Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • APUA delivers water tanks and pumps to Christmas promotion winners

    APUA delivers water tanks and pumps to Christmas promotion winners

    The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has successfully concluded its annual Christmas promotion, delivering critical water storage infrastructure to fortunate winners across the nation. This initiative, designed to bolster water security and promote conservation, provided households with state-of-the-art water tanks and high-efficiency pumping systems.

    The distribution ceremony, attended by APUA officials and community representatives, highlighted the utility’s commitment to supporting sustainable water management practices. The awarded equipment enables recipients to better harness rainwater and improve their resilience during periods of water scarcity or scheduled utility maintenance.

    This corporate social responsibility program aligns with broader national efforts to enhance water conservation awareness. By providing tangible infrastructure solutions, APUA empowers communities to take a more active role in resource management while alleviating pressure on the public water system during peak demand periods.

    The promotion’s timing during the festive season underscores APUA’s dedication to giving back to the community while addressing practical infrastructure needs. Winners expressed appreciation for both the equipment and the educational components accompanying the installation, which provided guidance on optimal water storage and conservation techniques.

  • Grenada Postal Corporation St George’s operations temporary relocation

    Grenada Postal Corporation St George’s operations temporary relocation

    The Grenada Postal Corporation (GPC) has announced a significant operational transition for its St. George’s facilities. Beginning Monday, February 2, 2026, the corporation will temporarily relocate its main operations from Burns Point, the Public Workers Union Building collection point, and Bruce Street Post Office to a newly established facility within the National Cricket Stadium compound.

    The relocation process will commence with the closure of the PWU Building collection point after Tuesday, January 27, 2026. A temporary suspension of GPC Global services is scheduled from January 28-30, 2026 to facilitate the physical transition of operations. Full services will resume at the new location on February 2, 2026, maintaining regular business hours from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

    Customers can access the new facility through Gate 6 of the National Cricket Stadium via two primary routes: from the River Road Hump Bridge proceeding east on Queen’s Park Road, or from the Western Main Road heading west on Queen’s Park Road. Detailed directional instructions have been provided to ensure seamless navigation.

    The corporation emphasizes that all essential services will remain uninterrupted following the relocation, including GPC Global, registered mail, standard letter and parcel post, express mail services, and postage stamp sales. Post Office box customers will maintain access to their boxes at both Burns Point and Bruce Street locations throughout the transition.

    GPC management has expressed appreciation for customer understanding during this operational shift and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining service excellence throughout the relocation process.

  • APNU against vote abstention for Opposition Leader, says can hurt collaboration with WIN

    APNU against vote abstention for Opposition Leader, says can hurt collaboration with WIN

    In a significant political development, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has declared it will not abstain from voting for We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) leader Azruddin Mohamed as Guyana’s next Opposition Leader. The vote is scheduled for Monday among opposition legislators.

    APNU parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell confirmed the position on Thursday, acknowledging that while WIN holds 16 of the 29 parliamentary seats—ensuring Mr. Mohamed’s election—his party would still cast a vote in favor rather than abstain. This decision comes despite ongoing legal challenges facing Mr. Mohamed and his father, who were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for alleged gold smuggling exceeding 10,000 kilograms, valued at approximately US$50 million. The operation is accused of evading taxes owed to the Guyanese government. A U.S. Grand Jury also indicted them last October on 19 counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.

    Dr. Campbell emphasized the necessity of opposition collaboration, stating that abstention would be counterproductive. He outlined that future cooperation would extend to consultations on key appointments, such as members of Constitutional commissions, nominees for Chancellor and Chief Justice, and input on the selection of the Police Commissioner.

    When questioned about partnering with a figure mired in integrity concerns, Dr. Campbell defended the approach by stressing the importance of addressing national issues over political opposition for its own sake. He cited urgent public needs including poverty alleviation, improving water quality, and flood mitigation as priorities that require unified action. “People need help, people need relief,” he remarked, adding that APNU aims to broaden its influence while working alongside all parties until achieving government power.

    Dr. Campbell also noted that the election outcome, which granted WIN a majority of opposition seats, mandates cooperation in the national interest. This stance was echoed earlier by APNU’s Ganesh Mahipaul, who expressed urgency in fostering dialogue between the parties. Despite public exchanges, both groups have affirmed their openness to discussions.

