Carib Scope

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  • K-9 Roni joins Royal Saint Lucia Police Force

    K-9 Roni joins Royal Saint Lucia Police Force

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has significantly bolstered its operational capabilities with the acquisition of K-9 Roni, a specially trained police dog generously donated by the French government. The canine specialist arrived on the island earlier this week accompanied by his handler, with formal training sessions scheduled to commence imminently with local K-9 unit officers.

    Police Public Relations Officer Zane Romulus confirmed that Roni’s integration into the force will substantially enhance the unit’s effectiveness in security operations. Concurrently, the RSLPF is developing comprehensive management protocols for its K-9 division, featuring ambitious infrastructure plans including state-of-the-art kennel facilities, specialized transportation systems for canine safety, and meticulously structured veterinary care programs.

    An official handover ceremony is being organized for the coming weeks to formally recognize this international security collaboration. This development follows high-level discussions between RSLPF delegates and French security counterparts during a January 19th visit to Martinique, where meetings were conducted with both the Gendarmerie and French Navy authorities.

    These diplomatic engagements, stemming from the ninth Franco-Saint Lucia Joint Security Meeting held in October 2025, have additionally paved the way for expanded training opportunities across multiple RSLPF units. The forthcoming programs will emphasize capacity building and strengthened cross-border cooperation mechanisms to effectively address regional security challenges.

  • Ciceron R.C. Combined wins schools Backyard Garden Competition

    Ciceron R.C. Combined wins schools Backyard Garden Competition

    In a pioneering initiative blending education with agriculture, Ciceron R.C. Combined School has emerged victorious in Saint Lucia’s inaugural Schools Backyard Garden Competition. The event, organized as a cornerstone of the Consumer Affairs Department’s Food Security Campaign during Business Month activities, saw Millet Primary School and Anse La Raye Primary School claiming second and third places respectively.

    Seven educational institutions from District Four participated in this innovative program, receiving vital seed contributions from the Taiwan Technical Mission. Students were tasked with establishing functional gardens while meticulously documenting their agricultural journey through video submissions. Additional participating schools included La Croix Maingot Combined School, Roseau R.C. Combined School, L’Abayee SDA Primary School, and Odsan Primary School.

    Educators observed remarkable student engagement throughout the project. Omica Common, Special Education teacher at the winning institution, noted how students incorporated traditional gardening techniques from their grandparents. The initiative sparked such enthusiasm at Anse La Raye Primary that Science teacher Lillian Stephens reported increased demand for farming club membership, leading to expanded projects including organic pesticide production and handmade flower pots.

    The Taiwan Technical Mission provided comprehensive support under Project Lead Maria Jaganath, who helped transform outdoor spaces into practical learning environments. The mission awarded monetary prizes to top-performing schools alongside recognition for all participants. This collaborative effort received additional backing from Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Equity.

    At the January 15, 2026 awards ceremony held at the Archbishop Kelvin Felix Pastoral Centre, Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte-Emmanuel, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Equity, praised the project’s alignment with national youth development and food security objectives. She emphasized how the initiative demonstrated successful implementation of policy through effective partnerships, creating tangible community outcomes while acknowledging the crucial support from school administrators and staff.

  • VS waarschuwt Haïtiaanse overgangsraad: ‘We zullen gepaste actie ondernemen’

    VS waarschuwt Haïtiaanse overgangsraad: ‘We zullen gepaste actie ondernemen’

    The United States has delivered a strongly-worded caution to Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, signaling potential intervention if the Caribbean nation’s security situation continues to deteriorate. This development occurs amidst mounting international pressure for the interim governing body to organize federal elections in the violence-plagued country.

    In a sharply articulated social media statement released Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince emphasized that America’s primary objective remains “establishing basic security and stability.” U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau explicitly warned that any attempts to alter the composition of the unelected Transitional Council during its final months in office (through February 7th) would be perceived as undermining this crucial goal. Landau further indicated that Washington would respond decisively to such changes, stating that those supporting disruptive measures benefiting armed gangs would face “appropriate measures” for acting against the interests of the United States, the region, and the Haitian people.

    This warning emerges against the backdrop of Haiti’s protracted struggle with widespread gang violence, political instability, and systemic corruption. The U.S. stance is being viewed cautiously throughout the region, particularly following recent military operations in Venezuela on January 3rd that resulted in the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration has consistently asserted that the entire Western Hemisphere falls within its sphere of influence under the “Donroe Doctrine”—a contemporary interpretation of the historical Monroe Doctrine previously invoked to justify American military actions including the Maduro operation and territorial claims on Greenland.

    Haiti’s current political crisis has deepened significantly since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The absence of federal elections since that event has severely eroded governmental legitimacy, with the last elected leaders losing their mandates in 2023. This power vacuum has enabled criminal gangs to establish control over substantial territories, including approximately 90% of the capital city Port-au-Prince. The resulting violence has displaced over 1.4 million people and created severe food insecurity due to gang-controlled roadways. According to UN reports, approximately 8,100 people perished in the violence between January and November last year—a significant increase compared to 2024 figures.

    The Transitional Council, established in 2024 with nine members rotating leadership, was intended to lay groundwork for new elections. However, the body has faced criticism for its composition dominated by political and business elites, alongside allegations of corruption and internal strife. The United States exacerbated tensions by imposing visa restrictions on council economist Fritz Alphonse Jean in November. The planned phased elections, originally scheduled for last year, have been postponed until August while the Council’s February 7th mandate expiration creates additional uncertainty.

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres directly links Haiti’s humanitarian crisis to this political vacuum, citing escalating violence, food insecurity, and instability as the transition mandate concludes. Carlos Ruiz-Massieu, head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), emphasizes the urgent need for transparent democratic processes and governmental unity, warning that gang violence threatens to disrupt electoral preparations. The UN is preparing to expand its multinational security mission later this year with additional troops to ensure free and secure elections can proceed.

    As Haiti’s fragile situation continues to deteriorate, the international community increasingly calls for stabilized governance and respect for democratic principles in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation.

  • U.S. finalizes withdrawal from WHO

    U.S. finalizes withdrawal from WHO

    The United States has officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant shift in global health diplomacy. The departure, initiated through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, follows a required one-year notice period but leaves approximately $133 million in outstanding financial obligations unpaid.

    According to United Nations officials speaking at a New York briefing, the withdrawal may not have fully met all procedural conditions. A Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General noted that the WHO has not yet confirmed fulfillment of all requirements, specifically highlighting the settlement of outstanding financial obligations as a key condition that remains unresolved.

    The Trump administration’s decision to withdraw stemmed from multiple criticisms of the WHO, including allegations of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to implement necessary reforms, and susceptibility to political influence from member states. The administration also criticized the organization’s funding structure, arguing that the U.S. contributed disproportionately compared to other nations, specifically noting China’s significantly lower contributions despite its larger population.

    Health experts worldwide have expressed concern about the implications of the U.S. departure, warning that it could weaken global disease surveillance and response capabilities, particularly in managing future pandemics. The United States had been one of the WHO’s largest contributors, providing over $600 million annually through assessed dues and voluntary contributions.

    The withdrawal represents part of a broader policy shift by the Trump administration away from international organizations perceived as not aligning with U.S. interests. Questions now emerge about how the United States will participate in global health coordination efforts moving forward, as the WHO remains the primary international body for disease prevention and response coordination.

  • Learning and Development Unit Opens 2026 with CME Sessions on Stroke Care and Cancer Detection

    Learning and Development Unit Opens 2026 with CME Sessions on Stroke Care and Cancer Detection

    Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare sector has embarked on an ambitious professional development initiative with the commencement of the Learning and Development Unit’s 2026 educational program. The inaugural sessions, conducted by renowned medical experts Dr. Paul Saphier and Dr. Nicole Saphier, addressed critical healthcare challenges through two comprehensive Continuing Medical Education (CME) modules.

    The first session delivered an in-depth analysis of acute stroke management, emphasizing time-sensitive intervention protocols. Participants examined the implementation of mechanical thrombectomy procedures and explored adaptive strategies for both well-resourced and resource-constrained medical environments. The discussion highlighted systemic preparedness and clinical decision-making processes that significantly influence patient outcomes.

    A subsequent presentation focused on breast cancer detection methodologies, reviewing current screening strategies, diagnostic pathways, and treatment outcomes. The facilitators presented population-specific data and trends relevant to Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare landscape, enabling participants to contextualize international best practices within local healthcare delivery frameworks.

    Program organizers emphasized the deliberate integration of evidence-based practice with equitable healthcare delivery principles. The sessions were specifically designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that medical professionals can immediately implement learned techniques in clinical settings.

    Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, endorsed the program’s approach, stating that continuous professional development remains fundamental to health system strengthening. The Learning and Development Unit characterized its methodology as ‘intentional learning’ – a focused educational strategy that prioritizes clinically relevant content while maintaining patient outcomes as the central objective.

    The Unit has committed to sustaining this practical, high-impact educational approach throughout 2026, with ongoing programs designed to enhance healthcare outcomes across the nation’s medical ecosystem.

  • Dominican Republic appoints new consul general to Antigua and Barbuda

    Dominican Republic appoints new consul general to Antigua and Barbuda

    The Dominican Republic has officially installed Julio Cesar Mateo Baez, colloquially known as Yulyn, as its new Consul General to Antigua and Barbuda. This diplomatic appointment follows the recent departure of former envoy Joaquin Lopez Diaz, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two Caribbean nations.

    In his inaugural address, Consul General Mateo Baez emphasized his dual mission of serving the Dominican diaspora while fortifying diplomatic and cultural ties with Antigua and Barbuda. He characterized the host nation as a ‘valued partner’ whose citizens demonstrate remarkable dedication and work ethic, noting his encouragement from the historically strong relationship between the countries.

    The new consul issued a compelling appeal to Dominican nationals residing in Antigua and Barbuda, urging them to embody the role of cultural ambassadors through exemplary conduct and strict adherence to local laws. He emphasized that the behavior of expatriates directly influences international perceptions of the Dominican Republic.

    Mateo Baez’s diplomatic agenda includes scheduled courtesy visits to senior government officials in St. John’s during the coming weeks, where he will discuss matters of mutual interest and exchange formal greetings. His first official engagement will occur Sunday with attendance at a special service at Holy Family Cathedral commemorating the Bridging of Altagracia—a significant religious and cultural observance for the Dominican people.

  • SOVA waarschuwt voor overhaaste herstructurering Openbaar Ministerie

    SOVA waarschuwt voor overhaaste herstructurering Openbaar Ministerie

    The Suriname Bar Association (SOVA) has delivered a substantive critique of proposed judicial reforms during a national conference on modernizing the justice system. Legal experts argued that genuine modernization must transcend mere administrative restructuring and instead focus on strengthening legal certainty, transparency, integrity, and institutional resilience.

    The association presented a comparative analysis of two competing governance models: the existing single Attorney General system versus a proposed College of Attorneys General. SOVA emphasized that this choice fundamentally impacts core rule-of-law principles including accountability, operational efficiency, and democratic oversight rather than representing a simple organizational decision.

    SOVA’s analysis revealed that the current single Attorney General model offers distinct advantages in clear accountability structures, rapid decision-making capabilities, and direct crisis intervention. However, the association acknowledged vulnerabilities to personal dependency and political pressure when institutional safeguards remain underdeveloped.

    The collegial model, while potentially enhancing policy continuity and internal checks, presents significant risks for Suriname’s small legal jurisdiction. Collective decision-making could introduce bureaucratic delays, leadership ambiguity, and responsibility diffusion—critical concerns for a nation requiring swift, transparent judicial processes.

    The bar association cautioned against falsely equating modernization with structural overhaul, proposing instead comprehensive reforms within the existing framework. Key recommendations include establishing mandatory consultation protocols for high-stakes prosecution decisions involving state security, large-scale corruption, or political figures.

    SOVA advocated for publicly accessible prosecution guidelines to increase legal predictability and reduce risks of selective or politically influenced enforcement. The association stressed that transparency serves as the foundational element for public trust in judicial institutions.

    Additional proposals include implementing fixed statutory terms for the Attorney General, clearly defined dismissal grounds, and enhanced procedural protections during suspensions or removals. These measures aim to balance independence with institutional stability.

    The association called for clearer demarcation between the Prosecution Service and the Justice Ministry, recommending written documentation of policy directives, parliamentary oversight of interventions, and strengthened separation of powers to prevent informal influence.

    SOVA concluded that a properly empowered Attorney General—supported by robust legal safeguards, transparent policies, effective checks and balances, and visible accountability mechanisms—can deliver judicial security comparable to collegial governance systems. The central question remains how to create responsible, transparent, and resilient institutions rather than simply increasing the number of officeholders.

  • UN urges governments to prioritise education funding on International Education Day

    UN urges governments to prioritise education funding on International Education Day

    In a powerful address marking International Education Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued an urgent call for governments worldwide to elevate education funding as a paramount priority in national budgets and development agendas. The January 23rd observance highlighted education’s critical role as both a fundamental human right and essential catalyst for opportunity, dignity, and global peace.

    Guterres revealed startling statistics indicating that over 200 million children and youth remain excluded from educational systems due to intersecting crises of poverty, discrimination, conflict, displacement, and natural disasters. He emphasized that closing persistent gaps in financing, access, and educational quality requires immediate coordinated action from governments, international partners, and donors.

    Parallel developments emerged from the Caribbean region, where the Caribbean Development Bank convened a youth symposium addressing regional educational challenges. Participants identified three critical areas demanding urgent intervention: intelligent integration of technology in learning environments, mandatory implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, and strengthened collaboration among families, educational institutions, and communities.

    A significant generational divide surfaced regarding technological adoption, with students reporting that many educators and parents lack digital literacy, resulting in excessively restrictive technology policies. Symposium recommendations included comprehensive digital literacy programs for adults to facilitate more effective, safe, and responsible technology use in education.

    Youth representatives particularly emphasized the necessity for practical, hands-on learning experiences, advocating for TVET to become compulsory throughout Caribbean educational systems. They argued that these skills provide essential preparation for future economic success despite not being widely integrated into current curricula.

    Guterres specifically highlighted the importance of incorporating youth perspectives in policy formation, stating: ‘We particularly need to listen to the voices of young people themselves, and act on their pleas for qualified teachers, relevant skills training for a changing world, and equitable access to technology.’ His concluding appeal urged global collaboration to ‘build inclusive, resilient and innovative education systems for all people.’

  • Federation’s Human Rights Record to be spotlighted next week

    Federation’s Human Rights Record to be spotlighted next week

    The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is poised for international human rights examination as Attorney General Garth Wilkin prepares to present the nation’s human rights record before the United Nations on January 27, 2026. This appearance marks a significant moment in the country’s ongoing engagement with global human rights mechanisms.

    Among thirteen jurisdictions scheduled for assessment next week, St. Kitts and Nevis will undergo scrutiny through the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. The evaluation will be conducted by the UPR Working Group during sessions at the UN’s Geneva headquarters, representing the fourth such examination for the Caribbean nation since the process began.

    The UPR mechanism employs a comprehensive three-document foundation for its assessments: an official national report submitted by the state under review; compiled information from independent human rights experts, special procedures, treaty bodies, and various UN entities; and substantive contributions from diverse stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations, and civil society groups.

    Historical data reveals this constitutes the Federation’s fourth UPR cycle, with previous evaluations occurring in January 2011, November 2015, and most recently in January 2021. The available documentation forming the basis for next week’s review has been made accessible to the public through official United Nations channels, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

    The upcoming review represents both a procedural obligation and an opportunity for the Federation to demonstrate its human rights advancements while receiving constructive feedback from the international community on areas requiring further development.

  • UWI Rises in Global Rankings

    UWI Rises in Global Rankings

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) has commenced 2026 with a remarkable achievement in global academic standing. According to the recently released Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the institution has significantly advanced its position among the world’s premier higher education establishments.

    The prestigious ranking system, which evaluates universities across multiple performance indicators including teaching excellence, research output, knowledge dissemination, and international engagement, assessed over 33,000 institutions worldwide. Only 2,191 universities from 115 countries met the rigorous qualification standards for ranking. UWI’s latest placement positions it within the top 3.6% of global higher education institutions, demonstrating consistent improvement despite increasing global competition.

    Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles attributed this success to the university’s strategic adherence to its development plan. “Our unwavering commitment to the strategic framework has proven instrumental in enhancing our intellectual productivity, academic reputation, and global partnership network,” Beckles stated. “These ranking results reflect the tangible outcomes of our substantial collective efforts.”

    The improved ranking follows documented enhancements in research quality across UWI’s academic departments. Faculty members have achieved greater recognition for their publications and scholarly presentations, contributing to elevated citation metrics and academic influence. The university has also strengthened its international perspective through expanded global collaborations, participation in elite intellectual networks, and increased impact on regional and global research environments.

    UWI’s growing prestige spans multiple disciplines including climate change research, public health initiatives, cultural studies, economic development analysis, and social justice advocacy. The institution continues to demonstrate exceptional academic performance despite operating within considerable financial constraints.

    Looking toward the future, Professor Beckles expressed pride in what he described as an “inter-generational achievement” as the university approaches its centennial anniversary in 2048.