Carib Scope

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  • Goddard-McCarthy selected by IOC to cover Youth Olympics

    Goddard-McCarthy selected by IOC to cover Youth Olympics

    Nathan Goddard-McCarthy, a 23-year-old sports journalist from Barbados, has achieved international recognition by securing a coveted spot in the International Olympic Committee’s Young Reporters Programme. He stands among only 15 young media professionals globally chosen for this prestigious initiative from an initial pool of 271 applicants aged 18-24 worldwide.

    The programme will see Goddard-McCarthy covering the upcoming World Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled from October 31 to November 13. His selection marks a significant milestone as he becomes the sole Caribbean representative in this year’s cohort, particularly notable given Barbados’ population of approximately 280,000 people.

    Goddard-McCarthy, a former athlete and Combermere School alumnus, has built a substantial following through his digital platform ‘Natesportstalk’ on Instagram. What began as a spontaneous passion project during a beach outing with his camera has evolved into a respected hub for Caribbean sports journalism, particularly focused on track and field coverage.

    The application process required candidates to submit comprehensive portfolios including written articles, photography, and videography samples, along with essays detailing their career aspirations and vision for impacting the media landscape. The programme offers specialized training in photography, broadcasting, and journalism techniques.

    Reflecting on his achievement, Goddard-McCarthy described the moment as “surreal,” emphasizing the honor of representing both Barbados and the wider Caribbean region. His primary objective for the Dakar Olympics involves showcasing Caribbean athletic talent and demonstrating that smaller nations can achieve global sporting prominence.

    The young journalist follows in the footsteps of fellow Barbadian Anmar Goodridge-Boyce, who participated in the same programme in 2018. Goddard-McCarthy attributes his success to resilience and patience, having pursued Sports Education at the University of the West Indies while exploring various sports-related disciplines before finding his calling in sports media.

    Looking beyond the Olympics, Goddard-McCarthy plans to expand into podcast production, aiming to document stories of Barbadian athletes both past and present. He acknowledges the support of his family, girlfriend, and mentors Terry Finisterre and Taahir Bulbulia, along with his growing audience who have supported his digital journey.

  • Historic Catholic School to Become National Art Gallery

    Historic Catholic School to Become National Art Gallery

    In a landmark decision for cultural development, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has greenlit the creation of The National Art Gallery of Antigua and Barbuda. The institution will occupy the historically significant former Catholic School building situated near Government House in St. John’s, marking a transformative reuse of heritage architecture.

    Prime Minister Honourable Gaston Browne championed the initiative, recognizing it as a pivotal advancement for the nation’s cultural and creative sectors. The gallery will officially be named the Christopher Holder National Art Gallery of Antigua and Barbuda, honoring the substantial philanthropic support extended by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust for the building’s restoration and rehabilitation.

    A strategic collaboration between the Halo Foundation Inc. and the Maria Holder Memorial Trust will drive the project forward. Philanthropic funding will cover the complete restoration of the historic edifice, guaranteeing its preservation and conversion into a premier cultural institution.

    Upon completion, the gallery will function as a permanent venue for exhibiting and celebrating visual arts from Antigua and Barbuda. It is also designed to promote artistic growth and educational programs. This development directly addresses persistent appeals from local artists and cultural advocates for a dedicated national space to display the country’s creative output.

    Key anticipated benefits of the National Art Gallery include:
    – Establishing a premier national institution focused on visual arts
    – Reinforcing cultural identity and fostering national pride
    – Promoting youth involvement in arts and creative industries
    – Boosting cultural tourism and enriching St. John’s cultural offerings
    – Facilitating partnerships with regional and international art organizations

    Furthermore, the gallery will synergize with other cultural infrastructure initiatives, such as the proposed National Performing Arts Centre, aiding the formation of a dynamic cultural district in the capital city. The government reaffirms its dedication to nurturing the cultural sector as a fundamental component of national development and identity.

  • Kim Jong Un Wins “Perfect” Election Amid Rare Dissent

    Kim Jong Un Wins “Perfect” Election Amid Rare Dissent

    In a meticulously orchestrated electoral process, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected to the Supreme People’s Assembly with an officially proclaimed 99.93% endorsement from voters. The March 15 election, which recorded a purported 99.99% participation rate, marks Kim’s fifteenth term in the authoritarian regime’s parliamentary body.

