Carib Scope

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  • 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.

  • Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico agree to multi-destination deal worth US$2 million

    Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico agree to multi-destination deal worth US$2 million

    In a landmark move for Caribbean tourism, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic have formalized a strategic partnership with a combined $2 million investment aimed at revolutionizing regional travel. The agreement, signed by Puerto Rican Governor Jennifer González and Dominican Tourism Minister David Collado at the FITUR 2026 international fair in Madrid, establishes the “Together we are the Caribbean” promotional campaign.

    The initiative will unfold in two strategic phases: initially targeting European markets followed by a comprehensive push in the United States. The campaign’s core proposition leverages the remarkable 40-minute flight connectivity between the islands, encouraging tourists to experience two distinct Caribbean cultures within a single trip.

    Minister Collado emphasized the historical significance of this collaboration, noting that Latin American tourism authorities have contemplated such integration for over two decades. “This promotion always remained in theory and never in execution,” Governor González acknowledged, highlighting how the partnership evolved from informal discussions to concrete implementation following high-level diplomatic engagements.

    The infrastructure supporting this initiative includes robust air connectivity through carriers JetBlue, Frontier, and Arajet, complemented by existing Caribbean Ferries service and prospective expansion with Balearia’s planned Mayagüez-San Pedro de Macorís route. Beyond marketing, the agreement includes strategies to reduce overall travel costs and enhance maritime transportation options.

    The official campaign launch will be presided over by Dominican President Luis Abinader, with specific dates to be announced. This bilateral effort represents a paradigm shift in Caribbean tourism, moving from competitive isolation to collaborative promotion that benefits both nations’ economies and cultural exchange.

  • Hervorming rechtspleging vraagt meer dan losse wetswijzigingen

    Hervorming rechtspleging vraagt meer dan losse wetswijzigingen

    A comprehensive overhaul of Suriname’s judicial system has drawn sharp criticism from prominent legal scholar Hugo Fernandes Mendes, who argues that current reform proposals lack coherence and clear justification. During a Friday evening lecture before the Surinamese Jurists Association (SJV), Fernandes Mendes identified two fundamental issues: the position of the Attorney General and the establishment of a third judicial instance as central to meaningful judicial reform.

    The legal expert expressed particular concern about the proposed College of Attorneys-General, noting that the explanatory memorandum fails to clearly identify which specific problem this new institution would solve. “Is the Attorney General’s portfolio too extensive? Does this address operational management or policy direction? Without clear objectives, a constitutional amendment on this point becomes difficult to justify,” Fernandes Mendes contended. He suggested that strengthening the Public Prosecutor’s Office could be achieved more effectively through expanding the number of advocate-generals and chief officers rather than creating additional administrative layers.

    Fernandes Mendes emphasized that the judiciary serves as the primary check on the Public Prosecutor’s Office, referencing recent cases where courts had reprimanded prosecutors. He simultaneously highlighted the concerning absence of systematic oversight mechanisms for both the judiciary and the Public Prosecutor’s Office—a deficiency requiring thorough examination.

    The legal scholar made a compelling case for introducing cassation court proceedings as Suriname remains the only CARICOM nation without a third judicial instance, despite three-tier judicial systems being the international standard. Such reform would contribute to legal development, legal certainty, and public trust in the rule of law while enhancing confidence among international investors.

    Fernandes Mendes outlined three potential models: a Supreme Court of Suriname, affiliation with the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, or recognition of the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) appellate jurisdiction. Each option presents distinct advantages and challenges. A national Supreme Court would only achieve credibility with international composition to prevent political influence and ensure continuity.

    The CCJ emerged as a serious contender, though Fernandes Mendes stipulated strict preconditions: guaranteed application of Surinamese law, Dutch procedural language, and a separate chamber for Surinamese cases staffed by judges from the Dutch-Caribbean-Surinamese legal family holding sessions in Suriname.

    Fernandes Mendes warned that current reforms focus too narrowly on the judiciary while neglecting constitutional relationships between the courts, parliament, and government. He advocated for comprehensive constitutional revision and establishment of a State Commission on Constitutional Governance. The scholar also expressed concerns about the weak position of the Constitutional Court, describing it as inconsistent with both the Constitution and the Constitutional Court Act, necessitating strengthened independence to restore constitutional balance.

    Finally, Fernandes Mendes urged legislators to amend the Constitution to enable organic laws that facilitate deliberate choices regarding the third instance with clear criteria. Without a coherent vision regarding the roles of the Attorney General, Public Prosecutor’s Office, and judiciary, he cautioned, Suriname risks further institutional fragmentation.

  • Punta Bergantín will transform Puerto Plata with more than 4,500 rooms

    Punta Bergantín will transform Puerto Plata with more than 4,500 rooms

    The Punta Bergantín tourism development in Puerto Plata is poised to become a transformative economic force, with projections indicating it will generate approximately 600 million pesos in payroll across its initial three hotels. According to Andrés Marranzini, General Manager of the project, this ambitious initiative will employ 2,000 people from the local community of 35,000 inhabitants, with development planned across a 10-15 year timeframe.

    Major international hotel chains including Hyatt, Westin, Marriott, and Meliá are leading the development, which ultimately aims to feature nine hotels totaling over 4,500 rooms. The project is designed to create a premier tourist destination that emphasizes harmonious coexistence with the natural environment while driving significant economic benefits for the region.

    Marranzini revealed these details during the 2026 International Tourism Fair (Fitur), emphasizing that the project’s scale would not overshadow its community benefits. “We require 6,500 employees in the first phase alone,” he stated. “If we can source at least half from Montellano, it will represent a transformative element for an area that previously lacked this magnitude of payroll.”

    Construction of the initial hotels is scheduled to commence in 2026, with operations targeted for the 2027-2028 high season. The first phase will include three hotels, 240 residential plots, a golf course, beach club, and clubhouse, all expected to be operational by mid-2028. Marranzini noted that some elements might be completed earlier, but the comprehensive development would not extend beyond summer 2028.

    The project incorporates strict architectural guidelines emphasizing Victorian design principles across its nine million square kilometer property, including six million square kilometers of beachfront. Marranzini explained that plot owners will have 24 months to begin construction following acquisition, all adhering to a unified development code that prevents arbitrary design choices.

    With 11 architects currently working on the integrated tourism and real estate project, the development will feature beach apartments and completed homes in a carefully managed process designed to maintain property values and investor returns. The invitation extended to 30 investment funds at Fitur 2026 underscores the project’s significant economic potential while maintaining focus on community transformation and environmental sustainability.

  • Illegale gouddelver overleden bij Zijin Rosebel; mijnmachines in brand gestoken

    Illegale gouddelver overleden bij Zijin Rosebel; mijnmachines in brand gestoken

    A deadly confrontation at Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines in Suriname has sparked significant civil unrest following the death of an illegal gold prospector on site. The incident rapidly escalated into violence on Friday evening when multiple mining vehicles and heavy machinery were deliberately set ablaze.

    Local law enforcement agencies have deployed substantial resources to contain the volatile situation, mobilizing various specialized units to restore order and ensure public safety around the mining complex. Preliminary reports indicate that widespread disturbances continue to hamper efforts to establish control over the mine premises and surrounding areas.

    Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal event, though specific details regarding the prospector’s death remain undisclosed. Police spokespersons emphasize that their primary objective is preventing further escalation while conducting a thorough examination of the incident. The tension highlights ongoing challenges between large-scale mining operations and informal prospectors in resource-rich regions.

    Zijin Mining Group, the Chinese multinational corporation operating the Rosebel mine, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the security breach or operational impacts. The Rosebel goldfield represents one of South America’s most significant mining operations, making this security incident particularly consequential for regional stability and international mining interests.

  • Public sector workers, pensioners to get bonus next week

    Public sector workers, pensioners to get bonus next week

    In a significant move fulfilling its key election commitment, the newly elected New Democratic Party (NDP) administration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has announced the distribution of substantial tax-free bonus payments to public sector workers. Prime Minister Godwin Friday confirmed at a Friday press conference in Kingstown that the Treasury has been instructed to process these payments by January 30.

    The comprehensive economic relief package, totaling approximately EC$22 million, will benefit an estimated 12,000 individuals across various employment categories. Contrary to initial expectations, the government has expanded eligibility to include daily-paid workers, part-time employees, and pensioners – groups that were not originally contemplated in the campaign promise.

    Payment structure demonstrates a progressive approach with lower-income workers receiving proportionally greater benefits. Permanent and non-established public servants will each receive EC$2,000, while pensioners are allocated EC$1,500. Daily-paid workers earning between EC$500 and EC$1,000 monthly will receive EC$1,000 bonuses – effectively representing 100-200% of their regular monthly income.

    Prime Minister Friday emphasized that this initiative directly addresses the “crushing cost-of-living pressures” exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. The administration characterizes the payout not as a government expense but as an economic stimulus measure that will put “money back in people’s pockets in a big way” to stimulate additional spending.

    The Prime Minister acknowledged that while some critics, including Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves, have accused the NDP of voter deception regarding the bonus promise, his administration remains focused on delivering tangible support to the most vulnerable populations. Further measures addressing employment, training, and assistance for indigent persons are expected to be announced in the upcoming budget.

  • Deadly Ambush at BWS Warehouse Leaves Family Mourning

    Deadly Ambush at BWS Warehouse Leaves Family Mourning

    The quiet village of Lord’s Bank in Belize was shattered by violence in the early hours of Friday, January 23, 2026, when security officer Darwin Valerio, 35, was fatally ambushed while on duty. The tragedy occurred at the Belize Water Services warehouse compound where Valerio and a colleague were conducting routine overnight security operations.

    According to investigative reports, the attack unfolded when Valerio’s coworker temporarily left their security booth to perform standard perimeter patrols. During this brief window, multiple assailants scaled the facility’s secured fencing and launched a surprise assault on Valerio, who was reportedly engaged in a telephone conversation with a relative at the time of the attack.

    Gunfire erupted approximately at 1:00 AM, alerting local residents and prompting emergency response. Police units arriving on scene by 1:30 AM discovered Valerio lying face down with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite rapid transportation to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, medical personnel were unable to save the security officer’s life.

    Hayden Brown, Chief Human Resources Officer at Belize Water Services, described the coordinated security protocols typically followed by guards, including communication systems to notify each other during rotations. ‘My sense was that one guard had indicated to the other that he was going to do rounds, and I believe that’s when the incident happened,’ Brown stated, noting the perpetrators had already fled before the responding guard could intervene.

    The Valerio family received the devastating news about an hour after the shooting. Ismae Valerio, the victim’s mother, recounted the heartbreaking moment she learned of her son’s death through a call from his girlfriend. ‘My heart started beating, but I was not expecting that call at that time,’ she shared emotionally.

    Domingo Valerio, the father, visited the crime scene and gathered preliminary information indicating three individuals had scaled the fence to carry out the attack. ‘We leave it in the police hands and justice supposed to take its course,’ he stated, adding philosophical resignation that ‘if it doesn’t, then the good Lord knows.’

    Family members remembered Darwin as a humble, respectful young man deeply connected to his family and cultural heritage. His mother described his daily ritual of calling after shifts to assure her of his safe journey home. His father, a traditional drummer, highlighted how Darwin embraced his Garifuna roots and family values.

    Belize Water Services has expressed profound solidarity with the grieving family, emphasizing that although Valerio was employed through a private security firm, he was considered part of the BWS community. The company has initiated a comprehensive security review and is collaborating closely with law enforcement authorities, who are examining surveillance footage to identify the perpetrators.

    The investigation continues as police urge anyone with information to come forward, while a community mourns the loss of a dedicated professional killed simply for doing his job.