Carib Scope

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  • 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.

  • interCaribbean Airways wins Airline of the Year, PATWA Gold Award for Excellence in Airline Operations

    interCaribbean Airways wins Airline of the Year, PATWA Gold Award for Excellence in Airline Operations

    InterCaribbean Airways has achieved a remarkable feat in the aviation sector by securing two distinguished accolades at the 26th Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) International Travel Awards. The ceremony, an integral part of the globally renowned ITB Berlin travel trade exhibition, bestowed upon the carrier the titles of ‘Airline of the Year – Regional (Caribbean)’ and the ‘PATWA Gold Award – Excellence in Airline Operations (Caribbean).’

    The prestigious honors were officially conferred during the PATWA World Tourism & Aviation Leaders’ Summit and International Travel Awards event on March 4, 2026. This recognition serves to highlight InterCaribbean’s profound dedication to fostering regional connectivity, seamlessly linking communities across its extensive network that spans 24 destinations within 18 distinct Caribbean nations.

    Trevor Sadler, Chief Executive Officer of InterCaribbean Airways, expressed profound gratitude for the acknowledgment. “We extend our sincere thanks to the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association for this esteemed recognition,” stated Sadler. “For over three decades—34 years to be precise—our mission has centered on uniting the Caribbean. Our operations facilitate not only passenger travel but are also crucial for cargo transport, commercial activities, and the essential daily connections that are the lifeblood of island economies. These awards are a testament to the unwavering commitment and excellence of our entire team who turn this vision into reality every day.”

    This double victory at PATWA builds upon an already stellar year of achievements for InterCaribbean in 2025. The airline’s previous accolades include being crowned the World’s Leading Regional Airline at the World Travel Awards Grand Final. Furthermore, it was recognized as the Caribbean’s Best MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Airline and was awarded for having the Caribbean’s Best Airline Website. Notably, the airline also celebrated a third consecutive win for its outstanding Caribbean’s Leading Cabin Crew.

    The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association, established in 1999, is a non-profit international media consortium with a robust membership exceeding 5,000 travel journalists and writers across the globe. Its International Travel Awards are highly coveted within the travel and tourism industry, representing a benchmark of excellence and innovation. These awards are presented annually at the ITB Berlin convention, the world’s leading travel trade show, adding to their prestige and international acclaim.

  • Update: Police Identify Person of Interest in PG Murder

    Update: Police Identify Person of Interest in PG Murder

    PUNTA GORDA, BELIZE — Law enforcement authorities have identified a person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Jimmy Cus and the injury of 18-year-old Darwin Meraz. The individual is now the subject of an active search operation as investigators work to establish possible connections to other violent crimes in the community.

    According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, the incident occurred Wednesday evening around 8:00 PM on New Road, where both victims were reportedly walking when they were approached by an armed assailant. Responding officers discovered Cus deceased with multiple gunshot wounds while Meraz sustained a leg injury and received treatment at Punta Gorda Community Hospital.

    ASP Smith revealed that investigators are examining potential links between this shooting and another recent homicide in Punta Gorda. Both victims had previous encounters with law enforcement, with Smith noting that community organizations and police had attempted intervention strategies. “Multiple mediation rounds were implemented to guide them toward becoming more productive societal members,” Smith stated, acknowledging that these efforts “ultimately proved challenging.”

    Police continue to pursue active leads while working to determine the motive behind the targeted attack and its potential connections to ongoing violence in the town.

  • Franse scholieren bezoeken Suriname Diplomaten Instituut

    Franse scholieren bezoeken Suriname Diplomaten Instituut

    A delegation of nineteen female students and two educators from Lycée Gaston Monnerville in Kourou, French Guiana, recently concluded an educational visit to the Suriname Diplomatic Institute (SDI) as part of their political science curriculum. The program, running from March 3-6, provided exceptional insights into international relations and governance structures.

    Ambassador Miriam Mac Intosh, Director of Foreign Affairs, formally welcomed the exclusively female delegation on Wednesday—a significant coincidence given the approaching International Women’s Day on March 8. The visit was further enhanced by the participation of French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste and diplomatic staff from the French Embassy.

    The educational program featured comprehensive presentations on Suriname’s historical background, cultural heritage, and distinctive characteristics by Ambassador Liselle Blankendal, former Surinamese ambassador to Guyana. Additionally, Ambassadors Angela Ramkisoen and Gilbêrt van Lierop, with respective service in Brazil and Belgium, shared practical expertise in diplomatic practice and international relations.

    Beyond the institutional visit, the students engaged in diverse cultural and educational activities throughout their stay. They participated in Phagwa festival celebrations, visited the National Assembly, and conducted an exchange program with students from Algemene Middelbare School (AMS) in collaboration with the Women Rights Center Suriname. These sessions focused on international conventions concerning women’s rights and their practical implementation.

    The program concluded with a collaborative session at Alliance Française Suriname, organized with French shipping company CMA CGM Suriname N.V., addressing women’s societal roles and career opportunities in both Surinamese and French contexts.

  • Territorial Council of St Martin meets with OECS Commission to discuss strengthening regional integration

    Territorial Council of St Martin meets with OECS Commission to discuss strengthening regional integration

    As Saint Martin prepares to mark one year as an Associate Member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the territory’s leadership has reaffirmed its dedication to regional integration during high-level discussions with OECS Commission directors. The meeting, held on February 25, 2026, featured President Louis Mussington of the Saint Martin Territorial Council and Commissioner Cyrielle Cuirassier engaging in substantive dialogue about ongoing collaboration efforts.

    The bilateral talks highlighted strategic priorities including agricultural development and educational transformation, with particular emphasis on the OECS’s digital education initiatives. The organization showcased its comprehensive Digital OECS Primary Schools Curriculum and the ongoing Student Census project, which has already gathered feedback from more than 65,000 students across kindergarten to Form 5 levels. This data collection initiative aims to directly inform future educational policies throughout member states.

    Beyond education, the discussions addressed pressing regional challenges including climate change adaptation, water resource management, and agricultural sustainability. Both parties explored mechanisms for enhancing trade relations and improving transportation infrastructure, recognizing the critical importance of connectivity for small island economies.

    The OECS leadership welcomed Saint Martin’s continued engagement and expressed appreciation for the territory’s proactive approach to regional cooperation since its formal accession on March 19, 2025. Against the backdrop of evolving global geopolitical dynamics, the organization reiterated its commitment to unity and regional resilience as fundamental principles guiding the partnership.

    President Mussington’s ongoing engagement reflects a shared sense of responsibility and collective dedication to sustainable development across Caribbean small island states as the anniversary of this strategic regional integration approaches.

  • Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition: Four schools advance to semi-final round

    Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition: Four schools advance to semi-final round

    The 2024 Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Championship has entered a crucial phase following an intellectually rigorous second round that saw eight institutions vying for advancement. According to official communications, the tournament’s second round commenced on February 25th, featuring three days of intense rhetorical competition characterized by sophisticated argumentation and strategic rebuttals.

    The opening debate featured Wesley High School advocating for the motion while Portsmouth Secondary School argued in opposition. The contentious topic addressed whether parents, rather than educational institutions, should hold primary responsibility for disciplining students involved in digital peer-to-peer violence beyond school hours. Wesley High’s delegation, comprising Hephzibah Ademola and Niola Alleyne, presented a meticulously structured argument that secured 662 points, defeating Portsmouth’s team of Kerensa Joseph and Angeline Duogene who achieved 558 points. Ademola’s commanding oratory skills earned her the Best Speaker distinction.

    Later that same day, Isaiah Thomas Secondary School successfully defended the proposition against Convent High School in another closely contested match. The team of Kianna Aaron and Allick Stedman accumulated 625 points, surpassing their opponents’ 590 points. Aaron’s compelling delivery was recognized with the Best Speaker honor.

    On February 26th, the thematic focus shifted to public health policy, with participants debating whether nutritional education proves more effective than dietary restrictions in preventing non-communicable diseases among adolescents. Defending champions Dominica Grammar School, represented by Micaela Benjamin and Lydia Joseph, advanced with a score of 658 points against Castle Bruce Secondary’s 597 points. Joseph received the Best Speaker award for her exemplary performance.

    The final debate of this round occurred on March 4th, featuring St. Martin Secondary School against Orion Academy debating the same public health motion. St. Martin’s delegates Shanaiyah John and Kurdez Simon delivered an exceptional performance, achieving the round’s highest score of 681 points against Orion’s 623 points. Simon’s outstanding rhetorical prowess earned him Best Speaker recognition.

    Tournament organizer Trudy Christian commended all participants for their dedicated preparation and sophisticated argumentation techniques. The competition received substantial support from headline sponsor Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd., with additional sponsorship from Central Cooperative Credit Union, DOMLEC, ICWI, KFC, Lindo Mart, and Dominica Social Security, all recognized for their sustained commitment to educational development.

  • Belize Attends Counter Cartel Conference in Florida

    Belize Attends Counter Cartel Conference in Florida

    MIAMI – Belize’s Minister of National Defence and Border Security, Florencio Marin, took center stage at the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference in Miami on March 5, 2026, delivering a pivotal address before high-ranking U.S. officials and international delegates. Minister Marin addressed an audience that included U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and General Donovan, articulating a compelling case for hemispheric unity against organized crime.

    In his keynote speech, Minister Marin extended formal gratitude to the United States for orchestrating the critical summit. “On behalf of both the government and citizens of Belize, I convey our profound appreciation to the United States for initiating this exceptionally timely and vital conference,” Minister Marin stated. He specifically acknowledged the Department of War’s leadership in uniting nations under a common objective: fortifying a collective Western Hemisphere response to cartel operations and transnational criminal enterprises.

    The Minister painted a stark picture of the operational methods employed by these criminal networks, highlighting their exploitation of major maritime channels and terrestrial routes for narcotics trafficking, illegal arms dealing, and human smuggling. He warned that these activities directly fuel systemic corruption while simultaneously degrading public safety and undermining citizen trust. “Cartels and transnational criminal organizations operate with blatant disregard for national sovereignty and borders,” Marin asserted. “Consequently, our defensive strategy must be equally dynamic, thoroughly coordinated, and unwavering in its resolve.”

    Detailing Belize’s multifaceted national security approach, Minister Marin outlined a framework built upon robust border surveillance, enhanced maritime domain awareness, intelligence-driven tactical operations, seamless interagency cooperation, and the ongoing professionalization of the nation’s defense and security apparatus. He further emphasized the indispensable role of solid legal structures, bolstered regional alliances, and deepened multilateral engagement in crafting an effective countermeasure.

    A central theme of the address was the imperative for international collaboration. “The notion that any single nation can unilaterally neutralize this pervasive threat is untenable,” Marin contended. “Our Western Hemisphere is intrinsically linked through intricate trade networks, constant human mobility, and a foundation of shared democratic principles. The destabilization inflicted by criminal organizations on one nation inevitably generates destabilizing ripple effects across the entire region.”