Carib Scope

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  • SVG Archery Association holds 2025 awards ceremony

    SVG Archery Association holds 2025 awards ceremony

    KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines – The Archery Association of SVG, Inc. formally concluded its 2025 competitive season on January 10th with the annual National Archery Awards ceremony. The event, which doubled as the organization’s year-end social gathering, was held in Kingstown to celebrate the remarkable progress and accomplishments of local archers.

    Executive members and participants convened to distribute six prestigious national awards, recognizing exceptional performance throughout the past competitive season. The ceremony was graced by Ian Allen, a distinguished representative from the National Sports Council, who witnessed the official closing of the 2025 archery season.

    Vanburn Harry, Vice President of the federation, presided over the awards presentation. The honorees included:

    – Rayon Clarke, who achieved the highest distinction as Top Ranked Archer Overall and also received the Male Archer of the Year award alongside the Spirit of Archery Award for his exemplary sportsmanship.
    – Arush Ballapalli, recognized as the Most Promising Young Archer for demonstrating exceptional potential.
    – Dimetre Hadley, awarded as the Most Improved Archer for showing significant technical advancement.
    – Divya Jiandani, honored as Female Archer of the Year for her outstanding performance.

    In an official statement, the association emphasized that “The continued success of the sport of Archery in St. Vincent & the Grenadines is a testament to the committed efforts of the archers, members, executive board and supporters.”

    The association extended an open invitation to prospective enthusiasts, encouraging individuals interested in exploring archery to reach out via their social media channels or email at [email protected]. Training and practice facilities are available at the national archery range located at the West St. George Secondary School in Belair.

  • Politic : Everything you need to know about the Ministry of Commerce and Industry

    Politic : Everything you need to know about the Ministry of Commerce and Industry

    The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) serves as Haiti’s central institution for shaping the nation’s economic trajectory through comprehensive trade and industrial policy frameworks. Established to safeguard industrial and commercial property rights derived from international conventions, the ministry also oversees competition policy and consumer protection mechanisms.

    Operating through five strategic pillars, the MCI’s mission encompasses policy formulation, investment facilitation, and export promotion. The ministry actively works to align Haiti’s economic development plans with global and regional trade dynamics while maintaining compliance with national legislation and international commitments.

    A critical function involves defining strategic directions for public trade and industrial policy at both national and sectoral levels. This requires synchronizing socio-economic priorities with implementation mechanisms and resources. The MCI additionally bears responsibility for applying existing commercial laws while proposing new legislative frameworks that support trade and industrial objectives.

    The ministry’s diplomatic role includes conducting negotiations for international, regional, and sub-regional trade agreements, conventions, and treaties. It ensures effective monitoring and implementation of these agreements once ratified.

    Collaboration forms another essential component of the MCI’s operations. The ministry maintains partnerships with public, semi-public, and private institutions involved in production, distribution, marketing, and service communication. These alliances aim to enhance productivity and strengthen national and international competitiveness while protecting consumer rights.

    Notably, the MCI contributes significantly to poverty reduction strategies through regulatory oversight of public and private activities within its jurisdiction. The ministry drives modernization of business legal frameworks to create environments conducive to investment and sustainable development of industrial and commercial enterprises.

  • Mottley rings bell for early polls

    Mottley rings bell for early polls

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley has officially declared that Barbados will conduct a general election on February 19th, initiating the democratic process months ahead of the constitutional mandate. The announcement was delivered during a Barbados Labour Party nomination ceremony at Westbury Primary School, where senior attorney Michael Lashley KC received formal confirmation as the party’s candidate for Bridgetown. This nomination completes the ruling party’s full roster of candidates for all 30 constituencies in the parliamentary system. The dissolution of Parliament will immediately commence the election period, with Nomination Day scheduled for January 27th. This strategic move to advance the electoral timeline represents a significant political calculation by the incumbent administration, potentially aiming to capitalize on current economic and social conditions. The election will determine the leadership direction for the Caribbean nation amid ongoing regional challenges and global economic uncertainties. International observers are monitoring the electoral process as Barbados continues to strengthen its democratic institutions following its transition to a parliamentary republic.

