Carib Scope

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  • Shallow’s election win tests Cricket West Indies boundaries

    Shallow’s election win tests Cricket West Indies boundaries

    The decisive victory of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2025 elections has introduced potential administrative complications for Cricket West Indies (CWI). The NDP secured a commanding 14-1 parliamentary majority over Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ Saint Vincent Labour Party on November 27.

    Among the elected NDP representatives is Dr. Kishore Shallow, the currently serving president of CWI. As a prominent figure within Prime Minister-elect Dr. Godwin Friday’s victorious administration, Dr. Shallow is anticipated to assume representation for North Leeward constituency and potentially receive appointment to a senior ministerial portfolio. This development creates an unprecedented scenario for Caribbean cricket governance.

    The CWI constitutional framework lacks explicit provisions addressing such circumstances, despite historical precedents involving political figures. Former West Indies Cricket Board president Julian Hunte of Saint Lucia abstained from elective politics during his tenure, while Trinidadian executive Ken Gordon received senatorial appointment only after concluding his presidential term.

    Should Dr. Shallow determine that his governmental responsibilities necessitate resignation from cricket leadership, CWI’s first vice-president Azim Bassarath of Trinidad and Tobago would presumably assume acting presidential duties. This interim arrangement would persist until the regional cricket governing body conducts formal elections to determine permanent leadership.

    Concurrently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently reinforced regulations concerning political interference in cricket administration. During the 2025 full council meeting in Hong Kong, ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgath emphasized that these reforms align cricket governance with global sporting standards, citing concerns about governmental agencies influencing member boards’ affairs.

    This regulatory context underscores the significance of Dr. Shallow’s impending decision regarding his dual roles. The CWI executive and directors are advised to thoroughly examine ICC statutes, particularly as board representation was present during the Hong Kong deliberations that established these governance protocols.

  • Live coverage of Election Day 2025 in St. Lucia

    Live coverage of Election Day 2025 in St. Lucia

    St. Lucia witnessed a significant surge in civic participation during its 2025 General Election, with preliminary reports indicating substantially higher voter turnout compared to the previous electoral cycle in 2021. Election officials and independent observers have characterized the participation rate as remarkably elevated, reflecting heightened public engagement in the democratic process.

    The increased voter activity occurred amid comprehensive media coverage, with major news organizations including DNO and Hot7 TV providing extensive real-time reporting from polling stations across the island nation. These media outlets deployed teams of journalists to deliver continuous updates and analytical commentary throughout the election day proceedings.

    The substantial rise in voter participation suggests growing political awareness among the St. Lucian electorate, potentially influenced by contemporary issues facing the Caribbean community. This electoral engagement demonstrates the vitality of democratic institutions within the Commonwealth nation and underscores the population’s commitment to shaping their governance future through constitutional processes.

    As ballot counting progresses, citizens and international observers await the official declaration of results that will determine the composition of the next government and political leadership direction for the eastern Caribbean state.

  • Diakonessenhuis ontvangt mozaïekkunstwerk op Wereld Aids Dag: symbool verbondenheid en strijd tegen stigma

    Diakonessenhuis ontvangt mozaïekkunstwerk op Wereld Aids Dag: symbool verbondenheid en strijd tegen stigma

    In a poignant ceremony marking World AIDS Day 2025, the Diakonessen Hospital received a distinctive mosaic artwork created by individuals living with HIV. The collaborative piece, developed under the guidance of artist Ruth-Rachel Joeroeja, was presented to internist and HIV specialist Marja van Eer as a powerful symbol of solidarity, awareness, and stigma reduction.

    The artistic initiative emerged from the HIV Awareness Program led by Lianne Cremers of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, in partnership with Anton de Kom University, Paramaribo Academic Hospital, multiple researchers, and artist Joeroeja. The Raining Colors Foundation organized a creative workshop in Paramaribo where participants—all affected by HIV—first attended a motivational session facilitated by Erika Van Der Mark, followed by a painting workshop. Their individual artistic expressions were subsequently integrated into a unified collective artwork.

    During the presentation ceremony, Dr. Van Eer addressed the persistent challenges in achieving a world free of HIV-related complications. “Numerous setbacks mark the path toward eliminating HIV as a public health threat,” she stated. “The World Health Organization’s sustainable development goals for 2030 require that HIV/AIDS no longer constitutes a public health emergency.”

    She highlighted concerning trends, noting that diminishing international support for HIV prevention and treatment programs has complicated early detection of new infections. Simultaneously, stigma and discrimination continue to pose significant barriers to effective HIV management.

    The current epidemiological landscape in Suriname reveals alarming statistics: approximately 7,900 people are living with HIV, with only half aware of their status. Annual new infections approach 460 cases, representing 1.6% of the population. Disparities emerge across demographics: 0.9% among tested women compared to 2.4% among tested men, with many men presenting late with increased complication risks. Pregnant women show a 1.1% prevalence rate.

    Particularly vulnerable populations face dramatically elevated rates: men who have sex with men (31%), transgender individuals (26%), female sex workers (2.1%), and male sex workers (52%). Additionally, teenagers, adolescents, and young pregnant women are increasingly presenting with sexually transmitted infections including HIV, creating risks for both mothers and children.

    Dr. Van Eer emphasized the critical importance of accessibility, testing, and treatment: “Individuals with risks from unprotected sexual contact must have access to education, counseling, and testing. Modern HIV inhibitors enable people with HIV to lead healthy lives.” She issued a compelling call to action: “We must leave no one behind in our HIV response—this is our collective responsibility.”

    The Diakonessen Hospital, which has provided care and support for people living with HIV and their loved ones since 1995, expressed honor in granting the artwork a prominent permanent location within their facilities.

  • Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms strong maritime leadership at 34th IMO Assembly in London

    Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms strong maritime leadership at 34th IMO Assembly in London

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has demonstrated robust maritime leadership during the 34th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly in London, positioning itself as a significant voice in global maritime governance. The delegation, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, emphasized the country’s commitment to advancing sustainable shipping practices and enhancing maritime security protocols.

    During the assembly, Antigua and Barbuda advocated for strengthened international cooperation to address pressing maritime challenges, including climate change impacts on shipping routes and the need for technological adaptation in maritime operations. The nation’s representatives highlighted their successful implementation of the IMO’s maritime safety and environmental protection standards across their registry, which ranks among the world’s largest for vessel registration.

    The delegation also presented initiatives focused on supporting seafarer welfare and promoting digital transformation in maritime administration. Through bilateral meetings with other member states, Antigua and Barbuda forged partnerships to enhance maritime infrastructure development and capacity building in small island developing states.

    This active participation reinforces Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic position within international maritime policymaking and demonstrates its growing influence in shaping the future of global maritime operations.

  • Brunswijk: Historisch besef belangrijk bij vormgeven relatie Suriname-Nederland

    Brunswijk: Historisch besef belangrijk bij vormgeven relatie Suriname-Nederland

    In an extraordinary parliamentary session attended by Dutch King Willem-Alexander, ABOP faction leader Ronnie Brunswijk delivered a powerful address emphasizing the necessity of acknowledging colonial history to build a mature partnership between Suriname and the Netherlands. Speaking directly to the government table where President Jennifer Simons sat alongside the Dutch monarch, Brunswijk—descendant of enslaved Africans and member of the Maroon community—highlighted the courage, struggle, and sacrifices made by his ancestors for freedom long before it was codified in law.

    The political leader asserted that recognizing the colonial past represents not an attempt to sow division but an essential step toward establishing a balanced relationship. ‘History contains painful aspects, but also moments of cooperation and shared values. This demands an honest and balanced approach to dealing with one another,’ Brunswijk stated during the special parliamentary gathering.

    While emphasizing Suriname’s forward-looking perspective, Brunswijk positioned the state visit as a potential starting point for a new phase of cooperation that must deliver concrete benefits for both nations. He expressed particular appreciation for the presence of the Dutch king and queen, interpreting their visit as demonstrating genuine willingness to strengthen bilateral relations.

    ‘Suriname welcomes you with pride, honesty, and dignity—as a people who know their history, acknowledge their pain, and look toward the future with confidence,’ declared Brunswijk, framing the occasion as symbolic of evolving diplomatic relations between the former colony and its former colonial power.

  • Felix, Charles confident ahead of vote count in Choiseul/Saltibus

    Felix, Charles confident ahead of vote count in Choiseul/Saltibus

    The Choiseul/Saltibus constituency witnessed an unprecedented electoral engagement as citizens formed extensive queues at polling stations well before sunrise on Election Day. By 5:30 a.m., multiple polling divisions reported significant voter presence, signaling what political analysts describe as a potentially decisive contest between the main contenders.

