Carib Scope

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  • ACCSD Slams GOB Over Quiet Hol Chan Board Chair Switch

    ACCSD Slams GOB Over Quiet Hol Chan Board Chair Switch

    A contentious leadership transition at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve has sparked significant community outcry on Ambergris Caye, Belize. The Ambergris Caye Citizens for Sustainable Development (ACCSD) has formally challenged the Government of Belize (GOB) regarding the unexplained removal of the reserve’s Board of Trustees Chairperson.

    The advocacy group alleges the sudden administrative change occurred without public consultation or transparent justification. According to ACCSD’s statement, the outgoing chair was replaced by the current Lions Club Chair, who subsequently delegated a representative to assume the position—a move that has raised procedural concerns.

    This development has intensified existing apprehensions about the marginalization of community stakeholders in governance matters. ACCSD emphasizes that Hol Chan’s legal framework specifically mandates community participation in its operational oversight. The organization contends that the opaque nature of this leadership reassignment suggests potential non-compliance with the reserve’s governing Statutory Instrument.

    In response to these developments, ACCSD has issued a formal request for: (1) A comprehensive explanation justifying the chairperson’s removal, (2) A systematic review of community representation protocols within the reserve’s governance structure, and (3) An independent forensic audit examining Hol Chan’s financial records spanning the past six years.

    “Hol Chan belongs to the people of Belize. Its governance must reflect openness, accountability, and genuine community involvement,” ACCSD affirmed in their public statement.

    News outlets have solicited commentary from Andre Perez, Belize’s Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation and Area Representative for Belize Rural South, though no official response has been provided at this time. The situation highlights growing tensions between local communities and governmental authorities regarding environmental governance and public accountability.

  • APUA halts subsea cable works after materials set on fire

    APUA halts subsea cable works after materials set on fire

    A critical digital infrastructure project in Antigua and Barbuda has been forcibly suspended following a deliberate arson attack that destroyed essential equipment. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) confirmed that preparatory works for the nation’s subsea cable project at Morris Bay were halted after conduits and installed materials were intentionally set ablaze.

    Telecommunications crews discovered the extensive damage upon returning to the Old Road worksite on December 12th, with preliminary assessments indicating thousands of dollars in losses. The incident represents the culmination of escalating community tensions that have plagued the project throughout the previous week.

    APUA officials strongly condemned the destructive act, emphasizing that rising hostilities in the area have created unsafe conditions for both workers and residents. The authority reported that work had already faced multiple interruptions, including an unrelated confrontation between local residents and the Development Control Authority on December 10th that required APUA staff withdrawal.

    The suspended civil works encompass critical infrastructure development including specialized trenching, conduit installation, and construction of a beach manhole and equipment shelter—all essential components for supporting the landing of the new subsea cable. Repeated disruptions have significantly prolonged temporary traffic diversions originally caused by road cutting at Morris Bay, for which APUA has issued public apologies.

    Despite the setback, APUA reaffirmed its commitment to both the project and community engagement, noting that an October 14th town hall meeting with Old Road residents had generated largely positive feedback about the initiative. The subsea cable project represents a major national investment designed to substantially strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s digital infrastructure and economic capabilities, with anticipated operational commencement in 2027. Authorities are currently working to restore security at the site before resuming operations.

  • Ingrijpende wijzigingen wet over leeftijd en leiding OM

    Ingrijpende wijzigingen wet over leeftijd en leiding OM

    The governing coalition in Suriname’s National Assembly has introduced landmark legislative amendments to overhaul the Judicial Positions Act, addressing constitutional inconsistencies from previous reforms. The proposed legislation aims to realign the appointment process for the Attorney General with constitutional mandates while restructuring retirement provisions for prosecutorial officials.

    Central to the initiative is the restoration of constitutional safeguards in the Attorney General’s appointment process. The amendments explicitly require mandatory consultation with the Court of Justice before any appointment, rectifying an omission in the 2024 legislative revision that bypassed Article 141(2) of Suriname’s Constitution. This procedural reinforcement strengthens institutional checks and balances between government branches, ensuring the judiciary’s independence remains protected.

    A significant pension reform reverses the 2024 decision that raised the retirement age for all Public Prosecution Service members to 70 years. The new legislation returns the retirement age to 65 for both the Attorney General and prosecutorial staff, acknowledging the unintended consequences of equalizing retirement ages between judicial and prosecutorial branches. While prosecutors won’t revert to the previous 60-year threshold, the adjustment restores the deliberate distinction between sitting magistrates (judges) and standing magistrates (prosecutors) that lawmakers argue is essential for institutional balance.

