Carib Scope

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  • Saint Lucian girls in Curaçao for Concacaf U17

    Saint Lucian girls in Curaçao for Concacaf U17

    The Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) has officially announced its 19-player roster for the opening round of the 2026 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers, marking their participation in the tournament’s second edition featuring 28 national teams. The squad commences competitive action on January 26th in Group C, where they will face Haiti, Guatemala, Cayman Islands, and Antigua and Barbuda.

    All group stage matches will be hosted at Curaçao’s Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca. The tournament structure will see the six group champions plus the two highest-ranked runners-up progress to the Final Round of the competition.

    The team boasts significant international experience, featuring key players such as defender Hayla Samuel from El Niños and Lancers FC’s Tori Fanis. Particular attention focuses on emerging talent Kayla Polius, the squad’s youngest member, following her remarkable goal-scoring performance in last year’s Caribbean Football Union Under-14 championship. Similarly, Amaya Emmanuel demonstrated exceptional form during the 2024 CONCACAF Under-15 series, with both athletes having already gained senior team exposure.

    The technical staff is led by Head Coach Minerva Charles, supported by assistant coaches Trevor Anderson, Wade Clovis, and Adele Pierre. Team management includes Shenell St Louis as Manager and Johnia Clifford as Assistant Manager, with Dr. Natasha Innocent serving as Team Physician.

    Full Squad Details:
    Goalkeepers: Kevlyn Fostin, Alyssa Flavius, Alice Phillips
    Defenders: Le Neese Robinson, Aria Andrew, Daria Tisson, Ivana Marshall, Hayla Samuel, Joyceline Neptune, Raina Modeste, Tori Fanis
    Midfielders: Kyla Lionel, Nyeesha Antoine, Dhunya Jn Baptiste, Kennya Richard, Sashaly Martyr
    Forwards: Azia William, Kayla Polius, Amaya Emmanuel

  • Six schools advance to finals of Sagicor Schools’ Choir Competition

    Six schools advance to finals of Sagicor Schools’ Choir Competition

    Four primary schools and two secondary institutions have secured their places in the upcoming finals of St. Lucia’s annual Sagicor Schools’ Choir Competition following rigorous auditions held from January 12-16. The primary division finalists include Augier Combined, Babonneau Primary, Canon Laurie Anglican Primary—the defending champions from last year’s competition—and Ave Maria Primary. In the secondary category, Sir Ira Simmons Secondary and Jon Odlum School of Arts, Media and Design will compete for top honors.

    Event organizer Jason ‘Bachelor’ Joseph, who transformed the traditional music festival into a competitive choir format four years ago, reported mixed developments in this year’s proceedings. While the number of participating schools declined from 16 to 12, Joseph observed significant qualitative improvements in musical arrangements and vocal techniques. ‘Teachers are arranging well now, the students are singing in parts compared to a lot of unison singing before,’ Joseph told St. Lucia Times, acknowledging the competition’s positive impact on choral education standards.

    However, Joseph identified persistent challenges, particularly regarding adherence to musical scores. ‘Some schools are not paying enough attention to the test piece. There is a score that goes with it, and they don’t study the music sheet,’ he noted, indicating room for growth in musical literacy.

    The competition format has adapted to this year’s participation patterns, with four primary schools and two secondary schools set to perform at the National Cultural Centre on February 4—a deviation from the traditional three-school-per-category structure due to one secondary school’s failure to qualify.

    Joseph attributed the overall participation decline to systemic challenges facing school music programs across the island. Transportation limitations and scheduling conflicts have particularly affected choir rehearsals, as larger groups struggle with after-school commitments that individual instrumentalists can more easily navigate. ‘To work with the larger groups, the teachers have been unable to rehearse after school,’ Joseph explained.

    In response to these challenges, Joseph is considering a return to the music festival format for future January events, which would accommodate both solo and group performances while providing broader representation of school music programs. This potential shift remains contingent on sponsor support, with Sagicor continuing as primary sponsor alongside the Nobel Laureate Festival Committee and the Ministry of Education.

