Carib Scope

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  • FAO helps farmers assess investment opportunities and preparedness of protected agriculture farms in Antigua and Barbuda

    FAO helps farmers assess investment opportunities and preparedness of protected agriculture farms in Antigua and Barbuda

    A groundbreaking agricultural development mission has concluded in Antigua and Barbuda, marking a significant step toward modernizing the nation’s farming sector. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, has successfully completed a comprehensive week-long program designed to transform local protected agriculture operations into financially viable investment opportunities.

    The initiative brought together 15 pioneering farmers alongside more than 20 government officials and private sector representatives. Under the guidance of FAO Agribusiness Finance Specialist Dr. Omardath Maharaj, the program focused on enhancing the economic sustainability of various farming systems including greenhouse, hydroponic, and shade house operations through targeted training sessions, thorough farm assessments, and extensive field interviews.

    This project represents a strategic expansion of previous agricultural development efforts in the region, building upon initiatives addressing water security, nature-based farming solutions, and the Water-Energy-Food Nexus sub-project under the Mexico-CARICOM-FAO Partnership established two years prior to promote climate resilience throughout the Caribbean.

    A cornerstone of the mission was the specialized workshop ‘From Data to Dollars: Building a Profitable & Resilient Farm Business,’ conducted on December 1, 2025, at the Agricultural Extension Division in St. John’s. The session attracted approximately 19 participants including extension officers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and protected agriculture farmers, providing them with essential skills to connect farm records and production costs with investment-ready business planning.

    Market analysis conducted during the mission revealed substantial demand from major buyers including supermarkets and hotels for high-value crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, and bell peppers. These findings were validated through comprehensive farm surveys and stakeholder consultations with key entities including the Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Development Corporation and Epicurean Fine Foods & Pharmacy.

    Ms. Kathleen Forde of Seasonz Hydroponics Farm, one of the participating farmers, described the training as ‘timely and informative,’ expressing optimism that the acquired knowledge would significantly enhance both her farm operations and the nation’s overall agricultural productivity.

    Mr. Ika Fergus, Acting Chief Extension Officer and FAO National Correspondent, emphasized the mission’s alignment with ministerial objectives, noting that the developed business models provide farmers with clear financial justifications and planning tools necessary for commercialization and investment attraction, particularly in climate-resilient protected systems.

    The project’s next phase, scheduled for completion by February 2026, will involve detailed analysis of collected data to develop five customized business cases. These cases will directly support farmers in securing financing while assisting the Ministry in attracting investments toward building a more sustainable, resilient, and profitable agricultural sector focused on import substitution and improved national livelihoods.

  • PE teachers, players trained as foundation cricket coaches

    PE teachers, players trained as foundation cricket coaches

    In a significant move to bolster cricket development at the grassroots level, the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) partnered with Cricket West Indies (CWI) to conduct an intensive Foundation Coaching Course this week. The program successfully trained over 40 physical education instructors and active cricketers in fundamental coaching methodologies.

    The workshop featured extensive hands-on practical sessions directed by CWI Coaching Educators Brendon Ramlal and Keshava Ramphal. They were assisted by a team of local coaching experts, including John Eugene, Head Coach of the Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre, alongside accomplished instructors Alton Crafton, Keith Charlery, Craig Emmanuel, and Donald Dave Albert.

    Held on January 19th and 20th, the event attracted more than 30 physical education teachers on its inaugural day, followed by 17 players from the High Performance Centre on the subsequent day. Each day’s agenda included a five-hour interactive practical component from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., enabling attendees to implement skills acquired through prior online modules. This format fostered peer collaboration and provided opportunities for direct, personalized feedback from the leading educators.

    The overarching objective of this initiative is to empower these newly certified coaches to return to their respective schools and local communities to introduce the sport’s fundamentals to young, aspiring athletes. This effort aligns with the SLNCA’s recent expansion of youth competitions, including the introduction of an Under-13 tournament last year and an announced plan by SLNCA President Wayne Auguste to establish an Under-10 cricket league, signaling a clear strategic focus on early-age participation.

    “Cultivating quality players fundamentally starts with cultivating quality coaches,” stated Auguste. “This foundation course for physical education teachers represents a strategic investment in the very bedrock of our grassroots and school cricket ecosystem. By arming our educators with the proper tools, knowledge, and coaching frameworks, we are fortifying the foundation of our player development pathways. This ensures that young cricketers throughout Saint Lucia benefit from consistent, high-caliber instruction from their initial exposure to the sport. This initiative is a testament to SLNCA’s dedication to sustainable development and achieving long-term, high-performance success.”

    This foundational course is a cornerstone of SLNCA’s broader strategic goals to certify a roster of credentialed coaches, solidify its performance pathways for regional and international team selection, and actively promote comprehensive player development across all tiers. Through investing in the training and up-skilling of educators, the association aims to establish a sustainable pipeline of talented coaches and athletes prepared to achieve excellence on local, regional, and global platforms.

  • Good Deeds organisation to launch 2026 national programme

    Good Deeds organisation to launch 2026 national programme

    Saint Lucia is set to officially inaugurate its 2026 Good Deeds Day program with a national launch ceremony scheduled for January 24, 2026. The event will take place at the Finance Administrative Centre from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., marking the beginning of a year-long campaign promoting social responsibility and community engagement.

    This global movement, dedicated to inspiring acts of kindness and civic participation, finds strong representation in Saint Lucia where local organizers have consistently mobilized citizens, organizations, and communities toward positive national impact. The launch ceremony will serve as a strategic gathering point for media representatives, program coordinators, and key stakeholders to unveil the comprehensive 2026 National Good Deeds Day Calendar of Activities.

    The detailed calendar will outline a structured series of initiatives designed to encourage volunteerism, community service, and active citizenship across the island nation throughout the coming year. According to program organizers, the ceremony will feature concise presentations highlighting targeted national initiatives while announcing specific opportunities for public involvement. This structured approach aims to create a coordinated framework for sustainable social impact rather than isolated charitable acts.

    The Good Deeds Day movement has gained international recognition as a transformative force in promoting social cohesion and community development. Saint Lucia’s participation reflects a growing commitment to organized philanthropy and structured volunteerism as essential components of national development.

  • Antigua Cruise Port to unveil new terminal this weekend

    Antigua Cruise Port to unveil new terminal this weekend

    Antigua and Barbuda is poised to enter a transformative phase in its cruise tourism sector with the official unveiling of its state-of-the-art cruise terminal scheduled for January 24, 2026. Antigua Cruise Port has announced preparations for the landmark reveal, which will showcase the culmination of a significant infrastructure project.

    The development represents a cornerstone of the broader Upland Development Project, a strategic collaboration between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest independent cruise port operator. This partnership underscores a mutual dedication to revolutionizing the island nation’s maritime facilities.

    Officials emphasize that the project was driven by a tripartite mission: to comprehensively modernize cruise infrastructure, elevate the overall passenger experience to world-class standards, and create lasting, sustainable economic advantages for local communities. The terminal’s design progressed through meticulous phases, evolving from initial conceptual frameworks into detailed architectural plans and final construction blueprints, all aimed at materializing a forward-looking vision for Antigua’s tourism economy.

    In the days preceding the grand opening ceremony, Antigua Cruise Port has committed to releasing a series of comprehensive updates. These communications are designed to chronicle the project’s extensive journey from its original conception through to its final completion, highlighting the milestones achieved and the anticipated impact on the nation’s tourism landscape.

  • LETTER: Dwayne Bravo needs to be heard

    LETTER: Dwayne Bravo needs to be heard

    West Indies cricket faces mounting criticism and calls for radical reform following their disappointing performance in recent international competitions. Prominent voices within the cricket community are demanding immediate changes to both coaching staff and selection policies ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

    Serious questions have been raised about head coach Daren Sammy’s leadership, with recommendations to dismiss both him and batting coach Floyd Reifer. The selection of underperforming players like Johnson Charles, who maintains the worst strike rate for an opening batter since the last T20 World Cup, has drawn particular scrutiny. Critics question why specialist wicketkeeper Amir Jangoo continues to be overlooked despite his capabilities against spin bowling.

    The selection process appears fundamentally flawed, with allegations of nepotism and regional favoritism influencing team composition. The current system seems to prioritize personal connections over demonstrated performance, with domestic standouts like Navin Bidaisee, Jyd Goolie, and Mikel Govia being ignored in favor of less qualified novices.

    Financial considerations further complicate the situation, as players cannot reasonably be expected to decline lucrative franchise opportunities without selection guarantees from West Indies cricket. The current retainer contract system has been identified as particularly problematic, with recommendations to replace it with higher match fees.

    Former player Dwayne Bravo’s recent podcast commentary has added weight to these criticisms, providing a player’s perspective on the systemic issues plaguing West Indies cricket. The solution pathway appears clear: facility improvements, data-driven selection processes based on domestic performance metrics, and elimination of the current favoritism that undermines team competitiveness.

    The current administration’s performance compares unfavorably to previous leadership under Johnny Grave, suggesting that organizational competence rather than identity should drive cricket governance. Without immediate and substantial reform, West Indies cricket risks failing to qualify for future ICC tournaments altogether.

  • Antigua And Barbuda Tourism Authority Hosts U.S. Travel Advisory Board

    Antigua And Barbuda Tourism Authority Hosts U.S. Travel Advisory Board

    The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) recently concluded a strategic on-island retreat for its U.S. Travel Advisory Board, bringing together prominent travel advisors from key American markets. The immersive program combined destination experiences with high-level strategic discussions aimed at strengthening trade relationships and enhancing the islands’ tourism appeal.

