Carib Scope

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  • STATEMENT: Lennox Linton addresses comments by UWP Leader Dr Thomson Fontaine about party’s elections

    STATEMENT: Lennox Linton addresses comments by UWP Leader Dr Thomson Fontaine about party’s elections

    The United Workers Party (UWP) has issued an official response addressing controversial remarks made by Dr. Thomson Fontaine regarding the party’s constitutional requirement for annual leadership elections. Fontaine had characterized these elections as a “wash-your-foot-and-come” affair, a cultural expression suggesting a casual, unstructured process open to anyone without standards.

    The National Executive Committee clarified that this characterization fundamentally misrepresents the purpose and design of their electoral system. The party emphasized that annual elections serve as a deliberate democratic safeguard rather than an informal proceeding. These constitutional provisions ensure leadership accountability to membership, regular mandate renewal, transparency in authority exercise, and meaningful member participation in party direction.

    Contrary to Fontaine’s implication that the process lacks seriousness, the UWP maintains that their election framework strengthens the organization by requiring leaders to continually earn and reaffirm their positions rather than assuming entitlement through prolonged incumbency. The party’s constitution reflects core values of openness, accountability, discipline, and democracy established by its founders.

    The statement noted that Fontaine has agreed to public disclosure of this clarification, wanting to “let the country decide” on the matter. The UWP expressed confidence that their properly conducted annual elections represent a pillar of internal democracy that maintains unity, focus, and responsiveness to the citizens they serve.

  • Vendors, meeting demand at school gates, say health drive ‘challenging’

    Vendors, meeting demand at school gates, say health drive ‘challenging’

    Barbados’ ambitious School Nutrition Policy faces formidable challenges at the very gates it aims to transform, where vendors navigate the complex intersection of government mandates, children’s preferences, and economic survival. Despite ministerial assurances of island-wide compliance checks, frontline sellers report significant resistance from young consumers who consistently reject healthier alternatives in favor of sugary staples.

    Across multiple primary schools in St. Michael and Bridgetown, vendors maintain thriving businesses built on Takis, Cheetos, brightly colored jellos, and snow cones—items directly contradicting the government’s nutritional guidelines. Vendor Nicole Maynard exemplifies this dilemma, having attempted to implement healthier options only to witness students migrating to competing shops offering preferred snacks. ‘The children want what they want,’ Maynard explained. ‘Their parents come and get stuff for the children too, so we don’t have no control over that.’

    The economic imperative compounds nutritional challenges. Anonymous vendors revealed that commercially viable items rarely align with policy recommendations, creating financial disincentives for compliance. One vendor noted that even when offering fruits like apples and bananas, children routinely discard them, while parents actively purchase sugary treats against policy guidelines.

    Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman has framed the initiative as critical public health intervention, citing Barbados’ ‘non-communicable disease epidemic’ and emphasizing that childhood eating patterns will determine the nation’s future health outcomes. Blackman plans personal face-to-face compliance checks, acknowledging his own childhood dietary imperfections while maintaining that vendors must prioritize healthy items because ‘the whole country pays the cost.’

    Vendors propose alternative approaches, suggesting increased physical activity during school hours might achieve comparable health benefits. Meanwhile, they continue balancing policy requirements with market realities, offering token healthier options while relying on popular unhealthy sellers to sustain their livelihoods. The outcome remains uncertain as Barbados attempts to transform children’s eating habits against deeply entrenched preferences and economic practicalities.

  • Unmarked Container on Road to Shirley’s Heights Sparks Fears of Deadly Accident

    Unmarked Container on Road to Shirley’s Heights Sparks Fears of Deadly Accident

    A potentially catastrophic road hazard has emerged along Rotten Town Road, the primary access route to Shirley’s Heights lookout in Antigua, where an unmarked shipping container has been abandoned roadside for multiple days without any safety provisions. Local residents have issued urgent warnings about the obstruction, characterizing it as a lethal threat to motorists navigating the popular tourist corridor.

    The container’s placement presents particular danger during nighttime hours when the complete absence of reflectors, illumination, or warning cones causes it to blend invisibly into the darkness. This creates extreme hazards for both uphill and downhill travelers on the roadway frequently used by tour buses, service vehicles, local residents, and visitors accessing the renowned vantage point.

