Carib Scope

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  • Jerry Enriquez Slams One‑Page Reply on Constituency Funds

    Jerry Enriquez Slams One‑Page Reply on Constituency Funds

    Social activist Jerry Enriquez has publicly denounced the Office of the Prime Minister for what he characterizes as a dismissive response to his Freedom of Information request regarding constituency development funds. After a three-month waiting period that included multiple extensions, Enriquez received merely a single-page document detailing only monthly allocations per constituency, rather than the comprehensive breakdown he had formally requested.

    In an exclusive statement delivered on January 23, 2026, Enriquez expressed profound disappointment with the inadequate response, describing it as “condescending and disrespectful” toward legitimate public inquiry processes. The activist emphasized that the document failed to address critical aspects of fund distribution, including usage specifics, accountability mechanisms, and the underlying principles guiding allocation decisions.

    The limited data provided has already revealed concerning disparities in fund distribution across electoral divisions, suggesting what Enriquez termed a “haphazard” allocation approach. This development raises serious questions about governmental transparency and fiscal responsibility, particularly during a period of economic constraint.

    Enriquez maintains that citizens possess an unequivocal right to understand how public funds are allocated and utilized, especially given the significant economic imbalances between different constituencies. The activist has called for the Prime Minister’s office to treat FOIA requests with appropriate seriousness and provide the detailed accounting mechanisms that public accountability demands.

  • Economy : Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce gravely concerned

    Economy : Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce gravely concerned

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Major business associations and chambers of commerce have issued a stark warning about Haiti’s escalating political instability, expressing profound concern that current tensions could derail the nation’s fragile transition process.

    In a collectively signed statement released this week, six prominent private sector organizations emphasized that Haiti stands at a critical juncture as it approaches significant institutional deadlines. The business coalition urgently called for restraint and responsible leadership, arguing that the country cannot afford further confrontation or hasty decision-making during this delicate phase.

    The organizations threw their unequivocal support behind Laurent Saint-Cyr, Coordinator of the Presidential Transitional Council, endorsing his January 20th appeal for structured dialogue across all sectors of national life. They stressed that institutional accountability and maintained stability constitute essential prerequisites for safeguarding Haiti’s national interests.

    Acknowledging recent security improvements achieved under Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé’s administration, the business leaders noted tangible progress in combating insecurity through coordinated efforts of the Haitian National Police, Armed Forces, and international partners. However, they cautioned that these hard-won gains remain fragile and could be rapidly undone by political instability.

    The statement outlined multiple concerning repercussions of continued political turmoil: compromised coordination of security operations, jeopardized international support, demoralization of security forces engaged in high-risk operations, potential reversal of advances against armed groups, and intensified suffering among the civilian population.

    Emphasizing that the current transitional framework establishes clear deadlines and responsibilities, the signatories called upon all institutional actors to immediately cease any unilateral or destabilizing actions. They urged prioritization of dialogue and consensus-building among Haiti’s vital societal forces, appealing for historically responsible leadership toward the Haitian people.

    The organized private sector reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to lasting stability, preserving institutional continuity, defending the rule of law, and supporting an effective transition leading to credible elections—identified as the only viable path to democratic renewal.

    Signatory organizations included the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH), American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti (AmCham), Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the West (CCIO), Haitian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIHC), Haitian Tourism Association (ATH), and the Macaya Institute.

  • UK joins Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance

    UK joins Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance

    In a significant move for global conservation efforts, the United Kingdom has officially joined the Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA). The announcement was made by outgoing British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, during a ceremony attended by President Irfaan Ali on January 23, 2026.

    Commissioner Miller emphasized the strategic importance of the UK’s participation, stating that joining the alliance ‘feels right’ given the urgent need to address biodiversity loss worldwide. She revealed that President Ali is scheduled to travel to the UK the following week for further discussions on enhancing the GBA’s initiatives.

    The Global Biodiversity Alliance, launched in July 2025 under Guyana’s leadership, represents a multinational effort to mobilize financial resources and technical expertise in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity. Current estimates indicate a substantial funding gap in global conservation efforts—while approximately $200 billion is invested annually in nature preservation, the actual requirement stands at $700 billion to meet international biodiversity targets.

