Carib Scope

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  • Dominicanos en Antigua conmemoran 182 años de Independencia con gran celebración cultural

    Dominicanos en Antigua conmemoran 182 años de Independencia con gran celebración cultural

    The Movement for Innovative Development of Dominicans in Antigua (MODEINDA) successfully orchestrated the 182nd anniversary celebration of Dominican Republic’s independence in St. John’s, Antigua, marking two decades of cultural preservation efforts since 2003. Under the leadership of President Manuel Melenciano Herrera, the organization brought together diverse community elements to create a vibrant celebration of Dominican heritage.

    The extensive preparations involved months of coordinated effort, with rehearsals commencing January 6th and continuing weekdays for two months. The event featured multiple performance groups including traditional provincial representations by children aged 4-10, Batton Ballet for teens (11-18), Taínos group of mixed ages, children’s merengue dance, Alibaba group, and the Mangulina Group’s choreography.

    Financial and logistical support formed the backbone of the celebration, with Melenciano contributing significantly as primary sponsor. His investments included costumes for seventy participants, refreshments and transportation during rehearsal months, accommodation and meals for nine artists, six airline tickets from Dominican Republic to Antigua, $11,000 for artistic groups, and $6,500 EC for stage complex, lighting, and live band setup.

    The event enjoyed substantial institutional support, with Honorable Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Tourism Minister Henry Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez providing artist accommodations. Acting Chief of Agricultural Extension Ika Fergus supplied the ceremony venue, while Ambassador Lionel Max Hurst facilitated visa exemption approvals. Police commissioners ensured parade security from Yasco to Agricultural Extension Division with escort services.

    Dominican Republic’s diplomatic representatives, including Ambassador Yolanda Alexandra Victoria Álvarez and Consul General Julio César Mateo Báez, provided both financial contributions and organizational support. Additional sponsors included Carolina Mejía ($3,000 EC), Lola Disco (half of return tickets for artists), Luz Melenciano ($650 EC), Yocasta Salon ($200 EC), Juan Trucking Services ($1,500 EC), and Joe Mike’s Restaurant and Casino ($1,700 EC plus stage equipment). Sky High Airline contributed three one-way tickets from Dominican Republic.

    Local businesses demonstrated community solidarity through promotional t-shirt sponsorships: Media Luna Construction (100 shirts), Media Luna Radio Station (100 shirts), Media Luna Apartments (100 shirts), Health First Pharmacy (75 shirts), Fernando Taxi (50 shirts), and Banca La Perla (24 shirts), all distributed freely to the community.

    The celebration notably featured collaborative elements, with MODEINDA inviting Alex Martínez’s group to present their artist during the festivities, demonstrating inter-group cooperation within the cultural community.

  • Temporary barriers for Georgetown Hospital windows- Health Minister

    Temporary barriers for Georgetown Hospital windows- Health Minister

    The Georgetown Public Hospital in Guyana is urgently installing temporary protective barriers on all windows following two separate incidents where patients leaped to their deaths through hospital windows. Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony confirmed the immediate safety measures are being implemented as an interim solution while more permanent structural modifications are developed.

    The tragic incidents, which occurred within weeks of each other, have prompted a comprehensive review of patient safety protocols at the healthcare facility. Minister Anthony disclosed that both suicides happened during brief lapses in supervision, despite the patients being on suicide watch protocols.

    Speaking at the Eccles Health Centre in East Bank Demerara, the Health Minister emphasized that the temporary barriers represent just one component of a broader safety enhancement initiative. ‘I have given specific instructions to the hospital to put temporary barriers on all windows,’ Anthony stated, acknowledging that while a long-term solution involving window replacement is underway, immediate action was necessary to mitigate risk.

    The hospital administration had previously begun modifying windows after the first incident, but these efforts remained incomplete when the second tragedy occurred. Compounding the safety challenges, ongoing repairs to the psychiatric ward have necessitated relocating some patients to other hospital areas, requiring additional protective measures throughout the facility.

    The Ministry of Health is implementing these emergency modifications while maintaining compliance with fire safety regulations. Minister Anthony expressed profound regret over the losses while emphasizing the government’s commitment to preventing future incidents through enhanced structural safeguards and improved supervision protocols.

  • Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London Holds Talks Ahead of CHOGM 2026

    Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London Holds Talks Ahead of CHOGM 2026

    In a strategic diplomatic maneuver, the High Commission of Antigua and Barbuda in the United Kingdom has concluded a series of high-level consultations with Commonwealth counterparts. The discussions, characterized as highly productive, involved His Excellency Mosuoe Letuma, High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and His Excellency Pengiran Norazmi bin Haji Muhammed, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam.

    These diplomatic exchanges form a critical component of the extensive preparatory framework for the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Antigua and Barbuda is poised to host in November 2026. The bilateral dialogues primarily centered on logistical coordination, agenda setting, and mutual objectives for the landmark summit.

    Antigua and Barbuda officials expressed profound enthusiasm about their pioneering role as the first Eastern Caribbean nation to ever host this prestigious gathering. The event is anticipated to draw a formidable assembly of heads of state, government leaders, and senior ministerial delegates from across the 56-member Commonwealth bloc, representing approximately 2.5 billion global citizens.

    The 2026 summit marks a significant milestone in the nation’s diplomatic history, potentially enhancing its international stature and creating substantial economic opportunities through tourism and global exposure. This preparatory phase underscores the country’s commitment to fostering multilateral cooperation and strengthening intra-Commonwealth relations ahead of the critical global assembly.

  • Geneva George becomes first woman to earn prestigious credentials as International Airport Professional

    Geneva George becomes first woman to earn prestigious credentials as International Airport Professional

    The global aviation industry has witnessed a groundbreaking achievement with Geneva George becoming the inaugural female recipient of the esteemed International Airport Professional (IAP) designation. This certification, governed by the Airports Council International (ACI) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), represents the highest standard of excellence in airport management worldwide.

    Ms. George’s accomplishment shatters longstanding gender barriers in aviation leadership, demonstrating exceptional expertise across all critical airport operational domains. The rigorous IAP certification process evaluates competencies in airport safety protocols, strategic terminal management, airside operations, commercial development, and regulatory compliance within international frameworks.

    This milestone occurs amid industry-wide initiatives to promote gender diversity in aviation leadership roles where women remain significantly underrepresented. Aviation authorities globally have praised this achievement as both a personal triumph for Ms. George and a symbolic victory for gender parity in transportation infrastructure management.

    The certification equips professionals with advanced skills to address contemporary aviation challenges including sustainable airport development, digital transformation, and crisis management. Industry analysts note that diverse leadership perspectives become increasingly valuable as airports evolve into complex, multi-functional transportation hubs requiring innovative management approaches.

  • WMO Hurricane Committee retires name of Melissa, replaces it with Molly

    WMO Hurricane Committee retires name of Melissa, replaces it with Molly

    In a significant move reflecting the catastrophic impact of recent extreme weather, the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Hurricane Committee has officially retired the name ‘Melissa’ from its cyclical list of Atlantic tropical cyclone names. This decisive action, taken during the committee’s annual meeting, comes in direct response to the immense devastation and tragic loss of life caused by the hurricane during its October 2025 rampage across the Caribbean basin.

    The meteorological phenomenon, designated Hurricane Melissa at its peak intensity, achieved the most severe classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale as a Category 5 storm. It generated sustained wind velocities approaching an astonishing 300 kilometers per hour, constituting a direct threat to human life. The hurricane’s fury manifested through multiple destructive mechanisms, including a catastrophic storm surge and profoundly damaging winds that ravaged the coastlines and interiors of Jamaica and Cuba. Furthermore, the system unleashed torrential rainfall, triggering severe and widespread flooding across the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba.

    The human toll was profound, with preliminary reports attributing over 90 fatalities to the storm across several island nations. The event etched its name in the historical records as the most potent hurricane ever documented to make landfall on Jamaica. In terms of sheer wind force, Hurricane Melissa achieved a fearsome meteorological distinction, tying the record sustained wind speeds of two other legendary storms: Hurricane Dorian, which struck the Bahamas in 2019, and the historic 1935 Labor Day Hurricane that impacted the United States.

