Carib Scope

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  • Minister Fernandez Calls for Study to Guide Sustainable Tourism Growth

    Minister Fernandez Calls for Study to Guide Sustainable Tourism Growth

    As the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda pursues broad expansion of its tourism sector — including growing air access, expanding cruise ship operations, increasing hotel inventory, and attracting new tourism-focused investment — government leaders have announced a landmark national tourism carrying capacity study. The goal of this groundbreaking research is to answer a critical question: how much additional visitor growth can the small island nation support without compromising the environmental, social, and economic foundations that make it a top global travel destination.

    The upcoming assessment will conduct a comprehensive review of key systems that underpin the country’s tourism industry, from popular beaches and natural attractions to public infrastructure, local communities, and fragile natural resources. Researchers will evaluate whether current systems can absorb additional visitor volumes without eroding the quality of life for Antigua and Barbuda’s residents or diminishing the unique, high-quality experience that draws travelers to the islands.

    Speaking on the policy shift, tourism minister Charles Fernandez emphasized that the country’s tourism strategy can no longer center solely on growing raw arrival numbers. Instead, he argued, policymakers must prioritize attracting higher-spending, higher-value visitors while implementing measures to ensure a larger share of tourism revenue circulates within and benefits the local economy, rather than leaking out to foreign-owned entities.

    Fernandez also stressed that as the tourism sector expands, protecting Antigua and Barbuda’s irreplaceable natural environment, distinct cultural heritage, and important historical assets must remain a non-negotiable priority. These assets are the core of the country’s tourism brand, he noted, and their degradation would undermine long-term industry success.

    To diversify the national tourism portfolio and reduce reliance on seasonal leisure travel, Fernandez identified the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) segment as a high-potential growth area. Developing the MICE market would help attract visitors during traditional off-peak periods, smoothing revenue fluctuations and creating more stable, year-round employment for local workers.

    Looking ahead, the minister emphasized that the long-term success and sustainability of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector will depend on coordinated collaboration across a wide range of stakeholders. This includes national and local government bodies, tourism regulatory agencies, international airlines, hotel operators, ground transport providers, tour companies, local small businesses, and the communities that host millions of visitors each year.

    Above all, Fernandez reiterated that Antigua and Barbuda is committed to pursuing sustainable, climate-resilient tourism growth, rather than chasing unchecked increases in visitor numbers at the expense of the country’s long-term well-being.

  • Nurse Prevost urges healthier eating amid rising concerns over non-communicable diseases and cancer

    Nurse Prevost urges healthier eating amid rising concerns over non-communicable diseases and cancer

    Against a backdrop of escalating public health concerns over the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and cancer in the Dominican Republic, a leading national nursing figure has issued a clear call for citizens to prioritize balanced, nutritious dietary habits to reduce individual and systemic health risks.

    Priscilla Prevost, a family nurse practitioner who serves as president of the National Nurses Council, outlined her evidence-based dietary guidance during a public address on September 13, 2026. She stressed that consistent intake of nutrient-dense whole foods forms the foundation of long-term physical wellness, and that intentional dietary choices are a powerful, accessible tool for preventing chronic illness.

    Prevost broke down the core components of a balanced daily diet, noting that the body requires consistent intake of six key groups: carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. She specifically advised the public to cut back on consumption of simple carbohydrates, particularly added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages, and increase intake of fiber-rich whole foods. She highlighted many locally grown staples as excellent fiber sources, including ground provisions, breadfruit, plantains, and green bananas, alongside a wide range of other fresh fruits.

    The nursing leader also offered clear guidance for making informed choices around protein and fat consumption. She outlined common animal-based protein sources including meat, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese, while emphasizing that plant-based options such as beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and soy products deliver high-quality protein with additional nutritional benefits. Prevost encouraged Dominicans to shift toward a more plant-forward eating pattern, limiting consumption of animal products to moderate portions rather than making them the center of every meal.

    She added that many essential healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs to function optimally are readily available in local fresh produce grown across the Dominican Republic, making nutrient-dense eating accessible for most communities. As the country continues to grapple with the growing public health and economic burden of chronic illnesses and cancer, Prevost emphasized that adopting simple, sustainable healthy dietary practices can significantly strengthen individual long-term health outcomes.

    Prevost also drew attention to dietary risks that often arise at social events and communal gatherings, urging both hosts and guests to make more intentional choices. She called on event organizers to include a range of nutritious meal options, and advised attendees navigating buffet settings to prioritize balanced plates filled with vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and moderate portions of quality protein, rather than overindulging in meats, cheeses, and other foods high in saturated fat.

    Wrapping up her address, Prevost warned that repeated poor dietary choices do not only increase the risk of serious health complications such as high cholesterol — they also drive up individual and national medical expenses, placing unnecessary strain on households and the country’s healthcare system. She closed by reinforcing a core message: prevention and personal responsibility are critical to reducing the population-wide risk of NCDs and cancer, and meaningful progress starts with small, consistent healthier choices at every meal.

    “We could have done better by just making healthier food choices,” she said.

  • ABTA Begins Two-Day Strategy Talks to Shape Tourism Priorities Through 2028

    ABTA Begins Two-Day Strategy Talks to Shape Tourism Priorities Through 2028

    The tourism governing body of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a comprehensive strategic review that will shape the destination’s travel and hospitality trajectory over the next 24 months. Top of the agenda for the review is exploring targeted ways to expand on the Caribbean nation’s already well-established core tourism products that have drawn global visitors for decades. These flagship offerings include world-class luxury resorts and private accommodation options, postcard-perfect pristine white-sand beaches, a globally renowned yachting and sailing industry, romantic getaway packages for couples and honeymooners, and large-scale international events that draw crowds from across North America and Europe.

    Beyond building on existing strengths, the talks will also center on designing actionable strategies to address two key industry goals: encouraging longer visitor stays and lifting average per capita spending among tourists. Industry stakeholders note that extending the length of average visits not only boosts revenue across accommodation, dining, attractions and local businesses but also spreads out tourism-related impact more evenly across the peak and off-peak seasons. Increasing visitor spending, meanwhile, supports higher income for local workers and helps fund ongoing infrastructure improvements that benefit both residents and returning travelers. The strategic review is expected to deliver a finalized actionable plan that aligns with long-term tourism development targets for the small island nation.

  • Thea LaFond-Gadson to receive honorary UWI Doctor of Laws

    Thea LaFond-Gadson to receive honorary UWI Doctor of Laws

    When Thea LaFond-Gadson landed her historic 15.02-meter triple jump at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, she did more than claim gold – she etched her name into the history books as Dominica’s first-ever Olympic medalist and champion. Two years after that landmark achievement, the trailblazing Caribbean athlete is set to add another prestigious honor to her growing collection of accolades: an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) from The University of the West Indies (UWI).

    The UWI Council has formally approved the honorary doctorate for LaFond-Gadson, naming her one of 13 distinguished honorary graduands selected for the university’s 2026 graduation cycle. Recipients of this year’s honorary degrees hail from across a wide range of sectors, with honorees recognized for extraordinary contributions to journalism, diplomacy, medicine, agriculture, law, public service, culture, music, and sport. For LaFond-Gadson, the recognition marks one of the highest-profile tributes to her groundbreaking career and impact beyond the track.

    Born in Dominica, LaFond-Gadson moved to the U.S. state of Maryland with her family at age five, growing up far from her Caribbean homeland. Her early athletic journey was not centered on track and field: she spent years training and competing in dance before discovering her natural talent for jumping events while attending John F. Kennedy High School. That discovery would set her on a path to stardom.

    She earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Maryland, where she emerged as a dominant collegiate competitor, claiming multiple conference titles, earning All-American status, and setting the university’s all-time record in the women’s triple jump. Even as she built her professional athletic career, LaFond-Gadson has consistently represented Dominica on the global stage, carrying the flag for the small island nation at every major international competition.

    Months before her historic Olympic win in 2024, LaFond-Gadson notched another first for Dominica: she claimed the country’s first World Indoor Championship title with a 15.01-meter jump, a feat made even more remarkable by the fact that she competed with a serious knee injury that she only learned of after the event. That performance underscored the resilience and grit that have become defining traits of her career.

    Her trailblazing Olympic victory cemented her status as a national hero. Beyond the medal, the win put Dominica on the global Olympic map, drawing international attention to the small Caribbean nation that had never before reached an Olympic podium. In recognition of her contributions to national pride and global outreach, the government of Dominica has already appointed her to two key ambassadorial roles: National Sports Ambassador and Destination Brand Ambassador.

    UWI’s honorary doctorate is not merely a celebration of LaFond-Gadson’s gold medal and athletic records. The institution highlighted that the award recognizes her outstanding personal character, her unwavering determination in the face of injury and adversity, and her critical role in elevating Dominica’s international profile across the global sporting community.

    The 2026 UWI honorary degree presentations will take place during the university’s annual graduation ceremonies, which are scheduled to run from October 10 to November 14, 2026, across the institution’s multiple regional campuses.

  • The Fine Print Behind Belize’s Tax-Free US$125  Million

    The Fine Print Behind Belize’s Tax-Free US$125  Million

    As Belize prepares to launch a landmark $125 million development compact backed by the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) this week, questions have emerged over the sweeping tax, duty and fee exemptions written into the agreement. Officials are now clarifying the rationale behind the fine print, emphasizing that the exemptions are standard practice for international grant-funded programs and critical to delivering maximum impact for local development projects.

    Joseph Waight, Belize’s Financial Secretary and chair of the board managing the Millennium Challenge Account-Belize program, explained that the tax waivers are not a special concession designed to benefit outside interests, but a necessary structure to preserve the full value of the U.S. grant for its intended purposes. Since the total amount of the grant is fixed at $125 million, any portion diverted to pay domestic taxes and government fees would directly reduce the capital available to implement planned projects.

    “If the government were to charge taxes on services and on goods and services being funded by this grant, there’s less grant to spend,” Waight noted in his explanation of the policy.
    Waight added that this exemption model is far from unique to the MCC program. It is a standard inclusion across nearly all bilateral and multilateral international grant initiatives, designed to ensure 100 percent of contributed funding goes toward the end development goals outlined in the funding agreement. “Any bilateral program and any multilateral program, there is a tax waiver in there because you want that money to fund the ultimate project. The government shouldn’t get any of that money for itself,” he stressed.

    Contrary to speculation that the governing board holds broad discretion over allocation of the compact funds, Waight clarified that all project priorities and budget breakdowns are already finalized in the original agreement, which spans 125 pages including supporting annexes. The board’s primary mandate is not to reallocate funding or approve new projects, but to provide independent oversight as the five-year implementation process gets underway.

    The compact is officially scheduled to enter into force on September 18, 2026, marking the official start of the half-decade implementation period that will deliver targeted development investments across Belize.

  • US$12.55 million regional project to strengthen climate resilience in Caribbean fisheries

    US$12.55 million regional project to strengthen climate resilience in Caribbean fisheries

    Five Eastern Caribbean nations are set to deliver transformative support to over 21,800 workers and communities dependent on fisheries, as a landmark regional climate adaptation initiative officially kicked off last week.

    Launching at an inaugural inception meeting hosted in Dominica on September 15, 2026, the Climate Change Resilience in the Caribbean Fisheries Sector Project, known as CC4FISH-II, aims to shield small-scale fishing livelihoods from the growing threats of climate change and extreme weather events across Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

    Backed by $12.55 million in grant financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the five-year initiative is led by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) alongside a network of regional and national stakeholder groups. CC4FISH-II builds on the foundational research of the first CC4FISH project, which operated between 2017 and 2022 to map climate vulnerability across seven Eastern Caribbean fishing industries.

    The launch of this new program comes at a critical juncture for Caribbean Small Island Developing States, where rising ocean temperatures, collapsing fish populations, irreversible damage to critical marine habitats, and widespread biodiversity loss have pushed food security, local employment, and coastal economic development to the brink. Unlike many top-down climate projects, CC4FISH-II centers direct engagement with the people most dependent on healthy fisheries: small-scale fisherfolk, vessel owners, fish processors, market vendors, cross-border traders, and entire coastal settlements. The initiative also places intentional priority on expanding economic opportunity, leadership representation, and resilience support for women and youth working across the sector.

    Speaking to attendees at the Fort Young Hotel Conference Room during the opening workshop, CCCCC Executive Director Dr. Colin Young emphasized that strengthening fishing community resilience is non-negotiable for long-term regional sustainable development. “Through improved infrastructure, expanded access to climate-smart fishing techniques, and built-out community-level capacity, we are working to protect and improve the livelihoods that millions in our region depend on,” Dr. Young said. He added that the project’s core mission goes beyond disaster risk reduction: it seeks to equip communities not only to withstand climate shocks when they hit, but to recover faster and adapt proactively to long-term climatic shifts that are reshaping Caribbean fisheries.

    CC4FISH-II will deliver its goals through four interconnected streams of work. First, it will upgrade critical climate-resilient infrastructure, including fishing vessels, landing sites, processing facilities, and local market hubs, to reduce damage during extreme events. Second, it will focus on restoring and continuously monitoring key blue ecosystems that underpin healthy fish populations, including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds. Third, it will work with national governments to update fisheries management policies, improve cross-sector disaster preparedness planning, and expand access to fisheries insurance and affordable climate adaptation financing for small-scale operators. Finally, it will establish a regional Community of Practice to share actionable knowledge and scale successful climate adaptation models across the Caribbean.

    By integrating proven traditional ecological knowledge held by long-time fishing communities with cutting-edge climate science and sustainable fishing technology, CC4FISH-II aims to lock in long-term gains: promoting resilient sustainable livelihoods, strengthening the social fabric of coastal communities, and boosting the adaptive capacity of the entire Caribbean fisheries sector through to 2030.

  • What does the US want in return for US$125  million?

    What does the US want in return for US$125  million?

    For weeks, speculation has swirled across Belize over the $125 million Millennium Challenge Compact grant from the United States, with many residents asking one persistent question: What does Washington expect in return for the multi-million dollar investment? On September 15, 2026, the head of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for Belize directly addressed those public concerns during an appearance on the local current affairs program *Open Your Eyes*, pushing back against rumors of hidden strings attached to the funding.

    Jenner Edelman, MCC’s Country Director for Belize, framed the compact as a natural extension of a decades-long bilateral partnership between the two nations, rather than a transaction with unstated demands. She emphasized that the relationship between Belize and the U.S. has been rooted in close economic, social, and security alignment for generations, noting that the U.S. already holds its position as Belize’s largest trading partner.

    To illustrate the depth of people-to-people connections between the two countries, Edelman pointed to Belize’s thriving tourism sector, which draws hundreds of thousands of American visitors to the Central American nation each year. Beyond economic and cultural ties, she added that the compact aligns with overlapping priorities: both nations share core security interests and a common commitment to inclusive sustainable development in Belize.

    Crucially, Edelman framed the investment as a mutual benefit rather than a one-sided gift. “From our perspective, what’s good for Belize is good for the American people as well,” she explained. The compact is targeted at three key development areas in Belize: expanding energy access, building professional skills, and strengthening the local workforce. Improvements in these sectors, Edelman argued, will not only lift living standards for Belizeans but also generate shared economic and social gains that benefit residents of the United States, cementing the longstanding partnership for years to come.

  • Government suspends increase in firearm license fees

    Government suspends increase in firearm license fees

    In a move that demonstrates responsiveness to public feedback, the government of Dominica has put a planned hike to firearm license fees on hold, announcing it will first launch extensive consultations with gun owners, industry representatives and other key stakeholders before moving forward with any changes.

    Speaking at a recent press briefing, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit clarified the original intent behind the fee increase, which was first unveiled as part of the 2026–2027 national budget presentation. Contrary to assumptions that the adjustment was designed to boost government revenue, Skerrit emphasized that the policy was framed as a mechanism to reinforce personal accountability among individuals who hold the legal privilege of owning and carrying a firearm.

    However, widespread concerns raised by multiple groups—including individual firearm owners, licensed firearm suppliers, and the Police Welfare Association—compelled the national Cabinet to hit pause on immediate implementation of the new fee structure. Skerrit noted that stakeholders have already put forward a range of constructive recommendations covering critical areas of firearms governance, from improved firearms safety training protocols to more secure storage requirements and updated regulatory frameworks for legally held weapons.

    Following a review of these submitted concerns and ideas, Cabinet formally approved the suspension of the fee increase and authorized the launch of a broad, inclusive consultation process focused on comprehensive reform of the firearms licensing system. The first gathering with participating stakeholders is scheduled to be held in the near future.

    Skerrit framed the decision to revisit the policy as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to open governance. When stakeholders raise legitimate, evidence-based concerns about the practical impact of proposed government policies, he said, the administration is willing and prepared to re-evaluate its decisions to craft more effective, widely supported outcomes.

  • Dominica Business Forum public discussion rescheduled

    Dominica Business Forum public discussion rescheduled

    A key public dialogue focused on Dominica’s ongoing voter confirmation process has been delayed and shifted to a virtual format, the Dominica Business Forum, Inc. has announced. The originally planned in-person gathering, which was set to take place on Tuesday, September 15 at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital Auditorium, will now be hosted online on September 22, kicking off at 7 p.m. local time.

    In an official audio statement released to the public, Forum president Daryl Bobb explained the catalyst behind the scheduling and format change: invited representatives from the relevant electoral commission failed to confirm their availability to attend the originally planned in-person event. Bobb noted that organizing committee members hope the adjusted date and remote structure will remove barriers to participation, making it easier for both the expected commission officials and members of the public interested in electoral matters to join the conversation.

    The discussion comes at a critical juncture for Dominican democracy, taking place roughly one month ahead of the scheduled closing of the national voter confirmation period. The forum has outlined clear core goals for the dialogue: organizers aim to evaluate the current level of public engagement with the voter confirmation exercise, assess whether the total number of confirmed voters will be sufficient to move forward with the country’s upcoming general elections, and deliberate over whether an extension of the confirmation period is warranted to allow more eligible citizens to complete the process.

    Bobb emphasized that the Constitution of Dominica explicitly permits an extension of the voter confirmation period, creating a legal pathway for adjustment if stakeholders agree it is needed. “This conversation is too critical to cancel, so we still look forward to holding it at the new date,” Bobb said in the statement.

    From its inception, the forum designed the discussion to bring greater transparency to the voter confirmation process, laying out the current status of the exercise and debating any procedural adjustments that may be needed as the deadline draws near. Bobb added that the organization remains committed to broad public involvement and continues to welcome both support and participation from across Dominican society.

    For those planning to attend the September 22 virtual discussion, a access link will be distributed to all registered interested parties. Additional updates and logistical details will also be posted to the Dominica Business Forum’s official website and social media channels in the coming days.

  • Daryl Bobb urges Dominican artists to register their work to benefit from ECCO royalties

    Daryl Bobb urges Dominican artists to register their work to benefit from ECCO royalties

    As the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) prepares to distribute more than EC$1.7 million in royalties to rights holders across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the organization’s Dominica board director Daryl Bobb is issuing an urgent appeal to local musicians and creators: formalize your work registration to unlock the full financial benefits of your creativity.\n\nScheduled for September 23, 2026, the upcoming royalty payout covers all royalties collected throughout 2025 from regional music use cases including public broadcasting, carnival celebrations, general public performances, and live events. The distribution also includes foreign royalty income remitted to ECCO by international sister copyright societies and the Mechanical Licensing Collective. Under the payout allocation framework, 55% of the total sum will go directly to ECCO’s registered members across the OECS, while the remaining 45% will be transferred to foreign sister societies to compensate international creators whose works are used within ECCO’s jurisdiction.\n\nDespite the overall size of this distribution, Bobb says Dominican creators stand to receive only a tiny fraction of the member-allocated funds. The issue, he explains, stems from two interconnected challenges: extremely low compliance with copyright registration requirements among local creators, and a large share of Dominican music makers who have not joined any collective copyright management organization at all. Currently, ECCO counts just 41 registered members from Dominica — a number that leaves most local creators locked out of rightful royalty earnings.\n\nBobb emphasized that ECCO’s sole core mission is to collect and distribute royalties on behalf of music creators, and that taking simple proactive steps can deliver lifelong financial benefits to artists and rights holders. He urged all Dominican creators to register their works with ECCO or another relevant rights management organization, maintain detailed records of all public performances of their work, and actively pursue placement of their music through licensed media platforms, licensed live events, and licensed commercial establishments that legally obtain music rights.\n\nTo tackle the systemic issues of low registration and compliance, ECCO plans to host targeted public consultations across the region, starting in Dominica, to build greater public understanding of how the royalty collection and distribution system operates for independent creators.\n\nBeyond encouraging creator action, ECCO is also calling on OECS national governments to strengthen existing copyright protection frameworks and update outdated national legislation. The organization notes that ongoing royalty collection growth is hampered by widespread non-compliance among commercial music users — including broadcasters, retail and hospitality businesses, and event organizers that regularly play music without purchasing the required copyright licenses. Updating legislation and improving enforcement, ECCO argues, will create a more sustainable and equitable ecosystem that allows music creators to earn a living from their work across the Eastern Caribbean.\n\nFor Dominican artists in particular, Bobb’s message is clear: creating music is only the first step. Formal registration, accurate documentation of performances, and intentional use of licensed distribution channels are critical to ensuring creators are compensated every time their work generates economic value.