Carib Scope

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  • Team St. Kitts Announces Squad for Leeward Islands Cricket Tournament

    Team St. Kitts Announces Squad for Leeward Islands Cricket Tournament

    The St. Kitts Cricket Association (SKCA) has officially revealed the Team St. Kitts roster for the highly anticipated Leeward Islands Cricket Tournament, scheduled to run from October 25th to November 1st, 2025. The matches will be hosted across various venues in St. Kitts, promising an exciting showcase of regional cricket talent.

    Leading the squad once again is captain Terrance Warde, who exuded confidence in his team’s preparation. Warde emphasized the balanced composition of the team, which blends seasoned veterans with emerging young stars. “It’s a mix of youth and experience. We have a few youngsters making significant strides, and we’ll leverage their potential while providing senior players opportunities to shine and secure higher honors, such as selection for the Leeward Islands,” Warde stated.

    Warde also highlighted the pivotal role of the Len Harris Cricket Academy in nurturing the island’s cricketing talent. Many of the academy’s graduates have already represented the Leeward Islands at youth levels, a testament to the program’s success. “The youngsters have been performing exceptionally well, and the academy deserves immense credit for their development,” he added.

    The 2025 squad includes notable names such as Mikyle Louis, Jeremiah Louis, and wicketkeeper Eirette Richards, alongside promising talents like Caiden Francis and Kasim Challenger. Additional players will be selected for the two-day matches later in the tournament, ensuring depth and flexibility for the team.

    As the tournament approaches, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the thrilling contests that will unfold, with Team St. Kitts poised to make a strong impression on home soil.

  • Thousands of Palestinians return to devastated homes as UN warns of overcrowded shelters and growing humanitarian needs

    Thousands of Palestinians return to devastated homes as UN warns of overcrowded shelters and growing humanitarian needs

    Thousands of Palestinians are returning to their homes in the aftermath of a recent ceasefire, only to find widespread devastation and overcrowded UN shelters. The truce has allowed displaced residents to attempt to rebuild their lives, but many are confronted with the grim reality of homes reduced to rubble. With limited options, families are seeking refuge in newly accessible areas, though these sites are already overwhelmed by the influx of people. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, highlighted the growing movement across the Gaza Strip as residents relocate to safer or newly accessible zones. On Sunday alone, nearly 13,800 displacements were recorded towards Gaza City and North Gaza, with an additional 4,100 movements to the east. Humanitarian operations are being rapidly expanded under a 60-day response plan, with aid agencies increasing their presence in newly accessible areas to address soaring needs. Food parcels, containing essentials like rice, lentils, and fortified sunflower oil, are being distributed at over two dozen locations, reaching more than 15,000 households. UN agencies and 21 partner organizations provided nearly 944,000 meals over the weekend through 178 community kitchens, marking a significant increase in food assistance. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also intensified efforts, dispatching critical medical supplies to key health facilities, including treatments for chronic illnesses and essential pain relief medications. Shelter assistance is being scaled up ahead of the winter season, with 300 tents and 14,700 blankets distributed to vulnerable households. However, humanitarian partners warn that far greater volumes of shelter materials are urgently needed, requiring Israeli authorities to grant additional access for aid organizations. Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with aid groups emphasizing that the needs are outpacing available resources.

  • Commercial sector urges adherence to building standards regardless of nationality

    Commercial sector urges adherence to building standards regardless of nationality

    In a significant move to bolster safety and regulatory adherence, ten prominent trade associations in Santo Domingo, representing hundreds of businesses in the formal commercial sector, have released a joint declaration. The coalition reaffirmed its dedication to strict compliance with Dominican building regulations, emphasizing the importance of structural integrity in commercial establishments and the safety of consumers. The statement also expressed unwavering support for the Ministry of Housing and Buildings (MIVED) and other regulatory bodies in enhancing oversight and control mechanisms for commercial structures. The coalition called on businesses, developers, contractors, engineers, architects, and local authorities to maintain the highest standards of compliance. ‘Adhering to building regulations is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental necessity for consumer safety, business competitiveness, and societal well-being,’ the coalition asserted. Among the participating organizations are Fedocamaras, FDC, Codopyme, ANI, Adoimfe, ONEC, Asecensa, Anamara, Ancodomu, and UNE. They underscored the commercial sector’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, job creation, and urban development, while stressing that such progress must align with rigorous legal and technical building standards. The associations highlighted that these regulations, crafted by qualified academic and technical experts, are designed to ensure structural security, safeguard human lives, and maintain service continuity, even in the face of natural disasters or aging infrastructure. Compliance is mandatory for all establishments and extends protection to customers regardless of nationality. The coalition concluded by emphasizing that strict adherence to building regulations is vital for protecting lives, preserving public trust, and fostering fair competition within the commercial sector.

