Carib Scope

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  • Adam Stewart named CNW’s Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year for 2025

    Adam Stewart named CNW’s Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year for 2025

    Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, has received the distinguished 2025 Businessman/Philanthropist of the Year award from Caribbean National Weekly (CNW). The regional publication commended Stewart for his exceptional leadership within the hospitality sector, substantial investments in Caribbean tourism, and his comprehensive crisis management approach during a period marked by both significant accomplishments and formidable challenges.

    CNW’s recognition highlighted Stewart’s professional milestones in 2025, including industry accolades, announcements of multimillion-dollar expansions across his luxury all-inclusive resort brands, and an invitation to join the exclusive Wall Street Journal CEO Council. However, the publication emphasized that his influence transcended conventional business achievements.

    The defining test of Stewart’s leadership occurred in late October when Hurricane Melissa inflicted severe damage on Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure. Stewart orchestrated a transparent communication strategy with international travel advisors, partners, and staff while making an unprecedented commitment: guaranteeing full payroll continuation and Christmas bonuses for all Sandals and Beaches employees, including those at temporarily closed resorts undergoing restoration. The company additionally allocated over US$3 million in staff recovery assistance to support families impacted by the catastrophic storm.

    Under Stewart’s guidance, the Sandals Foundation achieved record levels of community involvement, delivering targeted disaster-recovery support across healthcare, livelihood restoration, and environmental conservation initiatives throughout the Caribbean region.

    In accepting the honor, Stewart expressed profound humility, stating the award represents collective effort rather than individual achievement. He credited his teams and partners for their dedication to community service and their belief in business as a catalyst for positive social change. Stewart specifically acknowledged the Sandals Foundation for creating sustainable impact through education, healthcare, disaster relief, and environmental stewardship programs.

    About Sandals Resorts: The family-owned hospitality group operates 17 adults-only, all-inclusive beachfront resorts across eight Caribbean nations. Sandals pioneered the region’s all-inclusive vacation concept, offering authentic Caribbean experiences through local cuisine, butler service, signature suites including Overwater Villas, and innovative programs like Island Inclusive dining and MINI Cooper island exploration. Through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, the company demonstrates tourism’s transformative power on local communities.

    About Beaches Resorts: This family-focused resort brand operates three Caribbean locations specializing in all-inclusive family vacations. Beaches Resorts feature extensive dining options, water sports, live entertainment, and expansive water parks. The properties offer unique partnerships with Sesame Street characters, kids camps, teen programs, and certified nanny services, providing multigenerational family vacation experiences.

  • Dominica Youth Business Trust set for complete revamp, says Pm Skerrit

    Dominica Youth Business Trust set for complete revamp, says Pm Skerrit

    In a significant move to bolster youth entrepreneurship, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has unveiled comprehensive reforms for the Dominica Youth Business Trust (DYBT). The announcement came during a direct engagement with young citizens, signaling a government-wide commitment to empowering the next generation of business leaders.

    The centerpiece of this restructuring involves dramatically reducing interest rates on business loans to unprecedented lows of just 2-3 percent. This strategic reduction aims to eliminate financial barriers that have traditionally hindered young entrepreneurs from accessing capital. ‘We are implementing a complete revamping of the Dominica Youth Business Trust to make it more accessible to more young people in a more timely fashion,’ Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized during his address.

    Complementing these favorable lending terms, the government has allocated $5 million in dedicated funding to expand the program’s reach. This substantial financial injection will facilitate increased access to both loans and grants, providing comprehensive support for small business development across the island nation.

    Established in May 2004, the DYBT represents a collaborative model that consolidates resources from multiple institutions and donor partners. The organization’s core mission focuses on enabling Dominican youth to achieve their entrepreneurial ambitions through integrated financial, technical, and social support systems. The program distinguishes itself through its emphasis on robust training and mentorship components, ensuring participants receive holistic guidance throughout their business development journey.

    The overhauled initiative promises to accelerate the materialization of business concepts into tangible enterprises, effectively transforming innovative ideas into economic contributors for Dominica’s sustainable development.

