Carib Scope

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  • Preliminary voters’ list released as election preparations accelerate

    Preliminary voters’ list released as election preparations accelerate

    The Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) of Barbados has formally initiated the electoral verification phase by releasing the preliminary voters’ register this Monday. This procedural milestone enables citizens to authenticate their registration details as the nation progresses toward its February 11 general election, subsequent to Parliament’s dissolution on the same day.

    EBC Chairman Ramon Alleyne confirmed the establishment of 30 constituency-specific revising centers to manage the claims and objections process. These facilities, operational from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will remain accessible until the deadline for submission of registration transfers on January 26, with objections accepted through January 28. The commission will finalize the electoral roll on February 7 following comprehensive review of all submissions.

    Voter accessibility has been enhanced through multiple channels: physical verification at revising centers, the Public Library at Independence Square, the Electoral Office at Warrens Towers II, or digital submission via the EBC’s online portal. Concurrently, the commission has publicly announced the appointment of returning officers and election clerks across all constituencies, alongside the designation of Ramon Gibson as Deputy Supervisor of Elections, effective immediately.

    The compressed electoral timeline necessitates accelerated preparations by both election authorities and political entities, with Nomination Day scheduled for January 27. This publication marks the commencement of the formal electoral sequence, ensuring procedural transparency and regulatory compliance in the democratic process.

  • PM calls for self-reliance amid US visa pause

    PM calls for self-reliance amid US visa pause

    In a decisive response to the United States’ suspension of immigrant visa applications from Saint Lucia, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has called for national unity and economic innovation rather than diplomatic confrontation. Addressing media inquiries during this week’s pre-cabinet briefing, the Prime Minister reframed the challenge as an opportunity for sustainable development.

    Pierre characterized expectations for Caribbean leaders to justify U.S. policy decisions as fundamentally unreasonable, stating that sovereign nations inevitably act according to their domestic priorities. ‘The United States operates based on its perceived national interests—a position we must respect,’ Pierre noted, emphasizing that Saint Lucia’s primary obligation lies in governing according to its own legal framework and preventing unnecessary hardship for citizens.

    The Prime Minister contextualized the visa suspension within broader U.S. immigration policies affecting 75 nations, linking the measures to welfare considerations and migration pressures. While acknowledging Saint Lucia’s profound economic and cultural ties to the United States—its closest market—Pierre urged citizens to avoid defeatism and instead focus on achievable self-reliance goals.

    Highlighting existing successes in agricultural sectors like poultry and egg production, where Saint Lucia has achieved self-sufficiency, the Prime Minister advocated for strategic economic diversification. His address concluded with a powerful appeal for national resilience: innovation and productivity, he argued, would ultimately prove more valuable than diplomatic reproach in navigating global uncertainties.

  • Coleridge & Parry intensifies efforts to tackle falling grades

    Coleridge & Parry intensifies efforts to tackle falling grades

    In response to declining academic performance in core subjects, Coleridge & Parry School has launched a comprehensive intervention strategy aimed at addressing nationwide trends of underperformance in mathematics and languages. Principal June Moe announced the new measures during Tuesday’s Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremony, outlining a multi-faceted approach to personalized learning support.

    The school has developed a specialized program to identify students struggling with numeracy and provide them with intensive, small-group instruction and one-to-one teacher interactions. Additionally, the initiative incorporates peer-assisted learning, enabling high-achieving students to mentor their classmates through structured support systems.

    Teaching methodology will undergo significant transformation toward practical, real-world applications. Educators will employ manipulatives and consumer mathematics examples drawn from daily life experiences to make abstract concepts more tangible. School-Based Assessments will be introduced earlier in the curriculum to strengthen foundational skills.

    Principal Moe identified several contributing factors to the academic decline, including oversized classes and the increasing prevalence of neurodivergent students with diverse learning needs. She noted challenges in obtaining formal diagnoses, explaining that the school relies heavily on parental disclosure of existing conditions.

    The performance analysis revealed particular concerns in English B (literature) and foreign languages, where writing proficiency lags behind verbal competence. While students demonstrate comfort speaking Spanish and French, significant deficiencies persist in written expression and basic reading comprehension.

