Carib Scope

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  • DLP calls out government ministers over QEH crisis

    DLP calls out government ministers over QEH crisis

    Barbados’ Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has launched a direct accusation against Health Minister Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott and Minister of Health and Wellness Davidson Ishmael, holding them personally accountable for the deteriorating situation at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). This political confrontation emerged following an urgent meeting convened by Prime Minister Mia Mottley with QEH medical consultants as the nation’s primary healthcare institution faces unprecedented strain.

    Senator Andre Worrell, the DLP’s health spokesperson, declared in an official weekend statement that the current hospital crisis represents the culmination of systemic failures within the Health Ministry rather than a sudden emergency. According to Worrell, numerous alerts from medical professionals, nursing staff, patients, and opposition representatives regarding critical shortages in personnel, medical supplies, equipment, and administrative coordination have been consistently disregarded.

    The opposition party reiterated several previously proposed emergency measures, including expanded operating hours at polyclinics, immediate staffing interventions, evening general practitioner clinics at QEH, and urgent financial injections to stabilize medical supply chains. A particularly emphasized recommendation involves reactivating the Harrison Point Facility to alleviate overwhelming patient overcrowding, a solution the DLP claims has been ignored despite worsening conditions.

    Beyond the immediate QEH crisis, the DLP highlighted systemic failures across Barbados’ healthcare infrastructure. Significant concerns include substandard conditions at the Geriatric Hospital on Beckles Road, postponed operational timelines for the Waterford facility (now delayed beyond its November 2025 target), critical staff deficiencies at the Psychiatric Hospital, and resource limitations throughout the polyclinic network that compromise nationwide healthcare delivery.

  • Twenty-nine individuals wrap up basic fisherman training with Fisheries Division

    Twenty-nine individuals wrap up basic fisherman training with Fisheries Division

    The Fisheries Department of Dominica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy has successfully concluded its 54th Basic Fisherman’s Training Course (BFTC), equipping 29 new entrants with essential professional qualifications for the fishing industry. Among the graduates was one female participant, marking a step toward greater gender diversity in the sector.

    Held from January 12 to 15 at the Roseau Fisheries Complex Conference Room, the intensive program was led by Fisheries Officer Kurt Hiliton with support from government officers, industry experts, NGO representatives, and private sector partners. The comprehensive curriculum covered critical aspects of modern fishing operations including maritime safety protocols, basic first aid, engine maintenance, and post-harvest handling techniques.

    Notably, this iteration of the BFTC incorporated expanded modules on fishing entrepreneurship, covering financial record-keeping, cooperative development, and social security benefits. Participants also received instruction on emerging opportunities within the Blue Economy framework and a newly introduced social media marketing component designed to help fishers leverage digital platforms for business growth.

    The Fisheries Division emphasized that completion of the BFTC represents a mandatory step toward obtaining official licensing in the Commonwealth of Dominica. The department reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing professional development initiatives aimed at enhancing sector sustainability, economic viability, and safety standards within the nation’s fishing industry.

  • Guyana’s electronic health records system goes live

    Guyana’s electronic health records system goes live

    Guyana has entered a new era of digital healthcare with the official launch of its Electronic Health Records System (EHRS), marking a transformative shift from paper-based to fully integrated digital medical documentation. The historic implementation commenced at the Festival City Polyclinic in South Ruimveldt on Saturday, with Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony and Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) CEO Robbie Rambarran leading the groundbreaking initiative.

    The EHRS represents the culmination of two decades of planning, with initial concepts dating back to the early 2000s. The system, built upon a customized platform from UK-based RIOMED, is engineered to streamline healthcare delivery through digital integration of patient records across public facilities. GPHC has been designated as the next institution to transition to the digital platform, with CEO Rambarran projecting that several hospital services will achieve paperless operation by April 2026.

    Comprehensive training programs will be established at the Festival City Polyclinic to prepare staff from newly constructed facilities for EHRS implementation. By the end of 2026, patient records throughout Guyana’s public healthcare network are expected to be fully integrated into the centralized digital system.

    The technological advancement promises significant improvements in medical efficiency, eliminating redundant diagnostics and preventing adverse medication interactions through instant access to patient histories. Minister Anthony emphasized the system’s robust security protocols, noting that violations of patient confidentiality under the 2023 Data Protection Act could incur penalties ranging from GY$20 million to GY$100 million, though the legislation awaits official operationalization.

    Future developments include a dedicated mobile application that will enable patients to schedule appointments digitally, reducing waiting times and administrative burdens. While initially focused on public healthcare, authorities anticipate eventual integration with private medical providers, granting patients portable access to their complete medical histories.

    Health officials have appealed for public cooperation during the transition period, acknowledging potential challenges while emphasizing the long-term benefits of digital healthcare management for both patients and medical professionals.

  • Legal Team Accuses Police Commissioner of ‘Gaslighting’ Public

    Legal Team Accuses Police Commissioner of ‘Gaslighting’ Public

    In a significant escalation of tensions within Belize’s law enforcement community, legal representatives for whistleblower “Mr. Pou” have delivered a scathing response to Police Commissioner Richard Rosado’s recent statements regarding the Budna kidnapping investigation.

    The controversy erupted when Commissioner Rosado, addressing allegations that officers were coerced into providing false statements, publicly encouraged individuals with evidence to come forward. This invitation was immediately characterized by Pou’s attorneys as “disingenuous” and part of a systematic pattern of institutional gaslighting.

    Legal counsel Nazira Uc Myles and Leeroy F. Banner issued a comprehensive rebuttal alleging that their client’s career has been systematically dismantled in retaliation for his refusal to remain silent about investigative irregularities. The legal team asserts that Pou had previously raised concerns through proper channels with both senior police officials and government authorities, only to encounter what they describe as “inaction and hostility.

    The statement particularly condemns what it characterizes as the Commissioner’s patronizing attitude toward Belizean citizens, stating: “Our client finds profoundly insulting the audacity of Dr. Rosado to treat the citizenry as an uneducated audience incapable of recognizing evidentiary manipulation.”

    In response to the perceived institutional failure, Pou’s legal representatives are demanding the immediate formation of an independent investigative body operating in conjunction with the Director of Public Prosecutions. They argue that the Police Department lacks the necessary impartiality to investigate itself when its highest-ranking officials and political affiliates face serious questions about their conduct.

    The escalating confrontation now places pressure on the Minister of Home Affairs to intervene, with Pou’s team urging the implementation of robust transparency protocols and protection mechanisms for whistleblowers within Belize’s law enforcement apparatus.

  • Dominica will not give up Cuban Healthcare Program, says PM

    Dominica will not give up Cuban Healthcare Program, says PM

    In a definitive New Year’s address, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit declared his nation’s unwavering commitment to the Cuban Healthcare Program despite mounting international pressure and allegations of forced labor within the initiative. The Thursday evening interview with journalists revealed the Caribbean leader’s firm stance against abandoning the medical partnership that he described as critical to national healthcare infrastructure.

    The program, currently under scrutiny by the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, faces additional challenges from United States sanctions including visa restrictions on affiliated officials. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized the indispensable role of Cuban medical professionals, noting that 9 out of 11 practitioners in Dominica’s Intensive Care Unit originate from Cuba.

    Skerrit acknowledged ongoing discussions with both Cuban authorities and U.S. representatives to address concerns through program modifications while maintaining the essential medical collaboration. The Prime Minister contextualized the dependency within historical patterns of medical staffing, noting that previous sources of healthcare professionals from Nigeria and India have diminished due to recruitment by wealthier nations.

    The Caribbean leader concluded that without viable alternatives for medical staffing, Dominica would continue to benefit from Cuban medical expertise and training systems, albeit potentially under restructured arrangements that address international concerns.

  • Killer gets life for ATM murder

    Killer gets life for ATM murder

    In a landmark ruling at Barbados’ No. 3 Supreme Court, Justice Carlisle Greaves has imposed a life sentence with a 40-year tariff upon 26-year-old Kishon Lemar Anderson Thomas for the 2017 murder of 58-year-old Colleen Payne. The sentencing concludes an eight-year judicial process surrounding the brutal killing that occurred at a Royal Bank of Canada ATM on University Hill, St. Michael.

