Carib Scope

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  • Landvreugd voorzitter van MAS: focus op financiën en groei scheepvaart

    Landvreugd voorzitter van MAS: focus op financiën en groei scheepvaart

    President Jennifer Simons has formally installed Delano Landvreugd as the new Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for Suriname’s Maritime Authority (MAS). The appointment signals continuity with the strategic direction established by previous leadership while introducing strengthened governance protocols. Landvreugd immediately emphasized transparency, rigorous oversight, and organizational professionalism as foundational pillars of his mandate.

    The newly constituted board comprises members P. Dawsa, A. Dankerlui, S. Biervliet (Pakkitow), S. Sitaram, S. Badjalala, and J. Koese. According to Suriname’s Communication Service, Landvreugd committed to fostering constructive collaboration both within the board and with MAS executive leadership. He acknowledged that operational adjustments would be implemented where necessary to enhance organizational effectiveness.

    A key presidential directive requires the board to address specific concerns identified in submitted reports, with particular attention to enhanced monitoring of financial flows within the institution. Landvreugd acknowledged there is always room for improvement and pledged full board engagement toward achieving established objectives.

    The Chairman anticipates structured and transparent dialogue between the Board of Commissioners and executive management, expecting complete openness in all collaborative efforts. Notably, the maritime authority will intensify its focus on developments within Suriname’s burgeoning oil and gas sector, anticipating increased vessel traffic in national waters. Beyond ensuring navigational safety, Landvreugd identified potential revenue generation opportunities that could contribute significantly to state coffers.

  • Cleveland Students To Learn About Agriculture in Belize

    Cleveland Students To Learn About Agriculture in Belize

    A cohort of four students from Cleveland is scheduled to arrive in Belize this Friday for an immersive educational program focused on agricultural innovation and sustainable business practices. The initiative represents a cross-cultural exchange designed to foster global awareness and community leadership among young learners.

    The program is jointly organized by two American educational organizations: Prolific Achievers Academy and entrepreneurial network Pink and Black Honors. According to Aharon Ben-Keymah, founder of Prolific Achievers Academy, the program aims to transform urban students into globally-conscious leaders by exposing them to diverse agricultural environments.

    “We’re transporting students from an industrial urban setting to a verdant oasis to unlock substantial opportunities for their home community,” Ben-Keymah explained in statements to News 5 Cleveland, highlighting the transformative potential of international agricultural education.

    The curriculum will encompass hands-on learning experiences across multiple disciplines including sustainable farming techniques, fashion innovation utilizing agricultural materials, and ecological landscape design. Among the participants, Slader Moss-Coleman expressed particular interest in studying landscape architecture and agricultural systems, noting: “I anticipate gaining innovative perspectives on garden construction methodologies and layout configurations that could enhance environmental quality and promote healthier ecosystems.”

    For Belize, the initiative presents a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the nation’s advancements in agricultural technology, creative industries, and environmental conservation to international youth. Educational leaders emphasize the growing importance of agribusiness education, with Ben-Keymah observing: “We perceive increasing demand for youth engagement in the expanding agribusiness sector.” The program underscores the evolving nature of agricultural education as a gateway to international cooperation and sustainable development.

  • Police Make Arrest in Latest Murder

    Police Make Arrest in Latest Murder

    Authorities in Belize have apprehended a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Paul Smith Jr. in La Democracia Village. Benyati Brandon, 27, now faces formal charges of murder and attempted murder following the violent incident that occurred earlier this week.

    The victim, who had been recently released from Belize Central Prison, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, abdomen, and upper limbs during the attack in his residential neighborhood. Twenty-four-year-old Tyrece Allen, who was present during the assault, survived with non-life-threatening injuries and received medical treatment alongside Smith at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where Smith was subsequently pronounced dead.

    Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting followed a domestic dispute between Smith and his partner, after which unidentified assailants allegedly ambushed him. Family representatives, including cousin Tamara Gillett, reported hearing sustained gunfire during the confrontation.

