Carib Scope

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  • Nazar “Shell” Mohamed falls ill, unable to attend extradition hearing

    Nazar “Shell” Mohamed falls ill, unable to attend extradition hearing

    A scheduled extradition hearing for prominent Guyanese businessman Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed was unexpectedly postponed on Monday, February 9, 2026, after the defendant reported falling seriously ill. The development has temporarily stalled judicial proceedings that would determine whether Mohamed and his son Azruddin should be extradited to the United States to face serious financial crime charges.

    Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman rescheduled the committal hearing for February 16, 2026, following representations from defense attorney Siand Dhurjon regarding Mohamed’s medical condition. The prosecution, led by Guyanese attorney Glenn Hanoman representing US interests, attempted to secure a commitment for formal medical documentation from Mohamed’s physician but was unsuccessful in this endeavor.

    The Mohamed family faces substantial allegations from US authorities, including charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and international money laundering operations connected to their gold trading enterprises. These charges would be adjudicated in a federal court in Florida if extradition is approved.

    The hearing’s postponement additionally affected planned testimony from Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Sharon Roochand-Edwards, who was expected to undergo cross-examination. The absence of lead prosecutor Terrence Williams, a Jamaican attorney engaged in overseas commitments, further complicated the day’s proceedings.

    This case represents a significant international legal collaboration between Guyanese and American judicial authorities, highlighting increased cross-border enforcement efforts against sophisticated financial crimes.

  • Public consultations announced on workplace violence and harassment bill

    Public consultations announced on workplace violence and harassment bill

    Government authorities have initiated a comprehensive series of public consultations throughout January and February to gather crucial input on the proposed Workplace Violence and Harassment (Prevention) Bill 2026. These participatory sessions are designed to engage diverse stakeholders—including employers, employees, and concerned citizens—in shaping legislation aimed at creating safer work environments across all sectors.

    The consultation timetable commences on January 28th at the Multipurpose Centre (5:30 PM), followed by subsequent sessions at Villa Community Centre on February 5th, JT Ambrose Primary School on February 11th, and concluding at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium on February 18th. All assemblies are scheduled for 5:30 PM starts to accommodate working professionals.

    Organizers emphasize that these forums will directly influence the final legislative framework, providing policymakers with real-world perspectives on preventing workplace violence and harassment. The initiative represents a proactive approach to developing evidence-based protections that balance the needs of both businesses and workers. Participants will have opportunities to discuss implementation strategies, reporting mechanisms, and preventive measures that could be incorporated into the landmark legislation.

  • ECCB Monetary Council to Convene for 112th Meeting in St Kitts and Nevis

    ECCB Monetary Council to Convene for 112th Meeting in St Kitts and Nevis

    The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is poised to host its 112th Monetary Council gathering on February 13th at the Sir Cecil Jacob Auditorium within its St Kitts and Nevis headquarters. This high-level assembly will bring together finance ministers from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) to deliberate on critical economic initiatives.

    ECCB Governor Timothy N. J. Antoine will present the comprehensive Report on Monetary and Credit Conditions, providing crucial insights into the region’s financial landscape. The Council’s agenda features pivotal discussions on The Big Push Initiative—an ambitious decade-long strategy designed to double the ECCU’s collective GDP while significantly enhancing living standards across member nations.

    The meeting will also incorporate progress reports from key technical committees, including the Technical Core Committee on Insurance, Eastern Caribbean Asset Management Corporation, and the Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation.

    Following the closed-door deliberations, Council Chairman Honourable Gaston Browne, who concurrently serves as Finance Minister for Antigua and Barbuda, will address journalists at a 3:00 p.m. press conference. He will present the official Communiqué and field media inquiries regarding the Council’s decisions.

    The Monetary Council operates as the ECCB’s supreme governance body, comprising finance ministers from all eight member territories: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Council’s leadership rotates annually according to alphabetical order among these member states.

