Carib Scope

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  • Future Pro to Host UK Football Pathways Session in Antigua Ahead of CAF Combine

    Future Pro to Host UK Football Pathways Session in Antigua Ahead of CAF Combine

    Future Pro is set to make a significant return to the Caribbean region with an exclusive Football Pathways Evening scheduled for Wednesday, February 4th in Antigua and Barbuda. The event, strategically timed ahead of the upcoming CAF Combine, will take place at the Weatherills Hotel in St. John’s from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

    The program will commence with an initial meet-and-greet session from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, allowing attendees to network with Future Pro representatives. This will be followed by a comprehensive presentation from 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM detailing the organization’s football development pathways. The evening will conclude with an interactive question-and-answer segment and personalized one-on-one discussions from 6:15 PM to 7:00 PM.

    Future Pro highlighted their proven track record with Antiguan talent, specifically mentioning recent successes including Kylano, who earned a trial with Blackburn Rovers’ under-21 squad, and Marco Michael, who secured a trial opportunity with FC Andorra.

    Due to limited capacity, the event requires advance registration. Interested football players and parents must pre-register by contacting Future Pro directly at the provided telephone number: +44 7894 322273. The venue will offer both parking facilities and seating arrangements, with attendees requested to gather at the outdoor lawn gazebo area.

  • Europese leiders roepen op tot eenheid in Davos na Trumps dreiging met tarieven

    Europese leiders roepen op tot eenheid in Davos na Trumps dreiging met tarieven

    European leaders demonstrated remarkable solidarity at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as they coordinated a firm response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial pursuit of acquiring Greenland. The gathering revealed a continent determined to present a unified stance against what they perceive as provocative American actions.

    French President Emmanuel Macron articulated Europe’s position with notable clarity, asserting that the European Union must not yield to ‘the law of the strongest.’ He characterized as ‘crazy’ the mere consideration of deploying the EU’s anti-coercion instrument against the United States. ‘We seek greater growth and stability, but we prefer respect over intimidation,’ Macron declared during the forum’s proceedings.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the imperative for Europe to adapt to rapid global transformations, advocating for the construction of a ‘new, independent Europe’ capable of navigating contemporary geopolitical challenges. Her address highlighted the strategic repositioning of European foreign policy in response to shifting international dynamics.

    Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever framed the situation as a critical juncture for the European project, issuing a stark warning: ‘We must tell Donald Trump: you are crossing red lines here. We stand strong together, or we stand divided.’ This sentiment was echoed by Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, who cautioned that appeasing Trump’s ego would prove ineffective, urging maintenance of sharp trade measures including potential retaliatory actions.

    The diplomatic tensions escalated following Trump’s Saturday announcement of tariffs targeting European nations opposing his Greenland acquisition plans. This move triggered substantial protests across Denmark, with thousands expressing their disapproval through public demonstrations.

    United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres joined other global leaders in advocating for maximum restraint to prevent further escalation and potential loss of life. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed conditional willingness to participate in security guarantee discussions and reconstruction plans, provided the United States offers concrete commitments. He simultaneously called for increased pressure on Russia following recent severe attacks on Ukrainian territory.

    The Davos meeting effectively mirrored the complex tensions and challenges characterizing contemporary international politics, with European nations and their partners seeking equilibrium between cooperation and defending their interests against unpredictable American policy decisions.

  • Communities renew calls for action over pollution concerns at Hatillo Dam

    Communities renew calls for action over pollution concerns at Hatillo Dam

    Residents of Sánchez Ramírez province in the Dominican Republic are escalating demands for governmental intervention amid growing fears of severe contamination at the Hatillo Dam, the largest freshwater reservoir in the Greater Antilles. For over a month, communities surrounding the critical water source have observed alarming environmental changes, including a persistent and intensifying greenish discoloration of the water, which they believe signals a dire threat to public health and local ecosystems.

    Despite official statements from the Ministry of Environment in December 2025 attributing the discoloration to a naturally occurring algae bloom, local citizens remain deeply skeptical. In a significant development, community representatives have procured independent laboratory analyses that reportedly contradict the government’s findings. These tests allegedly identified dangerous bacterial contaminants, including coliforms, Pseudomonas, and fecal streptococci, alongside heightened chemical concentrations of cyanide and phosphates.

    The situation has generated widespread concern due to the reservoir’s vital role in supporting local livelihoods. Thousands depend on its waters for fishing, agricultural irrigation, and daily household use. Residents have reported foul odors emanating from the water and voiced particular alarm about vulnerabilities for children, the elderly, and farming communities whose economic stability is directly tied to the reservoir’s health.

