Carib Scope

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  • PM Signals Possible Extension for Shell Beach Investment Deadline

    PM Signals Possible Extension for Shell Beach Investment Deadline

    Antigua and Barbuda’s government is considering extending the January 30 deadline for investment proposals in the Shell Beach development project following unexpectedly strong public interest. Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed during his weekly appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ program that both the government and the National Asset Management Company (NAMCO) are evaluating the possibility of prolonging the submission period.

    Browne emphasized that the substantial response from potential investors has prompted authorities to reconsider the original timeline. ‘Given the level of interest, we may have to extend it,’ the Prime Minister stated, referring to the current cutoff date for project proposals.

    The National Asset Management Company, which oversees the evaluation process, is currently assessing both formal submissions and general public response to determine whether an extension would facilitate broader participation. Browne highlighted that the primary objective remains ensuring inclusive investment opportunities, particularly for ordinary citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.

    The Shell Beach initiative represents a strategic effort to expand local involvement in tourism-related investments through innovative accommodation models similar to Airbnb platforms. The project offers both beachfront and inland lots complemented by government concessions to stimulate domestic investment in the tourism sector.

    Any final decision regarding deadline adjustments will be formally communicated through NAMCO, which maintains responsibility for managing the entire proposal evaluation process. The potential extension demonstrates the government’s commitment to balancing administrative timelines with public accessibility, particularly when encountering substantial citizen engagement.

  • US-led task force steps up Caribbean maritime security operations

    US-led task force steps up Caribbean maritime security operations

    A multinational task force under U.S. leadership has significantly escalated its campaign against illicit maritime operations throughout the Caribbean basin. This strategic intensification follows a series of recent interdictions targeting vessels violating international sanctions regimes in the region.

    Designated as Operation Southern Spear, this comprehensive initiative represents a coordinated effort spanning multiple U.S. government agencies. The operation brings together specialized capabilities from the Department of Defense, Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice in a unified front against transnational criminal networks.

    Military assets operating under United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) are providing extensive operational support across the Caribbean theater. Defense officials characterize these efforts as crucial for disrupting criminal logistics chains, preventing sanctions evasion, and protecting vital national security interests.

    The joint task force, identified as Joint Task Force Southern Spear, emphasized that recent successful interdictions demonstrate the high state of readiness and operational capability of deployed forces. These maritime interventions form part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal infrastructure and strengthen regional maritime security frameworks.

    Operation Southern Spear constitutes a key component of the White House and Department of Defense’s hemispheric security strategy, specifically addressing threats including illegal trafficking, sanctions violations, and other maritime-based challenges. While operational specifics remain classified, the initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to maintaining maritime domain awareness and enforcement capabilities throughout the Caribbean region.

  • VIDEO: Accident in Roger affects power across the island

    VIDEO: Accident in Roger affects power across the island

    Residents across several communities are experiencing service disruptions after a significant incident damaged critical electrical infrastructure. The Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) has officially confirmed that an accident occurred in the Roger area, resulting in substantial damage to one of its primary utility poles. The compromised infrastructure has triggered a widespread power outage, affecting numerous sections of the island. Emergency repair crews have been immediately dispatched to the site to assess the damage and initiate restoration procedures. DOMLEC has advised customers to prepare for potential extended service interruptions while crews work to safely repair the damaged equipment and restore full power. The company has pledged to provide further updates on the estimated restoration time as the situation develops and more information becomes available from the accident site. The cause of the initial accident that led to the pole damage is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities.

  • Medical students enter clinical training at MCM white coat ceremony

    Medical students enter clinical training at MCM white coat ceremony

    The Metropolitan College of Medicine (MCM) celebrated a significant academic milestone this weekend with its annual White Coat Ceremony, formally initiating approximately 45 medical students into the clinical phase of their professional training. The prestigious event, held at the Royalton Hotel on Saturday, recognized students across MD1 to MD5 levels who are now advancing to hands-on medical practice.

    This ceremonial coating comes as many students are already engaged in clinical rotations across various healthcare facilities, including private clinics and the prominent Mount St John’s Medical Centre. Their practical training encompasses essential medical disciplines such as paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatry.

    The incoming cohort demonstrates notable diversity, comprising around 25 international students from India, Nigeria, the United States, and Pakistan, alongside local Antiguan scholars including Jason Mansoor.

    More than just a tradition, the White Coat Ceremony serves as a rite of passage that emphasizes the profession’s core values. It represents a solemn commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical professionalism, ethical practice, and compassionate patient-centered care throughout their evolving medical careers.

  • TTFA president lauds progress of national youth teams

    TTFA president lauds progress of national youth teams

    Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards has expressed strong optimism about the nation’s youth football development programs as multiple national teams engage in critical CONCACAF competitions. The association’s commitment to developing young talent appears to be yielding promising results across various age groups.

    The under-17 women’s team, currently competing in Willemstad, Curaçao, demonstrated remarkable resilience in their opening match against hosts Curaçao on January 24, fighting back to secure a 2-2 draw after trailing twice. Under coach Ayana Russell, the squad faces crucial Group F matches against Barbados (January 28) and El Salvador (February 1), with the group winner and two best second-place teams advancing to the final qualification round.

