Carib Scope

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  • 9,000 Belizeans, Mostly Youth and Women, Work at Call Centres

    9,000 Belizeans, Mostly Youth and Women, Work at Call Centres

    Belize’s burgeoning Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry has become a cornerstone of national employment, providing approximately 9,000 formal positions predominantly filled by youth and women. This economic significance prompted a high-level strategic conference on Thursday, convened by the Economic Development Council under the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with the Belize BPO Association and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

    The gathering, termed a ‘Business Mixer,’ served as a platform for government officials and industry leaders to address both the opportunities and obstacles within this vital sector. Central to discussions was the formulation of strategies to safeguard and expand Belize’s competitive edge in the global digital services market.

    Official data reveals that 17 BPO firms currently operate under the government’s Designated Processing Area (DPA) initiative. Beyond these direct roles, the broader digital services ecosystem supports an estimated 20,000 Belizeans. These positions are noted for providing stable incomes, comprehensive benefits, and clear pathways for career progression into supervisory, technical, and managerial capacities.

    The economic impact is substantial, with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) figures valuing the country’s digital service exports at $450 million annually.

    Critical operational challenges were also tabled, including the need to modernize labour regulations, streamline Social Security services, and refine immigration protocols for work permits. Emerging threats such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities and online criminal activities were highlighted as pressing concerns requiring immediate attention.

    Concurrently, industry representatives outlined ambitious plans to scale up specialized training programs. These initiatives are designed to equip entry-level employees with advanced skills, thereby enhancing their qualifications for more lucrative roles within the global digital economy and ensuring the sector’s sustainable growth.

  • Federation Road Repairs Undertaken Following Structural Damage from Heavy-Duty Equipment

    Federation Road Repairs Undertaken Following Structural Damage from Heavy-Duty Equipment

    Residents of Hatton have welcomed swift infrastructure repairs on Union Road, initiated by the Ministry of Works following damage caused by heavy-duty equipment. While the restoration of safer conditions for daily commuters and pedestrians is a positive development, it has simultaneously intensified a broader community debate. The central issue now revolves around the persistent and controversial use of residential routes, notably Federation Road, by heavy machinery. This practice subjects local roadways to excessive strain, leading to accelerated deterioration and raising significant public health and safety alarms for adjacent neighborhoods. Officials and community representatives are advocating for a strategic shift, emphasizing that the Perry Bay Main Road presents a far more structurally robust and designated alternative for such traffic. This route is engineered to withstand heavy loads, thereby offering a dual benefit: it safeguards residential infrastructure from recurring damage and ensures the safer, more efficient transit of industrial equipment. Senator Michael Joseph, ABLP Caretaker for St. John’s Rural West, has publicly condemned the current pattern, stating, ‘The sustained use of community roads by heavy-duty vehicles is not sustainable and puts residents at unnecessary risk. Using more structurally appropriate routes like the Perry Bay Main Road is critical to preventing repeated damage and ensuring public safety.’ This stance highlights a growing consensus that long-term planning and stricter adherence to designated trucking routes are essential for community well-being and infrastructure longevity.

  • PM Instructs Pause on BTL-Smart Acquisition

    PM Instructs Pause on BTL-Smart Acquisition

    Belize’s Prime Minister John Briceño has mandated an immediate suspension of negotiations concerning Belize Telemedia Limited’s proposed takeover of SpeedNet (SMART). The directive was formally announced in the House of Representatives by Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, emphasizing the need for enhanced public involvement and strict adherence to legal protocols.

    Minister Chebat clarified that this interim suspension aims to create space for transparent and constructive dialogue between stakeholders and the general public. Additionally, it ensures that all regulatory procedures are meticulously observed before any potential transaction advances.

    The proposed acquisition must undergo rigorous scrutiny by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the autonomous entity overseeing the utilities sector. A formal evaluation by the PUC will commence only if the Boards of both the Social Security Board and BTL greenlight the acquisition. This assessment will involve comprehensive analysis of competitive impacts, consumer options, service standards, pricing structures, and long-term industry viability.