    Despite these challenges, the school celebrated notable improvements in several subjects including biology, food nutrition and health, principles of business, and visual arts. The ceremony also recognized outstanding academic achievements, with Talesa Boyce receiving the Principal’s Award for Best All-Round Student and Best CXC Examination Performance, while Kianna Clarke and Roshon Codrington shared honors for Leadership.

    Featured speaker Javon Griffith, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, emphasized student accountability in academic success, stating: ‘Excellence is not a single achievement; it is a habit.’ His address underscored the long-term importance of developmental habits formed during school years.

  • We Are Hiring

    We Are Hiring

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded his pivotal European diplomatic tour with a significant visit to Spain, marking the final leg of his engagements with key European partners. The high-level discussions in Madrid focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing pressing global challenges through enhanced Sino-European cooperation.

    During the meetings, Minister Wang Yi and Spanish officials engaged in comprehensive dialogues covering trade relations, climate change initiatives, and geopolitical stability. Both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication channels and fostering mutual understanding between China and European Union member states.

    The diplomatic mission, which included previous stops in other European capitals, represents China’s continued commitment to multilateral diplomacy amid evolving global dynamics. Spanish officials welcomed the constructive nature of the talks, noting the potential for increased collaboration in technology transfer and sustainable development projects.

    This diplomatic exchange occurs against the backdrop of ongoing EU-China negotiations regarding trade balances and investment agreements. Minister Wang’s tour signals China’s strategic approach to maintaining stable relations with European partners while navigating complex international trade landscapes and geopolitical considerations.

  • PMs Friday, Drew hold ‘a very fruitful discussion’ on regional matters

    PMs Friday, Drew hold ‘a very fruitful discussion’ on regional matters

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Ministers Godwin Friday of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis convened productive talks in Argyle this Tuesday. The high-level discussion included CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett and other officials, marking a pivotal moment ahead of next month’s CARICOM heads of government conference in Basseterre.

    Prime Minister Friday, who chairs the eight-member Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), characterized the meeting as exceptionally fruitful, noting the dialogue extended for a considerable duration without a predetermined agenda. This approach allowed leaders to address pressing regional concerns organically, with particular emphasis on challenges specific to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and their integration into the broader regional agenda.

    The Vincentian leader emphasized that collective action remains fundamental to addressing the region’s most pressing issues. The discussions comprehensively covered practical, bread-and-butter matters directly affecting citizens’ daily lives. Prime Minister Friday, elected in November, stressed that regional institutions must demonstrate tangible benefits by putting “money in people’s pockets” and enhancing regional security.

    Both leaders affirmed their commitment to regional integration despite acknowledged challenges. Prime Minister Friday characterized obstacles as mere “speed bumps” that slow progress but cannot halt advancement. The leaders expressed shared determination to strengthen economic integration, improve policy coordination, and foster mutual support among member states.

    Prime Minister Drew, separately addressing reporters, revealed the talks encompassed health, trade, business, movement of people, and geopolitics. The St. Kitts and Nevis leader, who chairs the 15-member CARICOM bloc, articulated his steadfast belief in the regional movement, acknowledging challenges while highlighting indispensable benefits. He cited CARICOM agencies including the disaster response organization CDEMA, examination council CXC, and regional security entity RSS as institutions that individually member states could not sustain.

    Drew announced plans to continue consultations with regional heads of government ahead of February’s historic 50th CARICOM meeting, emphasizing that small states must collaborate closely to achieve optimal outcomes. Both leaders expressed confidence that with demonstrated goodwill and clear benefits for citizens, the region would overcome current challenges through strengthened cooperation and unity.

  • Fatal motorcycle collision claims life of 37-year-old Bexon man

    Fatal motorcycle collision claims life of 37-year-old Bexon man

    A devastating road traffic incident in the Bexon community has resulted in the tragic death of 37-year-old Kelvin Eugene, intensifying urgent calls for enhanced road safety awareness across Saint Lucia.

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force confirmed that their Road Safety and Traffic Investigations unit received an emergency alert approximately at noon on January 19. Law enforcement personnel dispatched to Marc Road, Bexon, determined through initial assessments that the fatal crash involved a direct collision between a truck and a motorcycle.

    Emergency medical services transported the solitary motorcycle operator to Owen King European Hospital (OKEU) for urgent treatment. Despite medical intervention, attending physicians subsequently pronounced him deceased. Official authorities have scheduled a post-mortem examination to ascertain the precise cause of death.

    In an official communique, police authorities issued a strong advisory urging all motorists to exercise extreme vigilance during transit and maintain strict adherence to traffic regulations governing road usage and vehicle operation.

    The sudden demise has plunged family members and the broader Bexon community into profound grief. In an emotional tribute to St. Lucia Times, a close relative memorialized Eugene as an individual possessing ‘a loving and kind-hearted nature,’ disclosing that he remained conscious upon hospital arrival before succumbing to his injuries.

    Local residents expressed collective shock and sorrow regarding the tragedy. Andrauas, a community representative, characterized the deceased as ‘exceptionally good to everybody’ while emphasizing the critical importance of shared road safety responsibility. He emphasized the necessity for defensive driving practices, noting that operators must drive conscientiously both for themselves and others sharing the roadways.

  • Gerenoveerde OS II Livorno feestelijk in gebruik genomen

    Gerenoveerde OS II Livorno feestelijk in gebruik genomen

    The OS II Livorno school located on Pandit Paltan Tewarieweg has been officially reopened following an extensive renovation project completed with support from the Staatsolie Foundation in collaboration with GOw2. This educational institution has undergone a remarkable transformation that addresses both aesthetic and structural concerns.

    The comprehensive refurbishment included complete classroom upgrades featuring new ceilings, wall panels, and modernized blackboards, all complemented by fresh paint throughout the facility. The school environment has been redesigned with child-friendly elements to create a more engaging learning atmosphere. Crucially, the project resolved persistent issues with woodlice and wood-boring insects that had compromised the building’s integrity, ensuring both safety and comfort for students and faculty.

    School administration and teaching staff have expressed profound appreciation for the renovations, noting that the improvements contribute significantly to a more pleasant and motivating educational environment. The transformation goes beyond cosmetic changes, addressing fundamental infrastructure issues that had hindered the learning experience.

    The Staatsolie Foundation emphasized that this initiative aligns with its long-term commitment to supporting educational institutions throughout Suriname. This project represents part of their broader strategic investment in national development through educational infrastructure improvement. By enhancing physical learning environments, the foundation aims to create sustainable educational opportunities that will benefit Surinamese communities for years to come.

    The successful completion of the OS II Livorno renovation demonstrates how public-private partnerships can effectively address educational infrastructure needs while creating environments conducive to academic excellence and student development.

  • PRESS RELEASE: 270 Students Participate in the 2026 Caribbean STEM Olympiads

    PRESS RELEASE: 270 Students Participate in the 2026 Caribbean STEM Olympiads

    The Caribbean Science Foundation (CSF) successfully concluded its fourth annual Caribbean STEM Olympiads (CSO) with a virtual Medal Awards and Closing Ceremony on January 18, 2026. This prestigious competition brought together brilliant young minds from seven Caribbean nations—Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago—who competed across three disciplines: Mathematics, Computer Coding, and Robotics & Electronics Systems.

    The 2026 Olympiads witnessed unprecedented participation with 270 students initially registering from nine Caribbean countries, culminating in 90 finalists competing across 42 teams. The competition was structured into three age categories: Level I (13-15 years), Level II (16-18 years), and Level III (19-21 years), with many students demonstrating remarkable versatility by participating in multiple Olympiads.

    Jamaica emerged as the dominant force in the medal tally, securing an impressive 10 medals across categories. Trinidad and Tobago followed with 5 medals, while Belize earned 3 medals. Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines each claimed 2 medals, with Saint Kitts and Nevis rounding out the winners with 1 medal.

    The competition showcased extraordinary innovation with projects specifically designed to address pressing Caribbean challenges. Belize’s Bridget Pineda earned the sole platinum medal of the competition for her groundbreaking ‘OxyFlow’ portable automated medical ventilation device. Trinidad and Tobago’s Joseann Boneo developed the ‘Inter Regional Movement Planner,’ a web-based platform facilitating legal workforce movement between CARICOM nations.

