Carib Scope

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  • 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.

  • Heavy Machinery Found in Hol Chan Area

    Heavy Machinery Found in Hol Chan Area

    Environmental authorities in Belize have launched an investigation following the discovery of unauthorized heavy machinery operations within the protected Hol Chan Marine Reserve. During a routine patrol on Thursday, the reserve’s Technical and Enforcement Team encountered a marine barge transporting a pontoon vessel and a hydraulic excavator that had been positioned on the northwestern sector of Ambergris Caye.

    The inspection team, accompanied by a representative from Belize’s Department of Environment (DOE), immediately requested permits and operational documentation from the site operators. No authorization paperwork was produced during the on-site examination, raising serious compliance concerns.

    Hol Chan Marine Reserve management has formally reported the incident to multiple government agencies including the DOE, Mining Department, and Fisheries Department. Officials have also notified the local Area Representative while emphasizing their commitment to following established regulatory protocols as they await directives from relevant authorities.

    The discovery has ignited substantial public outcry across social media platforms, with citizens demanding increased accountability and transparency. Community members are questioning the ownership of the equipment, funding sources for the operation, and potential environmental damage. Particular concern has been raised about allegations that mangrove vegetation might have been cleared to facilitate machinery access—an action that would constitute a significant environmental violation if verified.

    Many residents have expressed frustration that operations weren’t immediately suspended despite the absence of proper permits, suggesting that equipment should have been confiscated rather than simply documented for further review.

  • Antigua and Barbuda announces public holidays for 2026 and opens consultations on workplace violence bill

    Antigua and Barbuda announces public holidays for 2026 and opens consultations on workplace violence bill

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has simultaneously released its official 2026 public holiday calendar and initiated nationwide consultations on groundbreaking workplace safety legislation. The dual announcements from the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Public Safety, Immigration and Labour signal significant developments in both national scheduling and worker protections.

    According to the Office of the Labour Commissioner, the 2026 public holidays have been formally established under the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2005. The comprehensive schedule includes New Year’s Day (January 1), Good Friday (April 3), Easter Monday (April 6), and Labour Day (May 4). The calendar further features Whit Monday (May 25), Carnival celebrations (August 3-4), National Day of Prayer (September 17), and Independence Day observance (November 2). The year concludes with V.C. Bird Day (December 9), Christmas Day (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26).

    Concurrently, the government has unveiled the Workplace Violence and Harassment (Prevention) Draft Bill, legislation designed to transform occupational safety standards. Developed in alignment with international labor conventions, the proposed bill aims to establish a robust legal framework for preventing workplace violence and fostering respectful, secure working environments.

    The Ministry has organized an extensive consultation tour to ensure the legislation incorporates diverse stakeholder perspectives. Scheduled sessions include: January 28 at the Multipurpose Centre, February 5 at Villa Community Centre, February 11 at J.T. Ambrose Primary School, and February 18 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. All consultations will commence at 5:30 PM, providing accessible opportunities for public participation.

    Government officials emphasize the importance of citizen engagement in both initiatives, encouraging workers, employers, unions, and community organizations to contribute to the legislative process while noting the officially published holiday schedule for planning purposes.

  • Government of Grenada makes significant investment in COMS-PAN

    Government of Grenada makes significant investment in COMS-PAN

    The Grenadian government has launched a substantial cultural investment initiative exceeding EC$650,000 through its Community Steelpan Programme (COMS-PAN), signaling a strategic commitment to youth development and cultural preservation across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. The program officially commenced in Carriacou on January 16, 2026, with targeted participation of 20 youth per parish in selected communities.

    Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture Minister Adrian Thomas characterized the investment as foundational to Grenada’s cultural future, emphasizing that national development extends beyond physical infrastructure. “Investment doesn’t always refer to roads, bridges or buildings. We must also invest in music and culture,” Minister Thomas stated. He compared the creative economy’s potential to “a volcano, just waiting to erupt,” noting its capacity to generate foreign exchange comparable to traditional exports like nutmeg and cocoa.

    The government’s vision includes achieving self-sufficiency in steelpan production and maintenance. While initial instruments were sourced from Trinidad, Minister Thomas outlined plans to develop local expertise: “We want to develop our own tuners. We do not want to continue depending on others. We want to build our own capacity.”

    Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs Minister Tevin Andrews welcomed the program as tangible action against cultural decline. “This is not lip service. We recognise the challenges facing our culture, and while some say it is dying, we are taking deliberate action to revive it,” Minister Andrews asserted. He expressed aspirations to reestablish steelpan music across communities as historically present in L’Esterre, Harvey Vale, Six Roads, Mt Royal and Bogles.

