Carib Scope

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  • “Dream It, Explore It, Become It” Comes Alive for Eden High Students

    “Dream It, Explore It, Become It” Comes Alive for Eden High Students

    Eden High School transformed into a vibrant career exploration hub on Wednesday as students engaged directly with professionals across diverse industries. The event, themed “Dream It, Explore It, Become It,” replaced traditional classroom learning with practical career exposure through interactive booths and demonstrations.

    More than two dozen businesses and organizations participated, including Greater Belize Media, law enforcement agencies, tailoring professionals, and religious ministries. Students moved between stations, gaining firsthand insights into various career paths while engaging in meaningful dialogues with industry practitioners.

    Vice Principal Sherilyn Flowers expressed profound enthusiasm about the event’s immediate impact, noting that several presenters had already received expressions of interest from students contemplating specific career paths. “This represents authentic learning in action,” Flowers remarked, emphasizing her gratitude toward participating organizations.

    The journalism booth, hosted by News Five’s Paul Lopez, provided particular insight into media careers. Students inquired about editorial decision-making processes and handling professional rejection before participating in mock live broadcast segments. Multiple students demonstrated natural on-camera presence while delivering practice news introductions.

    The event concluded with visibly inspired students carrying renewed perspective on their future possibilities. The career day successfully connected academic preparation with practical career realities, potentially influencing professional trajectories for Belize’s emerging generation.

  • St. Ignatius Welding Students Shine Abroad in STEM Training

    St. Ignatius Welding Students Shine Abroad in STEM Training

    A cohort of seven exceptional welding and non-destructive testing (NDT) students from St. Ignatius High School has returned to Belize following an intensive ten-day educational exchange in North Carolina. The initiative, substantially funded by the STEM U Foundation, represents a strategic effort to cultivate Belize’s next generation of technical professionals through immersive industry exposure.

    The program, now in its second consecutive year partnering with St. Ignatius High School, specifically targets the advancement of STEM education with particular emphasis on empowering female participation in traditionally male-dominated technical fields. The delegation, consisting of six female students and one male student, departed Belize on March 9th and returned with enhanced skills and broadened perspectives on March 19th.

    Principal Jeaneane Neal, who also chairs the Belize Association of Principals of Secondary Schools, emphasized the program’s significance: “STEM U Foundation has been one of the most substantial sponsors for this initiative. As chair of BAPS, I will subsequently disseminate these valuable experiences throughout our educational network.”

    Student testimonials reveal the profound personal and professional impact of the exchange. Fourth-form student Bettina Myers described the experience as “enlightening and empowering,” noting that exposure to female specialists in technical fields strengthened her resolve to pursue welding studies and eventually establish her own business. “When I observed upperclassmen demonstrating welding techniques during open day presentations, I became genuinely inspired to pursue this path,” Myers recounted.

    Fellow fourth-form student Jacey Moro echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the experience demonstrated that “young women can meaningfully contribute to society as welders.” Moro expressed particular appreciation for the technical aspects of the craft, noting her fascination with “the time, patience, and specialized techniques required in welding.”

    The international exchange program represents a growing commitment to strengthening Belize’s technical education infrastructure through global partnerships, with participants returning equipped with both enhanced technical competencies and renewed confidence in their professional trajectories.

  • Wild 501: How Carol Foster Defined Belize’s Wild

    Wild 501: How Carol Foster Defined Belize’s Wild

    A groundbreaking exhibition titled WILD 501 is currently celebrating the extraordinary photographic legacy of Carol Foster, whose work has fundamentally shaped global perception of Belize’s wilderness for over three decades. The immersive showcase transcends conventional photography displays by integrating archival materials that document Foster’s collaborative journey with her late husband Richard, transforming their shared passion for tropical ecosystems into both artistic expression and conservation advocacy.

    The exhibition curation, spearheaded by Gilvano Swasey, deliberately bridges artistic appreciation with educational utility. Rather than presenting mere aesthetic imagery, WILD 501 functions as multidisciplinary resource where science students can analyze biodiversity patterns, history classes can trace conservation area development, and art students can study compositional techniques. This pedagogical approach reflects the Fosters’ original intention of creating work that simultaneously captivates and educates.

