Carib Scope

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  • Health Ministry: Incoming Ghanaian Nurses Fully Vetted and Approved

    Health Ministry: Incoming Ghanaian Nurses Fully Vetted and Approved

    The Ministry of Health has officially addressed public concerns regarding the latest cohort of nursing professionals arriving from Ghana. In a comprehensive media briefing held today, senior health officials provided detailed assurances about the recruitment and verification process. According to the ministry’s statements, all incoming Ghanaian nurses have undergone exhaustive credential verification and competency assessments aligned with national healthcare standards.

    The verification process reportedly included multiple validation stages: thorough examination of professional qualifications, practical skill evaluations, and compliance checks with local medical regulations. Health authorities emphasized that this meticulous approach ensures all foreign healthcare workers meet the identical standards required of domestically trained nurses before receiving practice authorization.

    This development comes amid growing global mobility of healthcare professionals and increasing scrutiny of international credential recognition processes. The ministry’s transparent communication strategy appears designed to build public confidence in both the healthcare system’s integrity and its capacity to maintain service quality while addressing staffing needs through international recruitment channels.

  • Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. The Hon. Terrance Drew pays official visit to SVG

    Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. The Hon. Terrance Drew pays official visit to SVG

    In a significant diplomatic engagement highlighting Caribbean unity, Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), commenced an official visit to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on January 20, 2026. The high-level delegation was formally received at Argyle International Airport by Vincentian Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday alongside members of his cabinet.

    The bilateral meeting between the two leaders focused on pressing regional matters, shared strategic priorities, and enhanced cooperation frameworks within the CARICOM structure. This diplomatic exchange represents a concerted effort to address collective challenges and opportunities facing Caribbean nations.

    The visit serves to reinforce the robust and historically cordial relations between the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Both nations demonstrated renewed commitment to advancing regional integration initiatives and strengthening multilateral collaboration through the CARICOM mechanism.

    This high-profile engagement underscores the continuing importance of interpersonal diplomacy among Caribbean leaders in fostering regional solidarity. The meeting provided a platform for strategic dialogue on economic resilience, climate challenges, and coordinated policy approaches that benefit the broader Caribbean community.

  • Jeugd aan de grens onder druk: Suriname en Frankrijk zoeken samenwerking via sport en preventie

    Jeugd aan de grens onder druk: Suriname en Frankrijk zoeken samenwerking via sport en preventie

    In a significant bilateral meeting, Suriname’s Minister of Youth Development and Sport Lalinie Gopal and French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste have identified sports as a strategic tool to address mounting youth challenges in the border regions shared by Suriname and French Guiana.

    The high-level discussion centered on the Marowijne River border between Suriname’s Marowijne district and France’s Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni territory, where interconnected social issues transcend national boundaries. Ambassador de Lacoste emphasized the urgency of understanding Suriname’s policy priorities given the transnational nature of youth problems in these border communities.

    French officials highlighted severe challenges plaguing French Guiana’s youth, including mental health crises and alarmingly high suicide rates among young people. Both nations recognize organized sports as a powerful mechanism to provide structure, purpose, and future perspectives for vulnerable youth populations.

    The dialogue explored existing and prospective sporting initiatives, including the Inter-Guiana Games, Olympic events, and regional tournaments. France has committed to facilitating participation by providing free visas for sporting and cultural activities, effectively removing financial barriers for Surinamese athletes.

    Minister Gopal outlined Suriname’s infrastructural limitations in sports facilities and policy implementation. She referenced ongoing discussions with the Surinamese Olympic Committee and international partnerships, including India’s donation for upgrading sports infrastructure in Nickerie. The minister stressed the critical gap in school sports programs due to insufficient structural integration within education systems and a shortage of qualified sports instructors.

    Youth development challenges received substantial attention, with particular focus on persistent issues like teenage pregnancies and school dropout rates in border communities. Suriname is collaborating with UNICEF and UNFPA on prevention programs that engage not only girls but also parents and fathers.

    Ambassador de Lacoste expressed France’s willingness to expand cooperation into prevention strategies, sports training, and knowledge exchange. He noted that sports facilities in French Guiana benefit from management by locally elected officials, which enhances accountability and targeted investment.

    Both parties agreed to explore formalizing their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding, potentially establishing concrete agreements addressing youth development, sports, education, and shared cross-border challenges.

  • Atherley rules himself out of February 11 election

    Atherley rules himself out of February 11 election

    In a significant political development, former opposition leader Bishop Joe Atherley has officially declared he will not stand as a candidate in Barbados’ upcoming general election, while simultaneously reaffirming his unwavering dedication to the nation’s political landscape. The announcement, made exclusively to Barbados TODAY on Monday, clarifies that while Atherley is stepping back from electoral contention, he remains deeply invested in serving Barbadian interests through alternative political channels.

    Atherley, who previously secured the St Michael West constituency for the Barbados Labour Party in 2018 before establishing the People’s Party for Democracy and Development (PdP) as the sole opposition voice, emphasized that his commitment transcends party affiliations. “My first suit is not a party label,” he stated metaphorically. “My first suit is the blue, yellow, gold—the Barbados colors representing the interests of its people.”

    The former parliamentarian articulated that his decision stems from a principled approach to public service, guided by his Christian values and ministerial profession. He expressed willingness to contribute to national interests wherever possible, provided such engagement aligns with his ethical framework.

    This development coincides with the formation of a new coalition—the People’s Coalition for Progress—comprising the United Progressive Party, New National Party, and Conservative Barbados Leadership Party. Notably, Atherley confirmed that neither he nor the PdP are participating in this alliance, distinguishing the current political realignment from the previous Allied Party for Progress coalition formed during the January 2022 elections.

    Atherley’s withdrawal marks a pivotal moment in Barbados’ opposition landscape, potentially reshaping electoral dynamics while underscoring his continued role as an independent political voice dedicated to national rather than partisan interests.

  • Zabaneh Meets Evangelical Church Leaders

    Zabaneh Meets Evangelical Church Leaders

    In a significant move to strengthen church-state collaboration, Belize’s Minister of Religious Affairs Dr. Louis Zabaneh convened with prominent evangelical church leaders this Monday. The high-level meeting served as a platform for candid discussions on pressing national issues, with particular emphasis on legislative developments and societal challenges impacting Belizean families.

    The dialogue encompassed a broad spectrum of critical topics including religious freedom protections, preservation of traditional family values, educational policies, and public health initiatives. Both governmental and religious representatives emphasized the necessity of maintaining open communication channels to effectively address community-level concerns while respecting constitutional guarantees of religious expression.

    According to official statements from the Ministry of Constitution and Religious Affairs, the administration remains committed to making decisions that serve the public interest while upholding fundamental religious freedoms. The meeting concluded with mutual recognition of the importance of sustained cooperation between governmental bodies and faith-based organizations.

    The Ministry further confirmed its intention to maintain ongoing engagement with various religious institutions across Belize, seeking to enhance collaborative efforts that support educational systems and community development programs nationwide. While specific policy measures discussed remain undisclosed, the meeting established a framework for future consultations on legislative matters affecting moral and social values in Belizean society.

  • Glasford Francis, Founder of Kennedy’s Club Ltd., Dies

    Glasford Francis, Founder of Kennedy’s Club Ltd., Dies

    The business community mourns the loss of Glasford Francis, the pioneering founder and guiding force behind Kennedy’s Club Ltd., who passed away on January 20, 2026. The company confirmed his passing in an official statement released this Tuesday, commemorating his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.

    Hailed as the patriarch of the Kennedy’s Club family, Francis was celebrated for his exceptional vision, profound generosity, and unwavering dedication to both his enterprise and his loved ones. These core principles not only shaped the company’s ethos but also profoundly impacted the countless lives it touched throughout its operation.

    Establishing Kennedy’s Club Ltd. in 1962, Francis steered the enterprise from its humble origins to its status as a venerable and highly respected institution within the local economic landscape. His transformative leadership over more than six decades was instrumental in building a brand synonymous with reliability and community values.

    The company’s statement emphasized that while Francis is no longer present, his indelible legacy will persist through the foundational values he embedded within the corporate culture and the robust institution he meticulously constructed. His passing marks the end of an era but affirms the continuation of his life’s work through the ongoing operations and philosophical underpinnings of Kennedy’s Club Ltd.

  • Community policing in action – Bellevue Chopin makes history

    Community policing in action – Bellevue Chopin makes history

    In a significant community policing initiative, senior officers from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) conducted an extensive foot patrol throughout the Bellevue Chopin area on January 16, 2026. The operation, spearheaded by Deputy Chief of Police Jeffrey James, represented a strategic effort to strengthen police-community relations through direct engagement.

    The patrol featured deliberate visits to retired law enforcement personnel including Former Inspector Cyprian Defoe, Retired Sergeant Edwin Francis, and Ex-Special Constable Phillipson Darroux. These emotional reunions facilitated the exchange of professional anecdotes and lighthearted humor, with veterans expressing profound appreciation for the recognition from active-duty colleagues.

    Beyond personal visits, officers engaged substantively with local business operators, detailing the objectives behind the newly established Bellevue Chopin & Petite Savanne Community Policing Group. Entrepreneurs received practical security recommendations to enhance protection of their commercial establishments.

    A crucial component involved dialogues with young male residents who responded enthusiastically to the initiative, requesting more consistent interactions with law enforcement personnel. The community’s elderly members noted the unprecedented nature of the event, describing it as a historic milestone for the region.

    The day concluded symbolically with officers and residents sharing a traditional communal meal, embodying the spirit of unity and collaborative safety efforts. This initiative aligns with the CDPF’s broader Community Oriented Policing strategy focused on trust-building, partnership reinforcement, and creating safer neighborhood environments.

  • Leadership in Action as Levor Henry Earns Doctoral Degree

    Leadership in Action as Levor Henry Earns Doctoral Degree

    In a remarkable demonstration of academic perseverance and leadership excellence, Levor Henry has successfully attained his doctoral degree, culminating years of dedicated research and scholarly pursuit. This educational milestone transcends personal achievement, representing a significant contribution to his field of study and serving as an inspiration to his community.

    Dr. Henry’s academic journey exemplifies the powerful intersection of practical leadership and theoretical knowledge. While maintaining his professional responsibilities and community engagement, he pursued advanced studies with exceptional commitment. His doctoral research, which addresses pressing contemporary issues within his discipline, demonstrates both intellectual rigor and practical applicability.

    The attainment of this terminal degree amplifies Dr. Henry’s capacity for impact across multiple sectors. Colleagues and mentors note that his academic credentials now complement his established reputation as an effective leader and change agent. The doctoral qualification formally recognizes his expertise and positions him to contribute to higher-level policy discussions, academic discourse, and innovative solutions within his area of specialization.

    This achievement carries particular significance within Dr. Henry’s community, where he has long served as a role model for educational attainment. His success story challenges conventional narratives about the compatibility of leadership responsibilities with advanced academic pursuits, demonstrating that dedicated individuals can excel simultaneously in both practical and scholarly domains.

    The conferral of the doctoral degree opens new professional pathways for Dr. Henry, including opportunities in academic instruction, research leadership, and specialized consulting. Those familiar with his work anticipate that this milestone will enhance his ability to drive positive change and mentor the next generation of professionals in his field.

  • Domestic Violence Law Still Awaits Training Rollout

    Domestic Violence Law Still Awaits Training Rollout

    Critical legislative reforms designed to bolster safeguards for domestic violence victims remain inoperative months after their parliamentary passage in 2025. The enhanced legal provisions, which authorize senior justices of the peace to issue ex parte interim protection orders during exceptional periods such as long weekends and public holidays, cannot be activated until officials complete compulsory training programs.

    Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre emphasized the necessity of interagency coordination for successful implementation, noting involvement from the Justice of the Peace Association, Police Department, Attorney General’s Ministry, and Family Court. “Although these senior Justices of the Peace are legally empowered with magistrate-level authority, they require specialized training before exercising these sensitive responsibilities,” Sylvestre stated.

    The government acknowledges the urgency but maintains that proper preparation outweighs expediency. “We must strike a balance between rapid deployment and ensuring officials possess adequate training to handle these critical cases effectively,” Sylvestre added, dismissing notions of rushed implementation.

    Financial considerations also remain unresolved, with reports indicating potential $50 application fees for interim orders. Sylvestre confirmed this amount hasn’t been finalized, noting logistical complexities: “These proceedings would occur outside regular working hours, requiring careful operational planning.”

    No definitive timeline has been established for when the enhanced protective measures will become operational, leaving victims awaiting strengthened legal recourse mechanisms.

  • Transport Ministry Plans Enforcement Expansion

    Transport Ministry Plans Enforcement Expansion

    The Cabinet has formally endorsed an ambitious proposal from the Ministry of Transport to significantly enhance its enforcement capabilities through strategic expansion of personnel and equipment resources. This initiative, designed to elevate road safety standards, reinforce regulatory adherence, and improve overall public service delivery, represents a critical step toward modernizing national transportation infrastructure.

    Despite receiving governmental approval, the ministry has clarified that financial backing for this expansion remains unsecured, preventing immediate commencement of recruitment activities. Officials are currently developing comprehensive implementation protocols, including detailed eligibility requirements, rigorous training standards, and specific qualification criteria for potential candidates.

    The ministry emphasized its commitment to ensuring all future hiring processes maintain transparency and adhere to merit-based selection principles consistent with national enforcement benchmarks. Public notification with complete application details and procedural timelines will be issued following the finalization of preparatory measures and successful acquisition of necessary funding.

    No projected timeline has been established for either funding identification or recruitment initiation, leaving the program’s activation contingent upon budgetary decisions.