Carib Scope

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  • Jamaica U-20 Reggae Boyz secure 8-0 victory over St. Kitts and Nevis  – WIC News

    Jamaica U-20 Reggae Boyz secure 8-0 victory over St. Kitts and Nevis  – WIC News

    Jamaica’s Under-20 national football team delivered a spectacular performance on Sunday, securing an emphatic 8-0 victory against St. Kitts and Nevis in the CONCACAF qualifiers. The match, held at Curacao’s Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca, showcased the Reggae Boyz’s offensive prowess as they maintained their perfect record in Round 1 Group B play.

    The scoring onslaught began early with Sean Leighton finding the net in the 10th minute, followed quickly by Jabarie Howell’s contribution just two minutes later. Jahmarie Nolan converted a penalty kick in the 32nd minute after being fouled inside the box. The second half saw continued dominance with Raequan Campbell-Dennis scoring from another penalty in the 53rd minute, followed by Leighton completing his brace with a spectacular left-footed half-volley that soared into the top corner.

    Substitutes made significant impacts as Jamoy Dennis capitalized on a loose ball in the 67th minute, while Orel Miller added the seventh goal in the 71st minute before providing the assist for Dennis’s second goal during stoppage time.

    Despite the lopsided scoreline, St. Kitts and Nevis demonstrated moments of potential, hitting the crossbar twice and forcing an impressive save from Jamaican goalkeeper Joshua Grant during the first half.

    The victory marks Jamaica’s fourth consecutive win, during which they have scored an astonishing 27 goals while maintaining a clean sheet defensively. Their goal difference advantage over Puerto Rico, who also remain undefeated after defeating Cayman Islands 2-0, sets up a crucial group-deciding match between the two teams on Tuesday. A draw would be sufficient for Jamaica to advance to the next round as group leaders.

  • Alzarri Joseph Named Senior Sportsman of the Year at 2025 National Sports Awards

    Alzarri Joseph Named Senior Sportsman of the Year at 2025 National Sports Awards

    In a ceremony celebrating national athletic excellence, West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has received the prestigious Senior Sportsman of the Year award for 2025 in Antigua and Barbuda. The honor was bestowed by Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, during the National Sports Awards, which recognize exceptional achievement, resilience, and representation on the global stage.

    Joseph, widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s premier pace bowlers, enjoyed a remarkably successful year in international cricket. His performance metrics were exceptional, with 31 wickets taken across various formats. Among these was a decisive five-wicket haul against cricketing giants Australia. Furthermore, he achieved a significant personal milestone by surpassing 200 career wickets in T20 cricket, solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in the sport’s shortest format.

    Beyond his international exploits, Joseph also delivered standout performances in domestic competitions, demonstrating his all-round capabilities with both bat and ball. Award organizers highlighted that his consistent excellence and emerging leadership qualities have not only cemented his status as a world-class athlete but have also made him an inspirational ambassador for his nation.

    The National Sports Awards serve as an annual platform to honor athletes, coaches, and sports officials who have achieved distinction and brought pride to Antigua and Barbuda through their sporting endeavors over the previous year.

  • West Indies return delayed as Iran conflict disrupts flights

    West Indies return delayed as Iran conflict disrupts flights

    The West Indies men’s national cricket team faces unexpected travel complications in India as escalating military conflicts in the Persian Gulf region disrupt international air travel. The team’s scheduled departure following their elimination from the ICC T20 World Cup has been indefinitely postponed due to widespread airspace closures across the Middle East.

    Cricket West Indies issued an official statement confirming the delay stems from “security threats posed by military action in the Gulf Region,” which has compelled airlines to cancel or reroute numerous international flights. The organization emphasized that player safety remains their utmost priority and that all team members are currently secure in their Indian accommodations.

    The travel disruption extends beyond cricket, with the Association of Tennis Professionals reporting similar challenges. Several players and staff remain sheltered in Dubai hotels following recent tournaments, with the ATP confirming they are providing full support to affected individuals.

    This international travel crisis follows recent U.S. airstrikes in Iran authorized by President Donald Trump after failed diplomatic negotiations. Regional reports indicate significant casualties, with over 200 fatalities and 700 injuries in Iran, plus additional U.S. military casualties from retaliatory strikes on American bases in Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

    Cricket West Indies officials are collaborating with the International Cricket Council, government authorities, and airline partners to arrange safe passage home for the team once airspace security stabilizes.

  • Spoken word, muziek en voordracht kleuren SABI Literatuurfestival 2026

    Spoken word, muziek en voordracht kleuren SABI Literatuurfestival 2026

    The SABI Literature Festival 2026, organized by Stichting Skrifi, celebrated the dynamic evolution of Surinamese literature through an extraordinary evening of multidisciplinary performances in Souposo on Saturday. The event demonstrated literature’s expanding boundaries through spoken word, columns, short stories, musical interpretations, rap, instrumental music, and dance.

    A diverse lineup of artists including Julian Anijs, Steve Jabini, Koloku, Iraida Martha Ooft, Kevin Headley, Stefanie Parisius-Sewotaroeno, Enver, Stanley Betterson, Iwan Brave, Ori, Ta2, Crazy G, Rachel Deekman, Tanya Kasan, Sam Blankendal, and Xillan Macrooy captivated audiences with innovative presentations that blurred traditional genre distinctions.

    Notable performances included journalist Sam Blankendal’s debut as a spoken word artist, where he creatively connected his presentation to his documentary ‘A dede wroko fu La Prosperité.’ Parliamentarian Stanley Betterson delivered a powerful recitation, while Iwan Brave, editor-in-chief of 10 Minuten Jeugdjournaal, addressed environmental safety concerns with specific focus on Suriname’s traffic behavior patterns.

    Rachel Deekman (known as ‘Irre’) merged poetic recitation with contemporary dance, and the rap collective OUD10THIEK (featuring Ori, Ta2, and Crazy G) officially launched their collaborative project with refined wordplay examining contemporary Surinamese life.

    Singer Tanya Kasan performed an acoustic set with guitarist Julian Anijs, reimagining her popular songs in an intimate setting. Enver emphasized the cultural significance of Sranantongo, directly appealing to attending Education Minister Dirk Currie to incorporate the language into formal education curricula.

    Xillan Macrooy delivered a particularly impactful performance combining vocal artistry with literary recitation, simultaneously promoting his upcoming musical lecture at Spice Quest where he will discuss his book ‘Mensen als zonnen en mensen als manen’ with Sharda Ganga.

    The multi-day festival, supported by the Dutch Foundation for Literature, aims to establish itself as a premier platform dedicated to enriching and innovating Surinamese literary culture. Additional programming includes a lecture on Bea Vianen and Macrooy’s musical lecture across venues in Souposo, Spice Quest, and the Anton de Kom University of Suriname Library.

    Stichting Skrifi simultaneously develops infrastructure to promote reading accessibility for all age groups despite challenges including limited funding and shortage of qualified personnel, addressed through strategic partnerships with Surinamese and Dutch organizations for financial support and capacity building.

  • Antigua Considering Equity Stake in Nevis Geothermal Project

    Antigua Considering Equity Stake in Nevis Geothermal Project

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is actively evaluating a potential equity acquisition in the pioneering geothermal energy initiative underway on the neighboring island of Nevis. This strategic consideration signifies a bold move towards regional energy collaboration and independence.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly articulated his administration’s interest in obtaining a ownership share, framing the potential investment not merely as a financial venture, but as a critical step towards securing a sustainable and cost-effective energy future for the nation. The proposed geothermal project, situated on the island of Nevis and spearheaded by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) in partnership with private developer Geothermal Resources International, aims to harness the substantial volcanic activity in the region. The ultimate goal is to generate a stable, renewable baseload power supply.

    This prospective cross-border investment carries profound implications. For Antigua, which currently relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, it represents a direct pathway to diversifying its energy portfolio and potentially stabilizing long-term electricity costs for its citizens and businesses. For the wider Eastern Caribbean region, it establishes a powerful precedent for inter-island cooperation on large-scale infrastructure and renewable energy projects, potentially catalyzing a collective shift towards greater energy security and environmental sustainability. A final decision is pending further detailed analysis of the project’s feasibility and financial structuring.

  • PM Suggests OECS Eliminate Festival Travel Taxes to Boost Regional Tourism

    PM Suggests OECS Eliminate Festival Travel Taxes to Boost Regional Tourism

    In a significant move to enhance regional integration, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has put forward a proposal for the temporary suspension of specific travel taxes during major festivals across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This initiative aims to stimulate intra-regional tourism and facilitate easier movement for artists throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

    The proposal represents a strategic component of broader efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and improve air transportation networks among member states. Browne emphasized the potential benefits of eliminating taxes such as the head tax during peak cultural events, which would substantially reduce travel expenses for Caribbean nationals.

    “During these festival periods, OECS governments should consider eliminating travel taxes to make movement more affordable,” Browne stated. This approach would enable greater participation in events like Carnival and music festivals, potentially increasing visitor numbers and stimulating local economies through enhanced spending.

    Beyond tourism benefits, the initiative seeks to strengthen cultural ties by enabling artists to move more freely across borders. “This would allow regional artists to participate more easily in carnivals and festivals throughout the territory,” Browne explained, highlighting the dual cultural and economic advantages.

    The prime minister positioned this proposal within the wider context of improving regional connectivity and supporting the OECS integration movement. While the concept remains under discussion without formal policy adoption, it represents one of several measures being considered to enhance economic cooperation and travel within the Eastern Caribbean region.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Government Exploring High-End Mega Yacht Marina at Barnacle Point

    Antigua and Barbuda Government Exploring High-End Mega Yacht Marina at Barnacle Point

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is conducting preliminary assessments for the establishment of a high-end mega yacht marina at Barnacle Point, signaling a strategic pivot toward luxury tourism expansion. Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed in a recent ABS interview that while discussions are actively progressing, no formal agreements have been cemented with potential operators.

    Characterizing the initiative as ‘exploratory,’ Browne emphasized the project’s focus on accommodating large luxury yachts that serve affluent travelers, with some cabins generating between €30,000 and €40,000 per night. The envisioned development would necessitate substantial infrastructural enhancements, including upscale dining establishments and premium amenities tailored to ultra-high-net-worth clients.

    Browne clarified that the proposed location at Barnacle Point was intentionally selected to provide a dedicated, exclusive environment distinct from existing ports like St. John’s or English Harbour. The site has previously been identified as suitable for large vessels, including LNG ships, underscoring its potential for maritime development.

    Financial projections indicate an estimated investment ranging from US$20 million to US$30 million to realize the full scope of the project. Although funding mechanisms are under review, Browne reiterated that the proposal remains conceptual, with no immediate commitments. The initiative aligns with the nation’s broader economic strategy to attract luxury tourism and associated investments, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for elite travel experiences.

  • Government Considering Back-to-School ABST Relief Focused on Food and Supplies

    Government Considering Back-to-School ABST Relief Focused on Food and Supplies

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda is evaluating a focused fiscal intervention to alleviate cost-of-living pressures by granting selective tax exemptions on essential back-to-school items. Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed in a recent ABS interview that the proposed measure would implement temporary Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) relief specifically for food and educational supplies.

    This initiative marks a strategic departure from the broader tax concessions traditionally enacted during holiday seasons. Browne emphasized the government’s deliberate approach to balancing public support with fiscal responsibility, noting explicit caution from the Ministry of Finance regarding potential revenue implications. “The Ministry would have advised that an excessively broad exemption could undermine government revenues,” Browne stated, acknowledging the need for measured intervention.

    The Prime Minister concurrently reported strengthened revenue performance in 2024, particularly highlighting improved Customs collections attributable to enhanced administrative procedures and stricter enforcement mechanisms. While the administration has not specified implementation dates for the proposed relief period, the measure represents a component of ongoing efforts to deliver targeted economic support to citizens amid prevailing economic challenges.

    Since its implementation in 2007, the ABST has remained a cornerstone of government revenue. The system has historically incorporated temporary tax relief during high-consumption periods, including the Christmas season and back-to-school shopping, demonstrating the government’s adaptive fiscal policy approach to public needs.

  • OECS Unclaimed Deposits Could Finance New Regional Airline, Browne Says

    OECS Unclaimed Deposits Could Finance New Regional Airline, Browne Says

    A bold proposal to repurpose nearly US$60 million in unclaimed bank deposits for establishing a new regional airline has been put forward by Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative aims to transform decades-old dormant accounts into seed capital for a collectively owned air transport solution serving the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

    During an exclusive interview with ABS, Prime Minister Browne revealed that these substantial funds are currently held by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank after remaining inactive for extended periods. Rather than allowing this capital to remain idle, Browne advocates for strategic reallocation toward addressing critical transportation infrastructure gaps across the region.

    “We currently possess approximately US$60 million in unclaimed deposits,” Browne stated, clarifying that these resources originated from dormant accounts eventually transferred to the central banking authority. His proposition involves OECS member states collaboratively channeling these resources into a transformative regional project, specifically identifying air transportation as an urgent priority.

    Browne elaborated on his discussions with financial authorities and fellow council members: “I proposed to the governor and my colleagues that instead of maintaining these funds in dormant status within the central bank, we should unite to execute a joint venture.” The innovative financing approach could see the US$60 million serving as leverage to secure additional funding, potentially from international partners including the European Union.

    With combined financing potentially reaching US$120 million, Browne envisions acquiring five or six new aircraft to either expand existing carrier LIAT’s operational capacity or establish an entirely new OECS-branded airline under a shared ownership model. The Prime Minister emphasized that reliable regional transportation constitutes a fundamental prerequisite for economic integration, tourism development, trade facilitation, and cultural exchange throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

    Browne plans to prioritize this initiative when he assumes the OECS chairmanship in upcoming months, marking a significant step toward realizing enhanced connectivity and economic cooperation across member states.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Seeks Trinidad and Tobago Approval to Activate $10M Radar System

    Antigua and Barbuda Seeks Trinidad and Tobago Approval to Activate $10M Radar System

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda is engaged in diplomatic efforts to obtain operational clearance from Trinidad and Tobago for a sophisticated radar system that has remained inactive despite a $10 million investment. Prime Minister Gaston Browne disclosed during a national interview that while the physical infrastructure is fully established locally, formal authorization from Trinidad’s air traffic control authority remains the sole impediment to activation.

    Browne expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, noting that despite consistent diplomatic follow-ups over two to three years, the matter continues to be deferred without substantive response. The radar system, designed to operate at lower altitude levels, represents a critical enhancement to the nation’s aviation safety and oversight capabilities.

    The Prime Minister revealed that Antigua and Barbuda has proactively trained specialized air traffic control personnel to operate the system. However, he cautioned that further delays could necessitate costly retraining programs, as current certifications may expire without practical application. “It’s very expensive to send them to Europe for training,” Browne emphasized, highlighting the financial implications of continued inaction.

    During recent bilateral discussions with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Browne formally appealed for direct intervention to resolve the authorization impasse. He asserted there exists “no legal or moral reason” for the prolonged delay in granting operational approval.

    The activation of this radar infrastructure is considered pivotal for strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s national security framework and modernizing its aviation monitoring capabilities throughout the region’s airspace.