Carib Scope

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  • BWU calls for stronger enforcement of labour laws as it marks 85 years

    BWU calls for stronger enforcement of labour laws as it marks 85 years

    The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has called upon the government to prioritize rigorous enforcement of current labor regulations rather than introducing additional legislation. During the unveiling of the union’s newly launched website at Solidarity House, General Secretary Toni Moore emphasized that existing gaps and inconsistencies in labor laws continue to leave workers vulnerable across various sectors.

    As the nation’s oldest trade union approaches its 85th anniversary, Moore reaffirmed the BWU’s commitment to transforming advocacy into tangible outcomes for members. The union has established clear annual priorities to ensure accountability, allowing members to evaluate whether organizational actions align with stated objectives throughout the year.

    Moore highlighted a critical concern regarding Barbados’ labor legislation framework: “While we possess numerous well-crafted labor laws on paper, these regulations frequently contain conflicting interpretations and implementation gaps that undermine worker protections.” The general secretary explained that legislative inconsistencies create ambiguous understandings that ultimately disadvantage employees.

    Rather than advocating for new laws, the BWU has engaged extensively with the Ministry of Labour to refine existing regulations. Moore reported productive discussions focused on enhancing enforcement mechanisms, particularly through the union’s construction industry campaign. These efforts have yielded commitments from the Labour Department to strengthen personnel capacity for improved responsiveness to worker concerns.

    The construction sector presents particular challenges, with Moore noting: “While construction activity booms nationwide, the playing field remains profoundly uneven.” Many companies, including those bidding for taxpayer-funded public contracts, fail to comply with basic standards. The union continues to push for proper health and safety protocols and fair compensation that exceeds minimum wage requirements, citing unionized environments that pay 2-2.5 times the baseline rate.

    The new website launch represents a significant modernization initiative for the BWU, enabling digital membership registration, grievance filing, dues payment, and real-time updates on legislative developments. Shop stewards can document workplace issues through the secure platform, which incorporates robust data protection measures and user-friendly navigation design.

  • Housing guidelines for Grenada

    Housing guidelines for Grenada

    In a significant step toward strengthening national disaster resilience, Grenada’s key public agencies convened at Radisson Hotel Grenada in November 2025 to establish comprehensive housing guidelines for updating the National Disaster Management Plan. The landmark meeting brought together experts and officials to create frameworks that specifically address gender-responsive recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    The newly developed guidelines emerged from an extensive multi-week review process examining critical documents including the 2024 Post Disaster Needs Assessment, the 2011 National Disaster Plan, and relevant legislation such as the Physical Planning and Development Control Act and the 2023 Disaster Management Act. The process incorporated direct consultations with housing sector agencies to ensure practical applicability.

    This initiative operates under the Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate, and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean (EnGenDER) project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) with funding from Global Affairs Canada. The Ministry of Economic Development, Planning and Cooperatives coordinates the project alongside NaDMA, the Ministry of Social and Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs, the Ministry of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs and Local Government, and the Central Statistical Office.

    Dr. Grenville Phillips, a renowned Caribbean civil and structural engineer specializing in Construction Quality Assurance and Building Codes, including the Caricom Code of Practice for Residential Construction, led the technical exercise. Dr. Phillips previously contributed his expertise as part of CDEMA’s Rapid Needs Assessment Team following Hurricane Beryl.

    The project team comprising UNDP, CDEMA, and consulting experts conducted validation meetings in Carriacou to refine a Housing Recovery Plan based on primary data collection regarding housing damage conditions and household impacts.

    Elizabeth Charles-Soomer, UNDP MCO Prevention, Resilience and Recovery Cluster Lead for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, expressed satisfaction with discussion quality and participation from leads of the Planning and Development Authority, The Housing Authority, The Ministry of Mobilisation, Implementation and Transformation, and NaDMA. Permanent Secretary Merina Jessamy from the Ministry of Economic Development echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical importance of collaborative whole-of-government approaches to recovery and restoration efforts.

  • St. Joseph’s Academy Receives Fresh Funds from Alumni for Repairs

    St. Joseph’s Academy Receives Fresh Funds from Alumni for Repairs

    In a demonstration of enduring commitment to their alma mater, the St. Joseph’s Academy Alumni Association has presented a substantial financial contribution to support ongoing infrastructure improvements. The ceremonial check handover, captured in accompanying visual documentation, featured Association Secretary Lenworth Johnson formally presenting a donation of $13,517.18 to Principal Rudolph Davis.

    The event was attended by key alumni leadership, including Association President Dane Abbott and Treasurer Orden Joseph. During the presentation, President Abbott conveyed profound satisfaction regarding the association’s capacity to facilitate essential campus enhancements, while simultaneously revealing strategic initiatives are currently in development to secure even more substantial funding streams in the foreseeable future.

    Providing a comprehensive financial overview, Treasurer Orden Joseph disclosed that the collective fundraising efforts dedicated exclusively to classroom rehabilitation have now reached an impressive sum of approximately $83,000. This latest contribution is particularly symbolic as it coincides with the institution’s 68th anniversary. Principal Davis accepted the donation with profound gratitude, emphasizing the profound impact such consistent alumni support has on preserving the school’s legacy and operational excellence.

  • PRESS RELEASE: Winning start for West Indies Under-19s at World Cup

    PRESS RELEASE: Winning start for West Indies Under-19s at World Cup

    WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA – The West Indies Under-19 cricket team opened their ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 campaign with an authoritative five-wicket triumph against Tanzania at the HP Oval on January 15. The Caribbean side demonstrated comprehensive dominance in both bowling and batting departments, signaling their preparedness for the global tournament.

    The victory was anchored by a disciplined bowling performance that restricted Tanzania to a modest 122 runs. Leg-spinner Vitel Lawes emerged as the standout performer with impressive figures of 3/23, effectively dismantling Tanzania’s lower batting order. He received substantial support from Shaquan Belle and Micah McKenzie, who claimed two wickets each. The fielding unit complemented the bowlers with sharp catches and athletic fielding that prevented Tanzania from building momentum.

    In response, the West Indies chase was guided by 17-year-old Tanez Francis’s mature half-century and Jewel Andrew’s aggressive 44 from 44 deliveries. The partnership ensured the team reached their target with 29 overs remaining, showcasing the batting efficiency that has become characteristic of their preparation.

    The performance reflects the extensive preparatory work undertaken by the squad in recent months. The team arrived in Namibia battle-hardened after securing two significant series victories against international opponents. They defeated Sri Lanka U19s 4-3 in a seven-match Youth ODI series in Antigua during August and September, followed by a commanding 5-2 series win against England U19s in Grenada throughout November and December.

    Upon arrival in Windhoek, the team continued their preparation with dominant warm-up performances. They posted 246 against Ireland before rain interrupted play, and then delivered a spectacular 229-run victory against Japan, fueled by centuries from Francis and 16-year-old Shamar Apple.

    West Indies now turn their attention to their next Group D fixture against Afghanistan on January 18, followed by a crucial match against South Africa on January 22. The team’s comprehensive preparation and strong start position them as serious contenders to advance deep into the tournament.

    Global broadcasting coverage is available through ESPN Caribbean and Disney+ in the Caribbean, Willow TV in North America, and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, with live streaming accessible worldwide via ICC.tv.

  • Police: Tyson did not die from poison

    Police: Tyson did not die from poison

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has officially dispelled months of public speculation regarding the demise of K9 Officer Tyson, confirming through comprehensive toxicological analysis that the canine did not succumb to poisoning. Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas revealed that advanced laboratory testing detected zero traces of toxic substances in the animal’s system.

    This definitive conclusion follows an earlier series of examinations initiated in 2025 that had previously excluded rodenticide poisoning as the fatal mechanism. Despite these initial findings, police authorities pursued additional forensic investigation to address persistent uncertainties and achieve absolute clarity regarding the circumstances.

    According to medical documentation, a preliminary pathological assessment conducted earlier had identified internal hemorrhage as the immediate cause of death, presenting four potential underlying conditions: toxic poisoning, severe coagulopathy, critically low thrombocyte levels, or acute bacterial infection. With toxicological causes now entirely eliminated, investigators must reengage with veterinary pathologists and medical specialists to pursue alternative diagnostic avenues.

    Defreitas emphasized that the investigation will continue through collaborative consultation with forensic experts to determine the precise pathological mechanism that led to the animal’s tragic demise. The case has drawn significant public attention and highlights the sophisticated forensic capabilities employed in modern animal death investigations.

  • Police Speak on Shooting Outside Belize City Nightclub

    Police Speak on Shooting Outside Belize City Nightclub

    Belize City authorities have launched a formal investigation into an early morning shooting incident that transpired in proximity to the Midnight Lounge and Night Club on January 16, 2026. The episode, occurring approximately at 3 a.m., culminated in the interception of a vehicle and the subsequent confiscation of an unlicensed firearm.

    Senior Superintendent Raymundo Reyes provided official commentary regarding the police operation. “Law enforcement personnel successfully intercepted an automobile containing two individuals,” Reyes stated to press representatives. “A comprehensive search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of one .38 caliber revolver alongside corresponding ammunition.”

    Despite initial reports of gunfire discharge, police authorities have confirmed that the incident resulted in no physical injuries to civilians or officers. The two occupants of the vehicle now face serious legal consequences, with official charges being prepared for unlicensed possession of both firearm and ammunition.

    While police investigations remain ongoing, preliminary reports from eyewitnesses suggest the situation originated from a verbal confrontation inside the establishment involving 28-year-old driver Guadelupe Pedro Escalante and passenger Kenyon Maskall. The altercation reportedly continued outside the nightclub premises, ultimately escalating to the discharge of firearms and the subsequent police intervention.

  • New Literacy Centre Opens at Milton Lynch Primary

    New Literacy Centre Opens at Milton Lynch Primary

    Milton Lynch Primary School in Christ Church has inaugurated a pioneering Literacy Centre, established through a partnership with the Literacy Project charity. This specialized facility is designed to enhance early reading capabilities, elevate student self-assurance, and offer a targeted environment for tackling literacy obstacles among Barbadian youth. Officially opened last Friday, the center integrates supplementary educational materials and digital tools to cultivate advanced problem-solving and critical thinking competencies. Tara Redhead, Head of the Literacy Project charity, emphasized that the center provides a secure, concentrated setting free from typical classroom disruptions. She articulated the dual-purpose vision: serving as both a tranquil hub where students can access diverse learning resources and a functional teaching space. The initiative emerged from recognizing the necessity for practical learning environments within resource-constrained schools. Redhead noted that while government resources cannot fund complete school refurbishments, creating model spaces demonstrates the future direction of educational reform. Her insights were shaped by years of conducting individualized literacy sessions at public libraries, where she observed significant disparities in children’s reading and writing proficiencies. These experiences catalyzed the charity’s formation, particularly as research consistently reveals correlations between literacy deficiencies and adverse social outcomes including diminished self-esteem, social isolation, and behavioral issues. Ryan Straughn, Member of Parliament for Christ Church East and Minister in the Ministry of Finance, emphasized literacy’s fundamental role in Barbados’s developmental trajectory. Addressing students, he stated the project aims to build both skills and confidence for global impact. Straughn also praised the involvement of four University of the West Indies volunteers participating through the Give Back Programme—a initiative linked to Barbados’s free tertiary education policy. He highlighted how this program facilitates community connections and human capital development beyond government capabilities. Straughn encouraged students to embrace these opportunities, emphasizing that confidence and safe spaces enable path creation. The Literacy Centre stands as foundational preparation for students’ future beyond academic settings, with outcomes determined by how they leverage acquired skills and knowledge.

  • China en Canada hervatten samenwerking met nieuw handelsakkoord

    China en Canada hervatten samenwerking met nieuw handelsakkoord

    In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Friday, signaling a profound reset in bilateral relations following years of diplomatic strain. This landmark meeting—marking the first official visit by a Canadian leader to China in eight years—culminated in substantial trade concessions and a mutual commitment to enhanced cooperation.

    President Xi characterized the renewed engagement as opening ‘a new chapter’ in Sino-Canadian relations, referencing ongoing dialogue since October 2023 to restore and expand collaborative efforts. Prime Minister Carney emphasized that strengthened bilateral cooperation could contribute to more robust global governance structures, which he noted face unprecedented pressures. ‘Together we can build upon the best of our past and forge a relationship suited to new global realities,’ Carney stated during the historic meeting.

    The centerpiece of this diplomatic reengagement is a comprehensive trade agreement that dramatically reduces tariffs on key commodities. Canada will permit up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to enter its market at a preferential tariff rate of 6.1%—a substantial reduction from the 100% import levy imposed by the previous administration in 2024. This arrangement operates under Most Favored Nation status, though specific duration parameters remain unspecified.

    Conversely, China committed to slashing tariffs on Canadian canola seeds from the current combined rate of 84% to approximately 15%, effective March 1. The agreement additionally eliminates temporary duties on canola meal, lobster, crab, and peas, potentially unlocking nearly $3 billion in new agricultural export opportunities for Canadian farmers.

