Carib Scope

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  • Police credit planning, intel for slight drop in crime

    Police credit planning, intel for slight drop in crime

    The Barbados Police Service (BPS) has achieved a measurable reduction in criminal activity, reporting an overall four percent decline in crime rates alongside a significant increase in firearm seizures. Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce presented these findings at the force’s Annual Grand Conference, crediting the progress to a sophisticated intelligence-driven policing model implemented throughout 2025.

    Statistical analysis reveals notable improvements across multiple crime categories: murders decreased by two percent, residential burglaries dropped seven percent, thefts from motor vehicles plunged 26 percent, and motor vehicle thefts declined three percent. This collective improvement resulted in total reported offences falling from 6,301 in 2024 to 6,063 in 2025.

    The most striking achievement emerged in firearm interdiction efforts, with police seizing 84 illegal firearms and 3,339 rounds of ammunition—a substantial increase from the 71 firearms and 857 rounds confiscated the previous year. Commissioner Boyce emphasized that these results demonstrate “strengthened enforcement capabilities, improved intelligence coordination and sustained operational focus on disrupting illegal firearms trade.”

    This law enforcement transformation stems from a comprehensive six-point policing strategy designed to combat rising crime while modernizing operational capacity. The commissioner noted that expanding firearm-related violence necessitated “sustained, coordinated and intelligence-driven intervention” to maintain public safety and preserve Barbados’s reputation as a secure society.

    Technological advancement has been central to this evolution. The BPS has expanded deployment of body-worn cameras, dashboard cameras, and enhanced CCTV coverage to strengthen transparency and accountability. Additionally, the service is leveraging speech-to-text digital note-taking and advanced intelligence analysis to more effectively identify and target high-risk areas.

    The continued development of the Police Records Management Information System (PRMIS) represents another critical component. By digitizing records and streamlining information access, PRMIS supports real-time decision-making at every operational level, from strategic command to frontline response.

    Despite these gains, Commissioner Boyce acknowledged persistent challenges. Certain parishes—including St. Michael, Christ Church and St. Philip—continue to record comparatively higher crime levels. Robberies increased during the reporting period, influenced partly by youth involvement and ongoing firearm-related offences. While major crimes constitute a smaller proportion of overall reports, minor offences dominate statistics, with assaults and woundings representing 17 percent of reported crimes.

    Youth intervention remains central to the service’s prevention strategy, with targeted initiatives focusing on at-risk youth aged 11 to 16. Programs like the King’s Trust International Programme provide life skills, mentorship and constructive alternatives, forming what Commissioner Boyce described as “central to our long-term crime prevention strategy.”

    Road safety metrics showed improvement, with 17 road fatalities in 2025 compared to 4,472 crashes in 2024—a reduction attributed to implementing a non-attendance policy for minor non-injury collisions. This policy adjustment has enabled more efficient resource deployment toward serious road safety concerns.

    The service continues to face staffing challenges, operating approximately 250 officers below full complement. Recruitment remains a priority to maintain effective frontline presence, with the BPS seeking individuals who “embody integrity, courage, discipline and respect for human rights.” In 2025, the service welcomed 47 new officers and 28 special constables, designated 271 senior constables to strengthen supervisory capacity, and transitioned 26 Special Constabulary members to police constables.

    Commissioner Boyce also highlighted institutional progress through the historic appointment of Acting Deputy Commissioner Sonia Boyce as the first female to hold that office in the 191-year-old constabulary.

    The commissioner concluded with a sobering assessment of global criminal threats, noting that as a small island developing state, Barbados remains exposed to “cyber-enabled offences, firearm and narcotics trafficking, human trafficking and gang activity.” This reality necessitates “deliberate and strategic” approaches combining strong enforcement with intelligence-led operations and strengthened community engagement.

  • REMINDER : «J-2» UNESCO Participation Programme 2026–2027, call for proposals

    REMINDER : «J-2» UNESCO Participation Programme 2026–2027, call for proposals

    With the submission deadline rapidly approaching, UNESCO has issued a critical reminder for its 2026-2027 Participation Programme funding cycle. The international organization is calling for project proposals from Member States and officially partnered NGOs across its core competency areas: education, science, culture, communication, and information.

    The funding programme establishes clear financial ceilings based on project scope: national initiatives may receive up to $26,000, sub-regional or inter-regional projects qualify for $28,000, while regional projects can secure up to $38,000. A dedicated emergency assistance mechanism provides up to $50,000 for Member States confronting major disasters within UNESCO’s mandate.

    Each Member State may submit a maximum of seven applications, prioritized according to strategic importance. Notably, at least one of the top three priority projects must demonstrate substantive contributions to gender equality. Regional projects require endorsement from at least three Member States within the same geographical region.

