Carib Scope

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  • Loaded fight card for Saturday’s Wray & Nephew Fight Night in Olympic Gardens

    Loaded fight card for Saturday’s Wray & Nephew Fight Night in Olympic Gardens

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Boxing Association (JBA) has unveiled an electrifying lineup for the upcoming Wray & Nephew Fight Night, set to commence at 7:00 pm on Saturday at the Cling Cling Oval in Olympic Gardens. The event promises to be a celebration of boxing talent, community spirit, and entertainment.

    Earlier this week, the JBA hosted a media briefing at the Suga Olympic Gym, where several boxers on the card expressed their confidence and determination to deliver a memorable performance. The association, along with sponsor Wray & Nephew, emphasized their commitment to creating an unforgettable experience that highlights local talent while introducing international competition.

    The fight card features 14 bouts, including 11 amateur and 3 professional matches. The main event will showcase rising star Juzier Heron, who will face Robert Martinez of the Dominican Republic in a welterweight clash. Another highlight includes the professional debut of Police Campbell, who will take on Kevin ‘Bus Boy’ Hylton in a welterweight showdown. Additionally, a late addition to the card pits cruiserweight Jermaine Bowen against Jaden ‘Mad Slug’ Eccleston of the Cayman Islands, promising an explosive encounter.

    Heron exuded confidence, predicting a decisive victory in the third or fourth round. Campbell, equally self-assured, highlighted his eight-month preparation for the fight, vowing to showcase his talent. Hylton, on the other hand, emphasized his preference for action over words, asserting his readiness to conquer his opponent.

    Stephen ‘Bomber’ Jones, president of the JBA, underscored the significance of the event, noting Jamaica’s deep-rooted passion for boxing. He emphasized the role of boxers as community ambassadors and expressed optimism about the turnout and support from the Olympic Gardens community.

    Kerry Ann Bryan of Wray & Nephew echoed these sentiments, describing the event as a platform to reignite Jamaica’s love for boxing. She highlighted the broader impact of Fight Night, which extends beyond sports to celebrate community, opportunity, and the indomitable spirit of Jamaicans. Fans can anticipate an action-packed evening featuring both professional and amateur fights, supported by Wray & Nephew’s commitment to fostering talent and engaging the community.

  • Youth have key role to play in ensuring a sustainable future says Cox

    Youth have key role to play in ensuring a sustainable future says Cox

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Damian Cox, Senior Director of the Access to Information Unit (AIU), emphasized the critical role of environmental education in shaping a sustainable future during his keynote address at the AIU’s Right to Know Week 2025 Conference. Held at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston, the event underscored the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges.

    Cox highlighted that youth, as future leaders, must be empowered through education to foster sustainable practices. He referenced the United Nations General Assembly’s affirmation that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a vital component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in achieving quality education and enabling other global objectives.

    The AIU, under the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, has collaborated with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) to implement programs engaging students in sustainable environmental initiatives. Cox stressed that young people are the innovators of tomorrow, and their success is pivotal to the nation’s progress.

    Addressing the conference theme, ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age,’ Cox acknowledged the digital revolution’s potential to facilitate information sharing and foster intergenerational solutions. However, he cautioned against challenges such as the digital divide, data privacy concerns, and misinformation, which require careful navigation.

    Cox called for collective efforts to bridge these gaps, ensuring inclusive and equitable access to education and information. He reiterated the AIU’s commitment to providing the public with access to environmental and legal information, aligning with its mission to promote transparency and democratic engagement.

    The Right to Know Week 2025 concluded on September 28, coinciding with the International Day for Universal Access to Information, a UNESCO initiative advocating for public access to information held by governmental bodies.

  • Venezuela at UN seeks support against US ‘threat’

    Venezuela at UN seeks support against US ‘threat’

    Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto delivered a scathing critique of the United States during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, denouncing what he described as an unjustified military threat. Pinto accused the US of fabricating baseless allegations to justify its aggressive actions in the Caribbean, including the deployment of warships and a nuclear-powered submarine under the guise of combating drug trafficking. He emphasized that Venezuela lacks weapons of mass destruction or nuclear capabilities, rendering the US claims as “vulgar and perverse lies.” Pinto also expressed gratitude to global governments and citizens, including those in the US, for opposing what he termed an attempt to provoke war. Recent US military operations in the Caribbean have resulted in the destruction of at least three suspected drug boats and the deaths of over a dozen individuals, actions condemned by UN experts as “extrajudicial executions.” The US has further rejected calls for dialogue from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose legitimacy remains unrecognized by Washington due to allegations of electoral irregularities. Maduro, a prominent leftist leader, has not attended this year’s UN meetings, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeling him a fugitive following a US indictment on drug-trafficking charges.

