Carib Scope

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  • Study finds potential for over $1 billion in trade between African Union and CARICOM

    Study finds potential for over $1 billion in trade between African Union and CARICOM

    A groundbreaking economic partnership between Africa and the Caribbean is gaining momentum as new research reveals export opportunities exceeding $1.6 billion. The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) presented findings indicating that African Union exports to CARICOM nations could dramatically transform regional supply chains and economic resilience.

    The revelations emerged during the inaugural AfriCaribbean Private Sector Webinar Series launched on January 20, 2026, titled “Unlocking AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment: Opportunities, Ecosystems and Private Sector Leadership.” This virtual gathering, jointly organized by the International Trade Centre, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), CPSO, and Africa Business Council, brought together over 200 private sector leaders, ministers, and development agencies from both regions.

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgency of strengthening Africa-CARICOM economic relations amid global trade disruptions. “Political leadership establishes the framework,” Minister Greene stated, “but it is businesses that drive innovation, generate trade volumes, mobilize investment, and create employment. If AfriCaribbean integration is to succeed in practical terms, it must now be carried forward by the private sector.”

    The comprehensive study, “Africa Union-CARICOM Trade in Goods: Scope and Potential,” identifies 579 competitively priced product lines that African nations can supply to Caribbean markets. Remarkably, at least 13 African Union countries can provide over $58 million worth of non-mineral fuel imports to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy at approximately 60% of current benchmark prices.

    Dr. Patrick Antoine, CPSO CEO and Technical Director, presented compelling market data showing that most identified products have sourcing options from at least four African countries, demonstrating remarkable supply diversity. “At moments like these, the role of the private sector becomes even more vital,” Dr. Antoine emphasized. “We must be prepared to respond with agility and seize opportunities wherever they emerge.”

    Despite the promising outlook, participants acknowledged significant challenges including limited transportation connectivity, elevated logistics costs, and fragmented payment systems. Anthony Ali, CEO of Goddard Enterprises Limited and CPSO board member, shared practical insights from direct African market engagement, highlighting opportunities for local production partnerships and reciprocal market presence.

    The webinar series will continue with focused sessions on agriculture, fashion and creative industries, cosmetics and wellness, and health technologies, further exploring sector-specific collaboration opportunities between the two regions.

  • Greene says shifting global trade environment has made stronger Africa Union-CARICOM economic relations an urgent necessity

    Greene says shifting global trade environment has made stronger Africa Union-CARICOM economic relations an urgent necessity

    In a significant address on the evolving global economic landscape, a prominent voice has highlighted the pressing need for strengthened economic cooperation between the African Union (AU) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The call to action is framed as a direct response to fundamental transformations within international trade frameworks and supply chain dynamics.

    The current geopolitical climate, characterized by increasing protectionism and regional realignments, has created both challenges and opportunities for emerging economies. This shifting environment necessitates the formation of strategic economic partnerships that can enhance collective bargaining power and foster sustainable development. The proposition emphasizes that deeper AU-CARICOM collaboration is no longer merely advantageous but has become an imperative for economic resilience.

    Such a partnership would potentially encompass expanded trade agreements, joint investment initiatives in key sectors like agriculture and renewable energy, and enhanced cultural and technological exchanges. This South-South cooperation model aims to reduce historical economic dependencies and create new pathways for shared prosperity. The argument posits that by uniting their considerable market potential and resources, these blocs can better navigate the complexities of contemporary global commerce and secure more favorable positions within it.

  • Son Remembers Sir Gerald Watt as Passionate Father, Relentless Worker in Funeral Eulogy

    Son Remembers Sir Gerald Watt as Passionate Father, Relentless Worker in Funeral Eulogy

    In a heartfelt tribute during the official funeral service on Tuesday, Gavin Watt memorialized his father, the late Sir Gerald Watt KC, painting a multifaceted portrait that extended far beyond his esteemed legal career. The eulogy transformed the ceremony into a celebration of a life defined by deep passion, unwavering dedication to family, and a formidable work ethic that shaped both his home and his nation.