    Justice Greaves characterized Thomas as a ‘dangerous, conniving, manipulative individual’ requiring prolonged societal protection. After accounting for 633 days spent on remand and a 24-month reduction for procedural delays, Thomas will serve 36 years at Dodds Prison before parole eligibility.

    The court established that Thomas and an accomplice were stalking ATM users for robbery opportunities when he shot Payne as she withdrew funds for her church. Justice Greaves emphasized deterrence as a critical sentencing factor, noting that thousands of citizens and visitors rely on ATMs at all hours without fearing violent criminal acts.

    A perplexing aspect emerged during proceedings: Thomas came from privileged circumstances with relatives claiming he ‘lacked nothing’ and was even purchased a vehicle while on bail for the murder. Justice Greaves observed this case demonstrates how privilege doesn’t preclude criminal behavior, citing Thomas’s documented association with criminal elements in Black Rock despite repeated family warnings.

    The human toll was articulated by victim’s sister Ella Noelle, who revealed the murder triggered a family tragedy extending beyond Payne’s death. Their ill father succumbed to grief within weeks, followed by their mother’s death one year later, still mourning their daughter’s loss. In an extraordinary statement of forgiveness, Noelle expressed hope Thomas would ‘find a relationship with God,’ believing her sister would have wanted the same.

    Thomas maintained his innocence from the dock while acknowledging sympathy for the life lost. The prosecution was led by Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Krystal Delaney, with defense representation by Andrew Pilgrim and Sian Lange.

  • Trump Says Countries Could Face Tariffs Over Greenland

    Trump Says Countries Could Face Tariffs Over Greenland

    In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared he may impose new tariffs on nations opposing his controversial proposal for American control of Greenland. The unprecedented threat emerged during White House remarks on Friday, marking the first time the administration has suggested using trade measures to advance territorial ambitions.

    Addressing reporters, Trump emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance: “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland… for national security.” The Arctic territory, currently an autonomous Danish constituent, has become the focal point of an international standoff with far-reaching implications for NATO alliances.

    The administration’s persistent campaign to acquire the strategically valuable territory has triggered swift military and diplomatic responses. Denmark has warned that any aggressive move against Greenland would effectively terminate NATO cooperation, while simultaneously expanding its military footprint on the island.

    European nations have responded with remarkable coordination. France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Finland have announced troop deployments to Greenland, creating an unprecedented multinational military presence in the Arctic region. Concurrently, Canada and France are establishing consular offices in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, signaling strengthened diplomatic engagement.

    Despite these mounting tensions, diplomatic channels remain open. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen confirmed the establishment of a high-level working group with U.S. officials to seek “a common way forward.” However, he acknowledged that fundamental disagreements persist between the two nations regarding Greenland’s sovereignty and strategic future.

  • Youth steel on a positive note

    Youth steel on a positive note

    Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant youth steelpan community demonstrated remarkable resilience during the National Schools’ Panorama event held on January 18-19. Despite last-minute venue changes that relocated the finals to Skinner Park in San Fernando, participation numbers remained strong with schools from across the nation—from Diego Martin to Penal—showcasing their musical talents.

    The competition featured the top 12 primary schools and ten secondary school finalists, highlighting the widespread engagement of young musicians. The venue shift unexpectedly created greater opportunities for school bands outside traditional hubs like San Fernando and Port of Spain, suggesting potential benefits for decentralizing cultural events.

    Pan Trinbago’s additional under-21 and under-19 competitions, maintained at Queen’s Park Savannah, further enriched the youth music scene, representing a significant net gain for young musicians developing passion for the national instrument beyond Carnival pressures.

    However, serious safety concerns emerged regarding the Skinner Park stage design. Pan Trinbago President Beverley Ramsey-Moore publicly criticized NCC chairman Peter Kanhai after instruments and two moko jumbies fell from the stage due to its smooth surface, steep incline, and inadequate size. These conditions pose particular danger to child performers compared to experienced adult bands.

    Broader systemic issues surfaced regarding government support for steelpan culture. While Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin highlighted ministry support for unsponsored steelbands, five bands—Skiffle Bunch, Siparia Deltones, Couva Joylanders, La Brea Nightingales, and Steel Xplosion—lost sponsorship from National Gas Company and Heritage Petroleum at the end of 2025, severely impacting their Panorama preparations.

