Carib Scope

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  • UN votes to recognise enslavement of Africans as ‘gravest crime against humanity’

    UN votes to recognise enslavement of Africans as ‘gravest crime against humanity’

    In a historic move, the United Nations General Assembly has formally designated the enslavement of Africans during the transatlantic slave trade as ‘the gravest crime against humanity.’ The resolution, championed by Ghana and supported by the African Union and Caribbean Community, received overwhelming approval with 123 nations voting in favor. Only three countries—the United States, Israel, and Argentina—opposed the measure, while 52 nations, including the United Kingdom and several European Union member states, abstained.

    The resolution not only establishes this historical classification but also urges member states to consider issuing formal apologies and contributing to a global reparations fund. While no specific monetary amount is stipulated, advocates emphasize that reparatory justice should support educational endowments, skills training programs, and heritage preservation initiatives rather than direct payments to governments.

    Ghanaian President John Mahama addressed the assembly prior to the vote, stating, ‘Let it be recorded that when history beckoned, we did what was right for the memory of the millions who suffered the indignity of the slave trade and those who continue to suffer racial discrimination.’ He emphasized that the resolution serves as ‘a safeguard against forgetting’ and confronts the enduring scars of slavery that continue to manifest as racial inequalities and underdevelopment affecting people of African descent worldwide.

    The vote revealed significant geopolitical divisions regarding historical accountability. The United Kingdom acknowledged the ‘untold harm and misery’ caused by the slave trade but expressed reservations about the resolution’s wording and legal implications. U.S. Ambassador Dan Negrea articulated stronger objections, stating that the United States ‘does not recognize a legal right to reparations for historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred.’ He criticized what he characterized as the ‘cynical usage of historical wrongs as a leverage point to reallocate modern resources.’

    The resolution additionally calls for the repatriation of cultural artifacts looted during the colonial era, with Ghanaian officials emphasizing the spiritual and cultural significance of these items. The debate also touched upon contemporary American politics, with Ghana’s president criticizing the Trump administration’s cultural policies, while the U.S. delegation defended the president’s record with African American communities.

    Historical context provided in the resolution notes that between 1500 and 1800, approximately 12-15 million Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas, with an estimated two million perishing during the treacherous journey. The resolution asserts that the consequences of this centuries-long system continue to reverberate through persistent racial discrimination and economic disparities.

  • Dominican Republic participates in KIZUNA seminar on disaster risk reduction

    Dominican Republic participates in KIZUNA seminar on disaster risk reduction

    Santiago, Chile – A landmark international initiative dedicated to enhancing disaster preparedness throughout Latin America and the Caribbean has successfully concluded after a ten-year run. The KIZUNA Project (2015–2026), a collaborative effort spearheaded by the governments of Chile and Japan, held its final seminar to review its substantial achievements in regional capacity building.

    The closing event, co-organized by the Chilean Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AGCID) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), served as a platform for regional reflection. Key institutions, including the National Office of Seismic Evaluation and Vulnerability of Infrastructure and Buildings (ONESVIE) of the Dominican Republic and representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank, gathered to assess the project’s legacy.

    Leonardo Reyes, Director of ONESVIE, presented a comprehensive overview of the Dominican Republic’s advancements under the KIZUNA framework. His presentation detailed significant national progress in critical areas such as seismic vulnerability assessment, institutional fortification, and integrated risk management strategies. Reyes underscored the indispensable value of multinational partnerships, stating that such cooperation is fundamental to constructing communities that are both safer and more resilient to natural disasters.

    The consensus among participants highlighted the project’s profound impact. Over its decade-long implementation, KIZUNA was instrumental in providing advanced training for thousands of disaster management professionals across the region. Its core success lies in its effective strengthening of institutional capabilities and the vigorous promotion of a collaborative network among nations, significantly improving the region’s collective response mechanisms for climate-related events and seismic threats.

  • Residents & Stakeholders to Join Consultation on Natural Resources and Marine Spatial Plans for the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park

    Residents & Stakeholders to Join Consultation on Natural Resources and Marine Spatial Plans for the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park

    The Nelson’s Dockyard National Park (NDNP) is set to host a pivotal public consultation this Wednesday evening, bringing together local residents and key stakeholders to deliberate on two comprehensive strategic plans. The dual-focused meeting will address both the newly drafted Natural Resources Management Plan and the NDNP Marine Spatial Plan, marking a significant step in the region’s climate adaptation efforts.

    Scheduled for March 25th at Cobbs Cross Primary School from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, this joint consultation represents the latest in a series of engagement initiatives forming part of the broader Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Caribbean Project. This multinational climate resilience program is currently active across three Caribbean nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

    In Antigua and Barbuda, the nonprofit organization Integrated Health Outreach (IHO) is spearheading project implementation within the NDNP in collaboration with the National Parks Authority (NPA). Technical expertise is provided by a specialist team from the Centre of Excellence of Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE) at the University of the West Indies, Five Islands campus, which has been commissioned to develop both strategic plans.

