Carib Scope

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  • Artisans to return to ‘reimagined’ Temple Yard ‘in coming months’

    Artisans to return to ‘reimagined’ Temple Yard ‘in coming months’

    After years of delays and unfulfilled promises, the revitalization of Temple Yard in Cheapside is finally approaching its inaugural phase completion. This ambitious cultural regeneration project, orchestrated by Barbados Tourism Investment Inc., marks a significant milestone in restoring the area’s historical legacy as a vibrant epicenter for artistic expression, culinary diversity, and traditional craftsmanship.

    The redevelopment initiative, initially announced in 2019 during Barbados’ 53rd independence anniversary, represents the government’s commitment to rectifying historical discrimination while fostering inclusive economic opportunities. Prime Minister Mia Mottley previously emphasized the project’s role in eliminating societal prejudices, particularly against the Rastafarian community, through cultural space renewal.

    Joy-Ann Haigh, spokeswoman for the development corporation, confirmed that phase one construction is weather-dependent but targeted for completion by month’s end. Subsequent phases are scheduled to commence immediately afterward, with full operational capacity expected within the first half of this year.

    Administrative preparations are already underway to facilitate the return of displaced artisans, beginning with original Temple Yard occupants currently relocated to Pelican Island. Lease agreements and backend administrative work are being finalized to ensure a smooth transition for approximately 40 vendors, including food purveyors, leatherworkers, and craft producers.

    While emphasizing the restoration of Temple Yard’s distinctive character with particular attention to natural products and traditional Rastafarian crafts, Haigh clarified that the revitalized space intends to be inclusive rather than exclusionary. Priority placement will be granted to original tenants, but the hub aims to welcome a diverse cross-section of creatives and small entrepreneurs.

    Veteran leather artisan Ras Binghi, with over thirty years of experience, expressed profound enthusiasm about returning to his cultural home. ‘It’s like a child being away from home and wants to get back home,’ he emotionally described. Artisans will undergo re-registration processes with government coordination before resuming operations.

    Despite widespread anticipation, some craftspeople maintain cautious optimism. Sherry-Ann Knight, a twenty-year veteran, acknowledged the visible progress while adopting a wait-and-see approach. The relocation proved financially challenging for many, with sales dropping dramatically due to reduced visibility and customer accessibility.

    The completed cultural hub promises to enhance Bridgetown’s aesthetic appeal while revitalizing urban commerce, creating a sustainable ecosystem where traditional craftsmanship and contemporary entrepreneurship can flourish side by side.

  • SSA and NCC team up to transform Six Men’s Beach

    SSA and NCC team up to transform Six Men’s Beach

    A collaborative initiative between the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) and the National Conservation Commission (NCC) has successfully converted a neglected coastal area at Six Men’s Beach into an attractive public space. The transformation began with an intensive cleanup operation early Tuesday morning, addressing what officials described as severe environmental and health concerns.

    The project commenced at 7:30 a.m. with crews from both agencies deploying comprehensive resources including weedwhackers, wheelbarrows, and vegetation clearance teams. The focal point was a communal garbage zone that had become overwhelmed with waste, creating problematic conditions including rodent infestations and environmental degradation.

    Carlos Gilkes, Acting Special Projects Officer at NCC, explained that the area had reached a critical state of being ‘overused and overworked,’ necessitating immediate intervention. The SSA conducted a major removal of the garbage site, followed by the introduction of fresh soil to prepare for the beautification phase.

    The second stage involved strategic enhancements featuring salt-tolerant vegetation including sand dollar and sea grape plants, selected specifically for their erosion control properties and visual appeal. The commission also installed picnic benches to create functional recreational space.

    ‘Our goal was to create a good environmental area where the aesthetics and quality were actually good for the backdrop,’ Gilkes stated. The upgrades capitalize on the beachfront location, offering improved sea views and encouraging community gathering. The completed project is expected to establish Six Men’s Beach as a premier destination for residents and visitors in St Peter, promoting both environmental conservation and social recreation.

  • CARIB Brewery (Grenada) Ltd installs solar system

    CARIB Brewery (Grenada) Ltd installs solar system

    CARIB Brewery (Grenada) Limited has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable manufacturing with the successful commissioning of a 300-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system. This substantial renewable energy investment marks a pivotal advancement in both the company’s environmental initiatives and Grenada’s national transition toward clean energy solutions.

    The newly activated solar array is projected to substantially decrease grid electricity dependency while enhancing overall energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This strategic alignment with Grenada’s clean energy objectives demonstrates the brewery’s commitment to national sustainability targets.

    As an integral component of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, CARIB Brewery operates within a corporate framework where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are fundamentally integrated into strategic planning and operational execution. This solar project directly advances the Group’s comprehensive sustainability agenda, reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

    The technical implementation focuses on achieving multiple benefits: improved energy efficiency, reduced operational expenditures, and substantial decreases in carbon emissions associated with electricity consumption. By generating clean renewable energy on-site, the brewery enhances both its operational resilience and contribution to Grenada’s sustainable development.

    As Grenada’s premier beverage manufacturer producing iconic brands including Carib, Stag, Guinness, and Ting for local and regional markets, this renewable energy integration ensures sustainable production practices while maintaining product quality and supply chain reliability.

    This investment reflects ANSA McAL Group’s broader corporate strategy of embedding sustainability across all operating entities through renewable energy adoption, efficiency enhancements, and robust governance frameworks. The solar project commissioning underscores CARIB Brewery’s role as an environmentally responsible corporate citizen committed to supporting sustainable community development. The company remains dedicated to initiatives that strengthen operational resilience, promote environmental sustainability, and deliver enduring value to employees, consumers, shareholders, and the Grenadian community.

  • Colombia bereidt zich voor op vluchtelingeninstroom

    Colombia bereidt zich voor op vluchtelingeninstroom

    Colombia has initiated major military and humanitarian preparations along its 2,200-kilometer border with Venezuela, anticipating a potential refugee crisis following recent U.S. airstrikes and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the deployment of 30,000 soldiers to reinforce border security while the government establishes emergency response mechanisms.

    The Simon Bolívar International Bridge connecting Cúcuta, Colombia, with Venezuela maintained normal pedestrian and vehicular traffic despite heightened military presence, including three Colombian M1117 armored vehicles stationed at the crossing. However, underlying tensions permeate the region after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened additional strikes unless newly inaugurated interim leader Delcy Rodriguez demonstrates compliance.

    Security forces have been placed on high alert to prevent potential retaliatory actions from armed groups operating in Venezuela, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and Segunda Marquetalia—a dissident faction of the former FARC guerrilla group. Colombian intelligence agencies warn that the possible collapse of Maduro’s government could trigger the return of these groups’ leaders to Colombia as their Venezuelan safe havens become compromised.

    The Colombian government has established five emergency commissions in border municipalities to coordinate humanitarian and security operations. Minister of Equality and Justice Juan Carlos Florian traveled to Cúcuta to implement a comprehensive ‘border plan’ addressing potential migration crises stemming from U.S. military intervention.

    With support from the UN’s International Organization for Migration, Colombia is activating 17 nationwide assistance centers providing food, education, employment training, and violence prevention services. Although no immediate surge in border crossings has been observed, authorities estimate up to 1.7 million additional refugees could enter Colombia, which already hosts three million Venezuelans—the largest share of the eight million who have fled the country.

    Humanitarian organizations are similarly mobilizing resources. The Colombian Red Cross in North Santander department has activated emergency response protocols, utilizing an initial $111,000 from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund to enhance capacity for delivering basic humanitarian assistance to refugees near the border.

    Juan Carlos Torres, the organization’s disaster management director, noted that while current conditions remain normal, the situation could evolve rapidly within days. The trajectory of population movements, he explained, will depend on whether Venezuela stabilizes or descends into further instability, potentially triggering new waves of displacement.

    Local residents like Mary Esperaza, who crossed the bridge from Venezuela to Colombia on Monday, express cautious uncertainty about future developments. ‘We’re waiting to see what happens,’ she remarked. ‘Apparently everything is calm, but we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.’

  • BNA president hopeful revamped domestic action can begin in March

    BNA president hopeful revamped domestic action can begin in March

    In a significant development for Caribbean netball, newly re-elected Barbados Netball Association (BNA) President Nisha Craigwell has outlined comprehensive plans for the upcoming domestic season while addressing ongoing facility upgrades and international commitments. Craigwell, who recently secured her second presidential term, expressed cautious optimism about the Netball Stadium redevelopment project’s completion timeline, targeting alignment with the association’s March 15 anniversary date for season commencement. The BNA leadership acknowledges that the stadium’s readiness will fundamentally determine whether games proceed at the traditional venue or transition to community-based locations throughout Barbados. Craigwell revealed transformative intentions for restructuring the domestic competition format, citing the need to reignite excitement among participants where approximately 90% engage purely at recreational levels rather than national team aspirations. Historically featuring up to eight divisions and seventy teams, the association recognizes the administrative challenges of this expansive structure and intends to implement strategic modifications. These changes aim to enhance both competitive quality and management efficiency while strengthening the pipeline for national team development. Concurrently, Barbados’ netball program maintains ambitious international engagements including the Under-16 regional tournament in Trinidad (April 10-18), CAC Games in the Dominican Republic (July), and World Cup Qualifiers in St. Vincent. The stadium renovation, reportedly progressing toward late March completion, represents a critical infrastructure component supporting both community participation and elite athlete development throughout the netball ecosystem.

  • LIU Steps in to Calm Tensions on Waight Street

    LIU Steps in to Calm Tensions on Waight Street

    BELIZE CITY – In response to escalating community tensions following a deadly New Year’s Eve shooting, the Leadership Intervention Unit (LIU) has initiated a comprehensive conflict resolution operation in the Waight Street area. The intervention comes after 45-year-old Ian Athurs was fatally shot at the intersection of Waight Street and Faber’s Road on December 31.

    Acting Director Andrew Dawson detailed the unit’s multifaceted approach, emphasizing that LIU specialists are employing advanced mediation tactics while supporting police suppression efforts. “We conduct thorough interviews with community members to establish constructive dialogue channels that can de-escalate potentially volatile situations,” Dawson explained.

    The process, termed ‘conflict tracing,’ involves direct engagement with individuals to gather intelligence and foster communication pathways. Dawson acknowledged the challenges inherent in their work, noting: “Our methodology isn’t universally popular, as some perceive it as negotiating with criminal elements. However, we recognize that these individuals often face complex socioeconomic issues that require addressing beyond conventional law enforcement approaches.”

    Beyond immediate crisis mediation, the LIU implements long-term community development initiatives. Approximately 350 youth participants are currently engaged in neighborhood beautification programs, maintaining public spaces including parks, playgrounds, and vacant lots. Dawson emphasized the psychological impact of environmental improvements: “Transforming physical spaces directly influences community mindset, fostering residents’ sense of pride and ownership.”

    Local communities have reportedly welcomed the LIU’s holistic approach, valuing the establishment of safe spaces for open dialogue and emotional expression. Dawson concluded: “We operate on the principle that creating peaceful communities requires collective effort. As a specialized intervention unit, we fulfill our role in facilitating this transformative process.”

  • Thorne: Transport Board privatisation ‘follows path of failed sugar industry pledges’

    Thorne: Transport Board privatisation ‘follows path of failed sugar industry pledges’

    Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has issued a stern condemnation of the Barbados government’s initiative to privatize the state-owned bus service, drawing parallels to the failed sugar industry cooperative scheme. During a heated House of Assembly debate on amendments to the Road Traffic Act, the Christ Church South representative challenged the administration’s claims of worker enfranchisement through ownership opportunities.

    Thorne recalled the 2021 sugar co-operative initiative that promised agricultural workers ownership of plantations and the Portvale mill, which ultimately collapsed without delivering on its commitments. ‘They boasted to thunderous applause that sugar industry workers would own the plantations,’ Thorne stated. ‘What is the position today? Nothing! Nil! And the same thing will happen with the Transport Board.’

    The opposition leader particularly criticized the government’s approach of deciding on divestment before conducting stakeholder consultations. He raised practical concerns about the newly acquired electric buses, questioning their cost-effectiveness for individual drivers who might purchase them under the proposed privatization model.

    In response, Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, who serves as Minister of Transport and Works, defended the government’s position. She emphasized that the cabinet decision merely enables discussions with stakeholders, describing the process as still being at a consultative phase. Bradshaw outlined that the envisioned ‘enfranchisement model’ aims to focus on ‘improving and modernizing this economy’ while maintaining essential services for vulnerable populations including elderly citizens and school children.

    The exchange highlights growing tensions over public asset management in Barbados, with the opposition demanding greater transparency and evidence of successful worker ownership models before supporting the proposed transportation sector reforms.

  • Jahari Adams, Judeah Francis and Kareem Davis Before Court in Bank Transfer Case

    Jahari Adams, Judeah Francis and Kareem Davis Before Court in Bank Transfer Case

    Three Eastern Caribbean men appeared before the court this Monday, facing serious charges related to the alleged illegal transfer of over EC$10,000 from a financial institution. The accused individuals—Jahari Adams (28, Golden Grove Extension), Judeah Francis (25, Golden Grove), and Kareem Davis (19, Cooks Extension)—were formally charged with electronic funds transfer violations during their hearing before Acting Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel.

    According to prosecution details, the criminal charges originate from an alleged unlawful transfer of EC$10,600 from a savings account at a local financial institution on December 13. The case developed further during a police operation conducted on January 2 along Friendly Alley, where law enforcement officers intercepted a white Toyota Ractis vehicle operated by Francis, with both Adams and Davis traveling as passengers. As part of their investigation, authorities confiscated multiple electronic devices including a laptop computer, mobile phone, and storage device.

    The court proceedings revealed divergent outcomes for the defendants regarding their bail status. Adams was remanded into custody due to existing similar charges for which he had previously been granted bail. Conversely, Francis and Davis each secured conditional bail set at EC$20,000, which included a EC$3,000 cash component, two sureties, and additional court-mandated restrictions. The judicial matter has been formally adjourned and is scheduled to resume on February 11 for further proceedings before Magistrate Andrew Mighty.

  • MIST announces groundbreaking collaboration with leading research institute

    MIST announces groundbreaking collaboration with leading research institute

    In a landmark move to position itself at the forefront of global biomedical innovation, Barbados has announced a major international research partnership with Germany’s BioMed X Institute. The collaboration, unveiled on National Technology Day, establishes BioMed X Barbados as a new life sciences research initiative dedicated to addressing cardiometabolic diseases prevalent among populations of African descent.

    Supported by the European Commission’s €1.4 million PharmaNext Programme, this partnership represents a strategic alignment between the Barbadian government, international research organizations, and the pharmaceutical industry. Senator Jonathan Reid, Minister responsible for Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology, emphasized that this initiative creates “pathways through which MIST is making in-roads in the global arena” through strategic partnerships and investment in local talent.

    The research hub will leverage artificial intelligence, genomics, proteomics, and advanced data analytics to improve treatment efficacy and safety for historically underrepresented populations in clinical research. This approach addresses a critical healthcare challenge in Barbados, where non-communicable diseases account for approximately 80% of all deaths, costing the nation up to $825 million annually—nearly 10% of its GDP.

    BioMed X Barbados CEO Leisel Juman described the initiative as “a deliberate move to build the critical mass Barbados needs to compete in high-value global industries,” creating a pipeline from discovery to commercialization while developing elite talent and generating globally relevant intellectual property.

    The project includes a two-year pilot study featuring an open call to researchers worldwide and a unique bootcamp program for early-stage post-doctoral graduates. This week-long intensive program will provide participants with mentorship from industry professionals and opportunities to work with leading pharmaceutical and technology companies.

    Dr. Christian Tidona, Founder and CEO of BioMed X, noted that Barbados’s strong political leadership and strategic agenda toward establishing itself as a life science innovation hub made it an ideal location for studying cardiometabolic diseases affecting patients of African descent.

  • Forestry Officers Crack Down on Illegal Logging, Face Rising Threats

    Forestry Officers Crack Down on Illegal Logging, Face Rising Threats

    Belize’s forestry authorities are escalating their campaign against widespread illegal extraction of forest resources, encountering increasing dangers while enforcing environmental protections. Deputy Chief Forest Officer John Pinelo disclosed in an exclusive briefing that illicit activities now extend beyond timber harvesting to include systematic plundering of non-timber products including wildlife, construction materials, and botanical resources.

    The department recently implemented a comprehensive moratorium prohibiting all extraction from national lands, responding to alarming depletion rates of both mature trees and juvenile growth. Pinelo highlighted the environmental impact, noting that ‘constructing a single residence may require hundreds of bush sticks, representing the loss of 500 potential trees from our ecosystems.’

    New regulatory measures restrict extraction permits exclusively to private landowners and legitimate leaseholders, inadvertently driving some operators to illegally harvest from private properties. In response, authorities established a dedicated hotline three months ago, which has generated significant operational successes. During recent holiday periods, officers intercepted multiple violations including a major bust involving a 50-foot truckload of unauthorized bay leaves.

    Enforcement achievements include numerous arrests and accumulated penalties exceeding $50,000 within the past quarter. However, these efforts come with substantial personal risk—officers routinely face both overt and implicit threats during operations. Pinelo confirmed personal targeting and described a harrowing incident in Cayo District where assailants used a tractor as a weapon against officers, culminating in firearm threats that required intervention by private security.

    Despite these hazards, forestry personnel maintain coordinated operations with police support in high-risk areas, demonstrating unwavering commitment to preserving Belize’s natural heritage through professional law enforcement and legal protocols.