Carib Scope

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  • Atompai steunt onderwijsactie: Leerkrachten kunnen niet blijven wachten

    Atompai steunt onderwijsactie: Leerkrachten kunnen niet blijven wachten

    A senior Surinamese parliamentary figure has publicly thrown his full support behind a national collective action by teachers, calling on the government to end years of broken promises and deliver tangible improvements to educators’ underpaid and under-resourced working conditions.

    Poetini Atompai, a member of the National Assembly for the NPS party and chair of the body’s permanent education committee, told local outlet Starnieuws he aligns entirely with the joint education unions’ call for teachers to stay away from work starting Monday to participate in a national consultation over long-outstanding demands. The action will remain in place until the government implements concrete steps to honor prior agreements and meet long-overdue financial commitments to the nation’s teaching workforce.

    Atompai, who previously led the Surinamese Police Union, argues that after years of empty pledges, the government can no longer delay providing clear answers on when and how educators’ professional and financial standing will be improved. He stressed that financial constraints cannot be an indefinite excuse for the persistent struggles teachers face, noting that many currently survive on a monthly salary of just 13,000 Surinamese dollars, paired with inadequate work infrastructure and support. This current situation is no longer sustainable, he added.

    Since taking office as a lawmaker, Atompai says he has repeatedly raised alarm over teachers’ legal and employment rights, bringing the issue to the attention of relevant authorities across the government. “Teachers have no visibility into any improvements to their situation. We promised them progress, and now we owe them clarity on what will be done, how it will happen and when it will happen. That is why this action is necessary right now,” Atompai stated.

    He pushed back on the government’s justification of limited public finances, arguing that this does not justify abandoning the country’s educators. “If there is no money, are teachers just supposed to die?” he asked. Atompai recalled that the current administration raised expectations for improved living standards during its election campaign, and it therefore has a binding responsibility to deliver on those promises.

    Drawing on his observations over the past year in office, Atompai offered a sharp rebuke of the country’s political leadership. “Based on everything I have seen over the past year in politics, my clear conclusion is this: the political establishment has other priorities. Moving the country forward is not its number one goal,” he said.

    Currently, the government and the Ministry of Education are holding ongoing negotiations with the education unions over the demands.

  • Cooperation : Working session on various development projects with France

    Cooperation : Working session on various development projects with France

    On May 28, 2026, senior Haitian government officials and a senior French delegation gathered in Port-au-Prince for a substantive working session focused on advancing collaborative development initiatives aligned with Haiti’s top national priorities. Leading the Haitian side was Sandra Paulemon, Haiti’s Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, joined by her senior leadership team including Guy Roméro Latry, Director General of the Ministry, and Paul Ruddy Mentor, Chief of Staff. The French delegation was headed by Antoine Michon, French Ambassador to Haiti, and included senior representatives from two key French development institutions: Expertise France and the French Development Agency (AFD).

    Opening the session, Minister Paulemon opened by highlighting the longstanding productive partnership between Haiti and France, singling out the robust cooperation the two nations have built in the critical security sector. She outlined the three core priorities laid out in the current Haitian government’s National Pact, under the leadership of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime: restoring widespread national security, driving inclusive economic and social recovery across the country, and successfully organizing upcoming general elections.

    Paulemon also raised a key procedural point to improve future project delivery: she called on international development partners to integrate Haiti’s Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation into project design and planning from the earliest stages. This closer involvement, she argued, would enable stronger cross-sector coordination, as well as more rigorous ongoing monitoring and evaluation of all external development interventions to ensure they deliver intended outcomes for Haitian communities.

    In response, Ambassador Michon and his team presented the full portfolio of French-supported projects currently active across Haiti, totaling roughly 15 initiatives spread across multiple regions and key sectors. These projects span agriculture, food security, primary and secondary education, public health, democratic governance, biodiversity conservation, and cultural preservation. Michon reaffirmed France’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Haitian government in advancing the three national priorities outlined by Paulemon.

    The ambassador detailed existing French security assistance already underway: this includes ongoing training programs for Haitian military personnel hosted in Martinique, and multiple capacity-building initiatives tailored to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Haitian National Police. He also outlined the scope of French humanitarian and social development work across the country, and confirmed France stands ready to provide full support to Haitian electoral authorities as they prepare for the upcoming planned elections.

