Carib Scope

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  • Start pilot hooglandrijst in Pokigron: basis voor productie en export

    Start pilot hooglandrijst in Pokigron: basis voor productie en export

    The Surinamese government has officially inaugurated its first highland rice cultivation pilot project in Pokigron, marking a significant step toward agricultural diversification. The groundbreaking ceremony held Saturday in Sineya Kutu Wosu was jointly organized by the Ministry of Regional Development (RO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV).

    This pioneering initiative establishes the foundation for future large-scale production of highland rice, a crop variety specifically adapted to upland growing conditions without requiring flooding. During the ceremonial proceedings, multiple speakers emphasized the critical importance of comprehensive guidance, sustained support, and reliable market access to ensure sustainable outcomes for local communities.

    Minister Miquella Huur of Regional Development articulated the project’s long-term vision, stating that development must prioritize meeting local community needs while eventually creating export opportunities. Minister Huur particularly highlighted the strategic significance of strengthening the agricultural sector during a period of expanding oil and gas industries.

    Expert agronomist Nicholaas Pinas and his technical team will provide professional supervision throughout the three-year development phase, after which management will be transferred to a local organization according to ministry plans.

    Following formal addresses, ministers, traditional authorities, and attendees proceeded to the project site along the Pusugrunu road where both ministers, alongside District Commissioner Humphrey Jeroe, conducted a symbolic demonstration using excavators to clear the land.

    The Pokigron project represents the first tangible implementation of inter-ministerial cooperation following exploratory discussions earlier this week regarding collaboration on both highland rice and poultry development. Beyond this initial site, four additional regions are scheduled to launch similar highland rice pilot projects in the near future.

  • Belize is the 27th Happiest Country in the World

    Belize is the 27th Happiest Country in the World

    In the newly released 2026 World Happiness Report, Belize has experienced a slight decline in global rankings, moving from 25th to 27th position among 140 nations surveyed. The comprehensive study, collaboratively produced by Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, evaluates subjective well-being through a multifaceted lens that extends beyond mere economic indicators.

    The report’s methodology incorporates a three-year average of self-assessed life evaluations, complemented by six key variables: gross domestic product per capita, social support networks, healthy life expectancy, perceived freedom to make life choices, general generosity, and perceptions of corruption within institutions. This holistic approach provides a nuanced understanding of national happiness levels that transcends simple economic metrics.

    Nordic nations maintained their stronghold on the upper echelons of the rankings, with Finland securing the top position for an unprecedented ninth consecutive year. Iceland and Denmark followed closely, continuing their tradition of exceptional performance. Analysts attribute Finland’s consistent success to its robust social welfare infrastructure, high levels of institutional trust, and minimal perceived corruption.

    The most remarkable development emerged from Latin America, where Costa Rica achieved a groundbreaking fourth-place ranking—marking the first instance in the report’s 14-year history that a Latin American nation has broken into the top five. This achievement highlights the country’s exceptional performance in social and environmental metrics despite its moderate economic output.

    Meanwhile, major English-speaking economies continued to trail behind their European counterparts, with the United States ranking 23rd, Canada at 25th, and the United Kingdom at 29th position. Despite their considerable economic advantages, these nations consistently demonstrate lower performance in social support and perceived corruption metrics.

    The annual report serves as a critical benchmark for policymakers worldwide, emphasizing that national well-being encompasses far more than economic prosperity alone.

  • Shopkeeper shot dead after being called out to sell beers

    Shopkeeper shot dead after being called out to sell beers

    The Diamond community in St. Vincent is confronting its third fatal shooting in recent months following the tragic death of 66-year-old Winston Williams, locally known as Zeke. The incident occurred late Friday evening, just days after Williams had celebrated his birthday.

    According to accounts from his common-law wife, Cylethta Bowens, the events unfolded around 9:06 p.m. while she was watching a movie in their bedroom. Williams, who operated a small shop adjacent to their residence, initially came inside before being called back to attend to a customer.

    Bowens recounted to iWitness News that Williams informed her a man had come to purchase three Carib beers. Following standard procedure, he intended to remain open briefly to complete the transaction before closing for the night. Their shop typically ceased operations at approximately 9 p.m.

    Moments after Williams returned to the shop, Bowens heard approximately five gunshots that sounded alarmingly close. Rushing outside, she encountered Williams moving toward the bedroom while bleeding profusely from wounds between his left chest and shoulder.