    Led by Dean Fenton, U.S. Director for ABTA, the retreat served as the final on-island meeting for the current Advisory Board before new appointments in March. The carefully orchestrated agenda featured comprehensive site inspections at premier resorts including Blue Waters Resort & Spa and Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, where board members evaluated accommodation standards and held strategic planning sessions with ABTA leadership.

    The experiential component showcased Antigua and Barbuda’s diverse tourism offerings through curated culinary experiences at renowned establishments including The Palm, The Cove, and White Sands Restaurant. Participants enjoyed a sailing excursion aboard the Excellence Catamaran, explored St. John’s shopping district, visited Prickly Pear Island, and experienced beachfront dining at The Hut. The program concluded with a dinner at Mamma Mia, highlighting the islands’ vibrant culinary scene.

    Beyond commercial activities, the retreat incorporated community engagement initiatives including a beach clean-up at Jabberwock Beach and a donation of supplies to the Denis Bowers Rehabilitation Centre. Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, The Honourable Charles Fernandez, personally met with the group, expressing appreciation for their support and participation in these responsible tourism efforts.

    The current Advisory Board comprises senior travel specialists representing luxury travel, destination weddings, honeymoons, and experiential travel, including representatives from Travel Smart with Paula, Bayside Travel, Romantics Travel, and several other prominent agencies. This initiative forms part of ABTA’s ongoing strategy to deepen industry partnerships and drive increased visitor bookings to the dual-island nation.

  • Venezuelan crude oil offloads at Caribbean hubs

    Venezuelan crude oil offloads at Caribbean hubs

    A significant realignment in global oil shipping is underway as tankers commence open discharge of Venezuelan crude at Caribbean hubs, signaling a dramatic shift in trade patterns following Washington’s intervention in Caracas’ petroleum industry. Over the weekend, approximately 2.5 million barrels of Merey heavy crude were delivered to storage facilities on Saint Lucia and Curaçao, transforming these islands into strategic staging posts for expanded global distribution.

    The market disruption is immediately evident in freight rates, which have surged on certain routes as previously obscured vessels—including members of the so-called ‘dark fleet’—now activate transponders during offloading operations. This transparency marks a departure from previous covert shipping practices.

    Detailed shipping movements confirm this new paradigm: The VLCC Kelly arrived at Castries, Saint Lucia on January 18 carrying 1.9 million barrels—the first Venezuelan crude shipment to the island since December 2018. Simultaneously, the Aframax tanker Volans discharged approximately 600,000 barrels at Curaçao’s Bullen Bay terminal on January 17, transporting cargo for commodities giant Vitol. Further confirming the trend, the VLCC Marbella reached South Riding Point in the Bahamas on January 19 with another 1.9 million-barrel Vitol consignment.

    The Biden administration has strategically engaged trading powerhouses Trafigura Group and Vitol Group to market Venezuelan barrels while encouraging US energy majors to invest in revitalizing the country’s distressed oil infrastructure. Buckeye Partners LP, operator of the Saint Lucia storage facility, confirmed its role in this recalibrated supply chain, emphasizing its commitment to ‘leveraging operational expertise and strategically positioned infrastructure to bring Venezuelan crude to market safely, responsibly, and in compliance with all applicable laws.’

    This geopolitical maneuver has fundamentally redirected Venezuela’s oil flow from predominantly China-bound shipments via shadowy tanker networks to diversified destinations including Indian refiners and US Gulf Coast facilities, establishing a new architecture for global heavy crude distribution.

  • Denzel Phillips setting new standards for Saint Lucian throws

    Denzel Phillips setting new standards for Saint Lucian throws

    Jamaica-based Saint Lucian athlete Denzel Phillips is revolutionizing perceptions of track and field excellence through his extraordinary throwing capabilities. The 19-year-old prodigy, who transitions from sprinting to becoming one of Saint Lucia’s most promising field athletes, has embarked on a record-breaking spree targeting both the CARIFTA Games and global junior competitions.

    In a remarkable demonstration of skill, Phillips shattered a 32-year-old national discus record last December during the Tyser-Mills Classics in Spanish Town, Jamaica. On Saint Lucia’s National Day (December 13), he launched the 2kg discus to an impressive 48.79 meters, demolishing Ricky Deligny’s 1992 benchmark of 45.20m set at Barbados’ National Stadium. Astonishingly, this achievement marked Phillips’ inaugural attempt with the heavier implement typically reserved for senior competitions.

    The bespectacled thrower maintained composed professionalism about his feat, revealing to St. Lucia Times: “I did expect the record. In training, I constantly throw way past that. I was actually a little disappointed I only came out with 48m.”

