Carib Scope

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  • Telecom and banking leaders partner to advance Caribbean digital economy

    Telecom and banking leaders partner to advance Caribbean digital economy

    Two leading Caribbean industry bodies have announced a landmark strategic partnership set to reshape the region’s digital economy, uniting the telecommunications and financial sectors around a shared mission to drive digital transformation and foster innovative financial solutions.

    The Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), the collective voice of regional financial institutions, and CANTO, the Caribbean’s primary ICT industry trade association, formalized their collaboration via a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), according to an official press release from CAB. The structured partnership is explicitly designed to bridge long-standing operational and strategic gaps between the telecom and banking sectors, two foundational pillars of the Caribbean’s growing digital economy. Both organizations have confirmed the agreement aligns with their shared objectives: upgrading legacy financial services and building the robust digital infrastructure required to support modern digital commerce.

    The timing of this alliance could not be more relevant, as the overlapping growth of digital connectivity, fintech innovation, and digital financial services continues to redefine the Caribbean’s economic landscape. By combining their industry expertise, networks, and resources, the two groups have outlined four core priorities: expanding access to digital financial services for unbanked and underbanked populations, upgrading regional cybersecurity protections to counter evolving threats, modernizing outdated core banking systems, and building resilient, future-ready digital infrastructure across all Caribbean nations.

    To deliver on these goals, the partnership will launch a series of coordinated cross-industry initiatives. First, the organizations will collaborate on participation in major regional gatherings, including CANTO’s annual flagship CANTO Connect event, CAB’s Annual General Meetings, and other key industry conferences. Second, they will roll out joint marketing and public outreach campaigns targeted at stakeholders across the Caribbean to raise awareness of digital transformation benefits. Third, an annual Telecom-Banking Roundtable will be convened, bringing together C-suite leaders from both sectors, top regional regulators, and national policymakers to align on strategic priorities. Fourth, the partnership will develop specialized training and capacity-building programs focused on high-priority areas including digital banking operations, artificial intelligence integration, cybersecurity defense, enterprise risk management, and regulatory adaptation for digital innovation. Finally, the two groups will establish a regular framework for sharing insights on emerging fintech trends, growing cyber and fraud threats, new payment system innovations, and best practices for building digital resilience.

    These collaborative efforts aim to break down silos between the two sectors, equipping telecom providers, financial institutions, and public officials to tackle shared pressing challenges that have held back regional growth. Key issues the alliance will address include streamlining inefficient cross-border payment systems, scaling accessible mobile financial services, and developing interoperable, secure digital identity frameworks.

    Founded in 1985, CANTO boasts a broad membership network spanning telecom operators, ICT service providers, national governments, and regional development institutions, and has long played a central role in shaping the Caribbean’s regional digital strategy. CAB, by contrast, serves as the unified advocacy body for the Caribbean banking sector, working to advance responsible innovation, preserve financial stability, and support inclusive, sustainable economic growth across the region.

    In statements following the signing of the MoU, leadership from both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to building a more digitally connected, inclusive, and globally competitive Caribbean economy, where technological progress and financial development work in lockstep to drive long-term, shared prosperity.

    CANTO Secretary General Teresa Wankin emphasized the unique value of cross-sector collaboration for the region, noting that aligning the Caribbean’s robust connectivity ecosystem with its financial sector unlocks new opportunities for innovation, broadened financial inclusion, and accelerated inclusive economic growth across all island nations.

    Wendy Delmar, Chief Executive Officer of CAB, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the partnership strengthens the banking sector’s ability to innovate securely, adapt to rapidly shifting regulatory and risk landscapes, and deliver more inclusive, customer-centric digital financial services to populations across the region. Delmar added that closer strategic alignment between telecom and banking creates a stronger foundation for a more resilient, competitive regional economy that can compete on the global stage.

    As digital transformation accelerates across every global region, this cross-industry alliance positions the Caribbean to capitalize on emerging digital opportunities, leveraging coordinated action, technological innovation, and shared expertise to drive sustainable, long-term economic progress for the region.