    Edwards emphasized the significance of these developments in an official statement: “The TTFA is encouraged by the continued progress being demonstrated across our national youth programmes. We extend our full support and best wishes to our under-17 women’s national team as they continue their CONCACAF qualifying campaign.”

    The men’s youth teams are similarly positioned for important competitions. The under-17 squad, guided by coach Randolph Boyce, will host the CONCACAF Men’s Under-17 qualifiers from February 3-12, facing Barbados, Mexico, Saint Martin, and Sint Maarten. Meanwhile, Marvin Gordon’s under-20 team will compete in their qualifiers in Costa Rica from February 23 to March 4.

    Preparation matches have shown encouraging results. The under-20 team displayed offensive prowess with decisive victories over St Vincent and Grenadines (6-0) and AC Port of Spain’s second team (5-0), though they were held to a 1-1 draw by Grenada in their final preparatory match.

    The association’s technical development efforts extend beyond the pitch, with acting technical director Devin Elcock recently attending a FIFA Technical Leadership Workshop in Barbados from January 12-16. Edwards highlighted this comprehensive approach: “By investing in our young players, providing meaningful international exposure and strengthening our technical leadership, we’re laying a solid foundation for sustained success.”

    This strategic focus on youth development represents a concerted effort to elevate Trinidad and Tobago’s football program to greater regional and international competitiveness.

  • Griffith urges CoP: Use the bodycams

    Griffith urges CoP: Use the bodycams

    Former Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has issued a forceful demand for transparency regarding approximately 1,200 body-worn cameras acquired during his administration that remain unused. This call comes amid growing public outrage over a controversial police shooting in St. Augustine that resulted in the death of Joshua Samaroo and left his common-law wife Kaia Sealy paralyzed.

    The incident, captured on CCTV footage that has since gone viral, shows Samaroo with his hands raised in what appears to be a surrender gesture moments before officers opened fire. This visual evidence directly contradicts the official police account that claimed officers were fired upon during the January 20th encounter.

    Griffith emphasized that the body camera initiative was specifically designed to prevent such contentious situations. “Twelve hundred body cameras for 7,000 police officers is more than adequate,” he stated, explaining that his administration had established strict operational protocols requiring officers to activate cameras during all patrols, roadblocks, and operations. The system included accountability measures where officers signed for equipment and supervisors verified proper usage.

    The former commissioner accused current Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro of deliberately ignoring standing orders mandating camera use. Griffith further questioned why multiple accountability measures implemented under his leadership—including tasers, pepper spray, online reporting systems, a police app, GPS vehicle tracking, and live feed cameras—had been discontinued.

    In a concerning revelation, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander disclosed to the Senate that a $24.9 million contract for 3,000 additional body cameras had been terminated to cut costs. Commissioner Guevarro later justified this decision by claiming the contract involved inflated prices, with cameras priced at $8,000 per unit compared to market rates of $2,500-$3,000.

    The Police Complaints Authority has joined the call for body camera implementation, stating that such technology would “enhance accountability, transparency, and public confidence in policing.” Public trust in the police service has dramatically declined from 59% during Griffith’s tenure to just 8% according to recent surveys, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Tuesday January 27th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Tuesday January 27th 2026

    The global dietary supplement market is facing renewed critical examination as health experts and regulatory bodies call for greater transparency and scientific validation of product claims. This multi-billion dollar industry, which encompasses everything from vitamins and minerals to herbal extracts and performance enhancers, operates within a complex regulatory framework that often prioritizes commerce over conclusive clinical evidence.

    Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, supplements are not required to undergo rigorous pre-market approval for efficacy by agencies like the FDA. This regulatory gap has created a marketplace where bold health assertions frequently outpace substantiated scientific research. Current analyses reveal significant discrepancies between marketing materials and actual biochemical impacts, with many products demonstrating negligible effects in controlled studies.

    Medical professionals are increasingly warning consumers about potential risks including improper dosing, contamination with undeclared substances, and dangerous interactions with prescription medications. The absence of mandatory third-party testing has resulted in quality control issues across numerous product lines.

    Health organizations now recommend consulting healthcare providers before initiating any supplement regimen, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, chronically ill patients, and children. This cautionary approach highlights the growing consensus that while some supplements offer genuine benefits, many others provide expensive placebo effects at best, and potential health hazards at worst.

    The industry’s future likely hinges on implementing stricter manufacturing standards, enforcing accuracy in labeling claims, and conducting large-scale clinical trials to separate scientifically validated supplements from those merely capitalizing on wellness trends.

  • Coco Velvet International appoints Stephanie Sirju as GM

    Coco Velvet International appoints Stephanie Sirju as GM

    Coco Velvet International Fashion & Model Management has undergone a significant leadership restructuring following the severe health deterioration of its founder, Christopher Nathan. The company has officially appointed Stephanie Sirju as its new General Manager and Fashion Director, effective immediately.

