Carib Scope

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  • APUA Repairs Damaged Pigotts Transmission Tower, Temporary Power Interruptions Expected

    APUA Repairs Damaged Pigotts Transmission Tower, Temporary Power Interruptions Expected

    On Wednesday, critical emergency maintenance work on an aging transmission tower located in Pigotts, Antigua forced the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to implement temporary rerouting of several key segments of the island’s electrical distribution grid, triggering widespread temporary power outages and a forced reduction in regional water production. According to a public statement released by APUA, the urgent work centered on replacing a faulty and damaged lightning arrester, a critical safety component that protects high-voltage infrastructure from destructive electrical surges during storm events.

    To ensure the physical safety of field repair teams working on the tower, utility operators had to shift several active power feeders onto alternate alternate circuits, a process that resulted in temporary electricity interruptions for multiple residential communities across the area. In a proactive measure to reduce strain on the already reconfigured grid during the repair window, APUA reached out to a group of local businesses with high energy consumption, requesting that they temporarily switch operations to their own private standby generators for the duration of the maintenance work.

    The cascading impact of the power network adjustments extended directly to Antigua’s water production sector. Two of the island’s key reverse osmosis desalination plants, located at Barnacle Point and Ffryes, were taken fully offline because of their extremely high energy requirements, leading to an immediate scaling back of overall water output across the connected distribution network. Utility officials confirmed that both facilities will remain offline until the electrical work is fully completed, at which point they will immediately resume normal production operations.

    Project managers initially scheduled the emergency repairs to be fully finalized before noon local time. However, APUA has issued a public warning for residents and businesses that a second unplanned outage, lasting between 15 and 20 minutes, will be necessary when crews work to restore the electricity network to its original, pre-maintenance configuration. In closing, the authority issued a formal message thanking all residential and commercial customers for their patience and cooperation during the unplanned disruption, while also extending a sincere apology for the inconvenience caused by the urgent safety work.

  • OECS advances Eastern Caribbean liaison service transition during Canada mission

    OECS advances Eastern Caribbean liaison service transition during Canada mission

    In a key milestone for the reform of the Eastern Caribbean Liaison Service (ECLS) Programme, a delegation from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission completed a week-long series of high-level negotiations in Canada focused on advancing the initiative’s transition to a updated governance structure.

    Led by Dr. Kisha Grant, the OECS Chief of Staff and Head of Strategic Diplomacy, the official mission ran from July 5 to 12, 2026, bringing together a wide range of key stakeholders from across the Caribbean region and Canadian government. Over the course of the visit, Grant held targeted discussions with ECLS Canada-based office staff, senior leaders from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) — including representatives from Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Programme — and diplomatic representatives from OECS member states, including consuls general and high commissioners.

    Central to the talks was the dual goal of preserving the ECLS Programme’s ability to advance the shared economic and labor interests of OECS member nations, while aligning operations with Canada’s changing diplomatic designation rules. Participants also delved into actionable strategies to strengthen governance protocols, boost day-to-day operational efficiency, and shore up the programme’s long-term financial and institutional sustainability.

    The ongoing transition is anchored in a formal regularization framework that was previously approved by the OECS Authority, and is overseen by the ECLS Transition Committee, a governing body established in 2025. The committee draws representation from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the ECLS leadership, and senior OECS Commission officials to ensure balanced, inclusive decision-making throughout the restructuring process.

    Beyond the transition logistics, stakeholders also used the mission to explore expansion opportunities that would open the programme up to more workers from OECS member states, while deepening collaborative ties between all participating governments. The delegation also conducted an on-site review of the proposed new location for the ECLS Canadian office and carried out a comprehensive assessment of the programme’s current daily operations to identify areas for improvement.

    In reflections on the outcomes of the mission, Dr. Grant emphasized that the in-person gathering provided an unprecedented opportunity to align all stakeholders at a critical juncture for the programme’s evolution. “The discussions reinforced our shared commitment to ensuring that ECLS continues to serve as a strong and sustainable OECS pillar while meeting Canada’s requirements. Perhaps most importantly, the mission reinforced something we should never lose sight of — that behind every discussion and every decision are hundreds of workers and families across our Member States whose lives continue to be positively impacted by this Programme each year,” Grant noted.

    A core highlight of the mission was the delegation’s meeting with current ECLS participating workers, including several who have returned to take up Canadian employment through the programme for more than two decades. Describing the interaction as particularly meaningful, Grant added: “Their experiences are a powerful reminder that the ECLS Programme is one of the OECS Commission’s most tangible and enduring success stories. Behind every placement is a family, a community and a future being strengthened through meaningful employment opportunities.”