  • TotalEnergies meldt 23% voortgang olieproject Blok 58 aan president Simons

    TotalEnergies meldt 23% voortgang olieproject Blok 58 aan president Simons

    President Jennifer Simons of Suriname received a comprehensive update on the progress of the GranMorgu oil project in Block 58 during a meeting with a delegation from TotalEnergies and Staatsolie on Tuesday. The delegation, led by Javier Rielo, Senior Vice President Americas for Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, alongside Staatsolie Director Annand Jagesar, confirmed that the project is proceeding on schedule and within budget, with 23% of the work already completed. Jagesar highlighted the project’s adherence to its timeline and the ‘very positive developments’ in local content involvement, noting that two Surinamese ports and several local companies are actively participating in the preparatory work. He also pointed out that Surinamese businesses are currently ahead of their counterparts in Guyana in terms of engagement. President Simons emphasized the importance of leveraging the oil sector as a catalyst for broader national development, urging proactive planning to meet the anticipated demands for food, services, and logistics from the oil industry. She stressed the need for sectors like agriculture and tourism to benefit from the outset. Jagesar echoed this sentiment, calling for immediate policy measures to strengthen agriculture and vocational training, highlighting that only 7% of the workforce holds a higher education degree—a figure significantly lower than in developed economies. He cited initiatives by the Foundation for Labor Mobilization & Development to train youth and individuals from disadvantaged neighborhoods as welders for local content roles as an example of necessary workforce development.

  • Column: Onze kostbare kinderen

    Column: Onze kostbare kinderen

    Hans Breeveld reflects on the enduring significance of President Jennifer Simons’ commitment to ensuring that every child receives at least one warm meal daily. This week, however, he was struck by a complaint from teachers about parents showing little to no interest in their children’s academic performance. Breeveld recalls the words of the evangelist Matthew: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone,’ emphasizing that while basic needs are essential, intellectual and emotional nourishment are equally critical.

  • News : Zapping…

    News : Zapping…

    In a significant move, the United States Department of State has announced the implementation of enhanced screening measures for US visa holders. This new policy, rooted in continuous verification, empowers authorities to revoke visas at any time based on the holder’s behavior or activities, marking a stricter approach to immigration control.

    Meanwhile, CARICOM is reasserting its influence in Haiti’s political landscape. With the Presidential Transitional Council’s (PTC) term nearing its end in February 2026, CARICOM leaders have urged key figures, including Maryse Narcisse, André Michel, Claude Joseph, Ted Saint-Dic, and Jean-Charles Moise, to propose alternatives for the Council’s succession.

    In Gonaïves, a notable administrative change occurred on October 21, 2025, as Me Guiverna Guillaume was replaced by Me Renable Destina as the interim Government Commissioner. Guillaume has been reassigned as Deputy Government Commissioner to the Prosecutor’s Office in Cap-Haïtien.

    Environmental concerns are mounting in Petit-Bois, where Ecovert-Haiti has issued an urgent plea to the Ministry of the Environment and the National Agency for Protected Areas (ANAP) to address the severe degradation of a mahogany forest. Unregulated tree felling for charcoal and timber production, coupled with inadequate monitoring, threatens the forest’s survival and the local ecosystem.

    On a brighter note, Haitian cocoa will be showcased at the Paris Chocolate Fair from October 29 to November 2, 2025. Supported by the Hauts-de-Seine Department since 2009, the event will feature tastings, producer-chocolatier meetings, and conferences on fair trade and agricultural resilience.

    Lastly, EU Ambassador Hélène Roos met with Charles Jean Jacques, Haiti’s National Authorizing Officer, to discuss EU funding for governance, education, infrastructure, and food security projects, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to Haiti’s development.

  • Tropical Storm Melissa could strengthen as it moves slowly

    Tropical Storm Melissa could strengthen as it moves slowly

    Tropical Storm Melissa has stalled in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 460 kilometers southwest of Pedernales, moving at a sluggish pace of 4 kilometers per hour. According to meteorologist Jean Suriel, the storm is expected to intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours, with a potential trajectory toward Jamaica. Despite its limited movement, Melissa’s expansive cloud bands are already impacting the Dominican Republic, particularly along the southern coast. This has heightened concerns over heavy rainfall, flash floods, and widespread flooding in both urban and rural areas of the southern and southwestern regions. Suriel further warned that the storm’s outer bands could trigger prolonged rainfall across much of the country, lasting through Sunday. In response, authorities and relief organizations are urging residents to remain vigilant, avoid rivers and flood-prone zones, and adhere to official safety instructions.

  • Trapped Cormidom mine workers escape unharmed

    Trapped Cormidom mine workers escape unharmed

    In a dramatic turn of events, all 80 miners trapped underground following a landslide at the Cerro de Maimón mining project, operated by the Dominican Mining Corporation (Cormidom), have been successfully rescued. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in a tunnel where copper and zinc extraction takes place. Despite the initial isolation of the workers, there were no reported injuries or communication disruptions during the ordeal. The first group of miners emerged from the site at 3:21 p.m., with the final group exiting by 4:30 p.m. on the same day. Cormidom has assured that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the landslide once the stability of the rock massif is confirmed. The company also pledged to implement necessary corrective measures to prevent future occurrences. This incident highlights the inherent risks in mining operations and the importance of stringent safety protocols.

  • Winners step out to promote healthier living

    Winners step out to promote healthier living

    In a vibrant celebration of health and wellness, Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness, alongside the National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Commission, honored the winners of the National Sneaker Day campaign on September 26. The initiative, designed to encourage Barbadians to embrace more active lifestyles, was hailed as a resounding success, blending playful participation with a serious call for healthier living. The campaign garnered 117 social media entries, with 111 meeting the official criteria, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for wellness across the nation. At a prize-giving ceremony held at the Frank Walcott Building, individuals and organizations were recognized for their creative and impactful contributions. Suleiman Bulbulia, Chair of the NCD Commission, praised the campaign’s success, emphasizing the urgent need to address the NCD crisis in Barbados. “Eighty percent or more of our deaths are attributed to NCDs—diabetes, hypertension, cancer—and now mental health has been added to that list,” he stated. Bulbulia stressed that most NCDs are preventable through better lifestyle choices, particularly increased physical activity. Among the winners were Jamal Maynard of the City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union for Most Creative Post, Sagicor Life Inc. for Most Liked Post, Salena Small as Individual Winner, and Ignatius Byer Primary School as Group Winner. Bulbulia highlighted the importance of instilling healthy habits early, noting the inclusion of a school among the awardees. Dr. Kimberly Phillips, Senior Medical Officer of Health, commended participants and underscored the necessity of collective action to combat sedentary lifestyles. “We want to make movement fun again,” she said, urging Barbadians to see physical activity as an enjoyable part of daily life. Prizes included gym memberships, tickets to the Atlantis Submarine experience, and a group trip for 40 Ignatius Byer Primary pupils to the Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary. Dr. Phillips concluded with a call for unity: “If we are going to reverse the current situation, we have to do it together. Barbados, let us continue to participate and support each other.”

  • New UN report warns climate crisis is hitting world’s poorest the hardest

    New UN report warns climate crisis is hitting world’s poorest the hardest

    A groundbreaking report jointly released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Oxford University’s Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) has issued a stark warning about the escalating climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on the world’s most impoverished populations. Published ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Brazil, the study reveals that climate-related disasters are exacerbating poverty and threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions globally. The report emphasizes the urgent need for decisive action from world leaders to mitigate these escalating challenges. Findings indicate that nearly 80% of the 1.1 billion people living in multidimensional poverty—approximately 887 million individuals—are directly exposed to climate hazards such as extreme heat, flooding, drought, and severe air pollution. Among those in acute multidimensional poverty, 651 million endure two or more climate hazards, while 309 million face three or four simultaneously. Haoliang Xu, UNDP Acting Administrator, stressed the necessity of addressing climate risks to combat global poverty and ensure stability. Pedro Conceição, Director of UNDP’s Human Development Report Office, warned that these challenges are expected to intensify in the coming decades, with the poorest nations projected to experience the most significant temperature increases. The report advocates for climate-resilient poverty reduction strategies, enhanced local adaptation capabilities, and expanded international financing mechanisms to support vulnerable nations. The Caribbean, one of the regions most affected by climate change, continues to experience severe impacts, including intensified hurricanes and prolonged heatwaves. Caribbean leaders are pushing for the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to better assess climate risks and access development financing, arguing that GDP alone fails to capture the true vulnerabilities of small island states.