Carib Scope

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  • Dominica to host Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court launch of new judicial year

    Dominica to host Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court launch of new judicial year

    The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) will inaugurate its 2026 judicial year with ceremonial proceedings in Dominica on January 12, marking a significant return to full regional participation after a four-year hiatus. Under the theme “The ECSC: Justice that Endures – Anchored in Independence, Strengthened through Trust,” the event signals a revitalized commitment to judicial excellence across the Caribbean region.

    The opening festivities commence on January 11, 2026, with an ecumenical service at Fatima Catholic Church at 9:00 AM, following tradition observed across most member states. The following day, a formal procession will advance to the State House Conference Room—temporarily designated as a courtroom for the occasion—where official ceremonies begin at 9:00 AM. The program features a Guard of Honour inspection followed by a Special Sitting at 10:00 AM.

    This year’s opening achieves historical significance as the ECSC reinstates simultaneous court sessions across all nine Member States and Territories for the first time since 2022. Her Ladyship the Hon. Mde. Margaret Price Findlay, Acting Chief Justice, will deliver the keynote address from Dominica, with her speech broadcast live throughout the region via multiple platforms including the Commonwealth of Dominica Information Services, ECSC social media channels, official court websites, and UWITV.

    Established in 1967 through West Indies Associated States Supreme Court Order No. 223, the ECSC serves as a superior court of record for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Its jurisdiction extends across six sovereign nations—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—plus three British Overseas Territories: Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and Montserrat. The court maintains unlimited jurisdiction within each member territory.

    The ECSC encourages public engagement through physical attendance at events or remote participation via available broadcast options, emphasizing the importance of civic connection to judicial processes.

  • Opening of the New Law Year 2026

    Opening of the New Law Year 2026

    The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) will inaugurate its 2026 legal calendar on January 12th through traditional ceremonial proceedings, adopting the thematic banner “Justice that Endures — Anchored in Independence, Strengthened through Trust.” This year’s host nation, the Commonwealth of Dominica, will stage the inaugural sitting of the Court of Appeal while simultaneous observances occur across eight additional Member States and Territories—a significant departure from the past four years’ format.

    In Grenada, festivities will commence with an 8:15 am service at St George’s Anglican Church, succeeded by the Inspection of the Guard of Honour. A formal procession will then advance to the High Court for a Special Sitting scheduled at 10 am.

    Presiding over the ceremonies, Acting Chief Justice Her Ladyship the Hon. Mde. Margaret Price Findlay will deliver the keynote address live from Dominica. Her address will be broadcast in real-time to all Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) jurisdictions through multiple digital platforms, including the Commonwealth of Dominica Information Services media channels, the ECSC’s official website and Facebook page, and UWITV.

    The ECSC, established in 1967 as a superior court of record, exercises unlimited jurisdiction across nine OECS territories. These include six sovereign nations—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines—alongside three British Overseas Territories: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, and Montserrat.

    The public is invited to participate either in person at church services or court sittings, or virtually through the various streaming options provided.

  • Upcoming La Salette credit union branch is long-time dream, says NCCU CEO

    Upcoming La Salette credit union branch is long-time dream, says NCCU CEO

    POINTE MICHEL – In a significant move to bolster financial accessibility, the National Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) Limited has officially commenced construction on its new La Salette Branch. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, was presided over by CEO Curth Charles, who described the event as the realization of a foundational ambition to allocate greater resources to the community.

    Charles articulated that the project embodies the culmination of a long-term strategy to fortify the institution’s local footprint. “This moment represents the fulfillment of a long-held vision to strengthen our presence, enhance service delivery, and deepen our impact within the La Salette community and its surrounding environs,” he stated.

    Emphasizing the credit union’s core philosophy, Charles reaffirmed that financial inclusion is an indispensable right, not a privilege. The mission of NCCU extends beyond merely providing financial products; it is fundamentally centered on empowering individuals, families, and entire communities to achieve economic prosperity. The new branch is characterized as a direct capital investment in this overarching objective.

    The state-of-the-art facility is designed to broaden access to contemporary and efficient financial services. It is expected to significantly upgrade the overall member experience by offering a more comfortable, functional, and conducive environment for both clients and employees.

    Charles further highlighted the branch’s intended role as a catalyst for local economic development, specifically aiming to support key demographics and sectors. The institution plans to extend its services to small business owners, agricultural workers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs across a wide catchment area, including the communities of Wall House, Castle Comfort, Loubiere, Pointe Michel, Soufriere, Gallion, and Scottshead.

  • Panama:Social organization express solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela

    Panama:Social organization express solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela

    In a formal demonstration of solidarity, representatives from the National Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights (Frenadeso) have submitted a strongly-worded communiqué to diplomatic officials in Panama. The document was addressed to Cuban Ambassador Orestes Pérez and Venezuelan Consular Head Julio Chávez, condemning what they describe as imperialist attacks that resulted in significant casualties among Cuban internationalists and Venezuelan citizens.

    The correspondence honors the 32 Cuban military personnel who perished while executing internationalist duties in Venezuela, characterizing them as martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending national sovereignty and providing solidarity support to the Venezuelan people. According to the communication, these individuals demonstrated exceptional honor and dignity in fulfilling their mission to protect the sovereignty of nations.

    The message further emphasizes that Venezuelan military and civilian personnel also suffered casualties as direct consequences of these aggressive actions. Frenadeso asserts that these events demonstrate that the Bolivarian Revolution maintains substantial international support and that the Venezuelan populace remains prepared to resist external pressures and ultimately prevail.

    Frenadeso’s analysis positions these incidents within a broader pattern of systematic aggression rather than isolated events. The organization contends that these actions represent components of a coordinated policy involving warfare, destabilization efforts, economic blockades, and psychological operations allegedly promoted by U.S. imperialist interests. The communication specifically identifies the administration of former President Donald Trump and associated hardline policymakers as having intensified threats against sovereign governments throughout the region, including Venezuela and Cuba.

    The organization further maintains that this escalation of hostilities constitutes a flagrant violation of established international legal frameworks, particularly the principle of self-determination for sovereign nations. Frenadeso specifically references the 2014 Havana Proclamation, which formally designated Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, arguing that current aggressive policies directly contravene this regional commitment to peaceful coexistence.

  • UWP leader calls for more details concerning Dominica-US third-country refugee agreement

    UWP leader calls for more details concerning Dominica-US third-country refugee agreement

    Dominica’s political landscape is embroiled in a contentious debate over a clandestine immigration agreement with the United States. Dr. Thomson Fontaine, Leader of the United Workers’ Party (UWP), has publicly challenged Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to disclose the complete details of a pact permitting third-country refugees from the U.S. to be relocated to Dominica.

    The controversy emerged following the Prime Minister’s revelation during a press conference that this arrangement was negotiated as part of discussions subsequent to the December 16, 2025 proclamation that imposed partial visa restrictions. Dr. Fontaine criticized the government’s lack of transparency, emphasizing that the Dominican public learned about this significant agreement through indirect channels rather than official communication.

    According to opposition research, approximately fourteen nations including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Antigua & Barbuda, Ghana, Poland, and Uganda have entered similar deportation acceptance agreements, typically involving financial compensation or specialized diplomatic terms. The UWP leader highlighted critical unanswered questions regarding the number of expected individuals, their national origins, security backgrounds, housing arrangements, and social support infrastructure.

    In response, the Office of the Prime Minister issued a detailed statement characterizing the arrangement as non-binding and containing comprehensive safeguards for Dominican interests. The negotiated terms provide Dominica with absolute discretion to accept or reject proposals, refuse individuals based on criminal history, receive advance disclosure of medical and criminal records, and terminate participation through diplomatic notice at any time.

    The government emphasized that all accepted persons would receive treatment in accordance with Dominica’s Constitution, domestic legislation, and international obligations including the Refugee Convention and Convention against Torture. Final operating procedures currently in development will specify documentation requirements from U.S. authorities and outline any support provisions from the American government.

    The administration maintains that all decisions will prioritize national security, public welfare, capacity limitations, international law compliance, and the preservation of constructive bilateral relations with the United States.

  • LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Urgent action needed against street lamp theft in Dominica

    LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Urgent action needed against street lamp theft in Dominica

    Dominica confronts a severe public infrastructure crisis as organized theft of solar-powered street lighting components escalates across the nation. Criminal elements are systematically dismantling lamp posts to harvest solar panels and lighting attachments, creating hazardous dark zones that compromise community safety and mobility.

    The deliberate dismantling of illumination infrastructure represents both an economic and public security emergency. These installations, critical for nighttime visibility and pedestrian protection, require substantial public investment. Their destruction not only creates immediate physical dangers but also drains municipal resources through repeated replacement costs.

    Law enforcement agencies face mounting pressure to implement countermeasures against this targeted infrastructure looting. Security experts recommend deploying advanced surveillance technologies including motion-activated trail cameras and remote monitoring systems at vulnerable locations. These technical solutions could provide evidentiary support for prosecutions while acting as deterrents.

    The judicial system is being urged to impose stringent penalties for convicted offenders, with proposals including mandatory minimum five-year prison sentences followed by financial restitution requirements. Such measures aim to establish consequential accountability for crimes that endanger public welfare.

    This phenomenon reflects broader challenges in protecting sustainable infrastructure investments in developing nations. As Dominica transitions toward renewable energy solutions, safeguarding these assets becomes paramount for both environmental progress and community security. The situation demands coordinated response from governmental authorities, law enforcement, and community watch organizations to prevent further degradation of essential public lighting systems.

  • Officials say plans for Carnival Road Parade 2026 are going better than previous years

    Officials say plans for Carnival Road Parade 2026 are going better than previous years

    Roseau, Dominica – The Mas Domnik 2026 Carnival celebrations are poised for an extraordinary commencement as Road Parade Committee Coordinator Charlene White-Christian confirms unprecedented early registration numbers. With over sixty groups already enlisted for the National Parade, this year’s opening event signals robust community engagement and heightened anticipation.

    The opening festivities, scheduled for February, will commence at 2:30 PM in Pottersville’s parking lot adjacent to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Participants including costumed bands, float designers, DJs, and contestants are required to assemble by 1:00 PM for logistical coordination, with committee members available from 11:00 AM to facilitate parking arrangements and prevent congestion.

    A ceremonial highlight will feature the symbolic handover of the city keys during the brief opening proceedings, followed immediately by the parade launch at 3:00 PM. This year’s celebrations carry special significance with the honoring of veteran costume builder Darnley Guye as Mas Domnik 2026 Personality of the Year. Guye receives recognition for his five decades of contributions spanning costume design, parade coordination, artistic craftsmanship, and community leadership.

    White-Christian expressed enthusiasm about registration numbers, noting: ‘This year’s response is exceptional. Historically, we struggle to reach half this participation level by press conference time. The voluntary engagement reflects tremendous excitement for our Bouyon-themed celebration.’

    The parade route will traverse major thoroughfares including E.O. LeBlanc Highway, Goodwill Road, EC Loblack Bridge, Independence Street, King George V Street, and Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard before concluding along Kennedy Avenue. From 6:00 PM, electronic bands and calypso performances will transition the festivities into evening celebrations, offering a preview of Carnival Monday and Tuesday’s energy.

    Authorities have issued advisories for motorists and residents along the route to remove vehicles beforehand, ensuring participant safety and uninterrupted procession flow. The public is urged to comply with traffic directives from law enforcement and event officials to maintain orderly operations throughout the celebration.

  • Dominican community in Antigua denies voting claims, calls for formal representation

    Dominican community in Antigua denies voting claims, calls for formal representation

    The Dominican expatriate community in Antigua and Barbuda has formally refuted allegations that its members participated illegally in the nation’s recent general elections. This rebuttal comes in direct response to media reports circulated on December 3, 2025, which suggested electoral misconduct by Dominican immigrants.

    In an official communiqué, community representatives explicitly stated that their constituency has never appointed any individual or group to act as governmental liaisons. Despite constituting the largest immigrant population within the country and having developed substantial roots across the islands, the community emphasized its historical lack of formal representation before official authorities.

    Community leaders now assert that establishing structured representation has become both equitable and essential for improved governance relations. They propose constituting a specialized commission to oversee a transparent selection process for community representatives. This framework would mandate clear eligibility requirements, methodological selection criteria, and precisely defined functional boundaries for any appointed representatives.

    The proposed representation model would operate strictly within parameters mutually recognized by both Antiguan and Dominican governments. Representatives would serve purely consultative roles without exercising political authority or diplomatic privileges. The initiative aims to facilitate improved communication channels between the Dominican community and governmental bodies while maintaining strict adherence to legal protocols.

    Community members expressing interest in participating in this democratic initiative are encouraged to engage with organizers as planning discussions progress.

  • Tycoon reveals plans to build ‘Caribbean Dubai’ on little-known island

    Tycoon reveals plans to build ‘Caribbean Dubai’ on little-known island

    A prominent international billionaire has announced ambitious plans to develop a previously uninhabited Caribbean island into an ultra-exclusive luxury enclave, drawing direct comparisons to Dubai’s transformation. The project aims to establish a sovereign sanctuary for affluent families seeking unparalleled security and privacy. The development blueprint includes state-of-the-art residential complexes, premium marina facilities, high-end retail establishments, and bespoke entertainment venues. The investor emphasizes creating a self-sustaining economic hub with independent governance structures and advanced security systems. This initiative represents one of the most significant private development projects in the Caribbean region, potentially establishing new benchmarks for luxury living and exclusive tourism. The tycoon’s vision centers on crafting a meticulously planned environment that prioritizes safety, luxury, and autonomy, positioning the island as a premier destination for global elites. The project timeline anticipates phased completion over the next decade, with initial infrastructure development commencing within eighteen months.

  • Food Handlers Urged to Register for February Training Sessions

    Food Handlers Urged to Register for February Training Sessions

    The Central Board of Health (CBH) under St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health has unveiled comprehensive preparations for its upcoming food safety certification program, scheduling training sessions throughout February 2026. Health officials are strongly advising all current and prospective food service professionals to complete their registration promptly due to limited capacity arrangements.

    Registration protocols require personal attendance at the CBH offices situated on Upper Church Street during specified morning hours from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The enrollment process demands different documentation based on applicant status: first-time participants must provide two passport-sized photographs, while those seeking certificate renewal need to present expired food handler badges dated 2018 or later.

    A standard registration fee of EC$50 applies to all participants, with an additional EC$25 penalty charge for those requiring session rescheduling after missing their allocated training date. Each instructional session will accommodate a maximum of 80 attendees at the Multi-Purpose Centre in Perry Bay, with specific scheduling arrangements: February 5th dedicated to new applicants (9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.), while February 12th (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) and February 19th (1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.) will focus on retraining programs.

    The health regulatory body has explicitly stated that children will not be permitted within training facilities during instructional hours. This policy reinforces the professional nature of the certification program and ensures optimal learning conditions for all participants.