Carib Scope

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  • Antigua Sailing Week announces new bank partnership

    Antigua Sailing Week announces new bank partnership

    CIBC Caribbean has announced an exciting new collaborative partnership with the iconic Antigua Sailing Week, marking a strategic move to spotlight its exclusive Platinum Banking Service, a custom offering designed for discerning professionals, corporate executives, and international clients seeking financial solutions for regional investments and Caribbean property purchases.

    Priscilla Leonce, Country Head of CIBC Caribbean, emphasized the strong alignment between the sailing event and the brand’s vision for its premium banking division. “We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with Antigua Sailing Week, a leading lifestyle event that shares our core values for Platinum Banking,” Leonce stated in a press release announcing the collaboration. “Our Platinum Banking Service is built around a specialized, dedicated team that prioritizes understanding each client’s unique long-term financial goals, then works hand-in-hand with them to craft customized solutions that drive sustained growth and success. What sets our offering apart is the combination of personalized one-on-one support, innovative forward-thinking financial strategies, and an unwavering commitment to building enduring, trust-based relationships with every client.”

    Leonce also noted that the partnership extends beyond brand visibility, framing the iconic regatta as a valuable opportunity to connect with sailing enthusiasts, international visitors, and existing clients based on the island of Antigua, fostering organic networking in a relaxed, premium setting.

    Organizers of Antigua Sailing Week have welcomed the regional banking giant as a key sponsor for the 2026 event, praising CIBC Caribbean’s standing as a foundational financial institution across the Caribbean. Event representatives noted that the partnership does more than boost the regatta’s prestige: it also underscores the critical importance of forging strong, mutually beneficial ties between local businesses, global brands, and the regional community.

    The 2026 Antigua Sailing Week roster of sponsors already includes a diverse array of public and private partners, ranging from the Antigua & Barbuda Ministry of Tourism, Investment & Economic Development and the island’s Citizenship by Investment Unit to global brands such as Heineken Beer and Virgin Atlantic, luxury hospitality providers like The Residences at Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Antigua and Palmer Champagne, and local businesses including Seahawk Paints, English Harbour Rum, CalvinAir Helicopters, and APUA Inet.

  • Abinader receives credentials from six new ambassadors in Dominican Republic

    Abinader receives credentials from six new ambassadors in Dominican Republic

    An official diplomatic ceremony held at the Dominican Republic’s National Palace marked a key milestone in the country’s global diplomatic engagement, as President Luis Abinader formally accepted credentials from six newly appointed ambassadors representing nations across Europe and Oceania. The head of state was joined on the official program by Vice President Raquel Peña and Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez for the structured diplomatic event.

    The incoming envoys represent a diverse group of sovereign states: Sergio Maffettone of Italy, Pascal Bornoz of Switzerland, Nicola Jane Stilwell of New Zealand, Alessandro Mario Segnini Bocchia Di San Lorenzo of San Marino, Eija Rotinen of Finland, and Anna Kristina Craenen of Sweden. Each ambassador completed the traditional formal presentation of their credentials, a core procedural step that formally confirms their diplomatic status to begin their official postings in the Caribbean nation.

    The ceremony followed established diplomatic protocol, opening with a performance of the Dominican national anthem by the First Dominican Presidential Guard Regiment. Musicians then played the national anthems of each ambassador’s home country in sequence, honoring the bilateral ties between each nation and the Dominican Republic. After the formal credential presentation concluded, President Abinader held one-on-one introductory discussions with each new envoy to lay groundwork for future diplomatic collaboration.

    All six newly accredited diplomats bring a wealth of accumulated experience to their new posts, with deep professional backgrounds spanning diplomatic service across multiple continents. Their prior careers include tenures in national foreign ministries, bilateral embassies, global multilateral bodies, and consular missions across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, positioning them to advance cross-border cooperation between their countries and the Dominican Republic.

  • Prime Minister Drew Urges Political Leaders to Put Country First in Social Security Reform Effort

    Prime Minister Drew Urges Political Leaders to Put Country First in Social Security Reform Effort

    Basseterre, Saint Kitts — At a pivotal moment for one of the federation’s most foundational social safety nets, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has issued a urgent, clear appeal to all political leaders and national stakeholders: set aside partisan divides to prioritize the long-term national good in ongoing Social Security reform negotiations. Speaking at the official Social Security Reform Conference on April 21, 2026—one day ahead of his formal public address released via the Prime Minister’s Office—Drew stressed that the future of the decades-old system cannot be held hostage to partisan political gain, and must be treated as the defining national priority it is, requiring broad collaboration and cross-group consensus to move forward.

    Established decades ago as a landmark social policy initiative, the current Social Security system has stood as the central pillar of social protection for thousands of citizens across St. Kitts and Nevis, offering stability, dignity and guaranteed support to working people, retirees and vulnerable communities. Today, the system stands at a critical turning point that demands decisive, coordinated action from all sectors of national life, Drew noted.

    In his address, the Prime Minister pushed back against the risk of the reform process being weaponized for political advantage. “I call on political parties. I call on political leaders to look at the data and information being presented and let us all decide to not allow Social Security to become a political football, but allow it to be a moment of solidarity for all of us to unite on,” he said.

    Drew drew a direct parallel between the current push for reform and the political courage required to launch the Social Security system in the first place. He recalled that the pioneering leaders who initially introduced the framework faced significant public and political pushback for their transformative social policy choices, but their far-sighted decisions laid the stable foundation that has benefited generations of citizens ever since. Meaningful, lasting reform today will require that same level of bold, collective resolve, he added.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that Social Security reform is never an issue that belongs to a single political administration, nor should it be treated as a partisan political exercise. It is a non-negotiable national imperative that outlasts governments, and demands a unified approach rooted in shared responsibility for all citizens. He called on stakeholders across every sector—from government bodies and organized labor to the private sector and independent civil society groups—to engage in constructive, evidence-led dialogue focused on securing the long-term sustainability of the system.

    “This is not a partisan exercise. Social Security reform must not be viewed through political lens. It is a national imperative. It transcends administrations, and it demands a unified approach grounded in shared responsibility and collective interest,” he reaffirmed.

    Decisions made during this current phase of reform will carry generational consequences, touching the lives of both current residents and future generations of St. Kitts and Nevis citizens. That long-term impact, Drew argued, makes it essential for all parties to set aside short-term political or financial considerations and focus on the lasting public good. The core goal of all ongoing negotiations, he reiterated, is to preserve and strengthen the system so it can continue to deliver reliable, accessible support to workers, pensioners, and the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

    As cross-stakeholder discussions move forward, Drew encouraged all participants to keep their focus on the broader national vision, stressing that unity and collaborative problem-solving are the only keys to guaranteeing that Social Security remains a resilient, enduring pillar of sustainable national development for decades to come.

  • Fernandez Defends Constituency Engagement Amid Criticism Over Visibility

    Fernandez Defends Constituency Engagement Amid Criticism Over Visibility

    With the April 30 general election rapidly approaching, incumbent St. John’s Rural North candidate and cabinet minister Charles Fernandez is pushing back against growing opposition criticism that he has failed to maintain a sufficient presence among the voters he represents. In a wide-ranging “Know Your Candidate” interview held in the lead-up to the vote, Fernandez addressed the core critique head-on, acknowledging the intense demands of his national government portfolio but rejecting claims that these duties have sidelined his work for local constituents. As the country’s tourism minister, Fernandez oversees a sprawling brief that includes not just hospitality sector strategy, but also regulatory oversight of aviation, public transportation systems, and several large-scale infrastructure developments across the nation. “Tourism is not an easy thing… there has been a lot, a lot of work,” he explained in the interview. Contrary to claims that his heavy national workload has kept him from engaging with local residents, Fernandez outlined a robust slate of community-focused initiatives that he says prove his consistent, ongoing commitment to the constituency. The incumbent highlighted that his constituency office remains open to all residents every single working day, emphasizing that no voter is turned away seeking assistance, even if occasional scheduling conflicts lead to short wait times for meetings. “No constituent is turned away from my office, no day,” he affirmed. Beyond open-door office access, Fernandez pointed to targeted collaborative programs with local community groups designed to address vulnerable resident needs, including skills-training sewing classes tailored for single mothers seeking new employment opportunities. He also pointed to a calendar of regular, recurring community events that his office organizes, ranging from annual holiday Christmas parties for local families to organized group tours for senior residents. Addressing a common critique of low engagement, Fernandez acknowledged that traditional large-format public gatherings such as in-person town hall meetings have struggled to draw significant crowds in recent cycles. He attributed this shift not to a lack of effort on his part, but to changing voter habits, noting that the vast majority of constituents now turn to digital media and social platforms to access information and connect with their elected representatives. The race for St. John’s Rural North is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched competitive contests in this election cycle. Fernandez first won the seat for his party in the 2023 snap election by a narrow margin of just over 200 votes, making it a top target for opposition parties seeking to gain ground in the overall race to form a new government. Both major political parties have identified the marginal seat as a key battleground that could swing the overall outcome of the general election. While Fernandez openly admitted that balancing high-stakes national ministerial responsibilities with the day-to-day demands of constituency work is an ongoing, persistent challenge, he maintained that his track record of initiatives and direct outreach speaks to his unbroken commitment to serving the people of St. John’s Rural North.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Targets Africa, Middle East and Latin America in Tourism Expansion Push

    Antigua and Barbuda Targets Africa, Middle East and Latin America in Tourism Expansion Push

    As the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda prepares for its upcoming general election on April 30, the country’s Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has laid out an ambitious plan to reshape the nation’s core economic sector: tourism. In a public “Know Your Candidate” interview, Fernandez detailed a strategy that moves beyond the nation’s long-standing reliance on traditional source markets, with new outreach focused on high-growth regions across Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

    For decades, Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry has drawn the vast majority of its visitors from established markets including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. While these core markets will remain important, Fernandez says expanding into new regions is no longer optional in an increasingly competitive global travel landscape. “I think what we need to do now, and we have started it, is to look at other source markets apart from the US, UK, Canada,” he noted, pointing to advanced ongoing negotiations with one of the world’s leading air carriers.

    The centerpiece of the new airlift strategy is a pending deal with Emirates Airline that would bring three weekly direct flights from Dubai to Antigua and Barbuda starting in 2027. Fernandez explained that this air link would unlock access to a large base of high-net-worth travelers across the Middle East, while also creating easier connections for visitors from African and South Asian markets. “There are a lot of very, very wealthy people in Africa, the Middle East, and so on, and Antigua has now positioned itself as a high-end destination,” he said.

    The diversification push extends beyond tourism alone, with parallel plans to boost bilateral trade and economic ties with the new target regions. To support this dual goal of growing travel and commerce, the government has outlined major infrastructure upgrades for the nation’s main airport, including expanded cargo storage space and new temperature-controlled refrigeration facilities. These upgrades are designed to complement ongoing expansion work at the country’s commercial seaport, with the end goal of transforming Antigua and Barbuda into a comprehensive logistics and transportation hub for the entire Caribbean region.

    “We’re now looking to build out a larger cargo area… all in making the airport, just as the port is being done, a hub for the Caribbean,” Fernandez explained. He emphasized that the broader diversification strategy is a critical step to insulate the national economy from sudden disruptions, noting that over-reliance on a small number of source markets leaves the tourism sector vulnerable to shocks such as economic downturns or public health emergencies in any single region.

    Even with the push for new markets, Fernandez reaffirmed that the existing tourism ecosystem remains the primary engine of Antigua and Barbuda’s national economy. Today, the sector supports widespread employment across the country, with growth coming not just from large international hotel brands but also a fast-expanding network of locally owned short-term vacation rentals that keep more tourism revenue in local communities. By expanding into new high-yield markets while strengthening core infrastructure, the government aims to deliver long-term, stable growth that benefits all segments of the national economy.

  • URGENT : Flood threat on 5 departments of Haiti

    URGENT : Flood threat on 5 departments of Haiti

    On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Haiti’s civil defense authorities issued an urgent warning, alerting residents across multiple regions of the country to an imminent threat of flash flooding driven by lingering adverse weather conditions. The announcement from the Directorate of Civil Protection (DPC) confirms that a stationary cold front positioned over northern Haiti, paired with broader unstable atmospheric conditions, will sustain steady rainfall and severe thunderstorms across eight national departments through the late afternoon and overnight hours. The affected departments include North, Northwest, Artibonite, South, Southeast, Nippes, Grand’Anse, and West.

    Haiti’s national Hydrometeorological Unit has tracked worsening soil conditions across most of these monitored regions, noting that saturated ground has lost its ability to absorb additional precipitation. This environmental state elevates the risk of sudden, dangerous flash flooding specifically across five departments: North, Northwest, South, Nippes, and Grand’Anse, where low-lying and river-adjacent communities face the highest danger.

    In response to the escalating threat, the National System for Risk and Disaster Management (SNGRD) has partnered with the DPC to roll out public safety guidance, urging all residents in high-risk flood zones to prioritize preparedness and follow official instructions closely. The joint advisory outlines three core safety measures for at-risk communities: first, secure all personal belongings and critical official documents in elevated, water-safe locations to avoid irreparable damage. Second, avoid unnecessary long-distance travel to remote mountainous areas or riverbanks far from residential zones, particularly for trips that require an extended half-day or longer return journey during active storm conditions. Third, never attempt to cross overflowing or swollen waterways by any means of transport, including on foot, motorcycle, horseback, or passenger vehicle, as fast-moving floodwaters pose severe drowning and injury risks.

    The urgent warning comes as Haiti continues to grapple with recurring climate-driven disasters, with vulnerable communities disproportionately exposed to extreme weather events that strain the country’s limited disaster response infrastructure. Authorities are continuing to update weather conditions and safety guidance as the storm system progresses.

  • Construction starts on road connecting Nisibón to Uvero Alto

    Construction starts on road connecting Nisibón to Uvero Alto

    The Dominican Republic has officially broken ground on a major infrastructure initiative designed to unlock further tourism potential in one of the country’s most popular coastal regions. Tourism Minister David Collado launched the reconstruction of the access corridor leading to Uvero Alto Beach, starting from the Las Lagunas de Nisibón district, with dual goals of upgrading local connectivity and driving sustainable tourism development across the nation’s eastern corridor.

    The project spans 9.2 kilometers of roadway, split into three distinct construction segments that will create a direct, improved link between the Uvero Alto tourism cluster and the existing Miches–Nisibón highway. A full suite of upgrades is planned for the corridor, including modernized drainage infrastructure, targeted soil stabilization to extend road lifespan, updated directional and safety signage, new pedestrian sidewalks and curbs, enhanced street lighting, full asphalt resurfacing, reinforced retaining walls, complete culvert reconstruction, and comprehensive erosion control measures to protect the roadway from coastal weather damage.

    Being delivered by the national Committee for Infrastructure in Tourist Zones, the initiative carries a total investment of 711 million Dominican pesos, equivalent to approximately 13.8 million U.S. dollars. Government officials project that the upgraded road will cut travel times and improve safety for both local residents and out-of-town visitors, while creating a seamless connected route between major hotel developments and the scenic Uvero Alto–Nisibón coastline, a major draw for domestic and international travelers alike.

    Speaking at the official groundbreaking ceremony, Minister Collado emphasized the far-reaching economic benefits the project is expected to deliver to local communities in Nisibón, Uvero Alto, and surrounding areas. He reaffirmed that the eastern region of the Dominican Republic retains its position as the country’s top tourism hub, welcoming more than 5.4 million international and domestic visitors in 2023 alone, a figure that reflects steadily growing demand for the region’s beaches, resorts, and recreational offerings.

    Immediately following the groundbreaking event, Collado held a closed-door working meeting with hotel operators and key tourism industry stakeholders at the Grand Bávaro Princess resort. During the session, attendees reviewed current industry performance metrics, discussed ongoing challenges facing the sector, and collaborated on developing actionable strategies to sustain consistent visitor growth through continued public-private partnership across all levels of the tourism ecosystem.

  • Leisure : Did you know ? #17

    Leisure : Did you know ? #17

    Nestled in the hedgerows and wild gardens of Haiti, a climbing vine known locally as Asosi (scientific name Momordique) has long held a central place in the Caribbean nation’s traditional healing practices. Now, this little-documented native plant is drawing new attention for its potential to support modern medical research, while highlighting the urgent value of preserving indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge for marginalized communities.

    For generations, Haitian communities have relied on Asosi’s distinctive serrated leaves and intensely bitter fruits to treat a range of common ailments. Preparations of the plant, most often steeped into infusions or added to therapeutic baths, are traditionally used as a depurative to “purify the blood,” as well as to address topical skin infections and reduce fever. In rural regions of Haiti where access to modern clinical healthcare remains severely limited, this widespread climbing vine has served as a trusted, accessible primary care resource for locals.

    Modern science is beginning to validate the traditional uses of Asosi: researchers have confirmed that the plant contains a range of biologically active compounds that are currently the subject of ongoing studies focused on developing new treatments for type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects growing numbers of people across Haiti and the globe. Even with its notoriously bitter taste, the plant remains a staple of local traditional pharmacopoeia in underserved rural areas.

    Beyond its medicinal value, protecting the natural habitats where Asosi grows wild delivers dual benefits: it preserves a free, accessible “green pharmacy” for low-income communities that lack reliable access to conventional medications, and it protects a native species that acts as a natural ecological regulator in local hedgerows and untended green spaces. This makes conservation of Asosi’s growing areas both a public health priority and an ecological win for Haiti.

    This profile of Asosi originates from the fact sheets published alongside quiz answers on HaitiLibre’s QuizHaitiLibre platform, an online educational resource that lets users test their general knowledge across a wide range of topics focused on Haiti and global affairs. The free, no-registration quiz platform offers content for all experience levels, with three difficulty tiers—normal, intermediate, and advanced—available in both French and English. New quiz content is added to the platform on a monthly rolling update, with 28 new games added to the site in the most recent update on April 8. Visitors can explore the full collection of existing quizzes, including previous installments of the platform’s “Did You Know” educational series covering Haitian culture, botany, and history, at https://quiz.haitilibre.com/en.

  • Economic recovery and security challenges : discussions between the PM of Haiti and IMF

    Economic recovery and security challenges : discussions between the PM of Haiti and IMF

    In a high-stakes diplomatic meeting focused on Haiti’s path forward, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and his official delegation sat down with International Monetary Fund (IMF) representatives to deliberate on three of the Caribbean nation’s most pressing priorities: advancing the ongoing national economic program, addressing rampant insecurity, and locking in key structural reforms.

    The gathering, which took place ahead of planned national elections at the end of 2026, opened with positive recognition of Haiti’s recent policy efforts from the IMF side. IMF officials highlighted tangible progress in public financial governance, noting that the country has managed to maintain a satisfactory level of foreign reserves even amid a volatile global economic landscape that has put unprecedented pressure on small, developing nations across the world.

    For their part, Prime Minister Fils-Aimé and his delegation reaffirmed that restoring full security and reestablishing sovereign state authority across the entire country remains the government’s top immediate priority. Armed gang violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of Haitians and disrupted basic governance in large swathes of the nation, particularly in urban centers, and the government is prioritizing the stabilization of these gang-controlled areas. The reestablishment of security, officials stressed, is a non-negotiable precondition to creating the stable, trusted environment required to hold what the government has pledged will be credible, free, inclusive, and democratic elections by the close of 2026.

    Beyond security, the two sides also centered conversations on inclusive economic growth that delivers tangible benefits to Haitian communities. A core topic of these talks was expanding job opportunities, especially for young Haitians, who make up a large share of the country’s population and have faced disproportionately high unemployment in recent years. Delegates also delved into plans to advance ongoing tax reform efforts, with a focus on boosting transparent, equitable revenue collection and tightening border control measures to cut down on illicit trade and protect domestic revenue streams.

    In the final segment of discussions, both parties aligned on the critical need to strengthen Haiti’s judicial institutions and root out systemic impunity. These steps, both sides agreed, are foundational to consolidating the rule of law across the country and rebuilding public trust in state institutions, which has been eroded by years of political instability and violence.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, the IMF reiterated its long-standing commitment to standing with Haiti as it works to address its interconnected challenges. The organization confirmed it will continue to provide targeted technical assistance and policy support aligned with the Haitian government’s stated national priorities to help advance reform and stabilization efforts.

  • Volledige RvC Canawaima ontslagen na ingrijpen regering

    Volledige RvC Canawaima ontslagen na ingrijpen regering

    In a swift decision following allegations of misconduct at state-owned ferry operator Canawaima, all three members of the company’s Supervisory Board (Raad van Commissarissen, RvC) have been removed from their posts. The action was finalized on 22 April following closed consultations between Raymond Landveld, Suriname’s Minister of Transport, Communication and Tourism, and national President Jennifer Simons.

    Union leadership confirmed the government’s intervention to local outlet Starnieuws, noting that the ruling came in direct response to concerns raised by organized labor just days prior. Dayanand Dwarka, chair of the Canawaima workers’ union, confirmed that Minister Landveld had officially notified him of the dismissal order. Just this Monday, the union had formally withdrawn all confidence in the incumbent RvC over reports of widespread wrongdoing at the state-run enterprise, which operates the critical ferry link between South Drain in Suriname and neighboring Guyana. After meeting with Landveld to discuss the allegations, union representatives agreed to pause planned industrial action that would have disrupted ferry services to avoid harming the thousands of passengers who rely on the cross-border connection. In the meeting, the minister had given a formal commitment that the government would step in to address the union’s concerns.

    To the surprise of many observers, the government delivered on that promise in less than a week. The union has praised the rapid response from the country’s executive branch. Dwarka emphasized that both Minister Landveld and President Simons acted decisively to resolve the crisis. Even as the union celebrates this outcome, however, Dwarka warned that the problems at Canawaima are not an isolated incident. Across multiple state-owned enterprises in Suriname, he argued, national interests are often not prioritized, opening the door to mismanagement and graft.

    Dwarka, who also serves as deputy chair of Suriname’s largest trade union center C-47, said the incident has made it clear that systemic reform is needed across the country’s state-owned sector. C-47 is calling for permanent structural changes, including a requirement that trade unions get a permanent seat on the supervisory boards of all state enterprises. For frontline workers, good governance is not an abstract policy goal: it directly determines their job security and long-term livelihoods, Dwarka explained.

    The speed of the RvC’s dismissal has drawn particular attention: the entire board took office less than two months before corruption allegations emerged. Dwarka called that timeline deeply worrying, noting that improper activity began almost immediately after the board assumed oversight responsibilities. The union has pushed for tangible, long-term changes to strengthen the company’s oversight function rather than just replacing the dismissed board members.

    Minister Landveld has signaled openness to the union’s core demand: he has confirmed that he will discuss the proposal to add a union representative to Canawaima’s newly formed supervisory board with President Simons as the process to appoint a new RvC moves forward.