Carib Scope

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  • BBA Condemns Violent Bus Driver Altercation Seen in Viral Video

    BBA Condemns Violent Bus Driver Altercation Seen in Viral Video

    The Belize Bus Owners Association (BBA) has issued a forceful condemnation of two bus drivers captured in a viral social media video engaging in a physical confrontation. The widely circulated footage depicts one driver boarding another bus on a public highway, issuing threats, and launching a physical assault against the other operator.

    In an official statement released on January 16, 2026, the transportation industry group characterized the behavior as ‘completely unacceptable’ for the public transit sector. The association emphasized that such conduct jeopardizes passenger safety, erodes public trust, and tarnishes the reputation of the entire industry.

    The BBA further clarified that neither bus line involved in the incident holds membership within their organization. The association explicitly stated it does not represent or affiliate with the operators shown in the video, noting their actions contradict the standards and code of conduct maintained by BBA members.

    Despite the non-affiliation, the association announced plans to contact the involved operators to address the serious public safety concerns and promote industry stability. The BBA reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward violence and misconduct within the transportation sector, committing to continued advocacy for standards that protect both passengers and operators while preserving the integrity of Belize’s public transportation system.

  • UPP’s Joshua Francis excoriates DLP administration

    UPP’s Joshua Francis excoriates DLP administration

    In a blistering critique delivered on Q-95’s ‘Talk on the Block’ program, United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Attorney Joshua Francis declared the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) administration as “tired” and “depleted of any vision,” demanding their removal from power. Francis asserted that from its inception, the DLP leadership prioritized self-interest over public service, resulting in what he described as rampant inequality where government officials became “multi-millionaires” while ordinary citizens struggled with basic necessities.

    The opposition leader challenged Dominican citizens to cease their complacency, emphasizing that political change requires collective action rather than passive acceptance of the status quo. Francis particularly highlighted the severity of economic hardships facing everyday Dominicans, noting his daily encounters with citizens seeking assistance for bills, children’s expenses, and medical costs—what he termed “the bread and butter issues” that remain unaddressed by the current government.

    Francis outlined the UPP’s strategy to intensify grassroots engagement, promising bi-weekly constituency gatherings to directly connect with voters, especially in rural areas with limited media access. He acknowledged the necessity of employing diverse communication methods to spread the party’s message of hope and confidence beyond traditional media channels.

    The UPP leader concluded with a call for unified effort, stating that progress requires Dominicans to “work collectively and wisely” with every citizen having a role in driving national change. Francis vowed relentless opposition efforts leading to the next general election, positioning his party as the necessary alternative to what he characterized as a failed government.

  • BizConnect Caribbean hosts workshop on turning ideas into business

    BizConnect Caribbean hosts workshop on turning ideas into business

    Saint Lucia has become the launchpad for a transformative regional business development initiative as BizConnect Caribbean officially commences its operations. The organization inaugurated its mission with a pioneering workshop titled ‘Turning Ideas into Business,’ designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools for success.

    The inaugural session brought together diverse entrepreneurs seeking guidance through the challenging landscape of business ownership. Participants engaged in collaborative learning under the expert facilitation of Darlisa J. Diltz, a renowned entrepreneurship strategist and chief strategist at Foundations Entrepreneur Development Company based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

    Diltz, a long-time associate of BizConnect Founder Michelle Samuel, demonstrated the application of the Design Thinking Framework—a comprehensive methodology enabling entrepreneurs to empathize with market needs, define problems, ideate solutions, prototype concepts, and test viability before full-scale implementation.

    In an exclusive interview with St Lucia Times, Diltz emphasized her commitment to the cause: ‘The heart and passion for entrepreneurship is paramount for me. When Michelle extends an invitation, I respond affirmatively whenever possible. Sharing knowledge and educating entrepreneurs on proper business entry strategies remains a personal mission.’

    Founder Michelle Samuel articulated the program’s core objective: addressing critical gaps in entrepreneurial education and support. ‘We’re creating more than just training—we’re building actionable pathways that continue beyond initial workshops. Many entrepreneurs face closed doors or prohibitive costs when seeking support,’ Samuel explained.

    The initiative specifically addresses post-training challenges by incorporating mentorship and ongoing support structures. ‘Entrepreneurs frequently navigate unfamiliar territory without guidance. Our program eliminates door-knocking and unaffordable fees by providing essential mentorship throughout their business journey,’ Samuel added.

    The workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, including seasoned business leaders like Gidden Augustin, BizConnect Founding Member and Chamber of Commerce Board Member. With several future initiatives planned, including a Caribbean Franchise Summit in March, BizConnect Caribbean establishes itself as a cornerstone for regional economic development.

  • Palestinian leader supports national committee to manage Gaza

    Palestinian leader supports national committee to manage Gaza

    In a significant political development, senior Palestinian leader Fattouh has formally endorsed a newly established body, expressing his full support and commitment to its success. The announcement positions this entity as a unifying force, receiving backing from across the entire spectrum of Palestinian political factions and parties.

