Carib Scope

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  • Linger president-commissaris EBS en Felicia Zerp CFO

    Linger president-commissaris EBS en Felicia Zerp CFO

    PARAMARIBO – Suriname’s national electricity provider NV Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS) has implemented a comprehensive leadership overhaul effective December 24th, following an extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting convened at the utility’s headquarters. The restructuring introduces a newly constituted Board of Commissioners and appoints a fresh Chief Financial Officer.

    Minister David Abiamofo of Natural Resources, acting as authorized representative for the State of Suriname as majority shareholder, formally executed the appointments. The proceedings were supervised by NH Energy Director Valerie Lalji, with EBS General Director Leo Brunswijk and other senior management personnel in attendance.

    The revamped Board of Commissioners now features Dean Linger as President-Commissioner. The board’s composition includes Jonathan Wesenhagen, Jerrel Macintosch, Subhash Goerdat, Leon Brunings, and Madhavi Bholasingh. Notably, former President-Commissioner Kenneth Profijt returns to the board as a regular member. This reorganization sees the departure of Clifton Lienga and Radha Rosiek from the supervisory body.

    Simultaneously, Felicia Zerp assumes the role of Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Leslie Rahan who concludes his tenure on December 31st upon reaching retirement age.

    Minister Abiamofo addressed significant challenges confronting the energy sector during the assembly, emphasizing the critical need for financing new electricity generation capacity and accelerating the transition toward sustainable energy solutions. He further stressed the societal importance of establishing fair and transparent electricity pricing structures.

    The newly inaugurated Board of Commissioners has received immediate directives to conduct a comprehensive quick-scan assessment. This preliminary evaluation aims to provide crucial insights into EBS’s current financial viability and operational performance metrics. Minister Abiamofo concluded proceedings by expressing formal appreciation for the contributions of outgoing commissioners and retiring CFO Leslie Rahan.

  • Barbados TODAY, St. Lucia Times & Selecta Charts seal major partnership

    Barbados TODAY, St. Lucia Times & Selecta Charts seal major partnership

    A transformative partnership has been formally established between Barbados TODAY, St. Lucia Times, and the data-driven music platform Selecta Charts, marking a revolutionary advancement for Caribbean media and entertainment. This unprecedented collaboration is poised to fundamentally reshape the promotion, distribution, and celebration of regional music across the archipelago.

    The alliance merges one of the Caribbean’s most extensive digital news networks with an innovative charting system specifically designed to elevate artists spanning multiple genres. Paul Husbands, CEO and Founder of Selecta Charts, characterized the partnership as an unparalleled multimedia initiative within the region’s music industry. He emphasized that integrating established media reach with cutting-edge musical analytics is paramount for both sustaining and expanding the creative output of Caribbean artistry.

    Hermina Elcock, Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of both Barbados TODAY and St. Lucia Times, described the venture as a strategic fusion built upon digital expansion, innovation, and cultural preservation. She clarified that the initiative extends beyond conventional content publishing, serving instead as a dynamic mechanism to capture the region’s cultural essence and amplify its creative talent. Elcock confirmed the synergistic compatibility between the entities, noting that the news outlets contribute audience reach and credibility, while Selecta Charts injects technological innovation and excitement.

    The integration is projected to generate substantially increased visibility for musicians from Barbados, Saint Lucia, and the broader Caribbean community. Weekly Top 10 charts, specialized genre features, and enhanced digital engagement mechanisms embedded within the news platforms will provide exposure on an unprecedented scale. Husbands anticipates a significant surge in user engagement, facilitated by the extensive insular demographic reach of the media partners, which is expected to incentivize broader artist participation.

    A primary objective of this collaboration is to address the seasonal nature of Caribbean music releases, which traditionally peak during carnival and festival periods. The implementation of consistent weekly charts is designed to motivate artists to produce and distribute music throughout the entire year—an innovation Husbands identifies as potentially the most impactful outcome.

    Elcock reinforced that sustained year-round cultural engagement will strengthen both the creative economy and the regional digital ecosystem. The partnership strategically targets younger, music-oriented audiences while simultaneously offering existing readership novel cultural experiences, effectively broadening cultural discourse across the Caribbean.

