Carib Scope

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  • Thousands of Guyanese, Caribbean students already ‘attending’ Guyana Digital School

    Thousands of Guyanese, Caribbean students already ‘attending’ Guyana Digital School

    In a landmark initiative for Caribbean education, Guyana has officially launched the Guyana Digital School with over 20,000 students already enrolled from across the region. The platform, inaugurated on December 5, 2025, represents a significant step toward equitable educational access throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

    Education Minister Sonia Parag revealed that 20,368 students from Grades 10 and 11 throughout Guyana and CARICOM member states have registered on the digital platform. The program is scheduled to expand to include Grades 7 through 9 by early 2026, creating a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem.

    President Irfaan Ali emphasized the platform’s strategic importance for disaster resilience in a region frequently impacted by natural disasters. ‘For a region that is susceptible to so many natural disasters… once electricity and communication services are restored, education is back up with the digital school,’ President Ali stated, highlighting the system’s capacity to minimize educational disruption during crises.

    The digital school employs a sophisticated four-quadrant approach that integrates technology, content, engagement, and hands-on experience into a cohesive learning model. The platform incorporates artificial intelligence elements and features an extensive library of on-demand digital resources, including textbooks for CXC and CSEC subjects. Minister Parag clarified that the initiative enhances rather than replaces traditional education: ‘This is not an abandonment of the traditional school methodology. It introduces new avenues for learning so that no child falls behind because of distance, circumstance or pace.’

    The initiative has received regional endorsement from Caribbean leaders. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley praised President Ali’s ‘bold and innovative vision,’ while Belize expressed interest in connecting their national digital system with the Guyana Digital School. Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has directed his education minister to ensure active participation, expressing optimism about the platform’s potential to transform educational delivery throughout CARICOM.

    Beyond academic instruction, the digital school aims to bridge cultural divides and prepare students for the digital era across multiple sectors including transportation, finance, public services, and healthcare. President Ali noted the platform will enable students from across the region to conduct experiments and share experiences, ultimately working to break down cultural barriers.

    The initiative also addresses persistent challenges revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when educational systems struggled with digital transition due to untrained teachers, uncomfortable parents, and limited internet access. The Guyana Digital School now stands as a resilient partner for parents and educators during times of uncertainty, helping to mitigate learning losses that continue to affect educational systems across Guyana.

  • Entrepreneurship Forum : The BRH presents its program «Booster PME III»

    Entrepreneurship Forum : The BRH presents its program «Booster PME III»

    In a significant move to revitalize Haiti’s economy, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) unveiled its latest initiative, ‘Booster PME III,’ during the 11th Entrepreneurship Forum in Cap-Haïtien on December 4th, 2025. BRH Governor Ronald Gabriel underscored the critical role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as \”one of the most powerful levers for revitalizing the Haitian economy,\\” highlighting their contribution to approximately 25% of the nation’s GDP and their vital function in job creation.\n\nExecutive Riphard Sérent detailed the program’s ambitious scope, which targets support for 300 businesses across three distinct regions of Haiti. The initiative will focus on a diverse range of sectors deemed essential for economic growth, including agriculture, agribusiness, tourism, crafts, and the emerging digital services industry.\n\nThe comprehensive support framework of Booster PME III is built on multiple strategic pillars designed to foster sustainable business development. These include financial empowerment through facilitated access to capital, intensive training and technical mentorship for project leaders, and a strong emphasis on improving financial literacy in alignment with the National Education and Training Plan (PNEF). The program also prioritizes enhancing governance standards within SMEs and specifically champions businesses established or managed by women, addressing gender disparities in entrepreneurship.\n\nFurthermore, the initiative strengthens Haiti’s financial inclusion objectives under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (SNIF) initiated in 2014, while also working to improve SME accessibility to formal financial markets. This third phase represents the culmination of a sustained effort by the BRH, which has been intensifying its support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for over four years through training, financing, and sector-specific research.\n\nWith the successful deployment of all three Booster PME phases, the central bank projects that it will have supported nearly 500 MSMEs by the conclusion of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to delivering concrete solutions that stimulate local growth and contribute to Haiti’s broader socio-economic transformation.

  • The two respiratory viruses that are affecting the Dominican population

    The two respiratory viruses that are affecting the Dominican population

    The Dominican Republic is currently experiencing a predictable seasonal increase in respiratory viral infections, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza strains A and B identified as the predominant circulating pathogens. This epidemiological update was provided by Dr. Clemente Terrero, a prominent infectologist and former director of the Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital, during a public health briefing on Friday.

    Dr. Terrero clarified the typical demographic patterns of these viruses, noting that RSV predominantly impacts the pediatric population, while influenza viruses pose a significant threat to adults and individuals with underlying chronic health conditions. He characterized this surge as a ‘normal situation’ for the current time of year, attributing it to seasonal viruses that traditionally peak during the end-of-year period.

    The medical expert issued a strong recommendation for citizens to seek immediate medical consultation at the nearest health center upon experiencing symptoms indicative of viral infection. Key warning signs include persistent fever, cough, general malaise, nausea, diarrhea, and nasal congestion or discharge. Dr. Terrero specifically emphasized the urgency of medical attention for patients showing signs of dehydration, refusal to eat, frequent vomiting, or severe discomfort.

    Regarding the expected duration of this viral season, health authorities project a gradual decline in infection rates toward the end of January or throughout February. In the meantime, Dr. Terrero reiterated crucial preventive measures to curb transmission, including vaccination against influenza, maintaining physical distance from individuals showing respiratory symptoms, and the consistent use of masks in crowded settings or when exposure to infection is likely.

  • Chevron investeert US$ 19 miljard in 2026; sterke focus op VS en Guyana

    Chevron investeert US$ 19 miljard in 2026; sterke focus op VS en Guyana

    Energy giant Chevron has announced a comprehensive capital expenditure plan of $18 to $19 billion for 2026, positioning the company for strategic growth while maintaining financial discipline. The investment blueprint reveals a clear prioritization of upstream oil and gas production, particularly within United States shale operations and recently acquired offshore assets in Guyana.

    The announced spending range falls at the lower end of Chevron’s previously projected $18-21 billion annual investment guidance through 2030. This disciplined approach aligns with the company’s broader strategy to reduce operational costs, enhance efficiency, and deliver superior returns to shareholders amidst evolving energy market conditions.

    Chevron CEO Mike Wirth emphasized the strategic rationale behind the budget allocation: “Our 2026 capital budget targets the highest-return investments while maintaining discipline and efficiency. This approach enables us to further strengthen cash flow and profitability while positioning the company for sustainable long-term growth.”

    Approximately $17 billion of the total budget is dedicated to upstream activities, with $9 billion earmarked for United States operations. This includes a substantial $6 billion investment in shale development projects. The company projects it will maintain production exceeding 2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day from its US assets throughout 2026.

    Offshore developments receive significant attention with approximately $7 billion allocated to key projects including the prolific Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, Eastern Mediterranean operations, and production facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.

    The downstream division is expected to receive approximately $1 billion in funding, representing a slight decrease compared to current year allocations.

    Chevron’s strategic focus on Guyana follows its landmark $55 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation finalized in July. This transformative deal provided Chevron with a 30% stake in the highly productive Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, while simultaneously adding valuable assets in North Dakota’s Bakken shale formation to its portfolio.

  • Gov’t provides for 2,000 more Christmas road-cleaning workers

    Gov’t provides for 2,000 more Christmas road-cleaning workers

    The New Democratic Party administration has unveiled a significant EC$3 million investment in the national Christmas Road-Cleaning Programme, creating employment opportunities for 7,000 Vincentians during the holiday season. The initiative, managed by the Building Roads and General Services Authority (BRAGSA), commenced on Monday and will operate through December 15.

    This year’s program represents a substantial expansion from previous years, incorporating 5,000 workers who participated in the August cleaning initiative plus 2,000 new positions distributed across all 15 constituencies. The shortened six-day schedule, reduced from the typical eight days due to a delayed start, has been strategically designed to ensure all participants receive payment before Christmas celebrations begin.

    Each worker will receive a flat payment of EC$300 with no deductions, while BRAGSA will separately cover all required National Insurance Scheme contributions. The organization emphasized that all participants from August’s program who are physically capable and willing to work are automatically eligible for the Christmas initiative.

    Safety protocols have been significantly enhanced for this year’s operation. Workers utilizing weed trimmers must request safety shields from BRAGSA officers, with strict enforcement of protective equipment mandates to safeguard both workers and road users. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise heightened caution in areas where cleaning activities are underway.

    BRAGSA described the program as an annual tradition that serves dual purposes: enhancing the nation’s environmental aesthetics while providing crucial short-term employment and income support during the holiday period. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to both public works and social support through meaningful employment opportunities.

