Carib Scope

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  • Over 20 La Ruta Maya Teams Paddle to Belcan

    Over 20 La Ruta Maya Teams Paddle to Belcan

    In an unprecedented display of unity, more than twenty canoe teams competing in the 2026 La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge transformed their competitive race into a coordinated protest against organizational changes to the historic event. On March 9, 2026, paddlers collectively rejected the newly established finish line, instead converging at the entrance of the channel leading to the traditional Belcan Bridge endpoint.

    The dramatic scene unfolded as exhausted athletes, having completed four days and 180 miles of rigorous paddling, deliberately paused their competition to form a unified flotilla. Rather than racing individually to the new finish line, they proceeded together in a solemn procession toward the Belcan Bridge—a site that has marked the conclusion of this decades-old tradition since its inception.

    This coordinated action came as direct opposition to race organizers’ decision to relocate the finish line, a move many participants decried as excessive commercialization of the beloved cultural event. The protest garnered immediate support from spectators both on-site and online, with crowds at Haulover Bridge erupting in cheers as the unified teams approached.

    Despite the protest, competitive results were still recorded based on previous leg completions, with team PACT on TRAK—featuring paddlers Amado Cruz, Enrique Cruz, and Cristian Lopez—claiming overall victory by sweeping all four legs of the challenge.

    The event was broadcast live by News 5 Belize, capturing emotional reactions from supporters who praised the athletes’ stand for tradition. One viewer commented during the live coverage: ‘Finally Belizeans stand together for something… really proud of you all,’ capturing the national significance of this demonstration.

    The protest arrival at Belcan Bridge marked a historic moment in the event’s history, demonstrating the deep cultural importance of sporting traditions and athletes’ willingness to prioritize principle over competition.

  • UPP Candidate Alex Browne Steps Up Campaign in St. Philip’s North Ahead of March 16 By-Election

    UPP Candidate Alex Browne Steps Up Campaign in St. Philip’s North Ahead of March 16 By-Election

    With the March 16 by-election rapidly approaching, United Progressive Party candidate Alex Browne has significantly amplified his campaign operations throughout the St. Philip’s North constituency. The opposition candidate has embarked on an intensive grassroots strategy involving direct community engagement, organized political gatherings, and public demonstrations of support.

    Browne’s campaign trail featured systematic door-to-door canvassing across key residential areas including Glanvilles, Seatons, and Willikies. The political mobilization reached its peak with a Thursday evening assembly at Glanvilles Playing Field, where supporters convened to strategize voter outreach initiatives. The week’s activities concluded with a prominent motorcade on Sunday, traversing from Sir Vivian Richards Stadium through various communities before culminating in Willikies.

    The UPP candidate has anchored his campaign platform on a comprehensive development strategy termed ‘blueprint for a stronger St. Philip’s North,’ addressing pressing social and community concerns. In conjunction with International Women’s Day observances, Browne emphasized his commitment to addressing gender-specific challenges, stating: ‘We celebrate the strength of the mothers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and community builders who hold St. Philip’s North together every day. We also confront the challenges women face in our community with a commitment to access, action, and progress.’

    Meanwhile, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party has deployed its own campaign machinery, with candidate Randy Baltimore conducting parallel outreach efforts across the constituency. The by-election, triggered by the seat’s vacancy, will determine parliamentary representation for St. Philip’s North, with both major parties intensifying their ground operations to secure voter allegiance in this eastern Antigua constituency.

  • Is Washington Forcing Caribbean Leaders to Shift on Cuba?

    Is Washington Forcing Caribbean Leaders to Shift on Cuba?

    A significant geopolitical shift is underway in the Caribbean region as United States diplomatic pressure appears to be altering longstanding relationships with Cuba. The transformation became evident when Guyanese President Irfaan Ali utilized a Fox News interview following the Shield of the Americas Summit in Florida to advocate for political changes within the communist-led island nation.

    President Ali explicitly stated that regional leaders concur the current situation cannot persist unchanged, emphasizing that any transitional process must prioritize democracy and freedom for Cuban citizens. This declaration positions Guyana among Caribbean nations adopting increasingly firm positions regarding Havana’s governance structure.

    The evolving dynamic occurs amid intensified Washington efforts to discourage international cooperation with Cuba’s controversial medical brigade programs. The Trump administration maintains its characterization of these initiatives as forms of forced labor while threatening visa sanctions against participating nations. These measures have already produced tangible consequences, with Jamaica terminating its decades-old medical collaboration agreement after failing to negotiate updated terms.

    Cuban officials have denounced what they perceive as regional intimidation tactics, specifically accusing the Trump administration of bullying tactics. Concurrently, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has faced domestic criticism after her government declined to support Cuba’s communist leadership during CARICOM’s recent 50th Heads of States assembly in February. This collective repositioning suggests a notable recalibration of Caribbean diplomatic alliances under sustained American influence.

  • ABSAR Pays Tribute to Longtime Volunteer Lee J. Sagert After His Passing

    ABSAR Pays Tribute to Longtime Volunteer Lee J. Sagert After His Passing

    The emergency response community of Antigua and Barbuda is grieving the tragic loss of dedicated volunteer Lee J. Sagert, who passed away following a sudden medical crisis during an active rescue operation. Sagert, whose decade-long service impacted countless lives, collapsed while answering an emergency call, marking a profound loss for the Caribbean nation’s search and rescue capabilities.

    As a multifaceted emergency specialist, Sagert exemplified extraordinary commitment through his roles as firefighter, paramedic, and rescue technician. His journey began over ten years ago when he first arrived on the island and immediately immersed himself in life-saving work. Jonathan Cornelius, Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) service, remembered Sagert as both mentor and friend whose passion for rescue work became his defining characteristic.

    ‘Lee died doing what he loved to do, what he devoted his life to doing,’ Cornelius stated in an emotional tribute, highlighting the cruel irony that a man who dedicated his existence to saving others ultimately succumbed during that very mission. Despite immediate medical intervention from fellow responders at the scene, Sagert failed to respond to treatment.

    Most recently operating from the Barbuda Ocean Club, Sagert handled the full spectrum of emergency responses—from fire incidents to medical crises and technical rescue operations. ABSAR’s official statement emphasized his invaluable contributions to national safety infrastructure, noting how his expertise strengthened emergency preparedness across both islands.

    The organization has extended heartfelt condolences to Sagert’s family and friends, acknowledging that his legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched and the emergency response systems he helped build. This incident has sparked reflections within the rescue community about the physical demands placed on volunteers and the emotional toll of constant emergency response work.

  • PRESS RELEASE: Manicel and Majorie Simon, a Haitian father and his Suriname-born daughter, are recognized by IICA as Leaders of Rurality of the Americas

    PRESS RELEASE: Manicel and Majorie Simon, a Haitian father and his Suriname-born daughter, are recognized by IICA as Leaders of Rurality of the Americas

    In a remarkable story of perseverance and community building, Manicel Simon and his daughter Majorie Simon have been distinguished as Leaders of Rurality by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Their four-decade journey from immigrant struggle to agricultural leadership represents a transformative narrative of integration and empowerment in Suriname.

    Arriving in Suriname in 1981 with nothing but determination, Manicel Simon worked various jobs for 17 years before acquiring his own land in 1998. Today, at 64, he cultivates plantains, sweet potatoes, cassava and squash across 36 hectares—a testament to what he describes as ‘freedom through land ownership.’

    His daughter Majorie, born in Suriname and representing the second generation of this agricultural community, has become instrumental in formalizing collective efforts. As secretary and spokesperson for the Haitian Farmers Cooperative Society of Suriname, she helped establish the organization in 2015 to address the historical isolation of Haitian farmers.

    The cooperative has revolutionized the community’s prospects by facilitating access to training, agricultural machinery, water pumps, fertilizers, and technical assistance through partnerships with IICA, FAO, and the Caribbean Development Bank. Most significantly, it has enabled Haitian farmers to secure land rights after decades of precarious tenancy arrangements where farmers could be evicted after clearing and cultivating plots.

    Beyond production improvements, the Simons have fostered a sense of community identity and rights awareness among dozens of Haitian farming families. Their work includes digital outreach through a Facebook page with over 10,000 followers that markets products and has attracted European clients.

    Current challenges include market limitations in Suriname’s small economy, where seasonal overproduction causes price collapses. The cooperative now focuses on developing export capabilities and food processing infrastructure to create value-added products like plantain chips, cassava flour, and preserved foods that would provide year-round income stability.

    The recognition includes the Soul of Rurality award, celebrating their contributions to food security and sustainability. Their story exemplifies how agricultural production serves as a driving force for immigrant integration and community development, even under adverse conditions, while maintaining cultural connections through weekly church gatherings that strengthen community bonds.

  • Former SVG PM, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, joins reparations fight

    Former SVG PM, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, joins reparations fight

    In a significant development for the Caribbean reparations movement, former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves has been appointed as Senior Advisor and Elder for The Repair Campaign. The announcement marks a strategic enhancement for the regional initiative seeking reparatory justice for historical injustices.

    Dr. Gonsalves brings unparalleled political experience to the role, having served as Prime Minister for an unprecedented 24 years from 2001 to 2025—the longest continuous tenure of any Caribbean leader. Throughout his distinguished political career, he has consistently advocated for addressing the enduring consequences of indigenous genocide, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonial exploitation.

    The former Prime Minister, affectionately known as ‘Comrade Ralph’ throughout the region, has established himself as a prominent voice for Caribbean reparatory justice. His 2015 publication, ‘The Case for Caribbean Reparatory Justice,’ stands as a foundational text in the movement, compiling speeches and essays that helped launch the International Decade for People of African Descent.

    In his new capacity, Dr. Gonsalves emphasized the compelling historical, moral, and legal foundations for reparations. ‘The Caribbean’s call is not for charity, but for justice and repair so that our people can enjoy the future they deserve,’ he stated, highlighting needs for adequate housing, healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and fair wages.

    Denis O’Brien, Founder of The Repair Campaign, welcomed the appointment, noting that Dr. Gonsalves’ extensive political experience and regional insights would prove invaluable during this pivotal moment in the reparations movement. The organization aims to maintain reparatory justice as a priority for political leaders in both Europe and the Caribbean while developing practical, evidence-based solutions.

    Dr. Gonsalves expressed his commitment to collaborating with the CARICOM Reparations Commission, regional governments, advocacy groups, and grassroots campaigners to advance the Caribbean’s call for meaningful reparations through sustained joint efforts at all levels.

  • Mount Pleasant clash with Galaxy to go ahead despite visa woes, says Concacaf

    Mount Pleasant clash with Galaxy to go ahead despite visa woes, says Concacaf

    A significant visa controversy has emerged just ahead of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 match between Jamaican club Mount Pleasant FA and MLS side LA Galaxy. The Caribbean team arrived in Los Angeles with a severely weakened squad after ten players, including seven Haitian nationals, were denied entry to the United States due to immigration restrictions.

    The situation stems from President Donald Trump’s immigration policies that include blanket bans on entry from 19 countries, Haiti among them. This development has sparked concerns about potential impacts on international sporting events, including the upcoming World Cup.

    CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, issued a statement indicating that Mount Pleasant FA had sufficient time to complete visa applications following December 2025’s official draw. The organization emphasized that participating clubs are responsible for submitting visa applications within required timeframes and may register up to 35 players according to competition regulations.

    Despite the roster challenges, CONCACAF confirmed the match would proceed as scheduled on Wednesday. Mount Pleasant coach Theodore Whitmore addressed the situation at a pre-match press conference, acknowledging the significance of having a complete squad while expressing confidence in his available players’ determination to overcome the adversity and focus on the competition.

    The incident highlights the complex intersection of international sports and immigration policy, raising questions about how geopolitical factors might affect future international tournaments and athlete participation.

  • Kingston Poetry Week promises blended experience for all poetry lovers

    Kingston Poetry Week promises blended experience for all poetry lovers

    Kingston prepares to transform into a vibrant poetry hub from March 15-21 as the inaugural Kingston Poetry Week launches with an ambitious program designed to appeal to diverse artistic tastes. Conceptualized by JAIKU founder Kacy Garvey, the festival emerged from her observation of fragmented poetry events occurring simultaneously throughout the city.

    Garvey identified a critical need to consolidate Kingston’s poetry scene after noticing multiple organizations hosting isolated events during World Poetry Day celebrations. “I just thought it was ridiculous because we’re all trying to get the same people in the same room,” she explained to Observer Online. Her solution—creating a unified promotional platform—previously demonstrated remarkable success, tripling participation for writing workshops through centralized marketing.

    This year’s comprehensive schedule showcases poetry’s multifaceted nature, ranging from technological innovation to traditional performances. The program includes a blockchain publishing symposium led by an IT specialist from the United Arab Emirates, contrasting with rootsy dub poetry nights and artsy gallery exhibitions. The week will feature cross-disciplinary collaborations with filmmakers, storytellers, jazz musicians, and visual artists, demonstrating poetry’s interdisciplinary potential.

    International contributors from Bermuda, New York, and Uganda will join Jamaican poets in events carefully curated around the theme “Poetry that Builds Bridges.” Each event has been designed to ensure every poetry enthusiast finds their preferred expression, from spiritual gatherings at Fellowship Tabernacle to unfiltered discussions on masculinity at the US Embassy’s Robeson American Centre.

    Garvey envisions the festival transforming public perception of poetry from academic obligation to dynamic art form and viable income source. “We want to take poetry off the page… and show it as a dynamic, exciting form of expression and income generation,” she emphasized. The festival culminates with a grand finale pop-up event in downtown Kingston’s artistic epicenter, Water Lane, symbolizing poetry’s return to public spaces.

  • Budget Debate: Regulations to be amended to ease process for life insurance companies to invest in corporate debt

    Budget Debate: Regulations to be amended to ease process for life insurance companies to invest in corporate debt

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has announced significant reforms to Regulation 47 of the Insurance Regulation, aiming to liberalize investment options for life insurance companies and stimulate growth in the corporate debt market.

    Finance and Public Service Minister Fayval Williams unveiled the policy shift during her opening address at the 2026/27 Budget Debate in Gordon House on Tuesday. The current regulatory framework imposes restrictive conditions that effectively limit insurers to investing exclusively in publicly-listed, rated, and collateralized securities.

    Minister Williams criticized the existing interpretation as overly prescriptive, noting that it forces insurers to meet multiple conditions simultaneously. This approach has inadvertently excluded numerous creditworthy domestic issuers from accessing insurance capital, thereby constraining investment returns and hindering the development of Jamaica’s corporate debt ecosystem.

    The revised regulation introduces a more flexible dual-criteria framework. Insurers will now be permitted to invest in corporate debt instruments if they meet either of two objective standards: the instruments must be secured by adequate collateral and bear fixed interest, or they must be issued, secured, or guaranteed by a solvent company deemed investment-grade by a recognized rating agency.

    Williams emphasized that these changes maintain essential investor protections while substantially expanding the universe of eligible investments. The reform is expected to create a robust new source of long-term local financing that can support corporate expansion, working capital needs, and project finance initiatives.

    Particularly beneficial for mid-sized companies and infrastructure projects that face limited access to long-term bank credit, the new framework offers an alternative funding channel with potential for longer maturities and more competitive pricing. The minister projected that the policy adjustment would foster a deeper, more dynamic domestic corporate debt market while preserving appropriate safeguards for institutional investors.

  • Harvey Weinstein says prison is ‘hell’

    Harvey Weinstein says prison is ‘hell’

    In a remarkable prison interview with The Hollywood Reporter, convicted sex offender and former Hollywood titan Harvey Weinstein portrayed his current existence as unbearable confinement while steadfastly denying all criminal allegations against him.

    The 73-year-old disgraced producer, currently incarcerated at New York’s Rikers Island facility, described his daily reality as profoundly isolated and dangerous. “It’s hell,” Weinstein stated, explaining that security concerns prevent him from interacting with other inmates. “It’s too dangerous for me to be around anyone else. Other inmates get to go to the yard. But every time I’m out there, I feel like I’m under siege.”

    Weinstein recounted a violent incident where another prisoner assaulted him while waiting to use a telephone. “He got off and punched me hard in the face. I fell on the floor, bleeding everywhere. I was hurt really badly.”

    The interview revealed a man grappling with his dramatic fall from being Hollywood’s most powerful producer—the force behind acclaimed films like “Shakespeare in Love” and “Pulp Fiction”—to a convicted felon serving multiple sentences. Despite his convictions in both New York and California courts for sexual assault and rape, resulting in decades of imprisonment, Weinstein persistently maintained his innocence.

    “I will be proven innocent. That I promise you,” he declared regarding an upcoming retrial on rape charges. Weinstein acknowledged inappropriate behavior but distinguished it from criminal conduct: “The thing I was doing wrong was not sexual assault. It was cheating on my wife. I was desperate to keep that secret from her.”

    The former mogul suggested some accusers had financial motivations, stating, “Maybe they saw an opportunity for a payout. But not all of them were as naive as they liked to pretend.” While admitting to creating intimidating power dynamics, he insisted this remained “a long way from sexual assault.”

    Weinstein, who uses a wheelchair and claims to suffer from bone cancer following heart surgery in prison, expressed profound fear about dying behind bars. “It scares the shit out of me,” he confessed. “I’m going to be 74 in March. I don’t want to die in here.”