Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • PM Mitchell concerned about domestic gambling

    PM Mitchell concerned about domestic gambling

    Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has expressed profound concerns regarding the escalating gambling epidemic in Grenada, advocating for a comprehensive societal approach that prioritizes citizen welfare over revenue generation. During his inaugural 2026 interview on Grenada Broadcasting Network’s ‘Beyond the Headlines’ program, the Prime Minister highlighted the destructive nature of gambling addiction, particularly among financially vulnerable populations.

    Mitchell emphasized that while respecting individual liberties, society must reach consensus on values and recognize gambling’s detrimental impacts. He specifically referenced games classified by the World Health Organisation as highly addictive, noting alarming patterns where citizens gamble 12-14 hours daily while neglecting familial responsibilities.

    The gambling landscape in Grenada is dominated by the state-established Grenada National Lotteries Authority (GNLA), the primary provider of lottery products including Bingo, Lotto, Super 6, Daily Pick 3, and instant Scratch games. Private companies also operate promotional chance games.

    Mitchell proposed a ‘whole of society’ framework that balances revenue generation with protective measures for at-risk individuals, stating: ‘If people believe gambling is their only escape from financial hardship, we guarantee they’ll never overcome it.’ The Prime Minister’s comments signal a potential policy shift toward addressing gambling’s social consequences rather than merely exploiting its economic benefits.

  • Lovell Demands Answers as U.S. Visa Bond Hits Antiguans

    Lovell Demands Answers as U.S. Visa Bond Hits Antiguans

    A prominent opposition figure in Antigua and Barbuda has launched a severe critique against the current administration’s handling of newly imposed U.S. visa bond requirements, alleging governmental secrecy and inadequate communication regarding what he characterizes as a critical national concern.

    Harold Lovell, former Finance Minister and United Progressive Party candidate for All Saints West, voiced his apprehensions during a recent media appearance. He emphasized that the mandate for citizens to secure bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for U.S. visitor visas universally impacts all passport holders and warrants thorough parliamentary discourse and complete governmental transparency.

    Lovell condemned the administration’s approach, describing it as shrouded in confidentiality and characterized by sporadic information releases that undermine public trust. He recalled that early indications of potential U.S. travel restrictions emerged last year, but were met with dismissive assurances from leadership that fostered a misleading sense of security among the populace.

    Contrary to initial claims of securing special arrangements, Lovell highlighted that Antigua and Barbuda ultimately faced the same stringent conditions as other nations on the U.S. list. He expressed bewilderment that such a significant issue was entirely omitted from recent budget debates in both parliamentary chambers.

    The opposition leader framed the visa bond requirement as a profound foreign affairs challenge demanding structured diplomatic engagement rather than casual exchanges. He pointed to the severe implications for students, medical patients, and business travelers, noting the exorbitant bond cost alone would deter many from seeking entry to the United States.

    Rejecting any partisan interpretation, Lovell insisted the matter transcends political colors and represents a fundamental test of parliamentary democracy. He called for immediate full disclosure from the government, a clear outline of impact mitigation strategies, and concerted efforts to restore national confidence.

  • Grenada reaffirms strong commitment to safety, security and welcoming visitors

    Grenada reaffirms strong commitment to safety, security and welcoming visitors

    The Government of Grenada has issued a formal response to the recent Level 2 Travel Advisory from the United States, vigorously reaffirming the nation’s standing as a secure and welcoming destination for international visitors and residents. Officials emphasized Grenada’s exceptional public safety record, social stability, and robust law enforcement capabilities that continue to make it one of the Caribbean’s premier locations.

    Grenada’s deep connections with the United States form a cornerstone of its international relations, with a significant population of American citizens residing, working, studying, and investing across the tri-island nation. These individuals receive identical security protections and access to public services as all nationals, reflecting Grenada’s commitment to inclusive safety measures. Their continued presence underscores the confidence in Grenada’s quality of life and governance structures, bolstered by historical people-to-people ties between the two nations.

    Statistical evidence supports Grenada’s safety claims, with the country consistently ranking among the region’s safest destinations. The nation maintains an exceptionally low crime rate of approximately 4 incidents per 100,000 people—a figure that reflects comprehensive public safety initiatives, proactive policing strategies, and active community engagement programs.

    The Royal Grenada Police Force maintains advanced rapid response systems and demonstrates strong investigative capabilities with high crime solvency rates. These operational strengths ensure continuous public safety through institutional preparedness and professional law enforcement practices. Grenada’s security apparatus maintains open communication channels and ongoing cooperation with international partners, including United States security agencies.

    Tourism infrastructure operates under rigorously maintained safety protocols, with communities renowned for their genuine hospitality and respectful treatment of visitors. Hundreds of thousands of international travelers experience Grenada’s renowned cultural richness and world-class amenities annually, contributing to its reputation as a destination where travelers feel authentically welcomed and secure.

    The government maintains that safety and security represent national priorities, achieved through inter-agency law enforcement collaboration, sustained investment in security infrastructure, and strengthened regional and international partnerships. Grenada remains fully open to global visitors while continuing to proactively address security concerns through comprehensive protection standards for all nationals and guests alike.

  • Temporary electoral system shutdown

    Temporary electoral system shutdown

    The Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO) of Grenada has announced a temporary system-wide shutdown of its voter registration platform following the discovery of a significant software malfunction. The technical failure occurred in the specialized software responsible for processing voter registrations, prompting election authorities to take the entire system offline as a precautionary measure.

    In an official public statement released alongside New Year’s greetings, the PEO extended profound apologies for the disruption and resulting inconveniences to Grenadian citizens. Election officials emphasized their technical teams are working with utmost diligence to diagnose and resolve the underlying software issues. Authorities have projected system restoration by the conclusion of the current week, though this timeframe remains contingent on successful troubleshooting.

    The temporary suspension affects all voter registration services, potentially impacting citizens attempting to register or update their electoral information. The PEO has reassured the public of their commitment to restoring full functionality and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Election authorities have expressed gratitude for public patience and cooperation during the technical outage, emphasizing their dedication to providing continuous service to the nation once systems are stabilized.

  • Nestor dominates again in UNT win

    Nestor dominates again in UNT win

    The University of North Texas Mean Green women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday night, February 7th, securing an emphatic 87-63 victory over East Carolina Pirates at The Super Pit. This triumph extends their remarkable unbeaten streak in American Conference home games to a program-record 12 consecutive wins.

    Senior forward Megan Nestor, a former Saint Lucia national netball player, anchored the team’s success with her conference-leading seventh double-double of the season, contributing 14 points and hauling in 17 rebounds. This performance marks her second consecutive double-double and her fifth game this season with 15 or more rebounds, placing her tied for the national lead in that category.

    The offensive firepower was demonstrated by junior guard Aysia Proctor, who set a new career high with a game-leading 24 points. The backcourt duo of Chania Price and Mekhia Chase each added 12 points, also achieving new personal scoring records. Price further distinguished herself by securing her first career double-double with 10 rebounds.

    Facing an East Carolina squad (10-6, 2-1 American) that entered the contest on a six-game winning streak and undefeated in conference play, North Texas delivered what coaches described as their most complete performance of the season. The victory maintains North Texas’s perfect 5-0 all-time record against the Pirates.

    Hailing from the fishing village of Canaries and an alumna of Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School, the 6-foot-4 Nestor continues to dominate the conference rankings, currently leading in both overall rebounding and offensive rebounding while ranking just outside the top ten in scoring.

  • Saint Lucian boxers to take up Guadeloupe scholarships

    Saint Lucian boxers to take up Guadeloupe scholarships

    Two emerging boxing talents from Saint Lucia have been selected for an elite athletic development program in the Caribbean region. Hervé Charlemagne, 17, and Daniel Martin, 18, have secured coveted scholarships to undertake a comprehensive three-month training immersion at the Centre de Ressources, d’Expertise et de Performance Sportive (CREPS) in Guadeloupe, commencing January 11.

    The young welterweights have demonstrated exceptional prowess in regional competitions. Charlemagne, hailing from Bexon, achieved historic distinction by capturing the bronze medal at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean School Sports Games in Venezuela—marking Saint Lucia’s inaugural international boxing medal. Meanwhile, Martin, originating from Grande Riviere, Gros Islet, has established himself as a two-time gold medalist at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States championships, most recently triumphing in 2024 as a novice competitor.

    Both athletes share an educational background at St. Mary’s College, with Charlemagne currently representing the institution and Martin advancing to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College on scholarship. Martin brings additional international perspective having previously resided in the United Kingdom, where he attended Patricia D James Secondary School.

    The Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA) has characterized this opportunity as a transformative milestone in athletic development. President David Christopher commended the boxers’ dedication, stating: ‘This scholarship recognizes the exceptional commitment and potential demonstrated by these young athletes. Such prestigious opportunities are earned through relentless discipline and performance.’

    During their immersion, the boxers will access world-class training facilities, advanced coaching methodologies, sports science support systems, and competitive sparring with elite partners. The comprehensive program includes preparatory administrative processing, medical evaluations, and orientation sessions to ensure optimal adaptation to the CREPS training environment.

    Christopher emphasized the broader implications for national sports development: ‘The CREPS program provides exposure to elite training environments that are instrumental for athlete advancement. The knowledge and experience gained will not only elevate individual careers but also enhance the competitive landscape of boxing throughout Saint Lucia.’

    The CREPS Guadeloupe Immersion Programme maintains international recognition for cultivating elite competitors across multiple sporting disciplines, representing a significant investment in Caribbean athletic talent development.

  • CARICOM collaborates with partners to launch three-part Crop Protection Training

    CARICOM collaborates with partners to launch three-part Crop Protection Training

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has unveiled an ambitious educational initiative designed to transform agricultural practices across member states. A comprehensive three-level Crop Protection training program will launch on January 26, marking a significant step toward enhancing food security and sustainable farming methods throughout the region.

    Developed through a strategic partnership between the CARICOM Secretariat, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and COLEAD—a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable agriculture—this six-week online course offers self-directed learning for agricultural professionals. The program specifically targets farm supervisors, horticulturists, production managers, crop protection specialists, and packhouse supervisors seeking to advance their expertise.

    The curriculum follows a progressive structure that begins with fundamental crop protection concepts, introducing participants to essential plant pest and disease identification alongside chemical control methods. Intermediate modules delve deeper into pest organism behavior, disease epidemiology, weed competition dynamics, and herbicide resistance management, with practical applications for both field and post-harvest scenarios. The advanced tier focuses on sophisticated integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, including observational methods, intervention threshold establishment, and case study-based solution development.

    This initiative directly supports CARICOM’s Vision 25 x 2025 + 5 strategy, which aims to reduce the region’s food import expenditures by 25% through enhanced local agricultural production, improved trade mechanisms, and climate-resilient farming practices. The program represents a critical capacity-building component within broader infrastructure investments targeting transportation and storage systems.

    Agricultural stakeholders throughout the food production and processing sectors are encouraged to enroll in this transformative educational opportunity, which promises to elevate pest management standards while promoting environmental sustainability and economic development across the Caribbean region.

  • Belizean Students Left in Limbo After Fraud Case

    Belizean Students Left in Limbo After Fraud Case

    Medical students in Belize confront profound educational and financial turmoil following the criminal indictment of their university dean in a major U.S. healthcare fraud case. Dr. Mohammad Khamis, identified as Dean and CEO of American Northwest University (ANU) in Belmopan, faces multiple felony charges in Illinois for allegedly defrauding Medicaid and Medicare programs of over $1 million.

    According to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Dr. Khamis operated four medical practices and pharmacies in Chicago while submitting fraudulent claims for medical services supposedly performed during periods when he was actually abroad. The services were allegedly conducted by an unlicensed student from his non-certified medical school in Bosnia.

    The scandal has left Belizean students at ANU in crisis, with the university compound now locked and faculty reportedly unpaid. Students describe investing years of family savings and personal sacrifice into their medical education, only to face complete uncertainty about their academic futures.

    One distressed student shared: ‘This institution was my starting point for everything. My parents fully funded my education, and now it feels like their money has been wasted. We’ve covered not just tuition but all living expenses through years of financial strain.’

    Students have criticized both the university administration and Belize’s Ministry of Education for inadequate oversight, noting the institution operated without a final charter. In an anonymous collective statement, they described themselves as ‘victimized by an international fraud scheme and total lack of regulatory oversight,’ demanding immediate government intervention to secure academic records and address their precarious situation.

    The Ministry of Education has acknowledged awareness of the developing situation but has not yet announced specific remedial measures for the affected students.

  • Saint Lucians rally to denounce US actions in Venezuela

    Saint Lucians rally to denounce US actions in Venezuela

    A significant demonstration of regional solidarity unfolded in Castries, Saint Lucia, as citizens gathered at Bideau Park to voice staunch support for Venezuela amidst escalating geopolitical tensions. The rally, orchestrated by the interim Saint Lucia/Venezuela Association, served as a powerful rebuke against recent United States military operations targeting Venezuelan territories.

    The carefully chosen venue held profound historical symbolism, featuring busts of Venezuelan liberator Simón Bolívar and Saint Lucian freedom advocate Jean Baptiste Bideau, whose heroic rescue of Bolívar from drowning centuries ago mirrored the contemporary theme of regional protection.

    Venezuelan Ambassador Leiff Escalona expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support from Saint Lucian citizens and diplomatic counterparts, particularly noting the presence of Cuban embassy officials. “From the initial reports of US aerial bombardments targeting four Venezuelan cities, my office received numerous calls from concerned Saint Lucians,” Ambassador Escalona revealed. “This public display of solidarity confirms our shared commitment to peace.”

    Trevor Heath, representing the organizing association, characterized US military maneuvers as “barbaric acts of aggression” that threaten the entire Caribbean basin. Reading from an official statement, Heath condemned “the Trump administration’s blatant attempt to orchestrate regime change against democratically elected President Nicolás Maduro” and denounced the “calculated seizure of Venezuela’s oil resources for American corporate interests.”

    Cuban Ambassador Yenielys Linares amplified these concerns, labeling the January 3rd incidents as “illegal and irrational acts of aggression.” She revealed disturbing repercussions already affecting Caribbean students in Cuba, with one Saint Lucian scholar expressing fear about returning to studies amid regional instability. “Who granted Trump authority to designate which nation follows Venezuela as the next target?” Ambassador Linares posed to the assembled crowd.

    Veteran journalist Earl Bousquet provided crucial historical context, documenting 70 US military interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean between 1947-1983. “The pattern demonstrates alarming consistency—from Grenada in 1983 to Panama in 1989, Haiti in 2004, and now Venezuela in 2026,” Bousquet cautioned. He highlighted the recent reformulation of the Monroe Doctrine into the “Donroe Doctrine” as explicit confirmation of American expansionist intentions.

    Bousquet, dressed in black to memorialize 32 Cuban and 80 Venezuelan casualties from the recent attacks, emphasized that meaningful solidarity requires tangible sacrifice. “The United States demonstrates willingness to spill blood for oil, particularly as Venezuela redirects 68% of its petroleum exports to China, diminishing US energy leverage,” he analyzed.

    The protest concluded with unified demands for President Maduro’s safe return, complete military withdrawal from the region, and immediate resumption of diplomatic negotiations. The collective message resonated clearly: the Caribbean remains determined to preserve its status as a zone of peace against foreign intervention.

  • VS neemt Russische tanker met Venezolaanse banden in beslag

    VS neemt Russische tanker met Venezolaanse banden in beslag

    In a significant escalation of maritime tensions, the United States has seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera (formerly known as Bella-1) in international waters. This decisive action forms part of President Donald Trump’s aggressive strategy to regulate oil supply across the Americas and pressure Venezuela’s socialist government toward alignment with US interests.

    The seizure occurred following a dramatic two-week pursuit across the Atlantic Ocean, during which the vessel was tracked by US Coast Guard and military assets. The operation gained additional complexity as Russian submarines and naval vessels were observed in the vicinity, creating a tense standoff between the world powers.

    Russia has issued a vehement diplomatic response, condemning the seizure as a gross violation of international law and characterizing it as an unlawful, politically motivated act. The Kremlin has demanded immediate clarification from Washington and warned that such actions risk significantly heightening international tensions, particularly given existing strains over the Ukraine conflict.

    This incident represents the latest development in America’s sustained pressure campaign against Venezuela since the deposition of Nicolás Maduro. US authorities have systematically blocked sanctioned vessels from entering or exiting Venezuelan waters, targeting the OPEC member’s crucial oil exports.

    The Marinera had previously attracted attention last month when it refused boarding attempts and subsequently reflagged under Russian registry. In a parallel operation, US Coast Guard units intercepted another fully-loaded tanker, the Sophia, with Venezuelan connections near Northeast South America—marking the fourth such interception in recent weeks.

    Russian state broadcaster RT aired footage showing US helicopters circling the Marinera, reporting apparent attempts to board the sanctioned vessel, which was reportedly empty at the time of seizure.