Carib Scope

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  • Strengthening emergency response capabilities: U.S.-Dominica police collaboration enhances tactical skills

    Strengthening emergency response capabilities: U.S.-Dominica police collaboration enhances tactical skills

    In a significant demonstration of international security cooperation, U.S. and Dominican forces have concluded an intensive tactical medical exchange program that promises to enhance emergency response capabilities throughout the region. The five-day training initiative, conducted from February 23-27, brought together specialists from the U.S. Virgin Islands Army National Guard and the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force for hands-on skill development.

    The comprehensive program focused on the MARCH protocol—an evidence-based approach to trauma care encompassing Massive hemorrhage control, Airway management, Respiration, Circulation, and Head trauma/hypothermia prevention. Participants engaged in both theoretical learning and practical application, culminating in realistic field simulations that tested their newly acquired life-saving techniques.

    Chief Lincoln Corbette of the Dominican Police Force expressed profound appreciation for the collaborative effort, noting: ‘We were blessed with practical knowledge that substantially strengthens our operational capabilities. Our partnership with the United States continues to deepen, and we anticipate further expanding this productive cooperation.’

    The training deployment was spearheaded by First Lieutenant Keyvil King of the U.S. Virgin Islands Army National Guard, with additional support from U.S. Army Civil Affairs personnel working in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown. These personnel simultaneously engaged in strategic relationship-building exercises to identify future collaborative opportunities.

    Captain Elbert Smart, Civil Affairs Team Leader, characterized the exchange as ‘both an honor and a pleasure,’ emphasizing that such initiatives ‘strengthen professional relationships and establish enduring partnerships.’

    According to official statements from the U.S. Embassy, this joint effort reflects the committed partnership between the United States and Dominica to enhance regional resilience, advance professional development standards, and significantly improve emergency preparedness protocols throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Island Champs get underway at DSCG

    Island Champs get underway at DSCG

    The Island Champs secondary school athletics championships exploded into action, heralding a week of intense competition set to culminate on March 22nd at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The opening day on Monday, March 9th, saw athletes from 25 schools across the island battle in a series of track and field preliminaries, establishing early benchmarks and setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

    The initial track events, conducted on a 300m grass surface, featured the 80m, 100m, 300m, and 400m sprints, alongside the 4x300m and 4x400m relays. The schedule continues with preliminary rounds for longer distances, including the 150m through to the 1500m, on Tuesday, with semifinals scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th. Concurrently, field events commence at the Saint Lucia Sports Academy on Wednesday, March 11th, opening with ball throw, javelin, long jump, and high jump across various divisions.

    While defending champions St Joseph’s Convent (SJC) and St Mary’s College (SMC) demonstrated a strong initial showing, they face formidable challenges from rivals including Vieux Fort Comprehensive (VFCSS), Soufriere Comprehensive, the Saint Lucia Sports Academy (SLSA), and Beanefield Comprehensive, ensuring the title race remains wide open.

    Notable early performances emerged across all age groups. In the Under-14 girls’ division, SJC’s Jaela St Clair and Skai Sammy dominated their 80m heats with a blistering 10.7 seconds. SLSA’s Brianne Jason commanded the 300m in 45.5 seconds, while VFCSS posted the leading 4x300m relay time.

    The boys’ competition was electrified by Soufriere’s Devin Mesmain, who emerged as the frontrunner in both the 80m (9.7s) and 300m (43.2s). He is poised for intense showdowns with Nasri Edwin (VFCSS) and others in the 80m, and must fend off defending champion Evan Sankar (SMC) for the 300m crown.

    In intermediate categories, Ianna James set the standard in the U-16 girls’ 100m with a time of 12.5 seconds. The battle for 400m supremacy appears to be between VFCSS and SLSA, with the latter’s Laila Nicholas clocking a leading 1:03.8. The boys’ intermediate 100m finals are shaping up to be a clash between VFCSS’s Renard Bernard (11.0s) and Sir Ira Simmons’ Armni Phillips (11.1s).

    The premier Under-18 division lived up to its hype, featuring clashes between established CARIFTA athletes. Beanefield’s Barbara-Marie Maximin edged ahead of Choiseul’s double champion Jady Emmanuel in the 100m, while Leon Hess’s Akaiha Weeks narrowly outperformed SLSA’s Isabella Emilienne in the 400m. The boys’ division saw the Beanefield duo of Kade Francis (10.7s) and Jermario Actille leading the 100m preliminaries, signaling a highly competitive finals week ahead.

  • LISTEN: Antigua and Barbuda Set to Outpace Caribbean Neighbours, PM Says

    LISTEN: Antigua and Barbuda Set to Outpace Caribbean Neighbours, PM Says

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has articulated a compelling vision for Antigua and Barbuda’s economic trajectory, positioning the nation to surpass regional counterparts through strategic developmental initiatives. During a recent appearance on the Browne and Browne radio program, the leader detailed comprehensive government investments across critical sectors including infrastructure modernization, tourism expansion, and housing development.

    Browne characterized the current period as the dawn of a national economic ‘renaissance,’ with tangible results expected to materialize within the coming years. ‘We are literally on the cusp of a transformative economic phase that will distinguish our growth trajectory from other Caribbean nations,’ Browne stated, emphasizing the foundational work completed over recent years.

    The Prime Minister highlighted specific developmental projects demonstrating the scale of national investment, including tourism infrastructure enhancements in Jolly Harbour and Barbuda, alongside new residential communities and comprehensive infrastructure upgrades. These initiatives have already yielded positive outcomes, particularly within the tourism sector where cruise port expansions have driven increased visitor arrivals.

    Browne’s economic strategy focuses on strengthening the nation’s economic foundation while simultaneously elevating living standards. The Prime Minister projected that by 2027-2028, the cumulative impact of current development projects will become increasingly evident, potentially transforming Antigua and Barbuda into one of the Caribbean’s most competitive and prosperous economies. This optimistic outlook stems from deliberate policy decisions and strategic investments designed to create sustainable long-term growth and regional economic leadership.

  • Lawyer Denies Reports of Arrest of Former Antigua and Barbuda Diplomat Alex Saab in Caracas

    Lawyer Denies Reports of Arrest of Former Antigua and Barbuda Diplomat Alex Saab in Caracas

    Conflicting reports emerged Wednesday regarding the alleged detention of Alex Saab, former Venezuelan diplomat and industry minister, along with prominent businessman Raúl Gorrín. Saab’s legal representative, Luigi Giuliano, explicitly denied arrest claims to Reuters, stating his client anticipated meeting with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez for clarification.

    Colombian media outlet Caracol initially reported that Venezuela’s intelligence agency (SEBIN) had detained both individuals. These claims gained partial credibility when an anonymous U.S. official confirmed the arrest to Reuters, suggesting the detentions related to money laundering charges and reflected growing law enforcement collaboration between Washington and Caracas.

    The developments occur against the backdrop of accelerated diplomatic normalization between the two nations following the Biden administration’s December 2023 prisoner exchange that secured Saab’s release after three years of U.S. imprisonment. This reconciliation continued despite recent tensions including the January 3rd bombings and kidnapping attempts targeting President Nicolás Maduro.

    Venezuelan authorities maintained official silence regarding the situation. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez claimed no knowledge of the matter, while Attorney General Tarek William Saab first denied reports before stating he lacked information about potential arrests.

    The absence of public statements from both Saab and Gorrín since Wednesday intensified speculation. Saab’s wife, Camilla Fabbri, who directs the government’s repatriation program, posted a social media message stating ‘the truth will prevail’ without directly addressing detention allegations.

    Saab, a Colombian-born businessman, rose to prominence as a key Maduro ally by orchestrating import channels despite U.S. sanctions. His 2020 arrest in Cape Verde and subsequent extradition to the U.S. sparked diplomatic confrontations, with Caracas arguing violation of his diplomatic immunity. Gorrín remains under U.S. sanctions for alleged corruption and money laundering through his ownership of La Vitalicia insurance and Globovisión television network.

  • Antigua and Barbuda PM Says Commonwealth Could Anchor Alliance of Middle Powers in Changing Global Order

    Antigua and Barbuda PM Says Commonwealth Could Anchor Alliance of Middle Powers in Changing Global Order

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has positioned the Commonwealth as the potential cornerstone for a new coalition of ‘middle powers’ amid global geopolitical transformations. In a comprehensive editorial published by The Telegraph, Browne emphasized that recent international developments have highlighted the critical need for cooperation among nations that, while not superpowers, still possess significant influence in maintaining global stability.

    Browne referenced Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent remarks about the evolving role of middle powers, suggesting that countries outside dominant geopolitical blocs must collaborate to safeguard their interests. ‘With the unfolding events in the Middle East, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney’s recent speech on middle powers takes on a new relevance,’ Browne asserted in his commentary.

    The Prime Minister warned against assuming the international system would revert to its previous structure, describing such thinking as ‘dangerously naïve.’ He stressed that the geopolitical order is undergoing permanent transformation, requiring nations to ensure they remain relevant in global decision-making processes rather than becoming marginalized.

    Browne identified the Commonwealth of Nations—a 56-member organization with shared historical ties and political traditions—as an existing framework ideally suited for enhanced cooperation among medium-sized economies. He highlighted the organization’s unique advantages stemming from longstanding cultural, institutional and political connections that could be leveraged into stronger economic and diplomatic partnerships.

    ‘What makes our Commonwealth relationships so valuable is that they are not caused by geography but made through choice and underpinned by the values we share,’ Browne wrote, emphasizing the voluntary nature of these associations.

    The Prime Minister cited the documented ‘Commonwealth Advantage’—a phenomenon where trade costs between member states are approximately 21% lower on average compared to trade with non-members, attributable to common histories and political systems. Browne proposed deepening cooperation through reduction of non-tariff trade barriers, alignment of regulatory standards, and modernization of customs systems to facilitate enhanced trade across the Commonwealth network.

    Beyond economic cooperation, Browne noted member states’ shared positions on contemporary global challenges including climate change adaptation, democratic enhancement, and upholding rules-based international systems. He particularly emphasized how small island states have benefited immensely from rules-based global systems that protect nations lacking the military or economic weight of larger powers.

    With Antigua and Barbuda preparing to assume the Commonwealth’s rotating Chair-in-Office following the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St. John’s, Browne framed the gathering as a strategic opportunity to reconceptualize the organization’s role in international cooperation. He concluded that while such an alliance of compatible middle and small nations might otherwise need to be created anew, the Commonwealth already provides a ready-made platform for collective influence amplification in a changing world order.

  • Government Plans Yepton’s Hotel Alongside Airbnb Investment Programme for Locals

    Government Plans Yepton’s Hotel Alongside Airbnb Investment Programme for Locals

    The Antiguan government has unveiled a novel tourism development strategy designed to boost local economic participation through an innovative property initiative. Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced plans to transform a 15-acre beachfront parcel in Yepton’s into a dual-purpose tourism hub, featuring a government-developed 30-room boutique hotel alongside individually owned vacation rental properties.

    This ambitious project, revealed during the ‘Browne and Browne’ radio program, represents a significant shift from traditional large-scale foreign investment models. Instead of selling the entire coastal property to a single developer, the administration has created what Browne termed an “inclusive ownership programme” that enables citizens to construct and operate Airbnb-style accommodations on subdivided lots adjacent to the hotel.

    The prime minister explained that the prime beachfront land was acquired through a strategic asset swap with Global Bank of Commerce, resolving outstanding deposit obligations to the state. The development will feature a centrally located boutique hotel offering restaurant services and premium amenities, while individual lot owners will build small villas potentially equipped with plunge pools. All participants will share access to beachfront facilities and hospitality services connected to the hotel infrastructure.

    “We provide an opportunity for people to get involved in the hotel space by building Airbnb properties,” Browne stated, emphasizing the government’s deliberate choice to distribute ownership opportunities broadly rather than concentrating benefits with a single investor. This approach marks a strategic effort to ensure Antiguans and Barbudans gain direct stakes in their nation’s lucrative hospitality industry, potentially creating new wealth streams for local families while expanding the country’s tourism accommodation capacity.

  • OP-ED: 513 births – Dominica’s demographic emergency and the opportunity we must not waste

    OP-ED: 513 births – Dominica’s demographic emergency and the opportunity we must not waste

    The Commonwealth of Dominica is experiencing a severe demographic crisis characterized by a dramatic decline in birth rates that has reached alarming proportions. According to recent data from China-Friendship Hospital, which handles nearly all births on the island, only 513 births were recorded in 2025—representing a staggering 43% decrease from the already concerning 899 births documented in 2007.

    The statistical trajectory reveals an increasingly dire situation. Official records show that in 2022, Dominica registered 658 births against 777 deaths, resulting in a natural population deficit of 119 persons. The following year saw a similar pattern with 657 births and 744 deaths, confirming that mortality now consistently exceeds natality—a reality that has already arrived rather than merely being projected.

    This demographic implosion has been decades in the making. Between 1995 and 2008, primary school enrollment collapsed by 42%, while the Social Security system reached a critical point by 2007, paying out 68 cents in benefits for every dollar collected in contributions. The agricultural sector faces similar challenges, with the majority of farmers now over 60 years old, indicating widespread aging across all economic sectors.

    An unexpected development has emerged within this crisis: The United States government, under President Trump’s executive orders on deportations, has indicated that Dominica will receive deportees and refugees. While politically sensitive for a sovereign nation, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has acknowledged the demographic necessity, stating publicly that Dominica’s population has become dangerously insufficient.

    The critical question now centers on the composition of incoming migrants rather than whether they should be accepted. Dominican authorities must urgently negotiate for families with children, as each settling family with two or three children directly addresses the birth deficit, refills classroom seats, adds future Social Security contributors, and establishes rooted community households. Conversely, the government should avoid disproportionate numbers of unattached single men, whose integration patterns historically create social pressures that small communities struggle to absorb.

    The window for strategic action is narrow—once migration compositions are established through diplomatic channels, they become difficult to restructure. With only 513 births recorded last year, every family with children that settles in Dominica represents a partial solution to the demographic emergency that now defines the nation’s future.