    In their final exchange, Williams managed only to utter “Babes” before collapsing beside their bed. Despite Bowens’ attempts to revive him, Williams appeared lifeless and passed away shortly thereafter. The assailant, reportedly the same individual who came to purchase beer, remains unidentified and at large.

    This tragedy marks the third shooting homicide in the Diamond area within months. Previous victims include Uriah Fields, a 42-year-old security guard and fisherman found dead near the “race track” last October, and Lenford Peters, a Richland Park resident whose body was discovered along the Brighton-Diamond roadside last month. Notably, both Williams and Peters were originally from Richland Park, raising concerns about targeted violence in the region.

  • Cave Hill again celebrates top medical student

    Cave Hill again celebrates top medical student

    The University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill Campus has reinforced its reputation for academic distinction after Barbadian student Liyee Su achieved the highest honors in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) final examinations. This marks the second time in three years that a Cave Hill student has claimed top regional honors, following Nathan Lovell’s similar achievement in 2023.

    In the November/December 2025 assessments, Su demonstrated exceptional proficiency across both theoretical and practical components, securing the highest programme grade point average among candidates from all UWI campuses. She excelled in written examinations and clinical performance evaluations (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), graduating with distinction.

    The 2025 Cave Hill cohort, comprising approximately twelve Medical Sciences students, delivered an outstanding collective performance. They achieved the highest aggregate scores in written papers and OSCE components, while also earning the top GPA among all university campuses. This accomplishment proved particularly impressive as students completed their clinical training at Trinidad’s St Augustine Campus—an unfamiliar environment for the Barbadian cohort.

    Professor Clive Landis, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, highlighted these achievements during his recent report to the Campus Council, emphasizing the significance of cultivating academic excellence as Caribbean nations strengthen their healthcare infrastructure. All graduating students have now earned the title of doctor.

    These successes emerge amid evolving geopolitical challenges in the region and underscore the value of robust, locally-developed medical education programs. The five-year MBBS programme at Cave Hill remains instrumental in training the region’s future physicians, equipping graduates like Dr. Su with skills to make meaningful contributions both within the Caribbean and internationally.

    Since 1967, the campus has trained medical professionals through its partnership with Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the country’s sole training hospital. Additionally, Cave Hill offers a collaborative 3+3 medical degree program with the University of Ghana, where students complete preclinical studies in Barbados before undertaking clinical training in Ghana. This accredited program grants graduates a BSc from UWI and an MB ChB from Ghana, enabling professional practice in both countries.

  • UWI Five Islands and Primary School host community 5K to promote health and education

    UWI Five Islands and Primary School host community 5K to promote health and education

    The Five Islands community in Antigua witnessed a powerful display of unity and purpose this Sunday as the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC) and the Five Islands Primary School jointly hosted their second annual 5K Run and Walk. The event, designed as a dual-purpose initiative, successfully merged the promotion of active living with a critical fundraising drive for educational advancement.

    Hundreds of participants, comprising students, educators, administrative staff, and local residents, traversed the scenic route in a collective effort to generate scholarship funds and finance essential school programs. Professor C. Justin Robinson, Principal of UWI FIC, emphasized that the event represents a single component of a broader, institutional commitment to holistic well-being. This vision has previously materialized through campaigns like ‘No Sugar November’ and a New Year step challenge that encouraged participants to achieve daily targets of up to 15,000 steps.

    Echoing the sentiment of collaborative success, Five Islands Primary School Principal Alden James highlighted the profound benefits of the ongoing partnership. He noted that the initiative not only provides tangible financial support for students but also actively fortifies the bonds within the community fabric. Organizers report a marked increase in participation compared to the inaugural event, interpreting this trend as a clear indicator of growing public endorsement for ventures that simultaneously address educational needs and public health.

  • Howell’s second brace helps Mt Pleasant beat Portmore 4-1

    Howell’s second brace helps Mt Pleasant beat Portmore 4-1

    In a spectacular display of offensive prowess, Mount Pleasant FA delivered a resounding 4-1 defeat to Portmore United during Monday evening’s Jamaica Premier League clash at Drax Hall. The match was dominated by National Under-20 striker Jabari Howell, who secured his second consecutive brace with exceptional technical skill.

    The scoring opened in the 50th minute when Howell executed a magnificent 23-yard free kick that soared past Portmore United’s goalkeeper Daniel Russell. Merely three minutes later, Howell found the net again, bringing his remarkable goal tally to four across just two appearances.

