Carib Scope

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  • Auguste back in charge of local cricket

    Auguste back in charge of local cricket

    The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) has confirmed its leadership team for the upcoming term following its biennial general meeting held January 10 at the Odan Human Resource Development Centre. Wayne Auguste, a seasoned strategy and financial consultant, secured his second consecutive term as president after first assuming the role in 2023.

    The newly formed executive committee features two significant changes to its leadership structure. Christopher Peters assumes the position of first vice president, succeeding John Estephane, who recently transitioned to parliamentary duties as the member for Babonneau and Minister in the Ministry of Tourism. In another strategic appointment, former West Indies women’s cricket captain Eugena Gregg joins the leadership as third vice president, taking over from Roseline Preville with specific responsibility for women’s cricket development.

    Several incumbent officers retained their positions through unopposed re-elections, including Second Vice President Nerville Florence, Secretary Lucy Goodman, Treasurer Celestin Laurent, and Principal Secretary Jacqueline Inglis.

    The association formally acknowledged the participation of its members and affiliates in the nomination process, noting the “spirit of unity and volunteerism that characterises our cricket community” in an official release.

    Looking ahead to the new season, the SLNCA outlined an ambitious domestic calendar featuring multiple youth development programs and competitive tournaments. These include the Sandals Under-19 Boys’ Tournament, Prime Minister’s Independence Cup, Saint Lucia Premier League, and the return of women’s competitions such as the Alicia John T20 and Acynta Auguste 50-Over Tournaments.

    In preparation for the upcoming season, the association presented the Cricket Umpires Association with 32 red-ball and 32 white-ball uniforms, ensuring officials are fully equipped for all formats of the game.

  • Here’s An Update on the Budna Kidnapping Case

    Here’s An Update on the Budna Kidnapping Case

    Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado has publicly reaffirmed his confidence in the ongoing investigation into the August kidnapping of Joseph Budna, despite mounting criticism over the handling of the case. During a recent press briefing, Rosado steadfastly refused to address specific allegations while maintaining the professionalism of his department.

    The controversy stems from November remarks by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who characterized the police submission as a “less than nothing file” regarding the Budna case. When pressed on this assessment, Rosado offered a carefully measured response: “I maintain that someone is entitled to their perspective of something, and I will not comment on somebody’s perspective of something. I have full confidence in the integrity of the investigative process and in the professional capacity of the investigators.”

    Attention has also focused on the status of Police Officer Barry Flowers, who remains on full pay despite being placed on his second interdiction during the investigation. Commissioner Rosado clarified departmental policy: “It is the policy of the department that an individual is suspended while an investigation is ongoing. If a police officer is arrested and charged, they automatically go into interdiction. We are abiding by the policies of the department.”

    Regarding allegations that other officers faced pressure to provide false statements, Rosado declined to comment directly but issued an appeal: “I encourage any police officer with information of evidential value to come forward and speak to investigators so we can continue the ongoing investigation.”

    Notably, the Commissioner refused to confirm whether a criminal act had actually occurred on August 22nd, the date referenced in the kidnapping case, leaving fundamental questions about the incident unanswered as the investigation extends into its fifth month.

  • Cricket West Indies CEO hails tournament’s importance

    Cricket West Indies CEO hails tournament’s importance

    The highly anticipated CG United Women’s T20 Blaze competition commences Tuesday in St. Vincent with defending champions Guyana set to clash against Windward Islands in the tournament opener. This initial match at Arnos Vale Ground forms part of a competitive triple-header schedule, followed by Jamaica versus Leeward Islands, culminating with a historic rivalry showdown between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

    The round-robin T20 Blaze will exclusively utilize the Arnos Vale venue before attention shifts to the Super50 Cup, which will be hosted across three locations: Sion Hill, Park Hill, and Cumberland. Daily matches will begin at 9:30 a.m., with each squad playing three games to determine the ultimate champion through final rankings. Guyana enters the competition seeking to defend their maiden regional title earned last year through an undefeated campaign that concluded with a dramatic Super Over victory against Jamaica. Meanwhile, Trinidad & Tobago arrives as current Super50 champions after defeating Barbados by seven wickets in the 2025 final.

    Miles Bascombe, Cricket West Indies’ Director of Cricket, emphasized the strategic significance of these tournaments. “These competitions serve as a crucial foundation for an exceptionally demanding year in Caribbean women’s cricket,” Bascombe stated. “The CG United Women’s Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze establish essential competitive benchmarks as we prepare for an intensive international schedule featuring major bilateral series and the ICC T20 World Cup. Robust regional competition remains fundamental to our high-performance pathway, and we anticipate these tournaments will again identify and develop players ready for international success.”

    Following the domestic season, the West Indies Women’s team will embark on a packed international calendar, hosting Sri Lanka for a white-ball series in late February before confronting Australia in a comprehensive all-format series in March. The summer schedule further intensifies with a tri-nation series involving Ireland and Pakistan, building toward the pinnacle event—the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup—for which the regional squad has been undertaking extensive preparation.

    The Barbados squad, led by captain Aaliyah Alleyne, features experienced players including Shakera Selman, Shamilia Connell, and a blend of emerging talent ready to challenge for supremacy.

  • Olieprijzen stabiel ondanks spanningen in Iran en Venezuela

    Olieprijzen stabiel ondanks spanningen in Iran en Venezuela

    Global oil markets maintained positions near five-week peaks on Monday as traders carefully assessed the complex interplay of geopolitical developments across multiple oil-producing nations. The delicate balance between supply constraints and potential market expansions created a volatile trading environment.

    In Iran, market participants expressed concerns that the government’s harsh crackdown on widespread anti-regime protests could potentially disrupt the nation’s oil export capabilities. Meanwhile, Venezuela—another OPEC member under international sanctions—prepares to resume oil exports following the resignation of President Nicolás Maduro. According to statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, the emerging administration is expected to transfer up to 50 million barrels of oil to United States markets, triggering intense competition among energy corporations scrambling to secure tankers and logistical support.

    Price movements reflected this uncertainty with Brent crude edging upward by 8 cents to $63.42 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) experienced a slight decline of 13 cents to $58.99 per barrel.

    The geopolitical landscape extended beyond these immediate flashpoints. Market analysts closely monitored the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, where attacks on critical energy infrastructure and potential tightening of international sanctions threatened to disrupt supply chains. Simultaneously, Azerbaijan reported declining export volumes while Norway unveiled strategic plans to safeguard its petroleum industry’s future.

    Financial institution Goldman Sachs projected that increasing global supply and potential market surplus would likely drive oil prices downward throughout the year. However, analysts acknowledged that persistent geopolitical risks—particularly in Russia, Venezuela, and Iran—would continue to fuel market volatility.

    Adding another layer of complexity, uncertainties surrounding U.S. interest rate policies and the Federal Reserve’s monetary stance created additional market apprehensions that indirectly influenced oil price trajectories through currency fluctuations and broader economic sentiment.

  • Saint Lucian boxers express gratitude ahead of elite training stint

    Saint Lucian boxers express gratitude ahead of elite training stint

    Two of Saint Lucia’s most promising welterweight boxers, Hervé Charlemagne and Daniel Martin, have departed for an intensive training program at the prestigious CREPS Antilles-Guyane center in Guadeloupe. The specialized sports facility in Les Abymes is renowned for cultivating elite athletic talent through comprehensive development programs that integrate sports education, animation career training, and high-performance support services including medical, nutritional, and psychological conditioning.

    Both athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill at regional competitions, with Martin recently clinching victory at the 2025 OECS Boxing Championships where he played a pivotal role in securing Saint Lucia’s championship retention. Charlemagne previously led his national team to a podium finish at the Caribbean School Boys and Girls Boxing Tournament in Guyana, showcasing his technical prowess and competitive spirit.

    In pre-departure statements, both boxers expressed profound appreciation for the opportunity. “This represents a transformative phase in my boxing career,” Charlemagne noted. “Training at CREPS will immerse me in superior competitive environments and professional discipline. I extend gratitude to the Boxing Association and all supporters of my potential—I am committed to rigorous training and representing Saint Lucia with honor.”

    Martin shared similar enthusiasm for the developmental opportunity: “Such chances are rare and precious. I anticipate substantial learning, skill enhancement, and testing my capabilities against top-tier opponents. This program will refine my techniques and better prepare me for future challenges. Carrying the Saint Lucian flag into this experience fills me with immense pride.”

    The initiative is a strategic component of the Saint Lucia Boxing Association’s (SLBA) broader mandate to provide international exposure and competitive preparation for its athletes. SLBA President David “Shakes” Christopher emphasized the program’s significance: “This immersion represents a crucial investment in the future of Saint Lucian boxing. Hervé and Daniel have demonstrated remarkable commitment, discipline, and potential. Their experience at CREPS will dramatically accelerate their development, and we expect them to return as more disciplined, technically advanced athletes ready to excel at international levels.”

  • SVG’s laws online this year; halls of justice a ‘medium-term objective’

    SVG’s laws online this year; halls of justice a ‘medium-term objective’

    The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has initiated a comprehensive million-dollar legal modernization program that will digitize the nation’s entire body of laws. Attorney General Louise Mitchell announced the landmark initiative during her address marking the commencement of the judicial year, revealing plans to make all national legislation accessible online through a complete consolidation and revision process.

    The ambitious project, which will incorporate all laws passed through December 31, 2025, represents the first major revision since 2009. The government has engaged the Regional Law Revision Centre in Anguilla, signaling a strategic shift toward regional collaboration while maintaining sovereignty over the legal framework. Notably, the finalized compilation will be government-owned and produced in MS Word format to facilitate knowledge sharing and enhance investor confidence through transparent legal frameworks.

    In parallel developments, Mitchell addressed infrastructure concerns within the judicial system, acknowledging reports of mold, termite infestations, and inadequate facilities in both the High Court and magistrates’ courts. While confirming that the previous administration’s proposed halls of justice project remains a medium-term objective, the current government has prioritized immediate digital advancements over new construction.

    The Attorney General also outlined progress on the digitization of the Land Registry Project, with approximately 250,000 deeds from 1939-2025 already scanned ahead of the anticipated 2028 completion. Additionally, the Legal Professions Bill, carried over from the previous administration, is scheduled for parliamentary agenda placement in the first quarter, aiming to establish enhanced ethical standards for legal practitioners.

    A feasibility study commissioned for 2024 will evaluate comparative costs and suitability of locations for the proposed halls of justice, with a final decision on location and concept design expected by late 2026. The government projects funding acquisition for the construction project to commence in 2027, pending study outcomes.

  • CARICOM SG underscores importance of effective public finance management at SPEM certification ceremony

    CARICOM SG underscores importance of effective public finance management at SPEM certification ceremony

    In a landmark address at the Certification Ceremony for the Strengthening Public Expenditure Management (SPEM) Project, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett celebrated the pioneering cohort of Belizean public officials who completed the groundbreaking fiscal training initiative. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in collaborative governance, bringing together the Government of Belize, the University of Belize, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in a tripartite commitment to fiscal excellence.

    Dr. Barnett emphasized that robust public financial management constitutes the bedrock of sustainable development for small developing states like Belize, which face disproportionate vulnerabilities to global economic volatility and climate-induced disruptions. She articulated that every dollar of public expenditure carries profound implications for national development outcomes, directly influencing critical sectors including healthcare, education infrastructure, and community resilience building.

    The Secretary-General positioned Belize’s fiscal advancement within broader regional and international contexts, noting that the country’s participation in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy necessitates sophisticated financial management capabilities. She underscored that transparent fiscal systems enable more effective regional trade engagement, cross-border collaboration, and foreign investment attraction.

    Beyond technical proficiency, Dr. Barnett highlighted the program’s alignment with global development frameworks, particularly the United Nations Financing for Development agenda emphasizing domestic resource mobilization. She framed fiscal discipline as a strategic imperative for reducing external dependency and building self-reliant economies capable of withstanding external shocks.

    Addressing the graduates directly, Barnett charged them with transforming their acquired expertise into tangible improvements in public service delivery and fiscal accountability. She characterized their certification not merely as personal achievement but as a critical contribution to strengthening public trust in governance institutions through demonstrable development outcomes.

    The SPEM Project represents a continuous commitment to institutional capacity building, incorporating digital financial systems, advanced data analytics, and modern auditing techniques while maintaining core principles of accountability and inclusive governance.

  • Is This Your Dog?

    Is This Your Dog?

    A meticulously groomed canine discovered tethered to a post at Village Walk has prompted an urgent community appeal for its owner to come forward. The well-kept appearance of the animal suggests it may have been accidentally left behind rather than intentionally abandoned. Local authorities or community members who discovered the dog are now spearheading efforts to reunite the pet with its rightful owner. The situation highlights concerning patterns of pets being left unattended in public spaces, whether through forgetfulness or deliberate action. The clean and healthy condition of the dog indicates it has recently received proper care and attention, strengthening the hypothesis that its separation from the owner may have been unintentional. Community networks are being mobilized to spread awareness through social media channels and local communication platforms. This incident serves as an important reminder for pet owners to maintain constant vigilance regarding their animals’ whereabouts, particularly in busy public areas where distractions abound.

  • Dominica’s long-awaited family court may finally become a reality

    Dominica’s long-awaited family court may finally become a reality

    In a landmark development for Dominica’s judicial system, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) has unveiled plans to establish a dedicated family court on the island. The announcement was made by Acting Chief Justice Hon. Margaret Price Findlay during Monday’s ceremonial opening of the New Law Year in Dominica.

    The initiative represents a decisive response to decades of advocacy from legal professionals, social workers, and magistrates who have emphasized the critical need for specialized handling of family matters. Dominica and Grenada have been identified as the primary beneficiaries of this judicial reform program.

    Justice Price Findlay emphasized that family law constitutes a highly specialized field requiring particular expertise due to the sensitive nature of cases involving children, custody arrangements, domestic disputes, and welfare concerns. The comprehensive program will include enhanced judicial training in family law alongside strengthening the Court’s statistical unit to improve data collection methodologies. This data-driven approach will inform future policy decisions, resource allocation, and strategic planning.

    The establishment of a family court addresses what commentators have described as a ‘long-overdue’ gap in Dominica’s justice infrastructure. Currently, family law disputes are processed through general magistrate courts that simultaneously handle criminal and civil matters, often resulting in systemic delays and insufficient attention to the complexities inherent in family cases.

    This judicial advancement promises multiple benefits: specialized judges and magistrates trained explicitly in family law, a confidential and supportive environment for children and families navigating legal challenges, expedited resolution of custody and maintenance cases, and strengthened child protection systems alongside enhanced welfare services.

    The ECSC’s initiative marks a significant turning point for judicial reform in the Eastern Caribbean, laying the groundwork for a more modern and responsive legal framework that prioritizes the unique needs of families accessing the justice system.

  • Holistic approach needed in fight against drug abuse, says Abrahams

    Holistic approach needed in fight against drug abuse, says Abrahams

    Barbados is mobilizing a comprehensive, multi-agency offensive against substance abuse, with Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams advocating for an integrated approach combining health services, human rights protections, criminal justice, and social support systems. Speaking at a Sunday service marking Drug Awareness Month at First Baptist Church in St. Michael, Minister Abrahams emphasized the critical need for people-centered responses to this escalating national challenge. The minister echoed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ 2024 message highlighting the urgency of eliminating stigma and discrimination while strengthening prevention mechanisms and upholding the human rights of individuals affected by drug use. Abrahams revealed alarming trends, including increased arrival of new psychoactive substances on the island and rising marijuana consumption among younger demographics. He warned that substance abuse poses a fundamental threat to national security, affecting homes, communities, and even religious institutions. The minister expressed particular concern about the socioeconomic impact, noting that substance abuse removes productive citizens from society through either incarceration or rehabilitation. He called for seamless collaboration between public health and criminal justice systems to develop appropriate prevention and treatment responses for vulnerable populations including youth and women. Beyond treatment and rehabilitation, Abrahams stressed the importance of social inclusion and reintegration, urging society to embrace those who have overcome substance abuse problems. The government reaffirmed its commitment to implementing activities that balance health-based and criminal justice approaches to substance abuse prevention. The event also featured Allison Gotip, Director of Clinical Services at Verdun and Marina House, who emphasized the necessity of multi-stakeholder partnerships. Gotip described prevention as a continuous movement requiring coordinated efforts across government agencies, faith-based organizations, communities, and families, grounded in the belief that recovery is achievable through dignified, ethical, and effective treatment.