Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • 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.

  • Jacobie among 4 Saint Lucian indoor athletics winners

    Jacobie among 4 Saint Lucian indoor athletics winners

    Saint Lucian collegiate athletes delivered an impressive display of athletic prowess across multiple indoor track and field competitions in the United States over the weekend, securing four gold medal finishes and establishing two new school records.

    In a remarkable comeback story, Jenneil Jacobie of East Texas A&M University Lions claimed victory at the Owen Hewett Invitational in Norman, Oklahoma. The 2024 outdoor conference champion, returning from a season-ending injury, cleared 1.80 meters in the women’s high jump, earning her a top-ten national ranking in NCAA Division I competition.

    At the Akron AL Campbell Invitational in Ohio, University of Charleston’s Joy Edward achieved dual success with a first-place finish and school record performance. Edward threw 14.69 meters in shot put, narrowly missing her 2024 indoor national record, and achieved a personal best of 17.59 meters in the 20-pound weight throw.

    The Washburn Rust Buster event in Topeka witnessed Kereser Augustin setting a new school record with her 39.20-second performance in the women’s 300m, finishing ahead of teammate Isabella Kupka who secured second place.

    Coppin State University’s Carl Drakes continued his dominant season at the HBCU Showcase presented by Nike Running in New York City, winning the men’s 200m dash in 21.28 seconds and placing second in the 60m with a time of 6.77 seconds.

    Additional notable performances included Rayshawn Harris’s indoor debut in the 800m for Coppin State, while multiple other Saint Lucian athletes delivered strong showings across various events including Reuben Nichols (3rd in 600m), Tyler Toussaint (2nd in 60m), and Cagini Pilgrim (3rd in 60m).

    The collective achievements demonstrate the growing impact of Saint Lucian athletes within the competitive landscape of US collegiate athletics during the ongoing indoor season.

  • Shyne Barrow Criticises UDP Over Venezuela Stance

    Shyne Barrow Criticises UDP Over Venezuela Stance

    A significant political rift has emerged within Belize’s United Democratic Party (UDP) following controversial remarks about Venezuela, exposing internal divisions on foreign policy. Former UDP leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow has publicly denounced current party leadership for expressing sympathy toward Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without consulting membership.

    Barrow specifically criticized Senator Patrick Faber and other UDP representatives for what he characterized as “crying tears for the dictator, narco-trafficker Mr. Nicolás Maduro” during a recent press conference. The former leader emphasized the UDP’s identity as a “conservative, center-right party” with established international affiliations to Republican and conservative parties, suggesting the pro-Maduro position contradicts these alliances.

    The controversy stems from a UDP press conference held last Tuesday where Faber criticized the Briceño administration’s January 5 statement on Venezuela. Faber had argued the government’s position lacked clarity and appeared designed to avoid offending Washington, claiming the ruling People’s United Party was “hiding behind CARICOM” rather than asserting an independent foreign policy.

    Barrow countered this perspective by endorsing the government’s approach, describing the official statement as “mild and temperate and consistent with what CARICOM put out on the matter.” He further cautioned against antagonizing the United States, Belize’s largest trading partner, while invoking former Prime Minister George Price’s foreign policy mantra of being “friend to all, enemy to none” – while explicitly excluding “despotic dictators” from this philosophy.

    Barrow highlighted Maduro’s record of jailing political opponents, creating millions of displaced Venezuelans, and threatening CARICOM’s zone of peace as reasons to distance Belize from the Venezuelan leader. Senator Faber declined to comment when contacted by news outlets regarding the growing internal dispute.

  • Caribbean urged to ‘shock-proof’ climate justice strategies

    Caribbean urged to ‘shock-proof’ climate justice strategies

    At the opening of a pivotal regional forum in Barbados, Caribbean leaders issued a powerful call for concrete strategies to achieve climate justice, emphasizing the urgent need for approaches that can endure major geopolitical disruptions. Cletus Springer, Chair of the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), set the tone for the two-day CANARI Partners Forum, declaring the gathering a forum for “strategic action” rather than theoretical discussion. The event, themed ‘Towards climate justice in the Caribbean: building understanding and catalysing partnerships and finance,’ brings together regional and international stakeholders to address climate change as a critical development and human rights priority. Springer framed the discussions against a backdrop of what he termed “truly seismic geopolitical upheaval,” warning that the rapid erosion of the global multilateral system threatens to marginalize small island states. He posed a central challenge to delegates: “How do we advance a climate justice agenda that is robust enough to survive current and future geopolitical shocks?” The CANARI chair highlighted the escalating climate impacts across the region, including increasing extreme weather events and a developing drought in the Eastern Caribbean that’s expected to extend well into the traditional rainy season. These impacts, he noted, validate regional leaders’ characterization of climate change as “an existential threat to the sustainable development of the Caribbean.” Springer underscored the “profound unfairness” of the global climate system where those least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions bear the greatest burden. He emphasized that climate justice must address structural power imbalances and move beyond technical solutions to confront root causes of vulnerability amplified by factors including gender, race, and poverty. The forum represents a significant effort to develop practical approaches that protect vulnerable livelihoods while challenging the systemic inequalities that exacerbate climate injustice.

  • PM Briceño Confirms Credit Card Scam Investigation

    PM Briceño Confirms Credit Card Scam Investigation

    Prime Minister John Briceño has officially verified to News 5 that Belizean authorities are conducting an extensive investigation into a sophisticated credit card fraud operation that has compromised the nation’s vital call center industry. The scheme, initially exposed earlier this month, represents a significant threat to an economic sector that employs approximately 20,000 citizens and generates around $150 million in annual revenue.

    The fraudulent operation spans international boundaries, connecting U.S. victims to Belize City restaurants through sophisticated digital theft. Call center employees have been systematically violating Payment Card Industry (PCI) security standards by covertly recording customers’ credit card numbers and CVV codes during transactions. This stolen financial data was subsequently utilized to place food orders through mobile applications, particularly targeting establishments like Chon Saan Palace restaurant.

    Investigative findings reveal the scheme’s alarming scale, with over 400 fraudulent chargebacks identified at a single restaurant. Perpetrators demonstrated adaptability by circumventing enhanced security measures, including ID verification systems, through photographing identification cards. The criminal network has since evolved, with gang members now allegedly marketing stolen credit card information—complete with names, numbers, CVVs, and addresses—via WhatsApp platforms.

    Prime Minister Briceño emphasized the government’s dual commitment to protecting both the call center industry and affected local businesses. He stressed that international victims must file formal police reports to enable comprehensive investigations and indicated authorities’ readiness to implement stricter penalties for offenders if necessary. The case highlights growing concerns about digital financial crimes and their impact on developing economies dependent on technology-driven industries.

  • Shyne Barrow Says “A Monopoly Benefits the Belizean People”

    Shyne Barrow Says “A Monopoly Benefits the Belizean People”

    In a significant political development, former United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow has voiced conditional support for Belize Telemedia Limited’s proposed acquisition of Speednet, arguing that state-controlled monopolies can deliver public benefit. The controversial stance emerged during a January 19th press engagement where Barrow challenged prevailing skepticism toward market consolidation.

    Barrow presented a comparative analysis of Belize’s infrastructure landscape, noting: “Our nation already operates sanctioned monopolies in critical sectors including Belize Electricity Limited and Belize Water Services. The ideological resistance to telecommunications consolidation appears inconsistent when examining existing market structures.” The former opposition leader specifically addressed shareholder concerns, emphasizing that since BTL operates as a public-private partnership with majority Belizean ownership, any resulting monopoly would ultimately benefit citizens through consolidated returns.

    Despite his theoretical support, Barrow delivered scathing criticism of BTL’s leadership for their disastrous public rollout of the proposal. He characterized the board’s communications strategy as profoundly mishandled, creating unnecessary public distrust. Barrow particularly contested the board chairman’s characterization of BTL as a private entity, asserting: “This represents a fundamental misrepresentation of corporate structure. As a PPP model with majority public ownership, the enterprise ultimately serves the Belizean people.”

    The former UDP leader simultaneously addressed internal party tensions, criticizing current UDP Leader Tracy Panton for her undisclosed meeting with Lord Ashcroft aboard his yacht. Barrow questioned the timing and opacity of the engagement, suggesting it undermined Panton’s credibility to demand transparency in the BTL-Speednet negotiations.

    Prime Minister John Briceño has maintained that BTL’s board should pursue corporate interests independently, while opposition figures demand greater transparency before approving any merger. The developing situation reveals deep philosophical divisions regarding market regulation and public ownership in Belize’s political landscape.

  • Winless Windwards fall to Barbados

    Winless Windwards fall to Barbados

    The Windward Islands’ challenging campaign in the Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze continued with a narrow three-wicket defeat against Barbados on Saturday, January 17th, marking their third consecutive loss in the tournament hosted at Arnos Vale Sporting Complex in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

    The team faced additional adversity with the absence of captain Zaida James, a West Indies allrounder who was sidelined with a minor injury. Acting captain Jannillea Glasgow won the toss and elected to bat first, but the decision yielded little advantage as the Windwards struggled profoundly during the powerplay.

    Their innings began disastrously, losing three crucial wickets within the initial eight overs while managing a meager 32 runs. Glasgow labored to eight runs from 21 deliveries, while Nerissa Crafton of Saint Lucia contributed just six from nine balls, highlighting the team’s inability to find gaps in the field.

    Veteran international player Afy Fletcher emerged as the batting anchor, stabilizing the innings through a productive partnership with Carena Noel that added 37 runs across seven overs. Fletcher’s composed knock of 35 from 32 deliveries, including three boundaries, provided temporary respite before her departure in the 15th over. The final phase proved equally challenging as the Windwards lost four additional wickets while adding only 17 runs, concluding at 86-8 from their allotted overs.

    Barbados’ Shamilia Connell delivered an exceptional bowling performance, claiming four wickets for just eight runs from her four overs of right-arm medium pace, effectively dismantling the Windwards’ batting lineup.

    Despite the modest target, Barbados encountered significant resistance during their chase. The Windwards’ bowling attack, though disciplined in periods, conceded 24 extras that substantially aided the opposition’s pursuit. A developing partnership of 30 runs between Naijanni Cumberbatch and Asabi Callender was broken by debutant Aidith Gasper, who claimed Cumberbatch as the first of her two wickets.

    Although Afy Fletcher, Aidith Gasper, and Abini St Jean each captured two wickets in a spirited defense of the low total, Barbados ultimately secured victory at the beginning of the 17th over through a combination of wayward bowling and a late-order contribution of 12 from 13 balls by Allison Gordon.

    The absence of Captain James was notably felt across all three facets of the game—batting, bowling, and fielding—exacerbating the team’s challenges. Previous losses to Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago by 16 runs had already positioned the Windwards precariously in the standings. Fletcher and Glasgow currently rank fourth and fifth respectively in runs scored after three rounds with 82 and 70 runs, but the team remains winless and sits above only Jamaica in the standings due to bowling points. These two bottom-placed teams are scheduled to meet on January 19th in what promises to be a crucial encounter for both sides.

  • Shyne Responds to Being Left Off UDP Former Leaders List

    Shyne Responds to Being Left Off UDP Former Leaders List

    Belizean politician Moses “Shyne” Barrow has publicly contested his exclusion from the United Democratic Party’s roster of former leaders “in good standing,” labeling the move as both divisive and constitutionally improper. The controversy emerged during a recent UDP press conference where Barrow’s name was conspicuously absent from the honored list.

    Expressing profound disappointment to News Five, Barrow emphasized his extensive service record as opposition leader, UDP party leader, and longstanding Mesopotamia constituency representative. “I’ve served my country with all that I’ve had,” Barrow stated, reaffirming his ongoing commitment to his constituents despite the party’s apparent snub.

    The political veteran highlighted constitutional requirements, noting that formal due process must precede any declaration of bad standing status. “If they want to say I am in bad standing, thus I don’t qualify, they would have to have a meeting, which they have not done,” Barrow asserted, questioning the procedural validity of his exclusion.

    Barrow further accused current UDP leadership of double standards, recalling previous instances where he disciplined members for public criticism only to be told such actions violated freedom of speech principles. “I would like to see what their position is now,” he challenged.

    The tension appears rooted in Barrow’s historical disagreements with Opposition Leader Tracy Panton, including his 2025 legal challenge against the Elections and Boundaries Commission regarding use of UDP’s signature red color by Panton’s Alliance for Democracy candidates. The Supreme Court ultimately dismissed the case as moot.

    Recent tensions reignited when Barrow included his name on promotional materials as “Shyne Barrow, Mesopotamia, UDP,” prompting Panton to publicly affirm Lee Mark Chang as the area’s sole duly elected representative. Barrow countered that while Chang holds the elected position, he never officially secured standard-bearer or caretaker status through proper party procedures.

    Barrow lamented the public nature of the dispute, emphasizing that internal resolution mechanisms should have been pursued. UDP Leader Tracy Panton responded to inquiries by noting the National Party Council had not yet convened to determine standing status, with the first meeting scheduled for January 31, 2026.

  • Virginia Asin-Oostburg neemt roer van Shanti Venetiaan over bij AdeKUS

    Virginia Asin-Oostburg neemt roer van Shanti Venetiaan over bij AdeKUS

    PARAMARIBO – Suriname’s Anton de Kom University (AdeKUS) has inaugurated a new governing board chaired by Virginia Asin-Oostburg, marking a significant transition in the institution’s leadership. The official installation ceremony was presided over by Minister of Education, Science and Culture Dirk Currie, who expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing board led by Shanti Venetiaan for their service.

    The newly formed board comprises Rose-Ann Franklin, Maya Manohar, Renald Laing, and Melody Hoefdraad alongside Chairwoman Asin-Oostburg. The composition remains temporarily incomplete, with positions reserved for upcoming representatives from the business community, scientific faculty, administrative staff, and student body.

    Minister Currie articulated a vision of radical inclusivity as the cornerstone of national education policy. ‘Financial constraints should never impede access to higher education,’ he asserted, emphasizing the government’s commitment to removing systemic barriers. The minister called for comprehensive legislative reforms to modernize Suriname’s higher education framework, enabling more responsive adaptation to socioeconomic transformations.

    Currie challenged the new leadership to diversify academic programs aligned with sustainable national development. While acknowledging the temporary economic boon from oil and gas sectors, he cautioned against over-reliance on finite resources. ‘Strategic expansion into agriculture, tourism, and innovation-based industries is imperative for long-term prosperity,’ Currie stated.

    The minister outlined expectations for AdeKUS to evolve into a self-sustaining institution through enhanced corporate partnerships, collaboration with private education providers, and strengthened international academic ties. Outgoing Chair Venetiaan characterized the transition as ‘challenging yet rewarding,’ offering congratulations to the incoming team. Asin-Oostburg affirmed the board’s readiness to ‘commence work with vigor and purpose,’ acknowledging the clarity of ministerial directives.