Carib Scope

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  • Belize Made Its Pitch to Investors and Diplomats in Washington

    Belize Made Its Pitch to Investors and Diplomats in Washington

    On May 19, 2026, the capital of the United States played host to a unique trade and investment promotion event that put Central American nation Belize in the global spotlight. Organized by the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) in collaboration with Belize’s Washington-based embassy, the gathering was integrated into Passport DC, the city’s month-long annual cultural celebration that brings international communities to the forefront of the district’s public life.

    The event drew a diverse cross-section of attendees, from high-ranking foreign diplomats and C-suite business leaders to cross-border investment specialists and members of the large Belizean diaspora based in the U.S. Unlike traditional promotional events that focus almost exclusively on Belize’s well-established reputation as a top Caribbean tourism destination, this gathering was designed to showcase the country’s untapped potential across a wide range of emerging commercial sectors.

    Opening the event, Belize’s Ambassador to the U.S. Nestor Mendez framed the showcase as a critical step in deepening bilateral economic and diplomatic ties between Belize and the United States. He emphasized that expanded trade and mutual investment would create shared benefits for both nations, strengthening people-to-people connections while driving inclusive economic growth in Belize.

    Following Mendez’s opening remarks, BELTRAIDE Executive Director Ishmael Quiroz delivered a detailed presentation outlining Belize’s competitive advantages for international investors. He positioned the small nation as a forward-thinking destination that balances strategic opportunity with sustainable development, telling the assembled audience that “Belize continues to position itself as a country of opportunity, innovation, sustainability, and authentic experiences.”

    The event concluded with a interactive networking reception that gave attendees the chance to hold one-on-one conversations with BELTRAIDE’s investment promotion teams, asking detailed questions about regulatory frameworks, export incentives and high-potential projects across multiple industries. Guests also got a taste of Belize’s thriving local manufacturing sector during the reception, sampling premium rums from two of the country’s leading distilleries: Copalli and Traveller’s Liquors Ltd.

  • Survey Research and Stakeholder Insights Services

    Survey Research and Stakeholder Insights Services

    The Investment Migration Agency Grenada (IMA Grenada) has launched a formal competitive bidding process, publishing a public Request for Proposal (RFP) to source a qualified independent research firm to carry out a national stakeholder and public perception survey focused on the agency’s performance and brand standing.

    As the governing body for Grenada’s investment migration program, IMA Grenada aims to generate data-driven, actionable insights through this survey to guide internal service upgrades and refine long-term strategic positioning. The selected research vendor will be responsible for the full end-to-end delivery of the project, from initial research design to final presentation of findings.

    The core objectives of the survey extend beyond basic customer feedback collection. It is structured to measure multiple dimensions of public and stakeholder perception, including public awareness of IMA Grenada’s mandate, overall public trust in the agency, its institutional reputation, and levels of satisfaction across key service metrics. Specifically, the research will evaluate performance in service delivery speed, stakeholder responsiveness, transparent communication, operational processing efficiency, and overall professional conduct, to identify gaps and strengths across the agency’s operations.

    The full scope of work assigned to the winning bidder covers all critical phases of the research project: developing a sound survey methodology and representative sampling framework that aligns with the project’s objectives; co-designing survey questionnaires in close consultation with IMA Grenada’s leadership; deploying the survey through accessible, appropriate channels to reach targeted respondent groups; collecting and cleaning raw data, followed by rigorous statistical and thematic analysis; preparing a comprehensive final research report; and presenting key findings to agency stakeholders. Most importantly, the vendor is required to translate research outcomes into practical, actionable recommendations that will inform future service enhancement strategies and strengthen IMA Grenada’s strategic communication initiatives. Throughout the entire engagement, the selected firm is mandated to uphold strict respondent confidentiality, guarantee data integrity, and adhere to internationally accepted ethical research standards.

    To be considered for the contract, interested firms must submit a complete proposal that meets IMA Grenada’s structured requirements. Each submission must include: a detailed company profile outlining the firm’s background, organizational structure, and core areas of expertise; a summary of relevant past projects, particularly prior experience conducting similar surveys focused on customer satisfaction, public perception, or brand sentiment analysis; a detailed outline of the proposed research methodology and workplan, including research design, data collection approaches, sampling strategy, and implementation timeline; full profiles of the core project team assigned to the engagement, highlighting their specific roles, qualifications, and relevant industry experience; an indicative project timeline mapping key milestones and expected final delivery dates; and a comprehensive financial proposal with a detailed breakdown of all costs, including clear notes on any underlying assumptions and excluded expenses.

    Proposals will be evaluated by IMA Grenada based on a weighted set of criteria, including the firm’s relevant experience and professional qualifications, the robustness and suitability of the proposed methodology and technical approach, the expertise and track record of the assigned project team, the bidder’s demonstrated understanding of IMA Grenada’s core objectives and project requirements, the cost-effectiveness and overall value of the proposal, and past performance verified by client references. IMA Grenada retains the right to request additional information or clarification from any shortlisted firm during the evaluation process.

    The deadline for submission of completed proposals is 5 June 2026. All submissions must be sent in PDF format via email to [email protected]. Any questions regarding the RFP or bidding process should be directed to Rea Burke at [email protected].

    Under the terms and conditions outlined in the RFP, all submitted proposals will be treated as confidential documents and will only be shared with relevant internal decision-makers at IMA Grenada. The duration of the final contract will be adjusted to align with the winning bidder’s approved methodology and workplan. All legal terms of the agreement will be governed by the existing laws of Grenada.

    IMA Grenada is headquartered at 1st Floor, Galleria Mall, Grand Anse, St George, Grenada. The agency has extended an open invitation to all qualified research firms to participate in the bidding process, expressing appreciation for the time and effort invested by all participating firms in preparing competitive, comprehensive proposals.

  • Second Cyberbullying Case Linked to Chester Williams Tossed Out

    Second Cyberbullying Case Linked to Chester Williams Tossed Out

    In a Wednesday 2026 court ruling that has sparked public conversation around the misuse of legal process for personal conflicts, a cyberbullying charge against serving police officer Barry Flowers-Mai has been dismissed outright after the high-profile complainant, Ministry of Transport CEO Chester Williams, failed to show up for the trial he initiated. This dismissal marks the second time in less than a month that a cyberbullying case brought by Williams has been thrown out by Trinidad and Tobago’s judicial system.

    Williams, a former national police commissioner, first brought the allegations against Flowers-Mai in the wake of alleged social media activity dating back to April 2025. He claimed the officer had used a digital platform to publish content that was obscene and personally degrading, a charge that Flowers-Mai has denied throughout the proceedings.

    Delivering the ruling, Senior Magistrate Neeshad Mohammed did not mince words in criticizing Williams’ absence, calling the non-appearance a clear act of disrespect to the court. As a former top law enforcement official, Mohammed emphasized, Williams ought to understand the fundamental requirement of respect for judicial procedure, adding that the court would not allow itself to be weaponized as a tool to settle personal scores between public figures. “I cannot and this court will not be used as grounds for any personal vendetta,” Mohammed stated in his official ruling.

    Speaking to reporters immediately after the ruling outside the courthouse, Flowers-Mai expressed relief at the court’s fair decision. He argued that the case had been brought against him purely out of personal dislike, noting that legal action should never be used to target someone just because a powerful public figure disagrees with their official administrative work. “If someone does not like you, you cannot bring him to court because they don’t like the way you administrate,” Flowers-Mai said. “Thank God the court is fair; they struck it out.”

    The case’s dismissal adds to a growing pattern of failed legal actions initiated by Williams. Just six days prior on May 13, 2026, 38-year-old Nichole Gilda McDonald was rearrested and recharged on similar cyberbullying charges stemming from a critical Facebook comment directed at Williams. That same case had already been dismissed in November 2025 after Williams skipped 17 consecutive scheduled court hearings, only to be reinstated last Wednesday in a surprise procedural move.

    Beyond the cyberbullying allegations, Flowers-Mai has also been publicly linked to the high-profile kidnapping case of social media personality Joseph Ryan Budna, who is currently incarcerated in a Guatemalan prison on separate charges. When reporters asked Flowers-Mai to respond to the kidnapping connection outside court, he declined to elaborate on the matter, emphasizing that mere association does not equal guilt. “I don’t want to comment on that as yet, because calling someone’s name does not mean the person is guilty… A day will come when I will address that one,” he added.

  • IMA Grenada appoints Samorna Dowe-Mitchell as Corporate Secretary

    IMA Grenada appoints Samorna Dowe-Mitchell as Corporate Secretary

    Grenada’s top bodies overseeing the country’s citizenship by investment program have announced a key leadership appointment, set to take effect next year. The Citizenship by Investment Committee (CBIC) and the management of the Investment Migration Agency (IMA) confirmed in an official public notice that Samorna Dowe-Mitchell will step into the role of Corporate Secretary starting January 19, 2026.

    Dowe-Mitchell brings a robust, decades-aligned track record of public sector expertise across core areas of governance, regulatory compliance, and institutional investigations. Most recently, she led the Investigations Division at Grenada’s Integrity Commission, where she oversaw end-to-end management of high-stakes investigative workflows, drafted mandatory statutory and investigative reports for government review, supervised investigative teams, and supported cross-agency organizational reviews and national anti-corruption strategies.

    Prior to her promotion to Head of Investigations, Dowe-Mitchell held two senior compliance roles at the Integrity Commission: first as Compliance Officer, then as Head of Compliance. In those positions, she led compliance oversight for mandatory asset disclosure filings, managed internal and external audit and public reporting processes, and developed the commission’s foundational internal policies and operational procedures.

    Professionally, Dowe-Mitchell holds the prestigious Chartered Corporate Secretary Certified (CCSEC) credential, alongside a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business with a dual focus on Finance and Economics. She has also completed advanced specialized professional training in senior leadership, executive management, and public sector governance.

    Both CBIC and IMA leadership have issued a formal welcome to Dowe-Mitchell, expressing confidence that her deep institutional and technical experience will strengthen the CBIC’s corporate governance framework. This appointment aligns with the IMA’s long-term strategic goal of evolving into a top-tier, high-performing public institution that upholds global standards for investment migration programs.

    This announcement was published by NOW Grenada, which notes that it is not responsible for the content or opinions shared in official contributor statements. Readers can report any alleged abuse of content via the platform’s official reporting channel.

  • Wakeme Rodney Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Ammunition Charges

    Wakeme Rodney Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Ammunition Charges

    A 32-year-old man from Bendals has entered a guilty plea to charges of unlawfully holding a firearm and ammunition, following a routine police traffic stop that uncovered the hidden weapon earlier this month.

    Wakeme Rodney faced charges after law enforcement officers stopped his pickup truck during a checkpoint operation conducted along Bendals Main Road on May 14. Officers first pulled Rodney over when they observed he was failing to comply with basic road safety rules by not wearing his required seatbelt. What began as a minor traffic infraction quickly escalated into a weapons case when officers searched the vehicle and found the hidden cache.

    Tucked inside a black Adidas side bag resting on the front passenger seat, police discovered a fully loaded Beretta APX 9mm pistol, alongside seven rounds of live ammunition. Following the seizure, Rodney told investigators that he had no intention of keeping the weapon illegally, claiming he had stumbled upon the gun near the Masonry Product facility along Big Creek Main Road, and was en route to hand it over to authorities when he was stopped.

    Rodney formally entered his guilty plea before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel during a court hearing held this week. Following the plea, the Bendals resident was remanded into custody to await his formal sentencing, which has been scheduled for May 27.

  • CCTV Camera Captures Man Driving Away With Stolen Car

    CCTV Camera Captures Man Driving Away With Stolen Car

    A car owner in an unspecified location is reeling from a brazen, shockingly quick vehicle theft that was entirely caught on closed-circuit television, after a moment of carelessness left the automobile vulnerable to opportunistic crime. As detailed in initial incident reports, the owner pulled their car over along a public roadside, exited the vehicle, and walked into a nearby building to handle a quick errand. In a careless mistake that would cost them their car, they left the driver’s side door propped open and the vehicle’s keys still inside the ignition. Mere seconds after the owner left the scene out of sight of the car, the surveillance system documenting the area picked up a male suspect approaching the unattended vehicle with clear intent. The man moved quickly, climbing straight into the driver’s seat and pulling away from the roadside before any passersby could intervene. The car owner returned to the spot of the theft only moments after the suspect drove off, and immediately realized what had happened. The owner sprinted after the stolen vehicle in a frantic attempt to stop the thief, but the suspect had already put too much distance between himself and the scene, and the owner could not catch up. In the weeks following the incident, still frames and clips pulled directly from the CCTV footage have been widely shared across social media and online community platforms, as local residents and law enforcement work together to identify the unknown suspect and track down the stolen vehicle for recovery. As of the latest updates on the case, law enforcement agencies have not issued any formal public comment confirming details of the incident or sharing updates on the ongoing investigation.

  • Onverwagt viert 145 jaar geschiedenis: Onze voorouders bouwden aan een toekomst

    Onverwagt viert 145 jaar geschiedenis: Onze voorouders bouwden aan een toekomst

    On a reflective and celebratory Monday, Plantation Onverwagt in Suriname gathered residents and national leaders to mark 145 years since local community members secured ownership of the land, a milestone that came just years after the abolition of slavery across the region. The event blended lively music, shared personal memories, and intergenerational storytelling, centering two core goals: honoring the site’s complex history and charting a path forward to protect the community’s shared heritage and social cohesion for decades to come.

    Speaking at the celebration, Suriname President Jennifer Simons emphasized the critical urgency of documenting the unique history of the Para region and preserving the oral histories passed down by elder generations. She warned that without intentional efforts to transfer these collective memories to younger cohorts, large portions of the nation’s vulnerable cultural heritage risk fading into permanent loss.

    According to Suriname’s Communication Service, the 145th anniversary commemorates the 1881 purchase of the plantation by its residents, a transaction that took place shortly after chattel slavery was abolished in the region. Simons stressed that this historic act of self-determination offers a powerful example of how Suriname’s ancestors built a stable, hopeful future for their descendants even in the face of immense systemic hardship and displacement.

    “Our ancestors refused to remain trapped in the identity of victims. Instead, they came together to build a lasting community for the generations that would come after them,” the head of state told attendees. She used the occasion to make a major policy announcement: this coming August, Suriname will launch its first annual National Heritage Month, a nationwide initiative designed to draw greater public attention to the country’s diverse cultural heritage and advance the values of peaceful coexistence across all communities.

    Beyond the new heritage initiative, President Simons also raised urgent concerns about the long-term protection of collective land holdings tied to historic plantations like Onverwagt. She issued a call to action, urging local community leaders, academic and cultural heritage experts, and national government bodies to collaborate closely to develop sustainable solutions that will safeguard the collective land rights of these communities in perpetuity.

    Local community leader Clyde Vyent also reflected on the plantation’s enduring meaning for the people who call it home. He framed Onverwagt as a lasting national symbol of human dignity and resilience, noting that the 1881 land purchase by ancestors was a deliberate act designed to free future generations from economic dependence on outside actors. At the same time, Vyent acknowledged the persistent challenges the Onverwagt community still grapples with today, including high rates of unemployment, gaps in educational access, and outdated, inadequate public infrastructure. “Our goal is to leave behind a community that our children and grandchildren will be proud to call home,” he said.

  • LETTER: Government Must Address Ebola Preparedness as Flights Come From Africa

    LETTER: Government Must Address Ebola Preparedness as Flights Come From Africa

    A public correspondent has submitted a formal letter to senior leadership in Antigua and Barbuda, calling for government attention to emerging Ebola outbreak risks linked to ongoing spread of the virus in several African regions. The letter, which addresses Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the national Aviation Minister and Health Minister, seeks clear public explanation of the protective protocols the country is developing to shield its population from imported infection risks.

    At the core of the correspondent’s inquiry are questions regarding screening and entry rules for commercial flights originating from African areas currently impacted by the Ebola outbreak. The writer specifically asks whether the government has drafted new operational policies for incoming air travel from these affected zones, alongside details on what preventive health measures and entry screening protocols are already active at the country’s border checkpoints.

    The urgent concern raised in the correspondence stems from a widely held public observation that Antigua and Barbuda currently faces constraints in specialized healthcare infrastructure and limited resources for rapid diagnostic testing and clinical management of high-risk viral pathogens like Ebola. Without clear, coordinated protocols in place, the country could face heightened vulnerability to an imported outbreak that would overwhelm local health systems.

    Beyond border policy questions, the correspondent notes that ordinary residents and citizens across Antigua and Barbuda are actively seeking official reassurance and evidence-based guidance on national preparedness plans and personal safety practices. To date, there has been no broad, accessible public communication from government authorities addressing the Ebola situation and related risks, which has left the public without clear information to inform their own choices.

    Given Antigua and Barbuda’s status as a travel-reliant nation that welcomes a steady stream of international flights into its main airports, the correspondent emphasizes that thousands of people both citizens and long-term residents want transparent clarification on potential infection risks, and the concrete steps the administration has implemented to protect national public health. The correspondence closes with a formal request for an official public response or statement to address these outstanding questions, with the writer noting they await a timely reply from relevant authorities.

  • Fisherfolk want major changes to operations at Fisheries Complex

    Fisherfolk want major changes to operations at Fisheries Complex

    A growing wave of discontent is sweeping through Barbados’ fishing community, as persistent ice shortages at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex continue to threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of local fisherfolk, prompting renewed calls for sweeping management changes to the facility’s critical ice production infrastructure.

    The demands were voiced this week by Moonesh Dharampaul, leader of the Black Fin Fleet Co-operative Society, during an on-site media interaction on the sidelines of a visit by representatives from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Dharampaul placed the blame for the recurring crisis squarely on systemic mismanagement, saying the long-running issues have crippled daily operations for fishermen across the island.

    While Dharampaul acknowledged that Fisheries Minister Santia Bradshaw has publicly committed to resolving the problem, he warned that the glacial pace of progress and persistently low ice output continues to hold the sector back. His cooperative is now pushing for a major restructuring of oversight: calling on Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox to take direct charge of the complex’s seafood markets, arguing the current governance framework lacks the accountability and transparent communication the crisis demands.

    “When it comes to the ice machine problems, it is simply poor management across the board — there is no other way to frame it,” Dharampaul told reporters. “We have not seen the required level of proactivity from current leadership around routine maintenance, open communication, or taking responsibility for failures. That is the core change we are demanding.”

    Dharampaul’s criticism marks the second public airing of grievances in just seven days: a week prior, a group of fishermen based at the Bridgetown facility held their own press conference to detail months of frustration over the unreliable ice supply.

    The root of the current capacity crisis, Dharampaul explained, is that only one of the ice system’s two compressors remains operational, cutting maximum production by half. The facility was designed to run two compressors feeding two separate ice machines, but with just one unit working, output is so low that the system can only serve two fishing vessels before needing to shut down to rebuild ice reserves for the next day’s operations.

    This crippling capacity limitation has forced desperate measures: many local fishermen are now traveling all the way to Grenada just to secure adequate ice for their catches, Dharampaul said. More than 150 fishing vessels are currently docked idle at the Bridgetown Complex, he added, with crews waiting for government intervention to resolve the crisis before they can resume full operations.

    According to Dharampaul, fisheries officials have already begun preliminary steps to review the situation: the permanent secretary of the ministry and Minister Bradshaw have requested a full report from Eric Lewis, Senior Manager of Fish Markets. That report is expected to include full maintenance logs for the ice system, as well as formal proposals to replace outdated and failed equipment.

    Beyond internal reviews, the Black Fin Fleet Co-operative Society is pushing for two broader, long-term changes: an independent third-party audit of the entire ice machine system, and the creation of a public-private partnership to take over management of the ice production infrastructure. Dharampaul argued that this hybrid model would cut operational costs for the Barbadian government, boost the efficiency of ice production, and give local fishermen a tangible stake and sense of ownership in the sector that supports their livelihoods.

    Urgent action is non-negotiable, he added, if the government hopes to rebuild fishermen’s trust in the sector’s governance. These changes cannot wait — they are needed sooner rather than later to get the industry back on its feet.

  • Wins for Burke and Tuach in Surfer of the Year series

    Wins for Burke and Tuach in Surfer of the Year series

    One of the most anticipated stops on the 2024 Barbados Surfing Association calendar wrapped up over the weekend at Drill Hall Beach, where Joshua Burke reversed an early season setback to claim the Open Men’s title and Chelsea Tuach delivered a masterclass to take the Open Women’s crown at the third installment of the organization’s annual Surfer of the Year Series. The day of competition delivered some of the most electric, high-stakes surfing of the entire season so far, drawing crowds of enthusiastic onlookers to the popular Barbados beach to watch the island’s top talent go head-to-head.

    For Joshua Burke, the victory marked a well-earned redemption after he finished just behind his older brother Jacob to take second place at the series’ opening event. He brought consistent, high-power surfing to every heat of the competition, and saved his best performance for the final. By the end of the final heat, Joshua posted a combined two-wave score of 17.66, anchored by a show-stopping single ride that earned a 9.33 from judges — a score that sent the watching crowd into excitement and solidified his place at the top of the podium.

    Jacob Burke, the opening event winner, still turned in an impressive performance to finish second overall with a total score of 14.17, proving that the Burke family is a dominant force in Barbados surfing. Veteran surfer Bruce Mackie rounded out the podium in third place, while 14-year-old rising prospect Trent Corbin put in a strong showing to take fourth place in the Open Men’s final.

    In the Open Women’s division, Tuach controlled the final from the opening horn, bringing a sharp, strategic approach and clean, powerful turns that set her apart from the rest of the field. She finished with a total combined score of 12.56, a result that served as a clear statement of her status as one of the region’s top female surfers. Amy Godson put in a determined effort to finish second, just a few points ahead of her identical twin sister Hayley Godson, who took third, while Chelsea Roett finished fourth in the final.

    The competition also featured a full slate of results across additional divisions, with Jacob Burke adding a second trophy to the Burke family’s collection by taking a dominant win in the Open Longboard Division. He posted a 13.00 total to claim the top spot, with Noah Campbell finishing second, Tristan Brits third, and John Mulligan fourth. In the youth divisions, Tommaso Layson took top honors in the Under-18 Boys category, while Amy Godson picked up her second award of the day by winning the Under-18 Girls division. Christian Stoute claimed victory in the Under-16 Boys draw, and Kian Brits topped the field in the Under-14 age group. Rounding out the day’s results, Avery-Jai Watson won the novice division, and Simon Coles took the title in the Grand Masters Over-40s division.