  • Government Printery Workers Stage Second Day of Sit-In Over Unsanitary Conditions

    Government Printery Workers Stage Second Day of Sit-In Over Unsanitary Conditions

    Employees at the Government Printery in Antigua have intensified their industrial action, entering a second consecutive day of sit-in demonstrations to protest against severely compromised workplace conditions they describe as both unhygienic and hazardous. The protest emerges amidst ongoing retrofitting operations that have forced staff to work reduced half-day shifts.

    A primary grievance cited by the workforce involves a significant pigeon infestation within the facility’s roofing structure. According to staff reports, the birds have nested overhead, resulting in widespread contamination of workstations, official documents, and critical printing machinery with droppings. Employees assert that this situation has created an intolerable and potentially health-threatening environment, directly motivating their decision to initiate organized protest actions.

    In response to the escalating situation, high-level administrative discussions have been initiated. The Permanent Secretary of the department has engaged in talks with the Printery’s management and officials from the Public Works Department to formulate a swift resolution. Observations confirmed by Antigua.news on Tuesday indicated that personnel from the Public Works Department were already on-site conducting emergency repairs. These efforts form part of a coordinated attempt to mitigate the sanitation issues, address the employees’ concerns, and facilitate a return to standard operational procedures at the government facility.

  • Farmers praise G-CREWS Challenge Fund for Agriculture

    Farmers praise G-CREWS Challenge Fund for Agriculture

    Grenada’s agricultural sector is undergoing a transformative shift as farmers nationwide adopt advanced water conservation technologies to combat climate change challenges. Through the Climate-Resilient Water Sector in Grenada (G-CREWS) Challenge Fund for Agriculture, agricultural producers are receiving critical infrastructure including micro-sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, and rainwater harvesting solutions.

    To date, 69 farmers have benefited from these water-efficient technologies, with 20 recipients supported through the collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Grenada Development Bank. This strategic partnership is enabling agricultural workers to maintain consistent production despite increasingly variable climate patterns and reduced rainfall.

    Farmer Theresa Msacky reported revolutionary changes in her daily operations following the installation of water tanks and drip irrigation. “Previously, irrigation was extremely time-consuming using watering cans or hoses, and my rainwater storage capacity was minimal,” Msacky explained. “Now with six tanks, I’ve significantly reduced my water expenses while increasing annual yields.”

    Another beneficiary, Kimoney John, celebrated the elimination of water storage challenges. “The tank we received can sustain our chive beds for over a month during dry periods,” John stated. “This watering system has dramatically simplified farming operations.”

    Andell Daniel, who received both irrigation and rainwater-harvesting systems, now plans to diversify his crop production. “The collected water will accelerate seedling development, allowing me to supply both my own needs and national markets more efficiently,” Daniel noted.

    Joseph Noel, Acting Chief Land Use Officer and UNCCD National Focal Point, guaranteed that all interested farmers would receive support before the project concludes. Additional infrastructure including shade houses in various sizes will be deployed across the island by early 2026, with current expenditures exceeding EC$865,000.

    The G-CREWS project represents a multinational collaboration funded by the Green Climate Fund, Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment through its International Climate Initiative, and the Government of Grenada.

  • $4.7 million gymnasium floor upgrade almost complete

    $4.7 million gymnasium floor upgrade almost complete

    Barbados has elevated its athletic infrastructure to world-class standards with the installation of the Caribbean’s first ultra-modern glass sports floor at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium. The groundbreaking $4.7 million project replaces traditional wooden flooring with a state-of-the-art surface designed to enhance durability and multi-sport functionality.

    During an exclusive media tour led by Minister of Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith and National Sports Council Director Neil Murrell, officials demonstrated the innovative flooring system that uses projected lighting instead of physical tape for court markings. German installation specialists from ASB Multisport provided technical insights into the advanced surface that promises to transform athletic performance and event hosting capabilities.

    The modernization initiative addresses longstanding maintenance challenges associated with the previous wooden floor while significantly expanding the venue’s revenue potential through sports tourism. Minister Griffith emphasized that this investment positions Barbados alongside first-world nations in sporting infrastructure, noting that nearly $50 million has been allocated to facility upgrades between the last financial year and present.

    Construction commenced in mid-January and has progressed substantially ahead of schedule. The government plans to implement protective measures, including specialized floor covers, to accommodate non-sporting events while prioritizing usage by national basketball, volleyball, and netball federations. The minister stressed the importance of matching world-class athletic talent with comparable facilities, stating that elite athletes require premium infrastructure to excel internationally.

    Complementary projects include the ongoing installation of four light towers for the new 400-meter synthetic track within the gymnasium complex, scheduled for completion in coming weeks. Simultaneously, construction advances steadily on the new netball multipurpose stadium at Waterford, while renovations at the National Stadium continue ahead of projected timelines.