  • Senator Lamin Newton Says He Is Ready as Election Speculation Grows

    Senator Lamin Newton Says He Is Ready as Election Speculation Grows

    Amid mounting speculation about imminent general elections, Senator Lamin Newton, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s designated representative for All Saints East and St. Luke, has declared his state of permanent preparedness for electoral contestation. During a recent appearance on The Morning Point program, Newton articulated his philosophy of constant campaign readiness, emphasizing that he has structured his political operations around this core principle.

    Newton revealed that his approach stems from crucial advice received from a political colleague who counseled him to ‘stay ready so you don’t have to get ready’—a maxim he has since embraced wholeheartedly. ‘I can guarantee you that I am prepared if the Prime Minister decides to make that announcement today,’ Newton asserted, indicating his capacity to immediately activate campaign mechanisms upon any election declaration.

    Beyond personal preparedness, the senator issued urgent appeals for electoral participation, expressing concern about significant voter registration deficiencies throughout Antigua and Barbuda. Newton reported encountering numerous unregistered citizens who mistakenly believe they can wait until election dates are formally announced. He warned against this potentially costly delay, noting that a compressed 21-day campaign period could disenfranchise those who postpone registration.

    ‘Go out now, get yourself registered… Don’t wait until the Prime Minister announces the date,’ Newton implored constituents, highlighting the risks of exclusion from the democratic process.

    Regarding constituency development, Newton pointed to tangible improvements already underway, including road rehabilitation projects, clinic upgrades, sports facility enhancements, and community cleanliness initiatives. He positioned these efforts as evidence of his commitment to effective representation regardless of electoral timelines. The senator promised significant amplification of these development projects should he secure election as parliamentary representative, assuring constituents that current visible progress represents merely a precursor to expanded future initiatives.

  • BLP defends poster placements amid safety concerns

    BLP defends poster placements amid safety concerns

    The Barbados Labour Party has publicly justified its campaign strategy of utilizing utility poles for political advertisements, asserting full compliance with established safety protocols despite rising concerns from the national power provider. Jerome Walcott, the party’s General Secretary and Campaign Manager, articulated this position during a media briefing at BLP headquarters on Roebuck Street, emphasizing that public safety remains paramount in their electoral operations.

    Walcott detailed the party’s concerted efforts to adhere to Barbados Light & Power Company’s guidelines, specifically regarding the application of appropriate taping materials for affixing posters. He acknowledged logistical challenges, including shortages of transparent tape that have forced some branches to resort to less optimal brown alternatives. The secretary contextualized this practice within Barbados’ broader political culture, noting that utility poles have historically served as communal bulletin boards for various events and announcements.

    Addressing the electric utility’s safety warnings about campaign materials creating hazards for linemen and the public—including risks of equipment damage, workplace injuries, and delayed emergency response—Walcott maintained that the BLP prioritizes regulatory compliance. He further commented on viral social media discussions regarding poster vandalism, characterizing such incidents as inherent to electoral contests while contrasting Barbados’ relatively civil campaign environment with more aggressive practices observed in other Caribbean nations like Jamaica.

  • Antigua and Barbuda’s Agriculture Transforms as Tradition Blends with Sustainable and High-Tech Farming

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Agriculture Transforms as Tradition Blends with Sustainable and High-Tech Farming

    The agricultural landscape across the Caribbean, with a focused lens on Antigua and Barbuda, represents a dynamic fusion of historical tradition and technological innovation. This sector demonstrates remarkable resilience in confronting persistent challenges such as climate volatility, land constraints, and food import dependency. The evolution from colonial-era sugarcane monoculture to today’s diversified and tech-integrated approaches illustrates a significant regional transformation.

    Historical agricultural methods continue to form the foundational layer of Caribbean farming. Generational knowledge sustains practices such as intercropping—where cassava, maize, and pulses are cultivated together—to enhance soil health and ensure crop variety. Livestock rearing remains integral to rural livelihoods, though mindful management is essential to prevent overgrazing and land degradation.

    In response to increasing climate disruptions, including intensified hurricanes and irregular precipitation, farmers are adopting climate-smart methodologies. These strategies encompass the cultivation of drought-resistant crop varieties, advanced water conservation through rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation, and soil preservation techniques like contour farming and mulching.

    Sustainability is now a central pillar of modern agricultural development. Agroforestry systems, which incorporate fruit trees into farming plots, not only improve biodiversity but also act as natural windbreaks during storms. There is a growing shift toward agroecology, emphasizing organic alternatives such as biofertilizers and biopesticides to minimize ecological footprints.

    Innovative integrated systems are gaining traction to optimize limited land resources. Aquaponics and hydroponics enable efficient, soil-less cultivation of vegetables, particularly advantageous in urban and arid zones of Antigua and Barbuda. These closed-loop systems maximize output while conserving water—a critical consideration for island nations.

    The most groundbreaking advancement is the incorporation of drone technology. Unmanned aerial vehicles provide farmers with precise, real-time data for crop monitoring, early detection of pests or diseases, and targeted application of inputs. This precision agriculture reduces waste, lowers costs, and enhances productivity on small-scale farms, making it a powerful tool for post-hurricane recovery and yield forecasting.

    Despite promising innovations, barriers to widespread adoption persist. These include the need for comprehensive farmer training, accessible financing for technology acquisition, and supportive policy frameworks that incentivize sustainable practices. Effective collaboration between governments, research institutions, and farming communities is crucial for long-term success.

    Ultimately, Caribbean agriculture is navigating a path toward greater sustainability and self-sufficiency. By harmonizing time-tested traditions with cutting-edge technologies, the region is building a resilient food system capable of withstanding environmental and economic pressures, ensuring food security for future generations.

  • APUA warns of water disruptions across Antigua during Crabbs plant maintenance

    APUA warns of water disruptions across Antigua during Crabbs plant maintenance

    Residents across multiple communities in Antigua should prepare for temporary water service interruptions as the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) undertakes essential maintenance operations at the Crabbs Reverse Osmosis Plant. Scheduled for Tuesday between 8:00 a.m. and approximately 6:00 p.m., this ten-hour project will focus on critical work involving the facility’s storage tank.

    During this period, consumers may encounter various service issues including complete short-term interruptions, significantly reduced water pressure, or abbreviated distribution cycles. While APUA anticipates full network restoration by early Wednesday morning, households situated at higher elevations are advised to expect potential delays as the system requires additional time to fully recharge and stabilize.

    The extensive list of affected areas encompasses numerous communities: Weirs, North Sound, Gunthorpes, Fitches Creek, Pigotts, Paynters, Lightfoot, Herberts, Sea View Farm, Potters, Parham, Pares, All Saints, Freemans Village, Clare Hall, Cassada Gardens, along with sections of Old Parham Road, Sir Sydney Walling Highway, and Friars Hill Road.

    APUA has formally apologized for any inconvenience resulting from these necessary maintenance activities and strongly recommends that residents implement appropriate contingency measures. The utility provider has directed customers seeking additional information to contact the APUA Support Centre at telephone number 211 for further assistance and updates.

  • APUA warns motorists after safety breach at Bishopgate Street work site

    APUA warns motorists after safety breach at Bishopgate Street work site

    The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has issued a formal safety alert to all drivers following a dangerous breach of a secured work area on Bishopgate Street. The incident occurred last Saturday when an unidentified motorist deliberately removed traffic control cones and entered an active construction site where critical mainline replacement operations are currently in progress.

    According to official reports, the unauthorized entry resulted in damage to specialized materials strategically positioned for the infrastructure project. APUA emphasized that this reckless action created substantial safety hazards for both construction personnel and the general public. The authority confirmed that the project has advanced to the delicate phase of customer reconnections, making compliance with safety protocols particularly crucial.

    In a detailed statement released Monday, utility officials highlighted that protective barriers, cones, and warning signage are implemented specifically to safeguard human lives and preserve essential infrastructure integrity. The breach not only endangered immediate safety but also threatens to delay the project’s completion timeline, potentially affecting utility services for surrounding communities.

    APUA has reinforced its appeal for all road users to strictly observe posted work zone directives, adhere to traffic management instructions, and refrain from entering cordoned-off areas throughout the construction period. The authority simultaneously expressed gratitude for public cooperation thus far and directed additional inquiries to its Support Center at telephone number 211.

  • Urgent blood appeal issued for Edith Okadele Tomlinson

    Urgent blood appeal issued for Edith Okadele Tomlinson

    The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society has launched an emergency mobilization campaign for blood donations to support Edith Okadele Tomlinson, who requires immediate transfusion therapy. In an official public advisory, the humanitarian organization emphasized that all blood types are critically needed without restriction.

    Potential donors meeting eligibility criteria are urgently requested to visit the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre’s Blood Bank facility during operational hours from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Medical authorities stress that timely contributions from the community could prove decisive for the patient’s treatment outcome.

    The Red Cross underscored the time-sensitive nature of this medical requirement, appealing to civic-minded individuals to present themselves at the earliest opportunity. For additional details regarding donation procedures and eligibility parameters, concerned citizens may directly contact either the SLBMC Blood Bank or the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross headquarters for comprehensive guidance.

  • President urges school youth groups revival

    President urges school youth groups revival

    In a significant address delivered at Bay Primary School this Monday, President Jeffrey Bostic issued a compelling national call to action aimed at revitalizing student engagement in school-based youth organizations. Framing his appeal against growing societal concerns over rising juvenile delinquency rates, the Head of State articulated a clear vision where extracurricular clubs are positioned as essential instruments for nurturing youth character and mitigating behavioral challenges.

    President Bostic expressed profound admiration upon observing uniformed members of groups like the Brownies, Cub Scouts, and Blossoms during his visit. He explicitly credited these organizations with instilling critical values of discipline and self-assurance in young participants. However, he concurrently voiced deep concern over a noticeable nationwide decline in membership figures for such programs.

    Declaring this issue a personal priority for his administration, President Bostic vowed to become an active champion for this cause. “During every official school visit I undertake, I will emphasize this point,” he stated. “We must take decisive action to reverse this trend. My ambition is to witness a dramatic surge in participation—I would ideally love to see the numbers double, whether during parade marches in Bridgetown or events at Kensington Oval.”

    The President underscored the multifaceted benefits of participation, extending beyond mere discipline. He emphasized that active involvement in these structured groups—ranging from uniformed organizations to school Christian fellowships and various academic clubs—is fundamentally crucial for holistic personal development and for fostering a robust sense of civic pride among the younger generation. This initiative is presented not merely as an extracurricular option but as a vital national strategy for positive youth development.

  • Medical school partners with major health charities

    Medical school partners with major health charities

    In a significant move to bridge medical education with community service, the American University of Barbados (AUB) has established formal partnerships with three prominent health organizations: the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados, the Barbados Diabetes Association, and the Barbados Cancer Society. The agreements, signed during a ceremony at the AUB campus in Wildey, create a structured framework for student placements, collaborative outreach programs, and joint research initiatives.

    Dr. Syed Kazmi, Dean of AUB, emphasized that these alliances are deeply aligned with the institution’s educational philosophy of service-based medical training. “This initiative fundamentally revolves around our commitment to giving back to the community,” Dr. Kazmi stated. The university has implemented an early clinical immersion program that exposes students to practical healthcare environments from the inception of their medical careers.

    Through these partnerships, medical students will gain hands-on experience by participating in health fairs, rehabilitation services, youth fitness programs, and emergency cardiac care training. The curriculum requires two years of training in Barbados followed by two years in either Guyana or the United States, with mandatory community service components before graduation.

    AUB’s existing free clinic, operated by three physicians five days a week, already serves residents from surrounding communities and across Barbados. The university demonstrated its community commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic when graduates were deployed at government testing centers, earning recognition from national health authorities.

    Greta Yearwood, Chief Executive of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the enhanced collaboration: “This memorandum enables students to contribute their skills across our cardiac rehab gym, youth fitness initiatives, and childhood obesity programs where additional support is most needed.”

    The partnerships will also facilitate research collaboration and public health awareness campaigns. Anita Bhat, AUB Chief Executive, characterized the agreements as part of a broader strategy to expand the university’s community footprint: “We are more than a medical institution; we are an active healthcare provider through our free clinic and continually seek collaborations to better serve the community.”

    Representatives from all organizations highlighted upcoming fundraising activities, including a March 28 event at Open Kitchen described as “a night of celebration, nutrition and fun” featuring local musicians. These efforts aim to support equipment upgrades and sustain services for underprivileged patients. University officials indicated that additional partnerships with other organizations are anticipated as AUB continues to expand its community engagement initiatives.