  • Famed Trade Unionist George “The Lion” Frazer Dies

    Famed Trade Unionist George “The Lion” Frazer Dies

    The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has confirmed the passing of Brother George Frazer, a foundational pillar of their organization and a towering figure in the nation’s labor movement. Celebrated for his formidable advocacy, Frazer earned the moniker ‘The Lion’ through decades of relentless campaigning for workers’ rights.

    Frazer’s nearly 30-year tenure with the BNTU, concluding with his retirement from active leadership in 2012, was characterized by strategic strikes, protests, and negotiation campaigns that fundamentally transformed Belize’s labor environment. His philosophy was deeply rooted in principles of equality and justice, famously encapsulated in his 2012 statement to News 5: ‘God love all ah wi and wi must treat each other di way we want dehn treat wi.’

    His activism extended beyond the teaching community to embrace the struggles of municipal workers, farmers, and other marginalized labor groups. A significant moment in his career came in 2008 when he and the BNTU levied criticism against the Ministry of Education for allegedly transferring teachers for political motives, arguing such actions compromised educational standards and procedural integrity.

    Frazer’s contributions were recognized at the highest levels. In 2008, he received the Meritorious Service Award for his profound impact on education and labor. His influence also reached international arenas, having represented Belize in labor and educational dialogues across over thirty countries. A 2011 tribute by the Collet Division, which named a street in his honor, was briefly marred by vandalism but stood as a testament to his local esteem.

    The BNTU’s announcement emphasized that Frazer’s legacy is not confined to past achievements but will persist through the enduring principles he championed and the multitude of lives he influenced. The union expressed profound condolences to his family and friends, concluding with a call to honor his memory by persevering in the pursuit of the righteous causes he so fervently advanced.

  • St. Paul Residents Invited to Join Wetlands Cleanup on Sunday as Part of EbA Project Activities

    St. Paul Residents Invited to Join Wetlands Cleanup on Sunday as Part of EbA Project Activities

    The St. Paul’s and Nelson’s Dockyard National Park communities are preparing for hands-on environmental action this Sunday, January 25th, 2026, with a targeted cleanup operation at Crab Hole Wetland scheduled from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This civic engagement effort forms a crucial component of the broader EbA Caribbean Project, a multinational climate resilience initiative currently active across Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

    Organizers emphasize that the cleanup serves dual purposes: directly maintaining the health of a critical local ecosystem while simultaneously fostering community solidarity around climate adaptation strategies. Participants are instructed to gather at Crab Hole Liquors’ parking lot and are advised to wear appropriate attire for potentially muddy conditions following recent precipitation.

    The wetland cleanup represents just one element of an extensive four-day program of environmental activities spanning January 24th-27th. The comprehensive schedule includes specialized training sessions in advanced wetland monitoring techniques, covering drone mapping applications, water quality assessment protocols, and biodiversity surveillance methods. These technical workshops, occurring throughout Saturday and Sunday, are being conducted under the guidance of marine ecologist Dr. Craig Dahlgren, the designated Wetlands and Coastal Consultant for the EbA Caribbean Project in Antigua and Barbuda.

    Additional planned activities include marine species monitoring along the Falmouth Harbour periphery of Crab Hole Wetland during Monday morning, involving technical specialists and project teams. The series concludes Tuesday evening with a community focus group and stakeholder meet-and-greet session at Wadadli Spaces from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, providing residents opportunities to query project representatives and discuss broader implications.

    The event has attracted international participation, with Dr. Dahlgren and project delegates from the Dominican Republic traveling specifically for these activities. While Dr. Dahlgren leads technical components, the Dominican contingent will share cross-regional experiences and gather operational insights during their Antigua visit.

    The EbA Caribbean Project employs ecosystem-based adaptation methodologies to enhance climate change resilience, formally titled ‘Strengthening regional climate resilience and supporting green economic recovery through ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and sustainable livelihoods.’ The initiative receives funding from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund with co-financing from Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) through KfW Development Bank. Implementation involves a consortium including UN Environment Programme’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Oracabessa Marine Trust, Integrated Health Outreach Inc., Consorcio Ambiental Dominicano, and Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo.

  • Saldivar Defends Naming Minister Musa in Budna Case

    Saldivar Defends Naming Minister Musa in Budna Case

    A significant constitutional legal battle has intensified in Belize regarding the high-profile kidnapping case of Joseph Budna. Attorney Arthur Saldivar is vigorously defending his legal strategy of personally naming former Police Minister Kareem Musa in a constitutional claim against the Belizean government.

