Carib Scope

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  • Central Bank targets 2027 for removal of British monarch from EC Currency

    Central Bank targets 2027 for removal of British monarch from EC Currency

    The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has confirmed its progressive approach to replacing the British monarch’s portrait with regional figures on EC currency notes. Governor Timothy N.J. Antoine revealed during the 112th Meeting of the ECCB Monetary Council that the transformation will occur incrementally rather than through immediate wholesale replacement.

    Antoine projected that the inaugural series of redesigned banknotes will likely debut in 2027, marking a significant milestone in the currency’s evolution. For generations, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s likeness has graced denominations ranging from EC$5 to EC$100, symbolizing the region’s historical connections to Britain within the Commonwealth framework.

    The transition initiative gained formal approval during the ECCB Monetary Council’s 105th meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2023. The council endorsed replacing monarchical imagery with the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) emblem, pending comprehensive public consultation processes.

    Governor Antoine hinted at potential preliminary unveilings coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the currency peg this July, suggesting the possibility of a ‘big reveal’ event. Importantly, the central bank clarified that existing currency will remain legal tender and will be gradually phased out through natural circulation attrition rather than forced withdrawal. The new notes featuring regional heroes and culturally significant imagery will enter circulation as worn notes are systematically retired from service.

  • Police Service seeks help to locate wanted man

    Police Service seeks help to locate wanted man

    Barbados law enforcement authorities have launched a public manhunt for Dareo Theo Mitchell, who is currently sought for interrogation regarding serious criminal investigations. The Barbados Police Service has formally requested community assistance in tracking down the individual, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

    According to official descriptors, Mitchell stands approximately five feet tall with a slender physique and brown complexion. His last documented residence was recorded at Chelston Garden on Culloden Road in the parish of St Michael. Law enforcement officials have explicitly advised Mitchell to voluntarily surrender himself at the Criminal Investigations Department (South) located at Oistins Police Station in Christ Church. The police have noted that he should be accompanied by legal representation of his choosing during this process.

    The police communication unit has provided multiple contact channels for citizens possessing relevant information, including direct lines to the Criminal Investigations Department (South) at 418-2608 or 418-2612. Alternative reporting mechanisms include the Police Emergency hotline at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or any local police precinct.

    In a stern warning to the public, authorities reiterated that providing shelter or assistance to wanted individuals constitutes a criminal offense under Barbadian law. Those found to be deliberately aiding or concealing Mitchell from justice face potential prosecution and legal consequences. The police emphasized the importance of public cooperation in maintaining community safety and upholding the rule of law.

  • “Angry Bird” now in police custody

    “Angry Bird” now in police custody

    Barbados law enforcement authorities have successfully apprehended Robert Ricardo Parris, the individual publicly identified as ‘Angry Bird’ from Christ Church, who was the subject of an intensive manhunt. The arrest occurred on February 16, 2026, coinciding with the issuance of a formal ‘Wanted Man’ bulletin connecting him to serious criminal investigations.

    The Barbados Police Service confirmed Parris is currently in custody and actively cooperating with investigative teams. While specific details regarding the criminal matters remain undisclosed to preserve judicial integrity, authorities emphasized the significance of the arrest in ongoing operations.

    In an official statement, police leadership extended gratitude to both public citizens and media organizations for their responsive assistance in the investigation. This collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community demonstrates the effectiveness of public-police partnerships in maintaining regional security. The rapid resolution of this case highlights improved emergency response protocols and intelligence-sharing mechanisms within Barbados’ law enforcement infrastructure.

  • Marlon Carr on Trial Over 2022 Mill Reef Armed Robbery Targeting Elderly Victims

    Marlon Carr on Trial Over 2022 Mill Reef Armed Robbery Targeting Elderly Victims

    A High Court trial is currently underway for Marlon Carr, who stands accused of participating in a violent 2022 armed robbery targeting elderly residents at the exclusive Mill Reef Club. The prosecution presented disturbing details of the incident where three masked assailants allegedly confronted a married couple and their visiting friend—all in their seventies—before binding them with duct tape and making off with valuable possessions.

    According to court testimony, the assailants stole jewellery, cash, and electronics with a total value exceeding US$11,000. One victim, a female guest, emotionally recounted how a knife was pressed against her neck as she pleaded to keep a sentimental ring from her deceased husband. The homeowners testified they were coerced into opening their safes before being restrained.

    The prosecution’s case received support from a security guard who placed Carr at the property earlier on the evening of the robbery. In a statement read to the court, Carr admitted to driving accomplices to the location and assisting in restraining one victim during an escape attempt, but vehemently denied carrying any weapons or personally taking stolen items.

    This case has seen developments in the judicial process, with one co-accused, Rickardo Bussawan, having pleaded guilty in 2024 and currently serving an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence. Charges against another suspect were previously dropped. Carr has maintained a not guilty plea throughout the proceedings.