    For the first time in nearly seven decades, state-controlled media outlets acknowledged a marginal fraction of opposition votes, with 0.07% of ballots reportedly cast against the leader. This rare admission has ignited waves of speculative commentary and sardonic humor across international online platforms, highlighting the unprecedented nature of this disclosure within North Korea’s political landscape.

    The election process itself functions under the absolute dominance of the Workers’ Party of Korea, which maintains stringent control over candidate selection, media representation, and public discourse. While the system technically permits voters to reject official candidates, this requires participating in a separate, non-confidential voting procedure that inevitably exposes dissenters to potential scrutiny and repercussions.

    Political analysts interpret the minimal opposition figure as a calculated gesture rather than genuine political liberalization. The inclusion of dissenting statistics appears designed to project an illusion of limited electoral freedom while simultaneously reinforcing the leadership’s unwavering authority. The Supreme People’s Assembly is scheduled to convene shortly in Pyongyang to formalize leadership appointments and potentially deliberate on constitutional amendments, following what observers characterize as Kim’s strategic restructuring of the assembly to replace established power centers with unquestionably loyal supporters.

  • Dominica bets on Thea LaFond-Gadson for World Athletics Indoor Championships 2026

    Dominica bets on Thea LaFond-Gadson for World Athletics Indoor Championships 2026

    The small Caribbean nation of Dominica will be represented by its most decorated athlete at the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland, with Olympic and World Indoor champion Thea LaFond-Gadson leading the charge in the triple jump competition.

    Scheduled for Friday, March 20 at 2:38 PM local time, LaFond-Gadson’s participation marks a significant moment for Dominican athletics as she faces elite global competitors in one of track and field’s most prestigious indoor events. The championship, organized by World Athletics, brings together over 150 nations for what promises to be a showcase of world-class athletic excellence.

    In preparation for the competition, LaFond-Gadson expressed both confidence and gratitude: ‘I’m coming into this part of the season feeling powerful and eager to bring back some hardware for Team Dominica! Most importantly, I’m grateful to be feeling healthy and pain free.’

    The Dominica Athletics Association emphasized the importance of this event for the nation’s international sporting presence, noting that officials and supporters across the island will be rallying behind their star athlete as she continues to elevate Dominica’s profile on the global athletics stage. The association’s statement highlighted how LaFond-Gadson’s continued success represents growing opportunities for Caribbean nations to compete at the highest levels of international sport.

  • SRD Check gratis toegankelijk voor Telesur-klanten, ook zonder internet

    SRD Check gratis toegankelijk voor Telesur-klanten, ook zonder internet

    In a significant move toward consumer protection and market transparency, Suriname’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation (EZOTI) has made its SRD Check price control tool completely free for all Telesur mobile network customers. The groundbreaking initiative eliminates all access barriers by requiring neither airtime credit nor active data bundles to utilize the service.

    The innovative application allows consumers to verify whether retail prices align with official government guidelines without consuming their mobile data. Even when users have exhausted their data allocation or lack account credit, the service remains fully accessible. This ensures continuous availability for citizens to check current prices of essential goods and exchange rates at any time.

    The official launch ceremony occurred at G-Sale Supermarket on Johannes Mungrastraat, where Minister Andrew Baasaron personally activated the tool by scanning a QR code with his mobile device. The implementation represents a technological advancement in consumer protection measures, enabling real-time price verification against established market guidelines.

    Retail establishments will receive promotional flyers containing QR codes that provide direct access to the SRD Check platform. The system not only empowers consumers but also supports compliant businesses by building customer trust through demonstrated price transparency. Meanwhile, the tool serves as an early detection mechanism for potential market irregularities.

    This development forms part of the ministry’s broader policy framework aimed at fostering a more transparent and equitable business environment while strengthening consumer safeguards in the digital age. The web-based platform remains accessible through https://ez.gov.sr/ for comprehensive price verification services.

  • First track titles decided at Island Champs

    First track titles decided at Island Champs

    The Daren Sammy Cricket Ground erupted in excitement on Wednesday, March 18th, as the 2026 Island Champs commenced with a spectacular display of youthful athletic prowess. The event witnessed the crowning of its first champions in a series of gripping middle-distance finals, setting the stage for an electrifying weekend of sprint showdowns.

