Carib Scope

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  • Government bans mass parties and alcohol sales for Holy Week 2026

    Government bans mass parties and alcohol sales for Holy Week 2026

    The Dominican government has unveiled comprehensive public safety regulations for Holy Week 2026, implementing significant restrictions on social gatherings and alcohol sales throughout the national territory. The Ministry of the Interior and Police issued Resolution MIP-RR-0001-2026, establishing stringent protocols for the period spanning March 29 to April 5, 2026.

    Under the new directives, mass gatherings at coastal and recreational areas including beaches, rivers, and resorts will be strictly prohibited. The regulation specifically bans the installation of temporary structures such as stages, tents, and similar installations that could facilitate unauthorized events. This preventive measure aims to address concerns about overcrowding and maintain public order during one of the country’s peak travel periods.

    In a particularly notable provision, authorities will enforce a complete 24-hour nationwide suspension of alcohol sales on Good Friday (April 3, 2026). The prohibition represents an extension of existing regulatory measures coordinated with the Ministry of Tourism, with normal sales operations resuming immediately following the designated period.

    Enforcement mechanisms will involve coordinated operations between the National Police and the Directorate of Control of Alcohol Sales (COBA), with monitoring systems deployed across all provinces. Government officials emphasized that these preventive actions prioritize citizen security, accident prevention, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence during the religious observance period. The measures reflect ongoing efforts to balance traditional celebrations with contemporary public safety requirements in the Caribbean nation.

  • Programme driving down school suspensions, says education ministry

    Programme driving down school suspensions, says education ministry

    Barbados’ education transformation efforts have yielded dramatic results with school suspensions plummeting 60% this term following the implementation of a comprehensive values-based learning framework. The Ministry of Education’s revitalized VIBES program (Values-driven, Inclusive, Behavioural Excellence, Empowering Learning Environment) has mobilized secondary school principals, guidance counselors, social workers, and school officers in a coordinated approach to student behavior management.

    The government has quadrupled student support staffing from 10 to 40 professionals, implementing a multi-tiered support system that combines proactive behavioral interventions with academic enhancements. Senior Psychologist Juanita Brathwaite-Wharton explained the dual approach: “We’re enhancing universal interventions for all students while simultaneously strengthening math instruction and literacy programming from the academic perspective.”

    A cornerstone of the strategy is the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) curriculum, which emphasizes social-emotional learning components including anger management, emotional regulation, and self-esteem building as preventative measures. The ministry has further expanded capabilities through a partnership with the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, establishing the Educational and Psychological Assessment Unit (EPAU) to support students with learning challenges through psycho-educational screening, assessments, and professional workshops.

    The initiative employs targeted interventions to identify at-risk students requiring multi-agency support addressing housing, parenting, mental health, juvenile justice, and substance use issues. Education Officer Cyrilene Willoughby highlighted collaborations with community organizations like Echo Nation to address youth needs through tailored programs across secondary schools.

    Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw confirmed the dramatic reduction in suspensions, attributing the success to system-wide efforts. “When we compare last term to this term, suspensions have significantly decreased by 60% due to the work of principals, teachers, and support staff across the system,” she stated, expressing ambition to eliminate suspensions entirely.

    Dr. Archer-Bradshaw emphasized the broader educational mission: “I want children who have values, good attitudes, and self-awareness—not just academic excellence.” She encouraged educators to adopt the FIRM methodology (Fair, Inclusive, Relevant, Modern) in pursuing the ministry’s mission to ensure every Barbadian child has opportunity.

  • Police roll out pilot night patrols to combat farm theft in South

    Police roll out pilot night patrols to combat farm theft in South

    Barbados has initiated a strategic pilot program deploying enhanced nightly police patrols across its crucial southern agricultural districts, responding to an alarming escalation in organized crop theft that now threatens the island’s food security infrastructure. Acting Superintendent Anthony Warner, Deputy Divisional Commander for the Southern Division, revealed that officers are being strategically positioned within meticulously mapped zones encompassing Christ Church, St. George, St. John and St. Philip—regions collectively known as Barbados’ primary agricultural belt.

    The innovative security initiative, already in preliminary implementation stages, aims to establish fortified surveillance networks and rigorous monitoring systems throughout agricultural production and distribution channels. Warner emphasized that the program introduces structured harvest notification protocols and standardized produce identification systems designed to track legitimate agricultural products from field to market.

    Law enforcement authorities are simultaneously targeting illicit resale markets for stolen produce, enforcing the Protection of Agricultural Products Act which mandates commercial produce holders to provide verifiable proof of ownership through receipts or delivery documentation. Failure to comply results in prosecution for both unauthorized possessors and associated farmers.

    Agricultural stakeholders are being urged to implement complementary security measures including surveillance cameras, motion detection technology, and official transaction record-keeping through Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) receipt books. The program’s effectiveness hinges on strengthened collaboration between police and farming communities, with information sharing being paramount to disrupting sophisticated theft networks.

    This security enhancement emerges amid growing concerns that praedial larceny has evolved from opportunistic theft into coordinated criminal operations utilizing vehicles, lookouts, and organized distribution channels. Farmers report devastating losses pushing many toward operational collapse, compounding existing challenges including drought and pest infestations. Government officials including Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams have acknowledged the severe implications for national food security if agricultural theft remains unchecked.

    Preliminary assessments indicate promising results with reduced theft reports since implementation, though authorities emphasize the program remains under continuous evaluation for potential expansion island-wide pending demonstrated effectiveness.

  • Police foil plan to sell weed to pay for birthday surprise

    Police foil plan to sell weed to pay for birthday surprise

    A 31-year-old Mesopotamian man narrowly avoided incarceration after admitting to drug trafficking charges motivated by an unusual circumstance: funding his daughter’s fourth birthday celebration. Chinglee Dick appeared before the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown on Monday, where he pleaded guilty to dual charges of cannabis possession with intent to supply and drug trafficking.

    The case unfolded at Grenadines Wharf last Friday morning, where law enforcement officials were conducting randomized vehicle inspections. Dick, operating a white Nissan vehicle registered PE378, consented to a search of his automobile after being stopped by authorities. During the examination, officers discovered a green-and-white Coreas shopping bag containing three transparent plastic packages secured with brown tape within the trunk compartment.

    Subsequent analysis revealed the packages contained six separate bags of cannabis with a total weight of 2,119 grams (approximately 2.5 kilograms). When questioned by Chief Magistrate Colin John regarding his intentions, Dick disclosed he was transporting the controlled substance to Bequia, where he typically sells provisions and coconut water.

    In a heartfelt mitigation plea, the defendant explained his criminal actions stemmed from financial desperation to organize a surprise birthday party for his daughter, whose fourth birthday was scheduled for the following day. Dick additionally referenced another child born in December, emphasizing his familial responsibilities.

    Following the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court’s Sentencing Guidelines, Chief Magistrate John imposed an immediate fine of EC$890 rather than a custodial sentence. Dick complied with the financial penalty promptly and was released from court proceedings.

  • Abinader meets Dominican diaspora in Paris, proposes INDEX office

    Abinader meets Dominican diaspora in Paris, proposes INDEX office

    PARIS – Dominican President Luis Abinader convened a significant gathering with nearly 100 young Dominican expatriates in Paris, underscoring his administration’s dedication to enhancing diplomatic relations and support mechanisms for citizens residing in France. The meeting served as a platform for substantive dialogue on critical areas including educational advancement, artificial intelligence integration, cultural preservation, housing solutions, and political engagement.

    In a major policy announcement, President Abinader revealed that authorities would conduct feasibility studies for establishing both an office of the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (INDEX) and a Dominican cultural center in France. These initiatives aim to foster deeper community integration and provide structured support for the growing Dominican population in the country, which currently exceeds 8,000 individuals according to Ambassador David Puig.

    Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez detailed comprehensive reforms underway within the nation’s foreign service apparatus, designed to modernize diplomatic operations and improve consular services. The administration also highlighted existing support programs accessible to diaspora members, including the ‘Beca Tu Futuro’ educational scholarship initiative and various housing development projects in the Dominican Republic.

    President Abinader concluded the engagement by reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment to national development projects that improve quality of life both domestically and for overseas citizens, emphasizing the important role of the diaspora as ambassadors of Dominican culture and values.

  • Police Hunt Suspect Linked to Series of Home Invasions Targeting Women

    Police Hunt Suspect Linked to Series of Home Invasions Targeting Women

    A persistent pattern of residential break-ins targeting women across several Antiguan communities has left residents on edge as police investigations continue without a definitive breakthrough. The cases, spanning neighborhoods including Cashew Hill, Radio Range, and Bendals, share a disturbing modus operandi dating back to September 2023.

    According to law enforcement officials, the unidentified assailant typically gains entry through unsecured windows during pre-dawn hours. The incidents follow a concerning pattern of confrontation and violation of personal space. In the earliest documented case from September 2023, a masked perpetrator armed with a knife sexually assaulted a female occupant before escaping into the night.

    Subsequent reports describe similar encounters where victims awoke to find a figure clad entirely in black shining lights in their faces while demanding money and rifling through personal belongings. The consistent methodology across these incidents has led investigators to believe a single individual may be responsible for the series of home invasions.

    Despite police responding to each reported incident, the perpetrator remains at large more than twelve months after the initial attack. This extended timeline has generated significant concern among community members, particularly women living in the affected areas. Many residents are now calling for enhanced police patrols and improved security infrastructure in their neighborhoods.

    Law enforcement authorities have acknowledged the challenges in their investigation, noting that some potential victims have been reluctant to come forward publicly. Meanwhile, police are advising residents to maintain heightened vigilance, secure all possible entry points, and immediately report any suspicious activities as the search for the suspect continues.

  • Team SVG Robotics secures dominant victory in St. Kitts

    Team SVG Robotics secures dominant victory in St. Kitts

    In an extraordinary display of technological prowess, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has claimed a decisive victory at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge held in St. Kitts and Nevis from March 16-20. Team SVG Robotics, comprising talented students Rian Veira and Matthew Wilson from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College under the expert guidance of mentor Brodlon Daniel, achieved a historic win that has captured international attention.

    The competition, which focused on addressing critical environmental challenges of land and sea pollution, brought together eight national teams for an intensive three-day robotics challenge. Participants were required to design and program sophisticated robots capable of performing coastal cleanup operations, including collecting sargassum, recycling materials, and systematically sorting debris into specialized storage units.

    Team SVG’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in an unprecedented point differential that demonstrated their technical superiority. The final standings revealed their overwhelming dominance: St. Vincent and the Grenadines secured first place with 4,653 points, while second-place St. Maarten trailed significantly with 536 points, and Antigua claimed third with 436 points.

    This remarkable achievement represents more than just a competition victory; it signifies a breakthrough moment for Caribbean technological innovation. The team’s success story highlights the powerful combination of youthful talent, dedicated mentorship, and community support that can propel small nations to global recognition in STEM fields.

    Official statements have emphasized that this triumph establishes St. Vincent and the Grenadines as an emerging force in robotics and technological innovation, with the potential to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists throughout the Caribbean region and beyond.

  • Jogi vraagt president opheldering over dienstreis minister Currie naar Ghana

    Jogi vraagt president opheldering over dienstreis minister Currie naar Ghana

    PARAMARIBO – Opposition legislator Mahinder Jogi of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) has formally requested President Jennifer Simons to provide comprehensive clarification regarding Education, Science and Culture Minister Dirk Currie’s official delegation to Ghana. The parliamentary inquiry, filed under Article 86 of the National Assembly’s procedural regulations, seeks detailed accountability about the controversial diplomatic mission.

    Jogi’s official communication to the presidency highlights significant transparency concerns surrounding the ministerial trip. The lawmaker revealed that even Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk could not provide substantive details about the expedition’s objectives, despite the proposal having received formal approval within the Council of Ministers.

    The legislator characterized the situation as ‘incomprehensible,’ noting the paradoxical absence of clear justification for the diplomatic mission despite its endorsement at the highest governmental levels. Jogi’s inquiry specifically demands four critical pieces of information:

    1. The precise objectives and strategic purpose of the Ghana visit
    2. The exact duration of the ministerial delegation’s stay
    3. The complete composition and size of the traveling delegation
    4. A comprehensive breakdown of the expedition’s total expenditure

    This formal request represents an exercise of parliamentary oversight authority, underscoring the growing tension between legislative and executive branches. The intervention reflects mounting concerns about governmental transparency and fiscal responsibility in international engagements.

    The National Assembly confirmed receipt of the formal inquiry, which will be processed through appropriate parliamentary channels. This development occurs amid increasing scrutiny of ministerial travel expenditures and diplomatic effectiveness within Suriname’s political landscape.

  • Lovell Says UPP Convention Before Election Would Be “Very Foolish”

    Lovell Says UPP Convention Before Election Would Be “Very Foolish”

    In a decisive political move, former United Progressive Party (UPP) leader Harold Lovell has unequivocally dismissed calls for a party convention ahead of anticipated general elections, labeling such considerations “highly imprudent” and strategically unsound. During a recent appearance on Observer Radio’s ‘Connecting with Dave Lester Payne,’ Lovell articulated that the constitutionally mandated April convention becomes untenable given strong indications that national polls will be called before month’s end.

    The seasoned politician, now contesting the All Saints West constituency for UPP, reinforced his support for current Political Leader Jamale Pringle while explicitly rejecting notions of leadership challenges. “The Honourable Jamale Pringle serves as both opposition leader and party head,” Lovell stated. “Our collective responsibility is to unite and advance together.”

    This position effectively postpones anticipated leadership transitions, including the expected departure of UPP Chair Gisele Isaac who has been central to recent internal disputes. The party has witnessed several prominent exits since its 2024 convention, attributed to escalating internal tensions. Lovell characterized these divisions as “significantly magnified and exaggerated,” describing them as characteristic of opposition politics while contrasting UPP’s situation with the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party’s resource-backed conflict management.

    The ABLP has proactively scheduled its convention for April 12, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne positioning the event as crucial for achieving “election readiness” and expected to formally confirm candidates including Dr. Philmore Benjamin and Kendra Beazer.

    Lovell revealed personal sacrifices made for his political return, having abandoned a three-year University of Toronto contract to re-enter frontline politics following the 2023 general election. “These are the sacrifices commitment demands,” he acknowledged. “I am fully dedicated to achieving victory.”

    While constitutional provisions allow elections until March 2028, widespread expectations point to polls occurring within weeks after the Prime Minister’s indication of a potential 90-day election timeframe.

  • Horne presents credentials as SVG’s envoy in London

    Horne presents credentials as SVG’s envoy in London

    In a significant diplomatic transition, JM Brereton Horne has officially assumed his responsibilities as St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. The credential presentation ceremony occurred at London’s historic Lancaster House, where Commissioner Horne formally presented his credentials to Scott Furssedonn-Wood, who serves as Director of Protocol and Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps.

    This diplomatic appointment was initially disclosed on January 22nd by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, who simultaneously announced several other new diplomatic appointments within the nation’s foreign service framework. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs subsequently issued an official statement extending congratulations to His Excellency Horne, expressing confidence in his capacity to advance Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ foreign policy objectives and strengthen international partnerships.

    Commissioner Horne succeeds Cenio Lewis, who dedicated over two decades to representing Vincentian interests in the United Kingdom. This leadership transition marks a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two Commonwealth nations, with expectations that Horne’s tenure will further enhance diplomatic cooperation and mutual interests.