Carib Scope

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  • CDPF participates in Literacy Day 2026 by engaging and encouraging youth

    CDPF participates in Literacy Day 2026 by engaging and encouraging youth

    In a significant community outreach effort, officers from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force marked Literacy Day 2026 with meaningful educational interactions at local schools. The initiative, part of the department’s broader Community Policing Strategy, featured Corporal George from Castle Bruce Police Station leading inspirational dialogues with students about personal development and positive decision-making.

    During the session, Corporal George delivered a powerful message emphasizing the inherent value of each student’s life as a divine gift, highlighting daily opportunities for educational advancement and personal growth. The officer stressed the fundamental importance of showing respect toward educators, maintaining academic focus, and cultivating practical skills essential for long-term achievement.

    A particularly impactful component of the presentation involved Corporal George employing the creative narrative ‘The Little Blue Seed’ to illustrate profound life principles. This allegorical tale depicted a seed’s developmental journey—breaking through soil barriers toward sunlight—serving as a metaphor for human resilience, persistent effort, and transformational new beginnings.

    The presentation further reinforced crucial themes including making constructive choices, adhering to positive pathways, and embracing spiritual guidance. Additionally, the event served to strengthen child-police relations, with officers explicitly positioning themselves as accessible allies for youth requiring assistance or experiencing fear.

    The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing robust community connections through continued educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and constructive engagement initiatives aimed at youth development.

  • Global Citizen Pitches Youth and Innovation Forum Ahead of CHOGM 2026

    Global Citizen Pitches Youth and Innovation Forum Ahead of CHOGM 2026

    The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has entered preliminary discussions with advocacy organization Global Citizen regarding a potential collaboration to expand the scope and impact of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). During a formal presentation, Global Citizen representatives proposed transforming the November 2026 gathering into a comprehensive global leadership platform that would integrate policy dialogue, youth engagement, and cultural programming alongside the official diplomatic proceedings.

    The proposed initiative, centered around the ‘Global Citizen Now’ forum, aims to convene government leaders, private sector executives, philanthropists, and youth representatives for high-level discussions on critical Commonwealth priorities. These would include climate action, youth opportunity, digital transformation, and entrepreneurial innovation through panel discussions and policy dialogues.

    A cornerstone of the proposal involves launching the ‘Digital Futures for Youth’ initiative, an ambitious effort to provide digital and AI skills training to young people across Commonwealth nations. The program targets supporting two million youth by 2030, with concrete employment pathways for at least 250,000 participants. Global Citizen estimates this would require mobilizing approximately $50 million in combined public, private, and philanthropic funding, with commitments anticipated to be announced during CHOGM events.

    The collaboration would also feature ‘Global Citizen Nights – Antigua and Barbuda,’ a cultural event designed to engage youth and the broader public through musical performances and advocacy campaigns featuring international and regional artists. This component seeks to galvanize global audience participation in support of youth development initiatives.

    Global Citizen emphasized that their extensive digital media reach—spanning millions worldwide—would significantly enhance international visibility for Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership role. The organization proposed a structured engagement timeline including advocacy events in New York and other international forums to build momentum ahead of the 2026 summit.

    The Cabinet acknowledged the potential value of such partnerships in amplifying CHOGM’s impact and visibility while advancing sustainable development initiatives across the Commonwealth. Officials recognized the unique opportunity to showcase national leadership on the global stage while creating tangible benefits for youth development throughout the Commonwealth community.

  • IN CUSTODY of the CDPF: Scott Eddie Florant

    IN CUSTODY of the CDPF: Scott Eddie Florant

    The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has successfully apprehended Scott Eddie Florant, a previously sought individual facing serious criminal charges. Law enforcement officials confirmed his detention following an extensive public manhunt.

    Authorities have extended their gratitude to community members for their vigilant cooperation and ongoing support, which proved instrumental in the successful resolution of this case. The collaborative effort between citizens and police exemplifies the effective partnership necessary for maintaining public safety and judicial order throughout Dominica.

    In an official statement, the CDPF reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting the security and wellbeing of all citizens and residents. The police force emphasized its dedication to pursuing all criminal elements that threaten community harmony.

    For those possessing information regarding criminal activities, the CDPF encourages contact through official channels at telephone number 266-5100 or via Crime Stoppers’ anonymous tip line at 1-800-8477. The department continues to rely on public assistance to effectively combat crime across the nation.

  • Banken verhogen olieprognoses door spanningen in Midden-Oosten

    Banken verhogen olieprognoses door spanningen in Midden-Oosten

    Major international financial institutions have significantly revised their oil price forecasts upward as escalating Middle Eastern geopolitical conflicts continue to exert substantial pressure on global energy markets. Leading analysts now caution that crude oil prices may sustain elevated levels in the immediate future, with potential to breach the $100 per barrel threshold once again.

    Goldman Sachs’ latest market analysis projects Brent crude oil to maintain an average price above $100 per barrel throughout March. The investment bank emphasizes the considerable market uncertainty generated by ongoing regional conflicts involving Iran and subsequent disruptions to critical oil infrastructure throughout the Middle East.

    Brent crude, the international benchmark, recently reached $119.50 per barrel earlier this week—marking the highest price point recorded since 2022. By Friday, prices moderated to approximately $100 per barrel, still representing a notable weekly increase of roughly 8%.

    The primary catalyst for this price surge stems from heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage for global energy transportation. The escalating conflict has significantly reduced oil transit volumes through this critical chokepoint, consequently constraining worldwide supply availability.

    Goldman Sachs analysts maintain that oil prices could potentially decline to approximately $70 per barrel later this year, contingent upon conflict resolution and the normalization of shipping operations through the strategic waterway.

    Multiple financial institutions have concurrently adjusted their projections in response to persistent geopolitical risks. Both UBS and Barclays have elevated their oil price forecasts, citing continuing Middle Eastern tensions and potential disruptions to global production capacity.

    Barclays now anticipates Brent crude will average around $85 per barrel throughout 2026, while acknowledging that extended supply disruptions could drive prices back toward triple-digit territory.

    The sustained price elevation has generated widespread concern among economists regarding inflationary pressures and economic growth prospects. Increased energy costs typically translate to higher transportation and manufacturing expenses, potentially triggering rising consumer prices and diminished economic expansion.

    Financial experts warn that prolonged oil supply disruptions could generate ripple effects beyond energy markets, potentially destabilizing global financial systems and investment portfolios.

    Investors and government authorities worldwide are consequently monitoring Middle Eastern developments with heightened vigilance, recognizing that regional stability will fundamentally determine oil price trajectories throughout the coming months.

  • Water woes – was the hotel sector caught napping?

    Water woes – was the hotel sector caught napping?

    Saint Lucia is grappling with a severe water scarcity crisis in 2026, driven by climate-induced drought conditions and exacerbated by systemic infrastructure challenges. The situation has prompted high-level governmental and private sector responses, with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre convening emergency summits to address the nation’s mounting water security concerns.

    The crisis stems from multiple factors: an aging water distribution network managed by the Water and Sewerage Company Inc (WASCO), significant silt accumulation in the critical John Compton Dam, and insufficient water conservation practices nationwide. These vulnerabilities have been amplified by prolonged dry spells predicted for the region.

    Tourism industry leaders are facing particular pressure, with many hoteliers reportedly ignoring previous warnings about water conservation. Dr. James Fletcher, CARICOM climate envoy, had urgently advised the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) in 2025 to implement rainwater harvesting systems, noting the absurdity of using expensively treated potable water for toilet flushing while drought conditions worsened.

    SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez confirmed the sector’s concerning predicament, revealing that some members have already resorted to expensive water trucking solutions. The association is now evaluating multiple contingency strategies, including expanding desalination capabilities, enhancing rainwater capture and storage systems, wastewater recycling for irrigation, and even exploring the possibility of importing water via barges from neighboring territories.

    A significant development emerged from recent cross-sector discussions: the Northern Pipeline Project targeting the Bonne Terre to Gros Islet corridor is scheduled to commence in April 2026. This four-month infrastructure initiative aims to bolster water distribution capacity in Saint Lucia’s densely populated northern region, which serves as a crucial economic hub.

    The SLHTA is simultaneously seeking government incentives for water auditing and conservation investments while acknowledging WASCO’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its facilities. Industry representatives emphasize that their self-funded water security initiatives aim to reduce pressure on public water supplies, ensuring domestic consumers maintain priority access during the ongoing crisis.

  • Preconco at centre of St Kitts school row

    Preconco at centre of St Kitts school row

    A significant political dispute has emerged in St Kitts and Nevis regarding the construction methodology of the new Basseterre High School, currently under development through offshore manufacturing in Barbados. The project, described as the nation’s largest public infrastructure endeavor, has ignited fierce debates concerning fiscal transparency, local economic benefits, and procurement processes.

    Preconco Ltd, a Barbadian construction firm, secured the contract in 2024 with initial reports indicating a value of EC$100 million. Recent allegations, however, suggest the project cost has escalated dramatically to approximately EC$271 million, raising serious concerns among opposition figures and citizens alike.

    Executive Chairman Mark Maloney broke his silence during an exclusive interview, confirming that structural components including wall panels, floor slabs, and columns are being manufactured at Preconco’s Lears, St Michael facility. Maloney emphasized the company’s 35-year expertise in precast concrete technology, highlighting previous successful regional projects including rapid housing reconstruction in Dominica post-Hurricane Maria.

    “The decision to manufacture components in Barbados was made by the St Kitts and Nevis government in partnership with our team to ensure highest standards of quality, speed, durability and value for a state-of-the-art school in a hurricane-prone region,” Maloney stated. He clarified that while the method delivers cost efficiencies through optimization and reduced on-site time, primary drivers remain quality, speed and long-term durability rather than labor cost reduction.

    Addressing concerns about local workforce exclusion, Maloney pointed to government assurances that approximately 95% of on-site workers will be Kittitian, engaged in foundation preparation, erection, installation, interior fit-outs, electrical and plumbing works, and landscaping.

    Despite these assurances, opposition figures have launched scathing critiques during parliamentary budget debates. Former Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Shawn Richards demanded transparency regarding contract awarding processes and alleged EC$27 million payments without visible construction progress. Critics have further questioned whether proper tender procedures were followed, with local construction companies reporting no invitation to submit proposals.

    The controversy deepens with revelations that this marks the second time a Barbadian company has been contracted for the school’s construction. A previous administration allegedly paid another firm EC$50 million without resulting construction, with funds remaining unaccounted for.

    Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew recently toured the Lears facility and confirmed that four containers carrying foundation kits have been loaded for shipment, with full construction commencing this month and a two-year completion timeline.

    As the debate intensifies, Maloney expressed belief that this construction model holds strong potential for wider Caribbean adoption to address skilled labor shortages and climate resilience needs, while maintaining that project costs have remained unchanged despite allegations.

  • Alfred confirmed to challenge for World Indoor title

    Alfred confirmed to challenge for World Indoor title

    Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred is poised to secure her third consecutive global athletics title after being officially confirmed to represent Saint Lucia at the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland. The championship event, scheduled for March 20-22 at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena, will see the 24-year-old sprint sensation attempt to reclaim the 60m crown she previously won at the 2024 Glasgow edition.

    Currently training in Texas, Alfred enters the competition as the world’s fastest woman in the event this season with a blistering time of 6.99 seconds. The Caribbean athlete stands as joint second-fastest female sprinter in history over the distance, having clocked an impressive 6.94 seconds in 2023. Her consistency is demonstrated by six sub-seven-second performances, a feat surpassed only by Russian World Record holder Irina Privalova.

    The Saint Lucia Athletics Association formally announced Alfred’s participation through an official press release on March 13, highlighting her role as a national sporting icon. “Alfred continues to be a source of immense national pride, having elevated Saint Lucia’s presence on the international athletics stage through her remarkable achievements and consistent world-class performances,” the statement read.

    Alfred has publicly expressed her ambition to challenge Privalova’s longstanding world record of 6.92 seconds, established in 1993 and matched in 1995. Her pursuit of this historic milestone begins on March 21 with preliminary rounds scheduled for 6:05 AM Caribbean time, followed by semifinals at 3:14 PM and the championship final at 4:20 PM the same day.

    SLAA president Dora Henry emphasized the significance of Alfred’s participation: “The World Athletics Indoor Championships present another valuable opportunity for Saint Lucia to showcase its athletic talent on the global stage. Julien continues to serve as an inspiration to a new generation of young athletes at home, and her participation reflects the continued growth and potential of athletics in our country.”

    A dedicated support team will accompany Alfred to Poland, including coach Edrick Floréal, team manager Makeba Alcide, and physiotherapist Kenneth Orrin, ensuring optimal preparation and representation for the Caribbean nation.

  • Cartel claims fly in Parliament

    Cartel claims fly in Parliament

    Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary session descended into chaos yesterday as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition MPs exchanged explosive allegations of connections to international drug cartels. The heated exchange occurred during the Prime Minister’s address regarding her recent participation in President Donald Trump’s Shield of the Americas summit in Florida.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar launched a scathing attack against the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration, directly accusing them of exacerbating the nation’s crime epidemic through alleged ties to narcotics and weapons trafficking networks. In a dramatic allegation, she stated that PNM’s headquarters, Balisier House in Port of Spain, was constructed using drug proceeds, describing the building as ‘a gravestone to drug money, paedophilia and theft.’

    The Opposition responded with vehement denials and counter-accusations. Opposition MP Colm Imbert questioned whether the Prime Minister was aware that two United National Congress (UNC) operatives had allegedly diverted funds from the Piarco International Airport construction project to Colombian drug cartels, a case that previously attracted U.S. extradition requests.

    The parliamentary decorum deteriorated as Government MPs expressed support through loud desk-thumping while Opposition members repeatedly invoked Standing Order 48(4) against using offensive language about fellow members. House Speaker Jagdeo Singh intervened multiple times, requesting neutral language from the Prime Minister, who maintained she had not specifically named any individuals.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar presented stark crime statistics from the previous administration’s tenure, reporting 124,062 recorded crimes between 2015-2025, including over 5,000 murders, 9,000 sexual assaults, and 11,000 robberies. She accused PNM leadership of enriching themselves while their constituencies suffered from high crime rates, unemployment, and poor infrastructure.

    The Prime Minister defended her government’s participation in the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition as essential to combating transnational crime networks, suggesting that expanded American anti-crime presence in the region had made Opposition members apprehensive about potential exposure of their alleged connections.

  • Moonilal, Young clash

    Moonilal, Young clash

    A heated parliamentary exchange unfolded yesterday between Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal and Opposition MP Stuart Young concerning Heritage Petroleum Company Limited’s awarding of a lease operatorship agreement to TN Ramnauth & Co Ltd.

    The confrontation began when Young demanded disclosure regarding how many Lease Operator Agreements or Farm Out Agreements Heritage Petroleum had granted to TN Ramnath and Company Ltd or its affiliated entities since May 1, 2025. Minister Moonilal initially noted he had previously addressed this inquiry on March 6, prompting Young to question whether the minister was deliberately withholding information about contracts awarded to “his friend, TN Ramnath.”

    After House Speaker Jagdeo Singh intervened, directing Moonilal to provide a substantive response, the energy minister confirmed Heritage Petroleum had issued exactly one lease operatorship agreement to the specified company. Moonilal vehemently denied any personal relationship with TN Ramnath, asserting the company had no special connections to anyone within the government.

    The minister then launched a counteroffensive, accusing Young of harboring malicious intentions against TN Ramnath while favoring his own associates. Moonilal revealed that on May 6, 2021, while Young served as energy minister, the Legal Department had forwarded recommendations for lease operatorship agreements to six companies including TN Ramnath & Co.

    According to Moonilal’s account, Young approved five of the six companies on May 10, 2021, withholding only one sub-licence due to unspecified concerns requiring further investigation. Moonilal criticized Young for apparently continuing these inquiries three years later into 2025, characterizing this delay as evidence of “malice, vindictiveness and wickedity.”

    The minister detailed that upon assuming office on May 3, 2025, he approved TN Ramnath’s agreement on July 14 after a three-month review process. Moonilal emphasized that legal authorities confirmed Young had never formally raised any concerns about the company during this period.

    The exchange concluded with Young attempting to reference an ongoing corruption case involving both Moonilal and TN Ramnath, but the Speaker promptly ruled this question out of order.

  • Gunmen ambush Guerra

    Gunmen ambush Guerra

    In a brazen daylight assassination, prominent Trinidad businessman Danny Guerra, owner of DG Homes real estate company, was fatally shot yesterday afternoon outside his corporate headquarters in Sangre Grande. The meticulously planned attack occurred around 5 p.m. on Oropouche Road as Guerra was preparing to depart from his office.

    According to police reports and CCTV evidence, the 50-year-old entrepreneur had just entered his black Toyota Hilux pickup truck when assailants in a white Nissan Tiida pulled alongside his vehicle. Two masked gunmen emerged from the car and approached Guerra’s driver-side window, firing multiple shots at point-blank range before delivering a final execution-style gunshot to the head.

    Despite immediate efforts by DG Homes employees to transport him for medical attention, Guerra was pronounced dead at Sangre Grande Hospital. Eastern Division Senior Superintendent Christopher Paponette confirmed the investigation is ongoing with no immediate suspects in custody.

    The murder occurs against a complex backdrop of legal controversies. Guerra had recently been released from detention under a state of emergency preventive order that accused him of leading an organized crime gang involved in arms trafficking, money laundering, and illegal quarrying operations. The now-revoked detention order, signed by Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, had alleged Guerra’s organization planned to assassinate a government minister and escalate gang violence using high-powered firearms.

    Despite these serious allegations, family members remembered Guerra as a community benefactor. His uncle Charles Guerra stated, ‘He helped a lot of people in Sangre Grande and didn’t deserve to die like this,’ noting the businessman had recently shifted his housing projects to more affordable two-bedroom homes to assist local families.

    The killing marks the 68th homicide recorded in Trinidad this year, raising concerns about ongoing criminal violence despite government security measures.