    The session also touched on institutional capacity building within Haiti’s government. Minister Paulemon stressed the need for continued long-term technical support for staff at both her ministry and other sectoral government bodies, with a specific focus on leveraging specialized expertise from institutions like Expertise France. She outlined ongoing internal reforms aimed at strengthening the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation, including expanding the mandate and resources of the Directorate of Public Investment and reinforcing the operational capacity of Study and Programming Units (UEPs) embedded within each sectoral ministry.

    Closing the working session, Paulemon reaffirmed the Haitian government’s commitment to deepening ongoing dialogue with all international development partners, with the shared goal of improving coordination of development interventions and ensuring all external support aligns closely with the national development priorities set by the democratically elected Haitian government.

  • Mother’s Day, Messages of Tribute to Haitian Mothers

    Mother’s Day, Messages of Tribute to Haitian Mothers

    As Haiti marked its 2026 Mother’s Day celebration on January 6, senior government officials across multiple cabinet portfolios have issued public tributes recognizing the extraordinary resilience, sacrifice and foundational role of Haitian mothers both at home and across the global diaspora. The tribute comes as the Caribbean nation continues to grapple with widespread political instability, insecurity and widespread uncertainty that has disrupted daily life for millions of Haitian citizens.

    In his official address, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé extended a solemn message of gratitude to all Haitian mothers, framing them as unshakable pillars of the nation. ‘In the midst of the turmoil our country is experiencing, they remain steadfast,’ the prime minister stated. He described Haitian mothers as living symbols of courage, dignity, and unwavering hope, noting that their daily sacrifices, boundless love and quiet faith keep families intact and preserve the shared values that bind Haitian society together.

    Fils-Aimé emphasized that these women serve as the quiet but indispensable foundation of national cohesion. By nurturing solidarity within their communities and households, Haitian mothers reinforce a core truth: that national unity is Haiti’s greatest strength, and long-term stability is rooted first in the love and connection of the home. ‘The Government bows before these women who, despite insecurity, fear, and uncertainty, continue to protect, educate, and love, without ever giving up,’ he said. ‘It is thanks to them that the hope for a more stable and fraternal future remains alive.’

    Closing his address, the prime minister extended the nation’s formal gratitude: ‘To you, mothers of Haiti: the Republic thanks you. Your strength honors the Nation. Your love shows us the way. Together, hand in hand, we will build upon your solid foundations a more united, more peaceful, and prouder Haiti. Happy Mother’s Day! May God bless every Haitian mother and protect Haiti.’

    Valéry Fils-Aimé, Haiti’s Minister of the Environment, also released a tribute centering the contributions of mothers working within his department and across the country. He praised the tireless commitment of Haitian mothers who balance professional responsibilities protecting Haiti’s natural environment—one of the nation’s most valuable shared heritage—with their demanding roles as caregivers and family leaders. ‘Through their courage, their sense of duty, their selflessness, and their constant commitment, they contribute every day to the smooth functioning of the institution and to the noble mission of protecting our environment,’ he noted. He added that even amid daily challenges, these women carry out their work with unwavering professionalism, pride and dignity, while still showing boundless devotion to their families. Fils-Aimé extended his gratitude for their contributions to national sustainable development and community well-being, wishing all Haitian mothers a day of joy and well-earned recognition.

    Kathia VERDIER, Minister for Haitians Living Abroad, used the occasion to shine a particular spotlight on Haitian mothers in the global diaspora. She highlighted the daily struggles these mothers face, from geographic separation from their extended communities to systemic and economic challenges, as they work tirelessly to build better futures for their children and support their families back in Haiti. ‘Despite distance, difficulties, and separation, [these mothers] continue to be the pillars of their families,’ Verdier stated, praising their strength, determination and commitment to core Haitian values, before extending holiday wishes to all mothers.