    Other notable innovations included Jamaica’s ‘SPACIS’ solar-powered irrigation system, Saint Kitts and Nevis’s ‘ASPIRE’ financial education platform simulating real-time stock markets, and Saint Lucia’s ‘The Path to Wellness’ interactive game educating about non-communicable diseases.

    Professor Cardinal Warde, Interim Executive Director of the CSF, commended the participants while maintaining high expectations: “The Level III Math Olympiad proved particularly challenging this year, but we will not lower our standards. I want students to rise to the challenge, and I believe they will.”

    Medal winners received both certificates and substantial cash prizes ranging from $200 for bronze to $500 for platinum medals. The CSF further incentivized participation by offering Amazon gift cards worth up to $150 for early registrants in the Robotics & Electronics Systems category.

    The event not only recognized academic excellence but also fostered a growing STEM community across the Caribbean, with participants expressing gratitude for the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and innovative solutions to regional problems.

  • Herberts man appeals for help as illness leaves him unable to walk

    Herberts man appeals for help as illness leaves him unable to walk

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — A profound health crisis has compelled a 34-year-old Herbert’s resident to seek public support after an aggressive autoimmune disorder stripped him of his mobility and independence. Danny Thomas confronts the harsh realities of advanced psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition that induces severe joint stiffness, chronic pain, and progressive physical deterioration.

    Originally manifesting as psoriasis several years prior, the illness has escalated dramatically, confining Thomas to his residence and rendering him completely unable to walk. During a recent interview, he detailed how the disease has immobilized his joints, transforming routine activities into insurmountable challenges.

    Medical management necessitates a rigorously specialized diet, as specific food items can provoke acute inflammatory episodes that intensify both dermatological and arthritic symptoms. However, financial constraints have made adhering to this nutritional regimen increasingly unfeasible for Thomas, who lacks a stable income.

    Healthcare professionals have pinpointed a therapeutic drug capable of substantially reducing inflammation and potentially recovering partial mobility. Regrettably, consistent access to this treatment remains out of reach due to economic barriers.

    Despite his physical ordeal, Thomas maintains an optimistic outlook and expresses gratitude for his current blessings. His appeal focuses on securing assistance for medical bills, dietary sustenance, and essential treatments. The Antigua and Barbuda Persons Living with Disabilities organization is coordinating support efforts and encouraging compassionate citizens to contribute toward alleviating his plight.

  • Renal Centre Set for Completion by April, Officials Say

    Renal Centre Set for Completion by April, Officials Say

    Antigua and Barbuda is poised to achieve a significant milestone in its healthcare infrastructure with the anticipated April completion of a state-of-the-art renal center. This development represents a major advancement in the nation’s capacity to treat chronic kidney disease, promising to enhance both the quality and accessibility of dialysis services for local patients.

    Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, addressing the media, confirmed that the Public Works Department is spearheading the construction. The current phase of the project is concentrated on finalizing the building’s physical structure. This crucial step will enable the subsequent installation of advanced dialysis equipment, which the government has already procured and has ready for deployment.

    The establishment of this dedicated facility is expected to yield substantial benefits for the healthcare system. Patients will no longer need to travel overseas for a complete course of dialysis treatment, thereby eliminating a significant burden and expense. Minister Joseph emphasized that this project constitutes a profound upgrade to the domestic delivery of renal care, ensuring greater continuity and reliability for patients managing chronic conditions.

    This initiative is a cornerstone of a broader governmental strategy to fortify specialized medical services within the country. By expanding local treatment options, the government aims to curb medical tourism for essential procedures, ensuring citizens have access to life-sustaining care within their own community. The center will alleviate pressure on existing medical services, creating a more streamlined and efficient care pathway for renal patients.

    Health officials have indicated that further announcements regarding the construction progress and precise installation schedules are forthcoming. The overarching objective is to transition the facility into full operational status swiftly after the builders conclude their work, marking a new chapter for healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda.