Carib Scope

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  • PM Briceño: “Belize Was Not Invited”

    PM Briceño: “Belize Was Not Invited”

    In a significant diplomatic development, Belize found itself excluded from the high-level Shield of the Americas Summit 2026, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida. The strategic gathering brought together a carefully selected group of twelve hemispheric leaders to address defense cooperation, governance frameworks, and countermeasures against China’s expanding influence throughout the region.

    Prime Minister John Briceño formally confirmed Belize’s absence from the invitation list, stating simply: “Belize was not invited.” This exclusion places Belize among several notable absentees including regional powers Brazil and Mexico, plus Colombia—historically a cornerstone of U.S. counter-narcotics operations in the hemisphere.

    A pre-summit statement from Marco Rubio of the U.S. Department of State outlined the summit’s objectives, emphasizing the assembly of “strongest like-minded allies” to advance regional freedom, security, and prosperity. The coalition agenda focuses on combating foreign interference, dismantling criminal cartels and narco-terrorist networks, and addressing challenges posed by illegal and mass immigration.

    Confirmed participants include leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago.

    Despite this diplomatic exclusion, Belize maintains active engagement in regional security initiatives. Defense Minister Florencio Marin recently represented the nation at the Americas Counter Cartel Conference 2026 held at the United States Southern Command headquarters. There, Belize joined sixteen other nations in signing a multilateral declaration to enhance border security measures and intensify the fight against transnational drug trafficking organizations.

  • North Side FC secures hard-fought victory in Wenham Sheppard Possie Cup (WSPC)

    North Side FC secures hard-fought victory in Wenham Sheppard Possie Cup (WSPC)

    In a dramatic display of resilience amid torrential conditions, North Side FC emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against Calibishie FC in Game #2 of the Wenham Sheppard Possie Cup (WSPC). The match, held at Benjamin Park Playing Field, was significantly influenced by relentless rainfall that transformed the pitch into a challenging, slippery surface.

    The opening breakthrough came unexpectedly when Calibishie FC conceded an own goal, a direct consequence of the treacherous playing conditions compromising defensive control. Demonstrating remarkable composure, Calibishie FC mounted a swift response. Their efforts were rewarded when Ezechiel Mestor expertly found the net, leveling the score and reigniting the contest.

    As the downpour continued, both squads engaged in a fierce battle for midfield supremacy. The deadlock was ultimately broken by North Side FC’s Jayden Thomas, who netted the decisive goal to reclaim the lead. Despite sustained pressure and several determined attacks from Calibishie FC in the closing stages, North Side’s defense remained impenetrable, securing the narrow victory.

    The WSPC tournament continues its schedule with an upcoming fixture on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Defending national champions Central Cooperative Credit Union Dublanc FC are set to face Calibishie FC at Benjamin Park in Portsmouth at 7:00 PM. Organizers are calling upon football enthusiasts throughout the North and North-East regions of Dominica to attend, promising continued high-energy matches and a vibrant community atmosphere.

  • Government Block Plant Planned in North Sound to Support Affordable Housing

    Government Block Plant Planned in North Sound to Support Affordable Housing

    Antigua and Barbuda is poised to transform its construction landscape with a government-operated concrete block manufacturing facility currently in development within the North Sound region. This strategic infrastructure project, now approaching operational status, promises to substantially reduce building expenses while accelerating the nation’s affordable housing initiatives.

    Rawdon Turner, Chairman of the National Housing Development and Urban Renewal Company, recently led officials through a comprehensive site evaluation as the facility nears completion. During the inspection, Turner confirmed the plant would primarily serve subsidized housing projects, including those under the Home Assistance Programme for the Indigent (HAPI), while also supplying reasonably priced materials to the general public.

    ‘Our site assessment today focused on the specialized equipment that we anticipate bringing online within the next two months,’ Turner stated. The project has entered its final phase, with machinery testing and calibration scheduled for the coming weeks prior to full-scale production commencement.

    The chairman emphasized the critical timing of this development, noting that unprecedented construction activity throughout Antigua and Barbuda has created significant shortages in building material availability. ‘This facility represents a transformative solution—construction demand has reached historic levels, and concrete block accessibility has become particularly challenging,’ Turner explained.