    Phillips’ momentum continued into the new year with another record-breaking performance on January 17 at Kingston’s Ashenheim Stadium. During the World Class Development Meet, he surpassed his previous junior national best in the Under-20 shot put, hurling the 6kg metal ball 16.33m to claim top honors.

    The athlete’s ascent began in 2023 when as an Under-17 competitor, he secured dual silver medals in throwing events at the CARIFTA Games in The Bahamas, becoming Saint Lucia’s first discus medalist. His excellence continued at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, where he earned twin bronze medals—the first Saint Lucian to achieve multiple medals at the competition.

    Despite finishing fourth in both events during the 2025 season, Phillips has refined his mentality for his final junior year. With the World Under-20 Championships scheduled for August 5-9 in Oregon, United States, his training intensity has reached new heights. “I want to make sure I get it perfect,” Phillips emphasized, “and make sure every training session counts.”

    Currently preparing for the upcoming regional season, Phillips has set ambitious targets of 58 meters in discus and 18 meters in shot put for the CARIFTA Games in Grenada this April. His performances have begun attracting university recruitment attention, though the athlete prefers to keep his collegiate decisions private for now.

    As Phillips continues to elevate Saint Lucia’s presence in field events, his journey represents both personal ambition and national pride, potentially inspiring a new generation of Caribbean throwers to pursue international excellence.

  • Animal welfare advocates demand answers from Royalton Antigua over missing dogs

    Animal welfare advocates demand answers from Royalton Antigua over missing dogs

    A growing controversy surrounds Royalton Antigua Resort as animal welfare organizations intensify pressure regarding the unexplained disappearance of a canine mother and her litter allegedly born on the property. The advocacy group Dogs and Cats of Antigua has mobilized supporters to stage a noon demonstration at the resort’s entrance, featuring visible signage to amplify their concerns about animal welfare transparency.

    The organized protest aims to engage both local residents and international tourists, urging broader public awareness and corporate accountability. Activists emphasize that hospitality establishments operating in ecologically sensitive regions bear heightened responsibility for protecting vulnerable wildlife on their premises. The campaign has gained traction through social media channels, with advocates encouraging potential visitors to reconsider their patronage until the resort addresses these animal welfare allegations.

    Despite multiple attempts by journalists and animal rights organizations to obtain clarification, Royalton Antigua’s management has maintained complete silence regarding the allegations. This absence of official communication has further fueled concerns about the resort’s animal welfare policies and commitment to ethical environmental stewardship. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between commercial tourism development and animal protection efforts in Caribbean destinations, particularly regarding the treatment of stray animal populations in resort areas.

  • OECS debuts digital dashboard to manage partnerships

    OECS debuts digital dashboard to manage partnerships

    In a significant advancement for regional governance, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission unveiled its groundbreaking Partnership Dashboard on January 8, 2026. This innovative digital platform represents a transformative approach to managing international collaborations across member states, developed through strategic cooperation with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

    The newly launched dashboard addresses critical governance challenges by centralizing previously fragmented partnership data into an accessible, transparent system. The platform enables real-time monitoring of initiatives, projects, and collaborative engagements, providing unprecedented visibility into the organization’s multilateral operations. This technological solution allows OECS leadership to instantly identify partnership networks, geographical distribution, and strategic objectives across the Eastern Caribbean region.

    OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules emphasized the platform’s fundamental purpose during the launch ceremony: “This initiative transcends mere digitalization—it represents our commitment to operational clarity in an increasingly complex international landscape. By consolidating dispersed information streams, we transition from theoretical cooperation to demonstrable, measurable impact throughout our member states.”

    The development process involved extensive consultation workshops and rigorous technical discussions to ensure the platform meets practical operational needs. Dr. Manuel Otero, outgoing IICA Director General, highlighted the dashboard’s adaptive design philosophy: “We engineered this system with scalability as a core principle, creating a dynamic tool that will evolve alongside the OECS’s expanding requirements. This partnership exemplifies how international cooperation can yield practical solutions for regional development.”

    The launch event also served as a recognition ceremony for Dr. Otero’s contributions to regional cooperation. Both organizations acknowledged the project’s significance in overcoming traditional barriers to collaboration. Senior officials including Ms. Beverly Best (IICA Director of External Relations) and Ms. Nadege Jn Baptiste (OECS Head of Development Cooperation) emphasized how the dashboard demonstrates strategic partnerships’ ability to transcend linguistic, geographical, and institutional divides.

    This innovation has already strengthened OECS’s internal capabilities while promoting bilingual engagement and knowledge-sharing protocols. The platform stands as a testament to how targeted technical cooperation can produce tangible improvements in governance transparency, accountability mechanisms, and ultimately, more effective development outcomes across the Eastern Caribbean region.