    The alliance operates through five strategic pillars: advancing the ’30×30′ goal of conserving 30% of land and oceans by 2030; integrating biodiversity metrics into national and corporate planning; developing innovative financing mechanisms including biodiversity credits and green bonds; empowering Indigenous communities as natural guardians; and establishing robust monitoring systems through the Global Biodiversity Product and Gross Biodiversity Power Index.

    The UK’s involvement builds upon its established commitment to environmental preservation, having been previously recognized as the top contributor to the Global Biodiversity Fund. Then-UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (now Deputy Prime Minister) had previously endorsed the alliance’s comprehensive approach, particularly emphasizing the importance of community engagement and innovative financing solutions.

  • Hydro Belize IPO Oversubscribed by Belizeans

    Hydro Belize IPO Oversubscribed by Belizeans

    In an extraordinary display of public confidence, Belize’s recently nationalized hydropower enterprise Hydro Belize Limited has witnessed its initial public offering (IPO) dramatically oversubscribed by domestic investors. The offering, which concluded this January, attracted overwhelming participation from over 2,000 Belizean citizens who collectively sought approximately 4.5 million shares—exceeding the available inventory by half a million units.

    The share pricing, strategically established at twenty-nine Belize dollars per unit, contributed significantly to the offering’s accessibility. However, the investment frenzy appears driven by deeper nationalistic and environmental considerations beyond mere affordability. The state-owned utility company currently generates approximately one-third of the nation’s electricity through renewable hydroelectric sources.

    Among the new investors is twenty-five-year-old Monilee Aspinall, representing a younger generation of first-time participants in the nation’s financial markets. “I’ve never quite invested in something like this,” Aspinall acknowledged, noting the company’s effective communication strategy that made complex financial information accessible to novice investors.

    Hydro Belize President Kay Menzies clarified the fundamental nature of the investment during a phone interview: “This isn’t a loan—you’ve bought a piece of the company.” Menzies outlined the company’s commitment to transparency, including independent annual audits and public disclosure of financial statements. Profits will be distributed to shareholders following comprehensive annual reviews.

    The company’s leadership has expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming response and emphasized their dual commitment to delivering investor returns while maintaining environmental integrity. Menzies confirmed Hydro Belize’s dedication to exclusively renewable energy expansion, specifically mentioning potential investments in solar technology and additional hydroelectric capacity enhancements.

    With review processes for thousands of applications ongoing, this public offering represents a significant milestone in Belize’s journey toward energy independence and sustainable economic development.

  • Musa Points to Murder Drop in Push to Protect LIU

    Musa Points to Murder Drop in Push to Protect LIU

    Amid ongoing speculation about potential shifts in Belize’s national security approach, former Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa has emerged as a vocal defender of the current crime prevention framework. Musa has publicly championed the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU), asserting that no discussions about downsizing the program have occurred at the Cabinet level despite recent ministerial changes.

    The former minister presented compelling statistical evidence to support his position, highlighting a remarkable reduction in homicide rates over the past three years. According to Musa, Belize has recorded fewer than 90 annual murders during this period—a significant improvement from previous years that regularly saw approximately 140 homicides. This achievement marks the first time in over twenty-five years that the nation has maintained such reduced murder numbers for consecutive years.

    Musa credited the late William Dawson as the original architect of the LIU concept, describing the initiative as “an incredible concept” that requires further development rather than dismantlement. While acknowledging that full implementation of Dawson’s vision remains ongoing, the former minister emphasized that the statistical evidence demonstrates clear impact.

    “When you look at it from a clear black and white statistical purpose, you can see where it has had an impact,” Musa stated during his defense of the program. He expressed hope that the government would not only continue the LIU program but strengthen it as Belize seeks sustainable solutions to address violent crime long-term.

    The public endorsement comes during a period of transition within Belize’s security leadership, raising questions about potential policy directions under the new ministerial appointment.