    The composition of the body is notably technocratic, drawing specialists from diverse sectors to address the complex challenges facing Palestinian governance. This move occurs alongside the critical transition into the second phase of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, a development welcomed by the Palestinian National Council (PNC) chairman despite ongoing daily Israeli military strikes in the region.

    Emphasizing the geopolitical indispensability of Gaza, Fattouh declared the territory an inseparable component of a future Palestinian state, asserting that no just political resolution to the conflict can be achieved without its inclusion. This stance was echoed by Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza since 2007, which characterized the formation of the new body as a pivotal step toward solidifying the fragile ceasefire and averting a return to the devastating hostilities. The conflict has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian toll, with over 71,000 fatalities reported in Gaza.

  • Italy outlines Arctic strategy amid US threats

    Italy outlines Arctic strategy amid US threats

    In a significant diplomatic development, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani have articulated Rome’s nuanced position on Arctic geopolitics following a high-level meeting at Villa Madama. While explicitly affirming Italy’s recognition of Danish sovereignty over Greenland, the government simultaneously declared its opposition to deploying Italian troops to the region in response to escalating tensions.

    The cornerstone of Italy’s approach is a comprehensive strategic framework focused on security cooperation, scientific research, and sustainable development in the High North. Originally formulated in 2025, this policy document has undergone substantial revisions, expanding by approximately fifty pages to address emerging challenges. Official statements cited growing concerns over Washington’s perceived territorial ambitions regarding Greenland, characterizing these developments as a “clear threat” to regional stability.

    This updated assessment directly informs Italy’s decision to abstain from participating in “Arctic Resistance,” a Danish-proposed military operation designed to counter potential American maneuvers. Despite several European allies, notably France, pledging support for this initiative, Rome maintains that its contributions will align strictly with its multilateral obligations within NATO and the European Union.

    The Italian government emphasizes that Arctic stability constitutes a fundamental component of broader European security architecture and directly impacts the Atlantic Alliance’s strategic interests. Consequently, Italy intends to pursue a calibrated approach—enhancing defensive capabilities through diplomatic channels and research partnerships while avoiding direct military entanglements that could exacerbate tensions.

  • France defends troop deployment to Greenland

    France defends troop deployment to Greenland

    In a significant strategic maneuver, approximately fifteen French military personnel have been deployed to Danish territory, a region increasingly viewed as the critical Arctic gateway and a zone abundant with natural resources. This initial deployment represents the vanguard of a broader military commitment, with French President Emmanuel Macron pledging to augment this presence imminently through additional naval, air, and land assets.

    The operation, though currently low-profile, is integrated within the broader European ‘Arctic Endurance’ mission, which is formally scheduled to conclude shortly. Downplaying the significance of the initial troop numbers, Alice Rufo, the French Minister Delegate for Veterans Affairs and second-in-command at the Ministry of Defense, emphasized the strategic message over mere numerical strength. In a public statement on Franceinfo, Rufo articulated that the core objective is the ‘effect produced’ during such exercises, clarifying that France’s intent is not to intimidate but to unequivocally demonstrate its resolve and commitment to safeguarding European interests in a region of growing importance.

    This European mobilization occurs against a backdrop of renewed and heightened geopolitical interest in the Arctic. The deployment can be interpreted as a direct response to escalating pressures from other global powers. Notably, since his return to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump has aggressively prioritized the acquisition of Greenland, a vast island territory of Denmark. To advance this ambition, the Trump administration has recently intensified its rhetoric, citing a spectrum of justifications that include perceived strategic threats from China and Russia in the region, as well as underscoring vital U.S. national security interests, such as maintaining early warning systems for potential missile threats.

  • Israel persists in violating Syria’s sovereignty

    Israel persists in violating Syria’s sovereignty

    Israeli armored forces have conducted a series of military incursions into Syrian territory near the occupied Golan Heights, according to reports from Syrian state media and local sources. The operations, which occurred in the Quneitra province bordering Israel, involved multiple armored vehicles entering several villages in the contested border region.

    Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that an Israeli military contingent consisting of eight armored vehicles and three tanks advanced from Tell al-Ahmar westward into the villages of Ain al-Ziwan and Suwaisa. The military unit remained deployed within Suwaisa for approximately one hour before proceeding toward the smaller village of al-Dawaya. Concurrently, tank units entered the Tell Abu Qubays area during nighttime operations.

    According to eyewitness accounts from local residents, the Israeli forces subsequently withdrew from the region without making any arrests or engaging in apparent combat operations. This incident follows a similar pattern of border incursions documented in recent months, with another Israeli military unit having advanced toward Tell Abu Qubays near Qudna city just the previous Thursday.

    These military maneuvers occur against the backdrop of Israel’s continued occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights, which has been under Israeli control since the June 1967 Six-Day War. Syrian authorities characterize these border incursions as violations of national sovereignty and part of what they describe as Israel’s sustained policy of disregarding Syrian territorial integrity and the rights of local populations in the border regions.

