Carib Scope

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  • Back to school : A set of concrete measures from the Government

    Back to school : A set of concrete measures from the Government

    With the 2026-2027 academic year set to begin across Haiti on September 7, the administration of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé has stepped forward with a comprehensive suite of concrete initiatives to remove barriers to education for vulnerable communities, reaffirming its promise that no family will navigate the challenges of back-to-school season alone.

    The full package of measures was formally presented to the public during an official press conference held Friday, September 4, 2026, crafted to address three core priorities: easing the financial strain on caregivers, upgrading learning infrastructure across the country, and ensuring a safe, secure environment for students and staff as classes resume.

    Leading the financial support component is a cross-agency collaboration between the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MAST), the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), and the National Education Fund (FNE). Through this partnership, direct financial assistance will be distributed to 130,000 school-aged children’s parents and an additional 30,000 at-risk households. For many low-income Haitian families, back-to-school costs force an impossible choice between covering educational expenses and putting food on the table; this program frames direct support as an act of national solidarity to eliminate that terrible tradeoff.

    Beyond direct financial aid, the government is investing in physical upgrades to create more dignified, functional learning spaces for students. The plan includes major rehabilitation work at 52 public primary and secondary schools, the completion and opening of newly built educational facilities, the distribution of 8,000 new pieces of classroom furniture, and sustained operational support for school canteen programs that provide critical daily nutrition to students from food-insecure households. All told, these infrastructure and support measures are expected to benefit tens of thousands of members of the national educational community.

    Student safety remains a top strategic priority for the administration as classes resume. The Haitian National Police (PNH) has deployed 10,750 specially assigned officers as part of a dedicated year-long security operation focused on the new school year, tasked with patrolling school zones and maintaining safe conditions for students and staff across the country. Complementing this security effort, the Ministry of Public Works is carrying out targeted infrastructure improvements to ease traffic congestion around school campuses, mitigate hazards linked to severe weather events, and enhance overall public safety in areas surrounding educational institutions.

    In outlining the full package of initiatives, government officials emphasized that the program is designed to send a clear, unifying message to Haitian students, their families, and the entire education sector: school remains a fundamental space of hope, human dignity, and future opportunity for the nation’s next generation.

  • Ready for Carnival 2026? News 5 Brings the Road March to You

    Ready for Carnival 2026? News 5 Brings the Road March to You

    One of Belize City’s most anticipated annual cultural celebrations is just hours away, as the 2026 Carnival Road March prepares to transform the streets of the nation’s former capital into a vibrant sea of color, music, and soca rhythm this Saturday, September 5. For festival-goers who cannot make it to the parade route in person, local media group Greater Belize Media (GBM) is delivering a front-row experience straight to screens at home and abroad, with uninterrupted live coverage of every moment of the event.

    GBM’s broadcast will kick off earlier than the parade itself, going live at 1:30 p.m. to capture all the pre-event excitement ahead of the official start. The road march will officially step off at 2:00 p.m. from Lord Rhaburn Plaza located at Memorial Park, before weaving its way through central Belize City, ending at a grand finale performance at Marion Jones Stadium. It is at this final venue that competing junior and senior Mas bands will deliver their closing performances for judges, who will determine this year’s category winners. Results will be announced by the Belize Carnival Association on Sunday, September 6.

    To deliver comprehensive, multi-angle coverage to viewers, GBM has assembled a team of five hosts positioned across the entire parade route. Opening the broadcast live from Memorial Park will be lead host Paul Lopez. As the parade progresses through city streets, on-route hosts Benita Keme-Palacio and Bryan Gabb will provide running commentary, alongside exclusive live interviews with participants and crowd reactions. Two additional hosts, Immanuel Westby and Kenall Morgan, will also be stationed along the route to capture close-up footage that puts viewers right in the middle of the action.

    Regardless of where audiences tune in from — whether they are watching from overseas, relaxing at home, or waiting curbside for the parade to pass their spot — the GBM broadcast will bring the full, high-energy soca atmosphere of the event directly to them. Viewers can expect unfiltered access to behind-the-scenes moments, interviews with revelers and spectators, and detailed close-ups of the intricate, vibrant costumes designed for this year’s celebration.