    Both leaders envision expansive future possibilities emerging from this foundational partnership, including live events, creator collaborations, video productions, and sophisticated digital campaigns. Elcock characterized the alliance as merely the inaugural step toward establishing an entirely new multimedia landscape that enables global brands to deeper comprehend and engage with Caribbean culture.

  • Ministry of Health clarifies social media report on disease trends in Grenada

    Ministry of Health clarifies social media report on disease trends in Grenada

    The Grenada Ministry of Health has issued a formal rebuttal against circulating social media posts suggesting unusual disease outbreaks in the country. Health authorities confirm that comprehensive surveillance data does not support these claims, emphasizing that current disease patterns align with expected seasonal trends.

    According to official monitoring systems, respiratory illnesses have shown a predictable increase corresponding with annual influenza season patterns. This trend has been further amplified by heightened population mobility during peak tourism season and Christmas holiday travels.

    Health officials documented a notable spike in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease cases during Epidemiological Week 42 (concluding October 18, 2025), primarily affecting children across multiple educational institutions. The ministry responded with a detailed press release on October 31, 2025, outlining containment protocols and preventive measures to control transmission.

    COVID-19 indicators remain reassuringly low, with minimal positivity rates indicating constrained community transmission. Investigations into reported flu-like symptoms among tourism sector workers confirmed alignment with broader seasonal respiratory patterns, with no evidence of coronavirus clusters detected.

    Concurrently, gastroenteritis cases have reached intervention threshold levels, though remaining within anticipated seasonal parameters. The ministry has escalated pathogen testing protocols to precisely identify circulating strains and guide appropriate public health responses.

    Health authorities underscored that all epidemiological data undergoes rigorous analysis by qualified professionals before dissemination. Official communications regarding public health risks are exclusively channeled through authorized ministry platforms to ensure information accuracy and prevent unnecessary public alarm.

    The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based health management and transparency, urging citizens to rely exclusively on official communications for accurate health information while maintaining recommended preventive practices.

  • Should Fireworks Be “Banned” For The Safety of Pets?

    Should Fireworks Be “Banned” For The Safety of Pets?

    Animal protection organizations throughout Belize are intensifying calls for regulatory action against fireworks, citing severe distress and injury to domestic animals and wildlife during annual Christmas and New Year celebrations. The vibrant pyrotechnic displays that illuminate the night sky coincide with what rescuers describe as a predictable wave of animal emergencies.

    According to documentation from multiple advocacy groups, explosive noises trigger widespread panic among animals, resulting in numerous escape attempts from secure properties. Sheila Ford, Director of Corozal Animal Welfare Advocates, reports significant annual animal losses directly linked to fireworks detonations. “Countless animals become displaced when fireworks erupt,” Ford stated. “Those remaining confined endure extreme terror, frequently trembling beneath furniture.”

    Emergency response systems experience overwhelming demand during peak celebration periods. Michelle Rudon, President of the Society for the Promotion of Animal Rescue and Kindness (SPARK), confirmed that volunteer networks become inundated with distress calls concerning missing pets requiring rescue operations.

    Veterinary professionals report treating serious trauma cases stemming from fireworks-related incidents. Dr. Jane Crawford of the Animal Medical Centre documented emergency surgical procedures performed on Christmas Day, including one case where a pet sustained critical injuries from leaping off an elevated veranda. “Our clinic consistently treats animals that have been struck by vehicles after fleeing onto roadways,” Dr. Crawford explained.

    Advocates highlight the existing legal framework under Belize’s Dangerous Goods Act, which categorizes fireworks as explosives requiring licensed distribution and usage. Halima Santos of SPARK questioned the pervasive unregulated circulation of these materials: “These explosive devices are legally restricted to licensed operators, yet they’re routinely sold illegally nationwide. This widespread possession of essentially unregulated dynamite is deeply concerning.”

    The collective advocacy effort seeks enhanced enforcement of current regulations and potential legislative amendments. Proposed measures include restricting fireworks usage to designated time windows and implementing comprehensive bans on particularly disruptive firecrackers. Rudon expressed unequivocal support for stringent prohibitions: “Given ultimate authority, I would institute a complete ban without hesitation.”

