Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • SGU Scholarship announcement 2026

    SGU Scholarship announcement 2026

    The Grenadian government has partnered with St. George’s University to unveil an extensive scholarship initiative for nationals seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees during the 2026-2027 academic cycle. This collaborative effort encompasses diverse academic disciplines across multiple schools within the university.

    Prospective applicants can pursue opportunities in:

    Undergraduate programs through the School of Arts & Science commencing in both August 2026 (application deadline: June 15, 2026) and January 2027 (application deadline: October 15, 2026). The School of Medicine offers undergraduate studies in Pre-Medicine, Medicine, and Veterinary medicine starting January 2027, with an October 15, 2026 application cutoff.

    Graduate studies include a Master’s in Public Health beginning May 2026 (application deadline: March 30, 2026) and multiple August 2026-start programs: Business Administration, Multi-Sector Health Management, International Business, Clinical Psychology, and Education (application deadline: June 15, 2026).

    Eligibility is restricted to Grenadian citizens who must first obtain formal acceptance from St. George’s University. The comprehensive application package requires: a completed scholarship form obtainable via email or the HRD Resource Hub, two reference letters, certified copies of birth certificates/passports, marriage certificates (if applicable), all academic certificates, official transcripts, SGU acceptance letter, passport photograph, curriculum vitae, and a 500-word personal essay outlining career objectives and their potential benefit to Grenada.

    Document certification is available at the Ministry of Education’s Examination Unit in Tanteen. Completed applications must be delivered to the Human Resource Development Division before the specified deadlines. Additional information is available through provided telephone contacts and email addresses.

  • Barnacle Point water plant commissioned, adding 2 million gallons daily to national supply

    Barnacle Point water plant commissioned, adding 2 million gallons daily to national supply

    The nation of Antigua and Barbuda has taken a monumental stride in fortifying its water infrastructure with the formal inauguration of a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis facility at Barnacle Point. This critical new plant is engineered to yield an additional two million imperial gallons of potable water daily, substantially enhancing the country’s resilience against water scarcity.

    This project represents the second major infrastructural achievement stemming from a collaborative public-private partnership between the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and the Seven Seas Water Group. It follows the successful deployment of a one-million-gallon-per-day facility at Fryes Beach, which was commissioned the previous year.

    During the inauguration ceremony, Melford Nicholas, the Minister responsible for utilities, emphasized the profound national significance of the endeavor. He declared water security to be synonymous with national security, stating that strategic investments, responsible management, and continuous public education are pivotal for economic protection, enhanced resilience, and environmental conservation.

    Jason Peters, the Acting Water Business Unit Manager at APUA, hailed the event as a pivotal national milestone. He underscored the indispensable role of water in a small island developing state, describing it as a fundamental necessity for life itself. Peters articulated that the new plant symbolizes a profound commitment to guaranteeing reliable, safe, and sustainable water access for all citizens, both presently and for future generations.

    Providing tangible evidence of progress, APUA Chief Executive Officer John Bradshaw revealed that the plant has been operational since mid-November, contributing to a notable surge in national water production. He reported a countrywide average output of 9.3 million gallons per day, with recent weeks witnessing repeated breakthroughs in production records. Bradshaw confirmed that the mission continues, with the ultimate goal being guaranteed water access for every household upon turning on their tap.

    The future roadmap, as outlined by Bradshaw, includes the automation of the distribution network and the replacement of aging pipelines, some of which are nearly a century old. Ambitious plans for a further expansion were also announced, with a new 3.2-million-gallon-per-day reverse osmosis plant slated for development at Crabbes.

    Henry Chirabi, Chief Executive Officer of Seven Seas Water Group, highlighted the project as a paradigm of efficient public-private partnership. He noted that the delivery of this essential infrastructure for fresh drinking water was achieved in under 24 months post-agreement. Chirabi also detailed the company’s performance-based model, which ensures financial accountability by linking payment strictly to the contractual delivery of specified water quantity and quality. He proudly noted that all six plant operators are local hires, reinforcing community involvement.

    The ceremony was attended by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, signifying the high-level governmental support for the nation’s water security initiatives. While officials acknowledged that the increased production is already alleviating historical shortages, they unanimously stressed that sustained investment in modernizing transmission and distribution systems remains imperative to achieve equitable and consistent water supply across all communities.

  • Ex-Dem Trotman wins St Michael Central nomination as Labour turns up election focus

    Ex-Dem Trotman wins St Michael Central nomination as Labour turns up election focus

    In a decisive political realignment, attorney Tyra Trotman clinched the Barbados Labour Party’s nomination for St Michael Central on Thursday, marking a significant defection from the opposition Democratic Labour Party. The intense internal contest, witnessed by hundreds of fervent supporters at Combermere School, concluded with Trotman securing a commanding victory over Dr. Lynette Holder by 156 votes to 45.

    The outcome signals the BLP’s strategic consolidation ahead of an anticipated general election, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley emphasizing the party’s “depth of talent” while other parties “have to run and look for people.” The transition ceremony featured outgoing Speaker Arthur Holder formally passing the torch after twelve years of service, stating, “I am honoured and privileged to hand over the reins… I know that with the backing from St Michael Central, she shall do well.”

    Holder reflected on the essence of constituent-focused leadership: “Representation has to be about the people of the constituency and not self. As long as you commit yourself to doing good for the people, they will welcome you and vote for you.”

    Prime Minister Mottley framed Trotman’s victory as both a generational shift and a testament to redemption politics. Hailing the newcomer as “a bridge to younger voters,” Mottley referenced Trotman’s public apology for a past social media incident where she criticized potential non-supporters. “If you don’t have second chances in life,” Mottley noted, “people will often not make it.”

    The event doubled as a platform for policy announcements, with Mottley detailing recent accomplishments including extended parental leave, reduced income and land taxes, and capped import duties. She specifically addressed infrastructure commitments in Belle View and The Belle communities, promising long-awaited potable water and sewage systems: “We have done the heavy lifting… that have been long promised to you and that you have never gotten.”

    With Saturday’s Bridgetown nomination expected to complete the BLP’s full slate of 30 candidates, Barbados moves closer to an early election that could determine the nation’s trajectory amid what Mottley described as “challenges externally and domestically.”

  • Bajans turning to Canada as new US visa policy spurs uncertainty

    Bajans turning to Canada as new US visa policy spurs uncertainty

    A recently announced United States policy suspending new green card visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Barbados and most CARICOM member states, is generating minimal concern among Barbadian migrants according to immigration experts. Attorney Samuel Legay revealed to Barbados TODAY that shifting migration patterns have dramatically reduced interest in US permanent residency among Barbadians, with Canada emerging as the overwhelming favorite destination.

    Legay explained that over the past three to four years, Canada’s more accessible immigration system has fundamentally redirected migration flows. “I think more persons want to go to Canada, that’s the thing,” Legay stated. “Canada opened a lot more opportunities, especially for individuals seeking asylum and refugee status.”

    The immigration lawyer noted that most of his recent US-related cases involve Barbadians facing difficulties with American authorities rather than those seeking new immigration opportunities. “Most persons who come to me within the last two or three years are Barbadians who have been deported from the US, had their visitor’s visa denied, or had their visa cancelled,” Legay explained, attributing many problems to overstaying or suspected illegal work activities.

    By contrast, Canada’s approach has created a more welcoming environment. “Canada is a lot more open,” Legay emphasized. “Barbadians are running there a whole lot for refugee status, especially LGBTQ persons from Barbados.”

    The Trump administration’s policy, set to take effect next Wednesday, will temporarily suspend processing of family- and employment-based permanent residence visas while the US State Department reassesses screening procedures and “public charge” rules. The suspension specifically exempts non-immigrant categories including tourist, business, student, and temporary work visas.

    Despite the widespread attention the policy has received, Legay believes many potential migrants are adopting a wait-and-see approach. “I don’t think people have digested that properly as yet, as to what effect it really has,” he commented, noting the absence of widespread concern among his client base.

    The policy affects nearly all CARICOM members, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. While the measure represents a significant tightening of legal migration channels, its practical impact on Barbadians appears limited given the established trend toward Canadian migration.

    As uncertainty persists around the long-term implications of the US policy shift, Legay anticipates Barbadians will continue focusing their migration plans on alternative destinations until clearer outcomes emerge.

  • Minister for National Security applauds historic HMP graduation

    Minister for National Security applauds historic HMP graduation

    Grenada’s correctional system has reached a transformative milestone with the graduation of Course 1 of 2025 at His Majesty’s Prisons (HMP). On January 13, the institution celebrated its largest-ever cohort of 55 newly certified prison officers who have achieved the groundbreaking Correctional Custodial Security NVQ Level 2 certification—a first in the nation’s penal history.

    Commissioner of Prisons Anthony Rogers delivered a powerful address commending the graduates’ extraordinary accomplishments while emphasizing the profound responsibility of their vocation. He stressed that integrity, discipline, and service must form the cornerstone of their professional conduct as they prepare to serve their nation with honor.

    The comprehensive training program received significant institutional support, with Commissioner Rogers expressing gratitude to multiple stakeholders including class teachers, physical training instructors, principal officers, and specialized units. The rigorous curriculum encompassed pre-dawn physical conditioning, weapons proficiency, riot control tactics, and academic studies designed to forge exemplary officers.

    Commissioner of Police Randy Connaught reflected on the demanding Special Services Unit phase that tested each recruit’s discipline, endurance, and character. The program’s intensity was specifically engineered to build resilience and unity among the graduates, who successfully overcame the most challenging aspects of their training.

    The Prime Minister and Minister for National Security personally congratulated the new officers, affirming their induction into a professional corps entrusted with maintaining the highest standards of both security and humanity within Grenada’s correctional framework. The government’s investment in this certification program demonstrates its commitment to strengthening the nation’s rehabilitative and security infrastructure.

  • BWU calls for stronger enforcement of labour laws as it marks 85 years

    BWU calls for stronger enforcement of labour laws as it marks 85 years

    The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has called upon the government to prioritize rigorous enforcement of current labor regulations rather than introducing additional legislation. During the unveiling of the union’s newly launched website at Solidarity House, General Secretary Toni Moore emphasized that existing gaps and inconsistencies in labor laws continue to leave workers vulnerable across various sectors.

    As the nation’s oldest trade union approaches its 85th anniversary, Moore reaffirmed the BWU’s commitment to transforming advocacy into tangible outcomes for members. The union has established clear annual priorities to ensure accountability, allowing members to evaluate whether organizational actions align with stated objectives throughout the year.

    Moore highlighted a critical concern regarding Barbados’ labor legislation framework: “While we possess numerous well-crafted labor laws on paper, these regulations frequently contain conflicting interpretations and implementation gaps that undermine worker protections.” The general secretary explained that legislative inconsistencies create ambiguous understandings that ultimately disadvantage employees.

    Rather than advocating for new laws, the BWU has engaged extensively with the Ministry of Labour to refine existing regulations. Moore reported productive discussions focused on enhancing enforcement mechanisms, particularly through the union’s construction industry campaign. These efforts have yielded commitments from the Labour Department to strengthen personnel capacity for improved responsiveness to worker concerns.

    The construction sector presents particular challenges, with Moore noting: “While construction activity booms nationwide, the playing field remains profoundly uneven.” Many companies, including those bidding for taxpayer-funded public contracts, fail to comply with basic standards. The union continues to push for proper health and safety protocols and fair compensation that exceeds minimum wage requirements, citing unionized environments that pay 2-2.5 times the baseline rate.

    The new website launch represents a significant modernization initiative for the BWU, enabling digital membership registration, grievance filing, dues payment, and real-time updates on legislative developments. Shop stewards can document workplace issues through the secure platform, which incorporates robust data protection measures and user-friendly navigation design.

  • Housing guidelines for Grenada

    Housing guidelines for Grenada

    In a significant step toward strengthening national disaster resilience, Grenada’s key public agencies convened at Radisson Hotel Grenada in November 2025 to establish comprehensive housing guidelines for updating the National Disaster Management Plan. The landmark meeting brought together experts and officials to create frameworks that specifically address gender-responsive recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    The newly developed guidelines emerged from an extensive multi-week review process examining critical documents including the 2024 Post Disaster Needs Assessment, the 2011 National Disaster Plan, and relevant legislation such as the Physical Planning and Development Control Act and the 2023 Disaster Management Act. The process incorporated direct consultations with housing sector agencies to ensure practical applicability.

    This initiative operates under the Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate, and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean (EnGenDER) project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) with funding from Global Affairs Canada. The Ministry of Economic Development, Planning and Cooperatives coordinates the project alongside NaDMA, the Ministry of Social and Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs, the Ministry of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs and Local Government, and the Central Statistical Office.

    Dr. Grenville Phillips, a renowned Caribbean civil and structural engineer specializing in Construction Quality Assurance and Building Codes, including the Caricom Code of Practice for Residential Construction, led the technical exercise. Dr. Phillips previously contributed his expertise as part of CDEMA’s Rapid Needs Assessment Team following Hurricane Beryl.

    The project team comprising UNDP, CDEMA, and consulting experts conducted validation meetings in Carriacou to refine a Housing Recovery Plan based on primary data collection regarding housing damage conditions and household impacts.

    Elizabeth Charles-Soomer, UNDP MCO Prevention, Resilience and Recovery Cluster Lead for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, expressed satisfaction with discussion quality and participation from leads of the Planning and Development Authority, The Housing Authority, The Ministry of Mobilisation, Implementation and Transformation, and NaDMA. Permanent Secretary Merina Jessamy from the Ministry of Economic Development echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical importance of collaborative whole-of-government approaches to recovery and restoration efforts.

  • St. Joseph’s Academy Receives Fresh Funds from Alumni for Repairs

    St. Joseph’s Academy Receives Fresh Funds from Alumni for Repairs

    In a demonstration of enduring commitment to their alma mater, the St. Joseph’s Academy Alumni Association has presented a substantial financial contribution to support ongoing infrastructure improvements. The ceremonial check handover, captured in accompanying visual documentation, featured Association Secretary Lenworth Johnson formally presenting a donation of $13,517.18 to Principal Rudolph Davis.

    The event was attended by key alumni leadership, including Association President Dane Abbott and Treasurer Orden Joseph. During the presentation, President Abbott conveyed profound satisfaction regarding the association’s capacity to facilitate essential campus enhancements, while simultaneously revealing strategic initiatives are currently in development to secure even more substantial funding streams in the foreseeable future.

    Providing a comprehensive financial overview, Treasurer Orden Joseph disclosed that the collective fundraising efforts dedicated exclusively to classroom rehabilitation have now reached an impressive sum of approximately $83,000. This latest contribution is particularly symbolic as it coincides with the institution’s 68th anniversary. Principal Davis accepted the donation with profound gratitude, emphasizing the profound impact such consistent alumni support has on preserving the school’s legacy and operational excellence.

  • PRESS RELEASE: Winning start for West Indies Under-19s at World Cup

    PRESS RELEASE: Winning start for West Indies Under-19s at World Cup

    WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA – The West Indies Under-19 cricket team opened their ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 campaign with an authoritative five-wicket triumph against Tanzania at the HP Oval on January 15. The Caribbean side demonstrated comprehensive dominance in both bowling and batting departments, signaling their preparedness for the global tournament.

    The victory was anchored by a disciplined bowling performance that restricted Tanzania to a modest 122 runs. Leg-spinner Vitel Lawes emerged as the standout performer with impressive figures of 3/23, effectively dismantling Tanzania’s lower batting order. He received substantial support from Shaquan Belle and Micah McKenzie, who claimed two wickets each. The fielding unit complemented the bowlers with sharp catches and athletic fielding that prevented Tanzania from building momentum.

    In response, the West Indies chase was guided by 17-year-old Tanez Francis’s mature half-century and Jewel Andrew’s aggressive 44 from 44 deliveries. The partnership ensured the team reached their target with 29 overs remaining, showcasing the batting efficiency that has become characteristic of their preparation.

    The performance reflects the extensive preparatory work undertaken by the squad in recent months. The team arrived in Namibia battle-hardened after securing two significant series victories against international opponents. They defeated Sri Lanka U19s 4-3 in a seven-match Youth ODI series in Antigua during August and September, followed by a commanding 5-2 series win against England U19s in Grenada throughout November and December.

    Upon arrival in Windhoek, the team continued their preparation with dominant warm-up performances. They posted 246 against Ireland before rain interrupted play, and then delivered a spectacular 229-run victory against Japan, fueled by centuries from Francis and 16-year-old Shamar Apple.

    West Indies now turn their attention to their next Group D fixture against Afghanistan on January 18, followed by a crucial match against South Africa on January 22. The team’s comprehensive preparation and strong start position them as serious contenders to advance deep into the tournament.

    Global broadcasting coverage is available through ESPN Caribbean and Disney+ in the Caribbean, Willow TV in North America, and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, with live streaming accessible worldwide via ICC.tv.

  • Police: Tyson did not die from poison

    Police: Tyson did not die from poison

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has officially dispelled months of public speculation regarding the demise of K9 Officer Tyson, confirming through comprehensive toxicological analysis that the canine did not succumb to poisoning. Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas revealed that advanced laboratory testing detected zero traces of toxic substances in the animal’s system.

    This definitive conclusion follows an earlier series of examinations initiated in 2025 that had previously excluded rodenticide poisoning as the fatal mechanism. Despite these initial findings, police authorities pursued additional forensic investigation to address persistent uncertainties and achieve absolute clarity regarding the circumstances.

    According to medical documentation, a preliminary pathological assessment conducted earlier had identified internal hemorrhage as the immediate cause of death, presenting four potential underlying conditions: toxic poisoning, severe coagulopathy, critically low thrombocyte levels, or acute bacterial infection. With toxicological causes now entirely eliminated, investigators must reengage with veterinary pathologists and medical specialists to pursue alternative diagnostic avenues.

    Defreitas emphasized that the investigation will continue through collaborative consultation with forensic experts to determine the precise pathological mechanism that led to the animal’s tragic demise. The case has drawn significant public attention and highlights the sophisticated forensic capabilities employed in modern animal death investigations.