    Looking ahead, the OECS Commission confirmed it will continue coordinated work with the ECLS Transition Committee, OECS member state governments, and Canadian regulatory authorities to roll out the next phase of the governance transition, while working to amplify the programme’s positive long-term impact across the Eastern Caribbean region.

  • Bay Primary marks Sobers legacy ahead of thanksgiving service

    Bay Primary marks Sobers legacy ahead of thanksgiving service

    As Barbados prepares to host a national state service of thanksgiving to celebrate the life of the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the Caribbean nation’s most cherished institutions is pausing to reflect on its deep, enduring ties to the iconic cricket legend and national hero. For Bay Primary School, where Sobers first began his educational journey, the legacy of the world-renowned all-rounder extends far beyond the boundary ropes of cricket stadiums—it lives on in daily lessons, school values, and the inspiration it provides to every generation of students walking its halls.

    Speaking ahead of the planned events, Bay Primary School principal Stacy Blunte emphasized that Sobers’ rise from a local schoolboy to the pantheon of global sporting greatness remains one of the most powerful examples for the school’s current pupils to follow. Wednesday’s state funeral and thanksgiving service, scheduled to take place at Kensington Oval just one day after what would have been Sobers’ 90th birthday, carries unique meaning for the school community, which counts the legend among its most famous graduates.

    Sobers’ original alma mater, Bay Street Boys’ School, founded back in 1913, was relocated to its current Bayville site in 1958, creating an unbroken historic link between the sporting icon and the modern Bay Primary School that stands there today. Even the open ground where Sobers first honed his cricketing skills as a young boy, the Bay Pasture, now serves as the school’s main playing field, keeping his early connection to the area alive in tangible form.

    “Today is a particularly meaningful day for us as we reflect on the life and legacy of the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers and mark what would have been his 90th birthday,” Blunte shared in comments ahead of the service. “It is a proud part of our heritage to know that one of Barbados’ greatest sons began his educational journey within this community.”

    For the school, pride in Sobers’ connection goes far beyond his unprecedented list of cricketing achievements. Blunte noted that the values Sobers embodied throughout his decades in the public eye align perfectly with the core mission Bay Primary holds for its students. Widely regarded as not just the greatest cricketer to come out of Barbados, but the greatest all-rounder the sport has ever seen, Sobers redefined excellence with his unmatched skill with both bat and ball. Yet his most enduring contribution, Blunte argued, is not found in record books or statistical tables—it is rooted in the personal character he displayed throughout his life and career.

    “His legacy goes way beyond statistics and records because it is found in the values he represented – discipline, humility and the commitment to giving his very best,” Blunte explained. These core principles, she pointed out, mirror exactly the wording of Bay Primary’s official school motto: “I will use my Head, my Heart and my Hands to strive for excellence.”

    “That word ‘excellence’ is grounded in our school’s motto, which states explicitly that we will use our heads, our hands and our hearts for excellence. That is what Sir Garfield Sobers did,” Blunte said.

    Beyond aligning with school values, Sobers’ life story offers a critical lesson for young students about the roots of success. Blunte emphasized that his journey is a powerful reminder that greatness is not predetermined by one’s starting circumstances, but forged through consistent dedication, passion, and belief in one’s own abilities.

    “His story reminds us that greatness is not determined by where one begins, but by the passion, the discipline and the commitment that one brings to the journey,” she said. Blunte shared her hope that current Bay Primary students will carry the lesson of Sobers’ life with them, seeing his trajectory as proof that perseverance and commitment can lead to world-changing impact. “As a young student with dreams, with talents and with potential, he went on to leave an indelible mark on the world. That is the message I am hoping our young people will carry with them.”

    Closing out her reflection, Blunte reaffirmed the school’s deep honor in sharing a historic connection to Barbados’ national hero, noting that the entire school community is enriched by Sobers’ lifelong legacy. “We are richer by his contribution and here at Bay Primary, we are especially proud of the connection we share with the son of this nation, whose name will be forever associated with greatness.”

  • Second Group of Apprentices Begins Maritime Training Programme

    Second Group of Apprentices Begins Maritime Training Programme

    A new group of young aspiring professionals from Antigua and Barbuda has embarked on immersive, on-the-job training as part of the region’s targeted Maritime Apprenticeship Programme, an initiative designed to build a skilled pipeline for the growing local and regional maritime sector.