    Beyond their photographic achievements, the couple played instrumental roles in Belize’s environmental protection initiatives, including foundational contributions to the Belize Zoo’s establishment. Their pioneering wildlife documentation, particularly of jaguars and other native species, provided critical visual evidence that supported conservation legislation and habitat protection measures.

    At the exhibition’s emotional core lies Carol Foster’s personal narrative—her serendipitous discovery of Belize through Richard’s descriptions, their shared commitment to environmental storytelling, and the bittersweet reality of presenting their life’s work without her partner. Minister Francis Fonseca acknowledged the Fosters’ unique ability to capture Belize’s ecological majesty in ways that reinforce national pride and environmental stewardship.

    The archival project ensures the preservation and accessibility of their extensive visual record, guaranteeing that future generations can experience Belize’s wilderness through the Foster’s distinctive lens—a perspective characterized by technical excellence, ecological sensitivity, and profound emotional connection to subject matter.

  • FLASH : Fire at the West 1 Departmental Directorate in Champ de Mars

    FLASH : Fire at the West 1 Departmental Directorate in Champ de Mars

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI – A significant fire erupted on March 19, 2026, at the West-1 Departmental Directorate (DDO-1) headquarters, a key administrative building within the capital’s Champ de Mars district. The incident triggered initial panic and resulted in the temporary suspension of the directorate’s operational activities.

    Initial assessments by the Haitian National Police (PNH) confirmed that the blaze caused substantial material and infrastructural damage to the facility. Authorities have emphasized that no fatalities or injuries were reported as a direct result of the fire.

    In response to the emergency, Acting PNH Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Paraison personally visited the site to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the damage. While the precise origin of the fire remains undetermined, Paraison has mandated the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) to launch a comprehensive investigation to establish the exact cause.

    During his assessment, Commander Paraison publicly commended the Port-au-Prince firefighting corps for their swift and effective response. Their rapid deployment and professional execution were credited with preventing the fire from escalating further and ensuring that the incident resulted in no loss of life.

    Despite the disruption, security operations in the Champ-de-Mars area and its vicinity have been maintained without interruption, with officers from the affected directorate continuing their duties to ensure public order.

  • Deputy Speaker Brings Back Fresh Ideas To Parliament

    Deputy Speaker Brings Back Fresh Ideas To Parliament

    Following his participation in a high-level Commonwealth Parliamentary Association seminar in the United Kingdom, Deputy Speaker of Belize’s House of Representatives Marconi Leal is spearheading initiatives to modernize the nation’s legislative processes. The international gathering facilitated knowledge exchange among Commonwealth lawmakers on enhancing parliamentary efficiency, transparency, and debate quality.

    Leal identified technological innovation as a central theme from the seminar, particularly the application of artificial intelligence tools in legislative analysis. “Multiple parliaments are employing various technological tools to summarize legislation and identify critical components within bills,” Leal explained. “These technologies enable more effective debate, allow for challenging legislation, and facilitate comparative analysis with laws across the Commonwealth and globally.”

    The Deputy Speaker emphasized his commitment to adapting these international best practices to Belize’s context. He plans to collaborate with Speaker of the House and Clerk Mr. Grant to identify immediate implementation opportunities. “We’ll be discussing quick wins that we can consider for implementation,” Leal stated, indicating that technological solutions would be prioritized to increase the National Assembly’s operational efficiency.

    This development represents Belize’s ongoing efforts to align with international parliamentary standards while addressing local governance challenges through innovative approaches.

  • Ahmadiyya Hosting Fifth Annual Women Business Expo

    Ahmadiyya Hosting Fifth Annual Women Business Expo

    The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Belize is preparing to launch its fifth annual Women’s Expo this Saturday, March 21st, 2026, in a vibrant celebration aligning with Women’s Month observances. The event will transform the Ahmadiyya Mosque located at 1.5 George Price Highway into a hub of female entrepreneurship and wellness from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

    Event organizer Arrianne Pastor outlined the comprehensive offerings designed to create an empowering experience for attendees. The expo will feature numerous free services including professional nail painting, intricate hair braiding, traditional henna applications, vital health screenings, and therapeutic massage services. A dedicated children’s zone will allow parents to shop and enjoy services while their children are safely supervised.

    The commercial aspect highlights local women entrepreneurs showcasing diverse products ranging from handmade soaps and artisanal purses to clothing collections and culinary offerings. Pastor emphasized the social significance of supporting these vendors, noting that many are single mothers striving to achieve financial stability or new business owners working to establish their market presence.

    This initiative represents the Ahmadiyya community’s ongoing commitment to women’s economic empowerment and community building. By providing both recreational pampering services and commercial opportunities, the event creates a dual platform for relaxation and economic support. Organizers characterize the expo as a much-needed respite for women to reconnect with their identity while supporting fellow entrepreneurs in a welcoming environment.

  • Taipei Strengthens Global Ties at International Cities Forum

    Taipei Strengthens Global Ties at International Cities Forum

    Taipei has positioned itself as an emerging global hub for artificial intelligence and technological innovation through strategic international partnerships announced at the International Cities Forum on March 19, 2026. The event brought together municipal leaders from across the world to discuss AI’s transformative potential in urban management and development.

    Mayor Chiang Wan-an unveiled Taipei’s landmark collaboration with Dresden, Germany’s semiconductor capital, establishing a framework for cooperation in high-tech innovation, smart city governance, talent cultivation, and youth exchange programs. “We’re not just connecting cities; we are connecting ecosystems,” Mayor Chiang declared, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the partnership that extends across the United States, Europe, and the Americas.

    The forum demonstrated Taipei’s growing prominence in the global technology landscape, highlighted by NVIDIA’s establishment of its first overseas headquarters in the city—a significant endorsement of Taipei’s technological infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. Mayor Chiang characterized this development as “a vote of confidence in Taipei” that transcends mere financial investment.

    Representatives from Belmopan, Belize showcased their digital transformation initiatives, with Mayor Pablo Cawich detailing how technology is revolutionizing municipal services in the Central American capital. Belmopan’s integrated approach includes a fleet management system for operational efficiency, a public-facing Clean City app for waste management transparency, and an upcoming GIS-based task management system incorporating citizen science data collection.

    “These systems help us reduce inefficiencies, improve response times, increase transparency, and strengthen data-driven decision-making,” Mayor Cawich explained, noting how technology supports resilience in a city originally established inland after the devastation of Hurricane Hattie in 1961.

    The International Cities Forum served as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue on urban innovation, with participants from Singapore, Dallas, Los Angeles, and other global cities sharing best practices and establishing collaborative networks for future technological advancement in municipal governance.

  • Abinader inaugurates sports complex and launches Women’s Games 2026

    Abinader inaugurates sports complex and launches Women’s Games 2026

    SANTO DOMINGO – President Luis Abinader has officially opened a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary sports complex in Ciudad Juan Bosch, marking a significant infrastructure milestone for the growing community. The inauguration ceremony also served as the launch platform for the revived Women’s Games 2026, an event returning after a ten-year hiatus.

    The expansive facility, representing a government investment exceeding RD$517 million, is engineered to promote athletic inclusion and community development. It features specialized courts for basketball, volleyball, and futsal, a dedicated boxing gym, gymnastics apparatus, a minor league baseball stadium with a seating capacity for more than 1,000 spectators, designated exercise zones, and extensive green areas.

    President Abinader contextualized the project within a broader urban development strategy, noting that the residential population in Ciudad Juan Bosch has tripled from 5,000 families in 2020 to approximately 15,000 today. He emphasized that such infrastructure is pivotal for enhancing the quality of life and providing constructive outlets for the youth.

    The relaunch of the Women’s Games was a central theme, with government officials heralding it as a crucial initiative for gender equality in sports. Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz announced plans to institutionalize the games as an annual event. Gloria Reyes, Minister of Women’s Affairs, articulated the broader societal impact, stating that sports participation is a proven mechanism for fostering personal well-being, building self-esteem, and preventing violence.

    This year’s games will see participation from approximately 680 athletes competing across various disciplines, with the inclusion of international delegations set to elevate the competitive standard. The organizing committee is chaired by Olympic gold medalist Marileidy Paulino. In a tribute to longstanding social advocacy, the 2026 edition is dedicated to Melba Segura de Grullón in recognition of her profound contributions to national social development.

  • New initiative aims to turn disability rights into livelihoods

    New initiative aims to turn disability rights into livelihoods

    Barbados has launched a groundbreaking national program designed to convert disability rights legislation into tangible economic opportunities for its citizens with disabilities. The ‘AccessAbility: Pathways to Independence’ initiative, unveiled Thursday at the Marriott hotel in Hastings, represents a powerful collaboration between the Rotary Club of Barbados South, the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD), and the Ministry of Labour.

    This comprehensive program marks a significant shift from theoretical policy to practical implementation during the Month of the Disabled. The initiative directly responds to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act passed last year and builds upon provisions in the current year’s national budget.

    At its core, the program focuses on equipping participants with immediately applicable income-generating skills across multiple domains. The curriculum encompasses digital literacy, financial management, and innovative approaches to ‘accessible agriculture,’ ensuring diverse pathways to economic participation.

    Shem Scantlebury, Projects Director for BCD, articulated the program’s foundational philosophy: ‘The scale of challenges facing the disabled community requires collective action. While individual efforts have limitations, intentional collaboration unlocks unprecedented potential. This initiative moves beyond symbolism to practical skill development and confidence building.’

    Jacklyn Broomes, President of the Rotary Club of Barbados South, detailed the ‘Breaking Barriers’ themed curriculum, emphasizing its real-world applicability. ‘True progress is measured by lived experience rather than policy alone. We’re constructing a learning environment grounded in practical application that generates both confidence and genuine opportunity,’ Broomes stated. The program includes a ‘train-the-trainer’ component scheduled for Saturday to ensure sustainable knowledge transfer within the community.

    BCD President Patricia Padmore-Blackman praised the partnership for creating ‘bridges rather than just programs,’ noting that sensitivity training for Rotarians would enhance the organization’s service capacity. She invoked Helen Keller’s wisdom: ‘Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.’

    The initiative aligns with the government’s Mission Barbados framework, according to Faye Prescod, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector. Prescod emphasized that ‘real progress occurs when policy translates into action, and true inclusion requires barrier removal rather than mere opportunity provision.’

    The program’s launch coincides with government funding for a new Third Sector Commission in the upcoming fiscal year, designed to further support NGOs and civil society organizations. The AccessAbility program will deploy over the coming weeks utilizing subject-matter experts and Rotarian mentors to create measurable outcomes for participants.

  • McIntyre, Simmons set track ablaze at BSSAC

    McIntyre, Simmons set track ablaze at BSSAC

    The opening day of the Frank Blackman and Sada Williams Zone at the Barbados Secondary Schools Athletic Championships (BSSAC) was electrified by historic performances from two CARIFTA Games-bound athletes. Laila McIntyre and Ashlyn Simmons each shattered long-standing records in their respective middle-distance events, signaling their formidable form ahead of regional competition.

    In the Under-17 girls’ 1500m, first-year competitor Laila McIntyre executed a dominant race strategy, establishing an early lead with a pace that proved insurmountable for her rivals. She surged across the finish line to clock an unprecedented 4:45.15, eclipsing the previous BSSAC record of 4:45.68 set by Janelle Inniss back in 1994—a mark that had stood unchallenged for 32 years. Inniss, a Parkinson Memorial alumna, had capitalized on her 1994 victory to claim CARIFTA gold in both the 800m and 1500m events that same year.

    Following her record-shattering run, an elated McIntyre shared her exhilaration with media, noting her personal best had been approximately 15 seconds slower entering the competition. The multi-talented athlete, who has also medaled in CARIFTA triathlon and swimming, expressed particular pride in achieving this goal a year ahead of schedule. This triumph serves as a significant confidence booster as she prepares for her specialty event, the 3000m. McIntyre is poised to make her CARIFTA Games debut this year, representing Barbados alongside her brother, Luke McIntyre, in both the 1500m and 3000m distances.

    Not to be outdone, Ashlyn Simmons delivered a spectacular performance in the Under-20 girls’ 1500m. The experienced competitor demolished the previous record of 4:46.73, established by Sonia Gaskin in 2012, by posting an extraordinary time of 4:40.66. Simmons, who is concluding her final year in the division, revealed her determined mindset going into the race: to run each lap aggressively, accelerate on the final circuit, and finish with maximum power.

    The accomplished athlete described the satisfaction of leaving her mark on BSSAC history during her final appearance. As a three-time CARIFTA medalist—including gold in the Under-17 1500m and silver in the 800m in 2023, plus bronze in the Under-20 4x400m relay last year—Simmons now sets her sights on achieving new personal bests and adding to her medal collection in the upcoming regional games.