    Calls for action are now focused on demanding that environmental and public health authorities initiate transparent, independent monitoring of the water quality and publicly disclose all findings. Community leaders are urging the implementation of immediate mitigation measures to safeguard the population and the ecosystem, vowing to sustain pressure until a conclusive resolution and tangible protective actions are provided to address what they deem an escalating public health crisis.

  • Police begin full enforcement of public Smoking Ban

    Police begin full enforcement of public Smoking Ban

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has initiated comprehensive enforcement of the public smoking prohibition, marking the end of an extended educational campaign period. This decisive action follows the implementation of the Smoking (Designated Areas) Act, 2023 and the Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Act, 2023, which collectively ban smoking and vaping in all public spaces unless conducted within officially licensed designated areas.

    Over the weekend, law enforcement authorities disseminated detailed excerpts of the legislation through social media platforms, explicitly clarifying that the restrictions apply to all smoking devices, including electronic cigarettes and vaping apparatus. The enforcement move addresses growing public concerns regarding visible non-compliance during major social gatherings, including the St. Kitts Music Festival and Carnival celebrations, where previous warnings had yielded limited tangible action.

    Police Commissioner James Sutton provided context for the delayed enforcement, emphasizing that the initial phase prioritized public education. “Smoking in public will be addressed at all levels,” Commissioner Sutton stated. “Through public engagement, address systems, entertainment venues, and advertisements, we are utilizing all available platforms to educate citizens. We recognized that despite issuing notices, the notification period was insufficient, necessitating direct community engagement regarding public smoking regulations and ticketing procedures.”

    The police confirmation indicates that enforcement activities are now actively underway, with at least one citation already issued. Authorities have reiterated that “public place” encompasses any indoor or outdoor area accessible to the public, regardless of public or private ownership. This comprehensive definition includes bars, restaurants, hotels, educational institutions, medical facilities, places of worship, government buildings, public transportation, community centers, and all roadways.

    The legislation permits smoking exclusively in areas conspicuously marked as Designated Smoking Areas with appropriate signage. Any location lacking clear designation automatically qualifies as a non-smoking zone. Violators face a fixed penalty of $500, with potential for additional penalties depending on circumstances.

    Law enforcement officials emphasize that the regulations aim to strike a balance between individual freedoms and collective public health priorities. “While the right of adults to choose to smoke is acknowledged and respected,” the police statement noted, “the collective right of all citizens to a safe and healthy environment must also be upheld.”

    Both residents and visitors are urged to maintain full compliance with the legislation as police continue enforcement operations across the federation.

  • Bezoek CCJ onderstreept rol Suriname binnen Caribische rechtsorde

    Bezoek CCJ onderstreept rol Suriname binnen Caribische rechtsorde

    A high-level delegation from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), led by President Winston Anderson, has commenced an official visit to Suriname at the invitation of the country’s Court of Justice President Iwan Rasoelbaks. The delegation, which includes Justice Peter Jamadar, the Registrar, and Chief Marshal, aims to enhance judicial cooperation between regional institutions and national legal systems.

    This strategic engagement aligns with the CCJ’s 2025-2032 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes improving access to justice, strengthening regional legal collaboration, promoting transparency, and building public confidence in judicial institutions. During their stay, the delegation will engage with members of Suriname’s judiciary, the Bar Association, parliamentarians, and other key stakeholders.

    A highlight of the visit will be the delegation’s participation in the Congress on Modernization of the Judiciary on January 22, where they will elaborate on the CCJ’s role, operational methodologies, effectiveness, institutional framework, and jurisdictional authorities.

    The current mission builds upon previous collaborative initiatives between the CCJ and Suriname. In November 2025, the Court concluded a multi-year training program on Referral Procedures in partnership with Suriname’s Bar Association. This comprehensive two-year awareness campaign, partially funded by the European Union, focused on educating legal professionals and business communities about the obligation of national judges to refer questions regarding the interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to the CCJ in its original jurisdiction.

    As part of this ongoing cooperation, President Anderson previously presented the CCJ Original Jurisdiction Rules 2024 and accompanying Referral Manual—now translated into Dutch—to Suriname’s former Minister of Justice & Police. The CCJ anticipates constructive dialogues with Surinamese partners and aims through this visit to foster greater understanding of the Court’s role in advancing rule of law, regional integration, and legal excellence throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Scheidende VS ambassadeur Faucher: ‘Dit is geen afscheid’

    Scheidende VS ambassadeur Faucher: ‘Dit is geen afscheid’

    After completing his diplomatic assignment in Suriname, U.S. Ambassador Robert Faucher emphasized that his departure marks not an ending but the beginning of a new chapter in his four-decade relationship with the nation. During his farewell reception, the ambassador reflected on his transformative tenure while affirming his permanent personal connection to the country.