    In a break from official statements, Pedrica SAINT JEAN, Minister for the Status of Women, marked the occasion with on-the-ground outreach to new mothers. On May 31, Saint Jean visited two healthcare facilities: a hospital in Delmas 33 and the Eliazar Germain Hospital Center in Pétion-Ville, where she distributed essential maternity care kits to dozens of women who had recently given birth. During her visits, she commended the extraordinary courage, resilience and dedication that all Haitian mothers demonstrate, even amid daily hardship, noting their irreplaceable role in holding families together and driving long-term societal progress. She also reaffirmed her ministry’s ongoing support for Haitian mothers on the day dedicated to honoring their contributions.

    Rounding out the government’s tributes, Minister of Public Works Pierre Louis drew a connection between national development and the work of mothers. ‘Building the future of a nation is not just about infrastructure; it begins with the love, education, and resilience that you transmit every day,’ he said. ‘Through your sacrifices, you pave the most beautiful paths: those of life and hope. Honor and respect to you.’

  • Emergency intervention to help more than 400,000 Haitians

    Emergency intervention to help more than 400,000 Haitians

    Amid a catastrophic humanitarian emergency that has left more than half of Haiti’s population dependent on outside aid, a cross-organizational humanitarian partnership has launched a large-scale emergency intervention to support over 400,000 people grappling with the fallout of spreading armed conflict and mass displacement.

    Known as the REZILYANS AYITI consortium, the initiative brings together five leading global and local humanitarian actors: Plan International, the Centre for Rural Development and Community Action (CAPAC), Mercy Corps, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), and Save the Children. Backed by funding from the Regional Humanitarian Fund for Latin America and the Caribbean, the response will focus on three hard-hit Haitian departments: West, Central, and Artibonite, running through October 2026.

    Haiti’s ongoing crisis has pushed the country to the brink of a widespread humanitarian collapse. Current data confirms that 6.4 million Haitians—more than 50% of the total population—require urgent life-saving assistance. An April 2026 analysis from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns that 5.8 million people are currently facing acute food insecurity, with conditions worsening by the month. Mass population displacement triggered by escalating violence has cut off millions from access to basic healthcare, clean water, and other essential services, while driving up protection risks for vulnerable groups across the country. Experts have repeatedly called for rapid, coordinated, multi-sector action to stem the worsening situation.

    The REZILYANS AYITI project will target 10 vulnerable communities across the three priority regions, with a layered set of interventions designed to address both immediate needs and longer-term community resilience. The core of the response includes flexible multipurpose cash assistance for displaced households and the local communities that have welcomed them. The initiative also prioritizes strengthening food security, expanding access to safe drinking water, upgrading hygiene and sanitation infrastructure, and scaling up critical nutrition services. Specifically, the program will improve access to prevention, early screening, and clinical treatment for global acute malnutrition in both displacement camps and host communities.

    A key pillar of the intervention is a dedicated child protection framework, tailored to support minors disproportionately impacted by the conflict. This includes integrated psychosocial support for children who have experienced trauma, systematic case management for at-risk youth, and targeted community outreach to identify separated, unaccompanied, or otherwise vulnerable children. Once identified, children are referred to specialized essential services, with particular focus placed on meeting the unique needs of girls and other marginalized groups facing heightened protection risks.

    Against a backdrop of unmet, steadily growing humanitarian needs across Haiti, the REZILYANS AYITI consortium’s integrated, community-centered approach marks a major effort to reverse some of the worst impacts of the ongoing crisis. Beyond meeting immediate survival needs, the initiative is designed to reduce widespread protection risks, restore a sense of dignity for displaced and conflict-affected populations, and build long-term resilience for communities that have borne the brunt of years of escalating instability.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Senegal als verrassende outsider met grote ambities

    Derde helft WK 2026: Senegal als verrassende outsider met grote ambities

    As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Senegal prepares to make its third consecutive appearance at the global tournament, arriving as widely ranked Africa’s strongest contender with a bold goal: lifting the world’s most coveted football trophy.

    This campaign comes 24 years after the Teranga Lions made their iconic World Cup debut in 2002, when they delivered one of the biggest upsets in tournament history by beating defending champions France 1-0 in their opening match. That historic upset kickstarted a remarkable run for the first-time entrants: Senegal topped a challenging group featuring Denmark and Uruguay, knocked out Sweden in the round of 16, and only suffered a narrow 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Turkey, still the nation’s best World Cup performance to date.

    A generation later, Senegal has carried that momentum to the 2026 cycle, completing an undefeated qualifying run and notching a landmark win last June that sent a warning to the world’s elite: the side became the first African men’s team to defeat England at Wembley, running out 3-1 winners against the Three Lions. While their recent Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco was marred by a temporary team walk-off in protest of a controversial penalty call, few question the depth of individual talent and collective strength Aliou Cissé’s side has built.

    At the head of this squad is 34-year-old captain Sadio Mané, who is widely expected to play his final World Cup before retiring from international football after the tournament. Despite a natural reduction in pace that comes with age, Mané remains a world-class talent, lauded for his technical ball control, game reading and influential leadership that has defined Senegal’s success in recent years. The Al-Nassr forward, who played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo to help his club claim the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, has extra motivation to finish his international career on a high: he missed Senegal’s 2022 World Cup campaign through injury, making this tournament his long-awaited chance to compete on the global stage one last time. Mané, who led Senegal to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and was named the tournament’s best player, is also the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 53 goals in 126 senior caps.

    Manager Pape Thiaw, who took over from long-time coach Aliou Cissé in late 2024, has also been a central figure in the team’s recent trajectory. He guided Senegal to an undefeated qualifying run, the historic Wembley win over England, and led the side to the 2025 AFCON final. Thiaw’s position has not been without controversy, however: he came under widespread scrutiny after ordering his players to walk off the pitch in protest of the controversial penalty in the AFCON final, a move that saw the Confederation of African Football strip Senegal of the title despite their on-field win. Ahead of the World Cup, fans and analysts alike are hoping Thiaw will bring a calmer, more measured approach to the global tournament, as Senegal’s on-pitch talent speaks for itself.

    Many of Senegal’s key players ply their trade in Europe’s top five leagues, bringing a mix of experience, pace and young potential to the squad. Chelsea and Napoli veteran Kalidou Koulibaly, 35, anchors the defense with decades of top-flight experience. In midfield, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Lamine Camara provide solidity, while Tottenham Hotspur’s Pape Matar Sarr offers dynamic energy despite a difficult club season, and Sunderland’s Habib Diarra is marked as one of the breakout young talents to watch. Up front, Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr was instrumental in the win over England, while Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye adds pace and creative threat, and Bayern Munich loanee Nicolas Jackson – a physical, fast striker – is widely expected to be one of Senegal’s key attacking outlets.

    The squad also features a wave of exciting teenage prospects, including 18-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder Bara Ndiaye and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye, signaling the long-term strength of Senegal’s player development pathway.

    Analysts have flagged two key weaknesses for Senegal heading into the tournament: the advanced age of several of its star players, and inconsistency among some of the side’s creative talents. Compounding these challenges is the team’s difficult group stage draw: Senegal has been placed in Group I alongside defending champions France, Norwegian powerhouse led by Erling Haaland, and intercontinental play-off winner Iraq.

    Senegal will be aiming to repeat its 2002 opening-match upset against France, though the 2026 version of Les Bleus will not make the mistake of underestimating the African side, as their predecessors did 24 years prior. The match against Norway will also be a stern test, as Senegal’s solid defense, which proved impenetrable for most of qualifying, will face its toughest test against one of the world’s best strikers in Haaland. Senegal enters its final group match against Iraq as the favorite, but the side may be forced to field its first-choice players for the full 90 minutes depending on results from the first two group fixtures.

    Senegal’s full 28-man preliminary 2026 World Cup squad is as follows:
    – Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahly), Mory Diaw (Le Havre), Yehvann Diouf (Nice)
    – Defenders: Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa), Moussa Niakhate (Lyon), Ismail Jakobs (Galatasaray), Mamadou Sarr (Strasbourg), Antoine Mendy (Nice), Ilay Camara (Anderlecht), El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham), Krepin Diatta (Monaco), Moustapha Mbow (Paris FC)
    – Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Pape Gueye (Villarreal), Lamine Camara (Monaco), Habib Diarra (Sunderland), Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Bayern München)
    – Forwards: Sadio Mane (Al Nassr), Bamba Dieng (Lorient), Nicolas Jackson (Bayern München), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), Cherif Ndiaye (Samsunspor), Cheikh Sabaly (Metz), Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG), Assane Diao (Como)

    Thiaw will cut the squad to the required 26 players before the tournament kicks off. Most analysts predict Senegal will put on an impressive showing at the 2026 World Cup, though the side may ultimately lack the consistent creativity and elite depth needed to claim the overall title.

