Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • ‘They Nearly Killed My Baby’: Mother Speaks Out, Alleges Police Inaction

    ‘They Nearly Killed My Baby’: Mother Speaks Out, Alleges Police Inaction

    A Belize City mother has come forward with grave allegations against local law enforcement following a violent neighborhood altercation that left her infant daughter injured. Amika Betran claims that both she and her one-year-old child were assaulted with a crowbar during a dispute on December 16, just two days before the child’s first birthday.

    According to Betran’s account, the incident occurred while she was walking near her residence with her child. What began as a verbal argument rapidly escalated when a male assailant allegedly struck her with a crowbar, with the weapon making contact with the infant’s head. The child sustained significant facial injuries including lacerations and bruising, requiring immediate medical attention at a local hospital.

    Betran filed an official police report on the day of the incident but alleges systematic inaction and procedural delays from authorities. Despite multiple follow-up visits to the police station, she claims investigators have shown minimal urgency in pursuing the case. In one particularly concerning instance, she was instructed to return to the station at midnight to speak with an officer—a time she notes is highly inconvenient for caring for an injured infant.

    The frustrated mother has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest within the police department, suggesting that a relative of the accused may be serving as an officer. Betran asserts that only one individual has been charged despite multiple participants being involved in the attack.

    Now considering legal action against the police department, Betran emphasizes the need for accountability within law enforcement. ‘When you have officers that don’t show pride and respect toward their jobs,’ she stated, ‘the whole department can be disgraced.’ The case has drawn attention to broader concerns about police responsiveness and procedural transparency in handling violent crimes within the community.

  • Sterling elderly care complex ‘on track’

    Sterling elderly care complex ‘on track’

    Barbados is poised to revolutionize its approach to community care with the impending completion of the Sterling Residential and Respite Facility in St Philip. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey has announced significant progress on this groundbreaking project, which promises to reshape support services for older adults, children, and persons with disabilities through an innovative community-based model.

    The development represents a collaborative effort between the Ministry of People Empowerment, the National Assistance Board, the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association, and Soroptimist International of Barbados. Rather than creating large institutional settings, the facility embraces a modern philosophy of smaller, clustered residences arranged in circular pods to foster genuine community connections and relationships.

    Construction is advancing through carefully planned phases. Renovation of the main heritage building is nearing completion, with tender processes for subsequent stages scheduled to begin imminently. The comprehensive complex will eventually include 60-70 residential units, specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s care services, day nursery facilities for children, and fully accessible spaces designed for persons with all types of disabilities.

    With an estimated total investment between $10-12 million, the project allocates approximately $2 million for renovating the historic structure while the remainder funds new construction. The first phase will deliver 20-30 residences, with overall completion expected within the first six to seven months of this year.

    Minister Humphrey emphasized the intentional design pause taken last year to ensure complete accessibility and inclusivity. The revised plans now incorporate accommodations for physical, sensory, and visual impairments alongside expanded green and social spaces. This ‘caring in place’ approach aims to support both residents and families providing home care.

    The government plans to replicate this innovative model across Barbados, with similar facilities already in development for St Thomas and St George parishes, signaling a nationwide transformation in social service delivery.

  • Santoe, nieuwe directeur wil verval NV Surzwam aanpakken

    Santoe, nieuwe directeur wil verval NV Surzwam aanpakken

    Suriname’s state-owned heavy equipment company, NV Suriname Zwaar Materieel (Surzwam), has appointed Shyamkoemar Santoe as its new director with an urgent mandate to rescue the financially distressed enterprise. Santoe immediately identified the restoration of the company’s severely neglected machinery fleet as his top priority, alongside enhancing service delivery to the agricultural sector.

    The newly appointed director revealed that Surzwam is currently operating in a concerning state of disrepair. A significant portion of its heavy equipment is either defective or completely out of service, severely limiting operational capabilities. Santoe emphasized that conducting a comprehensive inventory assessment and systematic screening of all machinery represents the essential first step in the recovery process.

    Operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Surzwam plays a critical role in national water management, drainage systems, emergency response, and agricultural production support. Despite current challenges, Santoe confirmed the company will maintain its primary focus on serving farmers through affordable pricing structures, with particular attention to supporting smaller agricultural producers.

    The new director reported productive collaboration with both the Ministry and the Board of Commissioners, noting understanding of the current operational crisis. Santoe anticipates that necessary resources will be made available shortly to restore the machinery fleet, especially with the upcoming rainy season approaching. Additionally, expansion into road construction and other national development projects is being considered as part of Surzwam’s future operational scope.

  • Rethink student assessment as AI transforms classrooms, teachers told

    Rethink student assessment as AI transforms classrooms, teachers told

    Educators across the Eastern Caribbean are leading a pedagogical revolution, fundamentally reimagining student evaluation methods in response to artificial intelligence’s transformative impact on classrooms. The pressing need to transition from rote memorization toward innovation, practical application, and ethical technology use dominated discussions as the Eastern Caribbean Joint Board of Teacher Education (ECJBTE) convened its annual meeting at the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management.

    Dr. Roderick Rudder, Director of Tertiary Education in the Ministry of Training and Tertiary Education, delivered a compelling address to assembled educators, asserting that conventional assessment frameworks have become obsolete in an era where students demonstrate increasing proficiency with educational technology and AI tools. “We are witnessing the rapid global evolution of artificial intelligence,” Dr. Rudder observed, emphasizing that AI “has a significant role to play in addressing the learning requirements of both educators and students.”

    The education director presented AI as an inevitable force that must be strategically integrated into teaching methodologies, though this integration necessitates substantial modifications to evaluation protocols. “Artificial intelligence is unavoidable. It serves as a crucial instrument supporting both learning and instruction,” he stated, clarifying that educators must now prioritize assessing how students implement knowledge rather than merely measuring their capacity to replicate information.

    Dr. Rudder highlighted how students already employ AI technology to conduct research for School-Based Assessments (SBAs) and academic assignments, creating an urgent need for “more authentic assessments” and “higher-order questioning techniques” that evaluate problem-solving capabilities and innovative thinking within local environments and communities.

    The address placed particular responsibility on teacher training institutions to modernize their curricular approaches. Dr. Rudder emphasized the imperative for these institutions to reexamine how they prepare emerging educators for contemporary classrooms, advocating for a robust synthesis of theoretical knowledge, practical application, and strategic implementation of modern tools—especially artificial intelligence.

    This educational transformation, he argued, directly contributes to national development objectives. By enhancing the certification standards for graduating teachers, the education system can better equip individuals to make meaningful contributions to both economic advancement and social progress. Dr. Rudder identified technology as a powerful vehicle for optimizing educational outcomes within school environments, noting that many young people who might not be considered “book smart” frequently demonstrate impressive problem-solving abilities in their natural habitats through gaming and internet navigation. The critical challenge, he concluded, lies in channeling this technological engagement into productive learning experiences.

  • US withdraws from 31 UN subsidiaries amongst other global groups

    US withdraws from 31 UN subsidiaries amongst other global groups

    In a significant foreign policy move, the Trump administration has declared its intention to withdraw from more than sixty international agreements and organizations, primarily those affiliated with the United Nations. The decision, formalized through a presidential memorandum dated January 7th, targets entities focused on climate change, marine conservation, renewable energy, and counterterrorism.

    The extensive list of affected partnerships includes prominent environmental bodies such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The withdrawal strategy also encompasses agreements concerning maritime security, anti-piracy operations, and initiatives dedicated to women’s empowerment. According to the administration’s assessment, these 66 entities—31 of which are UN-linked—have been deemed ‘contrary to the interests of the United States.’

    This sweeping action follows a comprehensive review of international commitments conducted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio at President Trump’s direction. The examination covered all treaties, conventions, and organizations where the U.S. holds membership or signatory status.

    The policy has drawn sharp criticism from environmental and scientific communities. Rachel Cleetus, policy director and lead economist for the Union of Concerned Scientists, characterized the withdrawal from global climate agreements as ‘a new low’ for the administration. She further described the move as indicative of an ‘authoritarian, anti-science administration determined to sacrifice people’s well-being and destabilize global cooperation.’

    In response to the announcement, the United Nations issued a statement through the Secretary-General’s Spokesperson expressing regret over the White House’s decision. The UN emphasized that assessed contributions to its regular budget and peacekeeping operations remain a legal obligation for all member states, including the United States. Despite the withdrawals, the organization affirmed its commitment to continuing its mandated operations, stating: ‘The United Nations has a responsibility to deliver for those who depend on us. We will continue to carry out our mandates with determination.’

  • Elderly woman’s fall sparks community outrage

    Elderly woman’s fall sparks community outrage

    A potentially tragic incident in Goodland Gardens has ignited urgent calls for infrastructure reform across Barbados. Seventy-two-year-old Lolene Rawlins survived a harrowing fall into an 87-foot well concealed by overgrown vegetation on Monday, prompting immediate rescue operations by the Barbados Fire Service and Roving Response team.