  • Saint Lucia table tennis teams qualify for CAC Games

    Saint Lucia table tennis teams qualify for CAC Games

    In a milestone achievement for Caribbean table tennis, all six members of Saint Lucia’s national table tennis squad have secured qualification for the 2024 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, marking the first time in the island nation’s history that both its men’s and women’s teams will compete at the regional multi-sport event. Scheduled to run from July 24 to August 8 in the Dominican Republic, this year’s CAC Games will welcome the Saint Lucian contingent after a strong showing at the regional qualifying tournament held earlier this month in Santo Domingo.

    The qualifying event saw all six athletes — Manie Eleuthere, Leshon Francis, DeAndre Calderon on the men’s side, and Cherese Dearcheville, Shatal Charles, Zariana Anthony representing the women — secure top-eight finishes in their respective group standings to advance. Notably, Saint Lucia stands alone as the only English-speaking Caribbean nation to earn spots for both genders in the CAC Games table tennis competition this cycle.

    In an interview with local outlet St Lucia Times, head coach Chris Wells highlighted the team’s extraordinary mental toughness throughout the qualifier, pointing to a standout clash against Jamaica as the defining moment of the tournament for his squad. “The match against Jamaica really showed what this team is made of,” Wells explained.

    Wells recounted the tense back-and-forth of the upset win: after Eleuthere and Francis claimed a hard-fought victory in the opening doubles match, which was evenly matched from start to finish, DeAndre Calderon took the court against Jamaica’s top-ranked player. After splitting the first two sets, Calderon maintained his composure despite loud, distracting but legal support from the Jamaican bench, digging deep to claim the win and put Saint Lucia up 2-1 in the team tie. When Francis dropped the next match to leave the overall score tied 2-2, Eleuthere stepped up for the decisive final rubber against Azizi, the Jamaican player who had pushed Calderon hard earlier in the day.

    The decider was just as dramatic: Eleuthere took the first game, only to see Azizi rally back to take a 2-1 set lead. Eleuthere fought back to level the match at 2-2, and fell behind 7-4 in the decisive fifth game. Calling a timeout to reset, Eleuthere refocused, reeled off consecutive points to force a Jamaican timeout, and closed out the match with an 11-7 win in the final game, securing a 3-1 team victory for Saint Lucia. Throughout the entire men’s team qualifying event, Calderon remained undefeated, winning all three of his individual matches.

    The men’s side started their group stage campaign with a narrow 3-2 loss to El Salvador before their upset win over Jamaica pushed them into the top two of their four-team group, enough to secure qualification. For the women’s team, the road to the CAC Games was even more groundbreaking: this is the first time any Saint Lucian women’s table tennis team has qualified for the regional competition. After finishing outside the top two in their group stage, with losses to Colombia (3-0), Trinidad and Tobago (3-0) and a narrow 3-2 defeat to Guyana, the team earned a spot in a do-or-die playoff against Jamaica — and pulled off another upset win to book their place in the main draw.

    Following their successful qualifying campaign, both Saint Lucian teams will remain in the Dominican Republic for the next two weeks to compete in the Senior and Junior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships, gaining valuable on-site competitive experience ahead of July’s CAC Games.

  • Saint Lucians set national records at US collegiate meets

    Saint Lucians set national records at US collegiate meets

    A historic week for Saint Lucian track and field unfolded across multiple United States collegiate competitions, with two new national records set and a series of standout podium performances cementing the Caribbean nation’s rising presence in NCAA circuit competition.

    Leading the wave of record-breaking results was hurdler Khailan Vitalis, a junior transfer athlete at Clemson University, competing at the 98th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays hosted in Austin. In the preliminary rounds of the men’s 110-meter hurdles, Vitalis clocked a ninth-place qualifying time of 13.82 seconds, shaving one hundredth of a second off his own previous personal best, which he set at the 2024 Jo Meaker Classic and Multi. This new mark not only earned him a spot in the event final but also established a new Saint Lucian national record. Though the promising athlete clipped a hurdle during the final round and was unable to finish the race, his preliminary performance still ranks as the 13th fastest time recorded by any Commonwealth Games athlete so far this year.

