Carib Scope

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  • Government new strategy aims to curb illegal trade and promote formal economy

    Government new strategy aims to curb illegal trade and promote formal economy

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican government is launching a reinforced nationwide offensive against illicit trade and unfair market competition, marking a significant escalation in its enforcement strategy. Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs Minister Yayo Sanz Lovatón unveiled the plan, signaling a new phase of highly coordinated and aggressive governmental action.

    The strategic initiative, developed in close consultation with President Luis Abinader, will deploy integrated operational teams comprising inspectors from the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII) and Customs authorities. This multi-agency approach is designed to combat both physical contraband and fiscal fraud through synchronized enforcement operations, creating a more powerful deterrent effect.

    A central pillar of the strategy involves deepening the collaboration between state institutions and private sector stakeholders. This public-private partnership aims to advance national economic formalization and cultivate a business environment grounded in fair competition. Officials pointed to the operational successes of the Coordination Committee against Illicit Trade (CECCOM) as evidence of the strategy’s potential, noting the seizure of millions of dollars worth of contraband—including cigarettes, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, and adulterated beverages—in early 2026.

    Beyond economic protection, the government highlighted a major public health victory: the nation has recorded zero fatalities from adulterated alcohol consumption over the past five years, a stark contrast to a previous national crisis. The ongoing enhancement of investigative capabilities, institutional coordination, and specialized operational tools will proceed within the existing legal framework, ensuring continued progress without requiring legislative changes.

  • Government Moves to Preserve Seaview Farm Pottery Tradition

    Government Moves to Preserve Seaview Farm Pottery Tradition

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a comprehensive cultural preservation initiative focused on safeguarding the historic pottery traditions of Seaview Farm, recognized as one of the Caribbean’s oldest surviving craft traditions. Cabinet approval has been granted for multiple measures designed to protect this cultural heritage while simultaneously boosting cultural tourism.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General for Communications, confirmed the government’s commitment following a detailed proposal emphasizing the craft’s significant cultural and economic value. The initiative specifically acknowledges Seaview Farm’s unique status, where pottery techniques and craftsmanship have been transmitted through generations for over a century.

    A key component involves human capital development, with three individuals selected to undergo specialized training in traditional pottery methods, ensuring the craft’s technical continuation. Concurrently, the Ministry of Tourism will establish a formal collaboration with local artisans. This partnership will facilitate the production and supply of authentic pottery artifacts, which will be integrated into the national tourism offering and utilized as official government gifts.

    This strategic move is projected to deliver dual benefits: providing sustainable economic support for local artisans and preserving a vital aspect of the nation’s cultural identity. Officials indicate this effort forms part of a broader national strategy to synergize heritage industries with tourism development, creating a viable future for traditional crafts.

  • North Sound Racetrack Set for Major Upgrade Under New Contract

    North Sound Racetrack Set for Major Upgrade Under New Contract

    The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has sanctioned a significant redevelopment initiative for the North Sound drag racing facility, prioritizing enhanced safety measures and elevated recreational appeal. This strategic move involves a formal contractual agreement between the government and a Chinese construction enterprise tasked with executing comprehensive upgrades.

    According to Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant, the cornerstone of this project is the complete repaving of the racetrack. The primary objective is to substantially improve safety protocols at the venue, which has evolved into a major hub for community gatherings and motorsport events. Situated in proximity to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, the facility consistently draws thousands of racing enthusiasts and families, establishing itself as a vital recreational space.

    The scope of work extends beyond mere resurfacing to incorporate the installation of advanced safety mechanisms designed to offer superior protection for both participants and spectators. Government officials indicate that preliminary construction activities could commence within the next two to three weeks, pending final logistical coordination with key stakeholders in the racing community.

    This infrastructure modernization effort reflects a broader governmental strategy to upgrade recreational facilities with dual focus on local entertainment value and tourism potential. The enhancements are expected to align the North Sound track with contemporary international standards, supporting its growing popularity and diversified usage.

  • Warri Champions Named Cultural Ambassadors to Preserve Heritage

    Warri Champions Named Cultural Ambassadors to Preserve Heritage

    In a significant move to preserve intangible cultural heritage, a distinguished group of Warri game champions has been formally designated as official cultural ambassadors. This initiative represents a strategic effort to safeguard and promote the traditional board game, recognized as an important element of cultural identity and historical continuity.

    The appointment ceremony, attended by cultural preservationists and community leaders, highlighted the ambassadors’ crucial role in transmitting knowledge of Warri’s intricate rules and strategies to younger generations. The program will encompass educational workshops, intergenerational tournaments, and digital documentation projects aimed at creating comprehensive archival records of gameplay techniques and historical variations.

    Cultural anthropologists emphasize that traditional games like Warri represent more than mere recreation—they serve as living repositories of mathematical concepts, social values, and philosophical frameworks unique to their cultures of origin. The ambassador program addresses concerns about the gradual erosion of such traditional pastimes in the face of digital entertainment alternatives.

    Beyond preservation efforts, the initiative will explore contemporary applications of Warri’s strategic principles in cognitive development and educational settings. Research indicates that the game enhances mathematical reasoning, pattern recognition, and strategic thinking abilities among players of all ages.

    The cultural ambassadors will collaborate with educational institutions, museums, and community centers to develop standardized curricula and certification programs for Warri instruction. This structured approach aims to ensure the game’s preservation while simultaneously adapting its teaching methodologies to modern educational paradigms.

  • Dominican Republic reports sharp drop in maternal and infant mortality

    Dominican Republic reports sharp drop in maternal and infant mortality

    SANTO DOMINGO — The Dominican Republic’s National Health Service (SNS) has announced striking, data-backed reductions in maternal, infant, and neonatal mortality across the country’s public health system during the first quarter of 2026, when compared to figures from the same period in 2025. Health officials attribute the transformative progress to targeted investments in clinical care and expanded evidence-based preventive public health strategies.

    According to official SNS data, just 17 maternal deaths were recorded across the nation’s public health network between January and March 2026, alongside 311 infant deaths and 279 neonatal deaths. These numbers translate to dramatic proportional declines: a 57.5% drop in maternal mortality, a 21% reduction in infant mortality, and an 18% fall in neonatal mortality. The downward trend observed by the SNS matches concurrent data released by the Dominican Ministry of Public Health, which has also confirmed steady improvement in maternal and child mortality outcomes through the early months of 2026.

    Health authorities outline a clear set of policy and clinical interventions that have driven this progress. Core measures include the implementation of continuous, real-time monitoring of at-risk pregnancies and births, expanded protocols for early identification of high-risk pregnancies, and broader access to high-quality prenatal care for all patients accessing the public system. Additionally, the SNS has prioritized ongoing, hands-on training for clinical staff focused on managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies, upgraded postpartum care services, secured consistent distribution of life-saving essential medical supplies, and implemented more robust follow-up care protocols for critically ill maternal and newborn patients.

    To address infant and neonatal mortality specifically, public health leaders have focused on upgrading infrastructure at neonatal intensive care units across the country, standardized evidence-based clinical protocols for newborn care, guaranteed consistent access to life-saving key treatments, and strengthened both infection control protocols and safe inter-facility transfer systems for vulnerable newborns.

    In a statement following the release of the new mortality data, the SNS emphasized that cross-facility coordinated care and continuous systematic evaluation of underlying mortality causes have been foundational to sustaining these gains. The organization noted that these improvements mark major forward progress toward national public health goals for improving maternal and child health outcomes across all regions of the Dominican Republic.

  • British visitor fined $60,000 on cocaine charges (+video)

    British visitor fined $60,000 on cocaine charges (+video)

    In a significant drug trafficking case at Argyle International Airport, a 19-year-old British national faced substantial penalties for attempting to transport cocaine out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Warren Lee Davies from South Wales, England, received fines totaling EC$60,000 after pleading guilty to three cocaine-related charges during his first visit to the Caribbean nation.

    The incident unfolded on March 18 when Sergeant DaSouza of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, acting on intelligence, monitored Davies as he prepared to board Virgin Atlantic flight VS198 to England. At the security checkpoint following immigration, aviation security personnel requested police intervention after Davies refused to open his red-and-black carry-on suitcase.

