Carib Scope

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  • DJ Cas Responds to Theft Allegations; Police Say He’s Wanted

    DJ Cas Responds to Theft Allegations; Police Say He’s Wanted

    Prominent Belizean DJ and document runner Eterio ‘DJ Cas’ Castillo has publicly refuted allegations of financial misconduct leveled by his former employer, Vega’s Distributors. The company alleges Castillo misappropriated over $32,000 through unauthorized cash collections from clients across Belize City, San Pedro, and Orange Walk.

    In an exclusive interview with News Five, Castillo presented his defense against the accusations. “I’ve never stolen any money,” he stated emphatically. “I signed a contract to pay what I owe based on what we agreed upon during our discussions.”

    The controversy emerged when Vega’s Distributors conducted an internal audit revealing numerous unpaid balances from commercial clients. However, subsequent investigations uncovered that these businesses had already submitted payments directly to Castillo through cash transactions or transfers to his personal banking account.

    Addressing claims of evading law enforcement, Castillo asserted: “I am not fleeing the country. I’m here. I’ve never gone anywhere. I am not wanted by the police department.” He claimed to have contacts within the Belize Police Department who would have notified him of any active warrant.

    When confronted about allegations from social media commentators suggesting similar past behavior, Castillo challenged his accusers: “I’ve always told people well then go to the police and report it.”

    Contrary to Castillo’s assertions, subsequent verification with Benque police authorities confirmed that an active warrant exists for his apprehension regarding questioning in the investigation. The discrepancy between Castillo’s claims and official police statements adds complexity to the unfolding legal situation.

  • Top Teams Clash in Weekend Football Double‑Header

    Top Teams Clash in Weekend Football Double‑Header

    Football enthusiasts in Belize City are anticipating an electrifying weekend as the Marion Jones Stadium prepares to host a pivotal double-header featuring elite First Division teams. The Belize District Football Association has orchestrated a specialized “three-K” incentive match, a strategic endeavor crafted to promote discipline, enhance sportsmanship, and deliver a secure, vibrant football environment for families.

    Executive member Ian Gaynair elaborated on the initiative’s objectives, emphasizing its role in motivating emerging athletes and sustaining the positive momentum currently characterizing matches at the venue. “The three-K match serves as an incentive for young footballers throughout Belize City,” Gaynair explained. “Other districts host similar events, and our players inquired why we couldn’t implement something comparable.”

    The action commences at 3:00 PM with a heated confrontation between undefeated rivals Cesar Rich and Reggae Boys, both positioned within the league’s top four rankings. The victorious squad will advance to subsequent three-K matches, setting the stage for intensified competition.

    The weekend’s climax features the much-anticipated El Classico showdown between Tut Bay FC and Kelly Street – two championship-caliber teams known for producing spectacular encounters whenever they meet. “When these teams clash, it transcends ordinary competition – it becomes about prestige, bragging rights, and ultimate supremacy,” Gaynair noted.

    Organizers have implemented comprehensive security measures while curating a festive atmosphere complete with food vendors, beverage stations, musical entertainment, and children’s activities. With tickets priced at $10, all proceeds will be reinvested into future football development initiatives, ensuring continuous support for the sport’s growth in the region.

  • Belize City Fruit Vendor Scratches and Wins $20K

    Belize City Fruit Vendor Scratches and Wins $20K

    A Belize City fruit vendor experienced an extraordinary Valentine’s weekend transformation after her persistent lottery ticket purchases yielded a monumental $20,000 prize. The 42-year-old single mother of two, who routinely invests between $50-100 nightly in Scratch and Win tickets despite her son’s concerns about the expenditure, finally saw her dedication bear fruit on Thursday evening.

    Following a customary stop at her local grocery store, the vendor purchased $50 worth of tickets and returned home to discover an astonishing double win. Among her purchases, she uncovered two separate tickets featuring ten-times multipliers applied to $1,000 base prizes, culminating in the substantial $20,000 windfall.

    Overcome with emotion, the winner immediately awakened her son to share the life-changing news, embracing him in a celebratory hug that marked the culmination of her persistent efforts. In an interview with Shane Williams, the elated mother described the victory as her ‘real valentine blessing’ and confirmed her intentions to strategically allocate the funds toward housing improvements and business expansion.

