Carib Scope

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  • Miss Teen Dominica to be crowned this weekend

    Miss Teen Dominica to be crowned this weekend

    The Windsor Park Sports Stadium will transform into a vibrant showcase of emerging talent this Sunday as the Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company presents the 47th Miss Teen Dominica Pageant. Five distinguished contestants from across the island nation will compete for the coveted 2026 title in an evening celebrating youth excellence and cultural heritage.

    This year’s competition features an impressive roster of academically accomplished young women: Jeffrine Joseph (Castle Bruce Secondary School), Joyette Carbon (Portsmouth Secondary School), Janice Williams (Goodwill Secondary School), Marina Jno Baptiste (Operation Youth Quake), and Ladira Dyer (Isaiah Thomas Secondary School). Each contestant arrives with substantial community backing, featuring sponsorship support from prominent national institutions including the National Cooperative Credit Union, Springfield Trading, and Archipelago Trading.

    The pageant will employ a comprehensive judging system across five distinct performance categories: Promotional Speech, Talent Showcase, Creative Costume presentation, Evening Wear evaluation, and a critical Question & Answer segment. Beyond the competitive proceedings, attendees will be treated to special performances by reigning Calypso Monarch Joy, Janae Jackson, alongside finalists Nachel and Redz. The entertainment lineup further includes appearances by the Junior Calypso Monarch, Junior Bouyon Monarch, and cultural presentations by the Waitukubuli Dancers, Bwa Bwa, and the Mahaut Sensay troupe.

    Organizers have positioned the event as a centerpiece of Dominica’s Carnival celebrations, promising an immersive experience that blends traditional pageantry with contemporary entertainment. For those unable to attend physically, a pay-per-view streaming option will be available through the Kairi FM and DBS Facebook platforms. Tickets remain available for purchase at Depex and Bulls Eye Pharmacy locations throughout the island.

    With primary sponsorship provided by A.C. Shillingford & Co. Ltd., the 2026 edition continues the pageant’s nearly five-decade tradition of highlighting the intellectual, artistic, and cultural achievements of Dominica’s youth population.

  • BCCI: BTL Meeting Fails to Address Key Concerns on Speednet Acquisition

    BCCI: BTL Meeting Fails to Address Key Concerns on Speednet Acquisition

    The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has declared its fundamental concerns remain unresolved following recent discussions with Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) regarding its proposed acquisition of telecommunications competitor Speednet/SMART.

    This development creates a significant divergence in business community perspectives, as the Belize Business Bureau (BBB) separately endorsed the merger earlier this week, controversially asserting that ‘competition destroys profits.’

    In a detailed statement released Thursday, the BCCI acknowledged the meeting with BTL was constructive but insufficient. The chamber raised multiple substantive objections centered on regulatory compliance, financial transparency, and consumer protection.

    Key concerns include whether the acquisition violates Section 42(4) of Belize’s Telecommunications Act, the methodology used to determine the purchase price, and potential conflicts of interest in the valuation process. The chamber specifically called for independent scrutiny of the proposed return on investment calculations by a firm with no Belizean affiliations.

    The BCCI highlighted particular anxiety regarding the exposure of the Social Security Board (SSB) as a shareholder and uncertainties about rate-setting mechanisms under a potential monopoly. The statement emphasized that reduced competition would likely diminish tailored solutions, flexible contracts, and competitive pricing while increasing vulnerability to service outages and system failures.

    Citing the need for rigorous oversight, the chamber insisted the Public Utilities Commission must enforce robust consumer protection rules. The BCCI formally demanded full transaction disclosure, independent valuation, public consultation proceedings, and updated consumer protection legislation before any acquisition proceeds.

    The chamber’s statement concluded with a pointed emphasis on political neutrality, stating ‘The public must be confident there is no political interference’ in the regulatory process.

  • Brazilië opent deur voor gedeeltelijk handelsakkoord tussen Mercosur en China

    Brazilië opent deur voor gedeeltelijk handelsakkoord tussen Mercosur en China

    In a significant policy reversal, Brazil is now contemplating support for a partial trade agreement between the Mercosur bloc and China, according to senior Brazilian government officials. This strategic pivot marks a substantial departure for Latin America’s largest economy, which had previously blocked formal negotiations with Beijing to shield domestic industries from potential surges in Chinese imports.

    The development emerges amid Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi’s recent visit to Beijing, where both parties expressed optimism about expediting free trade talks between China and the Mercosur alliance—comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and soon-to-join Bolivia.

    While a comprehensive trade pact remains distant, Brazilian officials view a partial agreement as a viable long-term option. This reconsideration is partly driven by U.S. import tariffs that are disrupting global trade flows and reshaping international alliances. A limited-scope agreement could focus on non-tariff barriers such as import quotas, customs procedures, and health and safety regulations, potentially unlocking meaningful market access in China.