    The second national record of the week came from hammer thrower Lauralyn Clifford, a senior transfer at the University of Texas San Antonio. Competing on the same Austin track at Mike A. Myers Stadium, Clifford extended her own national record with a throw of 58.57 meters (192 feet 2 inches), enough to secure a fifth-place finish in the event. Clifford currently holds the top position in the women’s hammer throw rankings across the American Conference, and her latest throw puts her within just one meter of breaking the UTSA program record. She also ranks among the top 25 hammer throwers from all Commonwealth Games nations this season.

    Beyond the two record-breaking performances, several other Saint Lucian athletes claimed top finishes at meets across the country. Sprinter Miguel Charlery picked up a pair of first-place titles at the All-American Meet hosted by East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, taking gold in both the men’s 100-meter sprint with a time of 10.81 seconds and the 200-meter sprint with a 21.74 second finish. Mid-distance runner Kereser Augustin also claimed a top spot competing for Washburn University at the 18th Annual David Suenram Gorilla Classic, winning the women’s 400-meter race in 56.44 seconds while also placing 13th in the 100-meter sprint with a time of 12.61 seconds.

    NCAA Division I All-American high jumper Jenneil Jacobie delivered an inspiring performance, overcoming a recent ankle injury to clear 1.76 meters (5 feet 9.25 inches) and take second place for East Texas A&M University at the Bobcat Invitational. At the Joey Hanes Invite, thrower Natalie Albert secured third place competing for the University of Memphis with a 56.57-meter hammer throw.

    A host of other Saint Lucian athletes also recorded solid results across the week of competition: Michael Joseph placed fifth in the men’s 400-meter at the LSU Battle on the Bayou with a 45.53 second time; Asa clocked a 3:59.56 to take 24th in the men’s 1500-meter at the George Mason Dalton Ebanks Invite, where Rayshawn Harris placed 61st in the men’s 800-meter with a 2:02.18; Shamael Durand notched a 23rd-place finish in the men’s discus throw (41.40 meters) and ninth in the men’s shot put (12.68 meters) at the Bobcat Invitational; Cagini Pilgrim took fourth in the men’s 100-meter (10.87) and sixth in the men’s 200-meter (22.01) at the Joey Haines Invite, while Ishmael Durand placed 39th in the 200-meter at the same invitational with a 22.57; Narlia Albert claimed 23rd in the women’s 200-meter (28.07) at the Ursinus Springfest; Jola Felix placed 15th in the women’s 200-meter (25.92) and 12th in the women’s 100-meter (12.62) at the Central Methodist Invite; Naomi London placed 11th in the women’s 100-meter at the Texas Relays with an 11.32; Mya Hippolyte took fourth in the women’s 100-meter (12.09) at the ISU Pacesetter Invite; Carleen Lionel placed 22nd in the women’s 100-meter (12.47) at the Sam Howell Invitational; Jasmine Stiede took fifth in the women’s 1500-meter (4:47.7) at the Friends Invitational; multi-event thrower Joy Edward recorded marks of 13.74 meters in the women’s shot put, 52.58 meters in the women’s hammer throw, and 34.68 meters in the women’s discus at the Golden Eagle Invite; and Nebia Montrope placed 15th in the women’s 800-meter (2:34.25) at the Cougar Distance Carnival.

  • STATEMENT: Health minister, Cassanni Laville addressing child harassment

    STATEMENT: Health minister, Cassanni Laville addressing child harassment

    In response to a widely circulated open letter that has sparked public concern, Health Minister Cassanni Laville has publicly addressed disturbing allegations of harassment against a minor. The letter, which recently came across the minister’s desk, outlines serious, deeply troubling claims of improper behavior involving a young child that have sent ripples of concern through local communities.