    Senegal’s 2026 World Cup Group Stage Fixtures:
    16 June: France vs Senegal (New Jersey, USA)
    22 June: Norway vs Senegal (New Jersey, USA)
    26 June: Senegal vs Irak (Toronto, Canada)

  • Long Bay Zen Resort Will Not Affect Public Beach Access

    Long Bay Zen Resort Will Not Affect Public Beach Access

    During a recent appearance on his weekly ‘Browne and Browne’ radio program Saturday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has moved to dismiss growing public and political criticism over the newly groundbreaking Long Bay Zen Resort, pushing back hard against claims that the luxury tourism development will block public access to the popular Long Bay Beach.

    A core point of contention raised by opponents, including political figure Comrade Knight, centers on assertions that the resort project will seize remaining public beachfront land and close off the coastline to local residents. Browne refuted these claims emphatically, clarifying that the new resort is being constructed exclusively on the footprint of the original Long Bay Hotel, a hospitality site that has operated on the stretch of coast for more than 50 years. Far from being a new encroachment on public coastal lands, he framed the project as a long-planned redevelopment of existing private tourism property.

    The project’s timeline dates back more than a decade, Browne explained. Developers acquired the former hotel property roughly 11 years ago, with initial plans for a much larger buildout. The initiative faced a major setback when investors lost tens of millions of dollars deposited in an offshore bank that collapsed into financial distress, pushing back construction for years. Despite the major financial hit, Browne noted that the development consortium remained committed to moving the project forward, bringing the long-delayed initiative to the groundbreaking stage this year.

    Browne also addressed lingering controversy surrounding a one-acre beachfront plot that was previously owned by his son, a point critics have flagged as a potential conflict of interest. He laid out the full history of the parcel, explaining that it first entered the market when the prior owner of the Long Bay Hotel, Chris LaFourie, sold it in 2014. A previous plan under the former United Progressive Party (UPP) administration had proposed acquiring this plot as part of an earlier hotel expansion, a move that Browne’s Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) opposed at the time out of concern that it would reduce public beach access for local residents.

    That earlier proposal ultimately fell through, and the parcel was returned to the open market, where multiple private buyers expressed interest. Browne confirmed that his son purchased the one-acre plot for $750,000 in a private transaction, before later selling it to the Chinese development group behind the Long Bay Zen Resort for $1.5 million. The prime minister emphasized that the entire deal was a straightforward transaction between two private entities, with no improper access to public land or policy favors involved.

    The luxury Long Bay Zen Resort, which recently held its groundbreaking ceremony on Antigua’s eastern coast, is designed to include 120 guest rooms as a high-end tourism destination aimed at boosting the island nation’s hospitality sector. Browne’s comments come as part of ongoing efforts to build public trust and address misinformation surrounding the project ahead of its continued development.

  • National Youth Council of Dominica elects new Executive Committee; outgoing president describes tenure as rewarding and challenging

    National Youth Council of Dominica elects new Executive Committee; outgoing president describes tenure as rewarding and challenging

    The National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD) has formally ushered in a new term of youth leadership, wrapping up its electoral process to seat a new 2026–2028 Executive Committee that will steer the organization’s work for the next two years.

    Heading the new leadership slate is President Yannick Regis, while Jemima Mills has taken up the role of General Assembly Chairman. The full executive team includes Dylan Registe as First Vice President, Keanu Winston as Second Vice President, and Shervin Dominique stepping into the position of Communications Lead. Rounding out the elected body are Nicole Eustache, who serves as Assistant Secretary Treasurer, and two additional members at large: Dezarie Burnette and Jeanique Hypolite.