    The controversy escalated during Thursday’s proceedings when Senior Counsel Eamon Courtenay challenged the litigation approach, contending that the constitutional claim should properly target the Attorney General’s office rather than Minister Musa personally. Courtenay formally petitioned the court to dismiss the case against Musa, characterizing it as improperly directed.

    Saldivar presented a robust defense of his legal position in subsequent interviews, emphasizing that Belizean law permits naming ministers personally when allegations involve abuse of authority, negligence, or actions exceeding official governmental responsibilities. “Ministers cannot claim immunity from personal liability when constitutional violations are alleged,” Saldivar asserted.

    The attorney referenced Budna’s sworn affidavit which contains a potentially damaging account: during the alleged abduction, a checkpoint gate was reportedly raised following a phone call to an individual identified as “Kareem,” whom witnesses allegedly referred to as “boss.” Saldivar contended, “The only Kareem with sufficient authority to orchestrate such action would be the minister himself. The burden now falls upon him to demonstrate he wasn’t that person involved in that call.”

    Musa has categorically denied all allegations connecting him to the incident.

    Saldivar further criticized what he characterized as the state’s inadequate response to thoroughly investigate the kidnapping, suggesting that governmental inaction might itself constitute negligence. He dismissed the motion to strike the case as premature, noting that the civil proceeding hasn’t yet reached the evidence disclosure and witness testimony phases.

    Meanwhile, Courtenay maintains that no substantive evidence links his client to the kidnapping allegations and has sought legal costs reimbursement, arguing it would be unjust for Musa to bear expenses from what he considers an improperly filed claim.

    The case has exposed tensions within Belize’s legal and political spheres, with Saldivar accusing the government of engaging in a “cover-up” to protect officials who may have acted with official sanction.

  • China bevestigt steun aan Brazilië en pleit voor versterking VN in turbulente tijden

    China bevestigt steun aan Brazilië en pleit voor versterking VN in turbulente tijden

    In a significant diplomatic development, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a comprehensive 45-minute phone conversation on Friday, solidifying their nations’ strategic alignment against perceived American hegemony in Latin America.

    The high-level discussion, confirmed by both governments, centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation and protecting what both leaders termed ‘the collective interests of the Global South.’ This dialogue occurred against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions following the United States’ controversial military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on drug trafficking charges three weeks prior.

    President Xi emphatically reassured Brazil of China’s unwavering support for Latin America’s largest economy, positioning Beijing as a reliable partner in contrast to Washington’s interventionist policies. The Chinese leader emphasized the critical need to uphold the United Nations’ central role in maintaining international stability during what he described as ‘the current turbulent global situation.’

    This show of Sino-Brazilian solidarity comes precisely one week after President Lula published a scathing critique in the New York Times condemning American actions in Venezuela. The Brazilian leader highlighted that South America is experiencing its first direct military assault from the United States in over two centuries, despite historical patterns of indirect intervention.

    The Venezuelan operation has triggered widespread concern throughout Latin America, with many nations fearing it might establish a precedent for future military interventions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed alarm that the American action jeopardizes fundamental principles of international law, including the sovereign equality of member states.

    In a tangible demonstration of strengthened ties, Brazil announced reciprocal measures regarding visa exemptions for Chinese citizens. The Brazilian government revealed plans to waive short-term visa requirements for certain categories of Chinese travelers, mirroring China’s visa-free policy implemented for Brazilians last year.

    President Xi referenced the 2024 strategic partnership framework that aligns China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Brazil’s development priorities in agriculture, infrastructure, and energy transition. This coordination exemplifies what both leaders characterize as South-South cooperation—a model of collaboration between developing nations outside traditional Western-dominated frameworks.

    The conversation also addressed broader geopolitical concerns, including former President Trump’s threatened forcible acquisition of Greenland, which has created additional tensions with European security partners. Analysts observe that China’s growing influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, manifested through substantial infrastructure investments and credit lines, directly challenges Washington’s historical dominance in the region.

    President Xi concluded by affirming China’s commitment to being ‘a good friend and partner’ to Latin American and Caribbean nations, expressing Beijing’s ambition to construct ‘a community with a shared future’ between China and the region.

  • Man remanded after drug trafficking charge

    Man remanded after drug trafficking charge

    A 42-year-old resident of St. Michael, Barbados, has been ordered to remain in custody at Dodds Prison following his not guilty plea to serious drug-related allegations. Anthony Francis Lerius of Upper Wellington Street appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna on Friday, facing charges of undertaking acts preparatory to drug trafficking.

