Carib Scope

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  • Nippes : Deployment of approximately one hundred police officers from the 35th graduating class

    Nippes : Deployment of approximately one hundred police officers from the 35th graduating class

    In a significant move to enhance regional security, approximately one hundred newly graduated officers from the 35th cohort of the Haitian National Police (PNH) were formally deployed across the Nippes Department on March 4th, 2026. The operational deployment ceremony, held in Miragoâne, was overseen by Divisional Commissioner Louis Jeune Pierre Michelet with support from Deputy Divisional Commissioner Jean François Jean Michel and key officials from the Nippes Departmental Directorate (DDNI).

    This strategic personnel reinforcement aligns with the national policy of strengthening security infrastructure and community relations throughout Haiti’s territories. The initiative specifically aims to address the security needs of Nippes residents through increased police presence and operational capabilities.

    During the ceremony, 94 of the expected 100 officers received their official assignments to various police stations, substations, and operational units within the department. The proceedings began with a spiritual blessing led by Reverend Father Mackley, parish priest of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus in Berquin, who invoked divine protection for the officers embarking on their community service roles.

    Following the ceremonial events, the new recruits conducted an orientation patrol through downtown Miragoâne, familiarizing themselves with their operational environment while establishing visible police presence in the community. The DDNI coordinated comprehensive logistical support to ensure safe transportation and smooth integration of all officers into their respective posts, facilitating effective deployment across the department.

  • FLASH : Armed child soldiers, aged 11 to 14, on the front lines

    FLASH : Armed child soldiers, aged 11 to 14, on the front lines

    During a critical meeting on March 4th, Haitian National Police Director General Vladimir Paraison presented United Nations Independent Expert William O’Neill with a harrowing assessment of the nation’s security collapse, describing conditions as ‘utter hell.’ The engagement occurred as O’Neill prepares his comprehensive report on Haiti’s deteriorating situation.

    Paraison detailed how criminal gangs have evolved into sophisticated paramilitary forces, employing hardened combat tactics including trench warfare, improvised traps, and Molotov cocktails. These developments have made law enforcement operations increasingly perilous, particularly in the West and Artibonite regions where violence has reached catastrophic levels.

    The most disturbing revelation concerned the systematic exploitation of children by terrorist organizations. Police authorities disclosed that gangs routinely employ children as young as 8-10 years old as lookouts, while arming adolescents aged 11-14 and deploying them as frontline combatants. This calculated strategy creates profound moral dilemmas for police officers, many of whom are parents themselves.

    Haitian police face severe operational constraints beyond the psychological warfare. A critical shortage of logistical resources continues to hamper effectiveness, with authorities placing their hopes on the imminent deployment of the specialized Gang Repression Force (FRG).

    The institutional incapacity to address this humanitarian tragedy was further highlighted by the inadequate facilities of the Brigade for the Protection of Minors, which possesses only a single large room and no proper center for detention or rehabilitation of child soldiers. Police leadership emphasized the necessity of a multidimensional response involving state institutions, the Institute for Social Welfare, and international partners like UNICEF to address educational and social dimensions.

    Despite these challenges, Haitian authorities affirmed their commitment to human rights protocols, noting that systematic briefings on engagement rules precede all operations. The Inspector General’s Office is currently investigating 174 allegations of rights violations. In a demonstration of transparency, police leadership invited UN representatives to observe field operations firsthand, providing direct insight into the complexities of urban combat in Port-au-Prince’s dense environments.

  • Guyanese stranded in Dubai due to Israel-US strikes on Iran; gov’t says assistance being provided

    Guyanese stranded in Dubai due to Israel-US strikes on Iran; gov’t says assistance being provided

    A group of at least ten Guyanese citizens find themselves stranded in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), following a dramatic escalation of military conflict in the Persian Gulf. The individuals, who had traveled to Dubai on February 26th to attend a wedding, were scheduled to depart on March 3rd but became trapped after the region was plunged into turmoil by retaliatory airstrikes initiated by Iran.

  • WHO bevestigt 13 aanvallen op gezondheidsvoorzieningen in Iran

    WHO bevestigt 13 aanvallen op gezondheidsvoorzieningen in Iran

    The World Health Organization has officially verified 13 separate assaults on medical infrastructure in Iran during ongoing military operations involving the United States and Israel. The UN health agency is currently investigating reports indicating four healthcare workers have been killed and 25 others injured in these incidents.

    WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus disclosed during a press briefing that approximately 100,000 individuals have fled Iran due to the conflict, while Lebanon has witnessed the displacement of over 60,000 people. The WHO chief made these statements without attributing blame to specific parties involved in the hostilities.

    Hanan Balkhy, a WHO representative, provided additional details confirming damage to four ambulances in Iran, with hospitals and other medical facilities sustaining minor damages from nearby bombardment operations. One Tehran-based hospital required complete evacuation according to earlier UN assessments.

    A WHO spokesperson confirmed to Reuters: “For Iran, we have verified 13 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in three fatalities and no injuries. In Lebanon, three attacks have been confirmed with three deaths and six injuries.”

    The Iranian ambassador to the UN in Geneva had previously submitted a formal communication to Tedros earlier this week, asserting that ten healthcare facilities had been impacted by military actions.

    Balkhy further noted that the WHO’s logistical hub in Dubai, which supplies medical provisions to dozens of countries, has been temporarily incapacitated due to regional transportation restrictions.

    The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies separately reported that three of its personnel sustained injuries from military strikes in Iran since February 28th.

    These confirmed attacks on medical infrastructure and the escalating displacement figures highlight the worsening humanitarian crisis emerging from the conflict. Aid organizations are raising alarms about the increasing challenges in delivering medical services and humanitarian assistance within an increasingly perilous operational environment.

  • Pensioner, man injured in Two Mile Hill blaze

    Pensioner, man injured in Two Mile Hill blaze

    A rapidly spreading midday fire completely destroyed a two-bedroom wooden residence in Bishops Land, Two Mile Hill on Wednesday, leaving a nonagenarian and another local man hospitalized with burn injuries. The blaze erupted shortly after noon at the home of Noel Owen Marshall, who is in his nineties, and advanced with such intensity that despite prompt intervention, the structure was reduced to ashes.

    The emergency response mobilized ten firefighters from the Bridgetown and Worthing stations, under the leadership of Divisional Fire Officer Tremell Perch and Station Officer Bourne. Utilizing two water tenders and a tanker, crews managed to contain the flames, though not before adjacent properties sustained damage.

    In a remarkable display of communal solidarity, neighbors initiated a critical rescue operation as the situation developed. An alert resident, Dora, described transitioning from initial alarm to organized action, noting that ‘everybody worked together as one.’ Particular praise was directed at resident Andy Brown, who is credited with saving Marshall’s life by forcibly entering the burning building, dismantling a fence to reach the elderly occupant moments before the home was fully engulfed. ‘If it wasn’t for Andy, he would have burned in the house,’ Dora emphasized.

    Following his extraction, Marshall received immediate medical attention from ambulance personnel on-site before being transferred to a medical facility. While he is reported to have suffered significant burns, the community remains hopeful for his recovery.

    The fire’s impact extended to the neighboring house owned by Pamela Lashley, who arrived to find exterior damage including cracked windows, melted wiring, and compromised eaves. Despite the damage, she expressed profound gratitude that the outcome was not more severe, stating, ‘I am very glad. I give God thanks that it wasn’t anything worse.’ Lashley also conveyed her deep concern for Marshall, adding, ‘I am sorry for my neighbour… I am hoping and praying that he pulls through this.’

    Authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the origin of the fire is currently ongoing.

  • US House rejects War Powers Resolution to curb Trump’s attacks on Iran

    US House rejects War Powers Resolution to curb Trump’s attacks on Iran

    In a decisive political move, the U.S. House of Representatives has blocked a bipartisan war powers resolution that sought to restrict military engagement with Iran. The Thursday vote concluded with a narrow margin of 212-219, effectively endorsing President Donald Trump’s authority to continue ongoing operations across the Middle East without additional congressional approval.

    The resolution, co-sponsored by Republican Representative Thomas Massie and Democratic Representative Ro Khanna, aimed to compel the withdrawal of U.S. forces from hostilities unless Congress explicitly authorized further military action. The vote demonstrated strong partisan alignment, with only two Republicans supporting the measure and four Democrats opposing it.

