Carib Scope

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  • Williams-Grant Says Women Still Underrepresented in Both Houses of Parliament

    Williams-Grant Says Women Still Underrepresented in Both Houses of Parliament

    Against the backdrop of the ceremonial opening of Antigua and Barbuda’s newly elected Senate, Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant has sounded a clarion call for expanded female engagement in national politics, arguing that current levels of women’s representation in both chambers of the country’s parliament remain far from sufficient even after incremental gains in the Upper House.

    The April 30 general election, which formed the current legislative body, brought a modest but notable increase in female representation in the Senate, bringing the total number of women holding seats to seven out of a total 17. This equals a 41 percent share of positions in the Upper House — a milestone Williams-Grant acknowledges, but one that still leaves the nation short of meaningful gender parity in political leadership.

    Addressing her fellow senators directly during the opening ceremony, Williams-Grant highlighted the stark gender gap that persists in the lower House of Representatives, where just two women occupy seats among the chamber’s 17 members. Doing the basic math, that adds up to less than 12 percent female representation in the lower house, a figure that underscores how much unfinished work remains to build a legislative body that truly reflects the demographic makeup of the nation it serves.

    Williams-Grant used the opening session to urge women across every ideological and partisan divide to keep pushing for greater access to leadership roles and increased presence in national governance. She encouraged women to frame their advocacy as both a national priority and a commitment to gender equity, regardless of whether they claim the label of feminist, pushing for tangible improvement to the state of representative politics in Antigua and Barbuda.

    Beyond pushing for more candidacies and seats, the Senate President challenged sitting female senators to step into active mentorship roles, engaging with parliamentary community outreach and leadership programs designed to nurture the next generation of young women leaders. She warned against complacency in the wake of the small gains made in the recent election, stressing that progress has been too slow to warrant resting on current achievements.

    “So let’s not rest on our laurels, women of Antigua and Barbuda. We have some work to do,” she added.

    Williams-Grant also took time to recognize and celebrate the women who stood as candidates in the April 30 general election, noting that simply stepping forward to run for public office represents a major, groundbreaking accomplishment that paves the way for future progress, even for those candidates who did not win their races.

  • Indian quarry company denies workers’ allegations, probe continues- Labour Minister

    Indian quarry company denies workers’ allegations, probe continues- Labour Minister

    On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Guyana’s Minister of Labour Keoma Griffith confirmed that an inter-agency investigation is underway into serious allegations of worker mistreatment at a Batavia quarry operated by Indian firm EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management, located in Region Seven Cuyuni-Mazaruni. While Griffith has outlined the scope of the probe, he has declined to share non-public details of the ongoing inquiry, citing the need for a fair, balanced review of claims from both workers and the company.

    Griffith, a trained lawyer, noted that the company has formally denied all allegations leveled against it by the 38 affected Indian national workers. “It now calls on us to investigate both sides,” he told reporters, adding that additional information will be released publicly once it is verified and the inquiry progresses. The cross-ministerial investigation team is currently examining multiple key concerns, including irregularities in worker employment contracts, substandard living conditions, severe workplace health and safety hazards, and the reported unauthorized seizure of workers’ personal belongings and cultural artefacts.

    In a major early development, the 38 workers have had their Indian passports returned following direct intervention from Griffith and engagement with India’s diplomatic mission in Guyana. The labour minister issued a firm 24-hour ultimatum for the documents to be returned earlier this week, which EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management complied with. “I met the representatives of the company and I demanded in no uncertain terms that their passports be returned to them by 1 PM on that day. Within a short turnaround time, the passports were returned to them,” Griffith confirmed. However, he declined to name which party held the passports, as the company itself has denied retaining the documents, and the investigation remains open.

    Griffith also pushed back against calls to immediately label the alleged passport retention as human trafficking, saying that premature labeling would be irresponsible. “I’m not going to make an allegation of human trafficking without [evidence]. I cannot do that. That will be irresponsible of me,” he said. That accusation has already been leveled by Guyana’s Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, who has played a central role in bringing the workers’ allegations to public attention. Mohamed facilitated the workers’ travel from the remote quarry to the capital Georgetown, accompanying them to meetings with both the Indian High Commission and the Ministry of Labour to file their formal grievances.

