Carib Scope

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  • China appoints special representative on SCO affairs

    China appoints special representative on SCO affairs

    China has established a new diplomatic position dedicated to enhancing engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning. The appointment of seasoned diplomat Yan Jietai to this role signals Beijing’s commitment to deepening multilateral cooperation within the Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance.

    Mao emphasized that Ambassador Yan brings substantial diplomatic expertise and specialized knowledge of SCO mechanisms to the position. His appointment will facilitate closer coordination with counterparts across member states, including Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations.

    The newly created representative position will focus on implementing consensus agreements reached by SCO leadership, strengthening institutional frameworks, and advancing practical cooperation across multiple domains. These efforts align with China’s broader foreign policy objectives of promoting regional security initiatives and fostering economic development partnerships.

    Mao further elaborated that China’s enhanced engagement through this diplomatic channel aims to contribute significantly to stability throughout the SCO region. The initiative supports the organization’s foundational principles of mutual trust and shared prosperity while advancing the concept of a collective future for member nations. This strategic move occurs amid evolving geopolitical dynamics across Eurasia and demonstrates China’s proactive approach to multilateral diplomacy within important regional organizations.

  • TICA Scholarship announcement for Master’s Degrees

    TICA Scholarship announcement for Master’s Degrees

    In a significant bilateral educational initiative, the Kingdom of Thailand has extended an exclusive scholarship opportunity to Grenadian citizens through its International Cooperation Agency (TICA). This partnership with the Government of Grenada will enable qualified applicants to pursue master’s degree programs at Thailand’s premier academic institutions during the 2026/2027 academic year.

    The comprehensive scholarship package covers graduate studies across multiple disciplines, with detailed program information accessible through TICA’s official digital portal. Prospective candidates must adhere to a dual application process that requires both online submissions through TICA’s platform and physical documentation delivery to Grenada’s Ministry of Education.

    The Human Resource Development Division at Grenada’s Ministry of Education will serve as the primary coordination center for application processing. Interested parties must ensure complete submission of all required materials before the January 29, 2026 deadline. The Ministry has established dedicated communication channels, including telephone numbers (473) 440-2737 and 417-9762, along with email support at hrddedu@gmail.com for applicant assistance.

    This international educational partnership represents a growing trend in South-South cooperation and demonstrates Thailand’s expanding role as a hub for higher education in Southeast Asia. The scholarship program aims to strengthen diplomatic ties while providing Grenadian students with access to Thailand’s renowned academic resources and cultural environment.

  • OAS Scholarship 2026

    OAS Scholarship 2026

    The Organization of American States (OAS), through its Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI-DHDEE), has partnered with the Government of Grenada to announce comprehensive scholarship opportunities for the 2025 academic year. This initiative offers both undergraduate and graduate funding for Grenadian citizens pursuing higher education in OAS member states.

    Undergraduate scholarships are exclusively available for the final two years of bachelor’s degree programs, while graduate scholarships support master’s and doctoral studies. Awardees will receive comprehensive financial coverage including tuition fees (up to $10,000 annually), health insurance, monthly subsistence allowances, roundtrip airfare, and study materials. The scholarships are tenable at academic institutions across OAS member countries, with priority given to universities participating in the OAS Consortium.

    Eligibility criteria mandate that applicants must be Grenadian citizens in good health, possess language proficiency for their chosen study destination, and commit to returning to Grenada for at least 24 months after program completion. Notably, medical sciences and language learning programs are excluded from this scholarship opportunity.

    The application process requires submission of certified academic documents, recommendation letters, identification documents, and proof of admission or current enrollment. For undergraduate applicants, this includes associate degree transcripts or current progress reports, while graduate applicants must provide documentation of their highest completed degree.

    The selection timeline extends through September 2026, with completed applications due to Grenada’s Ministry of Education by March 2, 2026. Prospective applicants are directed to the OAS scholarship portal (oas.org/en/scholarships) for detailed information and application forms, with additional inquiries handled through the Ministry of Education’s Human Resource Development Division.

  • Saint Lucia listed among 75 nations facing US visa processing suspension

    Saint Lucia listed among 75 nations facing US visa processing suspension

    In a significant shift in immigration policy, the United States Department of State has enacted an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens from 75 countries worldwide. The sweeping measure, detailed in an official memorandum dated January 14, specifically targets nations whose citizens have historically utilized public welfare benefits at rates deemed unacceptable by U.S. authorities.

    The policy directive characterizes the suspension as a protective measure to prevent future immigrants from potentially becoming financial burdens on American society. According to the State Department’s announcement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the freeze will remain effective until the United States can establish sufficient safeguards to ensure new immigrants will not ‘extract wealth from the American people.’

    Multiple Caribbean nations feature prominently on the affected list, including Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. This development contradicts recent assurances from Saint Lucian leadership—Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre stated during his January 11 New Year’s address that no official communication regarding visa policy changes had been received by his government.

    The suspension falls under the broader ‘public charge’ doctrine, which allows U.S. authorities to deny entry to immigrants considered likely to depend primarily on government assistance. This policy expansion represents one of the most extensive visa restrictions implemented in recent years, affecting a substantial portion of global immigrant visa applicants.

  • Minister Baptiste puts nutrition at heart of government agenda

    Minister Baptiste puts nutrition at heart of government agenda

    In a significant move to reshape national health priorities, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Health and Wellness Moses Jn Baptiste has declared nutrition the central pillar of governmental policy. The minister’s directive emerged during a high-level strategic convening at Bay Gardens Hotel, where he instructed senior ministry officials, hospital executives, and regional partners to integrate nutritional considerations into all governmental operations.

    The ministerial gathering, designed to synchronize objectives for the 2026/2027 period, served as a platform for establishing cohesive understanding of the ministry’s mandate. Permanent Secretary Jenny Daniel characterized the meeting as providing crucial insights into the ministry’s accomplishments over the past quadrennium, current healthcare conditions in Saint Lucia, and policy formulations required for future strategic development.

    Minister Jn Baptiste emphasized the critical importance of interdepartmental collaboration, stating: “We intend to collaborate with all ministries and government departments to ensure nutritional excellence permeates every facet of our work.” The minister further elaborated on governmental objectives, revealing that campaign manifesto commitments would serve as the definitive blueprint for the health sector’s trajectory over the upcoming five-year period.

    Among the pressing challenges confronting the ministry remains the complex relocation of St Jude Hospital, identified as one of the most urgent logistical undertakings for the current administrative term. Minister Jn Baptiste expressed particular satisfaction with the substantive discussions that characterized the strategic session, indicating robust engagement from all participating stakeholders.

  • Dominica’s education ministry collaborates with IsraAID for first aid and CPR training of 47 local teachers

    Dominica’s education ministry collaborates with IsraAID for first aid and CPR training of 47 local teachers

    In a significant stride toward educational safety, the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence has concluded a comprehensive two-day First Aid and CPR certification program. Conducted in partnership with the international humanitarian organization IsraAID, this intensive training equipped 47 primary and secondary school teachers from across Dominica with critical emergency response capabilities.

    The curriculum delivered expert instruction in Basic First Aid techniques, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) protocols, and the proper utilization of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Participants who successfully completed the program will receive official certification through the St. John Association of Saint Lucia, ensuring adherence to internationally recognized first aid standards.

    Permanent Secretary Robert Guiste emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating: ‘This training directly enhances schools’ capacity to respond effectively to medical emergencies and accidents, aligning with our national priorities for building a safer, more resilient education system.’ He further revealed complementary measures including the procurement of first aid kits and fire extinguishers for all schools, alongside personal protective equipment for vocational teachers.

    The program represents just the initial phase of a broader safety campaign. Ministry officials announced plans to train an additional 50 educators by January 2026, with another 50-targeted during summer sessions. The recently concluded training, valued at over $8,000, was fully funded by IsraAID Dominica.

    Wynela Francis, Senior Programme Officer at IsraAID, highlighted the enduring value of the partnership: ‘First Aid and CPR training constitutes essential lifesaving knowledge. Increasing the number of trained staff directly contributes to enhanced school safety and emergency preparedness across Dominican communities.’

    Notably, the instruction was delivered by a newly established cadre of local trainers, many from the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services. These facilitators were previously certified through capacity-building programs jointly organized by IsraAID and the Office of Disaster Management in 2025. This train-the-trainer model demonstrates a sustainable approach to disaster readiness by developing local expertise and building long-term resilience within the island’s education infrastructure.

  • Bella Vista Man Charged With Christmas Day Murder

    Bella Vista Man Charged With Christmas Day Murder

    In a tragic escalation of community violence, Dixon Noel Caceres, a Belizean laborer residing in Bella Vista Village, now faces formal murder charges for the Christmas Day killing of 25-year-old Archibald ‘Fafa’ Ferrill Jr. The incident occurred during the early hours of December 25th, between 4:00 and 5:00 AM, as Ferrill was walking along an unidentified street. Preliminary investigations indicate this was a targeted assault, with the victim sustaining approximately ten gunshot wounds from an unidentified attacker.

    This homicide represents the latest episode in a disturbing sequence of violent crimes plaguing Bella Vista Village. The community witnessed multiple violent incidents throughout 2025, including an August stabbing triggered by a dispute over stolen tools, a September shooting within a family residence, and the November killing of a local barber inside his establishment.

    Confronted with this alarming pattern of violence, Belizean police authorities have deployed additional operational and intelligence resources to the region. Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of Economic Development and Toledo East Area Representative, provided analysis to News Five regarding the underlying causes. Minister Martinez attributed the rising crime rates to negative external influences originating from Central American nations, noting that numerous Bella Vista residents trace their ancestry to migrants from these regions.

  • Small business owners offered free training sessions

    Small business owners offered free training sessions

    The Ministry of Commerce’s Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) has announced an extensive virtual training initiative scheduled for January 12-23, 2026, designed to strengthen local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This comprehensive professional development program, operating under the MSME Loan Grant Facility, will deliver advanced instruction in business planning and operational enhancement through daily Zoom sessions.

    The training curriculum features two identical sessions each day to accommodate varying schedules, with morning classes running from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and repeated evening sessions from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participants can access all sessions through a consistent Zoom link, eliminating the need for multiple registrations.

    Seven specialized modules remain available for registration, each targeting critical business development areas:

    Advanced Business Planning (January 14)
    Enterprise Development and Innovation (January 15)
    Digital and E-Commerce Readiness (January 16)
    Business Continuity and Risk Management (January 20)
    Standards Implementation (January 21)
    Export Planning (January 22)
    Environmental Sustainability (January 23)

    Upon completing all modules within either the Advanced Business Planning or Operational Enhancement course tracks, participants will receive official certificates of achievement. The SBDC emphasizes that eligibility extends beyond loan grant applicants, welcoming all MSME owners seeking to enhance their business capabilities.

    Prospective attendees can register through dedicated links available on the Ministry of Commerce’s official Facebook platform, where additional program details and technical requirements are provided.

  • Belize Solidarity Group Condemns Attack on Venezuela’s President

    Belize Solidarity Group Condemns Attack on Venezuela’s President

    A diplomatic clarification has emerged following the circulation of an online statement attributed to the ‘Solidarity Group of Belize and Venezuela’ that condemned alleged actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan Embassy in Belize disseminated the declaration, which characterized recent developments as “an attack and capture” constituting “a flagrant violation of international law and fundamental human rights.” The group further described reported casualties as “crimes against humanity.” The statement highlighted decades of bilateral cooperation, specifically referencing the Petrocaribe energy initiative, Operación Milagro healthcare program, and various educational and housing projects that have benefited Belize. It notably referenced Prime Minister John Briceño’s 2022 visit to Caracas as evidence of continuing cooperation across trade, tourism, and energy sectors. However, Belize’s Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca, when contacted by News 5, stated he had not seen the statement and was unfamiliar with the group. In a separate interview on January 7th, Fonseca articulated Belize’s official stance, emphasizing concern over democratic principles in Venezuela. “We’re very concerned whenever there’s any erosion of fundamental principles,” Fonseca stated, adding that Belize is engaging international partners to support a peaceful, people-led resolution in Venezuela that respects constitutional order and self-determination.

  • US suspending visa process for 11 CARICOM countries, and 64 other nations

    US suspending visa process for 11 CARICOM countries, and 64 other nations

    Major social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Telegram, Reddit, and email services are confronting unprecedented scrutiny regarding their operational practices. These digital communication behemoths are at the center of intensifying debates concerning user privacy, data security, and content moderation policies.

    The landscape of digital interaction has been fundamentally transformed by these platforms, creating both unprecedented connectivity and novel challenges. Regulatory bodies worldwide are examining the immense influence these companies wield over public discourse and information dissemination. Recent developments suggest a potential paradigm shift in how these platforms will be governed and held accountable for content circulating through their networks.

    Privacy advocates and legislators are particularly concerned about the extensive data collection practices employed by these services and their capacity to monitor private communications. The encryption technologies used by messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have become focal points in discussions balancing privacy rights against national security concerns.

    Meanwhile, platforms specializing in visual content like Pinterest and professional networking through LinkedIn face their own unique regulatory challenges regarding algorithmic transparency and user data handling. The broader ecosystem of social media companies must navigate increasingly complex regulatory environments across multiple jurisdictions while maintaining user trust and engagement.