    Despite the concerns previously expressed by her son regarding her spending habits, the vendor indicated she would maintain her ticket-buying routine, though now with the validation of her substantial victory. The windfall represents both a personal triumph and a practical opportunity to enhance her family’s living conditions while scaling her small business operations.

  • Valentine’s Day: Roses, Romance… and Red Flags

    Valentine’s Day: Roses, Romance… and Red Flags

    In Belize, Valentine’s Day celebrations extend beyond conventional romantic gestures, with many citizens prioritizing relationship awareness alongside traditional expressions of affection. While florists like Flora-sol Belize reported unprecedented demand—exceeding their 150-order capacity with over 200 requests—the holiday prompted deeper reflections on relational health and deal-breaking behaviors.

    Across Belize City, residents identified several critical red flags in partnerships. Mark Jones emphasized the severity of deliberate deception, stating: “When someone looks you dead in your face and lies, that’s a major red flag. Occasional stumbles might be excusable, but intentional dishonesty destroys trust.”

    Michelle Patt highlighted physical aggression as absolutely unacceptable, noting that “Valentine’s Day symbolizes love and care—violence contradicts everything this day represents.” Communication deficits emerged as another significant concern, with Winner Madubuko explaining: “Adults in relationships must share ideas openly without fear of judgment. Poor communication fundamentally undermines partnerships.”

    Consistency issues and unwarranted jealousy also featured prominently among concerns. Djimon Roberts warned against emotional withdrawal after conflicts, while vendor Alex Rivas described how professional friendliness often gets misinterpreted as flirtation, creating unnecessary tension.

    Despite these challenges, Belizeans shared practical reconciliation strategies. Heartfelt gifts, quality time, and genuine apologies were universally endorsed as relationship-restoration tools. Madubuko emphasized that “gifts must demonstrate sincere remorse and reaffirm commitment,” while Jones recommended combining romantic gestures—like Victoria’s Secret products—with direct apologies.

    The reporting ultimately reveals a nuanced Belizean perspective on Valentine’s Day: while commercial traditions thrive, citizens increasingly value emotional authenticity over performative romance, recognizing that sustainable relationships require both celebration and conscious effort.

  • Health Minister explains reason for delayed completion of paediatric and maternal hospital

    Health Minister explains reason for delayed completion of paediatric and maternal hospital

    Guyana’s ambitious €149 million pediatric and maternal hospital project in Ogle, East Coast Demerara has encountered significant construction delays exceeding two years, according to Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony. The minister attributed the setbacks to multiple ownership changes involving the original Austria-based contractor VAMED Engineering.

    During Friday’s National Assembly Committee of Supply session addressing the 2026 budget, Dr. Anthony revealed that the project’s timeline has been substantially compromised since its ceremonial sod-turning on July 31, 2022. Initial projections indicated a two-year completion timeframe for the UK Export Finance-funded medical facility.

    The complexity emerged when VAMED, initially a majority state-owned Austrian company identified through a 2018 intergovernmental memorandum of understanding, underwent successive corporate transitions. The contractor was first acquired by Fresenius, a German dialysis equipment manufacturer, and subsequently passed to another German entity, creating managerial discontinuities that hampered project execution.

    Minister Anthony confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagements with the Austrian government to enforce contractual obligations under the original agreement. Simultaneously, the Health Ministry is conducting direct negotiations with VAMED’s current ownership to establish a revised, realistic construction schedule. Technical teams from the Guyanese government and the contractor are finalizing updated implementation plans pending public disclosure.

    Financial disclosures indicate €100 million has already been disbursed to the contractor, though opposition parliamentarian Dr. Terrence Campbell questioned the expenditure’s visible progress. For the 2026 fiscal year, the government has allocated GY$8 billion (approximately €32.2 million) to advance construction works at the strategically important healthcare facility.

  • Environment : Strategic meeting on strengthening climate data monitoring capacities

    Environment : Strategic meeting on strengthening climate data monitoring capacities

    Haiti’s Ministry of Environment has convened a pivotal steering committee meeting in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme to accelerate the nation’s climate monitoring capabilities. This third strategic session of the CBIT-Haiti project represents a significant milestone in fulfilling the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement transparency framework.

