Carib Scope

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  • Diplomats meet House Speaker

    Diplomats meet House Speaker

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, numerous high-ranking foreign envoys stationed in Guyana convened with House Speaker Manzoor Nadir at the Parliament Building in Stabroek. This gathering occurred in anticipation of Monday’s pivotal National Assembly session, which will feature both the presentation of the 2026 National Budget and the election of Guyana’s next Opposition Leader.

    United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot characterized the encounter as an informal exchange, noting that the initiative originated from within the diplomatic community. “The Speaker generously accommodated our request for dialogue,” Ambassador Theriot explained to journalists, despite repeated attempts by her security detail to limit media interaction. She emphasized that the discussion centered on parliamentary procedures, budgetary considerations, and the impending opposition leadership selection.

    The diplomatic contingent included representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Venezuela, and several other nations. When questioned about Speaker Nadir’s recent criticisms of American and Canadian political systems—made in response to diplomatic calls for electing an Opposition Leader to strengthen Guyana’s democratic institutions—Ambassador Theriot declined to disclose specifics. “It would be inappropriate for me to characterize his remarks. That conversation remains with him,” she stated, adding that she did not perceive Nadir’s comments as targeted criticism but rather as legitimate expression of personal perspective.

    The upcoming parliamentary meeting is expected to result in the appointment of Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood party, as Opposition Leader. This anticipated outcome faces resistance from both the ruling People’s Progressive Party and Speaker Nadir, citing Mohamed’s ongoing legal challenges. The United States has sanctioned and indicted Mohamed for alleged financial crimes, and he currently contests extradition proceedings alongside his father.

  • Windies Under-19 advance to Super 6 after victory over South Africa

    Windies Under-19 advance to Super 6 after victory over South Africa

    In a decisive ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup clash on January 22nd, the West Indies U-19 squad clinched their advancement to the Super 6 round by defeating South Africa. The match, held at the High Performance Oval in Namibia, saw the Caribbean side secure second position in Group D, positioning themselves behind group leaders Afghanistan while accumulating crucial points for the next phase of the tournament.

    The encounter was historically significant as West Indies captain Joshua Dorne achieved a new milestone by becoming the most-capped Youth ODI skipper in West Indies U-19 history, surpassing the previous record held by test cricketer Kraigg Brathwaite.

    Batting first after winning the toss, the Windies found themselves in trouble at 115-4 after a devastating over that claimed three quick wickets. The innings was resurrected by a magnificent century from Zachary Carter, who dominated the South African bowling attack with 114 runs from just 104 deliveries. Carter forged a critical 78-run partnership with Jonathan van Lange that stabilized the innings and propelled the team to a competitive total of 234 runs.

    The Caribbean bowlers then delivered a spectacular performance, consistently applying pressure through disciplined line and length complemented by exceptional fielding. Shaquan Belle emerged as the standout performer, producing a devastating bowling spell that yielded six wickets for 40 runs. His relentless attack dismantled the South African batting lineup, preventing any substantial partnerships from developing and ultimately bowling out the Proteas for 179 runs.

    The victory sets up an intriguing Super 6 opening fixture against Ireland U-19, with the West Indies aiming to maintain their winning momentum as they pursue championship glory in the prestigious international tournament.

  • Police Chief says CDPF working hard to intercept illegal firearms, reduce crime in country

    Police Chief says CDPF working hard to intercept illegal firearms, reduce crime in country

    Dominica’s law enforcement authorities have disclosed comprehensive results from their 2025 anti-crime operations, revealing the seizure of nearly 100 firearms alongside substantial quantities of narcotics and ammunition. Police Chief Lincoln Corbette presented these findings during a recent press conference convened by the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs, addressing mounting public concerns regarding firearm-related criminal activities across the island nation.

    According to Chief Corbette’s detailed breakdown, the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) successfully confiscated 94 firearms throughout the year, effectively preventing these weapons from being utilized against citizens. The operations additionally yielded more than 1,300 rounds of ammunition spanning various calibers, significantly impairing criminal capabilities.

    In a major blow to narcotics trafficking, authorities intercepted and destroyed over 1,700 kilograms of cocaine while confiscating approximately 84,000 individual doses of illicit substances. The comprehensive cleanup campaign extended to urban infrastructure with the removal of 160 abandoned vehicles from public roads, enhancing both safety and aesthetics in community spaces.

