Carib Scope

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  • St Andrew captures championship title at Nexa–GUT National Primary School Games

    St Andrew captures championship title at Nexa–GUT National Primary School Games

    Grenada’s premier youth athletic competition, the Nexa-GUT National Primary School Games, concluded with spectacular performances on March 4-5, 2026, following weeks of intense parish-level competitions that commenced on February 5. The national finals showcased exceptional young talent from across the island, highlighting both competitive excellence and outstanding sportsmanship.

    St Andrew Parish emerged victorious with 611 points, securing their record-extending 30th championship title in the event’s history. While this year’s winning total fell two points short of their 2025 achievement, it proved sufficient to maintain their dominance. St George Parish captured second position, with St Patrick Parish rounding out the top three.

    The event represents the third successful year of collaboration between Nexa Credit Union and the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT), demonstrating their shared commitment to youth development through athletic excellence. This partnership provides young athletes with foundational skills and potential pathways toward Olympic aspirations.

    During the opening ceremony, Nexa Credit Union General Manager Retesha Smith-Boyd emphasized the games’ significance: ‘The Nexa-GUT National Primary School Games represent a celebration of talent, teamwork, discipline and the bright promise of our nation’s children.’ The credit union extended appreciation to educators, volunteers, and spectators whose contributions ensured the event’s success.

    The games continue to serve as a vital platform for nurturing Grenada’s athletic talent while fostering parish pride and community engagement across the island. Nexa Credit Union encourages public support for these developing athletes at both branch and national levels.

    For comprehensive coverage and highlights of the games, the public can visit nexacreditunion.com or follow Nexa Credit Union’s social media channels.

  • Wanted: Interpol captures Dominican “Ángel Capucha” in Colombia, alleged leader of a network operating in Cibao

    Wanted: Interpol captures Dominican “Ángel Capucha” in Colombia, alleged leader of a network operating in Cibao

    In a significant international law enforcement operation, Colombian authorities have apprehended a high-profile Dominican fugitive wanted for homicide and leading a transnational criminal network. Ángel Pascual García Vásquez, known by his alias “Ángel Capucha,” was captured following coordinated efforts between INTERPOL bureaus in Santo Domingo and Bogotá.

    The 39-year-old suspect faced an active International Red Notice (A-9-22/1-2025) issued through INTERPOL’s global alert system. The warrant stemmed from arrest order No. 598-01-2023-SARR-00317, connecting him to the March 2023 murder of Juan Francisco Villar (alias “Francis”) in Espaillat province’s Los López sector. Preliminary investigations suggest the homicide resulted from a drug trafficking-related financial dispute.

    Law enforcement intelligence identifies García Vásquez as the alleged mastermind behind an extensive criminal enterprise operating across multiple Dominican provinces including Espaillat, La Vega, Santiago, and Puerto Plata. His organization stands accused of orchestrating diverse illegal operations including contract killings, narcotics distribution, money laundering schemes, and systematic extortion.

    The successful apprehension occurred under the framework of the PACCTO 2.0 project, a European Union-funded initiative combating transnational organized crime. The operation demonstrated INTERPOL’s effectiveness in facilitating real-time information exchange between member countries’ national central bureaus.

    Dominican authorities, through the Attorney General’s Office and Directorate of International Legal Cooperation and Human Rights, have initiated formal extradition proceedings. The capture represents a substantial blow to Caribbean criminal networks and highlights strengthening international judicial cooperation in combating organized crime.

  • “Shield of the Americas” Luis Abinader meets with the US Secretary of Energy: here’s what they discussed

    “Shield of the Americas” Luis Abinader meets with the US Secretary of Energy: here’s what they discussed

    MIAMI, FL – In a significant diplomatic engagement at the Shield of the Americas summit, Dominican President Luis Abinader convened with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to chart a new course for bilateral energy cooperation. The high-level discussions, attended by Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and U.S. Ambassador Leah Francis Campos, focused on advancing sustainable development initiatives and fortifying energy security frameworks throughout the region.

    The strategic dialogue, occurring within the broader context of the hemispheric gathering convened by former President Donald Trump, emphasized mutual interests in creating resilient energy infrastructures. Both parties explored innovative mechanisms for technology transfer, renewable energy investment, and collaborative policy development aimed at addressing regional energy challenges.

    This meeting marks a pivotal enhancement in Dominican-American relations, signaling a commitment to transcending traditional diplomatic exchanges in favor of concrete, project-oriented partnerships. The participation of both nations’ senior officials underscores the strategic importance placed on energy diplomacy as a cornerstone of regional stability and economic prosperity.

  • President: Lagere goudroyalty kan juist meer inkomsten opleveren

    President: Lagere goudroyalty kan juist meer inkomsten opleveren

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has announced a strategic temporary reduction in gold royalties, outlining a calculated approach to stimulate legal gold sales and ultimately increase state revenues. The policy shift responds to persistent challenges in regulating the nation’s gold sector, where elevated taxation has historically driven transactions toward illegal channels.

    President Simons cited a successful precedent: a 50% temporary reduction in PSA license fees that resulted in application numbers surging from approximately 300 to 3,000 monthly. This previous intervention ultimately generated higher state revenues despite the lowered rate, demonstrating how strategic tax adjustments can expand the formal economic base.

    The gold sector presents similar dynamics. Historical data reveals that when royalties increased in previous years, legal gold exports declined despite rising global gold prices—clear evidence that significant quantities were diverted through illicit channels. The temporary royalty reduction aims to test whether lower rates can redirect gold flows back to legal export pathways, thereby increasing overall state income.

    Simultaneously, the government is implementing enhanced regulatory measures and strengthening oversight mechanisms. President Simons acknowledged that Suriname’s gold sector has suffered from insufficient organization and control for years. Multiple agencies, including police and specialized regulatory bodies, are now collaborating to improve tax collection and establish comprehensive sector oversight.

    The royalty collection currently occurs at points of sale and export. Additional measures are under development to combat smuggling and integrate more gold into the formal economy through official channels.

    President Simons emphasized the provisional nature of this intervention. Should the reduction fail to stimulate increased legal exports or higher revenues, the government stands ready to readjust royalty rates accordingly. This data-driven approach reflects a pragmatic strategy to optimize tax policy while addressing structural challenges in resource governance.

  • Cuba meldt vijfde dode na vuurgevecht met Florida-geregistreerde speedboot

    Cuba meldt vijfde dode na vuurgevecht met Florida-geregistreerde speedboot

    Cuban authorities have confirmed a fifth individual has died from injuries sustained during a violent maritime confrontation last month involving a Florida-registered speedboat. The incident, which occurred off Cuba’s northern coast, has escalated tensions between Havana and Washington while revealing alleged terrorist infiltration attempts.

    According to Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior, Roberto Alvarez Avila succumbed to his wounds on March 4th. The Ministry stated that remaining injured detainees continue receiving specialized medical treatment following the February 26th firefight that left four dead and six wounded.

    The confrontation unfolded when Cuban naval patrols intercepted a vessel carrying ten armed individuals approaching the island northeast of Cayo Falcones, approximately one mile from shore. Cuban investigators assert the passengers were U.S.-based Cuban nationals attempting to “unleash terrorism” on the island nation. Authorities displayed seized weaponry including a dozen high-powered firearms, over 12,800 rounds of ammunition, and 11 pistols.

    Cuban officials emphasized that suspect statements and forensic evidence have strengthened the case against the detainees, while new leads suggest possible accomplices within the United States. Six suspects now face formal terrorism charges, though Havana has released limited operational details about the incident.

    The event occurs amid deteriorating Cuba-U.S. relations under the Trump administration and increasing economic pressure on Havana. Cuba’s economy faces additional strain due to uncertain oil supplies from Venezuela following the U.S. military operation that extracted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to American territory.

    Notably, the vessel’s Florida registration number remains unverifiable as boat registrations in the state are not publicly accessible records, complicating independent investigation of the incident.

  • Barbados gears up for 43rd Sandy Lane Gold Cup showdown

    Barbados gears up for 43rd Sandy Lane Gold Cup showdown

    The Garrison Savannah racetrack prepares for a spectacular display of equine athleticism and strategic horsemanship as the 43rd Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup commences this Saturday. This prestigious Caribbean event, featuring a competitive field of ten thoroughbreds racing over 1,800 meters, presents one of the most unpredictable contests in recent history with its blend of local champions and international contenders.

    Analysis of the starting gate reveals multiple compelling narratives. From the rail position, Smokin T (#1) seeks redemption after last year’s second-place finish, with jockey Antonio Bishop leveraging early speed advantages. The Kenneth Ramsey-owned Abrumar (#2) arrives with impressive credentials, piloted by last year’s winning jockey Rasheed Hughes and trained by U.S.-based Saffie Joseph Jr., who previously captured the Gold Cup with Harrow.

    The competition features notable absences and substitutions, including UK champion jockey Oisin Murphy’s forced withdrawal from Divin Propos (#3) due to Middle East airspace restrictions, replaced by Australian jockey Tom Marquand. Meanwhile, four-year-old sensation Bulldoze (#3A), sired by Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, represents a fascinating wildcard under trainer William Clarke and jockey Kyle Carter.

    Inspirational stories abound, particularly surrounding jockey Rico Walcott, who returns to competitive racing aboard Deccan Prince (#4) following successful brain tumor surgery. The 2024 champion Portfolio Company (#5) returns under Rey Williams’ guidance, representing the powerful Gay Smith and Edward Walcott Jr. stable that holds three entries in this year’s event.

    Emotional narratives took an unexpected turn when legendary jockey Patrick Husbands withdrew from his anticipated farewell ride on Sir London (#7), citing mounting misunderstandings. This development denied fans the storybook ending for the jockey who began his career at Garrison Savannah in 1990.

    Completing the field are formidable contenders including Public Sector (#8) with record-setting jockey Jalon Samuels seeking his seventh Gold Cup victory, the persistent So Suave (#9) representing the Cozier stable, and Jerry The Nipper (#10) whose wide draw presents strategic challenges for connections.

    The race’s tactical dimensions are particularly intriguing given the spatial distribution of the three Gay Smith entries and Saffie Joseph Jr.’s involvement with four horses through training and ownership capacities, ensuring a complex and strategically rich competition.

  • Hayde gets at least 60 years in prison after two slayings

    Hayde gets at least 60 years in prison after two slayings

    In an unprecedented judicial ruling that establishes a new precedent for sentencing multiple murder offenders in Barbados, convicted killer Gabriel Shando Hayde faces effectively six decades of imprisonment before becoming eligible for parole consideration. Justice Carlisle Greaves delivered this landmark decision at the No. 3 Supreme Court on Friday, structuring consecutive sentencing that pushes potential release to 2086.

    The 40-year tariff imposed for the August 2020 murder of carpenter Roger Moore will commence only after Hayde serves half of his existing 43-year minimum sentence for the February 2020 killing of Kerwin Howell. This creates a combined 60-year incarceration period that Justice Greaves described as necessary to reflect the severity of Hayde’s crimes and to send a clear deterrent message to firearm offenders.

    Court proceedings revealed disturbing details of the Moore homicide. The victim was executing carpentry work at a shop in Bath Land, St John when two masked assailants emerged from a reversing vehicle and discharged multiple rounds. Moore succumbed to his injuries at the scene while still grasping his drilling equipment. Forensic evidence connected Hayde to the crime through weapon matching and digital content recovered from his mobile device, including WhatsApp messages and videos showcasing firearms similar to those employed in the shooting.

    Justice Greaves emphasized several aggravating factors during sentencing: the calculated modification of firearms with bump stops to enable automatic firing capability, the deliberate concealment of identity during the offense, and Hayde’s prior history of shootings including a previously discontinued case involving the same victim. The judge noted the particular brutality of executing final shots to the head while the victim lay incapacitated.

    While acknowledging this was Barbados’ first sentencing scenario involving a murderer already serving life imprisonment for another homicide, Justice Greaves declined to impose a whole-life tariff citing Hayde’s absence of prior convictions before these closely-spaced murders. The consecutive sentencing approach aligns with newly amended Firearms Act provisions that mandate cumulative penalties for firearm-enabled homicides.

    Hayde displayed minimal reaction to the verdict, offering only a brief gesture to family members observing from the gallery as prison officers escorted him from the dock. The prosecution team led by Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Krystal Delaney and defense attorneys Safiya Moore and Michael Rivera all received judicial recognition for their comprehensive legal arguments in this groundbreaking case.

  • Trust Fund disbursed $28.2m to micro-businesses

    Trust Fund disbursed $28.2m to micro-businesses

    A groundbreaking micro-financing program in Barbados has delivered substantial economic benefits, with new parliamentary data revealing the disbursement of over $28 million to small entrepreneurs. The Barbados Trust Fund Limited (BTFL) has provided crucial capital to more than 5,000 business owners, resulting in the creation of approximately 7,000 jobs while significantly enhancing women’s participation in the small business sector.

    During Friday’s House Estimates session for the Ministry of Energy and Business Development, BTFL General Manager Jerry Amos presented compelling evidence of the fund’s dual function as both a capital distribution mechanism and a catalyst for sustainable employment. The innovative program, designed specifically for entrepreneurs lacking traditional collateral, combines financial support with mandatory financial literacy training, effectively transforming ambitious concepts into operational enterprises.

    Business Development Minister Kerrie Symmonds emphasized the program’s critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the initiative proved instrumental in maintaining the viability of micro-businesses through unprecedented economic challenges. Rather than adopting punitive measures during the crisis, the ministry implemented a supportive framework featuring debt relief and individualized assistance programs.

    “Our approach was collaborative rather than confrontational,” Minister Symmonds explained. “We prioritized working directly with business owners to facilitate recovery rather than pursuing aggressive collection tactics.”

    This strategy has yielded significant dividends, with numerous businesses progressing from survival mode to active participation in export markets. According to detailed figures provided by Amos, the fund has authorized 5,761 loans totaling $28.2 million, with gender distribution data showing strong female engagement—3,151 loans awarded to women compared to 2,610 to men.

    The economic impact extends beyond direct recipients, as micro-enterprises in sectors including spa services, agro-processing, and manufacturing typically employ multiple individuals per loan. This multiplier effect amplifies each disbursement’s economic benefit across various communities through equipment purchases and raw material acquisition.

    Building on this demonstrated success, the government has recently elevated the maximum loan amount from $10,000 to $20,000 to accommodate businesses transitioning from startup to expansion phase. Future strategy refinements will maintain emphasis on robust governance structures and financial education, ensuring entrepreneurs receive both capital and essential skills for sustainable growth and meaningful contribution to Barbados’ national economy.

  • Govt’s vending programme advances as new spots near completion

    Govt’s vending programme advances as new spots near completion

    The Barbados government is rapidly advancing its National Vending Facilities Programme with two new market locations nearing completion and at least fourteen additional sites under consideration across the island’s eleven parishes. Senior government official Anderson Cumberbatch, Deputy Permanent Secretary and chief business development advisor, provided these updates during Friday’s House of Assembly Estimates meeting for the Ministry of Energy, Business Development and Commerce.

    The Redman’s Village market in St. Thomas is progressing according to schedule with anticipated completion by month’s end, while the Fitts Village venue is expected to be operational by the conclusion of April. This initiative represents a tangible implementation of the National Vending Policy Framework originally established in 2021, which initially identified eight vending zones but has now expanded to encompass potential facilities across all thirty constituencies.

    Strategic implementation has been enhanced through a newly formed partnership with the Rural and Urban Development Commission and the adoption of an innovative design-build-maintenance model. This collaborative approach aims to improve project execution efficiency while ensuring long-term sustainability of the vending facilities.

    Concurrent with new site development, the ministry continues to advance work on previously proposed vending zones at Top Rock, Newton, and Haggatt Hall, where comprehensive site assessments are currently underway. These evaluations, conducted in coordination with the Planning and Development Department, examine critical factors including land ownership status, potential legal encumbrances, and accessibility for both pedestrians and vehicles.

    Beyond physical infrastructure, the programme incorporates a significant human development component. Cumberbatch emphasized that the initiative extends beyond construction to include business development training and financial literacy programs for the entrepreneurs who will operate within these facilities. This dual approach aims to create sustainable economic opportunities while modernizing Barbados’s vending infrastructure.

    The Deputy Permanent Secretary expressed confidence that the foundational work already completed positions the National Vending Facilities Programme for successful implementation and meaningful economic impact across communities in Barbados.

  • Simons benadrukt ordening mediaveld en journalistiek via accreditatie

    Simons benadrukt ordening mediaveld en journalistiek via accreditatie

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has called for comprehensive regulation of the nation’s media landscape, citing how technological advancements have dramatically outpaced existing legal frameworks. Speaking at a government press conference on Friday, the head of state emphasized the urgent need to establish order within journalism practices, particularly addressing the proliferation of unverified information on social media platforms.

    The President identified specific concerns regarding content manipulation through artificial intelligence, noting that the deliberate falsification of text, imagery, and audio recordings would soon carry criminal penalties. “These actions are comparable to forgery in documents, but executed through words and visuals,” President Simons stated, highlighting how AI technology now enables the creation of fabricated statements attributed to individuals.

    This regulatory push emerged following an incident where Suriname’s Communication Service reportedly denied access to certain media outlets not appearing on the Surinamese Association of Journalists’ (SVJ) mailing list. SVJ President Naomi Hoever clarified that while discussions with the government are ongoing regarding a self-regulation system, the association currently only accredits its own members who commit to the organization’s code of conduct and professional ethics.

    Both leadership figures stressed that the proposed framework aims to establish systematic organization rather than content-based restrictions. “This structuring is not intended to limit press freedom or free expression,” Hoever affirmed. “Everyone may pursue journalistic activities, but press freedom is not absolute and should operate within responsible parameters.”

    The SVJ, celebrating its 35th anniversary, has initiated an accreditation process beginning with its existing membership while allowing non-members to obtain credentials upon committing to professional standards. Simultaneously, the Association of Radio and Television Companies in Suriname (VRTS) is developing a parallel system for registered media enterprises. Both organizations plan to host information sessions for media professionals in the coming weeks to clarify the emerging regulatory landscape.