    Gavin Watt guided mourners through the journey of ‘Gerald Anderson Watt,’ who evolved into one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most revered legal authorities. He emphasized that passion was the central theme of his father’s existence, a driving force evident in every aspect of his life. ‘You have to have passion,’ Watt stated, ‘and I think that’s one of the things about my father that everyone here sees.’

    The personal recollections offered a rare glimpse into the private world of the public figure. Gavin recounted cherished childhood memories of early Saturday mornings spent watching western films and cricket with his father before Sir Gerald departed for work. These moments, he revealed, were sacred windows into his father’s personal joys—lifelong passions that persisted regardless of cricket match outcomes.

    Beyond the gentle moments, the eulogy also illuminated Sir Gerald’s strong character and sharp wit. Gavin shared anecdotes of family disagreements where his father would deftly defuse tension with his trademark humor, quipping, ‘I don’t need to argue with you — I get paid to argue.’ This blend of outspokenness and deep affection defined their relationship; a man who would quickly express displeasure but always follow with embrace and love.

    A powerful story emerged of a boating trip where Sir Gerald’s physical strength and determination were displayed when he single-handedly freed a grounded vessel. This act, Gavin explained, became a profound metaphor for his father’s approach to life’s obstacles: ‘It showed me his determination — that if needed, he would move mountains to get things done.’

    Concluding his remarks, Gavin Watt expressed profound gratitude for his father’s enduring influence on family, friends, and Antigua and Barbuda’s society. His final words resonated through the ceremony: ‘I love you. I miss you. And I will carry you in my heart the rest of my days,’ cementing Sir Gerald Watt’s legacy as both a national icon and a beloved patriarch.

  • Public Tender: Supply and installation of electric boat propulsion for 23-foot Patrol Boat

    Public Tender: Supply and installation of electric boat propulsion for 23-foot Patrol Boat

    The German development agency GIZ Caribbean Agency has initiated a significant sustainable maritime transition project through a public procurement process for electric boat propulsion systems. As part of its NDC-TEC initiative, the organization is seeking qualified suppliers to provide and install complete electric marine propulsion technology for a 23-foot patrol vessel in Grenada.

    This comprehensive tender requires the supply and installation of a high-capacity electric outboard motor rated at 75+ kilowatts, accompanied by a marine-grade battery system and integrated vessel control technology. The successful bidder will also be responsible for on-site installation within Grenada and providing comprehensive operations and maintenance training to local personnel.

    The procurement process mandates strict submission protocols, requiring three separate PDF documents containing technical proposals, financial quotations, and corporate information. Prospective suppliers must demonstrate substantial experience in marine products and services, provide detailed equipment specifications, and offer warranty coverage for all components and workmanship.

    Submission deadline is set for February 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM UTC-4 (Grenada time), with all proposals directed exclusively to procurement-tt@giz.de. Queries regarding the tender will be accepted until January 28, 2026, through the same communication channel. The GIZ has explicitly prohibited copying any staff members during submission to maintain procurement integrity.

    This initiative represents a strategic step toward maritime decarbonization in the Caribbean region, aligning with global sustainability objectives while promoting green technology adoption in marine transportation.

  • Bar president sounds alarm on lack of criminal lawyers in Antigua (VIDEO)

    Bar president sounds alarm on lack of criminal lawyers in Antigua (VIDEO)

    The Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association has sounded alarm bells over a critical shortage of criminal lawyers, with its president Dr. Lenworth Johnson warning that the nation’s criminal bar is diminishing at an alarming rate. During the official funeral proceedings for the late Sir Gerald Watt KC, the esteemed former Speaker, Johnson revealed that fewer than a handful of legal practitioners in Antigua maintain substantial criminal practices—a situation posing severe implications for the judicial system’s functionality.

    Johnson characterized criminal law as an emotionally demanding field that requires specific psychological resilience, noting that most emerging attorneys demonstrate minimal interest in this practice area. Those who initially venture into criminal law frequently withdraw after brief exposure, creating a sustainability crisis within the legal profession.

    The Bar Association president proposed collaborative engagement with Attorney General Stedroy Benjamin, himself a distinguished former criminal attorney, to develop strategic solutions. Johnson emphasized that honoring Sir Gerald Watt’s legacy would be best achieved through concrete actions to revitalize criminal law practice.

    Sir Gerald Watt’s extraordinary six-decade career served as a benchmark for professional dedication, during which he filed over 180 High Court cases and made more than 500 criminal applications—many establishing landmark legal precedents. Johnson recalled Watt’s fearless advocacy, including a notable case where he successfully sued a fellow attorney for professional negligence after a client’s claim failed due to unpleaded legal doctrines.

    The Bar Association now aims to transform this concerning trend into an opportunity for generational inspiration, seeking to channel Watt’s exemplary legacy into motivating young lawyers to embrace criminal practice.

  • Coastal offshore races highlight Barbados Sailing Week 2026

    Coastal offshore races highlight Barbados Sailing Week 2026

    The coastal offshore races electrified the competition on the penultimate day of Barbados Sailing Week 2026, setting the stage for the event’s grand finale. A robust fleet of 31 vessels, manned by 239 sailors including 82 Barbadian nationals and 14 local yachts, has been battling for supremacy in Caribbean waters.

    Multihull division honors went to Robbie Yearwood’s commanding performance aboard Spirit of Everest, securing victory ahead of Lawrence Dunter’s Plaissir. The Club Class category witnessed James Adam’s Fadeaway claiming top position, followed by Gus Reader’s Glory Daze in second and Peter Hoad’s Less Stress in third. David Sparman’s Bella J emerged triumphant in CSA Racing competition, outperforming Jason Tindale’s A-Salt Weapon and Paul Johnson’s Rapajam.

    Attention now shifts to the championship events: the prestigious Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race and the challenging Coast to Coast Race. These culminating contests will be followed by the traditional Mount Gay Red Cap Party and Prizegiving ceremony at Barbados Cruising Club.

    Regatta Director Marianna Polacka, speaking during junior sailing awards, confirmed 22 boats are scheduled for Wednesday’s featured race. While acknowledging favorable wind conditions, Polacka noted significant swell challenges that might impact record-breaking attempts. “The wind looks light in the morning and should pick up later, but the swell is quite high,” she stated, leaving open the possibility of exceptional performances.

    The race course will see vessels departing Carlisle Bay near Hilton Hotel at 7:30 a.m., progressing along the West Coast for approximately two hours before reaching Animal Flower Cave between 8-9 a.m. Spectators are encouraged to gather at the Boardwalk in the afternoon to witness the spectacular downwind sailing with colorful spinnakers fully deployed.

    Polacka emphasized the home advantage enjoyed by local sailors, noting their intimate knowledge of coastal reefs and optimal sailing routes. The 60-nautical mile course (approximately 80 kilometers) demands both navigation expertise and endurance.

    The event has highlighted remarkable junior participation, with 25 young sailors demonstrating exceptional skill and courage in challenging conditions. “They were battling approximately a kilometer offshore in rough conditions,” Polacka recounted. “It was incredible what they can do on the water. Some capsized, some got hurt, but most recovered and continued racing.”

    Following substantial growth between 2024-2026, organizers anticipate further elevation of competition standards. Infrastructure developments including the redevelopment of Shallow Draught Marina and new moorings in Carlisle Bay have elevated the event to international status. “We can now offer what other Caribbean regattas offer,” Polacka noted, “but what they cannot offer is Barbados itself—the destination that captivates all who visit.”