    Community members have directed urgent appeals to multiple government agencies including the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, law enforcement, and public works officials, demanding immediate intervention. Photographic evidence confirms the container’s precarious positioning directly adjacent to the driving lane with zero visible safety measures implemented.

    The concerned public emphasizes that the combination of heavy traffic patterns, limited visibility conditions, and complete absence of warning devices creates a perfect storm for tragedy. Authorities are requesting public assistance in identifying the container’s owner to facilitate prompt removal or implementation of proper safety markings before preventable casualties occur.

  • Visitor Spending Up 48% Over a Decade

    Visitor Spending Up 48% Over a Decade

    Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector has achieved unprecedented financial success, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealing a remarkable 48% surge in visitor expenditure over the past decade. The announcement came during Thursday’s parliamentary presentation of the 2026 national budget, where Browne disclosed that tourism receipts skyrocketed to a record-breaking $2.4 billion in 2024.

    The substantial growth transcends conventional leisure travel, driven instead by strategic positioning as a premier destination for high-value international gatherings. The Prime Minister highlighted several landmark events that significantly elevated the nation’s global standing while generating superior per-capita spending. Among these were the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, and the Organization of American States General Assembly, each attracting thousands of delegates with substantial disposable income.

    ‘Our tourism product has transformed into one of the region’s most resilient economic assets,’ Browne declared before Parliament. This strategic pivot toward premium markets has established the dual-island nation as the Caribbean’s foremost meetings and conferences hub, effectively extending tourism beyond seasonal limitations.

    Government investments in enhanced infrastructure have been instrumental in this success story. Modernization initiatives include the upgraded cruise port facility, expanded airlift agreements with international carriers, and diversified accommodation options spanning luxury hotels, boutique villas, and a rapidly growing Airbnb sector that now represents approximately 35% of visitor stays. This variety has democratized tourism benefits, distributing economic gains deeper into local communities.

    Additional contributors to the expenditure surge include the expanding luxury yachting industry, strengthened culinary tourism offerings, and innovative entertainment options. The positive trajectory is expected to continue with the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, anticipated to draw thousands of high-spending attendees.

    Browne emphasized that tourism’s robust performance underscores its critical role in national development, supporting broader fiscal improvements including budget surpluses and increased capital investment. The parliamentary budget debate is scheduled to resume next week.

  • Kiz Johnson Thanks Supporters After Winning ABLP Primary in St. Philip’s South

    Kiz Johnson Thanks Supporters After Winning ABLP Primary in St. Philip’s South

    Kiz Johnson has emerged victorious from a competitive four-way primary race to become the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s (ABLP) official candidate for the St. Philip’s South constituency. The decisive victory occurred during Sunday’s primary election, where Johnson expressed profound gratitude to her supporters for their demonstrated confidence.

    Johnson secured a commanding lead with 167 votes, substantially outpacing her competitors. Malcolm Charles received 113 votes, while Adrian Richardson and Lennox Weston garnered 49 and 44 votes respectively. This electoral outcome positions Johnson as both the ABLP’s designated candidate and caretaker representative for the constituency.

    In her victory address, Johnson acknowledged the significance of the electoral mandate, stating: ‘Thank you, St. Philip’s South. Your confidence, your belief, and your vote have spoken loudly.’ She further outlined her immediate plans, noting: ‘Tonight, we celebrate; tomorrow, we continue the work. We move boldly forward.’

    The victory carries substantial political implications as Johnson is now expected to be formally included on the ABLP’s slate for the upcoming general election. This development represents a crucial step in the party’s electoral preparation strategy, potentially influencing the political landscape in the constituency. The primary results demonstrate Johnson’s strong connection with the party base and suggest a consolidated support structure heading into the national elections.

  • Inflation Falls to 1.4% — Sharpest Drop Since the Pandemic, PM Reports

    Inflation Falls to 1.4% — Sharpest Drop Since the Pandemic, PM Reports

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a remarkable economic milestone, recording its most significant inflation decline since the COVID-19 pandemic era. Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed during Thursday’s 2026 national budget presentation that consumer prices increased by a mere 1.4 percent on average during the January-August 2025 period.

    This development marks a dramatic reversal from 2022’s peak inflation of nearly 10 percent, when global supply chain constraints and soaring fuel and food costs created substantial economic pressure. In a particularly noteworthy shift, September 2025 witnessed an overall price decrease of 1 percent—the first instance of deflation the nation has experienced in years.

