Carib Scope

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  • Schools drug research freeze after IDB survey fallout blocks data

    Schools drug research freeze after IDB survey fallout blocks data

    A critical national effort to monitor drug use among Barbadian schoolchildren has remained suspended for over three years, Parliament learned this week. The standstill originated from a deeply controversial 2022 survey conducted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which has since created a climate of reluctance within the Ministry of Education toward approving any school-based research.

    This disclosure emerged during parliamentary debates on the 2026–27 Education Estimates. Attorney General Wilfred Abrahams, whose former ministerial portfolio included the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), revealed the impasse has effectively barred the council from accessing schools to conduct vital research. Abrahams attributed the paralysis directly to the aftermath of the ‘highly publicised survey,’ which triggered national outrage and led to a comprehensive overhaul of research protocols.

    The contentious IDB survey, initially disguised as a computer science pre-test administered without parental knowledge, involved over 700 first-form students across five secondary schools. The nearly 300-question instrument probed sensitive topics including sexuality, gender identity, and substance abuse, alongside collecting personal information about the students’ parents. The revelation sparked intense public debate and prompted immediate calls for stricter oversight.

    Abrahams emphasized the severe operational impact on the NCSA, which traditionally relies on survey data to shape drug treatment policies and early warning systems for emerging substance trends. ‘They need to know from the children: are you using drugs, what drugs are you using? This is not to call out a child, but so we know what programmes can be specifically designed,’ he argued, cautioning that essential safeguards must not create bureaucratic paralysis.

    In response, Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman defended the newly established rigorous frameworks while acknowledging the indispensable value of reliable data for formulating effective interventions. Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw detailed the revised, multi-tiered approval process now governing all academic research. This includes a mandatory preliminary review by a newly formed committee of research experts within the ministry, followed by additional scrutiny from individual school principals.

    Dr. Archer-Bradshaw clarified that these stringent protocols were instituted precisely because the ministry could ‘no longer take for granted’ that researchers would act ethically. The process is further guided by compliance with the Data Protection Act, involving consultations with the Data Protection Commissioner and requiring parental consent in specific instances. While encouraging continued dialogue with the NCSA, she firmly maintained that ‘the protocols are there to be followed’ and cannot be overstepped, balancing child safety with the nation’s need for crucial public health data.

  • Students urged to stay alert to child labour signs despite no cases

    Students urged to stay alert to child labour signs despite no cases

    Barbadian authorities have initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign targeting student populations about the dangers of child exploitation, despite the nation’s absence of documented cases. The initiative, spearheaded by Acting Permanent Secretary Faye Prescod of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, emphasizes preventive education as the cornerstone of child protection strategies.

    During a pivotal forum titled ‘Protect Our Children: Raise Your Voice Against Child Labour’ at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Prescod addressed students on the critical distinction between developmental chores and exploitative labor. “While assisting family members constitutes normal development, child labor represents a fundamental deprivation of childhood experiences,” Prescod articulated to attendees. “Globally, approximately 138 million children remain trapped in labor situations that deny them education, recreation, and the opportunity to pursue aspirations.”

    The ministry official delineated child labor as work that endangers minors’ physical or psychological welfare, interferes with educational pursuits, and essentially robs them of their childhood. Although Barbados maintains a clean record with no confirmed instances, Prescod noted the island’s geographical categorization within the Latin America and Caribbean region—areas where child labor persists more prominently—necessitates continued vigilance.

    A dedicated Child Labour Committee established in 2024, comprising representatives from law enforcement and religious organizations, conducts quarterly meetings and school sensitization programs. These efforts focus on equipping secondary students with the knowledge to identify potential exploitation and the confidence to report concerns to trusted adults.

    Prescod empowered young attendees as potential agents of change, stating: “Your awareness and advocacy constitute powerful tools for social protection. By recognizing inappropriate labor situations and voicing concerns, you contribute to safeguarding childhoods both locally and globally.”

  • Sunrise Airways launches direct Antigua–Dominican Republic flights

    Sunrise Airways launches direct Antigua–Dominican Republic flights

    In a significant move to bolster Caribbean connectivity, Sunrise Airways has inaugurated a pivotal new air corridor linking Antigua and Barbuda directly with the Dominican Republic. The airline commenced its twice-weekly non-stop service this Tuesday, establishing a direct link between Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo and V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua.

    The flight schedule is strategically designed to facilitate both leisure and business travel. Every Tuesday, the service departs Santo Domingo at 1:00 PM local time, touching down in Antigua at 2:35 PM. The return flight from Antigua is scheduled for a 3:20 PM departure. The Saturday service offers an earlier schedule, with a 9:00 AM takeoff from the Dominican Republic leading to a 10:35 AM arrival in Antigua; the aircraft then departs for its return journey at 11:20 AM.

    This enhanced air linkage has been met with strong approval from tourism and aviation authorities in both nations. Officials project that the route will serve as a critical engine for economic and cultural growth, significantly boosting intra-regional travel. The direct connection is anticipated to catalyze the tourism sector by simplifying access for travelers, while concurrently fostering stronger ties in trade and cultural exchange. This initiative represents a concrete step towards deeper regional integration within the Caribbean community, making travel more efficient and accessible for citizens and visitors alike.

  • Antigua and Barbuda reach Concacaf U20 Championships with late winner

    Antigua and Barbuda reach Concacaf U20 Championships with late winner

    In a thrilling conclusion to their qualifying campaign, Antigua and Barbuda’s national under-20 football team secured their place in the CONCACAF Under-20 Championships with a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Dominican Republic. The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute at Costa Rica Federation Field #1, where substitute Brandon Satchell connected perfectly with captain Keyonte George’s corner kick, powering a header into the net that triggered euphoric celebrations among players and coaching staff.

    This hard-fought triumph capped a perfect qualifying run for the Caribbean nation, who finished atop Group C with maximum points from four matches. The team demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the campaign, beginning with a 1-0 victory against St. Lucia, followed by a 2-0 win over the British Virgin Islands, and another 1-0 result against Dominica.

    The match represented a high-stakes encounter for both sides, with the Dominican Republic entering the fixture undefeated and needing only a draw to advance on goal differential. The tense affair saw multiple scoring opportunities created by Antigua and Barbuda throughout the match, but resilient defending from both teams kept the contest scoreless until the dying moments.

    The CONCACAF Under-20 Championship, scheduled for July 25 to August 9, 2026, will feature twelve qualifying teams and serve dual purposes as the regional pathway to both the 2027 FIFA Men’s Under-20 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics football tournament. This qualification marks a significant achievement for Antigua and Barbuda football, providing young talent with valuable international tournament experience against the region’s top youth teams.

  • Oorlogsspanningen Midden-Oosten drijven olieprijs omhoog

    Oorlogsspanningen Midden-Oosten drijven olieprijs omhoog

    Escalating geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East have triggered a significant surge in international oil markets, with Brent crude prices climbing to approximately $81 per barrel—the highest level recorded since early 2025. This sharp increase of nearly 5% within days reflects growing market anxiety over potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

    The current price surge stems primarily from heightened tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, raising concerns about the security of oil transportation through the critical Strait of Hormuz. This strategic maritime passage facilitates approximately 20% of global oil trade, making it particularly vulnerable to geopolitical instability.

    Shipping companies have already adopted more cautious approaches to transporting oil through the region following recent conflict escalation. Reduced maritime activity and heightened security concerns regarding oil tankers have created immediate market reactions, demonstrating how quickly energy prices respond to geopolitical developments.

    Energy analysts warn that prolonged conflict duration or actual restrictions on oil transit from the Gulf region could drive prices toward the $100 per barrel threshold. Such development would have cascading effects across global economies through increased transportation costs, higher electricity prices, and ultimately elevated prices for food and consumer goods.

    Nations heavily dependent on fuel imports, including Suriname where consumers will feel direct impact at gasoline pumps, face potentially higher inflation rates and additional economic pressure. The interconnected nature of global energy markets means that regional conflicts quickly translate into worldwide economic consequences.

  • Kittitian Businessman Wins EC$4,000 in Berger Paints “More Colourful Christmas Memories” Promotion

    Kittitian Businessman Wins EC$4,000 in Berger Paints “More Colourful Christmas Memories” Promotion

    In a festive culmination of Berger Paints’ seasonal marketing initiative, Kittitian entrepreneur Mr. Damian Fraites has been announced as the grand prize recipient in the “More Colourful Christmas Memories” promotion. The successful business owner secured EC$4,000 in prize money following a random selection process that drew from 955 qualified entries across St. Kitts and Nevis.

    The promotional campaign, jointly administered by Berger Paints and authorized distributor TDC Home and Building Depots, ran throughout November and December 2025. The initiative automatically enrolled customers who purchased Berger paint products in one-gallon or five-gallon containers at participating retail locations. The program offered multiple tiers of rewards, including branded merchandise, with the substantial cash prize serving as the campaign’s ultimate award.

    Mr. Fraites, a long-standing patron of Berger products, described the unexpected windfall as both “timely and meaningful.” In his acceptance statement, he expressed particular satisfaction that his brand loyalty had yielded such substantial returns, noting that the prize enhances his current business projects and development initiatives.

    The senior sales team at TDC Home and Building Depot formally presented the monetary award to Mr. Fraites in a ceremony recognizing his promotional success. Both Berger Paints and TDC emphasized that the collaboration demonstrates their ongoing commitment to delivering value-added customer experiences through quality products, creative engagement initiatives, and tangible consumer benefits.

    Beyond the immediate financial incentives, the holiday promotion sought to inspire various consumer segments—including professional painters, interior designers, contractors, homeowners, and do-it-yourself enthusiasts—to revitalize their environments with premium paint solutions. The initiative effectively merged commercial objectives with seasonal celebration, encouraging community participation while promoting aesthetic enhancement through trusted products.

  • SKN promotes gender-inclusive digital agenda at OAS Permanent Council

    SKN promotes gender-inclusive digital agenda at OAS Permanent Council

    In a pivotal address to the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council, St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin outlined the Federation’s comprehensive strategy for ensuring gender equality within the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The presentation, delivered on Wednesday ahead of International Women’s Day observances, emphasized both the opportunities and challenges presented by digitalization across the Western Hemisphere.

    Ambassador Henry-Martin articulated the dual nature of digital transformation, noting its potential to drive economic growth and social inclusion while simultaneously creating new vulnerabilities for women and girls. She identified digital violence, online harassment, and algorithmic bias as significant threats that could undermine women’s participation in public life and weaken democratic resilience.

    The ambassador detailed St. Kitts and Nevis’ multi-faceted approach to creating a gender-inclusive digital ecosystem. Central to this effort is the implementation of a secure national digital identity and authentication system designed to facilitate access to government services while protecting privacy rights. The initiative represents a cornerstone of the Federation’s commitment to ensuring no woman or girl is excluded from digital spaces.

    Capacity development programs in digital identity management, digital certification, and information security are creating new professional pathways for women within the public service sector. These technical initiatives are complemented by educational outreach through the ‘Girls in ICT’ program, which equips young women with essential STEM skills and prepares them for leadership roles in the digital economy.

    The National Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan (2022-2027) provides the overarching framework for these efforts, mandating gender-inclusive collaboration across government agencies including the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology and the Department of Gender Affairs. This policy leverages digital platforms and media outreach to challenge harmful gender norms and stereotypes while mainstreaming gender considerations across all sectors, particularly ICT.

    Through these coordinated measures, St. Kitts and Nevis is working to ensure women and girls can fully exercise their digital rights and contribute equally to national development in an increasingly technology-driven world.

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister to visit Ghana for official engagements

    Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister to visit Ghana for official engagements

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Michael Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis commenced an official four-day visit to Ghana on March 3, 2026. The Caribbean leader’s itinerary includes participation in Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebrations on March 6, marking a symbolic moment in South-South cooperation.

    The visit features substantial bilateral discussions at the Presidency, where both nations are expected to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors including education, healthcare, trade, investment, and technology. The official agenda began with Prime Minister Drew meeting the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, highlighting the educational dimension of the partnership.

    Cultural and historical engagements form a crucial component of the visit, with scheduled tours of the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and Cape Coast Castle. The Prime Minister will also pay a courtesy call to Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of the Oguaa Traditional Area, acknowledging Ghana’s traditional governance structures.

    Presidency Communications spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP) confirmed that the visit aims to substantially deepen bilateral relations between the two nations. This diplomatic mission represents the continuing strengthening of ties between Caribbean nations and their African counterparts, emphasizing shared historical connections and contemporary partnership opportunities within the Global South framework.

  • BlackRock-led consortium to acquire AES, key player in Dominican energy sector

    BlackRock-led consortium to acquire AES, key player in Dominican energy sector

    In a landmark transaction reshaping the global energy landscape, a consortium of institutional investors led by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Virginia-based AES Corporation. The equity valuation of $10.7 billion represents a substantial 40.3% premium over recent trading prices, with the total enterprise value reaching approximately $33.4 billion when accounting for outstanding debt.

    The investor group, which includes Swedish private equity firm EQT alongside other major financial institutions, will pay $15 per share in a deal structured to conclude between late 2026 and early 2027, pending customary regulatory approvals. This acquisition occurs against the backdrop of surging electricity demand across the United States, particularly driven by the exponential growth of data centers requiring massive power resources.

    AES brings substantial assets to the transaction, boasting a global generation portfolio of 32.1 gigawatts—with renewables constituting 64% of this capacity. The company reported $12.3 billion in revenue for 2024, demonstrating its robust market position. Corporate leadership indicated that transitioning to private ownership would provide enhanced financial flexibility to address capital requirements and accelerate expansion initiatives within power generation and utility operations.

    The transaction carries particular significance for the Dominican Republic, where AES maintains considerable presence through its local subsidiary AES Dominicana. The company operates critical energy infrastructure including the AES Andrés power plant—a cornerstone natural gas facility—and the strategically vital LNG terminal at Boca Chica. Additional involvement includes participation in the Eastern gas pipeline consortium and operations at Los Mina and Itabo power plants, the latter managed jointly with Dominican state entities.

    AES Dominicana’s current portfolio encompasses 392.5 megawatts of solar generation, 52.5 megawatts of wind capacity, 11 megawatts of storage systems, and 319 megawatts of natural gas-fired generation. The company is further developing an additional 572 megawatts of renewable projects alongside a 138.1 megawatt battery energy storage system, positioning it as a pivotal contributor to the nation’s energy diversification objectives.

    While immediate operational changes appear unlikely, the infusion of capital from financially substantial global investors may potentially influence future energy infrastructure development in the Dominican Republic. This occurs as the country experiences continued electricity demand growth and pursues aggressive renewable energy expansion as a national priority.

  • St. Kitts and Nevis: PM Drew tours US Navy Ship at Port Zante – WIC News

    St. Kitts and Nevis: PM Drew tours US Navy Ship at Port Zante – WIC News

    In a significant demonstration of bilateral cooperation, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis conducted an official tour of the USS San Antonio, a formidable US Navy amphibious transport dock vessel stationed at Port Zante in Basseterre. The high-level visit, which occurred during the ship’s regional deployment this past week, underscores the deepening diplomatic and security relationship between the two nations.

    Accompanied by Karin Sullivan, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Barbados, Prime Minister Drew received comprehensive operational briefings from naval personnel regarding the vessel’s advanced capabilities and strategic mission objectives. The diplomatic engagement provided firsthand insight into the ship’s sophisticated infrastructure designed for contemporary military operations.

    The USS San Antonio represents cutting-edge naval engineering with enhanced aviation facilities including an expansive hangar capable of housing multiple helicopter variants and MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. Its flight deck supports Marine Corps aviation operations, while the integrated well deck facilitates the deployment of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles—high-speed amphibious landing craft essential for rapid transportation of troops, equipment, and humanitarian supplies.

    US diplomatic officials emphasized the symbolic importance of this naval presence, characterizing the deployment as instrumental in fostering regional security collaboration and counter-narcotics efforts. “This naval platform significantly contributes to US-Caribbean cooperation on regional security initiatives, combating illicit trafficking networks, and enhancing disaster response capabilities,” stated the US Embassy in Barbados.

    The embassy further articulated that the USS San Antonio embodies the strengthened partnership between the United States and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, while simultaneously reinforcing Washington’s commitment to broader Caribbean regional stability and humanitarian assistance preparedness.