  • Spain considers sending troops to Greenland

    Spain considers sending troops to Greenland

    The Spanish government has declared a position of deliberate caution regarding the potential acquisition of Greenland by the United States, opting to withhold a definitive stance until a comprehensive European assessment is complete. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, in televised remarks, emphasized that Madrid’s official response is contingent upon achieving a “well-defined understanding of the situation” through ongoing coordination with fellow European nations.

    Minister Albares highlighted that the prevailing sentiment among Greenland’s population is a desire to maintain its current sovereign status under Denmark, with a transfer of sovereignty to the U.S. not being a considered option. This aligns with prior comments from Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, who similarly urged prudence while confirming the matter remains under active evaluation by authorities.

    Acknowledging the broader continental concern, Albares confirmed a series of diplomatic engagements are already underway. Spain is actively consulting with European partners to exchange intelligence and align perspectives on the geopolitical implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s openly stated ambitions to acquire Greenland, which he has suggested could occur “one way or another,” including by purchase or force.

    European capitals are reportedly viewing these developments with significant apprehension. The potential annexation of a vast Arctic territory from a NATO ally is perceived as a move that could fundamentally alter the strategic balance and integrity of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in its present form. Albares concluded that once all critical information is synthesized from these multilateral discussions, Spain and its partners will proceed with making concrete diplomatic decisions.

  • Fitches Creek Clean-Up Sees Three Skips of Bulk Waste Removed

    Fitches Creek Clean-Up Sees Three Skips of Bulk Waste Removed

    A powerful coalition comprising the EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network (ESFN), West Magic Bins Plus, and the Fitches Creek Residents Association (FCRA) has successfully executed a major bulk waste removal operation within the Fitches Creek community. This collaborative endeavor resulted in the elimination of three large skips filled with discarded household materials and waste, markedly enhancing both the visual appeal and ecological wellbeing of the area.

    The strategic significance of Fitches Creek cannot be overstated, as it resides within the ecologically sensitive North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA). This positioning confers upon local residents a crucial role as guardians of essential wetland habitats. With World Wetlands Day 2026 approaching, attention focuses on these ecosystems that sustain vulnerable species including the West Indian whistling duck, various herons, and numerous other avian species dependent on wetland environments.

    Beyond mere waste collection, this initiative represents a deeper cultural shift toward environmental accountability. Project Manager Britney McDonald emphasized this transformative aspect, noting that the project ‘reflects a growing sense of pride, ownership, and environmental responsibility within the Fitches Creek community.’ McDonald further observed that when residents actively engage in such efforts, ‘biodiversity conservation becomes a shared value that delivers real, visible results.’

    The cleanup operation complements previous support from the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), demonstrating how community participation can amplify national waste management strategies. This public-private partnership model showcases the potential when corporate entities, civil society organizations, and local communities align their efforts toward common environmental goals.

    McDonald highlighted the exemplary role played by West Magic Bins Plus, noting that such waste management entities ‘set a positive example for corporate social responsibility.’ The collective effort underscores the fundamental principle that ‘keeping our land and marine spaces clean is everyone’s responsibility.’

    ESFN, as a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainability and community empowerment across Small Island Developing States (SIDS), continues to address critical challenges including climate justice, biodiversity protection, youth development, and educational initiatives. Through programs like the Volunteer Explorer Program and World Wetlands Day Awareness campaigns, ESFN fosters innovative solutions to protect vulnerable marine and coastal ecosystems throughout the Caribbean region.

  • APNU to table motion for modern copyright legislation

    APNU to table motion for modern copyright legislation

    In a significant legislative move, Guyana’s primary opposition coalition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has announced it will table a parliamentary motion compelling the government to enact modern intellectual property and copyright legislation within a six-month timeframe. The initiative, spearheaded by parliamentarian Nima Flue-Bess, addresses what the party describes as critical deficiencies in the nation’s current creative rights framework.

    During APNU’s weekly press briefing on Friday, Flue-Bess articulated the motion’s dual objectives: first, to establish a special select committee tasked with comprehensively reviewing existing copyright laws, with particular emphasis on identifying gaps in digital rights protection and enforcement mechanisms. Second, the motion mandates extensive consultation with stakeholders across Guyana’s creative industries to ensure new legislation accurately reflects sector-specific needs.

    This legislative push carries historical significance, as both APNU and the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) had included copyright modernization in their campaign platforms during the 2025 general elections. Guyana currently operates under the British Copyright Act of 1956, inherited upon independence in 1966, which provides limited recourse through private legal action but offers inadequate protection in the digital era.

    Flue-Bess characterized the situation as creating ‘demonstrable hardship for Guyanese creatives,’ noting that the ‘orange economy’ represents a substantially untapped economic growth sector. The proposed legislation aims to facilitate skill monetization for innovators and artists while holding the government accountable for what APNU views as its failure to prioritize comprehensive economic development across all societal segments.

    The motion is expected to undergo debate in the 65-seat National Assembly, where APNU holds 12 seats, setting the stage for potentially significant policy developments in Guyana’s creative and intellectual property landscapes.