Carib Scope

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  • PAHO makes donation to bolster health education in Dominica

    PAHO makes donation to bolster health education in Dominica

    The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has made a significant contribution to Dominica’s Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Social Services (MOHWSS) by donating a 40-inch Vizio Smart TV and a mobile stand. This initiative, announced in a recent media release, aims to strengthen health education, raise public awareness, and support community outreach programs across the island. The donation highlights PAHO’s dedication to delivering essential health information directly to local communities.

    The official handover ceremony occurred on October 8, 2025, with Nicole Slack-Liburd, PAHO Country Programme Specialist, presenting the equipment to Dr. Kyra Paul-L’Homme, Permanent Secretary of the MOHWSS. Mignon Rolle-Shillingford, Coordinator of the Health Promotion Unit, also attended the event. Slack-Liburd emphasized the importance of community-centered healthcare, stating, ‘A core principle of the primary healthcare approach is meeting people where they are.’ She added that the mobile stand ensures the device can be utilized not only in health facilities but also in various community locations.

    The donation is expected to bolster the Ministry’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and other public health initiatives. Additionally, PAHO continues to support Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) 2025 by distributing educational materials and extending vaccination service hours at the Fond Cole Health Centre and surrounding areas.

    The new equipment will enable health professionals to display educational content, health messages, and awareness videos during outreach events, school visits, and health fairs, fostering improved health literacy and community engagement. Dr. Paul-L’Homme expressed gratitude for PAHO’s unwavering partnership, noting that the donation will significantly enhance the Ministry’s ability to deliver effective and accessible health education to all citizens.

    PAHO’s collaboration with the Dominican government remains focused on creating healthier communities through innovative approaches, improved accessibility, and empowerment.

  • National Consultations Begin on Draft Policy for Persons with Disabilities

    National Consultations Begin on Draft Policy for Persons with Disabilities

    The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment in Saint Lucia has initiated a nationwide consultation process to gather public input on the Draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities. Running from October 13 to 24, 2025, these consultations aim to engage individuals with disabilities, their families, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders in shaping a more inclusive and equitable framework for disability rights and empowerment. The policy is informed by a comprehensive Situation Analysis of Persons with Disabilities in Saint Lucia, which highlighted the challenges, opportunities, and daily realities faced by this community. Aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the draft policy envisions a Saint Lucia where individuals with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of national life, guided by principles of dignity, equality, autonomy, and participation. The consultations will be held across multiple districts, including Babonneau, Dennery, Gros Islet, Odsan, and Anse La Raye, with specialized sessions for professionals and key advocacy groups. Dr. Clementia Eugene, a seasoned social worker with over two decades of experience, is leading the policy development process, ensuring it remains evidence-based and inclusive. Permanent Secretary Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel emphasized the importance of these consultations in advancing Saint Lucia’s commitment to building an inclusive society. The ministry has urged broad participation to ensure the final policy reflects the community’s realities and aspirations.

  • Work Online Caribbean launches in Grenada with new cohort

    Work Online Caribbean launches in Grenada with new cohort

    IsraAID Dominica and Eastern Caribbean, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, has unveiled a new cohort of the Work Online Caribbean initiative in Grenada. This groundbreaking programme aims to empower young people and professionals by equipping them with essential digital skills to access global employment opportunities. Work Online Caribbean is a regional effort focused on enhancing participants’ competitiveness in the online job market through training in digital literacy, freelancing, online communication, and business development. The programme, which includes intensive workshops, mentorship, and hands-on activities, emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking to prepare participants for the evolving digital economy. This expansion to Grenada marks a significant milestone for the initiative, which has already benefited over 500 participants across the region. By targeting Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the programme supports sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience through technology. Grenadians aged 18 to 50 are encouraged to apply before the deadline on 27 October 2025, with only 80 spots available. Application details can be found at workonlinecaribbean.org. About Work Online Caribbean: This initiative empowers individuals in the Eastern Caribbean to access sustainable income streams by building digital skills and fostering resilience. About UNDP: As the leading UN organisation addressing poverty, inequality, and climate change, UNDP works across 170 countries to create lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at undp.org/Barbados or follow @UNDPBarbadosEC on social media.

  • Lovell Criticizes Governance Failures, Calls for Transparency in Social Security Management

    Lovell Criticizes Governance Failures, Calls for Transparency in Social Security Management

    Harold Lovell, former finance minister of Antigua and Barbuda, has launched a scathing critique of the nation’s governance, highlighting significant lapses in transparency and accountability. During an interview on Observer A.M. with Dr. Jacqui Quinn, Lovell accused current officials of disregarding the principles of laws designed to promote openness and integrity. He emphasized that the country’s leadership operates with a “small-island mentality,” which he argued perpetuates mediocrity and political favoritism, leaving the majority of citizens struggling while a privileged few thrive. Lovell, who also serves as a visiting professor at the University of Toronto, pointed to legislation introduced during his tenure with the United Progressive Party (UPP) in 2004, including the Freedom of Information Act, Integrity in Public Life Act, and Prevention of Corruption Act. He lamented that these laws, intended to foster transparency, have been undermined by poor implementation. Lovell also raised concerns about the handling of the Social Security Fund, questioning why financial and actuarial reports remain inaccessible to the public. He described the situation as a violation of the Social Security Act of 1972, which aimed to involve civil society in fund management. The interview concluded with Dr. Quinn commending Lovell’s insightful analysis, blending his political experience with academic expertise.

  • PM to file motion to honour late leaders Douglas and Charles with nation’s highest award

    PM to file motion to honour late leaders Douglas and Charles with nation’s highest award

    In a historic move, Prime Minister Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit announced plans to introduce a parliamentary motion on October 14, seeking approval to confer the Dominica Award of Honour (D.A.H.), the country’s most prestigious accolade, upon the late Prime Ministers Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas and Pierre Charles. The motion aims to recognize the exceptional contributions of both leaders, whose visionary leadership and dedication to social justice, education, and community development left an indelible mark on Dominica’s progress. Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized the enduring legacy of Douglas and Charles, stating, “Their unwavering commitment to our nation continues to inspire resilience and unity among our people.” The awards will be presented posthumously during the formal commemoration of Dominica’s 47th Independence Anniversary on November 3. Roosevelt “Rosie” Douglas served as Prime Minister from February 2000 until his untimely death on October 1 of the same year. Pierre Charles succeeded him, holding office from October 3, 2000, until his passing on January 6, 2004. The Government of Dominica has called upon all citizens to join in celebrating the legacy of these two leaders, whose efforts remain a cornerstone of the nation’s identity and aspirations.

  • Maurice Bishop’s grave was sold to developers

    Maurice Bishop’s grave was sold to developers

    In Egmont, Grenada, the site where Maurice Bishop’s body was last seen—a burn pit following the 19 October 1983 massacre—has been transformed into a neighborhood of million-dollar mansions. This development occurred without any archaeological or environmental assessments, raising questions about Grenada’s commitment to preserving its historical heritage. The story of Bishop, a pivotal figure in Grenada’s history, mirrors the broader neglect of the island’s cultural and historical sites, including enslaved burial grounds and Amerindian locations. Despite legal protections and policies aimed at safeguarding these sites, enforcement remains lax, and development often takes precedence over preservation. The irony is palpable as Grenada prepares to open a National Heroes Park near Camerhogne Park, itself a site of historical significance, while failing to address the mysteries surrounding Bishop’s final resting place. The lack of oversight and institutional strength has allowed developers to bypass necessary impact assessments, leading to the destruction of invaluable historical sites. This pattern of neglect not only erases Grenada’s past but also diminishes its potential for heritage tourism, which could contribute significantly to the economy. As Grenada approaches an election, there is a call for candidates to commit to enforcing heritage protections and funding impact assessments to preserve what remains of the island’s history. The question remains: will Grenada choose to protect its heritage before it’s too late?

  • Teachers from over 40 schools trained to help at-risk students

    Teachers from over 40 schools trained to help at-risk students

    Over 40 schools in Barbados are currently engaged in an intensive week-long training programme aimed at empowering teachers and counsellors to better assist students who are at risk or have been exposed to violence. This transformative initiative, hosted at Pelican House in Bridgetown, is a joint effort between Barbados’ Ministry of Educational Transformation and Jamaica’s Multicare Youth Foundation (MYF). The programme seeks to provide educators with practical strategies to address behavioural challenges, mitigate aggression, and foster emotional well-being among young people. Spearheaded by MYF Executive Director Mitzian Turner, the initiative has been hailed as a “groundbreaking, monumental milestone” for the foundation. Turner emphasized that this training represents a crucial step in building resilience and offering support to vulnerable youth across the Caribbean region.

  • Dominica celebrates World Food Day 2025 with planned activities

    Dominica celebrates World Food Day 2025 with planned activities

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy (MoAFBGE) has unveiled an extensive program to celebrate World Food Day 2025, embracing the global theme ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.’ The initiative highlights the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to sustainable food production, youth engagement, educational outreach, and inclusive dialogue on agriculture, fisheries, and food security. The events span from October 11 to October 16, 2025, and include a variety of activities designed to engage diverse audiences. On October 11–12, a youth-focused radio segment on DBS Radio, messages during church services, and a national address will kick off the celebrations. October 15 will feature school outreach programs, including poster distributions and classroom discussions, alongside an online poster and poem competition organized by the FAO. The pinnacle of the celebrations on October 16, World Food Day, will include a national speech by the Minister broadcast across multiple platforms, an educational discussion at the Documentation Center, a social media campaign, and the WFD 4-H Clubs Food Expo at the Marigot Youth Center. The Ministry encourages widespread participation from citizens, schools, communities, and stakeholders to raise awareness, celebrate agricultural achievements, and promote resilient food systems. For more information, the public is advised to follow the MoAFBGE Facebook page and tune into scheduled radio broadcasts.

  • Clarendon, Dinthill meet in the ‘Lenworth Hyde derby’

    Clarendon, Dinthill meet in the ‘Lenworth Hyde derby’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Lenworth Hyde, a legendary figure in Jamaican school football, is set to face his former team, Clarendon College, in a highly anticipated ISSA DaCosta Cup Round of 32 match. Hyde, who has been associated with Clarendon College since the mid-1970s and led them to multiple DaCosta Cup, Ben Francis Cup, and Olivier Shield titles, is now in his first season as head coach of Dinthill Technical. Despite his deep ties to Clarendon College, Hyde insists that Wednesday’s game is purely about football. ‘We are going there to win a football game, as we are hoping to go far into this competition,’ Hyde told Observer Online on Monday. Historically, matches between these two schools have drawn thousands of spectators and significant media attention, thanks to the high-caliber players on both sides. Between 1977 and 1981, the two schools combined for four DaCosta Cup wins, with two each. Both teams secured victories in their opening Round of 32 games on Saturday, with Dinthill Technical edging Port Antonio High 1-0 and Clarendon College dominating York Castle High 3-0. Hyde, who played for Clarendon College between 1975 and 1977, recalled intense battles against Dinthill Technical during his playing days, noting, ‘We always won that game,’ but acknowledged it was always a tough contest.

  • Reggae Boyz regain World Cup qualifying group lead

    Reggae Boyz regain World Cup qualifying group lead

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a commanding display of skill and strategy, Jamaica reclaimed the top spot in Group B of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers with a resounding 4-0 victory over Bermuda. The match, held at the National Stadium in Kingston on Tuesday, showcased Jamaica’s ability to bounce back after a previous setback against Curacao.

    Jamaica’s triumph was marked by a dominant first half, where they netted three goals within an 11-minute span. The scoring spree began with an own goal by Bermuda’s Dante Leverock in the 24th minute, followed by goals from Bobby Fray in the 26th minute and Shamar Nicholson. Leverock’s unfortunate header past his own goalkeeper set the tone, while Renaldo Cephas played a pivotal role in creating opportunities for his teammates.

    The second half saw Dujuan Richards, who came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute, add a fourth goal in the 76th minute. Richards, who replaced the injured Demarai Gray, showcased his agility and determination by dribbling through Bermuda’s defense and scoring despite being challenged by three defenders.

    This victory propelled Jamaica to nine points, one ahead of Curacao, while Trinidad and Tobago remained in third place with five points. Bermuda, yet to secure a point, were officially eliminated from contention. Earlier in the day, Trinidad and Tobago managed a 1-1 draw against Curacao at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad.

    Jamaica’s performance was a testament to their resilience and tactical prowess, setting a strong foundation for their continued campaign in the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers.