Carib Scope

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  • Nawasa advances water supply solutions

    Nawasa advances water supply solutions

    A critical freshwater well on Grenada’s eastern coast has been temporarily taken out of service after rising salt levels from saltwater intrusion pushed its water outside of safe drinking water standards, prompting the National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa) to roll out emergency supply restrictions and launch a slate of urgent infrastructure upgrades to shore up water access for affected communities.

    Baillies Bacolet Well #2 (BB2), one of three groundwater abstraction wells first brought online in the early 1980s and positioned closest to the island’s eastern shoreline, normally contributes 110,000 gallons of treated water daily to local distribution networks. After routine quality monitoring detected heightened salinity during the 2026 dry season peak, the well was decommissioned temporarily, removing its full daily output from the regional supply and creating added strain on adjacent infrastructure.

    The shutdown has cut total daily supply for southern St David by 110,000 gallons, forcing Nawasa to implement nightly water shutdowns between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. to allow storage facilities to recharge. This measured rationing matches protocols the authority has used in past dry seasons when production drops. A wide swath of communities face direct disruptions, including Corinth, Westerhall, Fort Jeudy, Westerhall Point, Petite Bacaye, Red Gate and La Calome. The cuts extend further because the BB2 supply feeds the La Pastora Storage Tank, which also serves the Morne Delice System and Woburn distribution network, bringing supply interruptions to Calivigny, Egmont and Confer as well. To maintain balanced distribution across the entire connected network, Nawasa has also applied the same nightly supply restrictions to the Morne Delice storage tanks.

    Nawasa has publicly acknowledged that the rolling outages create significant hardship for local households and businesses, and says it is working to shorten the duration and reduce the frequency of disruptions wherever operational conditions allow.

    Moving beyond immediate emergency response, the authority has mapped out five targeted short-term infrastructure interventions designed to boost total water production, strengthen cross-network connections, and improve the flexibility and reliability of the affected regional supply systems. Key projects include a capacity upgrade for nearby Baillies Bacolet Well #3, which is expected to raise its daily output from 300,000 gallons to 450,000 gallons. The authority is also working to recommission the dormant Woodlands Well #3, which would add 110,000 gallons of daily production to the South St George supply system, matching the output lost from BB2. Additional steps include recommissioning the idle La Sagesse Well and advancing critical interconnection projects between the Woburn, Egmont and surrounding regional networks.

    The five projects are currently at different stages of planning and construction, with all targeted for completion between October and December 2026. While these urgent interventions will not eliminate the need for large-scale long-term investment in new production and storage capacity, they form the core of Nawasa’s immediate strategy to boost system resilience and reduce service disruptions for communities that face persistent vulnerability to dry-season water shortages. The authority has prioritized these projects specifically to deliver additional production and improve cross-network water movement ahead of the 2027 dry season.

    Nawasa says it will continue ongoing monitoring of production levels, storage tank volumes and water quality across all affected systems, and will adjust distribution schedules as conditions improve. The agency is urging customers in impacted communities to maintain emergency household water storage, practice responsible water use, and closely follow official Nawasa advisories for updates to supply schedules. Nawasa closed its statement thanking customers for their patience and cooperation as it works to strengthen long-term water security and improve supply reliability across south-east St George and southern St David.

  • News : Zapping…

    News : Zapping…

    ### Multiple Key Developments Unfold Across Haiti in Late August 2026
    A series of events spanning public security, diplomacy, healthcare, civic services and cultural celebration have marked the final week of August 2026 in Haiti, bringing together international appeals, institutional changes and community milestones.

    On August 30, just one day after the end of a busy week of local updates, Pope Leo XIV issued an urgent public appeal addressing the ongoing hostage crisis in Kenscoff. The pontiff called for the immediate release of all people being held captive, and extended his personal solidarity through prayer to the victims and their loved ones. In his statement, Pope Leo XIV also urged all actors with governing responsibility across Haiti to take tangible, urgent steps to protect civilian populations and root out all forms of violent activity that have destabilized local communities.

    In the security sector, a leadership change took effect in Kenscoff on August 28. Moments after being formally sworn in as the new Chief Commissioner leading the Kenscoff jurisdiction of Haiti’s National Police (PNH), Jean-Pierre Ketler Mauriceau launched an on-the-ground assessment tour accompanied by a team of elite SWAT officers. The group traveled to key strategic sites across the Viard 1 and Viard 2 neighborhoods, where they evaluated the current security environment and gathered first-hand input on the daily safety challenges facing local residents.

    In the diplomatic sphere, Haiti’s Jean Price-Mars Diplomatic Academy hosted a featured guest on August 28 as part of its recurring “Academy Fridays” public lecture series. The event welcomed Antoine Michon, the outgoing Ambassador of France to Haiti, who delivered a talk titled “France in Haiti: Shared Perspectives and Diplomatic Action”. Reflecting on his multiple tours of service in the country, Michon offered a broadly positive assessment of his tenure, noting that while France and Haiti carry a history of differing perspectives, the two nations share deep and enduring ties, particularly in the domain of cultural exchange.

    For Haiti’s healthcare sector, a major milestone came on August 28, when 103 newly trained doctors celebrated their graduation from the Episcopal University of Haiti (UNEPH). The graduating class, the 2018-2025 cohort named in honor of Farah-Armande Louis, held its commencement ceremony at Port-au-Prince’s Karibe Hotel. Attendees included senior UNEPH leadership, senior religious figures from Haiti’s Episcopal Church, and family members of the new graduates. This graduating group marks the fourth cohort of doctors to complete training through UNEPH’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, expanding the country’s pool of qualified medical professionals.

    In civic services, Haiti’s National Solid Waste Management Service (SNGRS), operating in partnership with local municipal governments and under the oversight of the Prime Minister’s office, issued a public reminder to residents outlining revised garbage collection schedules across four major municipalities. The schedule divides collection days as follows: Pétion-ville on Sundays and Thursdays; Port-au-Prince on Wednesdays and Sundays; Delmas on Mondays and Saturdays; and Tabarre on Wednesdays and Fridays. All collections are scheduled to run between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and SNGRS has asked all residents to only dispose of curbside waste during the approved time windows for their district to support effective municipal operations.

    Finally, in a note of cultural celebration, Haiti’s Ministry of Tourism extended formal holiday greetings to all residents of Jérémie—both those living in the city and those residing abroad—marking the annual celebration of Saint Louis Patron Saint’s Day. The ministry highlighted the unique cultural and natural heritage of Jérémie, the capital of Haiti’s Grand’Anse department, calling attention to landmarks including the iconic Saint-Louis Cathedral, the region’s distinct cultural and literary legacy, its renowned local cuisine, lush inland landscapes, the Grand’Anse River, and world-class coastal attractions such as Anse d’Azur. The message closed with warm wishes for a joyful holiday for all celebrating.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association Celebrates Zonique Charles’ Record-Breaking Season

    Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association Celebrates Zonique Charles’ Record-Breaking Season

    One of Antigua and Barbuda’s most promising rising track and field stars, Zonique Charles, has earned high praise and formal congratulations from the nation’s governing athletic body after capping off another extraordinary, record-shattering competitive season.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association released an official statement celebrating Charles’ latest string of achievements, highlighting the consistent growth and breakthrough performances that have defined her career to date. In the message, the association emphasized that Charles’ core personal traits — unwavering discipline, relentless determination, and an unquenchable drive to achieve excellence — have repeatedly propelled her to deliver standout results and reset national and regional benchmarks this season.

    “Year after year, you have proven that no perceived limit is final; there is always another boundary waiting to be pushed, another new height to reach,” the association’s statement read. Beyond honoring her on-track success, the governing body also commended Charles for serving as a proud, outstanding representative of Antigua and Barbuda across regional competitive circuits, helping boost the small island nation’s visibility and standing in Caribbean athletics.

    The association encouraged the young athlete to frame her latest record-breaking accomplishments not as a final destination, but as a stepping stone to even greater victories in upcoming competitions. “Every new record you set should act as both a testament to how far you have already advanced in your career, and a spark of motivation to push even further than you ever imagined,” the statement added.

    Over the past several years, Charles has steadily built her reputation as one of the Antigua and Barbuda’s most exciting emerging athletic talents, with her consistent strong performances raising the profile of the country’s track and field program across regional competitions. Looking ahead, the Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association said it eagerly anticipates supporting Charles as she chases new personal bests, more landmark milestones, and continued winning success in future competitive seasons.

  • IN PICTURES: Adult education craftsmanship on display at 2026 National Skills Exhibition

    IN PICTURES: Adult education craftsmanship on display at 2026 National Skills Exhibition

    On Friday, the Adult Education Division of Dominica opened the doors of its Kennedy Avenue headquarters to host its much-anticipated annual National Skills Exhibition, a one-day event that celebrates the tangible outcomes of the nation’s growing adult education programming.

    The exhibition brought together adult learners from every corner of Dominica, each traveling to the capital to share the technical proficiency and creative vision they developed through structured adult training courses. Unlike traditional academic showcases, this event centers on practical, marketable skills that directly support local livelihoods and small enterprise development. Displays spanned a diverse range of trades and creative crafts: from precision welding work demonstrating mastery of metalworking techniques, to hand-sewn textiles and apparel showcasing garment construction skills, to intricate floral arrangements that highlight creative design training. Every exhibit on the floor reflected hours of dedicated learning and hands-on practice, turning new skills into finished, functional or artistic products.

    As a signature annual event for the division, the exhibition serves a dual purpose: it gives adult learners a public platform to celebrate their progress, and it demonstrates the impact of Dominica’s investment in accessible continuing education for residents of all ages. For many participants, the event is also an opportunity to connect with potential customers, local employers, and other artisans, laying the groundwork for future economic opportunities rooted in their new skills.

  • Nevis delegation inspects rig prior to mobilization for geothermal drilling

    Nevis delegation inspects rig prior to mobilization for geothermal drilling

    In a key milestone for the Caribbean nation’s transition to renewable energy, a technical delegation from Nevis has completed a final technical inspection of the Tyr drilling rig, operated by Iceland Drilling, ahead of the equipment’s shipment to Nevis for a major geothermal energy development project. Dated 31 August 2026, the inspection mission marks a critical step forward for the 30-megawatt geothermal initiative that aims to transform the energy landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis.

    Led by the Nevis Island Administration and executed by Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC), the project secured international backing months ago when Iceland Drilling was awarded the turnkey contract for geothermal drilling services at the Hamilton site on Nevis. The contract covers the development of six geothermal wells, which will be drilled using the 272-tonne Drillmec HH-300 Tyr rig, the same unit inspected by the Nevis delegation in Iceland. Preparation for the drilling operation is already underway: Icelandic engineering firm COWI will lead civil works to ready the drilling pad, with on-site oversite provided by Iceland Drilling. Drilling operations are on schedule to launch in the second half of 2026.

    The inspection delegation was headed by newly appointed NEVLEC General Manager Nelson Stapleton, and included Project Coordinator Naftalie Erra plus a team of technical specialists from Scotia Drilling Consultants, a UK-based industry leader. During the visit, the NEVLEC team held in-depth working sessions with Icelandic drilling, engineering, and geothermal experts to familiarize themselves with the rig’s specifications, operational requirements, and logistics needs for deployment on the island.

    In comments following the inspection, Stapleton emphasized the dual goals of the pre-mobilization mission. “As we move closer to drilling, it is important that NEVLEC has direct oversight of the rig’s readiness and a clear understanding of what will be required once the equipment is mobilized to Nevis,” he said. He added that capacity building was a core priority: “Equally important is building the capacity of our team so that the knowledge and experience gained during this stage remains within NEVLEC and can support the project throughout drilling and the subsequent development of the geothermal resource.”

    Backed by the Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and key financial partners including the Caribbean Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and Green Climate Fund, the 30-MW project is designed to deliver clean baseload power to both St. Kitts and Nevis. The initiative follows the successful recent launch of commercial operations at a 10-MW geothermal plant in neighboring Dominica, a model that St. Kitts and Nevis aims to replicate to reduce its reliance on expensive, polluting imported fossil fuels. Beyond meeting domestic energy needs, government officials have confirmed that ongoing discussions are underway with neighboring Antigua and Barbuda to explore a potential cross-border power supply agreement that would extend the benefits of Nevis’ geothermal resource across the Eastern Caribbean.

  • Tragisch arbeidsongeval bij Irenevallen; man omgekomen

    Tragisch arbeidsongeval bij Irenevallen; man omgekomen

    A tragic workplace accident unfolded at the Irenevallen worksite on the morning of August 31st, claiming the life of an excavator operator. The incident occurred when a falling tree crashed onto the heavy construction vehicle, leaving the operator trapped in a life-threatening situation. Emergency services received the first report of the accident at approximately 9:28 a.m., which was then routed to the Bureau Bronsweg for response.

    Preliminary investigative details confirm that the operator was actively carrying out scheduled work with the excavator when the tree suddenly collapsed under its own weight or structural failure, striking the cab directly. The force of the impact inflicted severe, catastrophic damage to the machine’s enclosed operator cabin. First responders arrived at the scene quickly, but the injuries sustained by the worker were deemed unsurvivable, and he was pronounced dead at the site of the accident.

    Local authorities and competent safety agencies have been formally activated to launch a full investigation into the incident, to both handle the aftermath of the tragedy and identify the root causes of the fatality. As of the initial reporting, the identity of the deceased worker has not been released to the public, pending notification of next of kin. Investigators are currently working to piece together what specific factors contributed to the tree collapse and resulting accident, with a full report expected once evidence collection and analysis are completed.

  • Portsmouth woman charged in ongoing Jerbiah Paul investigation

    Portsmouth woman charged in ongoing Jerbiah Paul investigation

    A new defendant has been charged in the ongoing high-profile investigation into the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul in Dominica, bringing the total number of accused individuals to six, with multiple current and former law enforcement officers among those facing charges.

    Jolie-Ana Naomi James, a resident of Lagon in Portsmouth, faces two criminal counts: perverting the course of justice and illegal possession of ammunition, according to an official statement from Fixton Henderson, Acting Assistant Superintendent and Police Public Relations Officer. Henderson confirmed that James is scheduled to make her first court appearance on the day of the latest update.

    The investigation traces back to July 24, when Paul was first reported missing to authorities. Nearly three weeks later, on August 12, human remains believed to be Paul’s were discovered in the Capuchin area of Dominica, launching a full homicide probe that has rocked the local law enforcement community.

    So far, the case has led to charges against a range of individuals, including sitting and former police officers. Most recently, serving police officer Joshua Hamlet was formally charged with Paul’s murder, marking the second time a current member of the island’s police force has faced a murder charge in connection with the teen’s death. Before Hamlet’s arrest, 23-year-old former officer Jean-Luc Langlais was already taken into custody and charged with homicide.

    Two other defendants have already been remanded into custody following court hearings. Nyoka James, a 21-year-old resident of Marigot who is also charged in relation to Paul’s death, saw her bail application rejected by the court and was sent to Dominica State Prison to await trial. Sitting officer Rennick Stevens, a Portsmouth-based officer charged with perverting the course of justice over his alleged role in the case, is also being held at the same prison after being denied release ahead of trial.

    Local law enforcement has not released additional details about the alleged connection between each defendant and Paul’s death, nor have they shared a possible motive for the killing. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to build a full case ahead of the upcoming court proceedings.

  • USA : Immigrant Visa Processing Update

    USA : Immigrant Visa Processing Update

    In a landmark legal decision that upends a months-long immigration restriction, a U.S. federal judge has struck down a Trump administration policy that halted immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries—including crisis-stricken Haiti—based solely on their nationality. The ruling, issued by Judge Jeannette Vargas on August 21, 2026, has ended the suspension that had been in place since January 2026, clearing the way for eligible visa applicants from the affected nations to resume submitting applications and attend scheduled consular interviews.

    The challenged policy was rooted in the Trump administration’s framework targeting nationals it labeled as high risk for becoming dependent on U.S. public assistance. President Trump has repeatedly emphasized that incoming immigrants must be financially self-sufficient to avoid placing undue fiscal strain on U.S. government resources and American taxpayers. In response to the court’s ruling, the U.S. State Department has launched a full-scale review of all visa screening and vetting protocols, with the stated goal of updating procedures to prevent immigrant visa holders from improper access to welfare benefits while complying with the court’s order.

    The full list of affected countries includes Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

    Not all applicants from these nations were affected by the original suspension, and key exemptions remain in place following the court’s ruling. Dual citizens who hold a valid passport from a country not included on the 75-country list are fully exempt from the now-rescinded restriction. For children adopted by U.S. citizens, eligibility for exceptions—including national interest exceptions outlined in Presidential Proclamation 10998—still applies. Adoptive American families are instructed to follow standard adoption procedures: submitting visa applications and completing required consular interviews, with national interest exceptions reviewed on a case-by-case basis without additional steps from applicants.

    Importantly, the administration confirmed that no existing immigrant visas were revoked under the suspended policy. The U.S. State Department has advised individuals with questions about U.S. admission eligibility to contact the Department of Homeland Security for further guidance, as the review of screening policies continues to move forward in line with the court’s decision.

  • Senator Malaka Parker Mourns Death of Father Vincent Parker

    Senator Malaka Parker Mourns Death of Father Vincent Parker

    The Antiguan community is in mourning this week following the death of Vincent “VP” Parker, father of opposition Senator Malaka Parker and a celebrated local educator and community leader.

    In a heartfelt public tribute shared after her father’s passing, Senator Parker remembered the life and legacy of Vincent, highlighting the core traits that defined his decades of impact across the island. Describing him as a person of unwavering courage, steady discipline, enduring resilience and unshakable moral character, Senator Parker summed up his approach to life and service simply: “He lived with courage and served with conviction.”

    Long rooted in the tight-knit Gray’s Green neighborhood, Vincent Parker built a decades-long reputation as a respected educator whose influence stretched across the entire nation of Antigua. Generations of students benefited from his dedication to teaching, and his deep passion for the growth and well-being of the Gray’s Green community made him a beloved figure among neighbors and residents alike.

    Political leaders across jurisdictions have joined in extending sympathies to the Parker family. Michael Joseph, Member of Parliament for St. John’s Rural West, offered his official condolences on behalf of the entire constituency. Echoing the praise shared by Senator Parker, Joseph remembered Vincent Parker as a person of extraordinary determination, quiet strength and lasting resilience, calling him a “true stalwart of our community.”

    “May his memories live forever in the hearts and minds of those his life has touched,” Joseph added in his statement.

    Vincent Parker’s passing has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from across Antigua, with community members and leaders alike pausing to reflect on the decades of positive contributions he made as both an educator and a dedicated local public figure.

  • Dominica Nurses Association strengthens support for nursing profession

    Dominica Nurses Association strengthens support for nursing profession

    The nursing profession forms a critical backbone of any national healthcare system, and in Dominica, the nation’s leading professional body for nurses is doubling down on its promise to uplift the workforce that serves communities across the island. The Dominica Nurses Association (DNA) has recently reaffirmed its longstanding mission to champion the rights of local nurses and roll out targeted initiatives that lift up working conditions and professional opportunities for every member of the field.

    In a recent statement, DNA President Joanna Laurent-Blaize, a practicing registered nurse, outlined the organization’s current core priorities. According to Laurent-Blaize, the association’s central mandate remains amplifying the voices of nurses from every region of Dominica, ensuring their professional concerns are heard by decision-makers and their core interests are protected at every turn. Beyond advocacy, the group is actively building new programs tailored to foster sustained professional growth and holistic well-being for nurses at all career stages.

    Several key focus areas are guiding the association’s work in the coming period. Top among these is expanded access to structured professional training and skills development opportunities, paired with formal mentorship programs that pair early-career nurses with experienced leaders in the field. The DNA is also working to reinforce robust ethical standards across the profession and nurture the next generation of effective nursing leaders who can shape the future of healthcare in Dominica.

    Laurent-Blaize emphasized that the organization recognizes that nurses cannot deliver high-quality care without adequate preparation and support. Equipping the nursing workforce with up-to-date clinical skills, consistent professional guidance, and structured institutional support is foundational to helping nurses carry out their daily duties effectively and uphold the strict standards of care that patients deserve.

    Beyond professional development, the DNA is leading advocacy to secure far healthier and safer working environments for all nurses across Dominica’s healthcare facilities. A notable new priority for the group is expanding access to specialized mental health support, addressing the widespread burnout and psychological strain that many frontline healthcare workers face globally, and in the Caribbean specifically.

    For the DNA, all of these interconnected efforts serve a larger, patient-centered goal: strengthening the overall nursing workforce, improving the daily lives of healthcare professionals, and driving tangible improvements in the quality of care that Dominicans receive when accessing health services. Laurent-Blaize confirmed that the association will continue its unwavering work to guarantee that nurses receive consistent, meaningful representation and sustained support through every stage of their professional careers.