Carib Scope

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  • Graduates raise the bar as community training stirs up new opportunities

    Graduates raise the bar as community training stirs up new opportunities

    In a significant stride toward workforce development, Barbados has celebrated the inaugural graduation of 19 individuals from a groundbreaking community-based hospitality training initiative. The ceremony, held at Courtyard by Marriott in Garrison, St Michael, marked the successful completion of the Satellite Programme’s first Bartending/Mixology and Cookery 1 courses.

    The programme, formally titled ‘Facilitating Inclusive Development in Communities,’ represents a collaborative effort between Pinelands Creative Workshop, the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, and the Maria Holder Memorial Trust. The graduating cohort comprised 17 women and 2 men who underwent intensive hands-on training, with 11 specializing in Bartending/Mixology and 8 in Cookery 1.

    Sophia Greaves-Broome, CEO of Pinelands Creative Workshop, emphasized the programme’s design to eliminate traditional barriers to education. “We created this to cut through red tape and barriers that often prevent people from accessing training,” she stated during her address to graduates. Greaves-Broome highlighted that the certificates represent “a beginning to your future” in an evolving job market where “the new currency is skills.”

    The Satellite Programme specifically targets young adults aged 18-35 who left formal education without qualifications, single parents, and those unable to meet conventional tertiary education requirements. The initiative reflects the post-pandemic recovery needs of Barbados’ hospitality sector, with training content adapted to industry demands.

    Notably, the Bartending/Mixology course pushed creative boundaries, with students developing over 30 original cocktails using unconventional ingredient combinations. The Cookery curriculum condensed two training levels into an accelerated format. Instructors Sir Sheen McClean and Angela Gittens-Holland received special recognition for their transformative teaching approaches.

    Graduate Dionne Currency-Griffith, speaking on behalf of her cohort, described the experience as “demanding but fulfilling,” noting significant improvements in time management and professional confidence. Her newly acquired certification will enable her catering business to expand into full bar services.

    Two exceptional students received special recognition: Roshania Manning (Cookery 1) and Currency-Griffith (Bartending/Mixology), both achieving scores of 85%. Since its 2022 establishment, the programme has trained 52 Barbadians, with many graduates advancing to entrepreneurial ventures including product bottling and retail operations.

    The ceremony concluded with an empowering message for graduates to leverage their credentials as launching points for continuous professional development and global market opportunities.

  • 9% wage increase for Ferrands employees

    9% wage increase for Ferrands employees

    After a period of constructive dialogue, Ferrands Food Products Ltd. and the National Workers Union (NWU) have finalized a comprehensive three-year labor agreement. The breakthrough concludes industrial negotiations that will substantially benefit clerical, technical, and ancillary staff members.

    NWU President General Tyrone G Maynard unveiled the specifics of the new compensation package, which guarantees employees a cumulative nine percent wage enhancement structured over the agreement’s duration. The incremental raise breakdown allocates a four percent increase in the first year, followed by three percent in the second year, and two percent in the final year. A significant component of the settlement includes the provision of retroactive pay covering the previous five months.

    Crucially, the pact ensures the preservation of all existing fringe benefits, which will be maintained in accordance with prevailing industry standards. Both parties have committed to a collaborative effort to facilitate the prompt and effective execution of these new terms.

    The formalization process is now underway, with arrangements being coordinated through the Department of Labour. The official signing ceremony is scheduled to occur under the auspices of the Labour Commissioner, marking the contractual commencement of the negotiated terms. This agreement extends a decade-long industrial relations partnership between Ferrands Food Products and the NWU, demonstrating a sustained commitment to cooperative labor-management relations.

  • ICC suspends Jones for breaching corruption codes

    ICC suspends Jones for breaching corruption codes

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed an immediate provisional suspension on Barbadian-American cricketer Aaron Jones following serious corruption allegations. The 31-year-old batsman, who recently represented the United States at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, faces five distinct charges related to anti-corruption code violations.

    The charges stem primarily from Jones’ participation in the Bim10 tournament during the 2023-24 season, which falls under Cricket West Indies’ jurisdiction. Additionally, two charges pertain to international matches under the ICC’s purview. The allegations include match-fixing during the Bim10 competition and multiple failures to report approaches about engaging in corrupt activities.

    Beyond the corruption allegations, Jones stands accused of obstructing the official investigation by concealing or tampering with potentially relevant information. He also allegedly failed to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s reasonable investigation requests.

    The ICC confirmed this case represents merely one component of a broader ongoing investigation, indicating that additional charges against other participants are anticipated in the coming weeks. Jones now has a 14-day window from January 28, 2026, to formally respond to the allegations.

    This suspension effectively eliminates Jones from selection for USA’s 15-member squad for next month’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted across India and Sri Lanka. The immediate suspension mandates that Jones cannot participate in any form of cricket while the investigation proceeds.

  • BTL Pitches SMART Takeover to Business Leaders

    BTL Pitches SMART Takeover to Business Leaders

    BELIZE CITY – In a strategic move to garner corporate support, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) presented its case for acquiring Speednet (SMART) to the nation’s leading business organizations during a private consultation session this week. The high-stakes meeting with the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and Belize Business Bureau (BBB) executives follows recent public protests against the proposed telecommunications merger.

    BTL executives articulated a vision of enhanced national infrastructure, asserting the consolidation would eliminate redundant assets and establish a more robust telecommunications network. The company projects significant improvements in service reliability and expanded coverage areas as primary benefits of the acquisition.

    Countering mounting concerns about reduced market competition, BTL unveiled a comprehensive consumer protection framework. The proposed safeguards include guaranteed price freezes on specific mobile and data services for a three-year period, preservation of existing customer plans, and specialized support programs for senior citizens and prepaid users. Additional commitments feature transparent service policies, regular outage disclosure reports, and a two-year rural expansion initiative.

    BTL Chief Executive Ivan Tesucum emphasized the transaction’s alignment with national interests, stating the merger aims to ‘accelerate digital inclusion’ while strengthening the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. The executive framed the acquisition as critical for Belize’s technological advancement and economic development.

    The telecommunications giant faces mounting scrutiny from consumer advocacy groups and competitors who warn the merger could establish a market monopoly, potentially leading to increased prices and diminished innovation over time. The business community’s response to BTL’s presentation remains undisclosed as consultations continue.

  • Antigua and Barbuda has the lowest number of refugees seeking asylum in Caricom

    Antigua and Barbuda has the lowest number of refugees seeking asylum in Caricom

    New data from the UNHCR Refugee Data Finder for 2024, relayed through the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix, reveals a significant displacement pattern across the Caribbean region, with Jamaica emerging as the epicenter of this humanitarian trend. The island nation has recorded a staggering 11,453 individuals seeking international protection, representing more than 60% of the entire regional total.

    The distribution of asylum seekers and refugees across the Caribbean shows considerable variation. The Bahamas follows distantly with 2,742 cases, while Trinidad and Tobago reports 1,824 individuals seeking protection. Medium-range figures appear in Barbados, Dominica, and Saint Lucia, each recording between 400 and 800 cases. Smaller numbers were documented in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (337) and Antigua and Barbuda (133).

    A critical finding across most Caribbean nations reveals that asylum seekers significantly outnumber those granted formal refugee status. Jamaica’s total of 11,453 includes 9,176 asylum seekers compared to just 2,277 recognized refugees. The disparity is even more pronounced in The Bahamas, where 2,567 asylum seekers contrast with merely 175 refugees granted official status. For the majority of these cases, a final determination on their protection claims remains pending.

    Research identifies multiple complex factors driving Caribbean nationals to seek international protection. Documented motivations include persecution based on LGBTQ+ identity, gang-related violence and threats, and domestic violence situations. While these represent common themes, individual circumstances vary widely across cases, reflecting the diverse protection needs within the region.

  • Dominican president receives first Pakistan Ambassador to country

    Dominican president receives first Pakistan Ambassador to country

    In a significant diplomatic development, Shahbaz Malik has been officially installed as Pakistan’s inaugural ambassador to the Commonwealth of Dominica. The credential presentation ceremony occurred this week with Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton presiding over the proceedings at the presidential office.

    President Burton characterized the diplomatic milestone as reflecting both nations’ demonstrated resilience when confronting adversities. She formally acknowledged Pakistan’s internationally recognized contributions to global peacekeeping operations, humanitarian aid initiatives, and developmental cooperation programs.

    Emphasizing Dominica’s position as a small island developing state, Burton highlighted the nation’s advocacy for climate justice, sustainable development frameworks, and protection mechanisms for vulnerable communities. ‘Our shared experiences form a substantial foundation for developing deeper, more purposeful bilateral partnerships,’ the president stated during the ceremony.

    The Dominican leader specifically noted Ambassador Malik’s commitment to strengthening political and commercial connections while fostering people-to-people exchanges between the Caribbean nation and the South Asian republic. Burton identified numerous potential collaboration areas including educational capacity-building through scholarship programs, academic exchanges, and technical training initiatives.

    ‘Cooperation in agriculture, tourism security, renewable energy, and climate resilience holds particular relevance as both nations address climate change impacts and pursue sustainable development pathways,’ President Burton emphasized.

    Ambassador Malik conveyed formal greetings from Pakistan’s leadership to the Dominican government and citizens, expressing optimism about strengthening bilateral relations in coming years. The diplomatic engagement marks a new chapter in cooperation between the two Commonwealth members, with focus areas spanning climate resilience, economic development, and educational exchange programs.

  • Cabinet Approves Eco-Regeneration Plan for Christian Valley Watershed

    Cabinet Approves Eco-Regeneration Plan for Christian Valley Watershed

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has greenlit a comprehensive ecological restoration program targeting critical watershed zones, with the Christian Valley area serving as the primary focus. This ambitious initiative represents a strategic fusion of environmental conservation, climate adaptation planning, and sustainable economic development.

    During the weekly Cabinet briefing, Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that agricultural officials presented a detailed proposal that received full ministerial endorsement. The program specifically addresses landscape degradation while fortifying the nation’s defenses against climate-related vulnerabilities.

    The multi-faceted approach encompasses several national priorities simultaneously. Water security constitutes a fundamental component, alongside broader environmental protection measures and the promotion of sustainable economic practices. Reforestation efforts form the cornerstone of the project, with plans for seedling production that will enable expansion to additional regions beyond the initial implementation zones.

    Merchant emphasized the anticipated socio-economic benefits, noting that the creation of new nature reserves will enhance the country’s eco-tourism appeal. These preserved areas are expected to attract visitors interested in nature-based experiences, thereby generating new revenue streams while conserving biodiversity.

    The initiative aligns with broader climate objectives and development goals, creating synergies between ecological restoration and economic diversification. As the program progresses, Cabinet briefing documents will provide detailed implementation timelines and specific project parameters, offering greater transparency regarding the scope and sequencing of activities.

  • Reflections on life at Newsday

    Reflections on life at Newsday

    In a heartfelt farewell, Newsday’s editorial team has shared profound reflections on their careers at the Trinidad-based publication, highlighting both personal journeys and the critical importance of journalism in society.

    Sports Editor Stephon Nicholas, after an 18-year tenure, emphasized the enduring legacy of media despite industry challenges. ‘Media cannot die,’ Nicholas stated, acknowledging the mentorship from news titans and the responsibility to document truth through various crises—from sports events to volcanic eruptions and elections.

    Veteran specialist writer Sean Douglas, with nearly 30 years of service, reflected on the evolution of news consumption and the financial struggles facing traditional media. He expressed hope that the public would recognize the value of verified news, suggesting a modest daily subscription fee equivalent to ‘a doubles or a short drop in a maxi taxi.’ Douglas warned against a future where society relies solely on press releases and influencers rather than robust journalism.

    Reporter Paula Lindo, who joined just before the COVID-19 pandemic, described her rapid integration into the newsroom and the diverse storytelling opportunities she encountered. From pandemic coverage to highlighting systemic issues like discrimination and racism, Lindo valued the platform Newsday provided for amplifying community voices. She also praised the collaborative spirit among colleagues, including photographers and digital teams, who enriched the storytelling process.

    Administrative assistant Sasha Gulston, celebrating 28 years with Newsday, shared a journey of personal and professional growth. From receptionist to administrative roles, Gulston highlighted the familial atmosphere and the pride in nurturing media talent that later flourished elsewhere. She fondly recalled the bonds formed and the legacy of figures like Therese Mills in shaping Newsday’s impact.

    Across these accounts, a common theme emerges: Newsday was more than a workplace—it was a hub of learning, camaraderie, and unwavering commitment to public service. Despite the sadness surrounding its closure, the team’s gratitude and resolve underscore the indispensable role of journalism in informing and educating society.

  • Horizons Art Gallery set to host silent art auction

    Horizons Art Gallery set to host silent art auction

    Horizons Art Gallery is poised to host an exclusive silent art auction on February 3rd, creating a distinctive opportunity for collectors and art aficionados to acquire original works from a prestigious private collection. The meticulously curated event will showcase an impressive array of pieces from both established and emerging artists across the region.

    The auction features significant contributions from renowned local talents including Lisa O’Connor, Joanna Aldred, Colin Boothman, Shawn Peters, Ken Crichlow, Glen Roopchand, and Sarah Beckett among other distinguished artists. Each artwork has been carefully selected for its exceptional quality and unique artistic voice, ensuring a diverse and compelling collection for discerning buyers.

    Unlike traditional auctions, the silent format fosters a contemplative atmosphere where attendees can engage deeply with each piece without the pressure of rapid-fire bidding. This approach encourages personal connection with the artworks while allowing participants to bid at their leisure throughout the evening.

    The gallery emphasizes the intimate nature of this one-day-only event, welcoming both experienced collectors and those new to art acquisition. The refined setting of the Mucurapo Road venue provides an ideal backdrop for this sophisticated art experience.

    Due to limited capacity, early arrival is recommended for optimal viewing and bidding opportunities. The auction will run from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the gallery’s Port of Spain location. Interested parties may contact 628-9769 or 280-3058 for additional information regarding the exhibition and bidding process.

  • LATT condemns attacks on Independent Senators

    LATT condemns attacks on Independent Senators

    The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has issued a formal reprimand against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for making unverified corruption allegations against Independent Senators without providing substantiating evidence. This controversy emerged following the Senate’s rejection of the government’s Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill on January 27th, which sought to establish special security zones as successors to the expiring state of emergency set to conclude on January 31st.

    Despite successful passage in the House of Representatives on January 17th with a 27-11 vote, the legislation faced defeat in the upper chamber when eight Independent Senators joined six Opposition members in voting against the bill, while one abstained.

    In a social media statement dated January 28th, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar made explosive claims that two Independent Senators had solicited personal favors in exchange for their support, asserting that these approaches occurred during legislative debates. She declared, ‘They know who they are. They must live with that shame,’ while additionally criticizing Opposition parties and what she termed the ‘fake eat-a-food elite’ for prioritizing self-interest over national security.

    Government Business Leader Barry Padarath subsequently expressed the administration’s unwavering support for the Prime Minister’s position, characterizing the bill’s defeat as ‘a dark and shameful moment in TT’s history’ and accusing opponents of siding with ‘criminal comfort’ over citizen safety.

    LATT’s response emphasized that unsubstantiated allegations of this magnitude undermine democratic institutions and place all Independent Senators under unwarranted suspicion. The association stressed that if credible evidence exists, it should be presented to proper authorities for investigation rather than being aired in public without substantiation. The legal body further cautioned against the deteriorating tone of political discourse directed toward constitutional officeholders, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining respect for democratic institutions and the presumption of innocence.

    The Association highlighted the essential role of Independent Senators in Trinidad and Tobago’s bicameral system, noting that attacks on legislators for voting according to their conscience risk compromising the very independence their offices are designed to protect.