Carib Scope

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  • Driver Appeals for Help After Vehicle Parts Stolen in Five Islands

    Driver Appeals for Help After Vehicle Parts Stolen in Five Islands

    Residents of the Five Islands area are confronting heightened security concerns following an audacious automotive parts theft that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday. The incident involved a white Toyota Vitz RS that was systematically stripped of its front bumper and a distinctive custom license plate inscribed with the name “Joker.

    Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that no suspects have been identified in connection with the calculated dismantling of the vehicle, which has left the car substantially damaged. The targeted nature of the theft, particularly the removal of personalized identification markers, has introduced new dimensions to local crime patterns that are troubling both police and community members.

    The vehicle’s owner has initiated a public appeal for information that might lead to the recovery of the stolen components and identification of the perpetrators. Local authorities are urging anyone with relevant information, regardless of how insignificant it might seem, to immediately contact the nearest police station or provide tips through official law enforcement channels.

    This incident has reignited discussions about vehicle security and property crime prevention measures within the community, with many residents calling for increased surveillance and patrols in residential areas where vehicles are typically parked overnight.

  • Child critical, woman stable after traffic collision

    Child critical, woman stable after traffic collision

    A serious traffic incident in Corinth has resulted in the hospitalization of two pedestrians, including a minor who remains in critical condition. The collision occurred on January 23 when a 33-year-old woman and a child were struck by an oncoming vehicle while attempting to cross a roadway.

    Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, where both victims were discovered lying on the road with multiple bodily injuries. First responders provided immediate medical treatment at the location before transferring both individuals to OKEU Hospital for specialized care and further evaluation.

    Recent updates from law enforcement indicate diverging recovery paths for the two victims. The adult female victim has achieved stable medical condition, offering some relief to concerned family members. However, the minor involved in the incident continues to fight for recovery while listed in critical condition, raising concerns about the long-term impact of the injuries sustained.

    Local police authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. The ongoing probe seeks to establish contributing factors, potential liability, and whether any traffic violations occurred leading up to the impact. Investigators are examining road conditions, vehicle speed, pedestrian actions, and driver behavior to reconstruct the events that culminated in the accident.

  • International Civil Aviation Organization Audits Antigua

    International Civil Aviation Organization Audits Antigua

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has formally initiated a comprehensive audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), marking a pivotal moment for its aviation sector. This evaluation arrives concurrently with a significant restructuring of the nation’s Airport Administration, which includes the imminent appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer and a cadre of trained personnel.

    The audit, conducted through direct engagement and on-site inspections by ICAO experts, is poised to identify critical operational irregularities. The collaborative initiative aims to formulate concrete measures to elevate performance standards, with the primary objective of reinstating the nation’s Category 1 safety status. A longstanding and unique challenge for the country has been the anomalous issue of dual private landownership within the precincts of its international airport—a singular situation among all ICAO member states for over two decades.

    The current administration is now positioned to actively consult with the global aviation authority on a structured, two-step procedure to resolve this landownership impediment. Previously, the government and the Airport Authority had sought ICAO’s guidance on this matter through a formal process known as ‘Registering a difference.’

    The ICAO Audit 2026 is anticipated to bring these pertinent issues to the forefront, enabling effective resolution through expert, real-time counsel. For smaller nations like Antigua and Barbuda, such audits present a vital opportunity to leverage international expertise to bolster the capabilities of local technicians, a collaboration visiting professionals are often eager to provide.

    This process represents a strategic opportunity for the nation to fully align with the core tenets of global aviation: stringent adherence to rules, reinforced regulations, and enhanced operational transparency.

  • Update: Emergency officials respond to St Thomas accident

    Update: Emergency officials respond to St Thomas accident

    Emergency response teams from the Barbados Fire Service were dispatched to a significant road incident in St Thomas on Tuesday morning following reports of a two-vehicle collision. The accident occurred approximately at 8:30 a.m., involving multiple casualties including school-aged children. According to official statements from fire authorities, initial assessments indicated none of the injuries sustained were life-threatening. Investigation revealed one vehicle was operated by a 16-year-old driver accompanied by a 13-year-old passenger, raising questions about juvenile driving regulations. Multiple occupants from both vehicles received immediate medical evaluation and assistance at the scene while emergency personnel secured the area. Law enforcement officials have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise circumstances and contributing factors behind the incident. The collision highlights ongoing concerns about road safety measures and youth driving practices in the region. Authorities have confirmed all involved parties were transported for additional medical evaluation as a precautionary measure despite the non-critical nature of their injuries.

