Carib Scope

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  • Defeat Did Not Define Him: The Resilient Journey of Dwayne George

    Defeat Did Not Define Him: The Resilient Journey of Dwayne George

    In the aftermath of a disappointing 2023 by-election defeat in Antigua, Dwayne George faced the pivotal choice that confronts many failed political candidates: retreat from public life or persevere. Unlike numerous politicians who vanish after electoral setbacks, George demonstrated remarkable resilience by maintaining his active presence within the constituency. His continued engagement with the community, despite lacking official position or power, revealed a depth of character that transcends conventional political ambition.

    While the political arena frequently attracts fair-weather participants who emerge solely during campaign seasons, George’s consistent dedication between elections underscores an authentic commitment to public service. His ongoing involvement suggests motivations deeper than mere electoral victory—emphasizing genuine connection with constituents, trust-building through sustained interaction, and unwavering dedication to community welfare.

    The crucible of electoral defeat often exposes the fundamental character of political aspirants, stripping away the superficial glamour of campaigning to reveal core intentions. In George’s case, his response to failure demonstrated persistent determination and purpose-driven resilience that remained unshaken by disappointment.

    As Antigua approaches another election cycle, observers witness not merely a renewed campaign but the continuation of a transformative political journey. George’s path reflects the maturation of a public servant who has processed electoral setback, extracted valuable lessons from the experience, and returned to the political arena with refined perspective and strengthened resolve.

    This narrative challenges conventional political wisdom that prioritizes immediate victory over sustained commitment. George’s story illustrates how electoral loss can serve as a catalyst for developing the authentic leadership qualities that communities truly need—proving that sometimes the most compelling representatives are those who persevere through adversity rather than those who achieve instant success.

  • Azara Lavia Declines UPP Offer to Contest St Paul Seat

    Azara Lavia Declines UPP Offer to Contest St Paul Seat

    In a significant development for Antigua and Barbuda’s political landscape, prominent journalist Azara Lavia has formally declined an invitation to stand as a parliamentary candidate for the United Progressive Party (UPP). The offer emerged following the unexpected withdrawal of previously selected candidate Wayne Benjamin Marsh from the St Paul constituency race.

    Lavia, who serves as a media professional at Newsco and founded the organization Inspire Antigua & Barbuda, confirmed receiving the approach from opposition party officials. Despite the opportunity to enter frontline politics, she articulated her commitment to maintaining her current professional trajectory.

    “My present priorities center on advancing my professional studies and fulfilling existing responsibilities, alongside continuing my personal and academic growth,” Lavia stated. She emphasized that political involvement does not currently align with these objectives, though she remains dedicated to contributing to national development through alternative channels. The media practitioner notably left open the possibility of future political engagement, indicating her career path remains fluid.

    The UPP now faces renewed pressure to identify a viable candidate for St Paul constituency amid reports that Marsh’s withdrawal stemmed from constitutional complications regarding dual citizenship status. This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing preparations for the nation’s general elections, where constituency representation remains a critical battleground for political parties.

  • Parks, Destang lead Team Saint Lucia to CARIFTA Aquatics

    Parks, Destang lead Team Saint Lucia to CARIFTA Aquatics

    Saint Lucia is poised for an impressive showing at the upcoming XXXIX CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, with a dynamic 12-member squad blending seasoned champions and promising newcomers. The competition, scheduled for April 3-8 at Martinique’s Pierre Samot Community Aquatic Centre and Anses d’Arlet coastal area, will showcase the Caribbean’s finest young aquatic talent.

    Leading the charge is Antoine Destang, the reigning Junior Sportsman of the Year and University of Michigan student, who returns with an impressive track record including two medals and two records from CARIFTA 2025. He headlines the 15-17 boys division alongside Pan Am Aquatics medalist Jayden Xu and Noah Dorville, both moving up from the 13-14 age category.

    The team features an exciting mix of experience and fresh talent, with exactly half being debutantes. Among the standout newcomers is 12-year-old sensation Sapphire Parks, who dominated her 11-12 category debut last year by claiming the high points trophy. She returns accompanied by fellow debutante Maya Andrew in the same division.