    NGOs maintaining official partnership status with UNESCO are eligible to submit two applications for projects with sub-regional, regional, or inter-regional impact, provided they include formal letters of support from concerned nations.

    Eligible expenditures encompass expertise and consultant services, scholarships, publications and translations, equipment acquisition, and conference, seminar, or training organization. All applications must be channeled exclusively through National Commissions for UNESCO and submitted via online portals before the February 27, 2026 deadline.

  • Community in Evaristo Morales seeks government mediation amid threat of eviction

    Community in Evaristo Morales seeks government mediation amid threat of eviction

    In Santo Domingo’s Evaristo Morales sector, a protracted land ownership conflict has escalated as local residents urgently seek presidential intervention. The neighborhood association has formally requested President Luis Abinader to mediate a dispute that jeopardizes the homes of more than sixty families who have resided on the property for periods ranging from thirty to sixty years.

    Community representative Auristelia Batista emphasized the devastating humanitarian consequences of potential evictions, warning that dozens of families face homelessness without governmental assistance. Residents vigorously contest the ownership claims advanced by Víctor Livio Cedeño Jr., maintaining that the land has historically been state property rather than privately held.

    Batista revealed that this conflict spans more than three decades, noting that the claimant’s father previously attempted to reclaim the land without success. The recent resurgence of these ownership claims has alarmed the established community.

    Residents assert that their homes were constructed through gradual, self-funded improvements over many years. They characterize the current legal proceedings as irregular and have petitioned authorities to conduct thorough scrutiny of the documentation presented by the claimant.

    Agripina Polanco, another long-term resident, provided historical context, explaining that families originally settled in the area when it remained undeveloped. The dispute has intensified substantially as the property’s commercial value has appreciated in recent years. Polanco called for rigorous due process protections to prevent what residents perceive as an imminent injustice against economically vulnerable households.

    The contested property is situated between 7th Street, Luis F. Thomen and Francisco Pratts Ramírez streets, and Winston Churchill Avenue in the Evaristo Morales neighborhood.

    Neither governmental authorities nor the claimant have issued official statements addressing the residents’ allegations at this time, leaving the community in a state of uncertainty regarding their housing security.

  • Punta Cana Airport recognized among world’s best in 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Awards

    Punta Cana Airport recognized among world’s best in 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Awards

    Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) has once again secured its position among the world’s elite aviation hubs by winning the prestigious 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Award from Airports Council International (ACI) World. This remarkable achievement represents the ninth time the Dominican Republic airport has received this distinguished honor, having previously maintained an eight-year winning streak that now resumes.

    The airport earned top honors in the ‘Best Airports at Departures’ category for Latin America and Caribbean airports handling 5 to 15 million passengers annually. This recognition specifically acknowledges excellence in service quality as evaluated directly by travelers, making it one of the most authentic measures of passenger satisfaction in the aviation industry.

    The ASQ program stands as the global benchmark for airport customer experience measurement, utilizing real-time surveys conducted with passengers within airport facilities. The methodology ensures statistically significant data collection through randomized sampling across various locations and times, capturing genuine passenger experiences throughout their journey.

    During the 2025 evaluation period, the program gathered feedback from approximately 707,000 travelers worldwide, representing more than half of global air passenger traffic. The comprehensive data revealed increasing satisfaction levels across multiple touchpoints, including enhanced cleanliness, more pleasant terminal environments, welcoming atmospheres, superior customer service, and significant improvements in immigration and border control efficiency.

    Among only 100 airports worldwide to receive ASQ recognition this year, Punta Cana’s achievement becomes particularly notable given its sustained operational performance during a period of high passenger volumes. The airport has consistently maintained strong traffic numbers throughout the award period, even achieving weekly passenger records, demonstrating that operational excellence and customer satisfaction can coexist at scale.

  • FLASH : Cap

    FLASH : Cap

    The historic northern port city of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, faced catastrophic flooding on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, after being pummeled by relentless torrential rains. The severe weather, triggered by an active cold front positioned to the southwest and northwest of the nation, began in the early morning hours and rapidly overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure.

    Within hours, major thoroughfares were transformed into violent, muddy rivers, bringing urban life to a standstill. National Highways #1 and #6 were rendered impassable, paralyzing all traffic. In response to the crisis, local authorities mandated the closure of schools and businesses across the city. The extensive flooding was severely exacerbated by drainage canals, which were found to be clogged with debris and sediment washed down from the surrounding hills.

    The most severely impacted districts included downtown areas and their surroundings. Neighborhoods such as Sainte-Philomène, Champin, and Cité du Peuple were among the hardest hit. Specific locations like Rue de la Lettre A, Lafossette, Carrefour Samarie, and Cité Lesko were completely submerged. The flooding also extended to eastern and northern zones, including the overflowing Zétrier Canal, and the areas of Petite-Anse and Fort Saint-Michel.

