Carib Scope

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  • Dr Adrian Joseph nominated as NNP Caretaker for St George North-West

    Dr Adrian Joseph nominated as NNP Caretaker for St George North-West

    In a significant political development, the New National Party (NNP) has officially designated Dr. Adrian Joseph as its caretaker representative for the St George North West constituency. This strategic nomination occurred during a well-attended assembly that signaled both renewal and continuity within the party’s leadership structure.

    Dr. Joseph’s selection positions him to contend for the parliamentary seat previously held by the Right Honorable Dr. Keith Mitchell, as the NNP prepares for upcoming general elections with a emerging generation of leadership. A distinguished public servant and diplomat, Dr. Joseph introduces a measured, professional, and service-focused approach to political representation, rooted in extensive community involvement and national service experience.

    The nomination received enthusiastic endorsement from both party delegates and constituents, demonstrating substantial confidence in Dr. Joseph’s capacity to represent St George North West with both integrity and innovative perspective.

    Honorable Emmalin Pierre, Member of Parliament, Political Leader of the New National Party and Opposition Leader, characterized the nomination as an element of a carefully orchestrated and disciplined transition strategy intended to fortify the party’s future readiness. “This development exemplifies a forward-thinking party that prioritizes national interests,” Pierre stated. “Dr. Joseph embodies the leadership qualities we seek—competence, pragmatism, and service orientation. Our current objective involves continuing to assemble a robust team capable of delivering results for Grenadian citizens while respecting the exemplary standards established by Dr. Mitchell.”

    The nomination gathering additionally functioned as an occasion for recognition and appreciation of Dr. Keith Mitchell, Grenada’s longest-serving Prime Minister and NNP founder. With Dr. Joseph’s appointment, Dr. Mitchell concludes his transition from electoral politics following decades of exemplary service to Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

    Dr. Mitchell’s monumental contributions to national development, party establishment, and regional leadership received widespread acknowledgment during proceedings. Although he will not pursue re-election, Dr. Mitchell will maintain an advisory role as a trusted counselor and senior statesman, providing guidance informed by extensive experience and profound institutional knowledge.

    Party representatives emphasized that “This constitutes not an conclusion but a strategically managed transition informed by experience and accountability. Dr. Mitchell established a solid institutional foundation. Emmalin Pierre now advances this legacy forward. Dr. Adrian Joseph introduces his distinctive leadership approach and dedication to serving St George North West constituents.”

    The New National Party approaches this new chapter with unified purpose, confidence in its leadership direction, and concentrated emphasis on delivering opportunity, stability, and effective governance for all Grenadians.

  • Traffic accident in Antrim

    Traffic accident in Antrim

    The tranquil community of Mahaut in Dominica has been thrust into a state of emergency following a series of catastrophic flash floods that struck on January 23rd, 2026. The sudden deluge, captured in harrowing video footage and photographs, transformed streets into raging torrents, causing significant damage to infrastructure and property while sending residents into a frantic scramble for safety.

    Visual evidence from the scene depicts a landscape of devastation, with muddy, chocolate-brown waters overwhelming roadways and encroaching upon homes and businesses. The force of the floodwaters was powerful enough to dislodge vehicles and sweep away unsecured debris, highlighting the sheer intensity of the natural event. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the area, coordinating rescue operations and beginning preliminary assessments of the damage.

    Initial reports from local authorities indicate that the flooding was triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall over a short period, which the existing drainage systems could not accommodate. While a comprehensive evaluation of structural impacts is still underway, community leaders have expressed grave concern over the well-being of affected residents and the long-term recovery efforts required.

    The incident has reignited critical conversations on climate resilience and infrastructure preparedness in Dominica, a nation increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather phenomena. This event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced disaster mitigation strategies and robust community response protocols to safeguard against future climatic emergencies.

  • Lineup for the 2026 Jazz & Arts festival announced at gala launch

    Lineup for the 2026 Jazz & Arts festival announced at gala launch

    Saint Lucia has officially launched the 2026 edition of its prestigious Jazz & Arts Festival, setting the stage for an 11-day cultural extravaganza from April 30 to May 10. The media unveiling at Sandals Grande on January 22 revealed an ambitious program that strategically merges international acclaim with authentic Caribbean expression across multiple island venues.

