Carib Scope

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  • Chikungunya-uitbraak bevestigd in Suriname: volksgezondheidsautoriteiten waarschuwen bevolking

    Chikungunya-uitbraak bevestigd in Suriname: volksgezondheidsautoriteiten waarschuwen bevolking

    Suriname’s Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor has officially confirmed an outbreak of chikungunya virus within the country, marking a significant public health development. Laboratory analyses conducted by both the Central Laboratory of the Bureau of Public Health and the Academic Hospital Paramaribo have identified eight confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne illness.

    What makes this outbreak particularly noteworthy is that none of the infected individuals had recently traveled abroad, indicating local transmission within Suriname. This pattern suggests established mosquito-borne viral circulation in the community.

    Chikungunya, a viral infection transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes—the same vectors responsible for dengue, zika, and yellow fever—manifests with symptoms including sudden high fever, severe joint pain and swelling, headaches, fatigue, and occasionally skin rashes. The virus is not directly transmitted between humans but spreads when mosquitoes bite infected individuals and then transfer the virus to others.

    Health authorities have initiated comprehensive epidemiological investigations, including contact tracing, enhanced laboratory testing, and strengthened surveillance systems to contain further spread. The ministry emphasized that while serious complications are rare, joint pain can persist for weeks or even months following infection. Elderly individuals, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions face elevated risks of complications.

    Medical guidance recommends against using aspirin or ibuprofen for symptom management, instead advising paracetamol for pain and fever relief, adequate hydration, rest, and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.

    The ministry has committed to providing timely, accurate, and transparent updates as new information emerges. Simultaneously, they urge citizens to actively participate in mosquito control efforts by eliminating breeding sites—particularly standing water in containers, tires, flower pots, and buckets—while also recommending protective clothing and insect repellents as essential preventive measures.

  • ONDA clarifies Dominican National Anthem is public domain

    ONDA clarifies Dominican National Anthem is public domain

    The Dominican Republic’s National Copyright Office (ONDA) has officially declared the national anthem a protected asset of the state, firmly establishing its public domain status and rejecting any claims of private ownership. José Rubén Gonell, Director of ONDA, emphasized that the anthem falls under state administration and protection according to existing legislation.

    Gonell disclosed that a comprehensive review was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and collective management societies to investigate potential unauthorized registration attempts. The investigation confirmed that no individual or entity has successfully claimed copyright over the national anthem within the Dominican Republic.

    The legal foundation for the anthem’s status traces back to Law 700 of 1934, which officially adopted the lyrics by Emilio Prud’Homme and music by José Reyes. This legislation effectively placed the composition in the public domain from its inception.

    Regarding digital platform controversies, Gonell explained that automated monetization systems sometimes improperly allocate royalties to content uploaders without verifying legitimate intellectual property rights. While musical arrangements and performances may generate rights for performers or arrangers, these derivative works do not affect the original composition’s protected status.

    Looking forward, ONDA is developing new regulatory measures addressing artificial intelligence-generated content, including specialized declaration forms to distinguish human and automated contributions. The office reported a significant surge in copyright registrations between 2020-2025 and advocated for legislation requiring major international digital platforms to maintain local legal representation for improved dispute resolution and enforcement capabilities.

  • House Speaker Nadir to call meeting next Monday to elect Opposition Leader

    House Speaker Nadir to call meeting next Monday to elect Opposition Leader

    Guyana’s political landscape faces an unprecedented constitutional dilemma as National Assembly Speaker Manzoor Nadir reluctantly announced plans to convene a special parliamentary session next Monday. The meeting, scheduled for 10 AM, will determine the election of the country’s Opposition Leader—a position expected to be filled by Azruddin Mohamed, an international fugitive wanted by United States authorities for serious financial crimes.

