Carib Scope

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  • ICAR says cannabis law moving ‘too slow’; Hilaire says it’s ‘at finish line’

    ICAR says cannabis law moving ‘too slow’; Hilaire says it’s ‘at finish line’

    Thousands gathered in Vieux Fort on Sunday to mark Saint Lucia’s annual Emancipation Day observance, an event that spotlighted both a decades-long win for the island’s Rastafarian community and growing calls for accelerated action on long-awaited cannabis regulation reform.

    Opening his address to attendees, Aaron Alexander, president of the Iyanola Council for the Advancement of Rastafari and Pan African People (ICAR), opened with a reflection on how far the national recognition of Emancipation Day has come, rather than immediately turning to the cannabis policy debate that looms over the Rastafarian community. For more than 40 years, Alexander explained, Saint Lucia’s Rastafari community has borne the full responsibility of organizing and celebrating Emancipation Day alone, with little formal support or national recognition from government bodies. What was once dismissed by many as “another Rasta ting,” a local, niche observance, has now grown into a core national holiday and is gaining traction across the Caribbean region as a critical marker of shared regional history. That shift, Alexander told the crowd, represents a long-overdue milestone worth celebrating.

    After honoring that progress, Alexander shifted to the core policy priority his community has advocated for over decades: comprehensive cannabis reform that recognizes the cultural and spiritual role of cannabis in Rastafarian tradition, while building a formal, inclusive regulated industry. In his remarks, he emphasized that the drafting and parliamentary consideration of the necessary regulatory legislation has moved at a glacial pace, leaving the community waiting for action that has been promised for years. Despite that frustration, Alexander stressed that the Rastafarian community remains optimistic and committed to holding steady patience as the government works through the final stages of the policy process.

    Earlier the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire responded directly to those community concerns in a pre-recorded address released by the Regulatory Substance Authority (RSA), the government body tasked with developing the new regulatory framework. Hilaire acknowledged that Rastafarian community members and other key stakeholders have grown increasingly frustrated with the slow timeline of reform.

    “I hear your frustration… I assure you our work behind the scenes has been deliberate and unwavering,” Hilaire said in the address. The deputy prime minister added that regulators have prioritized building a robust, tightly controlled system that balances legal access for responsible use with strict public safety safeguards, a process that requires careful deliberation to avoid missteps.

    Central to the proposed framework, Hilaire explained, is a commitment to inclusion: the policy is designed to ensure that generations of Saint Lucians who have long cultivated and used cannabis, often at great personal risk under existing laws, are not sidelined as the legal industry grows and develops. The final legislation will center the protection of domestic Saint Lucian interests while laying the groundwork for a transparent, responsible, and well-regulated national cannabis sector.

    Closing his remarks, Hilaire struck an optimistic tone, telling stakeholders the reform process is nearly complete. “We are almost at the finish line. Together we will build a cannabis industry that serves and safeguards every Saint Lucian,” he said.

  • Four People in Police Custody in Connection With Fraud Investigation

    Four People in Police Custody in Connection With Fraud Investigation

    On August 5, 2026, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda announced through its Office of Strategic Communications that four individuals have been taken into custody as part of an active fraud investigation stemming from an incident at a commercial property on Lower All Saints Road in St. John’s.

    Early findings from the probe suggest the four suspects sought to cash a cheque that law enforcement confirms was reported stolen. The business owner overseeing the transaction quickly spotted irregularities in the interaction, triggering immediate suspicion. Rather than proceeding with the transaction, the owner contacted local police right away, allowing responding officers to apprehend all four suspects on-site without incident.

    In the wake of the arrest, the Police Administration has issued a public warning calling on all local business owners, financial sector institutions, and frontline staff who handle financial transactions to maintain an increased level of vigilance when processing cheques and other negotiable financial documents. The department outlines clear, proactive steps that commercial operators can take to reduce vulnerability to similar fraud schemes: thorough multi-step verification of cheque authenticity, direct confirmation of the identity of any individual presenting a cheque for cashing or deposit, and immediate contact with local law enforcement as soon as any suspicious activity is detected. Police emphasize that proactive awareness and rapid reporting are the most effective tools to prevent financial fraud and support successful criminal investigations, helping protect local businesses from avoidable financial losses.

  • Assault rifle found in Sophia drain

    Assault rifle found in Sophia drain

    In the early hours of Wednesday, local law enforcement in Guyana recovered an unmarked AK-47 assault rifle from a dry drainage ditch in a vacant lot in the C’ Field neighborhood of Sophia, a suburb of Greater Georgetown. The Guyana Police Force announced that the recovery followed a tip received from a member of the public, which alerted officers to the presence of a hidden bag holding the firearm and two additional ammunition magazines.

    Upon retrieving the cache, investigators noted that the rifle’s identifying serial number had been intentionally filed off to obscure its origin, and no live ammunition was loaded into either of the recovered magazines. Following the recovery, the weapon and magazines were transported to the nearby Turkeyen Police Station, where they have been secured as evidence while law enforcement launches an official probe into how the illegal firearm ended up in the drain.

    As of Wednesday afternoon, when the update was issued, no suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the recovered weapon, and police have not yet released additional details on possible motives or connections to other criminal activity in the area.

  • Community Leader Ms. Avril Francis to be Honored at the Dr. Stewart O. Williams 14th Annual Awards Gala

    Community Leader Ms. Avril Francis to be Honored at the Dr. Stewart O. Williams 14th Annual Awards Gala

    A beloved Caribbean-born community servant and public figure is set to be recognized for decades of relentless philanthropy and public service this fall, as the Sandy Point Benevolent Society (SPBS) prepares to honor Avril Francis at the 14th annual Dr. Stewart O. Williams Awards Gala.

    The gala is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Maestro’s Catering Hall, located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue in the Bronx, New York. Organizers have opened ticket sales to the general public, inviting community members from across the region to join in celebrating Francis and other distinguished honorees at the event, which carries the 2026 theme “Rooted in Service, Grounded in Giving Back.”

    Born in St. Kitts, Francis built her life and decades-long career in New York City, where she has dedicated nearly all her professional and personal time to lifting up vulnerable and marginalized residents. Her career in public service began in healthcare, where she started out as a nursing assistant before advancing to a role as a medical technician with Montefiore Hospital’s Care for the Homeless program. In that position, she has helped hundreds of unhoused New Yorkers regain not just physical health, but a sense of hope and personal dignity that many thought they had lost forever.

    Beyond her frontline healthcare work, Francis has emerged as one of the Bronx’s most respected community leaders. She currently serves as chair of the board at Montefiore Hospital’s Wakefield Campus, maintains longstanding collaborative partnerships with the NYPD 47th Precinct and the department’s youth-focused NYPD Explorers Program, and founded the Avril Show Cancer Award Foundation, a charitable organization that provides critical support to cancer survivors, funds youth development programs, operates accessible summer camps, runs back-to-school supply initiatives for low-income families, and supports a wide range of other local community causes. She has also built a reputation as a well-known and trusted broadcast personality across the New York metropolitan area.

    SPBS officials note that Francis’ decades of work align perfectly with the 2026 gala’s core theme, making her a natural and worthy choice for this year’s recognition. “Ms. Francis embodies this theme through her unwavering commitment to healthcare, community service, youth development, and philanthropy,” the organization shared in its official announcement of the honor. “The Sandy Point Benevolent Society is honored to recognize her outstanding contributions and lasting impact.”

    Tickets for the gala are priced at $150 per person, and all members of the public are welcome to attend. For more information about the event, ticket purchases, or the Sandy Point Benevolent Society’s ongoing work, visit the organization’s official website at www.spbsinc.org.

  • GDF defends stopping of Moruca-bound boat with Opposition Leader

    GDF defends stopping of Moruca-bound boat with Opposition Leader

    On Wednesday, 5 August 2026, a routine maritime inspection along Guyana’s Pomeroon River erupted into a major political controversy after the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) halted a speedboat carrying Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, drawing sharp accusations of political weaponization from opposition lawmakers. The confrontation centers on competing claims over why the Moruca-bound vessel was blocked from continuing its journey, deepening already tense relations between the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) administration and the opposition bloc.

    In an official statement responding to public criticism, the GDF clarified that its Coast Guard detachment stationed at the Pomeroon Floating Base stopped the vessel as part of regular compliance checks for vessels transiting local waterways. According to the military statement, the vessel’s operator failed to produce three mandatory documents required for passage: a valid boat master’s licence, official vessel registration, and a current certificate of vessel inspection. Under established GDF procedures, all vessels must register their journey at the floating base and present full documentation before proceeding to their destination. As a result of the missing paperwork, the captain was ordered to return to the nearby port of Charity to secure the required certifications before resuming the trip, the GDF explained.

    The military emphasized that the inspection was not targeted at any individual or political group, framing the action as part of ongoing efforts to enforce maritime safety rules, boost waterway security, and ensure all operators comply with national regulations. The GDF also reminded all vessel operators to maintain up-to-date documentation and require all passengers to wear properly fitted lifejackets for the duration of all voyages.

    Opposition leaders have rejected the military’s explanation, decrying the stop as a deliberate act of political repression orchestrated by the ruling PPPC. Speaking to reporters from a picket line outside the Office of the President, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Parliamentary Leader Dr. Terrence Campbell called the incident a dangerous escalation of authoritarian tactics, accusing the government of turning the GDF into a political weapon to violate core constitutional rights. “We are seeing this thing escalating now under this PPPC dictatorship,” Campbell said. “We are seeing a weaponisation of the Guyana Defence Force and this is worrying because especially the army they are there to uphold the constitution of Guyana.” Campbell added that the incident follows a similar alleged targeting of Mohamed the previous day, when security forces were deployed to the town of Linden during a protest at Watooka House, where the opposition leader’s boat was reportedly flagged for interdiction.

    Mohamed, who confirmed he had chartered the speedboat to attend a planned peaceful protest in Moruca, backed up Campbell’s claims of political persecution. The opposition leader said his party departed Charity at approximately 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, arriving at the Pomeroon Floating Base an hour later to complete required check-in procedures for travel into the Atlantic Ocean. After the crew tied the vessel to the base and all passengers signed the required log, a GDF service member requested photographs of the group, which were provided without objection. The situation shifted, Mohamed said, when the same service member demanded to see the vessel’s registration documentation. The captain informed personnel that he had already transited the same waterway earlier that same morning without being asked for the documents, Mohamed added.

    Ultimately, the trip was aborted, and Mohamed was forced to return to Charity. He claimed a police marine unit shadowed his vessel back to port, and he had received intelligence that plainclothes police were already waiting in the Moruca creek to intercept him on arrival. “Political persecution and victimization- they don’t want me to attend peaceful protest at Moruca. The President doesn’t want to see me there,” Mohamed said.

    The trip had already faced a preliminary hurdle: the Toshao (indigenous village leader) of Santa Rosa issued a public advisory stating that Mohamed did not have permission to visit the community. But Mohamed pushed back against that restriction, noting that a majority of the village’s residents had requested he visit to address their concerns. He explained that he chartered the speedboat instead of using his personal vessel because his own boat has an extended engine that risks hitting submerged debris in the shallow local waterways.

    Mohamed also challenged the GDF’s authority to carry out documentation checks, arguing that this responsibility falls exclusively to Guyana’s Maritime Administration, not the military. He further claimed that the vast majority of small vessels operating between Pomeroon and Moruca lack formal registration, even though most captains hold valid personal operating licenses.

  • Calvin Ayre Foundation Supports Urgent Medical Transfer for Cardiac Patient Through Partnership with MBS

    Calvin Ayre Foundation Supports Urgent Medical Transfer for Cardiac Patient Through Partnership with MBS

    On August 5, 2026, in St. John’s, Antigua, a long-standing public-private healthcare partnership delivered critical, life-saving support to a local resident facing a rare and urgent cardiac need. The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF), a prominent local philanthropic organization, joined forces with Antigua’s Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) to clear all financial and logistical barriers for Ulysis James, who required immediate specialized cardiac intervention unavailable on the island.

    James’ medical crisis began when he suffered an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction—more commonly known as a severe heart attack—and was quickly admitted to the island’s main public healthcare facility, Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. While the local clinical team delivered timely and appropriate emergency care that stabilized James’ condition, he later developed recurring chest pain. Follow-up clinical evaluations confirmed that he needed advanced, specialized cardiac procedures that Antigua’s domestic healthcare system is not currently equipped to provide. After a full review of his case, James’ care team formally referred him to the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Martinique, a leading Caribbean regional center for advanced cardiac care, to receive the urgent procedure he needed.

    To ensure James could travel to Martinique without life-threatening delays, the two partner organizations split the costs of his care: MBS, Antigua’s public health insurance body, approved full funding to cover all expenses related to the surgical and clinical treatment itself, while the Calvin Ayre Foundation stepped in to cover all of James’ travel-related medical costs, a gap in public coverage that would have otherwise created unnecessary barriers to timely care. This combined support eliminated all financial burdens on James’ family, allowing them to focus entirely on his recovery rather than fundraising for urgent care.

    Shereen James Galloway, James’ daughter, spoke publicly about the experience to share her family’s profound gratitude for the coordinated support they received. “The support we received went far beyond financial assistance. The kindness, compassion and professionalism shown by the Calvin Ayre Foundation, CalvinAir, EMT Jeremias Samuel, and everyone involved made an incredibly difficult journey so much easier for our family. They gave us hope when we needed it most, and we will always be grateful,” she said.

    Patrice Jacobs, Media and Production Associate at the Calvin Ayre Foundation, emphasized that this case is part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to removing financial barriers to critical care for Antiguan and Barbudan residents. “Medical emergencies often require swift action, and we’re proud to work alongside the Medical Benefits Scheme to help patients receive specialised treatment when it is not available locally. Every successful transfer represents another opportunity for hope and recovery,” Jacobs explained.

    As James prepares for his procedure in Martinique, the Calvin Ayre Foundation has issued a formal statement extending its best wishes to James and his entire family, expressing hope for a successful intervention and a complete, full recovery. This latest successful collaboration between CAF and MBS underscores the value of cross-sector healthcare partnerships in small island developing states, where local healthcare capacity is often limited for highly specialized interventions. By combining public funding for clinical care with philanthropic support for travel costs, the partnership ensures that no resident is denied life-saving care simply because it is not available domestically.

  • Embassy ties carve opportunity for wood sculptors

    Embassy ties carve opportunity for wood sculptors

    A long-standing collaborative initiative to nurture creative talent in Saint Lucia has gained new momentum, as the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) has formally extended its creative partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Caribbean nation. The milestone agreement was marked during a recent welcome gathering, where CDF representatives hosted Veronika L.C. Liu, the embassy’s newly appointed Third Secretary, who will take the lead on the next phase of the partnership’s flagship arts training program.

    At the core of this renewed collaboration is the upcoming Spotlight Taiwan Wood Sculpting Workshop Level 2, a follow-up to the successful inaugural training held earlier. This advanced iteration of the program is designed to help established and emerging Saint Lucian wood sculptors refine their technical craft, while also equipping them with the tools to access untapped regional and global commercial markets. The workshop forms a key component of the broader “Workshop to World Shop” initiative, an integrated framework that merges artistic skill development, business strategy, and end-to-end product development to support local creatives.

    CDF officials emphasize that this advanced training goes far beyond basic skill-building: it directly addresses the gap between art creation and market sustainability, giving sculptors the resources they need to build lasting, profitable careers. For both organizations, the renewed partnership is more than an arts program—it is a demonstration of shared dedication to cross-cultural innovation, meaningful people-to-people exchange, and the long-term growth of Saint Lucia’s creative economy, a sector that contributes significantly to the island’s livelihood and global cultural profile.

    During the recent strategic meeting, representatives from both the CDF and the embassy conducted a full review of past program outcomes, celebrating the successes of the first workshop and outlining actionable next steps for the advanced training and future initiatives. The CDF extended formal gratitude to Taiwan for its consistent, long-term support of the island’s creative sector, and officially welcomed Liu to her new role leading the program.

    As the partnership enters its next chapter, leaders from both sides have expressed enthusiasm for the work ahead. Their shared vision remains clear: to remove barriers for Saint Lucia’s local artists, create tangible pathways to international success, and strengthen the island’s position as a hub for exceptional Caribbean craft and artistry.

  • Bridgetown Market remains a cherished tradition despite changing times

    Bridgetown Market remains a cherished tradition despite changing times

    On the afternoon and evening of Sunday, August 2, 2026, the Mighty Grynner Highway in Barbados transformed into a vibrant hub of Caribbean culture, as the second day of the annual Bridgetown Market drew thousands of attendees of all ages. Against ongoing public discussion of sliding attendance numbers in recent years, the event stayed true to its roots as a core cultural tradition of the island’s iconic Crop Over Festival, blending local crafts, authentic street food, soca and calypso music, and communal celebration that kept crowds engaged from late afternoon through the night.

    When reporters from Barbados TODAY arrived on site just after 5 p.m., the open-air pop-up market was already humming with activity. Stalls displaying everything from handcrafted textiles to artisanal jewellery, children’s toys, and savoury local street food lined both sides of the highway. Visitors moved at a relaxed pace through the venue, with young children tugging at their caregivers’ hands to reach sno-cone carts and playful light-up and bubble toys, while adults mingled with old friends and soaked in the warm, festive atmosphere.

    Approximately an hour after the site reached full bustle, a procession of revellers from Aura Experience’s SunMas, produced in partnership with Monde Mas and Blue Box Cart, made their way to the open area in front of the Stanfield Scott Building. Large music trucks pumped upbeat soca tracks as costumed revellers danced through the street, injecting a high-energy carnival vibe into the longstanding traditional market event. Performing from the lead truck, popular local artist Jordan English delivered crowd-pleasing renditions of some of his most well-known tracks, including *Active* and *Island Girl*.

    Amid the celebration, reporters spoke with dozens of vendors, long-time attendees, and first-time visitors about the event’s enduring place in Barbadian culture, and the challenges it has faced with shifting attendance over the past decade. Many described Bridgetown Market as an unmissable cornerstone of Crop Over, sharing personal stories of how the annual gathering has evolved alongside their own lives.

    Osula Holder, an artisan with iCreate Concepts who has displayed her work at the market for five years, was joined by her sister Sophia Sandiford to sell handcrafted crochet accessories, including bonnets, scrunchies, and headbands, all made in-house. For Holder, Bridgetown Market is always a joyful experience that blends the opportunity to grow her small business with the chance to connect with the island’s cultural soul. “My experience of Bridgetown Market is always a pleasant one. I try to take it for what it is and make it as best as I could in terms of making money and also enjoying the festival and the people and the energy that Bridgetown Market has,” she said.

    Holder shared that she looks forward to Crop Over every year for its unique blend of social commentary, live music, community connection, and cultural immersion, calling the festival a holistic experience she cannot imagine going a year without. Earlier that same afternoon, she had even stepped away from her stall to join a game of Wari, a traditional African board game that remains a beloved cultural practice on the island.

    While she acknowledged that attendance has fluctuated considerably over her years participating in the market, Holder expressed confidence that ongoing efforts from the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), which organizes the event, can reverse recent declines. “I think that the NCF is trying to find ways to bring people to the space again. Maybe it might take a little bit more in advertising, but it is what it is,” she said, noting that she has already observed an encouraging uptick in visitors from across the Caribbean region in recent years.

    A short distance away, Kaye Bascombe was browsing handmade toys with her partner and two children at the CNC Wholesale and Retail stall. Bascombe, who became a parent seven years ago, said attending the annual market has been a non-negotiable family tradition for her household ever since. “We usually come every year to Bridgetown Market so that the children can come out and get their toys and enjoy the culture, enjoy the festival,” she explained. Bascombe echoed the common observation that attendance is lower than it was decades ago, saying she misses the larger scope of past events and hopes to see the market regain its former size. “I’d like to see more stalls because I remember before when we were all down the highway. It’s kind of disappointing to see that we’ve moved away from that,” she said. When asked why her family returns year after year despite the changes, she answered simply: “Nostalgia. Because I remember coming with my mom and my dad. So I want to carry that on with them.”

    Further down the highway, Michael Frederick, a copper jewellery artisan, showcased his collection of one-of-a-kind handcrafted designs under his business name St. Elmo Wire Wrapping and Design Jewelry. His display featured an array of copper and stainless steel bracelets, earrings, and beaded pieces for women, alongside paracord accessories designed for male customers. Frederick, who has participated in Bridgetown Market for three years, said demand varies from year to year, often depending on which designs catch visitors’ eyes during the event. Even so, he said the public response to his unique craftsmanship has been consistently encouraging. “I love what I do because they can’t get enough. They love my work because it’s very unique,” he said, adding that his specially coated copper pieces retain their shine for years with proper care. Standing nearby, wearing two of Frederick’s handcrafted copper bracelets, was long-time attendee and supporter Abigail Springer, who has attended every Bridgetown Market since the event’s launch. Springer argued that the gathering deserves ongoing public and private investment to preserve its cultural importance. “I think that [people should attend Bridgetown Market] because it’s a part of the culture and I think that we should put more into it and encourage one another,” she said. For Springer, the biggest draw of the annual event is the chance to reconnect with friends and community members she may not have seen in months, while walking through the market grounds.

    Over at Big G’s Enterprises, a long-time local food vendor, customers lined up to order as the rich aroma of sizzling burgers and fried fish cakes drifted across the highway. Owner Austin Yearwood-Skeete, who now runs the third-generation family business, said Big G’s has been feeding Bridgetown Market attendees for more than 25 years. This year, top sellers included the brand’s signature fish cakes, alongside classic menu items like burgers, fried chicken, and homemade macaroni pie. Like many other vendors, Yearwood-Skeete noted that attendance has dropped in recent years, and proposed a solution to bring more visitors, particularly younger Barbadians, back to the event: corporate-sponsored incentives. “To encourage people to come back, I think we will have to maybe offer some incentives like let various sponsors then give drinks or free burgers or even samples of their various products and see if that would encourage them to come,” she said.

    Across the highway at the Amazing Kids stall, 17-year-old sales assistant Tiffany Wickham watched as children crowded around the display to look at Needoh products and squishy toys. Wickham said business had been much slower on the first day of the market, but picked up significantly on Sunday, and credited the SunMas procession with drawing more crowds to the area. “My favourite part was when they saw Aura and the bands coming down. That was better this year for me,” she said. For Wickham, who is in her second year working at the stall, Bridgetown Market remains an irreplaceable part of Crop Over. “It was a part of our culture for a very long time. If we were to stop it would feel weird. This is the time that I see everybody together most,” she explained, adding that her favourite part of working the event is the chance to interact with a wide range of visitors. “I just like the interaction with the people. Some like to crack jokes, some like to just smile and purchase stuff.”

    As the sun set over the highway, crowds that had spread out along the route drifted toward the main stage, where hundreds of spectators packed together shoulder to shoulder for an evening programme of live calypso performances. The show was hosted first by Carl “Alff” Padmore, and later by Antoine “Brudda Daddy” Williams, and featured performances from a roster of beloved local artists including Adrian Clarke, De Announcer, Q-Lemar, Shawnie, Captain Sawyer, Ross, Bert “Panta” Brown, and veteran tent leader Jerry Roberts, whose appearance on stage drew a rousing standing ovation and loud cheers from the crowd.

    First launched in 1974 as part of the modern revival of the historic Crop Over Festival, Bridgetown Market is traditionally held across the final Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the annual Grand Kadooment parade. The NCF has taken charge of organizing the event since it assumed full responsibility for the Crop Over Festival in 1983.

  • Does The Cuban Medical Brigade Have A Future In Belize?

    Does The Cuban Medical Brigade Have A Future In Belize?