    Following established protocol for names associated with particularly deadly or costly storms, the committee has selected ‘Molly’ as the permanent replacement name. This ensures the name ‘Melissa’ will never be used again for a future Atlantic hurricane, serving as a permanent marker of the event’s severity and a tool for historical and scientific reference.

  • Department of the Blue Economy Represented at 13th World Ocean Summit & Expo in Montreal

    Department of the Blue Economy Represented at 13th World Ocean Summit & Expo in Montreal

    Montreal, Canada – The 13th World Ocean Summit & Expo, convened by Economist Impact on March 4-5, 2026, served as a critical platform for global ocean dialogue, with Antigua and Barbuda ensuring the perspectives of small island nations were prominently heard. The high-level assembly gathered world leaders, policy architects, scientific experts, investors, and private sector delegates to forge actionable strategies for sustainable ocean governance and blue economy expansion.

    Representing the Antiguan and Barbudan government, Ms. Marver Woodley, Senior Operations and Policy Manager from the Department of the Blue Economy, delivered the nation’s strategic contributions. Her involvement was pivotal in integrating the unique challenges and priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) into central debates on marine ecosystem preservation, innovative ocean finance mechanisms, climate adaptation frameworks, and global biodiversity conservation efforts.

    This premier international forum is widely recognized for catalyzing meaningful progress in marine policy and ecological stewardship. The participation of SIDS representatives like Woodley underscores a growing recognition that effective ocean solutions must incorporate the vulnerabilities and insights of nations most directly impacted by oceanic changes and climate phenomena.

  • Mill Reef Fund Donates $19,500 to Adopt-A-Family Soup Kitchen

    Mill Reef Fund Donates $19,500 to Adopt-A-Family Soup Kitchen

    In a significant philanthropic move, the Mill Reef Fund has contributed $19,500 to bolster the operational capacity of the Adopt-A-Family soup kitchen. This substantial financial injection will directly enhance ongoing initiatives to provide nutritious meals for economically disadvantaged individuals and families within the community.

    The ceremonial presentation of the donation was conducted by Helene van Beuren, Melanie Letby, and Fuller Cowles, who represented the Mill Reef Fund during the official handover event. The contribution arrives during a period of sustained high demand for food assistance services, underscoring its critical importance to the organization’s sustainability.

    According to statements from Adopt-A-Family management, these funds will be allocated exclusively toward their core mission of preparing and distributing hot meals to those facing food insecurity. The organization emphasized that such partnerships with community stakeholders are instrumental in maintaining uninterrupted daily meal services and keeping their facilities operational.

    Organization leaders expressed profound appreciation for the Mill Reef Fund’s generosity, characterizing the donation as a transformative contribution that will generate tangible positive impact. They noted that this support enables them to address growing needs more effectively while continuing to serve as a vital resource for vulnerable community members.

  • Cuba Condemns Ecuador’s Expulsion of Embassy Staff as “Arbitrary and Unjustified”

    Cuba Condemns Ecuador’s Expulsion of Embassy Staff as “Arbitrary and Unjustified”

    The Cuban government has issued a formal condemnation of Ecuador’s decision to expel all diplomatic personnel from its embassy in Quito, characterizing the move as an unjustified violation of international norms.

    On March 4, 2026, Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility delivered a Verbal Note declaring all Cuban embassy staff—including diplomatic, consular, and administrative personnel—persona non grata. The Ecuadorian government provided no justification for this decision and mandated that all personnel depart Ecuadorian territory within 48 hours.

    Cuba’s Foreign Ministry denounced the expulsion as “an unfriendly and unprecedented act” that severely damages the longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations. The statement emphasized that Cuban officials had strictly adhered to Ecuadorian laws and international diplomatic protocols under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), without engaging in any interference in Ecuador’s internal affairs.

    The timing of this diplomatic rupture appears significant, occurring just days before a regional summit convened in Miami on March 7. Cuban authorities suggest the action reflects mounting pressure from the United States government on regional partners to align with its aggressive stance toward Cuba.

    This development represents a serious deterioration in Cuba-Ecuador relations and raises concerns about the politicization of diplomatic engagements in the region. Cuba remains confident that the Ecuadorian people will continue to uphold the traditional bonds of solidarity between the two nations.

  • Liberty Caribbean Champions ‘Connectivity’ for Women

    Liberty Caribbean Champions ‘Connectivity’ for Women

    In anticipation of International Women’s Day celebrations, Liberty Caribbean has positioned digital connectivity as a fundamental catalyst for gender equality and female advancement across the region. The telecommunications conglomerate—operating Flow, Liberty Business, and BTC networks—emphasizes that strategic investments in reliable infrastructure, affordable access, and purpose-driven digital services are creating unprecedented pathways for women and girls in education, healthcare, economic participation, and civic engagement.

    The company has launched a comprehensive #GiveToGain initiative featuring a documentary series profiling twelve exceptional female leaders whose achievements demonstrate the synergistic power of talent and technology. These narratives showcase tangible examples of innovation and community transformation driven by connected women.

    Complementing these awareness efforts, practical support measures are underway across local markets through partnerships with women-focused organizations. Regional teams are coordinating donation drives for feminine hygiene products and essential toiletries destined for NGOs, shelters, and educational institutions, providing immediate assistance to vulnerable populations.

    CEO Smidts reinforced the company’s commitment: “We are channeling our platforms, partnerships, and capital to dismantle digital barriers and implement programs that equip Caribbean women and girls with essential tools for learning, economic participation, and leadership. Our mission is to convert the #GiveToGain philosophy into measurable improvements in opportunity and inclusion.”

    Groundbreaking data from Telecom Review Americas indicates a landmark achievement: the gender gap in mobile internet adoption has plummeted from 5% in 2017 to effectively zero in 2024. This milestone reflects years of concerted investment in mobile infrastructure, affordability programs, and digital literacy initiatives.

    However, device ownership remains a critical hurdle. While the mobile ownership gender gap in Latin America has narrowed to approximately 1%, a 4% disparity persists in smartphone adoption—leaving nearly 80 million women without advanced connectivity devices.

    Smidts elaborated on the broader implications: “In island nations where geographical isolation frequently limits opportunity, inclusive connectivity builds resilience, advances gender parity, and accelerates national development. Reliable broadband and mobile networks enable female entrepreneurship, remote education, telehealth access, and professional networking without geographical constraints.”

    The company asserts that sustained investment in digital infrastructure, equipment affordability, and skill development will be imperative to ensure all women and girls can fully participate in the connected digital economy.

  • Cannabis trafficking trial underway

    Cannabis trafficking trial underway

    The Supreme Court No. 5 witnessed the commencement of a significant drug trafficking trial on Wednesday, where Venice Keith McKenzie Stephen of Sealy Land, Government Hill, faces serious charges related to narcotics importation. A jury composition of seven women and two men, supplemented by three alternates, was sworn in to hear evidence in this high-profile case spanning events from July 2020.

    Stephen formally entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, which include possession, trafficking, and importation of 15.5 kilograms of cannabis. The prosecution, led by Senior State Counsel Kevin Forde, immediately established the legal framework of the case, citing Section 6.1 of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act that prohibits possession of controlled substances.

    In his compelling opening statement, Forde articulated the prosecution’s two-pronged theory of possession, explaining: “The law recognizes both physical and mental elements of possession. Physical possession requires proof that the substance was either in the defendant’s direct custody or under his control. When an individual orders controlled drugs and directs shipment to his address, he effectively assumes possession upon delivery.”

    The prosecution’s narrative alleges that Stephen orchestrated the importation of narcotics into Barbados and took possession upon receipt. Forde promised jurors that the state would present compelling evidence demonstrating Stephen’s active role in receiving the controlled substances.

    According to the presented timeline, the case unfolded when a customs officer stationed at EHS Freightline Limited encountered Stephen at the facility. The defendant presented identification and provided his personal details before being shown a barrel consigned to him, though labeled under the name ‘Williams Phillips’ with a Canadian return address.

    Critical developments occurred when Stephen consented to open the barrel under customs supervision. The subsequent search revealed 40 separate packages containing cannabis, prompting immediate police involvement. Stephen was arrested at the scene and formally charged following investigation.

    The trial is scheduled to resume on Thursday before Justice Pamela Beckles, with the prosecution expected to call nine witnesses to substantiate their case. Defense counsel Sade Harris represents the accused throughout the proceedings.