Carib Scope

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  • China–Antigua and Barbuda Training Boosts Plant Tissue Culture to Tackle Seedling Shortages

    China–Antigua and Barbuda Training Boosts Plant Tissue Culture to Tackle Seedling Shortages

    In a significant advancement for Caribbean agricultural science, Antigua and Barbuda has established its first specialized plant tissue culture facility through bilateral cooperation with China. The pioneering laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art technology including laminar flow hoods, high-pressure sterilizers, and constant-temperature incubators, represents a cornerstone of the China-Aided Agricultural Technology Project.

    On January 21, 2026, the China–Antigua and Barbuda Modern Agricultural International Science and Technology Cooperation Base in Bethesda hosted an intensive technical workshop led by Dr. Lu Jiaju, an associate researcher from China’s Guizhou Institute of Subtropical Crops. The session brought together agricultural specialists from Antigua’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, specifically the Crop Research and Development Division.

    Dr. Lu conducted comprehensive training covering all aspects of plant tissue cultivation, beginning with laboratory safety protocols and proper attire requirements. Participants received detailed instruction on functional laboratory zoning, equipment operation, and critical procedural stages including reagent preparation, medium formulation, sterilization techniques, and explant disinfection. Using sweet potato cuttings as demonstration material, Dr. Lu performed live demonstrations of sterilization processes involving alcohol immersion and sodium hypochlorite treatment, emphasizing precise timing controls.

    The workshop employed a blended learning approach combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. Trainees participated in group exercises within laminar flow cabinets, practicing cutting and inoculation techniques under expert supervision. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining aseptic conditions throughout all procedures, with detailed guidance on laboratory cleaning protocols and disinfection standards.

    Concurrent training sessions focused on laboratory management and equipment maintenance for the core technical team who will operate the facility once it becomes fully operational. This comprehensive knowledge transfer enables Antigua and Barbuda to develop independent capacity for producing high-quality, disease-free seedlings, addressing long-standing agricultural challenges in the region.

    The establishment of this facility, entirely funded and equipped through Chinese governmental support, marks a transformative step in Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural development journey, potentially serving as a model for other Caribbean nations facing similar agricultural constraints.

  • West Indies U19 Spinners Shine in Crucial Super Six Victory Over Ireland

    West Indies U19 Spinners Shine in Crucial Super Six Victory Over Ireland

    In a display of classic Caribbean tenacity, the West Indies Under-19 cricket team secured a vital 25-run victory over Ireland via the DLS method during a rain-interrupted Super Six clash at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 in Windhoek, Namibia.

    The match, characterized by dramatic momentum shifts, saw the Caribbean side overcome early batting struggles to post a competitive total of 226 all out in the 47th over. Wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew provided the foundation with a composed 66 from 82 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and an equal number of sixes. His crucial 67-run partnership with Jonathan van Lange (28) stabilized the innings after West Indies found themselves at 67/3 within the first 16 overs.

    Ireland’s chase began promisingly with opener James West leading the effort, reaching 82/2 after 18 overs. However, the match turned decisively when West Indies’ spin duo of Micah McKenzie and Vitel Lawes took control. McKenzie delivered a devastating performance with figures of 4/36 from his 10 overs, dismantling Ireland’s middle order, while Lawes provided excellent support with 2/41.

    When rain interrupted play for the second time with Ireland at 164/7 after 40 overs, still requiring 62 runs from the remaining overs, the DLS method confirmed West Indies’ victory margin. The win keeps the Caribbean side firmly in contention for the semi-finals, currently sitting third in Super Six Group 1 behind Australia and Afghanistan.

    The tournament structure sees teams carrying forward points from previous matches against other Super Six qualifiers. West Indies advanced with points earned from their victory over South Africa and now face Australia in their final Super Six match on January 28 at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.

    Cricket West Indies has called upon fans worldwide to support the young squad throughout their World Cup campaign. Broadcast coverage is available through ESPN Caribbean, Disney+ in the Caribbean region, Willow TV in North America, and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, with global streaming accessible via ICC.tv.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Positioned as Southern Caribbean Cruise Gateway

    Antigua and Barbuda Positioned as Southern Caribbean Cruise Gateway

    Antigua and Barbuda has strategically positioned itself as the premier gateway for Southern Caribbean cruise tourism following the inauguration of its state-of-the-art cruise terminal in St John’s. The transformative development signals a fundamental shift in the nation’s maritime capabilities, transitioning from a mere port of call to a comprehensive homeporting destination.

    Lancelot Arnold, Eastern Caribbean Regional Director at Global Ports Holding, articulated the strategic vision during Saturday’s grand opening ceremony at the newly constructed Antigua Cruise Port facility. The terminal’s advanced infrastructure now enables full turnaround operations, permitting cruise passengers to both commence and conclude their voyages within Antigua and Barbuda—a capability that substantially enhances the nation’s cruise infrastructure and regional significance.

    This development fundamentally redefines Antigua’s role within Caribbean maritime logistics, establishing the nation as a pivotal hub for itineraries extending to Southern Caribbean destinations including St Lucia and neighboring islands. The enhanced connectivity fosters unprecedented regional cooperation while demonstrating how modern port infrastructure can drive economic resilience and sustainable growth.

    The project realization stemmed from an effective public-private partnership between port operators and the Antiguan government. Gasper George, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port, revealed the terminal was completed in under twelve months, with the broader Upland Development project scheduled for completion by mid-year.

    George emphasized that the inauguration marks a new evolutionary phase for Antigua’s cruise sector, necessitated by increasingly larger vessels and elevated passenger expectations. The economic implications extend far beyond the port itself, generating substantial ripple effects across transportation services, tour operations, retail establishments, culinary venues, hospitality providers, and numerous ancillary industries throughout the dual-island nation.

  • Historic winter storm kills several, causes mass travel disruption across US

    Historic winter storm kills several, causes mass travel disruption across US

    A catastrophic winter storm of historic proportions has unleashed chaos across the United States, resulting in multiple fatalities and bringing the nation’s transportation networks to a standstill. The ferocious system, characterized by arctic blasts, blinding blizzards, and dangerously icy conditions, has impacted a vast swath of the country from the Great Plains through the Midwest and into the Northeast.

    Authorities have confirmed several storm-related deaths, attributed to traffic accidents, exposure to the extreme cold, and other weather-induced emergencies. The severe conditions have triggered a cascade of travel disruptions, with thousands of flights canceled nationwide and major airlines issuing waivers. Key interstate highways have been rendered treacherous or completely impassable, stranding motorists and prompting officials to implore residents to avoid any non-essential travel.

    Critical infrastructure has also been severely tested. Power outages have left tens of thousands of households in the dark and without heat amidst freezing temperatures, while emergency services are operating at maximum capacity responding to a surge in calls. The storm’s timing during a busy holiday travel period has magnified its impact, leaving countless families separated and holiday plans in disarray. Meteorologists are describing the event as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ weather phenomenon, highlighting its rapid intensification and the record-breaking low temperatures it has delivered.

  • Dancehall artiste Lybran opens Jamaican restaurant in Antigua

    Dancehall artiste Lybran opens Jamaican restaurant in Antigua

    In a testament to entrepreneurial resilience, Jamaican dancehall performer Lybran, celebrated under his stage moniker Rum Boss, has inaugurated an authentic Jamaican dining establishment on the island of Antigua. This venture, christened Reggae Village, materializes five years following his relocation to Antigua and Barbuda and is strategically situated in Willikies along the eastern coastline, en route to the renowned Long Bay Beach and Devil’s Bridge landmark.

    Lybran, born Lamon Morvin Cousins in St. Thomas, Jamaica, revealed to the Jamaica Observer that the conception of Reggae Village was forged amidst the adversities of the COVID-19 pandemic. He characterized this epoch as profoundly challenging yet transformative, catalyzed by the birth of his youngest child which instilled a renewed drive to establish a steadfast livelihood for his family. The enterprise was realized through unwavering determination and significant personal sacrifice.

    While the restaurant’s core mission is to cater to Antigua’s expanding Jamaican diaspora, it has remarkably garnered substantial patronage from the local Antiguan community and international tourists alike. The establishment’s reputation has been elevated by visits from distinguished personalities, including athletes from the West Indies cricket and football squads. This acclaim has facilitated a natural expansion into off-site catering services, broadening the business’s scope.

    Concurrently, Lybran continues to nurture his artistic career alongside his culinary pursuits. His recent showcase at the prestigious One Nation Music Festival in Antigua placed him on a lineup with icons such as Capleton, Gramps Morgan, Mr Vegas, and Masicka. A highlight of the event was an impromptu collaborative performance with Gramps Morgan, who extended an invitation for Lybran to join him on stage for a rendition of his track ‘Rum Talk Part 3’. This surprise appearance astonished many attendees who were previously unacquainted with his musical endeavors, resulting in an outpouring of newfound admiration and support from the audience.

  • UWI lecturer calls for history to be compulsory in all schools

    UWI lecturer calls for history to be compulsory in all schools

    A compelling academic movement is gaining momentum across the Caribbean as distinguished scholars advocate for mandatory history education throughout the region’s school systems. The push comes amid concerns that generations are graduating without fundamental knowledge of their historical identity and struggles.

    During the official launch of “St. Vincent and the Grenadines – A General History to the Year 2025, Volume One” at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus, historian Henderson Carter delivered a powerful address emphasizing history’s critical role in national development. The newly presented volume, authored by Vincentian scholars Cleve Scott, Garrey Dennie, and Adrian Fraser, provides an indigenous perspective on Caribbean history, covering topics from native civilizations and European conquest to slavery, resistance movements, and reparatory justice.

    Carter articulated that history serves as the foundation for understanding collective identity, direction, and potential. He expressed alarm that students can complete secondary, community college, and even university education without substantive engagement with historical studies, potentially creating leaders unaware of foundational doctrines like the Monroe Doctrine and its impact on regional politics.

    The academic highlighted concerning societal trends, including disengagement from democratic processes and rising crime rates, which he attributes to historical illiteracy. Carter specifically referenced voting patterns, noting that while only 3,500 people voted in 1935, approximately 95,000 participated in the 1951 elections following intense struggles for black voting rights. This historical context, he argued, remains unknown to many contemporary citizens who disregard their hard-won democratic privileges.

    Supporting Carter’s position, Rodney Worrell, Head of the Department of History, Philosophy and Psychology at UWI Cave Hill, emphasized that proper historical understanding would provide crucial context for current geopolitical developments. He pointed to recent resource disputes involving Venezuela as continuations of historical patterns of external intervention in Caribbean affairs.

    Worrell praised the Vincentian authors for addressing the historical neglect of Eastern Caribbean narratives, particularly compared to the more frequently documented histories of Jamaica and Trinidad. The new volume represents a significant contribution to Caribbean historiography by utilizing indigenous perspectives and previously overlooked sources, focusing on native peoples, genocide, and African enslavement from BP 5000 to 1838.

    The consensus among scholars is clear: integrating comprehensive history education across all academic levels is essential for fostering informed citizenship, national pride, and sustainable development throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Antigua cruise terminal partnership hailed as ‘transformational’

    Antigua cruise terminal partnership hailed as ‘transformational’

    Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation through its strategic alliance with Global Ports Holding Ltd (GPH), according to Tourism Minister Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez. The minister’s remarks came during the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed cruise terminal located on Lower Newgate Street, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime infrastructure development.

    The collaboration, formalized through a comprehensive 2019 agreement, represents a calculated governmental strategy to secure Antigua and Barbuda’s competitive positioning within the rapidly evolving global cruise industry. Fernandez emphasized that this partnership extends beyond mere physical infrastructure, creating vital connections between international visitors and local cultural experiences, commercial enterprises, and community networks.

    GPH’s involvement has introduced international operational standards, enhanced efficiency protocols, and implemented a forward-looking development framework that has fundamentally redefined the nation’s cruise tourism proposition. The minister revealed that passenger arrival projections for the current year indicate a remarkable doubling of pre-partnership figures, significantly surpassing post-pandemic recovery expectations.

    Among the partnership’s most notable achievements highlighted by Fernandez was Antigua Cruise Port’s decision to maintain full staff compensation throughout the COVID-19 operational shutdown—a move characterized as exemplary corporate citizenship. Additional benefits include comprehensive facility modernization, optimized passenger processing systems, elevated visitor satisfaction metrics, and increased participation opportunities for local businesses within the cruise tourism value chain.

    The successful implementation of this public-private partnership model demonstrates how strategic international collaboration can catalyze sectoral growth while maintaining strong community engagement and corporate responsibility standards.

  • PM Says Immigration Amnesty Needed to Unlock Skills Already in Workforce

    PM Says Immigration Amnesty Needed to Unlock Skills Already in Workforce

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has articulated a compelling economic rationale for Antigua and Barbuda’s newly announced immigration amnesty program. In a recent appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ programme, the leader emphasized that regularizing undocumented workers represents an essential strategy for sustaining the nation’s economic expansion.

    The policy initiative, according to Browne, aims to harness the untapped potential of skilled laborers already contributing to the economy while constrained by their irregular immigration status. ‘The economy is growing, and quite frankly, without the immigrants, we would not be able to sustain the growth,’ Browne stated, highlighting critical workforce gaps in construction, tourism, and other rapidly expanding sectors.