    Celebrating its 34th anniversary, the festival has evolved into what SLTA CEO Louis Lewis described as “a strategic national asset” that transcends mere entertainment. “This is a strong and bold statement,” Lewis emphasized, highlighting the event’s role in driving tourism, extending visitor stays, and positioning Saint Lucia as a world-class cultural destination. “We are blending music, art, culture, and lifestyle into a cohesive and compelling global narrative.”

    The festival’s artistic vision carefully balances international appeal with local authenticity. Chairman Thaddeus Antoine revealed that curating the 2026 lineup began a year ago, with deliberate efforts to create “a festival that spoke to who we are while resonating with the world.” This intentional programming reflects what Minister of Tourism Dr. Ernest Hilaire characterized as “a powerful expression of our identity” that supports musicians, artists, and local businesses while generating employment opportunities.

    The musical journey begins April 30 at Mindoo Phillip Park with Jamaican reggae icon Capleton and Dominica’s Asa Banton, alongside performances by D’Yani, Valiant, and Saint Lucian country artists LM Stone and Shervon Sealy. The festival presents two dedicated jazz nights on May 5 and 7 at Rodney Bay’s Pavillion, featuring Grammy-winning bassist Esperanza Spalding and saxophonist Branford Marsalis.

    May 6 brings Kingdom Night at Pigeon Island with gospel stars Tye Tribbett and Ada Ehi, joined by local award-winning artists Shirleyann Cyril-Mayers and Nigela St. Clair-Daniel. Caribbean Fusion on May 8 features the Original Wailers with Skip Marley (grandson of Bob Marley), alongside Kes the Band and Dexta Daps.

    World Beats on May 9 showcases Nigerian superstar Tems and R&B sensation Ella Mai, complemented by Princess Lover, Les Aiglons, and local acts Lu City and October 4. The festival concludes on Mother’s Day, May 10, with “The Ultimate Celebration” featuring Billy Ocean, Beverley Knight, Mervin Wilkinson and Friends, plus a surprise headliner to be announced later.

    Beyond music, the festival includes Arts & the City programming organized by the Cultural Development Foundation, plus community events in Soufrière and Micoud. Tickets become available February 1, inviting global audiences to experience Saint Lucia’s cultural rhythm and artistic storytelling.

  • Melkproductie in vijf jaar tijd sterk gedaald

    Melkproductie in vijf jaar tijd sterk gedaald

    Suriname’s dairy industry is confronting an unprecedented crisis as official data reveals a catastrophic 95% decline in milk production compared to five years ago. Current figures show only 126 active dairy farmers remain, collectively producing just 3,000-4,000 liters daily—a dramatic collapse from the 1,200 farmers who previously generated 6-7 million liters annually.

    The alarming statistics emerged during emergency consultations between Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim and representatives from both dairy farmers and the Milk Processing Center. Industry delegates presented a comprehensive list of structural challenges threatening the very survival of Suriname’s dairy sector.

    Edmond Blufpand, spokesperson for dairy farmers, highlighted the central issue of unsustainable pricing. The current government procurement rate of SRD 25 per liter has become economically unviable due to soaring costs of animal feed and fuel. Historical requests for price adjustments have gone unaddressed, with previous agreements made without substantive consultation.

    Additional critical concerns include:
    – Land redistribution projects encroaching on dairy farming territories
    – Unfulfilled commitments regarding production support including breeding cattle imports and artificial insemination programs
    – Outdated infrastructure featuring obsolete aluminum milk cans and delayed quality testing
    – Insufficient cold chain transportation and unclear logistics management
    – Critical shortage of refrigeration vehicles for proper milk preservation

    Minister Noersalim acknowledged the severity of the situation, characterizing the agricultural sector as being in a “critical phase.” His proposed solution involves establishing a tripartite consultation and implementation body comprising LVV Ministry representatives, dairy farmers, and processing stakeholders.

    This collaborative entity will develop an action matrix with time-bound initiatives focused on sustainable development. Immediate steps include cataloging active operations and their production capacities, while exploring financing options through the NOFA fund.