    Prime Minister Browne attributed this positive trend to multiple factors, including improved global supply conditions, reduced freight expenses, and strategic government interventions designed to stabilize living costs. Key measures include sustained fuel and electricity subsidies, along with the government’s suspension of the 42 percent Common External Tariff on specific food imports.

    These policy decisions are anticipated to translate into tangible benefits for consumers, with Browne projecting “cheaper supermarket prices in the coming weeks” as importers obtain essential goods at reduced costs. The Prime Minister issued a stern warning to retailers against absorbing these duty savings, emphasizing that price reductions must be passed through to consumers.

    The administration’s collaboration with Guyana to import lower-cost staple goods is expected to further reinforce price stability into 2026. Browne confirmed the continuation of cost-of-living support programs, including expanded food vouchers, ongoing LPG subsidies, and assistance for approximately 7,000 pensioners and over 1,600 vulnerable households.

    Parliamentary budget discussions are scheduled to continue next week, where further economic measures will be examined.

  • Maritime industry turns to data for climate policy shift

    Maritime industry turns to data for climate policy shift

    Barbados is pioneering a data-driven transformation of its maritime sector to address escalating climate vulnerabilities and trade disruptions. Government officials and statistical experts convened this week for a strategic national workshop focused on integrating artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics into national policy-making frameworks.

    The initiative, titled “Evidence-based Climate Action through Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation for Caribbean SIDS,” represents a significant step in modernizing the island nation’s approach to complex environmental and economic challenges. The two-day conference at UN House brought together stakeholders committed to revolutionizing how Barbados navigates its maritime future.

    Janelle Scantlebury-Mounsey, Senior Statistician at the Barbados Statistical Service, emphasized the critical intersection of data science and maritime governance. “Our region confronts intensifying climate vulnerabilities, increasing competition for marine resources, and unprecedented pressures on global supply chains,” she stated. “The growing international interest in Caribbean maritime space makes high-quality statistical intelligence more valuable than ever before.”

    The workshop highlighted innovative methodologies combining satellite-derived Automatic Identification System data with traditional information sources. This integration enables real-time vessel tracking and creates new frameworks for measuring greenhouse gas emissions with unprecedented accuracy. Scantlebury-Mounsey stressed that such approaches must adhere to international standards to ensure data integrity throughout its lifecycle.

    Participants were urged to embrace three fundamental principles: quality assurance for reliable and timely data, inter-agency collaboration for seamless information sharing, and sustainable investment in statistical infrastructure for future generations. This comprehensive approach positions Barbados to make evidence-based decisions in international negotiations, climate resilience planning, and maritime policy development.

    The workshop represents a paradigm shift from assumption-based governance to precision policy-making, potentially establishing Barbados as a leader in data-driven climate adaptation among small island developing states.

  • Fisheries officials call for better data to drive energy transition

    Fisheries officials call for better data to drive energy transition

    Barbados is confronting the environmental and economic vulnerabilities of its marine industry’s fossil fuel dependence through enhanced data-driven strategies. At a pivotal two-day workshop hosted at UN House, national and international experts gathered to launch the National Enhanced Statistics for Evidence-Based Climate Action in Maritime Trade, Transport and Fisheries initiative.

    Chief Fisheries Officer Shelly-Ann Cox revealed startling data indicating substantial diesel consumption within the sector. Analysis from a single diesel pump at the Bridgetown Fisheries complex demonstrated an estimated annual usage of one million liters over a 12-year period. This quantification, while significant, represents only a fraction of total consumption as vessel operators frequently purchase gasoline from regular stations, creating substantial data collection gaps.

    Post-Hurricane Beryl assessments identified 217 active fishing boats, yet comprehensive energy usage tracking remains challenging. Despite these obstacles, the documented fuel demand provides compelling justification for exploring alternative energy sources to facilitate an equitable transition for Barbados’ fishing fleet.

    The fisheries policy framework already incorporates renewable energy incentives, including tax exemptions for green fishing projects and provisions within the Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development Act for energy efficiency certification. However, significant barriers persist, including biodiesel supply chain vulnerabilities, high infrastructure costs for charging stations at landing sites, and substantial capital investment requirements.