    This development follows the Senate’s earlier rejection of a similar proposal, highlighting consistent Republican support for the administration’s military strategy. The operations, which began over the weekend, included air and naval strikes that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered significant retaliatory measures from Iran, including drone and missile attacks throughout the region.

    The human cost of the escalating conflict has been substantial, with six U.S. service members and approximately 1,230 Iranians reported killed since the hostilities intensified. These military actions occurred following weeks of strained negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program, with the Trump administration opting to proceed without seeking formal congressional approval.

    Representative Massie, breaking with his party, cited the 1973 War Powers Resolution in his support for the measure, stating that none of its required conditions for presidential military action—a declaration of war, specific statutory authorization, or a national emergency created by an attack on the United States—were currently met.

  • Young Women Leaders to Debate Cannabis Law Reform in All-Female Parliamentary Sitting

    Young Women Leaders to Debate Cannabis Law Reform in All-Female Parliamentary Sitting

    In a landmark event combining youth empowerment with legislative discourse, Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament will convene a special all-female parliamentary debate on March 9, 2026. The Young Women in Leadership (YWiL) debate represents the culmination of an intensive eight-week leadership program timed to coincide with International Women’s Day celebrations.

    The parliamentary proceedings will commence with the House of Representatives at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Senate session at 1:00 p.m. The event will be publicly accessible both in person and through live broadcasts on ABS Television and its digital platforms.

    Senator The Hon. Alincia Williams Grant, Senate President and Interim Chair of the Network of Women Parliamentarians, emphasized the program’s significance: ‘This collaboration with CIWiL and ParlAmericas demonstrates how strategic partnerships can effectively build leadership capabilities among young women across our region. These participants have shown exceptional dedication throughout the program, and we anticipate their valuable contributions to Monday’s debate.’

    The leadership initiative gained substantial momentum during a recent Fireside Chat with prominent female leaders held on March 5. The discussion featured insights from three distinguished professionals: Charmaine Quinland-Donovan (CEO of the Citizenship by Investment Unit), Ladesa James-Williams (CIBC’s OECS Retail Sales Director and Country Head for Antigua), and Kathy David (Chartered Accountant and Partner at Grant Thornton Antigua). Moderated by Senator The Hon. Jamilla Kirwan, the conversation explored professional journeys, overcoming challenges, and leadership development strategies.

    Senator Kirwan reflected on the session’s impact: ‘These authentic narratives demonstrate that successful careers are built on perseverance and courage despite obstacles. Such exchanges help demystify leadership roles and make aspirations more attainable for young women.’

    The centerpiece of Monday’s parliamentary session will be a formal debate on establishing a Joint Select Committee to comprehensively review Antigua and Barbuda’s cannabis legislation framework. The proposed motion calls for examination of multiple legislative instruments, including the Misuse of Drugs Act amendments (2014-2024) and the Cannabis (Amendment) Act 2022.

    The review would employ human rights and evidence-based approaches to assess social, legal, economic, and public health impacts, with particular attention to effects on women, youth, caregivers, and vulnerable populations. The proposed committee would engage in widespread consultation with experts, government agencies, community organizations, and the public to evaluate implementation effectiveness and identify potential policy adjustments.

    This debate constitutes a core component of the broader YWiL initiative, which aims to equip young women with practical experience in parliamentary processes while fostering inclusive, forward-looking approaches to national policy development.

  • Ghana and St Kitts Sign Three Pacts Including Visa and Labour Deal

    Ghana and St Kitts Sign Three Pacts Including Visa and Labour Deal

    In a significant diplomatic advancement, Ghana and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis have solidified their bilateral relations through the signing of three comprehensive agreements during Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Michael Drew’s state visit to Accra. The ceremonial signing occurred at Jubilee House on March 4, where President John Dramani Mahama extended formal military honors to the Caribbean leader.

    The cornerstone of these agreements is a revolutionary visa exemption arrangement that dramatically expands travel accessibility between the two nations. This new pact supersedes the 2018 agreement that exclusively benefited diplomatic and service passport holders, now extending visa-free privileges to ordinary citizens of both countries. President Mahama emphasized that this expansion reflects the profound level of mutual trust and cooperation between the governments.