    On the separate issue of unpaid wages, Griffith said company representatives have provided an explanation for delayed outstanding salary payments, and he is currently waiting for additional documentation to verify their account. The investigation comes in the wake of two severe adverse events among the workforce: one worker has died while employed at the quarry, and a second worker who reportedly lost four fingers in a work accident has already returned to India. A follow-up meeting between ministry officials and company representatives was scheduled for 1 PM Wednesday to continue discussions related to the investigation.

  • BioSci Series returns to give students early look into world of genetics

    BioSci Series returns to give students early look into world of genetics

    A transformative hands-on science education initiative is preparing to welcome its third cohort of young learners in Saint Lucia this coming July, when the popular BioSci Series returns to expand access to cutting-edge biological science training for secondary school students across the northern region of the island. Designed specifically to address a longstanding gap in Caribbean science education — the lack of early practical exposure to advanced molecular and genomic fields typically reserved for university-level study — the 2026 programme offers fully free participation for selected students, with a new expansion to southern Saint Lucia planned later in the year.

    Now hosted by CariGenetics Saint Lucia following GenTech Analytica’s recent integration into the regional CariGenetics network, the BioSci Series maintains its core focus on student-centered, active learning. The initiative’s mission is to reframe public perception of modern science, demonstrating that young learners are not just passive consumers of scientific knowledge, but capable contributors to the field. In a statement announcing the 2026 programme, Gemmia Jn Pierre, a representative of CariGenetics Saint Lucia, noted that for most secondary students across the island, hands-on experience with advanced lab science is inaccessible until late in their academic careers. “The BioSci Series exists to change that narrative,” Jn Pierre explained. “We give students early access to the tools, techniques, and career pathways that define modern biology, helping them see that they belong in science, even beyond traditional, well-worn career tracks.”

    Running for two weeks from July 13 to July 28 at Saint Joseph’s Convent Secondary School, the 2026 programme packs a robust schedule of immersive, real-world lab activities that bring theoretical biological concepts to life. Participants will take part in hands-on exercises ranging from simulated CRISPR gene editing experiments and studies of genetic inheritance patterns, to hands-on diagnostic scenarios focused on identifying haemophilia-linked genetic markers, and independent investigations into the growing public health challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Unlike traditional classroom learning that prioritizes textbook theory, the BioSci Series frames learning around open-ended, real-world scientific questions: students explore how genetic traits pass between generations, how genomic data informs modern clinical diagnosis, and how emerging biotechnologies are reshaping the future of global medicine and life science research.

    The programme’s impact on past participants speaks to its success in nurturing early scientific passion. Ariel Edward, a former attendee who has gone on to pursue medical studies, shared that the two-week experience created a lasting shift in her academic and career trajectory. “What started as casual curiosity in the classroom turned into a firmly rooted passion by the end of the workshop,” Edward explained. “The experience inspired me so much that I now plan to pair my medical degree with a PhD in genetics, so I can carry out research that bridges clinical practice and the cutting-edge science that will define the next era of medicine.”

    Since its launch, the BioSci Series has relied on widespread support from local communities, educators, parents, and corporate sponsors to remain free for participating students. Key backers including the Bank of Saint Lucia, LUCELEC, Massy Stores, and Lab Services & Consultations Ltd have enabled the programme to grow, removing financial barriers that would otherwise exclude many young learners from the opportunity. Beyond providing local opportunities in Saint Lucia, the initiative forms part of a broader regional effort to strengthen genomic literacy, improve pre-university science education, and build long-term research capacity across the Caribbean, with the ultimate goal of empowering young people to not just learn about science, but actively contribute to its advancement.

    Registration for the 2026 July cohort is open now, but organizers emphasize that available spaces are limited. Interested students, parents, and teaching staff are encouraged to submit their applications early to secure a spot. Full details on eligibility requirements and registration procedures will be published through CariGenetics Saint Lucia’s official communication channels.