    The Natural Resources Management Plan will establish critical priorities for managing terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems while formulating an updated governance framework. Concurrently, the Marine Spatial Plan will address pressing issues including pollution control, waste management strategies, designation of specific marine zones, and the balancing of conservation areas with fishing priorities and other marine activities.

    This week’s consultation follows previous stakeholder engagements, including February’s Sustainable Fisheries and Land Management Workshop, which featured two community consultations. Kieron Murdoch, Communications Officer with IHO, emphasized the fundamental importance of community involvement: “Engaging the community continues to be an extremely important part of the work being done by everyone attached to this project. It’s vital to ensure that the results are informed by the experiences of those who live, work and operate within the National Park.”

    The EbA Caribbean Project operates under the official title “Strengthening regional climate resilience and supporting green economic recovery through ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and sustainable livelihoods in the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda, and Jamaica.” Funded by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund with co-financing from Germany’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) through KfW Development Bank, the project is implemented through a consortium including the UN Environment Programme’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Oracabessa Marine Trust, and several regional conservation organizations.

  • ESFN Weaves Threads of Creativity through Creative Expression Workshop

    ESFN Weaves Threads of Creativity through Creative Expression Workshop

    The EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network (ESFN) convened an innovative Creative Expression Workshop on March 21st, 2026, at Wadadli Spaces, gathering participants across generations from ages 5 to 35 for a dynamic exploration of artistry and environmental consciousness. The event fostered a unique convergence of imaginative expression and community engagement through diverse artistic mediums.

    Centered around the thematic prompt “Threads,” participants interpreted this concept through writing, drawing, painting, and experimental art forms including puzzle design and mixed media creations. This single-word inspiration yielded a remarkable spectrum of cultural and creative interpretations, demonstrating how minimal guidance can generate expansive artistic diversity reflecting heritage and identity.

    The workshop strategically aligned with two significant global observances. It preceded World Water Day (March 22nd, 2026) and its theme “Water and Gender: Where water flows, equality grows,” prompting participants to contribute to a collective board expressing personal connections to water. This collaborative artwork emerged as a powerful symbol bridging environmental awareness with cultural expression.

    A notable segment featured recognition ceremonies for winners of ESFN’s Creative Young Voices for Wetlands Competition, originally held in February 2026 for World Wetlands Day. This initiative, developed in partnership with the IUCN Wise Use of Caribbean Wetlands Project, highlighted youth perspectives on wetland conservation through creative media.

    Britney McDonald, ESFN Portfolio Manager, emphasized the organization’s mission: “We are thrilled to open this space where art and environmental equity meet. This workshop was about building community, valuing creatives, and sharing together in imagination and heritage while celebrating youth voices.”

    Given overwhelming participant response, ESFN is collaborating with partners to schedule additional creative workshops throughout 2026, responding to demonstrated community need for continued artistic engagement opportunities.

    ESFN operates as a registered non-profit organization focused on sustainability, environmental conservation, and community empowerment across Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Southern United States. Their initiatives address climate justice, biodiversity, youth development, technological innovation, and education through programs including the Volunteer Explorer Program, World Wetlands Day Awareness campaigns, and community development projects.

  • First Phase of VC Bird Runway Rehabilitation Completed

    First Phase of VC Bird Runway Rehabilitation Completed

    Antigua and Barbuda’s primary aviation facility, VC Bird International Airport, has achieved a significant milestone in its comprehensive infrastructure upgrade program. The initial phase of the runway rehabilitation project has been successfully completed, marking substantial progress in the enhancement of the nation’s critical transportation hub.

    International construction and infrastructure leader Aecon Group Inc. is executing this strategic redevelopment initiative, which aims to significantly improve runway operational performance, elevate safety standards, and extend the long-term durability of essential airport infrastructure. The completion of the first phase sets the stage for the project to advance to subsequent stages in the coming months.

    Adding a innovative dimension to the project documentation, local creative enterprise Spencer Branding Studio has been commissioned to capture the transformation through advanced aerial drone cinematography, professional photography, and comprehensive video production. Their work entails regular aerial surveillance and on-site visual documentation, creating a detailed visual timeline of the rehabilitation’s progression.

    This extensive visual archive will serve multiple purposes: facilitating precise project reporting, enhancing stakeholder communication, and creating a permanent historical record of the airport’s infrastructure transformation. As the main aviation gateway for Antigua and Barbuda, VC Bird International Airport plays a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s tourism-driven economy and maintaining crucial regional connectivity throughout the Caribbean.

  • The War is disrupting the delivery of used cars headed to countries globally

    The War is disrupting the delivery of used cars headed to countries globally

    An escalating international conflict is creating severe disruptions within the global automotive sector, specifically crippling the supply chain for pre-owned vehicles. This logistical crisis is halting the delivery of millions of second-hand cars destined for markets worldwide, creating a ripple effect that impacts economies, businesses, and consumers from emerging nations to developed countries.

    The disruption originates in key transit corridors and shipping lanes that have become inaccessible or perilous due to geopolitical hostilities. Major export hubs, primarily reliant on maritime transport, are experiencing unprecedented delays and cancellations. This has stranded vast inventories of vehicles at ports, leaving dealerships overseas with rapidly depleting stock and forcing market prices to surge unexpectedly.

    Industry analysts report that nations dependent on imported used vehicles for affordable personal and commercial transportation are facing an acute shortage. This is not only stifling mobility but also hindering small businesses that rely on these cost-effective vehicles for logistics and operations. The scarcity is triggering inflationary pressures in local markets, making basic transportation increasingly unaffordable for the average citizen.

    The long-term implications extend beyond immediate logistics. The paralysis of this multi-billion-dollar trade segment threatens to reshape global automotive market dynamics, potentially accelerating the shift towards local manufacturing and alternative mobility solutions. Stakeholders across the spectrum are urgently calling for diplomatic interventions to establish safe passage corridors and mitigate the widespread economic fallout.

  • Van Pakistan tot Egypte: oorlog met Iran drijft prijzen op in het mondiale Zuiden

    Van Pakistan tot Egypte: oorlog met Iran drijft prijzen op in het mondiale Zuiden

    The escalating military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has triggered a global energy crisis that disproportionately impacts the world’s most vulnerable economies across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. As supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz closure and attacks on Gulf energy facilities drive oil prices upward, developing nations with high import dependency and limited fiscal capacity face unprecedented economic challenges.

    Pakistan exemplifies the crisis, importing approximately 80% of its energy from the Gulf region while battling persistent economic instability. With fuel reserves projected to deplete within weeks, authorities have implemented emergency measures including school closures, a four-day government workweek, and drastic reductions in official travel allowances. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has temporarily absorbed price increases ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, though economists warn this reprieve may be short-lived.

    Neighboring Bangladesh, which imports 95% of its oil, has already exhausted fuel supplies in several districts despite implementing rationing systems. Similarly, Sri Lanka—still recovering from its 2019 economic collapse—has declared weekly holidays and introduced mandatory fuel passes for vehicle owners as reserves dwindle dangerously low.

    In Egypt, among the Middle East’s most indebted economies, the government has ordered commercial establishments to close early and reduced public lighting. Officials announced 15-22% price hikes for gasoline, diesel, and cooking gas in March, with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi acknowledging public hardship while insisting these measures prevent “more serious and dangerous consequences.”

    The crisis compounds existing vulnerabilities through currency depreciation against the US dollar, with currencies like Indonesia’s rupiah and the Philippine peso hitting near-record lows even before the conflict. This depreciation makes oil imports substantially more expensive, creating what economist Yeah Kim Leng describes as “a powerful combination of inflation, currency pressure, and budgetary pressure” for nations already struggling with debt and high import dependency.

    According to the Washington-based Centre for Global Development, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Senegal, Egypt, Angola, Ethiopia, and Zambia face the highest risk due to their fuel import reliance, debt levels, and foreign exchange reserve ratios.

    The human impact remains severe across less developed economies, where households spend significantly larger portions of income on fuel and food. Governments possess limited capacity to provide safety nets, creating conditions ripe for social unrest when subsidy programs become unsustainable amid depleted budgetary reserves.

    As analyst Khalid Waleed notes from Islamabad, rising diesel costs—the backbone of freight and agricultural economies—will soon translate to higher food prices. With Pakistan’s wheat harvest commencing in April, equipment running on diesel will operate at peak costs, potentially driving food inflation to levels that households cannot absorb.

  • Global community celebrates passage of UN resolution on Transatlantic slavery

    Global community celebrates passage of UN resolution on Transatlantic slavery

    In a historic move with profound global implications, the United Nations General Assembly has formally recognized the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement as humanity’s most severe crime. The groundbreaking resolution, championed by Ghana and supported overwhelmingly by 123 member states, establishes an unprecedented international framework for addressing slavery’s enduring legacy.

    The declaration, formally titled ‘Declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity,’ received mixed international response. While CARICOM nations unanimously endorsed the measure and numerous African diaspora communities celebrated its passage, significant geopolitical divisions emerged. Fifty-two countries abstained from voting, including all European Union members, while Argentina, Israel, and the United States constituted the three opposing votes.

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres characterized the transatlantic slave trade as ‘a profound betrayal of human dignity’ that established exploitative global systems whose repercussions continue to shape modern societies. ‘Remembrance alone is not enough,’ Guterres emphasized, calling for concrete actions to address systemic racism, implement reparatory justice, and accelerate inclusive development for communities of African descent.

    The resolution mandates comprehensive measures including establishment of reparations frameworks, enhanced historical research initiatives, educational reforms, and healing programs. CARICOM, which has long advocated for reparatory justice, welcomed the declaration as a pivotal step toward addressing slavery’s harmful legacies through international cooperation and decisive action.

    This diplomatic achievement occurs alongside global initiatives including the UN’s Second International Decade for People of African Descent and the African Union’s Decade of Reparations, creating unprecedented momentum for addressing historical injustices through policy reform and developmental equity.

  • Noelia Castillo: young woman’s legal battle for euthanasia in Spain

    Noelia Castillo: young woman’s legal battle for euthanasia in Spain

    After a two-year high-profile legal fight that forced Spain to confront the deepest ethical and legal boundaries of its 2021 euthanasia legislation, 25-year-old Noelia Castillo Ramos is scheduled to undergo her approved euthanasia procedure this Thursday, bringing one of the most controversial test cases of the country’s right-to-die law to its final resolution.

    Noelia’s journey to this moment is rooted in decades of unrelenting trauma and declining health. A survivor of repeated abuse throughout a difficult childhood, her life was upended irreversibly in 2022, when a suicide attempt following a traumatic gang rape left her permanently paralyzed from the fall and living with constant, unmanageable chronic pain. She first formally submitted her request for euthanasia when she was just 23 years old, and by April 2024, her application received unanimous approval from Catalonia’s regional Guarantee and Evaluation Commission, the body tasked with reviewing end-of-life requests under Spanish law.

    The process, however, came to an abrupt halt when Noelia’s father, backed by an ultra-conservative Catholic advocacy group, launched a legal challenge opposing the procedure, citing unsubstantiated concerns about his daughter’s mental capacity to make the decision. What followed was a protracted legal battle that climbed through every tier of the Spanish judicial system: from regional courts to the Catalonia High Court of Justice, the national Supreme Court, the Constitutional Court, and ultimately the European Court of Human Rights. Every judicial body that reviewed the case ruled consistently in Noelia’s favor, upholding her legal right to access a dignified death under the 2021 law.

    Throughout the entire drawn-out process, Noelia never wavered in her stated choice. She spoke publicly on multiple occasions, emphasizing that she could no longer endure the combination of unremitting physical pain and the lingering psychological trauma of her past abuse and assault. Repeated psychological evaluations confirmed that her emotional distress had only worsened as the legal battle dragged on, with the extended uncertainty amplifying her suffering.

    Noelia’s case has become one of the most emblematic and widely debated examples of Spain’s euthanasia framework in practice, in large part because of her status as a young person living with disabling chronic pain and trauma, rather than a terminal illness. The dispute has reignited national and international conversations about core ethical questions: what does personal bodily autonomy really mean for end-of-life decision-making, what responsibility do public health and judicial systems have to honor a mentally competent person’s choice, and where should the line be drawn between family objection and individual right to a dignified death.

    With all legal challenges now fully exhausted and every court having upheld Noelia’s request, the procedure is set to move forward this Thursday, closing a chapter that has tested the foundational principles of Spain’s landmark euthanasia legislation three years after it became law.

  • EGEHID begins bat relocation ahead of dam reactivation

    EGEHID begins bat relocation ahead of dam reactivation

    LA VEGA, Dominican Republic – In an unprecedented environmental operation, the Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company has initiated a large-scale effort to relocate massive bat colonies from abandoned tunnels within the Guaigüí dam project site. These bats have inhabited the dormant infrastructure for more than twenty years, creating one of the region’s most significant bat habitats.

    The relocation strategy employs non-invasive techniques designed to encourage natural migration patterns without causing harm to the protected species. Authorities have implemented a phased approach including weeks of behavioral observation, strategic sealing of tunnel entrances, and installation of specialized lighting systems to gently discourage the bats from returning to their former habitat.

    Project coordinators report that the tunnels contain an estimated one million bats representing multiple species, creating substantial logistical challenges. Specialized environmental teams are working under strict safety and ecological protocols to clean and prepare the area for dam reactivation while ensuring minimal disruption to the local ecosystem.

    The reactivation project includes comprehensive infrastructure updates including road rehabilitation, tunnel maintenance, and updated technical studies. Despite initial dramatic sightings of massive bat swarms exiting the tunnels, officials express confidence that the highly adaptable species will successfully transition to nearby forested areas where they can continue their vital ecological roles in seed dispersal and insect population control.

    This operation represents a significant case study in balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation priorities, demonstrating how industrial projects can incorporate sophisticated wildlife protection measures.