  • Health Rise in respiratory syncytial virus infections reported

    Health Rise in respiratory syncytial virus infections reported

    The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health has issued a significant epidemiological alert following a dramatic rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases during the 47th Epidemiological Week of 2025. Health authorities reported the viral activity reached its annual peak, substantially surpassing levels documented throughout 2024.

    The surge has precipitated a marked increase in pediatric medical consultations and hospital admissions, primarily for severe respiratory complications including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The ministry characterized the 2025 epidemic pattern as notably more intense, earlier in onset, and prolonged compared to previous seasons.

    Compounding the public health challenge, the surveillance system confirms the continued co-circulation of multiple respiratory pathogens at low to moderate transmission levels. These include influenza strains A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09, and B/Victoria, alongside SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza viruses.

    Health officials warned that this concurrence of viruses elevates the risk of co-infections, can worsen chronic conditions such as asthma and COPD, and increases the probability of severe complications leading to hospitalization, particularly among vulnerable populations.

    In contrast, the ministry reported stable conditions for other monitored diseases. No new cases of cholera, dengue, or COVID-19 were recorded, with all three remaining under control and under mandatory notification protocols. Dengue cases show a substantial decline with a cumulative 273 confirmed infections to date, a drastic reduction from the 1,315 cases confirmed during the analogous period in 2024.

    Malaria transmission persists, with three new cases raising the annual total to 836. Active foci are concentrated in the provinces of Azua, San Juan, Elías Piña, Santo Domingo, and Independencia, with outbreaks linked to agricultural corridors and environmental factors supporting mosquito vector proliferation.

    One additional case of leptospirosis was confirmed, bringing the national total to 156. The zoonotic disease maintains a transmission pattern associated with seasonal rains and flooding, which increase human exposure to contaminated water and environments conducive to rodent proliferation.

    The epidemiological report also detailed mortality figures, noting four maternal deaths during the week, keeping pace with 2024 data. The cumulative maternal death toll for the year stands at 156, a 4% decrease from the previous year’s 163. The fatalities comprised 66 Haitian and 90 Dominican women.

    Furthermore, 29 infant deaths were reported, increasing the country’s annual total to 1,661. The highest incidence rates are in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and the National District, areas significantly affected by high population density.

  • Stella Maris Renovation to Honour Gabriel Orellano

    Stella Maris Renovation to Honour Gabriel Orellano

    In a transformative response to tragedy, the Belizean government has announced comprehensive safety upgrades at Stella Maris School alongside a permanent memorial for Gabriel Orellano, the six-year-old autistic student whose drowning exposed critical security failures in February 2025.

    The Ministry of Education revealed that the forthcoming campus rehabilitation will integrate enhanced protective measures throughout the facility, with Education Minister Francis Fonseca emphasizing that “the whole compound will be properly fenced to ensure these students are safe.” This structural overhaul directly addresses the circumstances that allowed Gabriel to exit the special needs school unnoticed.

    The incident, which triggered national anguish, was further illuminated by surveillance footage showing Gabriel’s final journey across multiple busy thoroughfares—including Freetown Road and Princess Margaret Drive—before reaching the seawall area where he ultimately drowned. Despite resuscitation attempts by bystanders who discovered him in the water, the child could not be revived after approximately forty minutes of unsupervised wandering.

    Minister Fonseca confirmed the renovation would include a dedicated commemorative plaque honoring Gabriel, stating: “When we open the building, we will dedicate a special plaque to young Gabrielle.” This tribute symbolizes how the child’s tragic death became the catalyst for systemic change in educational facility safety standards.

    The government has scheduled the redesigned campus to reopen in 2026, positioning the rebuilt institution as both a memorial to the lost student and a model for secure educational environments for children with special needs.

  • Already made plans? The weather forecast for this Saturday and Sunday of December

    Already made plans? The weather forecast for this Saturday and Sunday of December

    Meteorological authorities in the Dominican Republic have announced a significant shift in weather patterns as a prevailing trough system begins its departure from the national territory. The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET) indicates this atmospheric transition will introduce drier air masses associated with an anticyclonic system, creating predominantly sunny conditions across most regions throughout Saturday.

    While extensive sunshine is forecast for the majority of the country, meteorological models predict isolated precipitation events affecting specific provinces. Eastern winds are expected to transport light cloud formations that may develop into scattered showers, particularly affecting María Trinidad Sánchez, Samaná, La Altagracia, El Seibo, Barahona and Pedernales. These precipitation events are most likely to occur during morning and afternoon hours.

    Temperature patterns will remain moderate and comfortable due to combined influences from northeastern winds and occasional frontal passages. The most pleasant conditions are anticipated during nocturnal and early morning periods, with particularly noticeable effects in mountainous regions and valley areas where fog and mist formation frequently occurs.

    Looking toward Sunday, forecasters predict the approach of a weak trough system that will interact with prevailing east/southeastern winds. This meteorological combination is expected to generate occasional cloud cover with light to moderately intense showers across eastern provinces including La Altagracia, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, Samaná and María Trinidad Sánchez. Precipitation activity is projected to expand during afternoon hours toward southwestern regions and the Central Mountain Range, affecting San Cristóbal, San Pedro de Macorís, Santo Domingo, Peravia, San José de Ocoa, Azua, Monte Plata, and Monseñor Nouel before gradually diminishing by early evening.

  • Belize Urges ‘Zone of Peace’ Amid U.S.–Venezuela Tensions

    Belize Urges ‘Zone of Peace’ Amid U.S.–Venezuela Tensions

    Amid escalating regional tensions stemming from U.S. counter-narcotics operations, Belize has issued a compelling appeal for maintaining the Caribbean as a demilitarized zone. Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca articulated his nation’s position on December 5, 2025, emphasizing peaceful resolution mechanisms over military confrontation.

    Minister Fonseca explicitly stated Belize’s diplomatic stance: “Our fundamental position maintains that the Caribbean must persist as a zone of peace. We vigorously advocate against any militarized interventions within Caribbean waters, which would inevitably destabilize regional economies and adversely impact vital tourism sectors.”

    While acknowledging the severe challenges posed by transnational drug trafficking networks, the minister highlighted Belize’s ongoing collaboration with U.S. authorities through intelligence sharing and border security cooperation. He stressed that military action represents an counterproductive approach to addressing complex criminal enterprises.

    The diplomatic intervention follows confirmation by U.S. officials of twenty-two separate maritime engagements in Caribbean and Eastern Pacific waters since September, resulting in significant casualties. Particularly concerning to observers has been the reported employment of ‘double tap’ tactics—where secondary strikes target survivors of initial engagements—raising serious allegations of extrajudicial operations and potential violations of international humanitarian law.

    Belize’s foreign policy approach prioritizes multilateral dialogue, intelligence coordination, and cooperative security measures as the most effective paradigm for addressing transnational criminal organizations while preserving regional stability and economic vitality.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Government Elevates Women to Key Diplomatic and Political Posts

    Antigua and Barbuda Government Elevates Women to Key Diplomatic and Political Posts

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – In a significant move toward gender-inclusive governance, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a series of high-level appointments placing women in critical diplomatic and legislative positions. This strategic initiative underscores the administration’s dedication to transforming gender equality from principle into practice by leveraging female expertise in international relations and national policymaking.

    The newly appointed officials include Marie Louise Francis, an accomplished attorney with extensive U.S. legal experience, who has been designated Senior Trade, Investment and Diaspora Officer at the Consulate General in Miami. She is expected to assume the role of Consul General early in the new year.

    Zeina Hechme, another appointee, brings over nine years of foreign service experience to her new position as Vice Consul at the Consulate General in Toronto, Canada. Her extensive background is anticipated to enhance bilateral relations and consular services.

    Furthermore, Kiz L. K. Johnson, a former Independent Senator and recently elected Labour Party candidate for St. Philip’s South, will rejoin the Senate on the government benches. Her return is seen as a reinforcement of women’s voices in the nation’s legislative processes.

    These appointments are part of a broader commitment by the Browne administration to promote women into leadership roles across government. Prime Minister Browne has consistently emphasized the importance of gender-balanced representation, noting that diverse leadership strengthens institutional effectiveness and national resilience.

    Globally, the inclusion of women in diplomacy and foreign policy has been linked to improved decision-making, sustainable peacebuilding, and more innovative approaches to international challenges. Antigua and Barbuda’s latest moves align with a growing international trend toward gender parity in diplomatic corps and governance structures.

    The government asserts that these steps are vital not only as a matter of social justice but also as a strategic imperative for sustainable development and democratic strengthening.