    The 2026 parade line-up features a diverse range of participants, starting with official security and marshaling led by the Belize Police, followed by the Escuela Secundaria Mexico Marching Band. Seven competing junior Mas bands will take part: JumpStreet Posse, Soca Massive, Sunshine Masqueraders Jr., Collet Royals, Black Pearl Carnival Band, and Rhythm Rockers, with medical support from an on-course ambulance and an official service truck from the Belize Carnival Association following the junior division. Next in the line-up is the fan-favorite Belize Uprising Drum Corp, leading into the five competing senior Mas bands: Mother Nature Creation, Soca Moca Carnival Band, Fort Street Revelers, Trench Town Masqueraders, and Pulse Nation Marching Band.

    Five non-competing senior bands will also join the procession to add to the festive energy: Kriol Haat Beat, Fantasy Explosion, Belizean Jewels, Sunshine Masqueraders Sr., and Titans Mas Band, with a second ambulance following this group to ensure participant safety along the route. Closing out the parade are the featured floats and supporting entries, including the Mighty Blue Jaguars marching band from Caye Caulker, and branded floats from sponsor partners ICB, Desho Music Truck, and Belikin.

  • Wharton leads UWI to commanding win

    Wharton leads UWI to commanding win

    Barbados Netball Association league matches delivered lopsided results across two divisions on Wednesday, headlined by a historic perfect shooting display from UWI star Shonica Wharton that propelled her side to a dominant 47-28 triumph over the Wolverines in the Diamonds Division.

    Wharton turned in a near-unprecedented performance in front of onlookers, converting every single one of her 29 shot attempts to keep UWI’s scoreboard ticking consistently throughout the contest. She was not the only standout offensive player for the winning side, however: teammate Rynia Ifill added a solid 18 goals from 31 attempts to pad UWI’s lead and lock in the comfortable final margin.

    The Wolverines put up a competitive offensive effort of their own, with both starting shooters Kianna Harte and Tyesha Trotman matching each other’s production. Each player sunk 14 goals from 25 attempts, combining for 28 total points — but the side could not overcome Wharton’s perfect accuracy and UWI’s balanced offensive attack, ultimately falling 19 points short of the winning mark.

    In concurrent action in the league’s Opals Division, Vauxhall pulled off an even more one-sided victory, cruising to a 26-4 rout of the Panthers. Vauxhall’s offense operated smoothly for most of the match, with leading shooter Janai Harvey notching 11 goals from 18 attempts, while secondary shooter Francia Drakes chipped in nine goals from 14 attempts to build an insurmountable lead early on.

    Panthers’ offense struggled severely to find its rhythm on the night, hampered by inconsistent shot conversion that left the side far off the pace. Starting shooter Zanae Holder converted just one of her two total attempts, while teammate Amara Primus managed three goals from six attempts, resulting in a final four total points for the underperforming side.

  • Football : The new coach of the Grenadiers in Haiti

    Football : The new coach of the Grenadiers in Haiti

    In an official press conference held Friday, September 4 at Port-au-Prince’s Karibe Hotel, the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) formally introduced 51-year-old Spanish tactician David Badia as the new head coach of Haiti’s senior men’s national football team, widely known as the Grenadiers. Badia has signed a binding two-year contract to lead the Caribbean side through upcoming international competitions, and was on the ground in Haiti to attend the unveiling in person.

    During the press event, Badia laid out his core strategic vision, long-term mission, and planned adjustments for the Grenadiers program. He framed his appointment as an opportunity to build on the national team’s recent momentum rather than execute a full reset. “My priority mission is to drive this group forward and build on the solid standing we currently hold,” Badia told reporters. “We are already performing at a good level, but that is never the ceiling. Our work will focus on forging a clear, distinct national team identity as we push for consistent progress.”