    Insiders note that Brazil’s shift reflects a ‘new global scenario’ where diversifying trade partners has gained urgency. China offers the advantage of allowing negotiations to commence with selected tariff lines rather than requiring full-scale commitments.

    However, significant obstacles persist. Mercosur requires unanimous consent among members, complicated by political divergences. Paraguay maintains official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, complicating negotiations with China—though Paraguay hasn’t ruled out an agreement provided its Taiwan relationship remains respected.

    Argentina, Latin America’s third-largest economy, presents another challenge. Under President Javier Milei, who seeks closer U.S. ties, Buenos Aires remains hesitant to support China-led trade discussions within Mercosur, particularly if they might strain relations with Washington.

    Trade experts emphasize that this new dynamic is partly driven by former President Trump’s trade policies, which pressured Latin American nations to limit Chinese ties. This has prompted China to strengthen regional trade relationships, positioning Mercosur as a potential key partner.

    The ultimate form of any Mercosur-China trade agreement remains uncertain, but Brazil’s recent signals indicate growing willingness to reconsider traditional positions and explore new commercial opportunities in an evolving global landscape.

  • UDP Boycotts House Sitting

    UDP Boycotts House Sitting

    In a dramatic political standoff, Belize’s United Democratic Party (UDP) parliamentary caucus has initiated a comprehensive boycott of the House of Representatives session today. This protest action, which the party has designated as “Round 3” in their ongoing demonstrations, targets the proposed acquisition of Speednet/SMART by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), a transaction the opposition condemns as profoundly corrupt and financially reckless.

    The UDP caucus issued a scathing statement characterizing the acquisition as “one of the most blatantly corrupt and reckless deals ever foisted upon the Belizean people.” The party explicitly refused to participate in what they described as a parliamentary “rubber stamp” process, asserting that their boycott represents “an act of conscience and common sense” rather than political theater.

    Central to the opposition’s concerns are multiple procedural deficiencies in the proposed transaction. The UDP highlighted the absence of an independent valuation of SMART, non-disclosure of liabilities, lack of audited financial statements, and insufficient regulatory safeguards. Additionally, the party raised serious questions regarding whether severance payments owed to former employees would be honored prior to any acquisition completion.

    Financial implications form a core component of the opposition’s critique, with the UDP estimating that Belizeans would inherit over $80 million in debt, plus associated interest and closing costs. The statement employed strong rhetoric, declaring: “This is not governance. This is not development. This is daylight robbery dressed up as national policy.”

    The UDP’s communication further accused Prime Minister Briceño and Markhelm Lizaraga of continuously altering the narrative while “attempting to ram this bitter pill down our throats.” The party concluded its declaration with the emphatic statement: “Enough is enough,” signaling their intent to maintain resistance against the telecommunications acquisition.

  • St Thomas Outpatient Clinic reopens after COVID-19 closure

    St Thomas Outpatient Clinic reopens after COVID-19 closure

    Barbados has taken a significant step toward decentralizing its healthcare system with the official reopening of the St Thomas Outpatient Clinic following extensive pandemic-related closures. The $3 million refurbishment project represents a strategic government initiative to alleviate strain on the national Queen Elizabeth Hospital while enhancing local access to medical services.

    Former Health Minister Jerome Walcott emphasized the clinic’s role in combating Barbados’s growing non-communicable disease epidemic, revealing that operations will commence on a two-day weekly schedule with planned expansion to five days as resources and patient demand increase. The facility’s revival forms part of a comprehensive healthcare restructuring plan that prioritizes community-based treatment options.

    Local MP Cynthia Forde confirmed the clinic’s reopening aligns with broader constituency health objectives, disclosing parallel plans to repurpose the shuttered Gordon Cummins Hospital into a specialized hospice providing long-term and palliative care services. Prime Minister Mia Mottley characterized these developments as fundamental to the administration’s vision of enabling Barbadians to receive critical medical attention within their communities rather than depending exclusively on centralized hospital care.

    The revitalized clinic is projected to substantially reduce patient burdens at tertiary healthcare facilities while improving preventive care outcomes through enhanced geographical accessibility and tailored community health interventions.

  • OECS Secretariat assists St Vincent and the Grenadines in advancing digital innovation

    OECS Secretariat assists St Vincent and the Grenadines in advancing digital innovation

    The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has reinforced its commitment to accelerating digital transformation across member nations, recognizing its pivotal role in modernizing governance structures and stimulating economic advancement. This strategic focus has materialized through a collaborative initiative with the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), where digital evolution constitutes a fundamental pillar of national development policy.

    A comprehensive two-day workshop convened in SVG brought together critical stakeholders from multiple governmental sectors including National Security, Immigration, Customs, Civil Registry, Electoral processes, and Health services. The session, supported by the European Union through the 11th EDF Regional Integration Through Growth, Harmonization, and Technology (RIGHT) project, focused on evaluating and strengthening the legal, policy, and governance frameworks essential for implementing advanced Civil Registration and Unique Identification (UID) systems.

    Dr. Didacus Jules, OECS Director General, articulated the profound implications of digital transformation, stating: “This transition represents far more than technological enhancement—it signifies a fundamental restructuring of government-citizen interaction and service delivery mechanisms.” He emphasized that modernized registration systems establish the foundation for transparent, agile, and inclusive governance structures.

    The workshop facilitated detailed consultations and expert-led discussions on emerging digital identification trends and optimal practices. Participants conducted thorough assessments of existing legislative frameworks while identifying areas requiring policy harmonization and modernization.

    Concurrently, specialized equipment was formally transferred to SVG authorities to support the decentralization and efficient management of civil registration operations across both urban and rural communities. Winston George, Coordinator of the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP), highlighted the UID system’s strategic significance as “a cornerstone of Digital Public Infrastructure” that enables streamlined government operations and robust Know Your Customer processes across sectors.

    Ms. Shernell Hadaway, representing the Attorney General’s office, emphasized the necessity of broad-based understanding and acceptance across government, civil society, and private sectors for successful system implementation.

    This integrated approach—combining policy refinement, technological investment, and capacity building—marks a significant advancement in SVG’s digital transformation journey. The OECS Commission continues to collaborate with SVG and other member states to develop secure, interoperable systems that improve service accessibility, stimulate economic activity, and position Eastern Caribbean nations as digital governance innovators.

  • Mottley urges Barbadians to seize training opportunities

    Mottley urges Barbadians to seize training opportunities

    A major workforce development initiative in Barbados is demonstrating significant success, having equipped over 1,500 citizens with new skills and catalyzed the creation of dozens of enterprises. Prime Minister Mia Mottley, addressing graduates at the Block Transformation Unit (BTU) Project Dawn ceremony at Illaro Court, championed the program as a pivotal mechanism for providing second-chance opportunities and fostering economic empowerment.

    The ceremony, which celebrated over 380 graduates, served as a platform to underscore the government’s expansive investment in nationwide upskilling. Mottley detailed the extensive ecosystem of training avenues now accessible to Barbadians, spanning institutions like the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute (SJPI), Barbados Community College (BCC), Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB), and the National Transformation Initiative (NTI). Emphasizing inclusivity, the Prime Minister highlighted the NTI’s digital platform, which offers over 15,000 free online courses, ensuring learning is available to all, regardless of schedule or learning preference.

    Mottley passionately advocated for the tangible value of education, stating, ‘Knowledge is power, knowledge is money. Knowledge can never be taken from you.’ She directly encouraged attendees to leverage these opportunities, a call to action extended to the friends and family of the graduates present.

    The program’s impact extends beyond individual education. Since its 2024 inception, the BTU has directly led to the formal registration of 45 new small businesses with the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO). This entrepreneurial wave includes 10 registered groups of small farmers coordinated with the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC). Furthermore, the initiative has successfully integrated participants into other national programs like the Barbados Youth Advance Corps, creating pathways to sustained employment.

    Looking forward, the government plans to scale the program’s reach. Mottley announced intentions to fully utilize newly completed dormitories to facilitate expanded residential training, aiming for four annual cohorts undergoing intensive eight-week sessions. Financial support for new entrepreneurs is also set to increase. Through the Trust Loans Programme, participants can currently access collateral-free loans up to $5,000. Mottley signaled a potential post-election expansion of this ceiling to $20,000 for those who demonstrate repayment reliability, with an intermediate step up to $10,000 available.

    Concluding her address, the Prime Minister advised employed graduates to seek union membership for workplace solidarity and urged those still seeking positions to register with the Ministry of Labour’s Jobs Registry, a tool designed to efficiently connect skilled Barbadians with prospective employers.

  • Constable Anestine Massicot Distinguishes Herself in Prestigious Abu Dhabi Police Training Programme

    Constable Anestine Massicot Distinguishes Herself in Prestigious Abu Dhabi Police Training Programme

    In a significant achievement for Caribbean law enforcement, Constable Anestine Massicot of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has earned exceptional recognition in an elite international police training program conducted in Abu Dhabi. The intensive program, hosted by the UAE Ministry of Interior Police Academy in collaboration with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), concluded in January 2026 with Massicot standing out as the sole representative from her nation.

    Selected for the prestigious IACP/UAE Ministry of Interior Police Academy Exchange Programme, Constable Massicot demonstrated outstanding capabilities throughout the rigorous four-to-five-month curriculum. Training assessments highlighted her superior analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and proficient application of policing theories during both classroom instruction and practical scenario-based exercises. Instructors particularly noted her unwavering professionalism, discipline, and adaptability in navigating the challenges of the structured academy environment, which encompassed physical conditioning, drills, academic studies, and realistic policing operations.

    Her conduct throughout the program exemplified the highest standards of law enforcement professionalism, characterized by punctuality, respect, accountability, and composure in all interactions with international colleagues and trainers. This achievement continues a tradition of excellence from Antigua and Barbuda, following the successful completion of the same program by Constables Theona Pascal, Jahmesha Daniel, and Shawn Silston in January 2025.

    The program, fully funded by the UAE Ministry of Interior to include travel, accommodation, meals, training materials, and medical insurance, represents a substantial investment in international law enforcement cooperation and capacity building. This initiative underscores the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda’s dedicated commitment to continuous professional development and strengthening collaborative ties with global policing partners.

    Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers extended heartfelt congratulations to Constable Massicot on behalf of the entire force, simultaneously expressing profound gratitude to the IACP and the UAE Ministry of Interior for their invaluable partnership and commitment to advancing professional policing standards worldwide.

  • Jamaica vs Uruguay: Davis Cup tied at 1-1

    Jamaica vs Uruguay: Davis Cup tied at 1-1

    In a dramatic display of international tennis competition, Jamaica and Uruguay concluded the opening day of their Davis Cup Group Two qualifier deadlocked at 1-1 following two intensely contested matches at Kingston’s Eric Bell Centre on Saturday.

    The Jamaican squad initially faced a setback as Rowland ‘Randy’ Phillips suffered a straight-sets defeat (3-6, 6-7) against Uruguay’s Franco Roncadelli. The momentum shifted dramatically in the second match when Jamaican athlete Blaise Bicknell mounted a spectacular comeback victory. After surrendering a substantial 5-2 lead in the decisive third set, Bicknell demonstrated remarkable resilience by saving five match points before ultimately prevailing against Joaquin Aguilar Cardoza with a final score of 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.

    Tennis Jamaica President John Azar described the competition as ‘an enthralling day of tennis from start to finish,’ characterizing the back-and-forth battle as a ‘real rollercoaster’ of emotions. Azar noted the extraordinary nature of Bicknell’s performance, particularly his ability to rescue three match points when trailing 6-5 in the final set.

    The tournament resumes Sunday with three critical matches that will determine which nation advances. The schedule features a doubles confrontation pitting Jamaica’s Daniel Azar and Nicholas Gore against the Uruguayan duo of Roncadelli and Cardoza, followed by reverse singles matches with Bicknell facing Roncadelli and Phillips competing against Cardoza.

  • NHT appeals for patience as it conducts validation checks

    NHT appeals for patience as it conducts validation checks

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s National Housing Trust (NHT) has initiated a comprehensive verification drive to bolster its security framework, requesting approximately 1,000 contribution refund applicants to resubmit their claims through enhanced channels. The move aims to reinforce system integrity and prevent fraudulent activities while ensuring accurate disbursement of funds.

    During a recent JIS Think Tank session on February 5, Dwayne Berbick, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at NHT, emphasized that the validation checks are critical for maintaining operational accuracy. “Our primary objective is to safeguard both the institution and our contributors from errors and malicious claims,” Berbick stated.

    The NHT is actively encouraging applicants to utilize its official online portal for resubmission, citing improved convenience and heightened security measures. Berbick reassured contributors that processing times have been drastically reduced from 15 days to just four or five days, thanks to systemic upgrades and streamlined procedures. “We urge applicants not to feel discouraged. The resubmission process is now faster and more efficient, ensuring prompt refunds once verified,” he added.

    Cameo Simmons Thomas, Supervisor for the Contributions, Refunds, Payments and Monitoring Unit, highlighted the importance of precise personal and banking details. She explained that even minor discrepancies—such as missing hyphens, spaces, or accent marks—can cause significant delays, as each application undergoes rigorous cross-verification with banking institutions. “Consistency across all documents is essential. The account must be primarily held by the applicant, and the registered name must exactly match NHT and bank records,” Thomas noted.

    To date, the NHT has disbursed over $5 billion in refunds, demonstrating its commitment to both efficiency and fraud prevention. The organization continues to advocate for digital submissions to minimize errors and accelerate processing.