Carib Scope

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  • Belize City Mayor Defends Salary Increase Request

    Belize City Mayor Defends Salary Increase Request

    A contentious proposal to raise compensation for Belize City’s mayor and councilors has been formally rejected by the national government, maintaining current salary levels amid growing economic pressures. The request, initially submitted in 2025, represented the council’s effort to align municipal compensation with industry standards following an extensive external review.

    Mayor Bernard Wagner defended the proposal, explaining that the initiative stemmed from a comprehensive analysis conducted by consulting firm Salient Group in 2024. The study revealed significant disparities between municipal employees and their private sector counterparts, particularly in positions involving janitorial services, grounds maintenance, and public space management. Following these findings, the council implemented substantial raises for lower-tier staff as part of a new collective bargaining agreement ratified in 2025.

    The proposed raises for elected officials marked the next phase of this compensation restructuring effort. Council members conducted comparative research examining remuneration packages in similar municipalities and industries, concluding that their current compensation lagged considerably behind comparable positions.

    However, the timing of the request drew sharp criticism from Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton, who characterized it as ill-considered given current economic challenges including rising living costs and increased property taxes. Ultimately, Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s administration exercised its statutory authority to block the salary adjustments, leaving the compensation structure unchanged for Belize City’s leadership team.

    The rejection highlights ongoing tensions between municipal and national governments regarding fiscal autonomy and resource allocation, particularly during periods of economic constraint.

  • New tax regime for vehicles, outboard engines

    New tax regime for vehicles, outboard engines

    In a significant economic policy shift, Guyana’s Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh unveiled substantial tax reductions and eliminations across multiple vehicle categories and marine propulsion systems on Monday, January 26, 2026. The comprehensive fiscal reforms introduce a simplified tax structure for double-cab pickup trucks, with a flat levy of GY$2 million applied to models under 2,000 CC regardless of age, while units between 2,000 CC and 2,500 CC will attract a GY$3 million charge. The government has further eliminated Value Added Tax (VAT) on conventional vehicles below 1,500 CC that are less than four years old, extending similar VAT exemptions to hybrid vehicles under 2,000 CC. In a move to boost recreational and industrial mobility, all import duties and taxes have been abolished for All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) without usage restrictions. Additionally, marine operators will benefit from complete tax removal on outboard engines with capacities up to 150 Horsepower, signaling support for Guyana’s maritime and fishing industries. These measures represent a strategic recalibration of the nation’s fiscal policy aimed at stimulating transportation sectors and reducing operational costs for businesses and consumers alike.

  • Belize City Youth Shadow Councilors Visit Sister City Miramar

    Belize City Youth Shadow Councilors Visit Sister City Miramar

    In a significant stride for international youth development, Belize City has dispatched two promising young leaders to Miramar, Florida, for an immersive governance exchange program. Youth Shadow Councilors Sanaa Rowland and Arthur Butler, accompanied by Councilor Stephanne Hamilton who oversees Sister City Relations, arrived on Saturday to participate in a meticulously curated week-long agenda focused on municipal governance.

    The delegation received formal welcoming ceremonies from Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam and his executive team on Monday morning, marking a substantial advancement in the bilateral partnership between the coastal municipalities. This exchange program represents a cornerstone initiative within the broader sister city framework established between Belize City and Miramar.

    Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner provided exclusive insights into the program’s strategic importance, highlighting the comparable demographic scales between the two cities—approximately 150,000 residents in Miramar versus 70,000-80,000 in Belize City—which creates unique synergies for mutual learning. The partnership framework specifically prioritizes economic development, cultural exchanges, and youth development initiatives.

    The Youth Shadow Councilors’ itinerary includes observational sessions at Miramar’s city council meetings, comprehensive briefings with both fire and police departments—unlike Belize City’s structure, Miramar’s municipal government maintains direct oversight of these services—and evaluations of recreational facilities and youth programming. This hands-on exposure aims to provide the young Belizean representatives with practical insights into alternative models of civic engagement and community development.

    Mayor Wagner emphasized the program’s role in fostering sustainable international relationships while providing transformative professional development opportunities for the next generation of Belizean leadership. The exchange represents a significant investment in cross-cultural understanding and the development of practical governance skills among youth participants.

  • US President Trump pulls immigration chief out of Minnesota after second fatal ICE shooting

    US President Trump pulls immigration chief out of Minnesota after second fatal ICE shooting

    MINNEAPOLIS – The Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive review of law enforcement protocols following the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis within weeks. The latest incident occurred Saturday when Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive-care nurse, during an altercation that has generated conflicting accounts between federal and local authorities.

    Federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, assert that Pretti was ‘brandishing’ a firearm, justifying the use of lethal force. However, Minneapolis officials and video evidence analyzed by The New York Times suggest Pretti was holding a mobile phone rather than a weapon when agents opened fire. The Times’ forensic analysis indicates no visual evidence of Pretti drawing a weapon before being pinned on the sidewalk.

    Pretti’s family confirmed he legally owned a handgun with a concealed carry permit, though they stated he was not known to carry it regularly. Minnesota law permits public carrying of firearms with proper authorization, adding complexity to the jurisdictional dispute.

    The incident has exposed deepening tensions between state and federal enforcement agencies. President Trump acknowledged the conflict following a conversation with Governor Tim Walz, noting they were ‘on a similar wavelength’ regarding resolution strategies. In response, the administration announced the reassignment of Customs and Border Patrol leadership from Minnesota, with veteran official Tom Homan appointed to oversee operations.

    This shooting follows the January 7th death of Renee Good, another Minneapolis resident fatally shot by immigration agents during an attempted departure from a scene. The back-to-back incidents have intensified scrutiny of federal law enforcement tactics and intergovernmental coordination in immigration enforcement operations.

  • Duartian Institute unveils first equestrian statue of Juan Pablo Duarte

    Duartian Institute unveils first equestrian statue of Juan Pablo Duarte

    Santo Domingo witnessed a historic civic celebration on Monday, January 26th, as the Duartian Institute unveiled the nation’s inaugural equestrian statue honoring Juan Pablo Duarte, founding father of the Dominican Republic. The ceremony formed a centerpiece of the nationwide observances marking the 213th anniversary of Duarte’s birth.

    Strategically positioned at the convergence of 27 de Febrero, Winston Churchill, and Comandante Jiménez Moya avenues, the monument now stands as a permanent fixture within one of Santo Domingo’s most frequented urban corridors. Wilson Gómez Ramírez, President of the Duartian Institute, presided over the unveiling and articulated the profound significance of the installation. He emphasized that the statue transcends mere artistic merit, serving instead as a powerful tribute to Duarte’s foundational military leadership as the first General-in-Chief of the Dominican armed forces.

    The dynamic depiction of Duarte astride his horse is richly symbolic, representing his enduring patriotic mission that traversed the nation. This representation is designed to reinforce core national values of sovereignty, courage, and unwavering determination. Gómez Ramírez further highlighted that the statue’s prominent placement amplifies the patriotic essence of 27 de Febrero Avenue, ensuring his legacy engages with thousands of citizens navigating this central hub daily.

    Crafted by renowned sculptor Yussep García, the monument utilizes stainless steel and epoxy resin to capture a vision of progress, foresight, and leadership—the very principles that defined Duarte’s legacy. The inauguration ceremony was conducted with full military honors and featured cultural artistic performances, attended by government officials, institute members, and the general public.

    This unveiling constituted a key element of an extensive commemorative agenda, which also included ceremonial flag raisings, floral tributes at significant national monuments, a solemn mass, and a series of parallel activities organized both domestically and within Dominican communities abroad.

  • Training : Graduation of 289 women beneficiaries of the Socio-economic Integration Project

    Training : Graduation of 289 women beneficiaries of the Socio-economic Integration Project

    In a landmark ceremony at Port-au-Prince’s Karibe Hotel on January 25, 2026, Haiti’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs celebrated the graduation of 289 women from technical training programs historically dominated by male workers. The event marked the inaugural completion of the “Mylourie Sylfrard” initiative under the Socio-economic Integration Project, specifically designed to empower women through vocational education in non-traditional sectors.

    The graduation ceremony gathered distinguished attendees including godmother of the promotion Ms. Raïna Forbin, ministry officials, diplomatic corps representatives, UN agency delegates, and leaders from civil society organizations and training centers. Minister of Women’s Affairs Pedrica Saint Jean emphasized the profound symbolism of the event, noting that these women had successfully completed rigorous training in fields including construction, electrical work, solar energy installation, and emerging technologies.

    Minister Saint Jean articulated the government’s commitment to dismantling gender stereotypes and creating genuine equality of opportunity. She framed women’s economic empowerment as essential for achieving social justice, strengthening community resilience, and fostering social cohesion. The initiative aligns with Haiti’s 2014-2034 Equality Policy and contributes directly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing inequality reduction and access to dignified employment.

    The Minister acknowledged substantial governmental support, including personal backing from the Prime Minister, which has enabled the program’s expansion into additional departments across Haiti.

    Ms. Shedelie Phanor, speaking on behalf of the graduating cohort, expressed profound gratitude to governmental authorities and project partners. She challenged her fellow graduates to demonstrate exceptional professionalism in their chosen fields, becoming inspirational references for other women seeking to overcome occupational gender barriers.

    The ceremony culminated with the formal distribution of graduation certificates recognizing the beneficiaries’ educational achievements. Participants also received professional toolkits and financial grants specifically designed to facilitate their entry into the workforce and support the launch of income-generating activities.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Welcomes Arrival of 119 Ghanaian Nurses

    Antigua and Barbuda Welcomes Arrival of 119 Ghanaian Nurses

    In a landmark development for Caribbean healthcare, Antigua and Barbuda has significantly strengthened its medical workforce with the arrival of 119 nursing professionals from Ghana. Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph personally welcomed the contingent at V.C. Bird International Airport during a ceremonial reception on Friday evening.

    The minister, adorned in traditional African attire, characterized the event as “a truly delightful moment in the history of Antigua and Barbuda,” noting it represents one of the largest single delegations to traverse the Atlantic from Ghana. The arrival ceremony emphasized shared heritage and familial bonds, with Minister Joseph explicitly telling the nurses they had “rejoined your family.”

    This strategic recruitment initiative addresses critical staffing shortages that have challenged the nation’s healthcare system. According to official assessments, Antigua and Barbuda requires approximately 400 nurses to operate effectively. Prior to this deployment, the system relied on roughly 260 local nurses supplemented by 33 Cuban healthcare professionals.

    The newly arrived nurses will undergo a comprehensive three-week orientation program encompassing cultural integration, clinical alignment protocols, and specialized role training before beginning their assignments. All recruits have committed to three-year service contracts with the nation’s healthcare system.

    Government officials cited successful implementations of Ghanaian nursing staff in other Caribbean nations, including Barbados and The Bahamas, as influential in their recruitment decision. The addition of these professionals is projected to elevate staffing levels slightly above minimum operational requirements and significantly improve current nurse-to-patient ratios, which stand at approximately 1:10.

    An official welcome ceremony is scheduled for Saturday to further integrate the healthcare professionals into their new community and practice environment.

  • FLASH : 2 planes hit by bullets, reactions from AAN and OFNAC

    FLASH : 2 planes hit by bullets, reactions from AAN and OFNAC

    Port-au-Prince, Haiti – A severe security breach has shaken Haiti’s aviation infrastructure after two commercial aircraft sustained bullet impacts during their landing maneuvers at Toussaint Louverture International Airport on Sunday, January 26, 2026.

    In an official joint communiqué, the National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC) and the National Airport Authority (AAN) confirmed that both aircraft, operated by ZED Airlines S.A., came under direct fire while executing their final approach. The alarming incident prompted immediate deployment of emergency and rescue services to the scene.

    Technical assessment teams are currently conducting comprehensive evaluations to determine the full extent of damage and ensure operational safety before authorizing any resumption of flights. National security authorities have been alerted and have launched a full-scale investigation to identify the perpetrators behind this dangerous assault on civilian aviation.

    The aviation authorities vehemently condemned the attack, emphasizing that such acts endanger the lives of passengers and crew members while compromising the security integrity of Haitian airspace. Emergency protocols have been activated to establish a reinforced security system around airport infrastructure.

    This critical incident has resulted in the suspension of all flights through Haiti’s sole operational international connection, significantly impacting vital transportation links including the family reunification program between Haiti and Brazil.

  • Security : Laurent Saint-Cyr and the PM reiterate the State’s support for the FAd’H

    Security : Laurent Saint-Cyr and the PM reiterate the State’s support for the FAd’H

    Port-au-Prince, January 26, 2026 – In a significant demonstration of governmental solidarity, Haiti’s transitional leadership conducted a high-profile visit to Armed Forces headquarters to reinforce state backing for military operations against rampant gang violence. Laurent Saint-Cyr, President pro tempore and Coordinator of the Transition Council, led the delegation alongside Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and Defense Minister Jean Michel Moïse. The high-level delegation engaged in extensive discussions with Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant-General Derby Guerrier, Deputy General Jean Jonas, and senior military officials. During the strategic meeting, Saint-Cyr emphatically praised the military’s professionalism and disciplinary standards while emphasizing their crucial role in national stabilization efforts. He articulated the government’s unwavering commitment to modernizing Haiti’s military infrastructure, stating that national recovery remains unattainable without a robust and respected military institution. The Transition Council coordinator specifically highlighted the necessity of absolute political neutrality within armed forces to maintain public trust and international credibility. Prime Minister Fils-Aimé concurrently declared the administration’s determined focus on enhancing operational, logistical, and human resource capacities within military structures. The Prime Minister characterized the security crisis as an absolute priority that is fundamentally interconnected with national unity objectives and institutional stability. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to restoring state authority across all territories while maintaining strict adherence to constitutional principles and rule of law protocols.

  • Winter storm cancels 89 flights between U.S. and Dominican Republic

    Winter storm cancels 89 flights between U.S. and Dominican Republic

    A severe winter storm sweeping across multiple U.S. states has significantly disrupted air connectivity with the Dominican Republic, causing substantial flight cancellations for consecutive days. Aviation tracking data reveals that adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of at least 89 flights between the two nations on Monday, marking an escalation from Sunday’s 79 canceled services.

    The most severe operational impacts were concentrated at Boston Logan International Airport, which experienced the brunt of the storm’s disruptions. From this Northeast hub, 22 scheduled flights to Santiago de los Caballeros were canceled alongside seven to Punta Cana, three to Puerto Plata, and three to Las Américas International Airport (AILA). The disruption extends into Tuesday with three preemptive cancellations already recorded—two to New York’s JFK Airport and one to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

    Within the Dominican Republic, Cibao International Airport bore the heaviest impact with 40 suspended flights, primarily originating from Boston, New York, and Newark. Punta Cana International Airport followed with 25 cancellations, while AILA reported 14 and Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata registered eight canceled flights. Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom), the airport management company, indicated that normal operations are expected to resume gradually as meteorological conditions in the United States improve. The authority advised affected passengers to directly contact their airlines for real-time flight status updates and travel arrangements.