Carib Scope

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  • BCA set to launch semi pro league, ground breaking changes coming

    BCA set to launch semi pro league, ground breaking changes coming

    In a landmark development for Caribbean cricket, the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) has unveiled plans to establish a semi-professional domestic league designed to foster local talent and create a structured pathway to professional play. The initiative was announced by BCA President Calvin Hope during a media briefing coinciding with the West Indies Under-19 team’s departure for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

    Mr. Hope articulated a clear vision for the league, emphasizing its role in instilling greater seriousness and providing tangible incentives for elite players who currently balance cricket with other employment. “Long are the days where people just come and turn up and play at that level,” Hope stated, underscoring the need for a formalized system to adequately prepare athletes for professional careers. The league is conceived as a critical developmental platform for the future of Barbadian cricket.

    While a tentative start date of April 4 has been set for the domestic season, the financial and operational specifics of the semi-pro league remain under active deliberation. President Hope highlighted the essential role of corporate collaboration, issuing a call to action for private sector investment. He framed cricket not just as a sport, but as a vital national asset and a vehicle for social cohesion, championing the concept of ‘P at the crease’—promoting peace through cricket—and advocating for the sport’s expanded role within Barbadian society.

  • Speelfilm ‘Onder de Paramariboom’ wordt in februari opgenomen in Suriname

    Speelfilm ‘Onder de Paramariboom’ wordt in februari opgenomen in Suriname

    Suriname’s film industry is poised for significant growth as international production ‘Under the Paramariboom’ prepares to commence filming in February. The feature film adaptation of Johan Fretz’s acclaimed novel brings together Dutch production company KeyFilm and local foundation Stichting The Back Lot, with Safi Graauw serving as director.

    The ambitious project will involve 22 shooting days across Suriname, employing approximately 60 cast and crew members comprising both international professionals and Surinamese talent. The production team spans various disciplines including acting, direction, production, cinematography, sound engineering, technical support, and facility management.

    Economic impact assessments project substantial benefits for Suriname’s local economy through intensive collaboration with domestic hotels, hospitality businesses, transportation services, and various service providers. The production will generate increased demand for accommodations, catering services, transportation, and logistical support, creating temporary employment opportunities and stimulating economic activity.

    Beyond immediate economic benefits, the production promises long-term developmental advantages for Suriname’s audiovisual sector. The collaboration facilitates crucial knowledge transfer and practical experience sharing between international and local professionals, creating lasting value that will persist long after production concludes.

    The production team is currently seeking Surinamese acting talent for various roles, inviting both experienced performers and emerging actors to participate through an open casting call. This inclusive approach ensures authentic representation while providing opportunities for local artists to gain international exposure.

    This cinematic project represents a significant milestone in Suriname’s cultural development, potentially positioning the country as an attractive destination for future international productions while strengthening its domestic film industry capabilities.

  • 9-1-1 expands coverage to Montecristi and Constanza

    9-1-1 expands coverage to Montecristi and Constanza

    Santo Domingo – In a significant move to enhance national emergency response capabilities, the Dominican Republic’s National Emergency and Security System 9-1-1 Council has authorized the expansion of its critical service coverage to additional regions. Chaired by Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza, the council approved the extension of 9-1-1 services to Montecristi province and the municipalities of Constanza and Jima Abajo in La Vega province, scheduled for implementation during the first quarter of 2026.

    Minister Paliza emphasized that this strategic decision reinforces the government’s commitment to fortifying emergency response systems, preserving lives, and improving both citizen security and pre-hospital medical care. The expansion specifically targets regions of considerable agricultural significance and strategic value, ensuring these vital economic zones receive adequate emergency protection.

    This development represents the latest phase in the systematic territorial expansion of the 9-1-1 System, which commenced operations in Pedernales in September 2025. The inclusion of these new territories will bring the emergency service’s operational coverage to 26 provinces, providing approximately 93% of the Dominican population with direct access to emergency assistance. Current estimates indicate the system now serves over nine million beneficiaries across the nation.

    The comprehensive emergency network leverages advanced technological integration, featuring an extensive video surveillance infrastructure, interoperable radio communication systems, and coordinated dispatch protocols. The incorporation of Montecristi, Constanza, and Jima Abajo will involve phased deployment of operational infrastructure compliant with 9-1-1 standards, including specialized call reception and management facilities.

    The expansion initiative will further enhance coordination among health services, security agencies, and rescue organizations, while strengthening communication and dispatch mechanisms to guarantee swifter and more efficient emergency responses. Minister Paliza reiterated that this planned growth aligns with the national strategy to progressively extend 9-1-1 services nationwide, ensuring reliable, timely, and coordinated emergency care throughout the Dominican Republic.

  • Ashdeane man, 77, trapped by flooding blamed on blocked drainage well

    Ashdeane man, 77, trapped by flooding blamed on blocked drainage well

    An elderly St Michael resident with mobility limitations finds himself effectively marooned within his own home, besieged by persistent flooding and a rapidly deteriorating mosquito infestation that local inhabitants attribute to a clogged public drainage well.

    Seymour Burnett, 77, a decades-long resident of Ashdeane, reports a significant escalation of this problem over recent years. The situation originates from a public drainage well that has become obstructed with debris, causing water to reverse its flow and inundate his property. Burnett describes the flooding events as severe, with water levels occasionally rising to his knees, profoundly disrupting his daily existence.

    “My house does be like a boat,” Burnett explained, noting that while floodwaters have not yet breached his home’s interior, they completely encircle the wooden structure, effectively imprisoning him indoors. To combat the ensuing mosquito plague, he is forced to burn at least two insecticide coils nightly.

    Attempted interventions late last year proved insufficient. Neil Rowe, the Member of Parliament for St Michael North West, confirmed he escalated the matter to the government drainage department, which subsequently engaged a private contractor for well maintenance—the first such action since 2023. Although contractors removed approximately three skip loads of debris, the work was abandoned prematurely, leaving the well partially blocked and stagnant water accumulating throughout the watercourse. Compounding the issue, a large mound of excavated dirt and debris was left adjacent to Burnett’s property, creating additional pools of standing water.

    MP Rowe has apologized for the ongoing inconvenience and disclosed that he has contacted the chief technical officer at the drainage department to secure a commitment for completing the work within the coming fortnight. “Any inconvenience caused to residents is regrettable, and I am personally ensuring that the drainage well will be fully cleared and returned to operation,” Rowe stated. He added that remedial measures, including applying oil to stagnant water to suppress mosquito breeding around Christmas, were undertaken, and that the Ministry of Health would be engaged to address residual public health risks.

    The situation has galvanized community concern. André Broomes, a local barber, denounced the conditions as “ridiculous,” expressing fear for Burnett’s welfare and highlighting the inaccessibility for emergency services. The issue has also drawn political attention beyond the constituency’s representative. Ryan Walters, the Opposition Democratic Labour Party candidate for the area, visited the site and criticized the delayed official response, pointing out that the hazard also affects neighboring homes and local businesses. Walters asserted that his involvement came after residents sought alternative assistance due to dissatisfaction with the response from their sitting MP.

  • CXC reports strong uptake for CTEC Pilot

    CXC reports strong uptake for CTEC Pilot

    The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has launched its January 2026 examination period with significant advancements in digital assessment technologies and regional education reform. With over 10,000 candidates participating in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, the council is implementing a strategic shift toward complete digitalization of all testing within the next three to five years.

    During a press conference in Kingston, Jamaica, Registrar and CEO Dr. Wayne Wesley unveiled comprehensive updates on CXC’s evolving examination framework. The current January sitting, running through January 29th, utilizes the council’s digital e-assessment and hybrid systems. Following this period, CXC will immediately commence preparations for the May-June examinations, which anticipate over 100,000 candidates and more than 600,000 subject entries across CSEC and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) programs.

    Dr. Wesley presented two foundational documents representing CXC’s renewed focus on educational standards: learning standards for literacy and numeracy, and standards with performance criteria for primary exit examinations. These resources establish benchmark proficiencies aligned with regional and international requirements. The literacy and numeracy standards specifically guide pedagogical approaches during the first three years of secondary education, while the updated Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) standards target enhanced primary-level instruction outcomes.

    A standout development is the remarkably successful Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) pilot, exceeding participation projections by more than 50%. Initially designed for 3,000 learners, the program attracted 6,453 candidates across all 13 CXC member states through 48 examination centers. Alton McPherson, supporting the pilot rollout, outlined the structured implementation timeline from January to March. Candidates will receive orientation on the Surpass platform, which will administer Paper One electronically and Paper Two in hybrid format, followed by comprehensive practice testing.

    The assessment process incorporates meticulous technical preparation between March and April, ensuring candidates can upload School-Based Assessments (SBAs), download timetables, and meet e-test readiness requirements. CTEC results will be addressed during the July-August results period, with comprehensive data analysis and qualitative feedback informing the full program rollout scheduled for June 2027.

    Dr. Wesley also emphasized CXC’s commitment to accessibility, referencing the council’s adherence to the Marrakesh Treaty. For the 2025 examinations, special arrangements accommodated 3,444 candidates with visual impairments and other special needs. The council continues to refine technologies and approaches to ensure full and equitable participation for all candidates regardless of ability.

    The Board of Governors has formally approved a comprehensive disaster and business recovery protocol featuring six implementation steps: initial response and support statement, coordination with education ministries, stakeholder consultation, recommendation development, board review, and measured implementation with ongoing evaluation. This protocol ensures continuity when member states experience disasters or unusual events.

    Dr. Wesley concluded with an optimistic outlook for 2026, inviting regional partnership in CXC’s mission to “ignite the potential and shape the future of our Caribbean people” through resilient stakeholder engagement, improved operational processes, and inclusively expanded service access.

  • Royal Grenada Police Force hosts historic promotion ceremony

    Royal Grenada Police Force hosts historic promotion ceremony

    In an unprecedented move signaling significant institutional growth, the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) has elevated 179 officers and subordinate personnel—marking the single largest promotion ceremony in the force’s modern history. The landmark event, orchestrated under the thematic banner ‘Elevated in Rank, Anchored in Service,’ underscores the profound dedication and professional excellence demonstrated by Grenada’s law enforcement community in their ongoing mission to ensure national security.

    The comprehensive promotions encompass multiple hierarchical tiers within the police infrastructure, including one individual ascending to Assistant Commissioner of Police, 14 to Superintendent, 18 to Assistant Superintendent, 32 to Inspector, 46 to Sergeant, and 69 to Corporal.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Vannie Curwen emphasized that the ceremony served dual purposes: not only honoring the relentless effort and perseverance exhibited by RGPF personnel but also recognizing the indispensable support and personal sacrifices made by their families, which proved crucial to their professional achievements.

    Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, delivering the keynote address, lauded the promoted officers for their exemplary service and called upon them to approach their enhanced responsibilities with unwavering integrity and forward-thinking vision. He urged leadership by example, encouraged self-reflection for diversified future service, and motivated all personnel to pursue continuous self-improvement and training opportunities. The Prime Minister further articulated that this milestone represents a pinnacle of achievement for regional law enforcement, reinforcing Grenada’s steadfast dedication to superior public safety and community-oriented policing.

    This substantial organizational advancement symbolizes the RGPF’s renewed commitment to maintaining the highest standards of law enforcement, deeply rooted in service to the citizens of Grenada, as the force continues its progressive evolution.

  • CXC Uses Digital Exams to Keep January Tests on Track After Flight Disruptions

    CXC Uses Digital Exams to Keep January Tests on Track After Flight Disruptions

    In response to widespread flight cancellations stemming from the Venezuelan situation, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has successfully deployed its digital assessment infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted January 2026 examinations for affected candidates. Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Wayne Wesley announced at a Wednesday press conference in Kingston that the council immediately activated both e-assessment and hybrid examination platforms to accommodate students facing travel disruptions during the critical examination period.

    This technological intervention forms part of CXC’s comprehensive modernization initiative, with ambitious plans to transition all examinations to digital formats within the next three to five years. Currently, over 10,000 regional candidates are participating in January examinations running from January 22nd through 29th, utilizing these digital and hybrid assessment methods. Thursday’s examination schedule featured English B Paper Two and Human and Social Biology Paper Two administrations.

    Following the January examination session, CXC will shift focus toward preparing for the significantly larger May-June examination period, which anticipates over 100,000 candidates registering for more than 600,000 subject entries across both CSEC and CAPE qualification levels.

    Wesley emphasized the council’s unwavering commitment to educational continuity, noting CXC’s five-decade legacy as a CARICOM treaty organization. ‘The work at CXC never stops,’ Wesley stated, reaffirming confidence in the continued regional and international recognition of the council’s qualifications despite contemporary challenges.

  • St Kitts & Nevis joins list of Caribbean nations to accept US deportees and refugees

    St Kitts & Nevis joins list of Caribbean nations to accept US deportees and refugees

    In a significant diplomatic development, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has formalized a bilateral arrangement with the United States governing the conditional acceptance of specific deportees and refugees. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew disclosed the agreement during a press roundtable, emphasizing its carefully circumscribed parameters.

    The memorandum of understanding (MOU) explicitly restricts eligibility to nationals of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, with categorical exclusion of Haitian citizens due to articulated security considerations. This specificity addresses regional concerns about the scope of such agreements. ‘We have negotiated an arrangement exclusively for CARICOM nationals—this point requires absolute clarity,’ Dr. Drew stated during his media engagement.

    The agreement emerges amid broader regional discussions regarding third-country national transfers, following reports that Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda had been approached regarding similar arrangements. Prime Minister Drew characterized St. Kitts and Nevis’ approach as proactive and deliberately constrained, emphasizing that ‘the program does not extend to individuals from outside the CARICOM region.’

    Stringent eligibility criteria will govern the transfer process, with individuals having histories of violent or sexual offenses automatically disqualified. Financial and logistical responsibilities for the program will reside primarily with the United States, though specific operational details remain under bilateral discussion according to the Prime Minister’s statements.

  • CXC: CTEC pilot programme oversubscribed

    CXC: CTEC pilot programme oversubscribed

    The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has reported overwhelming regional interest in its newly launched Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) program, with enrollment figures dramatically surpassing initial projections. During the organization’s first press conference of the year, Registrar and CEO Dr. Wayne Wesley announced that the innovative program had attracted 6,443 candidates across all 13 member states, far exceeding the anticipated 3,000 participants for the pilot phase.

    The CTEC initiative represents a significant departure from traditional educational assessment models by introducing a modular qualification system. This approach deconstructs conventional CSEC and CAPE subjects into smaller, more manageable units, granting students unprecedented flexibility in pursuing certification. The program offers three distinct pathways—accelerated, general, and extended—ensuring broader accessibility and increased certification opportunities while maintaining the established syllabus with a renewed emphasis on competency-based evaluation.

    Alton McPherson, Senior Manager of Examinations Development and Production at CXC, provided detailed operational insights into the pilot program’s implementation. The council will conduct its initial pilot in Mathematics Module One during the May/June 2026 examination period, with participation confirmed across 13 territories including Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, and several Eastern Caribbean nations.

    The comprehensive implementation strategy involves candidate orientation on the Surpass digital platform from January to March 2026, followed by extensive preparation activities through April. The assessment approach will combine electronic testing for Paper 1 with a hybrid methodology for Paper 2. CXC has allocated July and August for final assessments, data collection, and qualitative feedback analysis to ensure seamless full-scale implementation in June 2027. Results will be released concurrently with traditional CSEC outcomes in August 2026.

    Jamaica emerges as a significant participant with 1,334 candidates distributed across nine examination centers, demonstrating the program’s substantial regional penetration and highlighting the Caribbean’s readiness for educational innovation.

  • Temporary closure of Melville Street Fish Market

    Temporary closure of Melville Street Fish Market

    The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs has issued a public advisory regarding the temporary suspension of operations at Melville Street Fish Market, a facility under its Fisheries Division. The market will remain closed on Monday, January 12, and Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to accommodate specialized training sessions on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Standards and Protocols.

    This initiative represents a collaborative effort between the Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs and the Ministry of Health, focusing on enhancing food safety measures within Grenada’s fish markets. The comprehensive training program is designed to equip market personnel with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary for maintaining stringent hygiene standards. The curriculum emphasizes compliance with both national regulations and international benchmarks to ensure the highest quality of seafood products for consumers.

    Regular commercial activities at Melville Street Fish Market are scheduled to recommence on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, following the completion of the training initiative. Government officials have expressed appreciation for public understanding regarding this temporary disruption, acknowledging the essential nature of these improvements to public health infrastructure and food safety systems.

    The implementation of SPS protocols demonstrates Grenada’s commitment to advancing its blue economy sector while prioritizing consumer protection and international trade compliance. Such measures are increasingly critical for Caribbean nations seeking to maintain competitive standing in global seafood markets while safeguarding public health interests.