    The Ministry is simultaneously revitalizing its fourteen core responsibilities, with particular emphasis on strengthening the Livestock Directorate. Minister Noersalim confirmed concrete agreements with other relevant ministries and outlined plans to reactivate previously dismantled systems.

    “We’re examining every avenue to boost production in the near future,” Noersalim stated. “Beyond imports, we’re revitalizing the Artificial Insemination division with new equipment and training programs. The State Farm is also being reinvigorated as part of this comprehensive approach.”

    Additional proposals under consideration include rapid testing equipment acquisition, replacement of outdated milk containers, establishment of collection centers, and potential breeding cattle imports from Brazil with ministry facilitation. The Milk Processing Center’s fundamental responsibility to purchase, process, and ensure distribution of raw milk was also emphasized during the talks.

  • PE teachers key to cricket development

    PE teachers key to cricket development

    Saint Lucia’s cricket development landscape has received a significant boost following the successful completion of an intensive coaching certification program. The recently concluded training initiative, organized through a collaborative effort between the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association and Cricket West Indies (CWI), has equipped over 40 physical education instructors and players from the Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre with advanced coaching methodologies.

    The comprehensive hands-on sessions conducted at Mindoo Phillip Park represent a strategic implementation of CWI’s broader vision to revitalize cricket at the foundational level. Brendan Ramlal, CWI Project Officer and Coach Developer, emphasized the program’s far-reaching implications, noting that thousands of children across Saint Lucia will now benefit from improved technical instruction in cricket fundamentals.

    “This initiative forms a crucial component of Cricket West Indies’ strategic blueprint to reintegrate cricket into educational institutions and community settings,” Ramlal explained. “Our physical education teachers represent invaluable assets—they maintain direct access to student populations and possess the capacity to identify emerging talent during formative development stages.”

    The curriculum emphasized player-centered coaching approaches, prioritizing implicit enjoyment and engagement while teaching technical fundamentals. Participants gained expertise in introducing cricket basics through activities designed to maximize participation and skill acquisition for both male and female prospects.

    The timing of this training aligns strategically with Saint Lucia’s expanding youth cricket infrastructure. The upcoming national inter-district Under-13 tournament scheduled for 2025, coupled with the established Republic Bank Five For Fun program, provides immediate implementation opportunities for the newly certified coaches.

    Craig Emmanuel, Chairman of the SLCHPC Board of Directors, highlighted the complementary nature of integrating active players into developmental pathways. While acknowledging differences between foundation courses and high-performance clinics, Emmanuel stressed the importance of creating cohesive progression routes for athletes aspiring to competitive excellence.

    Through support from National Lotteries and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sport, the High Performance Centre aims to systematically strengthen Saint Lucia’s cricket pipeline by enhancing coaching resources and creating sustainable talent identification mechanisms.

  • PRESS RELEASE: Dominica’s Vanya David, a community leader who champions gender equality and healthy eating, recognized by IICA as Leader of Rurality of the Americas

    PRESS RELEASE: Dominica’s Vanya David, a community leader who champions gender equality and healthy eating, recognized by IICA as Leader of Rurality of the Americas

    ROSEAU, Dominica – From her roots in a western coastal community where fishing and agriculture defined existence, Vanya David has emerged as a formidable advocate for gender equality and sustainable development. The President of the Dominica National Council of Women draws inspiration from her family heritage—a fisherman father and farming mother—which instilled in her the core philosophy: “What you need to eat is what you grow.”

    Leading an organization with decades of impact, David coordinates crisis prevention, community strengthening, and technical training programs in partnership with Dominica’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Her dedication recently earned her the prestigious Soul of Rurality award from IICA, recognizing her influence in advancing food security and sustainability across the Americas.

    Yet David’s vision is grounded in practical challenges. She highlights rural transportation as a critical barrier, especially for women seeking economic independence. Limited road access complicates market connectivity, increasing costs and reducing profitability. Climate volatility further strains agricultural stability, with rapid shifts between sun, rain, and wind demanding careful crop planning.

    Supported by national and international agencies, greenhouse initiatives are gradually improving resilience in suitable regions. David emphasizes that successful farming requires not only planting skills but also astute climate adaptation. Her work also extends to fisheries, training women in safe fishing practices and fish conservation while addressing logistical hurdles in product distribution.

    Addressing youth engagement, David notes that land access, startup financing, and modern tools are essential to attract new generations to agriculture. She contrasts nutrient-rich local produce with processed convenience foods dominating urban diets, advocating strongly for local production as a path to better nutrition.

    Despite acknowledging the hardships of rural life—infrastructure gaps, climate setbacks, and market barriers—David unwaveringly promotes farming as a source of autonomy, health, and environmental harmony. Her conviction echoes a lifetime of experience: “It is better to grow what you eat, and eat what you grow.”

  • BCCI Wants “Transparent Consultation” With BTL

    BCCI Wants “Transparent Consultation” With BTL

    The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has intensified its call for greater transparency in the proposed acquisition of telecommunications provider SpeedNet by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). This development follows the government’s recent decision to extend consultation periods after this week’s Cabinet presentation.

    In an official statement released today, the BCCI emphasized that transactions of this magnitude necessitate comprehensive, meaningful, and inclusive consultation processes. The Chamber specifically highlighted the critical need to evaluate potential impacts on market competition dynamics, consumer pricing structures, service quality standards, and the broader Belizean economy.

    The business advocacy organization has formally invited BTL, which holds membership within the Chamber, to present detailed plans to its Executive Council and broader membership base. This initiative aims to provide essential clarity and create opportunities for stakeholders to pose direct questions regarding the proposed merger. “The fundamental purpose of this engagement is to facilitate transparent and well-informed dialogue,” the BCCI statement clarified.

    BTL Chairman Mark Lizarraga has previously contended that the company can efficiently integrate Speednet’s customer base with minimal additional operational costs. This integration, he argues, could potentially protect consumer pricing, preserve employment opportunities, and support the nation’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives.

    Despite these assertions, the Chamber maintains that detailed independent analysis and open public discussion remain imperative before any final decisions are made regarding the acquisition. The BCCI has urged all relevant decision-makers to fulfill their regulatory responsibilities by ensuring a process characterized by complete openness and rigorous economic analysis.

  • Iyanola Online Awards spotlight creatives shaping popular culture

    Iyanola Online Awards spotlight creatives shaping popular culture

    The pioneering Iyanola Online Music and Entertainment Awards has concluded its inaugural ceremony with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in Saint Lucia’s cultural recognition landscape. Held exclusively through digital platforms on January 21, this groundbreaking event honored creatives who have substantially influenced the island’s popular culture through a unique public voting system.

    Sedale Simei, a key architect of the awards program, expressed profound satisfaction with the overwhelming response from both artists and the general public. In an exclusive discussion with St. Lucia Times, Simei revealed that the entertainment community has enthusiastically embraced this initiative to highlight their cultural contributions. “The creators occupying Saint Lucia’s entertainment space have demonstrated tremendous appreciation for this recognition of their work,” Simei noted, adding that the organization already envisions enhancements for future editions.

    The nomination process presented considerable challenges due to the abundance of creative talent across the island. Unlike traditional award ceremonies where committees evaluate artistic merit, the Iyanola Awards employed a distinctive methodology focusing exclusively on cultural impact. “This isn’t about determining superior artistry,” Simei explained. “Our fundamental criterion was identifying those who made the most substantial impact on Saint Lucia’s popular culture, with the public ultimately deciding the winners through democratic voting.”

    Despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the successful launch, the organizing team maintains a forward-looking perspective regarding improvements. Simei acknowledged opportunities for refinement in category development and nominee selection processes. “We’re critically examining our nomination mechanisms to ensure equitable opportunities and robust competition within each category,” he stated.

    Future expansions include broadening the award categories to incorporate currently underrepresented entertainment sectors. “We deliberately limited categories initially to avoid overwhelming participants,” Simei commented. “However, we anticipate incorporating recognition for makeup artists, boutique owners, and gender-specific accolades like Best Female Artist of the Year in subsequent ceremonies.”

    The complete list of distinguished recipients includes:

    – Dennery Segment Artist Of The Year: Umpa
    – Best New Artist Of The Year: MC Dalo
    – Best DJ Of The Year: JH & MC Dalo
    – Best Song Of The Year: Natoxie ft. DJ ASAP – Toko Doak
    – Best Music Producer Of The Year: G6 Productions
    – Best Collab Song Of The Year: Dezral ft. Jardel – The Car
    – Best Live Band Of The Year: DYP
    – Music Video Of The Year: Shemmy J x Umpa x Ezra D’FunMachine x Arthur Allain x Sedale x Imran Nerdy – Lucian Carnival (Nothing Sweeter Than That)
    – Best Photographer Of The Year: Shavs Photo
    – Best Videographer Of The Year: Tiz Da Creator
    – Best Carnival Band Of The Year: Just 4 Fun
    – Best Fete Of The Year: Dzassta
    – Best Event Producer Of The Year: Just 4 Fun
    – Best Boatride Of The Year: Sounami
    – Best Weekly Event Of The Year: Gros Islet Street Party
    – Best Instagram Creator Of The Year: Kitania Regis
    – Best Comedian Of The Year: Dhirv 2 Funny
    – Best Viral Phrase Of The Year: “I Voting For You Boss”
    – Best TikTok Creator Of The Year: Soul Peachy
    – Best YouTuber Of The Year: Arthur Knotless Strands

  • Grenville Co-operative Credit Union vacancies

    Grenville Co-operative Credit Union vacancies

    The Grenville Co-operative Credit Union (GCCU) Ltd has announced two executive-level vacancies as part of its organizational strengthening initiative. The financial institution is actively recruiting for both a Credit and Recoveries Manager and an HR Manager position to enhance its operational capabilities and service delivery framework.

    For the Credit and Recoveries Manager role, GCCU requires an experienced financial professional capable of leading departmental operations with emphasis on portfolio quality and delinquency reduction below the 5% industry benchmark. The position demands comprehensive oversight of credit risk management policies, staff leadership, and regulatory compliance. Key responsibilities include managing loan security portfolios, ensuring IFRS compliance for collateral valuation, and maintaining current knowledge of economic trends affecting risk strategies. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in finance or related field, credit management certification, and minimum five years’ credit union sector experience.

    Simultaneously, the HR Manager position requires a strategic human resources expert to develop and implement comprehensive HR infrastructure. This role encompasses strategic planning, performance management systems, compensation structure development, and organizational culture building. The ideal candidate will possess a master’s degree in HRM or related discipline with five years’ senior-level experience, or equivalent combination of education and practical expertise. International HR certification is considered advantageous.

    Both positions require submission of application materials including cover letter, CV, and professional references to J’S HR Consultancy at the specified email addresses. The Credit and Recoveries Manager application deadline is February 2, 2026, while the HR Manager position closes January 22, 2026, with both deadlines subject to revision at the organization’s discretion.

  • ‘He Was Hard Working, Friendly and Kind’

    ‘He Was Hard Working, Friendly and Kind’

    The community of Lord Banks Village in Belize District is grappling with the tragic loss of 35-year-old security guard Darwin Valerio, who was fatally shot while performing his duties on January 23, 2026. Valerio, employed by Ranger Security Company, was discovered with two gunshot wounds at the Belize Water Service warehouse where he was stationed.

    According to police reports, Valerio had embarked on a routine perimeter check around 8:20 p.m. but failed to return from his rounds. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident.

    In the aftermath of the tragedy, social media platforms have become a space for collective mourning as family, friends, and community members share their grief and memories. Valerio was universally remembered as a dedicated professional known for his hardworking nature, friendly demeanor, and kind-hearted personality.

    One family member’s emotional online tribute captured the profound sense of loss: ‘Darwin you broke me fam, and you would do anything for me when I ask… The bond we share, all the calls on the phone… cuz whyyy you.’ The Wabagari Dance Group added their condolences, stating ‘His life was cut short. May his Soul Rest in peace, you didn’t deserve this.’

    A disturbing detail emerged from a family member’s account, revealing that Valerio’s sister was on the phone with him during the incident and reportedly heard him ‘yelling for help suddenly’ before the connection was lost. The family has issued public appeals for assistance in contacting the security company as they seek answers about the tragic events that claimed Valerio’s life.