  • Lion of the BNTU” George Frazer Dies at 78

    Lion of the BNTU” George Frazer Dies at 78

    The Belizean labor and education communities are in mourning following the passing of George Frazer, a foundational pillar of the nation’s teachers’ movement, at the age of 78. Frazer, celebrated as the ‘Lion of the BNTU,’ was a co-founder of the Belize National Teachers Union and remained its most ardent and vociferous advocate until his death.

    His career was defined by an unwavering commitment to securing dignity, fair wages, and respect for educators. Serving in pivotal roles from General Secretary to senior advisor, Frazer was a constant and formidable presence on the front lines of every major negotiation and demonstration. His philosophy extended beyond the classroom, championing broader causes of social justice and good governance for all Belizean workers.

    Even in retirement, his influence never waned, continuing to mentor new generations of union leaders. Tributes from across the nation highlight both his fierce advocacy and his vibrant, jovial spirit. Former BNTU President Luke Palacio, whom Frazer mentored and housed, remembered him as a father figure and the life of union gatherings—a leader who was as quick to dance at a party as he was to stand firm in a negotiation.

    Ellah Waight, President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, echoed these sentiments, crediting Frazer’s principled and courageous leadership for shaping modern labor advocacy in the country. The NTUCB and its affiliate unions have extended their deepest condolences to Frazer’s family, colleagues, and the entire BNTU membership, recognizing the profound and enduring legacy he leaves behind.

  • Belize Hosts Tri‑Nation Youth Baseball Tournament

    Belize Hosts Tri‑Nation Youth Baseball Tournament

    Belize is poised to make sporting history this weekend as it hosts its first-ever international youth baseball championship. The Initiatory Babe Ruth National Baseball Tournament, organized by the Baseball Federation of Belize, will showcase emerging talent from three Central American nations on Saturday, January 24th.

    The tournament will commence at 9:00 AM at Sandhill Field along the Philip Goldson Highway, featuring competitive matchups between teams from Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. This groundbreaking event represents a significant milestone for baseball development in the region, marking Belize’s inaugural hosting of such an international competition.

    Sasha Eiley, Public Relations Director for the Belize Baseball Federation, emphasized the historical significance of the event. “This is a huge deal for Belize,” Eiley stated. “It’s the first time a tournament like this is being played in Belize, and it’s baseball. Many of us grew up watching Chicago baseball on television, so this brings back nostalgic memories.”

    The Belizean contingent will be represented by two domestic teams: the Young Legends, recent softball league champions transitioning to baseball, and the Black Viper squad from Saint John’s College. They will face international opponents from Mexico and Guatemala in what promises to be a display of regional baseball talent.

    Young athlete Kobe Castellanos, pitcher for the Vipers team, expressed confidence in his team’s preparation. “We could expect just good competition, good gameplay, good pitching, everything,” Castellanos remarked when questioned about the upcoming matches. The team conducted final practice sessions in anticipation of the international competition.

    Organizers position the tournament as a strategic initiative to develop youth athletic talent while providing valuable international exposure for local players. The event also aims to revitalize baseball culture in Belize, where the sport has historical roots but limited recent organized competition at this level.

  • Efforts underway to cut mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, HIV

    Efforts underway to cut mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, HIV

    Barbados is confronting a significant public health emergency as health authorities report a concerning surge in syphilis infections nationwide. The Ministry of Health has issued urgent advisories, calling for sexually active individuals to undergo immediate testing. While specific case numbers remain undisclosed, officials confirm an upward trend that demands proactive public engagement.

    Syphilis, a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact, presents a unique public health challenge due to its frequently asymptomatic nature in early stages. The ministry emphasized that many carriers remain unaware of their infection as initial symptoms can be mild or absent entirely, allowing silent transmission to continue unchecked.

    The infection’s progression poses severe health risks if left untreated. After initial presentation as painless sores on genitals, anus, or mouth, the disease can manifest as skin rashes—particularly on palms and soles—accompanied by swollen glands, fever, fatigue, and body aches that are often misdiagnosed as other conditions. Crucially, even when visible symptoms disappear, the infection persists and can cause irreversible damage to brain, heart, and other organs over years.

    Most alarmingly, syphilis presents grave dangers during pregnancy. Untreated infections can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital syphilis in newborns, resulting in severe lifelong complications. Health authorities stress that these outcomes are entirely preventable through early prenatal testing and prompt antibiotic treatment.

    The ministry recommends consistent condom use as primary prevention and urges testing for all sexually active individuals, particularly those with new or multiple partners. Those testing positive are encouraged to begin immediate treatment and notify recent sexual partners to facilitate contact tracing and prevent further spread.

    This health alert emerges as Barbados pursues World Health Organization certification for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. A recent Pan American Health Organization assessment recognized Barbados’ strong maternal health systems while identifying areas for improvement. Achieving certification would place Barbados among eleven Caribbean nations already recognized for preventing vertical transmission of these infections, following Cuba’s pioneering success in eliminating both HIV and syphilis transmission to newborns.

    The health ministry is concurrently working to expand testing accessibility, ensure treatment availability, and reduce societal stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections to encourage more people to seek care without hesitation.

  • Expedia The Dominican Republic can become the tourism hub of the Caribbean

    Expedia The Dominican Republic can become the tourism hub of the Caribbean

    Industry executives from leading global travel organizations have identified the Dominican Republic as the Caribbean’s next pivotal tourism hub, citing its unique combination of scale, infrastructure, and economic maturity. This assessment was delivered at the III BHD Tourism and Investment Forum during Fitur 2026 in Madrid.

    Salim Arkuch, Vice President and General Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean at Expedia Group, articulated that the nation possesses the necessary assets to function as a regional anchor for sustainable tourism development and large-scale capital investment. He emphasized the country’s superior air connectivity, extensive hotel capacity, and well-consolidated tourism economy as critical advantages.

    These foundational strengths position the Dominican Republic as an ideal gateway and dispersion point for the growing trend of multi-destination travel within the Caribbean. This model, often referred to as ‘hotel hopping’ or ‘multi-stay trips,’ is perfectly aligned with the nation’s operational capabilities, allowing tourists to experience multiple destinations within a single itinerary.

    Echoing the strategic importance of the sector, Christopher Imbsen, Vice President of Public Policy at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), addressed the forum. He underscored that tourism constitutes approximately 18% of the Caribbean’s regional GDP, establishing it as a primary economic driver. Consequently, Imbsen stressed that integrating tourism into national development planning is no longer optional but an essential prerequisite for sustainable growth. This holistic approach necessitates that policy decisions on transportation, housing, energy, land use, and human capital development are made in concert with the sector’s strategic needs, rather than in isolation.

  • Security : Overview of the GSF deployment schedule in Haiti

    Security : Overview of the GSF deployment schedule in Haiti

    The multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF) has unveiled its operational timeline for deployment in Haiti, with initial contingents scheduled to arrive in April 2026 and full operational capacity expected by October 2026. The announcement came from Jack Christofides, the designated Special Representative of the force, who is poised to officially assume his command position in February.

    Christofides confirmed that financial backing for the mission has been secured for an initial twelve-month period, providing crucial stability for the international intervention aimed at combating gang violence and restoring security in the crisis-ridden nation.

    In a significant diplomatic development, Christofides recently convened with Roberto Álvarez, the Dominican Republic’s Foreign Minister, as part of coordinated international efforts to support Haitian stabilization. The meeting underscored the regional commitment to addressing Haiti’s security challenges, with Christofides expressing appreciation for the Dominican Republic’s cooperative stance and announcing plans for an official visit to Santo Domingo upon assuming his duties.

    Parallel diplomatic engagements saw Minister Álvarez meeting with Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). Their discussions centered on the critical need to extend BINUH’s mandate beyond its January 31, 2026 expiration and strategize more effective responses to Haiti’s deteriorating security situation.

    Álvarez reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s commitment to supporting the international mission through medical evacuation services for GSF personnel and providing logistical support from Dominican territory, highlighting the cross-border nature of the security crisis and the regional response required to address it.