    The offensive momentum continued with substitute Devonte Campbell, who entered the match in the 66th minute. Campbell contributed significantly by scoring the third goal in the 75th minute with a powerful low strike, then providing the assist for Raheem Edwards’ goal just two minutes later, completing Mount Pleasant’s four-goal spectacle.

    Portmore United managed a consolation goal during added time courtesy of former Reggae Boy Corey Burke, who made his return appearance after last representing the club in the 2019 season.

    This decisive victory propels Mount Pleasant FA into second position in the league standings, tied on 52 points with Racing United but holding a superior goal differential and two critical games in hand. Despite suffering their first-ever loss to Chapelton Maroons (3-1) on Sunday, Montego Bay United maintains the top position with 57 points.

    The evening’s earlier match saw Treasure Beach FC and Spanish Town Police FC conclude in a goalless draw. Other notable weekend results included Harbour View’s narrow 1-0 victory over Arnett Gardens, which lifted them from relegation territory, while Molynes United joined Spanish Town Police in the drop zone following their 1-0 defeat to Dunbeholden FC.

  • Vector-control efforts intensify across Westmoreland

    Vector-control efforts intensify across Westmoreland

    WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Health authorities in Westmoreland are maintaining rigorous vector-control operations as new data reveals ongoing challenges with mosquito-borne disease prevention. Recent inspections conducted throughout February uncovered substantial breeding activity despite marginal improvements in key indicators.

    According to Chief Public Health Inspector Steve Morris, officials examined 34,088 properties across 215 communities during the month-long initiative. These inspections identified 2,810 locations with active mosquito infestations, resulting in an Aedes index of 8.4 percent. While this figure represents a slight decrease from January’s 8.33 percent, Morris emphasized that it remains concerning from a public health perspective.

    The Breteau index, which calculates breeding sites relative to inspected households, similarly showed a modest decline to 17.33 percent from January’s 17.4 percent. These statistics were presented during the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting in Savanna-la-Mar.

    Fogging operations saw a significant reduction in February, with treatment of 71 communities compared to January’s 116. Morris clarified that this decrease followed the conclusion of an intensified control program in mid-February, after which operations returned to standard evening fogging schedules.

    Notable improvements in operational capacity include the acquisition of two additional pickup trucks, expanding the fleet to seven vehicles plus a Coaster bus. The parish also secured 10 new fogging machines and an advanced ultra-low volume (ULV) unit, bringing the total inventory to 24 machines with 19 currently operational.

    Despite these enhancements, Morris stressed that community participation remains essential. Inspectors documented 68,756 water containers throughout the parish, with 5,909 found to be actively breeding mosquitoes—highlighting the critical need for resident involvement in eliminating potential breeding grounds.

    “We continue to observe significant container breeding activity,” Morris stated. “Residents must maintain vigilant search-and-destroy efforts around their properties rather than waiting for intervention teams.” Health officials urge proactive household measures as the primary defense against vector-borne disease transmission.

  • Eight dead as Colombia military aircraft crashes with 125 aboard—officials

    Eight dead as Colombia military aircraft crashes with 125 aboard—officials

    A Colombian Air Force Hercules transport plane crashed during takeoff from a remote jungle airstrip on Monday, resulting in a confirmed death toll of eight personnel with 83 individuals sustaining injuries. The aircraft, carrying 125 troops and crew members, went down shortly after departing from Puerto Leguizamo in southern Colombia near the border with Ecuador and Peru.

    Regional governor Jhon Gabriel Molina confirmed the casualty figures in an official video statement while noting that investigation teams are working to determine the cause of the accident. Initial military reports had suggested significantly higher fatalities before official confirmation was established.

    The crash site presented dramatic scenes with AFP images capturing burning wreckage scattered across the jungle terrain, including the broken tail section marked FAC 1016, as smoke and flames rose above the forest canopy. Local civilians were witnessed climbing around the debris while emergency responders worked to reach the remote location.

    Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed ‘deep sorrow’ over the tragedy, acknowledging the profound impact on the nation’s military community. ‘It is a deeply painful event for the country. May our prayers bring some measure of comfort,’ Sanchez stated, while emphasizing that determining the cause would require thorough investigation.

    The incident occurred in a strategically sensitive border region that has experienced intensified military operations against drug trafficking organizations and armed groups in recent weeks. General Carlos Fernando Silva Rueda specified that the aircraft was transporting 114 military personnel with an 11-member crew between Amazonian outposts when the accident occurred.

    Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion preceding the crash. Farmer Noe Mota recounted, ‘I felt an explosion in the air and, when I looked up, the plane was flying close to the house on my plot.’

    President Gustavo Petro shared footage on social media platform X showing the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before descending rapidly. Describing the event as a ‘horrific accident,’ Petro highlighted the urgent need to modernize Colombia’s military equipment, though he stopped short of directly linking aging hardware to this specific incident.

    This marks the second Hercules aircraft crash in South America within a month, following a Bolivian military cargo plane accident near La Paz on February 27 that claimed 24 lives. The C-130 Hercules, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is renowned for its capability to operate from rudimentary airstrips and remains widely utilized by global military forces for transporting troops and equipment.

  • JSE launching fixed income trading platform

    JSE launching fixed income trading platform

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s financial landscape enters a transformative phase with the imminent activation of the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s (JSE) fixed income trading platform, scheduled for operational launch on Wednesday, March 25. This cutting-edge infrastructure will facilitate sophisticated trading of domestically-issued Government of Jamaica (GOJ) securities, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s market development.

    The platform, which achieved 93% completion according to the Bank of Jamaica’s 2025 annual report, represents a strategic enhancement to the country’s financial architecture. GOJ securities encompass a diverse range of instruments including investment notes, treasury bills, local registered stock, bonds, promissory notes, and debentures.

    Bank of Jamaica officials emphasized that the primary objective centers on enabling sophisticated price discovery mechanisms through an advanced framework for secondary market trading of GOJ securities. Currently housed within the BOJ’s JamClear®-CSD depository, these securities will now benefit from increased market liquidity and dynamic pricing mechanisms.

    The newly implemented NASDAQ Matching Engine (NME) platform grants deposit-taking institutions and banks special designation for onboarding, with comprehensive system updates accommodating their specific reporting requirements. This technological sophistication allows GOJ debt holders to strategically adjust their exposure levels to these assets, creating unprecedented flexibility in portfolio management.

    Finance Minister Fayval Williams announced on March 10 that this initiative constitutes a core component of Jamaica’s strategy to modernize its domestic debt market. During her budget presentation, Minister Williams outlined additional reforms designed to support both securities and pension sectors in unlocking substantial additional capital, signaling broader financial market evolution.

    This fixed income platform represents the latest innovation following the successful launches of the JSE USD Bond Market and JSE Private Market. Market participants now anticipate subsequent JSE initiatives including the Micro Market and securities short selling capabilities, indicating continued advancement in Jamaica’s financial market infrastructure.

  • ECG machines now available in every Portland health district

    ECG machines now available in every Portland health district

    PORTLAND, Jamaica — In a significant advancement for cardiac healthcare infrastructure, the Portland Health Department has achieved comprehensive electrocardiogram (ECG) service coverage across all three health districts within the parish. This strategic expansion represents a major step in improving diagnostic capabilities and enhancing healthcare accessibility for local residents.

    Dr. Sharon Lewis, Medical Officer of Health for Portland, formally announced the deployment during a recent session of the Portland Municipal Corporation. The life-saving medical equipment is now operational at the Port Antonio Health Centre, the Buff Bay District Health Centre, and the Fair Prospect Health Centre. Dr. Lewis emphasized the critical role of ECGs in modern medicine, stating, ‘These machines are essential for monitoring cardiac electrical activity, providing vital diagnostics for various heart conditions. Our community members can now access this crucial investigation within their own districts, eliminating the need for lengthy travel.’

    While the rollout is largely complete, Dr. Lewis noted a temporary operational delay at the Fair Prospect Health Centre. The ECG unit there, generously donated by the Caribbean Medical Mission, is currently awaiting a specialized paper supply essential for printing test results. ‘We are experiencing a temporary procurement challenge for the compatible paper, which has paused services at that specific location until new stock arrives,’ she clarified, assuring that this is a short-term logistical issue.

    The department has established a streamlined, appointment-based system to manage the new service. Patients receive a referral from a clinician, after which nurses at the curative clinics schedule their ECG appointments, ensuring an organized and efficient patient flow.

    This infrastructure upgrade aligns with the health department’s broader commitment to cardiovascular wellness, exemplified by a series of successful public awareness initiatives conducted throughout February in observance of Heart Month. These efforts focused on educating parishioners about heart disease prevention and the importance of early detection.