    The gathering focused on evaluating current progress, addressing implementation challenges, and establishing priority action areas for enhancing Haiti’s climate data verification systems. Deputy UNDP Resident Representative Sylvain Merlin reinforced the organization’s dedication to supporting Haiti in developing robust environmental data management infrastructure and transparency mechanisms.

    Environment Minister Moïse Fils Jean Pierre extended appreciation to the Global Environment Facility for essential financial backing and UNDP for sustained technical expertise. The minister also recognized contributions from multiple institutional partners including the Ministry of Public Works, the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, France’s Interprofessional Technical Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CITEPA), and Haitian consultancy EQUITERRA.

    Minister Jean Pierre emphasized that the CBIT-Haiti initiative demonstrates the nation’s commitment to scientifically rigorous, transparent, and nationally-owned climate action processes. He characterized the meeting as a crucial step toward consolidating project achievements and ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations.

    The comprehensive capacity-building program focuses on training local stakeholders in greenhouse gas emission monitoring, climate adaptation measurement, and verification protocols. This initiative strengthens Haiti’s climate governance architecture while contributing meaningfully to global climate change mitigation efforts.

  • Public Procurement : Strategic Agreement between UEH and Expertise France

    Public Procurement : Strategic Agreement between UEH and Expertise France

    In a landmark move to strengthen Haiti’s governance infrastructure, the State University of Haiti (UEH) and Expertise France have formalized a strategic partnership backed by European Union funding. The agreement, signed at the National Commission for Public Procurement (CNMP) headquarters, establishes comprehensive support for the Chair of Training, Studies, and Research in Public Procurement alongside the Master’s program in Public Procurement, Management, and Governance.

    The signing ceremony witnessed high-level participation from European and Haitian officials, including EU Ambassador Hélène Roos, UEH Rector Professor Dieuseul Prédélus, CNMP Coordinator Claude Dalberg, and Professor Adma Dessein of the National Institute of Administration. Multiple regulatory bodies and academic partners also attended the significant event.

    Ambassador Roos positioned this initiative within the broader context of the ‘Building Contract 2’ cooperation program, operational since 2017 with projections through 2027. She emphasized that public procurement represents a fundamental mechanism for advancing governance transparency, spending efficiency, and institutional credibility. The EU’s investment in the Master’s program specifically targets capacity-building within Haiti’s public administration, reflecting the conviction that professional skill development is indispensable for constructing a more effective and trustworthy government apparatus.

    Rector Prédélus characterized the agreement as demonstrating UEH’s strategic repositioning as a central catalyst for national development. He described the partnership as transcending conventional academic training, instead representing the university’s commitment to addressing Haiti’s practical challenges. Notably, Prédélus framed the program as ‘a powerful weapon against corruption’ that would establish ‘a lasting culture of integrity in public affairs management.’ He directly addressed attending students, challenging them to become transformative agents within Haiti’s public sector modernization.

    CNMP Coordinator Claude Dalberg acknowledged the agreement’s potential structural impact on Haitian governance, expressing particular gratitude for the support enabling both the Master’s program and research chair. He articulated hope that this collaboration would mark a new epoch for procurement practices in Haiti while recognizing UEH’s academic leadership in making the chair a center for both education and practical research.

    This tripartite collaboration between CNMP, UEH, and the European Union through Expertise France converges institutional expertise, academic knowledge, and international cooperation to establish specialized training and applied research as foundational elements in modernizing Haiti’s public procurement systems.

  • New world lead, meet record for Alfred in Arkansas

    New world lead, meet record for Alfred in Arkansas

    Saint Lucian sprint sensation Julien Alfred delivered a breathtaking display of speed and consistency at the Tyson Invitational on February 13th, establishing herself as the undisputed queen of the 60-meter dash this season. The Olympic champion and 2024 World Indoor gold medalist shattered meet records in both preliminary and final rounds at Arkansas’s Randal Tyson Track Center, cementing her status as the athlete to beat in the short sprint events.

    During the championship preliminaries, the 24-year-old former Texas Longhorn blazed through Heat 2 with a remarkable time of 7.01 seconds, leaving formidable competitors in her wake. Her explosive start and powerful finish proved too much for Texas-based Jamaican sprinter Carleta Bernard, American Olympian McKenzie Long, and British track star Daryll Neita.

