Carib Scope

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  • Boy, 8, Recovering After RTA; Mother Speaks to News 5

    Boy, 8, Recovering After RTA; Mother Speaks to News 5

    An eight-year-old student from Hopkins, Stann Creek District, is undergoing recovery following a traumatic traffic incident that occurred near his school premises on Tuesday afternoon. Karter Benedit, a Standard Two pupil at Holy Family RC Primary School, suffered significant injuries when a motorcycle collided with him while he was crossing the street alongside classmates.

    The child was immediately transported to Southern Regional Hospital for emergency treatment. Medical professionals performed approximately 12-15 stitches to address head trauma, while also treating serious leg injuries that involved exposed back muscles. According to medical assessments, the boy narrowly avoided permanent mobility damage due to the white tissue remaining undamaged.

    Dyny Martinez, Karter’s mother, recounted the harrowing experience of receiving the emergency call from school authorities. She described the urgent transfer to Dangriga hospital for specialized admission and treatment. Physicians have indicated a minimum two-week recovery period for the young patient.

    Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that a suspect is currently in custody regarding the incident. This event has ignited community discussions about road safety measures near educational institutions. Martinez has publicly advocated for enhanced traffic controls, including speed bumps and increased police monitoring of motorcycle operators near school zones.

    The timing coincides with announced transportation safety initiatives by national authorities. Chester Williams, CEO of relevant transportation authorities, recently disclosed that the Ministry of Transport is evaluating comprehensive measures to improve motorcycle training protocols and enforcement procedures. These developments include deploying additional traffic officers equipped with body cameras, dashboard cameras, speed detection devices, and breathalyzer technology.

  • Ocean Academy Forced to Operate Without Proper Classrooms

    Ocean Academy Forced to Operate Without Proper Classrooms

    In an extraordinary display of community solidarity, Ocean Academy on Caye Caulker Village has commenced its new academic term utilizing improvised learning spaces after its primary campus became unavailable for classes. The educational institution has implemented an innovative distributed learning model across multiple repurposed facilities throughout the island community.

    Principal Noemi Zaiden revealed that contingency planning began prior to the holiday break, with school administrators working diligently to secure alternative teaching environments. The village council contributed crucial spaces including their community center and NEMO emergency operations room, while a former waterfront restaurant previously operating as Fantasy Dining was additionally converted for educational purposes.

    “Our team has been transporting infrastructure daily – this morning alone we moved over fifty desks and chairs to prepare these spaces,” Zaiden reported. The single-story restaurant building, while unable to accommodate the entire student body, has enabled the reinstatement of in-person instruction for several classes through carefully coordinated rotational schedules.

    Physical education sessions are currently conducted adjacent to the island’s airstrip, maintaining both academic programming and vital social interaction opportunities. “These touchpoints significantly impact student development,” Zaiden emphasized. “Social connectivity remains equally important as curricular concepts during this transitional period.”

    The school community awaits governmental authorization to implement a more permanent solution, having already secured approximately 90,000 Belize dollars through local and international fundraising efforts. Prefabricated structures stand ready for deployment on designated land, though administrative approval remains pending despite earlier indications of scheduled meetings.

    While Area Representative Andre Perez has projected construction commencement by May, Zaiden maintains focus on immediate educational continuity. “Our present concern addresses the interim period until then,” she stated. “Our students’ learning cannot be postponed.”

    The principal extended gratitude to educators, parents, and community members for their sustained support under challenging circumstances, particularly acknowledging teachers’ dedication to both academic quality and student welfare. As the term progresses, the school community maintains hope for imminent approval of their constructed solution, advocating for students’ fundamental right to “safe, dry spaces conducive to learning.”

    News Five has initiated contact with Belize’s Ministry of Education seeking official commentary regarding the authorization timeline.

  • Nation Bids Farewell to ‘Teacher Gen,’ Educator and Foster Mother Who Shaped Generations

    Nation Bids Farewell to ‘Teacher Gen,’ Educator and Foster Mother Who Shaped Generations

    The Spring Gardens Moravian Church in Antigua became a national gathering place this week as citizens from all walks of life united to honor the extraordinary legacy of Genevieve Catilda Smith, universally known as ‘Teacher Gen.’ The revered educator and foster mother received an official state funeral attended by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, government officials, clergy members, and countless former students whose lives she transformed.

    Smith’s remarkable 90-year journey exemplified selfless service through dual vocations: revolutionary educator and compassionate caregiver. Her innovative teaching methods—incorporating movement, song, and rhythm—pioneered inclusive education decades before such approaches became mainstream. She specialized in nurturing students others had dismissed as ‘unteachable,’ demonstrating unwavering belief in every child’s potential.

    Beyond the classroom, Smith’s home operated as a sanctuary for vulnerable youth. She formally fostered over 60 children and provided informal care to countless others escaping abuse, neglect, or poverty. Her household operated under two non-negotiable principles: education and faith. When space ran out, she creatively arranged housing with neighbors while covering all expenses personally.

    Her humanitarian impact expanded regionally during the Montserrat volcanic crisis, when she opened her doors to displaced families without hesitation. Deeply rooted in her Moravian faith, Smith continued teaching adult literacy classes well into her eighties while maintaining her own passionate pursuit of knowledge, frequently returning from book ships with bags overflowing with reading materials.

    The funeral service beautifully reflected the multidimensional nature of her contributions through scripture, original music performed by her son Rev. Dr. Olson Patmore Smith, and poetic tributes from her granddaughter Janora Smith-Kellman. In her eulogy, daughter Rev. Denise Smith-Lewis portrayed a woman who lived her faith through quiet action rather than public recognition.

    Clergy members appropriately characterized Smith as a ‘nation builder’ whose true legacy resides not in official titles but in generations of children she steadied—who themselves became parents, professionals, and community leaders. As the procession concluded at Floretta Gardens Cemetery in her native Potters village, the nation was left with Teacher Gen’s enduring lessons: that love always makes room, discipline harmonizes with compassion, and a single dedicated life can educate an entire nation.

  • Grenada Tourism Authority vacancy: Research Officer

    Grenada Tourism Authority vacancy: Research Officer

    The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), the national organization responsible for destination marketing and promotion, has announced a career opportunity for a Research Officer to join its team. This permanent position represents a strategic investment in data-driven tourism development aimed at stimulating economic prosperity across the Caribbean nation.

    The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing Grenada’s tourism sector through comprehensive market intelligence and analytical insights. The position demands a unique combination of advanced research capabilities and practical application within the Caribbean tourism context.

    Core competency requirements include sophisticated qualitative and quantitative research skills, with particular emphasis on analytical processing of diverse information sources. The role requires exceptional critical judgment to identify issues and develop practical solutions while managing priorities within strict deadlines. Teamwork and interpersonal skills are essential, as the position involves collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and establishing professional credibility with stakeholders.

    Technical prerequisites include advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and demonstrated experience with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Applicants must possess document management software expertise, including Microsoft Office Suite, with additional consideration given to those familiar with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva platforms.

    The minimum qualifications specify a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Marketing, Business, Tourism or related disciplines, complemented by three years of professional experience in data gathering environments. The GTA emphasizes its organizational values of positivity, respect, transparency, commitment, and excellence in seeking candidates who embody these principles.

    Interested professionals must submit their curriculum vitae and cover letter through the official portal at puregrenada.bamboohr.com/careers/57 before the application deadline of January 26, 2026. The selection process will only contact candidates who meet the specific requirements outlined for this research-focused position.

  • U.S. defends expansion of visa bond program covering 38 countries, including Dominica and Antigua

    U.S. defends expansion of visa bond program covering 38 countries, including Dominica and Antigua

    The United States has significantly expanded its controversial visa bond initiative, nearly tripling the number of countries whose citizens must post financial guarantees ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for certain U.S. visas. The State Department confirmed the program will now apply to passport holders from 38 nations, with the latest expansion adding 25 countries effective January 21, 2026.

    This policy enhancement follows previous additions made in 2025 and represents one of the most extensive applications of visa bonds to date. The newly affected nations span multiple continents, including Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Cuba, Dominica, Fiji, Nepal, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, among others. They join earlier additions such as Bhutan, Botswana, and Zambia, which faced implementation dates throughout 2025.

    U.S. authorities defend the measure as an essential mechanism to ensure compliance with visa terms and reduce overstay rates. The program operates under INA Section 221(g)(3) and a Temporary Final Rule, utilizing Department of Homeland Security data tracking B1/B2 visa violations. Officials emphasize that bond payment doesn’t guarantee visa approval but will be refunded if the application is denied or if the holder fully complies with all conditions during their stay.

    The expansion occurs within a broader context of tightened U.S. entry requirements that include mandatory in-person interviews, extensive social media history disclosures, and detailed accounts of applicants’ travel and living arrangements. Critics argue the financial requirements create prohibitive barriers for citizens from affected nations, most of which are developing countries across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Administration supporters maintain the program represents a necessary safeguard for immigration enforcement.

    Implementation will occur on staggered dates, with most new countries beginning enforcement on January 21, 2026, while earlier additions like Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania already faced requirements in 2025. This policy shift underscores the administration’s continued focus on restricting immigration pathways through financial deterrence mechanisms.

  • Dr. Kelvin Charles, Respected Surgeon and Urologist, Has Died

    Dr. Kelvin Charles, Respected Surgeon and Urologist, Has Died

    The Medical Association of Antigua and Barbuda has announced the passing of Dr. Kelvin Charles, a revered general surgeon and urologist whose medical career spanned decades of exemplary service. The distinguished physician, recognized for his clinical expertise and unwavering dedication to patient care, leaves behind a legacy that has profoundly shaped the nation’s healthcare landscape.

    Dr. Charles established himself as a cornerstone of the medical community through his principled approach and professional excellence. His technical skill as a surgeon was matched by his compassionate patient care, earning him the deep respect of both colleagues and those he treated. Throughout his tenure, he played an instrumental role in advancing surgical and urological services, contributing significantly to the strengthening of medical infrastructure within the Caribbean nation.

    The void left by his departure represents a substantial loss to Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system, where he was regarded as both a skilled practitioner and a stabilizing presence. His contributions extended beyond individual patient interactions to broader impacts on medical standards and practices in the region.

    The medical association has expressed profound grief over the loss while extending heartfelt condolences to Dr. Charles’ family, friends, and colleagues. The organization emphasized that his professional legacy will endure through the numerous lives he positively impacted throughout his distinguished career. The community remembers him not only for his medical accomplishments but also for the steadfast commitment he demonstrated to the healing arts until his final days.

  • Elderly Woman in Wheelchair Rescued From Blaze

    Elderly Woman in Wheelchair Rescued From Blaze

    A swift-acting neighbor became the hero of a harrowing incident in San Narciso Village, Corozal, when a residential fire broke out on the morning of January 7, 2026. The blaze completely destroyed a local home but resulted in no injuries thanks to the neighbor’s courageous intervention.

    The emergency unfolded when an elderly woman confined to a wheelchair found herself trapped inside the rapidly burning structure. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, a nearby resident rushed to the scene and successfully extracted the vulnerable occupant before flames could engulf the entire property.

    Preliminary information from the homeowner, identified as a local educator, suggests the conflagration originated from an electrical malfunction near her workstation. The area contained multiple connected devices that may have contributed to the incident, though official cause determination remains pending from fire investigators.

    Additional family members arrived during the emergency and attempted to combat the spreading fire using a truckload of water, but their efforts proved insufficient against the intensifying flames. When professional firefighting units eventually reached the location, the structure had already been completely consumed by the fire.

    The property owners suffered total loss of their personal belongings as the intensity of the blaze prevented salvage operations. Authorities continue their examination of the scene to establish definitive causation while the displaced family receives community support following their devastating loss.

  • Solid Waste Agency apologises for collection delays in Choiseul

    Solid Waste Agency apologises for collection delays in Choiseul

    The Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority has formally expressed regret to communities within the Choiseul zone after significant interruptions in garbage collection services left waste accumulating in residential areas.

    Citing operational difficulties in a January 6, 2026 press statement, the Authority conceded that scheduled pickups had been either delayed or completely missed across multiple neighborhoods. This service failure created substantial inconvenience for local residents and raised concerns about public sanitation.

    In response to the growing waste backlog, management has activated all available resources to normalize collection operations. A specialized cleanup initiative commenced on Wednesday, January 7, targeting the accumulated refuse with additional personnel and equipment deployed specifically for recovery operations.

    While restoration efforts continue, Choiseul residents receive instructions to maintain their regular disposal routines by placing waste outside on originally designated collection days. The Authority emphasizes that consistent household cooperation will facilitate more efficient clearance of the existing waste surplus.

    Officials concluded their announcement by acknowledging public patience during the service disruption and reaffirming their commitment to resolving the situation promptly.

  • human Rights Watch calls for U.S. departure from prevalent human rights abuses in Venezuela

    human Rights Watch calls for U.S. departure from prevalent human rights abuses in Venezuela

    Human Rights Watch has issued a stark warning that the Trump administration’s aggressive military operations in Venezuela risk precipitating a severe human rights emergency. The alert follows January 3rd operations that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who now face US federal court charges spanning drug trafficking and related criminal allegations.

    Juanita Goebertus, Human Rights Watch’s Americas director, condemned Washington’s approach, stating: “While Venezuelans possess the fundamental right to self-determination, the United States appears to be instrumentalizing Venezuela’s oppressive infrastructure to advance its own geopolitical and economic agendas.”

    The escalation began when President Trump declared the US would effectively “run” Venezuela indefinitely without specifying operational parameters. US officials have since indicated cooperation with Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s vice president and recently installed as interim president on January 5.

    According to HRW documentation, American strategy involves manipulating oil embargo mechanisms in the Caribbean region combined with threats of additional military action to compel Venezuelan compliance with US demands. These include privileged access for American energy corporations and suppression of gang violence.

    The January 3rd strikes reportedly targeted military facilities, killing dozens of personnel including at least two civilians. The Cuban government—a historical ally of Venezuela—confirmed 32 Cuban officers among the casualties and strongly denounced the attacks.

    This intervention follows earlier extrajudicial US operations in Caribbean and Pacific waters that eliminated至少115 individuals accused of narcotics trafficking. Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently outlined demands for Venezuelan cooperation on oil investments, criminal group suppression, and severed ties with Iran and Hezbollah. President Trump reinforced these demands with threats of “a second strike” if Venezuela fails to “behave.”

    Despite Trump’s reference to overseeing a “judicious transition,” HRW observers note absent clarification regarding electoral processes, political prisoner releases, or human rights reforms. This ambiguity persists despite Venezuela’s July 2024 elections where independent analysts reported opposition candidate Edmundo González winning majority support, though official results declared Maduro victorious.

    The post-electoral period witnessed intensified repression including protestor fatalities, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances targeting opposition figures, activists, and foreign nationals. Currently, over 860 political prisoners remain incarcerated according to legal aid organization Foro Penal, with the ICC Prosecutor’s Office investigating crimes against humanity allegations dating to 2014.

    Venezuela’s decade-long humanitarian crisis continues featuring critical shortages of food and medicine, prompting approximately 7 million citizens to flee while 14.2 million require urgent humanitarian assistance. Human Rights Watch urges global leaders—including Latin American, European, and Canadian counterparts—to advocate for democratic transition, prisoner releases, and accountability for human rights violations. The organization specifically calls upon the US to uphold its obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law.

    Goebertus emphasized: “The international community must prioritize protecting Venezuelans who have endured a decade of suffering under Maduro. Trump’s decapitation strike has merely exposed them to further systemic abuse.”

  • Trump administration demands Venezuela cut ties with US adversaries to resume oil production

    Trump administration demands Venezuela cut ties with US adversaries to resume oil production

    The Trump administration has established specific prerequisites that Venezuela must fulfill to restart its oil production operations, according to two senior White House officials. These demands were communicated to Venezuela’s government following the capture of ousted President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend.

    Administration officials emphasized that Venezuela’s economic survival without oil revenue remains viable for only several weeks, creating urgent pressure for compliance. The requirements include holding free and fair elections, releasing political prisoners, and eliminating drug trafficking networks operating within the country.

    Senator Marco Rubio indicated that the most immediate demands focus on Venezuela expelling foreign adversaries, particularly those from Iran, Russia, and China, while enhancing cooperation on oil sales and counter-narcotics efforts. The substantial US military presence near Venezuela’s coastline serves as leverage to ensure compliance, with administration officials expressing confidence in their coercive strategy.

    Should Venezuela cooperate, the administration has signaled willingness to reassess current sanction policies. President Trump has privately communicated his objective to remove Iranian, Russian, and Chinese influence from the Western Hemisphere, with Venezuela’s cooperation representing the initial critical step.

    While long-term plans involve extracting substantial oil reserves and rebuilding Venezuela’s energy infrastructure, the immediate priority remains preventing Venezuela from transferring oil resources to foreign adversaries. The administration acknowledges these ambitious goals will require significant time and resources.

    Concurrently, President Trump is scheduled to meet with executives from major oil companies, including Chevron—the sole US company currently operating in Venezuela—Exxon Mobil, and ConocoPhillips. This meeting follows Trump’s social media announcement regarding Venezuela’s interim government potentially transferring 30-50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States, with proceeds to be administered under presidential authority.