    The program is the result of a collaborative partnership between three key stakeholders: regional logistics leader Tropical Shipping, the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC), and the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority. It was created to bridge a long-standing gap between academic learning and real-world industry requirements, opening pathways to stable, high-demand careers for young people interested in maritime work.

    First launched in 2025, the program saw strong success in its inaugural cycle, prompting organizers to expand the initiative with a second cohort in 2026. Unlike many classroom-only training programs, this apprenticeship places apprentices directly in active workplaces, giving them first-hand insight into core areas of the industry, from commercial shipping and port logistics to on-ground port operations.

    After a rigorous competitive selection process that drew applications from across Antigua and Barbuda, three young trainees – Dezante Maile, Myah Ward, and Shekinah Hector – were chosen to join the 2026 cohort. Over the coming six weeks, the group will complete a structured training curriculum that blends hands-on daily work experience with one-on-one mentorship from seasoned industry veterans.

    Trainees will rotate through multiple key departments at Tropical Shipping, gaining exposure to customer service, sales, corporate accounting, shipping documentation, vessel operations, and end-to-end logistics management. They will also complete on-site rotations at the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority and with other industry partners across the region, to gain a holistic understanding of how different parts of the maritime ecosystem work together.

    Beyond individual skill-building for participants, the program has a broader regional goal: helping young people understand how the maritime supply chain acts as the backbone of regional trade and economic activity across the Caribbean. For small island developing states like Antigua and Barbuda, a strong domestic maritime sector is critical to sustaining economic growth, reducing reliance on foreign labor, and unlocking new trade opportunities.

    The initiative also underscores Tropical Shipping’s long-term investment in regional development. For years, the company has prioritized workforce development across the Caribbean, recognizing that a skilled local workforce benefits both the industry and the communities it serves. It also aligns with the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority’s strategic goals to strengthen the country’s maritime sector by investing in the next generation of industry leaders.

  • FBI assisting in missing person investigation

    FBI assisting in missing person investigation

    A weeks-long search for a missing American citizen in Grenada has expanded to include international investigative support, as local law enforcement works closely with U.S. authorities to piece together the circumstances of 44-year-old Elizabeth “Liz” Waddell’s disappearance.

    Waddell, a physical therapist from North Carolina, was first reported missing to the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) at 5:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, nearly six hours after she was last seen in the water north of popular Grand Anse Beach. The high-profile case has since drawn widespread international media coverage, putting significant public attention on the ongoing investigation.

    During an official press briefing held on Tuesday, July 28, RGPF Police Commissioner Randy Connaught outlined the latest updates on the search, confirming that local investigators have formally requested assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s regional office. This request comes as part of broader coordination with U.S. diplomatic officials, Connaught explained, noting that the force has maintained consistent communication with Cindy Diouf, the principal officer of the U.S. Embassy in Grenada.

    The goal of bringing the FBI into the investigation, Connaught added, is to help investigators build a clearer, more complete picture of Waddell’s background ahead of her disappearance. As a U.S. citizen, cross-border cooperation is critical to moving the case forward, he emphasized.

    Timeline details released by police paint a clearer picture of Waddell’s final known movements. The therapist arrived in Grenada on July 11 from Miami, traveling alongside a female friend. After spending 10 days at a resort on the island’s west coast, the pair relocated to accommodation in southern Grenada on July 21, one day before Waddell went missing.

    Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators confirms that Waddell entered the water near a local jetty at 11:51 a.m. on July 22, and was recorded swimming under the structure 13 minutes later. Critically, no footage captures her exiting the water. Her traveling companion was captured on camera walking toward the jetty, before returning alone roughly 40 minutes later. That companion ultimately filed the missing person report more than five hours after that encounter.

    Since the report was filed, RGPF has launched a sweeping multi-agency search effort, bringing in resources from the Grenada Coast Guard, local commercial dive teams, the RGPF’s own drone unit, and the St. George’s University canine unit. Local community members have also joined search operations, which have covered shoreline, open water, and underwater terrain. The Coast Guard has additionally conducted analysis of local tides, currents, and drift patterns to narrow potential search areas.

    Beyond search operations, investigators have worked through evidence systematically: they have reviewed all available surveillance footage, conducted interviews with witnesses, mapped Waddell’s movements across her time in Grenada, and are currently processing hundreds of photos, videos, and tips submitted by members of the public. Investigators are also working to identify any people, vessels, or vehicles that were in the area around the time Waddell disappeared to rule out or follow up on potential leads.

    Connaught pushed back against widespread public speculation surrounding the case, stressing that investigators have not reached any final conclusions and that the incident remains formally classified as a missing person investigation. He issued an appeal for continued public assistance, noting that even seemingly insignificant details could prove critical to breaking the case open. “No information should be considered too minor,” he said, urging both the public and media to only rely on the RGPF as the official, verified source of updates on the investigation.