    Concurrently, the PUC has initiated an independent investigation into BTL’s market dominance. The regulator stands ready to implement new protective measures for consumers if deemed necessary, irrespective of the acquisition’s outcome.

    Minister Chebat reinforced the government’s commitment to preserving the regulatory framework’s integrity, stating that the primary objective remains securing tangible benefits for the citizens of Belize.

  • Attorney Seeks High Court Bail for Young Mother in Firearm Case

    Attorney Seeks High Court Bail for Young Mother in Firearm Case

    A pressing legal challenge is unfolding as defense attorney Wendel Alexander prepares an urgent High Court application seeking bail for a detained young mother, arguing her incarceration poses critical welfare concerns for her breastfed infant. The case centers on Shanyea Crump, 20, and Terry Williams, 21, both from Nut Grove, who face serious firearm charges currently non-bailable in lower courts.

    According to legal representatives, the core of the defense strategy hinges on compelling humanitarian grounds. Alexander emphasizes that Crump’s continued detention at His Majesty’s Prison directly jeopardizes the health and nourishment of her baby, who remains dependent on her breast milk. This biological necessity forms the foundation of the emergency bail petition being prepared for superior court review.

    The prosecution’s position remains cautious, with the Director of Public Prosecutions indicating need for comprehensive case review and additional consultation with investigators. This development occurs despite the defendant’s boyfriend allegedly admitting ownership of the contested firearm and ammunition.

    Court documents reveal the charges stem from Monday’s execution of a search warrant in All Saints, where police reportedly seized a Ruger 9mm pistol and seven rounds of ammunition. Both defendants were subsequently remanded after initial proceedings before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, where bail was statutorily unavailable for such firearms offenses.

    The legal team is currently preparing thorough bail documents, including a sworn affidavit from Crump herself, to demonstrate both the urgency of the maternal situation and the strength of their humanitarian argument. The case highlights the complex intersection of rigid legal statutes and compelling human circumstances within the judicial system.

  • LUCELEC defends record on road rehabilitation project

    LUCELEC defends record on road rehabilitation project

    A public disagreement between St. Lucia’s primary electricity provider and a construction contractor has brought to light critical issues concerning infrastructure project management and cost accountability. Gilroy Pultie, Managing Director of St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC), has publicly addressed concerns raised by Rayneau Gajadhar, the contractor for the Norbert Road Rehabilitation Project, who accused the utility company of insufficient cost transparency and public safety negligence.

    The controversy emerged when Gajadhar claimed his team proceeded with construction after LUCELEC declined four formal requests for a detailed breakdown of a $554,878.86 estimate for relocating electrical infrastructure. In response, Pultie defended the company’s pricing methodology, explaining that LUCELEC employs standardized procedures aligned with international standards and best practices.

    Pultie emphasized the company’s fiduciary responsibility to manage costs prudently, noting that unnecessary cost absorption could ultimately impact consumer electricity tariffs. “Costs associated with relocating power lines for road works should properly be treated as project expenses borne by the government, relevant agencies, or contractors,” Pultie stated.

    The estimated costs cover substantial work including the relocation of 21-25 electrical poles and sections of the existing distribution network. Pultie acknowledged the need for improved stakeholder coordination in future projects, stating: “Going forward, projects like this require more responsible management through enhanced planning and coordination among all stakeholders to prevent public safety hazards from occurring.”

    Despite the tension, constructive dialogue continues between LUCELEC, the contractor, and the Ministry of Infrastructure overseeing the project. Recent discussions have yielded additional cost breakdowns, with expectations that the Ministry will provide feedback within days. The costing estimates were developed using updated technical specifications including road profiles, landowner information, and civil works designs to ensure safe repositioning of electrical infrastructure.

    LUCELEC reaffirms its commitment to supporting the safe and efficient completion of the Norbert Road relocation works while maintaining its standardized costing approach for infrastructure projects.

  • Dominica’s Girl Guides set to celebrate centennial World Thinking Day with week of festivities

    Dominica’s Girl Guides set to celebrate centennial World Thinking Day with week of festivities

    The Girl Guides Association of Dominica (GGAD) has unveiled an extensive week-long program to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World Thinking Day, signaling a century of commitment to female empowerment and community service. The celebrations, scheduled from February 22-27, 2026, will engage current members across all age groups—Rainbows through Rangers—alongside alumni and the broader Dominican community.

    Under the theme “100 Years of Friendship,” the association has curated a dynamic series of events that blend tradition with contemporary engagement. The festivities will commence with an official opening ceremony and mass at Roseau Cathedral on February 22nd, featuring Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, Chief Guide, alongside representatives from the Dominica National Scouts Organization. This will be followed by a ceremonial procession through the capital city.

    A highlight of the centennial observance includes a panel discussion titled “A Bond That Time Couldn’t Break” at the UWI Auditorium on February 23rd. This forum will examine the transformative impact of Guiding principles on Dominican society and will be broadcast live via Facebook to ensure widespread accessibility.

    Additional activities comprise National Pride Day on February 26th, where participants will proudly wear their Guide uniforms in a demonstration of collective identity, culminating in a Centenary Talent Show at St. Martin Secondary School on February 27th featuring youth performances.

    Merkwan Pacquette, Public Relations Officer of GGAD, emphasized the profound significance of this milestone: “This celebration transcends organizational recognition—it honors the countless Dominican women whose character development has been fundamentally shaped by Guiding values throughout the past century.”

    The association extends an open invitation to media representatives and the public to participate in recognizing this historic achievement, offering arranged interviews with key officials and youth ambassadors upon request.

  • 17 februari nationale vrije dag: Jaar van de Vuurslang

    17 februari nationale vrije dag: Jaar van de Vuurslang

    The Surinamese Ministry of Internal Affairs has formally declared Tuesday, February 17th as an official public holiday in recognition of Chinese New Year celebrations. Government offices will remain closed throughout the day, with the date carrying equivalent status to Sunday operational hours.

    This lunar new year marks the commencement of the Year of the Fire Snake according to the Chinese zodiac calendar. Within Chinese astrological traditions, the snake embodies wisdom, strategic acumen, intellectual precision, and profound inner resilience. The additional fire element infuses these qualities with heightened passion, transformative energy, determined action, and exceptional perseverance.

    Astrological interpretations suggest 2026 will favor deliberate decision-making over impulsive actions. The Fire Snake symbolizes calculated transformation emerging from thorough analysis, insightful planning, and impeccable timing. This period appears particularly conducive to structural reforms, strategic revisions, and institutional strengthening across personal, societal, and economic dimensions.

    However, astrologers concurrently caution that the fire element could potentially intensify tensions during conflicts of interest or emotionally charged situations. Success throughout the Fire Snake year may consequently demand heightened self-discipline, diplomatic communication, and sustained patience.

    Traditional Chinese New Year observances typically feature family reunions, temple visits, prosperity rituals, and ceremonies aimed at dispelling negative energies. For Suriname’s Chinese community and diaspora populations worldwide, these celebrations represent renewed beginnings filled with aspirations for improved health, stability, and economic prosperity.

  • Cabinet Talks Islands, Roads, and Rights

    Cabinet Talks Islands, Roads, and Rights

    In a significant session on Tuesday, the Belizean Cabinet greenlit multiple strategic initiatives spanning tourism development, human rights advancement, and transportation safety. The meeting produced concrete policy directives addressing both immediate concerns and long-term national development goals.

    Tourism infrastructure on the key island destinations of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro received prioritized attention. Cabinet members reviewed a comprehensive assessment identifying critical challenges impacting visitor experiences. Concluding that strategic intervention is essential for sustaining the islands’ tourism viability, ministers authorized the creation of a detailed action plan with dedicated budgetary allocations for what officials termed ‘priority improvements’.