    Laville opened her official statement by emphasizing that any allegation of harm, emotional distress, or inappropriate conduct toward a child demands immediate and serious attention. In her remarks, the minister made clear that child safety remains a non-negotiable priority for public officials, and that all claims of child mistreatment will be treated with the gravity they deserve. She noted that the nature of the allegations themselves, regardless of further outcome, is deeply unsettling to anyone committed to protecting vulnerable young people, and that authorities will move forward to ensure a full, transparent examination of the claims. As the situation develops, the minister has indicated that further updates will be provided to the public once appropriate investigative steps have been completed.

  • Mervin Alexander re-elected as president of Dominica Association of Teachers

    Mervin Alexander re-elected as president of Dominica Association of Teachers

    Mervin Alexander has won a fourth straight term as President of the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT), following voting conducted during the organization’s 18th Biennial Convention. The three-day gathering wrapped up its election proceedings on Wednesday at the St. Alphonsus Parish Hall, bringing together educators from across the island to chart the union’s next two-year course and select new leadership.

    This year’s convention centered on a theme that highlights the critical role of education professionals in national progress: “Teachers: The Foundation For National Development-Value Us.” The messaging underscores widespread advocacy among Dominican educators for greater recognition of their contributions to the country’s long-term growth and social stability.

    Alongside Alexander’s re-election, the convention finalized the full roster of DAT’s new executive committee that will guide the union through 2028. Julian L Benjamin takes on the role of First Vice President, while Carla Douglas will serve as Second Vice President. Francis JnoLewis retains the position of General Secretary, with Nara Winston stepping in as Assistant General Secretary. Kathleen Cornelius was elected Treasurer, and Jerry Coipel will support her as Assistant Treasurer. Juanita Carbon will fill the role of Public Relations Officer, and Catherine Robinson and Gezel Mondesire-Charles have been named Trustees of the organization.

    As the leading professional body for teachers in Dominica, DAT advocates for improved working conditions, competitive compensation, and professional development opportunities for its members, while also partnering with the national government to advance education policy reforms across the country. Alexander’s fourth consecutive term signals broad member confidence in his leadership to continue advancing those priorities in the years ahead.

  • GOB Rolls Out Education Plan with $300 Million Budget Commitment

    GOB Rolls Out Education Plan with $300 Million Budget Commitment

    As the 2026 fiscal year kicks off, Belize’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology has officially unveiled its ambitious Education Sector Plan 2.0, a four-year initiative designed to reshape learning outcomes across the entire education spectrum—from primary campuses to tertiary institutions, running from 2026 through 2030. Backing the far-reaching reforms is a $300 million budget allocation earmarked specifically for the education sector in the government’s latest national spending plan, cementing the country’s long-held dedication to advancing learning opportunities for all Belizeans.

    At the official launch ceremony, Education Minister Francis Fonseca emphasized that the substantial budget commitment aligns with the priorities of the Belizean public, who have consistently pushed for greater governmental investment in education. “The Belizean people have always attached great importance to education,” Fonseca told attendees. “Year after year, they demand that their government invest in education. So we have a proud history in this country of investing in education.”

    Crucially, Fonseca noted that financial resourcing alone is not sufficient to deliver meaningful change. Echoing widespread public scrutiny of public spending, he pointed out that questions around the real impact of education investment on both the schooling system and broader national development are not just valid—they are essential to holding policymakers accountable. “We have often asked, quite rightly… What impact is this investment having on our education system, on the development of our country? These are questions that are important,” he said.

    The new four-year plan builds directly on the framework of its 2021–2025 predecessor, which the ministry credits with guiding the education sector through the widespread disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on that foundation, Plan 2.0 includes three key, immediate priorities: extending free education coverage to more learners, integrating greater digital and technological resources into everyday classrooms, and carrying out much-needed structural upgrades to school facilities across the country.