    Ambassador Faucher characterized his recent three-year term as one of the most significant phases of his diplomatic career, highlighting a period of remarkable recovery and advancement following the challenges of the global pandemic. Under his leadership, bilateral cooperation between Suriname and the United States intensified substantially across multiple sectors including energy development, educational exchange, and commercial engagement. This enhanced partnership manifested through historic business delegations and strengthened academic networks between the two nations.

    The ambassador’s personal journey with Suriname began in 1986, with subsequent visits in 2002 leading to his ambassadorial appointment. Throughout his service, he witnessed the country’s evolution into a confident nation with global perspectives. His extensive travels across all districts—from urban Paramaribo to the remote Sipaliwini region, including visits to Kwamalasamutu and the culturally significant Werehpai area—deepened his appreciation for Suriname’s natural wonders, cultural diversity, and national resilience.

    A cornerstone of Faucher’s diplomatic mission involved highlighting the shared historical narrative between the United States and Suriname. Notable achievements included the installation of the first American Battle Monuments Commission memorial in South America, commemorations of NASA rocket launches in Coronie, and the publication of “Common Past, Shared Future” documenting fifty historical connections between the nations. Most recently, a monument in Commewijne honored 35 American military personnel and diplomats who perished in the 1943 Matapica aircraft tragedy.

    The ambassador described the current bilateral relationship as the strongest in history—characterized by practical cooperation, mutual respect, and future-oriented vision grounded in shared sovereignty and developmental values. Concluding with an optimistic outlook, Faucher expressed confidence that “the best chapters in U.S.-Suriname relations remain ahead of us,” promising to return not as a diplomat but as a permanent friend of the nation.

  • Politic : The FNE undertakes structural reform

    Politic : The FNE undertakes structural reform

    In a significant address during the 33rd annual ‘Mardis de la Nation’ event on January 20, 2026, Élysée Collagène, Director General of Haiti’s National Education Fund (FNE), outlined an ambitious transformation agenda for the institution. The comprehensive reform plan aims to establish the FNE as an efficient, transparent, and financially sustainable organization capable of effectively supporting Haiti’s education system.

    Collagène’s administration began with a thorough institutional assessment that identified substantial administrative and organizational deficiencies. In response, the development of detailed financial and accounting procedures manuals has been designated as a strategic priority to address these systemic weaknesses.

    The reform initiative commenced with the temporary suspension of check distributions, creating necessary operational space for a complete overhaul of allocation mechanisms. This pause enabled the implementation of enhanced procedures designed to ensure both efficiency and integrity in fund distribution.

    A critical policy change now mandates that educational fee checks be issued exclusively to schools rather than individual recipients. This structural modification guarantees proper utilization of public funds while establishing comprehensive financial traceability. An oversight committee has been established to monitor strict adherence to this system, working directly with educational institutions and prioritizing support for children from the most vulnerable socioeconomic backgrounds.

    Confronted with application volumes dramatically exceeding budgetary capacity, the FNE has instituted a technical validation committee responsible for evaluating and selecting projects based on stringent eligibility criteria. These measures proved particularly crucial given the institution’s previous financial challenges, including a 2.3 billion gourdes debt burden in 2023.

    Through disciplined fiscal management, the FNE has achieved a remarkable financial turnaround, growing its treasury to 5.9 billion gourdes. This recovery establishes a solid foundation for sustainable operations and credible long-term support of Haiti’s national education objectives.

  • Mayor Dío Astacio signs cooperation agreement with Spain Business School

    Mayor Dío Astacio signs cooperation agreement with Spain Business School

    In a significant move to transform local governance, the Municipality of Santo Domingo Este has entered into a strategic academic partnership with Spain Business School (SBS). The agreement, formalized in Madrid by Mayor Dío Astacio and SBS Rector Miguel Ángel Blanco Cedrún, establishes a comprehensive framework for enhancing municipal administration through advanced executive education and innovative public management practices.

    Grounded in the legal foundations of the Dominican Constitution, Law 176-07, and the National Development Strategy 2030, this collaboration creates a structured pathway for capacity building within the Santo Domingo Este city administration. The partnership will deliver cutting-edge training programs focusing on several critical areas including artificial intelligence applications in public service, digital transformation of governmental processes, and sustainable municipal leadership.