    International cooperation efforts featured prominently in the deliberations, with Cabinet receiving briefings from Belize’s International Cooperation Council. The discussions centered on outcomes from the recent Partners’ Conference, where primary focus was placed on transforming Belize’s green transition framework into bankable investment projects attractive to international partners.

    On the human rights front, Cabinet acknowledged progress by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade toward establishing Belize’s first National Human Rights Institution. An upcoming project titled ‘Advancing Human Rights in Belize: Establishing a National Human Rights Institution’ received official endorsement and will launch imminently.

    Addressing public safety concerns, Cabinet confirmed new legislative measures would be introduced during the current House sitting to empower traffic officers with enhanced enforcement capabilities. These proposed bills specifically target reckless driving behaviors and aim to significantly improve road safety nationwide through strengthened regulatory mechanisms.

  • Mohameds allowed to establish political motivation behind processing US extradition request

    Mohameds allowed to establish political motivation behind processing US extradition request

    In a significant development within Guyana’s legal landscape, Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman has authorized defense attorneys for billionaire gold dealers Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar “Shell” Mohamed to question a senior government official regarding alleged political motivations behind their US extradition proceedings.

    Defense counsel Siand Dhurjon presented claims that the Guyanese government engaged a US lobbying firm at a cost exceeding US$700,000 specifically to advocate for the “vilification” of the Mohameds and their subsequent extradition. The defendants face US charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering related to their gold trading operations.

    Dhurjon asserted in court that “the US government has acted as agent of the Guyana government towards an improper political motive,” a claim that Magistrate Latchman allowed to be formally recorded despite objections from US Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie regarding relevance.

    The defense’s questioning focused on Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, seeking to establish connections between her governmental appointments, her relationship with President Irfaan Ali, and the handling of extradition documents. Dhurjon argued these inquiries were relevant to demonstrate “collaboration between the American and Guyanese governments as part of a plot to go after the Mohameds for political reasons.”

    Under oath, Roopchand-Edwards acknowledged knowing President Ali for several years and holding multiple government positions, including membership on the Guyana Gold Board where she participated in approving the Mohameds’ gold export licenses between 2020-2025. However, she claimed inability to recall specific negative statements made by government officials about the defendants prior to October 2025.

    The case has gained political significance since Azruddin Mohamed formed the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which secured 16 opposition seats, resulting in his appointment as Guyana’s Opposition Leader.

  • New Orleans residents tired of water issues

    New Orleans residents tired of water issues

    A persistent water infrastructure crisis is creating severe hardship for residents of New Orleans and its surrounding communities, with recurring pipe bursts and stagnant water pools becoming a distressing norm. During an onsite visit by Barbados TODAY last Friday, crews from the Barbados Water Authority were actively engaged in repairing yet another ruptured connection, highlighting the frequency of such emergencies.

    Local inhabitants report that the situation at Murphy’s Pasture entrance is particularly dire, with one male resident stating that leaks reappear constantly despite repeated municipal repairs. ‘It just reverts to this state continuously,’ he lamented. The problems extend along Sixth Avenue, where disruptions in the main supply line frequently leave households in Emmerton Pasture without running water, causing significant daily inconvenience.

    Beyond service interruptions, the accumulating stagnant water has created public health hazards. The resident described areas where rainfall collects in depressions, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This infestation has become so severe that protective clothing is necessary indoors during evenings. Additionally, residents are questioning the justification for sewerage charges on their utility bills, arguing that many properties aren’t connected to sewage systems despite these fees.

    Another Marshall Gap resident confirmed these issues have persisted for four to five years, describing ankle-deep water accumulations that restrict mobility and create safety hazards. She shared a concerning incident where her daughter, who has pre-existing back problems, nearly fell due to slippery conditions from accumulated water and moss. The community suspects aging pipeline infrastructure is the root cause and expresses frustration over the prolonged neglect of what they consider essential public utility maintenance.