    Speaker Nadir, in a solemn address delivered Tuesday evening, expressed profound discomfort with the constitutional obligation forcing him to oversee an election that would potentially install a wanted criminal as Guyana’s official opposition leader. “I have found myself in this difficult position to hold the election of the Leader of the Opposition when I know that the presumptive Leader of the Opposition to be elected is an international fugitive,” Nadir stated, emphasizing the grave implications for the nation’s democratic integrity.

    The political predicament stems from last year’s electoral results where Mohamed’s We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party secured 16 parliamentary seats, making them the largest opposition bloc ahead of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) with 12 seats and Forward Guyana Movement with a single seat. Despite Mohamed’s fugitive status, constitutional provisions appear to mandate his election as opposition leader due to his party’s numerical advantage.

    Nadir, a veteran Guyanese statesman, issued a stern warning to opposition parliamentarians, stating that those voting for Mohamed would bear full responsibility for tarnishing the dignity of Guyana’s legislative body. “If opposition members of Parliament feel it morally right to elect an international fugitive, then the stain on our parliament and our country rests solely with them,” he declared, highlighting the moral contradiction between legal requirements and ethical governance.

    The Speaker additionally criticized both the diplomatic community and segments of the media for amplifying calls to proceed with Mohamed’s election, suggesting that external pressure had complicated an already delicate constitutional process. Nadir repeatedly referred to Mohamed as an “international fugitive” throughout his address, underscoring the gravity of the situation facing Guyana’s democratic institutions.

  • Noodtoestand Guatemala, tien politieagenten vermoord

    Noodtoestand Guatemala, tien politieagenten vermoord

    Guatemala has plunged into a state of emergency following a devastating wave of coordinated gang violence that left ten police officers dead and forced the government to implement drastic security measures. The crisis began with simultaneous prison riots across three correctional facilities on Saturday, where members of the notorious Barrio 18 gang took dozens of guards hostage.

    The violence escalated dramatically on Sunday when gang forces launched retaliatory attacks against police units throughout Guatemala City. This aggressive response came after security forces successfully regained control of a prison housing influential gang leader Aldo ‘El Lobo’ Duppie, who is serving cumulative sentences totaling approximately 2,000 years.

    On Monday, Guatemala’s parliament nearly unanimously approved a 30-day state of emergency that had already been activated by President Bernardo Arevalo. The emergency measures significantly expand police powers, allowing warrantless arrests of suspected gang members, restricting freedom of movement, and prohibiting public demonstrations. Authorities can now also implement vehicle checkpoints and search restrictions in designated areas.

    President Arevalo presided over a solemn ceremony at the Interior Ministry to honor the fallen officers, presenting flags to grieving families. ‘It pains me today to hand each of these families this flag,’ Arevalo stated, ‘a symbol of the nation that will not forget the sacrifice and dedication of its police officers who fell in the exercise of their duty.’

    The Barrio 18 gang, which operates alongside the rival MS-13 in Central American drug trafficking networks, reportedly initiated the violence to demand improved privileges for incarcerated members and leaders. This incident continues a pattern of prison unrest that began in mid-2025, including a major October escape where 20 Barrio 18 leaders fled custody—only six were recaptured, while one was killed.

    Notably, gang leader El Lobo maintains family connections to Sandra Torres, President Arevalo’s primary opponent in the 2023 elections, adding political dimensions to the security crisis. Guatemala City remains under heightened security as the government attempts to restore order amidst widespread fear and outrage.

  • CARICOM chair Drew meets PM Browne, FM Greene in Antigua

    CARICOM chair Drew meets PM Browne, FM Greene in Antigua

    In a significant demonstration of regional solidarity, CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrence Drew convened high-level consultations with Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership on January 20th. The strategic dialogue brought together Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene for comprehensive discussions on pressing regional matters.

    The high-stakes meeting, held as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements among Caribbean Community leaders, focused on identifying critical areas requiring coordinated regional responses. Dr. Drew, who concurrently serves as Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, emphasized the imperative of unified approaches to address challenges affecting Caribbean nations.