  • IICA and FEPALE strengthen regional Cooperation to advance sustainable dairy development

    IICA and FEPALE strengthen regional Cooperation to advance sustainable dairy development

    Top agricultural and dairy industry bodies have announced deepened collaboration to drive a more competitive, environmentally resilient dairy sector across Latin America and the Caribbean, following a high-level technical gathering hosted at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) headquarters in San José, Costa Rica.

    The meeting brought together IICA Director General Muhammad Ibrahim and Ariel Londinsky, Secretary General of the Pan-American Dairy Federation (FEPALE), to assess the progress of existing joint projects and map out new avenues for regional alignment in the dairy space. A core focus of the talks was advancing the Regional Sustainable Development Agenda for the Dairy Sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, a cross-institutional initiative already backed by FEPALE, IICA, CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the global Dairy Sustainability Framework (DSF).

    This collaborative program targets stronger regional coordination across key priorities for the dairy industry: boosting productive sustainability, building climate resilience, strengthening institutional capacity, and expanding technical knowledge sharing. It also leverages the standardized DSF methodology to align efforts and systematically track progress across participating nations and stakeholders.

    Beyond the regional sustainability agenda, participants discussed the critical role IICA could play in supporting the rollout of the landmark Mercosur-European Union Association Agreement, specifically focusing on core dairy-related provisions. These include managing export and import tariff rate quotas, aligning sanitary and phytosanitary standards, expanding equitable market access, and harmonizing regulations governing protected denominations of origin.

    Upgrading the quality and accessibility of reliable industry data was also flagged as a urgent collective priority. The two organizations committed to expanding joint work between FEPALE’s specialized Dairy Sector Observatory and IICA’s Observatory of Public Policies for Agrifood Systems (OPSAa). The partnership will strengthen systematic data collection processes and generate more actionable, strategic data to inform evidence-based policymaking, ongoing sector monitoring, and critical business decision-making across the region.

    Officials also explored opportunities to align ongoing initiatives with the Southern Agricultural Council and IICA’s network of national country offices, with the goal of advancing a cohesive regional strategy centered on three pillars: accelerating technological innovation, driving inclusive territorial development, and building more sustainable end-to-end dairy value chains.

    Looking ahead to the next phase of partnership, the two institutions have scheduled a High-Level IICA–FEPALE–CAF Technical Discussion Forum to be held in the final quarter of this year. The gathering will bring together key stakeholders to unpack emerging opportunities and persistent challenges facing the sustainable transformation of the regional dairy industry.

    Longer-term planning also confirmed continued collaboration ahead of the 7th Pan-American Meeting of Young Dairy Farmers, set to be hosted in Chile in 2027. The event prioritizes nurturing youth leadership in the sector, facilitating generational knowledge transfer, and spurring greater innovation in small and large-scale dairy production systems across the Americas.

    In a closing highlight, meeting participants identified an opportunity to amplify regional voices on global sustainability platforms, discussing plans to engage a broad cohort of regional dairy stakeholders in the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) set to take place in Türkiye. Participants framed the global summit as a critical platform to demonstrate Latin America and the Caribbean’s collective commitment to integrating sustainability, ambitious climate action, and food security across the dairy sector.

    The high-level meeting concluded with both institutions formally reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding targeted technical cooperation, and advancing the long-term goals of boosting competitiveness, embedding sustainable practices, and deepening global integration for the dairy industry across the Americas.

  • IN PICTURES: Members of the Senate take their oath of Allegiance

    IN PICTURES: Members of the Senate take their oath of Allegiance

    A new legislative chapter has begun for the upper chamber of a national parliament, as all sitting members of the Senate gathered to complete one of democracy’s most foundational ceremonial steps: formally taking their oath of allegiance.

    The ritual, which marks the official start of a new Senate term, brings together both newly elected representatives and returning incumbents to publicly reaffirm their commitment to the nation’s constitution, laws, and collective public interest. Photographic documentation from the event captures the solemn, structured atmosphere of the occasion, showing lawmakers standing in their assigned chamber seats, raising their hands or placing hands on official documents as they recite the required oath.