  • Politic : 2026 Priorities, Strategic Retreat of the Ministry for the Status of Women

    Politic : 2026 Priorities, Strategic Retreat of the Ministry for the Status of Women

    In a significant move to advance gender equality, Haiti’s Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) convened a three-day strategic retreat commencing January 17 at Pétion-ville’s Montana Hotel. The high-level gathering brought together senior ministry officials to formulate their 2026 Annual Work Plan (AWP) with particular focus on women’s political participation during Haiti’s upcoming electoral cycle.

    The retreat centered on four pivotal objectives: validating the 2026 AWP, ensuring strategic alignment with the National Action Plan derived from recent National Consultations, strengthening institutional capacities of MCFDF entities, and developing an administrative roadmap for implementing new organic decrees.

    Minister Pedrica Saint Jean emphasized the critical timing of this initiative, stating that strengthening MCFDF is ‘essential to guaranteeing effective, inclusive, and sustainable public policies.’ The ministry specifically outlined strategies to enhance women’s political representation, combat gender-based violence during elections, and advocate for equitable representation in decision-making bodies.

    The initiative received endorsement from UN Women, with Resident Representative Marie Goretti Nduwayo acknowledging the ministry’s efforts while expressing concern about persistent violence against women and social inaction. Nduwayo reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to maintaining collaborative support for Haitian women’s empowerment.

    Minister Saint Jean characterized the retreat as a ‘consolidation mission’ aimed at establishing shared understanding of organizational frameworks and developing realistic implementation strategies rather than merely a routine meeting.

  • Law and Policy

    Law and Policy

    Legal scholar and former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Speaker Jomo Sanga Thomas has issued a compelling call for Caribbean nations to confront their colonial legacy through transformative legal and educational reforms. Drawing inspiration from Charles Houston’s vision of lawyers as social engineers rather than parasites, Thomas argues that the region must actively dismantle persistent colonial structures that continue to shape society 46 years after nominal independence.

    The analysis identifies multiple areas where colonial influence remains entrenched, beginning with historical amnesia regarding the 1795 genocide and exile of indigenous populations following Chief Joseph Chatoyer’s assassination. Thomas emphasizes that thousands perished at Balliceaux while survivors established Garifuna communities across Central America and the United States—a history largely absent from mainstream education.

    Proposed reforms include mandating comprehensive historical education focusing on Caribbean heroes like Chatoyer, Duvalier, Sheriff Lewis, and Ebenezer Theodore Joshua rather than European figures. The author advocates using legal mechanisms to rename geographic locations currently bearing colonial titles, suggesting redesignating Kingstown’s main thoroughfare as ‘Chatoyer Drive’ as symbolic reclamation.

    Thomas particularly condemns the retention of the British Privy Council as the final appellate court for many Caribbean nations, describing it as ‘an affront to sovereignty.’ Despite the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)—established with US$100 million investment by regional governments—only Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, and St. Lucia currently accept its appellate jurisdiction. The article notes that Vincentian jurist Adrian Saunders recently retired as CCJ president after producing jurisprudence of ‘exceptionally high standards’ that has never been questioned for independence.

    The commentary concludes that true emancipation requires legislative action to address historical injustices through expanded reparations committees, community-based initiatives, and ultimately full judicial sovereignty through CCJ adoption—positioning these measures as essential for completing the decolonization process.

  • LIVE Pay-per-view: Dominica Calypso Quarterfinals 2026

    LIVE Pay-per-view: Dominica Calypso Quarterfinals 2026

    A recent interface modification on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has ignited significant user frustration and public criticism. The alteration involves the platform’s sharing functionality, where the previously standard ‘Share to Twitter’ prompt has been systematically replaced with a new ‘Share to X’ label across numerous third-party websites and applications.

    This rebranding effort, part of Elon Musk’s comprehensive overhaul of the Twitter identity following its acquisition, has resulted in considerable user interface confusion. Many users report encountering the unfamiliar ‘Share to X’ button on external sites, creating a moment of hesitation and disrupting established digital habits. The change appears to be inconsistently implemented across the web, with some platforms displaying the updated terminology while others retain the original Twitter branding, further compounding the disorientation.

    The backlash has been prominently displayed on the platform itself, with the term ‘Share to X’ trending as users voice their complaints. Common criticisms include the non-intuitive nature of the new name for those unfamiliar with the rebrand, the breaking of muscle memory for longtime Twitter users, and concerns about the erosion of one of social media’s most recognized brand identifiers. Technology analysts suggest that while corporate rebranding is common, successful transitions typically maintain elements of familiarity to avoid alienating existing user bases, a principle seemingly overlooked in this rapid transformation.

  • Dominican Republic achieves highest historical value in mining exports to exceed US$2.59 billion in 2025

    Dominican Republic achieves highest historical value in mining exports to exceed US$2.59 billion in 2025

    The Dominican Republic’s mining industry achieved unprecedented export performance in 2025, reaching a historic high of $2.59 billion according to official data from the Central Bank. This remarkable figure represents a substantial 52% increase compared to 2024’s $1.71 billion and a 20% growth over 2021’s previous record of $2.16 billion.

    Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos revealed that the final quarter of 2025 was particularly impressive, generating $825.9 million in mining exports—a 67% surge from the same period in 2024. The quarterly performance also showed strong sequential growth, improving by nearly 14% over the July-September period.

    Gold emerged as the dominant commodity driving this export boom, with significant contributions from silver and copper. The mining sector now accounts for over 40% of the nation’s total exports, underscoring its critical role in the Dominican economy.

    The sector simultaneously demonstrated robust foreign investment appeal, attracting $556.3 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first three quarters of 2025. This investment inflow constituted approximately 14% of the country’s total FDI, with the broader energy and mining sectors collectively capturing about 40% of all foreign capital entering the Dominican Republic.

    Minister Santos attributed these achievements to strategic government initiatives focused on investment strengthening and institutional development. Beyond traditional mining, the sector witnessed diversification through the growth of artisanal mining, particularly larimar—which gained international recognition with its “Larimar Barahona” Denomination of Origin from the World Intellectual Property Organization.

    Significant progress was also made in rare earth exploitation in Pedernales province and substantial social development initiatives, including a RD$20 billion community investment program in Cotuí. The government advanced modernization efforts for Mining Law 146-71, with plans to present updated legislation to the National Congress in early 2026.

  • Bangladesh: Journalisten eisen bescherming na toenemende aanvallen op media

    Bangladesh: Journalisten eisen bescherming na toenemende aanvallen op media

    In a troubling escalation of press freedom violations, Bangladesh’s media professionals have united to demand immediate government protection following coordinated attacks on the country’s leading newspapers. The alarming developments have raised serious concerns about democratic backsliding under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’s interim administration.

    December witnessed violent mobs storming the offices of Dhaka-based Daily Star, the nation’s premier English-language daily, and Prothom Alo, the largest Bengali-language publication. Assailants set buildings ablaze, trapped journalists inside, and looted property while state authorities allegedly failed to respond to repeated distress calls. Staff members at Daily Star required rooftop rescues after being besieged by attackers, while a leader of the independent Editors Council suffered physical assault.

    The same day saw parallel attacks on liberal cultural centers in the capital, with Islamic groups previously accusing targeted media outlets of pro-India bias. Although motives remain officially unconfirmed, the pattern suggests systematic targeting of independent institutions.

    During an emergency conference convened by the Editors Council and Newspapers Owners Association of Bangladesh, media representatives highlighted the particularly precarious environment ahead of February elections. Nurul Kabir, Council chairman, warned that silencing media and democratic institutions reflects a dangerous trend requiring unified journalistic resistance.

    The United Nations has expressed profound concern, with expert Irene Khan labeling the mobilization of public fury against journalists and artists as ‘dangerously destabilizing’ in the pre-electoral period. Khan cautioned that such intimidation could paralyze media freedom, minority voices, and dissenting opinions, ultimately undermining democratic foundations.