    Central to the discussions was the reinforcement of collaborative mechanisms designed to advance the collective interests of Caribbean citizens. The leadership exchanged perspectives on developing strategic frameworks for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors, including economic development, climate resilience, and regional security.

    Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining open channels of communication and strengthening institutional capabilities within CARICOM’s governance structure. The dialogue produced consensus on several key initiatives aimed at bolstering regional integration and maximizing the collective bargaining power of Caribbean states in international forums.

    The meeting represents a continuation of CARICOM’s proactive approach to regional governance, demonstrating the organization’s evolving role in addressing complex transnational issues through diplomatic coordination and shared policy development.

  • BTL Presents SpeedNet Acquisition to Cabinet

    BTL Presents SpeedNet Acquisition to Cabinet

    Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) formally presented its acquisition proposal for telecommunications provider SpeedNet to the Belizean Cabinet on January 20, 2026. The presentation follows extensive consultations with key stakeholders including the Social Security Board and the Belize Communications Workers’ Union.

    Government officials confirmed they will publicly announce their position after BTL completes its ongoing consultation round. The meeting featured detailed discussions about the proposed consolidation’s implications for the nation’s telecommunications landscape.

    BTL Chairman Markhelm Lizarraga expressed optimism following the cabinet presentation, stating: “The session progressed exceptionally well with highly engaged cabinet members. We comprehensively addressed their inquiries regarding our strategic rationale and demonstrated how this consolidation would deliver substantial benefits to the Belizean people as primary stakeholders.”

    Lizarraga emphasized that since BTL is citizen-owned, any advantages derived from the acquisition would directly benefit Belizeans both as owners and consumers of enhanced telecommunications services.

    Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics, characterized the presentation as thorough while clarifying that no definitive decision has been reached. Notably, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is preparing a Statutory Instrument to safeguard consumer interests during any transition period. This regulatory measure would mandate unchanged service rates and bundles, preventing unilateral subscriber plan modifications unless expressly requested.

    Addressing monopoly concerns, Minister Chebat highlighted the competitive broadband market, noting approximately 23 other providers currently operate within Belize, suggesting the acquisition wouldn’t establish market dominance.

  • EU Considers Tariff Retaliation After Trump’s Greenland Threat

    EU Considers Tariff Retaliation After Trump’s Greenland Threat

    Transatlantic tensions have escalated dramatically following President Donald Trump’s provocative assertion of U.S. territorial claims over Greenland, prompting the European Union to consider imposing retaliatory tariffs on American goods worth approximately $108 billion. The Arctic island, which remains an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has become the unlikely focal point of a diplomatic crisis that threatens both trade relations and NATO unity.

    The confrontation intensified in the early hours of January 20, 2026, when President Trump disseminated a series of messages on his Truth Social platform featuring an AI-generated image depicting himself planting an American flag on Greenlandic terrain. The digitally altered photograph showed Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio standing beside a sign proclaiming ‘US TERRITORY. EST 2026’—a visual declaration that immediately drew condemnation from European leaders.

    This geopolitical gambit coincides with President Trump’s scheduled attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he was expected to engage with global business and political leaders beginning January 21. Instead, the administration’s Arctic ambitions have dominated pre-forum discussions, with EU officials urgently deliberating countermeasures against what they perceive as an unprecedented territorial challenge.

    President Trump has repeatedly asserted his determination to acquire Greenland for the United States, suggesting during recent exchanges that military force remains a conceivable option. In a revealing aside during discussions with Norway’s prime minister, the president reportedly linked his persistent pursuit of the territory to his disappointment at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

    When questioned about potential consequences for NATO cohesion, Trump responded with characteristic optimism: ‘I think we will work something out where NATO will be very happy.’ He similarly dismissed concerns from Greenland’s residents, adding, ‘When I speak to them, I’m sure they’ll be thrilled.’

