Carib Scope

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  • CWSA warns of early, extended water rationing amidst low rainfall

    CWSA warns of early, extended water rationing amidst low rainfall

    The Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) has issued an urgent advisory for residents of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to implement immediate home water storage solutions amid an unprecedented rainfall deficit. Meteorological data reveals that precipitation during the 2025 rainy season registered at merely 687.1 mm—less than half the annual averages recorded between 2020 and 2024, which consistently exceeded 1,296 mm.

    Joan Ryan, CWSA’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager, confirmed that surface and groundwater aquifers remain critically under-replenished, creating precarious conditions ahead of the upcoming dry season. Communities dependent on the Montreal, Dalaway, and Mamoon water sources are expected to experience the most severe impacts, historically being the first affected during drought periods.

    The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) projects both short-term drought conditions persisting until March and prolonged drought extending through May 2025. In response, CWSA has activated its emergency management protocol, intensifying monitoring of water sources, accelerating leak detection and repair operations, and enhancing public communication campaigns.

    Water rationing measures may be implemented earlier than usual and maintained for extended durations, accompanied by stringent conservation mandates. Residents are strongly encouraged to develop household water storage systems, with official guidelines recommending a minimum of ten gallons per person daily. Hardware stores nationwide are stocking water storage tanks, and CWSA has provided instructional resources for constructing DIY storage solutions using plastic barrels.

    Ryan emphasized the role of climate change in intensifying these unpredictable weather patterns, noting their significant impact across the Caribbean region. CWSA remains committed to ongoing monitoring and public information dissemination as the nation prepares for challenging water security conditions in the coming months.

  • Snelle Guyana olieproductie verkort levensduur Liza-velden drastisch

    Snelle Guyana olieproductie verkort levensduur Liza-velden drastisch

    Guyana’s emerging oil economy faces a significant challenge as production data reveals the rapid depletion of its flagship Liza One and Liza Two oil fields. According to information from Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources, these strategic assets operated by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block may exhaust their recoverable reserves within just 2-3 years—dramatically shorter than the originally projected 20-year lifespan.

    The Liza One field, operational since December 2019, currently holds approximately 189 million remaining barrels. With its 2025 production averaging 140,000 barrels daily (51 million annually), calculations suggest complete depletion could occur within slightly over three years. Similarly, Liza Two—commissioned in February 2022 with 266 million barrels remaining—produced at 250,000 barrels daily in 2025 (91 million annually), potentially exhausting its reserves in just over two years.

    This accelerated timeline stems from production agreements between ExxonMobil and the Guyanese government that prioritized rapid extraction. However, this approach has substantially shortened the economic viability of these fields while coinciding with unfavorable market conditions. Brent crude prices have declined from approximately $100 per barrel during the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict to current levels around $62, with analysts warning potential further drops to $50 due to geopolitical developments including U.S. interventions in Venezuela.

    Compounding these challenges, Guyana’s revenue-sharing model has limited national benefits. The absence of ring-fencing provisions allows ExxonMobil to allocate up to 75% of monthly production to recover costs from other Stabroek Block projects—a particularly disadvantageous arrangement during periods of high oil prices.

    Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo previously defended this strategy, stating in October 2023 that the country was ‘sacrificing current revenues for massive future returns.’ However, the combination of rapidly depleting reserves, declining prices, and contractual terms now raises serious questions about whether Guyana will maximize benefits from its petroleum resources. The situation threatens to significantly impact funding for the national development agenda, highlighting the complex tradeoffs between accelerated extraction and sustainable resource management.

  • New Police Substation Coming to Caye Caulker in $1.5M Contract

    New Police Substation Coming to Caye Caulker in $1.5M Contract

    The Belizean government has entered into a significant infrastructure agreement valued at $1.5 million with Coleman Construction Limited for the development of a contemporary police substation on Caye Caulker. This strategic initiative, orchestrated through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Transformation, is poised to substantially augment security protocols on the island, which is experiencing a consistent rise in tourism.

    The forthcoming facility will encompass over 3,500 square feet of advanced operational space. Its design incorporates specialized sections including a dedicated domestic violence unit, a highly secure evidence storage room, an exclusive crime investigation chamber, and modern conference facilities to support inter-agency coordination.

    Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira emphasized the critical necessity for this project, citing the present subpar working conditions for officers. He asserted that the new substation will profoundly improve both the operational environment for law enforcement personnel and the overall safety framework for the local community and international visitors alike.

    Financial backing for this substantial public safety investment is being provided by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). The construction timeline is projected to span approximately twelve months. According to Minister Mira, this development represents a major commitment to safeguarding the citizens of Caye Caulker.