  • BWA unveils safeguards to protect communities during $160M overhaul

    BWA unveils safeguards to protect communities during $160M overhaul

    As Barbados prepares to embark on a transformative $160 million water infrastructure upgrade, authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety measures designed to protect residents and minimize disruptions. At a recent public stakeholder engagement session held at Lester Vaughan School, the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) unveiled a detailed Strategic Environmental and Social Management Plan (SESMP). This plan outlines 18 specific programs addressing critical areas such as occupational health and safety, road safety, air quality, noise control, and compliance monitoring. Federico Scodelaro of the IDB explained that the SESMP aims to conduct a thorough evaluation of environmental and social impacts, establish mitigation strategies, and implement robust management procedures to minimize risks throughout the project’s lifecycle, from construction to operation and eventual closure. Scodelaro highlighted potential challenges, including occupational accidents, dust and noise pollution, and temporary road diversions in high-traffic areas. However, he also pointed to the project’s positive outcomes, such as job creation, enhanced water supply reliability, and improved groundwater conservation. To ensure accountability, a three-tier grievance redress mechanism has been established, prioritizing urgent safety concerns for swift resolution. The infrastructure program is divided into four key components: $100 million for replacing 100 kilometers of deteriorated water mains, $50 million for leak detection and network optimization, $6 million for enhancing BWA’s technical capacity, and $4 million for staffing, audits, and SESMP implementation. BWA Project Manager Shelley Parris emphasized the project’s focus on improving service delivery, climate resilience, and resource management. She acknowledged the challenges of funding and the need for further upgrades, noting that while this project addresses 100 kilometers of mains, over 400 kilometers still require replacement. The full SESMP document is accessible online and at various public locations, including BWA headquarters and public libraries across Barbados.

  • Antiguans Overwhelmingly Back Swyft App, Calling It Long Overdue

    Antiguans Overwhelmingly Back Swyft App, Calling It Long Overdue

    The launch of the Swyft ride-hailing app in Antigua has ignited a wave of enthusiasm among residents, who view it as a long-awaited modernization of the country’s outdated taxi system. Social media platforms have been abuzz with praise for the app, with many comparing it to global giants like Uber. Residents have lauded Swyft for its convenience, safety features, and transparency, while criticizing traditional taxi associations for resisting innovation. The app’s introduction has sparked a heated debate about the future of transportation in Antigua, with many calling for a shift toward digital platforms to keep pace with global trends. Swyft has emphasized its commitment to enhancing, rather than replacing, existing taxi services, offering features such as GPS tracking, real-time booking, upfront fares, and cashless payments. The app’s successful debut during Carnival 2025, with over 300 rides booked on its first day, underscores the public’s demand for change. Despite warnings from taxi associations about threats to tradition and livelihoods, the overwhelming response suggests a growing impatience with the status quo and a strong appetite for progress.

  • Government to prioritise derelict building revival

    Government to prioritise derelict building revival

    As Barbados approaches its 60th year of independence, the government has announced the revival of long-stalled plans to convert abandoned public and private buildings into homes, offices, and rental units. New Housing Minister Chris Gibbs unveiled this vision during the Technical and Vocational Education Training Council’s fourth Barbados Annual Construction and Design Conference at Sandals Royal, Maxwell, Christ Church. Gibbs emphasized the urgency of addressing derelict structures, which he described as both unsightly and potential hubs for illegal activities. The initiative aims to provide shelter for those displaced by disasters, create office space for expanding government departments, and offer rental units, while tackling the broader issue of neglected properties. Gibbs highlighted the advantage of government-owned buildings, which can be repurposed without extensive legal hurdles. This project builds on previous efforts by former Housing Minister Dwight Sutherland, who had announced plans to transform over 25,000 derelict buildings and vacant lots island-wide. A $700,000 grant from the Inter-American Development Bank will help launch the program, with work expected to begin in 2025, starting in urban areas like Mason Hall Street and Green Fields. Gibbs has already discussed the initiative with senior officials, underscoring its priority on the government’s agenda.

  • Dominica delegation participates in 18th OECS Credit Union Summit in St. Kitts

    Dominica delegation participates in 18th OECS Credit Union Summit in St. Kitts

    A delegation of 23 representatives from Dominica is actively participating in the 18th Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Credit Union Summit, held from September 23 to 28, 2025, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. The group comprises staff and volunteers from four prominent credit unions—Central Cooperative Credit Union, Marigot Cooperative Credit Union, West Coast Co-operative Credit Union, and National Cooperative Credit Union—alongside officials from the Dominica Co-operative League Ltd and the Corporate Finance Facility (CORPEFF).

    The summit, themed “One Vision, One Future: OECS Credit Unions Growing Together,” is organized by the St. Kitts and Nevis National Co-operative League Ltd. It aims to unite cooperators from across the OECS region to devise strategies for bolstering the credit union movement and tackling economic challenges through cooperative business models.

    The event kicked off with an Opening Ceremony on September 24, featuring a keynote address by Timothy Antoine, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). His presentation, titled “Navigating the Economic and Financial Landscape of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU): Are Credit Unions Positioned for Strategic Expansion?” laid the groundwork for the week’s discussions.

    Participants are engaging in a variety of sessions, including plenary discussions, fire side chats, round table engagements, and networking events. Key topics under discussion include modernizing regulatory standards, the potential of green lending, diversifying investment portfolios, multi-generational member engagement, building resilient IT ecosystems, strengthening governance, and reimagining operational models for strategic growth.

    The Dominica delegation departed on September 23 and is set to return on September 28, following the summit’s conclusion.

  • Maloney Group to invest $700M in major housing developments

    Maloney Group to invest $700M in major housing developments

    Barbados is set to witness a transformative investment of over $700 million in two of its largest housing developments, spearheaded by construction magnate Mark Maloney. The executive chairman of The Maloney Group unveiled ambitious expansion plans for The Residences at Coverley and Atlantic Breeze in Christ Church during the TVET Council’s 4th Barbados Annual Construction and Design Conference. The Residences at Coverley, already in its first phase, will deliver nearly 600 homes, complemented by a vibrant lifestyle community featuring the island’s first dedicated nature trail and a sprawling 70,000 square-foot retail town center. Maloney emphasized the inclusion of major brands, restaurants, and entertainment venues, estimating the investment at Coverley to be around $500 million. Atlantic Breeze, with its second phase nearing completion and third phase underway, will contribute an additional $200 million, bringing the total investment to over $700 million. Homes in these developments are priced between $200,000 and $300,000, offering unmatched value, according to Maloney. Despite initial roofing issues in phase one, which have since been resolved, Maloney expressed confidence in homeowner satisfaction and the company’s commitment to addressing any concerns promptly. The government has also pledged to upgrade road infrastructure leading to the developments, with work expected to commence soon. Looking ahead, The Maloney Group is exploring additional projects, including condominiums and hospitality investments, and is considering similar developments abroad to cater to international buyers seeking well-organized, amenity-rich communities.

  • Magnate vows thousands of new posts in landmark hotel project

    Magnate vows thousands of new posts in landmark hotel project

    After a decade of delays, the construction of the Hyatt Ziva hotel at Carlisle Bay in Barbados is finally poised to begin in earnest within the next two months, according to developer Mark Maloney. The project, which represents the largest private investment in the island’s history, is a cornerstone of the government’s plan to revitalize Bridgetown with new commercial, residential, and hospitality developments. Maloney, executive chairman of The Maloney Group, revealed that preparatory work, including substructure improvements, has been completed over the past six months. The next phase will involve laying the foundation and commencing the vertical build, with the project expected to be finalized by the end of 2027. The Hyatt Ziva hotel will feature 380 rooms, adding significant capacity to Barbados’ tourism sector and complementing other ongoing developments in the area. Maloney emphasized the project’s transformative impact, noting its potential to create 2,000 construction jobs and 1,200 permanent hotel positions. He also highlighted the broader economic benefits, stating that the investment reflects confidence in Barbados’ future and will attract further overseas investment. Originally announced in 2016 as a 237-room Hyatt Centric boutique hotel, the project was later rebranded under Hyatt’s Ziva family-friendly, all-inclusive brand. The switch, though unexplained, aligns with the growing demand for comprehensive resort experiences. The Hyatt Ziva project is seen as a catalyst for renewed energy and optimism in Barbados’ hospitality and construction sectors.

  • Bursary launched for Caribbean law graduates to train on US death penalty cases

    Bursary launched for Caribbean law graduates to train on US death penalty cases

    Stanbrook Prudhoe, a Caribbean-based law firm specializing in complex cross-border disputes, has unveiled a new bursary program in collaboration with international legal charity Amicus. The Stanbrook Prudhoe Bursary aims to provide young legal professionals from the Caribbean with invaluable hands-on experience in the United States justice system, particularly in death penalty cases. The selected candidate will spend three months on an Amicus US General Volunteer Placement, working through one of Amicus’ 20 affiliate offices across the US.

    The initiative is designed to expose Caribbean lawyers to the complexities of capital defense while equipping them with skills and knowledge they can apply in their home region. Tim Prudhoe, co-founder of Stanbrook Prudhoe, emphasized the significance of the partnership, noting Amicus’ three-decade-long commitment to advocating for individuals facing the death penalty in the US. Prudhoe, who interned with Amicus in 1998 in Houston, Texas, expressed hope that the bursary would alleviate financial barriers and prepare Caribbean lawyers for careers in capital defense.

    In addition to covering associated fees, the bursary recipient will have the opportunity to attend the second weekend of Amicus’ Autumn Death Penalty Training in London. Applications are open until December 19, 2025, to holders of law degrees or equivalent professional qualifications from eligible jurisdictions, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, among others. Interested candidates can find further details on the Amicus website.