    With government control over essential quarry materials required for production, officials project substantial cost reductions for public housing developments. Turner estimates potential savings of at least 35 percent on concrete blocks, generating considerable financial benefits for the National Housing programme.

    Beyond material cost reduction, the facility is expected to stimulate employment through technical positions and equipment operation roles. Turner indicated approximately 20-25 new jobs would be created, encompassing technicians, yard personnel, and heavy machinery operators including forklift and wheel loader specialists.

    International technicians are scheduled to arrive for local staff training and machinery commissioning. If current timelines proceed without interruption, the North Sound plant could become fully operational within 8-12 weeks, positioning itself as a cornerstone infrastructure project in the nation’s affordable housing expansion strategy.

  • Trump lanceert militaire coalitie tegen drugskartels met Latijns-Amerikaanse leiders

    Trump lanceert militaire coalitie tegen drugskartels met Latijns-Amerikaanse leiders

    In a significant strategic move following recent military operations in Iran, former U.S. President Donald Trump convened leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean in Miami, Florida, to formally establish a multinational military coalition targeting drug trafficking organizations. The Saturday summit, dubbed “Shield of the Americas,” represents a cornerstone of Trump’s broader regional security initiative aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating throughout the Western Hemisphere.

    The gathering brought together at least twelve heads of state, including Argentine President Javier Milei, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Chilean President-elect José Antonio Kast, Honduran President Nasry Asfura, and Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa. During the proceedings, Trump characterized drug cartels as “savage animals” and signed an official proclamation launching the coalition framework. The former president appointed recently resigned Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as special envoy to the initiative, despite congressional criticism surrounding her prior tenure.

    Analysts view the coalition as serving dual purposes: demonstrating domestic strength amid Middle East instability affecting energy prices, and countering China’s expanding influence across Latin America. The development comes ahead of Trump’s planned March meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

    Participants predominantly share Trump’s right-leaning approach to security and migration, favoring aggressive law enforcement tactics over social reforms and promoting private enterprise rather than state intervention. This alignment reflects a broader conservative shift in several Latin American nations as the region navigates competing influences from Washington and Beijing.

    China’s growing economic footprint in the region has raised concerns in U.S. policy circles. bilateral trade reached a record $518 billion in 2024, while Beijing provided over $120 billion in loans supporting infrastructure projects from Argentine satellite stations to Peruvian ports. In response, the U.S. has pressured regional governments to restrict Chinese involvement in critical infrastructure, recently supporting Panamanian actions against a Hong Kong-based company operating in the vital Panama Canal waterway.

    Additional measures include the January capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and strengthened sanctions against Cuba, signaling a determined U.S. effort to diminish Chinese regional influence and end what officials characterize as an era of cheap oil in exchange for debt financing.

  • CHAPA Housing Programme to Include Parks, Green Spaces and Vending Areas

    CHAPA Housing Programme to Include Parks, Green Spaces and Vending Areas

    The Antiguan government has unveiled a comprehensive community development strategy through its Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA) land exchange program, mandating that 10-15% of all developed residential land be dedicated to public amenities. This progressive urban planning approach specifically allocates space for parks, green zones, and designated vending areas to enhance quality of life in new housing developments.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, confirmed the inclusion of these provisions in the program presented to Cabinet, emphasizing the commitment to creating recreational and shared spaces within residential communities. The initiative incorporates a land swap mechanism that enables CHAPA to acquire private properties through voluntary exchanges, subsequently transforming them into affordable housing units and serviced residential lots for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.

    Beyond addressing housing constraints, the program’s community infrastructure component aims to foster more livable neighborhoods while simultaneously supporting local economic activity through formalized vending zones. Cabinet has approved the program alongside an initial $500,000 funding allocation for implementation.

    The rollout will occur in phases, beginning with a pilot program targeting approximately 25 land parcels across selected constituencies for redevelopment. This phased approach allows for careful assessment and adjustment before expanding the program nationwide. Government officials emphasize that the initiative represents a holistic approach to urban development that balances housing needs with community wellbeing and economic opportunities.