    Area Representative Andre Perez, who attended the contract signing ceremony, contextualized this project within the government’s wider ‘Plan Belize’ developmental agenda. This comprehensive initiative also includes provisions for establishing a new high school on the island, signaling a holistic approach to community infrastructure enhancement.

  • Important Update on Registration for Free Dental Services – Great Shape Inc. 1,000 Smiles

    Important Update on Registration for Free Dental Services – Great Shape Inc. 1,000 Smiles

    The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Services has announced significant modifications to the registration protocol for the upcoming Great Shape Inc. – 1,000 Smiles Free Dental Initiative. This collaborative effort between the Ministry and the Sandals Foundation will implement revised procedures for its 2026 program.

    Pre-registration activities have been relocated exclusively to the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre, occurring on Thursday, January 15th and Friday, January 16th, 2026. Registration hours are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, resuming from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. This centralized approach replaces the previously announced registration at six public health clinics.

    Individuals who obtained registration forms from the clinics must return completed documents to their original collection points by 12:00 noon on January 16th, 2026. Forms submitted after this deadline will be deemed invalid for program consideration.

    Successful registrants will receive dental treatments on Monday, January 19th and Tuesday, January 20th, 2026. No new registrations will be processed on the initial treatment day. However, commencing Tuesday, January 20th, new registrations will be accepted at the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., operating simultaneously with clinical services.

    The comprehensive dental program will provide essential services including dental fillings, root canal treatments, tooth extractions, and professional dental cleanings. The initiative will run weekdays from January 19th through January 30th, 2026, with operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    The Ministry expresses gratitude for public cooperation and urges interested participants to adhere to these updated procedures to ensure access to these complimentary dental services.

  • Bajan ladies bowl off T20 Blaze with victory

    Bajan ladies bowl off T20 Blaze with victory

    The Cricket West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze tournament ignited with a trio of fiercely contested matches at Arnos Vale in St. Vincent, headlined by Barbados securing a nail-biting victory in their opening fixture.

    In the day’s marquee contest, Barbados clinched a tense three-wicket triumph over Trinidad and Tobago with just nine deliveries remaining. Chasing a modest target of 98 runs, Barbados appeared destined for a comfortable victory after openers Eboni Brathwaite (26) and Trishan Holder (16) established a solid 45-run foundation. However, Holder’s dismissal in the seventh over triggered a dramatic collapse that saw Barbados stumble to a precarious 68 for six by the 15th over. The match hung in balance until veteran pacer Shamilia Connell emerged as the unlikely hero, unleashing a decisive unbeaten 16 from just ten deliveries to seal victory at 99 for seven in the penultimate over.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s bowling attack, led by the exceptional Brianna Harricharan (3 wickets for 8 runs), staged a remarkable comeback that nearly snatched victory from defeat. Earlier, T&T posted 97 for five from their 20 overs, with Britney Cooper’s 36-ball 33 and captain Karishma Ramharack’s 21 forming the backbone of their innings. Barbados’ Naijanni Cumberbatch impressed with bowling figures of two for 18.

    The tournament’s second encounter witnessed Leeward Islands securing a nine-run victory against Jamaica. Shawnisha Hector’s anchoring innings of 56 from 55 balls propelled Leewards to 108 for five, despite Jamaica’s Chedan Nation (2 for 15) causing early damage. Nation later starred with an unbeaten 48 in Jamaica’s reply, but her valiant effort proved insufficient as the team finished at 99 for eight. Leewards’ bowling trio of Davronique Maynard (2 for 19), Shawnisha Hector (2 for 15), and Jahzara Claxton (2 for 26) effectively contained the Jamaican batting lineup.

    Defending champions Guyana commenced their title defense with a hard-fought seven-run victory over Windward Islands. Restricted to 96 for five, Guyana relied on Shabika Gajnabi’s team-high 38 from 37 balls, while Windwards’ Carena Noel and Zaida James both recorded economical figures of one for 14. In response, Windward Islands fell agonizingly short at 89 for five, despite Jannillea Glasgow’s resilient 41 from 59 balls. Her dismissal via runout with three balls remaining effectively sealed Guyana’s victory in the tournament opener.

  • SVG not notified of changes in US visa policy – Bramble

    SVG not notified of changes in US visa policy – Bramble

    Multiple Caribbean nations find themselves in a state of diplomatic uncertainty following widespread media reports indicating the United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for their citizens. The development emerged through international news channels rather than official diplomatic channels, creating confusion among affected nations.

    Foreign Minister Fitzgerald Bramble of St. Vincent and the Grenadines confirmed Wednesday that his government had received no formal notification from US authorities regarding any visa policy changes. Despite multiple international news organizations, including CNN, reporting that SVG and several other Caribbean countries were among 75 nations facing immigrant visa processing suspensions, official confirmation remains absent.

    “We have not been officially informed by the US embassy in Barbados to the Eastern Caribbean nor any other US government official,” Minister Bramble stated through the state-owned Agency for Public Information. He acknowledged awareness of media reports but emphasized that his administration was actively seeking clarification through both the US Embassy in Barbados and SVG’s embassy in Washington, DC.

    The reported policy would specifically target immigrant visas, including those for employment or family reunification purposes, while excluding non-immigrant categories such as tourist and student visas. According to media sources, the suspension is scheduled to take effect on January 21 as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown.

    CARICOM members reportedly affected include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Notably exempted from the list are Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

    Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, provided additional context after making direct inquiries with State Department officials. He revealed that the measure under consideration would involve a temporary pause of up to sixty days for immigrant visa applications while vetting procedures undergo review, contradicting some media reports that suggested broader restrictions.

    The ambassador emphasized that individual countries have no administrative role in US immigration decisions, characterizing the matter as exclusively between applicants and US authorities. Meanwhile, the Gaston Browne administration continues diplomatic efforts to remove Antigua and Barbuda from various US visa restriction lists, including requirements for certain applicants to post bonds.

    State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott characterized the move as preventing “abuse of America’s immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people.” The reported expansion of immigration restrictions would additionally affect countries including Somalia, Russia, and Iran, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

  • Retired public servant, healthcare administrator Percy McDonald dies

    Retired public servant, healthcare administrator Percy McDonald dies

    The nation of Saint Lucia is mourning the passing of esteemed former public official Percival “Percy” McDonald, whose death was formally announced on January 14. The Diamond Estate, Soufriere native succumbed to a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his former colleague Cletus Springer, who remembered McDonald as “a gentleman and patriot.

    McDonald’s most notable contribution came during his tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and International Financial Services from 1994, where he delivered exceptional service for five years. His distinguished public service career began in the late 1980s with assignments in the health and agriculture ministries.

    Following his retirement from central government, McDonald intensified his community engagement in Soufriere. He served as Vice President of the Regional Development Foundation (1999-2004) and chaired the groundbreaking Soufriere Marine Management Association (2000-2008). His compassionate leadership extended to establishing a soup kitchen initiative through the Soufriere Parish Council in 2004, providing sustenance for street beggars and underprivileged individuals through collaboration with the St Vincent DePaul Society and National Community Foundation.

    McDonald subsequently transitioned into health administration, chairing the board of St Jude Hospital and serving as chairman and consultant administrator of the Spartan Medical Sciences Institute. He also presided over Tenelle Health Sciences University.

    Springer fondly recalled their professional relationship on social media: “The glue between us was the late, great Romanus Lansiquot. When I transferred to Planning, Percy replaced me at Tourism. We had many lively arguments and shared countless humorous moments. He was a fitness fanatic who exercised as often as he could.”

    McDonald’s national contributions were formally recognized through multiple honors. At the 2023 GIMIES Awards, he received Special Recognition for developing the tourism ministry’s marketing arm and spearheading the national taxi association. His dedication earned him an MBE in 2000 for public and community service, upgraded to CBE in 2022 for poverty alleviation initiatives.

  • SPFL player, staff payouts double past $1.4M in 2025

    SPFL player, staff payouts double past $1.4M in 2025

    The Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL) concluded its annual stakeholders’ meeting with groundbreaking financial revelations, announcing a remarkable 111% increase in player and technical staff compensation for the 2025 season. Total payouts soared to EC$1.45 million, up dramatically from EC$687,602.82 in the previous year.

    The comprehensive six-hour assembly at Castries’ Bel Jou Hotel united key stakeholders including the Ministry of Education, Youth Development and Sports, the Saint Lucia Football Association, and league administrators to evaluate the SPFL’s second competitive season. The 2025 campaign featured an extensive schedule of 143 matches across 20 teams divided into two divisions, with La Clery securing back-to-back Tier 1 championships and Anse La Raye earning promotion to the top flight after dominating Tier 2 competition.

    League CEO Francis ‘Parry’ Daniel reported exceptional digital engagement metrics, with SPFL content accumulating over 1.25 million views during the six-month season. Every Tier 1 match received comprehensive coverage through either the league’s dedicated YouTube channel or FIFA+, which began broadcasting Saint Lucian fixtures in 2025.

    The league’s financial ecosystem benefited from seven principal sponsors contributing approximately EC$73,000, supplemented by strategic partnerships with the National Lotteries Authority and ES Productions. Despite these advancements, Sports Minister Kenson Casimir emphasized the need for expanded private sector involvement, stating: ‘While we’ve secured increased corporate investment, we remain unsatisfied. More business leaders must recognize their role in investing in our young footballers.’

    The meeting featured detailed presentations covering marketing initiatives, medical services, security protocols, live streaming operations, media coverage, commentary quality, and venue management. Distinguished attendees included SPFL chair Dr. Uralise Delaire, SLFA president Lyndon Cooper, and department leads Cherry Ann Williams (marketing), Dr. Natasha Innocent (medical), and Elijah Williams (commentary).

    Looking toward Season 3, Minister Casimir identified officiating quality as a critical improvement area, noting: ‘Refereeing standards have represented a persistent challenge throughout the league’s first two seasons.’ The government plans to address this through international referee recruitment while simultaneously expanding local official development programs.

    The minister reaffirmed government commitment to the league, which currently supports over 400 players, coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, match officials, and administrators. Casimir concluded with an appeal to businesses to consider player adoption programs and nutritional investment initiatives as part of Saint Lucia’s broader strategy to professionalize its football infrastructure.

  • Cabinet Doesn’t Have Full Details of BTL/SpeedNet Deal

    Cabinet Doesn’t Have Full Details of BTL/SpeedNet Deal

    BELIZE CITY – A significant transparency crisis has emerged within the Belizean government regarding the proposed acquisition of telecommunications provider SpeedNet by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). Immigration Minister Kareem Musa confirmed to press on Monday that Cabinet members have not received comprehensive briefings on the agreement, despite months of closed-door negotiations.

    The controversy deepened when Opposition Leader Tracy Panton revealed during a Tuesday press briefing that the proposal had never undergone formal Cabinet discussion. More alarmingly, Panton disclosed that the arrangement had not been ‘fully disclosed to the members of the BTL board,’ raising serious questions about governance protocols.

    Although Cabinet convened on Tuesday, reliable sources indicate the matter received only peripheral attention during discussions. Panton challenged the procedural irregularities surrounding the major national decision, emphasizing that while investment remains welcome, it cannot come at the expense of governmental transparency.

    The Opposition Leader highlighted BTL’s constitutional status as a public institution, thereby mandating rigorous public scrutiny of any significant operational changes. ‘At whatever point this country decides that consolidation serves its best interest… it will require certain non-negotiables,’ Panton asserted, adding that ‘the people must decide, not a government, or six people in a room.’

    When questioned whether her position opposed the acquisition itself or merely its opaque handling, Panton clarified her party’s stance: ‘We do not support this deal. We don’t even have information available to us to say yes or no.’ This statement underscores the complete information vacuum surrounding the proposed merger, leaving parliamentarians unable to conduct proper due diligence on the arrangement’s national implications.

  • Red Bank Rejects Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary

    Red Bank Rejects Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary

    In a decisive community vote, residents of Red Bank Village have formally rejected a government initiative to establish a scarlet macaw sanctuary within the Maya Mountains. The proposed conservation area, intended to safeguard critical feeding grounds for hundreds of these vibrant birds while boosting local ecotourism, faced overwhelming opposition during a packed public consultation on Tuesday evening.

    The meeting, attended by nearly 200 villagers, revealed deep-seated frustrations regarding perceived exclusion from preliminary discussions. Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson confirmed the consensus: “The conversation tonight was really on target to say, ‘We don’t want it.’ As an elected representative, I told them we are going to back off.”

    Central to residents’ concerns were potential restrictions on hill access essential for daily subsistence and unverified rumors about farmer relocations. Ferguson addressed land survey concerns, stating, “I know the land has been surveyed but not issued and signed by the Minister of Natural Resources,” while pledging to prevent any land sales that might limit community access.

    Tour guides presented contrasting perspectives, emphasizing the sanctuary’s ecological and economic necessity. Guide Basilio Mes warned, “It would be very bad for us as we will not be able to come and work in our area anymore,” advocating for a compromise sanctuary model permitting sustainable access. Mes cited observable scarlet macaw population declines and recent environmental threats including illegal logging and unauthorized zipline construction as urgent justification for protection measures.

    Community member Lorencio Sho criticized the government’s engagement approach: “You’re going based off of three persons’ opinions, not the entire community.” Sho referenced Minister Orlando Habet’s recent media comments suggesting the proposal was nearing approval as particularly concerning given the lack of community consultation.

    Despite the current rejection, Ferguson left open the possibility of future reconsideration, stating he would support the initiative should community sentiment evolve. The outcome highlights ongoing tensions between conservation objectives and community sovereignty in natural resource management.