    The boys’ teams introduce several first-time competitors: Jayce Daniel, Tyler Dantes, and Dylan Corcoran in the 11-12 category, plus Caden Calderon and Henri-Christian Theobalds in the 13-14 division. The 15-17 girls’ team sees the return of US-based Fayth Jeffrey alongside teammate Fayth Lubrun.

    Under the guidance of coach Peter James, manager Denise Parks, and chaperone Tamara Foster, the squad brings valuable experience from previous competitions at the Pierre Samot facility. Simultaneously, Saint Lucia will present updates to the CARIFTA Congress regarding their bid to host next year’s championships at the soon-to-be-completed National Aquatic Centre in Gros Islet.

  • LIVE: DBS reading competition 2026

    LIVE: DBS reading competition 2026

    A revolutionary digital modeling technology is transforming how cities approach urban development and climate adaptation strategies. This advanced system creates hyper-realistic virtual replicas of urban environments, enabling planners to simulate countless scenarios before implementing changes in the physical world.

    The technology integrates real-time data streams with sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms to generate dynamic digital twins that mirror actual city conditions. These virtual models can accurately predict how infrastructure will perform under various stress conditions, including extreme weather events, population growth pressures, and transportation network demands.

    Urban planning departments worldwide are increasingly adopting this technology to optimize resource allocation and minimize risks associated with new development projects. The systems allow for comprehensive testing of emergency response protocols, evacuation routes, and utility network resilience without disrupting daily city operations.

    Environmental scientists highlight the technology’s significant potential for climate change adaptation planning. Municipalities can model sea-level rise impacts, heat island effects, and stormwater management solutions with unprecedented accuracy. The predictive capabilities enable cities to develop proactive strategies rather than reactive measures, potentially saving billions in disaster recovery costs.

    Technology developers note that recent advancements in machine learning have dramatically improved the simulation accuracy of these digital twins. The systems now incorporate complex variables including social behavior patterns, economic indicators, and environmental factors to create holistic urban models.

    While the technology represents a substantial investment for municipalities, early adopters report significant returns through optimized infrastructure spending and reduced emergency response costs. The implementation requires collaboration between city governments, technology providers, and academic institutions to ensure the digital twins remain accurately calibrated to real-world conditions.

    As climate challenges intensify and urban populations continue growing, this digital twin technology is positioned to become an essential tool for sustainable city management worldwide.

  • William prepares for US pickleball circuit

    William prepares for US pickleball circuit

    Meggan William, the Caribbean’s sole world-ranked pickleball competitor, is poised for an intensive competitive tour across the United States this spring. The Saint Lucian athlete, currently ranked 209th globally in women’s singles, will demonstrate her multifaceted skillset across four American states during April and May.

    Her tournament schedule includes prestigious events in California, Arizona, Las Vegas, and Utah, where she will compete across three distinct disciplines: women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. This comprehensive participation underscores both her technical versatility and determined pursuit of ranking advancement against the world’s elite players.

    William carries the unique distinction of being the only Caribbean representative on international pickleball rankings, positioning her as a trailblazer for regional athletic representation. Her groundbreaking status has attracted professional sponsorship from The Ksquare Group in Texas, making her their inaugural sponsored athlete in this rapidly growing sport.

    Reflecting on her unique position, William stated, ‘Representing the Caribbean at this competitive tier embodies both profound honor and significant responsibility. I anticipate returning to competition with enthusiasm, facing top-tier opponents, and motivating aspiring athletes throughout our region to pursue excellence in professional pickleball.’

    Coach Tom Yeh emphasized William’s exceptional attributes, noting, ‘Meggan’s unparalleled discipline and competitive mentality distinguish her in the sport. She’s simultaneously elevating the visibility of Caribbean athletes in pickleball while demonstrating that determined competitors from smaller regions can achieve world-class recognition through dedicated effort.’