    Speaking to the media, Connaught extended his deepest sympathy to Waddell’s family, who have joined the search effort. Waddell’s husband, Cailen Waddell, has traveled from the U.S. to Grenada to work alongside local authorities on the search. In a public social media post shared before his arrival, Cailen Waddell said he expects nothing less than his wife’s safe return, and asked supporters to send love, prayers, and positive thoughts for the operation. Echoing that sentiment, Commissioner Connaught said investigators remain optimistic about the outcome. “It is our hope that Elizabeth will be found, and found alive and well,” he said.

  • Boyce powers into 400m semi-finals

    Boyce powers into 400m semi-finals

    On the opening day of track and field competition at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Scotland, Barbadian sprint athletes delivered a mixed set of outcomes that left some celebrating progression and others packing their bags early. In the men’s 400-meter opening heats, Desean Boyce emerged as the lone Barbadian to advance to the next round, clocking a solid time of 46.55 seconds to secure a second-place finish in the opening heat of the day. His compatriot Kyle Gale was not as fortunate, finishing fifth in the fifth heat of the discipline with a time of 47.41 seconds, a result that fell just short of the mark needed to claim a semi-final spot.

    In the 100-meter sprint discipline, two more Barbadian athletes saw their campaigns come to an end in the semi-final round. Kuron Griffith, competing in the men’s side of the bracket, crossed the line in eighth position in his semi-final heat with a time of 10.26 seconds, which was not fast enough to earn a spot in the final. On the women’s side, Kishawna Niles turned in a personal season-best performance of 11.44 seconds in her 100m semi-final heat, but still finished fourth, missing out on a place in the coveted final round by one position.

    Over in the swimming pool, Barbadian swimmers also took to the blocks across multiple events, with none managing to advance past the opening heat rounds. In the men’s 50m Butterfly, Victor Ashby notched a fifth-place finish in the fourth heat, stopping the clock at 27.26 seconds. Christen Kelly followed in the fifth heat of the same event, turning in a time of 25.54 seconds to claim fourth place in his heat. In the women’s 50m freestyle heats, Toria Alleyne finished fourth in her fourth heat with a time of 27.69 seconds. Rounding out the day’s action for the Barbadian delegation, Jaiya Simmonds competed in the opening round of the women’s 200m individual medley, finishing sixth in the third heat with a final time of 2 minutes 29.83 seconds.

  • Three Vincy doctors, 2 nurses graduate in Cuba

    Three Vincy doctors, 2 nurses graduate in Cuba

    A cohort of seven graduates from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has successfully completed higher education programs in medicine and nursing at Cuban universities, marking another milestone in a decades-long cross-border scholarship partnership between the two Caribbean nations.

    Of the seven new graduates, five earned their first professional degrees in Doctor of Medicine: Angelique Alfred, Rayon James, Daneel Mc Phy, Macello Scott and Jayonne Tucker. The remaining two graduates, Ria Edwards and Shwayi Neverson, walked away with accredited bachelor’s degrees in nursing.

    The official announcement came via a public statement released by the Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines based in Havana, Cuba. The embassy emphasized that these graduates have trained in high-priority sectors that are foundational to SVG’s long-term social and economic growth. The academic opportunity was made fully possible through full scholarships funded directly by the Cuban government, under a bilateral cooperation agreement that has been in place for many years between the two national governments.

    In the statement, SVG diplomatic representatives framed the educational initiative as far more than a student exchange: it is a direct, targeted investment in the health outcomes, human capital development, and collective well-being of the SVG population. The embassy extended sincere gratitude to both the Cuban government and Cuban people for their consistent, unwavering solidarity with SVG through this ongoing program.

    The government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also formally extended congratulations to the seven graduates and their families, who supported the students through their years of study abroad. Officials noted they are eager to see the new cohort of trained health workers bring their skills back home to strengthen SVG’s domestic healthcare system and contribute to ongoing national development goals.

  • The future of Grenadian football takes centre stage

    The future of Grenadian football takes centre stage

    The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has announced a highly anticipated community event: the Summer of Soccer Festival, which will serve as the exciting concluding celebration for the organization’s island-wide youth grassroots football initiative this season.

    After weeks of structured training, skill development, and recreational play across program centers distributed across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, nearly 800 participating young boys and girls will gather at a single venue to showcase their progress and connect with fellow young football lovers from across the country. The one-day event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 6 August, running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Roy St John Playing Field located in Tanteen.