    With enhanced capacity through partnership with Barbados Port Inc. and Barbados Sport Inc., organizers plan immediate post-event promotion to capitalize on the successful infrastructure upgrades and growing international reputation.

  • Flow Antigua and Barbuda Donates Laptops to JCI Antigua

    Flow Antigua and Barbuda Donates Laptops to JCI Antigua

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA – In a strategic move to enhance youth development initiatives, telecommunications provider Flow Antigua and Barbuda has donated two laptop computers to Junior Chamber International (JCI) Antigua. The technological contribution was formally presented to JCI Antigua President Collet Gordon and Secretary General Akilah Anderson during a ceremony on January 21, 2026.

    The equipment donation represents a significant enhancement to JCI Antigua’s operational infrastructure, directly supporting the organization’s administrative functions and community outreach programs. This technological infusion will enable more efficient execution of youth leadership projects throughout the nation.

    Wayne Hull, Country Manager of Flow Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized the company’s dedication to community development during the handover ceremony. “Our support for organizations like JCI Antigua demonstrates Flow’s commitment to initiatives that actively shape our communities,” Hull stated. “These devices will substantially strengthen JCI’s capacity to empower emerging leaders and generate tangible social impact.”

    JCI Antigua, established in 1960, possesses a distinguished legacy of advancing youth empowerment and leadership development. The organization has consistently worked toward community betterment through various programs and initiatives over its six-decade history.

    President Collet Gordon expressed profound appreciation on behalf of JCI Antigua’s leadership and membership. “This technological contribution arrives at a pivotal moment in our operational evolution,” Gordon noted. “These resources will dramatically improve our Secretariat’s efficiency as we continue our mission of cultivating the next generation of community leaders.”

    The partnership between Flow Antigua and Barbuda and JCI Antigua exemplifies how corporate-social organization collaborations can effectively drive national progress through targeted technological support and capacity building.

  • Why Gros Islet’s traffic problems won’t disappear overnight

    Why Gros Islet’s traffic problems won’t disappear overnight

    Residents along the Gros Islet to Castries corridor in Saint Lucia have grown accustomed to severe traffic congestion as part of their daily commute, but significant infrastructure improvements are poised to transform their travel experience. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre recently announced that major highway reconstruction will likely commence within the first half of this year, bringing both temporary disruptions and long-term solutions.

    The comprehensive road improvement initiative encompasses two major projects totaling approximately $33 million in international funding. The centerpiece involves a three-kilometer upgrade transforming the Monchy to Gros Islet highway into a dual carriageway, featuring four modern roundabouts and four pedestrian bridges, financed through a $20 million OPEC Fund loan. Simultaneously, a $13 million Kuwait-funded project will expand the Choc Bridge to Marisule segment into a dual carriageway complete with enhanced drainage systems, culverts, and a new roundabout at the Marisule junction.

    Engineering experts note that strategic preparatory work has already been underway to mitigate construction impacts. Kurt Harris, President of the Association of Professional Engineers of Saint Lucia, highlighted that the deliberate widening of alternative routes like Vieux Secreux Road over the past decade will provide crucial alternatives during main highway construction. “People will have alternatives to come off the highway but still be able to get into the Castries area,” Harris told St. Lucia Times.

    The current traffic crisis has forced permanent adjustments to daily routines, with some northern residents leaving as early as 7 a.m. for essential errands in Castries. Bus drivers on the island’s busiest route have attempted adaptations through community shortcuts, though these detours have sparked safety concerns among residents and passengers alike.

    Harris explained the technical rationale behind the improvements: “The biggest challenge with the traffic on the Gros Islet highway is the number of right turns. From Union, you have at least 40 right turns before reaching Gros Islet. Each right turn breaks the traffic flow, requiring stops in both directions.” The engineered solution involves medians and roundabouts to minimize these disruptive maneuvers while increasing overall traffic capacity.

    While the government has not released a detailed construction timeline, officials acknowledge that temporary inconveniences are inevitable. Harris concluded: “Part of development is temporary inconvenience for improvement. Persons need to understand there will be inconveniences, so you try to mitigate them, but they may not be eliminated completely during construction.”

  • Healing of the Nation!!

    Healing of the Nation!!

    In a significant legislative development, Grenada’s Parliament has demonstrated unified concern for youth welfare while addressing cannabis decriminalization. During deliberations on the Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) Amendment Bill on January 20, 2026, both government and opposition representatives reached consensus on relieving young people from criminal records for simple possession charges.

    Dr. Neals Chitan, an international crime reduction specialist who previously advised St. Kitts-Nevis on cannabis legislation in 2019, acknowledges the plant’s medicinal properties while emphasizing concerning neuroscientific findings. ‘Credible research indicates potentially devastating effects on the developing adolescent brain,’ notes Dr. Chitan, who holds a PhD in Social and Behavioural Sciences.

    The parliamentary discussion highlighted a paradigm shift toward addressing root causes rather than symptom management. Legislators recognized that emotional distress—stemming from dysfunctional homes, parental expectations, peer pressure, and various traumas—often drives youth toward marijuana’s temporary euphoria.

    Dr. Chitan warns of cyclical dependency: ‘The psychoactive effect temporarily rescues users from misery, but the subsequent crash leaves them craving another joint, creating an open door to addiction.’

    Instead of chemical relief, Grenada is pursuing substantive emotional health solutions. The Ministry of Mental Health and Religious Affairs is partnering with experts to launch a nationwide 2026 Emotional and Mental Health Community Empowerment Campaign across all 16 communities in Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

    This initiative represents what Dr. Chitan identifies as ‘true healing’—teaching evidence-based strategies to address trauma sources rather than masking symptoms. The approach aligns with modern medical practice’s increased emphasis on prevention before prescription, despite allegations of pharmaceutical conspiracies.

    The comprehensive program aims to create emotionally resilient youth through mental health empowerment, ultimately fostering productive citizens with winning attitudes beyond temporary chemical relief.

  • COMMENTARY: Hayley Matthews – Refreshed and ready for 2026

    COMMENTARY: Hayley Matthews – Refreshed and ready for 2026

    After an unprecedented eleven-year non-stop career, West Indies women’s cricket captain Hayley Matthews has emerged from a forced hiatus with revitalized energy and sharpened focus. The Barbadian all-rounder, who debuted as a teenager in 2014, underwent shoulder surgery last summer following an injury sustained during England’s tour, granting her the first substantial break of her professional life.

    Matthews described the recovery period as “a bit different but really enjoyable” time spent with loved ones, noting it provided valuable perspective on her career achievements while fueling her hunger for future challenges. Her rehabilitation culminated in a return to competition through India’s Women’s Premier League, where she joins compatriots Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry.

    While Matthews recuperated, her teammates underwent an intensive eight-week High-Performance camp in Antigua from October to December. The captain praised their dedication to skill development and fitness, emphasizing the camp’s role in strengthening team culture and dynamics ahead of a demanding schedule.

    The West Indies face a formidable 2026 itinerary featuring series against Sri Lanka, Australia, Ireland, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe across formats, with the T20 World Cup in England as the centerpiece. Matthews, whose match-winning performance secured the 2016 T20 World Cup title, believes her squad has evolved significantly since their semi-final finish in the last tournament.

    A historic milestone awaits the team with their first Test match since 2004, facing Australia exactly fifty years after their inaugural series. Matthews expressed particular excitement about this opportunity, noting it will be the first Test experience for every squad member and represents profound honor and growth potential.

    The captain also highlighted the importance of the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle, targeting crucial points against teams like Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Ireland. Now 27 and refreshed by her break, Matthews returns with clarified perspective and determination to lead West Indies women’s cricket into its next successful chapter.