    As of August 5, 2026, diplomatic discussions over the future of the Cuban medical brigade currently serving in Belize remain active, according to the country’s top foreign affairs official.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca confirmed that Prime Minister John Briceno raised the contentious issue directly with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau during Briceno’s recent official visit to Washington D.C. During the meeting, the two leaders covered a range of bilateral topics including security collaboration, economic development initiatives and regional stability, with the status of Cuban medical workers emerging as a key point of conversation.

    Fonseca noted that talks on the brigade’s future are still in progress, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally outlined its position: the government sees clear value in retaining a portion of the Cuban medical professionals currently working across Belize’s healthcare system. The exact structure and framework for any potential retention arrangement, however, have not yet been finalized.

    The core objective of ongoing inter-ministerial negotiations, Fonseca explained, is to establish a legal pathway that allows Cuban doctors, nurses and other medical staff to remain in the country long-term. Discussions between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Wellness are continuing to hash out details, which could range from issuing temporary work permits to granting permanent residence status to eligible members of the brigade.

    For decades, Cuban medical brigades have provided critical healthcare support to low and middle-income countries across the Global South, but their presence has often been a point of diplomatic friction with the United States, which has long enforced sanctions on Cuba and pressured allied nations to end these medical partnerships. Belize’s ongoing deliberations come as the country balances its domestic healthcare needs with its diplomatic relationship with Washington.

  • Fuego-vulkaan in Guatemala blijft as en modder spuwen; 1.700 mensen geëvacueerd

    Fuego-vulkaan in Guatemala blijft as en modder spuwen; 1.700 mensen geëvacueerd

    One of Central America’s most consistently active volcanoes, Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego, continues to spew toxic ash and debris-driven mudflows weeks after its latest eruption, leaving approximately 1,700 evacuated residents stuck in temporary emergency shelters with no clear timeline to return home. Guatemalan national disaster authorities have warned that the next 72 hours will be a critical period for the region, as forecasted heavy rainfall is projected to amplify the risk of catastrophic new mudslides across surrounding communities.

    The Guatemalan National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (Conred) has elevated the alert level to its highest red designation for three high-risk departments neighboring the volcano: Sacatepéquez, Escuintla, and Chimaltenango. Roughly 29,000 residents across these affected areas are already enduring ongoing exposure to hazardous ash fall, and mandatory evacuation orders remain in full effect for all at-risk zones until volcanic activity eases and conditions are deemed safe for return.

    To date, mudflows stretching up to 7 kilometers have continued to flow down Fuego’s slopes, and incoming rain is expected to destabilize loose volcanic debris, worsening existing flows and creating new hazards for nearby settled areas. The volcano first erupted Monday, unleashing a powerful mix of toxic gas, volcanic ash, molten lava, and fast-moving pyroclastic flows. Volcanic activity persisted into Tuesday, with new secondary eruptions launching additional mud and ash plumes into the atmosphere.

    As a preventative public health measure, Conred has issued guidance for local residents: advise covering all open drinking water stores to prevent ash contamination, and wear well-fitted face masks to reduce inhalation of fine volcanic ash. As of the latest official update, no mudflows have reached populated village centers, and no reports of structural damage to residential or public infrastructure have been confirmed.

    The eruption has already upended daily life across the region. National Route 14, a major transportation artery that runs close to the volcano’s slopes near Alotenango, roughly 65 kilometers southwest of Guatemala City, has been fully closed to traffic. Additionally, all schools in nearby affected municipalities have been temporarily shuttered to avoid putting students and staff at risk.

    Geographically, Guatemala sits within the Pacific Ocean’s geologically active “Ring of Fire”, a region marked by frequent tectonic activity that makes volcanic eruptions and earthquakes a regular natural hazard. Volcán de Fuego has a long history of disruptive and deadly eruptions that have forced mass evacuations in past decades. The most devastating recent event occurred in 2018, when a large-scale eruption killed 194 people and left more than 230 others unaccounted for, after hot pyroclastic flows and ash buried the villages of San Miguel Los Lotes and El Rodeo under meters of volcanic debris.