    Emergency services, including firefighters and specialized rescue teams, were immediately deployed across the city to respond to potential emergencies. With meteorological forecasts indicating that the unstable conditions could persist for another 24 hours, authorities are actively preparing to open temporary shelters for displaced residents if the rains continue.

    Jean Henry Petit, the North Departmental Technical Coordinator for Civil Protection, provided an initial assessment, noting that while significant material damage is evident in Cap-Haïtien, other municipalities within the Northern Department have thus far been less affected. He emphasized the urgent necessity for canal dredging to prevent future disasters. Fortunately, no loss of life has been reported in the immediate aftermath of the flooding.

    Officials have issued critical safety recommendations for the public, advising against attempting to cross flooded areas either on foot or by vehicle due to deceptively strong currents. Residents are urged to secure important personal documents in elevated, waterproof containers and to remain vigilant by continuously monitoring updates from local weather agencies.

  • SSB Invests $10M Contributors’ Funds in Heritage Bank Deal

    SSB Invests $10M Contributors’ Funds in Heritage Bank Deal

    The Social Security Board (SSB) of Belize has finalized a significant financial investment strategy, directing $10 million from contributor funds into a fixed-term deposit arrangement with Heritage Bank Limited. This strategic move, initially announced in December and now officially confirmed, involves monthly contributions from numerous Belizean workers and employers across the nation.

    Financial documents published in the Belize Gazette outline the specific terms of this banking agreement, revealing a two-year investment period with a fixed annual interest rate of 2.75%. This calculated financial maneuver is projected to generate approximately $275,000 in annual returns for the Social Security Fund.

    Heritage Bank Limited, the recipient institution of this substantial deposit, operates as a fully licensed domestic commercial bank under the regulatory oversight of the Central Bank of Belize. The bank has maintained a consistent record of exceeding statutory requirements for both capital adequacy and liquidity ratios, according to official statements.

    Vanessa Vellos, Communications and PR Manager for SSB, provided additional context regarding the investment decision-making process. In discussions with News Five, Vellos explained that the board’s Investment Services Department conducted thorough financial calculations before recommending this specific allocation. “The SSB maintains an investment committee that carefully evaluates our liquidity position,” Vellos stated. “Their analysis determined that this amount represented an optimal investment figure given current market conditions.”

    This investment approach follows established precedent for the Social Security Board, which has previously engaged in similar term deposit arrangements with other banking institutions. These prior investments have reportedly delivered strong returns and performed according to expectations, creating confidence within the board regarding the Heritage Bank placement.

    The investment strategy employs a phased implementation approach through multiple tranches, preserving operational flexibility while maximizing returns on funds that would otherwise generate minimal interest income. SSB officials emphasize that the resulting investment income will directly contribute to the long-term stability of the Social Security Fund, supporting critical payment obligations including pension disbursements and sickness benefits.

    Vellos confirmed the successful finalization of the investment, noting, “The transaction has been completed and is currently progressing according to plan. We have received no objections to this investment decision.”

  • ‘Please, let us quicken the pace,’ Friday tells CARICOM heads

    ‘Please, let us quicken the pace,’ Friday tells CARICOM heads

    In his inaugural address to CARICOM leaders, newly elected Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Godwin Friday delivered a powerful endorsement of regional integration while acknowledging the organization’s historical challenges. Speaking at the 50th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in St. Kitts, Friday emphasized the critical importance of collective action during increasingly perilous global conditions.

    The Vincentian leader, whose New Democratic Party secured a decisive 14-1 electoral victory ending nearly 25 years of incumbent rule, acknowledged his newcomer status while expressing optimism about bringing fresh perspectives to regional governance. Friday characterized CARICOM as “much maligned but still beloved,” noting that despite periods of near-collapse, failed meetings, and public criticism that sometimes labeled the organization “Carigone,” the integration spirit has not only endured but attracted new membership applications.

    Friday identified multiple pressing challenges requiring coordinated regional response, including climate change resilience, poverty elimination, workforce development, currency obstacles, and the humanitarian crisis in Cuba alongside security concerns in Haiti. He argued that in a world where international norms are shifting unpredictably, CARICOM members “need each other more than ever” to withstand political and economic headwinds.

    The Prime Minister proposed two fundamental shifts in CARICOM’s approach: greater transparency about accomplishments to enhance public awareness and credibility, and more inclusive engagement with citizenry rather than limiting discussions to government technocrats. He concluded with an urgent appeal to “quicken the pace” of integration efforts, recognizing that while the road ahead remains arduous, collective determination makes the journey viable and safer for future generations.

  • Forensic Officer Testifies as Defence Challenges Police Procedures in Nigel Christian Murder Trial

    Forensic Officer Testifies as Defence Challenges Police Procedures in Nigel Christian Murder Trial

    The murder trial of senior Customs official Nigel Christian entered a critical phase on Monday as forensic evidence took center stage in the High Court. Proceedings before Justice Rajiv Persaud featured detailed testimony from a forensic officer who documented evidence from multiple crime scenes connected to the July 10, 2020 abduction and killing.

    Appearing via video link, the forensic specialist presented a comprehensive overview of photographic evidence collected from three primary locations: the Thibou’s area where Christian’s body was discovered, his McKinnons residence, and various other sites tied to the investigation. The court heard that items of significant evidential value were recovered across these locations, including Christian’s abandoned vehicle and surrounding areas.

    Prosecutors presented a theory of evidence connectivity, asserting that clothing, personal items, and other materials found across multiple locations establish tangible links between the three accused men—Lasean Bully, Wayne Thomas, and Saleim Harrigan—and the alleged crime. Among the recovered items were specific articles of clothing, gloves, and documents reportedly belonging to the deceased official.

    The defense team mounted a vigorous cross-examination, challenging multiple aspects of the police investigation. Attorneys raised substantive concerns regarding arrest procedures, the handling of seized items, and the extraction protocols for security camera footage. Under questioning, a police sergeant acknowledged certain procedural oversights in the investigation process.

    All three defendants have maintained their not guilty pleas. The forensic officer is scheduled to continue testimony when actual photographs are presented to the jury in upcoming sessions.

    Note: In accordance with judicial directives, graphic or excessively detailed evidence has been summarized to preserve trial integrity while the matter remains before the jury.

  • President tijdens maiden speech: Regionale eenheid is geen keuze, maar noodzaak

    President tijdens maiden speech: Regionale eenheid is geen keuze, maar noodzaak

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons delivered her inaugural address as head of state during the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in St. Kitts and Nevis, outlining a visionary agenda for Caribbean regional cooperation. The historic speech marked her first appearance at the premier regional forum since assuming office seven months ago as Suriname’s first female president.

    In her opening remarks, President Simons extended congratulations to Prime Minister Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis on assuming the CARICOM chairmanship while expressing appreciation for the leadership of outgoing chair, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

    Emphasizing the familial nature of the Caribbean community, President Simons asserted that “CARICOM is not merely an institution; it is a family.” Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty, climate change, geopolitical shifts, and social pressures, she framed regional unity not as an optional approach but as an essential requirement for small states to maintain influence and enhance resilience.

    A substantial portion of her address focused on youth development, education, and technological advancement. President Simons highlighted how today’s youth navigate a world fundamentally different from previous generations, characterized by rapid digitalization, artificial intelligence, and green transition developments. She advocated for educational systems that equip young people with digital literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and adaptive capabilities, positioning youth empowerment as central to regional policy-making in innovation, technology, and social inclusion.

    Addressing Suriname’s emerging oil and gas sector, the president positioned energy resources as catalysts rather than endpoints for development. Within the global energy transition framework, she committed Suriname’s contribution to regional energy security while emphasizing strategic reinvestment of hydrocarbon revenues into economic diversification and environmental protection to ensure post-sector economic resilience.

    President Simons identified climate change as an existential reality for the region, with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and food insecurity disproportionately affecting Caribbean nations. She advocated for equitable and accessible climate financing for small island and low-lying states, noting Suriname’s unique carbon-negative status through its extensive forests absorbing more CO₂ than the country emits. The president called for collective CARICOM advocacy toward just climate financing mechanisms.

    In her concluding remarks, President Simons urged fellow heads of state and government to demonstrate the courage and determination necessary to guide the region through challenging times, expressing hope that the conference would yield clear strategies and renewed shared responsibility.

    This maiden speech at CARICOM’s highest regional platform positions Suriname under President Simons’ leadership as a constructive partner focused on youth empowerment, sustainable energy development, regional cooperation, and climate justice advocacy.

  • Three dead after minibus plunges over precipice in Laborie

    Three dead after minibus plunges over precipice in Laborie

    A devastating vehicular accident in the Madjomelle area of Laborie resulted in three fatalities on Tuesday morning, including one minor. The tragedy occurred when a minibus departed from the roadway and descended over a steep cliff shortly after 10:00 a.m., according to official reports from the Saint Lucia Fire Service.

    Emergency response teams, including fire service personnel, arrived at the scene at approximately 10:07 a.m. to conduct complex extrication operations. Despite their efforts, all three occupants—an adult male, an adult female, and a female minor—were discovered with catastrophic injuries described as major trauma.

    The severity of injuries precluded any life-saving measures, and a medical professional present at the location formally pronounced all three victims deceased at the accident site. The Saint Lucia Fire Service has confirmed the basic details of the incident while noting that comprehensive investigations are currently underway to determine the precise circumstances that led to the vehicle leaving the road. Authorities have not released further details pending notification of next of kin and initial investigative findings.