    Using bolt-cutters to access the luggage in Davies’ presence, officers discovered three taped packages containing a white substance later confirmed as cocaine, along with four jerseys. The narcotics weighed approximately 2,500 grams (2.5 kilograms) with an estimated street value between EC$62,500 and EC$75,000.

    During legal proceedings, defense counsel Grant Connell presented mitigating circumstances, noting his client’s employment as a farmer, parental status, and immediate guilty plea. Connell argued for suspended sentencing and financial penalties rather than incarceration, emphasizing the substantial cost of imprisonment to the state.

    Chief Magistrate Colin John determined that suspended sentencing would be impractical for a non-national and instead applied sophisticated calculations based on Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Sentencing Guidelines. After considering the drug’s value, applying punitive multipliers, and incorporating discounts for mitigating factors including Davies’ youth and immaturity, the court arrived at the EC$60,000 fine.

    The structured penalty requires immediate payment of EC$20,000 for the export attempt charge with a one-year prison alternative, plus equivalent fines and prison alternatives for the remaining charges. Davies was remanded to custody pending payment but could secure release upon satisfying the financial penalties.

  • Expert team leads Antigua and Barbuda’s participation at High Seas treaty meeting at the United Nations

    Expert team leads Antigua and Barbuda’s participation at High Seas treaty meeting at the United Nations

    Antigua and Barbuda has assumed a leadership position in critical United Nations negotiations concerning the implementation of the landmark Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, widely recognized as the High Seas Treaty. A specialized delegation from the nation is actively participating in the third session of the Preparatory Commission (Prep Com III), held from March 23 to April 2, 2026, which aims to finalize the operational framework for this groundbreaking international agreement.

    The treaty’s full activation is poised to establish comprehensive protection for vast oceanic territories that lie beyond any single nation’s jurisdiction. This global governance mechanism is particularly vital for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Antigua and Barbuda, whose economic sustenance and ecological survival are intrinsically linked to marine health.

    Leading the nation’s delegation is Asha Challenger, First Secretary at the Antigua and Barbuda Permanent Mission to the UN, who also serves as a Vice President of the Preparatory Commission. She is spearheading coordination efforts with CARICOM and the Alliance of Small Island States on pivotal issues including financial mechanisms, institutional architecture, and strategic partnerships with relevant international bodies.

    Challenger is supported by a team of legal and maritime experts: Darius Joseph, Legal Officer at the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Marine Shipping (ADOMS), and Zachary Phillips, Crown Counsel II at the Office of the Attorney General. Their collective expertise underscores the nation’s profound commitment to ensuring SIDS have a decisive voice in decisions affecting their maritime future.

    This preparatory meeting represents the final convening before signatory nations gather for the inaugural Conference of the Parties, scheduled for January next year at UN Headquarters in New York. This subsequent conference will mark the treaty’s full operationalization, initiating the practical implementation of obligations for sustainable ocean use and conservation.

  • Public Half-Holiday Declared on Nevis for Gulf Insurance Primary Schools Championship Sports Meet

    Public Half-Holiday Declared on Nevis for Gulf Insurance Primary Schools Championship Sports Meet

    Residents of the Caribbean island of Nevis are set to enjoy a public half-holiday starting at noon on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to accommodate one of the territory’s most anticipated annual community events: the Gulf Insurance Primary Schools Championship Sports Meet.

    The official proclamation of the half-day work and school closure was issued by Deputy Governor-General Her Honour Mrs. Hyleeta Liburd, O.B.E., M.H., following formal guidance from the Cabinet of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA). The order applies to all public operations across the island, giving community members the flexibility to attend the regional sporting competition.

    For decades, the Primary Schools Championship Sports Meet has held a central place on Nevis’ local calendar. More than just a series of athletic contests, the event serves as a platform to highlight the emerging physical talent of young primary school students across the island, while fostering healthy team rivalry and collective school pride. Organizers and local government leaders have encouraged all Nevisians to turn out for the meet, cheer on the young competitors, and take part in celebrating a beloved longstanding community tradition.

  • Gov’t pushes skills training for Vincies at hospital building site

    Gov’t pushes skills training for Vincies at hospital building site

    The St. Vincent and the Grenadines administration is strategically utilizing the construction of the Arnos Vale hospital as a catalyst for national workforce development. Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock has announced comprehensive plans to address the country’s skilled labor deficit through this major infrastructure project.

    During a recent press briefing in Kingstown, Leacock revealed two parallel initiatives: implementing substantial on-the-job training programs and addressing compensation disparities between local and foreign workers. The government has formally raised concerns with the project contractor, Taiwan-based Overseas Engineering & Construction Co. (OECC), regarding alleged wage discrimination favoring non-nationals over equally qualified Vincentian workers.

    The project’s significance is underscored by its substantial financing structure, with $125 million borrowed from Taiwan and $78 million allocated specifically for hospital construction. However, Leacock estimates the total cost could reach approximately EC$400 million, making it one of the nation’s most significant capital projects.

    Leacock, drawing on his expertise as a former human resources manager, outlined a dual approach: “We cannot have a project of this magnitude while continuing to discuss skilled labor shortages. This presents an ideal opportunity for workforce development through practical training in construction trades including masonry, electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry.”

    The government plans to collaborate with the Technical College, located conveniently within five minutes of the construction site, to establish specialized training units. These initiatives will operate separately from existing contractual obligations to avoid further delaying the already behind-schedule project, which has fallen twelve months behind its original timeline.

    Laverne King, Minister of State for Education and Vocational Training, who accompanied Leacock on an official delegation to Taiwan, characterized the situation as a “missed opportunity” by the previous administration. She emphasized the current government’s commitment to integrating skills development with major infrastructure projects despite complexities involving insurance requirements and liability concerns for student trainees.

    The administration has also expanded the hospital’s scope from an acute referral facility to a full-service general hospital, incorporating maternity and pediatric wards. Government officials maintain that workforce development initiatives will complement rather than hinder construction progress, creating what Leacock describes as a “clear win-win for both sides” in terms of infrastructure development and human resource capacity building.

  • Dominican kitesurfer Davisito wins King of the Air at Salinas Fest 2026

    Dominican kitesurfer Davisito wins King of the Air at Salinas Fest 2026

    One of the most anticipated international wind sports competitions of the year, Salinas Fest 2026, wrapped up in Colombia with a stunning display of skill from Dominican kitesurfers, who took the top two spots on the podium in the sport’s most prestigious King of the Air division.

    Angel David Bonilla Zayas, better known to fans and competitors as “Davisito,” delivered a masterclass in aerial control and precision throughout the four-day event, outperforming 145 fellow riders to claim the coveted first-place title. The Dominican Republic’s victory streak did not end there: Davisito’s training partner Carlos, popularly known as “Carlito,” followed closely behind to secure second place, marking a historic one-two finish that solidifies the Caribbean nation’s growing global reputation as a kitesurfing powerhouse.

    Both elite athletes are products of the Kite Buen Hombre development program, a structured training initiative led by celebrated veteran kitesurfer Félix Martínez. Nestled along the Dominican coast, Buen Hombre beach has emerged as one of the most sought-after training hubs in the Caribbean, thanks to its consistent trade winds, shallow flat-water zones, and open aerial ranges that provide ideal conditions for honing competitive kitesurfing skills. The program’s success in producing top-ranked international athletes is no accident, rooted in years of intentional development, cross-border coaching partnerships, and access to world-class natural training infrastructure.

    This year’s iteration of Salinas Fest drew competitors from 12 nations across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, cementing its status as one of South America’s largest and most respected elite wind sports competitions. In post-victory interviews, Davisito highlighted the diverse training experiences that contributed to his win, noting that off-season training stints in Cape Town — another global kitesurfing hub — helped him refine his technique and prepare for the high-stakes competitive environment. Even as he draws on international training opportunities, the athlete remains committed to representing the Dominican Republic on the global kitesurfing circuit, turning his podium win into a platform to showcase the nation’s growing strength in the sport.

    The Dominican one-two finish at Salinas Fest 2026 is more than a single competition success: it signals the arrival of the country as a leading force in competitive kitesurfing, and underscores the impact of targeted athletic development and access to world-class training conditions in cultivating elite international talent.