  • Breast milk is the best food for babies, but at what cost? From the point of view of a lactation specialist.

    Breast milk is the best food for babies, but at what cost? From the point of view of a lactation specialist.

    A critical examination of breastfeeding support systems reveals profound systemic failures that undermine maternal and infant health outcomes. Despite widespread promotion of ‘breast is best’ messaging, new mothers face substantial obstacles from the immediate postpartum period through their return to work.

    The challenges begin at birth, where inadequate professional support often leaves mothers struggling with fundamental issues like latching difficulties and feeding pain. Healthcare providers frequently offer dismissive platitudes rather than substantive assistance, with comments like ‘the pain is normal’ or ‘the latch looks fine’ replacing proper clinical assessments. This institutional failure stems from insufficient lactation education among medical professionals and the perpetuation of outdated practices.

    While initiatives like the Baby Friendly Hospital Training represent progress, they provide only basic support and fail to address complex breastfeeding cases. True breastfeeding success requires comprehensive, evidence-based approaches that consider the full spectrum of maternal concerns rather than superficial visual assessments of latch quality.

    The structural barriers extend beyond clinical settings. Insufficient maternity leave policies—often limited to 6-12 weeks—and workplace inflexibility regarding pumping schedules create insurmountable obstacles for continuing breastfeeding. Many mothers consequently feel compelled to transition to formula feeding not by choice, but due to systemic neglect.

    Addressing this crisis requires multifaceted solutions: implementing evidence-based lactation protocols, ensuring ongoing professional education, establishing breastfeeding-friendly workplace policies, and extending paid maternity leave. As emphasized by the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week theme, strengthening what works means committing to genuine support systems that prioritize maternal-child health through concrete actions rather than empty slogans.

    Transforming breastfeeding outcomes demands collaboration across healthcare systems, policymakers, employers, and lactation specialists to create environments where mothers receive the substantive support they need to succeed.

  • Cabinet Commends Under-20 Benna Boys After CONCACAF Qualification

    Cabinet Commends Under-20 Benna Boys After CONCACAF Qualification

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally recognized the outstanding achievement of its national Under-20 football team, known as the Benna Boys, following their successful qualification for the prestigious CONCACAF Under-20 Championship. The team secured their position in the regional tournament through a nail-biting 1-0 triumph against the Dominican Republic during the critical qualifying stage.

    According to Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, who addressed the media during a Cabinet briefing, the decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute of play. Defender Brandon Satchell scored a dramatic header, propelling his team to victory at the final moments of the match. This result positioned Antigua and Barbuda at the summit of Group C in the regional qualifiers, earning them a coveted spot to compete against the finest youth teams in the CONCACAF region.

    The Cabinet expressed high praise for the entire football ecosystem, commending the players’ exceptional dedication, the strategic guidance of the coaching staff, and the organizational efforts of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association. Officials highlighted that this accomplishment is a direct reflection of the nation’s increasing investment in structured youth sports development programs. Merchant further noted that a significant number of players on the U-20 squad are products of government-supported athletic initiatives, demonstrating the positive return on public investment in sports infrastructure.

    The CONCACAF Under-20 Championship is widely regarded as an essential springboard for emerging football talent across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The tournament provides a critical platform for young athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage, often serving as a pathway to professional contracts and senior national team call-ups.

  • Mother of six mourns last son’s controversial killing, allegedly by police

    Mother of six mourns last son’s controversial killing, allegedly by police

    SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Jamaica — A Westmoreland family is confronting profound grief and raising serious questions about police conduct following the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anthony Ferguson, marking the second son Janice Pillner has lost to violence.

    The incident occurred Saturday night along East Street in Savanna-la-Mar, where Ferguson and another man known locally as ‘Shootie’ died during an encounter with law enforcement. While official police reports remain unavailable, family members present a dramatically different account from circulating narratives.

    Pillner, a mother of six, vehemently disputes characterizations of her son as a criminal. ‘He was a young youth just ready to blossom,’ she stated emotionally, emphasizing he had no criminal convictions and left no children behind. ‘They never charged him with anything—why would they take his life?’