    Chief Cultural Officer Kelvin Jacob explained that COMS-PAN addresses systemic challenges including instrument accessibility and the absence of structured musical ensembles. “The goal is to expand community steelpan ensembles as hubs for youth development, cultural celebration and sustainable growth,” Jacob noted, adding that the vision includes training arrangers, tuners and manufacturers to ensure long-term cultural sustainability.

    The program will operate from the Mt Royal panhouse, home of Shakespeare Mas, with weekly classes scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 PM.

  • Trump Drops Threat of Tariffs Over Greenland

    Trump Drops Threat of Tariffs Over Greenland

    In a surprising development from the World Economic Forum in Davos, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the establishment of a preliminary framework agreement concerning Greenland and broader Arctic region cooperation. The declaration followed his Tuesday meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, which Trump characterized as “highly productive” through his Truth Social platform.

    The proposed arrangement reportedly includes the withdrawal of threatened tariffs against eight European nations that had previously opposed Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland. The semi-autonomous Danish territory has gained significant geopolitical importance due to its strategic Arctic positioning, with U.S. officials expressing concerns about increasing Russian and Chinese activity in the region.

    However, both Danish authorities and Greenland’s leadership have swiftly contradicted Trump’s assertions, emphasizing that no formal agreement exists and that negotiations cannot advance without Greenland’s direct participation. The territory’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt expressed serious concerns about being excluded from preliminary discussions, insisting that her government must be centrally involved in any dialogue affecting Greenland’s future.

    While reports suggest potential discussions about U.S. military installations similar to British bases in Cyprus, both Denmark and Greenland have consistently maintained that territorial sovereignty is not subject to negotiation. Secretary General Rutte subsequently clarified that sovereignty matters had not been part of their discussions, creating further ambiguity around Trump’s claims.

  • Government Reviews Upgrades to National Laboratory Services

    Government Reviews Upgrades to National Laboratory Services

    The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a comprehensive strategy to revolutionize the nation’s forensic and analytical laboratory capabilities. During a pivotal session, Cabinet members received detailed briefings from two leading scientific authorities on urgent modernization requirements for the country’s diagnostic infrastructure.

    Forensic Director Michael Murrell, Head of Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services, presented a multi-faceted plan addressing critical gaps in national laboratory services. His presentation emphasized three fundamental pillars: infrastructure modernization, expanded testing capacities, and developing sustainable funding mechanisms. Specific facility upgrades were highlighted, including essential renovations at Point Wharf to optimize operational functionality and create adequate workspaces for technical staff. Similar improvements were proposed for the Dunbar’s facility to enhance sample processing capabilities.

    Murrell particularly stressed the growing national need for advanced compliance testing methodologies, especially for cannabis-infused products entering regulated markets. Additionally, he identified pesticide residue testing as a crucial public health priority requiring immediate capability enhancements to safeguard food safety standards.

    Dr. Linroy Christian, Director of the Department of Analytical Services, provided complementary insights regarding the nation’s primary testing laboratory for food, water, and environmental samples. Both experts underscored the strategic importance of robust laboratory services for national development across multiple sectors.

    The Cabinet has formally requested both officials to return with concrete recommendations for potentially consolidating all government laboratory operations under a unified framework. This includes developing a sustainable financing model that would ensure continuous reinvestment in advanced equipment, specialized staffing, and ongoing operational improvements.

  • Public Invited to Review Environmental Study for North Beach Project

    Public Invited to Review Environmental Study for North Beach Project

    Antigua’s Department of Environment has initiated a formal public consultation period regarding a comprehensive Environmental Impact Study for a proposed Engineered Water Management System at North Beach, Jolly Harbour. This procedural step represents a critical component of the nation’s environmental governance framework, emphasizing transparency and community engagement in developmental planning.

    The governmental body has explicitly characterized public participation as an indispensable element within the environmental assessment protocol. Officials emphasize that gathering diverse stakeholder perspectives is fundamental to achieving a holistic evaluation, ensuring that ecological considerations, social implications, and coastal dynamics receive thorough scrutiny prior to any definitive project approvals.

    The extensive study documentation, now accessible for public examination, provides a detailed analysis of the project’s potential environmental consequences. It further delineates a series of scientifically-grounded mitigation strategies specifically designed to address and responsibly manage identified risks to the local coastline and broader ecosystem. The initiative underscores a commitment to balancing infrastructural development with stringent environmental stewardship.