    The proposed EU tariffs would directly respond to Trump’s threat to impose 10% tariffs on goods from eight NATO allies who have opposed his Greenland agenda. This escalating trade dispute now threatens to undermine decades of economic cooperation between the United States and its European partners, creating unforeseen challenges for global markets already navigating post-pandemic recovery.

  • Grenada places first in CPEA short story competition 2025

    Grenada places first in CPEA short story competition 2025

    Grenadian students have demonstrated exceptional literary prowess by securing half of the top positions in the prestigious 2025 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) Short Story competition. The regional academic event witnessed a remarkable display of creative writing talent from the island nation, with young scholars claiming an impressive 10 out of 20 ranked spots.

    Adania George, a promising writer from Westmorland Junior School, achieved the highest honor with her captivating short story ‘Thomas and the Visitor,’ which earned the first-place distinction. Her narrative stood out among numerous submissions from across the Caribbean region, showcasing exceptional imagination and literary skill.

    The competition results revealed outstanding performances from multiple Grenadian educational institutions. Grand Roy Government School emerged as the most represented institution with five short stories ranking in the top 20, followed by Westmorland Junior School with three recognized entries. Alpha Junior School and St Andrew’s Anglican Primary School each contributed one award-winning story to Grenada’s impressive tally.

    The Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment, administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), serves as a critical evaluation mechanism for students transitioning from primary to secondary education throughout the Caribbean. This comprehensive assessment examines core academic competencies including mathematics, language arts, scientific literacy, and civic knowledge.

    The complete collection of top-ranked short stories has been made publicly accessible through the official CXC portal, providing recognition for these young authors and offering valuable literary resources for educators and students across the region.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Former BPO Worker Speaks with News 5 on Credit Card Scam

    EXCLUSIVE: Former BPO Worker Speaks with News 5 on Credit Card Scam

    A sophisticated credit card scam originating from within Belize’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector has been uncovered, causing significant financial losses to local enterprises. News Five has secured an exclusive testimony from a former call center agent directly involved in the fraudulent operations before their termination.

    The whistleblower detailed how agents systematically exploit lax enforcement of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). During routine customer service interactions, employees employ simple but effective techniques to capture payment card information while handling live calls.

    According to the insider, the stolen data is rapidly transferred to personal mobile devices within minutes of acquisition. This breach occurs during normal service operations, making detection exceptionally difficult for monitoring systems.

    An intensive week-long investigation has revealed that compromised card details circulate widely through underground networks. The information fuels various illegal activities including food purchases, street-level sales, and connections to organized gang operations.

    Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the crisis on Monday, emphasizing the government’s dual commitment to protecting both the vital BPO industry and affected local businesses. The sector represents a cornerstone of Belize’s economy, employing over 20,000 citizens and generating approximately $150 million in annual revenue.

    The government is now implementing enhanced security measures and enforcement protocols to combat the fraud while preserving the integrity of the employment sector that serves as a significant economic contributor to the nation.

  • Police Investigating Suspected Suicide in Jennings

    Police Investigating Suspected Suicide in Jennings

    Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have initiated a comprehensive investigation following the tragic death of a young woman in the Jennings area on Tuesday afternoon, January 20, 2026. The Royal Police Force has confirmed they are treating the incident as a suspected suicide.

    According to preliminary reports from the Office of Strategic Communications, the deceased has been identified as a female in her mid-twenties. Police personnel and forensic investigators remain actively engaged at the scene, meticulously working to reconstruct the circumstances that led to this devastating outcome.

    The law enforcement agency has assured community members that they are pursuing all necessary investigative protocols to establish a complete understanding of the events preceding the woman’s death. While details remain limited during these preliminary stages, officials have committed to providing additional information as their inquiry progresses and more facts become substantiated.

    This incident has cast a somber atmosphere over the Jennings community, raising concerns about mental health awareness and support systems for young adults throughout the twin-island nation. The police have emphasized their dedication to conducting a thorough and sensitive investigation that respects both the dignity of the deceased and the concerns of the local community.