    The newly appointed coach outlined a playing philosophy centered on controlled possession and proactive, attacking football, noting that he expects intensity from his players both when they hold the ball and when they are working to win it back. He shared that he already has strong confidence in the talent available to the Grenadiers, saying he is certain the squad will adapt to his tactical requirements and meet his performance expectations.

    Badia also reflected on the warm welcome he received upon arriving in Haiti, highlighting a moment that underscored the nation’s deep connection to its national team. “When I drove into the city, I was genuinely struck by how many people I saw wearing the Grenadiers jersey on the street,” he said. “It was surprising to see so many fans rocking the national team’s colors on a non-matchday, and it really drove home how incredible and passionate the fanbase here is. That energy means a lot to me.”

    When asked about roster plans, Badia confirmed that he intends to slowly transition the squad toward a younger generation of talent, rather than forcing a rapid, disruptive overhaul of the current group. “We will bring new young blood into the national team, but this process will happen step by step,” he explained. “The existing core of the squad will remain intact — I have full confidence in what this group has already achieved. We will gradually integrate new players who can raise our overall level of play, and there are no arbitrary barriers to who can earn a call-up. The door is open to any eligible player, whether they currently play their club football in Haiti or overseas.”

    The appointment marks a new chapter for the Grenadiers as they prepare for upcoming CONCACAF qualifying cycles and international tournaments, with Badia set to begin his tenure immediately ahead of the team’s next scheduled fixtures.

  • Education Ministry mourns death of top scholar in Taiwan

    Education Ministry mourns death of top scholar in Taiwan

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – September 5, 2026 – The Ministry of Education of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has issued an official statement of condolences following the passing of one of the nation’s most promising young academic scholars, Zidane Soleil Knight, who died while completing her higher education in Taiwan.

    As of Saturday evening, specific details surrounding the circumstances of Knight’s death have not been released to the public. Even so, news of her unexpected passing has quickly spread across the twin-island nation, triggering a widespread wave of sympathy and support from educational communities, loved ones, and members of the public alike.

    In a formal media statement released Saturday afternoon, the Ministry extended its deepest sympathies directly to Knight’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Knight. “The news of her passing has been received with profound sadness,” the statement read.

    Knight was a recipient of a prestigious Taiwanese government scholarship that enabled her to pursue advanced academic goals overseas. The Ministry praised her as a driven young scholar who consistently showed exceptional dedication to her studies and unwavering commitment to building a bright future, noting she carried enormous promise for both her own career and contributions to her home country.

    “The Ministry of Education shares in your grief and recognizes that no words can adequately ease the pain of losing a child,” the statement added. “We pray that the memories of Zidane, the impact she made, and the promise she carried will provide you, your family and close friends with strength and comfort in the days ahead.”

    Beyond her academic pursuits abroad, Knight had already earned national recognition early in her educational journey: she was named an honouree of St. Kitts and Nevis’ 25 Most Remarkable Teens program, a distinction that celebrates young people demonstrating outstanding achievement and character. She delivered exceptional results on the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, solidifying her reputation as one of the Federation’s most standout young academic talents. Those impressive academic accomplishments directly paved the way for her to receive the competitive Taiwanese Scholarship, opening the door for her to advance her studies overseas.

  • Schools to get climate-friendly uniforms as heat concerns grow

    Schools to get climate-friendly uniforms as heat concerns grow

    As Barbados grapples with an extended period of record-breaking hot, dry weather that has pushed daily temperatures as high as 33°C across most of the island – and close to 45°C in urban and western regions when factoring in heat index – the country’s Ministry of Education is implementing a series of targeted adjustments to protect student health and safety amid escalating heat risks.

    The intervention follows an urgent public warning from the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS), which has highlighted the growing threat of heat-related illnesses including exhaustion, dehydration, life-threatening heat stroke, and fainting for residents across the island. With warmer-than-average overnight temperatures failing to provide the usual cooling respite, vulnerable groups including school-aged children face elevated risks of adverse health outcomes during the prolonged heat event.

    Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman outlined the first wave of changes already underway at one local secondary school, where incoming first-year students are testing climate-appropriate new uniforms designed to keep bodies cooler in the persistent heat. “You will see a uniform at the Princess Margaret Secondary School with those first-year students that is fit for purpose in a hot climate,” Blackman told reporters. “Part of what the transformation requires is that, as we move forward with the confidence of 60 years behind us, we are determining that we must now come of age in a hot country, to wear uniforms that are appropriate.”

    Blackman emphasized that the ministry is endorsing all evidence-based adjustments that help maintain comfortable, safe learning environments for students during the heatwave. One longstanding priority the ministry has promoted through its national school nutrition policy – increased daily water consumption – has become even more critical amid the high temperatures, he noted. “I must say over the last two years, even before I became minister of education, a number of our schools have seen a significant uptake in the use of water and we want to encourage that,” Blackman added.

    Beyond uniform adjustments and hydration initiatives, the ministry is also carrying out targeted infrastructure upgrades to school facilities across the country to reduce indoor classroom temperatures. Key modifications include repainting building exteriors with lighter, heat-reflective paint that keeps indoor spaces cooler throughout the hottest parts of the day, and installing air conditioning units in high-priority areas where feasible – from administrative offices to core learning spaces – to bring more comfortable temperatures to school communities.

    “We have made a deliberate intention to make sure that our schools and the infrastructure is modern and fresh,” Blackman said of the ongoing upgrade work.

    According to BMS projections, the sweltering conditions are not expected to ease any time soon. The service confirmed that temperatures have settled between 32°C and 33°C across the southern, eastern, and northern parts of Barbados, while western and densely populated urban areas have regularly hit the mid-30s, with heat indexes pushing perceived temperatures close to 45°C. Worse, unseasonably warm overnight temperatures have offered almost no relief from the heat, increasing the cumulative risk of heat-related illness for all residents, particularly vulnerable groups and people who work outdoors.

    The BMS noted that while occasional passing showers and light breezes may bring short-term temporary relief, the current high temperatures are forecast to persist for the remainder of the 2024 heat season, which runs from September through November. The national weather service has issued general public guidance advising all residents to drink sufficient water throughout the day, opt for loose, light-colored clothing, and avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight during the peak heating hours of midday and early afternoon.

  • WI set for strong showing at IMC Over 40’s World Cup

    WI set for strong showing at IMC Over 40’s World Cup

    The countdown is on for the second edition of the IMC Over 40’s Cricket World Cup, an international masters cricket tournament that will bring together 16 competing teams from across the globe to host nation Guyana between October 17 and 31. Defending title holders South Africa top the lineup of participants, with the tournament set to deliver 72 riveting matches spread across 15 days of competitive play.

    In a notable twist for the regional host, the West Indies will field two separate squads for the tournament – a core first team featuring a roster of high-profile former international stars, and a second additional entry named Rest of the Caribbean. Raj Singh, who holds dual roles as Tournament Director and Chairman of the Cricket West Indies Masters Association, shared that final organizational preparations are advancing steadily toward the opening kickoff.

    Unlike many elite professional cricket tournaments backed by large governing body funding, this masters competition operates on a unique self-funded model. Singh explained that every participating nation covers its own core costs, including player and staff airfare, hotel accommodation, and mandatory team registration fees. While the participating teams bear these primary expenses, the host association has worked to secure local sponsorship support to cover on-the-ground tournament infrastructure, and additional backing has come from the highest levels of Guyana’s government.

    Guyanese President Irfan Ali has signed on as the official patron of the 2024 tournament, and has committed to hosting both the opening and closing ceremonial events at official state venues. Beyond ceremonial support, Ali’s administration has also pledged to provide critical public services for the duration of the competition, including coordinated security arrangements, team transportation between venues and accommodations, and fully staffed emergency and on-site medical support to safeguard players and spectators.

    Singh has already teased the star-studded lineup of the first West Indies squad, which counts former international standouts among its ranks: former West Indies batting mainstay Ramnaresh Sarwan, ex-wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin, fast bowler Llendl Simmonds, all-rounder Raayad Emrit, and top-order batter Jason Mohammed. “We expect a really good performance from the team,” Singh said of the home side’s prospects.