  • Moon Gate Hotel & Spa Construction Update

    Moon Gate Hotel & Spa Construction Update

    The highly anticipated Moon Gate Hotel & Spa project is advancing steadily, with construction crews achieving several critical structural milestones. Recent site reconnaissance reveals the establishment of the foundational framework, signaling a significant leap from the initial excavation and site preparation phases. The project’s architectural vision, characterized by its fusion of minimalist luxury and organic design elements, is beginning to materialize on the skyline.

    Project developers have confirmed that the construction is adhering to its meticulously planned timeline, with key components such as the primary support structures for the main hotel building and the expansive spa wing now in place. The integration of bespoke, sustainable building materials is a focal point of the current phase, aligning with the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship and luxury wellness.

    Supply chain logistics and material procurement have been managed efficiently, mitigating potential global delays. The next phase will focus on the enclosure of the structure, installation of high-performance glazing, and the commencement of interior rough-ins. The development team emphasizes that the project remains on track for its projected opening, poised to become a new benchmark for luxury hospitality and holistic well-being upon completion.

  • Over 100 families in St Peter to be given opportunity to own land

    Over 100 families in St Peter to be given opportunity to own land

    In a landmark move addressing historical injustices, the Barbadian government has initiated the formal transfer of land ownership to 132 families in the Six Men’s community of St. Peter. This initiative, known as the Six Men’s Life Improvement Project, represents a significant step in correcting decades of land tenure insecurity.

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the progress during a Barbados Labour Party meeting in Speightstown, revealing that 37 households have already received formal offer letters. The remaining qualified tenants are undergoing property surveys to facilitate complete title transfers through the Tenant’s Freehold Purchase program—a policy originally established under former Prime Minister Tom Adams.

    The government is maintaining the original purchasing terms established decades ago, offering land at just 10 cents per square foot without inflation adjustments. Mottley emphasized the extraordinary opportunity this presents, noting that prospective landowners can acquire property for less than the cost of premium sneakers—approximately US$250 for a standard plot.

    Mottley framed the initiative as a form of historical reparation, stating: ‘The people who were treated as beasts of burden for centuries have already paid for this land over and over through your blood, sweat and tears. Today we ask you simply to consummate that relationship.’

    Colin Jordan, BLP candidate for St. Peter, highlighted that this resolution addresses a half-century-old community concern. He specifically rejected the term ‘squatters’ for residents who have occupied the land for decades, expressing offense at such characterizations.

    The comprehensive project includes surveying the entire area and making necessary adjustments to ensure proper road access for emergency vehicles, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fully integrating these communities into formal infrastructure networks.

  • Mahon loses My Lord’s Hill home to fire

    Mahon loses My Lord’s Hill home to fire

    In a devastating turn of events, Roger Mahon, a 63-year-old sanitation worker, faced the complete destruction of his home just two days before his scheduled retirement from the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA). The fire erupted Wednesday evening at his Proute Road residence in My Lord’s Hill, St Michael, reducing his lifelong home to ashes.

    Mahon recounted receiving a frantic call from his son while he was briefly away from the property. Returning immediately, he encountered an overwhelming blaze with three fire trucks and multiple police vehicles already on scene. The lifelong resident expressed utter disbelief at the scene that greeted him.

    Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have originated from a toaster oven left operating with its timer engaged—a common practice for Mahon who stated this was the first incident of its kind. The intensity of the conflagration prevented salvage of any personal belongings or household items.

    Despite losing everything, Mahon expressed gratitude that adjacent properties sustained only minor damage. Divisional Officer Tremelle Perch confirmed the fire response involved three water tenders from Bridgetown and Barbados Port fire stations under the command of multiple officers who successfully contained the blaze.

    The incident has left Mahon, who lives alone and manages diabetes, without essential medication and too distressed to eat. Both major political parties have pledged support, with candidates Trevor Prescod (Barbados Labour Party) and Ensley Granger (Democratic Labour Party) offering assistance for rebuilding efforts.

    Neighbor Lionel Brewster, 84, described the event as terrifyingly unexpected, noting his property suffered only minor exterior damage including cracked glass panes and some board damage. A vehicle parked between residences sustained damage to its rear windshield and roof structure.

  • Temporary Closure of the Magistrates’ Court located on High Street, St John’s

    Temporary Closure of the Magistrates’ Court located on High Street, St John’s

    The judicial operations at the Magistrates’ Court situated on High Street in St. John’s, Antigua, are undergoing a temporary suspension to facilitate critical building enhancements. This necessary closure forms part of a coordinated initiative by the national judiciary to modernize its facilities and ensure the long-term structural integrity of its premises.

    Court administrators have confirmed the shutdown will enable contractors to execute comprehensive maintenance work, which includes upgrades to electrical systems, improvements to public accessibility, and essential repairs to the historic building’s infrastructure. The project aims to create a safer, more efficient, and modernized environment for both court staff and the public once operations resume.

    During this interim period, all scheduled court matters traditionally heard at the High Street location are being systematically relocated to alternative courtrooms within the jurisdiction. The Office of the Magistrate has issued clear directives for attorneys, defendants, witnesses, and jurors to verify their new assigned venues through official court communications channels to avoid any disruptions to their legal proceedings.

    The judiciary emphasizes that these infrastructural improvements, while causing temporary inconvenience, are a vital investment in the nation’s legal framework. The enhancements are expected to significantly improve service delivery, case management efficiency, and public access to justice upon the court’s reopening, which is projected to occur upon completion of the mandated works.

  • Polar Bears ‘Healthier’ Despite Melting Arctic Ice

    Polar Bears ‘Healthier’ Despite Melting Arctic Ice

    In a surprising ecological development, polar bears inhabiting Norway’s Svalbard archipelago demonstrate significantly improved physical condition compared to two decades ago, according to groundbreaking research published in Scientific Reports. The comprehensive study, tracking hundreds of bears between 1992 and 2019, reveals that body condition metrics began improving from the year 2000 onward—a period during which the region lost approximately 100 days of sea ice coverage.

    Lead author Jon Aars of the Norwegian Polar Institute expressed astonishment at the findings: “I would have predicted that body condition would decline. We observe precisely the opposite phenomenon.” The research indicates the Svalbard population remains stable or potentially growing, challenging conventional assumptions about polar bear vulnerability.

    The study suggests these Arctic predators have adapted their feeding strategies, supplementing traditional seal hunting with terrestrial food sources including reindeer and scavenged walrus remains. This behavioral flexibility appears to have compensated for reduced hunting opportunities on diminishing sea ice.

    University of Washington polar researcher Kristin Laidre notes the findings complicate simplistic narratives: “People often receive a message of total doom regarding polar bears. This research demonstrates significant regional variability in how bear populations are responding to environmental changes.”

    While climate change continues to pose the most substantial threat to Arctic species worldwide, this research reveals unexpected resilience in certain polar bear populations, suggesting their survival mechanisms are more complex and adaptable than previously understood.

  • Belizeans End 2025 Less Confident About the Economy

    Belizeans End 2025 Less Confident About the Economy

    BELIZE CITY – Belize concluded 2025 with a notable decline in economic optimism among its citizens, as revealed by the latest Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) published by the Statistical Institute of Belize. The comprehensive survey, which gauges public sentiment regarding national economic conditions, personal financial situations, and major purchasing readiness, recorded a concerning downturn in December.

    The index retreated to 47.9 points in the final month of 2025, down from November’s reading of 48.2. This downward movement places the indicator firmly below the critical 50-point threshold, signaling that a majority of consumers now harbor pessimistic rather than optimistic views about economic prospects. The deterioration primarily stemmed from diminished expectations for the upcoming year and increased reluctance to commit to significant expenditures.

    Geographic analysis revealed substantial regional disparities in economic sentiment. Stann Creek District experienced the most pronounced confidence collapse, plummeting from an optimistic 52.9 in November to 48.3 in December. Conversely, Toledo District demonstrated remarkable resilience, surging from 48.7 to 57.4—a dramatic improvement largely attributed to strengthened regional economic expectations.

    The comprehensive study further identified a growing urban-rural confidence divide. Urban consumers reported modest gains in economic optimism, while their rural counterparts exhibited heightened caution, particularly regarding major acquisitions such as vehicles, appliances, and household furnishings. This geographical polarization suggests varying economic experiences across Belize’s diverse demographic landscape.

    The CCI serves as a crucial barometer of economic health, measuring citizens’ perceptions across multiple dimensions including national economic conditions, household financial stability, and purchasing propensity. The latest findings indicate growing consumer restraint that could potentially impact economic activity in the coming months.

  • Colin Dowe appointed first chairman of NaDMA Board

    Colin Dowe appointed first chairman of NaDMA Board

    Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, serving in his dual capacity as Minister for the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA), has formally appointed the inaugural Board of Directors for the agency in accordance with the provisions of the 2023 Disaster Management Act. This landmark appointment occurs more than two years following the legislation’s enactment.

    The newly constituted board will be chaired by Colin Dowe, with Carlyn Mc Quilkin assuming the role of Deputy Chairman. Additional members include Lazarus Joseph, Jessmon Prince, Samantha Dickson, Andre Charles, Jonell Benjamin, Lydia Browne, and Sylvan Mc Intyre.

    According to an official notice published in the 23 January 2026 Government Gazette and dated 20 January 2026, the board’s mandate will extend for a three-year term commencing 1 February 2026. The selection process, as outlined in the Act, prioritizes individuals demonstrating expertise in emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery operations, alongside ex-officio office holders with relevant disaster management responsibilities.

    The legislative framework additionally establishes an advisory council, to be chaired by the Prime Minister. This council will serve as a critical coordination platform, bringing together government ministries, statutory bodies, district disaster committees, private sector representatives, non-governmental organizations, relief agencies, and faith-based groups. Its primary function will be to facilitate consultation and collaborative action on all disaster management and risk reduction initiatives, including financial response mechanisms during emergencies.

  • BOG: Aanpak chikungunya staat of valt met inzet burgers

    BOG: Aanpak chikungunya staat of valt met inzet burgers

    Suriname has reported its first confirmed cases of chikungunya virus in nearly ten years, prompting urgent public health measures and calls for coordinated action between government and citizens. The Bureau for Public Health (BOG) confirmed the outbreak in January 2026, with epidemiological evidence suggesting initial infections may have occurred as early as December 2025.

    Acting Head of Environmental Inspection at BOG, Stephanie Cheuk A Lam, revealed that the outbreak follows a predictable pattern, with an expected peak period of three to four months before gradual decline. Given the timeline of initial infections, health authorities anticipate seeing reduced transmission within coming months.

    The resurgence appears to have been imported from outside Suriname before establishing local transmission through Aedes mosquitoes. Confirmed cases are concentrated in Paramaribo’s northern districts, city center, and Kwatta area, with additional infections reported in Wanica, Commewijne, and Marowijne (Moengo).

    In response to the outbreak, multiple BOG departments have mobilized in collaboration with Public Works. Current efforts include removal of bulk waste in high-risk areas, household inspections by environmental officers, larval control operations, and entomological studies on mosquito density.

    Cheuk A Lam emphasized that source reduction remains critical: ‘Spraying alone is insufficient. Eliminating stagnant water around residences is essential. Only through collective effort can we effectively contain chikungunya’s spread.’

    Suriname’s centralized laboratory conducts routine testing for multiple arboviruses including dengue, yellow fever, oropouche, and mayaro, enabling health authorities to confirm no chikungunya infections have been detected in the country over the past decade. Beyond laboratory-confirmed cases, BOG is also monitoring suspected cases and one probable case.

    With no specific medication or vaccine available, treatment focuses solely on symptom management, making prevention and containment the primary defense against further spread.