Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Column: Vochtige ogen

    Column: Vochtige ogen

    On the eve of the World Cup qualifier against El Salvador, Suriname’s national team, led by coach Stanley Menzo, held a press conference. While such events often yield little new information, the focus was on the team’s readiness and strategy. Captain Shaquille Pinas, a veteran with 34 international caps, addressed the media, emphasizing his approach to the match: ‘I don’t feel extra pressure. I step onto the field to win, just like any other game.’ He highlighted the players’ awareness of their fans’ emotions, stating, ‘We play for our families, friends, and the people of our country. It’s a great honor to contribute to that.’

    The following evening, the Essed Stadium was packed well before kickoff, showcasing the nation’s fervent support. Defender Myenty Abena led a passionate pre-game prayer, setting the tone for the match. Despite a shaky first half with inaccurate passes and a reliance on long balls, Suriname managed to take a 1-0 lead into halftime, thanks to a penalty converted by Tjaronn Chery.

    The second half saw a transformed Surinamese team. With fluid combinations and dynamic wingbacks Djavan Anderson and Ridgeciano Haps, they dismantled El Salvador’s defense. Richonell Margaret scored twice, and substitute Dhoraso Klas added a fourth goal, sealing a 4-0 victory. The crowd erupted in celebration, singing the national anthem twice.

    Post-match, the team and staff remained on the field, basking in the adoration of their supporters. Goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen showcased his quirky dance moves, while other players expressed their joy in various ways. Coach Menzo, overwhelmed with emotion, retreated to the technical room, reflecting on his journey and the significance of the win. During the subsequent press conference, he expressed immense pride in his team and the country of his birth, though he admitted that the celebrations would be modest. ‘The years are catching up with me,’ he joked, ‘but I know the boys will celebrate tonight.’

    Looking ahead, Suriname faces Guatemala in their final qualifying match. Menzo stressed the importance of focus and preparation, even as the team savors their recent triumph. The Surinamese sports press gave Menzo a standing ovation, marking a memorable night for the nation’s footballing aspirations.

  • Sir Hilary Beckles Heads CARICOM Delegation For Landmark UK Reparations Visit

    Sir Hilary Beckles Heads CARICOM Delegation For Landmark UK Reparations Visit

    In a landmark move, the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) is set to embark on its first official collective visit to the United Kingdom from November 17 to 20, 2025. This historic mission aims to bolster advocacy for reparatory justice, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance public education on the reparations agenda. The visit, organized in collaboration with the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, will feature a series of high-level meetings and events hosted in the UK. Leading the six-member delegation is Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of the CRC. The delegation includes prominent figures such as Mr. Eric Phillips, Vice Chair of the CRC and Chairman of the Guyana Reparations Committee; Ambassador David Comissiong, CARICOM Ambassador and Vice Chair of the Barbados National Task Force on Reparations; Dr. Niambi Hall Campbell Dean, Chairperson of the Bahamas National Reparations Committee; Mr. Arley Gill, Chairman of the Grenada National Reparations Committee; and Dr. Hilary Brown, Programme Manager for Culture and Community Development at the CARICOM Secretariat. The itinerary includes engagements with High Commissioners and Ambassadors from CARICOM Member States and the African Union, UK Parliamentarians, civil society leaders, academics, media professionals, and members of the Caribbean diaspora. This visit highlights the CRC’s dedication to fostering international alliances, promoting historical accountability, and driving socio-economic transformation. Updates on the mission will be shared via CARICOM.org and their WhatsApp Community: https://bit.ly/CARICOMWhatsApp.

  • Caribbean Sustainable Infrastructure Conference 2025 Concludes with Calls to Build Stronger and More Inclusive Region

    Caribbean Sustainable Infrastructure Conference 2025 Concludes with Calls to Build Stronger and More Inclusive Region

    The Caribbean Sustainable Infrastructure Conference (CSIC 2025), held from November 3–5, marked a pivotal moment for the Caribbean region as governments, private sector leaders, and development partners converged to forge a transformative path toward sustainable development. Hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Agence française de développement (AFD), and funded by the European Union, the conference emphasized the critical role of resilient infrastructure in fostering economic competitiveness, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship.