    The defence team has suggested the possibility of inside information facilitating the targeted robbery. Justice Ann Marie Smith is presiding over the case, which is scheduled to continue with further proceedings next week.

  • OPINION: Looking North for Truth: The Story of How We Readily Drink Imperial Juice and Work Against Ourselves

    OPINION: Looking North for Truth: The Story of How We Readily Drink Imperial Juice and Work Against Ourselves

    A significant diplomatic controversy has emerged in Saint Lucia following Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s remarks concerning potential changes to the Cuban Medical Programme and educational exchanges. The situation escalated when the US Embassy promptly denied making any formal requests regarding these bilateral arrangements, triggering widespread public skepticism toward the Prime Minister’s statements.

    This incident reveals deeper psychological patterns within Caribbean societies, where external powers are often granted automatic credibility while local leadership faces immediate suspicion. The phenomenon reflects what scholars identify as a persistent colonial mindset—the tendency to validate Northern narratives while doubting regional voices despite elected legitimacy.

    Historical context demonstrates this pattern across multiple policy areas including banana trade disputes, financial blacklisting, citizenship investment programmes, and reparations discussions. Regional adjustments to Cuban cooperation programmes in Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda under US pressure further substantiate the plausibility of such diplomatic exchanges occurring.

    Contemporary geopolitical analysis suggests that powerful nations frequently advance economic interests under the guise of benevolent policies. The United States’ historical interventions in Iran, Guatemala, Congo and Chile exemplify the dissonance between rhetorical principles and practical implementation. Similarly, China’s expansion through trade dominance and unconditional loans creates alternative but comparable dependency dynamics.

    The structural inequities perpetuating Caribbean vulnerability include IMF austerity measures, WTO rulings that dismantled preferential trade agreements, and financial regulations triggering correspondent banking withdrawals. Governance architectures within international institutions systematically marginalize small states through quota-based voting systems that effectively grant Western powers veto authority.

    This diplomatic episode underscores the urgent need for what intellectuals term ‘decolonial reflection’—not merely as political rhetoric but as fundamental psychological recalibration. True sovereignty requires developing epistemic confidence in regional institutions and critically examining power dynamics even when presented as partnership frameworks. The path forward involves rejecting automatic deference to external narratives while cultivating intellectual independence that honors both self-criticism and legitimate resistance to hegemonic overreach.

  • Geen doorbraak bij moeizame vredesgesprekken Oekraïne-Rusland

    Geen doorbraak bij moeizame vredesgesprekken Oekraïne-Rusland

    Geneva witnessed the conclusion of high-stakes peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on Wednesday, with diplomatic efforts yielding no tangible agreements after two days of intensive discussions. The US-mediated talks, facilitated by American envoy Steve Witkoff and former presidential advisor Jared Kushner, concluded amid heightened tensions and mutual accusations of procedural obstruction.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky openly criticized Moscow for employing delay tactics during the negotiations, while simultaneously facing mounting pressure to make concessions. The central disputes revolved around territorial sovereignty in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region and operational control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility. Russia demanded Ukrainian surrender of partially occupied territories, while Ukraine proposed joint management of the nuclear plant with US involvement—a proposition Moscow deemed unacceptable.

    The negotiations coincided with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties and displaced millions according to Ukrainian estimates. Despite previous failed mediation attempts in Abu Dhabi, Ukrainian officials expressed appreciation for continued American diplomatic engagement while voicing concerns that upcoming US elections might divert attention from the peace process.

    Parallel military discussions involving US defense officials addressed potential security guarantees for Ukraine in any future peace arrangement. Sources characterized the atmosphere as ‘highly tense,’ with Ukrainian delegates deliberately maintaining modest expectations.

    Current Russian occupation encompasses approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including the annexed Crimean Peninsula. Recent aerial assaults on energy infrastructure have created widespread power and heating outages during harsh winter conditions, exacerbating humanitarian challenges for hundreds of thousands of civilians.

    European allies from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom observed proceedings in Geneva without direct participation, as Ukraine urged greater European involvement in future diplomatic initiatives. The inconclusive outcome underscores the profound complexity of resolving Europe’s most significant military conflict, with the international community monitoring developments while hoping for a breakthrough that might end the bloodshed.

  • WATCH: Pringle’s “Alex Is Next” Comment Creates Commotion in Parliament

    WATCH: Pringle’s “Alex Is Next” Comment Creates Commotion in Parliament

    A session in Parliament descended into commotion following a provocative statement from opposition member Jamal Pringle. During a heated debate, Pringle declared ‘Alex is next,’ a remark instantly met with vocal objections from government benches. The Speaker was forced to temporarily suspend proceedings to restore order amid the uproar.

    The context of the cryptic comment appears rooted in ongoing political tensions and recent scrutiny of public figures. While the specific ‘Alex’ in question was not explicitly identified in the chamber, the implication was sufficient to trigger an immediate and intense reaction from lawmakers. The incident underscores the increasingly fractious nature of political discourse within the legislature.

    Government representatives condemned the statement as irresponsible and inflammatory, demanding an immediate retraction and apology. In response, Pringle’s allies defended the comment as a legitimate political point, albeit delivered in a confrontational manner. This exchange highlights the deep-seated divisions and the heightened state of alert that characterizes current parliamentary affairs, where a single phrase can ignite a significant confrontation.

  • Police urge calm even as US strikes threaten SVG’s fishing industry

    Police urge calm even as US strikes threaten SVG’s fishing industry

    Tensions are mounting in the Eastern Caribbean as St. Vincent and the Grenadines fishermen express grave concerns over their safety and economic stability following recent U.S. military operations in regional waters. The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed conducting multiple “lethal kinetic strikes” between February 13-16 against vessels allegedly operated by “Designated Terrorist Organizations” engaged in narcotics trafficking, resulting in 11 fatalities.

    While U.S. authorities characterized the operations as targeted actions against narco-terrorists, local fishing communities report the strikes occurred dangerously close to fishing grounds. Winsbert Harry, President of SVG’s National Fisherfolk Organisation, revealed that one February 13 strike occurred approximately 9 miles from Fish Aggregating Device No. 5—a critical fishing area located about 60 miles southeast of St. Vincent in the Grenadines.

    The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force issued a statement acknowledging public concern while attempting to reassure mariners. “The information received so far suggests that this was a targeted, intelligence-led operation and not directed at fishing vessels or ordinary maritime activity,” the statement read, emphasizing that coast guard services remain “present and alert within our maritime space.”

    However, fishing representatives highlight the devastating potential impact on SVG’s blue economy—a key development pillar for the new administration. With nearly 1,000 registered fishing boats landing approximately 10 million pounds of fish valued at EC$16 million in exports last year, the industry faces significant disruption. Fishermen now fear traveling during pre-dawn hours when tuna are most active, potentially reducing catches and threatening livelihoods.

    The National Fisherfolk Organisation is coordinating with regional partners including the Caribbean Network of Fisher Folk Organisations and Caribbean Fisheries Mechanism to develop a unified response. Harry emphasized the need for “one voice to CARICOM” to address security operations that endanger civilian fishing activities in shared Caribbean waters.

  • PM Browne Signals Confidence in Randy Baltimore Ahead of St Philip’s North By-Election

    PM Browne Signals Confidence in Randy Baltimore Ahead of St Philip’s North By-Election

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly endorsed Randy Baltimore as the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s (ABLP) candidate for the imminent St Philip’s North by-election, expressing strong confidence in his prospective parliamentary membership. Browne’s official statement highlighted his anticipation to “formally welcome Mr Baltimore as the newest member of Parliament,” signaling firm institutional support for the candidate. This political development emerges directly from the conclusion of Sir Robin Yearwood’s remarkable five-decade service as the constituency’s parliamentary representative, creating a rare electoral vacancy. The upcoming by-election is poised to become a significant indicator of party influence, particularly within a district traditionally dominated by the ABLP. Both major political organizations have demonstrated substantial engagement with the contest, suggesting a potentially competitive race that could reshape local political dynamics. Political analysts are closely monitoring this election as a barometer for shifting public sentiment and party strength ahead of future national elections.

  • WATCH: Pringle Pays Tribute to Sir Robin but Backs Alex Browne for St Philip’s North By-Election

    WATCH: Pringle Pays Tribute to Sir Robin but Backs Alex Browne for St Philip’s North By-Election

    In a significant political gathering, Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle joined fellow opposition parliamentarians in celebrating the remarkable 50-year legislative career of Sir Robin Yearwood, the longstanding representative for St Philip’s North. The ceremony honored Yearwood’s unprecedented half-century tenure while simultaneously positioning Senator Alex Browne as the designated successor for the upcoming by-election.

    Pringle, who entered Parliament in 2018 as the sole United Progressive Party representative, acknowledged the generational gap between himself and the veteran politician. Despite not being born when Yearwood first assumed office in 1976, Pringle recounted receiving invaluable informal mentorship from the experienced MP during his initial parliamentary term. These corridor conversations about legislative protocols and parliamentary conduct provided crucial guidance during Pringle’s solitary navigation of the political chamber.

    The Opposition Leader characterized Yearwood’s five decades of public service as an extraordinary political achievement, recognizing both the personal and familial sacrifices required to maintain such prolonged political dedication. While praising Yearwood as exceptionally skilled and experienced, Pringle suggested that St Philip’s North constituency might have seen greater developmental progress during his tenure.

    Pringle concluded that while Yearwood could now ‘retire in peace’ with his legacy secured, the constituency’s future development now rests with Senator Alex Browne, whom the opposition leader explicitly endorsed as the right candidate to advance the region’s interests moving forward.