    Concurrently, the nations established a structured labor agreement that incorporates Saint Kitts and Nevis into Ghana’s Caribbean health worker deployment program. This framework creates regulated pathways for the recruitment of Ghanaian medical professionals, with potential expansion to include educators and technical experts through mutually beneficial arrangements.

    Complementing these agreements, the two governments instituted a formal political consultation mechanism designed to facilitate ongoing diplomatic dialogue and coordination.

    These developments form part of President Mahama’s broader Accra Reset Initiative, which seeks to redefine Ghana’s international partnerships. The leaders engaged in extensive discussions regarding enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors including tourism development, climate-resilient agricultural practices, renewable energy infrastructure, blue economy initiatives, and cultural industry exchanges.

    The diplomatic dialogue also addressed the critical issue of reparatory justice for historical injustices. President Mahama, serving as the African Union’s Champion for Reparations, is preparing to present a resolution at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly seeking formal recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity. Prime Drew, in his capacity as CARICOM Chair, pledged his government’s full endorsement of this initiative, emphasizing that reparatory justice encompasses not merely compensation but comprehensive recognition, repair, and systemic restructuring.

    Prime Minister Drew’s visit culminates with his participation in Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebrations on March 6, marking a symbolic strengthening of Afro-Caribbean solidarity and cooperation.

  • Police Detain Suspect in Edward “Scrubby” Saldano’s Murder

    Police Detain Suspect in Edward “Scrubby” Saldano’s Murder

    Authorities in Belize City have apprehended a suspect linked to the brutal daylight homicide of Edward Saldano, a 26-year-old locally known as “Scrubby.” The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Amara Avenue and Dean Street, marking another episode of urban violence that has rattled the community.

    Law enforcement officials were dispatched following multiple reports of gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, crime scene investigators documented several spent shell casings and blood evidence on the pavement, confirming witness accounts of a violent altercation.

    Critical surveillance evidence captured the sequence of events, showing Saldano navigating the neighborhood on his bicycle when an assailant approached from the opposite side of the street. The footage reveals a physical confrontation between the two men, culminating in Saldano being forced to the ground. The perpetrator then produced a firearm and discharged multiple rounds at close range, striking the victim in both the torso and head area before escaping on foot.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith provided official commentary: “The altercation escalated rapidly, and the assailant was recorded retrieving a lethal weapon which he employed to fire several rounds, directly causing Mr. Saldano’s tragic death.”

    Emergency medical services transported the critically wounded Saldano to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where medical personnel subsequently confirmed his demise. Police operations continued throughout the afternoon, resulting in the detention of a person of interest within the vicinity of the shooting.

    When questioned about potential gang affiliations motivating the homicide, ASP Smith maintained that the investigation remains active and no definitive motive has been established. Saldano himself was previously known to law enforcement, with prior legal encounters including a robbery charge filed in 2024.

  • Police Celebrate Women’s Month with Symposium Honoring Female Officers

    Police Celebrate Women’s Month with Symposium Honoring Female Officers

    The Belize Police Department has launched Women’s Month celebrations with a dedicated symposium focused on the critical issues facing women in law enforcement. The event, held on March 5, 2026, served as both an educational platform and recognition ceremony for female officers across the nation.

    Senior Superintendent Dehanne Augustine, Second in Command of the Belize District, emphasized the significance of addressing specialized topics including career advancement opportunities, trauma management, and cancer awareness. “This symposium covers important topics that are necessary for our growth,” stated Augustine. “These discussions extend beyond today’s event—they represent our ongoing commitment to addressing vital issues affecting women in our force.”

    The comprehensive program highlighted the dual challenges and achievements of women serving in policing roles. Beyond educational components, the department formally honored 22 exemplary female officers from the Belize District alone. Awards recognized diverse contributions including exceptional community service, investigative accomplishments, long-term dedication, and organizational leadership.

    Organizers described Women’s Month as providing an essential platform to celebrate achievements while honestly addressing the unique challenges women encounter in law enforcement. The initiative reflects the department’s broader commitment to gender inclusion and professional development within policing services. The symposium represents part of a larger institutional effort to support female officers’ personal and professional advancement while recognizing their substantial impact on community safety and departmental excellence.