    William’s ultimate competitive objective involves securing permanent placement within the sport’s professional ranks while continuing to inspire athletic development throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Special needs athletes shine at Inter-Schools meet

    Special needs athletes shine at Inter-Schools meet

    In a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and ability, St Lucia hosted its Special Education Inter-Schools Sports Meet at Mindoo Phillip Park on March 19, strategically timed to honor World Down Syndrome Day. Approximately 100 exceptional students from five specialized institutions—Dunnottar School, Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre, Dennery Child Development Centre, Vieux Fort Special Education Centre, and Soufriere Special Education Rehabilitation Centre—demonstrated their athletic prowess in a variety of adapted competitions.

    The event featured both traditional track events and specially designed activities including sack races, lime-and-spoon balancing challenges, beanbag throws, and bottle-filling races. In a progressive approach to competition organization, participants were grouped into junior, intermediate, and senior divisions based on functional abilities rather than chronological age.

    Notable athletic achievements included Kevin Edmendson from Dennery and Delly Emmanuel from Lady Gordon claiming top honors in the junior division. The intermediate category saw Vieux Fort’s Delan Joseph and Ranelle Chalmagne excel, while senior division prizes were awarded to Kimani Tal (Vieux Fort) and Derressya Giddings (Lady Gordon).

    Education Officer for Special Education Dale St Juste emphasized the profound significance of the event, noting that ‘this meet represents the culmination of our physical literacy program specifically designed for special schools.’ He elaborated on the multidimensional benefits: ‘While physical education is crucial for all children, it holds particular importance for those with special needs as it stimulates cognitive development, enhances motor coordination, builds muscular strength, and provides emotional fulfillment through healthy competition and camaraderie.’

    Sports coordinator Johnson James highlighted the transformative impact on participants’ self-esteem: ‘This event serves as the equivalent of national championships for these remarkable students. We’ve witnessed tremendous personal growth—many arrived with diminished self-confidence but have developed into proud athletes through these opportunities.’

    The recognition of special needs athletes has expanded significantly in St Lucia, with recent inclusion in mainstream track meets, table tennis tournaments, and even calypso competitions. These developments collectively demonstrate that while these students may learn differently, their capabilities are boundless, reshaping societal perceptions of disability and achievement.

  • Schools’ volleyball finals take place on Tuesday

    Schools’ volleyball finals take place on Tuesday

    Beausejour Gymnasium will host the highly anticipated Under-19 schools’ volleyball championship finals this Tuesday, March 24, promising a day of intense competition and new titleholders. The semifinal matches held last Friday at the same venue determined the finalists, setting the stage for dramatic championship clashes.

    In the girls’ division, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) achieved a remarkable comeback victory against defending champions St. Joseph’s Convent in a thrilling three-set semifinal (26-28, 25-11, 19-21), avenging their previous year’s defeat. Meanwhile, Micoud Secondary School demonstrated exceptional resilience by overcoming Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School 2:1 (25-13, 19-25, 22-24) in the other semifinal encounter.

    The boys’ competition will feature a compelling championship match between SALCC and St. Mary’s College. SALCC earned their finals berth by securing a straight-sets victory against Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary (25-23, 25-23), while St. Mary’s College advanced with a convincing 2:0 win over Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary (25-16, 25-19).

    The championship day schedule includes the girls’ third-place match between St. Joseph’s Convent and Vieux Fort Comprehensive at 10:00 AM, followed by the girls’ championship final at 11:30 AM. The boys’ third-place match between Leon Hess Comprehensive and Soufriere Comprehensive will commence at 1:00 PM, with the highly anticipated boys’ championship final between SALCC and St. Mary’s College scheduled for 2:30 PM.

  • Jamie Darroux of Herberts Charged for Smoking Cannabis in Public

    Jamie Darroux of Herberts Charged for Smoking Cannabis in Public

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – Law enforcement authorities have formally charged Jamie Darroux, a resident of Herberts, following his apprehension for publicly consuming cannabis and possessing the substance. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, March 23, 2026, in close proximity to Potters Primary School.

