Carib Scope

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  • CARPHA builds capacity in shipping of infectious substances training in Belize

    CARPHA builds capacity in shipping of infectious substances training in Belize

    The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) recently concluded a pivotal Shipping of Infectious Substances Training (SIST) in Belize, held from October 20 to 24, 2025. Funded through CARPHA’s Pandemic Fund Grant, the workshop aimed to bolster national laboratory capabilities in the safe handling, packaging, and transportation of infectious substances and diagnostic specimens. The training brought together 13 participants from five laboratories, including private entities and the National Public Health Laboratory under Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW).

    This initiative is crucial for the Caribbean, where fragile economies face heightened risks from infectious diseases. By adhering to World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, the training enhanced technical competencies in specimen management, ensuring safer and more efficient referral testing. This effort aligns with CARPHA’s broader Pandemic Fund Project, which seeks to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) capacities across its Member States.

    Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, mastering the classification, packaging, labeling, and documentation of infectious substances. Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA’s Executive Director, emphasized the importance of partnerships in preparedness, stating, ‘Together with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and national stakeholders, we are establishing a sustainable, IATA-compliant shipping workforce that will protect specimen integrity and bolster Belize’s readiness for future public health emergencies.’

    Carlos Rampersad, CARPHA’s Biorisk Manager for the Pandemic Fund, highlighted the training’s role in disease surveillance and outbreak response. ‘By building the technical skills of health professionals in Belize, we are advancing regional biosafety and biosecurity standards,’ he noted. Rochelle Cabral, Director of Central Medical Laboratory and Vice Chair of CARPHA’s Biorisk Management Technical Advisory Group, added that national capacity building directly enhances the region’s collective resilience.

    The SIST in Belize is part of a series of regional activities under the Pandemic Fund Project, focusing on workforce development and sustainable biosafety practices. Upcoming initiatives will continue to strengthen laboratory and surveillance systems across CARPHA Member States, ensuring a robust public health infrastructure.

  • Carriacou Historical Society announces new board of directors

    Carriacou Historical Society announces new board of directors

    The Carriacou Historical Society and Museum has unveiled its newly appointed Board of Directors, signaling a pivotal moment in the institution’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Carriacou. This leadership transition follows the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which necessitated significant rebuilding and expansion efforts. The museum, a cornerstone of Carriacou’s cultural identity, is now poised to embark on a transformative journey with the support of its community, volunteers, and the global diaspora. The newly appointed board members, whose roles span various strategic and operational domains, include Bryan A. Whyte as President, David Mark, MBE, as 1st Vice President, and Majella Mark, MBA, as Director of International Affairs and Special Projects. Other key appointments include Patricia John as Treasurer and Benaiah Matheson as Director of Diaspora Engagement. To enhance its outreach, the museum has launched new social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and BlueSky, aiming to connect with diverse audiences and amplify the visibility of Carriacou’s rich cultural history. Majella Mark emphasized the board’s commitment to safeguarding the island’s artifacts and stories while fostering global connections. For updates, the public is encouraged to follow @carriacoumuseum on all platforms or visit www.carriacoumuseum.gd.

  • Team Grenada set to contest OECS Swim Championship

    Team Grenada set to contest OECS Swim Championship

    The Grenada National Swim Team, comprising 34 talented athletes, is gearing up to compete in the 33rd OECS Swim Championship at the Drewsbury Aquatic Centre in St Vincent. Following rigorous trials held in late September, the Grenada Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) unveiled the squad, which spans various age categories from 8 & Under to 18 & Over. The team includes promising swimmers such as Brianne De Roche, Evie Twum-Barimah, Angeliner Glenes Jackson-Bain, and Nathan Fletcher, among others. Under the guidance of Head Coach Damique Walters and Assistant Coach Valorie Andrew, the team has been immersed in an intensive training program, emphasizing technique refinement and skill enhancement to elevate their competitive edge. This year’s competition holds special significance for Team Grenada, as they aim to reclaim the OECS Championship title after a three-year hiatus. While the team will miss the contributions of overseas-based swimmers like Tilly Collymore and Sara Dowden, the athletes remain highly motivated and focused on their goal. The team will depart for St Vincent on November 5 and 6, accompanied by team manager Ruth Collymore and a dedicated support staff, including Vice President Gail Purcell, PRO Beverly Benoit, and Technical Assistant Justin Steele. A strong contingent of parent supporters will also be present to bolster the team’s morale. Fans are encouraged to follow the championship via live streams on Facebook and YouTube, with GASA providing regular updates on its social media platforms.

  • Liberty Caribbean Foundation mobilises relief for Jamaica

    Liberty Caribbean Foundation mobilises relief for Jamaica

    In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation has launched a comprehensive regional relief initiative to aid affected communities across Jamaica. The foundation, a charitable arm of Flow and Liberty Business, has coordinated with regional crisis teams and partners across Liberty Latin America to deploy essential supplies, including food, water, emergency kits, and connectivity solutions, as soon as safe access is granted by local authorities. Ensuring the safety of staff remains the top priority, with teams actively verifying the well-being of all employees. Relief shipments are poised to commence at the earliest opportunity, pending official clearance. Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to supporting both employees and the broader community, stating, ‘Our first duty is to our people and to the communities who rely on us. We are prepared to deliver immediate relief and stand with these communities throughout their recovery.’ The foundation is collaborating closely with national and local authorities, community organizations, and trusted relief partners to ensure efficient and targeted assistance, avoiding duplication and prioritizing the most vulnerable populations. Simultaneously, Liberty Caribbean’s crisis-management teams are focused on restoring critical communications infrastructure and supporting employee welfare. Smidts highlighted the foundation’s long-term commitment, noting, ‘Recovery will be a sustained effort. Beyond emergency supplies, we are dedicated to partnering with local organizations on rebuilding and resilience initiatives.’ Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 185 mph, tied with Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the 1935 ‘Labour Day’ hurricane as the strongest Atlantic hurricane on record by wind speed. The Liberty Caribbean Foundation is calling for public and corporate support to scale relief operations. Donations will directly fund the procurement and delivery of essential supplies and support long-term recovery programs in the hardest-hit areas. Secure donations can be made online at https://www.libertycaribbeanfoundation.org/hurricane-relief.

  • Ruim 30 LO-leerkrachten sluiting training 3×3 basketbal af

    Ruim 30 LO-leerkrachten sluiting training 3×3 basketbal af

    The Schoolsport Federatie Suriname (SSFS) recently organized a three-day 3×3 basketball training program for over thirty Physical Education (PE) teachers. Held from October 27 to 29 at the gymnasium of the Mr. Dr. J.C. De Miranda Lyceum, the initiative is part of Suriname’s preparation for the Inter Island Schoolgames 2026. This event, a sports exchange among Dutch-speaking Caribbean nations, marks Suriname’s recent inclusion and aims to provide students aged 10 to 17 with international sports experience.

    During the opening ceremony, Enrique Ralim, Acting Director of Sport, emphasized the importance of investing in sports from an early age. “Sports development begins in primary school. Teachers play a pivotal role not only in shaping athletes but also in building character. Values like discipline, perseverance, and teamwork are essential for the future of our youth,” he stated.

    SSFS Chairman Anil Ghisaidoobe highlighted the significance of capacity building and continuous professional development for the advancement of school sports. The training was led by Mike Nahar, assistant coach at the Suriname Basketball Association (SBA) and ambassador of the Dutch Basketball Federation (NBB). The program focused on enhancing the knowledge and practical skills of PE teachers, enabling them to better guide students in this dynamic and growing sport.

    The initiative underscores the Ministry of Youth Development and Sport’s (JOS) commitment to fostering sports participation, talent development, and international collaboration within the school sports program. The training concluded on Wednesday with a certificate ceremony, where Nahar was honored with an award for his contributions.

    Ralim addressed participants during the closing session, emphasizing the societal impact of sports. “Sports are not just about performance but about character building. Perseverance, discipline, respect, and teamwork are the foundations for growth—both on the field and in daily life,” he said. He urged teachers to embrace their role as mentors, inspiring young people to believe in themselves, pursue goals, and face challenges with confidence.

    The training not only equipped teachers with new skills but also strengthened the school sports network and the collective effort toward sustainable sports development in Suriname.

  • AIDS Secretariat Launches New Campaign with National Symposium and Teen Forum Ahead of World AIDS Day

    AIDS Secretariat Launches New Campaign with National Symposium and Teen Forum Ahead of World AIDS Day

    The AIDS Secretariat is gearing up for a robust anti-STI campaign in anticipation of the 2025 World AIDS Day Week of Activities, with two significant events already in the pipeline. The first annual HIV/AIDS Symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, November 26th, starting at 5:30 PM, followed by the National Teens Talk Day on November 28th, which will run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Both events will take place at the Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Center. Key topics to be addressed include the facts about HIV/AIDS and STIs, the personal impacts of choices and consequences, navigating social pressures, the intersection of violence, crime, and HIV risks, as well as media literacy and self-esteem. The National Teens Day event will see participation from ten schools, with invitations extended to eight government schools and two private institutions. World AIDS Day itself will be observed on December 1st, 2025.

  • Sargassum project, SARSEA, launched in St Lucia, DA fisheries minister attends

    Sargassum project, SARSEA, launched in St Lucia, DA fisheries minister attends

    The Caribbean region has taken a significant step toward addressing the growing threat of sargassum seaweed with the official launch of the Sargassum Regional Strategies for Ecosystem-based Actions (SARSEA) initiative on October 28 in Saint Lucia. The event brought together government officials, institutional leaders, and scientific experts from across the region to tackle the environmental, economic, and social challenges posed by sargassum beachings.

  • Belize’s Inflation Holds Steady, but Some Costs Bite

    Belize’s Inflation Holds Steady, but Some Costs Bite

    Belize’s inflation rate held steady in September 2025, with a modest 0.6% year-on-year increase, as reported by the Statistical Institute of Belize. However, a closer look reveals significant shifts in the cost of essential goods and services, impacting household budgets across the nation. Housing and utility costs emerged as the primary drivers of inflation. Notably, the price of a 100-pound LPG cylinder surged by 11.6%, rising from $116.58 to $130.07, while rental prices also inched upward, adding financial strain to many families. Dining out became more expensive, with the Restaurants and Accommodation Services category climbing 2.8%, largely due to higher prices at restaurants and cafés. On a brighter note, fuel prices saw a decline, offering some relief to drivers. Regular gasoline dropped by $0.63 per gallon, premium by $0.62, and diesel by $0.18. Over the first nine months of 2025, the overall price increase stood at 1.2% compared to the same period in 2024. Key contributors to this rise included food, housing, dining out, and personal care items, while transport and technology-related costs experienced a downward trend.

  • Ministry of Health strengthens defenses with new pandemic preparedness plan

    Ministry of Health strengthens defenses with new pandemic preparedness plan

    Saint Lucia is taking proactive steps to fortify its defenses against future health crises through the development of a robust Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan. This initiative was launched during a pivotal three-day workshop from October 21 to 23, organized by the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The event convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including health professionals, emergency management experts, and key national agencies such as the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), the Customs and Excise Department, and the Saint Lucia Fire Service, underscoring the collaborative nature of pandemic response. The plan aims to enhance the nation’s ability to detect, respond to, and recover from pandemics, with a particular focus on respiratory diseases. Joanne Persaud, PAHO’s Advisor for Health Emergencies, highlighted the urgency of the initiative, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for comprehensive preparedness. She emphasized that the plan leverages the Preparedness and Response for Emerging Threats (PREP) tool, tailored to Saint Lucia’s unique context. Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, Chief Medical Officer, stressed that health emergencies require a whole-of-society approach, building on lessons learned from COVID-19. Once finalized, the plan will serve as a critical roadmap for coordinated national action, ensuring Saint Lucia remains resilient and ready to tackle future public health emergencies effectively.

  • Hurricane Melissa bears down on the Bahamas as Jamaica begins recovery

    Hurricane Melissa bears down on the Bahamas as Jamaica begins recovery

    The Caribbean is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic storm that has left a trail of destruction in its wake. After wreaking havoc in Jamaica and Cuba, the hurricane is now advancing toward the Central and Southeast Bahamas, where it is anticipated to make its third landfall. Although Melissa has weakened from its peak intensity of 185 miles per hour winds, it remains a formidable threat to the region. The Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM Authority) in The Bahamas has issued Alert #23, cautioning residents of impending damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and dangerous storm surges. Meanwhile, Jamaica, which has been granted the all-clear, faces an arduous recovery process. Senator Dr. Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, revealed that 77% of the country remains without electricity, and over 70 of the island’s 700 water systems are non-operational. Utility and communication providers have commenced restoration efforts, but the extensive damage suggests a prolonged recovery period. Despite the hurricane’s departure, Jamaica remains at risk, with a Flash Flood Watch in effect for northern, southwestern, and south-central parishes. Additional rainfall could exacerbate flooding and trigger landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas.