Carib Scope

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  • Cuba discusses state of Tricontinental on its 60th anniversary

    Cuba discusses state of Tricontinental on its 60th anniversary

    An international academic gathering of significant scale is currently underway, marking the sixtieth anniversary of the pivotal Tricontinental Conference originally held in Havana. This twentieth edition of the congress, organized under the theme “60 Years After the Tricontinental Conference: Context, Impact, Legacy, and Future,” brings together scholars from across the globe to examine the historical event’s enduring relevance in contemporary discussions on anticolonialism, anti-imperialism, and decolonization.

    The congress represents the culmination of longstanding academic collaboration between British and Cuban institutions. The Centre for Research on Cuba and the Cuba Research Forum initially emerged from a partnership between the University of Wolverhampton and the University of Havana established in 1998, with the University of Nottingham later joining the initiative in 2003.

    This year’s event features an extensive program with 43 panels and presentations by 170 distinguished speakers representing nearly one hundred universities and research centers from all continents. The substantial participation underscores the continued global interest in the Tricontinental Conference’s legacy.

    Organizers emphasize that the commemoration has gained increased significance given current global developments, with the renewed focus on the Global South’s contributions providing critical perspectives on unfolding regional and world events. The original 1966 conference assembled over 500 delegates from more than 80 countries and colonies across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, representing what was then termed the Third World. Historic figures including Salvador Allende of Chile, Amilcar Cabral of Guinea-Bissau, and Cheddi Jagan of Guyana participated in the landmark gathering that sought to forge solidarity against colonial and imperial domination.

    The contemporary congress continues through Wednesday, January 14, facilitating important academic exchanges and analyses that connect the historical context of the Tricontinental Conference with present-day geopolitical dynamics.

  • Mean Green win behind another Nestor double-double

    Mean Green win behind another Nestor double-double

    In a landmark achievement for the program, the University of North Texas women’s basketball team secured its first-ever victory at Tulane’s Avron B. Fogelman Arena with a hard-fought 59-53 win on Saturday, January 10. The historic triumph was spearheaded by a dominant performance from Saint Lucian transfer Megan Nestor, who continued her remarkable season with another double-double.

    Nestor, a 6-foot-4 center from Canaries, Saint Lucia, delivered her fourth consecutive double-figure scoring game and her eighth double-double of the season. Demonstrating exceptional efficiency, she reached double digits in points for the tenth time in sixteen games this season while taking just five shots from the field. Complementing her scoring, Nestor hauled in ten or more rebounds for the ninth time this term, securing her third straight double-double. She also contributed two assists and two steals to the winning effort.

    The former Saint Lucia national netball player continues to lead the American Athletic Conference in rebounds per game, averaging an impressive 11.9. Entering the contest, she held the unique distinction of being the only player in all of NCAA Division I basketball with at least 100 defensive rebounds and over 70 offensive rebounds, underscoring her prowess on both ends of the court.

    While Nestor provided the consistent interior presence, guards Chania Price and Aysia Proctor supplied crucial offensive firepower. Price erupted for a career-high 15 points, while Proctor added 12 points, all in a first half that saw UNT build a commanding 40-25 lead. The second half evolved into a defensive struggle, with North Texas managing only 19 points after the break. Tulane mounted several charges at the start of the third and fourth quarters, twice narrowing the deficit to single digits, but staunch defense from the Mean Green preserved the historic victory.

    Head coach Jason Burton highlighted the team’s strong start as a critical factor. “We reflected on last year, and it was the opposite, where we started slow and had to fight our way back,” Burton stated. “I loved how we came out in the first half… but we found a way to win.” The victory marked a significant milestone for a program that had previously gone 0-5 in games played at Tulane’s arena.

  • Malaysia blocks Grok for generating manipulated and offensive images

    Malaysia blocks Grok for generating manipulated and offensive images

    Malaysian regulatory authorities have implemented new restrictions on social media platform X, focusing specifically on its AI-powered feature Grok amid growing concerns over non-consensual image manipulation. The Communications and Multimedia Commission clarified that the platform itself remains accessible to Malaysia’s approximately five million users, with measures specifically targeting the prevention of offensive AI-generated content.

    The government’s action follows unsuccessful negotiations with Elon Musk’s company regarding enhanced technical safeguards. Malaysian officials deemed X’s existing complaint-based moderation system inadequate for addressing the sophisticated nature of AI-generated imagery. This regulatory move parallels similar restrictions recently enacted by Indonesia, reflecting regional apprehension about generative AI technologies.

    The controversy centers on Grok’s image editing capabilities, which multiple reports indicate have been exploited to create unauthorized nude and swimwear depictions of individuals, including women and minors. The situation escalated when X limited Grok’s image editing functions exclusively to paying subscribers, a move that preceded Malaysia’s decision to implement broader restrictions. Regulatory authorities emphasize that these measures aim to balance technological innovation with user protection, particularly regarding privacy and consent in the digital sphere.

  • Three parishes to be fogged this week

    Three parishes to be fogged this week

    The Barbados Ministry of Health and Wellness has initiated a comprehensive mosquito control operation targeting multiple parishes this week. The coordinated fogging campaign commenced today in Christ Church and will progressively expand to St. John and St. Michael throughout the week.

    Vector control teams commenced operations in Christ Church on Monday, January 12th, focusing on high-priority zones including Lower Greys Tenantry, Scenic Drive, Valley Vista First through Fifth Avenues, Boarded Hall Tenantry avenues, Frere Pilgrim, Homestead Drive and its connecting avenues, Homestead Circle, and Joypa Drive with adjacent avenues.

    The operation transitions to St. John from Tuesday through Thursday, with Tuesday’s schedule encompassing Ashbury Tenantry Road, Lemon Arbour Village, Knights Village, Lower Four Roads, Spooners, and both Pool Land sectors alongside surrounding districts. Wednesday’s deployment will target First Avenue Redland Tenantry, Redland Tenantry proper, Bailey Alley, Sweet Vale, Brathwaite Road, Butcher Road, Sweet Bottom, Groves, Claybury, and Golden Ridge Village with neighboring communities. Thursday concludes the St. John phase with fogging in Eastmont Road, Cheshire, Small Hope Tenantry Number One, and both Gall Hill sectors.

    The final phase on Friday, January 16th will concentrate on St. Michael, covering Perry Gap, Country Road, Tamarind Avenue, Laundry Road, Fordes Road, Skeetes Road, Pavilion Road, Downey Avenue, Progressive Road, Holligan Road, Fields Gap, Country Towers and adjacent residential areas.

    All fogging operations are conducted during evening hours from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. Health authorities advise residents to facilitate insecticide penetration by opening windows and doors during treatment periods while ensuring children avoid direct exposure to the fogging spray.

    The Ministry emphasized that adverse weather conditions or unexpected circumstances might necessitate schedule adjustments, with affected communities receiving priority attention once conditions permit resumption of operations. This initiative represents the government’s proactive approach to controlling mosquito populations and preventing vector-borne diseases across Barbados.

  • Cuban President Diaz-Canel responds to recent statements by Trump, affirming right to defend homeland

    Cuban President Diaz-Canel responds to recent statements by Trump, affirming right to defend homeland

    Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has issued a forceful condemnation of what he characterizes as \”immoral statements\” from the United States government, reaffirming Cuba’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. The remarks came in response to recent social media posts by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to halt all oil and financial resources to Cuba.\n\nThe diplomatic confrontation escalated following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, which disrupted Venezuela’s status as Cuba’s primary oil supplier. On January 11, 2026, President Trump declared via social media: \”THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.\”\n\nIn his response, President Díaz-Canel questioned the moral authority of U.S. leadership, stating that those who \”turn everything into a business, even human lives\” lack standing to criticize Cuba. He attributed current economic challenges to six decades of U.S. economic sanctions rather than Cuba’s political system, suggesting critics should \”feel ashamed and choose silence instead.\”\n\nThe Cuban leader framed the tension as an issue of national sovereignty, emphasizing that Cuba \”does not attack; it has been attacked by the US for 66 years.\” He declared the nation’s preparedness to \”defend the Homeland to the last drop of blood\” under the hashtag #CubaIsCourage.\n\nCuban state media extensively covered Díaz-Canel’s statements, positioning them within broader concerns about U.S. actions in Venezuela and perceived escalating threats from the White House toward multiple nations.

  • China underscores support for Cuba after new US threats

    China underscores support for Cuba after new US threats

    In a firm diplomatic stance, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning has articulated Beijing’s position against external intervention in Caribbean and Latin American affairs. The statements emerged during a press briefing where Mao responded to inquiries from Prensa Latina regarding regional geopolitical tensions.

    Mao Ning explicitly called upon the United States to terminate its long-standing economic embargo and comprehensive sanctions against Cuba, emphasizing that such measures detrimentally affect regional peace and stability. ‘We once again urge the United States to end the blockade, sanctions, and all forms of coercive measures against Cuba,’ the spokesperson declared, framing the issue as a matter of international justice and regional harmony.

    The diplomatic exchange further addressed concerns about U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s economic matters following military posturing toward Caracas. Mao underscored the fundamental principle of national sovereignty, asserting that Latin American nations possess the unequivocal right to independently select their international partners and determine their political trajectories without external pressure.

    Reaffirming China’s commitment to the region, Mao Ning stated, ‘Regardless of how the situation develops, China will continue to deepen practical cooperation with Latin American countries, including Venezuela, to promote mutual benefit.’ This pledge highlights Beijing’s strategic intention to strengthen ties with Latin American partners through collaborative economic and diplomatic engagement.

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry has consistently advocated for the removal of Cuba from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list, considering the designation an unjust impediment to the island nation’s development. This diplomatic position coincides with the 65th anniversary of Sino-Cuban relations, commemorated in 2025, which symbolizes the enduring partnership between Beijing and Havana amidst evolving global dynamics.

  • IRENA assembly notes importance of green energy to the Caribbean

    IRENA assembly notes importance of green energy to the Caribbean

    ABU DHABI, UAE – The 16th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly commenced with a powerful emphasis on the Caribbean’s critical role in the global renewable energy transition. Dominican Republic’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Joel Santos Echeverría, presiding over the assembly, outlined a results-driven agenda focused on tangible benefits for vulnerable regions.

    Echeverría, addressing attendees virtually, highlighted the strategic importance of energy transition for Caribbean nations. He noted that climate change vulnerabilities—including hurricanes, extreme weather events, and sargassum accumulation—pose serious threats to energy security and economic stability. However, he emphasized the region’s vast renewable energy potential and opportunities for innovative solutions, such as converting sargassum into energy through technological research.

    The Dominican Republic’s presidency will prioritize integrating emerging energy technologies into IRENA’s agenda, promoting artificial intelligence and digital solutions for enhanced planning and resource mobilization. The assembly’s theme, “Powering Humanity, Renewable Energy For Shared Prosperity,” reflects a collective aspiration for equity and shared wellbeing through energy transition.

    Echeverría reaffirmed commitments to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, emphasizing accessible financing and technical assistance. He stressed that shared prosperity requires international solidarity and cooperation, particularly for small island developing states.

    IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera reported record participation with 1,524 attendees from 139 countries and the EU. He described the current energy transformation as “unstoppable,” noting that 92% of new power capacity installed in 2025 was renewable. La Camera emphasized that renewables have become the most competitive electricity generation method, offering economic, resilience, and stability advantages over fossil fuels.

    The assembly occurs amid significant global challenges, including the recent U.S. withdrawal from numerous international organizations. Both leaders emphasized that renewable energy transition is no longer aspirational but an immediate necessity for climate resilience, energy security, and economic stability worldwide.

  • Turning unemployment into opportunity: A coconut seller’s journey

    Turning unemployment into opportunity: A coconut seller’s journey

    In the tropical climate of Saint Lucia’s Rodney Bay, Wendell Dupre has demonstrated remarkable resilience by transforming unemployment into entrepreneurial success. This Castries native, once employed in the hospitality sector, found opportunity in adversity when his previous workplace declared bankruptcy several years ago.

    Leveraging previously underutilized resources from his father’s agricultural property, Dupre established a thriving coconut enterprise that has defied conventional business challenges. Rather than allowing the farm’s produce to go to waste, he recognized the commercial potential in the island’s abundant coconut supply and built a sustainable business model around it.

    Through strategic reinvestment and organic growth, Dupre achieved a significant milestone by acquiring his first vehicle through self-financing, completely bypassing traditional banking loans. His business expansion plans include additional vehicle investments and job creation as operations scale upward. Currently, he operates with crucial support from his partner, who provides both administrative assistance and moral encouragement.

    Market dynamics for Dupre’s venture show fascinating patterns tied to environmental conditions. Sales volume demonstrates direct correlation with temperature fluctuations, with increased demand for refreshing coconut water during peak heat periods. The business particularly benefits from tourist patronage, many of whom experience fresh coconut products for the first time while visiting the Caribbean island.

    Maintaining a six-day work schedule with Sundays reserved for family time, especially with his daughter, Dupre exemplifies the balance between entrepreneurial dedication and personal priorities. When questioned about his long-term commitment to this trade, he affirmed his preference for self-directed work over traditional employment, highlighting the autonomy and satisfaction derived from entrepreneurship.

  • Centaur Withdraws From Proposed BTL Acquisition Talks

    Centaur Withdraws From Proposed BTL Acquisition Talks

    Centaur Communications Corp. Ltd. has terminated negotiations for its proposed acquisition by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), marking a sudden collapse of what was considered a strategically significant corporate transaction. The decision was formally communicated through a letter dated January 11, 2026, from Centaur’s representative Jaime Briceño to BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga.

    Despite acknowledging the transaction’s strong commercial merits, Centaur cited external political pressures and potential reputational damage as primary reasons for withdrawal. Briceño’s correspondence emphasized that the abandonment was not motivated by financial reassessment or valuation concerns, but rather by broader contextual factors that emerged during negotiation proceedings.

    The company statement revealed that after extensive deliberation and consultation, leadership determined that continuing negotiations would impose disproportionate personal and reputational burdens on involved parties. While the acquisition promised substantial operational synergies and long-term stakeholder value, Centaur concluded the political climate rendered the timing inappropriate for such a strategic move.

    This development represents a significant setback for BTL’s expansion strategy and highlights how external political considerations can override sound business rationale in corporate acquisitions. The withdrawal demonstrates increasing corporate sensitivity to political environments and reputational risks in merger and acquisition activities within regulated industries.

  • RayAsta Foundation launches stroke awareness campaign in schools

    RayAsta Foundation launches stroke awareness campaign in schools

    The RayAsta Foundation has unveiled a comprehensive stroke awareness campaign targeting educational institutions across the Dominican Republic. This initiative, scheduled to commence on January 12, 2026, aims to educate students, faculty members, and parents about stroke recognition, prevention strategies, and emergency response protocols.

    Designed as an interactive educational program, the campaign will deliver structured presentations during regular school hours through homeroom sessions and school assemblies. Medical professionals including Jael Joseph, Dr. Shane Mc Intyre, and Dr. Gael Thomas will collaborate with the foundation to ensure accurate information delivery combined with practical guidance.

    The curriculum focuses on four critical components: identifying common stroke symptoms and warning signs, understanding risk factors and preventive measures, implementing appropriate emergency procedures, and emphasizing the vital importance of immediate medical intervention. Through these educational sessions, the foundation seeks to create a ripple effect of awareness that extends beyond school premises into broader communities.

    Campaign coordinator Cecilia St. Hilaire emphasized the universal relevance of stroke education, noting: ‘Our primary objective is to communicate that strokes can affect individuals of any age or background. Early recognition of symptoms fundamentally improves survival rates and recovery outcomes. Knowledge truly serves as the first line of defense.’

    The initiative represents a proactive approach to public health education, potentially establishing a model for other nations facing similar healthcare challenges. By integrating stroke awareness into school environments, the foundation aims to cultivate a generation better equipped to handle cardiovascular emergencies and make informed health decisions.