremony at the energy company’s corporate headquarters last Friday.

    This initiative addresses a critical infrastructure gap persisting after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage. While Jamaica Public Service has worked to restore main power grids, Marsha Burrell-Rose, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at FFTP, highlighted that numerous remote mountainous communities remain without electricity and telecommunications. “These solar lamps will definitely help us because, if they don’t have anything, they do have sunlight in abundance,” she stated, expressing gratitude for the 1,164 lamps allocated to her organization.

    The Salvation Army received 720 units, which Colonel Edward Lyons, Chief Secretary for Caribbean Territorial Emergency Disaster Services, described as meeting an urgent need. “People have been calling for these same lamps for a long time,” Lyons revealed. “They are very scarce. It’s the first time this amount has ever been made available locally.” He emphasized that the lamps provide a vital alternative for residents who cannot afford generators, though distribution would require careful planning to maximize impact.

    TotalEnergies executives Howard Henry (Retail, Shops, Foods and Services Manager) and Ulanda Graham (Human Resources Director) emphasized their deliberate selection of partner organizations based on rigorous due diligence. Burrell-Rose affirmed FFTP’s operational transparency, noting their 43-year track record: “We don’t just give away items. We capture data, monitor and evaluate. We believe in showing people how we are spending their money.”

    The solar lamps represent the latest phase in TotalEnergies’ comprehensive hurricane response, which began November 13 with 700 care packages delivered to St. Elizabeth and included subsequent monetary donations of $10,000 to Jamaica Red Cross and $20,000 to FFTP in December.

    Managing Director Vincent Daniault, who witnessed the hurricane’s unprecedented destruction firsthand, expressed his personal commitment to the relief efforts. Having toured affected areas from Montego Bay to Black River, he recounted: “The buildings were destroyed and trees stripped bare. It was difficult not to act seeing the kids and people. I have never seen anything like this.”

    The distributed Sunshine 150 Solar Lamps represent advanced appropriate technology, featuring detachable solar panels, USB ports for mobile phone charging, and capability to provide up to 100 hours of illumination across four lighting modes. Valued at approximately $60 per unit internationally, these lamps have previously been deployed by TotalEnergies in energy-deprived regions of Africa, reflecting the company’s broader commitment to energy access in vulnerable communities.