    The near-fatal accident has exposed critical gaps in public safety monitoring, particularly regarding abandoned and unsecured wells throughout the island nation. Ministry of Transport and Works crews responded by implementing temporary safety measures at the incident site, including plywood covers and caution-taped wooden barriers.

    Local residents revealed this was not an isolated case. Edwin Denny, a community witness, cited multiple previous incidents including a fatal 2019 case where 18-year-old Kyrique Boyce died after a well cover collapsed. “This isn’t the first person,” Denny emphasized, noting similar accidents in St. James where individuals have fallen into uncovered wells.

    The community has initiated grassroots efforts to identify hazardous sites, with resident Christopher Alleyne advocating for collaborative action between citizens, authorities, and media. “Instead of sitting back and talking, you can get involved and do your little piece,” Alleyne urged, promoting community-led hazard reporting.

    However, frustration simmers among residents who believe warnings were historically ignored. One visibly angry resident questioned the reactive approach: “Nobody speaks about it until somebody has jumped in there, so who next is going to die in there?”

    Ministry officials acknowledged systemic challenges. Drainage Supervisor Troy Jones admitted many wells remain undocumented due to their secluded locations. “Sometimes it takes a situation like this for us to be aware,” Jones stated, confirming the incident would improve future mapping and identification efforts.

    While temporary measures are being deployed, officials note that permanent solutions require coordinated long-term planning. The incident marks the latest in a series of well-related accidents, including a 2019 National Conservation Commission worker’s survival story and a 2022 case where a young man survived a 42-foot fall with minor injuries.

  • New Ozone Protection Rules to Affect Imports of Refrigerators and Air Conditioners

    New Ozone Protection Rules to Affect Imports of Refrigerators and Air Conditioners

    Belize has enacted comprehensive environmental legislation targeting the importation of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment as part of its enhanced commitment to ozone layer preservation and emission reduction. The Department of the Environment (DOE) confirmed that the Environmental Protection (Ozone Layer Protection) Regulations, 2025 will be implemented through a phased approach over the forthcoming quarter.

    The regulatory framework establishes stringent controls over refrigerants—climate-impacting gases utilized in cooling mechanisms—which pose significant environmental threats when improperly handled. Commercial importers now face mandatory registration with the DOE at a fee of $1,000, supplemented by per-shipment licensing requirements processed via the government’s digital permitting platform. The regulations maintain absolute prohibitions on specified obsolete refrigerants known for their ozone-depleting properties, commonly found in aging cooling systems.

    Residential importers receive modified provisions, permitting individuals to import up to two appliances annually for personal utilization through a streamlined exemption process. This simplified pathway, available for $25, exempts household consumers from comprehensive commercial licensing procedures.

    The three-month transitional phase will incorporate public awareness initiatives to facilitate regulatory compliance. Authorities urge both commercial stakeholders and private citizens to familiarize themselves with the updated protocols to prevent potential operational delays or compliance penalties.

  • PM Skerrit says now is the time for greater unity in Dominica

    PM Skerrit says now is the time for greater unity in Dominica

    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has issued a compelling appeal for national solidarity as the Caribbean nation confronts significant diplomatic challenges with the United States. Speaking at a recent press conference, Skerrit addressed the dual developments that have placed Dominica under international scrutiny: its inclusion on the U.S. travel restriction list and a new visa bond requirement imposed by the Trump administration.

    The restrictions, enacted through a presidential proclamation on December 16, 2025, cite national security concerns and deficiencies in foreign identity-management systems. Concurrently, the U.S. State Department has classified Dominica among 38 nations whose citizens must now post financial bonds—typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000—when applying for B1/B2 visas, creating substantial financial barriers for Dominican travelers.

    Skerrit emphasized that these external pressures should transcend political divisions, stating, ‘There are moments in time when we have to stand in solidarity with each other.’ He rejected opposition narratives that frame international challenges as opportunities for political gain, noting that crises affect all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

    The Prime Minister highlighted his administration’s consistent leadership through various national challenges, both natural and external. ‘I maintain a calm and level head when challenges confront us,’ Skerrit asserted, positioning himself as a steady leader capable of navigating complex international relations. He called for collective problem-solving, urging citizens to contribute their ‘skills and talent at the disposal of the state.’

    Looking forward, Skerrit expressed hope for increased national unity in 2026, emphasizing shared responsibility and mutual benefits for all Dominicans amidst these diplomatic hurdles.

  • VS trekt zich terug uit 66 internationale organisaties

    VS trekt zich terug uit 66 internationale organisaties

    In a sweeping move that signals a profound shift in foreign policy, the Trump administration has formally suspended U.S. financial support to 66 international organizations through a presidential executive order signed Wednesday. The targeted entities span multiple United Nations agencies and global partnerships, with particular focus on climate, labor, and social initiatives that the administration has characterized as “woke” overreach.

    The extensive list includes both UN-affiliated bodies and independent international forums such as the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation and the Global Counterterrorism Forum. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the action, stating many organizations were “redundant, poorly managed, wasteful of resources, and threatened U.S. sovereignty and prosperity.”

    This withdrawal represents an acceleration of the administration’s selective approach to global engagement, following previous exits from the World Health Organization, UN Refugee Agency (UNRWA), and UN Human Rights Council. Critics describe the approach as a “my-way-or-the-highway” strategy that only embraces international cooperation when perfectly aligned with Washington’s interests.

    The policy shift coincides with heightened U.S. military activities that have unsettled both allies and adversaries. Recent actions include the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and signals that the U.S. might consider acquiring Greenland. On Wednesday morning, U.S. authorities seized two Venezuelan-linked oil tankers under sanctions, part of broader efforts to control the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

    Among the most significant withdrawals is from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the foundation of the Paris Climate Agreement that the U.S. previously abandoned under Trump. Climate experts and former advisors have condemned the move as “shortsighted and damaging” to global climate policy.

    The disengagement extends to humanitarian efforts, including defunding the UN Population Fund, which supports global sexual and reproductive healthcare. While Republican critics had previously accused the organization of promoting forced abortions, a subsequent State Department evaluation found no evidence supporting these claims.

    The administration indicates it will redirect resources to strengthen U.S. influence in strategic international institutions where competition with China is intensifying, particularly the International Telecommunication Union and International Labor Organization.

    This mass withdrawal forces the UN and related bodies into significant restructuring and budget cuts while highlighting the growing divide between the U.S. and other nations on multilateral cooperation. The repercussions may fundamentally reshape global approaches to climate change, human rights, and security challenges.

  • BCCI Warns Against BTL-SMART Acquisition Without Competition Safeguards

    BCCI Warns Against BTL-SMART Acquisition Without Competition Safeguards

    The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has issued a stark warning regarding the proposed acquisition of Speednet/SMART by state-owned Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), asserting that the transaction could dramatically reconfigure the nation’s telecommunications landscape with profound implications for consumers, businesses, and national financial stability.

    While acknowledging potential efficiency gains and enhanced investment capacity through market consolidation, the BCCI emphasized that the absence of a robust legal framework and protective measures makes any current endorsement of the deal premature and potentially detrimental to national interests.

    The Chamber delineated four critical areas of concern. First, it highlighted significant transparency deficits, particularly regarding the limited disclosure of ownership structures and valuation methodologies, which obstruct public and stakeholder assessment of the deal’s fairness and underlying motivations. Second, reported connections between Speednet ownership and politically exposed individuals have created perceptions of conflict of interest, raising fundamental questions about whether the acquisition serves public welfare or private advantage.

    Third, the BCCI expressed apprehension about the financial exposure of the Social Security Board as a major shareholder, warning that inadequate oversight could jeopardize its capacity to fulfill benefit obligations to contributors. Finally, the Chamber cautioned that market consolidation without stringent safeguards could precipitate higher consumer prices, diminished service quality, reduced innovation, and weakened bargaining power for both individual consumers and corporate entities.

    The political dimension emerged when Prime Minister John Briceño, addressing the matter in December 2025, distanced himself from the negotiations, characterizing BTL as a private entity despite government ownership and emphasizing that any transaction would require comprehensive public justification.

    Earlier, in July 2025, business magnate Lord Michael Ashcroft provided context during a media appearance, revealing that the Waterloo Charitable Trust—which also controls Universal Health Services—holds majority ownership of Speednet. Ashcroft contended that monopoly concerns should be balanced against BTL’s predominantly government-owned status, suggesting profits ultimately benefit the state. He further argued that strategic consolidation might be necessary for Belize to compete effectively against emerging global competitors like Starlink, warning that failure to adapt could result in foreign dominance of the telecommunications market.

    The BCCI concluded that any consideration of the acquisition must be predicated on the prior establishment and implementation of comprehensive competition and merger control legislation, mirroring frameworks adopted in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Essential prerequisites include full verified disclosure of beneficial ownership, independent third-party valuation, transparent public consultation processes, binding commitments on pricing and service quality, and absolute protection of public pension funds. The Chamber urgently called upon the Government of Belize and all involved parties to suspend consolidation efforts until these fundamental safeguards are formally enacted.