Carib Scope

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  • Anglican Primary, Sir Ira Simmons win again at schools choir competition

    Anglican Primary, Sir Ira Simmons win again at schools choir competition

    In a spectacular display of musical excellence, two Saint Lucian educational institutions have reaffirmed their dominance in the nation’s premier choral competition. The Canon Laurie Anglican Primary School and Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School both successfully retained their championship titles during Tuesday’s thrilling finale of the 4th Annual Sagicor Schools Choir Competition.

    The competition culminated with six finalist institutions—four primary and two secondary schools—battling for top honors in front of an enthusiastic audience. Canon Laurie Anglican Primary achieved an extraordinary third consecutive victory in the primary division through their innovative calypso and reggae medley performance that captivated both judges and spectators.

    Meanwhile, Sir Ira Simmons Secondary delivered a profoundly moving tribute performance dedicated to the memory of the late Nicole ‘Niki’ David, securing their continued reign in the secondary school category. Their emotionally charged presentation demonstrated exceptional technical proficiency and artistic sensitivity.

    Additional participants in this year’s finals included Augier Combined, Babonneau Primary, and Ave Maria Girls Primary at the elementary level, while Stanley Jon Odlum School of Arts, Media and Design represented the secondary division alongside the champions.

    Event organizer Jason ‘Bachelor’ Joseph, a renowned musician and cultural preservation advocate, expressed immense satisfaction with this year’s competition while acknowledging systemic challenges within music education. Joseph highlighted concerning trends in choir participation, noting practical obstacles facing educators: ‘The instrumental programmes at schools survive through individual student dedication, but coordinating larger ensembles has become increasingly difficult as teachers struggle to conduct after-school rehearsals.’

    Looking toward the future, Joseph announced significant format changes for the 2027 event, which will revert to a comprehensive music festival structure not implemented in five years. This revitalized approach will incorporate both solo and group performances, potentially addressing participation barriers while providing a more comprehensive assessment of musical development across Saint Lucian schools.

    ‘This transformation will better represent the island’s diverse musical educational landscape,’ Joseph emphasized, envisioning greater variety in performances and broader school participation in the proposed Sagicor Schools Music Festival scheduled for January 2027.

  • Caricom stuurt waarnemersmissie voor parlementsverkiezingen in Barbados

    Caricom stuurt waarnemersmissie voor parlementsverkiezingen in Barbados

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has initiated a comprehensive electoral monitoring initiative in Barbados ahead of the nation’s pivotal parliamentary elections scheduled for February 11, 2026. At the formal invitation of the Barbadian government, a specialized three-member observer delegation arrived on February 5th and will maintain presence through February 13th to ensure electoral integrity.

    This CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) comprises distinguished senior electoral officials from three member states: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, and Jamaica. The mission is spearheaded by Ian S. Hughes, Supervisor of Elections from the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, with Josephine Tamai of Belize serving as deputy chief and Andrew Smith of Jamaica completing the core assessment team. Administrative and logistical support is being provided by staff from the CARICOM Secretariat.

    Since their arrival, the observers have engaged in substantive dialogues with senior police officials, the Barbados Christian Council, and media representatives. The mission’s agenda includes forthcoming high-level meetings with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP), opposition leader Ralph Thorne of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), the Electoral and Boundaries Commission, and various civil society organizations.

    These consultations aim to evaluate the pre-electoral environment and assess the nation’s preparedness for the democratic process. On election day, the mission will conduct comprehensive monitoring of all procedural phases—from polling station operations and voting procedures to ballot counting and results declaration. The assessment will extend to post-election developments as well.

    Following the conclusion of voting but prior to departure, the mission will issue a preliminary statement containing initial observations about the electoral process. A detailed final report with comprehensive findings and recommendations will subsequently be presented to CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett before public dissemination.

    Barbados, an island nation of approximately 287,000 inhabitants, has maintained parliamentary democracy since gaining independence in 1966. The 2026 elections represent a significant examination of the country’s democratic institutions under Prime Minister Mottley’s BLP administration. Mottley, who has governed since 2018, enjoys substantial popularity due to her policies promoting economic stability, climate action, and social development. Her international stature was enhanced during Barbados’ transition to a republic in 2021.

    Nevertheless, opposition leader Ralph Thorne remains determined to challenge the incumbent government, highlighting economic concerns and advocating for political alternation. The electoral process is being closely monitored by regional and international stakeholders given its implications for democratic governance in the Caribbean.

    CARICOM, established in 1973, continues to reinforce its commitment to regional cooperation and democratic strengthening through such observation missions, underscoring the organization’s dedication to electoral transparency and institutional confidence-building across member states.

