Carib Scope

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  • GECOM Commissioners refuse to discuss their future with Opposition Leader

    GECOM Commissioners refuse to discuss their future with Opposition Leader

    In a significant political development, three election commissioners aligned with the A Partnership for National Unity/People’s National Congress Reform (APNU/PNCR) have formally declined Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed’s request to discuss their potential resignation from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman conveyed their position through a joint letter dated January 31, 2026, indicating their willingness to engage on other electoral matters while explicitly excluding discussions about their status from the agenda.

    The commissioners acknowledged Mohamed’s role as Opposition Leader but firmly stated that their positions remain “a sine qua non subject to legislative or judicial intervention,” effectively rejecting calls for their voluntary departure. This response comes amid public statements from Mohamed’s We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, which has argued that GECOM’s composition should reflect the current configuration of the National Assembly, where WIN holds 16 seats compared to APNU’s 12.

    The political standoff highlights deeper tensions within Guyana’s electoral governance framework. PNCR-APNU Leader Aubrey Norton criticized Mohamed’s approach, suggesting that proper protocol would involve consulting with his party first regarding any potential commissioner changes. Norton further asserted that GECOM appointments are permanent unless modified through legislative processes.

    Adding complexity to the situation, Norton and APNU parliamentary leader Dr. Terrence Campbell have accused Mohamed of overlooking what they perceive as biased voting patterns by GECOM Chairman Retired Justice Claudette Singh, who they claim consistently sides with ruling party-nominated commissioners. The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing debates about electoral reforms, particularly regarding the implementation of digitalized biometric systems for voter registration and verification—a measure that Chairman Singh has cautioned must balance technological advancement with constitutional compliance.

  • St Kitts tourism reports 6% growth in 2025, sets sights on 2026 – WIC News

    St Kitts tourism reports 6% growth in 2025, sets sights on 2026 – WIC News

    The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has announced a landmark achievement in its tourism sector, reporting a robust 6% increase in visitor arrivals for 2025. This growth solidifies the dual-island nation’s position as an emerging powerhouse within the competitive Caribbean tourism market.

    Official data reveals the destination welcomed 168,838 air arrivals throughout the year, with particularly strong performance recorded during the first quarter. This sustained interest is attributed to a multi-faceted strategy combining strategic marketing, global visibility campaigns, and significant public-private sector collaboration.

    Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson emphasized the transformative nature of this growth, stating, ‘Our success transcends mere statistics. We are fundamentally creating economic opportunities for our citizens, strengthening our entire tourism ecosystem, and establishing a foundation for long-term, sustainable development.’

    The St. Kitts Tourism Authority executed three highly targeted marketing campaigns designed to appeal to specific traveler demographics: ‘Adventure’ for thrill-seekers, ‘Summer Unscripted’ highlighting events and activities, and the ‘Do Not Disturb’ global romance initiative.

    International recognition followed these efforts, with the destination securing prestigious awards including ‘Sustainable Destination of the Year’ from Caribbean Journal and ‘Hidden Treasures Destination of the Year’ from PATWA. Minister Henderson was personally honored as ‘Woman Tourism Minister of the Year’ by both PATWA and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

    The nation’s global media initiatives generated an extraordinary 5.7 billion impressions, significantly enhancing brand visibility. Key highlights included a dedicated ‘St. Kitts Week’ feature on NBC 6 and a strategic partnership with Chelsea footballer Cole Palmer, who visited his ancestral homeland, generating substantial positive publicity.

    Additional 2025 developments included the launch of a collaborative jewelry collection with Canadian brand bluboho, the implementation of a new digital eTA entry system, and the establishment of the nation’s first Travel Advisor Board.

    Looking forward, St. Kitts has set an ambitious target of achieving 10% growth in visitor arrivals for 2026. The strategy involves refining marketing approaches from broad geographic targeting to focused niche engagement and further strengthening regional partnerships with other Caribbean nations.

  • EMS: Ambulance Arrival Does Not Guarantee Immediate Hospital Treatment

    EMS: Ambulance Arrival Does Not Guarantee Immediate Hospital Treatment

    Emergency Medical Services authorities have issued a critical public clarification regarding hospital triage procedures, emphasizing that ambulance transport does not equate to immediate medical treatment upon arrival at healthcare facilities.

    Morvin Fiedtko, Public Relations Officer for Emergency Medical Services, explained that patient assessment and treatment prioritization are determined solely by medical urgency rather than mode of transportation. This statement addresses widespread misconceptions about emergency department protocols.