    The handover of power comes as outgoing NYCD President Phael Lander delivered a reflective farewell address, looking back on his tenure as one of the most transformative periods of his life, marked by both profound rewards and significant leadership hurdles. Lander opened up about the unseen challenges of guiding the youth council, noting that every public initiative and official appearance was undergirded by unspoken hardships, from navigating stretched budgets to weathering unexpected crises that hit the organization in recent years.

    Among the most severe setbacks Lander highlighted were a series of damaging incidents at NYCD headquarters: a fire on May 5 that caused extensive water damage from firefighting efforts, followed shortly by a burglary that left the organization reeling. Even with limited resources and compounded adversity, Lander emphasized that the entire council community showed remarkable resilience to keep its programs running for young Dominicans.

    In his address, Lander expressed sincere gratitude to the departing executive, partner organizations, affiliated youth groups, volunteer workers, and young people across Dominica for their steadfast support through turbulent times. While he acknowledged that he left office with unmet goals that he had hoped to deliver, he stressed that every decision and effort during his tenure was rooted in a single core mission: serving the needs of the Dominican youth population.

    Offering key guidance to the incoming executive team, Lander urged the new leaders to prioritize collaborative work, anchor all decisions in the NYCD constitution, avoid letting personal conflicts or individual ambition distract from the organization’s core mission, and always retain sight of their foundational purpose for entering public service. He reminded the new team that the National Youth Council as an institution far outlasts any individual leader, noting that elected officials are only temporary caretakers of the organization’s mission.

    Lander closed by thanking Dominican youth for the trust they extended to him during his tenure, and for holding him accountable throughout his time in office. Even as he steps down from the presidency, Lander reaffirmed that his commitment to advancing youth development in Dominica remains unshaken. “The title may be gone, but the commitment to youth development remains. The work continues,” he said.

  • Fort Road Man Held After Police Recover Large Cache of Suspected Stolen Property

    Fort Road Man Held After Police Recover Large Cache of Suspected Stolen Property

    In a major law enforcement operation carried out early on the morning of Sunday, May 31, 2026, officers from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda have recovered an extensive cache of suspected stolen property and taken a local Fort Road resident into custody for questioning. The operation, led by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Task Force, got underway at approximately 6:30 a.m., when law enforcement personnel executed a judicially authorized search warrant at the suspect’s residential property in the Fort Road district of St. John’s.

    Upon searching the premises, investigators uncovered a massive assortment of unaccounted-for goods spanning multiple categories, ranging from high-value consumer electronics to industrial and construction supplies. The full list of recovered items includes a wide array of household appliances: televisions, stoves, microwave ovens, blenders, pressure cookers, rice cookers, ceiling fans, and air fryers, as well as large-scale equipment such as generators, air-conditioning units, and water pumps. Construction and power tools were also among the haul, including chain saws, drills, sanders, weed trimmers, air compressors, complete tool kits, and construction materials such as fencing wire, bulk electrical supplies, and plumbing and bathroom fixtures. Additional items found included several cellular phones, multimedia projectors, and assorted hardware supplies.

    Following the discovery of the unclaimed property, the resident occupying the searched property was placed under arrest on two charges: suspicion of larceny and suspicion of receiving stolen property. He was subsequently transported to St. John’s Police Station, where he remains in custody as the investigation progresses, alongside all of the recovered goods that will serve as evidence in the case.

    In the aftermath of the operation, the Royal Police Force has issued a public appeal to residents of Antigua and Barbuda who have recently filed reports of stolen property from their homes, commercial businesses, active construction sites, or private storage facilities. Law enforcement officials are encouraging any individual who believes any of the recovered items may be their property to visit the CID headquarters in person with formal proof of ownership to aid investigators in the ongoing identification and ownership verification process.

    At this stage of the probe, police are working to trace the full origins of all seized goods, and are actively exploring potential connections between this cache and a series of unsolved larceny and burglary reports that have been filed across the island in recent months. Anyone holding additional information that could help move the investigation forward is requested to contact the Criminal Investigations Department directly at the phone lines 462-3913 or 462-3914, or to submit an anonymous tip through the independent Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).

  • Sir Paul Altman, Celia Toppin among six honoured with heritage award

    Sir Paul Altman, Celia Toppin among six honoured with heritage award

    Barbados’ annual celebration of national history and culture kicked off this year with a distinguished award ceremony honoring five trailblazers who have dedicated their careers to protecting and promoting the island’s unique legacy. To mark the opening of 2026 Heritage Month, the Office for Pan-African Affairs and Heritage joined forces with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and the Barbados National Trust to present the coveted Fielding Babb Heritage Recognition Awards, an honor that recognizes extraordinary contributions to documenting and preserving Barbados’ cultural and built heritage.

    This year’s Heritage Month is centered on the unifying theme “Safeguarding and Celebrating Our Heritage”, a framing that highlights both the ongoing work of protection and the joy of sharing cultural legacy with new generations. Among the 2026 award recipients is Sir Paul Altman, a veteran preservationist with over 40 years of experience in heritage conservation and urban renewal. As a former president of the Barbados National Trust, Altman is widely celebrated for leading the restoration of the 17th-century Synagogue Historic District, a landmark project that balanced modern real estate development with sensitive historical preservation, setting a benchmark for similar projects across the region.

    Cultural policy pioneer Celia Toppin also received the award in recognition of her foundational work shaping Barbados’ cultural ecosystem. Toppin drafted the island’s first national cultural policy, and later went on to serve as a Cultural Heritage Project Manager with the Organisation of American States, where she developed the first national registers of historic sites across multiple Caribbean nations. Veteran visual historian and photographer Ronnie Carrington rounded out the three most high-profile honorees, recognized for his decades of work documenting everyday Bajan life. Famous for his beloved Bajan Folkways documentary series and popular Footprints of our Heritage guided tours, Carrington is currently putting the final touches on a new photobook titled *Shelters in the Shadows*, which traces the social and architectural history of the iconic Barbadian chattel house. The remaining awards went to former diplomat Michael King and cultural heritage conservationist Steve Devonish, who was named 2026 Heritage Steward of the Year.

    In acceptance remarks, Toppin expressed gratitude for the recognition while issuing a call to action for greater investment in cultural heritage and youth engagement. “I would really like to see more done in the area of culture and cultural heritage,” she said, stressing that young people must be at the center of future heritage work. “I would like to see a greater integration of culture and heritage into our economy, especially for the young people.”

    Sir Paul echoed her gratitude, sharing that he never expected formal recognition for work he pursued out of passion. “You are always honoured when you get an award for some of the things you do without expecting a reward,” he said. “I am proud to have received this, and I will cherish it and continue to do what I do.”

    Throughout the month of June, the celebration will extend far beyond the opening award ceremony with a packed public calendar of events designed to deepen national pride and expand public access to Barbados’ heritage. The Barbados National Trust will offer free entry to multiple historic sites across the month, including Arlington House Museum on June 6 and Gun Hill Signal Station on June 20. Cultural tourism will take center stage on June 20, when the BTMI will host Dinner with Florence Daysh, an immersive evening of live music and theatrical storytelling that explores the roots of modern Barbadian identity.

    Other highlighted events include a June 18 lecture on the evolution of Barbados’ rum and molasses industry in the post-Independence era at St Mary’s Church, the fourth annual Bridgetown Antiques Market and Literary Bus Tours on Father’s Day (June 21), and a youth-led digital webinar on the intersection of heritage preservation and modern technology on June 25. The full schedule also includes Standpipe Stories: Bay Street Edition and the St Mary’s Heritage Tea Party on June 27, Modern Day Griots: Voices of Today at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre on June 28, and a showcase of the new Atlantic Stories digital archive at the Barbados Archives Department, scheduled to close out the month on June 30.

    Organizers of the 2026 Heritage Month observance emphasize that the wide-ranging program serves a dual purpose: while it honors the island’s layered, rich history, it also positions heritage as a core driver of Barbados’ future, encouraging all members of the public to engage with and carry forward national legacy for coming generations.

  • A Star is Born: Aadaiyah Takes the Golden Boot

    A Star is Born: Aadaiyah Takes the Golden Boot

    To be completed once full original news content is provided.