Carib Scope

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  • U-20 Natio wint met 4-0 van Grenada

    U-20 Natio wint met 4-0 van Grenada

    The U-20 men’s national team showcased exceptional prowess with a commanding 4-0 triumph over Grenada in their recent international fixture. Fielding a revitalized offensive formation, the squad demonstrated remarkable discipline, motivation, and overall dominance throughout the match.

    Midfield maestro Jemairo Djoe orchestrated the game’s tempo with precision, establishing control from the opening minutes. The scoring initiative commenced in the 17th minute when Josias Elgin expertly headed home a corner kick, placing Natio ahead 1-0.

    Grenada nearly equalized in the 22nd minute following a dangerous cross that required goalkeeper Tyronne Chaar to make a critical intervention, with the ball ultimately ricocheting off the crossbar. This narrow escape seemed to galvanize the national team, who maintained firm control thereafter.

    Jeremiah Nirk elevated the scoreline to 2-0 in the 36th minute with an impressive individual effort, skillfully bypassing two Grenadian defenders before delivering a clinical finish. The halftime interval did little to disrupt Natio’s momentum, as Michel Doekoe capitalized on a poorly defended free kick just two minutes into the second half, extending the lead to 3-0.

    The technical staff implemented strategic substitutions in the 65th minute, with newly introduced players immediately impacting the game. Substitute Xavi Dors provided a precise assist to fellow reserve Janeiro Ligeon, who sealed the definitive 4-0 scoreline.

    This comprehensive victory underscores the U-20 selection’s progressive development and tactical maturity, signaling promising prospects for future competitions.

  • iciHaiti – PNCS : Towards a new dynamic in school feeding

    iciHaiti – PNCS : Towards a new dynamic in school feeding

    Haiti’s National Education Ministry has initiated a significant leadership transition at the National School Canteen Program (PNCS) with the appointment of Lucson Philémond as General Coordinator on February 26th. He succeeds Kevenot Dorvil, who held the position from November 2024 until February 2026.

    Education Minister Augustin Antoine emphasized that this strategic appointment centers on three fundamental principles: enhanced transparency, strict administrative rigor, and measurable social impact. Minister Antoine articulated the program’s critical importance, stating, “School canteens extend beyond mere food provision; they serve as catalysts for educational achievement. As the traditional saying reminds us: ‘Timoun grangou pa ka aprann’ (A hungry child cannot learn). By ensuring daily meals, the state actively reduces social inequalities and fosters improved academic concentration.”

    The newly appointed coordinator brings substantial technical qualifications to the role, holding degrees in both computer science and logistics from the Integrated Caribbean University (UNICA). This educational background provides crucial expertise for managing the program’s complex distribution networks and supply chain operations.

    In his inaugural address, Philémond committed to governing with both humility and determination, outlining three primary objectives: implementing the National School Feeding Policy, optimizing supply chain mechanisms to expand coverage, and strengthening accountability measures for technical and financial partners.

    Demonstrating immediate operational engagement, Philémond visited the Gérald Bataille warehouses just one day after his appointment. Accompanied by his technical team, he conducted meetings with facility managers to evaluate existing operational challenges firsthand. This preliminary site inspection signifies a proactive management approach focused on identifying logistical bottlenecks and ensuring nutritional aid reaches schoolchildren without unnecessary delays.

  • Information Technology : AI Challenge for Social Impact, Registration Open

    Information Technology : AI Challenge for Social Impact, Registration Open

    In a significant push to harness artificial intelligence for societal benefit, Haitian innovation hub Banj has partnered with the Digicel Foundation to launch the ‘AI Challenge for Social Impact.’ This pioneering competition, which opened registration on February 25, 2026, invites tech professionals and students to develop AI-powered solutions addressing Haiti’s most pressing challenges.

    The initiative offers substantial incentives, with a total innovation fund of up to 5 million gourdes (approximately $40,000 USD) for winning teams. The top prize includes 2 million gourdes plus a six-month incubation program, while additional prizes range from 500,000 to 1.5 million gourdes with matching incubation support.

    Eligibility requirements emphasize both technical capability and social commitment. Teams must consist of 3-5 members including at least one woman and one AI specialist proficient in machine learning, data science, NLP, or computer vision. At least two members must reside in Haiti, though diaspora participation is encouraged, with solutions requiring co-creation with local communities.

    The program structure encompasses four comprehensive pillars: business and strategic training covering AI impact modeling and investment strategy; hands-on technical workshops featuring collaborative debugging and AI architecture sessions; personalized mentoring with technical diagnostics and problem-solving sessions; and intensive pitch preparation culminating in a final presentation on June 6, 2026.

    Target application areas reflect Haiti’s development priorities, including healthcare access, inclusive finance, agricultural modernization, educational technology, governance optimization, insurance accessibility, logistics efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

    The competition timeline extends through December 2026, beginning with application acceptance until March 25, followed by pre-incubation training from April through May. The DevExpo 2026 finals in June will select five national winners who will then enter a six-month intensive mentoring program, with progress demonstrations scheduled for October 2026.

    This initiative represents a strategic investment in Haiti’s digital economy, aiming to strengthen the innovation ecosystem while addressing critical social needs through technologically advanced solutions.

  • UG to stage reading of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine’s literary works

    UG to stage reading of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine’s literary works

    The University of Guyana has announced a special literary reading event to commemorate the life and intellectual legacy of the late Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who passed away on February 23, 2026. The event will celebrate the multifaceted contributions of what the university describes as “an outstanding intellectual member of its community” who served as both educator and statesman.

    Dr. Roopnaraine (1943-2026) is being remembered as a true Renaissance figure—a scholar, poet, political activist, and cricketer who seamlessly bridged academic excellence with grassroots engagement. As a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English and former member of the University Council, he later ascended to the role of Guyana’s Minister of Education, demonstrating his commitment to both intellectual and public service.

    His academic journey began at Queens College, which led him to Cambridge University on a Guyana Scholarship where he studied Comparative Literature. After holding a position at Cornell University, he returned to his homeland in 1977 to join the University of Guyana faculty. Roopnaraine was renowned for his oratorical brilliance, teaching Continental and Romance Literature alongside Kafka, Dickens, Whitman, and the leftist theories of Terry Eagleton.

    The scholar’s activism was equally noteworthy, particularly his alignment with Walter Rodney in the 1970s struggle against totalitarianism—a commitment the university likened to the Jacobin cry for “liberte, egalite, fraternite.” His creative output included poetry collections such as “The Web of October: On Re-Reading Martin Carter” (1989) and “Suite for Supriya” (1993), significantly expanding Guyana’s national creative corpus.

    Roopnaraine’s groundbreaking documentary “The Terror And The Time” (1979), produced with the Victor Jara Collective, explored working-class struggles through the lens of Martin Carter’s poetry. His critical work “Primacy of the Eye: The Art of Stanley Greaves” (2003) demonstrated his sophisticated engagement with visual arts, while “The Sky’s Wild Noise” (2013)—winner of the OCM Bocas Prize for Non-Fiction—showcased his essayistic brilliance.

    The university specifically honors his role in developing a distinct Guyanese aesthetic perspective and advancing critical discourse around national arts and literature, recognizing his profound impact on shaping the country’s intellectual consciousness.

  • Tourist bus crash in La Romana leaves two dead, multiple injured

    Tourist bus crash in La Romana leaves two dead, multiple injured

    LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – A catastrophic traffic accident involving a tourist bus has resulted in two fatalities and left at least nineteen individuals injured. The incident occurred at the perilous stretch of road known as La Curva de Cumayasa, located within the municipality of Villa Hermosa.

    Official reports from authorities have confirmed that both deceased individuals were foreign nationals. Ivelisse Mercedes Méndez, a representative from the Villa Hermosa Municipal Hospital, provided details on the casualties, noting that one tourist was pronounced dead upon arrival at the medical center. A second victim, reportedly a Canadian citizen, succumbed to injuries at the crash site.

    Medical personnel at the hospital received ten patients directly from the accident. Nine of these individuals were successfully treated and stabilized, while one was declared dead on arrival. Dr. Miguel Quezada, Director of the Villa Hermosa Municipal Hospital, confirmed the immediate activation of comprehensive emergency protocols to manage the sudden influx of casualties.

    The emergency response was orchestrated by the National Emergency and Security System 911, which mobilized a significant contingent of twelve ambulances. This fleet included nine units from the Directorate of Emergency Services for Outpatient Care and three from Comipol. The operation was further supported by personnel from the National Police, the Villa Hermosa Fire Department, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications, and the General Directorate of Traffic Safety and Land Transportation.

    Authorities have stated that the situation remains under active evaluation as investigations into the cause of the accident continue. The 911 System has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring rapid and coordinated emergency responses, while also issuing a public appeal for drivers to yield to emergency vehicles to facilitate timely life-saving assistance.

  • Secret talks: Rubio team meets with Castro grandson on sidelines of Caribbean conference

    Secret talks: Rubio team meets with Castro grandson on sidelines of Caribbean conference

    In a significant diplomatic development, senior U.S. officials affiliated with Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted discreet meetings with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, during the CARICOM summit in St. Kitts. The unprecedented encounter signals Washington’s proactive exploration of potential economic and political reforms in Cuba.

    According to sources familiar with the discussions, Rodríguez Castro—who serves as both close aide and personal bodyguard to Raúl Castro and maintains considerable influence within military-controlled conglomerate GAESA—engaged with a top Rubio adviser at a hotel adjacent to the conference venue. While it remains uncertain whether Secretary Rubio participated directly in the meeting, the dialogue represents the highest-level contact between U.S. officials and Castro family members in recent years.

    The negotiations reportedly centered on a phased approach to sanctions relief, wherein the United States would gradually ease economic restrictions in exchange for incremental, verifiable reforms implemented by Havana on a monthly basis. A Caribbean diplomat involved in summit proceedings revealed that Rubio characterized the discussions as “well advanced,” though multiple sources emphasized that no formal agreement has been finalized.

    Secretary Rubio, while declining to confirm specific conversation details, publicly stated that the U.S. remains prepared to engage constructively should Cuban officials demonstrate genuine openness to “dramatic reforms,” particularly those expanding private sector opportunities. The Secretary clarified that Washington’s objective isn’t immediate regime change but rather structural transformation, cautioning that without substantial reform, Cuba’s ongoing humanitarian and economic crises would inevitably intensify.

    CARICOM leadership, historically supportive of Cuba, received indications that behind-the-scenes dialogue is actively progressing. Several regional representatives were reportedly advised against publicly addressing the matter during summit proceedings to preserve the delicate negotiation environment.

  • Civil Defense confirms escape of crocodile near Cabarete Beach

    Civil Defense confirms escape of crocodile near Cabarete Beach

    Authorities in Puerto Plata’s Sabaneta de Yásica district are actively searching for an escaped juvenile American crocodile following weekend flooding that enabled the reptile to breach its enclosure. The incident occurred in the Islabón community where heavy rains caused significant flooding throughout the region.

    According to Whascar García, Director of Civil Defense, the crocodile originated from a private exotic animal ranch that conducts tourist excursions. Rising floodwaters compromised the animal’s containment facility, allowing it to escape toward coastal areas. Multiple sightings have placed the crocodile in waters adjacent to the popular Cabarete Beach, raising concerns among local authorities.

    Emergency services have issued advisories urging both residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution near bodies of water. Officials specifically warn against approaching rivers, lagoons, or ponds in the affected zones and strictly prohibit attempts to capture or feed the animal. Parents have been advised to maintain close supervision of children and pets while the search operation continues.

    The coordinated search effort spans Sabaneta de Yásica and surrounding areas near Cabarete, with emergency crews working to safely recover the animal and return it to its designated habitat. Authorities request that any crocodile sightings be immediately reported to local emergency services to facilitate capture operations.

  • UEH/ARES : Research missions abroad, call for projects

    UEH/ARES : Research missions abroad, call for projects

    The Belgian Academy for Research and Higher Education (ARES) has launched a significant initiative under its 2022-2027 Institutional Support Program to enhance research capabilities at Haiti’s State University (UEH). This program provides funding for UEH researchers to conduct international research missions, primarily targeting laboratory collaborations in Belgium and Cuba, though other international destinations are also considered.

    The research missions enable Haitian academics to spend approximately two weeks developing collaborative research partnerships and preparing proposals for international funding opportunities. This initiative is jointly coordinated through a bilateral partnership between Haitian representative Jean Waddimir GUSTINVIL from UEH’s Research Department and Belgian counterparts Barbara MARCHI and Pierre CORNUT from the University of Mons.

    The program features a structured timeline with two additional funding calls scheduled before 2027. Each call will support two research missions, though the program maintains flexibility in duration and number of missions based on applicant profiles and project requirements.

    Key dates for the current application cycle include a March 30 submission deadline, with selection of awardees scheduled for April 7. Successful applicants will begin organizing their missions from April 15 onward. The program will culminate in a peer training workshop scheduled between January 2026 and June 2027.

    Interested researchers can access complete application details and guidelines through the official program documentation available in French format via the HaitiLibre platform.

  • PM Urges CARICOM to Embrace Artificial Intelligence

    PM Urges CARICOM to Embrace Artificial Intelligence

    In a compelling address following the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda issued a strategic call to action for the Caribbean Community. He characterized artificial intelligence as an inevitable transformative force that demands immediate regional engagement. Browne emphasized that the breakneck pace of AI development presents both a critical challenge and a monumental opportunity for CARICOM nations. He warned that failure to strategically position the region could result in irreversible economic and technological marginalization. The Prime Minister advocated for proactive integration of AI systems across multiple sectors including public governance, educational frameworks, and commercial enterprises to enhance operational efficiency and global competitiveness. Drawing from personal experience, Browne illustrated how AI tools have significantly augmented productivity and output quality in creative endeavors. His statements emerge amidst intensifying global discourse concerning AI’s economic disruptions, regulatory complexities, and ethical dilemmas. Browne’s central thesis maintains that through early adoption and deliberate strategic planning, CARICOM members can harness AI’s potential benefits rather than perpetually operating from a position of technological deficit.

  • PM Says Government Moving to ‘Renaissance’ Phase in Next Term

    PM Says Government Moving to ‘Renaissance’ Phase in Next Term

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has articulated an ambitious vision for Antigua and Barbuda’s future, declaring that his administration intends to embark on a transformative “renaissance” phase of national development should it secure another electoral mandate. During a comprehensive interview with ABS, the Prime Minister reflected on the nation’s developmental trajectory, noting that the country has successfully advanced beyond what he previously characterized as the “next level” phase and now stands at the threshold of an unprecedented growth era.

    Browne expressed strong confidence in the probability of his government’s re-election, framing the forthcoming term as a pivotal juncture. “Our next term in office, should we get one, and it looks very probable, we’re now moving from next level to renaissance,” he stated, signaling a strategic shift in national priorities.

    The administration’s focus, according to Browne, will center on completing residual infrastructural gaps while aggressively pursuing high-end developmental projects. He emphasized that the government has already established substantial socioeconomic foundations, creating optimal conditions for accelerated growth. The Prime Minister projected dramatic visible transformations within a relatively short timeframe, predicting that luxury real estate developments, gourmet restaurants, and supporting infrastructure would “literally mushroom” across the nation within three to five years.

    This developmental vision is intrinsically linked to maintaining economic stability and continuing infrastructure enhancements. Browne stressed the critical importance of sustaining current momentum to ensure continued progress, suggesting that policy continuity is essential for realizing the renaissance vision. While not formally initiating a campaign, the Prime Minister utilized the platform to outline his strategic blueprint for Antigua and Barbuda’s next chapter of national transformation.