    The curriculum will additionally encompass specialized training in green economic models, circular economy principles, and local entrepreneurship development. The initiative specifically aims to cultivate projects with strong potential for international cooperation and funding.

    SBS, recognized for its excellence in executive education and digital learning methodologies, will provide tailored programs through multiple delivery formats including virtual, blended, and in-person instruction. The institution will supply internationally recognized certifications and preferential conditions for municipal personnel.

    The Santo Domingo Este City Hall will assume responsibility for coordinating participant selection and conducting ongoing assessments of training requirements across its departments. This three-year agreement, with provisions for renewal, represents a concerted effort to establish Santo Domingo Este as a benchmark for innovative, efficient, and transparent municipal governance focused on enhancing social well-being.

  • Politic : The problem of financing local authorities and local development

    Politic : The problem of financing local authorities and local development

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI — A pivotal two-day workshop addressing Haiti’s systemic challenges in financing local authorities commenced this week at the Montana Hotel, spearheaded by Interior Minister Paul Antoine Bien-Aimé. The collaborative initiative between the Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Communities (MICT) and the National Federation of Haitian Mayors (FENAMH) convened national and international stakeholders to tackle one of Haiti’s most pressing governance issues.

    The high-level gathering witnessed participation from Minister of National Education, UNDP Resident Representative Xavier Michon, directors of multiple governmental agencies, and representatives from municipal associations across Haiti. This diverse attendance underscored the national significance of resolving funding disparities that hinder local development.

    Central to the discussions was the critical financial paralysis facing municipal governments, which lack both administrative autonomy and sufficient resources to provide essential public services. The workshop served as both diagnostic assessment and advocacy platform, aiming to establish effective mechanisms for equitable fund distribution that would enable meaningful decentralization.

    Minister Bien-Aimé delivered a forceful address demanding the repatriation of the Local Government Management Fund (FONDCT) to municipal control. Revealing that 90% of municipalities and all communal sections depend on these allocations, the Minister condemned the current concentration of public resources as fundamentally unjust and unsustainable. His declaration that ‘It’s time for the Ministry of the Interior and local authorities to manage the funds of local authorities again!’ signaled a potential paradigm shift in Haiti’s governance structure.

    FENAMH President Mayor Anténor Denoil echoed these sentiments, framing effective decentralization as essential for local development and constitutional compliance. The Minister of National Education further contextualized the crisis, explaining how chronic underfunding perpetuates regional disparities and deepens social inequalities.

    UNDP Representative Xavier Michon endorsed the initiative as a crucial step toward establishing practical financing mechanisms. The MICT reinforced that local financing represents the cornerstone for proportionate decentralization and sustainable community development throughout Haiti.

  • VP Rusland in Davos: Suriname kiest bewust voor duurzaam toerisme

    VP Rusland in Davos: Suriname kiest bewust voor duurzaam toerisme

    Suriname has declared its intention to build economic development around sustainable tourism rather than petroleum revenues, according to Vice President Gregory Rusland’s address at the World Tourism Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 20, 2026. Speaking during a panel discussion, the vice president positioned ecotourism as a strategic pillar for national development while inviting international investment and collaboration.

    Rusland presented Suriname as a distinctive destination characterized by 93% pristine rainforest, preserved indigenous and tribal communities, and remarkable religious coexistence exemplified by a synagogue and mosque standing peacefully side by side. ‘Though our population numbers merely 600,000, our nation possesses exceptional offerings,’ Rusland stated, highlighting that Suriname ranks among only three carbon-negative countries worldwide.

    The vice president cautioned against mass tourism, advocating instead for high-quality, low-volume tourism where visitors pay premium rates for authentic experiences centered on nature, tranquility, and ecological preservation. ‘Maintaining our current status is crucial,’ he emphasized, underscoring the need to protect the country’s environmental and cultural assets.

    Panel participants broadly agreed that sustainable tourism represents a shared responsibility among governments, businesses, travelers, and local communities. Preservation of natural and cultural heritage for future generations emerged as a central theme, particularly as younger demographics grow increasingly critical of environmental degradation and legacy impacts.

    Rusland challenged the perception of sustainable tourism as costly, arguing that it generates reciprocal value when travelers contribute positively to destinations they visit. In his concluding remarks, he reinforced Suriname’s commitment to avoiding oil dependency and emphasized the essential role of public-private partnerships with active local community involvement. ‘The Surinamese government will support everything necessary to further develop sustainable tourism,’ Rusland affirmed, identifying inclusion as a key component in this strategic direction.