Carib Scope

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  • A Growing Crisis in Caribbean Media

    A Growing Crisis in Caribbean Media

    The Caribbean media landscape faces an existential threat as Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday announces its closure after 32 years of operation. The Media Institute of the Caribbean (MIC) has characterized this development as a profoundly sobering moment that transcends the collapse of a single publication, revealing instead a deep structural crisis engulfing traditional media throughout the region.

    According to MIC’s analysis, the shuttering of Newsday exemplifies a dangerous regional pattern where historically robust print news organizations are struggling to maintain viability. This crisis stems from a perfect storm of challenges: constricted advertising markets, escalating operational expenses, and fundamental shifts in audience consumption patterns that have left numerous newsrooms in financial peril.

    The implications extend far beyond mere job losses within news organizations. MIC emphasizes that this trend directly jeopardizes media pluralism and undermines the public’s fundamental right to access independently verified information. The organization references UNESCO-supported research that has consistently documented the precarious state of media sustainability across Caribbean nations.

    Compounding these challenges is the growing dominance of global technology platforms and the accelerated implementation of artificial intelligence systems. MIC notes that these technological forces frequently utilize local news content without providing appropriate compensation to content creators.

    Kiran Maharaj, President of MIC, asserts that the survival of Caribbean media now hinges on critical decisions by newsroom leadership, media proprietors, and policy makers as the industry undergoes continuous transformation. The closure of Newsday serves as a stark warning about the fragility of democratic institutions when independent journalism faces existential threats.

  • BPS expanded medical services must guarantee prisoners’ health – attorney

    BPS expanded medical services must guarantee prisoners’ health – attorney

    The Barbados Prison Service (BPS) is implementing significant changes to its healthcare delivery system for inmates following security breaches that prompted tightened protocols. This strategic shift toward expanded in-house medical services comes as a direct response to last year’s incident involving an inmate escape from Queen Elizabeth Hospital during external treatment.

    Prison Superintendent DeCarlo Payne confirmed that numerous medical assessments and procedures previously conducted at external hospitals are now being performed within the prison facility. This adjustment particularly affects treatments requiring the removal of restraints, which previously created security vulnerabilities during transport and off-site medical visits.

    Despite these security-driven changes, prominent human rights attorney King’s Counsel Andrew Pilgrim emphasizes the government’s non-negotiable obligation to maintain proper healthcare standards for incarcerated individuals. Pilgrim asserts that while the location of service delivery is administratively flexible, the quality of care must align with civilized societal standards.

    “The Government of Barbados, through the prison service, bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring prisoner safety and adequate healthcare provision,” Pilgrim told Barbados TODAY. “Whether treatment occurs at the prison or hospital remains an operational decision—what matters is that care meets proper medical standards, even for complex procedures like open heart surgery.”

    Regarding potential legal implications, Pilgrim acknowledged that the prison administration could face liability for medical complications arising within the facility, though establishing fault might present evidentiary challenges. The legal expert clarified that while the government maintains discretion in determining treatment venues, its fundamental duty to provide appropriate healthcare remains unequivocal under Barbadian law.

  • Landowners warned of fines over derelict properties under health law

    Landowners warned of fines over derelict properties under health law

    Barbados has initiated formal enforcement proceedings against landowners violating the amended Health Services Act, with Minister of Environment and National Beautification Adrian Forde announcing the issuance of official compliance notices. The minister revealed this enforcement action during a ceremony at the National Botanical Gardens honoring winners of national gardening competitions.

    Forde drew a stark contrast between the award recipients’ environmental stewardship and what he termed the “opposite behavior” of negligent property owners. He expressed personal frustration with the widespread land neglect, describing it as “maladaptive” and contrary to Barbadian values, while invoking the principle that “cleanliness is next to godliness.”

    The ministry, with legal support from the Solicitor General’s office, has begun formally notifying property owners whose lands contain excessive vegetation or exist in derelict conditions. Forde characterized these notices as both an “early warning” and a “New Year’s warning,” urging immediate remedial action to create “beautiful, clean and safe” community environments.

    Beyond aesthetic concerns, the minister emphasized significant public health implications. Neglected properties with overgrown vegetation and stagnant water create breeding grounds for diseases including dengue fever and leptospirosis. The enforcement effort aims to eliminate these health hazards from Barbadian communities.

    Separately, Forde addressed the ongoing challenge of illegal dumping, which he described as “an albatross” around the ministry’s neck. Authorities have responded with covert surveillance measures, installing hidden cameras at known dumping sites, gullies, and problem areas. The minister warned offenders that detection is inevitable, expressing hope that subsequent prosecutions would serve as public deterrents.

  • Saint Lucia win at last for 3rd place in Windward women’s cricket

    Saint Lucia win at last for 3rd place in Windward women’s cricket

    Saint Lucia concluded their Windward Islands Women’s T20 Championship campaign with a triumphant 17-run victory against Dominica, securing third place in the tournament. The match, held on Friday, January 9th at Kingstown’s Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, showcased remarkable individual performances that overturned early adversity.

    After electing to bat first, Saint Lucia faced immediate disaster as their top order collapsed to 15-4 within the opening overs, eventually stumbling to 35-5. Dominica’s Abini St Jean spearheaded the assault with impressive bowling figures of 3-10 from her four-over spell.

    The recovery began with captain Zaida James anchoring the innings with a resilient 67 runs from 54 deliveries, including six boundaries and two sixes. Her partnership with Krishna Joseph, who contributed a brisk 21 from 15 balls, proved crucial. A particularly productive 16th over yielding 26 runs significantly boosted their total, eventually posting 122 all out – their highest team score of the competition.

    Dominica’s response appeared promising initially, reaching 43-2 after the powerplay and 80-3 at the midway point. However, left-arm pacer Nerissa Crafton dramatically shifted momentum with a devastating two-wicket maiden over in the 12th. Her exceptional bowling performance culminated with 4-2 from her allotted overs, including the key dismissal of Earnisha Fontaine for 31 runs. Fifteen-year-old debutant Gilia McLaurent also claimed a wicket in supporting role.

    Despite early promise, Dominica ultimately fell short at 105-9, handing Saint Lucia their first victory of the championship. The outstanding performances from senior players now positions them as strong contenders for selection in the upcoming Wind Indies T20 Blaze tournament.

  • Barbados says renewable energy ‘a developmental imperative’ for SIDS

    Barbados says renewable energy ‘a developmental imperative’ for SIDS

    ABU DHABI, UAE – At the 16th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, Barbados delivered a compelling address framing renewable energy as a critical developmental necessity rather than merely an environmental consideration for small island developing states (SIDS). Ambassador Annalee C. Babb, representing both Barbados and the UAE, articulated the unique challenges facing Caribbean nations during the session focused on renewable pathways across Latin America and the Caribbean.

    The ambassador emphasized that energy transition represents a strategic imperative for reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels, stabilizing electricity costs, and reallocating national budgets toward socioeconomic development. However, she identified significant structural barriers including limited procurement volumes, absence of economies of scale, and prohibitively high storage costs that complicate this transition.

    Babb highlighted the particular challenge of energy storage integration, noting that Barbados has reached a pivotal stage where storage solutions are essential for further renewable deployment. She detailed how Caribbean SIDS operate isolated grid systems unlike interconnected Latin American networks, resulting in higher perceived risks and consequently elevated capital costs for energy projects.

    The diplomat called for differentiated financing approaches that acknowledge SIDS’ vulnerabilities through simplified application procedures and more accessible funding pathways. She proposed that IRENA could enhance technical assistance for energy storage planning, wind resource assessment, and hybrid system configurations while facilitating concessional finance instruments specifically tailored for small-scale projects.

    The assembly proceedings occurred against the backdrop of the United States’ withdrawal from IRENA and numerous other international organizations. Meanwhile, IRENA’s Regional Energy Transition Outlook report presented a comprehensive roadmap for South America to achieve net-zero emissions by the 2050s through scaled renewables, improved efficiency, and enhanced regional power integration.

    Babb concluded by advocating for stronger representation of SIDS-specific challenges in IRENA’s analytical work and global advocacy efforts, suggesting dedicated procurement windows for energy storage systems that accommodate small order sizes and extended lead times peculiar to island nations.

  • PRESS RELEASE: Dominica’s Mas Domnik 2026 officially opens today

    PRESS RELEASE: Dominica’s Mas Domnik 2026 officially opens today

    ROSEAU, DOMINICA – The vibrant island of Dominica has officially inaugurated its premier cultural festival, Mas Domnik 2026, with a spectacular National Parade and Opening Ceremony on Saturday, January 10th. The festivities commenced at 2:30 PM in Pottersville, situated in the parking area adjacent to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, marking the formal commencement of the extended Carnival season, which is celebrated as ‘The Real Mas’.

    The ceremonial opening featured the official proclamation of the Carnival season, a special tribute to cultural figure Darnley Guye, the symbolic handing over of the Carnival key, and addresses from key stakeholders. This was immediately followed by the National Parade from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, a dynamic procession showcasing the island’s rich cultural tapestry. The parade was spearheaded by approximately 60 traditional ‘sennsés’ groups, followed by over 60 participating troupes. The spectacle featured a magnificent display of Traditional Mas, including Kalinago têt mas, big boom-boom characters, agile stilt walkers, and dramatic black devils, alongside elaborate costume bands, pageantry, and artistically designed floats.

    The parade route traversed major thoroughfares, beginning along the E.O. LeBlanc Highway at the St. Alphonsus grounds, proceeding down Goodwill Road, crossing the EC Loblack Bridge, and continuing along Independence Street, King George V Street, Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard, and Kennedy Avenue. The daytime celebrations transitioned into the evening with performances by electronic bands and a calypso truck, offering a tantalizing preview of the energy anticipated for Carnival Monday and Tuesday on February 16th and 17th.

    Authorities issued advisories urging motorists and residents along the parade route to remove vehicles from the streets beforehand to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of participants. The public was encouraged to adhere to all traffic directives from law enforcement to support an orderly event.

    Gerard Cools-Lartigue, Chair of the Dominica Festivals Committee, emphasized the event’s national significance, stating, ‘Mas Domnik is one of the most anticipated events on Dominica’s calendar with direct impact on economic activity, employment and visitor arrivals.’ Echoing this sentiment, Marva Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Discover Dominica Authority, highlighted the season’s robust foundation: ‘Last season recorded a 34 percent increase in visitor arrivals and an estimated EC twenty-five million dollars in economic activity, setting the pace for a season focused on stronger organization, greater creativity and wider participation.’

    Mas Domnik 2026, which runs from December 13, 2025, to February 26, 2026, features over forty events across the island. Residents and international visitors are invited to participate in the festivities that celebrate Dominica’s unique cultural heritage.

  • Shanoya Douglas tastes rare defeat at hand of Trinidadian Alexxe Henry

    Shanoya Douglas tastes rare defeat at hand of Trinidadian Alexxe Henry

    In a dramatic upset at the PureWater/R. Danny Williams/JC development meet in Kingston on Saturday, Trinidad and Tobago’s Alexxe Henry delivered a stunning defeat to Jamaica’s highly-touted sprint prodigy Shanoya Douglas. Representing Edwin Allen High, Henry shattered expectations by clocking a meet record of 11.34 seconds (+0.8 mps) in the Class One 100m final.

    Douglas, the reigning Carifta Games Under-20 champion who recently transferred to Holland High from Muschette High, secured second place with a time of 11.50 seconds. Shemonique Hazle of Hydel High finished a distant third in 12.01 seconds.

    The victory becomes particularly significant given Douglas’s exceptional track record. The Jamaican sensation, who captured the Class Two sprint double at last year’s Championships and earned bronze at the 2024 Under-20 World Championships in Peru as a 16-year-old, is competing in her inaugural Class One season.

    This upset arrives at a pivotal moment in Jamaican track and field. With 2025 Class One champion Sabrina Dockery of Lacovia High turning professional in October, Douglas had been widely anticipated to dominate the sprint scene. Henry’s commanding performance signals the emergence of a formidable rival.

    Contextual factors suggest Douglas may have been compromised by prior exertions. Just hours before the 100m final, she delivered an impressive 400m victory in 54.30 seconds—the day’s fastest time and notably quicker than current Class One champion Kerryann Carr’s relaxed 56.22-second effort.

    Henry brings her own credentials to the rivalry with a personal best of 11.29 seconds, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season of head-to-head competition between these two exceptional Caribbean talents.

  • Barca edge Real Madrid in thrilling Spanish Super Cup final

    Barca edge Real Madrid in thrilling Spanish Super Cup final

    In a dramatic Spanish Super Cup final staged in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Barcelona emerged victorious with a 3-2 win against arch-rivals Real Madrid on Sunday. The electrifying Clásico clash saw Barça secure a record-extending 16th title in the competition, delivering a significant early trophy to manager Hansi Flick’s tenure.

    The match narrative was defined by Brazilian winger Raphinha’s exceptional performance, netting two crucial goals including the decisive 73rd-minute winner which deflected past Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski contributed with an exquisite first-half chip, demonstrating clinical finishing when it mattered most.

    Real Madrid’s response came through Vinícius Júnior, who ended his personal scoring drought with a magnificent individual effort, nutmegging defender Jules Kounde before finishing calmly. The first-half scoring frenzy concluded with Gonzalo García’s equalizer deep into stoppage time, creating a 2-2 deadlock at halftime.

    The second half developed into a more tactical battle until Raphinha’s deflected strike ultimately decided the contest. Madrid’s late introduction of Kylian Mbappé, limited to a substitute appearance due to a knee sprain, failed to produce the desired impact despite Frenkie de Jong’s dismissal for a dangerous challenge on the French superstar.

    This victory marks Barcelona’s fourth trophy under Flick’s leadership and extends their recent dominance in Clásico encounters, having won all four meetings against Madrid last season. For Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, the defeat represents a setback in his early tenure as he continues seeking his first silverware since arriving in June.

  • Man United knocked out of FA Cup by Brighton, Martinelli hits hat-trick for Arsenal

    Man United knocked out of FA Cup by Brighton, Martinelli hits hat-trick for Arsenal

    A dramatic weekend of FA Cup action delivered contrasting fortunes for two English football giants, with Manchester United’s season descending further into crisis while Arsenal showcased their title-winning credentials.

    At Old Trafford, Manchester United suffered a demoralizing 2-1 defeat to Brighton, effectively ending their final hope for silverware this season. The loss sparked visible discontent among supporters, with persistent chants directed at the club’s ownership—the Glazer family—and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe. Interim manager Darren Fletcher watched helplessly as his team’s fragile performance likely dashed his prospects of securing the managerial role permanently.

    The match narrative unfolded with United failing to capitalize on an initially positive start before Brighton’s Brajan Gruda opened the scoring in the 12th minute. The situation worsened when former United striker Danny Welbeck lashed a spectacular finish into the top corner. Despite a late consolation header from Benjamin Sesko and a grandstand finish, United’s misery was compounded by a stoppage-time red card for teenager Shea Lacey for dissent.

    Meanwhile, at Fratton Park, Gabriel Martinelli delivered a spectacular response to recent controversy by scoring a hat-trick in Arsenal’s 4-1 comeback victory against Portsmouth. The Brazilian forward, who had faced criticism for an incident with Liverpool’s injured defender Conor Bradley, let his performance do the talking after apologizing for the previous clash.

    Arsenal’s triumph wasn’t without early concern as League One side Portsmouth took a shocking lead through Colby Bishop within three minutes. However, Mikel Arteta’s squad demonstrated resilience with Andre Dozzell’s own goal leveling the score before Martinelli’s trio of finishes sealed the comprehensive victory. Arteta praised his player’s mental fortitude, emphasizing that “to play for a big club you need a big personality.”

    In other FA Cup developments, West Ham secured a much-needed 2-1 extra-time victory against QPR thanks to new signing Taty Castellanos’s decisive header. Leeds United staged a second-half comeback to defeat Derby County 3-1, while League One side Mansfield produced the shock of the round by eliminating Sheffield United with a 4-3 victory at Bramall Lane. Norwich, Hull, and West Brom also secured their places in the fourth round draw.

  • Trump admin sends more agents to Minneapolis despite furor over woman’s killing

    Trump admin sends more agents to Minneapolis despite furor over woman’s killing

    MINNEAPOLIS, United States (AFP)—A deepening political confrontation has emerged in Minneapolis as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Sunday the deployment of hundreds of additional federal agents to the city, directly contradicting demands from local Democratic leadership for their withdrawal. The escalation follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old protester Renee Nicole Good by an immigration officer last Wednesday.

    In multiple television appearances, Secretary Noem staunchly defended the officer’s actions, characterizing Good’s activities as “domestic terrorism” and maintaining that the agent acted in self-defense when he shot her inside her vehicle. This assessment has been vehemently challenged by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who point to viral video evidence suggesting Good’s car was turning away from the agent and presented no immediate threat.

    The ideological divide was further exposed during tense interview exchanges where Noem, when questioned about making definitive statements while an official investigation remains in its early stages, asserted the administration’s position was justified. “Why are we arguing with a president who’s working to keep people safe?” she questioned on CNN.

    Speaking to Fox News, Noem outlined the operational rationale for the reinforcement, stating the additional officers would ensure the safety of immigration personnel conducting operations in the city. She issued a stern warning that protesters engaging in violence against law enforcement or impeding federal operations would face criminal consequences.

    Meanwhile, confrontations continued Sunday outside a Minneapolis Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, where officers deployed pepper spray against demonstrators holding signs. Noem accused Democratic leaders of inflaming tensions and encouraging violence through their rhetoric, claiming they had “extremely politicized” the situation.

    Since the shooting, largely peaceful demonstrations have occurred nationwide, with participants demanding a transparent investigation into the circumstances of Good’s death. A point of significant contention remains the FBI’s exclusive control over the investigation, which excludes local authorities—a arrangement criticized by Mayor Frey as potentially lacking neutrality.

    Frey further defended activists’ efforts to disrupt immigration operations as legitimate, emphasizing the constitutional requirement for lawful enforcement. He cited concerning incidents including pregnant women and American citizen high school students being apprehended.

    The federal operation continues as agents carried out immigration enforcement actions in residential neighborhoods Sunday, while community members established makeshift memorials honoring Good with flowers. This security deployment coincides with a separate, highly politicized fraud investigation ongoing in Minnesota.