    In a move designed to make the celebration accessible to every member of the public, the GFA confirmed that entry to the festival will be completely free of charge for all attendees. The association is encouraging local families to turn out in full force to cheer on the next generation of Grenadian football talent, highlighting the event as a reflection of the GFA’s longstanding commitment to growing the sport through intentional grassroots development.

    It should be noted that this event announcement was contributed by the GFA to NOW Grenada, and NOW Grenada holds no responsibility for the opinions, statements, and any media content shared by third-party contributors. Users may report any inappropriate content shared through the platform via the official reporting channel provided by the outlet.

  • Gajadien vraagt regering om duidelijkheid over hogere ATM-tarieven

    Gajadien vraagt regering om duidelijkheid over hogere ATM-tarieven

    Ahead of the August 1 implementation of new, higher automated teller machine (ATM) transaction fees in Suriname, the leader of the ruling VHP party’s parliamentary faction, Asis Gajadien, is calling on the national government to open its books and deliver clear, public justification for the incoming price adjustment. Speaking during a plenary briefing session in Suriname’s parliament this week, Gajadien stressed that the public is fully entitled to full clarity on why the fee increases are necessary and what factors are driving the change.

    Gajadien clarified that he and his faction do not oppose financial institutions setting fees that cover their operational costs, but that transparency for the general public is a non-negotiable requirement. “This is not a fight against businesses that need to set cost-covering tariffs,” he explained. “This is about the public’s right to full, accessible transparency around changes that impact their daily finances.”

    The faction leader emphasized that both the Central Bank of Suriname and the national cabinet share responsibility for ensuring that any changes to financial service fees are fully disclosed and explained to the public. He also drew particular attention to the disproportionate impact the higher fees will have on low-income Surinamese households, noting that the most economically vulnerable groups will bear the brunt of the new costs.

    “It is the ordinary working person, the low-income citizen that will suffer the most from this increase,” Gajadien stated, urging the government to release full details to both the National Assembly and the general public as quickly as possible to address growing public uncertainty.

    The planned fee adjustment was first announced last week by the Suriname Bankers Association (SBV), which confirmed that fees for ATM cash withdrawals and balance inquiries will rise starting August 1, 2026. According to the SBV, the increase comes on the heels of a cost review by BNets, the national ATM network manager, which adjusted pricing to cover rising costs for network management, maintenance, cybersecurity upgrades, and ongoing expansion of the national ATM infrastructure.

    The SBV noted that individual member banks will retain authority to decide how much of the increased cost to pass on to their customers. However, when the association first made the announcement, it did not publish any public breakdown of what the new fee amounts will be. That lack of clear public information is what prompted Gajadien’s formal call for government intervention and full disclosure.

  • Test squad to return home for Sir Garfield Sobers’ farewell

    Test squad to return home for Sir Garfield Sobers’ farewell

    A thrilling opening Test match between West Indies and Pakistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy has ended in a storybook result, with the Caribbean side sealing a 90-run victory one full day ahead of schedule. This unexpected early triumph clears the way for every Barbadian player and member of the West Indies coaching and support staff to travel home to attend the state funeral of cricket icon Sir Garfield Sobers, scheduled for Wednesday at Bridgetown’s historic Kensington Oval.

    Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley shared the details of the last-minute arrangements during an appearance on the popular Mason and Guest Cricket Show, confirming that all logistics have been finalized to bring the squad home in time for the service. “The good news is that we’ve just completed the arrangements, and if all goes well the players and coach Floyd Reifer should all be coming in, so we look forward to them being here for the state funeral tomorrow,” Mottley told listeners.

    The Prime Minister recounted a lighthearted moment that preceded the match, revealing an acquaintance had joked that the team would deliberately wrap up victory in four days to make it to the funeral. “When they said it to me, I smiled at the time and I said I wish, and last night when I saw what had happened, I said, OK, OK, this can go either way, and I said a little prayer,” she shared.

    Mottley also extended public praise to West Indies captain Roston Chase, highlighting his thoughtful leadership through what has been an emotionally charged week for the team and the entire Caribbean cricket community. “Roston was very clear and I mean it was a wonderful conversation, and I really want to salute him, his steadiness, his purpose, his commitment, and his understanding of the significance of the moment for the people of this nation and for the people of this region and of course the wider team,” she said.

    Thousands of mourners and cricket fans from across the globe are expected to gather at Kensington Oval to honor Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-round cricketers in the history of the sport, with the West Indies squad now set to join the tribute after their timely on-field victory.