    The family’s account suggests problematic police interactions predated the fatal incident. Ferguson’s sister, Vanessa Ferguson, revealed her brother had been repeatedly detained regarding the murder of local jerk chicken vendor Errol ‘Jerky’ McDonald but was never formally charged. ‘If they believed he killed Jerky, why wasn’t he incarcerated after all those arrests?’ she questioned.

    Compounding the tragedy, Ferguson reportedly witnessed his older brother’s murder years earlier and had subsequently received threats related to that case. The family alleges an eyewitness—a nurse from Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital—overheard dialogue between the men and police preceding the fatal shots.

    Vanessa Ferguson described her brother’s final hours: he had babysat her son earlier that day and made his customary check-in call before the altercation. Family members heard explosions miles away and contacted Ferguson, who initially assured them he was safe and returning home before more gunfire erupted.

    The other victim’s family declined to speak with media, while Jamaica Constabulary Force has not responded to requests for comment. The incident has ignited fresh concerns about police accountability and use of force in Westmoreland parishes, where tensions between communities and law enforcement remain high.

  • Rihanna’s home hit by gunfire, woman arrested

    Rihanna’s home hit by gunfire, woman arrested

    Law enforcement authorities in Los Angeles have apprehended a female suspect following a shooting incident targeting the Beverly Hills estate of international music icon Rihanna. The alarming event unfolded on Sunday afternoon when the Los Angeles Police Department responded to emergency calls reporting gunshots in the exclusive neighborhood.

    Police confirmation indicates the incident occurred approximately at 1:15 PM local time, with the perpetrator discharging firearm rounds toward the Barbadian superstar’s fortified residence. According to official statements, Rihanna was present within the property during the attack, though fortunately unharmed.

    The swift police response led to the immediate identification and detention of the suspect near the celebrity’s mansion. Preliminary investigations reveal the individual acted alone, though motives remain undisclosed as authorities continue their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the violent episode.

    Forensic teams have documented ballistic evidence at the scene, confirming multiple projectiles struck the perimeter of the luxury compound. The LAPD’s celebrity protection unit has initiated heightened security protocols while reviewing the breach of safety measures in the upscale community.

    This security scare marks the latest in a series of concerning incidents involving high-profile entertainers’ residences, raising renewed questions about protection measures for public figures in their private dwellings.

  • G2K chides Golding for ‘silence’ on Silvera conviction, calls for PNP president to expel former MP

    G2K chides Golding for ‘silence’ on Silvera conviction, calls for PNP president to expel former MP

    Jamaica’s political landscape is witnessing intensified scrutiny as Generation 2000 (G2K), the young professional affiliate group of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party, has launched pointed criticism against Opposition Leader Mark Golding. The controversy centers on Golding’s perceived silence regarding the conviction and sentencing of Jolyan Silvera, a former People’s National Party (PNP) representative, for the fatal shooting of his wife Melissa Silvera.

    In a strongly-worded Sunday news release, G2K characterized Golding’s approach as “disappointing, inconsistent, and unacceptable” in its handling of the high-profile domestic violence case. The organization highlighted what it views as a troubling pattern of selective condemnation, noting that Golding had previously recorded a video condemning alleged domestic abuse in a case involving unproven allegations without fatality.

    The critique specifically referenced Silvera’s close political association with Golding, including photographs showing Silvera providing personal assistance to the opposition leader during political activities. G2K suggested that Golding’s response appears governed by political convenience rather than consistent principles regarding domestic violence.

    The young professionals group issued multiple demands, including calling for Golding to publicly welcome the court’s decision, declare Silvera persona non grata within the PNP should parole be granted, and apologize for initial social media posts that falsely characterized Melissa Silvera’s death as having resulted from natural causes during sleep.

    Silvera received a composite prison sentence of just under 21 years for the November 2023 killing, with 20 years for manslaughter and an additional 20 years and 10 months for firearm-related manslaughter charges. The concurrent sentencing arrangement mandates that he serve at least 13 years before becoming eligible for parole.

    G2K concluded its statement by extending condolences to Melissa Silvera’s family and friends while acknowledging their expressed disappointment regarding the parole provisions in the sentencing arrangement.