Carib Scope

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  • Politic : PM in Chile for the inauguration of President José Antonio Kast

    Politic : PM in Chile for the inauguration of President José Antonio Kast

    In a significant diplomatic move, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé is leading a high-level delegation to Santiago, Chile, to attend the March 11, 2026 inauguration ceremony of President José Antonio Kast, who was elected on December 4, 2025. The Haitian contingent includes Raina Forbin, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with her Special Advisor Guerly Leriche.

    This strategic participation underscores Haiti’s deliberate efforts to reinforce diplomatic relationships throughout Latin America. The Prime Minister’s presence at this ceremonial event signals Haiti’s commitment to nurturing international partnerships grounded in mutual respect and shared developmental objectives. The engagement represents more than mere protocol—it constitutes a deliberate foreign policy initiative aimed at expanding Haiti’s diplomatic footprint within the region.

    The delegation’s agenda focuses on strengthening the historical bonds between the Haitian and Chilean populations while exploring avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation across multiple strategic sectors. This diplomatic mission aligns with the Haitian government’s broader foreign policy vision of establishing constructive partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for national development and regional stability.

    The Prime Minister’s office confirmed that the delegation will conclude its diplomatic visit and return to Haiti on March 13, following substantive discussions with Chilean counterparts aimed at fostering closer intergovernmental collaboration.

  • Nieuwe directeur MI-GLIS, Belfor-Amoida legt nadruk op betrouwbare grondinformatie

    Nieuwe directeur MI-GLIS, Belfor-Amoida legt nadruk op betrouwbare grondinformatie

    In a formal ceremony at the Presidential Palace on Monday, Nita Belfor-Amoida was sworn in as the new Director of Suriname’s Management Institute for Land Registration and Land Information System (MI-GLIS). The inauguration was conducted by President Jennifer Simons and witnessed by Vice President Gregory Rusland, signaling the government’s heightened attention to land management reforms.

    President Simons emphasized the institution’s critical role in Suriname’s development framework, stating that MI-GLIS serves as the foundational pillar for recording and administering all real estate data nationwide. The institute bears legal responsibility for documenting and verifying information concerning the legal status of land and properties throughout the country.

    The head of state articulated that transparent and reliable land information constitutes an essential requirement for both government operations and citizen rights. ‘Clarity regarding property ownership between citizens and the state forms an indispensable component of national development,’ Simons asserted. She noted that authenticated land data proves vital for housing initiatives, agricultural programs, and resolving complex inheritance and property rights disputes.

    Simons further highlighted that land ownership conflicts have historically generated significant consequences for Surinamese families, making MI-GLIS’s accurate, efficient, and integrity-driven performance a governmental priority. She characterized land as both a fundamental factor of production and a prerequisite for national stability and development.

    The newly appointed director acknowledged her appointment represents a career milestone accompanied by substantial challenges. Belfor-Amoida expressed confidence that existing institutional obstacles could be systematically addressed through collaborative effort. ‘We must function as a unified team regardless of position—together we are strong,’ she declared in her inaugural address.

    Belfor-Amoida referenced her prior experience as a parliamentary faction expert, which she stated provided extensive training in legislative analysis. She committed to upholding legal compliance and regulatory adherence as guiding principles throughout her leadership tenure.

  • Travel : Philippe Bayard and Sunrise Airways honored in Berlin

    Travel : Philippe Bayard and Sunrise Airways honored in Berlin

    BERLIN – In a landmark achievement for Caribbean aviation, Haitian airline Sunrise Airways and its founder Philippe Bayard have been distinguished with two prestigious international awards at the 2026 International Travel Awards. The ceremony, organized by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), took place during the World Tourism Leaders’ Summit at ITB Berlin, the globe’s premier travel industry gathering.

    Bayard received both the Gold Award for Excellence in Airline Leadership – Caribbean and the Best Airline – Caribbean award, recognizing his company’s transformative impact on regional connectivity. This dual honor represents a significant milestone for the Haiti-based carrier, which has dedicated over a decade to developing air links throughout the Caribbean basin.

    In his acceptance speech, Bayard emphasized the symbolic importance of this recognition: “These international awards stand as tremendous honors for Sunrise Airways and our dedicated teams who work daily to bridge Caribbean communities. As a Haitian-founded enterprise, we take particular pride in fortifying connections between our islands and diaspora populations. Our objective remains unequivocal: to foster a more interconnected, accessible, and unified region through our One Caribbean vision.”

    Established in 2012, Sunrise Airways has transported approximately 1.85 million passengers across an expanding network that includes Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haitien, Santo Domingo, Havana, Miami, and numerous other Caribbean destinations. The airline’s recent expansion into the Eastern Caribbean in April 2024 has further integrated Antigua, Saint Kitts, Dominica, and Saint Lucia into its operational framework.

    The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), founded in 1999, is an internationally recognized professional media organization and UN Tourism affiliate that promotes sustainable development within the global travel sector. Their endorsement signals growing international recognition for Caribbean-based aviation initiatives challenging traditional transportation barriers in the region.

  • Keanu Reeves spotted at Boca Marina while filming movie in Dominican Republic

    Keanu Reeves spotted at Boca Marina while filming movie in Dominican Republic

    Hollywood icon Keanu Reeves has been immersing himself in the local culture of Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, while on location for his latest film project. The actor, known for his down-to-earth demeanor, was recently photographed and filmed enjoying the coastal ambiance at the popular Boca Marina Restaurant on March 9th.

    The establishment expressed profound delight in hosting the celebrated actor, sharing through social media that it was “a great pleasure” to welcome him. Visual evidence circulating online captures a genuinely relaxed Reeves appreciating authentic Dominican cuisine while engaging warmly with staff and patrons.

    In a particularly memorable moment, video footage shows the actor enthusiastically applauding restaurant employees who performed a vibrant birthday song accompanied by traditional Dominican instrumentation, including the distinctive güira and tambora. This spontaneous cultural exchange generated significant excitement among visitors and sparked considerable social media engagement.

    Reeves is currently in the Caribbean nation principal photography for the upcoming thriller ‘Shiver,’ directed by Tim Miller (‘Deadpool,’ ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’). The film’s narrative revolves around a smuggler trapped in a perilous time loop while navigating treacherous waters plagued by pirates, sharks, and other maritime dangers. The Boca Chica coastline provides a visually striking backdrop for this high-stakes survival story.

    The actor’s unexpected appearance and genuine interaction with local culture have drawn positive attention to the Dominican Republic’s growing status as a premier filming destination, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between international film productions and local communities.

  • Security : Kamikaze drones are not sparing the population

    Security : Kamikaze drones are not sparing the population

    A disturbing pattern of lethal drone operations in Haiti has been exposed by Human Rights Watch, revealing significant civilian casualties and raising serious questions about the involvement of private military contractors. According to a comprehensive investigation, these kamikaze drone strikes have killed and injured hundreds of non-combatants, including numerous children, over a ten-month period.

    Juanita Goebertus, Americas Director at Human Rights Watch, issued a stark condemnation: “Dozens of ordinary people, including many children, have been killed and injured in these lethal drone operations.” The organization’s data analysis documents at least 1,243 fatalities from 141 separate drone operations between March 2025 and January 2026. Among the dead were 43 adults with no apparent ties to criminal organizations and 17 children. Additionally, 738 people were injured in these attacks, including at least 49 civilians.

    The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) has attributed the drone campaign to a specialized “Task Force” established by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé. This force operates with technical support from Vectus Global, a private military company owned by Erik Prince, the controversial former founder of Blackwater. The U.S. State Department’s involvement was confirmed by the American ambassador to Haiti, who acknowledged issuing an export license to Vectus Global for defense services in the country.

    The escalation of drone strikes has been particularly dramatic in recent months. Port-au-Prince witnessed 57 attacks between November 2025 and January 2026—nearly double the 29 operations recorded during the previous three-month period from August to October 2025.

    Human Rights Watch has called for immediate accountability measures, including compensation for affected families and full transparency regarding the command structure overseeing these operations. The organization has specifically demanded clarification about the role played by private military companies in the drone campaign. Formal letters detailing these findings and requests were sent to Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, the Haitian National Police, and Vectus Global. None had responded at the time of the report’s publication.

  • Dominican Port Authority inaugurates new fishing dock in Haina to support fishermen

    Dominican Port Authority inaugurates new fishing dock in Haina to support fishermen

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) has officially unveiled a state-of-the-art fishing pier in Haina Occidental, marking a significant infrastructure development designed to enhance operational conditions for local fishermen and stimulate economic activity in coastal communities.

    The inauguration ceremony was presided over by key government officials including José Ignacio Paliza, Minister of the Presidency, and Jean Luis Rodríguez, Executive Director of Apordom. During the event, officials emphasized that this project represents a crucial component of the national strategy to construct and modernize fishing facilities throughout the country. The initiative specifically aims to empower coastal populations and elevate the professional standards of fishing occupations.

    Constructed with an investment exceeding RD$18 million, the new maritime infrastructure spans approximately 170 square meters and features capacity for simultaneous docking of up to 20 small fishing vessels. The modern pier incorporates advanced amenities including energy-efficient LED lighting systems, durable metal cleats for secure mooring, specialized vessel access ramps, and a dedicated service gazebo for fisherfolk.

    This development in Haina Occidental constitutes the nineteenth fishing dock delivered by Apordom under the national infrastructure program. Previous beneficiaries include coastal communities across Sabana Grande de Palenque, Boca Chica, Puerto Plata, Boca de Yuma, Cabo Rojo in Pedernales, Miches, Sánchez in Samaná, and Las Cañitas in Sabana de la Mar. The strategic distribution of these facilities demonstrates the government’s commitment to regional development and sustainable fishing practices along the Dominican coastline.

  • Jordan: Remaining Solidarity Allowance payments due by end of April

    Jordan: Remaining Solidarity Allowance payments due by end of April

    The Barbadian government has committed to resolving all pending $300 Solidarity Allowance payments by the conclusion of April, according to Minister of Labour Colin Jordan. During Monday’s House of Assembly deliberations on ministry appropriations, Jordan acknowledged that while the overwhelming majority of eligible citizens have received their one-time payment, a small segment continues to await resolution.

    Minister Jordan provided this assurance in response to inquiries from St Michael South MP Kirk Humphrey, who highlighted ongoing concerns among constituents despite multiple visits to the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS). Humphrey recounted encountering a young man making his third attempt to claim the allowance, reflecting broader administrative challenges in the payment distribution system.

    The Labour Minister clarified the operational framework, explaining that his ministry administers payments through NISSS once funds are transferred from central government resources. Jordan emphasized the strict separation maintained between worker-contributed National Insurance Funds and government allocations used for the solidarity initiative.

    “We maintain rigorous safeguards to ensure absolute separation between central government funds and the National Insurance Fund,” Jordan stated. “Any delays typically originate from the timing of inter-governmental transfers rather than distribution mechanisms.”

    Despite the small number of outstanding cases, Jordan affirmed that each eligible individual remains entitled to payment. “Even if there were one or two people outstanding, those individuals are entitled to their funds,” he asserted, confirming that authorities have identified remaining recipients and possess necessary funds for completion.

    Initiated in 2025 following unexpectedly robust corporate tax revenues, the tax-free Solidarity Allowance program represents a government effort to redistribute fiscal gains to citizens. Eligibility extended to all adults over 18 who contributed to NISSS during the previous year, alongside pensioners, special needs grant recipients, and welfare clients.

    Finance Ministry data reveals that by May 2025, approximately $44.6 million had been distributed to over 149,000 beneficiaries, with systems established to process remaining payments once recipients updated their banking information with NISSS.

  • As four in ten adults ‘lack certification’, ministries to join literacy strategy

    As four in ten adults ‘lack certification’, ministries to join literacy strategy

    Barbados is confronting a significant educational challenge as recent data reveals over 40% of the adult population lacks formal certification, prompting a coordinated government response. This literacy deficit is increasingly viewed as a critical barrier to workforce development and economic participation, compelling the Ministries of Labour and Education to formulate a comprehensive national strategy.

    The issue gained prominence during House Estimates discussions for the Ministry of Labour’s appropriations, where Education Transformation Minister Chad Blackman emphasized the severe limitations poor literacy skills impose on adult citizens. Labour Minister Colin Jordan acknowledged the sensitive nature of adult education, revealing that his ministry has strengthened collaboration with the Ministry of Technological and Vocational Training over the past six months, particularly through apprenticeship initiatives.

    Erika Watson, Programme Manager at the Ministry of Labour, provided lawmakers with details of the emerging national strategic plan. “Our focus has been on developing a national strategy that recognizes the multitude of stakeholders involved in addressing adult literacy,” Watson explained. “We need a framework that facilitates coordination and pulls all efforts together.”

    The strategy will prioritize functional literacy—equipping adults with practical skills necessary to capitalize on labor market opportunities, enhance workplace effectiveness, and realize their full potential. Minister Jordan further proposed establishing skills sector councils to guide workforce development in priority industries, with the first council focusing on renewable energy already in development.

    These industry-led councils will identify emerging trends, skill gaps, and future development needs across key sectors. Watson elaborated that the councils will “inform education and training, career guidance work, and employment promotion strategies.” The government plans to establish at least four such councils this year covering renewable energy, construction, tourism, and information technology services.

    Concurrently, Minister Jordan acknowledged underutilization of International Labour Organization (ILO) resources and committed to leveraging these international resources more effectively to support Barbados’ literacy and workforce development objectives.

  • Two missing after molasses barge sinks off East Coast Demerara

    Two missing after molasses barge sinks off East Coast Demerara

    A significant maritime emergency response has been activated following the sinking of a molasses-laden barge off the coast of Guyana, leaving two crew members unaccounted for. The incident involving the vessel TRADER III occurred in the early hours of Monday morning approximately 9.5 nautical miles from Buxton on the East Coast Demerara.

    The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed it received a distress signal at approximately 1:00 AM local time, indicating the specialized cargo vessel was experiencing catastrophic failure while transporting molasses from Berbice to Georgetown. The barge was fully loaded with the viscous industrial commodity at the time of the sinking.

    Emergency protocols were immediately initiated following the distress call, mobilizing a multi-agency search and rescue operation. Captain John Flores, MARAD’s Emergency Operations Coordinator, is leading the coordinated effort with substantial support from the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard. The vessel’s owning company is also providing assistance to authorities in the ongoing operation.

    The search mission continues across the affected maritime zone as authorities work to locate the two missing crew members. The circumstances surrounding the sudden sinking of the specialized transport barge remain under investigation by maritime safety officials. Further updates are expected as the search operation develops and more information becomes available about this industrial maritime incident.

  • Caribbean urged to improve population data for stronger policy decisions

    Caribbean urged to improve population data for stronger policy decisions

    Caribbean governments are embarking on a critical mission to revolutionize their population data systems, recognizing that outdated information frameworks are inadequate for addressing contemporary regional challenges. This urgent call to action was delivered by Jennifer Hunte, Permanent Secretary of Barbados’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development, during the inauguration of a landmark regional workshop focused on statistical modernization.

    The gathering represents a significant collaborative effort, uniting statistical experts, urban planners, and technical specialists from across CARICOM member states alongside international partners including the United Nations Population Fund (WorldPop), the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the European Commission. This five-day intensive program aims to fundamentally transform how Caribbean nations collect, analyze, and utilize demographic information.

    Central to this initiative is the implementation of the internationally recognized Degree of Urbanization (DEGURBA) methodology, which provides standardized frameworks for classifying urban and rural settlements. This harmonized approach addresses a persistent challenge in regional planning: the inconsistent definitions of community types across different jurisdictions that have historically hampered comparative analysis and policy development.

    Hunte highlighted Barbados’s progressive policy landscape, citing recently implemented frameworks including the Physical Development Plan Amendment 2023, the National Population Policy 2023-2040, and the Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan 2026. However, she emphasized that these ambitious programs require substantially more granular and reliable data to achieve their objectives effectively.

    The Permanent Secretary outlined multiple pressing challenges driving this data revolution, including increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, accelerating population aging, and contracting labor forces. These demographic and environmental pressures necessitate completely reimagined approaches to physical development and resource allocation across the region.

    Workshop participants will engage in practical, hands-on training sessions focusing on developing and validating small-area population estimates before advancing to applied DEGURBA methodology implementation. This technical foundation will enable the generation of harmonized settlement classifications and policy-relevant analysis that accurately reflects on-the-ground realities.

    Beyond technical skill development, the initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity within national statistical systems throughout the Caribbean. The ultimate goal is to produce exceptionally detailed, timely, and actionable data that can transform how governments plan services, allocate resources, and address the needs of vulnerable populations—particularly girls, adolescents, youth, and women across Caribbean societies.