    The final race witnessed an even more spectacular performance as Alfred sliced through the air with precision to clock an astonishing 6.99 seconds – the world’s fastest time this year. This achievement marked a significant milestone as Alfred had previously been one of the last two women to break the seven-second barrier at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow nearly two years prior.

    With these back-to-back record-shattering runs, Alfred now possesses the top three fastest 60-meter times of the current season. Her dominance was further emphasized by twice demolishing Tiana Madison’s meet record of 7.02 seconds, which had remained unbroken since 2012.

    American sprinter Jacious Sears claimed second position in the final with a respectable 7.03 seconds, though unable to match Alfred’s blistering pace. Notably, Sears and Alfred share the second-fastest 60-meter time in history at 6.94 seconds, both achieved during the 2023 season. Alfred’s latest sub-seven-second performance marks her sixth time achieving this elite benchmark, placing her second only to world record holder Irina Privalova’s thirteen sub-seven-second runs in the all-time rankings.

  • Cooperation : DINEPA meeting at the Cuban Embassy in Haiti

    Cooperation : DINEPA meeting at the Cuban Embassy in Haiti

    In a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at bolstering infrastructure development, Théophil Ostinvil, Director General of Haiti’s National Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA), convened with Cuban Ambassador Ricardo Garcia Nápoles at the Cuban Embassy in Haiti on February 14, 2026.

    The high-level discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation in critical water and sanitation services, with particular emphasis on knowledge transfer and capacity building. Both parties conducted a comprehensive review of existing collaborative achievements while identifying strategic priorities for future joint initiatives.

    A cornerstone of the dialogue involved developing a structured capacity-building program leveraging Cuba’s technical expertise to strengthen DINEPA’s operational capabilities. This initiative aims to support Haiti’s sustainable development goals in water infrastructure management through specialized training and skill development programs for Haitian water sector professionals.

    Additionally, the meeting served as a platform to address administrative considerations pertaining to current collaboration mechanisms between DINEPA and Cuban technical experts working within Haiti’s water sector. The discussions reflected both nations’ commitment to streamlining operational frameworks for enhanced efficiency.

    This diplomatic engagement underscores Haiti’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international technical partnerships that directly contribute to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, ultimately benefiting Haitian communities through improved access to essential services.

  • Cubanen: ‘Mexico heeft ons niet in de steek gelaten’

    Cubanen: ‘Mexico heeft ons niet in de steek gelaten’

    In a significant geopolitical development, two Mexican vessels carrying critical humanitarian supplies have docked in Havana’s port, providing relief to Cubans grappling with severe shortages exacerbated by US-imposed oil sanctions. The Papaloapan and its companion ship began unloading pallets of aid on Thursday as grateful residents watched the operation with visible emotion.

    Ediberto Rodriguez, a 65-year-old Havana resident, expressed profound appreciation for Mexico’s solidarity, characterizing the assistance as “an unforgettable gesture from a true ally.” He noted that Mexico “did not abandon us despite pressure from a world power like the United States.”

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed during a press conference that additional support would follow once the ships return to Mexico. “We are sending various forms of assistance and support,” Sheinbaum stated. “Today the ships arrive. When they return, we will send more help of a different nature.” The president emphasized Mexico’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between Cuba and the United States while prioritizing respect for Cuban sovereignty.

    The humanitarian mission occurs against the backdrop of escalating energy shortages that have pushed Cuba toward a potential crisis point. Since January, the Trump administration has intensified efforts to restrict oil shipments to the island nation, severely compromising energy infrastructure and essential services. These measures represent the latest chapter in longstanding sanctions dating back to the Cold War era.

    United Nations officials have raised alarms about the deteriorating situation. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, warned that without adequate oil supplies, conditions on the island could worsen dramatically or even collapse. Chronic power outages have become commonplace, while fuel shortages threaten the delivery of basic necessities.

    Washington’s oil embargo followed controversial US military operations targeting Venezuela, Cuba’s primary ally and oil supplier. By severing economic ties between Caracas and Havana, the US administration aims to increase pressure on the Cuban government.

    Notably, the United States announced $6 million in humanitarian assistance this month, though officials specified that distribution would occur through Catholic Church channels rather than Cuban government institutions.

    While Mexican aid provides immediate relief, the situation underscores the profound impact of sanctions on civilian populations and essential services. The coming weeks will prove critical in determining whether further escalation of the humanitarian crisis can be prevented.