    Yunus’s interim government assumed power in August 2024 after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled during mass uprisings. Despite initial stability promises, international human rights organizations now criticize the administration for eroding civil liberties and enabling radical groups’ resurgence.

    Notably, several journalists face murder-related charges for allegedly encouraging Hasina’s government to suppress protesters, while pro-Hasina reporters have been imprisoned under the current regime. These developments collectively paint a disturbing picture of deteriorating press freedom and democratic norms in Bangladesh, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and protective measures for independent media.

  • Military intervention looms after fatal ICE shooting as U.S. President Trump threatens Insurrection Act

    Military intervention looms after fatal ICE shooting as U.S. President Trump threatens Insurrection Act

    A fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis has ignited national controversy and raised alarms about escalating enforcement tactics. Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was killed on January 14th when agent Jonathan Ross opened fire as she attempted to drive away from an immigration policy demonstration.

    This incident reflects a broader pattern identified in a Wall Street Journal investigation, documenting 13 instances since July 2025 where immigration agents fired at civilian vehicles, resulting in eight injuries and two confirmed fatalities. The Trace, a nonprofit tracking gun violence, reports at least 16 firearm discharges by immigration agents since President Trump’s return to office, predominantly involving moving vehicles.

    The White House has defended Ross’s actions, claiming he perceived imminent threat from Good’s vehicle. President Trump asserted she had “ran him over,” though multiple video recordings from the scene appear to contradict this narrative. TIME reports that federal authorities have repeatedly invoked similar justifications in other cases, only to be disproven by video evidence.

    Experts point to systemic issues within the Department of Homeland Security, including relaxed hiring standards and inadequate training for thousands of new personnel. In most documented cases, officials justified deadly force by claiming vehicles were weaponized against officers—claims often unsupported by available evidence.

    DHS has controversially characterized Good’s actions as “domestic terrorism,” alleging she attempted to use her vehicle to kill law enforcement officers. This designation has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and civil liberties advocates.

    The administration’s response has included increased ICE presence in Minneapolis, triggering massive protests and another shooting incident involving a Venezuelan immigrant. Critics warn these developments may represent a strategic provocation to justify invoking the Insurrection Act—an 1807 law permitting domestic military deployment against insurrection.

    Senator Bernie Sanders condemned the administration’s response, calling Trump “increasingly unhinged” and accusing him of lying about the circumstances. Sanders warned that militarized responses to protest could establish dangerous precedents for suppressing dissent nationwide.

  • Guyana using Artificial Intelligence to read X-rays

    Guyana using Artificial Intelligence to read X-rays

    In a groundbreaking advancement for Caribbean healthcare technology, Guyana’s Ministry of Health has officially launched an Artificial Intelligence system capable of interpreting medical images with unprecedented accuracy. Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, a medical doctor himself, announced the pilot program during the inauguration of the Electronic Health Records System (EHRS) at Festival City polyclinic in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

    The revolutionary AI imaging system, currently operational at Enmore Regional Hospital on East Coast Demerara, processes digital X-rays in approximately 17 seconds with a remarkable 99% accuracy rate. Minister Anthony revealed that the technology demonstrates near-perfect precision in reading various medical images, positioning Guyana at the forefront of medical innovation in the region.

    Beyond X-ray interpretation, the AI platform possesses capability to analyze Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, with full implementation awaiting increased availability of these imaging modalities within the public health system.

    The AI initiative complements the newly launched EHRS, which represents a comprehensive digital transformation of Guyana’s healthcare infrastructure. This integrated system enables online appointment booking, digital recording of diagnostic tests, electronic prescription management, and centralized access to patient medical histories across all public health facilities. The government further plans to incorporate records from private healthcare institutions into this unified network.

    Minister Anthony emphasized the strategic importance of this technological direction: “This is absolutely necessary if we are going to deliver world-class health care to people.” The dual implementation of AI diagnostics and electronic health records signals Guyana’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance medical accessibility and quality throughout the nation.