    In an emotional media release, Nathan disclosed his recent diagnosis of metastasized prostate cancer that has aggressively spread to multiple areas including his groin, spine, and ribs. The condition has resulted in paralysis from the chest downward, rendering him unable to continue his operational duties. “I am no longer able to work. I am actually paralysed from my chest down,” Nathan stated in the official communication.

    The succession plan brings Sirju, a University of Hawaii fashion program graduate, to the forefront of the organization. Despite the leadership change, Nathan will maintain ownership and continue serving as a consultant, providing guidance from behind the scenes during this transitional period.

    The company has assured clients and stakeholders that all services will continue uninterrupted across both divisions. The fashion management division continues to offer comprehensive support including event management, project coordination, lookbook production, and fashion shoot supervision for editorials, catalogues, magazine features, and digital platforms. Additionally, the company remains active in fashion show production, while the model management division continues its operations without disruption.

    Nathan emphasized that this strategic succession ensures the company’s continuity under new leadership while maintaining its established standards and service quality.

  • 3canal and the Mad Jabs at Queen’s Hall on February 8-10

    3canal and the Mad Jabs at Queen’s Hall on February 8-10

    Trinidad and Tobago’s pioneering rapso collective 3Canal announces their highly anticipated return to the Carnival stage with “Mad Jab,” a provocative theatrical production scheduled for three nights at Queen’s Hall from February 8-10. This year’s performance marks the group’s continued evolution beyond conventional concert formats into a multidimensional experience blending live music, dance, and socially conscious drama.

    For over two decades, 3Canal has redefined Carnival entertainment through productions that simultaneously celebrate cultural traditions while delivering poignant commentary on contemporary issues. The 2026 showcase draws inspiration from the traditional jab jab character—Carnival’s archetypal jester and trickster—reimagined as the “Mad Jab” to address today’s global challenges through the transformative power of satire and laughter.

    The production emerges as a direct response to what the group describes as an era of widespread disinformation and international turmoil. Through original compositions including “Mad World” and “Beyond the Bacchanal,” 3Canal channels the spirit of resistance and resilience that has defined their musical legacy. The performance structure incorporates elements of traditional African drumming, soulful saxophone and flute arrangements, and innovative vocal chorales, creating what promoters characterize as both “joyful noise” and profound social commentary.

    This year’s production features a revitalized ensemble, the Cut + Clear Crew, comprising veteran percussionists Ever-ald “Redman” Watson and Wayne “Lion” Osuna, guitarist Mark Anthony “Emaye” Pierre, and multi-instrumentalist Tony Paul. The ensemble is joined by emerging talent including DJ SouthExst (Joshua Jokhan) and the Mad Jab Chorale under the direction of longtime collaborator Glenda Collens.

    The conceptual framework derives intellectual inspiration from Guyanese poet Martin Carter’s seminal work “This Is The Dark Time,” which provides thematic resonance with current global circumstances. Rather than mere entertainment, 3Canal positions the Mad Jab gathering as a contemporary convois—a traditional assembly for dance, amusement, and subtle rebellion—advocating for community solidarity and peace during increasingly turbulent times.

    Performances will commence at 8 PM each evening from February 8-10 at Queen’s Hall in St. Ann’s, offering audiences an immersive experience that balances Carnival’s sacred and irreverent dimensions while confronting the complexities of modern reality through artistic expression.

  • OECS signs agreement with World Pediatrics to strengthen child healthcare

    OECS signs agreement with World Pediatrics to strengthen child healthcare

    CASTRIES, St Lucia – A groundbreaking partnership has been formally established between the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the US-based nonprofit World Pediatrics, marking a significant advancement in pediatric healthcare for the region. The collaboration was solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that creates a comprehensive framework for regional coordination to enhance clinical delivery systems.

    Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, emphasized the transformative impact of World Pediatrics’ existing investments and collaborations with regional health ministries. “The OECS remains firmly committed to regional cooperation as a pathway to improved quality of life for our people,” Jules stated during the signing ceremony. He explained that this cooperation enables member states to pool expertise, harmonize approaches, and collectively address shared healthcare challenges that individual small states cannot effectively tackle alone.

    The agreement specifically focuses on strengthening pediatric surgical missions, specialized clinics, and improved referral pathways across the sub-region. It aligns with broader OECS initiatives to advance equity and inclusion by reducing disparities in health outcomes. The MoU places particular emphasis on capacity building through education and training programs designed to create sustainable improvements within local health systems.

    A critical component of the partnership involves leveraging research, data analytics, and monitoring systems to guide evidence-based policies and strategic investment decisions. The agreement also facilitates resource mobilization and underscores the importance of advocacy and public awareness campaigns, recognizing that child health improvement constitutes both a clinical and societal responsibility.

    World Pediatrics CEO Vafa Akhavan expressed enthusiasm about the alignment between both organizations, noting: “The guidance of the OECS in translating this MoU into specific lines of action will ensure we are impacting the lives of children, which ultimately affects families, communities, and future generations.” Nadege Jn Baptiste, Head of the Development Cooperation and Resource Mobilisation Unit at the OECS Commission, highlighted how strategic partnerships enable more effective resource mobilization and sustainable impact across the Eastern Caribbean.