    Browne pointed to the increasingly tight labor market as development activities intensify across the twin-island nation. This economic reality has created unprecedented demand that cannot be satisfied solely by the local workforce. ‘Practically anyone who wants a job and is not too fussy about what job they do can find a job,’ the Prime Minister observed, noting that immigrant labor has become indispensable for maintaining momentum across multiple industries.

    The regularization program is designed to transition workers from informal economic participation to fully documented status, enabling them to contribute more openly and productively. Browne emphasized that this approach benefits both workers and the state, creating a more regulated and compliant workforce while addressing genuine economic needs rather than political considerations.

    While specific details regarding implementation timelines and eligibility criteria will be formally outlined by relevant authorities, the Prime Minister positioned the amnesty as a cornerstone of a broader labor-management strategy. This comprehensive approach seeks to balance continued economic growth with improved regulatory frameworks and workforce compliance mechanisms.

  • Cubaanse diplomaat beschuldigt VS van ‘piraterij’ na blokkade Venezolaanse olie

    Cubaanse diplomaat beschuldigt VS van ‘piraterij’ na blokkade Venezolaanse olie

    Cuban Ambassador to Colombia Carlos de Cespedes has leveled serious accusations against the United States, characterizing Washington’s interception of Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba as “international piracy.” This dramatic escalation follows a controversial U.S. military operation that resulted in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

    In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday, de Cespedes described the American restrictions as a “maritime siege” that severely impacts Cuba’s economy. He asserted that Cuba currently faces the most intense threats from the United States since the 1959 revolution, with comprehensive sanctions and military pressure creating unprecedented economic strain.

    The oil supply from Venezuela, which had served as Cuba’s primary energy source for years, has virtually ceased following Maduro’s capture. President Donald Trump declared earlier this month that “zero” Venezuelan oil would reach Cuba and threatened additional military actions if necessary.

    American forces have been intercepting and confiscating Venezuelan oil tankers throughout the Caribbean region—actions that critics equate with modern-day piracy. Trump has stated that Cuba stands “ready to collapse” due to the loss of these critical energy revenues.

    Although Cuba continues importing limited oil supplies from alternative sources including Mexico, the termination of Venezuelan shipments threatens to push the island’s already fragile economy to the brink. Washington is reportedly considering a complete energy blockade that could potentially trigger a humanitarian crisis.

    Relations between Washington and Havana have remained tense since Fidel Castro’s communist revolution in 1959. The current Trump administration, influenced by Cuban-American officials including Senator Marco Rubio, has adopted an increasingly hardline stance toward Cuba.

    The United States continues to implement its hemispheric foreign policy through a strategy reminiscent of the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine, which treats the American continent as an exclusive sphere of influence. This historical precedent established that European interference in the Americas would be viewed as an attack on the United States itself.

    Despite these mounting pressures, Ambassador de Cespedes emphasized Cuba’s resilience: “It will not subjugate us or break our determination, even if not another drop of oil enters our country.” He invoked Fidel Castro’s anti-imperialist legacy and affirmed that Cuba remains unafraid of threats or terror, concluding with a powerful statement: “Those who seek peace must be prepared to defend it.”

  • PM Predicts significant improvement in agricultural production with million-dollar equipment purchase

    PM Predicts significant improvement in agricultural production with million-dollar equipment purchase

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a comprehensive agricultural modernization program featuring significant infrastructure investments to address food security challenges and enhance climate resilience. Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced these developments during his recent appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ program, detailing substantial equipment acquisitions and facility upgrades currently underway.

    The Ministry of Agriculture has already taken delivery of new heavy machinery including two 20-ton trucks and an excavator, with additional equipment scheduled to arrive within weeks. The incoming inventory includes a bulldozer, track loader, backhoe, and another excavator—all designated exclusively for agricultural purposes. This specialized equipment will directly support farmers with critical tasks including land preparation, water storage solutions, and improved farm accessibility.

    Concurrently, the government has procured two modern abattoirs whose equipment has already been shipped and is expected to reach the islands within approximately 45 days. Site preparation and civil works for these facilities are slated to commence imminently, with projected operational status within 12-18 months.

    As part of climate adaptation initiatives, the administration will implement solar-powered lighting systems to facilitate night farming operations. This innovative approach addresses growing concerns about heat waves exacerbated by climate change, enabling agricultural workers to avoid peak daytime temperatures while maintaining productivity.

    Prime Minister Browne emphasized that these combined investments represent strategic measures to reduce the nation’s dependency on imported food supplies. While acknowledging that complete food self-sufficiency remains challenging, the government is implementing deliberate policies to expand domestic production capacity and strengthen national food security.