  • Black-Layne Shares Antigua and Barbuda’s Climate Finance Expertise at COP30 Briefing on Virgin Islands Trust Fund

    Black-Layne Shares Antigua and Barbuda’s Climate Finance Expertise at COP30 Briefing on Virgin Islands Trust Fund

    At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Ambassador Diann Black-Layne, Director of the Department of Environment, played a pivotal role as a featured speaker during an informational meeting organized by the Virgin Islands. Although the event did not officially launch the Virgin Islands Trust Fund, it served as a comprehensive briefing to elucidate the fund’s evolving structure and operational framework. The session aimed to demonstrate how the Virgin Islands intends to navigate the dynamic climate finance landscape, emphasizing adaptation, mitigation, and long-term resilience-building efforts.

    The meeting convened technical experts and regional development partners with extensive experience in managing climate-related trust funds across the Caribbean. Notable participants included representatives from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and envoys from countries that have successfully established national climate funds. These experts shared best practices on governance, financial transparency, project identification, and institutional capacity enhancement to effectively secure and deploy climate finance.

    A key focus of the discussions was the dual approach of short-term action and long-term strategic planning. Participants underscored the importance of immediate benefits while laying the groundwork for sustained resilience and adaptive capacity. Challenges faced by small island developing states in accessing climate finance were also addressed, alongside the necessity of designing funds that align with community needs, environmental priorities, and evolving climate risks.

    Ambassador Black-Layne, recognized for her leadership in developing the Sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) Fund in Antigua and Barbuda, provided invaluable insights into the practicalities of creating and managing a national climate fund. She highlighted the institutional processes, governance mechanisms for transparency and accountability, and the critical role of community engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Drawing from Antigua and Barbuda’s experiences, she emphasized balancing donor expectations, adhering to international fiduciary standards, and ensuring that climate financing reaches vulnerable populations.

    Her presentation offered actionable recommendations for the Virgin Islands, stressing the importance of robust project pipelines, continuous capacity development, and integrating resilience goals into national planning frameworks. Ambassador Black-Layne’s expertise significantly enriched the dialogue, guiding participants on structuring a fund that is both technically sound and capable of attracting long-term financing.

  • West Indies Under-19s Ready for England Challenge

    West Indies Under-19s Ready for England Challenge

    The West Indies Under-19 cricket team is set to embark on a pivotal seven-match Youth ODI series against England, commencing on Sunday in Grenada. This series serves as a critical component of their preparation for the ICC Under-19 World Cup scheduled for early next year. Head coach Rohan Nurse is optimistic about the team’s progress, particularly following their hard-earned 4–3 victory over Sri Lanka in Antigua two months ago. Nurse highlighted the resilience and unity displayed by the young squad during that series, qualities he believes are essential for their continued development. The team has undergone three changes since the Sri Lanka tour, with DeShawn James returning from injury and Kunal Tilokani and Tanez Francis earning their spots after standout performances in the regional Under-17 tournament. While Afraz Ali Buhdoo, Micah Greenidge, and Pajay Nelson have been omitted from the England series, they remain part of the broader player pool for the upcoming World Cup. Nurse emphasized the importance of consistency, concentration, and maintaining intensity across all aspects of the game—batting, bowling, and fielding—as key areas for improvement. He also stressed the need for players to convert strong starts into substantial performances and to clearly define their roles within the team. With the World Cup on the horizon, the England series provides an invaluable opportunity for the West Indies U19 squad to refine their skills, build cohesion, and adapt to the demands of international cricket. The series will run from November 16 to December 1, with matches scheduled across Grenada. The team management, led by Nurse and supported by assistant coaches Jerome Taylor and Nikita Miller, is focused on fostering a performance-driven environment while instilling professionalism and clarity of roles both on and off the field.

  • Historic Capitals Unite: Tainan Signs Sister-City Pact with Basseterre

    Historic Capitals Unite: Tainan Signs Sister-City Pact with Basseterre

    In a landmark event on November 14, 2025, Tainan City, Taiwan, and Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis, solidified their partnership by signing a sister-city agreement. The ceremony, held in Tainan, was attended by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis, alongside Lady Drew, and Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che. The agreement, signed by Mayor Huang and Ambassador Donya L. Francis, marks a significant step in fostering bilateral ties between the two historic cities. Prime Minister Drew lauded Tainan’s cultural heritage, emphasizing shared historical landmarks such as forts and the mutual appreciation for world-renowned mangoes. He also highlighted the educational exchange, with numerous students from St. Kitts and Nevis pursuing engineering studies in Tainan, contributing to their nation’s development. This pact paves the way for enhanced collaboration in culture, education, governance, and economic initiatives, strengthening the bond between Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis.

  • Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Visits Taipei Veterans General Hospital for AI and Smart Healthcare Exchange

    Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Visits Taipei Veterans General Hospital for AI and Smart Healthcare Exchange

    On November 13, 2025, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis, accompanied by a high-level delegation, visited Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) to engage in discussions on Taiwan’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and smart healthcare. The visit, which included Ambassador Edward Tao and H.E. Donya Francis, the Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to Taiwan, focused on fostering collaboration in public health, medical technology, and professional training. Dr. Wei-Ming Chen, Director of TVGH, highlighted Taiwan’s dedication to delivering professional and compassionate healthcare, underscoring its role as a key player in health diplomacy. Prime Minister Drew commended Taiwan as a reliable ally and expressed optimism about deepening bilateral cooperation in healthcare and technology to improve the well-being of citizens in both nations.

  • President Lai meets Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew of Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

    President Lai meets Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew of Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

    On November 14, 2025, President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan warmly welcomed Prime Minister Terrance Drew of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, along with his delegation, to Taiwan. The meeting underscored the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect and shared democratic values. President Lai expressed gratitude for St. Kitts and Nevis’s steadfast support for Taiwan’s international participation and its advocacy for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He highlighted significant advancements in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including agriculture, public health, education, energy, and women’s empowerment, emphasizing the shared commitment to global prosperity. President Lai also congratulated Prime Minister Drew on his recent accolade, the 2025 Most Influential People of African Descent Award, and extended best wishes for St. Kitts and Nevis’s upcoming chairmanship of CARICOM in 2026. The establishment of sister-city ties between Basseterre and Taipei-Tainan was celebrated as a milestone in deepening people-to-people connections. Prime Minister Drew, in turn, lauded Taiwan’s contributions to infrastructure, technology, and talent development, noting the educational opportunities provided to hundreds of students from his nation. He reaffirmed unwavering support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including the WHO, asserting that Taiwan’s leadership is vital to global progress.

  • Taipei City and Basseterre Sign Sister City Agreement to Advance Taiwan–St. Kitts and Nevis Cooperation

    Taipei City and Basseterre Sign Sister City Agreement to Advance Taiwan–St. Kitts and Nevis Cooperation

    In a significant diplomatic move, Taipei City and Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, formalized a Sister City Agreement on November 13, 2025. The ceremony, held in Taipei, was attended by Taipei Mayor Wayne Chiang and Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to Taiwan, H.E. Donya Francis. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew and Taipei City Council Speaker Tai Hsi-Chin were also present to witness the historic signing. This agreement marks a pivotal step in enhancing bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Saint Kitts and Nevis, building on a 42-year friendship. Mayor Chiang emphasized the importance of the partnership, highlighting future collaboration in education, culture, commerce, tourism, and smart city development. Prime Minister Drew echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism for increased exchanges in smart governance, sustainable development, and cultural initiatives. The agreement follows years of active engagement, including Taipei’s donation of 50 YouBikes in 2023 and Basseterre’s participation in the Taipei Lantern Festival. This new relationship is expected to deepen practical cooperation and reinforce the enduring bond between the two nations.

  • Premier and Minister of Labour Host Canada-Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme Delegates for a Day in Nevis

    Premier and Minister of Labour Host Canada-Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme Delegates for a Day in Nevis

    On November 14, 2025, Nevis Island welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Canada-Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (CCSAWP) Annual Review Meeting. Premier the Honourable Mark Brantley and Minister of Labour the Honourable Spencer Brand hosted the delegates, who explored the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The visit included a tour of the Nevisian Heritage Village, where delegates were treated to traditional performances by student Masqueraders and drummers, as well as freshly baked stone oven bread. The delegation comprised high-profile figures such as His Excellency Samuel Berridge, High Commissioner for St. Kitts and Nevis to Canada, representatives from the Canadian government, Labour Ministers from Jamaica, Grenada, and Dominica, and officials from Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Minister Brand expressed his delight in showcasing Nevisian culture and cuisine, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the longstanding partnership between Canada and the Caribbean. The CCSAWP, a nearly six-decade-old initiative, has been instrumental in providing Caribbean workers with employment opportunities in Canada’s agricultural sector, benefiting both regions. High Commissioner Berridge underscored the programme’s role in fostering mutual benefits, while Steven West of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) praised the invaluable contributions of Caribbean workers to Canadian agriculture and food security. The delegates also visited Hydro Gardens, Bath Hot Springs, and Pinney’s Beach, making their stay a blend of cultural immersion and leisure.