    Fonseca laid out five core objectives that anchor the entire plan, with equitable access and successful program completion at every education level topping the list. “We want to make sure that when our students enter the education system, they don’t only access it, but they complete it successfully,” he explained. Reaffirming the plan’s commitment to closing geographic and socioeconomic gaps, he added: “Every child in this country, every student in this country, wherever they live, Belize City or in the most remote rural communities of our country, should have equal access to quality education.”

  • Masicka Urges Discipline and Focus in Youth Engagement Session

    Masicka Urges Discipline and Focus in Youth Engagement Session

    In a recent youth-focused leadership discussion that brought together creatives and community advocates, popular Dancehall recording artist Masicka offered a raw, honest roadmap for young people navigating adversity and pursuing their dreams, centered on the core values of intentionality, resilience and self-discipline.

    Opening up about his own journey, Masicka pulled back the curtain on his formative years, growing up in poverty raised by a single mother. Rather than letting these challenging circumstances become a limiting label that defined his future, he explained how those early struggles forged the grit and mental toughness that would carry him through the ups and downs of the music industry.

    Alongside fellow panelist Dawson Lewis and event contributor Wayne Mariette, the conversation zeroed in on a critical, often underdiscussed factor that shapes long-term achievement: the power of social environment. Both speakers emphasized that the people an individual chooses to surround themselves with act as a quiet architect of their life trajectory, shaping habits, mindsets and opportunities over time. Masicka doubled down on this idea, noting that assembling the right team, building a values-aligned belief system and nurturing a supportive network create the foundational structure needed to turn ambitions into tangible results.

    For emerging creative artists hoping to follow in his footsteps, Masicka shared a key piece of pragmatic advice that many new talents overlook: music must be treated as both an art form and a formal business. He urged up-and-comers to prioritize protecting their original work, learn the ins and outs of music publishing, and treat intellectual property rights with the seriousness they deserve, as these steps safeguard their long-term livelihoods in the industry.

    Reflecting on what has kept him grounded throughout his rising fame, Masicka pointed to four non-negotiable pillars that guide his career: ongoing education, consistent reading, personal faith, and unwavering determination. He also stressed that natural talent alone is never enough to sustain success; without consistent discipline, focused effort and daily commitment, even the most gifted artists will struggle to reach their potential.

    For Masicka, success is not measured by chart positions or public fame alone. At its core, he defines achievement by two key outcomes: lifting his family out of the economic hardship he grew up in, and serving as a source of inspiration for young people who share similar underprivileged backgrounds, showing them that a better future is within their reach if they are willing to work for it.

  • Andersen Global expands Caribbean presence with member firm launch in Grenada

    Andersen Global expands Caribbean presence with member firm launch in Grenada

    International professional services network Andersen Global has pressed forward with its strategic regional expansion in the Caribbean, after local firm JD Consulting formally rebranded under the Andersen name and joined the network as an official member firm, establishing a new branded presence in Grenada.

    The newly launched Andersen in Grenada delivers a full suite of professional services spanning accounting, tax planning and compliance, and bespoke business advisory, serving a diverse client base that includes high-net-worth private clients, owner-operated enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and organizations across a wide cross-section of local industries. At the helm of the new member firm is Managing Director and Partner Johnson Dion, who leads a team that blends deep, on-the-ground market expertise with the global reach and specialized resources of the broader Andersen network. This combination allows the firm to craft customized, pragmatic solutions that help clients strengthen financial stability, streamline operational efficiency, and advance long-term sustainable growth.

    In a statement marking the rebranding and membership launch, Dion emphasized that aligning with the Andersen brand represents a major milestone in the firm’s developmental journey. “Our practice has always centered on delivering high-quality, client-centric advisory services rooted in core values of integrity and professional excellence,” Dion explained. “Becoming part of the Andersen Global network expands our collective capabilities to serve clients more comprehensively, while allowing us to retain the personalized, hands-on approach that has always been the cornerstone of our work with the Grenadian community.”

