Carib Scope

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  • Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen Kia Kirwan to Represent at the Miss OECS Pageant in Dominica

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen Kia Kirwan to Represent at the Miss OECS Pageant in Dominica

    Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural ambassador, Queen Kia (Ms. Kia Kirwan), is preparing to represent the nation at the prestigious Miss OECS Pageant scheduled for January 30, 2026, in Dominica. This regional competition unites delegates from across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States in a celebration that transcends conventional beauty contests by emphasizing intellectual acuity, cultural heritage, and regional solidarity.

    The pageant serves as a dynamic platform for emerging female leaders to advocate for their nations while promoting cross-cultural understanding. Queen Kia’s participation highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing initiatives to empower young women and showcase national cultural assets within the Caribbean community.

    Official endorsements have poured in from prominent national figures. Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, commended Kirwan’s dedication: “Queen Kia exemplifies the vibrant spirit and cultural richness of our nation. We proudly support her representation with confidence and distinction.”

    Echoing this sentiment, The Honourable Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, characterized her participation as both a personal milestone and a national achievement: “She embodies our creative talent and cultural identity on the regional stage.”

    With anticipation building, the Festivals Commission has mobilized public support, encouraging citizens to demonstrate national pride through the ‘268’ campaign (referencing the country’s telephone code) as Kirwan prepares to compete in this showcase of Caribbean beauty, unity, and female empowerment.

  • Vincy’s embrace of Garifuna heritage puts her in Guinness Records

    Vincy’s embrace of Garifuna heritage puts her in Guinness Records

    In a historic musical achievement, Vincentian vocalist Rianka Chance joined 194 other women from across the globe to create ‘195’ – the world’s first anthem promoting gender equality through sound healing frequencies. The groundbreaking project, produced by Martina Fuchs, The Frequency School, and Grammy-nominated producer Maejor, premiered at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos.

    At just 19 years old, Chance became the representative voice for St. Vincent and the Grenadines in this unprecedented global initiative. The collaboration officially broke the world record for the most nationalities represented in a single song in June 2025, with Chance receiving official certification of the achievement as her 20th birthday gift.

    For Chance, the experience represented profound personal and cultural significance. As an Indigenous woman who once struggled with self-esteem, she described the opportunity as ‘healing and transformative.’ Her participation carried particular importance for the Garifuna people, whose origins trace back to St. Vincent (Yurumein) despite common misconceptions placing their heritage in Central American countries.

    Chance emphasized that her inclusion of the Garifuna word for ‘equality’ in the anthem served as a powerful declaration that Indigenous cultures remain vibrant and worthy of global recognition. The project aligned with her advocacy work for Indigenous rights, decolonized education systems, and the preservation of ancestral heritage.

    The achievement demonstrates how voices from smaller nations can contribute to global conversations about equality and representation. Chance reflected that breaking the record provided ‘visibility, validation and victory for a people whose contributions are too often erased or misattributed.’

  • “When we have united, history has shown that we have always achieved victory”

    “When we have united, history has shown that we have always achieved victory”

    Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez oversaw extensive military exercises on National Defense Day, emphasizing the nation’s preparedness against potential foreign aggression. The tactical demonstrations at the Great Tank Unit of Combat Glory Rescate de Sanguily featured combined forces from regular military units, Territorial Troop Militias, and Production and Defense Brigades.

    Accompanied by high-ranking military officials including Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera and General Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, Díaz-Canel observed the drills that began three weeks prior. The President highlighted the significance of these exercises in the current geopolitical climate, specifically referencing the “hegemonic offensive being carried out by the United States government” since January 3.

    The drills demonstrated remarkable coordination between different components of Cuba’s territorial defense system. Díaz-Canel praised the “levels of preparation, cohesion, and cooperation” as admirable, noting that the systematic preparation program is yielding concrete results while strengthening national patriotism and anti-imperialist sentiment.

    The President later visited university students practicing rifle assembly, mine deployment, and other combat skills. He emphasized to the future professionals that defense preparedness remains crucial, echoing historical warnings from Fidel and Raúl Castro that the best deterrent against aggression is comprehensive military readiness. The students responded with revolutionary slogans including “Fatherland or Death!” and “No one surrenders here!”

    The inspection concluded at an air defense unit where Díaz-Canel verified combat technology conditions and observed demonstrations of Cuba’s response capabilities to potential enemy attacks.

  • Overleg DIN en ambassadeur Panka gericht op samenwerking en ontwikkeling

    Overleg DIN en ambassadeur Panka gericht op samenwerking en ontwikkeling

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, the Diaspora Institute Netherlands (DIN) convened with Ambassador Ricardo Panka at the Surinamese Embassy in The Hague to establish frameworks for bilateral cooperation and sustainable development initiatives. The high-level discussion focused on creating substantive partnerships between Suriname and its diaspora community in the Netherlands.

    During the comprehensive dialogue, DIN showcased several strategic initiatives from its network, including the upcoming Career Fair Netherlands scheduled for April 24-25 at Amsterdam’s RAI Convention Center. The event will feature a specialized pavilion dedicated to ‘Working in Suriname,’ complemented by a talk show and networking session on April 24. Additionally, SUSU has planned a significant event for June 6 in Amsterdam.

    Entrepreneur Ludwig Landvreugd presented his visionary plans for international projects in Suriname, emphasizing economic growth and sustainable development models that balance progress with environmental responsibility.

    Ambassador Panka emphasized the critical importance of early embassy involvement in Suriname-related initiatives, stating that the diplomatic mission serves as both a connecting hub and gateway for collaborative ventures. The ambassador explicitly welcomed projects that contribute to the broader interests of both Suriname and its diaspora community.

    All parties agreed to establish concrete implementation steps in the coming period aimed at creating sustainable partnerships and successful societal projects. The meeting reinforced DIN’s role as a platform connecting people, organizations, and initiatives through shared societal interests and transnational cooperation.

  • Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim set for March 28 as event marks 25 years  – WIC News

    Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim set for March 28 as event marks 25 years  – WIC News

    The Caribbean’s premier open water swimming event, the Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim, will celebrate its silver anniversary on March 28, 2026. This landmark edition promises to deliver the same unique blend of athletic challenge and tropical splendor that has characterized the event for a quarter century.

    Spanning the 2.5-mile Narrows strait between the sister islands, the swim connects Oualie Beach in Nevis with the picturesque finish at Cockleshell Bay on St Kitts. What began as a regional challenge has evolved into an internationally recognized sporting occasion that attracts 400-600 participants annually from across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean region.

    The event’s dual format accommodates both competitive racers and recreational swimmers, ensuring broad accessibility. Participants may enter as individual swimmers or form relay teams, emphasizing the event’s core values of endurance and camaraderie. Comprehensive safety measures include coordinated marine support, lifeguards, kayakers, and medical teams stationed throughout the channel.

    Beyond the aquatic challenge, the anniversary celebration will feature registration activities, welcome receptions, and award ceremonies that foster connections between athletes, visitors, and local communities. Tourism officials highlight the event’s growing significance in promoting sports tourism, encouraging participants to extend their stays to explore the islands’ attractions, cuisine, and accommodation options.

    Registration details and event information are available through the official Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim website, offering opportunities for both competitive and recreational entries to this milestone edition of the Caribbean’s definitive open water swimming experience.

  • Column: Echt leiderschap: de kracht van verantwoordelijkheid boven macht

    Column: Echt leiderschap: de kracht van verantwoordelijkheid boven macht

    Amidst contemporary political parties, organizations, and governments, a concerning pattern emerges where the concept of leadership frequently serves as camouflage for personal ambition and self-interest protection. This pervasive struggle for power masks the authentic essence of what constitutes genuine leadership and when it truly manifests in practice.

    True leadership originates at the micro-level, within workplace environments where public trust begins to erode and fragment. When supervisors neglect their responsibilities and merely muddle through, they initiate a detrimental pattern that gradually permeates throughout organizations. This not only entraps departments in vicious cycles of uncoordinated efforts and stagnant progress but ultimately undermines the very foundation of our societal structure where we live and work collectively. We owe it to ourselves and each other to break this destructive cycle.

    Historical exemplars demonstrate transformative leadership during challenging eras: Nelson Mandela, who embraced reconciliation and national unity after decades of imprisonment; and Jacinda Ardern, who guided New Zealand through crisis years with empathy and decisive action. These leaders exemplify how authentic leadership centers on service and vision rather than power accumulation.

    When leaders hesitate to take decisive action, prioritizing preservation over progress, they foster environments of distrust and stagnation. This contagious atmosphere demotivates employees, paralyzes decision-making processes, and erodes systemic confidence. The consequences prove devastating not merely for organizations but for society at large.

    Genuine leaders make substantial differences when it matters most. They assume responsibility despite potential unpopularity or risks, prioritize collective welfare over personal gain, and inspire others to emulate this approach. True leaders serve the whole community, building trust, stability, and advancement while creating cultures where people feel heard and collaboration prevails.

    During crises, authentic leadership emerges not through bluff or rhetoric but through vision, courage, and decisive action. These critical moments determine whether societies derail or emerge strengthened from adversity.

    The time has arrived to redefine leadership conceptually—not as a struggle for power or status but as a duty toward care, integrity, and connection. Leadership represents a responsibility affecting everyone, beginning with the realization that together we constitute more than the sum of our parts.

    By recognizing and embracing this paradigm shift, we can disrupt patterns of division and stagnation. Thus, we build toward a future where leadership serves as an inspiration source and foundation for sustainable growth and cohesion. Only through this transformation can our society truly flourish and confront tomorrow’s challenges effectively.

  • JCE delivers first new identity and electoral card to President Abinader

    JCE delivers first new identity and electoral card to President Abinader

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a landmark ceremony symbolizing technological advancement in civic administration, Dominican President Luis Abinader was officially presented with the nation’s first new biometric identity and electoral card on Monday. The historic event, orchestrated by the Central Electoral Board (JCE), marks the commencement of a comprehensive national rollout for the enhanced identification system.

    Presided over by JCE President Román Andrés Jáquez Liranzo, the delivery ceremony at the JCE headquarters auditorium included the full assembly of board members and General Secretary Sonne Beltré. President Abinader’s receipt of the inaugural card positions him as the first citizen enrolled in the updated civil registry, designed to integrate advanced biometric data for heightened security and electoral integrity.

    The JCE initiated its internal data capture phase on January 8th, collecting biometric and personal information from its own personnel as a preliminary test of the system’s operational capacity. This successful internal implementation paved the way for the ceremonial handover to the head of state.

    The national deployment strategy will unfold in structured phases. Following the initial institutional stage, targeted registration drives for specific demographic sectors are scheduled for February through March 2026. A full-scale nationwide enrollment campaign is set to launch in April 2026, utilizing a birth-month sequencing approach to manage the process systematically. The JCE has projected the conclusion of the mass registration effort for all citizens by March 31, 2027.

  • Jottin Cury defends Dominican government’s decision not to sign Global Refugee Pact

    Jottin Cury defends Dominican government’s decision not to sign Global Refugee Pact

    In a significant move to protect national sovereignty, the Dominican Republic has declined to endorse the Global Compact on Refugees, according to prominent jurist and former Constitutional Court judge Jottin Cury. The decision emerges as the Caribbean nation grapples with mounting migration pressures from neighboring Haiti’s ongoing political and humanitarian crisis.

    Cury, speaking on the analytical program ‘Reviews, the Podcast,’ articulated that accession to the international agreement would fundamentally constrain the government’s authority to manage migration and execute deportations of undocumented individuals. The legal expert emphasized that once refugees gain admission under the pact’s provisions, the state becomes legally obligated to maintain their status, effectively eliminating options for repatriation.

    Beyond the specific refugee compact, Cury identified additional sovereignty concerns embedded within other international agreements that incorporate refugee protection clauses. These provisions, he warned, collectively threaten the nation’s autonomous control over its immigration policies.

    The former magistrate further highlighted practical limitations, noting that the Dominican Republic lacks both the operational infrastructure and financial resources to undertake expanded refugee commitments. He characterized the existing burden from the Haitian crisis as already exceeding the state’s capacity, making additional responsibilities unsustainable.

    Addressing related jurisdictional matters, Cury clarified the country’s position regarding the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, reaffirming that the Dominican Republic remains not legally bound by its rulings. His comprehensive analysis underscores the government’s deliberate strategy to prioritize national interests and operational realities amid complex international migration challenges.

  • Dominican Republic commemorates Juan Pablo Duarte Day

    Dominican Republic commemorates Juan Pablo Duarte Day

    The Dominican Republic commemorates the 212th anniversary of Juan Pablo Duarte’s birth on January 26th, paying tribute to the revolutionary architect of the nation’s independence. Born in 1813, Duarte emerged as the ideological cornerstone of Dominican sovereignty, channeling his profound dedication to freedom into tangible political action.

    Duarte’s most significant contribution materialized through the establishment of La Trinitaria, a clandestine organization that masterminded the resistance movement against Haitian domination. This revolutionary cell became the catalytic force that mobilized popular support and strategically orchestrated the struggle for national liberation, demonstrating Duarte’s exceptional leadership and strategic acumen.

    The legacy of this foundational figure endures as a powerful national symbol of selfless patriotism and civic virtue. Duarte’s unwavering commitment to placing national interests above personal gain established an enduring paradigm of leadership ethics. Contemporary Dominican society continues to draw inspiration from his philosophical principles, which emphasized justice, sovereignty, and democratic values as essential pillars of nationhood.

    Educational institutions, government entities, and cultural organizations across the country are conducting special ceremonies and educational programs to honor Duarte’s contributions. These commemorative activities reinforce his continuing relevance as a moral compass for current and future generations, ensuring his revolutionary vision remains embedded in the national consciousness.

  • Families of Jet Set tragedy victims march to demand justice

    Families of Jet Set tragedy victims march to demand justice

    SANTO DOMINGO – Grieving families and supporters gathered in the Dominican capital Sunday for a solemn march and vigil commemorating the upcoming first anniversary of the catastrophic Jet Set Nightclub collapse. The emotional demonstration served dual purposes: honoring the 236 lives lost and demanding accountability for what participants characterize as a flawed judicial process.

    Organized by the Jet Set Justice Movement with support from the Movement of the Ancient Dominican Order, the gathering convened at the Juan Bosch Metro station. Protesters carried banners expressing frustration with the official investigation, particularly alleging that the nightclub’s ownership company has been improperly excluded from legal responsibility. Many described this omission as a profound insult to the victims’ memory.

    The tragedy unfolded on April 8, 2025, during a performance by celebrated merengue artist Rubby Pérez. The structural failure occurred near midnight, collapsing the roof onto hundreds of attendees. The disaster claimed Pérez’s life along with other prominent figures, including former MLB player Vladimir Dotel, while injuring over 100 others.

    The vigil featured emotional testimonials from families who relived their trauma alongside spiritual and political supporters. Father Rogelio Cruz and Deputy Lidia Pérez, sister of the deceased musician, joined the call for comprehensive justice. Participants universally condemned alleged maintenance negligence at the venue and rejected owner Antonio Espaillat’s claims that financial settlements had adequately addressed the disaster’s consequences. Father Cruz emphasized that monetary compensation cannot substitute for true judicial accountability, capturing the movement’s central demand for structural justice beyond economic reparations.