    Bradly Felix, representing the United Workers Party (UWP), and Keithson “Kiffo” Charles of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) commenced their day by casting their respective votes before embarking on final constituency-wide assessments. Both candidates conducted last-minute evaluations of voter sentiment across the electoral district.

    At the Mongouge Combined School’s I2 polling division, Felix provided initial observations to St Lucia Times correspondents, noting substantially improved participation metrics compared to previous elections. “The turnout demonstrates significant expansion beyond 2021 electoral statistics,” Felix remarked, expressing measured optimism regarding his electoral prospects based on overwhelmingly positive feedback from constituents.

    Meanwhile, at the Choiseul Secondary School’s I3 polling division, Charles articulated equal confidence in the electorate’s readiness for political transformation. Standing among fellow voters, the SLP representative affirmed his belief that Choiseul/Saltibus residents would exercise judicious voting judgment. “We anticipate optimal results indicating a progressive new chapter,” Charles stated, referencing the constituency’s potential political renaissance.

    The remarkable morning turnout, coupled with both candidates’ expressed assurance, has intensified anticipation for the evening’s ballot counting process. Electoral officials confirmed streamlined operations across all polling stations, with preliminary results expected to determine the constituency’s political trajectory for the forthcoming term.

  • Barbados’ young rowers make waves in historic Commonwealth Beach Sprints

    Barbados’ young rowers make waves in historic Commonwealth Beach Sprints

    In an extraordinary display of athletic prowess, Barbados has dramatically outperformed expectations at the 2025 Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints Championships. Hosted for the first time in regional history on Barbadian shores, the event witnessed this small island nation challenge rowing giants including England, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

    Fielding a modest team of just five athletes—three of them juniors—Barbados achieved the remarkable feat of securing four medals from five competitive entries. This stunning accomplishment not only captivated spectators and international officials but also signaled the nation’s emergence as a potential future powerhouse in global rowing.

    The championship, held from November 21-23 at Browne’s Beach, generated electrifying energy as young Barbadian rowers demonstrated exceptional skill and composure. Theodore Spieler, making his international debut, captured dual silver medals in the U-19 single scull and mixed doubles events alongside Lucy Tomlin, who likewise earned silver in the same category. In another impressive achievement, 18-year-old Jon-Luke Wiggins secured bronze in the U-19 single scull despite having only two weeks of intensive water training due to equipment limitations.

    Further highlighting the team’s depth, James Lamboll placed fourth overall in the U-21 category during his inaugural coastal beach sprint competition, while senior athlete Christian Howard finished eighth in the Men’s Single Scull despite recovering from a significant two-year injury.

    Dr. Anthony Yarde, President of the Barbados Rowing Association, emphasized the significance of these achievements: “This proves that with even limited resources, Barbados can produce world-class athletes at the highest levels of competition.”

    The team’s performance garnered formal recognition from Commonwealth Rowing Association President Peter Cookson, who officially endorsed the nomination of Tomlin, Spieler, and Wiggins to represent Barbados at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. Cookson praised their technical skill, competitiveness, and rapid development as “particularly satisfying.”

    However, this success story is tempered by infrastructure challenges. Dr. Yarde revealed an urgent crisis: the very boats that enabled these achievements now face uncertain storage conditions. Ten essential boats provided through the Ministry of Sports and National Sports Council must be relocated from their temporary storage at Browne’s Beach, with no suitable permanent facility available.

    “We need a home base close to the beach,” Yarde explained. “These heavy boats cannot be transported daily. Without a permanent training site and proper equipment access, we cannot adequately prepare our young athletes for the Youth Olympics.”

    While acknowledging support from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and the Barbados Olympic Association, Yarde emphasized that corporate partnership would be essential for establishing a proper rowing facility. Such infrastructure would not only protect equipment but also serve as a national training center and potential regional development hub.

    Barbados’ coastline offers one of the world’s optimal natural environments for beach rowing, perfectly suited for both training and hosting international competitions. The successful Commonwealth event generated substantial sports tourism benefits, receiving enthusiastic reviews from overseas competitors and providing significant economic impact for local businesses during the championships.

    The nation’s junior athletes have now surpassed competitors from traditional rowing strongholds, earning international admiration and official Olympic backing—a testament to homegrown talent developed against considerable odds.