    Court records indicate Smith had an extensive criminal history involving weapons violations, handling stolen property, and previous attempted murder charges. Notably, he had been acquitted in 2024 for the 2022 homicide of Tyreak August. Relatives suggest the killing may be connected to persisting familial conflicts, with Gillett confirming there had been prior threats against Smith and other family members.

  • Trial Set to Begin in Killing of Customs Officer Nigel Christian

    Trial Set to Begin in Killing of Customs Officer Nigel Christian

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – After more than four years of protracted delays and legal proceedings, the high-profile murder case of Senior Customs Officer Nigel Christian is finally proceeding to trial. The 44-year-old official was violently abducted from his McKinnons residence on July 10, 2020, and subsequently discovered in the Thibou’s area with fatal gunshot wounds, an incident that profoundly shocked the Caribbean nation.

    The three defendants – Lasean Bully of Cashew Hill, Wayne Thomas of Hatton, and Saleim Harrigan of Greenbay – were formally charged with murder in April 2021. Their path to trial has been characterized by numerous adjournments, beginning in the All Saints Magistrate’s Court before the case was ultimately transferred to the High Court assizes in January 2023.

    Further postponements extended the timeline until January 2024, when the accused parties collectively entered not guilty pleas during proceedings before Justice Ann-Marie Smith. The judicial process now moves forward with a trial date set for February 18 under the jurisdiction of Justice Rajiv Persaud, marking a significant development in a case that has captured national attention and highlighted challenges within the Caribbean judicial system.

  • Antigua Sailing Week & Happy Kids Launch School Art Competition 2026

    Antigua Sailing Week & Happy Kids Launch School Art Competition 2026

    Antigua Sailing Week has partnered with retail institution Happy Kids to launch an innovative art competition for young residents across Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative, now a staple of the sailing event’s community programming, challenges students aged 5-16 to create original artwork inspired by maritime culture, coastal landscapes, and environmental conservation themes.

    The 2026 competition aligns with Antigua Sailing Week’s redesigned format—a five-day point-to-point cruising experience scheduled for April 22-26, 2026. This nautical journey will commence and conclude at Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour, featuring intermediate stops at Nonsuch Bay, Maiden Island, and Ffryes Beach to provide artistic inspiration.

    Happy Kids, serving the community for over four decades, assumes the role of Presenting Sponsor. Company representative Elie Saoud emphasized their commitment: “Supporting this competition represents our gratitude to the community that has nurtured our business for thirty years. We believe strongly in fostering creativity and investing in our youth.”

    Participants must submit digital entries by March 30, 2026, through official channels. Selected artworks will be displayed on the Antigua Sailing Week digital gallery starting April 3, where public voting will determine the People’s Choice Award based on social media engagement. A formal awards ceremony will recognize category winners on April 18, 2026.

    The competition maintains three age divisions (5-8, 9-12, and 13-16) and continues Happy Kids’ legacy of supporting educational and creative initiatives that benefit Antigua and Barbuda’s younger generations.

  • Emmanuel paces Augier to victory at Choiseul Sec

    Emmanuel paces Augier to victory at Choiseul Sec

    Augier House emerged victorious at the Choiseul Secondary School’s 2026 track and field championships, dethroning defending champions Jean House through an outstanding performance led by double CARIFTA champion Jady Emmanuel.

    Emmanuel, who previously secured gold medals in the Under-17 girls’ 100m and 200m at the 2025 CARIFTA Games, demonstrated exceptional versatility by capturing four gold medals in Division 2 competitions. The star athlete dominated the 100m with a time of 12.30 seconds, claimed the 200m title in 26.70 seconds, and added gold medals in both long jump and javelin throw events.

    Augier’s comprehensive team performance accumulated 1,024 points, significantly outpacing Jean House who finished second with 816 points. King House secured third position with 637 points, while Darcheville House placed fourth with 506 points.

    The championship witnessed several standout performances across divisions. Shawn Stephen contributed significantly to Augier’s victory in Division 3, winning gold in the 200m (25.10) and 400m (58.50), while earning silver in discus throw and bronze in long jump.

    Jean House showcased promising talent despite their second-place finish. Jeaneil William captured the boys’ 100m (11.3) and 200m (24.0) titles in Division 2, adding a silver medal in long jump. Kianna Jean dominated Division 2 girls’ events with victories in 100m (13.30), 200m (28.0), and long jump.

    In Division 4 competitions, Cristiano Nestor and Merkisha St Catherine both claimed titles for Jean House. Nestor won long jump and ball throw with additional silver in shot put, while St Catherine achieved triple gold in 80m (11.30), 150m (21.20), and shot put, plus silver in ball throw.

    The championships also featured impressive performances from Oryan Montoute of Jean House who won Division 4 boys’ 80m (10.60) and 150m (20.0), while Jeremiah Savery secured the 300m (49.20) for Augier, and Kershan Norlay claimed the 600m (1:58.20) for King House.

  • Vakbeweging vraagt structurele aanpak vastlopende sociaal-economische dossiers

    Vakbeweging vraagt structurele aanpak vastlopende sociaal-economische dossiers

    Suriname’s largest labor coalition, Ravaksur Plus, has issued an urgent appeal to President Jennifer Simons for immediate government intervention to address the nation’s deepening socioeconomic crisis. In a comprehensive letter dated February 4th, the coalition detailed multiple systemic failures affecting workers across all sectors and proposed establishing a joint commission to develop actionable solutions.

    The coalition identified several critical areas requiring immediate attention. Foremost among these is the absence of a dedicated Ministry of Labor, which has resulted in fragmented labor policies and inadequate enforcement mechanisms. Ravaksur Plus advocates for reinstating this ministry with enhanced authority to strengthen social dialogue and better protect workers’ rights.

    Persistent inflation and volatile exchange rates have created a severe purchasing power decline, with cumulative losses affecting all workers. The current minimum wage, poverty threshold, and tax measures no longer reflect economic realities, creating widespread financial hardship. The tax burden on employed individuals particularly hampers economic recovery, prompting calls for adjusting tax-free thresholds and implementing targeted fiscal relief.

    Public sector employees face specific challenges including unimplemented wage agreements from 2020, revoked official ranks and periodic benefits, unequal healthcare provisions, and unresolved backlogged promotions and permanent appointments. Multiple government departments, including Regional Development and Social Affairs, reportedly have structurally stalled cases.

    Education represents a separate crisis point, with teachers’ incomes becoming insufficient for basic subsistence. This has triggered significant brain drain and staff outflow from the education sector. The coalition demands income restoration measures, clearance of overdue payments, and structural improvements to working conditions.

    Private sector workers similarly confront constrained wage growth, high fiscal pressure, and inadequate inflation protection. The minimum wage has become completely disconnected from actual living costs, creating additional financial strain.

    Ravaksur Plus additionally called for progress on previously agreed arrangements with the former administration and outstanding benefit packages from affiliated unions, requesting clear timelines and implementation agreements.

    The letter was coordinated by Armand Zunder and endorsed by all major education unions including the Federation of Suriname Teachers’ Organizations (FOLS) and its member organizations, the Teachers’ Union (BvL), and the Alliance for Teachers in Suriname (ALS).

  • Sports minister says WIndsor Park lighting project back on track after ‘unavoidable’ delays

    Sports minister says WIndsor Park lighting project back on track after ‘unavoidable’ delays

    The Windsor Park Sports Stadium illumination initiative is progressing decisively after overcoming logistical setbacks, according to Senator Oscar George, Minister of State for Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development. The $13.8 million development, funded through the Dominica Lotteries Commission, encountered unforeseen delays in the delivery of specialized lighting components from international suppliers.

    Senator George provided a detailed technical update, confirming that the concrete foundations for the towering light structures have been successfully poured. These foundations require an additional fourteen-day curing period to achieve the necessary structural integrity to support the 150-foot towers. The lighting components have now successfully arrived from manufacturing facilities in India and await assembly.

    ‘The various structural elements have been delivered to Dominica,’ Senator George stated. ‘Specialized technicians will now commence the process of connecting and welding these components into complete units during the concrete curing phase.’

    Following the structural assembly, crews will initiate the comprehensive electrical installation phase. This critical stage involves routing armored underground cabling, establishing connections between control rooms and foundation points, and finally integrating the wiring through each tower to the lighting fixtures themselves.

    A significant aspect of the project involves knowledge transfer and capacity building. The government has implemented a strategic workforce development plan to engage numerous young Dominicans in the installation process. These participants will receive hands-on technical training in specialized electrical and structural installation techniques.

    ‘Our intention is to identify and retain the most skilled individuals from this training cohort for permanent roles upon project completion,’ Senator George explained. ‘This approach ensures we develop sustainable local expertise to maintain the stadium’s advanced lighting infrastructure for decades to come.’

    The project represents a major enhancement to Dominica’s sports infrastructure and is expected to enable extended training hours and potential nighttime competitions upon its completion.

  • Machado Eyes 2026 Elections; Venezuelan Protesters Want Maduro Back

    Machado Eyes 2026 Elections; Venezuelan Protesters Want Maduro Back

    Venezuela finds itself at a critical political juncture as opposition leader María Corina Machado outlines potential election timelines while simultaneous mass demonstrations demand the return of detained President Nicolás Maduro. In a recent interview with Politico, Machado revealed that her coalition secured approximately 70% of votes during the contested 2024 election, indicating substantial public and military backing for the opposition movement. She projected that organizing legitimate electoral proceedings with manual voting systems could be accomplished within a nine to ten month timeframe, contingent upon initiation timing. This political development coincides with significant pro-government rallies throughout Caracas, where thousands of Chavista supporters mobilized to demand the liberation of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The demonstrations featured impassioned chants of “Venezuela needs Nicolás!” according to Reuters correspondents. Meanwhile, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez asserted that the nation has successfully transformed American pressure into domestic stability, characterizing this as a substantial victory for the Venezuelan populace. Both Maduro and Flores confront narcotics trafficking allegations in New York judicial courts, with each having entered not guilty pleas to the charges.

  • Dutch Lady Breakfast for Champs Programme

    Dutch Lady Breakfast for Champs Programme

    Springs, St George – South St George Government School became a hub of nutritional education on January 28, 2026, as Hubbard’s Dutch Lady Breakfast for Champs team conducted an innovative educational program for Grade 6 students. The initiative represented a significant corporate investment in youth development and nutritional awareness within Grenada’s educational landscape.

    Under the coordination of Hubbard’s Marketing Team and Agency Manager Dillon Johnson, the hour-long session transformed conventional learning into an dynamic interactive experience. Students participated in engaging discussions that highlighted the nutritional benefits of Dutch Lady milk products, with particular emphasis on how proper nutrition supports physical growth, sustained energy levels, and enhanced academic performance.

    The program incorporated incentive-based learning where students received Dutch Lady drawstring bags containing branded promotional items and 200 ml Full Cream Milk packs for correctly answering nutritional questions. This approach successfully created an energetic learning environment while effectively communicating essential nutritional information in a memorable format.

    As a tangible demonstration of their commitment, Hubbard’s donated 42 cases of Dutch Lady 200 ml Full Cream Milk packs to the school. This contribution aims to promote healthy breakfast habits among students and support their daily educational needs through improved nutrition.

    This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of both Dutch Lady and Hubbard’s Agency to foster the well-being and development of Grenada’s youth. Dutch Lady products remain available in retail stores throughout Grenada, with additional information accessible through Hubbard’s Agency social media channels on Facebook and Instagram @hubbardsagency.