Carib Scope

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  • Liberty Caribbean Champions ‘Connectivity’ for Women

    Liberty Caribbean Champions ‘Connectivity’ for Women

    In anticipation of International Women’s Day celebrations, Liberty Caribbean has positioned digital connectivity as a fundamental catalyst for gender equality and female advancement across the region. The telecommunications conglomerate—operating Flow, Liberty Business, and BTC networks—emphasizes that strategic investments in reliable infrastructure, affordable access, and purpose-driven digital services are creating unprecedented pathways for women and girls in education, healthcare, economic participation, and civic engagement.

    The company has launched a comprehensive #GiveToGain initiative featuring a documentary series profiling twelve exceptional female leaders whose achievements demonstrate the synergistic power of talent and technology. These narratives showcase tangible examples of innovation and community transformation driven by connected women.

    Complementing these awareness efforts, practical support measures are underway across local markets through partnerships with women-focused organizations. Regional teams are coordinating donation drives for feminine hygiene products and essential toiletries destined for NGOs, shelters, and educational institutions, providing immediate assistance to vulnerable populations.

    CEO Smidts reinforced the company’s commitment: “We are channeling our platforms, partnerships, and capital to dismantle digital barriers and implement programs that equip Caribbean women and girls with essential tools for learning, economic participation, and leadership. Our mission is to convert the #GiveToGain philosophy into measurable improvements in opportunity and inclusion.”

    Groundbreaking data from Telecom Review Americas indicates a landmark achievement: the gender gap in mobile internet adoption has plummeted from 5% in 2017 to effectively zero in 2024. This milestone reflects years of concerted investment in mobile infrastructure, affordability programs, and digital literacy initiatives.

    However, device ownership remains a critical hurdle. While the mobile ownership gender gap in Latin America has narrowed to approximately 1%, a 4% disparity persists in smartphone adoption—leaving nearly 80 million women without advanced connectivity devices.

    Smidts elaborated on the broader implications: “In island nations where geographical isolation frequently limits opportunity, inclusive connectivity builds resilience, advances gender parity, and accelerates national development. Reliable broadband and mobile networks enable female entrepreneurship, remote education, telehealth access, and professional networking without geographical constraints.”

    The company asserts that sustained investment in digital infrastructure, equipment affordability, and skill development will be imperative to ensure all women and girls can fully participate in the connected digital economy.

  • Cannabis trafficking trial underway

    Cannabis trafficking trial underway

    The Supreme Court No. 5 witnessed the commencement of a significant drug trafficking trial on Wednesday, where Venice Keith McKenzie Stephen of Sealy Land, Government Hill, faces serious charges related to narcotics importation. A jury composition of seven women and two men, supplemented by three alternates, was sworn in to hear evidence in this high-profile case spanning events from July 2020.

    Stephen formally entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, which include possession, trafficking, and importation of 15.5 kilograms of cannabis. The prosecution, led by Senior State Counsel Kevin Forde, immediately established the legal framework of the case, citing Section 6.1 of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act that prohibits possession of controlled substances.

    In his compelling opening statement, Forde articulated the prosecution’s two-pronged theory of possession, explaining: “The law recognizes both physical and mental elements of possession. Physical possession requires proof that the substance was either in the defendant’s direct custody or under his control. When an individual orders controlled drugs and directs shipment to his address, he effectively assumes possession upon delivery.”

    The prosecution’s narrative alleges that Stephen orchestrated the importation of narcotics into Barbados and took possession upon receipt. Forde promised jurors that the state would present compelling evidence demonstrating Stephen’s active role in receiving the controlled substances.

    According to the presented timeline, the case unfolded when a customs officer stationed at EHS Freightline Limited encountered Stephen at the facility. The defendant presented identification and provided his personal details before being shown a barrel consigned to him, though labeled under the name ‘Williams Phillips’ with a Canadian return address.

    Critical developments occurred when Stephen consented to open the barrel under customs supervision. The subsequent search revealed 40 separate packages containing cannabis, prompting immediate police involvement. Stephen was arrested at the scene and formally charged following investigation.

    The trial is scheduled to resume on Thursday before Justice Pamela Beckles, with the prosecution expected to call nine witnesses to substantiate their case. Defense counsel Sade Harris represents the accused throughout the proceedings.

  • Cricket West Indies World Cup 50th Anniversary Logo Earns Silver ADDY Award

    Cricket West Indies World Cup 50th Anniversary Logo Earns Silver ADDY Award

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The commemorative emblem designed for Cricket West Indies’ 50th anniversary celebration of their inaugural World Cup victory has earned distinguished recognition at the 2026 American Advertising Awards Caribbean competition. The logo, created for the 2025 CWI/West Indies Players’ Association Awards Gala, received the Silver ADDY Award, marking a significant achievement in creative excellence.

    The American Advertising Awards (ADDYs) represent the advertising industry’s most comprehensive competition honoring superior creativity across design, advertising, and marketing communications. The Caribbean regional competition is administered by the Caribbean Advertising Federation, which holds the distinction of being the first and only non-American member of the American Advertising Federation.

    The anniversary gala celebrated both the historic 1975 Cricket World Cup triumph—a landmark achievement captained by Sir Clive Lloyd that established the West Indies’ cricketing legacy—and the ongoing accomplishments of West Indies cricket. The award-winning logo served as the visual cornerstone of the event’s branding, masterfully blending historical significance with contemporary celebration while acknowledging the global impact of West Indian players.

    Cricket West Indies President Dr. The Hon. Kishore Shallow emphasized the award’s deeper meaning: ‘This recognition transcends creative accomplishment—it honors the profound significance of the 1975 World Cup anniversary and its championship team. It stands as tribute to both a historic sporting milestone and the enduring legacy of that victorious West Indies squad.’

    Dr. Shallow specifically praised the collaborative effort with creative agency Always on Creative, noting: ‘The commemorative logo powerfully demonstrates what West Indian creative minds can achieve when united in pursuit of excellence. This ADDY Award represents more than symbolism—it testifies to collaboration, imagination, and regional pride.’ He extended particular commendation to graphic designer Sergio Charles and team members Tashida Callender, Jamal Slocombe, and La Donna Williams for their dedicated execution and attention to detail.

    The award-winning designer Sergio Charles, co-founder and senior graphic designer at Always On Creative, expressed his personal connection to the project: ‘As a devoted West Indies cricket supporter, I welcomed the opportunity to contribute to a initiative honoring such a defining moment in our sporting history. The 1975 World Cup victory remains a source of immense regional pride, and it was privilege to help visually capture that legacy through this commemorative mark.’

    The 2025 CWI/WIPA Awards Gala was jointly chaired by Cricket West Indies Independent Director Debra Coryat-Patton and WIPA Secretary Wayne Lewis, held in Barbados on June 22, 2025. The ADDY Awards represent the initial tier of a three-level competition that recognizes advertising excellence at local, regional, and national levels.

  • Lady Tridents coach eyes rebuild after heavy defeats

    Lady Tridents coach eyes rebuild after heavy defeats

    Interim head coach Richard Forde maintains strong confidence in the Barbados Senior National Women’s Football Team’s capacity to recover from a series of decisive losses and establish a competitive presence on the international stage. The team, known as the Lady Tridents, recently endured a challenging 13-0 defeat against El Salvador on March 1st, compounding a previous 5-0 loss to Trinidad and Tobago last December at Kensington Oval.

    In an exclusive discussion with Barbados TODAY, Forde highlighted a significant constraint: an extremely abbreviated preparation period. He revealed his interim appointment occurred merely two weeks prior to the team’s departure, following an urgent request from the Barbados Football Association after the primary coach became unavailable. Despite the adverse results, Forde regards the experience as an invaluable learning opportunity for a squad comprising many young athletes promoted from Under-17 and Under-20 levels, supplemented by a few seasoned players.

    Forde emphasized the stark disparity in experience between the teams, noting that El Salvador’s roster included 21 seasoned professionals. This contrast underscored a fundamental challenge for Barbados, where limited match play and rigorous preparation put them at a distinct disadvantage against top-tier competition.

    Looking forward, the coach advocates for essential structural improvements. He stressed the necessity of implementing a more graduated progression for players moving from youth teams to the senior national squad, rather than accelerated promotions that bypass critical developmental stages like the Under-20 level. Furthermore, Forde identified the recruitment of foreign-based players as a crucial strategy to enhance squad depth and physical readiness, providing the team with the fitness and continuous training exposure required to compete internationally.

    Amid the setbacks, Forde reports unwavering team morale. Instead of defeatism, players demonstrated a resilient attitude and a renewed commitment to intensive improvement. Acknowledging the emotional weight of representing their nation, the squad is channeling their disappointment into motivation, determined to elevate their performance and make their country proud in future competitions.

  • Updated statement on West Indies Men’s team departure from T20 World Cup

    Updated statement on West Indies Men’s team departure from T20 World Cup

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has issued a comprehensive update regarding the departure logistics for the West Indies Senior Men’s Team from India following their elimination from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

    The governing body confirmed ongoing coordination between team management, players, and International Cricket Council officials since the conclusion of their final match against India. The departure process has encountered complications due to evolving international airspace restrictions stemming from security concerns in the Gulf region, creating a complex operational environment.

    During high-level discussions conducted earlier today, stakeholders confirmed the arrangement of a specialized charter flight to facilitate the team’s return to the Caribbean. The anticipated departure window falls within the next 24-hour period, though exact timing remains contingent upon final aviation authority approvals.

    CWI emphasized that all players and support staff remain secure and in good condition as administrative finalizations continue. The organization reiterated that ensuring the safe passage of its athletes and personnel represents the absolute priority, with all necessary precautions being implemented to guarantee their secure return.

    The situation continues to develop as cricket authorities navigate the challenging geopolitical landscape affecting international travel routes, demonstrating the complex intersection between global sports and contemporary security considerations.

  • Bilateral Labour Agreement signed for recruitment of Ghanaian medical professionals

    Bilateral Labour Agreement signed for recruitment of Ghanaian medical professionals

    In a significant move to bolster its healthcare infrastructure, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has formalized a strategic partnership with the Republic of Ghana through a newly signed Bilateral Labour Agreement. The accord, finalized on March 04, 2026, in Accra, establishes a structured framework for the voluntary recruitment and temporary deployment of qualified Ghanaian medical professionals to the Caribbean nation.

    Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, who also serves as Minister of Health, personally concluded the agreement, highlighting its critical role in his government’s agenda for national development. The initiative is designed to directly address workforce shortages within the Federation’s health sector by creating a streamlined pathway for skilled professionals.

    “This agreement provides a practical and mutually beneficial pathway to strengthen our healthcare system, which remains a top priority,” stated Prime Minister Drew. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring quality healthcare delivery for all citizens.”

    The pact represents more than a simple staffing solution; it signifies deepening diplomatic ties and expanding cooperation between the two nations. Characterized as a model of South-South partnership, the agreement emphasizes sustainable development through shared knowledge and resource exchange.

    This collaboration creates structured opportunities for Ghanaian medical practitioners while simultaneously enhancing healthcare capacity in Saint Kitts and Nevis, demonstrating how bilateral agreements can address specific sectoral needs while fostering international relations.

  • MudDogs March Safari kicks off 2026 Championship

    MudDogs March Safari kicks off 2026 Championship

    The Barbados Rally Club (BRC) MudDogs March Safari marks its highly anticipated return on March 8th, signaling the commencement of the 2026 Chefette MudDogs Safari Championship after a four-month winter hiatus. This inaugural round sets the stage for an intense five-round championship extending through November, featuring a competitive field of eight crews evenly composed of veteran contenders and emerging newcomers.

    In Class A, the competition escalates with top-tier drivers including the formidable father-son partnership of Stephen and Ben Moore. They will confront formidable opponents such as Ben Norris and Kirk Watkins, piloting a Jeep Rubicon—a team that has secured second place in the MudDogs year-end standings three times since 2019. The class is further strengthened by Christopher King with Warrick Eastmond in a Suzuki Jimny, and the reigning Class B Champion Driver Alexander Gill, now teamed with Gary Mendes in an Isuzu DMax.

    Class B showcases a compelling rivalry between George Mendes and Johnathan King in a Suzuki Vitara against Charles Clarke and Austin Barber in a Mitsubishi Pajero. This matchup is intensified by Mendes’ previous tie-break victory over Clarke to claim the 2024 Champion Driver title. Adding fresh dynamics to the class are two relatively new crews, both featuring female navigators: Nadcarnie Cyrus, guided by 2024 Class B Champion Navigator Leslie Evanson in a Range Rover Classic, and Jaden Eastmond in a Nissan Frontier, partnered with first-time navigator Trislyn St Hill.

    Ricky Holder, MudDogs Chairman, expressed optimism for the new season: ‘Everyone is looking forward to getting started again after the long winter break. We extend special gratitude to Chefette, now in their 17th year of supporting MudDogs and 13th as title sponsor, and to Ace H & B Hardware for hosting the start and providing prizes. The entry list is robust with previous Safari winners and Class B Champions from the last three years, and it’s particularly encouraging to see new participants. We wish everyone good luck.’

    The event logistics promise a demanding challenge. Crews will depart from Ace H & B Hardware in Warrens, St Michael, at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, navigating two meticulously designed routes by Wayne Clarke. The morning segment, approximately 45 kilometres, incorporates two Driver Challenges: the first on the south side of the Vaucluse Raceway in St Thomas around 8 a.m., followed by a second at Manor Farms, Clifton, two hours later. A lunchtime halt is scheduled for approximately 11:00 a.m. at Chefette, Charles Rowe Bridge, St George.

    The afternoon presents a more grueling 80-kilometre route, featuring a third Driver Challenge back at Vaucluse Raceway before guiding crews north through the parishes of St Joseph, St Peter, and St Lucy. The journey concludes at Chefette Speightstown around 5 p.m. Official results will be announced at the Prizegiving ceremony scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 10 at Savvy on the Bay.

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of Ghana sign Visa Exemption agreement

    Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of Ghana sign Visa Exemption agreement

    In a significant diplomatic development strengthening global South relations, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of Ghana have formally eliminated visa requirements for ordinary passport holders. The landmark agreement was signed on March 4, 2026, in Accra by Ghanaian officials and Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew.

    This bilateral accord represents a substantial expansion of previous diplomatic arrangements, building upon a 2018 agreement that removed visa restrictions solely for holders of diplomatic and official passports. The newly ratified measures effectively dismantle administrative barriers to cross-border movement, creating unprecedented opportunities for enhanced tourism flows, commercial expansion, academic collaboration, and cultural interchange between the Caribbean and West African nations.

    Prime Minister Drew characterized the agreement as a transformative development in people-centered diplomacy. “By eliminating visa prerequisites, we’re fundamentally enabling our citizens to connect, innovate, and discover mutual opportunities,” Drew stated during the signing ceremony. “This initiative embodies our shared commitment to deepening interpersonal bonds and creating accessible pathways for engagement.”

    The visa exemption framework reflects both governments’ dedication to fostering South-South cooperation and facilitating direct human connections beyond traditional diplomatic channels. Historical and cultural ties dating back to the African diaspora experience provide meaningful context for the strengthened relations, with the agreement serving as a practical mechanism for reclaiming shared heritage through unrestricted mobility.

    Travel industry analysts anticipate immediate increases in tourist traffic and business delegations, while educational institutions foresee expanded student exchange programs and research initiatives. The reciprocal nature of the arrangement establishes symmetrical travel privileges, ensuring equitable benefits for both nations’ citizens seeking to explore commercial, educational, or tourism opportunities across the Atlantic divide.

    This agreement positions both countries as pioneers in South-South mobility cooperation, potentially establishing a template for similar agreements between Caribbean and African nations seeking to strengthen ties through facilitated people-to-people exchanges.

  • Antigua and Barbuda to Co-Host First Global Eye Health Summit with WHO

    Antigua and Barbuda to Co-Host First Global Eye Health Summit with WHO

    Antigua and Barbuda is poised to become the epicenter of global eye health advocacy as Prime Minister Gaston Browne officially launched preparations for the inaugural Global Summit for Eye Health. The landmark event, scheduled for November 2024, will coincide with the nation’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), creating a unique platform for health policy integration.

    The Wednesday launch ceremony assembled an impressive coalition of international health leaders and Commonwealth representatives, all united in their commitment to combat preventable blindness and revolutionize global vision care standards. The gathering featured prominent advocates including Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, whose longstanding dedication to ocular health initiatives brought significant attention to the cause. They were joined by Peter Holland, Chief Executive of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), who emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action.

    Distinguished participants included Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Karen-Mae Hill; IAPB President Caroline Casey; Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Arjoon Suddhoo; and Devora Kestel representing the World Health Organization. This diverse representation underscored the multidimensional approach required to address vision impairment challenges.

    The forthcoming summit aims to convene policymakers, medical specialists, and advocacy organizations to confront the escalating global burden of vision-related disabilities. Organizers indicate that the conference will prioritize three critical objectives: reinforcing national eye-care infrastructures, broadening accessibility to vision treatment services, and incentivizing governments to incorporate ocular health into their core public health agendas. This initiative represents a crucial step toward eliminating treatable blindness and ensuring equitable vision care worldwide.

  • Waarom de VS en Israël het conflict met Iran als een religieuze oorlog framen

    Waarom de VS en Israël het conflict met Iran als een religieuze oorlog framen

    As Middle East hostilities entered their fifth consecutive day, a concerning pattern of religiously-charged rhetoric has emerged from American and Israeli leadership, framing the military campaign against Iran within apocalyptic theological narratives. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned this discourse as dangerously anti-Muslim, highlighting how both nations’ officials are increasingly employing biblical terminology to justify ongoing operations.

    Multiple reports confirm that U.S. military personnel received briefings characterizing the conflict as part of a divine plan to trigger biblical ‘Armageddon,’ with references to Book of Revelation prophecies about Christ’s return. This internal messaging parallels public statements from figures including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who labeled Iranian leadership ‘religious fanatic crazies,’ and Pentagon spokesperson Pete Hegseth, who accused Iran of pursuing ‘prophetic Islamic delusions.’

    Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu amplified this theological framing by invoking the Torah’s Amalekites—symbolizing pure evil in Jewish tradition—to justify military action against Iran. This rhetoric mirrors previously employed justification patterns during Gaza operations, according to civil rights organizations.

    Academic analysis reveals three strategic reasons for this religious framing: domestic mobilization through moral urgency, civilizational ‘us versus them’ narratives, and broader strategic meaning-making. The approach particularly resonates with American evangelical and Christian Zionist communities who interpret Middle East conflicts through end-times theology.

    Historical precedents exist, notably President George W. Bush’s initial ‘crusade’ terminology following 9/11, though such language was subsequently moderated to avoid perceptions of religious warfare. Israeli leadership has consistently incorporated biblical imagery into political discourse, embedding contemporary conflicts within historical and existential frameworks.

    While the underlying war remains geopolitical, experts warn that religious framing creates moral absolutism that complicates conflict resolution, elevates expectations, undermines diplomatic flexibility, and makes political compromises increasingly difficult to achieve.