    Neah Mortley of Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School (LHCSS) seized the spotlight in the Under-14 girls’ 1000m, delivering a strategic performance to clinch gold with a time of 3:37.8, narrowly outpacing Hailey Charles from Vieux Fort Comprehensive. Not to be outdone, Aiden Biscette of the Saint Lucia Sports Academy (SLSA) dominated the boys’ 1200m, securing victory in 4:01.6 ahead of Railey Thomas of Corinth Secondary.

    The 1500m events proved equally thrilling across multiple divisions. St. Joseph’s Convent (SJC) celebrated a double victory as Aniyah George triumphed in the Under-16 category (5:46.8) and Leneese Robinson claimed the Under-18 title (6:00.2). McKayla Olivier of Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) topped the Under-20 women’s podium with a 5:54.6 finish. In boys’ competition, Jaelen McDonald of St. Mary’s College (SMC) won the Under-16 race in 4:53.7, while Soufriere Comprehensive’s undefeated sensation Chaz Alexander blazed through his division with an impressive 4:40.4. SALCC’s Omarion Edwin rounded out the distance events by capturing the Under-20 boys’ crown in 4:44.6.

    With middle-distance finals concluded, attention now turns to Sunday’s highly anticipated sprint finals following compelling semifinal performances. An epic Under-18 girls’ 100m confrontation is brewing between Barbara-Marie Maximin of Beanefield Comprehensive (12.4s) and SJC’s Destinee Cenac. Micoud Secondary’s Mylee Chaddie emerged as the athlete to beat in Under-16 girls, posting leading times in both the 100m (12.5s) and 200m (26.8s).

    Boys’ sprint events promise equal excitement. Jermario Actille of Beanefield won his heats in the Under-18 100m and 200m, though Curtis Auguste of Anse Ger TVET Institute posted the overall fastest times (10.8s and 22.7s). The Under-16 division features a quartet of contenders—Renard Bernard, Randall Monroe, Armani Phillips, and Leonel Mathurin—who dominated their respective events. Monroe particularly impressed by adding top 400m (52.8s) and 200m (23.50s) times to his previously won long jump and high jump titles.

    Defending team champions St. Mary’s College (boys) and St. Joseph’s Convent (girls) enter Sunday’s finals positioned strongly, though they face formidable challenges from Vieux Fort Comprehensive, Soufriere Comprehensive, and the Saint Lucia Sports Academy in what promises to be a climactic conclusion to the championship meet.

  • Alexander slams Rowley over ‘irresponsible’ comments on police use of force

    Alexander slams Rowley over ‘irresponsible’ comments on police use of force

    Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape has been rocked by a heated exchange between current Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley over law enforcement policies and gender-based insults.

    Minister Alexander launched a scathing critique of Rowley’s recent statements suggesting that law enforcement might be encouraged to use lethal force against suspected individuals on land. This came in response to Rowley’s interpretation of legal advice obtained by the Attorney General regarding US kinetic strikes against drug trafficking vessels in international waters.

    Alexander emphasized that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service operates under a strict ‘use of force’ policy that clearly delineates when deadly force may be employed within legal boundaries. He characterized Rowley’s comments as “irresponsible and reckless” and suggested they could embolden criminal elements while undermining police authority.

    The controversy deepened as Alexander condemned Rowley’s use of the term “jamette” to describe Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The Minister expressed profound disappointment as an African male, highlighting the importance of respecting women and condemning derogatory language in political discourse. He questioned whether Rowley would use such language toward his own family members and emphasized the cultural values of honoring women.

    Rowley’s original comments stemmed from his concerns about the government accepting legal opinion that justified US maritime strikes against drug boats as acts of self-defense under international law. The former PM extrapolated this reasoning to suggest it could create an “inducement” for security forces to employ similar tactics on land without proper judicial oversight.

    The exchange also touched upon historical procurement decisions regarding Offshore Patrol Vessels and accusations between political parties about responsibility for the country’s crime situation, revealing deep political divisions in addressing national security challenges.

  • “Fresh Drop” No Work!

    “Fresh Drop” No Work!

