Carib Scope

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  • Cancer Society warns screening rates remain dangerously low

    Cancer Society warns screening rates remain dangerously low

    Barbados has entered a new era of cancer treatment with the installation of a state-of-the-art linear accelerator at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, though health advocates caution that technological progress alone cannot overcome systemic screening deficiencies. Professor David Rosin, President of the Barbados Cancer Society, characterized the $10 million radiotherapy equipment as a transformative advancement that finally brings the nation’s radiation therapy capabilities to international standards.

    The newly implemented linear accelerator represents a significant technological leap from previous cobalt radiation methods, utilizing high-energy radiation to precisely target malignant cells while minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissue. This precision technology requires specialized operational expertise, prompting the hospital to bring in international experts to train local radiologists in its sophisticated operation.

    Professor Rosin emphasized the paradoxical challenge facing Barbados’ healthcare system: “While this equipment represents a monumental improvement in treatment capabilities, its impact will remain limited without addressing critical screening shortcomings, particularly among male patients.” He expressed particular frustration with low screening participation rates, noting that early detection remains the most crucial factor in successful cancer outcomes.

    Statistical evidence indicates approximately 70% of cancers become curable when identified at initial stages, potentially avoiding aggressive interventions like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Genetic factors contribute significantly to cancer risk, with about 20% of cases attributable to hereditary predisposition—making family history an important screening consideration.

    Barbados’ cancer epidemiology reveals prostate cancer as the most prevalent malignancy, despite men constituting only half the population. Colorectal cancer ranks second, followed closely by breast cancer. All three demonstrate high treatability rates with early detection.

    The Cancer Society continues supporting healthcare advancements through fundraising initiatives, recently concluding a raffle that awarded $25,000 to first prize winner Rebekuh Wood. Additional prizes included luxury hotel stays for runners-up Andrew King and Christina Johnson, reflecting ongoing community support for cancer care modernization.

  • APORDOM marks 55th anniversary with historic growth of Dominican ports

    APORDOM marks 55th anniversary with historic growth of Dominican ports

    The Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM) has unveiled transformative achievements in port infrastructure and institutional reform during its 55th anniversary celebrations, marking the most significant modernization of the national port system in over half a century. Under the strategic direction of Jean Luis Rodríguez since 2020, the authority has implemented comprehensive structural reforms that have dramatically enhanced port competitiveness while revitalizing coastal communities through substantial public and private investments.

    Substantial infrastructure investments exceeding US$531 million have been strategically allocated across key terminals including Puerto Plata, Barahona, Arroyo Barril in Samaná, Cabo Rojo in Pedernales, Manzanillo, Azua, and the pioneering green port development at Puerto Duarte. The cruise sector has experienced remarkable growth, with terminal capacity expanding from three to five facilities. Passenger projections indicate dramatic growth from 1.13 million visitors in 2019 to an anticipated 2.6 million by the conclusion of 2025. Taíno Bay in Puerto Plata exemplifies this success, welcoming over 800,000 cruise passengers in 2024 alone while generating substantial employment opportunities and stimulating local economic development.

    Logistics capabilities are undergoing parallel expansion, with Haina and Caucedo terminals preparing for additional US$300 million in investments that will elevate container handling capacity toward 3 million TEUs. This strategic development solidifies the nation’s position as the Caribbean’s premier logistics hub.

    Concurrent financial reforms have yielded extraordinary results, with APORDOM reducing labor liabilities from RD$1.3 billion to RD$120 million while simultaneously increasing monthly revenues and generating annual surpluses approaching RD$250 million. The institution has made significant progress in land regularization with over 60% of port territories now legally titled. International recognition from the Organization of American States, coupled with advanced development of the Santo Domingo Cruise Megaport, positions the Dominican Republic to achieve regional leadership in port operations, cruise tourism, and maritime logistics by 2026.

  • TDC partners with Excess J’Ouvert Troupe for Sugar Mas 54

    TDC partners with Excess J’Ouvert Troupe for Sugar Mas 54

    In a strategic move to bolster cultural preservation, the St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla Trading and Development Company Limited (TDC) has formalized its sponsorship agreement with the Excess J’Ouvert Troupe for Sugar Mas 54 celebrations. The partnership was cemented during a ceremonial event at TDC’s Home and Building Depot on Frigate Bay Road on December 18, 2025.

    Ms. Jhanelle Brown, TDC’s Client Relations and Marketing Manager, presented the silver package sponsorship to Troupe Co-Founders Mr. Eustace Hobson Jr. and Mr. Danya Phillip. This collaboration marks the second consecutive year of TDC’s support for the carnival group, following their initial partnership in 2024.

    Brown emphasized the thematic synergy between the troupe’s ‘Road Work’ concept and TDC’s core business operations as a leading construction materials supplier. ‘Our support extends beyond financial assistance to encompass operational needs for creating exceptional entertainment experiences during Sugar Mas,’ Brown stated during the presentation.

    Hobson expressed profound appreciation for TDC’s continued investment in carnival arts, acknowledging the sponsorship as validation of the company’s dedication to local talent development and cultural authenticity. The corporate backing enables the troupe to enhance their artistic offerings while maintaining traditional carnival elements that define the Federation’s cultural identity.

    This sponsorship reflects TDC’s broader corporate philosophy of community engagement and cultural stewardship, demonstrating how private sector support can effectively preserve and evolve traditional celebrations while fostering creative innovation among carnival participants.

  • Convict’s application for leave to appeal adjourned until March

    Convict’s application for leave to appeal adjourned until March

    In a significant development within Barbados’ judicial system, the Court of Appeal has postponed convicted murderer Haniyfa Reza White’s leave to appeal application until March 2026, granting her legal team additional time to rectify procedural deficiencies in their submission.

    While White received her criminal sentence in a nearby courtroom, appellate proceedings encountered a temporary halt as Chief Justice The Most Honourable Leslie Haynes identified multiple substantive issues requiring resolution. The court demonstrated judicial flexibility by allowing White’s attorney, Lalu Hanuman, to reorganize the application framework and ensure proper documentation of all case filings.

    White seeks to challenge the Caribbean Court of Justice’s endorsement of the Court of Appeal’s May 13th ruling, which previously dismissed her attempt to stay criminal proceedings in the No. 5 Supreme Court. The defendant, represented by Hanuman, has pursued multiple legal avenues including constitutional motions arguing that extensive trial delays—dating back to the 2007 murder of Julene Bryan—have compromised her right to a fair hearing.

    Principal State Counsel Jared Richards represented the prosecution during these proceedings. The court has established a revised timeline requiring White’s legal team to file written submissions by February 13, 2026, with the state’s response due by February 27th. The case will reconvene on March 19, 2026.

    This development follows earlier judicial disagreements regarding trial continuity. Justice Corlita Babb-Schaefer previously recommended case dismissal due to constitutional violations, while Justice Pamela Beckles elected to proceed with trial proceedings—a decision upheld by the appellate court comprising Chief Justice Haynes and Justices Francis Belle and Jacqueline Cornelius-Thorne.

  • Own a Piece of Power: Hydro Belize Shares Go Public

    Own a Piece of Power: Hydro Belize Shares Go Public

    The Government of Belize has initiated a groundbreaking public share offering for Hydro Belize Limited, marking a significant milestone in national energy sector democratization. Starting December 18, 2025, Belizean citizens will have the unprecedented opportunity to acquire ownership stakes in the nation’s critical hydroelectric infrastructure, comprising the Mollejon, Chalillo, and Vaca power facilities along the Macal River.

    This transformative initiative follows the government’s recent acquisition of these assets from Canadian utility Fortis Inc. The offering presents 50% of Hydro Belize’s total shares exclusively to the Belizean public at $29 per share, representing a total valuation of $119 million. Prime Minister John Briceño emphasized this strategic move enhances national energy security while enabling citizens to participate directly in essential economic infrastructure.

    The initial 30-day offering period prioritizes individual investors, including teachers, military personnel, and ordinary citizens seeking investment opportunities. The remaining 50% government-held shares will subsequently become available to institutional investors, including the Social Security Board and credit unions, pending regulatory approval from the Financial Services Commission.

    Prime Minister Briceño characterized the offering as a deliberate wealth distribution mechanism, stating: ‘We want the Belizean public to benefit from these shares. This represents a conscious effort to democratize ownership of national assets while strengthening our energy independence.’ The tiered investment approach ensures primary access for individual citizens before expanding to institutional participants, creating a unique model of public-private asset management in the Caribbean region.

  • BWU head stresses job security, fair treatment in public service

    BWU head stresses job security, fair treatment in public service

    During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Barbados government backbencher Toni Moore delivered a critical assessment of the nation’s public service compensation system, acknowledging governmental progress while highlighting persistent administrative failures affecting contracted workers. The St George North MP, who also serves as general secretary of the Barbados Workers Union, characterized these issues as creating widespread discontent within the public sector.

    Moore recognized the current administration’s advancements compared to what she described as “nine years of zero movement” under previous leadership. However, she emphasized that fundamental problems continue to plague the system, particularly regarding delayed payments for acting positions, temporary appointments, and other entitled compensations.

    The parliamentarian illustrated the systemic nature of these failures by recounting specific instances where contractual employees experienced payment disruptions due to inter-ministerial oversights. “These are situations that are not acceptable,” Moore stated, “and they are situations in which the people who are responsible should be held accountable.”

    Moore joined opposition leader Ralph Thorne in criticizing the excessive reliance on contractual arrangements for positions that clearly require permanent staffing. She referenced approximately 720 workers who have remained on service contracts for over five years despite performing essential ongoing functions. This practice, initially justified during Barbados’ IMF program, now requires urgent reconsideration according to the MP.

    The legislator detailed how this contractual instability creates cascading consequences, denying workers job security, access to credit facilities, and proper national insurance coverage. She particularly emphasized how financial institutions hesitate to extend loans to workers without guaranteed income streams, creating additional financial hardships during periods like Christmas.

    Moore further warned that these practices undermine the sustainability of Barbados’ National Insurance system, potentially jeopardizing retirement security for thousands of workers. She questioned how the system could remain viable while excluding contractual workers from proper coverage.

    The MP concluded by expressing hope for prompt resolution of these issues, emphasizing that the current situation fails both workers and the national interest.

  • PM Briceño Eyes Breakthrough in Sugar Negotiations

    PM Briceño Eyes Breakthrough in Sugar Negotiations

    Prime Minister John Briceño has expressed cautious optimism regarding the resolution of ongoing negotiations between cane farmers and Belize Sugar Industries (BSI), despite the absence of a finalized commercial agreement. The delayed sugar crop season approaches amid mounting concerns over labor shortages and escalating production costs that threaten the industry’s stability.

    In an exclusive statement, PM Briceño revealed that while substantive progress has been made, both parties remain engaged in determining the duration of the agreement. The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) has advocated for a seven-year contract term, while BSI prefers a shorter commitment period. The Prime Minister emphasized the presence of ‘goodwill on both sides’ to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement that serves farmers, millers, and the national economy.

    A critical challenge identified involves the acute shortage of manual labor, exacerbated by bureaucratic delays in work permit approvals rather than increased charges. Briceño acknowledged that government ministries require improved efficiency in processing labor applications to address immediate harvesting needs.

    Looking beyond immediate negotiations, the Prime Minister outlined a comprehensive modernization strategy derived from recent commission of inquiry recommendations. This includes transitioning toward mechanized harvesting, introducing new fungus-resistant cane varieties, and implementing advanced agricultural techniques. These long-term solutions aim to create gradient fields that facilitate water runoff during rainfall, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and profitability across the industry.

    The government has committed to facilitating financial support for farmers to undertake replanting initiatives and adopt technological innovations. This holistic approach seeks to transform Belize’s sugar sector into a more resilient, productive, and competitive industry capable of withstanding environmental and economic pressures.

  • PM Briceño Eyes Transparency Law After Budna Investigation Fallout

    PM Briceño Eyes Transparency Law After Budna Investigation Fallout

    In response to mounting public criticism over the mishandled investigation into Joseph Budna’s abduction case, the Belizean government under Prime Minister John Briceño is advancing legislative measures to enhance governmental accountability. Cabinet-level deliberations have focused on establishing an independent investigative mechanism, drawing inspiration from successful Caribbean models, with Jamaica’s system receiving particular attention.

    Prime Minister Briceño emphasized the administration’s commitment to developing a transparency framework that avoids political weaponization. “We’ve conducted extensive Cabinet discussions recognizing the need to examine effective Caribbean models rather than exclusively American approaches,” Briceño stated. “While many Belizeans are familiar with American television portrayals of law enforcement, we’re particularly interested in Jamaica’s successful implementation of independent oversight.”

    The proposed legislation aims to create safeguards preventing current and future governments from exploiting the investigative process for political targeting. Briceño reiterated this critical balance, noting that the system must maintain independence while preventing partisan manipulation against political opponents. The initiative represents a direct response to the Budna investigation fallout, which exposed significant deficiencies in current accountability mechanisms.

    This policy shift signals the administration’s attempt to restore public confidence through institutional reforms rather than temporary measures, potentially establishing new standards for governmental transparency in Belize’s political landscape.

  • Captain Soberanis Named Acting Coast Guard Commandant

    Captain Soberanis Named Acting Coast Guard Commandant

    In a significant leadership transition within Belize’s national security apparatus, Captain Gregory Soberanis has been designated as the Acting Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard. This interim appointment follows the reassignment of Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, the former Commandant, who has been elevated to the position of Chief Executive Officer within the Ministry of Home Affairs and Enterprise.

    The Ministry of National Defense and Border Security formally announced the strategic personnel shift this week, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining operational continuity. Captain Soberanis, who previously served as Vice Commandant, will helm the coast guard’s operations pending a formal confirmation process by Prime Minister John Briceño’s administration.

    Government officials expressed unequivocal confidence in Captain Soberanis’s capabilities to ensure both stability and effectiveness during this transitional phase. The ministry’s statement highlighted the critical nature of seamless leadership changes within institutions fundamental to Belize’s maritime security and border protection framework. This development represents the latest in a series of strategic appointments aimed at strengthening national security governance under the current administration.

  • U.S. Air Force establishes temporary air base at Las Américas International Airport

    U.S. Air Force establishes temporary air base at Las Américas International Airport

    In a strategic demonstration of rapid deployment capabilities, specialized units from the United States Air Force have successfully established a temporary air operations base at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The operation saw personnel from the 921st Contingency Response Squadron and the 621st Contingency Response Wing utilize runway 17-35 to create a functional airfield under contingency conditions.

    The 921st Contingency Response Squadron took the lead in conducting comprehensive assessments of the airport’s infrastructure, subsequently conditioning the facilities for immediate operational readiness. Their expertise in rapidly activating airfields in challenging environments enabled the seamless arrival and deployment of military aircraft, personnel, and essential cargo.

    Complementing these efforts, the 621st Contingency Response Wing provided integrated operational support encompassing multiple critical domains. Their contributions included meteorological services, perimeter security protocols, logistical coordination, and specialized air traffic control operations. This multi-faceted support framework ensured the safe and efficient functioning of the temporary installation throughout the duration of the operation.

    These specialized units represent the Air Force’s premier rapid response teams, specifically trained and equipped to establish operational airfields in austere or potentially hostile environments where existing infrastructure may be compromised or nonexistent. The successful execution at AILA demonstrates the continuing evolution of military contingency response capabilities in the Caribbean region.