  • Regering zet brede zorg- en beschermingsmaatregelen in na drama Commewijne

    Regering zet brede zorg- en beschermingsmaatregelen in na drama Commewijne

    In response to the devastating violence that unfolded on December 28th in Richelieu, Commewijne district, the Surinamese government has committed to implementing comprehensive reforms to strengthen child protection and psychosocial care systems. The tragic incident resulted in nine fatalities, including four children of the perpetrator, Dennis Aroma, who subsequently took his own life in police custody. Two additional victims remain hospitalized with injuries.

    Government ministers Harish Monorath of Justice and Police and Diana Pokie of Social Affairs and Housing visited the affected community on Sunday, conveying official condolences to bereaved families, local residents, and the broader society. President Jennifer Simons has declared state sponsorship for all funeral expenses and initiated psychological support services for those impacted.

    Minister Pokie acknowledged the profound trauma inflicted upon the community and emphasized the government’s dual responsibility to both empathize with victims and implement systemic improvements. She highlighted critical needs for enhanced social protection mechanisms, early problem detection protocols, and efficient referral systems between Social Affairs, Justice, Police, and Health departments.

    The Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing has deployed social services to provide comprehensive support to affected families, including basic care, insurance assistance, aftercare, and community guidance. Additional support is being organized for schools and students emotionally impacted by the tragedy, according to Suriname’s Communication Service.

    Minister Monorath expressed profound grief and helplessness while detailing coordinated victim support services through the Suriname Police Corps and trauma care collaborations with the Health Ministry. Beyond funeral arrangements, the government will designate a central location for national condolences and has called for unity and solidarity throughout this difficult period.

  • No tint on front windshield, lighter tint on all windows; fine increased- Home Affairs Minister

    No tint on front windshield, lighter tint on all windows; fine increased- Home Affairs Minister

    The Guyana Ministry of Home Affairs has announced comprehensive revisions to vehicle window tint regulations, establishing clearer standards and stricter enforcement mechanisms effective January 1, 2026. Under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Tint) Regulations 2025, front windshields will prohibit any tinting whatsoever, permitting only a maximum six-inch visor strip at the top. Rear windshields and windows will allow light tinting within specified limits: 20% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for rear windshields and back passenger windows, and 25% VLT for front side windows.

    The updated legislation explicitly bans mirrored or reflective tints entirely. Notably, financial penalties for non-compliance have been substantially increased to GY$30,000, applying to both vehicle operators and businesses installing illegal tints.

    To facilitate public adaptation, authorities will implement a three-month amnesty period from January through March 2026. During this transitional phase, the Guyana Police Force will establish voluntary tint testing stations nationwide where motorists can assess their compliance without penalty. Official details regarding testing site locations and operational procedures will be released imminently.

    Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond explained that these changes respond to Guyana’s evolution beyond the previous near-total prohibition approach. The new framework aims to balance modern practicalities with enhanced public safety, providing greater clarity and consistency for all road users while improving law enforcement effectiveness.

    The regulations include exemption provisions for specific cases: individuals with medically-certified sunlight sensitivity conditions, high-risk cash handling businesses, licensed security agencies, diplomatic missions, emergency services, and designated government officials including the President and Prime Minister. exemption applications require formal submission to the Home Affairs Minister for consideration.

    Opposition response from Shadow Home Affairs Minister Sherod Duncan acknowledged the improvements in regulatory structure and transparency, emphasizing that enforcement should follow proper rule-making procedures rather than preceding them.

  • Man Drowns on Christmas Day in Caledonia Village

    Man Drowns on Christmas Day in Caledonia Village

    A tragic drowning incident claimed the life of a Belizean laborer in Caledonia Village on Christmas Day, December 25th, 2025. Local authorities have confirmed the death of 45-year-old Eliodoro Moh, who was discovered motionless in a riverbank shortly after midday.

    According to ASP Stacy Smith, police responded to an emergency report at approximately 12:30 PM and located Moh’s body at the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates that Moh had left his residence around 10:30 AM while apparently under the influence of alcohol.

    Emergency personnel attempted resuscitation procedures at the location, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. The body has been transferred for post-mortem examination to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the drowning.

    The Caledonia Village Council issued an official statement expressing profound grief over the loss. Remembered affectionately in the community as ‘Chiks’ or ‘Rambo,’ Moh was described as a highly valued and hardworking individual who left a significant impression on those who knew him.

    A funeral procession has been scheduled for December 30th to honor Moh’s memory, as the community mourns the unexpected passing of one of their own during the holiday season.

  • Americans in 1998 tried to predict 2025. Here’s what they got right

    Americans in 1998 tried to predict 2025. Here’s what they got right

    As 2025 draws to a close, archival polling data from the Roper Center at Cornell University offers a fascinating window into the collective psyche of late-20th century America. The year was 1998—President Bill Clinton faced impeachment proceedings, ‘Titanic’ dominated the Oscars, and landline phones remained household staples. It was against this backdrop that Gallup and USA Today surveyed 1,055 Americans about their visions for the distant future year of 2025.

    The results reveal a remarkable blend of prescient foresight and optimistic miscalculation. A majority of respondents accurately predicted the election of a Black president, the legalization of gay marriage, and the emergence of a deadly new disease—all realities of contemporary America. Conversely, most expressed appropriate skepticism about the commercialization of space travel or contact with extraterrestrial life.

    Yet the forecast contained significant overestimations. Approximately two-thirds anticipated a female president by 2025, while more than half expected a definitive cancer cure and 61% projected routine centenarian lifespans—advancements that remain unrealized.

    The survey uncovered profound societal pessimism regarding class divisions and civil liberties. Seventy percent predicted improved quality of life for the wealthy, but respondents were divided on middle-class prospects and overwhelmingly anticipated worsening conditions for the poor. Nearly 80% foresaw diminished personal privacy, 57% expected reduced personal freedom, and majorities predicted higher crime rates, environmental degradation, and declining moral values. Seventy-one percent believed it would be harder to raise children with strong character.

    Isolated bright spots included expectations of improved race relations and greater medical care availability, albeit with concerns about affordability.

    Comparing longitudinal data reveals a stark decline in national optimism. Where 60% of Americans expressed satisfaction with the country’s direction in 1998, Gallup’s contemporary measurements show that figure has plummeted to just 24%—highlighting a dramatic shift in the American outlook over the past quarter-century.

  • Police Detain 53-Year-Old Man in Belize City Robbery

    Police Detain 53-Year-Old Man in Belize City Robbery

    In the early hours of Christmas Day, Belize City law enforcement successfully apprehended a suspect following an attempted street robbery. The incident occurred at approximately 1:50 a.m. on December 25 in the Wilson Street area, where officers from the Eagles Motorcycle Patrol team of Precinct Three were conducting routine surveillance.

    According to official statements from Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, the responding officers immediately intervened upon hearing a woman’s distress calls. “The officers observed a female engaged in a physical altercation with a male individual, who subsequently fled the scene,” Smith detailed in her account of the Christmas morning events.

    The suspect, identified as 53-year-old deckman Alistair Smith residing on Mayflower Street, was pursued and subsequently detained by police personnel. During the apprehension, authorities recovered the victim’s purse containing nominal monetary value items and personal belongings in the suspect’s possession.

    Criminal charges for robbery are being formally prepared against the detained individual. The prompt response of the Eagles Motorcycle Patrol team prevented potential escalation of the violent street crime during what would typically be a quiet holiday period.

  • LETTER: Airport Security Exercise Failure

    LETTER: Airport Security Exercise Failure

    A recent security assessment at a major international airport has uncovered alarming deficiencies in passenger screening protocols, raising serious concerns about aviation safety preparedness. The simulated security exercise, designed to test the effectiveness of detection systems, resulted in a staggering failure rate as prohibited items successfully bypassed checkpoint controls.

    According to internal documents reviewed by security analysts, undercover operatives participating in the drill repeatedly penetrated security layers with mock dangerous objects. The exercise, conducted under realistic operational conditions, revealed multiple points of vulnerability in both technological systems and human screening procedures.

    Aviation security experts have expressed profound concern over the findings, noting that the identified weaknesses could potentially be exploited by malicious actors. The failure comes amid increased global security alerts and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by transportation security agencies worldwide.

    The airport authority has acknowledged the exercise results and immediately initiated a comprehensive review of all security protocols. Emergency briefings have been conducted with screening staff, and additional training sessions have been mandated across all shifts. Technological upgrades to scanning equipment are now being accelerated, with implementation expected within the coming quarter.

    This incident has prompted broader discussions within the aviation security community about the need for more frequent and rigorous testing protocols. International aviation authorities are monitoring the situation closely, as the findings may have implications for security standards globally.