  • DLP’s last-minute manifesto launch sparks debate on election strategy

    DLP’s last-minute manifesto launch sparks debate on election strategy

    With Barbados’ snap general election approaching this Wednesday, a strategic divergence has emerged among political experts regarding the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) controversial decision to publish its manifesto merely days before voting commences. The move has ignited a vigorous debate on whether this constitutes a tactical misstep or a shrewd political maneuver.

    Dr. George Belle, a prominent political scientist, has expressed significant reservations about the timing. He contends that the abbreviated period between the manifesto’s release and election day severely limits voters’ capacity to thoroughly evaluate the party’s proposals. “The window for public dissemination and analysis is exceedingly narrow—effectively just Sunday through Tuesday before Wednesday’s voting,” Dr. Belle noted in his comments to Barbados TODAY. He further warned that this delay could foster negative public perceptions about the DLP’s platform and intentions.

    While acknowledging that parties sometimes withhold manifestos to prevent idea appropriation by rivals, Dr. Belle maintained that such tactical considerations should not supersede the electorate’s right to adequate information. He characterized the strategy as particularly puzzling given that this election is not perceived as marginal, where last-minute moves might sway outcomes. “This appears to be a miscalculation that may ultimately disadvantage rather than benefit the party,” he concluded.

    Conversely, regional pollster Peter Wickham offered a contrasting perspective, arguing that late manifesto launches are entrenched within Barbados’ political traditions, especially for opposition parties. He dismissed assertions that the timing necessarily indicates poor preparation, explaining that opposition parties often finalize their documents after reviewing the governing party’s proposals to enable competitive policy adjustments.

    Wickham cited historical precedent from the 1986 general election, where the DLP, under Erskine Sandiford’s leadership, secured a landslide victory with 24 seats after launching its manifesto subsequent to the Barbados Labour Party. This allowed them to strategically enhance their offerings, such as proposing a higher tax-free allowance. “This historical ‘back race’ dynamic likely informs the DLP’s current calculation,” Wickham suggested.

    He added that as an opposition party, the DLP operates with greater tactical flexibility and lower public expectations than a governing party, allowing them to assume more risk. However, Wickham conceded that the delayed release has intensified public scrutiny and suspicion regarding the party’s intentions, even while maintaining that such timing remains consistent with established political practices in Barbados.

  • WTP 93.5 FM Celebrates Four Years of Excellence

    WTP 93.5 FM Celebrates Four Years of Excellence

    St. Paul, Liberta – WTP 93.5 FM commemorates its fourth anniversary today, celebrating a journey of growth and connection since its inaugural broadcast in 2022. The station has evolved from a local broadcaster into a globally accessible media hub, renowned for its dedicated service and community-driven ethos.

    Founded on principles of collaboration and public service, WTP 93.5 FM has established itself as both a trusted news source and an entertainment platform. The anniversary underscores not just temporal achievement but the realization of a vision built on professional excellence and unwavering listener support.

    The station’s management extended profound appreciation to its multidisciplinary team—including producers, announcers, DJs, journalists, and technical staff—whose expertise and creativity have been instrumental in delivering high-quality, responsible content. Their collective effort has cemented WTP’s dual identity as a profitable enterprise and a cherished public institution.

    Equally acknowledged are the loyal listeners and digital subscribers who have integrated WTP into their daily lives through FM radio and online streaming. Their ongoing engagement and constructive feedback have fueled the station’s evolution and reinforced its mission to remain genuinely people-focused.

    Looking ahead, WTP 93.5 FM enters its fifth year with ambitious plans to become the nation’s leading radio station. This goal is buoyed by sustained community backing and a clear vision centered on authenticity and public service.

    The acronym WTP—We The People—encapsulates the station’s core philosophy: to operate as a voice for the community, a mirror of local culture, and a reliable companion in everyday life. As it moves forward, WTP reaffirms its pledge to prioritize community needs and foster meaningful dialogue through innovative programming.

  • Princess Margaret School Honours Long-Serving Principal Dr. Colin Greene on His Retirement

    Princess Margaret School Honours Long-Serving Principal Dr. Colin Greene on His Retirement

    Princess Margaret School commemorates the conclusion of a transformative era with the retirement of its longest-serving principal, Dr. Colin Everton Greene, following 23 years of dedicated service. The institution released an official statement honoring his profound contributions, characterizing his departure as both an emotional milestone and a celebration of an indelible legacy.

    Dr. Greene was eulogized as an institutional cornerstone who embodied strength, discipline, and unwavering determination. His mentorship transcended administrative duties, directly impacting multiple generations of students through his educational philosophy and personal guidance.

    School authorities attributed the institution’s evolution into a recognized beacon of academic excellence and opportunity to Dr. Greene’s visionary leadership. They emphasized that the core values he instilled—including integrity, perseverance, and excellence—remain deeply embedded in the school’s culture and将继续指导其未来发展.

    The statement acknowledged the community’s collective sentiment of loss while reframing his retirement not as an ending but as the perpetuation of his influence through the countless students and educators he inspired. His legacy, described as both immeasurable and enduring, will continue to resonate throughout the school community and beyond.

    In its final tribute, the school expressed profound gratitude “for 23 years of unwavering leadership and for producing outstanding men and women for the world,” cementing Dr. Greene’s status as an educational pioneer whose impact will endure for generations to come.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Rated ‘Largely Compliant’ in Global Forum Tax Transparency Peer Review

    Antigua and Barbuda Rated ‘Largely Compliant’ in Global Forum Tax Transparency Peer Review

    The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes has released a new series of peer review assessments, evaluating five jurisdictions’ adherence to international tax transparency standards. The newly published reports cover Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cabo Verde, Palau, and Seychelles, with two representing reassessments of previously reviewed nations.

    These evaluations, formally adopted by Global Forum members after December 2025 approval, demonstrate the continuing evolution of global tax transparency efforts. Benin, Cabo Verde, and Palau underwent Phase 1 reviews focusing exclusively on their legal and regulatory frameworks due to their limited practical experience with information exchange upon request (EOIR). All three jurisdictions were found to have generally adequate frameworks in place, though each requires specific improvements. Their Phase 2 reviews, assessing practical implementation, are scheduled to commence by 2028.

    Antigua and Barbuda and Seychelles received combined assessments evaluating both legal frameworks and practical implementation. Both jurisdictions earned an overall rating of ‘Largely Compliant’ with EOIR standards, reflecting significant progress since their previous evaluations.

    The broader context reveals encouraging trends: among 129 jurisdictions completing second-round EOIR peer reviews since 2016, 90% achieved ‘Compliant’ or ‘Largely Compliant’ ratings, while only 2% received ‘Non-Compliant’ designations.

    Jurisdiction-specific findings indicate substantial progress alongside ongoing challenges. Antigua and Barbuda demonstrated remarkable improvement through administrative dissolution of approximately 13,200 International Business Companies and voluntary dissolution of another 3,500 entities. The jurisdiction also enhanced accounting record availability by mandating local storage requirements.

    Benin’s assessment revealed a generally established legal framework despite deficiencies in beneficial ownership coverage and limitations in information access from anti-money laundering obliged entities.

    Cabo Verde’s framework was found generally adequate though hampered by professional secrecy provisions and incomplete beneficial ownership requirements.

    Palau’s framework requires enhancement regarding information availability, particularly concerning beneficial ownership documentation for entities without ongoing relationships with obligated persons.

    Seychelles showed significant progress since its 2020 review but must improve response rates for accounting information requests and strengthen supervision of nominee arrangements.

    The Global Forum continues to serve as the primary multilateral body ensuring global adherence to tax transparency standards through monitoring, peer review processes, and extensive capacity-building programs supporting effective cross-border information sharing.

  • St Nicholas Primary Dominates Halo Christmas Art Competition 2025

    St Nicholas Primary Dominates Halo Christmas Art Competition 2025

    In a remarkable display of artistic excellence, three students from St Nicholas Primary School dominated the 2025 Halo Christmas Art Competition, with siblings Savannah and Jordan Holborough both claiming top awards alongside fellow student Amélie Hall.

    The competition underwent significant format changes this year, abandoning traditional age-based categories in favor of recognizing the top three overall winners across all age groups. Savannah Holborough emerged as the Overall Winner, while Amélie Hall secured first place and Jordan Holborough claimed second position.

    The awards ceremony featured a significant announcement from Her Excellency Lady Williams, who revealed expanded plans for the Foundation’s annual art development training program. In partnership with the Royal Drawing School, this year’s initiative will break from tradition by welcoming participants of all ages beyond just school children, culminating in a national art competition honoring CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting).

    St Nicholas Primary School received special recognition for maintaining an unbroken record of participation in the Halo Christmas Card Competition since its inception, along with achieving the highest number of wins throughout the competition’s history.

    Prize packages for the winners included framed artwork reproductions, professional artist kits, and the distinction of having their designs featured on official Christmas cards. The sibling success story particularly highlighted the exceptional creative talent developing among the nation’s youth population.

  • NOTICE: The ABLP SJRS Youth Arm is now open for registration

    NOTICE: The ABLP SJRS Youth Arm is now open for registration

    The Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has initiated a significant youth mobilization effort within the St. John’s Rural South constituency. The party’s youth division officially announced the commencement of its registration campaign, actively seeking young constituents to join their political movement.

    The recruitment drive emphasizes community engagement and youth representation in political processes, using the compelling tagline: ‘Your community. Your voice. Your future.’ The initiative aims to empower young citizens by providing them with a platform to influence local political discourse and policy development.

    Prospective members can access registration through a dedicated Google Forms portal specifically created for this purpose. The party has also established multiple digital touchpoints for ongoing communication, including social media channels and QR code accessibility to ensure broad reach among tech-savvy youth demographics.

    This strategic move represents the ABLP’s commitment to intergenerational political participation and suggests a focused approach to developing future leadership within the party’s organizational structure. The registration campaign marks a deliberate investment in cultivating political awareness and activism among younger constituents who will shape the region’s political landscape in coming years.

  • WISH Releases National Mental Health Survey Findings, Calls for Legislative Action and System Strengthening

    WISH Releases National Mental Health Survey Findings, Calls for Legislative Action and System Strengthening

    A groundbreaking national survey conducted by the Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing (WISH) has unveiled critical insights into the mental health landscape of Antigua and Barbuda. The comprehensive study, executed in October 2024 with 154 participants across multiple parishes, demonstrates a nation at a pivotal juncture in its mental health journey.

    The research reveals a paradoxical reality: while public awareness and openness to discuss mental health concerns have markedly improved, substantial obstacles to care persist. Affordability issues, limited service availability, information deficiencies, and enduring social stigma continue to hinder access to essential mental health services.

    Chaneil Imhoff, Founder of WISH, characterized the findings as reflective of a critical transition period. ‘We’re witnessing tangible progress in mental health discourse and health sector modernization,’ Imhoff noted, ‘yet the accelerating public demand for services now exceeds the system’s current capacity. Bridging this divide necessitates strategic policy interventions, substantial investment, and comprehensive legislative action.’

    Notably, the survey identified overwhelming perceptions of stigma surrounding mental health conditions, even as respondents demonstrated strong interest in digital and community-based service delivery models. Adults aged 25-44 constituted the largest demographic among participants, highlighting the profound implications of mental health policy on workforce productivity, economic stability, and family wellbeing.

    WISH has formally acknowledged the Antiguan and Barbudan government’s ongoing efforts in health sector reform while emphasizing the urgent need for robust mental health legislation to safeguard patient rights, enhance system coordination, and facilitate long-term strategic planning. The organization has committed to supporting government initiatives through technical expertise, community mobilization, data analysis, and public awareness campaigns.

    This pioneering research received partial funding through the UNESCO X SEVENTEEN – Going Together Grant, enabling WISH’s evidence-based advocacy work. The complete policy brief, including detailed data visualizations and actionable recommendations, is publicly accessible through the organization’s official digital platform.

  • Gedeeltelijke vergunningenstop voor kip uit vogelgriepgebieden

    Gedeeltelijke vergunningenstop voor kip uit vogelgriepgebieden

    Suriname’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV) has implemented immediate temporary restrictions on imported poultry products from avian influenza-affected regions. Effective February 6, 2026, the ministry has suspended import permits for fresh chilled and frozen poultry meat originating from Europe and designated areas in America where bird flu outbreaks have been confirmed.

    Minister Mike Noersalim clarified that processed poultry products—including smoked chicken and heat-treated items—remain exempt from these restrictions and may continue normal importation. The partial licensing freeze will remain effective until affected countries regain official disease-free status for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

    Concurrently, Suriname has enhanced veterinary requirements for hatching egg imports from Europe. While cargo flights from the Netherlands have been temporarily suspended for egg transports, sea freight shipments remain permitted as an alternative channel.

    These preventive measures, grounded in legislative frameworks and technical advisories, aim to minimize disease introduction risks while maintaining import capabilities under modified conditions. The LVV Veterinary Service has identified alternative sourcing options including the United States and Brazil for hatching egg importers.

    Poultry industry representatives from the Suriname Poultry Sector Association (APSS) expressed concerns during emergency consultations with the ministry. The organization highlighted potential supply chain disruptions, noting that pre-ordered eggs already await shipment and longstanding supplier relationships could be compromised.

    Minister Noersalim emphasized that these measures prioritize national biosecurity rather than industry obstruction. Suriname currently produces approximately 40% of its domestic chicken consumption locally. A potential avian influenza outbreak could devastate the entire poultry sector, potentially forcing 100% import dependency—a scenario the government aims to prevent.

    The ministry proposed multiple alternatives to industry stakeholders:
    – Increased avian influenza testing frequency at Dutch export facilities
    – Transition to sea freight transportation for hatching eggs
    – Diversified sourcing from the United States and Brazil

    Long-term strategies emphasize increased local production and reduced import reliance, with LVV developing a comprehensive masterplan incorporating industry input. Future collaborations with disease-free countries will be explored to secure safer import channels.