    Proactive policing measures included the establishment of over 300 vehicular checkpoints and nearly 200 residential searches, resulting in the arrest of more than 50 individuals specifically connected to firearms offenses. Beyond urban security initiatives, the CDPF implemented specialized agricultural protection units dubbed ‘Farmers’ Patrol’ in western regions following consultations with Wesley farming communities where produce theft had emerged as a critical concern. Chief Corbette reported substantially reduced incident reports following these targeted interventions, demonstrating their effectiveness in addressing rural crime patterns.

  • Antigua And Barbuda Releases 2026 Destination Update With New Visitor Experiences And Tourism Enhancements

    Antigua And Barbuda Releases 2026 Destination Update With New Visitor Experiences And Tourism Enhancements

    The Caribbean destination of Antigua and Barbuda is positioning itself for a landmark tourism year in 2026 with a comprehensive strategy featuring new events, enhanced infrastructure, and elevated visitor experiences. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has announced multifaceted developments designed to extend visitor engagement beyond the nation’s renowned 365 beaches into cultural, culinary, and adventure offerings.

    Chief Executive Officer Colin C. James emphasized the destination’s commitment to delivering more authentic experiences alongside significant tourism investments that will substantially improve product quality. “Antigua and Barbuda is fully open and welcoming,” James stated, “and for 2026, we are proud to highlight developments that will enhance the quality of our offerings.”

    The 2026 calendar introduces several premier events including the inaugural Antigua Racing Cup in April, strengthening the islands’ position as the Caribbean’s yacht racing capital. April will also feature the AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest, a two-day international sporting festival combining trail races, open water swims, and youth triathlons across Antigua’s most scenic landscapes.

    Cultural programming expands with the return of Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month in May, the 10th anniversary of Run in Paradise, and the spectacular Antigua Carnival from July 25-August 4. The carnival represents far more than celebration—it embodies the islands’ historical narrative through steel pan performances, calypso competitions, and the magnificent Parade of Bands.

    November transforms the destination during Art Week, creating an open-air gallery showcasing over fifty local and diaspora artists through exhibitions, workshops, and interactive events under the theme ‘Culture in Colour’.

    Substantial hospitality enhancements include the 2026 debut of Moon Gate, a contemporary boutique luxury property offering premium suites. Hermitage Bay has completed extensive refurbishments including remodeled villa suites and upgraded spa facilities, while Curtain Bluff has renovated forty-two junior suites and enhanced its beachfront dining experiences.

    Infrastructure developments feature significant upgrades to V.C. Bird International Airport with runway rehabilitation scheduled for November 2026 completion. The Antigua Cruise Port will unveil its new terminal in January 2026 as part of the Upland Development Project, featuring enhanced amenities including a day club with pool and cabanas.

    Cultural immersion continues through signature experiences like Seafood Fridays at Nelson’s Dockyard, the ‘Rum in the Ruins’ historical storytelling at Dow’s Hill, and the newly launched Shirley Heights Friday Night Party offering iconic sunset views over English Harbour.

  • OPINION: Caribbean Women Equality

    OPINION: Caribbean Women Equality

    Despite achieving landmark leadership positions—including female prime ministers and Jamaica’s Defence Force chief—Caribbean women continue to confront profound systemic inequities. Statistical evidence reveals a stark contrast between symbolic representation and substantive inclusion: women constitute a mere 13–25% of military and law enforcement personnel, despite comprising over half the regional population. In legislative bodies, female parliamentarians hold only one-third of seats, while workforce participation rates of 40–60% obscure the prevalence of itinerant female labor near the poverty line. A significant dimension of this disparity is the overwhelming number of female-headed single-parent households across the region.

    Global military trends may soon intensify these challenges. Ukraine’s necessity-driven female recruitment and Europe’s consideration of gender-inclusive conscription signal shifting norms. The United States’ historical reliance on conscription—potentially drawing 51% women—further underscores this trajectory. Caribbean nationals have historically traded military service for foreign citizenship, often at tragic cost: Bernard Gooden (Jamaica), Kimel Watt (Jamaica), and Dale McCallum (Hanover) died serving in Western armies, with Watt posthumously granted U.S. citizenship alongside 160 foreign-born soldiers in 2007.

    Alarmingly, diaspora youth holding green cards or multiple citizenships remain eligible for conscription abroad, regardless of Caribbean ties. This reflects a broader pattern of regional involvement in foreign conflicts, dating back to World War I—exemplified by the 1917 execution of Jamaican teen Herbert Morrison, now recognized as a PTSD casualty.

    With global powers increasingly dominating Caribbean airspace and territories, the region risks being leveraged for human capital in external conflicts. Trinidadian women may face early conscription due to their government’s military alignment with the U.S., potentially deploying as peacekeepers in Venezuela. Beyond the idyllic veneer of beaches and calypso lies a sobering reality: Caribbean youth, particularly women, may become collateral in geopolitical struggles far removed from their own—echoing Vietnam, Angola, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

  • LETTER: An Embarrassment Too Deep to Ignore: The UPP’s Leadership Has Failed… Again!

    LETTER: An Embarrassment Too Deep to Ignore: The UPP’s Leadership Has Failed… Again!

    The United Progressive Party (UPP) faces an existential crisis following the startling revelations from its St. George primary election, where Kelton Dalson secured victory with a mere nine votes while opponents Kem Riley and Buffy Kentish garnered just two votes each. This electoral farce—conducted with only 16 eligible voters from over 260 registered Plus members—exposes catastrophic organizational failures that transcend mere administrative oversight.

    Political analysts are characterizing this event as symptomatic of systemic institutional decay rather than an isolated incident. The primary underscores the complete erosion of internal democratic processes and highlights a leadership structure plagued by incompetence and disengagement. Under Giselle Isaac’s stewardship, the UPP has deteriorated from a formidable political force to a hollow entity marked by confusion, exclusion, and unaccountability.

    The crisis demands immediate reckoning at the highest levels. Harold Lovell faces mounting pressure to either challenge current leader Jamal Pringle for party leadership or withdraw entirely from political influence. Meanwhile, Pringle’s tenure has been defined by an absence of results, credibility, and momentum—raising serious questions about his capacity to reverse the party’s decline.

    This electoral debacle demonstrates the UPP’s inability to mobilize its base, maintain membership integrity, or conduct credible internal processes. The most poignant revelation emerges: the greatest threat to the party’s survival stems not from external opposition but from its own leadership failures. Supporters now confront the painful reality that without radical organizational reform and leadership accountability, the UPP’s viability as a political institution remains in grave jeopardy.

  • Belizeans Little Less Pessimistic About Finances in Nov 2025

    Belizeans Little Less Pessimistic About Finances in Nov 2025

    The Statistical Institute of Belize has reported a notable improvement in national economic sentiment during November 2025, marking a significant reversal from previous downward trends. According to the latest Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) findings, Belizean households demonstrated increased optimism regarding both macroeconomic conditions and personal financial circumstances.

    The comprehensive index, which measures public perception across three critical dimensions—national economic outlook, personal financial situations, and major purchase readiness—climbed to 48.2 points in November. This represents a substantial 6.8% increase from October’s reading of 45.2, indicating the most pronounced monthly improvement recorded in 2025.

    Despite remaining below the 50-point threshold that traditionally separates optimism from pessimism, this upward movement suggests a potential turning point in consumer psychology after consecutive months of declining confidence earlier in the year. The sustained sub-50 reading simultaneously reflects persistent economic caution among significant portions of the population.

    Geographic analysis revealed distinct regional patterns, with Belize District experiencing the most dramatic confidence surge while Cayo District registered as the sole region showing decreased optimism. A notable urban-rural divide emerged, with rural residents reporting systematically higher confidence levels than their urban counterparts.

    Demographic breakdowns showed particularly strong improvements among young adults aged 18-24, suggesting heightened economic expectations within this cohort. While both genders reported improved outlooks, male respondents maintained a slight confidence advantage over female respondents. The Garifuna community demonstrated the most significant confidence increase among ethnic groups, though specific contributing factors remain unspecified in the report.

    Economists interpret these findings as potentially reflecting divergent regional economic conditions and varying employment prospects across demographic groups. As consumer spending constitutes a substantial component of Belize’s economic activity, this confidence uptick may foreshadow modest improvements in domestic consumption patterns heading into 2026.

    The Statistical Institute of Belize maintains standard methodological protocols for the CCI survey, though specific sample sizes and margin-of-error data were not disclosed in this release. Perception-based indicators inherently capture subjective economic assessments rather than objective financial conditions, potentially overlooking variations in household economic pressures.

    Future data releases will determine whether this November improvement represents a temporary fluctuation or the beginning of a sustained confidence recovery, providing crucial insights for policymakers and business leaders navigating Belize’s economic landscape.

