Carib Scope

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  • RayAsta Foundation launches stroke awareness campaign in schools

    RayAsta Foundation launches stroke awareness campaign in schools

    The RayAsta Foundation has unveiled a comprehensive stroke awareness campaign targeting educational institutions across the Dominican Republic. This initiative, scheduled to commence on January 12, 2026, aims to educate students, faculty members, and parents about stroke recognition, prevention strategies, and emergency response protocols.

    Designed as an interactive educational program, the campaign will deliver structured presentations during regular school hours through homeroom sessions and school assemblies. Medical professionals including Jael Joseph, Dr. Shane Mc Intyre, and Dr. Gael Thomas will collaborate with the foundation to ensure accurate information delivery combined with practical guidance.

    The curriculum focuses on four critical components: identifying common stroke symptoms and warning signs, understanding risk factors and preventive measures, implementing appropriate emergency procedures, and emphasizing the vital importance of immediate medical intervention. Through these educational sessions, the foundation seeks to create a ripple effect of awareness that extends beyond school premises into broader communities.

    Campaign coordinator Cecilia St. Hilaire emphasized the universal relevance of stroke education, noting: ‘Our primary objective is to communicate that strokes can affect individuals of any age or background. Early recognition of symptoms fundamentally improves survival rates and recovery outcomes. Knowledge truly serves as the first line of defense.’

    The initiative represents a proactive approach to public health education, potentially establishing a model for other nations facing similar healthcare challenges. By integrating stroke awareness into school environments, the foundation aims to cultivate a generation better equipped to handle cardiovascular emergencies and make informed health decisions.

  • China waarschuwt VS: Gebruik geen andere landen als voorwendsel voor Groenlandbeleid

    China waarschuwt VS: Gebruik geen andere landen als voorwendsel voor Groenlandbeleid

    China has issued a formal statement cautioning the United States against employing other countries as “pretexts” to advance its strategic interests in Greenland, while simultaneously affirming that Beijing’s Arctic activities strictly comply with international law. The diplomatic declaration came during a regular press briefing at China’s Foreign Ministry in response to growing tensions surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

    The geopolitical landscape has intensified significantly this month as Washington pushes forward with its Arctic ambitions, even considering military options to secure control over the vast island. This aggressive posture has triggered strong reactions from both Danish and Greenlandic leadership. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued a stark warning that any American acquisition attempt could potentially spell the end of NATO itself.

    In a powerful show of unity, Greenland’s Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined forces with leaders from four additional parliamentary parties to release a joint statement asserting that Greenland’s future must be determined exclusively by its own people. The declaration explicitly called for an end to what they characterized as “U.S. contempt for our nation.”

    President Trump reiterated his position aboard Air Force One on Sunday, maintaining that the United States “must take” Greenland to prevent Russian or Chinese acquisition, preferring a negotiated agreement while suggesting it would happen “one way or another.”

    China, which has positioned itself as a “near-Arctic state” since 2018 to expand its regional influence, has announced ambitious plans for a “Polar Silk Road” as part of its global Belt and Road Initiative. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China’s Arctic activities focus exclusively on promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in accordance with international law. While not explicitly mentioning Greenland, Mao stressed that the Arctic region holds significance for the entire international community and that all nations’ rights to operate in the area should be respected.

    The diplomatic developments set the stage for crucial talks this week between Danish and Greenlandic representatives and U.S. officials in Washington, complemented by planned visits of American senators to Denmark.

  • James to lead Windwards in CWI women’s cricket

    James to lead Windwards in CWI women’s cricket

    Five accomplished cricketers from Saint Lucia are poised to make their mark in the upcoming Cricket West Indies CG United Women’s Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze tournaments, scheduled from January 10 to February 1 in St Vincent and the Grenadines. This prestigious regional competition will showcase four athletes representing the Windward Islands and one competing for the Leewards, signaling a significant moment for women’s cricket in the Caribbean region.

    West Indies allrounder Zaida James has been appointed captain of the Windward Islands squad, which finished fourth in the previous tournament. The team boasts considerable talent including West Indies senior allrounder Nerissa Crafton, wicketkeeper and top-order batter Ashlene Edward, and promising West Indies Under-19 fast bowler Selena Ross. Meanwhile, West Indies veteran Qiana Joseph will bring her expertise to the Leewards team following her relocation to St Kitts & Nevis last year.

    The T20 Blaze matches will be exclusively held at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, offering cricket enthusiasts daily triple-header entertainment. Matches are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m., with evening games conducted under floodlights for enhanced spectator experience.

    Following the T20 Blaze conclusion, the Super 50 tournament will unfold across three venues: Sion Hill, Park Hill and Cumberland grounds. These matches will commence daily at 9:30 a.m., with each team playing three games before the top-ranked team is crowned champion.

    This year’s tournament builds on last season’s dramatic finale where Guyana secured their maiden regional women’s title after an undefeated campaign that culminated in a Super Over victory against Jamaica. Earlier in 2025, Trinidad & Tobago claimed the Super 50 crown with a decisive seven-wicket win over Barbados in the final.

    The limited-over tournaments serve as a crucial competitive platform at the onset of an action-packed cricket calendar for West Indies Women. The team will host Sri Lanka for a white-ball series in late February, followed by an all-format series against Australia the subsequent month. The summer schedule features a tri-nation series against Ireland and Pakistan, plus the highly anticipated 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, for which the regional squad has been intensively preparing.

    Windward Islands Squad: Zaida James (captain), Holly Charles, Nerissa Crafton, Ashlene Edward, Afy Fletcher, Earnisha Fontaine, Aldith Gasper, Amiah Gilbert, Jannillea Glasgow, Shanel Mckie, Carena Noel, Selena Ross, Abini St. Jean, Jaeda Tyrell

    T20 Blaze Match Schedule (Arnos Vale):
    January 13: vs Guyana @ 9:30am
    January 15: vs Trinidad & Tobago @ 2:30pm
    January 17: vs Barbados @ 2:30pm
    January 19: vs Jamaica @ 7:00pm
    January 21: vs Leeward Islands @ 7:00pm
    January 23: Finals Day

    Super 50 Cup Schedule (All matches @ 9:30 am):
    January 27: vs Trinidad & Tobago — Sion Hill
    January 29: vs Leeward Islands — Cumberland
    January 31: vs Guyana — Park Hill

  • Gassy Dread responds to Shugy

    Gassy Dread responds to Shugy

    In an extraordinary response to political opponent MP Kelvin Simon, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly revealed his deep-rooted connections to Rastafarian culture while simultaneously announcing his musical alter ego, ‘Gassy Dread.’ The Prime Minister detailed his childhood socialization within Rastafari communities, naming influential figures including Lumba, The Late King Franki Tafari, Ras Kenya, and Sagai Fu who shaped his formative years.

    Browne emphasized how Rastafarian principles of peace, love, unity, and justice became foundational values that he carried into his political career. He highlighted his administration’s unprecedented actions, including the official apology to Rastafari communities for historical atrocities and the implementation of compensation and reparatory justice measures.

    The Prime Minister distinguished between his political identity and artistic persona, revealing that ‘Gassy Dread’ is a registered writer and producer in the UK with 18 songs scheduled for release across major platforms including YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes later this month. Browne described the musical project as blending roots reggae with contemporary Caribbean rhythms, featuring conscious lyrics focused on cultural pride, social awareness, and themes of resilience and identity.

    In a pointed rebuke to critics, Browne asserted that his musical persona should not be conflated with his political role, stating that while Gaston Browne is the politician who can ‘take on and defeat any opponent,’ Gassy Dread represents the artistic expression of justice, love, and peace. The response concluded with a sharp warning to MP Simon not to be bothered by the success of Gassy Dread and a biblical reference suggesting divine protection for his artistic endeavors.

  • Seven Homes Repainted in Swetes Under Community Initiative

    Seven Homes Repainted in Swetes Under Community Initiative

    A grassroots revitalization project has brought vibrant transformation to seven residences in Swetes this week, demonstrating the powerful impact of community collaboration. This initiative, which began as a singular effort to construct a home for Arlene Wilson, evolved into a broader campaign after overwhelming support from local residents inspired organizers to expand their mission.

    The project’s coordinators strategically selected uplifting color palettes to enhance the visual appeal of the neighborhood dwellings. The endeavor received substantial material support from contributors Rawdon Turner, Mary Baltimore, and Lamin Newton, who provided all necessary paints and supplies. Execution of the painting work was handled by the skilled A Team from His Majesty’s Prison, whose exceptional craftsmanship received particular recognition for the high-quality finished results.

    Operating under the banner of the Home Advancement Programme for the Poor and Indigent (HAPI), this initiative exemplifies how cooperative action can effectively improve living conditions while simultaneously restoring community pride. Program organizers have confirmed that following this successful pilot in Swetes, similar home improvement projects will be extended to additional villages throughout Antigua and Barbuda, creating a ripple effect of positive community development across the nation.

  • Cabinet Addresses U.S. Visa Bond Concerns, Launches High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

    Cabinet Addresses U.S. Visa Bond Concerns, Launches High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated formal diplomatic communications with United States authorities following the unexpected announcement of a visa bond pilot program affecting certain applicants. Cabinet officials have moved to reassure citizens that the measure applies exclusively to a narrow category of new visa seekers and does not impact current visa holders.

    Contrary to initial public concerns, the refundable bond requirement represents an experimental initiative rather than a blanket policy change. The Cabinet emphasized that posting bond neither ensures automatic visa approval nor indicates certain denial, characterizing the financial guarantee as one component of a broader assessment process.

    Government representatives expressed disappointment that Caribbean partners, including Antigua and Barbuda, received no prior consultation regarding the program’s implementation. This lack of advance notice contributed to significant confusion throughout the region regarding the policy’s scope and implications.

    While acknowledging isolated incidents of visa overstays or unpaid public expenses by citizens abroad, officials highlighted the nation’s generally strong compliance record. Statistics indicate Antigua and Barbuda maintains one of the region’s lowest rates of visa violations and has consistently demonstrated cooperative immigration practices with US authorities.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue high-level diplomatic engagement, including the submission of formal diplomatic correspondence. These efforts aim to ensure equitable treatment for Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders and clarify the limited application of the new bond requirement.

  • Opposition MP Says One Nation Concert Was Used as Political Prop

    Opposition MP Says One Nation Concert Was Used as Political Prop

    A prominent opposition parliamentarian has leveled serious allegations against the ruling administration, contending that a recent national unity concert was strategically utilized as a political instrument rather than a genuine cultural event. The legislator asserts that the government-sponsored ‘One Nation’ musical gathering, which featured prominent artists and was broadcast nationally, served primarily as a sophisticated propaganda tool designed to bolster the incumbent party’s public image ahead of upcoming electoral contests.

    The controversy emerged during a parliamentary debate when the opposition member presented compelling evidence suggesting the event’s planning committee included several high-ranking political strategists with direct ties to the ruling party’s campaign apparatus. According to the allegations, substantial public funds were redirected from essential services to finance the elaborate production, which critics argue disproportionately highlighted administration achievements while minimizing substantive discussion of pressing national challenges.

    Political analysts observe that this development exacerbates existing tensions between governing and opposition factions, potentially undermining public trust in non-partisan cultural institutions. The accusations have sparked intense discourse regarding the ethical boundaries between legitimate governmental public engagement and overt political campaigning using state resources. Several civil society organizations have demanded transparent investigation into the concert’s funding sources and decision-making processes, while international observers monitor the situation as a case study in political communication ethics.

    The administration has vigorously denied these claims, characterizing the event as an authentic celebration of national unity and cultural heritage. However, the opposition maintains that the timing, messaging, and execution of the concert reveal a calculated effort to influence public perception through emotionally resonant entertainment, raising fundamental questions about the appropriate use of governmental authority in democratic societies.

  • Antiguans Among Graduates at UWI Global Campus 2025 Ceremony

    Antiguans Among Graduates at UWI Global Campus 2025 Ceremony

    The University of the West Indies Global Campus commemorated its 2025 graduation ceremony with hundreds of students from across the Caribbean region, including numerous scholars from Antigua and Barbuda, successfully completing diverse academic programs. These graduates achieved qualifications spanning multiple disciplines, with exceptional performance demonstrated through first-class honors and distinctions in fields such as education, social sciences, legal studies, tourism and hospitality, and scientific domains.

    During the ceremonial proceedings, Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles addressed the graduating cohort, characterizing the Class of 2025 as a generation forged through extraordinary resilience. He emphasized that these scholars accomplished their educational objectives while navigating significant challenges including destructive hurricanes, the persistent COVID-19 pandemic, and considerable economic instability. Beckles articulated that graduates are entering a global landscape characterized by climate emergencies, social inequality, and geopolitical tensions, yet possess the necessary capabilities to drive innovation and leadership throughout the Caribbean region.

    “Your presence here represents no accidental occurrence but rather the culmination of immense sacrifice, unwavering resilience, and countless hours of dedicated study amidst periods of uncertainty,” Beckles stated. He compellingly urged graduates to embrace their roles as architects and builders of a transformed Caribbean future defined by innovative solutions rather than constrained by limitations.

    The Vice-Chancellor particularly highlighted the capacity of small island communities, including those in Antigua, Jamaica, and Barbados, to serve as incubators for globally significant solutions. The ceremony additionally honored Sir Calix George of St Lucia with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his contributions, while valedictorian Alex Anderson praised the Global Campus’s flexible educational model that enables students to balance academic pursuits with professional and personal responsibilities.

    Graduates were formally inducted into the UWI alumni network and encouraged to maintain institutional connections as they advance into their professional careers, carrying forward what Beckles described as their unique narrative, societal responsibility, and transformative hope throughout Caribbean communities.

  • HAPI hands over refurbished homes to families in Swetes and Hatton

    HAPI hands over refurbished homes to families in Swetes and Hatton

    In a significant stride toward poverty alleviation, Antigua’s Home Assisted Programme for the Indigent (HAPI) has successfully handed over fully renovated homes to two families in Swetes and Hatten. The initiative, which focuses on improving living conditions for vulnerable residents, provided these refurbishments at absolutely no cost to the homeowners.

    Social and Urban Improvement Minister Rawdon Turner personally oversaw the handover ceremonies for Arlene Wilson and her 15-member family in Swetes, and Shamara Thomas and her nine-member household in Hatten. The renovation work was expertly executed by construction teams from National Housing, demonstrating the government’s commitment to practical solutions for housing challenges.

    Minister Turner emphasized the program’s non-partisan nature, stating: ‘HAPI operates without regard to political affiliation or racial background. Our singular mission remains helping citizens escape poverty through improved living conditions.’ He revealed that the program has already enhanced over 100 homes since its inception, with recent arrivals of construction materials enabling simultaneous multiple upgrades across different locations.

    The minister addressed criticism from opposition figures, characterizing attempts to discourage participation in HAPI as ‘deeply unfortunate.’ He pointed to dramatic before-and-after photographs as undeniable evidence of the program’s transformative impact. ‘Today marked a emotional milestone as we helped two families escape deplorable conditions,’ Turner noted, referencing one homeowner’s tearful reaction upon receiving her refurbished property keys.

    Mary Baltimore, Coordinator of the Social Protection Board, working alongside HAPI coordinator Inspector Veldon Ragguette, described the dual home presentations in a single day as a landmark achievement for both the benefiting families and the implementing agencies.

  • National Young Voices for Wetlands Competition Launched for World Wetlands Day 2026

    National Young Voices for Wetlands Competition Launched for World Wetlands Day 2026

    A groundbreaking national creative competition has been unveiled in Antigua and Barbuda to engage youth in environmental conservation through artistic expression. The EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network (ESFN), in collaboration with the Wise Use of Caribbean Wetlands Project, has initiated the Creative Young Voices for Wetlands Competition in anticipation of World Wetlands Day 2026.

    Aligned with the global theme “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” the initiative challenges students to explore the profound interconnection between wetland ecosystems and community identity through creative mediums. Participants across various age groups can submit entries in three distinct categories: creative writing, photography, and visual arts.

    The competition framework encourages youth to produce original works—including poetry, short stories, essays, drawings, digital art, and paintings—that reflect on wetlands’ multifaceted value to health, economy, environment, and cultural preservation. Submission acceptance commenced recently and will continue through January 26, 2026, providing an extended creative engagement period during the upcoming academic year.

    Wetlands represent critically productive ecosystems that deliver indispensable services including coastal storm protection, erosion control, habitat provision for endangered species, carbon sequestration, freshwater filtration, and cultural enrichment. Throughout the Caribbean region, mangroves and wetland systems serve as vital barriers safeguarding coastal communities while maintaining ecological balance.

    Winning entries will be selected based on creative originality, cultural relevance, and adherence to ESFN’s core pillar of Expression. Successful participants will receive recognition and prizes, with all shortlisted works featured in ESFN’s Endeavour Publication and promoted across partner platforms. The announcement of winners will coincide with World Wetlands Day celebrations on February 2, 2026.

    This collaborative effort between ESFN—a nonprofit dedicated to sustainability and youth development across Small Island Developing States—and the IUCN-implemented Wise Use of Caribbean Wetlands Project aims to cultivate environmental stewardship among younger generations while highlighting traditional ecological knowledge.

    Detailed submission guidelines and entry portal access are available through the official competition link: https://qrco.de/bgYRqF