    Full squad lists for all 16 participating teams have not yet been released to the public, but organizing officials are working to finalize all broadcast arrangements to ensure cricket fans around the world can follow the action. Discussions are ongoing with multiple regional broadcast networks to secure live and highlights coverage, bringing the over-40 masters cricket action to audiences across the Caribbean and beyond.

  • PSV bad behaviour under scrutiny as schools reopen

    PSV bad behaviour under scrutiny as schools reopen

    As a new academic year approaches, national transport regulators have launched a major crackdown on unruly and unsafe behavior among public service vehicle (PSV) operators, revealing that 82 operating permits have been suspended over eight months for violating road conduct rules.

    Transport Authority Director Ruth Holder announced the enforcement figures at a joint press conference hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Works and the Ministry of Education, just days ahead of the new school term opening on Monday, September 7. According to Holder, the expanded use of digital video surveillance across the country’s road network has given regulators concrete evidence to hold irresponsible operators accountable, marking a significant step forward in cracking down on road indiscipline.

    “Since December last year, we have held consistent consultations with PSV owners, drivers and industry operators, and we have taken decisive enforcement action once evidence is secured,” Holder stated, noting that footage of violations has circulated widely on social media platforms. The permit suspensions, issued between December 2025 and the end of July 2026, target both operators and in some cases vehicle owners who fail to enforce conduct standards. Penalties range from formal warnings to 14-day permit suspensions, with one particularly severe violation resulting in a 42-day suspension, Holder added. Regulators also hold pre-penalty meetings with offending operators to review violations and determine appropriate disciplinary action, and local police have collaborated with the Transport Authority to provide additional enforcement support when needed.

    The crackdown comes as transport industry leaders themselves push for stricter standards to protect commuters, especially schoolchildren returning to classes next week. Mark Haynes, acting chief executive for communications and public education at the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), condemned the reckless and disrespectful behavior of a small subset of operators, saying public service providers have a fundamental responsibility to treat all passengers with decency.

    Haynes specifically called for an immediate end to the use of obscene language and inappropriate music on PSVs, noting that many students are drawn to vehicles that play loud popular music, exposing them to explicit lyrics that harm their academic focus and personal development. “When schoolchildren fill their heads with offensive lyrics from these rides, they cannot concentrate on their lessons the way they should,” Haynes explained. He urged operators to abandon inappropriate content on their vehicles, and called on parents to guide their children to make better choices about which vehicles they ride to and from school. “No commuter – whether a child or an adult – should be forced to endure this kind of disrespectful behavior on public transport,” he added.

    Anwar Nana, head of the Alliance of Public Transport Operators, echoed the call for stricter oversight, going a step further to demand mandatory random drug and alcohol testing for all PSV drivers. “We formally requested the transport ministry to arrange random testing, and our industry does not tolerate any operation under the influence of intoxicating substances,” Nana confirmed.

    The coordinated push from both regulators and industry leaders comes ahead of an expected surge in student commuting, with stakeholders emphasizing that safer, more respectful public transport is a critical public priority as the new school term begins.

  • Hinds: WCPL standard continues to improve

    Hinds: WCPL standard continues to improve

    Three consecutive Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) titles have cemented the Barbados Tridents as one of the most dominant forces in the tournament’s history, but head coach Ryan Hinds is under no illusion that the road to a historic fourth championship will be far more challenging than their previous title runs.

    Led by star all-rounder Hayley Matthews, the Tridents will kick off their title defense this Saturday at the legendary Kensington Oval, with a high-stakes opening clash against their long-time arch-rivals Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR).

    In pre-tournament remarks, Hinds acknowledged that the competitive landscape of the WCPL has shifted dramatically ahead of the new season, noting that every competing franchise has dramatically raised their roster quality through astute drafting. He specifically highlighted the impact of high-caliber international recruits, including a talented quartet of South African players brought in by other sides, that has lifted the overall standard of the 2024 edition. Despite the increased competition, Hinds emphasized that the energy of a home crowd at the iconic Kensington Oval will serve as a critical boost for his side, stressing that a strong opening performance against TKR is essential to building early momentum that can carry the team through the campaign.

    The Tridents will enter the season without one of their most impactful batting stars, Sri Lankan opener Chamari Athapaththu, who is currently competing at the Asian Games. Hinds called Athapaththu’s absence a significant loss for the side, but added that the star all-rounder has already reached out to wish the squad well, and the depth of the Tridents’ domestic roster leaves them well-placed to cover the gap.

    Looking back on the franchise’s three straight championship runs, Hinds credited captain Hayley Matthews as the driving force behind the team’s sustained success, describing her as an exemplary leader both on and off the pitch who has simplified his role as head coach. For Hinds, the Tridents’ success extends beyond just trophies: as a Barbadian side, the team has a legacy of excellence to uphold, and the young talented core of the squad – including standout players like Shakira Selman and Aaliyah Alleyne – is positioned to grow the profile of women’s cricket across the Caribbean.

    Speaking at an event attended by Barbados’ Minister of Sport and Minister of Education Chad Blackman, Hinds called on local officials to partner with elite cricketers to bring the sport into schools and inspire the next generation of female players. He recalled a recent visit to a local primary school with the CPL trophy, where students crowded the team asking endless questions about the squad, highlighting the hunger young people have to engage with top-level women’s cricket.

    Closing his remarks, Hinds said that it has been an honor to lead the group of players through their historic three-peat run, and expressed excitement for the challenge of chasing an unprecedented fourth title in front of their home fans.

  • Police seize Firearms, Ammunition and Drugs during Restore Confidence operations

    Police seize Firearms, Ammunition and Drugs during Restore Confidence operations

    Against a backdrop of growing public demand for safer communities across Antigua and Barbuda, the Royal Police Force has delivered a major blow to illegal criminal activity, netting two unregistered firearms, a cache of ammunition, and large quantities of cannabis in two separate enforcement actions carried out as part of its flagship Operation Restore Confidence. The coordinated raids, which unfolded on September 4, marked the latest push in the force’s sustained campaign to remove contraband and dismantle illicit networks operating across the island nation.

    In the first operation, launched in the pre-dawn hours of September 4, a multi-unit tactical team brought together investigators from the Criminal Investigations Department Task Force, specialists from the Gang and Guns Suppression Unit, and detection experts from the K-9 Unit. The team executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residential property located on Green Bay Hill. The planned search yielded far more contraband than initial intelligence had indicated: along with the two unregistered firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition, officers also recovered an unregistered license plate, a mix of Eastern Caribbean and United States cash, multiple mobile devices, a Nikon camera, assorted clothing, and other evidence that will be analyzed as part of ongoing inquiries. Three individuals found on the property during the search were taken into custody immediately, and are currently being held at St. John’s Police Station to face charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

    While the Green Bay Hill raid unfolded, a second team of cross-departmental officers was carrying out targeted mobile patrols and routine stop-and-search checks across several high-priority communities, including Briggins, Belmont, Bellevue Heights, and Bathlodge, all part of Operation Restore Confidence’s broader public safety mandate. During one of these traffic stops, officers searched a vehicle and found 55.2 grams of cannabis concealed in the car. Acting on this discovery, police secured a second search warrant for the driver’s home, where they uncovered an additional 1.4 pounds of cannabis and an illegal flare gun. The driver was taken into custody on suspicion of cannabis possession, and all contraband and evidence was seized for further investigation. The vehicle itself was also impounded, as it was found to be operating without valid registration or insurance coverage.

    In an official statement released the following day, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to keeping public safety at the top of its agenda. The force emphasized that it will maintain a consistent, visible presence across all communities, and will continue to carry out intelligence-driven operations, targeted searches, and routine patrols with the core goal of stripping illegal criminal networks of their weapons, ammunition, and controlled substances. With Operation Restore Confidence still in full swing, police administration has issued a public appeal for ongoing cooperation and information sharing from local residents, noting that community support is a critical component of the operation’s long-term success in reducing violent crime and building public trust in law enforcement.