Carib Scope

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  • City Council declares solid waste emergency, to ask govt for help

    City Council declares solid waste emergency, to ask govt for help

    The Georgetown Mayor and City Council has officially declared a limited state of emergency regarding solid waste management in Guyana’s capital, marking a critical turning point in the city’s ongoing sanitation crisis. The emergency declaration, passed during a statutory council meeting on Monday, January 19, 2026, enables the immediate reassignment of non-essential municipal staff to sanitation duties and initiates the development of a comprehensive strategy seeking financial and operational support from central government.

    Mayor Alfred Mentore outlined an ambitious multi-pronged approach that includes rapid deployment of additional equipment, short-term hiring of garbage collection contractors, and identification of illegal dumping hotspots. The administration plans enhanced enforcement measures against litterbugs and establishment of temporary garbage drop-off sites across commercial districts, markets, hospitals, schools, and densely populated residential areas.

    The emergency declaration emerged against a backdrop of political tensions, with only 13 of 30 councilors attending the critical meeting—10 from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and three from the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC). Earlier that day, APNU councilors had boycotted a separate meeting called by Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand, who has repeatedly expressed skepticism about the mayor’s motives since her appointment following September 2025 elections.

    Despite these tensions, Mayor Mentore emphasized willingness to ‘throw politics through the window’ and collaborate with the PPPC-led central government. He envisioned the Georgetown cleanup initiative serving as a pilot model for other locally governed areas in Guyana, requiring ‘hand-in-glove arrangement between the city and the government.’

    Chief Sanitation Officer Walter Narine highlighted alarming statistics showing a 16% increase in garbage production over five years, now reaching 184 tonnes daily. He attributed this surge to growing migrant populations and proliferation of supermarkets, noting garbage trucks now must make three trips per constituency instead of one. Narine warned that ‘the current system can’t continue’ without structural changes.

    The council supported Narine’s proposal to hire small contractors with prompt payment through a petty-cash system, addressing previous contractor unwillingness to work due to payment delays. Meanwhile, concerns were raised about holding larger garbage collection companies accountable for their performance lapses.

    The resolution represents a significant municipal response to what Councilor Clayton Hinds described as a waste disposal crisis affecting specific areas of Georgetown, though he characterized the emergency as affecting only ‘a small area’ of the city.

  • Belizeans Recognised for Promoting Peace and Unity

    Belizeans Recognised for Promoting Peace and Unity

    BELIZE CITY, January 19, 2026 – Distinguished Belizeans spanning multiple sectors have received international recognition for their dedication to fostering social harmony at the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace. The prestigious gathering, orchestrated by the Federation of Love and Peace (FOWPAL), convened global figures to advance dialogues on compassion, non-violence, and international unity.

    The event saw the participation of high-profile national leaders including Prime Minister John Briceño and Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner, alongside government ministers, diplomatic envoys, and civil society representatives. In a ceremony highlighting humanitarian contributions, the organization bestowed its Compass Clock of Conscience Award upon multiple citizens for their impactful societal work.

    Esteemed awardees encompassed a diverse cross-section of Belizean professionals: Jermaine Burns of the Belize Defence Force; Karen Simplis, a lecturer at the University of Belize; Dr. Anya Moguel, a specialist in palliative medicine; cultural advocate Karen Vernon; Joycelyn Lopez, Executive Director of the Inspiration Center; Michele Irving, founder of the women’s empowerment group POWA; and former political leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow.

    During his address, Barrow emphasized the urgent worldwide necessity for reconciliation and peace, citing ongoing conflicts in regions including Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Venezuela. “Across the globe, warfare continues to fracture nations and communities. This makes our mission of promoting love and peaceful coexistence more critical than ever,” he stated.

    The Compass Clock of Conscience, an emblem created by FOWPAL, symbolizes the alignment of personal integrity with purposeful action. It serves as a reminder for individuals and leaders to adhere to ethical principles in their pursuit of societal welfare. This award has historically been granted to international advocates of peace and social well-being.

  • Government provides update on Marie’s Fish Shack

    Government provides update on Marie’s Fish Shack

    The Department of Crown Lands has issued a comprehensive statement addressing public concerns regarding the future of Marie’s Fish Shack, a longstanding local establishment operating on state-owned property at Reduit Beach. This clarification comes amid ongoing development of the $1.3 billion Mount Pimard Beach Park project, a transformative tourism initiative currently underway.

    While acknowledging the restaurant’s significant role within the local community, officials emphasize that the business has operated unofficially on Crown Lands without formal approval from the Commissioner of Crown Lands, as required by law. The government stresses the necessity of compliance with legal frameworks governing state-owned properties, particularly those within areas designated for national development.

    The Mount Pimard development, a partnership between the Government of Saint Lucia and A’ILA Resorts, represents one of the island’s most substantial tourism investments. The multiphase project will eventually feature a family hotel, adults-only wellness resort, luxury villas, residential units, a shopping boulevard, and one of the island’s largest conference centers. The first phase, TheLifeCo holistic wellness resort, is scheduled to open imminently.

    Contrary to perceptions of eviction, authorities describe the action as a strategic relocation to an enhanced site within the same beach area. The new location offers superior amenities including dedicated parking, security services, sanitation facilities, recreational areas, dining spaces, and a children’s playground. Notably, the beach park design from its earliest conceptual stages incorporated provisions for a dedicated fish restaurant, specifically considering Marie’s operations.

    The completed beach park facility, constructed by A’ILA Resorts, has been formally transferred to the National Conservation Authority (NCA) which will oversee its operations. The government encourages local entrepreneurs interested in commercial opportunities within the new development to contact the NCA directly.

    Officials maintain that while celebrating Marie’s contributions and desiring her continued success, adherence to legal protocols remains essential for maintaining equitable business practices across all sectors. The government asserts that this approach ultimately strengthens both the national tourism product and the broader Saint Lucian economy.

  • Tourist dies after suspected fall on ferry

    Tourist dies after suspected fall on ferry

    Authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have initiated a formal investigation into the tragic death of a senior American tourist aboard an inter-island ferry. The incident occurred Sunday during transit between the capital city of Kingstown and the Grenadines archipelago.

    The deceased has been identified as 73-year-old David John Hyde. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene, with preliminary evidence suggesting injuries potentially consistent with a significant fall. A district medical officer attended to the case immediately following the incident.

    In an official communiqué, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force indicated that while initial findings point to accidental trauma, the precise cause of death remains undetermined. A comprehensive post-mortem examination has been scheduled to establish conclusive medical and factual evidence surrounding the fatality.

    Law enforcement officials are actively appealing to the public for assistance, urging any individuals with potentially relevant information to come forward. Witnesses or persons with knowledge of the event are encouraged to contact emergency services at 911 or 999, the dedicated tip line at 784-456-1810, or their nearest police station. Authorities have guaranteed complete confidentiality for all information provided to aid the ongoing investigation.

  • Health Ministry Urges Vaccination as Measles Nears Border

    Health Ministry Urges Vaccination as Measles Nears Border

    The Belize Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued an urgent public health advisory following confirmation of twelve measles cases in neighboring Guatemala. Health authorities are calling upon citizens to immediately verify their vaccination status, particularly as two affected Guatemalan departments—Izabal and Petén—share direct borders with Belize.

    Dr. Natalia Beer, Technical Advisor for Maternal and Child Health at the Ministry, disclosed that Belize received official notification through the International Health Regulations system on January 9. She emphasized the extreme contagious nature of measles, describing it as one of the most rapidly spreading viral diseases known. Vaccination remains the singular effective defense against transmission.

    Current immunization coverage in Belize falls below the critical 95% threshold required for robust herd immunity. The Ministry provides routine measles protection through the MMR vaccine administered at 12 and 18 months of age, with the MR vaccine available for older children and adults. Health officials specifically advise that travelers and those uncertain about their vaccination history should seek immunization promptly.

    Measles transmission occurs through airborne particles that can remain infectious in enclosed spaces for up to two hours after an infected individual has departed. Early symptoms typically manifest as fever followed by a distinctive rash, though individuals may spread the virus for four days prior to visible symptoms appearing. Potential long-term complications include rare but fatal neurological conditions that can emerge years after initial infection.

    Dr. Beer referenced a tragic case in the United Kingdom where an 18-year-old woman died from complications stemming from childhood measles infection—a preventable outcome with vaccination costing less than one dollar. While Belize experienced measles outbreaks between March and May of last year, no current outbreaks have been confirmed. However, immunization gaps continue to pose significant vulnerability to renewed transmission.

  • Scam website posing as ‘Arrive Antigua’ charge US$100 per traveler

    Scam website posing as ‘Arrive Antigua’ charge US$100 per traveler

    Government authorities have issued a critical public advisory concerning digital immigration procedures, specifically targeting deceptive third-party websites. Officials emphasize that the singular authentic portal for submitting mandatory online arrival documentation remains the legitimate government domain (https://www.arrivecan.gc.ca/). This warning highlights a growing trend of sophisticated phishing operations where unauthorized platforms meticulously replicate official government webpages to appear genuine. These fraudulent sites often utilize similar color schemes, logos, and interface designs to create a false sense of legitimacy, ultimately misleading users into paying superfluous and illegal processing fees. Beyond financial exploitation, these sites pose significant data privacy risks, potentially harvesting sensitive personal and travel information for malicious purposes. The advisory underscores that no external commercial service is authorized to collect government processing fees for arrival documentation. Travelers and immigrants are urged to exercise extreme vigilance by verifying URL authenticity before submitting any information or payments. This alert forms part of a broader governmental initiative to enhance cybersecurity around essential public services and protect citizens from digital fraud targeting official administrative processes.

  • Windies collapse as Afghanistan claims 38-run victory

    Windies collapse as Afghanistan claims 38-run victory

    In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan secured a comprehensive 38-run victory against the West Indies in the opening match of their three-game T20 International series on January 19th in the United Arab Emirates. This triumph echoes Afghanistan’s recent success against the Caribbean Under-19 team in the ICC Men’s World Cup just one day prior, establishing a remarkable pattern of dominance across age groups.

    The match commenced with Afghanistan winning the toss and electing to bat, immediately facing adversity when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was run out on the very first delivery by Gudakesh Motie. However, what followed was a record-breaking performance as Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli constructed an monumental 162-run partnership from 106 deliveries – the highest third-wicket stand ever recorded for Afghanistan in T20 internationals. Zadran’s commanding 87 runs complemented Rasooli’s powerful 84, with both batsmen benefiting from multiple dropped chances by the West Indies fielding unit. Afghanistan concluded their innings at 181-3 after 20 overs.

    West Indies’ response proved inconsistent from the outset, with only Johnson Charles among the top-order batsmen reaching double figures through his 27-run contribution from 16 balls. The innings gained temporary momentum through debutant Quentin Sampson, who impressed with 30 runs off 24 deliveries, supported by Matthew Forde’s 25. Late resistance came from Gudakesh Motie’s aggressive 28 from 15 balls, but Afghanistan’s bowling attack systematically dismantled the Caribbean lineup, dismissing them for 143 runs.

    This defeat extends West Indies’ winless streak in the UAE, presenting significant concerns for head coach Daren Sammy as the team prepares for the second T20 encounter scheduled for January 21st. The series serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February.

  • Secrets Resort named among magazine’s 10 best all-inclusive resorts

    Secrets Resort named among magazine’s 10 best all-inclusive resorts

    Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa has achieved distinguished recognition by securing the fifth position on USA TODAY’s 2026 compilation of Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts. The prestigious ranking, announced on January 7th, positions the adult-only luxury property among elite hospitality destinations throughout the Caribbean region.

    The resort’s accomplishment has drawn official acclaim from St. Lucian Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire, who publicly congratulated the establishment via social media. “Congratulations to Secrets St. Lucia Resort and Spa on your recognition,” Hilaire stated on Facebook. “Already turning heads for exceptional service as a Caribbean Destination.”

    Selection methodology involved a rigorous evaluation process combining expert assessment and public participation. A specialized panel of travel authorities initially curated a selection of the islands’ finest all-inclusive resorts, subsequently opening the final ranking to reader votes determining the ultimate order.

    The complete top-five ranking includes: Jamaica’s Hotel Montego Bay (1st), Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana (2nd), Royalton Antigua (3rd), Negril’s Sunset at the Palms (4th), and Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa (5th).

    USA TODAY’s feature highlighted several exceptional amenities contributing to the resort’s acclaim. Every accommodation features private terraces ensuring continuous panoramic vistas for all guests. The property offers unlimited beverage service across three swimming pools, six distinct bars, nine gourmet restaurants, and various lounges.

    Complementing these amenities, the resort provides 24-hour room and concierge services, ensuring culinary satisfaction at any hour. The premium spa facility boasts an extensive hydrotherapy circuit complete with hot tub, sauna, and steam room installations for comprehensive relaxation.

    Resort owner Alisteer Nelson expressed profound satisfaction with the recognition, noting that the honor reflects the team’s dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences through unlimited luxury offerings. Nelson extended gratitude to supportive guests whose positive reviews contributed significantly to achieving this distinguished industry acknowledgment.

  • Director of Financial Intelligence Unit gives updates for 2024-2025

    Director of Financial Intelligence Unit gives updates for 2024-2025

    Dominica’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has marked the 2024-2025 period as exceptionally significant in its ongoing battle against financial crimes, according to Director McKelson Ferrol. Speaking at a recent Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs press conference, Ferrol detailed substantial operational advancements including the establishment of a specialized subunit and enhanced staffing capabilities.

    The Unit’s analytical department has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in processing suspicious activity reports while developing both operational and strategic analyses to support key authorities including the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, Financial Services Unit, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, and Customs Division. FIU personnel have additionally strengthened their expertise through participation in regional and international training programs, seminars, and conferences, serving in capacities ranging from assessors to trainers.

    Critical collaboration with the Director of Public Prosecution, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and multiple regional and international agencies has yielded successful investigations and prosecutions across various financial crime categories, including money laundering, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms trade.

    In a strategic move toward regulatory compliance, Dominica will present its CFATF 4th Round Mutual Evaluation Third Follow-Up Report at the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in May 2026. This follows the October 2024 presentation and November 2025 gazetting of three pivotal legislative measures: the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism Act, Money-Laundering Prevention Act, and Anti-Money-Laundering and Suppression of Terrorism Finance Amendment, Code of Practice 2025.

    The nation will seek re-rating for three previously partially compliant recommendations and one non-compliant recommendation. Director Ferrol expressed confidence in obtaining favorable outcomes during the May 2026 CFATF Plenary session.

    Notably, under the provisions of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, Minister of National Security and Legal Affairs Rayburn Blackmoore facilitated a substantial disbursement of $2,042,096.42 from the asset recovery fund to support critical institutions including the Roseau District Court, FIU, Supreme Court, Customs Division, and Regional Security System.

  • St Michael’s student tops Caribbean in green engineering

    St Michael’s student tops Caribbean in green engineering

    In an exceptional academic achievement, Megan Allan from St Michael School has secured the highest regional distinction in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Unit 1 for Green Engineering. Her outstanding performance, marked by the only Grade One awarded across the Caribbean in this subject, has drawn commendation from Barbados’ Energy Minister and triggered the establishment of a new national award for young innovators.

    Senator Lisa Cummins, Minister of Energy, personally presented Allan with a special accolade during a ceremony held at the school on Monday. The minister emphasized that Allan’s accomplishment establishes a new benchmark for excellence and demonstrates the profound potential of Barbadian youth to influence the nation’s future trajectory.

    Expressing both surprise and delight, Allan admitted she had not anticipated such significant recognition. ‘I’m feeling pretty good, a little bit shocked,’ she remarked. ‘I wasn’t expecting it at all, and I didn’t know it would be such a big deal. When I saw it online that day at school, I was pleasantly surprised. So I’m shocked but happy.’

    The accomplished student has applied to multiple Canadian universities—McGill, Dalhousie, and the University of Guelph—with plans to pursue marine biology and conservation studies.

    Minister Cummins articulated the critical importance of science and technology disciplines as Barbados advances its energy transition agenda. ‘There are certain subjects that are going to be even more critical for our development as a country,’ she stated. ‘Chemistry, physics, environmental science, and green engineering represent essential skill sets for future careers that will facilitate our energy transition.’

    In response to Allan’s achievement, the Ministry of Energy announced the creation of an annual national prize to encourage future high performers in green engineering. Minister Cummins declared this would be ‘the inaugural prize, not the last,’ committing to ongoing recognition for excellence in this vital field.