Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • PHOTOS: Single-Lane Traffic in Effect on Sir Sydney Walling Highway Amid Road Repairs

    PHOTOS: Single-Lane Traffic in Effect on Sir Sydney Walling Highway Amid Road Repairs

    Commuters utilizing the Sir Sydney Walling Highway are currently encountering modified traffic conditions as a significant road rehabilitation project advances. Transportation authorities have issued a formal advisory, confirming the implementation of single-lane traffic patterns along certain segments of this crucial thoroughfare. This infrastructural initiative is a continuation of a broader maintenance strategy aimed at enhancing road safety, durability, and overall driving conditions for the public.

    The nature of the work necessitates temporary traffic management systems, which are now actively in place. While crews are diligently working to minimize disruption, the reduced lane capacity inherently creates a potential for congestion, particularly during peak travel hours. Officials are strongly urging all motorists to incorporate additional travel time into their schedules and to remain vigilant for posted signage and instructions from traffic controllers on site.

    This type of proactive infrastructure upkeep is critical for the long-term integrity of the transportation network. The temporary inconvenience of lane restrictions and possible delays is weighed against the substantial long-term benefits, which include smoother road surfaces, improved drainage, and increased safety for all road users. The project underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and upgrading essential public infrastructure. Motorists are encouraged to stay updated on the project’s progress through official transportation channels for any changes to the traffic management plan.

  • Trump Orders Withdrawal From Dozens of International Bodies

    Trump Orders Withdrawal From Dozens of International Bodies

    In a landmark foreign policy directive, President Donald Trump has mandated the immediate withdrawal of the United States from numerous international bodies through a presidential memorandum issued Wednesday. This decisive action follows an extensive review process initiated under Executive Order 14199, signed February 4, 2025, which required comprehensive evaluation of all international organizations, conventions, and treaties involving U.S. membership or support.

    The Secretary of State, in consultation with the U.S. representative to the United Nations, conducted the review that formed the basis of the presidential determination. After examining the findings and consulting with Cabinet members, President Trump concluded that continued participation in certain organizations contradicted American interests.

    The memorandum specifically targets 35 non-UN organizations including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, International Renewable Energy Agency, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Freedom Online Coalition, Global Counterterrorism Forum, and Commission for Environmental Cooperation. Additionally, the directive orders withdrawal from 31 United Nations entities encompassing the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Population Fund, UN Women, UN Conference on Trade and Development, Peacebuilding Commission and Fund, plus various offices addressing children in armed conflict, gender-based violence, and African development.

    All executive departments and agencies have been instructed to implement these withdrawals as rapidly as legally permissible, with the understanding that for UN entities, withdrawal may involve ceasing participation or funding to the maximum extent allowed by law. The administration has indicated this review remains ongoing, suggesting potential additional actions as further findings emerge from the State Department.

  • Liberta Man Found Injured in Bushes

    Liberta Man Found Injured in Bushes

    Authorities in Liberta have launched a criminal investigation into a violent assault that left a man severely wounded in a local bushland area. The incident came to light when a concerned resident alerted police after hearing distinct cries for assistance emanating from nearby vegetation.

    Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement personnel discovered an adult male victim suffering from significant head trauma, including deep lacerations and active bleeding. Preliminary reports indicate the victim remained conscious and communicated with responding officers, describing how the assault occurred during a physical confrontation that involved both a sharp-edged weapon and a stone used as a blunt force object.

    Emergency medical services promptly transported the injured individual to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where physicians admitted him for comprehensive observation and treatment. Medical staff are monitoring his condition closely due to the nature of head injuries, though current reports suggest he is in stable condition.

    The Liberta Police Department has cordoned off the area for forensic examination and is pursuing multiple investigative leads. Police spokesperson Inspector Joanna Reid stated, ‘We are following all available evidence and encourage anyone with information about this incident to come forward immediately. Such violence against members of our community will be investigated thoroughly.’

    This assault has raised concerns among Liberta residents about safety in peripheral areas, with many calling for increased police patrols in less populated zones surrounding the community. Local officials have promised to review security measures while the investigation continues.

  • Police Release Details of Latest Belmopan Murder

    Police Release Details of Latest Belmopan Murder

    Belmopan City authorities are investigating a violent armed robbery that culminated in the fatal shooting of a local truck driver on Wednesday afternoon. The victim, identified as 55-year-old Mark Anthony Gabourel, an employee of Caribbean Chicken, was ambushed and killed in a shocking daylight attack.

    According to official police reports, the incident transpired at approximately 4:30 p.m. along Mountain View Boulevard. Gabourel was departing a commercial compound in his vehicle, accompanied by a 15-year-old assistant, when two assailants on a Meilun motorcycle intercepted them. The passenger on the motorcycle produced a firearm and discharged multiple rounds into the truck’s cabin, critically wounding Gabourel.

    Following the shooting, the motorcycle operator attempted to forcibly access the truck’s door but was unsuccessful. Both suspects subsequently fled the scene, leaving the gravely injured driver behind. Emergency services transported Gabourel to Western Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries despite medical intervention.

    The Belize Police Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into this homicide, which represents the latest in a series of violent crimes affecting the community. Authorities are appealing to witnesses and anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation into this tragic loss of life.

  • Man Charged in Independence Village Mass Shooting

    Man Charged in Independence Village Mass Shooting

    A 21-year-old Belizean construction worker has been formally charged in connection with a deadly mass shooting that disrupted New Year’s Eve celebrations in Independence Village, Stann Creek District. Santos Absolom Chirinos, a resident of Bella Vista Village, faces charges of murder and escape from lawful custody for the killing of 39-year-old Keith Neal during the December 31, 2025 incident.

    The violence erupted at the Feel Good Restaurant and Bar where community members had gathered for holiday festivities. According to police reports, an assailant arrived on motorcycle and opened fire on a specific individual before fleeing the scene. The chaotic shooting left six additional victims wounded from stray gunfire, making it one of the most severe mass shooting incidents in Belize’s recent history.

    Eyewitness accounts describe moments of confusion as attendees initially mistook the gunshots for firecrackers. One surviving victim recounted realizing he had been shot only upon noticing blood, highlighting the sudden and unexpected nature of the attack.

    The deceased victim, Keith Neal, was transported from Southern Regional Hospital to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries. His sister Shannon Neal remembered him as a humble man deeply devoted to his family, who now seek justice for his tragic death.

    Law enforcement officials indicate significant progress in the investigation, having secured surveillance footage from the establishment and identified a potential motive. Authorities continue to seek two additional persons of interest connected to the case as forensic technicians work to transform the chaotic crime scene into concrete evidence.

  • STATEMENT: DAPD 2026 message from president Judy Sango

    STATEMENT: DAPD 2026 message from president Judy Sango

    The Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities (DAPD) enters 2026 with reinforced determination to advance its four-decade mission of fostering equal participation opportunities for disabled citizens in national socio-economic development. Since its founding pledge in 1983 to serve as the representative voice for Dominica’s disabled community, the organization continues to champion accessibility through education, vocational training, rehabilitation services, and employment initiatives.

    Commencing a new five-year program cycle in January 2025 extending through December 2029, DAPD has already activated multiple projects focused on skills development, income-generation enterprises, and community engagement. Building upon this foundation, the association’s 2026 strategy prioritizes localized fundraising efforts and the expansion of signature events including National Dollar Day, Wheel a Walk a Thon, and Dinner in the Dark—established as cornerstone initiatives for achieving organizational self-sustainability.

    DAPD credits its substantive progress to the resilience of its members and consistent support from partners and citizens, collectively transforming inclusion from abstract vision to daily reality through advanced dignity protections and rights advocacy. The organization extends profound gratitude to 2025 supporters whose commitments enabled measurable achievements, with outcomes slated for presentation at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

    In a message representing members, staff, and leadership, DAPD envisions a 2026 marked by hope, prosperity, and national unity—urging collaborative efforts to strengthen societal foundations rooted in inclusivity, equality, and universal respect. The association calls for continued amplification of disability leadership to ensure Dominica’s future embodies both inclusive and sustainable development principles.

  • Hardware, not cyberattack, behind govt systems issue – minister

    Hardware, not cyberattack, behind govt systems issue – minister

    The Barbados government has clarified that a recent technical disruption affecting its systems stemmed from obsolete hardware rather than a cybersecurity breach. Senator Jonathan Reid, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology, confirmed that aging equipment at the Barbados Licensing Authority had surpassed its operational lifespan, leading to system failures.

    Minister Reid addressed public concerns following the circulation of an audio recording related to government systems, emphasizing that the incident was purely technological. “The Licensing Authority issue wasn’t a cybersecurity threat; it was a technological problem,” Reid told reporters. “Quite frankly, it’s a hardware problem that went beyond the stage of its shelf life. It became obsolete.”

    The ministry conducted a comprehensive audit of critical digital infrastructure across government ministries in December, with findings expected to be presented shortly. Reid acknowledged that Barbados has historically underinvested in both digital infrastructure and digital skills development, stating: “I’m on record as saying that we have underinvested over a long period of time in our physical digital infrastructure. But we have also, as a country, not invested in developing the skills that we require to be a highly competitive country.”

    The audit revealed several systems in urgent need of upgrades, though funding remains challenging amid competing national priorities. Reid emphasized that his ministry would make a strong case to the prime minister and Ministry of Finance regarding the critical importance of advancing digital infrastructure. He highlighted the substantial investment required, particularly in data centers, noting costs of approximately US$10 million per megawatt.

    The government has received strong support for building sovereign digital capacity, including enhanced compute capacity, data center capabilities, and cybersecurity measures. Reid made these comments during the launch of a science and technology roadshow at Grantley Adams Memorial Secondary School, underscoring the government’s commitment to technological advancement despite current infrastructure challenges.

  • Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court to Open 2026 Law Year with Ceremonial Proceedings

    Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court to Open 2026 Law Year with Ceremonial Proceedings

    The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) will formally inaugurate its 2026 judicial calendar on Monday, January 12th, through traditional ceremonial proceedings centered on the theme “The ECSC: Justice that Endures – Anchored in Independence, Strengthened through Trust.

    The Commonwealth of Dominica serves as this year’s host member state, where the Court of Appeal will conduct its first scheduled sitting of the new legal year. In Antigua and Barbuda, the day’s events will commence with an 8:00 AM church service at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, followed by a ceremonial procession to the High Court of Judiciary and Attorneys.

    A highlight of the proceedings will be the inspection of the Guard of Honour, after which a Special Sitting of the High Court will convene at 10:00 AM. Her Ladyship the Hon. Mde. Margaret Price Findlay, Acting Chief Justice, will deliver the featured address via live broadcast from the Dominica-based court.

    The ECSC extends invitations for public participation either through physical attendance at the church service or Special Sitting, or via remote viewing on various media platforms.

    Established in 1967 through the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court Order, the ECSC functions as a superior court of record for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Its jurisdiction encompasses six independent nations—Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—along with three British Overseas Territories: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, and Montserrat. The court maintains unlimited jurisdiction across all member states.

  • Students get hands-on with future tech at new sci-tech roadshow

    Students get hands-on with future tech at new sci-tech roadshow

    Barbados has officially launched a groundbreaking national STEM initiative with the debut of the ‘Innovating the Future’ roadshow at Grantley Adams Memorial Secondary School. This ambitious educational program, jointly organized by the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Science and Technology (MIST) and the Ministry of Educational Transformation, represents the culmination of a 15-year vision to transform science education across the island nation.

    The interactive exhibition features cutting-edge technological demonstrations designed to engage students through hands-on learning experiences rather than theoretical instruction. According to Arlene Weekes, Acting Director of the Science, Market Research and Innovation Unit at MIST, the mobile science unit concept originated in 2009 under the working title ‘Driving into the Future’ before evolving into its current form.

    Students explored multiple scientific disciplines through various interactive stations, including live DNA extraction experiments using bananas, electrical circuit demonstrations, flight simulation technology, robotics workshops, and virtual reality experiences. The flight simulator component specifically targeted students with aeronautical interests, while the robotics section encouraged participants to both operate and construct robotic systems.

    Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative within Barbados’s broader national development framework. He connected the STEM roadshow to the country’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy and the need to develop future innovators capable of addressing global challenges. With Barbados approaching significant milestones including 60 years of independence and five years as a republic, Blackman stressed the imperative to equip the next generation with both technical skills and creative confidence to drive national progress through technological innovation.

  • DRC: OCHA is concerned about civilian deaths and lack of assistance

    DRC: OCHA is concerned about civilian deaths and lack of assistance

    A recent United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) report reveals a severe humanitarian emergency unfolding in the eastern Democratic of Congo. Intensified armed conflict centered around the city of Bule and its environs since early December has precipitated a large-scale crisis characterized by substantial civilian casualties and mass displacement.

    According to the assessment, the persistent violence has directly claimed the lives of at least 25 non-combatants and left 40 others wounded. The instability has forcibly uprooted over 87,000 individuals from their homes, creating a vast displaced population that remains entirely cut off from critical aid supplies for over a month. The precarious security landscape has rendered humanitarian access impossible, preventing any aid organization from operating in the affected zones.

    The consequences of this aid suspension are dire. Displaced families are confronting extreme shortages of essential resources, including food, potable water, and medical services. The report grimly notes that an estimated 17 additional deaths have already been attributed to these harsh conditions, stemming from starvation, disease, and an utter lack of medical care. Many of those affected have been forced to flee multiple times, increasing their vulnerability.

    OCHA’s report underscores a fundamental breach of international humanitarian law, emphasizing that all parties engaged in the conflict are obligated to guarantee the protection of civilians and ensure the safe, unhindered passage of humanitarian personnel and assistance. These protections, the agency states, are being consistently violated in the volatile eastern regions of the Congo, exacerbating the suffering of the local population.