    Technological progress offers promising solutions, with 101 vessel monitoring systems now installed to gather critical operational data. Barbados has witnessed successful adoption of solar-powered battery chargers and growing interest in hybrid and electric marine engines among fishers. Emerging innovations in renewable ocean energy systems present additional opportunities for reducing fossil fuel dependence.

    Cox emphasized the necessity for policy development to scale alternative energy operations to meet the fishing fleet’s substantial diesel requirements. The workshop, organized by UNCTAD, provided a crucial platform for addressing these challenges and developing actionable recommendations to accelerate Barbados’ just energy transition.

  • The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) Deliver Training on Using Artificial Intelligence to Foster the Islamic Financial Industry

    The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) Deliver Training on Using Artificial Intelligence to Foster the Islamic Financial Industry

    ABU DHABI, UAE – In a pioneering move to modernize Islamic finance, the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) have successfully concluded a groundbreaking training program focused on integrating artificial intelligence into the sector. Held from November 24-28, 2025, at the AMF headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the specialized workshop marked the region’s first comprehensive initiative bridging AI technology with Shari’ah-compliant financial principles.

    The collaborative program, designed for professionals from central banks and financial institutions across 22 member nations, brought together 32 specialists for an intensive curriculum. Led by IsDBI experts Dr. Hilal Houssain and Dr. Mohammed Ayyash, the training delved into both theoretical foundations and practical applications of AI technologies including machine learning, neural networks, and big data analytics.

    Curriculum highlights included practical implementations for Islamic banking operations such as enhanced risk assessment models, automated financing application evaluation systems, and advanced fraud detection mechanisms – all developed with strict adherence to Islamic financial principles and governance requirements. Participants gained hands-on experience through interactive sessions where they designed six virtual financial service companies, later integrated into two strategic ecosystems for testing AI-driven solutions.

    A significant focus was placed on the ethical dimensions of AI adoption, linking technological ethics to the higher objectives of Shari’ah (Maqasid al-Shari’ah). The program addressed critical challenges including data quality assurance, algorithmic bias mitigation, and ensuring transparency in AI-driven decision making.

    The training also showcased outcomes from IsDBI’s inaugural AI Hackathon in Islamic Finance, which aimed to transform AAOIFI accounting standards into smart digital solutions for enhanced Shari’ah compliance and accounting transparency. The program concluded with participants developing strategic roadmaps for AI implementation in regulatory institutions and financial entities, emphasizing responsible innovation that aligns with both regulatory standards and Islamic principles. All attendees received certificates of completion, marking a significant step toward building AI capacity within the Islamic financial industry.

  • Gov’t to Pursue Aggressive Tax Compliance Drive in 2026, PM Announces

    Gov’t to Pursue Aggressive Tax Compliance Drive in 2026, PM Announces

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne unveiled a comprehensive tax enforcement strategy on Thursday during his presentation of Antigua and Barbuda’s 2026 national budget, signaling a major shift in the nation’s fiscal policy approach. The government will implement an aggressive compliance campaign aimed at strengthening public finances and addressing significant revenue shortfalls.

    Despite acknowledging the country’s strong economic performance and sustained growth, Browne revealed that Antigua and Barbuda maintains the lowest tax revenue-to-GDP ratio within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). This position, he emphasized, has become unacceptable for a developing nation requiring substantial funding for expanding social programs and critical infrastructure projects.

    The Prime Minister outlined a multi-faceted approach to revenue enhancement that includes modernizing tax administration systems, implementing rotation strategies within customs and tax departments to prevent collusion, and conducting regular spot checks targeting businesses and individuals suspected of non-compliance. Browne issued a stern warning to potential tax evaders, stating that ‘those who get caught robbing the revenue will pay heavily.’

    These fiscal reforms are positioned as essential for maintaining the country’s improved fiscal position, which has seen budget surpluses and reduced public debt. The additional revenue generated is expected to fund priority areas including housing development, education initiatives, healthcare services, and climate resilience programs.

    With recurrent revenue projections of $1.49 billion for 2026, the government aims to close the gap between Antigua’s current tax performance and regional benchmarks. The campaign targets reaching the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union average of 20 percent tax-to-GDP ratio and ultimately aligning with the broader regional standard of 25 percent.

    The budget debate is scheduled to continue next week, where further details of the tax compliance measures are expected to be discussed.