  • Azerbaijan to donates Laptops to Students in St Kitts and Nevis  – St. Kitts Gazette – Daily News from St Kitts And Nevis

    Azerbaijan to donates Laptops to Students in St Kitts and Nevis  – St. Kitts Gazette – Daily News from St Kitts And Nevis

    In a significant diplomatic gesture enhancing educational access, the Republic of Azerbaijan has announced the donation of laptops to students throughout St Kitts and Nevis. The initiative, confirmed through bilateral discussions between ambassadors Verna Mills of St Kitts and Nevis and Azerbaijan’s Ruslan Rzayev, represents the latest development in the nations’ three-decade diplomatic relationship.

    The technological contribution will be facilitated through Azerbaijan International Development Aid, with Ambassador Rzayev scheduled to visit the Caribbean federation for an official handover ceremony. While specific dates remain unannounced, the donation has been characterized as a meaningful enhancement to the countries’ longstanding partnership established on March 22, 1995.

    This educational technology infusion aims to bridge digital divides by providing students across the twin-island nation with modern tools essential for contemporary learning environments. The laptops will enable access to digital resources and learning platforms, aligning educational methodologies with global technological standards.

    The donation continues a pattern of international educational support for St Kitts and Nevis, where various nations have contributed technological resources to bolster academic development. Such initiatives have proven instrumental in providing students of all ages with essential tools for digital literacy and educational advancement.

    Observers note that beyond its immediate educational benefits, this gesture reinforces the cordial working relationship between the two nations while demonstrating Azerbaijan’s growing engagement with Caribbean development initiatives. The contribution reflects increasing global recognition of technology’s critical role in modern education systems and international cooperation frameworks.

  • Carriacou and Petite Martinique celebrate community excellence

    Carriacou and Petite Martinique celebrate community excellence

    Hillsborough’s Mermaid Beach Hotel served as the distinguished venue for Grenada’s Independence Awards and Cocktail ceremony, a highlight of the nation’s 52nd anniversary celebrations. The event, orchestrated by the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, honored exceptional individuals and organizations that have significantly enriched community development and preserved national heritage.

    Held under the inspiring national theme ‘Grenada at 52: Anchored in Faith Guided by Purpose,’ the ceremony showcased excellence across multiple domains. Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government personally acknowledged all award recipients, emphasizing their profound impact on Grenadian society.

    The awards presentation celebrated diverse local achievements: Kellis Andrews and Ashareah Enoe received Excellence in Sports awards; cultural preservationist Fimbar ‘Shortparrow’ Andrews was named Cultural Ambassador; EA Goldhill was recognized for Community Service; and entrepreneurs Ken & Kenny Regis received the Entrepreneur Award for their business accomplishments.

    The Minister’s Special Award featured multiple distinguished recipients including the Carriacou Animal Hospital, Henry Stiell, dedicated Grenlec workers, and Hyacinth ‘Slim’ Mathurine, highlighting their extraordinary contributions to community welfare.

    The successful event was supported by key local partners including the National Lotteries Authority (NLA), Paddy’s Enterprises & Hardware, Grenada Development Bank, and Nexa Credit Union, whose sponsorship demonstrated strong commitment to celebrating local excellence.

    The celebratory evening was enhanced by musical performances from Lyndon Langdon, a saxophonist from the Royal Grenada Police Force Band, and live entertainment provided by the A1 Band, creating a memorable atmosphere of national pride and celebration.

  • Rotary Clubs Lead the MOVE Against Childhood Obesity

    Rotary Clubs Lead the MOVE Against Childhood Obesity

    Rotary International, the worldwide service organization with over 1.4 million members, has launched a comprehensive initiative targeting the global childhood obesity crisis. The MOVE program (Mobilizing Overweight and Obesity Victories Everywhere) represents one of the organization’s most ambitious health interventions to date, leveraging its extensive network of local clubs across 200 countries and territories.

    The initiative emerges as global health data reveals alarming trends: childhood obesity rates have increased tenfold over the past four decades, with the World Health Organization classifying the situation as one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Rotary’s approach addresses both prevention and intervention through multi-faceted strategies including nutritional education, physical activity promotion, and community-wide awareness campaigns.

    Local Rotary chapters are implementing tailored programs based on regional needs and cultural contexts. In food-insecure urban areas, initiatives focus on improving access to nutritious options through community gardens and partnerships with local markets. Suburban and rural chapters are addressing sedentary lifestyles through after-school sports programs and walking clubs. The organization is also collaborating with healthcare providers to offer BMI screenings and counseling services during community health fairs.

    Beyond immediate health impacts, the initiative addresses obesity’s socioeconomic dimensions. Rotary’s vocational training arm is developing programs to help older adolescents pursue careers in nutrition, fitness, and public health, creating both health and economic benefits for communities.

    The long-term vision extends beyond individual behavior change to systemic transformation. Rotary clubs are advocating for policy changes at municipal and national levels, including improved school lunch standards, urban planning that prioritizes walkability, and restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children. Early data from pilot programs shows promising results, with participating communities reporting measurable improvements in children’s health metrics and increased awareness of nutritional needs.

  • New guard rail installations begin across Antigua and Barbuda

    New guard rail installations begin across Antigua and Barbuda

    The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda has officially initiated the installation of new guard rails across the nation’s road network, marking a significant step in its comprehensive road safety enhancement program. This infrastructure project represents a core component of the government’s sustained dedication to safeguarding motorists and mitigating the devastating consequences of traffic collisions.

    Engineered specifically for high-risk zones, these newly implemented guard rail systems are strategically positioned along critical thoroughfares to perform a vital function: preventing vehicles from inadvertently departing the carriageway. This intervention is designed to dramatically reduce the potential severity of accidents where run-off-road incidents occur.

    While highlighting these infrastructural advancements, the Ministry simultaneously issued a crucial reminder to the driving public. Officials emphasized that physical safety enhancements, though critically important, cannot singularly eradicate road accidents. The ministry’s statement underscored the indispensable role of driver behavior in overall road safety, calling for sustained alertness, strict adherence to traffic regulations, and the consistent practice of defensive driving techniques.

    This initiative reflects a dual-focused approach to road safety that combines engineering solutions with behavioral change campaigns. The Ministry of Works positioned this project within a broader framework of creating safer mobility corridors for all citizens, whether they are drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists. The ultimate success of these safety measures, the ministry concluded, hinges on a shared responsibility between infrastructure improvements and the conscious, safety-first choices made by every road user.

  • GFNC supports youth art and nutrition education in St David

    GFNC supports youth art and nutrition education in St David

    The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) played a pivotal role in supporting a groundbreaking art competition during Diabetes Awareness Month, partnering with the Grenada Diabetes Association’s St David’s branch and local educational institutions. The initiative successfully merged artistic creativity with crucial health messaging for Grenada’s youth.

    The award ceremony, held on February 4, 2026, at St Theresa RC School, coincided with the institution’s first Parent-Teacher Association meeting of the year. The event gathered students, parents, educators, and health advocates to celebrate both artistic achievement and the importance of healthy living practices.

    GFNC’s comprehensive support included educational resources and practical tools for sustainable nutrition education. The council distributed specially designed 2026-2027 Food Based Dietary Guideline-themed calendars to award recipients and school leadership. Additionally, GFNC provided extensive nutritional education materials to the PTA and facilitated an expert presentation by Nutritionist Masha Benjamin-Hunte, who offered practical strategies for incorporating fruits and vegetables into children’s daily diets.

    The competition featured age-appropriate creative activities that effectively connected artistic expression with nutritional education. Four-year-old participants engaged with GFNC-designed activity sheets, coloring various fruits and vegetables to learn identification through interactive fun. Older students, divided into 5-8 and 9-12 age groups, created original artwork based on two thematic concepts: “My Lunchbox from the Garden” showcasing healthy local items like guava, banana, mango, and breadfruit chips, and “Shop Local, Snack Local” depicting local markets and home kitchens utilizing regional produce.

    The competition recognized outstanding participants across all age categories. In the 4-year-old division, Shawn Hazzard claimed first place, followed by Rhea Victor and Kayson Wilson. Among 5-8-year-olds, Lily Charles earned top honors with Kalisha Honore and Savana Joseph receiving second and third places respectively. The 9-12 category saw Samera Bartholomew secure first place, with Renisha Antoine and Wyhatt St Bernard completing the top three positions.

    This innovative approach demonstrates GFNC’s ongoing commitment to developing engaging, educational experiences that address nutrition security and diabetes prevention through creative, community-based initiatives.

  • Seguro wint in Portugal, Anutin zegeviert in Thailand

    Seguro wint in Portugal, Anutin zegeviert in Thailand

    Two nations on opposite sides of the globe witnessed significant political transformations this weekend as Portugal and Thailand held decisive elections that could reshape their respective political futures.

    In Portugal, center-left candidate Antonio Jose Seguro secured a commanding victory in Sunday’s presidential runoff election. With approximately 95% of ballots counted, the 63-year-old Socialist Party leader captured 66% of the vote, soundly defeating his right-wing opponent Andre Ventura, who trailed with 34%. Despite severe weather conditions including storms and flooding that threatened voter participation, turnout remained consistent with the first round. Seguro is poised to assume the ceremonial presidential office from Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in early March.

    Seguro has positioned himself as a moderate force committed to fostering political stability, while Ventura’s significant support surge—despite his defeat—signals the growing influence of right-wing populist movements within Portuguese and broader European politics.

    Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, Thai interim Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emerged as the clear victor in parliamentary elections. His Bhumjaithai party secured approximately 192 seats in the 500-member lower house according to preliminary results, substantially outpacing the progressive People’s Party (117 seats) and populist Pheu Thai party (74 seats). This decisive mandate positions Anutin to form a more stable coalition government, potentially ending a prolonged period of political instability marked by frequent power transitions and military intervention.

    The premier, who called elections amid ongoing border tensions with Cambodia, capitalized on rising nationalist sentiment and successfully implemented strategies to win over rural voters. Declaring the outcome “a victory for all Thais,” Anutin emphasized his commitment to national service.

    In a parallel constitutional development, nearly two-thirds of Thai voters endorsed drafting a new constitution to replace the 2017 military-backed charter criticized by opponents as undemocratic. Having operated under twenty different constitutions since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand now moves toward potential constitutional reforms that could reshape its governance structure.

    These simultaneous electoral events highlight contrasting political trajectories: Portugal embracing moderate stability while Thailand navigates toward potential political normalization after years of turbulence.

  • HRPAB commemorates its 15th Anniversary

    HRPAB commemorates its 15th Anniversary

    The Human Resource Professionals of Antigua and Barbuda (HRPAB) is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary with a comprehensive week of events from February 8th to 13th. The commemorative activities, organized under the forward-looking theme ‘Clear Vision, Bold Steps: Towards an Impactful Future,’ honor the organization’s legacy while charting its future trajectory.

    The anniversary festivities commenced with a spiritual service followed by an awards luncheon that recognized foundational members. Special appreciation awards were conferred upon Desiree Edwards, J. Arlene Martin, Lucette James, Laurie Louard, and the Antigua and Barbuda Employers’ Federation for their enduring contributions to the profession.

    HRPAB President Dr. Miguelle Christopher emphasized the significance of the anniversary theme, stating it provides a strategic opportunity for the organization to evaluate its past achievements while strategically planning for enhanced workplace influence. ‘This theme challenges us to reflect critically, reimagine our future direction, and implement concrete actions that will drive meaningful change within our professional community,’ Dr. Christopher noted.

    The anniversary week features multiple professional initiatives including the media launch of public service videos, a specialized professional development workshop, community outreach programs, and an HRPAB Represent Day designed to showcase the organization’s ongoing commitment to excellence in human resource management across Antigua and Barbuda.