    “While emergency transport typically indicates serious conditions,” Fiedtko noted, “hospital medical teams consistently apply standardized triage assessments to evaluate all patients based on clinical severity.” This system ensures that critical cases receive immediate attention regardless of how they arrive at the facility.

    The clarification comes in response to observed misuse of ambulance resources by individuals attempting to circumvent standard waiting procedures. Fiedtko identified this as a significant concern, stating that some patients mistakenly believe emergency transport guarantees priority treatment over other patients.

    EMS officials emphasized that ambulances constitute a finite resource designed specifically for life-threatening emergencies. The service urged responsible usage to maintain availability for genuine critical cases, noting that inappropriate use potentially delays response times for patients experiencing actual medical crises.

    Healthcare professionals reinforce that emergency departments operate under evidence-based triage systems that objectively categorize patients according to medical necessity rather than arrival circumstances. This ensures equitable distribution of medical resources based on clinical need rather than perceived advantages of transportation method.

  • Less Pressure, Better Control: HEARTS sensitization and training workshop in Antigua and Barbuda

    Less Pressure, Better Control: HEARTS sensitization and training workshop in Antigua and Barbuda

    In a significant move to address the Caribbean’s most pressing health crisis, Antigua and Barbuda has launched an intensive training program in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The four-day HEARTS sensitization workshop brought together a diverse team of healthcare professionals—from dentists and physicians to domestic aids and security guards—from ten Phase 1 implementation clinics. This initiative forms a critical component of the broader Better Care for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Initiative, specifically targeting hypertension control through a unified, team-based care approach.

    Cardiovascular diseases represent the primary cause of mortality and disability throughout the Caribbean region, with Antigua and Barbuda being no exception. The HEARTS program aims to revolutionize hypertension management by training entire clinic teams in standardized protocols and best practices. Under the guidance of PAHO experts including Dr. Gloria Giraldo and Dr. Taraleen Malcolm, participants gained comprehensive understanding of the HEARTS framework and the crucial importance of measuring hypertension control drivers.

    The training featured innovative hands-on learning methodologies, with role-playing exercises emerging as particularly impactful. These sessions demonstrated proper blood pressure measurement techniques—a skill especially valuable for staff who don’t routinely perform this task. Through humorous yet instructive scenarios, trainers highlighted how easily poor habits can infiltrate patient interactions, leading to moments of revelation among participants. One nurse acknowledged: ‘Thank you for this, because I usually forget to ask the patient to empty their bladder before taking their blood pressure.’

    Moving forward, the next several months will focus on establishing robust monitoring systems across all participating healthcare centers. Staff will engage in continuous education through PAHO’s Virtual Campus of Public Health, while patient progress will be systematically tracked using hypertension control metrics. Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, praised this initiative as ‘a critical step’ that empowers healthcare teams through practical skills development while advancing quality improvement in primary healthcare delivery.

  • PM says young architects and designers should be given public works contracts on St. John’s City project

    PM says young architects and designers should be given public works contracts on St. John’s City project

    In a significant policy shift for urban development, the Prime Minister has formally advocated for prioritizing young architects and designers in awarding contracts for the St. John’s City project. This directive calls for a deliberate inclusion of emerging professionals in public works, marking a strategic move to infuse fresh perspectives and innovative design philosophies into national infrastructure.

    The announcement underscores a commitment to generational change within the construction and design sectors. By creating pathways for younger talent to lead major government-funded projects, the initiative aims to address longstanding industry barriers that often favor established firms. The St. John’s redevelopment, a flagship urban renewal program, is positioned to become a model for this new approach, potentially setting a precedent for future public works contracts nationwide.

    Government sources indicate this policy is part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic innovation and job creation for young professionals. The move has been framed not merely as an economic stimulus but as an investment in the nation’s creative capital, ensuring that public spaces reflect contemporary design thinking and sustainable practices championed by the newer generation of architects.

    While specific implementation details remain under development, the Prime Minister’s office confirmed that relevant ministries are drafting guidelines to operationalize this vision. The criteria are expected to balance experience with innovation, ensuring project viability while providing unprecedented opportunities for young firms to demonstrate their capabilities on a public stage.

  • Vincy history book strengthens case for reparation — UWI professors

    Vincy history book strengthens case for reparation — UWI professors

    A groundbreaking historical publication examining St. Vincent and the Grenadines has emerged as a pivotal academic contribution to the Caribbean reparations movement. The comprehensive volume, titled “St. Vincent and the Grenadines – A General History to the Year 2025, Volume One,” presents meticulously researched evidence of African enslavement and indigenous genocide during European colonization.

    Authored by distinguished Vincentian scholars Dr. Adrian Fraser, Dr. Cleve Scott, and Dr. Garrey Dennie, the work adopts an indigenous perspective that challenges traditional colonial narratives. The publication meticulously documents the systematic displacement and suffering of the Kalinago and Garifuna peoples, whose resistance against European land appropriation forms a central theme throughout the historical account.

    During the official launch at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, academic leaders emphasized the work’s significance. Dr. Rodney Worrell, Head of the Department of History, Philosophy and Psychology, highlighted the publication’s timely contribution to reparations advocacy, noting that it provides crucial evidence precisely when global attention focuses on historical justice.

    Dr. Henderson Carter, Senior History Lecturer, detailed the work’s compelling findings, including the forced relocation of approximately 5,000 indigenous people to the barren island of Balliceaux in the 1790s—an act described as deliberate genocide due to the lethal conditions imposed. The publication further reveals how sugar production expansion directly correlated with the importation of approximately 16,000 enslaved Africans between 1791-1795.

    The historical text incorporates primary source accounts, including testimony from enslaved individuals like Ashton Warner, who documented the brutal working conditions that caused numerous deaths during crop seasons. These firsthand narratives provide unprecedented insight into plantation operations from the perspective of the enslaved.

    Academic authorities assert that this research strengthens the reparatory justice framework advanced by both the African Union, which has declared 2026-2036 as the Decade of Reparations, and the CARICOM Reparations Commission’s 10-point action plan. The work represents a significant advancement in historical scholarship that supports legal and moral claims for reparations through documented evidence of historical atrocities.

  • 2026 Vincy Soccer Premier League roars to life

    2026 Vincy Soccer Premier League roars to life

    The 2026 season of the Vincy Soccer Premier League (VSPL) commenced with spectacular fashion on Friday evening at Brighton Technical Centre, immediately establishing a high-octane standard for the tournament ahead. The opening round featured two distinctly one-sided encounters, producing a remarkable total of fourteen goals that electrified the vibrant local crowd.

    In the headline match of the evening, System 3 FC delivered a devastating performance, overwhelming BESCO Pastures with an emphatic 7–2 victory. The team’s offensive coordination was sharp from the initial whistle, allowing them to establish an unassailable lead by the halftime interval. The attacking duo of Azinho Solomon and Denzel Bascombe proved particularly formidable, each contributing two goals to fuel their team’s relentless offensive pressure. Despite a persistent effort and two consolation goals, BESCO Pastures found themselves thoroughly outmatched against System 3’s commanding rhythm.

    The evening’s second fixture maintained the explosive momentum as Layou FC secured a decisive 4–1 triumph against Jebelle FC. The match saw offensive contributions from Oryan Velox and Koby Mingot, but it was Mozranny Harry who emerged as the standout performer, netting an impressive brace with precision finishing. Jebelle FC managed a solitary response through Mekeal Williams, yet they were unable to disrupt Layou FC’s composed and clinical execution throughout the contest.

    The successful opening night, marked by enthusiastic fan support and prolific scoring, has generated significant anticipation for the remainder of the 2026 VSPL season. Early indications strongly suggest a campaign defined by rapid pace and intense competition among the league’s contenders.

  • Maersk neemt tijdelijk beheer Panama-kanaalhavens over na rechterlijke uitspraak

    Maersk neemt tijdelijk beheer Panama-kanaalhavens over na rechterlijke uitspraak

    In a significant geopolitical shift for global maritime trade, Danish shipping giant Maersk has assumed temporary control of two strategic Panama Canal ports after Panama’s Supreme Court invalidated concession contracts held by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. The ruling follows repeated warnings from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Chinese influence over the critical waterway.

    The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) announced Friday that Maersk’s subsidiary APM Terminals will administer the Balboa and Cristobal ports, which occupy crucial positions at both Atlantic and Pacific entrances to the canal. These facilities handle substantial portions of global container traffic passing through the interoceanic corridor.

    CK Hutchison, operating through its local subsidiary Panama Ports Company (PPC), had managed these terminals since 1997 under a concession extended in 2021 for an additional 25 years. The court determined the contract exhibited “disproportionate bias” favoring the Hong Kong conglomerate, prompting its termination.

