Carib Scope

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  • Agostini denies monopoly, Aventa’s government tenders highest in 2014

    Agostini denies monopoly, Aventa’s government tenders highest in 2014

    The Agostini Group has issued a comprehensive rebuttal against persistent allegations that it dominates Trinidad and Tobago’s pharmaceutical sector through monopolistic practices. In a statement released on December 5, the century-old conglomerate presented detailed market data to counter claims of controlling medication pricing, distribution, and market access.

    According to the Group’s analysis, its pharmaceutical distribution arm Aventa has consistently held less than half the value of government tenders while distributing under 30% of the country’s medicinal products. The company emphasized that Trinidad’s pharmaceutical distribution landscape is both well-regulated and competitive, with over 70 registered distributors supplying medicines nationwide.

    Regarding retail operations, Agostini clarified that while Superpharm and Mpharmacy operate under its corporate umbrella, they function separately from Aventa. With 20 outlets collectively, these retailers represent approximately 18% market share—second position in a market comprising more than 500 pharmacies across the nation.

    The Group provided historical tender data spanning 2011-2025 to demonstrate market dynamics. During the People’s Partnership administration (2011-2015), Aventa received 40-50% of government tender value while supplying just over 20% of required products. More recently (2023-2025), the company secured 34.3% of tender value while fulfilling 16% of product requirements.

    This marks the second time in 2025 that Agostini has addressed monopoly allegations. Previous accusations emerged in January from then-opposition senator Wade Mark, followed by June comments from Health Minister Dr. Rishad Seecharan regarding pharmaceutical pricing under the former administration. The Group also faced scrutiny in September regarding foreign exchange allocations through the EXIMBANK facility.

    CEO Barry Davis attributed the company’s century-long success to ‘longstanding relationships with global suppliers, consistent and affordable service, and strict compliance with regulatory standards.’ He explained that pharmaceutical pricing reflects international sourcing costs affected by global inflation, manufacturing constraints, and increased demand for branded drugs.

    Regarding forex access, Davis clarified that EXIMBANK payments go directly to international suppliers, with no US funds received by Agostini subsidiaries. The Group maintains standard loan facilities with EXIMBANK while providing essential pharmaceutical products and basic food items to Trinidadian communities.

  • Federation of Journalists expresses support for Panamanian unions

    Federation of Journalists expresses support for Panamanian unions

    A significant labor rights confrontation is unfolding in Panama, where trade unions are engaged in a fierce struggle against executive authorities allegedly employing judicial mechanisms to suppress strike actions and social demonstrations. This development follows a motion endorsed during recent International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Executive Committee sessions in Bari, Italy, which has since gained traction across social media platforms.

    The motion highlights the detention of two prominent construction union leaders, Jaime Caballero and Genaro López, as part of the government’s strategic approach to labor relations. The situation further intensifies with additional union representatives facing severe repercussions: Erasmo Cerrud has sought sanctuary within the Nicaraguan embassy, while Saúl Méndez lives in exile abroad.

    Beyond these high-profile cases, the document reveals a broader pattern of systematic repression. Over 180 union officials currently face legal proceedings, while approximately 1,500 workers have been dismissed from their positions following recent strikes against controversial social security reforms. These reforms have been widely criticized for undermining contributors’ rights.

    The International Federation of Journalists, established in 1926, contextualizes these events within Panama’s deteriorating labor rights landscape. The Panamanian labor movement has repeatedly submitted formal complaints to the International Labour Organization (ILO), citing consistent violations of international labor standards and systematic obstruction of collective bargaining and petition processes that are fundamental to worker representation.

  • Excellent all-round effort leads Saint Lucia U23 past Dominica

    Excellent all-round effort leads Saint Lucia U23 past Dominica

    Saint Lucia’s Under-23 cricket team launched their three-match 50-over series against Dominica with a commanding victory at Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth. The home side, Dominica, initially appeared comfortable after being put in to bat, establishing a promising opening stand of 76 runs without loss. However, their innings unraveled spectacularly following the dismissal of captain Stephan Pascal for 42, caught by Keon Gaston off the bowling of Aaron Joseph.

    The collapse was triggered by a combination of disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. Left-arm pacer Aaron Joseph and Kings pacer Keon Gaston emerged as the chief architects of Dominica’s downfall, sharing five crucial wickets between them. Spinner Tarrique Edward made a significant early breakthrough by trapping West Indies U19 player Earshinho Fontaine leg before wicket for a duck. The Dominican batting lineup faltered consistently, with only Malaki Xavier (18) managing to reach double figures besides the openers. The team was ultimately bundled out for a meager 139 runs in just 25 overs. Joseph finished with impressive figures of 3-11 from his five overs, while Gaston contributed 2-16 from his quota.

    In response, Saint Lucia’s chase began shakily, losing three early wickets including captain Noelle Leo within the first four overs. However, any concerns were swiftly erased by a spectacular 96-run partnership between Jaden Elibox and Tarrique Edward that steered the visitors to victory. Edward provided solid support with a run-a-ball 25, but it was Elibox who delivered a breathtaking performance, hammering an unbeaten 87 from just 45 deliveries. His explosive innings featured nine massive sixes and three fours, demonstrating remarkable power and precision. Saint Lucia reached their target of 140 in only 16.2 overs, securing a comprehensive win with more than half their overs remaining.

    The teams will reconvene at Benjamin’s Park on Friday for the second match of the series, with Dominica seeking to level the competition and Saint Lucia aiming to clinch the series with another strong performance.

  • Senator Antonio Resigns; Kiz Johnson to Be Sworn In as Government Senator

    Senator Antonio Resigns; Kiz Johnson to Be Sworn In as Government Senator

    In a significant political development, Senator Clement Antonio has formally resigned from his position in the Upper House of Parliament. This strategic move facilitates his transition to a diplomatic role as Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, as officially reported by Pointe FM broadcasts.

    The vacancy created by Antonio’s departure has been promptly filled by Kiz Johnson, who is set to be sworn in as Government Senator during a ceremony at Government House this afternoon. This political succession occurs amidst a remarkable period for Johnson, who recently secured a decisive victory in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party primary for St. Philip’s South constituency.

    Johnson’s political ascendancy was demonstrated in a competitive four-way contest where he emerged victorious, subsequently earning both the party’s candidacy and the role of constituency caretaker. The timing of these developments highlights the dynamic nature of political appointments and the strategic positioning within the current administration.

    This transition represents a carefully orchestrated political maneuver that strengthens diplomatic relations with China while maintaining governmental representation. The simultaneous departure and appointment ensure continuity in governance while rewarding party loyalty and electoral success.

  • ABDF Completes Week-Long Security Mission in Barbados

    ABDF Completes Week-Long Security Mission in Barbados

    In a significant demonstration of Caribbean regional cooperation, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has completed a productive week-long security mission in Barbados. The specialized contingent departed for Barbados on November 26th, engaging in intensive collaborative operations with Barbadian security forces throughout their week-long deployment before returning home on December 2nd.

    The bilateral initiative featured comprehensive joint patrol operations, strategic planning sessions, and operational support activities designed to enhance regional security capabilities. The deployment served as a practical manifestation of the ABDF’s commitment to regional stability and its capacity to provide tangible support to neighboring Eastern Caribbean states when requested.

    This operation represents more than mere military assistance; it signifies the deepening of diplomatic and security relationships between Caribbean nations. The successful execution underscores how smaller nations can effectively pool resources and expertise to address shared security challenges through coordinated action.

    Defense analysts note that such collaborations strengthen the overall security architecture of the Eastern Caribbean region while building institutional knowledge and operational compatibility between national defense forces. The returned ABDF contingent brings valuable experience that will enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s own security readiness and future cooperative capabilities.

  • Family of E.O. LeBlanc releases posthumous poetry collection

    Family of E.O. LeBlanc releases posthumous poetry collection

    The literary world welcomes a significant posthumous publication with the release of “Fragments of the Dawn and Other Poems” by Edward O. LeBlanc (1923–2004), the revered Dominican statesman who served as the nation’s first Premier. This carefully curated collection, spanning nearly three decades of creative output from 1947 to 1974, offers unprecedented insight into the private contemplations of a leader whose political career overshadowed his literary talents during his lifetime.

    Compiled by LeBlanc’s family, the anthology showcases thirty poems that explore universal themes of love, loss, ambition, and philosophical reflection, all deeply rooted in Dominica’s breathtaking natural landscape. Written predominantly in the Romantic English style characteristic of mid-century Caribbean writers, LeBlanc’s verse demonstrates remarkable emotional depth and technical grace that established his early reputation before his political ascendancy.

    The collection features two particularly notable works: “Fragments of the Dawn” and “Vade Mecum,” both of which received early recognition in “Important American Poets and Songwriters” (Valiant Press, 1948). These pieces, along with the moving elegy dedicated to his mother and the timeless guidance offered in “To the Ambitious Youth,” reveal the intellectual and emotional foundations that would later inform his governance.

    A distinctive feature of this publication is the inclusion of two poems written in Kwéyòl accompanied by side-by-side English translations, celebrating both LeBlanc’s cultural heritage and Dominica’s linguistic traditions. This bilingual approach underscores the collection’s significance as both literary work and cultural artifact.

    The publication has garnered praise from prominent Caribbean literary figures. Author Alick Lazare describes it as “an admirable collection… attests to the poetic genius, personal integrity, and deep and abiding humanity of the author.” Dr. Irving André, jurist and biographer, notes it reveals “why this extraordinary man is highly revered as the Father of Our Nation,” while St. Lucian poet John Robert Lee recognizes it as “a valuable literary artifact… whose roots have brought forth spreading expressions of today’s Dominica.”

    The production process itself represents a celebration of Dominican talent, with local experts including Giselle Laurent overseeing pre-press production, Aaron Hamilton creating original cover art depicting O’parc bay (significant to LeBlanc’s retirement), and Gregory “WochLa” Rabess ensuring linguistic accuracy in the Kwéyòl translations.

    Available through major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Jay’s Ltd. Bookstore in Roseau, this collection finally shares with the world the poetic voice that shaped one of the Caribbean’s most respected leaders, offering readers emotional truth and beauty that continues to resonate across generations.

  • Chinese hospital ship to provide free medical care in Barbados for Christmas

    Chinese hospital ship to provide free medical care in Barbados for Christmas

    The People’s Republic of China will deploy its advanced naval hospital vessel, the Silk Road Ark, to Barbados during the Christmas season to deliver comprehensive medical care at no cost to local residents. This initiative marks the ship’s inaugural international humanitarian mission, scheduled from December 20-27, 2024.

    According to Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness, the floating medical facility will offer services from December 21-26, operating daily between 8:00-11:00 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM. The vessel represents one of the most sophisticated mobile medical platforms globally, featuring five specialized medical zones, eight fully-equipped operating theaters, and emergency helicopter capabilities.

    Medical services encompass over sixty treatment modalities across fourteen clinical disciplines. Specialized care will include cardiovascular and respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, dermatology, otolaryngology, and traditional Chinese medicine therapies. Surgical interventions will range from appendectomies and hernia repairs to fracture stabilization, cataract procedures, and various endoscopic operations.

    Stringent health protocols will be enforced to minimize infection risks, with restrictions applied to individuals presenting fever exceeding 37.5°C, active tuberculosis, comatose states, or critical infectious conditions. All Chinese medical personnel aboard will hold valid registrations with Barbadian professional councils, and patients may access services without mandatory referral documentation.

    Health officials characterize this deployment as a significant humanitarian gesture during the holiday period, providing Barbadians unprecedented access to advanced medical care regardless of their healthcare status.

  • WEATHER (6:00 AM, December 05): Cloudiness, passing showers today

    WEATHER (6:00 AM, December 05): Cloudiness, passing showers today

    A dominant high-pressure system is delivering generally dry conditions across the region, though residents can anticipate intermittent cloud cover and isolated showers over the coming 24-hour period. Meteorological analysts indicate that patches of low-level clouds drifting westward will be responsible for these periodic increases in cloudiness and brief precipitation events.

    Concurrently, a slight uptick in Saharan Desert dust particulate concentration is being recorded and is forecast to persist. Health officials have issued guidance for individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or allergies, to take necessary precautions, which may include limiting prolonged outdoor exposure.

    Breezy conditions are expected to continue throughout the forecast period. Mariners are advised to exercise heightened vigilance as sea conditions are projected to be moderate. Significant wave heights are anticipated to reach up to 5 feet along western coastal areas and a more substantial 8 feet on eastern shores. Consequently, a Small Craft Advisory remains active due to above-normal swell activity, urging all sea users, particularly those operating along eastern coastlines, to practice extreme caution.

  • Barbados to issue first embroidered stamp on December 8

    Barbados to issue first embroidered stamp on December 8

    In an unprecedented move for philatelic history, the Barbados Postal Service (BPS) is set to launch its inaugural embroidered postage stamp this coming Monday, December 8. This groundbreaking issue prominently features an intricately stitched dove, recognized worldwide as an emblem of peace and unity.

    The creation of this unique stamp represents a significant international partnership, bringing together the expertise of multiple global entities. The collaborative effort includes the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the United Nations, and the renowned Austrian embroidery specialist Hämmerle & Vogel. This multinational cooperation underscores the universal message of harmony that the stamp seeks to promote.

    Technical specifications reveal the stamp will be available in a single denomination of $2.20 Barbados dollars. For collectors and enthusiasts, a specially designed First-Day Cover will be offered at $2.95. These philatelic items will be available through the Philatelic Bureau located at the General Post Office on Cheapside in Bridgetown.

    The Bureau will maintain its regular operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday, to accommodate purchases and advance orders. This release marks not only a first for Barbadian postal history but also represents a innovative approach to stamp design that merges traditional embroidery craftsmanship with modern postal services.

  • Queen Sandy, spans 30 years of Calypso, drops new music

    Queen Sandy, spans 30 years of Calypso, drops new music

    Dominican calypso legend Sandra ‘Sandy’ Norde, revered as ‘Queen Sandy’ within Caribbean music circles, is staging a remarkable return to competitive calypso after establishing an unparalleled three-decade legacy. The pioneering artist, who shattered gender barriers in Dominica’s male-dominated calypso scene, prepares to launch her 2026 competition entry titled ‘Sue & Elleyne’ on December 5th, 2025.

    According to the Caribbean Agency for Political Advancement (CAPA), Norde’s groundbreaking journey began in 1995/96 as a harmony backup singer, shortly after her triumph as Miss Wob Dwiyèt in 1994 where she earned distinctions for best talent, traditional wear, and spectacular costume design. Her audacious entry into the competitive calypso arena during the 1997/98 season revolutionized the genre’s landscape, challenging entrenched gender norms within Dominica’s musical tradition.

    Norde’s artistic prowess quickly garnered critical acclaim, culminating in her achievement as third runner-up in the 2000 Dominica Calypso Monarch competition and securing the coveted championship title in the 2007 Calypso Monarch finals. The following year, she added the Mass Camp Monarch crown to her growing collection of accolades.

    Her discography features socially conscious anthems including ‘Respect Black Woman,’ ‘Take Back Control,’ and ‘Farmers Children,’ which established her as both a musical force and cultural commentator. These works solidified her reputation as a formidable performer and reigning matriarch within the calypso community.

    Norde’s impact transcends musical achievement, having played an instrumental role in the Dominica Calypso Association’s historic transition from the ‘Calypso King’ designation to the gender-neutral ‘Calypso Monarch’ title. This paradigm shift resulted in her recognition as the first female finalist to receive the official ‘Queen of Calypso’ designation, earning her the enduring royal moniker.

    The artist’s official YouTube channel will premiere the ‘Sue & Ellyene’ music video today at 12:30 PM AST, marking the commencement of her thirtieth anniversary season in the genre. Her registration with the Dominica Calypso Association for the 2026 competition season confirms her enduring commitment to the art form that she helped transform.