Carib Scope

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  • Caribbean Court of Justice veroordeelt Suriname in zaak Ramsamooj

    Caribbean Court of Justice veroordeelt Suriname in zaak Ramsamooj

    In a landmark regional ruling issued on May 25, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has found that the government of Suriname violated the free movement rights of Trinidadian political analyst Derek Anand Ramsamooj, stemming from his extended 2020 detention without guaranteed access to legal counsel. The regional court has ordered Suriname to pay Ramsamooj $30,000 in damages for the severe breach of his rights as a citizen of the CARICOM community.

    The case, brought forward by Ramsamooj against the State of Suriname, centers on events that unfolded in October 2020. Ramsamooj, a national of Trinidad and Tobago who had regularly worked in Suriname as a political consultant for the former Bouterse administration, was first approached by Surinamese police at Paramaribo’s Hotel Krasnapolsky on October 6, 2020. Officers seized his passport and ordered him to report for questioning the following day, after which he was taken into custody as part of a criminal investigation into alleged corruption and fraud linked to the previous Surinamese government.

    CCJ’s findings confirm that Ramsamooj was held in two separate 8-day detention periods under Article 40 of Suriname’s Code of Criminal Procedure, during which he was denied effective access to legal representation. All interrogations were conducted in Dutch with the assistance of a translator, and a Dutch-language statement obtained during this period was later used as evidence against him. His pre-trial detention was ultimately extended until December 22, 2020, when he was granted release due to a sharp decline in his health. Formal criminal charges—including participation in a criminal organization, fraud, and money laundering—were filed against him in March 2021, and his passport remained seized until September 2022, when he was finally permitted to leave Suriname to seek urgent medical treatment abroad.

    At the core of the legal challenge was the question of whether restrictions on access to legal counsel violated the rights guaranteed to CARICOM citizens under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, a framework that enshrines the right to free movement across the regional bloc. In its ruling, the CCJ emphasized that fundamental human rights are a prerequisite for the effective exercise of CARICOM citizen rights, holding that access to legal representation from the first point of interrogation is a minimum standard of legal protection that all member states must uphold within the community.

    The court further found that Article 40 of Suriname’s criminal procedure code fails to provide adequate safeguards for suspects who are denied effective access to a lawyer during the investigation phase, referencing binding international human rights standards and prior rulings from the European Court of Human Rights to support its conclusion. The application of Suriname’s domestic legislation in this case, the CCJ ruled, created an impermissible restriction on Ramsamooj’s right to free movement within CARICOM. The court made clear that member states cannot invoke domestic legal procedures that conflict with the community’s minimum human rights standards to justify rights violations.

    Notably, the CCJ stressed that its ruling does not bar Suriname from moving forward with its underlying criminal prosecution of Ramsamooj. It did, however, note that any statements or evidence obtained during the period in which Ramsamooj’s rights were violated cannot be used in future proceedings if such use would once again conflict with CARICOM community law.

    The court dismissed a portion of Ramsamooj’s additional claims: it declined to issue a separate ruling on his right to provide professional services within CARICOM, finding insufficient evidence that he was actively providing services at the time of his detention in line with the treaty’s definitions. It also ruled that a full causal link between his claimed medical expenses and the rights violation had not been established. Even so, the court accepted medical expert reports confirming that Ramsamooj developed severe health complications during his detention, including cardiovascular issues and a stroke, and that the conditions of his detention contributed directly to these health outcomes.

    Legal observers across the Caribbean have framed the ruling as a pivotal legal milestone for the CARICOM bloc. The CCJ’s explicit confirmation that fundamental human rights form an integral part of regional community law sets a new precedent, reinforcing that core rights such as regional free movement cannot function meaningfully without minimum protections for fundamental legal principles.

  • Air Peace dismisses Ebola fears following Barbados landing

    Air Peace dismisses Ebola fears following Barbados landing

    Nigeria’s leading private carrier Air Peace has marked a major milestone in transatlantic air connectivity, completing its first-ever direct flight from West Africa to Barbados on Sunday — but the historic launch has been accompanied by unexpected public anxiety over potential Ebola exposure, driven by recent outbreaks in two East African nations.

    The airline’s senior leadership has moved quickly to ease public worries, emphasizing that strict biosecurity protocols are in place at every step of the travel journey, and that the carrier never operates services to the affected regions.

    In an official address to reporters during the route’s launch event at Barbados’ Hotel Indigo on Monday, Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer Nowel Ngala underscored that the new service poses zero Ebola-related risk to passengers and local communities. “We are 100 per cent safe,” Ngala stated, explaining that Nigerian federal authorities and the country’s national aviation regulator have implemented stringent entry screening measures for all travelers arriving from Ebola-impacted areas at every Nigerian international airport.

    Ngala reiterated that none of Air Peace’s routes serve the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda, the two countries currently reporting confirmed Ebola cases. The vast majority of travelers on the new Caribbean route originate from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, and Ghana, he added. “We continue to scrutinize every passenger, and we have not had any passenger linked to Ebola on our services. We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with the Barbados government and all Caribbean market stakeholders to grow two-way traffic between the region and Nigeria,” he said.

    Beyond addressing public health concerns, Ngala also clarified a last-minute adjustment to the carrier’s original route plan. The airline initially intended to operate a Lagos-Barbados-Antigua itinerary, but ultimately chose to terminate all services in Barbados after reviewing projected passenger loads. Ngala framed the decision as a strictly commercial, cost-driven adjustment amid ongoing global fuel price volatility.

    “When we reviewed passenger numbers ahead of the launch, we found just 24 travelers booked for the Antigua leg, and only one passenger reserved for the departure out of Antigua,” he explained. “There is still significant work ahead to build inbound traffic from the Caribbean to Nigeria and Central Africa. Landing a Boeing 777 just to pick up a single passenger would make no economic sense, especially with fuel prices at current extreme levels.”

    Barbados’ High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland backed up Air Peace’s safety assurances, noting that the Ebola outbreaks are thousands of kilometers from the West African origin of the new route. Bynoe-Sutherland emphasized that no confirmed Ebola cases have been recorded in either Nigeria or Ghana, the two primary source markets for the new service.

    “All African nations are on high alert, given how easily contagious diseases of this type can spread, but the entire world gained valuable experience navigating the COVID-19 pandemic that we can draw on to manage current risks,” she added, praising the rigorous public health screening protocols implemented by Barbados’ Ministry of Health for the incoming flight.

    The launch of Air Peace’s direct Nigeria-Barbados service marks a new chapter in air connectivity between West Africa and the Caribbean, opening new opportunities for trade, tourism, and people-to-people links between the two regions. Officials from both Air Peace and Barbados expect traffic on the route to grow gradually as awareness of the direct service increases among travelers.

  • Actress Aisha Hinds Arrives in Antigua for Culinary Month Celebrations

    Actress Aisha Hinds Arrives in Antigua for Culinary Month Celebrations

    Acclaimed television and film actress Aisha Hinds has landed in Antigua and Barbuda, kicking off her participation in the country’s highly anticipated annual Culinary Month celebrations. Her arrival adds another high-profile name to the growing roster of prominent international guests who have traveled to the twin-island Caribbean nation this season, drawn by its vibrant local cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and world-class tourism experiences.

    Hinds, who is celebrated for her standout performances in hit series including *9-1-1*, *Underground*, and *True Blood*, has never shied away from embracing her Caribbean roots. Born to Grenadian heritage, she has long spoken publicly about her deep personal connection to the region and her abiding passion for Caribbean food and cultural traditions. In a statement shared by local tourism officials, they noted that Hinds’ visit serves as a powerful reminder of the deep cultural bonds that tie all Caribbean communities together—bonds forged through shared flavors, interwoven ancestral heritage, collective storytelling, and time-honored traditions that bring people together around dining tables across the region.

    As officials from Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector explained, Hinds’ participation is fully integrated into the official programming of Culinary Month, a weeks-long initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the nation’s top local culinary talent, beloved independent restaurants, immersive one-of-a-kind food experiences, and diverse cultural events held across both islands of the nation.

    For the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Hinds’ visit represents a valuable new opportunity to position the country as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations for cultural and culinary tourism. By welcoming a public figure who genuinely connects to the region’s identity, officials aim to showcase the unique hospitality and food culture that sets Antigua and Barbuda apart for travelers from across the globe.

  • Former Bridgetown Port chairman Larry Tatem dies

    Former Bridgetown Port chairman Larry Tatem dies

    Barbados is honoring the life and legacy of Larry Tatem, a pioneering local businessman and former chairman of the Bridgetown Port, who passed away on Monday morning. His death was officially confirmed by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who delivered a heartfelt tribute highlighting Tatem’s far-reaching, understated contributions to the nation’s development.

    Widely recognized as a foundational figure in Barbados’ hospitality supply sector, Tatem founded Hotel Food Supplies Ltd., an enterprise that operates under the umbrella of Lach Ltd. What began as a small-scale venture with a modest warehouse in Paradise, just six employees, and a vision for reliable service, nearly 40 years ago grew into one of the country’s leading food import operations. Headquartered today at the Warrens Industrial Park, the company supplies a vast network of hotels, restaurants, and major institutional clients across the island, setting industry-wide standards for quality and consistency that have shaped Barbados’ tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

    Prime Minister Mottley described Tatem as one of Barbados’ unsung “quiet builders” — leaders who prioritize national progress and steady growth over public recognition and fanfare. She noted that while many Barbadians may never have recognized Tatem’s face, the impact of his decades of work permeates nearly every corner of the island’s food service and tourism sectors. “That kind of growth does not happen by accident,” Mottley said in her official statement. “It comes from knowing your business, respecting your customers, treating your word as your bond and doing the work day after day, without fanfare.”

    Beyond his success in the private sector, Tatem dedicated 15 years of public service to leading one of Barbados’ most critical economic infrastructure assets: the Bridgetown Port. He served as chairman of the port from 1994 through 2008, an era that saw major expansion, infrastructure modernization, and international recognition for the facility. Mirroring his approach to private enterprise, Tatem led the port through this transformative period with the same quiet diligence and focused effectiveness that defined his entire career, Mottley emphasized.

    Outside of work, Tatem was a proud alumnus of Christ Church Foundation School and held a deep passion for cricket, connections that rooted him in his local community. On behalf of the entire government and people of Barbados, Prime Minister Mottley extended sincere condolences to Tatem’s family, friends, professional colleagues, and the entire staff of Hotel Food Supplies Ltd. She closed her tribute with a final blessing: “May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.”

  • St Vincent and the Grenadines to lead OECS social protection committee

    St Vincent and the Grenadines to lead OECS social protection committee

    Against a backdrop of rising socioeconomic and climate-related pressures across the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is stepping into prominent regional leadership roles to advance coordinated social welfare development and strengthen protection frameworks for vulnerable communities.

    At the opening ceremony of the 10th Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee on Human and Social Development held in the country on May 20, 2026, Social Welfare Minister Shevern John confirmed that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will take over as the new chair of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Social Protection Technical Advisory Committee. Later this year, the nation will also assume leadership of the OECS Council of Ministers on Human and Social Development, and is preparing to host ministers and delegates from all OECS member states for upcoming high-level meetings.

    This year’s two-day committee gathering convened under the theme “Advancing Social Protection in the OECS: Policy, Practice and Learning”, drawing government officials and regional policy makers from across the sub-region. Attendees gathered to review collective strategies for reinforcing social welfare systems that serve at-risk populations across the Eastern Caribbean.

    Minister John explained that the core mandate of the Technical Advisory Committee is to evaluate pressing social protection challenges facing each OECS member state and develop evidence-based recommendations to lift overall citizen well-being across the bloc. He framed the committee as a foundational pillar of ongoing regional reform efforts, noting that the meeting’s central discussions would focus on identifying successful, locally tested initiatives within member states that could be scaled up and replicated across other OECS nations.

    “In an era of collective growth, we as Caribbean people have built a wealth of context-specific knowledge and hands-on experience that we can share across the region to elevate quality of life for all,” John stated in his opening address. The minister further described the body as a “catalyst for social protection reform”, emphasizing that its guidance will shape the trajectory of future regional social policy.

    The push for stronger, more accessible social protection has climbed the priority list for Caribbean national governments in recent years, as the region grapples with persistent economic instability, more frequent and severe climate-linked natural disasters, and growing strain on existing public assistance programs. In response, regional governing bodies have been advancing targeted reforms to modernize outdated welfare systems, boost inter-agency collaboration, and expand support to households hard-hit by economic downturns and environmental emergencies.

    Closing his opening remarks, John extended formal gratitude to Saint Kitts and Nevis, which completed its two-year term as the outgoing chair of the Technical Advisory Committee, and extended a warm welcome to all delegates participating in the 2026 meeting hosted by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

  • Public Demands Answers Over Higher BEL Bills

    Public Demands Answers Over Higher BEL Bills

    As Belize grapples with a sustained cost-of-living crisis that has sent grocery and fuel prices soaring to new highs, residents are now facing another crippling financial burden: sharply inflated electricity bills from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). With the latest round of billing arriving in mailboxes and online accounts, thousands of customers across the country have taken to social media to share shocking reports of their monthly charges doubling, and in some extreme cases, tripling from their typical levels.

    The widespread public backlash prompted local outlet News 5 to reach out to BEL for additional clarification, following a brief initial statement the utility provider released last Friday. In that initial public comment, BEL attributed the higher bills to seasonal temperature trends, arguing that warmer summer months force air conditioning and other cooling systems to run far more frequently to keep indoor spaces comfortable, directly driving up total household energy consumption. The company also advised customers to adjust their energy use during peak midday heat hours to keep their costs manageable.

    But for frustrated consumers, this seasonal explanation has fallen completely flat, failing to ease growing anxiety over the unexplained price jumps. Many residents say their daily energy usage habits have not changed at all from previous years, leaving them confused by the sudden and dramatic increase in charges. One customer who spoke out about the issue called on BEL to launch immediate reassessments of customer meters, saying they reject the company’s official explanation for the doubled bill. Another resident noted that their household is empty for more than 12 hours a day as all members work outside the home, yet their bill still spiked dramatically – a trend they called nonsensical that has gone unaddressed by company officials. Additional customers have also reported frequent, short-notice power outages over recent weeks that have damaged home appliances, adding another layer of frustration with the utility provider.

    The sudden spike in bills comes just four months after BEL implemented a base rate increase in January, raising prices to $0.4427 per kilowatt-hour to offset nearly $108 million in rising energy supply costs. That rate hike already put extra financial strain on household budgets, and the unexplained further increase has pushed public frustration to a breaking point.

    As of Tuesday, BEL has confirmed that it is still reviewing the large volume of customer complaints and concerns, with a more detailed formal response planned for release in the coming days.

  • ‘Black-ish’ Star Marsai Martin Enjoys Antigua Getaway at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa

    ‘Black-ish’ Star Marsai Martin Enjoys Antigua Getaway at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa

    One of Hollywood’s youngest and most accomplished stars, Marsai Martin — the American actress and producer who has been breaking barriers in entertainment since her breakthrough role — has chosen the Caribbean island of Antigua as her latest vacation destination. The star has been documenting her sun-soaked getaway, posting vivid photos of her stay at the iconic Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, a top-tier property nestled along the island’s scenic northern coastline.

    Martin first captured national attention and earned widespread acclaim for her scene-stealing portrayal of Diane Johnson, the quick-witted daughter on ABC’s long-running hit sitcom *Black-ish*. The young entertainer made history in 2019 when she stepped into the dual role of lead actress and executive producer for the major studio comedy *Little*, earning her the title of the youngest person ever to hold an executive producer credit on a large studio feature film, cementing her status as a rising creative force in the industry.

    As one of Antigua’s most celebrated high-end hospitality destinations, Hodges Bay Resort & Spa stands out for its world-class amenities tailored to luxury travelers. The resort boasts expansive ocean-facing villas and suites, an exclusive private marina, a full-service luxury spa for guest relaxation, and a diverse lineup of dining experiences ranging from casual beachside bites to fine gourmet meals.

    Among the resort’s standout culinary offerings is its signature eatery Katsuya, a globally recognized brand co-founded by legendary celebrity chef Katsuya Uechi in collaboration with renowned designer Philippe Starck. The popular restaurant concept has expanded across major international hubs, with additional outposts already operating in major cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, and Dubai, bringing its acclaimed Japanese-inspired fusion cuisine to guests around the world.

  • Is the SOE Enough to Stop Violence in Belize City?

    Is the SOE Enough to Stop Violence in Belize City?

    Less than three weeks after Belize City authorities declared a State of Emergency (SOE) to curb a surge in violent crime, two separate shooting incidents in under 24 hours have reignited public debate over whether the controversial security measure is delivering on its promises.

    The most recent attack unfolded early on the morning of May 25, 2026, along Freetown Road. Initial reports confirm one person was urgently transferred to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for emergency care, with law enforcement officials set to release official details on the victim’s condition and case progress later that afternoon.

    This shooting came just hours after a targeted attack late Friday night on Jane Usher Boulevard, where two armed suspects ambushed 38-year-old Alonzo Myers in the front yard of his home. Surveillance camera footage captured by a nearby resident shows the sequence of the attack: Myers had just stepped into his yard shortly before 11 p.m. when the first gunman rushed to the property gate and opened fire. The footage shows Myers falling to the ground in an attempt to avoid the volley of bullets, before a second suspect is spotted looking over the gate to confirm the attack. Both suspects then fled the area on foot before police arrived. Investigators have since taken possession of the footage to process it as key evidence in the case.

    Tragically, this string of violence is not an isolated pattern in the neighborhood. Just 10 days before the Friday night attack, 19-year-old Lamar Garnett was shot and killed outside his home in the same district, marking one of the high-profile homicides that prompted the SOE declaration in the first place.

    The State of Emergency was officially enacted on May 8, after a rapid succession of violent incidents left the city reeling and put intense pressure on local law enforcement to intervene. Under the extraordinary security measure, members of the Belize Police Department and Belize Defence Force (BDF) have been granted expanded law enforcement powers, including the ability to conduct searches without a warrant and detain suspected individuals for up to 30 days without formal charges. The measure was framed as a temporary crackdown to disrupt local criminal gangs and gun trafficking networks responsible for most of the city’s violent crime.

    But now, with two confirmed shooting incidents occurring while the SOE is already in effect, community members and policymakers are increasingly questioning whether the heavy-handed security approach is actually reducing violence, or if more targeted, long-term interventions are needed to address the root causes of Belize City’s persistent gun crime.

  • UPP Jamale Pringle Thanks Supporters After Thanksgiving Service

    UPP Jamale Pringle Thanks Supporters After Thanksgiving Service

    Antiguan Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has issued a public statement of gratitude to hundreds of supporters and well-wishers who turned out for a special church thanksgiving service organized in his honor, describing the widespread display of community backing as a moving boost to his political work.

    The event, held at a local place of worship, drew crowds of aligned politicians, community members, and party activists who gathered to show their solidarity with Pringle’s leadership. In the days following the service, Pringle released a formal public message to acknowledge every person who contributed to the gathering and offered their encouragement.

    “It is with a grateful heart that I thank everyone who attended the Church Service of Thanksgiving held in my honour,” Pringle wrote in the statement, noting that the energy and warmth of the in-person gathering had left a lasting impact on him. He went on to extend his appreciation to the many backers who could not attend the service in person but sent messages of support and stood with him “in spirit”, emphasizing that their encouragement mattered just as deeply to him.

    Pringle added that the overwhelming outpouring of love and public backing had done more than lift his spirits — it had reinforced his determination to press forward with his policy goals and political agenda, sharpening his focus on the work he has committed to deliver for his constituents and the broader opposition movement.

    Closing his message, Pringle reaffirmed his long-held dedication to public service, framing his role as one rooted in service to the people he represents. “I remain your humble servant; committed to the cause,” he concluded.

  • Price of ‘Dollar Van’ To Increase

    Price of ‘Dollar Van’ To Increase

    Belize’s local public transportation sector is facing immediate change, as two major taxi associations have moved to raise shared van fares within a single week, with growing operational costs driven by dramatic swings in regional fuel prices cited as the core trigger for the adjustment.

    The first change is set to take effect on June 1, 2026, after the Belize Dollar Van Taxi Association made its official public announcement last Friday. Under the new pricing structure, standard adult fares will climb by 50% from the existing rate of BZ$2 to BZ$3. To reduce the financial burden on family passengers, the association confirmed that discounted children’s fares will stay unchanged at BZ$1.

    A second association, the Bullet Tree Taxi Association, has already rolled out its updated pricing faster, implementing the new rate schedule just this week on May 23. The new rates bring specific changes to inter-community routes: shared rides from Bullet Tree to San Ignacio now cost BZ$4 per passenger, while travel to Santa Elena has increased to BZ$7 per person. Children aged four and above, who previously qualified for discounted pricing, will now pay BZ$3 per trip. Additional services also come with extra charges: passengers who request unscheduled stops along the main route will pay BZ$1 extra per stop, and direct drop-offs at residential homes are now priced at BZ$5, with supplementary fees applied for more remote or out-of-the-way locations.

    These industry-wide fare adjustments come directly on the heels of major, volatile fuel price corrections announced by fuel regulators in Belize just one week prior. The past week has seen unusual and sharp swings in fuel prices across the country: regular grade gasoline jumped by more than BZ$1 per gallon, a dramatic single-week increase that caught both transportation operators and consumers off guard. At one point, temporary price dips for premium gasoline and diesel actually made premium cheaper than regular gasoline, an unusual market anomaly. However, by the end of the working week, premium prices rebounded sharply with a 93-cent per gallon increase, returning to its traditional position as the most expensive fuel grade for consumers. Currently, premium gasoline sits BZ$0.63 per gallon higher than regular gasoline, erasing the brief price inversion.

    Local transportation operators have long noted that fuel costs make up the single largest operating expense for shared van services, which serve as a primary affordable public transit option for working-class residents and low-income families across Belize District. The latest round of price hikes reflects how sustained fuel market volatility is forcing providers to pass increased costs on to consumers, with impacts expected to ripple through local household budgets in the coming months.