    The 82-kilometer artificial waterway processes approximately 40% of U.S. container traffic and 5% of global trade. Panama assumed full control in 1999 after the United States, which financed and constructed the canal between 1904-1914, transferred administration.

    The United States government welcomed the judicial decision, while Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned Beijing would “take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.” PPC condemned the ruling as “lacking legal basis” and expressed concerns about potential impacts on thousands of Panamanian families’ livelihoods.

    Despite allegations, Panama continues to deny that China exercises control over the canal, which remains predominantly utilized by vessels from the United States and China.

  • Respiratory illness cases are on the rise at Robert Reid Cabral Hospital

    Respiratory illness cases are on the rise at Robert Reid Cabral Hospital

    The Robert Reid Cabral Children’s Hospital in the Dominican Republic is experiencing a significant surge in pediatric respiratory illnesses, with medical staff reporting increased cases of fever, influenza, and bronchial syndromes since last month. Despite hospital administration refusing official commentary, multiple healthcare professionals provided anonymous testimonies detailing the concerning trend.

    Medical personnel attribute this health crisis primarily to seasonal weather transitions, which appear to activate viral transmission. “Weather changes significantly influence viral behavior,” explained one team member. “We’re observing numerous children presenting with fever and influenza symptoms directly correlated with seasonal patterns. This week’s patient volume has already exceeded last week’s numbers, indicating an escalating situation.”

    Clinical observations reveal that while influenza cases have somewhat diminished compared to previous weeks, febrile episodes and bronchial-related conditions remain prevalent. Treatment protocols typically involve outpatient medications unless patients require hospitalization for severe complications. Standard interventions include nebulized salbutamol and saline solutions for respiratory congestion, with patients either discharged after improvement or retained for observation and stronger medications if necessary.

    Healthcare providers have issued preventive guidelines for parents, emphasizing protection from sudden temperature variations, limited exposure to swimming pools and outdoor environments, and appropriate clothing to minimize thermal stress. The emergency department continues to manage numerous cases with similar symptom profiles, conducting temperature screenings in waiting areas as part of triage procedures.

    One mother, Esmeralda, shared her experience: “My one-year-old daughter has battled fever for two consecutive days. While such symptoms aren’t uncommon, the persistence concerned me enough to seek hospital care. We’re still awaiting definitive diagnosis.” This sentiment echoes throughout the facility as medical teams work to address the seasonal health challenge affecting the region’s pediatric population.

  • Cold front and trough bring downpours; Greater Santo Domingo and six other provinces on green alert

    Cold front and trough bring downpours; Greater Santo Domingo and six other provinces on green alert

    Meteorological authorities in the Dominican Republic have escalated emergency preparedness measures as a significant weather system approaches the Caribbean nation. The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has activated green alert status across eight provinces in response to a trough linked to an advancing cold front expected to generate sustained moderate-to-heavy rainfall throughout Sunday.

    The alert encompasses La Altagracia, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Hato Mayor, El Seibo, the National District, Santo Domingo, and San Cristóbal. This precautionary measure indicates meteorological conditions capable of producing hazardous events affecting population centers either partially or entirely.

    Maritime authorities have issued specific warnings for vessel operators along the Atlantic coastline. Operators of fragile, small, and medium-sized crafts between Manzanillo Bay and Cabo Francés Viejo have been instructed to remain in port, while those operating along other coastal areas must navigate with extreme caution within proximity to shorelines due to anticipated abnormal swell conditions.

    The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) forecasts precipitation commencing in early morning hours across eastern, southeastern, and northeastern regions. Meteorological modeling predicts subsequent expansion of storm activity to Sánchez Ramírez, Duarte, María Trinidad Sánchez, Hermanas Mirabal, La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, San José de Ocoa, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Espaillat, San Juan, Elías Pina, Dajabón, Valverde, Santiago Rodríguez, and Monte Cristi throughout the daylight hours. These precipitation events may feature accompanying wind gusts.

    Emergency management officials strongly recommend that residents maintain communication with defense and relief organizations including Civil Defense, Armed Forces, Red Cross, National Police, Fire Departments, and the COE itself. Citizens residing in flood-prone areas are advised to implement protective measures against potential flash flooding and surge events. Authorities specifically warn against crossing rivers, streams, and ravines with elevated water levels and prohibit recreational swimming in all alert-designated provinces.

    Indomet anticipates persistent meteorological activity extending into nighttime hours with particularly concentrated rainfall expected across eastern and northern provincial territories as the cold front system continues influencing regional weather patterns.