Carib Scope

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  • Fresh Prince star Tatyana Ali, Dr Vaughn Rasberry to speak at CFMA Youth Forum

    Fresh Prince star Tatyana Ali, Dr Vaughn Rasberry to speak at CFMA Youth Forum

    The Caribbean Film & Media Academy (CFMA) is set to launch its inaugural Creativity & Innovation Youth Forum on January 31st, featuring an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers. Harvard graduate and ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ star Tatyana Ali will join forces with Dr. Vaughn Rasberry, celebrated author and Stanford University associate vice provost, to address young creative minds across the Caribbean region.

    This pioneering one-day forum, specifically designed for students, educators, and creative professionals aged 13-21, will place Caribbean storytelling and academic excellence at the forefront of its agenda. As part of Imagine Media International Limited, CFMA has structured the event as the first in a series intended to travel throughout the Caribbean, with the initial edition coinciding with Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureate Festival.

    The forum pays homage to Caribbean intellectual giants Sir Derek Walcott and Sir Arthur Lewis, whose legacies embody the fusion of intellectual rigor and creative courage that the event seeks to promote. Lisa Wickham, CFMA Founder, emphasized the initiative’s mission: “Walcott and Lewis demonstrated that Caribbean excellence is both intellectual and imaginative. This forum translates that legacy into lived experience for young people, helping them understand that their stories, ideas, and scholarship have value, power, and global relevance.”

    Ali, a five-time NAACP Image Award winner, producer, business owner, and activist, will engage in a keynote conversation on Storytelling & Scholarship alongside her husband, Dr. Rasberry. Their dialogue will explore the interconnected realms of narrative artistry, education, and the profound influence of self-definition in community building.

    Beyond the keynote addresses, participants will experience CFMA-led interactive MicroLabs covering acting, writing, digital content creation, spoken word, and creative entrepreneurship. The event will further facilitate connections between young creatives and established leaders through a Leadership Pairing Initiative Luncheon.

    Held at the Pastoral Centre with free admission ensured through public and private sector support, the forum represents a significant investment in Caribbean creative youth. The event enjoys support from multiple partners including Minotaur Shipping & Project Management Ltd, Dove Productions, Wavemaker Productions, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, and Bank of St Lucia Limited.

  • Venezuela’s acting president says she has had ‘enough’ of US orders

    Venezuela’s acting president says she has had ‘enough’ of US orders

    Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has publicly challenged Washington’s directives, declaring she has had “enough” of external commands while navigating the nation’s complex political transition. The statement, delivered to oil workers in Puerto La Cruz and broadcast on state television, marks a significant shift in tone from the US-backed interim leader who assumed power following the dramatic capture of former president Nicolás Maduro.

    Rodríguez finds herself balancing competing pressures: maintaining support from Maduro loyalists domestically while managing expectations from the Biden administration that facilitated her interim leadership. Her remarks represent the first major pushback against US demands, particularly regarding the resumption of Venezuela’s oil production. “Let Venezuelan politics resolve our differences and our internal conflicts,” she asserted, referencing the nation’s substantial costs from confronting fascism and extremism.

    The White House maintained diplomatic distance from Rodríguez’s comments, with President Trump stating he was unaware of her criticisms while emphasizing the countries’ “very good relationship.” This response comes despite Trump’s earlier assertion that the US would “run” Venezuela following Maduro’s capture in a January raid that brought the former leader to face charges in the United States.

    In a demonstration of confidence, Rodríguez declared Venezuela does not fear the US while advocating for “respectful relations based on international law and basic human respect.” This delicate positioning reflects her strategy of asserting sovereignty while avoiding direct confrontation with Washington.

    Concurrently, Venezuela has undertaken significant confidence-building measures, releasing at least 104 political prisoners on Sunday according to rights group Foro Penal. This brings the total releases to approximately 266 since January 8, when the government promised “significant” releases as a peace gesture. President Trump acknowledged these efforts as a “powerful humanitarian gesture,” while Venezuelan officials indicated openness to a UN verification mission.

    The developments occur against the backdrop of Venezuela’s crucial oil industry, which remains central to both its economy and diplomatic relations. With the world’s largest extra-heavy crude reserves compatible with US refineries, Rodríguez is expected to prioritize arrangements with US oil companies despite her recent assertions of independence.

  • COMMENTARY: Make Antigua And Barbuda Great Again?

    COMMENTARY: Make Antigua And Barbuda Great Again?

    Antigua and Barbuda faces a profound sovereignty crisis that challenges the very foundation of its national identity. Four decades after gaining independence, citizens grapple with troubling questions about their nation’s direction and leadership priorities.

    The core issue revolves around perceived abandonment of indigenous interests in favor of foreign entities. Large land tracts have been transferred to international investors, beach access has become contentious, and economic policies seemingly prioritize outsiders over local citizens. This has created a sense of displacement among Antiguans and Barbudans, many of whom feel like secondary citizens in their homeland.

    Historical context reveals persistent structural problems. Since the 1981 independence from Britain, the constitutional framework maintained symbolic ties to the British monarchy while failing to establish genuine economic empowerment for locals. Development strategies historically focused on catering to European and North American tourists and investors rather than building sustainable local infrastructure.

    Recent economic dependencies have compounded these issues. The country’s entanglement with Chinese financing has created unsustainable debt levels, while the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has commodified national identity. Critical domestic issues persist—inadequate road systems, water supply challenges, agricultural neglect, and insufficient public facilities including parks and restrooms.

    Law enforcement capabilities appear skewed toward political suppression rather than crime solving, further eroding public trust. The educational system fails to provide meaningful career opportunities, driving brain drain as skilled citizens seek better prospects abroad.

    The author identifies failed leadership as the primary culprit, citing insufficient implementation of ‘Antiguanization’ policies and lack of commitment to local economic control. Despite political rhetoric during election cycles, substantive changes remain elusive.

    The proposed solution demands leadership focused on three fundamental pillars: prioritizing Antiguans and Barbudans in development planning, fostering genuine patriotism tied to national sovereignty, and empowering citizens to own and control their economy. Only through such transformative approach can the nation transition from its current state—described as a ‘neo-plantation’ economy—to a true homeland that values its citizens above foreign interests.

  • Lovell Says Nurse Recruitment Must Be Matched by Repairs to Health Facilities

    Lovell Says Nurse Recruitment Must Be Matched by Repairs to Health Facilities

    Harold Lovell, the United Progressive Party’s opposition candidate, has issued a stark warning to the government regarding the deteriorating state of public health infrastructure across Antigua and Barbuda. While acknowledging the valuable contribution of newly recruited nurses—including healthcare professionals arriving from Ghana—Lovell emphasized that personnel alone cannot resolve systemic failures when medical facilities remain inadequate.

    The politician highlighted a critical contradiction in current health policy: the ongoing recruitment of medical staff while numerous clinics stand either completely closed, structurally unsound, or operationally deficient. According to Lovell, these facilities have remained non-functional for extended periods without clear plans for reactivation, severely hampering healthcare delivery nationwide.

    Lovell characterized the government’s approach as prioritizing superficial appearances over substantive solutions, arguing that staffing increases without corresponding infrastructure investment constitute an ineffective strategy. He insisted that genuine improvement requires immediate attention to physical infrastructure deficiencies within the public health system.

    “The time has come to cease managing appearances and commence managing healthcare effectively,” Lovell stated, underscoring that clinic and hospital repairs are fundamental prerequisites for any meaningful enhancement of medical services. He maintained that without these foundational improvements, additional staffing would prove insufficient in addressing the healthcare system’s core challenges.

  • Public Consultations Set for Workplace Violence and Harassment Bill

    Public Consultations Set for Workplace Violence and Harassment Bill

    Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a comprehensive public consultation process regarding the groundbreaking Workplace Violence and Harassment (Prevention) Bill 2026, marking a significant step toward enhancing occupational safety standards nationwide. The Ministry of Public Safety, Immigration and Labour is spearheading this initiative to solicit crucial feedback from diverse stakeholders before finalizing the legislation.

    The consultation series commenced on January 28 at the Multipurpose Centre, with subsequent sessions scheduled throughout February. The government has organized additional forums at the Villa Community Centre (February 5), JT Ambrose Primary School (February 11), and Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium (February 18). All sessions will convene at 5:30 p.m. to accommodate working professionals.

    This legislative proposal represents a transformative approach to workplace safety, extending protection to all employment environments across the twin-island nation. The ministry emphasizes that the bill’s development incorporates perspectives from both employees and employers, ensuring balanced and practical regulations.

    Public participation is actively encouraged, with officials noting that constituent input will directly influence the bill’s final provisions. This collaborative process aims to create robust legal frameworks addressing prevention mechanisms, reporting procedures, and enforcement protocols for workplace violence and harassment incidents.

    The initiative reflects growing global recognition of psychological safety in professional environments and establishes Antigua and Barbuda as a regional leader in progressive labor reform. The consultations demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparent, inclusive policymaking that prioritizes citizen welfare and economic stability.

  • St. John’s City Consultation Planned for tomorrow

    St. John’s City Consultation Planned for tomorrow

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a significant urban development initiative for the capital city, scheduling a comprehensive public consultation with St. John’s property and business owners for January 29. This gathering represents a coordinated effort to tackle persistent infrastructure, sanitation, and urban management challenges that have affected the city’s development.

    Organized by the St. John’s Development Corporation, the consultation will commence at 5:00 PM at the John E. St. Luce Conference Center located on Sir Sydney Walling Highway. The event has been strategically designed to address multiple critical urban issues including urban aesthetics, waste management systems, drainage infrastructure, road conditions, litter control, and the removal of derelict structures.

    The government has demonstrated its commitment to this urban renewal project by deploying an impressive roster of senior officials. Participants will include Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Minister for Social and Urban Transformation Rawdon Turner, Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin, Minister of Housing and Works Maria Browne, and Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment Charles Max Fernandez.

    Under the thematic banner “Your City. Your Voice,” organizers are actively encouraging broad participation from all stakeholders invested in St. John’s future development. This initiative marks a collaborative approach between government authorities and community members to develop sustainable solutions for the capital’s urban challenges.

  • Monorath: Onderzoek verband reeks brandstichtingen en sabotage Safe City-netwerk

    Monorath: Onderzoek verband reeks brandstichtingen en sabotage Safe City-netwerk

    Suriname’s Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath has confirmed an active criminal investigation into potentially coordinated attacks on national infrastructure, including a series of arson incidents and deliberate sabotage of the Safe City surveillance network. The revelation came during Tuesday’s session of the National Assembly, where lawmakers expressed mounting concerns over national security following rapidly unfolding events.

    The investigation was triggered by multiple suspicious fires occurring within days of each other. Notably, arson struck the Public Works facility in a restroom area exactly where the president was scheduled to appear the following day for the 170th-anniversary celebration. Subsequently, the Paramaribo Milk Center experienced a similar fire incident, followed by Tuesday morning’s complete destruction of four HAVO-1 classrooms along Passiebloemstraat through deliberate ignition.

    Simultaneously, critical infrastructure suffered targeted attacks as two essential cables connecting the Command Center were severed, disabling seven strategically positioned Safe City cameras. The compromised units—numbered 215, 218, 451, 219, 217, 208, and 201—monitored key intersections including Possentrie-Kankantriestraat and Calcutta-Rozenhoutstraat. Telecommunications provider Telesur immediately deployed technicians to restore connections, with operations expected to resume within hours.

    Minister Monorath characterized the situation as deeply concerning, stating: ‘The close succession of these incidents raises alarming questions. Police are conducting intensive investigations to determine whether these arson cases and surveillance sabotage are interconnected or separate criminal acts.’ Official reports have been filed as investigations continue.

    e-Government Directorate separately confirmed severe and potentially coordinated vandalism against the Safe City network. Director Llydion Dalfour disclosed that a crucial distribution cable near Passiebloemstraat was severed Monday evening, shortly before the school fire erupted. ‘This is particularly grave as it potentially eliminated camera footage that could have documented events,’ Dalfour emphasized.

    The sabotage extended beyond single locations, with multiple strategic sites experiencing cable damage. During repair operations, new reports emerged of additional cable cutting incidents. Dalfour indicated evidence suggesting coordinated action to deliberately disable surveillance capabilities, potentially facilitating criminal activities and evidence destruction.

    Authorities warned that unauthorized interference with network cables—including those belonging to Telesur, Digicel, EBS, and Safe City towers—constitutes both serious criminal offenses and life-threatening activities. The public is urgently encouraged to report suspicious activities around this infrastructure immediately to police.

    National Assembly members, including NDP faction leader Rabin Parmessar, pressed for thorough investigation into potential connections between the fires and camera network sabotage. Legislators universally emphasized that the incident sequence cannot be coincidental and requires enhanced security measures. Minister Monorath endorsed these concerns, committing to provide public clarity once investigations yield conclusive results.

  • LETTER: The Exploitation of Hospitality Workers Through Tips and Service Charges in Antigua and Barbuda

    LETTER: The Exploitation of Hospitality Workers Through Tips and Service Charges in Antigua and Barbuda

    A disturbing pattern of organized wage appropriation is emerging within Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality industry, where frontline service personnel are systematically deprived of their rightful gratuities. Waitstaff, bartenders, housekeeping teams, and other service providers are routinely denied direct access to tips specifically intended for their service excellence. Instead, these earnings are compulsorily aggregated into centralized pools and redistributed through opaque mechanisms that lack transparent formulas or accountability measures. This structural inequity ensures that those who directly generate customer goodwill through service receive minimal benefits, while management and ownership entities capture disproportionate shares.

    The situation has evolved beyond internal labor disputes into a broader tourism credibility crisis. Visitors experience profound disillusionment upon discovering their gestures of appreciation bypass the intended recipients entirely. Many travelers now consciously withhold gratuities to avoid perpetuating what they perceive as institutionalized exploitation. This erosion of trust threatens the fundamental hospitality covenant between guests and service providers.

    Adding legal insult to financial injury, several establishments have begun reclassifying gratuities as corporate assets. Workers face disciplinary measures or termination for retaining directly offered tips, with some employers absurdly characterizing such retention as theft. This perverse inversion of justice has cultivated industry-wide apprehension and financial instability among service personnel.

    Gratuities and service charges represent customer recognition of individual service excellence, not supplemental revenue streams for ownership entities. Their diversion into general profit margins constitutes economic exploitation in its most unambiguous form.

    The phenomenon poses existential reputational risks for Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism economy. In our digitally interconnected era, narratives of worker exploitation disseminate rapidly through travel platforms and social networks. Regulatory inaction implicitly condones these practices, potentially branding the nation as indifferent to labor dignity.

    Consequently, we urgently petition the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Ministry of Labour, and all relevant regulatory bodies to implement immediate investigative measures, enact unambiguous legislation, and enforce transparent gratuity distribution protocols. Strengthened worker protections and meaningful penalties for violation must be instituted without delay.

    Continued tolerance of these practices will not only exacerbate economic inequality within the hospitality sector but also broadcast global indifference to worker welfare. Such perception is fundamentally incompatible with Antigua and Barbuda’s aspiration to be recognized as a world-class tourism destination. The current model is ethically untenable, economically unsustainable, and requires immediate systemic intervention.

  • Antigua Cruise Port Launches “Name the Quay” Competition

    Antigua Cruise Port Launches “Name the Quay” Competition

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA – In a significant development for the nation’s tourism sector, Antigua Cruise Port has inaugurated a nationwide initiative titled the ‘Name the Quay’ competition. This public engagement campaign was formally announced on January 28, 2026, coinciding with the grand opening of the port’s expansive new cruise terminal located at the Upland Development site. The project represents a pivotal moment, heralding ‘The Next Chapter’ for cruise tourism in the twin-island nation.

    The competition is designed to foster national pride and collective ownership by inviting citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, including those within the diaspora, to propose a permanent name for the terminal’s quay. This endeavor provides a unique platform for the populace to contribute directly to the narrative of the country’s tourism evolution. Organizers are seeking a name that profoundly encapsulates the cultural identity, rich heritage, creative spirit, and forward-looking aspirations of the nation.

    According to the published guidelines, participation is open to all Antiguans and Barbudans. Each entry must be an original creation, not currently in official use within the country, and must be accompanied by a concise explanation not exceeding 100 words. The core mandate is that submissions should resonate with national symbolism and exhibit suitability for enduring public use.

    An expert panel will evaluate all proposals based on a stringent set of criteria. Key factors include the depth of reflection of Antiguan and Barbudan culture, the clarity and strength of its symbolic meaning, originality, phonetic ease, and timeless appeal. The ultimate authority for the final selection rests solely with Antigua Cruise Port.

    As a grand incentive, the winner will be awarded a cruise trip for two. This prize offers an experiential journey, allowing the recipients to be among the first to embark on a homeporting cruise from the newly named facility. Prospective participants are encouraged to contact Antigua Cruise Port directly to obtain the official entry form and detailed information. The submission deadline is firmly set for February 28, 2026. The port authority has stated that standard terms and conditions apply, noting its exclusive right to amend or reject any submission without guarantee of selection.

  • Is SVG seeing ‘the beginning of a creeping dictatorship?’ – Gonsalves

    Is SVG seeing ‘the beginning of a creeping dictatorship?’ – Gonsalves

    A significant parliamentary dispute has erupted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines after House Speaker Ronnia Durham-Balcombe blocked three questions submitted by Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves for Thursday’s parliamentary session. The rejected inquiries included a six-part question regarding Prime Minister Godwin Friday’s son, Nicholas Friday, who serves as an unpaid aide to his father.

    Gonsalves, a former prime minister, publicly challenged the Speaker’s decision on his Unity Labour Party’s radio station, Star Radio, reading aloud a formal letter of protest he had sent. The Speaker justified the rejection by citing parliamentary rules prohibiting questions covering multiple subjects or excessive length.

    The core controversy centers on the appointment and role of the Prime Minister’s son in government affairs. Gonsalves sought detailed information about Nicholas Friday’s specific duties, appointment authority, meeting participation, access to official documents, potential benefits received, and whether any external entities contribute financially to his role.

    Gonsalves emphasized this wasn’t a personal attack but a matter of institutional integrity: ‘These are fundamental questions of institutional democracy and governance.’ He warned that if ministers could appoint relatives without oversight, it would establish a dangerous precedent.

    The Opposition Leader vowed to pursue the matter both inside and outside Parliament, stating: ‘You’re not going to be able to muzzle me… I want the speaker to understand that with clarity.’ He questioned whether this incident marked ‘the beginning of a creeping dictatorship,’ particularly noting that Durham-Balcombe has yet to preside over a full parliamentary session since her election on December 23.

    The development represents an early test for the new Speaker and raises questions about parliamentary transparency and the boundaries of executive authority in the Vincentian democracy.