  • WEATHER: (12:00 PM, Jan 22): Unstable weather expected to continue in the wake of trough system

    WEATHER: (12:00 PM, Jan 22): Unstable weather expected to continue in the wake of trough system

    Meteorological authorities are advising heightened vigilance across the region as a persistent trough system continues to deliver unstable weather patterns. Forecast models indicate the persistence of predominantly overcast conditions over the next 48-hour period, accompanied by widespread scattered showers. These precipitation events are projected to intermittently intensify to moderate and heavy levels, sustaining elevated soil saturation across vulnerable terrains.

    The sustained rainfall significantly elevates environmental risks, including enhanced potential for surface runoff, landslides, and destabilization of rocky outcrops leading to rockfalls. Residents and commuters in areas historically susceptible to such hazards are urged to maintain a state of alertness and implement necessary precautions.

    Concurrently, maritime conditions are deteriorating. A slight augmentation in swell activity is anticipated, with wave heights forecasted to approach 7 feet along western coastal margins and potentially exceed 10 feet along eastern shores and in open oceanic expanses. The compounding effect of increased wave periods is expected to amplify ground swells, presenting considerable challenges to marine navigation. In response, the standing Small Craft Advisory remains actively enforced. All maritime operators and recreational sea users are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and remain apprised of the evolving seascape.

  • Personeelstekort luchtverkeersleiding verstoort regionaal vliegschema

    Personeelstekort luchtverkeersleiding verstoort regionaal vliegschema

    Surinam Airways was compelled to reroute one of its international flights due to an unexpected staffing crisis within Brazilian air traffic control operations. Flight PY9914, originating from Belém, Brazil, was abruptly diverted to Georgetown, Guyana, just moments before its scheduled landing in Suriname on Wednesday, January 21st.

    The aircraft safely touched down at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (JAPI) in Georgetown, with all passengers reported to be secure and unharmed. This disruption subsequently impacted the airline’s connecting service to Miami, designated as PY421/422, which has been restructured to operate through Georgetown under a modified timetable.

    Surinam Airways has implemented comprehensive communication protocols to ensure both travelers and travel agencies remain continuously informed regarding any further schedule alterations or potential disruptions. The airline’s management has expressed optimism that the air traffic control staffing situation in Brazil will be promptly resolved, allowing for a return to standard operations. The carrier emphasizes that passenger safety remains its paramount priority throughout this unforeseen operational challenge.

  • PM urges water harvesting as WASCO faces $200 million repair challenge

    PM urges water harvesting as WASCO faces $200 million repair challenge

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has issued a compelling appeal to Saint Lucian citizens, urging widespread adoption of water harvesting practices as an immediate countermeasure to the nation’s escalating water crisis. This call to action comes alongside a sobering assessment of the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO), which requires an estimated $200 million investment for comprehensive rehabilitation.

    During a pre-cabinet briefing, the Prime Minister characterized the substantial financial outlay as an unavoidable necessity given the magnitude of infrastructural challenges plaguing the national water system. He emphasized that restoring WASCO’s operational capacity represents a long-term endeavor that cannot be resolved immediately. “We need, possibly about $200 million to get WASCO back on its feet. That’s reality,” Pierre stated, acknowledging the significant financial burden involved in modernizing the country’s water infrastructure.

    The government is implementing concrete measures to facilitate this hydrological transition, having already eliminated import taxes on essential water harvesting equipment including pumps and storage tanks. Further fiscal incentives targeting gutter systems are under consideration to reduce implementation costs for homeowners.

    Pierre drew a critical distinction between passive water storage and active rainwater harvesting, noting that current building regulations requiring water storage facilities insufficiently address the nation’s water security needs. He advocated for a fundamental shift in public mindset regarding rainwater utilization, sharing from personal experience that “most of the water I have in my house is harvested water from the roof.”

    The Prime Minister contextualized Saint Lucia’s water challenges within global climate patterns, observing that increasingly arid conditions worldwide necessitate adaptive water management strategies. He recommended practical applications for harvested water including toilet flushing and vehicle washing, encouraging citizens to immediately assess their homes’ rainwater collection potential.

    While government efforts to rehabilitate WASCO continue, Pierre underscored that individual and community initiatives must complement institutional reforms. “WASCO will not be repaired tomorrow,” he cautioned, stressing that collective action and personal responsibility remain indispensable in navigating the country’s water security challenges.