    BELIZE CITY – In a definitive stance against prevalent food handling misconceptions, Dr. Nathalie Gibson of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) has publicly discredited the ‘fresh drop’ rule, asserting that any food contacting the floor must be immediately classified as waste. The declaration was made during a recent food safety presentation, where Gibson emphasized that repackaging or reusing such products constitutes a severe consumer health hazard.

    Gibson elaborated that authentic food safety protocols extend far beyond superficial practices like wearing hairnets and handwashing. She detailed BAHA’s comprehensive monitoring framework, which scrutinizes a multitude of factors within food establishments. This includes the fundamental design of facilities, the efficacy of pest control measures, and strict adherence to employee health standards by all staff members.

    A critical point underscored by Gibson was the crucial distinction between apparent cleanliness and verifiable sanitation. She posed a pivotal question to industry operators: ‘A surface might appear clean, but is there a verified protocol to ensure all food-contact surfaces have been adequately sanitized before operations commence?’

    Furthermore, Gibson highlighted that BAHA’s inspections evaluate more than just procedural compliance; they assess whether a pervasive culture of food safety is actively promoted and enforced by management. This holistic approach ensures responsibility is not relegated solely to frontline workers. Every aspect, from correct storage procedures to meticulous surface cleaning, falls under rigorous examination during official facility checks.

    Operating for nearly 26 years, BAHA’s core mandate remains the unwavering protection of public health across Belize, safeguarding consumers from preventable foodborne illnesses through education and stringent regulatory oversight.

  • Police Respond to Incident Near Bank

    Police Respond to Incident Near Bank

    Belize City authorities mobilized in response to a security incident occurring in proximity to the Belize Bank Northside Branch on Thursday. The event unfolded at the Matalon Building complex situated along the Philip Goldson Highway, triggering a swift police response.

    Preliminary investigations indicate the incident potentially involved an attempted targeting of a commercial delivery vehicle operating in the vicinity. An eyewitness account provided to authorities described observing an individual sprinting along Coney Drive before hastily mounting the rear of a waiting motorcycle, which subsequently accelerated from the scene.

    Despite the disruption, financial operations at the Belize Bank Northside Branch continued uninterrupted throughout the event. The establishment maintained normal business hours while accommodating customer transactions unimpeded. The surrounding commercial district reportedly sustained regular pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow during and after the police intervention.

    Law enforcement officials have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The precise nature of the security threat and the identities of the individuals involved remain under active investigation as authorities work to determine whether any criminal statutes were violated.

  • Caribbean Youth Film Festival originators host creativity and innovation youth forum in St Lucia

    Caribbean Youth Film Festival originators host creativity and innovation youth forum in St Lucia

    Saint Lucia became the epicenter of youthful creative energy as Dove Productions, organizers of the Caribbean Youth Film Festival, hosted a groundbreaking Creativity and Innovation Youth Forum on January 31, 2026. The event, masterminded by the Caribbean Film and Media Academy’s Teen Creators Academy, brought together emerging talents from across the region for an immersive day of artistic development and professional guidance.

    Under the leadership of Lisa Wickham, founder of Imagine Media International, the forum featured multiple interactive platforms designed to nurture young creatives. Participants engaged in specialized workshops including a Digital Creator’s Hub for content development, an Acting and Expression Circle for performance techniques, and a Writer’s Circle for narrative development. Entrepreneurship talks provided crucial business insights for aspiring creative professionals.

    The event’s pinnacle was the Storytelling and Scholarship Talkback Session, featuring extraordinary guests: Tatyana Ali, the acclaimed producer, actress and philanthropist known for her groundbreaking work in entertainment, and Dr. Vaughn Raspberry, Assistant Vice Provost for Education at Stanford University. Their dynamic dialogue offered priceless wisdom, career advice, and inspirational guidance to the next generation of Caribbean storytellers.

    The forum attracted substantial participation from both current and alumni members of the Caribbean Youth Film Festival community, with attendees expressing overwhelming enthusiasm for the enriching experience. The event concluded with the distribution of Certificates of Participation, recognizing each attendee’s dedication to artistic excellence. Organizers expressed profound pride in the initiative’s success and commitment to continuing such developmental programs for Caribbean youth.