    Notably, the proposal introduces a collegiate leadership model, replacing the single Attorney General position with a prosecutorial college. This structural change aims to distribute authority and enhance collaborative decision-making within the Public Prosecution Service.

    President Jennifer Simons expressed support for the coalition-sponsored initiative during a government press conference, indicating executive backing for the constitutional alignment. The reforms represent a deliberate effort to correct perceived imbalances in judicial-executive relations while reinforcing constitutional governance mechanisms.

  • Rebublic Bank sows $2 million across regional projects with ‘Power to Make a Difference’

    Rebublic Bank sows $2 million across regional projects with ‘Power to Make a Difference’

    Republic Bank (EC) Limited has inaugurated its 2025-2026 Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) cohort, reinforcing its commitment to purpose-driven social investment across six Eastern Caribbean territories. The official launch occurred on December 10, 2025, at the Sandals Grande Ballroom in Saint Lucia, where fourteen new and returning partner organizations were formally introduced under the program’s revitalized theme: ‘Powered by Purpose, Transforming Communities.’

    Now in its fourth year, the PMAD program represents the bank’s strategic approach to corporate social responsibility, aligning with both the United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking and the Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past five years, Republic Bank has channeled over EC$6.3 million into community development initiatives, with nearly EC$2 million dedicated specifically to PMAD projects in the last three years alone.

    The 2025-2026 cohort showcases a diverse portfolio of projects targeting youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, healthcare accessibility, and economic development. Each territory will benefit from tailored interventions designed to address local needs while fostering regional progress.

    In Dominica, the Waitikubuli Artist Association will establish the nation’s first formal Visual Arts Diploma Program, significantly advancing cultural education. Simultaneously, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth will construct a new playground at Morne Jaune Primary School to promote childhood development through safe recreational spaces.

    Anguilla’s programming emphasizes maritime heritage and technological innovation. The Anguilla Sailing Association is revitalizing the sailing scene with new vessels and expanded training, while the newly partnered Anguilla Robotics Association will introduce hands-on education in robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence, with particular focus on engaging girls and underserved youth.

    St. Kitts & Nevis welcomes the St. Kitts & Nevis Robotics Association, which will provide over 150 students with engineering exploration opportunities through STEAM challenges. The Sandy Point Agricultural Co-operative Society continues its mission to enhance food security by expanding rainwater harvesting systems for climate-resilient farming.

    St. Vincent & the Grenadines sees the addition of Esther’s Promise, offering vulnerable young women safe housing, empowerment training, and essential life skills development to facilitate their transition toward independence and sustainable employment.

    St. Maarten’s initiatives address both social inclusion and environmental concerns. The Freegan Food Foundation combats food insecurity through nutritional aid and wellness programs, while new partner EPIC establishes a recycling workspace that unites youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities to combat plastic pollution. The National Institute of Arts continues leveraging orchestral music as a tool for social inclusion among underprivileged children.

    Saint Lucia demonstrates continued momentum in innovation and inclusion through four distinct partnerships. Orbtronics advances STEM education with industry-level robotics training, while the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities expands its media-based aquaponics project to foster economic independence. The Daren Sammy Foundation supports promising student athletes from low-income backgrounds through comprehensive mentorship programs, and St. Mary’s College Secondary School bridges the digital divide with practical technology education.

    Tracy Bartholomew, Managing Director of Republic Bank (EC) Limited Group, articulated the program’s core philosophy: ‘True power lies in purpose. When purpose drives us, transformation is inevitable. Every action we take—every partnership we forge—has the potential to change lives. Together, we will continue to make a difference—one project, one community, one life at a time.’

    Partner representatives emphasized the transformative impact of Republic Bank’s approach, noting that the investment ‘has assisted partners in learning, growing and expanding past the bounds of initial imagination,’ characterizing the relationship as going ‘beyond the obligation of Corporate Social Responsibility’ toward ‘authentic relationships under the umbrella of a shared passion for positive, lasting change.’

  • BDF Soldier and Police Corporal Sentenced to Prison for Perverting the Course of Justice

    BDF Soldier and Police Corporal Sentenced to Prison for Perverting the Course of Justice

    In a landmark ruling that concludes a protracted four-year judicial process, two Belizean law enforcement officers have received custodial sentences for deliberately obstructing justice in the investigation of a fellow soldier’s death. Belize Defence Force (BDF) Private Ramon Alberto Alcoser and Police Corporal Juan Carlos Morales were convicted last month on charges of perverting the course of justice regarding the September 2021 fatal shooting of BDF soldier Jessie Escobar.

    Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser delivered the sentencing verdict today at Belize City Magistrate’s Court, imposing a term of one year and two months imprisonment on Alcoser, while Morales received a more substantial sentence of one year and eleven months. Both sentences commenced immediately following the court’s decision.

    The case centered on the officers’ conduct following the September 5, 2021 incident in Santa Familia Village that resulted in the death of 29-year-old Escobar during a confrontation. The judicial investigation established that both defendants provided intentionally misleading official statements and omitted critical details about the shooting incident.

    During sentencing proceedings, Morales exhibited visible emotional distress, breaking down in tears while making his mitigation plea. His defense counsel revealed the officer has battled severe psychological difficulties, including suicidal ideation, throughout the legal proceedings. Despite the conviction, Morales attempted to present what he characterized as newly discovered documentation allegedly demonstrating dishonesty by another officer involved in the case. The magistrate acknowledged these submissions but clarified they could not influence the sentencing outcome.

    Defense attorneys for both officers had petitioned the court for non-custodial alternatives, arguing their clients had experienced extreme exhaustion and trauma when providing statements. The court rejected this justification, noting that both officers were in appropriate mental condition and provided their accounts voluntarily mere hours after the incident.

    Attorney Ellis Arnold, representing Morales, confirmed intentions to pursue an appeal against the verdict and sentencing.

  • Know Your Options: Steps to Guarding Against Domestic Violence

    Know Your Options: Steps to Guarding Against Domestic Violence

    BELIZE CITY – New data from the Belize Crime Observatory reveals a complex landscape of domestic violence in the nation, with 1,954 cases reported through October 2025. While this figure represents a notable decrease from the previous year’s 2,788 reports, advocates caution against premature celebration, noting the decline may reflect underreporting rather than actual improvement.

    The statistics indicate that intimate partner violence constitutes more than half of all reported cases, highlighting the pervasive nature of abuse within relationships. However, experts emphasize that domestic violence extends beyond physical harm and intimate partnerships.

    Sheena Gentle, First Vice President of Haven House, provided crucial insight into the multifaceted nature of abuse. “The misconception that domestic violence is solely physical prevents many from recognizing they’re in abusive situations,” Gentle explained. “Abuse manifests through emotional manipulation, psychological control, financial restrictions, social isolation, and intimidation tactics.”

    The spectrum of vulnerable relationships extends beyond romantic partnerships to include parent-child dynamics and elder abuse. Gentle emphasized the importance of trusting one’s instincts: “If someone feels something is wrong in their relationship, that intuition is typically valid. Seeking help should never be delayed by self-doubt.”

    Practical guidance for those experiencing abuse includes documenting incidents, preserving threatening communications, and developing safety plans for escalation scenarios. Experts also stress the importance of establishing boundaries early in relationships and understanding available resources.

    Multiple support systems remain available around the clock. Emergency services can be reached at 911, while specialized assistance is provided through the National Women’s Commission (280-4284) and Haven House Belize (613-4947), with an urgent response line at 672-9628.

  • Pringle Rejects Claims Old Road Residents Blocked Old Road, Says APUA Dug Trench for Fibre Works

    Pringle Rejects Claims Old Road Residents Blocked Old Road, Says APUA Dug Trench for Fibre Works

    Antigua and Barbuda’s political representative, Hon. Jamale Pringle, has publicly refuted circulating claims that residents of Old Road deliberately blocked access by digging a trench. Appearing on the Observer AM program, Pringle provided a detailed chronology of events, attributing the excavation work entirely to the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).

    The situation originated when APUA contacted Pringle regarding plans to land a new fibre optic cable at Morris Bay. In response, the MP organized a town hall meeting to inform constituents, followed by a second session where APUA officials could address specific technical concerns from the community. The trench featured in viral videos was, according to Pringle, a standard procedure excavated by APUA crews as part of these infrastructure upgrades.

    Pringle vehemently denied any resident involvement in creating the trench. He clarified that following the destruction of his beach tent earlier in the week, the community’s sole request was for APUA to temporarily cover the open trench until broader issues regarding beach access were settled. Utility staff had reportedly committed to sending a backhoe to restore the road surface. Contrary to some narratives, residents reported the trench had been filled in by the following morning without incident.

    Furthermore, Pringle dismissed assertions that Old Road was isolated from the rest of the island. He confirmed that vehicular access remained continuously available via an established diversion route around the local football field and, alternatively, by driving along the beachfront. The MP emphasized the importance of setting the record straight, warning that the spread of misinformation creates a false and damaging narrative of community unrest and lawlessness where none exists.

  • Food, Housing, and Fuel Lead 2025 Inflation Rise

    Food, Housing, and Fuel Lead 2025 Inflation Rise

    The Statistical Institute of Belize has released its latest economic report, revealing a discernible uptick in the nation’s inflation rate for the first ten months of 2025. Data indicates a 1.2% overall increase in the Consumer Price Index compared to the corresponding period in 2024, signaling a heightened financial burden on households across the country.

    A granular analysis of the report pinpoints the primary drivers of this inflationary pressure. The most significant surges were recorded in two fundamental categories critical to daily living. Expenditures on food and non-alcoholic beverages escalated by 1.9%, while costs associated with housing, utilities, and fuels witnessed a more pronounced jump of 2.4%. This trend underscores the growing cost of securing basic necessities for the average Belizean family.

    Among the specific items, the price of butane gas emerged as a standout, experiencing a dramatic 8.4% year-over-year increase. In practical terms, this inflation translates to an additional expenditure of nearly ten Belize dollars for every 100-pound tank, placing further strain on household budgets.

    The inflationary experience was not uniform across all districts. Geographic disparities were evident, with San Pedro Town registering the highest cumulative price increases nationally. Conversely, Independence Village presented a unique case as the sole municipality to document a net decrease in consumer prices, offering a contrasting economic narrative within the nation.

  • University of Virgin Islands receives funding for Renewable Energy Technology scholarships

    University of Virgin Islands receives funding for Renewable Energy Technology scholarships

    The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has secured a significant $150,000 investment from the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) to establish scholarships for its pioneering Associate of Applied Science program in Renewable Energy Technology. The formal funding presentation occurred at the UVI RTPark Solar Farm, where VIEO Deputy Director Michael Jaffurs transferred the commitment to Dr. Gregory Guannel, Director of UVI’s Caribbean Green Technology Center.

    Scheduled for launch in Spring 2026, these scholarships will eliminate financial barriers for qualified U.S. citizens and legal residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands pursuing renewable energy studies. The initiative supports both the degree program and an upcoming Certificate in Renewable Energy Technology, creating accessible pathways into the growing green energy sector.

    Dr. Guannel characterized the investment as a transformative development for local workforce preparation. “This generous commitment ensures Virgin Islanders can acquire essential training to actively participate in our territory’s clean energy transition,” he stated. “We’re addressing urgent community needs by equipping students with technical expertise while expressing profound gratitude to VIEO for their partnership in nurturing future renewable energy professionals.”

    VIEO Director Kyle Fleming emphasized the strategic alignment of federal funding with local workforce development. “We’re leveraging Department of Energy resources to create a synergistic pipeline that prepares residents to build, maintain, and expand the clean energy systems our communities increasingly adopt,” Fleming explained. “This scholarship transforms federal funding into tangible opportunities for Virgin Islanders to lead our territory’s energy transformation.”

    The Renewable Energy Technology program, established in 2024 through collaboration between UVI’s College of Science and Mathematics and the Caribbean Green Technology Center, delivers comprehensive two-year training in electrical fundamentals, renewable energy systems, and photovoltaic installation and maintenance. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical internships, preparing graduates for immediate workforce entry while providing a foundation for advanced degrees in physics or applied mathematics.

    Program completers will additionally qualify to undertake the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Associate examination—a globally recognized certification in photovoltaic system installation that enhances professional credentials internationally.

    Prospective students seeking program details or scholarship eligibility information are directed to visit www.uvi.edu or contact the UVI Office of Public Relations directly.

  • LISTEN: St. Paul MP Proposes Solution to noise and entertainment concerns at English Harbour

    LISTEN: St. Paul MP Proposes Solution to noise and entertainment concerns at English Harbour

    A legislative proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between entertainment venues and local residents over noise levels at English Harbour has been formally introduced by the Member of Parliament for St. Paul. The initiative seeks to establish a sustainable equilibrium that supports the area’s vibrant nightlife economy while safeguarding the tranquility and quality of life for the community.

    The proposed framework involves the implementation of a new set of calibrated noise ordinances, developed through a collaborative consultation process with business owners, audio engineers, acoustic experts, and residents’ associations. This technical approach moves beyond simple volume limits to consider sound frequency, time-of-day restrictions, and the specific topography of the harbour area.

    Furthermore, the solution includes provisions for enhanced enforcement mechanisms and the potential creation of designated ‘entertainment zones’ where amplified sound would be permitted during specific hours. The MP emphasized that this is not about stifling business or fun, but about fostering responsible entertainment and co-existence. The proposal will now undergo committee review and public debate before any potential adoption into law.