    The charges stem from a targeted operation conducted by the Barbados Police Service Narcotics Unit between December 1, 2025, and January 16, 2026. During this investigation, law enforcement authorities successfully intercepted and confiscated approximately 28 kilograms of substances believed to be cannabis. The seized narcotics carry an estimated street value of $448,000, highlighting the significant scale of the alleged operation.

    Following the court proceedings, Lerius was formally remanded into the custody of the Barbados Prison Service. The case has been scheduled for further hearing on Monday, January 26, 2026, when the judicial process will continue to unfold. This prosecution represents part of Barbados’ ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking activities within the Caribbean nation.

  • OCOP Saint Lucia: Building Sustainable Livelihoods, One Community at a Time

    OCOP Saint Lucia: Building Sustainable Livelihoods, One Community at a Time

    Saint Lucia is pioneering an innovative economic development model through the One Community One Product (OCOP) initiative, adapted from Japan’s renowned One Village One Product (OVOP) framework. This transformative program demonstrates how local products and their unique heritage can generate market demand while creating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.

    Implemented through a strategic partnership between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Climate Change, OCOP employs a community-based value-chain methodology for local product development. The initiative focuses on enhancing skills, adding commercial value to existing agricultural products, and ensuring equitable distribution of economic and social benefits across entire communities—from farmers and processors to households and consumers.

    Following extensive preliminary engagements in Soufrière, Micoud, and Laborie communities throughout the previous year, the project has now entered its focused implementation phase. Babonneau has been selected as the pilot community due to its established tradition of household-level value addition, particularly among women who have historically processed local produce for domestic use.

    The current phase centers on the Saint Lucia Network of Rural Women Producers (Babonneau Cluster), involving approximately fourteen local women—primarily mothers—who are receiving hands-on training in value addition and agro-processing techniques. According to Kendra Payne, local consultant supporting the project implementation, this phase has been deliberately designed to build upon existing community assets: “It’s about working with what already exists in the community and shaping it into something realistic, sustainable, and meaningful for the people involved.”

    The initiative has fostered collaborative partnerships with key organizations including the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), which has provided ongoing institutional support, and the Ministry of Agriculture’s Marketing Unit, which has been instrumental in supporting rollout activities. The women of the Babonneau Cluster have been particularly instrumental, sharing knowledge, mentoring new participants, and leading community engagement efforts.

    As OCOP advances in Babonneau, the accumulated insights and methodologies will inform future expansion into additional communities across Saint Lucia, ensuring that each product not only achieves market success but authentically embodies the OCOP philosophy—where every product tells a meaningful community story.

  • American woman is alive and well in Guyana

    American woman is alive and well in Guyana

    In a reassuring development, 69-year-old American retiree Mary Jones has been confirmed safe and well in Guyana, following concerns raised by her family after losing contact with her since early October 2025. The former registered nurse from New Jersey, who had been officially listed as missing by U.S. authorities, voluntarily came forward after learning about media reports concerning her disappearance.

    Ms. Jones proactively contacted the American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy in Guyana upon discovering she was the subject of a missing person investigation. Embassy officials facilitated her completion of necessary documentation authorizing the disclosure of her whereabouts to concerned parties. She was subsequently referred to the Guyana Police Force to formally confirm her safety status.

    The senior citizen explained her silence resulted from a personal decision to explore life in a new country. ‘I’m 69 years old and so I make decisions myself,’ Jones stated, emphasizing her autonomy in choosing to relocate to Guyana. She has resided at multiple locations since her arrival and expressed strong consideration toward permanent settlement in the South American nation.

    Her disappearance report, filed by her sister on October 28, 2025, had triggered the suspension of Social Security payments. Jones indicated these benefits would resume in February following confirmation of her wellbeing. She acknowledged informing family members that she would disclose her residence once established.

    Cross-border coordination between law enforcement agencies confirmed the resolution of this case. The Gloucester Police Department in New Jersey verified receiving official notification from the U.S. Embassy in Guyana regarding Jones’s safety. ‘The American Embassy in Guyana had already contacted our law enforcement agency, informing that the woman was fine,’ confirmed an officer from the department.

    When questioned about her motivation for choosing Guyana, Jones cited dissatisfaction with certain conditions in the United States. ‘A lot of things were happening in my country that I wasn’t too happy about,’ she explained, ‘and so I thought let me come here and try a new country.’

    The case highlights both the effectiveness of international missing person protocols and the growing phenomenon of senior citizens pursuing alternative retirement destinations abroad.