    Prime Minister Carney articulated Canada’s ambition to become a competitive player in the EV market through knowledge transfer from innovative partners like China. The leaders discussed expanded collaboration in clean energy sectors, including investments in energy storage systems and production infrastructure. Carney further outlined plans to modernize Canada’s energy grids and increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Asian markets.

    This diplomatic thaw follows years of reciprocal trade restrictions that saw Canada mirror U.S. tariffs on Chinese EVs, steel, and aluminum, while China responded with heavy import duties on Canadian agricultural products. The new arrangements effectively restore pre-conflict tariff structures while incorporating enhanced benefits for both nations.

    Analysts observe that this reconciliation occurs against the backdrop of escalating China-U.S. tensions and Trump’s ‘America First’ policies that adversely affected both Canada and China. While Ottawa maintains its alignment with Washington, this move toward pragmatic economic autonomy may signal to Beijing that economic decoupling from China isn’t inevitable among U.S. allies.

    Carney notably described China as a ‘more predictable and reliable partner’ than the United States in the current complex global landscape. The leaders also found substantial common ground on geopolitical matters including Greenland, indicating broader strategic alignment beyond immediate economic interests.

    This bilateral rapprochement represents a significant development in the evolving global order where U.S.-China rivalry predominates. The agreements create substantial opportunities for economic growth and strengthened bilateral ties as both nations navigate their respective interests within spheres of great power influence.

  • Thirty four permanent Public Health Aide positions approved by Cabinet

    Thirty four permanent Public Health Aide positions approved by Cabinet

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has taken a significant step toward strengthening its national healthcare infrastructure. On January 14, 2026, the nation’s Cabinet officially authorized the creation of thirty-four permanent Public Health Aide positions, to be integrated within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services.

    This strategic decision involves classifying the new roles at Level II and is a core component of the government’s broader initiative to reinforce primary healthcare and expand community-based services. A dedicated annual budget of $702,836.10 has been allocated to the Primary Health Care sector to fund these positions, ensuring their financial sustainability.

    In a parallel move, the Cabinet has mandated that all existing temporary and contracted Public Health Aides be transitioned into permanent employment. This regularization is contingent upon the successful completion of standard governmental recruitment and verification protocols.

    Government officials assert that this policy is designed to achieve multiple critical objectives: enhancing the overall resilience of the national health system, improving the retention of skilled healthcare staff, and guaranteeing consistent, uninterrupted care for communities. Furthermore, the shift to permanent status is expected to foster greater accountability, streamline performance management, and increase administrative efficiency by eliminating the cumbersome cycle of repeated contract renewals and seeking continual Cabinet approvals for extensions.

    This latest action continues a policy trajectory set in May 2025, when the government approved the regularization of more than eighty long-serving non-established workers throughout the public service. The administration describes these efforts as a demonstration of its “continued commitment to modernising and stabilising the public sector workforce,” signaling a long-term investment in its human resources and public service delivery.

  • Police Officer Under Investigation

    Police Officer Under Investigation

    A Belize City police officer is under formal investigation by the Professional Standards Branch after video footage of an altercation showing the officer shoving a woman during a family wake went viral on social media platforms. The incident has triggered significant public outcry and raised questions about police conduct during community interactions.

    Senior Superintendent Raymundo Reyes provided context for the officer’s actions, stating the intervention was primarily motivated by safety concerns. He explained that police officers frequently intervene in such situations to minimize risks and protect civilians from becoming potential targets of crime, particularly shootings, in areas known for violence.

    According to the viral footage, the incident occurred outside a residence where a family was holding a wake for their deceased infant. The grieving mother, who was recorded standing near her doorway, explained to officers that she saw no necessity to move completely indoors. The confrontation escalated when an officer questioned, “Is this a veranda then?” before physically pushing the woman recording the incident, causing her to fall to the ground.

    Superintendent Reyes acknowledged the problematic nature of the officer’s conduct, conceding that while the intention was to move civilians to a safer area, the execution was fundamentally flawed. “Maybe the way how the police officer handled the situation was not that perfect or professional, but his intent was to have them in a safe area inside the premises,” Reyes stated during a press briefing.

    The law enforcement official confirmed that the officer will undergo internal review procedures. Furthermore, authorities indicated that should a formal complaint be filed by the affected family, the investigation would expand to include additional disciplinary measures and potential sanctions based on established protocols for professional conduct violations.