    For many new members, the moment represents the culmination of months of campaigning and grassroots organizing, turning election night victory into official legislative responsibility. Returning senators, meanwhile, use the oath-taking as an opportunity to restate their dedication to the constituents who reelected them to another term of office.

    The ceremony paves the way for the Senate to begin its official legislative work in the coming days, including the election of chamber leadership, the establishment of standing committees, and the introduction of the first round of policy proposals that will shape the nation’s governance over the coming term. This traditional civic event underscores the peaceful transfer and continuation of legislative authority that is a cornerstone of democratic governance.

  • Dominica expands rapid HIV and Syphilis testing through national healthcare training initiative

    Dominica expands rapid HIV and Syphilis testing through national healthcare training initiative

    The Commonwealth of Dominica is moving forward with a strategic upgrade to its sexual healthcare infrastructure, after the island nation’s Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services launched a targeted national training program designed to scale up access to rapid diagnostic testing for HIV and syphilis across all regions of the country.

    Public health officials leading the initiative explained that the training program brings together frontline healthcare workers from a diverse range of care settings, including rural community clinics, urban primary health centers, hospital outpatient departments, and mobile outreach units that serve remote and marginalized populations. Participants are building hands-on skills in administering rapid point-of-care tests, interpreting accurate results, delivering confidential pre- and post-test counseling, and linking patients who receive positive diagnoses directly to immediate treatment and ongoing care pathways.

    Prior to the launch of this initiative, access to rapid HIV and syphilis testing was largely concentrated in main urban hospitals on the island, leaving many residents in rural and coastal communities facing long wait times and travel barriers to get tested. Health authorities note that undiagnosed and untreated HIV and syphilis remain significant public health concerns across the Caribbean region, with delayed testing contributing to preventable long-term health complications and ongoing transmission.

    By expanding the availability of rapid testing services, which deliver confirmed results in as little as 20 minutes rather than requiring samples to be sent to off-site laboratories for processing, Dominican health officials aim to increase testing uptake among at-risk groups, reduce gaps in care, and move closer to meeting regional and global public health targets for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of both infections and controlling sexually transmitted infection rates nationwide.

    The training program forms part of Dominica’s broader national sexual health strategic plan, which has received technical and financial support from regional public health bodies focused on addressing HIV and sexually transmitted infections across the Caribbean. Officials expect the newly trained workforce to begin rolling out expanded rapid testing services at community-level sites within the next three months, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact of the initiative on testing coverage and patient outcomes.

  • Alincia Williams-Grant elected President of the Senate, Shoul Vice President

    Alincia Williams-Grant elected President of the Senate, Shoul Vice President

    A new leadership era has begun in the national Senate, following the formal election of Alincia Williams-Grant to the chamber’s highest leadership post and Shoul to the position of deputy leader. The voting process, held during the opening plenary session of the new legislative term, saw Williams-Grant earn broad cross-chamber support to take on the constitutionally mandated role of presiding officer, responsible for managing parliamentary proceedings, upholding procedural rules, and representing the Senate in official diplomatic and domestic engagements.

    Political observers note that Williams-Grant brings years of legislative experience and a track record of cross-partisan collaboration to the role, having previously served on multiple key Senate committees focused on judicial reform and national infrastructure. Her election marks a significant milestone for legislative leadership in the nation, as she steps into the role at a time when the body is set to take up high-stakes policy debates ranging from economic recovery measures to climate change regulation.

    Shoul, who was elected alongside Williams-Grant as vice president, will step in to preside over sessions in the president’s absence and support the implementation of new procedural reforms aimed at streamlining the legislative process and improving transparency for constituents. Following the official vote tally, Williams-Grant delivered her inaugural address to the chamber, outlining a policy agenda focused on strengthening democratic norms, advancing bipartisan cooperation, and prioritizing the needs of working-class communities across the country. She emphasized that the Senate must work as a unified body to address the pressing challenges facing the nation, from rising living costs to systemic inequality in access to public services.

    Cross-party leaders offered congratulatory remarks following the election, signaling a tentative willingness to collaborate on key legislative priorities over the coming term. Many political analysts expect the new leadership team to bring a more collaborative tone to Senate proceedings, after a previous term marked by increased partisan gridlock on major policy initiatives.

  • Barbados steps up Africa air links push with Nigeria charters

    Barbados steps up Africa air links push with Nigeria charters

    Against a backdrop of deep historical and cultural connections between the Caribbean and African continents, the Caribbean island nation of Barbados is advancing an ambitious strategy to cement its status as a premier connectivity gateway between Africa and the wider Caribbean region. Key milestones of this push include the imminent resumption of monthly charter flights to Nigeria and an already operational new tourism office in Kenya, according to senior tourism industry officials.

    Andrea Franklin, Chief Executive Officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), laid out the full scope of the government and private sector’s Africa-focused expansion plans during her address at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace held in Antigua. The first major step of the initiative was completed in February this year, when BTMI opened a permanent physical tourism office in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Beyond serving East Africa, this new outpost will also manage Barbados’ tourism and trade relations with the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Franklin confirmed.

    “We now have an on-the-ground presence in the African market through our Nairobi office, and we are moving full force ahead to build broader awareness of Barbados as a top travel destination across both Africa and the Gulf states,” Franklin stated in her remarks.

    At the core of the connectivity push is the upcoming resumption of charter flights between Nigeria’s largest city Lagos and Barbados operated by Nigerian carrier Air Peace. Set to restart this month, the monthly charter service marks the first formal step toward building sustained air links between the two regions, Franklin explained. “This resumption is just the starting point: it will grow both traveler awareness of Barbados and lay the foundation for deeper connectivity between our regions,” she said.

    Barbados’ long-term vision extends far beyond its own borders, as the nation positions itself as a central hub that unlocks access to the broader Caribbean market for African travelers and airlines. Franklin revealed that BTMI is already in ongoing talks with multiple additional airlines to expand route networks, and several neighboring Caribbean territories have already signed on to the collaborative initiative.

    “Individually, Barbados may not generate enough passenger volume to fill a full consistent flight on its own, but when we frame Barbados as the regional entry hub for the entire Caribbean, this model becomes completely feasible,” Franklin noted. She added that Saint Lucia, Grenada and Dominica have all expressed explicit interest in joining the initiative, which will pool passenger demand across multiple island nations to support sustained air links.

    Early market research conducted by BTMI confirms that untapped demand for travel between the regions is already in place, underpinned by centuries of shared cultural and historical ties between African communities and Caribbean populations. “The traveler interest is clearly there, and the deep cultural connectivity between our regions is undeniable,” Franklin said. “Now our task is to build out this narrative, collaborate across sectors and regions, and turn this vision of a connected Africa-Caribbean travel corridor into a lasting reality.”

  • PM: Make digital platform to track gig workers’ benefits

    PM: Make digital platform to track gig workers’ benefits

    Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced a push for local collaborative development of a custom digital platform that will underpin the country’s new National Portable Benefits Framework, a landmark reform designed to close a critical gap in the island nation’s social security system. Addressing the House of Assembly this Tuesday, Mottley outlined that the new framework will finally extend access to National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS) benefits to workers in non-traditional and gig economy roles, a demographic long excluded from the existing 60-year-old social safety net. Instead of waiting for external contractors or lengthy procurement processes, Mottley called for immediate cross-agency cooperation between the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, and government tech body Govtech, alongside a public call for young, locally trained Barbadian software developers to lead the platform’s creation. The core function of the custom digital tool will be to track working hours across multiple concurrent jobs for gig, freelance, short-term contract and digital remote workers, enabling the portable benefits system to operate seamlessly and efficiently. Mottley emphasized that this reform is a necessary evolution of Barbados’ social security structure, which was designed decades ago for a traditional, permanent full-time workforce and no longer aligns with the realities of the 21st century labour market. She called on Labour Minister Colin Jordan and backbench Member of Parliament Toni Moore to coordinate moving the plan forward, framing it as a natural next step in ongoing actuarial research for NISSS reform. The Prime Minister also highlighted the direct fiscal stake the Ministry of Finance has in the project, noting that unprotected informal and gig workers who face financial hardship later in life ultimately become a public burden on the Barbadian state. “If these people are not given an opportunity to be able to benefit from the NIS, they become a charge on the state of Barbados and I really believe that the Minister of Finance does not want his liabilities to extend in that direction whatsoever,” she said. Modern digital technology removes the historic barriers to tracking irregular work across multiple employers, Mottley explained, making the portable benefits framework logistically and financially feasible. The proposed platform will legally require registration of all gig and part-time work, with advanced digital tools enabling fast, accurate processing of contribution and benefit calculations for workers. “We are now after 58 years, 59 this year of a social security system finally prepared to make the social security system fully functional in all of its ways for people as opposed to people only having to fit in to the straight difficult rigid rules of the system,” she added. Mottley also used the address to urge consistent contribution to the NIS system among self-employed workers, noting that thousands of Barbadian professionals, tradespeople and independent workers currently avoid regular contributions, only to face severe financial hardship or poverty in retirement. She specifically cited examples including taxi drivers, fishermen, carpenters, lawyers, doctors and engineers who have fallen into avoidable hardship due to gaps in their social security contributions. Looking ahead, Mottley tied the expansion of social protection to growing global risks, including future pandemics and climate-related public health crises, noting that irregular workers are the most exposed to sudden economic shocks. Workers with multiple employers or variable working hours remain one of the largest unaddressed gaps in the current NISSS system, she confirmed. Framing the reform as a landmark milestone for the program, Mottley described the National Portable Benefits Framework as “the best gift we can give the country and the NIS system both for their Diamond Jubilees” as the social security program approaches its 60th anniversary.

  • DDA extends congratulations to Gregor Nassief on achievement as CHTA president-elect

    DDA extends congratulations to Gregor Nassief on achievement as CHTA president-elect

    In a landmark achievement for both Gregor Nassief and the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Caribbean hospitality industry has elected its first-ever Dominican resident to the top leadership post of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), the island nation’s official tourism promotion body, has formally extended congratulations to Nassief on his election as CHTA President-Elect, framing the milestone as a clear reflection of Dominica’s rising standing in the regional tourism landscape.

    The DDA’s full board of directors, senior management team, and frontline staff joined in celebrating the appointment, highlighting that Nassief’s selection comes after decades of consistent dedication and transformative contributions to the Caribbean hospitality sector. A long-time advocate for responsible tourism growth, Nassief has earned widespread recognition for his work advancing sustainable, high-value tourism initiatives that have not only benefited his home island but also lifted standards across the entire Caribbean region.

    Through his targeted advocacy and on-the-ground projects, Nassief has played a pivotal role in strengthening Dominica’s global profile as a premiere nature-centric travel destination. Today, the island draws increasing international attention for its unspoiled natural landscapes, immersive wellness retreat offerings, and world-class adventure travel experiences, with visitor numbers and global interest steadily climbing in recent years. DDA officials note that Nassief’s leadership has been instrumental in building this positive reputation.

    Marva Williams, who serves dual roles as Chief Executive Officer of the Discover Dominica Authority and Director of Tourism for Dominica, emphasized that the election represents a moment of national pride for the small island nation. “Gregor Nassief’s election is a proud moment for Dominica and reflects the growing influence of Dominican leadership within the Caribbean tourism industry,” Williams said in an official statement. “Through his leadership in hospitality and sustainable tourism development, Mr. Nassief has helped elevate Dominica’s presence and reputation across the region. We are confident that he will serve the Caribbean tourism industry with distinction.”

    Nassief is set to officially assume his new regional leadership role later this year, and the DDA has formally extended its full support and best wishes as he prepares to take up the post. Industry observers across the Caribbean widely view the historic election as a signal of Dominica’s expanding influence in shaping the future of regional sustainable tourism.