  • Dominica’s gov’t announces upgraded fees for eco sites

    Dominica’s gov’t announces upgraded fees for eco sites

    The Dominican government has unveiled a revised fee structure for accessing its protected natural areas and eco-tourism sites, set to take effect December 1, 2025. The Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment announced the changes following their inclusion in the recently presented National Budget Address for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

    In a significant development, two of Dominica’s most cherished natural wonders—Titou Gorge and Cold Soufrière—have received formal designation as nationally managed eco-tourism sites. This new status means standard entrance fees will now apply to these previously more accessible locations.

    According to the Office of the Prime Minister, the primary objective behind the fee restructuring is to create sustainable revenue streams dedicated to environmental preservation. The generated funds will be strategically reinvested into biodiversity conservation programs, trail maintenance, landscape management, and sustainable tourism infrastructure.

    The government also revealed plans to implement an online booking system that will allow visitors to purchase access passes before arriving in Dominica. This digital initiative aims to streamline the entry process and enhance the overall visitor experience while supporting better management of tourist flows.

    The new fee schedule establishes clear categories: private site visits (excluding the Waitukubuli National Trail) will cost US$8 per entry, while daily passes for broader access will be priced at US$20. The government indicated that pricing for weekly passes remains under development and will be announced separately.

  • PM urges Barbadians to take responsibility in fight against crime

    PM urges Barbadians to take responsibility in fight against crime

    In a powerful address during Barbados’ Independence and Republic Day ceremonies, Prime Minister Mia Mottley issued a compelling appeal for national unity in combating criminality, emphasizing that law enforcement alone cannot guarantee public safety. Speaking at the installation ceremony of President Lt Col the Most Hon Jeffrey Bostic at Kensington Oval, Mottley framed crime prevention as a collective obligation requiring fundamental changes in community attitudes and behaviors.

    The Prime Minister’s urgent call follows a series of violent incidents that have unsettled the island nation, including Saturday’s fatal altercation claiming a 30-year-old St Philip resident and separate shooting injuries involving two juveniles. Mottley articulated that while police and judicial systems remain crucial, sustainable security demands deeper societal transformation.

    ‘Reclaiming our communities stands at the very core of addressing crime beyond mere law enforcement,’ Mottley asserted. ‘Building a safe and prosperous Barbados necessitates conscious decisions within households and neighborhoods alongside institutional efforts.’

    The Prime Minister specifically cautioned against three detrimental practices: sheltering criminals, romanticizing violence through symbols or cultural expressions, and neglecting disengaged youth. Instead, she advocated for active intervention and opportunity creation for young people at risk.

    Newly installed President Bostic reinforced this message through the launch of the Chapman Challenge, a national mentorship initiative drawing from his personal Bridgetown upbringing. This program urges adults to guide youth, particularly in opportunity-scarce communities, while challenging young Barbadians to transcend their circumstances.

    ‘This endeavor represents more than a formal program—it constitutes a national mobilization appeal,’ President Bostic declared. ‘We must ensure every child receives adequate guidance to evolve into exemplary citizens.’

    Both leaders emphasized mentorship, community engagement, and positive role modeling as transformative mechanisms for social improvement. President Bostic concluded with diplomatic assurances that Barbados would maintain its principled international stance as ‘friends of all, satellites of none,’ while urging citizens to advance with ‘dignity, discipline, and quiet resolve.’

  • BLP general secretary denounces anonymous letter targeting Dwight Sutherland

    BLP general secretary denounces anonymous letter targeting Dwight Sutherland

    The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has issued a formal condemnation of an unverified document circulating across social media platforms that levels unsubstantiated allegations against Dwight Sutherland, the former Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance. This four-page document, which bears no date or author signature, claims to originate from a group identifying as ‘The Constituency of St George South and the Diaspora’ and is purportedly addressed to former President Dame Sandra Mason, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and the BLP General Secretary.

    In an official statement released on Monday, Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott, who serves as the party’s General Secretary, firmly denied that either the Prime Minister’s office or his own had received any such correspondence. Dr. Walcott dismissed the document’s contents in unequivocal terms, labeling them as ‘absolute rubbish.’ He characterized the letter as a scurrilous and entirely unwarranted attack on Mr. Sutherland, whom he praised as a long-standing, dedicated member of the BLP and a highly valued parliamentary representative for the constituency of St George South.

    Furthermore, Dr. Walcott cautioned the Barbadian public to anticipate a potential increase in similar anonymous publications and the proliferation of fabricated news in the coming months, framing it as a likely tactic by detractors. Mr. Sutherland had resigned from his ministerial post back in September, officially citing personal reasons for his departure. He continues to fulfill his elected role as the Member of Parliament for St George South.