Carib Scope

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  • Mottley leads BLP islandwide push, gears up for February polls

    Mottley leads BLP islandwide push, gears up for February polls

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced she will personally spearhead her party’s nationwide campaign efforts as Barbados approaches its February 11 general election. The political atmosphere intensified on Thursday as all 30 Barbados Labour Party candidates formally completed their nomination procedures by submitting the mandatory $250 deposits at the Treasury offices.

    Despite maintaining a reserved posture with media representatives during the administrative formalities, Mottley revealed in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY that her approach would blend intensive local engagement with comprehensive island-wide leadership. While contesting in St Michael North East constituency, the Prime Minister emphasized her dual role requires balancing grassroots connectivity with broader party mobilization.

    “My campaign team must handle local operations because my responsibilities demand presence across every parish—from St Lucy to St Philip, from St John to St James,” Mottley stated, expressing profound gratitude for her dedicated ground team.

    The nomination event transformed into a vibrant political spectacle as supporters clad in the BLP’s signature red gathered outside the National Housing Corporation building, generating sustained chanting and visible enthusiasm. Mottley’s physical presence alongside all party candidates underscored her hands-on leadership style and personal investment in the campaign.

    Following the completion of nominations, BLP General Secretary Jerome Walcott projected confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, citing their governance record since assuming power in 2018. “We have fulfilled the vast majority of commitments made to the Barbadian electorate despite navigating unprecedented challenges,” Walcott asserted, referencing the compound crises of hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic during their term.

    Framing the upcoming election as a referendum on steady leadership during global uncertainty, Walcott emphasized: “This nation requires proven, committed leadership familiar with complex issues—not experimental governance.” The Secretary confirmed the party’s formal campaign launch would commence imminently, with initial focus on meeting Electoral Boundaries Commission requirements before publicly defending their administrative record and presenting future plans.

    Amid heightened political activities, Walcott concurrently advised public health vigilance, noting increased circulation of respiratory viruses and recommending mask usage and sanitization during political gatherings and voting procedures.

  • St James Central: Voters weigh local hopes, national stakes

    St James Central: Voters weigh local hopes, national stakes

    As Barbados approaches the February 11 general election, constituents in St James Central reveal complex perspectives on governance, balancing appreciation for current leadership with urgent calls for broader societal reforms. The electoral landscape reflects a constituency grappling with both progress and persistent challenges.

    Community members acknowledge tangible improvements under incumbent MP Kerrie Symmonds of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP). Tonia Prescod of Fitts Village commended the Prime Minister’s decisive leadership and highlighted Symmonds’ personalized approach to constituency service, noting his compassionate support following her son’s tragic passing. Infrastructure enhancements including road repairs, lighting installations, and sports facilities have generated positive feedback from residents.

    However, significant concerns emerge regarding youth development programs, housing affordability, and environmental protection. Multiple voters emphasized the need for expanded skills training and structured mentorship initiatives to divert young people from negative influences. Jeffrey ‘Bam Bam’ Joseph noted that while housing conditions have improved, substantial gaps remain for lower-income residents requiring more accessible options.

    Coastal environmental issues present particular challenges for traditional livelihoods. Fisherfolk in Paynes Bay described how shoreline alterations using large rocks have disrupted turtle nesting patterns, creating hazardous conditions for marine life. Drainage deficiencies further exacerbate ecological concerns, affecting both wildlife and fishing activities.

    The election’s timing has sparked commentary among voters, with some noting the unusual frequency of polls since 2018. While Yvette of Prior Park acknowledged infrastructure improvements, she cautioned against treating community enhancements as merely electoral gestures rather than sustained commitments.

    Historical context reveals St James Central as a relatively new constituency established through early-2000s boundary adjustments. After Symmonds’ initial victory in 2003, the seat shifted to Democratic Labour Party (DLP) control in 2008 and 2013 before returning to BLP leadership in 2018 and 2022.

    The upcoming election features a three-way contest between Symmonds (BLP), Paul Gibson (DLP) representing pharmaceutical and business interests, and Kerry Thomas of the Friends of Democracy movement. Voter sentiments suggest a desire for continuity in representation while demanding more comprehensive approaches to youth engagement, environmental conservation, and equitable housing solutions.

  • PM says nationwide infrastructure projects will be done in phases

    PM says nationwide infrastructure projects will be done in phases

    In a significant New Year address to journalists, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has unveiled an extensive national infrastructure development agenda for 2026, focusing on comprehensive road rehabilitation projects across multiple communities. The ambitious initiative represents a cornerstone of the government’s economic transformation strategy.

    The administration has mandated complete resurfacing of the New Town Road stretching from New Town Savannah to the Castle Comfort bridge. Additionally, the government will execute a phased resurfacing program along the critical Roseau to Portsmouth corridor, beginning with the Pottersville to Old Mill section as the initial phase.

    Prime Minister Skerrit detailed the specific sequencing of these infrastructure improvements: “The first phase will cover the section from Pottersville bridges to Canefield, followed by the subsequent phase from Canefield to Jimmit.” The comprehensive plan further includes complete road resurfacing from Pont Casse Roundabout to Bois Diable and from Sultan junction to River ‘Glo Cho’ in the Layou Valley region.

    According to an official release from the Office of the Prime Minister, these infrastructure investments form part of the government’s central preoccupation for 2026, described as essential projects for transforming Dominica’s economic landscape and building long-term resilience for future generations. The Prime Minister concluded by noting additional focus on completing the final section in Thibaud, underscoring the nationwide scope of these developmental initiatives.

  • Ministry of Infrastructure appoints new Chief Technical Officer

    Ministry of Infrastructure appoints new Chief Technical Officer

    The Grenadian Ministry of Infrastructure has unveiled a significant leadership transition, appointing Kimon Andrews as its incoming Chief Technical Officer effective January 1, 2026. He will succeed Kevin Blache, who is departing for opportunities in the private sector after providing dedicated service to the ministry.

    The Ministry formally expressed gratitude to Blache for his valuable contributions and extended best wishes for his future professional endeavors. This changing of the guard marks a strategic shift in Grenada’s infrastructure leadership.

    Andrews ascends to the role with substantial qualifications, having previously served as Senior Engineer and informally as Deputy CTO. His professional background encompasses over ten years in structural and civil engineering, complemented by expertise in project management and advanced technical design. Andrews holds a prestigious Master’s degree in Earthquake Engineering with Disaster Management from University College London, bringing specialized knowledge in resilience planning to his new position.

    In his capacity as CTO, Andrews will assume responsibility for leading the ministry’s technical teams and maintaining the delivery of high-quality engineering solutions to governmental partners and stakeholders. His appointment signals continued focus on innovation within Grenada’s physical infrastructure initiatives.

    The Ministry has called upon all stakeholders to welcome Andrews to his new role while acknowledging Blache’s service as he transitions to private sector pursuits.

  • LIVE from 2:30PM: Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition Knock-Out Round 2026

    LIVE from 2:30PM: Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition Knock-Out Round 2026

    Microsoft has achieved a significant milestone with its AI-powered Bing Chat service, surpassing 100 million daily active users according to a recent announcement. This rapid adoption represents a substantial challenge to Google’s long-standing dominance in the search engine market.

    The conversational AI assistant, powered by advanced language models, has transformed the traditional search experience by providing direct answers, creative content generation, and interactive dialogue capabilities. The service’s growing popularity demonstrates a shifting user preference toward more intuitive and comprehensive information retrieval systems.

    Microsoft’s strategic integration of AI technology across its product ecosystem, including the Edge browser, has contributed significantly to Bing Chat’s expanding user base. Industry analysts note that this represents the most serious competition Google Search has faced in over a decade, potentially signaling a new era in the search engine landscape.

    The company’s substantial investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure and partnerships has positioned it at the forefront of the AI revolution. This user growth metric suggests that conversational AI interfaces may fundamentally reshape how people interact with information online, moving beyond the traditional list-of-links approach that has characterized search for decades.

  • Enriquez Calls Government Response ‘Disrespectful’

    Enriquez Calls Government Response ‘Disrespectful’

    Social advocate Jerry Enriquez has publicly denounced the Belizean government’s response to his Freedom of Information Act request as profoundly inadequate and disrespectful. The controversy emerged when the Office of the Prime Minister provided merely a single-page document in response to Enriquez’s comprehensive inquiry about Constituency Development Funds spanning from 2020 onward.

    Enriquez had formally sought detailed records encompassing fund allocations, distribution guidelines, and accounting procedures managed by area representatives. Following multiple deadline extensions, the government’s response arrived on January 22nd containing only basic monthly allocation figures per constituency, lacking the substantive transparency requested.

    “The document received represents a disappointingly minimal response that falls drastically short of our legitimate inquiries,” Enriquez stated. He characterized the government’s approach as condescending and demanded more serious treatment of FOIA requests, emphasizing that these concerns involve public funds requiring proper accountability.

    Utilizing the limited data provided, Enriquez conducted preliminary analysis revealing apparent distribution inequities among constituencies. His examination identified Stann Creek West—the nation’s largest constituency with approximately 11,000 registered voters—as receiving comparatively less funding than smaller districts. Conversely, Orange Walk Central, which constitutes the Prime Minister’s electoral division, appeared to benefit from the highest per capita monthly allocations.

    Enriquez raised critical questions regarding whether constituency funds are being administered as personal discretionary resources rather than public assets subject to proper oversight. Based on the provided figures, he estimates over six million dollars in public funds are distributed annually through this program, underscoring the necessity for transparency. “Every citizen deserves to know how their area representative utilizes these substantial resources,” he asserted, highlighting the fundamental right to accountable governance.

  • 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.