    The apparent confrontation between Sport Ministry PS David Nakhid and Mrs. Ramsey-Moore further illustrates the misalignment between government promises of cultural support and the reality faced by steelpan organizations.

  • Migrants seek clarity on new registration process

    Migrants seek clarity on new registration process

    Trinidad and Tobago’s migrant population is expressing growing concerns over the government’s newly announced Migrant Registration Framework (MRF), citing insufficient information and communication gaps that have created widespread anxiety and confusion.

    The framework, established through Legal Notice 470 in late 2025, aims to provide undocumented migrants—not exclusively Venezuelans—with legal status to reside and work in the country from January 1 through September 30, 2026. However, with the Ministry of Homeland Security yet to publish formal requirements, implementation phases, or specific timelines, uncertainty continues to mount within vulnerable communities.

    Andreina Briceno Ventura-Brown, founder of La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, emphasized that while migrants have responded receptively to the initiative, the absence of clear official guidance has fostered misinformation and distress. She highlighted that the registration represents a vital opportunity for thousands to regularize their status, access dignified employment, and achieve social inclusion without fear of persecution.

    A significant information disparity has also emerged between Spanish-speaking migrants, who are actively preparing for the process, and English-speaking migrants from other Caribbean nations, many of whom remain unaware of their potential eligibility. Additionally, families with existing deportation orders fear exclusion from the program, raising concerns over transparency and equitable treatment.

    Ventura-Brown urged authorities to enhance official communication, clarify eligibility criteria, and ensure the process aligns with principles of human dignity, due process, and equality. Yesenia Gonzalez, a Venezuelan activist, echoed these concerns, noting that many fear registration could lead to deportation or detention.

    Attempts to reach Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers for comment were unsuccessful. The situation underscores the critical balance between national security priorities and humanitarian obligations in migration policy.

  • Trinidad and Tobago tourism: Beyond cruise ship numbers

    Trinidad and Tobago tourism: Beyond cruise ship numbers

    Recent media reports questioning Trinidad and Tobago’s tourism vitality due to fluctuating cruise arrivals have sparked industry debate. However, a ground-level perspective reveals a sector undergoing profound transformation rather than decline. The traditional tourism landscape has fundamentally shifted from large corporate dominance to an ecosystem of agile, digitally-native operators leveraging platforms like Viator, TripAdvisor, and Google to connect directly with global travelers.

    This digital revolution has created significant gaps in official statistics. Visitors now routinely book private cultural tours, local guides, and complete Carnival experiences through direct digital channels—economic activities that remain largely invisible to conventional tracking systems. The accommodation sector mirrors this transformation, with Airbnb and Booking.com enabling stays in guest houses from Paramin to beachfront cottages in Tobago, all occurring outside traditional measurement frameworks.

    Three distinctive visitor profiles illustrate this new reality: a American seeking 48-hour stress relief through cultural immersion, a Ukrainian spiritual traveler selecting Trinidad as his sanctuary, and a dedicated birther pursuing rare hummingbird species. Perhaps most significantly, transit tourism has emerged as a substantial category, with layover passengers booking four-hour tours with local cuisine between flights at Piarco International Airport—experiences completely absent from overnight stay statistics.

    The sector has diversified into specialized niches including culinary tourism (focused on doubles, roti, and pelau), extended Carnival stays, heritage root-tracing, birdwatching expeditions, and medical/wellness visits. These experience-driven travelers demonstrate higher spending commitment and resilience compared to traditional cruise passengers.

    The critical challenge lies in perception management. While government investment in aggressive destination marketing remains essential, equally crucial is curbing self-defeating narratives that undermine Trinidad and Tobago’s global competitiveness. The nation’s authentic cultural assets—from steelbands to calypso storytelling—represent precisely what modern discerning travelers seek. Rather than decline, the sector demonstrates evolution toward its true potential, measured inadequately with outdated metrics. The world stands ready to discover Trinidad and Tobago’s unique offerings—the question remains whether local stakeholders can align behind a unified promotional vision.