  • Utilities Minister Nicholas Fires Back at Walker Over APUA Road Repair Plan

    Utilities Minister Nicholas Fires Back at Walker Over APUA Road Repair Plan

    A contentious political dispute has erupted in Antigua and Barbuda’s government over infrastructure management, pitting Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas against Barbuda MP Trevor Walker regarding proposed structural changes to road restoration operations.

    Minister Nicholas launched a vehement counterattack against Walker’s criticism of his initiative to establish a dedicated road repair crew within the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA). Nicholas pointedly reminded the public that Walker himself served as Minister of Public Works for approximately five years during the previous administration, highlighting that the chronic issue of poorly restored roads following utility work persisted throughout his tenure.

    ‘The chronic problem of APUA and PWD has existed since then,’ Nicholas asserted in his response, questioning how Walker could criticize the proposed action plan without acknowledging his own record on addressing the long-standing issue.

    Walker, speaking on Observer Radio’s ‘Big Issues’ program, had expressed serious reservations about creating what he characterized as a duplicate ‘public works’-type unit within APUA. The opposition MP argued this organizational shift could create redundancy while potentially weakening the Ministry of Works’ core responsibilities. He emphasized concerns regarding standardization, supervisory control, and accountability mechanisms, noting the public lacked clarity on whether the proposed crew would operate under Public Works supervision or function autonomously within APUA.

    Rather than transferring capabilities to the utilities authority, Walker proposed establishing a dedicated road restoration team within the Ministry of Works itself. This specialized unit would maintain technical oversight from Public Works while coordinating closely with APUA to ensure prompt response to utility-related excavations.

    Minister Nicholas framed his proposal as a practical solution to break the cycle where newly rehabilitated roads undergo emergency utility repairs only to be left with substandard restoration. An integrated APUA team, he contended, would better synchronize utility upgrades with road projects, minimizing damage to finished road surfaces. The initiative would require significant investment in equipment and staffing.

    The debate occurs against a backdrop of mounting public frustration over repeatedly excavated roads that remain poorly patched for extended periods. Both officials acknowledge the legitimate grievances of motorists and residents who face uneven road surfaces and prolonged restoration delays following essential utility repairs.

  • What we know about the Minneapolis shooting of Alex Pretti

    What we know about the Minneapolis shooting of Alex Pretti

    Minneapolis is grappling with profound tensions following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents on Saturday, marking the second such incident involving immigration enforcement personnel this month. The event has triggered a major clash between federal authorities and local leadership, with starkly contradictory narratives emerging about the circumstances.

    Pretti, a US citizen and intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was killed during what officials described as a targeted operation in the Whittier neighborhood. The confrontation occurred at approximately 9:05 a.m. near the intersection of Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street, though accounts of what transpired diverge dramatically.

    According to federal authorities, Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino stated that Pretti approached agents brandishing a 9mm handgun and exhibited violent resistance during attempts to disarm him. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the agents’ actions, characterizing their response as appropriate to an assault situation and consistent with their training protocols.

    Contradicting this official version, multiple eyewitness videos and testimonies present a different sequence of events. Footage indicates Pretti was filming agents with his phone while attempting to direct traffic near the operation area. Witness accounts suggest he intervened to assist a woman who had been shoved to the ground by an agent. Video evidence shows Pretti being pepper-sprayed and physically subdued by at least six agents while positioned between the woman and law enforcement. Critical footage captures an officer removing a handgun from Pretti’s waistband moments before another agent discharged their weapon. Audible gunshots are heard while Pretti remained pinned to the ground.

    Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed significant skepticism toward the federal account, noting Pretti was a lawful firearm owner with a permit to carry and no criminal history beyond parking violations. Chief O’Hara further revealed that federal agencies have withheld specific incident details from local police. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz denounced the federal narrative as containing falsehoods and demanded an independent investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Judicial authorities have intervened with a temporary restraining order prohibiting federal agencies from destroying or altering evidence related to the shooting.

  • India en EU bereiken baanbrekende handelsdeal: tarieven worden flink verlaagd

    India en EU bereiken baanbrekende handelsdeal: tarieven worden flink verlaagd

    In a landmark move reshaping global trade dynamics, India and the European Union have finalized a comprehensive trade agreement after two decades of negotiations. The pact, signed at Hyderabad House in New Delhi with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa in attendance, represents one of the most significant trade liberalization efforts between the major economies.

    The agreement eliminates or substantially reduces tariffs on 96.6% of EU exports to India by value, projected to save European businesses approximately €4 billion ($4.75 billion) in import duties. Conversely, the EU will eliminate tariffs on 99.5% of Indian imports within a seven-year framework, covering key Indian export sectors including seafood, leather goods, textiles, chemicals, rubber, base metals, and jewelry.

    Prime Minister Modi hailed the agreement as “the mother of all deals” that will “create tremendous opportunities for India’s 1.4 billion people and millions of Europeans.” European Commission President von der Leyen characterized the pact as a “historic step” and emphasized that this marks “just the beginning” of enhanced EU-India economic cooperation.

    The breakthrough comes amid shifting global trade alignments, accelerated by recent U.S. imposition of 50% tariffs on certain Indian goods and broader trade tensions under the Trump administration. The agreement notably excludes several agricultural products including soybeans, beef, sugar, rice, and dairy from tariff reductions.

    The pact dramatically opens protected Indian market segments, with automobile tariffs dropping from as high as 110% to 10% over five years, benefiting European manufacturers including Volkswagen, Renault, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. Immediately upon implementation, tariffs on 250,000 vehicles annually valued above €15,000 will drop to 30-35%.

    Similarly, alcohol tariffs will see substantial reductions: wine tariffs falling immediately from 150% to 75% with a gradual reduction to 20%, while spirits tariffs will drop to 40%. Additional reductions apply to European machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals, and iron and steel products.

    The EU has committed to providing flexibility regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), its carbon tax regime affecting steel, cement, electricity, and fertilizers effective since January 1. Additionally, the EU will provide India with €500 million in financial support over the next two years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Bilateral trade between India and the EU reached $136.5 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2025, slightly exceeding India’s trade with both the United States ($132 billion) and China ($128 billion). The agreement is expected to double EU exports to India by 2032.

    Following a five-to-six month legal review period, full implementation of the agreement is anticipated within one year, marking a significant reconfiguration of global trade partnerships during a period of increasing geopolitical realignment.

  • Election officials report full readiness for Nomination Day

    Election officials report full readiness for Nomination Day

    Barbados’ electoral authorities have declared comprehensive readiness for Tuesday’s crucial Nomination Day, confirming all operational centers are fully staffed and security protocols are firmly established. Chief Electoral Officer Sherland Turton emphasized the commission’s thorough preparations, which include strategic placement of nomination centers, deployment of trained personnel, and coordinated police presence to ensure procedural integrity.

    Turton confirmed to Barbados TODAY that all prospective candidates have been properly advised regarding collection and submission of their nomination packages, with no outstanding challenges reported on the eve of the electoral proceedings. This assurance comes as the nation prepares for an unusually competitive general election featuring an unprecedented number of political entities.

    The electoral landscape showcases more than 80 candidates competing for representation in the 30-seat House of Assembly. The political arena is dominated by the established Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and Democratic Labour Party (DLP), both contesting all constituencies, while newly formed alliances and independent candidates create a remarkably diverse ballot.

    Notable newcomers include Steve Prescott’s Reform Barbados party, the Friends of Democracy (FOD) targeting 12 seats, and the three-party coalition known as the People’s Coalition for Progress (PCP). This alliance combines the New National Party (NNP), Conservative Barbados Leadership Party, and United Progressive Party (UPP) in a significant reshaping of the island’s political dynamics. With one independent candidate also confirmed, all contenders have expressed confidence about the February 11 general election, which occurs a year ahead of the constitutionally mandated schedule.

  • Tad Jahly in custody, charged with murder of Lee Joshua Leslie

    Tad Jahly in custody, charged with murder of Lee Joshua Leslie

    Authorities in Dominica have formally charged Tad Jahly Bellot of Grand Bay with the murder of 27-year-old Lee Joshua Leslie, who was fatally shot on September 11, 2025. The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) confirmed Bellot remains in custody awaiting judicial proceedings following his arrest.

    The lethal incident occurred at approximately 1:30 PM in the Lalay area of Grandbay, marking another episode in a series of firearm-related crimes that prompted government intervention earlier this year. In a public statement disseminated via social media, the CDPF extended gratitude to community members for their ongoing cooperation and vigilance, emphasizing that public assistance remains instrumental to effective law enforcement operations.

    “Our collective dedication to ensuring citizen safety and security remains unwavering,” the police declaration asserted. “The CDPF persists in its diligent pursuit of justice and its commitment to preserving communal harmony through resolute action against offenders.”

    This development follows Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s July announcement establishing a specialized Firearms Task Force within the CDPF framework. Created in response to escalating gun violence that Skerrit characterized as “brazen and reckless,” the multi-agency unit combines resources from the Criminal Investigation Department, Special Branch, K9 Unit, Customs and Excise Division, Dominica Coast Guard, and National Joint Intelligence Center.

    Complementing these institutional measures, the government initiated a confidential tip line (1-800-8477) offering $1,000 rewards for information leading to the recovery of illegal firearms, with assurances of absolute anonymity for informants. Skerrit previously emphasized that these violent acts had profoundly disrupted public tranquility and undermined the nation’s cherished sense of safety, necessitating comprehensive countermeasures.

  • Illegal imports putting country’s agricultural sector in jeopardy

    Illegal imports putting country’s agricultural sector in jeopardy

    Barbados faces persistent threats to its agricultural sustainability and food security systems from the clandestine importation of unauthorized animal products, according to the nation’s top veterinary authority. Dr. Mark Trotman, Chief Veterinary Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has issued a stern warning regarding the dangerous practice, emphasizing that smuggled commodities could introduce devastating animal-borne diseases with catastrophic potential for the island’s agricultural sector.

    In an exclusive discussion with Barbados TODAY, Dr. Trotman revealed that ministry officials confront daily attempts by individuals attempting to bypass legal importation channels. The situation becomes particularly alarming, he noted, when these products originate from nations experiencing active outbreaks of contagious animal diseases.

    “This constitutes an almost daily occurrence where passengers arrive carrying products, particularly animal-derived items,” Dr. Trotman stated. “Our primary concern emerges when diseases manifest in countries from which we typically import goods, necessitating immediate restrictions on specific commodities to prevent viral transmission into our territory.”

    The veterinary expert explained that when travelers attempt to conceal products within their luggage without obtaining prior authorization, they create potentially hazardous situations. “Once these items land on Barbadian soil without proper import permits or accompanying health certification, they become prohibited entries—and by then, it’s already too late to prevent potential contamination risks.”

    Despite these challenges, Dr. Trotman assured the public that regulatory agencies maintain firm control over the situation through collaborative efforts with the Customs Department. This interdepartmental cooperation has proven effective in identifying and intercepting the majority of illicit agricultural products before they cross the nation’s borders.

    “We maintain robust systems for regulating animal and animal product imports,” Dr. Trotman affirmed. “While occasionally encountering unusual attempted smuggling operations, we depend significantly on Customs collaboration for detecting incoming risks. Our vigilance remains constant through stationed officers at both aerial and maritime ports who examine incoming commodities for potential threats to animal and public health.”

    The Chief Veterinary Officer strongly advised citizens to adhere to established regulations and consult official channels before attempting any agricultural imports. While acknowledging that the veterinary department currently lacks an operational website—a situation reportedly in development—he directed the public to communicate via email at vetservices@agriculture.gov.bb for formal guidance and written requirements.

    “The essential message is to follow official instructions and seek our direct guidance,” Dr. Trotman emphasized. “We provide comprehensive written documentation to eliminate any misinterpretation of importation protocols. When individuals contact us beforehand and fulfill import requirements, we typically encounter no difficulties. Problems arise primarily with previously banned items or deliberate attempts to circumvent restrictions despite clear prohibitions.”