Carib Scope

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  • Teachers Raise Administrative, Leadership and Safety Concerns at Pares Secondary in Letter to Education Ministry

    Teachers Raise Administrative, Leadership and Safety Concerns at Pares Secondary in Letter to Education Ministry

    Educators at Pares Secondary School have issued a formal plea to the Ministry of Education, urging immediate action to address critical institutional failures spanning administrative dysfunction, leadership deficiencies, and severe security lapses. Dated March 10 and directed to senior officials including Minister Daryll Matthew, the correspondence catalogues systemic issues that have eroded professional confidence and compromised safety.

    The teaching staff reports an atmosphere of operational chaos characterized by excessive micromanagement despite the presence of two deputy principals, creating bureaucratic confusion and undermining established managerial protocols. The letter further alleges a breakdown in formal communication channels, with directives occasionally delivered through unofficial intermediaries, resulting in inconsistent messaging and procedural ambiguity.

    Of gravest concern are security failures that have left both staff and students vulnerable. Educators note that repeated requests for enhanced safety measures since September 2025 have gone unaddressed, while incidents involving weapons, substance abuse, and violent behavior have persisted unchecked. The situation escalated dramatically with a reported stabbing incident on March 9, intensifying demands for immediate protective measures including routine bag inspections and revised security protocols.

    The document also references unresolved conflicts between administration and faculty, alleging that legitimate concerns are met with dismissive responses. With the teachers’ union now involved, the petition calls for comprehensive investigations into administrative practices, chain of command adherence, and disciplinary procedures. The collective appeal emphasizes that ministerial intervention is essential to restore institutional accountability, professional integrity, and fundamental safety within the educational environment.

  • Turner leads Antigua and Barbuda delegation for pivotal UN Talks on women empowerment and gender equality

    Turner leads Antigua and Barbuda delegation for pivotal UN Talks on women empowerment and gender equality

    A high-level delegation from Antigua and Barbuda, spearheaded by the Hon. Rawdon Turner, Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, has arrived in New York to participate in the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). The pivotal summit, scheduled from March 9 to 19 at the UN headquarters, serves as a critical global platform for advancing women’s rights and empowerment.

    The delegation comprises distinguished officials, including the Hon. Shenella Govia, Leader of Government Business in Parliament’s Upper House and Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Works. They are supported by a team of experts: Permanent Secretary Sarah Stuart from the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, alongside Jamie Saunders and Ashlea Ambris from the Directorate of Gender Affairs. The Antigua and Barbuda Permanent Mission to the United Nations is orchestrating the delegation’s engagements throughout the event.

    Central to the delegation’s mission is a robust agenda focused on dismantling systemic barriers to gender parity. Key discussion points will emphasize the urgent need for legal system reforms, the abolition of discriminatory legislation, and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls. Minister Turner and Senator Govia will contribute to high-level ministerial segments, advocating for critical issues such as the empowerment of older women, the full societal participation of women, and the eradication of gender-based violence.

    Further broadening the nation’s impact, Executive Director Jamie Saunders is slated to engage in specialized side events. These include a session on promoting climate justice via gender-responsive financing and another where he will deliver an official statement on combating digital gender-based violence. Additionally, the Permanent Mission is facilitating bilateral talks with partner countries to foster collaborative initiatives aimed at accelerating gender equality and empowerment efforts within Antigua and Barbuda.

  • “Budgeting for Belizean Prosperity”: Briceño Tables $1.9 Billion Budget

    “Budgeting for Belizean Prosperity”: Briceño Tables $1.9 Billion Budget

    BELMOPAN, BELIZE – Prime Minister John Briceño presented a transformative $1.902 billion national budget for fiscal year 2026/2027 to the House of Representatives on March 10, 2026, under the ambitious theme “Budgeting for Belizean Prosperity.” This comprehensive financial plan allocates a record-breaking $606.8 million to capital investment projects, representing 32% of total expenditures – the highest proportion in the nation’s history.

    The budget framework projects revenues and grants at $1.792 billion, marking an 8.5% increase ($139 million) over the previous fiscal year. Despite global economic headwinds, the government forecasts a primary surplus of 1.07% of GDP with an overall deficit contained at -1.49% of GDP.

    Economic indicators reveal remarkable stability: unemployment has plummeted to a historic low of 2.0%, inflation remains subdued at 1.1%, and GDP growth reached 1.9% in 2025 with projections of 2.3% for 2026. The nation’s public debt has been dramatically reduced from over 130% to 66.6% of GDP, while central bank reserves stand robust at $1.1 billion.

    Social investments feature prominently, with all 15,000 public officers, teachers, and security personnel receiving a 4% salary increase – the second consecutive raise following last year’s 4.5% adjustment. This $28.5 million commitment brings total wage and pension allocations to $78.7 million annually.

    Healthcare transformation continues with the complete nationwide rollout of the National Health Insurance programme, now extending to the Cayo District’s 80,000 eligible residents. With $57 million allocated to NHI, $52.5 million to Central Medical Stores, and $33.7 million for operational support of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Belize’s medical infrastructure receives unprecedented funding. A Taiwan-funded state-of-the-art hospital in San Pedro Town receives $19.1 million in capital budget allocations.

    Infrastructure development represents the budget’s centerpiece, featuring the comprehensive upgrade of the George Price Highway from Belize City to Belmopan. The project utilizes a $34.5 million Caribbean Development Bank loan and Kuwait Fund financing, with civil works commencing in April 2026. Simultaneously, two critical Belize City bridges will be replaced: the Belcan Bridge through Taiwan’s $20 million investment and the historic Swing Bridge via $28 million in Japanese grant aid through JICA.

    Educational reforms achieve landmark status with the government’s Upliftment Project expanding to 27 secondary schools, serving over 14,000 students – a 1,000% increase from the 947 students covered at its 2022 inception. All government secondary school students now attend tuition-free, with 83% of nationwide secondary students receiving financial assistance. The US$125 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact with the United States continues, directing US$53.8 million to education and US$41.7 million to energy initiatives.

    Energy security advances through plans to add over 100 megawatts of renewable capacity within three years, supported by Saudi Fund for Development solar investments and IFC-backed private sector programs. The recently nationalized hydroelectric facilities, rebranded as Hydro Belize Limited, successfully raised $134.8 million through an oversubscribed share offering to local investors.

    Fiscal modernization measures include transforming the Belize Tax Service into a Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority, introducing electronic invoicing systems, and establishing an ambitious target to reduce public debt below 50% of GDP by 2030.

  • Ministry of Tourism supports Carriacou Culture Train String Band Group

    Ministry of Tourism supports Carriacou Culture Train String Band Group

    In a significant move to preserve cultural heritage, Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture has allocated EC$34,417.38 to restore the musical capabilities of the Carriacou Culture Train String Band Group. This investment comes as a direct response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which destroyed approximately 90% of the group’s instrumental inventory.

    The funding, delivered through the ministry’s Community Tourism Grant Funding Project, enabled the procurement of essential equipment including guitars, ukuleles, microphones, and a digital mixer. The formal handover ceremony occurred at the Grenada Tourism Authority’s Carriacou office, symbolizing the government’s commitment to cultural preservation.

    Senior Technical Officer Delysia DeCoteau emphasized the group’s dual role in both preserving traditional music and engaging youth through their Culture Kids programme. ‘The proposal clearly demonstrated the value of the group’s work in maintaining musical traditions while contributing to cultural events across the island,’ DeCoteau stated during the presentation.

    Permanent Secretary Leanwall Perrotte poetically characterized the donation as providing ‘the tools of storytelling,’ noting that ‘In Carriacou, we do not just play music—we tell our history through strings. Our music connects our past to our future, from the Big Drum to the Parang Festival.’

    Formed in May 2019, the community-based ensemble launched its youth training initiative just two months later, achieving substantial local support. The hurricane’s destruction had forced participating children to share instruments, severely hampering educational efforts.

    Cultural Officer Anderson Matheson, who leads the group, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention: ‘As we train the next generation of musicians, having proper instruments is essential for learning and cultural continuity.’ Musical Director Neal Matheson similarly commended the ministry’s responsive support.

    The Community Tourism Grant Funding Project represents a broader strategic effort to strengthen community-based tourism initiatives throughout Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, simultaneously supporting cultural preservation and sustainable livelihoods.

  • Fight Leads to BDF Soldier’s Death

    Fight Leads to BDF Soldier’s Death

    BELIZE CITY – A tragic incident has claimed the life of Belize Defence Force (BDF) soldier Private Rasheed Flowers, who succumbed to fatal stab wounds following an altercation on Monday evening. The Belize Police Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s untimely death.

    According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, law enforcement personnel responded to an emergency report originating from Gladden Street. Preliminary information indicates that Flowers was present in a residential yard when a physical confrontation erupted, resulting in multiple stab wounds inflicted by an assailant.

    Despite receiving immediate medical attention, the soldier was pronounced deceased at the treatment facility. Police authorities have confirmed they are actively pursuing a single suspect in connection with the stabbing incident. ACP Romero disclosed that preliminary evidence suggests alcohol consumption may have contributed to the altercation, and that both the victim and alleged perpetrator were previously acquainted.

    ‘The victim sustained multiple penetrating injuries during the incident,’ Romero stated, adding that investigators are currently reviewing potential surveillance footage from the vicinity to gather additional evidence.

    The Belize Defence Force has officially characterized Flowers’ passing as a ‘sudden loss’ to the military community. Major Kevin Campbell, director of the BDF Band, revealed that the deceased soldier had served as a full-time military musician since 2019, specializing as a trombonist within the armed forces’ musical division.

    Major Campbell memorialized Flowers’ exceptional musical aptitude and professional dedication: ‘He possessed remarkable ability to quickly assimilate and retain complex musical arrangements. Notably, on March 9th, he was actively participating in uniform during the Heroes and Benefactors parade mere hours before this tragic occurrence.’

    On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and BDF leadership, Campbell extended formal condolences to Flowers’ family and colleagues, emphasizing the profound impact of his loss on the military community. The BDF has announced that Private Flowers will receive full military honors at his funeral proceedings.

  • Health ministry urges proper hygiene among food handlers amid Norovirus increase

    Health ministry urges proper hygiene among food handlers amid Norovirus increase

    The Ministry of Health and Wellness has escalated public health advisories following a significant surge in gastrointestinal infections nationwide. Epidemiological data reveals a concerning uptick in cases since early February 2026, particularly affecting pediatric populations, though adult infections are rising concurrently.

    Laboratory analysis has confirmed Norovirus contamination in multiple stool samples, identifying the pathogen as the primary culprit behind the outbreak. This extremely contagious virus triggers acute gastroenteritis symptoms including violent vomiting, watery diarrhea, and potentially severe dehydration requiring medical intervention.

    Health authorities emphasize that food handlers represent a critical transmission vector and must implement enhanced hygiene protocols. Beyond standard handwashing, the ministry mandates rigorous surface disinfection using diluted bleach solutions to disrupt viral transmission chains.

    The advisory outlines specific containment measures:
    – Thorough hand cleansing with soap and water for minimum 20-second intervals
    – Employing disposable towels for hand drying
    – Avoiding facial contact with unwashed hands
    – Maintaining proper food temperature controls and vector protection
    – Mandatory 48-hour exclusion from work post-symptom resolution for affected individuals

    While alcohol-based sanitizers provide partial protection, officials confirm soap and water remain superior for norovirus eradication. The ministry stresses that conscientious hygiene practices constitute the foremost defense against this and other infectious diseases currently circulating.

  • Grenada attends Second International Planning Meeting for Expo 2027

    Grenada attends Second International Planning Meeting for Expo 2027

    Grenada is positioning itself as an active participant in the global Expo 2027 landscape through the strategic attendance of its officials at the Second International Planning Meeting in Belgrade, Serbia. Chief Cultural Officer Kelvin Jacob and Trade Officer Portia Fraser are representing the Caribbean nation among 451 international delegates at the critical March 10-12 preparatory sessions.

    The Belgrade meeting serves as a pivotal platform for Grenada to contribute substantially to the exposition’s developmental phase. Delegates are engaging in comprehensive discussions covering pavilion design concepts, cultural programming initiatives, national participation frameworks, and implementation timelines. This proactive involvement ensures Grenada’s perspectives are integrated into the exposition’s foundational planning.

    Scheduled for May 15 through August 15, 2027, Expo 2027 will operate under the thematic banner “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All.” The event aims to examine how recreational activities, creative expression, musical traditions, and athletic pursuits can enhance social cohesion, advance human development, and facilitate cross-cultural dialogue among participating nations.

    Beyond cultural dimensions, the exposition presents significant economic opportunities for Grenada. The gathering is anticipated to generate substantial trade and investment prospects that could benefit Grenadian businesses well beyond the event’s 93-day duration. This aligns with the dual representation of both cultural and trade officials in Grenada’s delegation.

    The planning process represents a continuation of Grenada’s engagement that began at the first International Planning Meeting in June 2025, which saw participation from Commissioner Gail Purcell and Deputy Commissioner Portia Fraser. This sustained involvement demonstrates Grenada’s commitment to playing a meaningful role in this global initiative that seeks to foster a more inclusive and sustainable international community through innovation and cultural exchange.

  • Ministry of Health and Wellness records increase in gastrointestinal cases among children

    Ministry of Health and Wellness records increase in gastrointestinal cases among children

    The Ministry of Health & Wellness has issued a public health alert following a significant surge in gastrointestinal illnesses, particularly affecting children under five years of age. Epidemiological data reveals cases jumped from just one instance in the week ending February 7, 2026, to eight confirmed cases in both the weeks ending February 14 and February 28. Health officials emphasize that any weekly count exceeding three cases in this vulnerable demographic constitutes a serious concern.

    Laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of norovirus in several diarrheal samples. This pathogen is recognized for its extreme contagion, typically triggering intense but short-lived symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea, which can rapidly lead to dehydration if not properly managed. The ministry has also reported distinct outbreaks emerging within several daycare facilities, highlighting environments where the virus can spread swiftly.

    In response, health authorities are directing specific guidance toward childcare operators. The cornerstone of prevention is rigorous hand hygiene, requiring staff and children to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, followed by drying with disposable towels. While alcohol-based sanitizers are a secondary option, their efficacy against norovirus is notably reduced.

    Beyond handwashing, the ministry mandates stringent environmental cleaning protocols. This involves disinfecting all surfaces and toys with a diluted bleach solution, as standard cleaners are often insufficient to kill the resilient virus. Parents and caregivers are advised to monitor sick children for critical signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination, a dry mouth, absence of tears, unusual thirst, or lethargy. Persistent vomiting necessitates immediate medical attention.

    To prevent further community transmission, the ministry firmly states that any child experiencing vomiting or diarrhea must be kept isolated from school or nursery settings for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have fully subsided. The public is urged to adopt these measures proactively to protect individual and collective health.

  • Jamaica-Cuba medical partnership ends after nearly five decades amid reported contractual disagreements

    Jamaica-Cuba medical partnership ends after nearly five decades amid reported contractual disagreements

    After 49 years of bilateral health cooperation, Jamaica and Cuba have formally ended their medical partnership program as of March 4, 2026. The termination follows unsuccessful negotiations to renew the memorandum of understanding between the two nations, with fundamental disagreements regarding legal compliance and workers’ rights provisions ultimately derailing the partnership.

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade issued a comprehensive statement detailing the decision-making process, emphasizing that the arrangement had become untenable under Jamaican law and international labor conventions. The government identified two primary concerns during its review: the compensation mechanism for Cuban medical personnel and their passport retention rights.

    According to Jamaican authorities, while Cuban medical professionals received compensation equivalent to their Jamaican counterparts, these payments were channeled through Cuban authorities in U.S. dollars rather than distributed directly to the workers. Additionally, the government discovered that Cuban personnel did not maintain possession of their passports, though this was promptly rectified once identified.

    The Jamaican government initiated formal discussions in July 2025 to restructure the agreement, proposing direct salary payments to workers and guaranteed passport control—measures already implemented in other Caribbean nations with similar Cuban medical partnerships. Despite multiple diplomatic overtures including formal proposals in October and December 2025, and engagements at ambassadorial and ministerial levels, Jamaica received no substantive response from Cuban authorities.

    Cuba’s Foreign Ministry expressed profound regret over the termination, characterizing Jamaica’s decision as a unilateral action influenced by external pressure from the United States. Cuban officials maintained that the partnership had significantly benefited Jamaican healthcare, citing statistics including over 8.1 million patients treated, 74,302 surgical procedures performed, and approximately 90,000 lives saved throughout the program’s history.

    The conclusion of this nearly five-decade partnership raises questions about future healthcare delivery in Jamaica, particularly in specialized services where Cuban medical professionals had made substantial contributions, including the Operation Miracle program that restored vision for nearly 25,000 Jamaicans since 2010.

  • Catholic Bishop Accused of Stealing $250,000

    Catholic Bishop Accused of Stealing $250,000

    In a significant development within the Catholic Church, the Vatican has formally accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta of San Diego following his arrest on serious financial misconduct allegations. The prelate, who has led the local Chaldean Catholic community since 2017, faces sixteen criminal charges including embezzlement and money laundering totaling approximately $250,000 in congregational funds.

    The case unfolded when a vigilant church employee identified financial discrepancies in 2024, prompting an internal investigation that revealed substantial missing funds. The matter was subsequently escalated to law enforcement authorities, leading to a formal criminal investigation.

    According to the San Diego Sheriff’s Office, Bishop Shaleta was apprehended on March 5th at San Diego International Airport while attempting to depart the United States. The arrest occurred amidst what authorities characterize as an active effort to leave the country following the discovery of the alleged financial improprieties.

    During Monday’s court proceedings, Deputy District Attorney Joel Madero presented the prosecution’s case while the bishop’s legal representative entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. The defense counsel contended that Shaleta’s travel plans represented a previously scheduled trip to Germany rather than an attempt to evade justice.

    The case has sent ripples through the local religious community, particularly among the Chaldean Catholic congregation that Bishop Shaleta has served for nearly a decade. Church officials have emphasized their commitment to financial transparency and cooperation with ongoing investigations.