Carib Scope

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  • Ghost ship threatens reef as inclement weather stalls removal

    Ghost ship threatens reef as inclement weather stalls removal

    A major environmental crisis is unfolding off the coast of Barbados as the abandoned cargo vessel MV Christina Debora remains lodged on a fragile coral reef, causing ongoing ecological damage while rough seas prevent salvage operations. According to Dr. Leo Brewster, Head of the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), the ship has already caused significant harm since running aground on the reef crest at Sam Lord’s Castle coastline.

    The 100-foot vessel poses a continuous threat through its constant rocking motion from wave action, which is actively damaging the reef structure in its immediate vicinity. Dr. Brewster reported divers have observed substantial seabed alterations, including sand displacement from beneath the hull that threatens to create channeling across the reef rooftop or cause harmful sedimentation.

    The situation is compounded by the risk of the vessel settling permanently on the reef structure if not removed promptly. This has prompted the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) to mobilize a multi-agency response team to address the escalating environmental threat.

    Salvage experts are planning a carefully controlled extraction operation that would pull the vessel backward along its original path onto the reef. Dr. Brewster emphasized that attempting to drag the ship over the reef crest would cause additional irreparable damage to the coral ecosystem.

    However, adverse weather conditions have forced authorities to pause removal efforts. Major Robert Harewood, Deputy Director of DEM, reported that drone surveillance missions were aborted due to inclement weather, though low-altitude footage confirmed the vessel remains stationary on the reef.

    With a flood watch in effect and unfavorable sea conditions persisting, agencies are maintaining constant coordination while awaiting a weather window to resume operations. Major Harewood indicated that towing operations may recommence later today or early tomorrow depending on improving conditions, with the primary objective being the safe removal of the vessel to prevent further reef degradation.

  • Jamaican drummer Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar dies

    Jamaican drummer Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar dies

    The music world is mourning the loss of Lowell “Sly” Dunbar, the revolutionary Jamaican drummer and one-half of the seminal production duo Sly and Robbie, who passed away on the morning of January 29, 2026. His wife, Thelma, confirmed the tragic news, stating she discovered him unresponsive around 7 a.m. following a day spent happily with friends. Although Dunbar had been battling illness for some time, the sudden severity of his condition was reportedly unforeseen.

    Dunbar’s legacy is nothing short of monumental. From humble beginnings drumming with The Yardbrooms at just 15 years old, his fateful meeting with bassist Robbie Shakespeare in 1972 ignited a creative partnership that would become the rhythmic backbone of reggae and dub for over five decades. Together, as both session musicians and visionary producers, they were instrumental in crafting the sound of artists like the militant Peter Tosh and were the masterminds behind an estimated 200,000 recordings, a staggering figure that underscores their immense influence.

    Their pioneering work extended beyond performance. In 1980, they founded Taxi Records, a label that became a crucible for Jamaican talent, launching the careers of and releasing seminal works for acts including Black Uhuru, Beenie Man, and the duo Chaka Demus and Pliers. Dunbar’s passing marks the latest in a series of devastating blows to reggae’s foundational figures, coming just days after the death of Third World’s Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore and following the 2021 loss of his own musical soulmate, Robbie Shakespeare.

    In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to music and Jamaican culture, the government honored Dunbar with the Order of Distinction. His mantle of accolades also includes the prestigious Musgrave Gold Medal (2015) and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota, bestowed just months before his death in May 2025.

  • U-17 World Cup 2026 Qualifier : 3rd victory, our Grenadières dominate the Cayman Islands [3-0]

    U-17 World Cup 2026 Qualifier : 3rd victory, our Grenadières dominate the Cayman Islands [3-0]

    In a display of technical mastery and strategic discipline, Haiti’s U-17 women’s national football team secured their third consecutive victory in the FIFA World Cup Morocco 2026 qualifiers with a commanding 3-0 win over the Cayman Islands on January 31, 2026. The match, held at the FFK Willemstad Stadium in Curaçao, demonstrated Haiti’s growing dominance in Group C of the CONCACAF qualification tournament.

    The Grenadières established control from the opening whistle, with Keisha M. Gue breaking through the Cayman Islands’ defense in the 7th minute. Gue’s precision right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area found the bottom right corner, giving Haiti an early advantage. The team maintained relentless pressure, culminating in Léa Jacques’ spectacular right-footed free kick in the 31st minute that extended Haiti’s lead to 2-0 by halftime.

    Throughout the second half, Haiti demonstrated superior ball control and tactical organization, effectively neutralizing the Cayman Islands’ offensive attempts. The match concluded with Daphney Louis securing the final goal during stoppage time (90+1′) with a left-footed strike from the center of the penalty area, assisted by Rosalie St. Louis.

    Head coach Frenoy Baptiste implemented strategic substitutions throughout the match, including Gilouse Alisha Jean-François for Alyssa Somer Manasse and Adjani Kamanzi-Mondestin for Krystel Châtelain at the 60-minute mark. The team’s starting lineup featured players from diverse football backgrounds, including clubs in Canada, the United States, Scotland, and Haiti itself, highlighting the diaspora’s contribution to Haitian football development.

    With this victory, Haiti maintains top position in Group C with a perfect record of 9 points from three matches, having scored 14 goals while conceding only one. The team’s impressive goal differential of +13 positions them favorably ahead of their crucial upcoming match against Guatemala, who trail with 7 points after a draw against Saint Lucia.

    The upcoming fixture against Guatemala on February 2nd will determine which team advances to the final qualification stage for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026. Haiti’s current form suggests strong potential for securing qualification and potentially making history in international women’s football.

  • Rupununi tourism organisation says police not properly investigating death of tour guide, blames cattle rustlers

    Rupununi tourism organisation says police not properly investigating death of tour guide, blames cattle rustlers

    The Guyana Police Force faces mounting criticism from tourism organization Visit Rupununi over its handling of the investigation into the brutal killing of renowned tour guide and conservationist Leon “Rasta” Baird. The 38-year-old’s partially charred remains were discovered January 25, 2026, in a burned vehicle near the Rupununi River, adjacent to Wichabai Ranch in South Rupununi.

    Visit Rupununi, established in 2015 with support from Conservation International, issued a strongly worded statement expressing “deep disturbance and outrage” at both the murder and the perceived inadequate police response. The organization directly implicated cattle rustlers operating in the Sand Creek area as the likely perpetrators, citing evidence from the crime scene and local reports.

    According to official police bulletins, forensic examination by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh determined Baird was alive before the fire that caused his death. Investigators recovered evidential items including a knife and spent shotgun shells near the scene, alongside the remains of two cattle suspected to have been shot.

    The tourism body highlighted concerning investigative gaps: potential witnesses have come forward, suspects have been reportedly sighted, and physical evidence remains uncollected at the crime scene. Notably, the lead investigator hasn’t been seen in the district since the Sunday following the discovery.

    Visit Rupununi condemned the historical lack of police action against organized cattle rustling networks that have long plagued Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). The organization warned that failure to properly address this crime could embolden further violence, creating a dangerous perception that such acts occur without consequence.

    Neither Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken nor CID Head Deputy Commissioner Wendell Blanhum responded to media inquiries regarding these allegations. The police force’s only official communication stated that no arrests have been made while investigations continue.

    Baird, remembered as a respected local guide, vaquero, and dedicated conservationist, has been laid to rest after his remains were released to relatives following DNA sampling as part of the ongoing investigation.

  • WHO Steps Up Response to Nipah Virus Outbreak in India

    WHO Steps Up Response to Nipah Virus Outbreak in India

    The World Health Organization has escalated its containment operations in India’s West Bengal region following confirmation of Nipah virus infections in two healthcare professionals. This zoonotic pathogen, recognized for its high mortality rate ranging between 40-75%, transmits through bat reservoirs, contaminated food sources, and direct human-to-human contact.

    In coordination with Indian health authorities, WHO has implemented reinforced surveillance protocols and contact tracing mechanisms. Comprehensive testing of 190 identified contacts has yielded negative results, providing cautious optimism regarding containment progress.

    The international health agency has deployed mobile diagnostic laboratories and adopted an integrated One Health strategy, combining expertise from human medicine, veterinary science, and environmental health sectors. This multidisciplinary approach addresses the complex transmission ecology of the virus.

    Current risk assessment classifies the outbreak as moderate within the affected region. WHO explicitly advises against implementing travel or trade restrictions based on available epidemiological data. Nonetheless, several Asian nations have preemptively enhanced airport screening procedures in response to the outbreak.

  • Fire at ABLP Headquarters on Nugent Avenue Quickly Contained

    Fire at ABLP Headquarters on Nugent Avenue Quickly Contained

    A potential disaster was averted on Nugent Avenue this Saturday afternoon thanks to prompt intervention from bystanders. Emergency services were dispatched to the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Headquarters following reports of a fire, only to discover that vigilant members of the public had already extinguished the flames before their arrival.

    The St. John’s Fire Station received the emergency alert at precisely 2:13 p.m., according to Inspector Bagot. Fire tenders No. 17 and No. 19 were immediately deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered several burnt wooden pallets that had been successfully doused by civilians, eliminating the need for any firefighting equipment deployment.

    While the quick-thinking actions prevented a more serious incident, the southern wall of the political party’s headquarters did sustain noticeable heat and smoke damage. Authorities have confirmed that no injuries resulted from the incident, marking a fortunate outcome given the circumstances.

    The St. John’s Fire Brigade has launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. The incident highlights both the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of emergency response systems, even when the immediate danger has been neutralized before official assistance arrives.

  • iPhone Snatched From Parked Vehicle in St. John’s

    iPhone Snatched From Parked Vehicle in St. John’s

    A motorist has issued a stark public warning following the brazen theft of an iPhone from his parked vehicle, despite his close proximity to the car at the time of the incident. The victim reported that the device was swiftly snatched and subsequently tracked using Apple’s integrated location services, leading him to the Diamond Ice Supermarket vicinity on All Saints Road. At this location, unauthorized attempts to bypass the device’s security protocols were detected.

    During the investigation, the perpetrator allegedly utilized the stolen device to place a call to the victim’s girlfriend, adding further distress to the situation. The pursuit culminated successfully with the iPhone’s recovery near the Public Market, preventing permanent loss.

    Identifying a potential suspect frequently observed in the ZDK district, the victim shared his experience primarily to caution fellow citizens. He emphasized the alarming vulnerability of personal possessions, noting that even momentary lapses in vehicle supervision—such as brief errands or short-distance tasks—can present lucrative opportunities for opportunistic criminals. This incident underscores the critical need for heightened vigilance regarding valuables left in vehicles, regardless of the intended duration of absence.

  • 2 armed masked men rob Villa business

    2 armed masked men rob Villa business

    A commercial establishment in Villa was thrust into a state of terror following an armed robbery perpetrated by two masked individuals. The incident, which unfolded with alarming speed, involved the suspects brandishing firearms to intimidate employees and patrons before making off with an undisclosed amount of cash and valuables.

    Local law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation, cordoning off the scene to gather forensic evidence, including potential security camera footage and witness testimonies. Preliminary reports indicate the perpetrators entered the premises with their faces concealed, suggesting a premeditated act aimed at avoiding identification. Their swift and aggressive methodology points to a potential familiarity with the location or a pattern of similar criminal activities in the region.

    The psychological impact on witnesses and staff is being assessed, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the apprehension of the culprits. This event has ignited concerns within the local business community regarding security protocols and the necessity for enhanced protective measures against escalating criminal tactics.

  • LIVE (soon): Opening of St. Joseph Carnival

    LIVE (soon): Opening of St. Joseph Carnival

    Digital News Organization (DNO) has officially announced its comprehensive live coverage plans for the highly anticipated St. Joseph Carnival, with broadcast operations prepared to commence imminently. The media outlet has deployed its technical teams and equipment to strategic locations throughout the festival grounds to capture the full spectrum of celebratory events.

    The carnival, a significant cultural tradition in the St. Joseph community, typically features vibrant parades, elaborate costume displays, and diverse musical performances that reflect the region’s rich heritage. DNO’s coverage strategy includes multi-camera setups, aerial drone footage, and live interviews with participants and organizers to provide viewers with an immersive experience.

    Technical preparations have been underway for several weeks, with broadcast engineers conducting extensive testing of transmission equipment and satellite links to ensure uninterrupted high-definition streaming. The organization has also implemented backup communication systems to maintain broadcast integrity throughout the event’s duration.

    Viewers can access the live coverage through DNO’s primary television channel, official mobile application, and social media platforms. The broadcast will include real-time commentary from cultural experts providing historical context and analysis of the carnival’s symbolic elements and traditional practices.

    Community representatives have expressed appreciation for the comprehensive media coverage, noting that it helps preserve cultural traditions while making them accessible to international audiences and diaspora communities. The live broadcast is expected to showcase both the visual spectacle and deeper cultural significance of this annual celebration.

  • Hebridean Sky makes inaugural call to Port Soufrière, new jetty in progress

    Hebridean Sky makes inaugural call to Port Soufrière, new jetty in progress

    The picturesque town of Soufrière has entered a transformative phase in its tourism development with the dual milestone of welcoming the expedition cruise vessel Hebridean Sky and launching construction on a major waterfront infrastructure project. The inaugural port call on January 16th served as both a celebration and strategic planning session, bringing together the Soufrière Regional Development Foundation (SRDF), parliamentary representatives, and port authorities aboard the vessel for high-level discussions.

    According to SRDF Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager Lovely Saint-Aimé Joseph, extensive consultations with Saint Lucia Cruise Port have culminated in tangible progress on the long-anticipated L-shaped jetty project. Marine users have been advised to observe enhanced safety protocols during the construction phase, which commenced shortly after the January 16th meeting.

    Local Member of Parliament Emma Hippolyte characterized these developments as signaling “a new dispensation” for the constituency, confirming construction was scheduled to begin on January 19th. The parliamentary representative emphasized the administration’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and safety throughout the transformation process.

    Saint Lucia Cruise Port officials project substantial benefits from the L-jetty initiative, anticipating both aesthetic enhancements to the waterfront and significant economic advantages for local entrepreneurs. Port representatives specifically highlighted the anticipated positive impact on taxi operators, vendors, and the broader business community, noting that improvements would elevate the experience for both residents and international visitors.

    Tourism officials believe the enhanced infrastructure and expanded cruise capacity will unlock new economic opportunities while allowing more visitors to discover what they describe as “the gem that Soufrière truly is.” The simultaneous occurrence of the inaugural vessel call and construction commencement marks a strategic acceleration of Soufrière’s positioning within the competitive Caribbean cruise tourism market.