Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Illegaal vliegtuig ontdekt op verborgen landingsbaan diep in het binnenland

    Illegaal vliegtuig ontdekt op verborgen landingsbaan diep in het binnenland

    Suriname’s Judicial Intervention Team (JIT) has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against organized crime after discovering a fully operational twin-engine aircraft at a meticulously maintained illegal airstrip deep within the remote Goliath territory. The sophisticated discovery occurred on Saturday, January 17th, during routine aerial reconnaissance missions designed to monitor previously identified clandestine landing strips.

    The aircraft, found in remarkably good technical condition, had been expertly camouflaged with natural foliage including leaves and branches, rendering it virtually undetectable from both aerial surveillance and ground observation. Authorities noted the exceptional concealment efforts demonstrated the advanced operational capabilities of those involved.

    Further investigation of the immediate vicinity revealed substantial quantities of aviation fuel stored in numerous jerrycans, indicating prepared capacity for extended flight operations. The airstrip itself showed signs of recent use and careful maintenance, suggesting regular illicit air traffic in the region.

    Due to the challenging remote location and complex logistical considerations, Surinamese authorities executed a carefully coordinated extraction operation with support from the Air Force of the National Army. The aircraft was successfully started on site and safely flown to Paramaribo for comprehensive forensic examination and further investigation into its origins and suspected criminal connections.

    The Public Prosecutor’s Office communication unit confirmed the operation represents a major disruption to suspected criminal networks operating in the country’s interior regions, though specific criminal activities connected to the aircraft remain under investigation.

  • BPO Association Speaks on Credit Card Fraud

    BPO Association Speaks on Credit Card Fraud

    The Belize Business Process Outsourcing Association (BBPOA) has formally addressed mounting concerns regarding sophisticated credit card fraud operations potentially linked to the nation’s BPO sector. This response follows an investigative report by News Five that uncovered substantial financial losses suffered by local businesses through fraudulent transactions originating from compromised payment data.

    In its official statement, the BPO trade group unequivocally condemned all forms of financial fraud and data misuse while emphasizing its commitment to cooperate with ongoing investigations. Notably absent from the association’s communication was any acknowledgment regarding whether specific member companies are currently under investigation or if internal security breaches might have facilitated the alleged criminal activities.

    The association’s response strategically highlighted the industry’s substantial economic contributions, noting that Belize’s BPO sector employs approximately 16,000-20,000 citizens and generates roughly US$150 million in annual wages. While underscoring this significant economic footprint, the statement provided limited concrete information addressing potential security vulnerabilities within member organizations.

    BBPOA officials pointed to existing compliance measures including Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification, advanced encryption systems, restricted access protocols, and regular third-party audits as evidence of robust governance frameworks. The association further announced collaborative efforts with member companies to reexamine security procedures and strengthen compliance standards.

    Despite pledging support for a ‘thorough and transparent investigation,’ the trade group stopped short of committing to public disclosure of internal review findings or outlining potential consequences for member companies where security deficiencies might be identified. This cautious approach has raised questions about accountability mechanisms within the rapidly growing industry.

  • Magistrate Oliver Thomas passes away

    Magistrate Oliver Thomas passes away

    The legal fraternity has been plunged into profound grief following the sudden and unexpected passing of Magistrate Oliver Thomas, who tragically died at the age of 39. The devastating news has sent reverberations throughout the court system and among his professional colleagues, casting a pall over the judiciary.

    Magistrate Thomas’s death occurred on Wednesday, a mere 24 hours after he had actively presided over multiple cases in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, demonstrating his recent and dedicated commitment to his new role on the Bench. His appointment to the magistracy, which took place earlier this month, marked a significant pinnacle in a legal career characterized by diligent service.

    Prior to his elevation to the Bench, Thomas had established a formidable reputation as a legal professional. Admitted to the Bar in 2014, he dedicated years of service as a Principal State Counsel within the esteemed Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. In this capacity, he played a critical role in the administration of justice, honing the expertise that would later see him appointed to a judicial position. His untimely demise represents a significant loss of a promising legal mind at the very beginning of what was anticipated to be a long and distinguished judicial career, leaving colleagues to mourn not only a respected peer but a cherished friend.

  • Dorsett Recalls Sir Gerald Watt as Fearless Advocate, Demanding Mentor and Builder of Legal Legacy

    Dorsett Recalls Sir Gerald Watt as Fearless Advocate, Demanding Mentor and Builder of Legal Legacy

    In a moving tribute delivered at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, attorney David Dorsett commemorated the extraordinary life and legacy of the late Sir Gerald Owen Anderson Watt, who passed away on December 13, 2025, just six days before his 87th birthday. Drawing from more than two decades of collaborative legal practice, Dorsett painted a portrait of a legal titan whose profound impact extended far beyond the courtroom.

    Dorsett framed his memorial around the philosophical framework of Psalm 90, noting that Sir Gerald’s 31,771 days of life were characterized by purposeful action and institution-building. The senior counsel was celebrated as an architect of enduring legal structures, having established a law firm grounded in principles rather than convenience. His approach to jurisprudence rejected opportunistic financial gain in favor of championing difficult cases that others avoided, viewing the law primarily as an instrument for aiding those in distress.

    The tribute highlighted Sir Gerald’s exacting professional standards, emphasizing his commitment to rigorous preparation, precise legal drafting, and unwavering respect for judicial procedure. Dorsett revealed that his mentor selectively engaged in legal battles guided by strategic principle rather than pragmatism, famously advising that ‘conceding under pressure is an ill-advised course’ unless grounded in fundamental values.

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sir Gerald demonstrated remarkable personal investment in his colleagues’ welfare. Dorsett recounted instances during the COVID-19 pandemic when the senior counsel personally ensured his firm’s members received vaccinations and accompanied colleagues to medical appointments. His leadership style blended firm expectations with genuine paternal concern, treating younger attorneys as family members while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

    Sir Gerald’s distinguished public service portfolio included roles as Attorney General, parliamentarian, Speaker of the House, and chairman of the Electoral Commission. In each position, he brought characteristic diligence, thoroughly studying parliamentary procedure and refusing to accept responsibility for matters beyond his control. Despite health challenges in his later years, he remained actively engaged in legal discourse, maintaining clear visions for his firm’s future and the broader legal profession.

    Dorsett concluded that Sir Gerald’s most enduring quality was his deep commitment to honor, leaving behind a blueprint for professional excellence that would continue to guide generations of legal practitioners in Antigua and Barbuda and beyond.

  • Former PM warns about derisking and link to cannabis sector

    Former PM warns about derisking and link to cannabis sector

    Grenada’s House of Representatives has passed landmark legislation decriminalizing cannabis, triggering urgent warnings about potential repercussions for the nation’s financial system. The Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) (Amendment) Bill, approved on January 20, 2026, legalizes possession of small cannabis quantities and permits regulated medicinal, therapeutic, scientific, and religious use for citizens aged 21 and above.

    The legislative overhaul includes protective measures for youth, establishes new cannabis misuse offenses, and provides for expunging criminal records for minor cannabis-related violations through amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

    Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell sounded alarms during parliamentary debates, highlighting that decriminalization could jeopardize Grenada’s banking relationships with international counterparts. “The issue of derisking from international banks is something that we have to watch,” Mitchell cautioned, noting that cannabis remains federally illegal in major financial hubs like the United States.

    Mitchell explained that local financial institutions risk losing vital correspondent banking relationships if they process funds linked to cannabis operations. “The present danger we face can cripple our financial sector if not handled properly,” he warned, emphasizing that such scenario could create cash-heavy environments complicating tax collection and increasing security risks.

    The former leader revealed his administration had initially proposed similar amendments in 2021, but the initiative stalled due to parliament’s dissolution for 2022 elections.

    Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre expressed concerns about implementation clarity, stating: “I expected to hear more surrounding plans for implementation. If we’re not clear where we’re going and how we’re getting there, we can have problems.” She emphasized the serious consequences of potential cannabis misuse despite supporting the legislation.

    Government member Peter David highlighted the social benefits of record expungement, noting that criminal records have historically hindered opportunities for youth caught with minimal cannabis quantities. All present opposition members supported the bill, which now advances to the Upper House for further debate.

  • Rotary Club of Dominica hands over refurbished chicken coop to Grand Bay Primary’s 4H Club

    Rotary Club of Dominica hands over refurbished chicken coop to Grand Bay Primary’s 4H Club

    In a landmark initiative blending international cooperation with youth development, the Rotary Club of Dominica has officially transferred a fully renovated poultry housing facility to the 4-H Club at Grand Bay Primary School. The ceremonial handover occurred on January 16, 2026, representing a strategic investment in practical education and food security.

    Funded through a collaborative financial injection of EC $27,000 from the Rotary Club of Gateshead (England) and District 1030 (UK), the project transcends mere infrastructure. The revitalized coop arrives operational, stocked with an initial flock of 50 broilers and 50 layers, ensuring immediate project viability and hands-on learning opportunities.

    Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre, President of the Rotary Club of Dominica, articulated the project’s deeper purpose during the ceremony. He emphasized that the facility serves as a dynamic classroom for cultivating essential life competencies. “This chicken coop is more than a structure; it is an investment in the future of our children,” he stated. The initiative is designed to equip students with tangible skills in animal husbandry, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and livestock management, while simultaneously fostering an appreciation for agriculture’s role in sustainable development.

    The project’s design incorporates a self-sustaining economic model. Principal Evans James expressed profound gratitude to the international Rotary partners, highlighting the project’s dual impact on education and community nourishment. Revenue generated from selling eggs to local residents will be channeled directly back into funding the school’s feeding program and covering ongoing operational costs for the coop, such as feed and supplies.

    The event, attended by students, educators, and Rotary representatives, stood as a testament to the power of global partnerships in driving local community advancement. This poultry project is a component of the Rotary Club of Dominica’s broader commitment to executing impactful, sustainable projects across the island in collaboration with both local and international allies.

  • EZOTI en bedrijfsleven slaan handen ineen voor sterker ondernemersklimaat

    EZOTI en bedrijfsleven slaan handen ineen voor sterker ondernemersklimaat

    The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation (EZOTI) has concluded strategic discussions with the Suriname Trade and Industry Association (VSB) regarding a multi-year development initiative in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The Programme for Country Partnership (PCP), scheduled for implementation from 2026 through 2031, formed the central focus of these high-level consultations.

    During the comprehensive dialogue, both parties examined the pivotal role of the private sector within this ambitious framework. Key discussion points included industrial capacity enhancement, promotion of local content in production and services, generation of sustainable employment opportunities, and overall improvement of the business environment. Representatives from EZOTI and VSB unanimously emphasized that robust collaboration between government and industry is fundamental to achieving broader economic diversification and resilience.

    The negotiations also addressed persistent operational challenges faced by Surinamese enterprises, particularly regarding bureaucratic efficiency. Participants identified critical areas for improvement, including the modernization and simplification of government services, resolving labor market constraints, and implementing measures to boost innovation, productivity, and corporate competitiveness.

    In a significant procedural development, both institutions agreed to institutionalize their consultations through more frequent and structured meetings. This systematic approach aims to ensure closer alignment between policy formulation and practical implementation.

    The ministry and business association have committed to active collaboration in further refining and executing the PCP program. The ultimate objective remains strengthening Suriname’s industrial base and creating more favorable conditions for entrepreneurial growth throughout the nation.

  • Pensioners land lots sold out as locals snap up beachfront property

    Pensioners land lots sold out as locals snap up beachfront property

    A remarkable surge in demand for coastal real estate has resulted in the complete sell-out of pensioner-allocated beachfront land lots, with local buyers driving an unprecedented purchasing frenzy. The phenomenon reflects growing market dynamics where retirees’ property investments are being rapidly acquired by domestic purchasers seeking prime waterfront locations.

    Market analysts attribute this explosive sales activity to multiple converging factors: rising appreciation potential for coastal properties, post-pandemic reevaluation of lifestyle priorities, and strategic investment moves anticipating long-term value growth. The transaction velocity exceeded all projections, with available parcels being acquired within remarkably short timeframes.

    Real estate professionals report exceptional competition for these properties, highlighting their unique combination of scenic positioning, development potential, and investment security. The sell-out pattern demonstrates shifting property ownership trends where traditional retirement holdings are being absorbed by broader market participants.

    The market movement carries significant implications for regional development planning, housing affordability, and retirement asset management. Local authorities are now examining the broader consequences of this rapid property transfer and its impact on community composition and economic development.

  • Community drainage work underway in Urlings, Senator says

    Community drainage work underway in Urlings, Senator says

    Senator Dwayne George has demonstrated his commitment to grassroots political engagement by personally participating in drainage cleanup operations in the community of Urlings. The hands-on initiative, aimed at mitigating flood risks, saw the senator actively clearing gutters and waterways to improve drainage infrastructure ahead of anticipated heavy rainfall.

    In an official statement released Thursday, Senator George emphasized that direct community service constitutes a fundamental aspect of his representation philosophy. “We continue to serve the constituency with dedication and purpose, taking action where it matters most,” he stated, characterizing his approach as “hands-on representation” that involves working directly alongside constituents.

    The drainage maintenance forms part of a broader environmental preparedness strategy focused on maintaining clean waterways and enhancing community resilience against water-related challenges. Senator George highlighted the dual objectives of protecting residential areas while preserving environmental cleanliness through proactive measures.

    This intervention addresses persistent flooding concerns that plague multiple communities during peak rainfall seasons, where obstructed drainage systems frequently contribute to localized flooding incidents. The senator’s participatory approach underscores a political methodology that prioritizes visible, practical action alongside policy-level solutions to constituent concerns.

  • COMMENTARY: Should A Political Party Drink Bush Tea For A Person’s Fever

    COMMENTARY: Should A Political Party Drink Bush Tea For A Person’s Fever

    In a compelling examination of political praxis, the fundamental question arises: should a political party intervene to address the suffering of its constituents, even when they remain silent? The unequivocal answer is yes. This analysis argues that a party’s refusal to ‘drink bush tea for a person’s fever’—a metaphor for addressing societal ailments—constitutes a profound failure in its core mission to mobilize, empathize with, and galvanize the masses into political action.

    True political leadership demands sound judgment, deep empathy, and an authentic connection to the lived realities of ordinary citizens. For any party, particularly an opposition group aspiring to govern, to withhold advocacy because people do not vocalize their grievances is not only unwise and counterproductive but fundamentally irrational. This stance ignores the complex socio-political dynamics at play, especially within small societies like Antigua and Barbuda, where government tentacles reach deeply as the largest employer. Here, fears of retaliation, social pressure, and job insecurity understandably silence many, making it the party’s duty to become the voice for the vulnerable rather than scolding their silence.

    The responsibility falls upon political organizations to canvass, engage, and mobilize the amorphous masses for democratic advancement, advocating for reforms and acting on behalf of the people regardless of their awareness of their own dilemmas. History consistently demonstrates that parties gain substantial support when leaders exhibit genuine understanding, empathy, and initiate actions to address public problems.

    Drawing from Leninist theory, the concept of the Vanguard Party provides a powerful framework. As developed in Lenin’s 1902 pamphlet, this centralized group of disciplined revolutionaries was designed to provide practical and political leadership on behalf of the entire working class, engaging them in revolutionary politics to ultimately secure power. Crucially, the Vanguard Party would never dismiss ordinary workers for failing to speak out against capitalism or demonstrate against their problems; rather, its raison d’être was to educate, motivate, and galvanize them into action.

    This concept remains broadly applicable today: any political party worthy of the name should operate as a vanguard, focusing on the interests of all people, particularly the vulnerable, poor, powerless, and voiceless. Finally, addressing recent commentary referencing biblical scripture to argue against political advocacy, the analysis concludes with a powerful counterpoint: the ultimate act of drinking bush tea for everyone’s fever was exemplified through sacrifice for the greater good, reinforcing the moral imperative for political parties to champion their constituents’ causes unconditionally.