Carib Scope

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  • Former Grenadian PM Dr Keith Mitchell retires from active politics

    Former Grenadian PM Dr Keith Mitchell retires from active politics

    Grenada’s political landscape witnessed a historic transition as former Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, the Caribbean nation’s most enduring leader, formally announced his retirement from active politics. The 79-year-old statesman made his declaration during an emotional address in St. George North West, the constituency he has represented without interruption since 1984.

    Mitchell, reflecting on his extraordinary tenure spanning more than forty years in parliament and twenty-three years as prime minister, posed a rhetorical question to his supporters: ‘What more can any human being ask?’ His decision fulfills a longstanding commitment to eventually step aside from frontline politics.

    As the founding leader of the New National Party (NNP), Mitchell engineered unprecedented electoral successes, including complete sweeps of all parliamentary seats in both the 2013 and 2018 general elections. However, his party’s dominance concluded with the June 2022 polls, where the National Democratic Congress secured a 9-6 victory.

    The political transition plan introduces Dr. Adrian Joseph, currently serving as Acting Clerk of Parliament, as Mitchell’s designated successor. Party officials characterize Joseph—an experienced diplomat and senior public administrator—as representing both continuity and renewal for the NNP.

    Mitchell’s departure marks the conclusion of a definitive era in Grenadian politics, characterized by extended electoral supremacy and profound influence in shaping the nation’s contemporary governance structures. His legacy remains embedded in the island’s political consciousness as new leadership prepares to guide the party forward.

  • Book Mrs. Dalloway at Saturday’s literary event in Havana

    Book Mrs. Dalloway at Saturday’s literary event in Havana

    The cobblestone streets of Old Havana are set to host a unique cultural rendezvous each Saturday morning. At 11:00 AM local time, the historic Calle de Madera adjacent to the Plaza de Armas transforms into an open-air literary salon, courtesy of an initiative by Cuba’s national publishing institution.

    This weekly event, orchestrated by the Cuban Book Institute (ICL) and facilitated by the Arte y Literatura publishing house, invites readers to collectively explore Virginia Woolf’s groundbreaking 1925 novel ‘Mrs. Dalloway’. The gathering represents Cuba’s ongoing commitment to making world literature accessible to the public in engaging formats.

    The novel itself, celebrating nearly a century since publication, continues to captivate readers with its revolutionary narrative technique. Woolf’s masterpiece chronicles a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a evening party, using this seemingly simple framework to launch profound explorations of consciousness and society.

    Through innovative literary devices including fluid time transitions, psychological flashbacks, and pioneering stream-of-consciousness writing, Woolf creates a richly textured portrait of her protagonist’s inner world. The narrative’s poetic imagery and emotional depth reveal the complex interior landscape of a woman navigating post-war English society.

    Beyond its psychological insights, the novel offers a critical examination of British society in the aftermath of World War I (1914-1918). Woolf’s narrative subtly exposes the social tensions, psychological wounds, and profound transformations that characterized the interwar period, making the work both a literary milestone and valuable historical document.

    The regular gathering demonstrates how classic literature continues to find new audiences and contexts, with Havana’s historic quarter providing a evocative backdrop for discussions of this modernist classic.

  • Hon. Kelvin ‘Shugy’ Simon marks International Day of Education with call for equal access

    Hon. Kelvin ‘Shugy’ Simon marks International Day of Education with call for equal access

    On the occasion of International Day of Education, Antigua and Barbuda’s Hon. Kelvin “Shugy” Simon delivered a powerful testament to education’s life-changing potential. The government minister and former educator leveraged his personal narrative to advocate for enhanced educational equity throughout the Caribbean nation.

    Representing St Mary’s South constituency, Minister Simon recounted his academic journey as a catalytic force that “opened doors he never imagined possible.” In his official statement commemorating the January 24 observance, Simon credited education with instilling perseverance and providing essential tools for effective community and national service.

    The annual UN-designated observance highlights education’s critical role in advancing global peace, development, and equality. Simon positioned students, educators, and communities as joint architects of the nation’s future, asserting that collective commitment shapes national trajectory.

    “Every child, every student and every teacher possesses the power to mold our nation’s future,” Simon declared, calling for reinforced dedication to knowledge acquisition, equal opportunity, and educational quality.

    The minister’s message resonates with the current administration’s consistent positioning of education as a national priority. Government initiatives continue targeting systemic improvements in educational access, quality, and outcomes across all levels.

    Simon’s advocacy aligns perfectly with this year’s International Day of Education theme, which emphasizes education as both a public benefit and shared responsibility crucial to sustainable national development.

  • Zware winterstorm in VS: Meer dan 8.000 vluchten geannuleerd

    Zware winterstorm in VS: Meer dan 8.000 vluchten geannuleerd

    A devastating winter storm system is currently sweeping across the United States, triggering massive travel disruptions and threatening catastrophic ice accumulation from East Texas to North Carolina. The extreme weather event has already forced the cancellation of over 8,000 scheduled flights this weekend, with at least 3,400 flights delayed or canceled on Saturday alone and more than 5,000 Sunday flights preemptively grounded according to FlightAware data.

    Meteorologists have issued winter storm warnings affecting approximately 140 million Americans stretching from New Mexico to New England. Jacob Asherman, a meteorologist at the US Weather Prediction Center in Maryland, characterized the system as “a mean storm” and confirmed it represents the most severe weather event of the season thus far in both intensity and geographical scope.

    The most severe impacts are anticipated across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, where forecasters predict ice accumulation reaching up to 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) thick. This dangerous glaze threatens to cripple infrastructure by weighing down tree branches, power lines, and roadways with catastrophic potential.

    Temperatures have plummeted to life-threatening levels, with wind chills dipping below -45°C (-49°F) in the Dakotas and Minnesota. Meteorological officials warn that exposure to such extreme cold without proper protection can induce hypothermia within minutes.

    Governors across more than a dozen states have declared states of emergency and urged residents to remain indoors. Texas Governor Greg Abbott utilized social media platform X to advise citizens that transportation departments were conducting preventive road treatments while emphasizing the directive to “stay home if possible.”

    Energy companies nationwide are preparing for widespread power outages as ice-laden trees and power lines remain vulnerable to collapse even after the storm’s passage.

    The White House confirmed federal engagement, with former President Donald Trump noting via social media that his administration was coordinating with state and local officials while confirming FEMA’s full preparedness for response operations.

    For New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who assumed office just weeks ago, the storm presents his first major governance test. The mayor announced Friday that the city’s sanitation department would transform into “the nation’s largest snowfighting operation” ahead of anticipated heavy snowfall expected Sunday.

  • Woman Killed, Man Injured in Michael’s Village Shooting

    Woman Killed, Man Injured in Michael’s Village Shooting

    Antigua’s community was shaken by a deadly shooting incident in Michael’s Village on Friday night that claimed the life of 42-year-old Nikisha Rose from Gray’s Farm. The tragic event unfolded approximately at 10:30 p.m. on January 23 near the G&E Parking Lot, where unknown assailants opened fire on a vehicle carrying Rose and a male companion.

    According to police reports, both victims sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and were promptly transported to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for emergency treatment. Medical personnel pronounced Rose deceased at 11:21 p.m. that evening. Her male companion, who also resides in Gray’s Farm, received medical attention and remains hospitalized in stable condition.

    Law enforcement authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police officials have expressed their deepest sympathies to Rose’s family and loved ones while appealing to the public for assistance in their investigation. Investigators are particularly interested in any information that might lead to identifying the perpetrators responsible for this violent act.

    The Criminal Investigations Department has established dedicated communication channels, encouraging witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact them directly at 462-3913 or through the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477). This incident has raised concerns about community safety and prompted discussions about violence prevention measures in the area.

  • Supporting boys and young men in Caribbean education

    Supporting boys and young men in Caribbean education

    On the occasion of International Day of Education 2026, UNESCO’s Caribbean Regional Office Director Eric Falt has issued a compelling call to address the critical educational disparities facing young males across the region. While Caribbean youth continue to demonstrate remarkable capacity for innovation and social transformation, alarming data reveals a troubling pattern of male disengagement from formal education systems.

    Statistical evidence indicates a pronounced gender gap in educational completion rates, with boys constituting the majority of out-of-school youth throughout the Caribbean. This trend manifests most severely at the upper secondary level, where male dropout rates reach concerning proportions. The consequences of this educational deficit extend far beyond the classroom, creating ripple effects that diminish economic prospects, limit life opportunities, and increase vulnerability to violence and high-risk behaviors.

    UNESCO’s research underscores that traditional educational frameworks frequently fail to address the specific needs and learning styles of male students. The organization emphasizes that effective solutions must involve youth as active participants in designing the systems that shape their futures. Successful initiatives across the region demonstrate that when boys are given meaningful voice through Youth Forums, SDG 4 Youth networks, and community consultations, their educational engagement and success rates improve significantly.

    Comprehensive approaches combining mentorship programs, digital skills training, and practical pathway connections have proven effective in maintaining male student motivation. Furthermore, UNESCO identifies the critical importance of addressing structural barriers including poverty, restrictive gender norms, inadequate school access, and insufficient workforce preparation programs.

    The organization’s findings confirm that educated males demonstrate greater resilience against violence and social marginalization while contributing more substantially to family and community stability. UNESCO advocates for policy reforms that prioritize equitable funding, targeted support systems, and educational environments that reflect the lived experiences of all students.

    This International Day of Education serves as both celebration and call to action—recognizing youth potential while demanding inclusive, responsive systems that transform disengagement into participation and unrealized potential into tangible achievement for every Caribbean student.

  • OP-ED: Supporting boys and young men in Caribbean education

    OP-ED: Supporting boys and young men in Caribbean education

    On International Day of Education 2026, UNESCO’s Caribbean Directorate reveals a concerning educational gender gap where young males increasingly disengage from academic systems across the region. While Caribbean youth demonstrate remarkable potential as innovators and social change agents, systemic failures threaten to leave boys behind with profound societal consequences.

    Statistical evidence indicates male students constitute the majority of out-of-school youth in numerous Caribbean nations, particularly at upper secondary levels. This educational disengagement creates cascading effects—reduced employment prospects, limited life opportunities, and heightened vulnerability to violence and high-risk behaviors. UNESCO’s research demonstrates that incomplete secondary education correlates strongly with unemployment, social marginalization, and increased violence involvement among young men.

    The organization emphasizes that traditional educational approaches frequently overlook boys’ specific needs. Meaningful youth engagement through policy development, curriculum design, and program implementation has proven effective in reversing this trend. Initiatives like Youth Forums, SDG 4 Youth and Student Networks, and community consultations demonstrate that when boys participate in educational co-creation, their academic engagement and success rates improve significantly.

    Successful interventions combine academic curricula with community-based activities, mentorship programs, and digital skills training. These approaches help students connect education to practical applications, maintaining motivation through relevant learning experiences. UNESCO highlights the critical importance of family involvement and school-based guidance systems in supporting male educational persistence.

    Structural barriers including poverty, restrictive gender norms, limited access to quality institutions, and unclear career pathways contribute substantially to dropout rates. UNESCO advocates for equitable funding, enhanced social support systems, and targeted programs for at-risk youth alongside policy reforms.

    Education serves as a powerful protective factor—engaged male students not only achieve higher graduation rates but demonstrate reduced vulnerability to violence and social risks. Academic success provides young men with skills, confidence, and opportunities that strengthen both family structures and broader community development.

    UNESCO Caribbean Director Eric Falt concludes that inclusive, responsive educational systems can transform disengagement into participation and potential into achievement. On this International Day of Education, the call emphasizes ensuring no young person—especially the most vulnerable boys—gets left behind in the Caribbean’s educational evolution.

  • Arnos Vale hospital site has half the skilled workers needed

    Arnos Vale hospital site has half the skilled workers needed

    The construction of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ flagship US$78 million medical facility in Arnos Vale has encountered significant delays due to a severe shortage of skilled labor, with contractors managing to secure only approximately half of the required workforce. During a recent press conference in Kingstown, Health Minister Daniel Cummings revealed that the current workforce of 185 workers needs to be doubled to maintain the project’s original timeline.

    The hospital project, financed through a US$120 million loan from Taiwan originally secured by the previous Unity Labour Party administration, has received bipartisan support despite political differences regarding its conception. Prime Minister Godwin Friday emphasized the government’s commitment to completing the facility, noting that the current healthcare system remains “woefully inadequate” and requires urgent enhancement.

    Minister Cummings, who assumed his portfolio following the New Democratic Party’s electoral victory in November, has conducted comprehensive site visits throughout the nation’s healthcare facilities. His assessment revealed that the skilled labor shortage extends beyond construction, affecting multiple sectors nationwide. The government is now collaborating with the Ministry of Education to develop rapid certification programs aimed at addressing these workforce deficiencies within six months.

    An additional challenge emerged as the government announced plans to expand the facility with dedicated maternity and pediatric wings, requiring supplementary funding beyond the original loan agreement. Prime Minister Friday expressed confidence in securing these additional resources while minimizing project delays.

    The administration has identified a critical mismatch between available skills and project requirements, particularly concerning given the nation’s 20% unemployment rate. The government is implementing strategies to enhance coordination between project managers and state agencies, ensuring more efficient project execution moving forward.

  • Olie maakt Guyana economische uitschieter in Caribische exportgroei

    Olie maakt Guyana economische uitschieter in Caribische exportgroei

    Guyana has solidified its position as the Caribbean’s most remarkable economic performer in 2025, recording an estimated 18.3% increase in export values according to the Inter-American Development Bank’s latest Trade Trends Estimates report. This sustained growth, primarily fueled by relentless expansion in oil production, follows an extraordinary export year in 2024 when the nation achieved a record-breaking 137.6% surge.

    The United States and European Union emerged as the primary catalysts behind Guyana’s export acceleration, effectively counterbalancing declines in shipments to other Latin American, Caribbean, and Asian markets (excluding China). This development underscores Guyana’s increasingly strategic role in global energy markets while simultaneously highlighting its vulnerability to fluctuations in worldwide demand and oil price volatility.

    Regionally, Latin America and the Caribbean witnessed a significant export acceleration with goods exports growing by 6.4% in 2025 compared to 4.7% in 2024. This expansion was predominantly volume-driven rather than price-induced, with metals (gold, copper, silver), agro-industrial products (coffee, cocoa, fruits, meat), and various industrial sectors including medical devices, vehicles, plastics, and data processing equipment delivering robust performances.

    Paolo Giordano, IDB Chief Economist and report coordinator, noted the region demonstrates ‘remarkable resilience’ within a challenging global environment. However, the bank cautioned that prospects remain uncertain with prevailing risks. The IDB emphasized that structural reforms, investment attraction, reduced trade costs, improved logistics, and targeted export support are crucial for sustaining international trade as an economic growth engine.

    Significant regional disparities emerged: South America recorded 5.1% growth with second-half acceleration, Meso-America achieved 7.2% growth (nearly double 2024’s rate), Central America averaged 11.5% growth (though decelerating later), while the Caribbean posted 14.6% growth—less explosive than 2024’s 41.2% surge but concentrated in few countries with Guyana as the undeniable frontrunner.

    Commodity price volatility remained pronounced with coffee prices soaring nearly 50% while sugar and soybean prices declined. Gold appreciated significantly whereas oil prices averaged 14.3% lower than 2024, underscoring the vulnerability of commodity-dependent economies. Guyana’s oil-driven growth epitomizes both the opportunities and risks inherent in the Caribbean’s current export boom.

  • Venezolaanse interim-president wil oliesector hervormen en breken met Chavez-model

    Venezolaanse interim-president wil oliesector hervormen en breken met Chavez-model

    Venezuela’s National Assembly has passed groundbreaking legislation to liberalize state control over its oil industry, marking the most significant overhaul in decades and signaling a departure from the nationalization policies of former president Hugo Chávez.

    The newly approved Hydrocarbons Law reform, introduced following the January 3rd detention of former president Nicolás Maduro by United States authorities, enables private companies to directly sell oil and maintain bank accounts in any currency and jurisdiction. While state-owned PDVSA retains majority stakes in joint ventures, minority shareholders now gain technical and operational control authority. The legislation additionally eliminates exclusive state rights for certain ancillary services, permitting private entities to subcontract oil extraction operations while assuming associated costs and risks.

    To stimulate investment, particularly for new drilling activities in unexplored regions, the reform reduces royalty rates from 30% to 15%. The framework also introduces independent dispute resolution mechanisms including mediation and arbitration to enhance legal certainty for international investors.

    The reform’s implementation has proven contentious, with opposition lawmakers refusing to participate in voting after receiving the proposal mere hours before parliamentary debate. Critics including economist José Guerra characterize the legislation as ambiguous and insufficiently clear regarding private ownership rights, arguing it fails to completely break from Chávez’s legacy.

    Energy sector analysts note that the reforms effectively formalize existing production participation contracts (CPPs) that have already enabled private majority ownership exceeding 50%, though these arrangements have faced transparency concerns. According to former Energy Minister Rodríguez, CPP implementations since April 2024 have boosted oil production from 900,000 to 1.2 million barrels daily, attracting nearly $900 million in investments during 2025.

    Industry experts maintain mixed perspectives on the reforms. Luis Oliveros, Dean of Economic Sciences at Caracas University, views positively the formalization of the Chevron model granting foreign companies operational leadership with enhanced flexibility. Conversely, Oswaldo Felizzola of the Venezuelan Center for Energy and Environment considers the updates necessary but inadequate for addressing contemporary challenges including climate change.

    The legislation now proceeds to consultation phases and article-byarticle debate before final adoption. Meanwhile, cooperation with the U.S. government has already yielded economic impacts, with Venezuela receiving $300 million from crude oil sales to stabilize currency markets. Economic projections indicate potential 30% increases in oil revenues this year, aided by sanction removals enabling market-based pricing.