    According to official reports from the Royal Police Force’s Strategic Communications Office, narcotics officers detected Darroux allegedly engaging in cannabis smoking while conducting routine mobile patrols in the Herberts vicinity. The arrest transpired at approximately 1:30 PM, with officers taking the individual into custody shortly after observation.

    The Police Administration has reiterated its stance on substance control, emphasizing that both the Tobacco Control Act of 2018 and the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act of 2024 explicitly prohibit cannabis and tobacco consumption in all enclosed public spaces, occupational environments, and public transportation systems.

    Designated restricted areas encompass, but are not limited to: public transit terminals, commercial establishments including offices and factories, hospitality venues such as restaurants and bars, educational facilities particularly those catering to minors, healthcare institutions, government buildings, public assemblies, recreational complexes, and all forms of public transportation.

    Legal statutes stipulate that violators found consuming cannabis in public areas may face summary conviction penalties, including fines reaching up to EC$2,000.00. The police force continues to advocate for strict adherence to national laws and discourages participation in unlawful activities that contravene Antigua and Barbuda’s regulatory framework.

  • FAO strengthens protections to support Grenada’s soursop-valued economy

    FAO strengthens protections to support Grenada’s soursop-valued economy

    Grenada maintains a globally unique position as the sole nation authorized to export fresh non-irradiated soursop to the United States, creating both exceptional economic opportunity and substantial biosecurity responsibility. This privileged market access establishes soursop as a strategic high-value commodity, generating approximately US$2.6 million annually while supporting nearly 2,600 predominantly smallholder farmers whose livelihoods depend on the crop’s continued viability.

    Recognizing the critical importance of protecting this agricultural sector, a tripartite collaboration between the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capabilities throughout the soursop value chain.

    As a cornerstone of this effort, FAO jointly convened a three-day intensive workshop titled ‘Risks and Anticipatory Frameworks for the Soursop Industry’ from February 9-11, 2026, at Grenada’s National Stadium. The capacity-building event brought together 31 participants (18 female, 13 male) from multiple agricultural agencies including the Ministry’s technical units for extension services, pest management, and forestry, alongside representatives from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA).

    The curriculum focused on developing advanced competencies in plant health risk anticipation through improved surveillance methodologies, early warning systems for pest detection, sample reporting protocols, scenario planning, and coordinated response mechanisms. This cross-sectoral approach enabled meaningful dialogue on strengthening protective measures for Grenada’s vulnerable soursop industry.

    Complementary project components include developing a holistic surveillance program with emergency response protocols, enhancing institutional capacities for pest detection and certification, piloting traceability systems for export compliance, and building farmer capabilities in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

    FAO Production and Plant Protection Specialist Anne Desrochers emphasized the strategic importance of these efforts: ‘Grenada’s exclusive access to the United States market for fresh soursop presents a significant and timely opportunity to strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and uplift rural communities.’ Participant feedback confirmed the training’s value, particularly appreciating the balance between theoretical foundations and practical exercises that facilitated collaborative learning.

    The workshop concluded with participants identifying key implementation actions, potential barriers, and collaboration mechanisms to strengthen anticipatory responses within the soursop value chain, ensuring the continued viability of Grenada’s unique agricultural export.

  • Beazer Says Focus Will Be on Development and Expanding Opportunities for Barbudans

    Beazer Says Focus Will Be on Development and Expanding Opportunities for Barbudans

    Kendra Beazer, a former member of the Barbuda Council, has announced his parliamentary candidacy for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), pledging to center his political campaign on securing direct developmental benefits for Barbudans. Beazer emphasized that his alignment with the ABLP stems from the party’s demonstrated capacity to effectively address resident needs and implement substantive change. In an interview with ABS, Beazer articulated that his decision was fundamentally guided by his commitment to his constituents and the party’s capability to provide necessary resources. His campaign platform will prioritize comprehensive development, encompassing both physical infrastructure and social advancement. Key focus areas include enhancing healthcare services, modernizing educational facilities, implementing efficient waste management systems, and addressing critical social needs. Beazer envisions a parallel development trajectory where infrastructural progress coincides with human capacity building, ensuring that residents are equipped to thrive amid the island’s transformation.