    Mark L Vorsatz, Global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Andersen Global, noted that the launch of the Grenada member firm is a natural reflection of the local practice’s longstanding standing in the Grenadian market and its steady evolution over years of operation. “Johnson Dion has built a practice defined by unwavering integrity and consistent delivery of quality service,” Vorsatz said. “Under his leadership, this new member firm will directly advance our shared goal of growing our footprint across the Caribbean region.”

    Founded in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global operates as an international association of independently owned, legally distinct member firms, bringing together more than 50,000 tax, legal, and valuation professionals across the globe. Through its network of member firms and collaborating entities, the organization now maintains a physical presence in more than 1,000 locations worldwide.

  • Geen gastekort, nieuwe lading cilinders verwacht in mei

    Geen gastekort, nieuwe lading cilinders verwacht in mei

    Published on April 9 at 14:15, a recent update from Surinamese gas provider OGANE has clarified ongoing supply concerns that have sparked consumer complaints in recent weeks. The subsidiary of N.V. Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS) confirmed Wednesday that the country currently faces no shortage of cooking gas, with production and distribution operations running at normal capacity.

    In response to rising consumer demand that has put mild pressure on supply chains in recent weeks, OGANE has already stepped up its daily production output to keep pace. The company also emphasized that all authorized gas sales points across the country receive daily restocks, ensuring that consumers are able to access the gas they need without disruption.

    The only ongoing challenge identified by the firm is a temporary shortage of new empty gas cylinders, a gap that has triggered widespread complaints from households that need to replace old or damaged units. OGANE moved to reassure the public that this bottleneck will be resolved next month, when a new bulk shipment of empty cylinders is scheduled to arrive in Suriname. Once the shipment comes in, stock levels will return to normal and the shortage will be eliminated.

    For consumers looking to locate their nearest authorized OGANE reseller, a full, updated directory of all sales points is available on the official EBS website.

  • Antigua Cruise Port Development Advances with Day Club Pool and Commercial Build-Out

    Antigua Cruise Port Development Advances with Day Club Pool and Commercial Build-Out

    The long-awaited expansion and upgrade project at Antigua’s cruise port has reached a key new phase, with construction now underway on two high-profile components: a luxurious beachside day club with an infinity-edge pool and a sprawling commercial district designed to cater to the growing number of cruise passengers visiting the island each year.

    Project leaders confirmed that the build-out, which is part of a broader $100 million redevelopment initiative to transform Antigua into a top-tier Caribbean cruise destination, is on track to meet its scheduled 2025 completion timeline. The day club, positioned along a scenic stretch of coastline adjacent to the main cruise berth, will offer day passes for disembarking passengers seeking relaxation, featuring private cabanas, food and beverage service, and direct beach access.

    The commercial build-out component, meanwhile, will span more than 20,000 square feet of mixed-use space, housing local craft retailers, duty-free shops, casual dining outlets, and tourist information centers. Developers note that the new facilities are designed to address longstanding gaps in visitor amenities, as the port has seen a steady 12% annual growth in passenger arrivals over the past three years, outpacing the capacity of existing on-site services.

    Local government officials emphasize that the project is expected to deliver widespread economic benefits beyond the port itself, creating more than 200 new construction jobs and an additional 350 permanent hospitality and retail positions once the facility opens. Antigua’s tourism sector, which accounts for nearly 60% of the island’s total GDP, has prioritized port upgrades to attract larger cruise vessels and extend the average length of visitor stays, boosting overall spending across local accommodation, transportation, and attraction businesses.

    Project stakeholders also highlighted that the development incorporates sustainable design features, including solar panel installations for common area energy needs, water conservation systems, and locally sourced building materials to minimize the environmental footprint of the expansion. Once completed, the upgraded port is projected to accommodate an extra 300,000 passengers annually, solidifying Antigua’s position as a leading stop on Eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries.