Carib Scope

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  • Mediation Effort Launched to Prevent Violence After Shooting

    Mediation Effort Launched to Prevent Violence After Shooting

    In response to mounting tensions following the fatal shooting of Ian Arthurs on New Year’s Eve, specialized mediation teams have been mobilized in the Caesar Ridge and Kraal Road districts. The Leadership Intervention Unit, a specialized conflict resolution team, has been deployed alongside heightened police patrols to prevent retaliatory violence.

    Acting Director Andrew Dawson confirmed his team is actively engaging with community members and key influencers in areas where emotions are running high. Unlike traditional law enforcement approaches, the unit employs mediation tactics and dialogue-based interventions to de-escalate potentially volatile situations before they turn violent.

    “We interview respective persons within these communities to create conversations that de-escalate situations as they arise,” Dawson explained. The unit operates through a method termed ‘conflict racing’ – proactively identifying heightened tensions through community intelligence and intervening through structured dialogue.

    Dawson acknowledged the challenges of their work, noting that mediation efforts are often misunderstood as negotiating with criminals. However, he emphasized that addressing underlying social issues represents a critical long-term strategy for violence prevention. The unit collaborates with community members and partner organizations to address the root causes of violence while working to restore calm to affected neighborhoods.

    Police authorities remain on high alert, implementing suppression tactics while the mediation team works to prevent further escalation through non-confrontational methods.

  • NTUCB Youth Vanguard Eyes Unionization of BPO Sector

    NTUCB Youth Vanguard Eyes Unionization of BPO Sector

    A significant labor movement is gaining momentum in Belize as the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) launches a groundbreaking initiative to unionize the country’s rapidly expanding Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector. Through its newly established Youth Vanguard division, the organization is championing the rights of thousands of young employees who form the backbone of this critical industry.

    The BPO sector, which provides steady employment for recent high school graduates through data management and customer service roles, faces mounting criticism regarding worker treatment. Despite offering air-conditioned facilities and regular paychecks, many employees report feelings of disenfranchisement and vulnerability within their workplaces.

    Ashley Longford, Director of the Youth Vanguard, has emerged as the central figure in this campaign. She characterizes the current situation as resembling ‘modern-day slavery,’ citing consistent patterns of worker disconnection and powerlessness. The unionization drive focuses primarily on educating young workers about their legal rights and labor protections under Belizean law.

    Proponents argue that collective bargaining would establish crucial accountability mechanisms and provide essential safeguards for workers aged 18-30 who dominate the sector. They maintain that union representation would create a balanced power dynamic that ultimately benefits both employees and employers through structured dialogue.

    However, the proposal has sparked intense debate across Belize’s economic landscape. Critics express concerns about potential impacts on foreign investment and job growth within this highly competitive global industry. These opposing viewpoints have set the stage for complex negotiations between labor advocates and industry stakeholders that have yet to formally commence.

    The outcome of this movement could fundamentally reshape labor relations in one of Belize’s most important economic sectors, with implications for thousands of young workers and the nation’s broader economic development strategy.

  • Ashley Longford Named NTUCB Youth Director

    Ashley Longford Named NTUCB Youth Director

    In a landmark decision signaling renewed commitment to intergenerational leadership, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has formally established a pioneering constitutional position dedicated to youth representation. During its December annual general meeting, the congress ratified constitutional amendments creating the Director of Young Vanguard role—a strategic move designed to institutionalize youth participation within Belize’s labor movement.

    Shortly following the constitutional revision, Ashley Longford of the Christian Workers Union was elected as the inaugural appointee to this transformative position. The creation of this role represents a significant organizational shift, acknowledging the imperative to integrate younger perspectives into national labor discussions and policy formulation.

    In her first statements since assuming office, Longford characterized the appointment as both an honor and a watershed moment for youth engagement in Belizean labor advocacy. “This is something historic for us,” Longford stated, emphasizing the constitutional significance of the amendment. “The NTUCB has established a youth arm where young people aged eighteen to thirty-five can collectively voice their concerns regarding labor rights and socioeconomic conditions.”

    The Director of Young Vanguard position is strategically designed to facilitate youth mobilization within unionism, providing structured channels for addressing contemporary economic and social challenges. Longford outlined her vision for creating responsive mechanisms where youth concerns “will be heard and we will listen to them,” indicating a bottom-up approach to policy influence.

    This structural innovation within Belize’s premier trade union organization reflects growing recognition that sustaining labor movements requires deliberate leadership pathways for younger generations. The initiative potentially establishes a blueprint for other national labor organizations seeking to address representation gaps and revitalize their membership base.

  • Dominican Republic rejects legitimacy of de facto regime in Venezuela at OAS

    Dominican Republic rejects legitimacy of de facto regime in Venezuela at OAS

    In a decisive address to the Organization of American States (OAS), the Dominican Republic has formally reaffirmed its refusal to recognize any de facto government in Venezuela. The position was delivered virtually by Deputy Foreign Minister for Bilateral Policy Francisco Caraballo during an extraordinary session of the OAS Permanent Council convened specifically to address the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela.

    Caraballo, representing Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, articulated that Santo Domingo’s stance remains unchanged following the July 28, 2024 elections. The government’s refusal to acknowledge Nicolás Maduro’s presidential proclamation stems directly from the absence of published electoral records, which it considers fundamental for democratic validation. “The Dominican Republic does not validate faits accomplis,” authorities emphasized, underscoring their commitment to procedural legitimacy.

    The deputy minister presented a nuanced analysis of the crisis, acknowledging that while the Dominican government cannot legitimize an authority that remains in power contrary to the Venezuelan people’s will, it simultaneously recognizes the urgent need to address deteriorating social conditions. Caraballo identified two critical immediate priorities: maintaining the basic operational capacity of state institutions and developing a carefully structured roadmap toward democratic transition.

    Emphasizing foundational inter-American principles, Caraballo stressed that any political transition must rigorously respect Venezuela’s sovereignty, self-determination, and conflict resolution through peaceful means. These principles, enshrined in the OAS Charter, the Pact of Bogotá, and the Inter-American Democratic Charter, form the non-negotiable basis for acceptable solutions.

    Concluding his address, Caraballo characterized the current situation as both delicate and potentially dangerous, issuing a compelling call for hemispheric solidarity. He urged member states to exercise collective responsibility to prevent further escalation, protect vulnerable Venezuelan citizens, and preserve regional stability. The vice minister specifically challenged the OAS to demonstrate unprecedented unity and establish an effective mechanism to support Venezuela while restoring confidence in inter-American institutions.

  • Veertien jongeren ronden Wanica Heroes succesvol af

    Veertien jongeren ronden Wanica Heroes succesvol af

    In a significant step toward youth development, the Wanica Heroes initiative by the Foundation Weid Mijn Lammeren has successfully concluded its comprehensive nine-month training program for adolescents from Suriname’s Koewarasan district. The project, which focused on building resilience, proper Dutch language proficiency, and athletic skills, culminated on January 5th with a formal certificate ceremony presided over by President Jennifer Simons.

    The program emerged as an extension of the foundation’s earlier educational outreach, which provided guidance and decision-making tools to over 400 children across multiple schools. President Simons emphasized that the certificate distribution symbolizes collective commitment to personal development and acquiring life-critical skills. She acknowledged ongoing challenges in youth development, stressing that collaborative efforts remain essential to creating secure upbringing environments for Surinamese children.

    Coinciding with the graduation event, President Simons officially launched the dedicated digital platform wanicaheroes.sr. This online resource center serves as an informational repository addressing critical youth issues including depression, social media awareness, suicidal ideation, and bullying prevention. The website specifically targets educators, caregivers, and support professionals seeking resources for youth guidance.

    Project pioneers Marijke Etnel-Cairo and Gloria Lie Kwie Sjoe-Wong Swie San developed the initiative to address systemic gaps in youth support. Henri Henar, former board member of the Staatsolie Foundation Fund, noted the rarity of such holistic proposals, observing that most funding requests typically focus on infrastructure projects rather than human development programs.

    Despite evident need, organizers reported persistent challenges with parental engagement. Lie Kwie Sjoe highlighted that children frequently communicate more openly with professional helpers than with family members, urging communities to encourage youth seeking assistance from trusted individuals and institutions rather than creating barriers.

    Gracia Ormskirk, Director of General Formative Education (AVO), reinforced the necessity of continuous guidance in developing resilience and proper conduct among youth facing substantial societal pressures. She called upon parents and educators to maintain persistent dialogue with young people, ensuring they comprehend core values and societal expectations.

  • Artisans to return to ‘reimagined’ Temple Yard ‘in coming months’

    Artisans to return to ‘reimagined’ Temple Yard ‘in coming months’

    After years of delays and unfulfilled promises, the revitalization of Temple Yard in Cheapside is finally approaching its inaugural phase completion. This ambitious cultural regeneration project, orchestrated by Barbados Tourism Investment Inc., marks a significant milestone in restoring the area’s historical legacy as a vibrant epicenter for artistic expression, culinary diversity, and traditional craftsmanship.

    The redevelopment initiative, initially announced in 2019 during Barbados’ 53rd independence anniversary, represents the government’s commitment to rectifying historical discrimination while fostering inclusive economic opportunities. Prime Minister Mia Mottley previously emphasized the project’s role in eliminating societal prejudices, particularly against the Rastafarian community, through cultural space renewal.

    Joy-Ann Haigh, spokeswoman for the development corporation, confirmed that phase one construction is weather-dependent but targeted for completion by month’s end. Subsequent phases are scheduled to commence immediately afterward, with full operational capacity expected within the first half of this year.

    Administrative preparations are already underway to facilitate the return of displaced artisans, beginning with original Temple Yard occupants currently relocated to Pelican Island. Lease agreements and backend administrative work are being finalized to ensure a smooth transition for approximately 40 vendors, including food purveyors, leatherworkers, and craft producers.

    While emphasizing the restoration of Temple Yard’s distinctive character with particular attention to natural products and traditional Rastafarian crafts, Haigh clarified that the revitalized space intends to be inclusive rather than exclusionary. Priority placement will be granted to original tenants, but the hub aims to welcome a diverse cross-section of creatives and small entrepreneurs.

    Veteran leather artisan Ras Binghi, with over thirty years of experience, expressed profound enthusiasm about returning to his cultural home. ‘It’s like a child being away from home and wants to get back home,’ he emotionally described. Artisans will undergo re-registration processes with government coordination before resuming operations.

    Despite widespread anticipation, some craftspeople maintain cautious optimism. Sherry-Ann Knight, a twenty-year veteran, acknowledged the visible progress while adopting a wait-and-see approach. The relocation proved financially challenging for many, with sales dropping dramatically due to reduced visibility and customer accessibility.

    The completed cultural hub promises to enhance Bridgetown’s aesthetic appeal while revitalizing urban commerce, creating a sustainable ecosystem where traditional craftsmanship and contemporary entrepreneurship can flourish side by side.

  • SSA and NCC team up to transform Six Men’s Beach

    SSA and NCC team up to transform Six Men’s Beach

    A collaborative initiative between the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) and the National Conservation Commission (NCC) has successfully converted a neglected coastal area at Six Men’s Beach into an attractive public space. The transformation began with an intensive cleanup operation early Tuesday morning, addressing what officials described as severe environmental and health concerns.

    The project commenced at 7:30 a.m. with crews from both agencies deploying comprehensive resources including weedwhackers, wheelbarrows, and vegetation clearance teams. The focal point was a communal garbage zone that had become overwhelmed with waste, creating problematic conditions including rodent infestations and environmental degradation.

    Carlos Gilkes, Acting Special Projects Officer at NCC, explained that the area had reached a critical state of being ‘overused and overworked,’ necessitating immediate intervention. The SSA conducted a major removal of the garbage site, followed by the introduction of fresh soil to prepare for the beautification phase.

    The second stage involved strategic enhancements featuring salt-tolerant vegetation including sand dollar and sea grape plants, selected specifically for their erosion control properties and visual appeal. The commission also installed picnic benches to create functional recreational space.

    ‘Our goal was to create a good environmental area where the aesthetics and quality were actually good for the backdrop,’ Gilkes stated. The upgrades capitalize on the beachfront location, offering improved sea views and encouraging community gathering. The completed project is expected to establish Six Men’s Beach as a premier destination for residents and visitors in St Peter, promoting both environmental conservation and social recreation.

  • CARIB Brewery (Grenada) Ltd installs solar system

    CARIB Brewery (Grenada) Ltd installs solar system

    CARIB Brewery (Grenada) Limited has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable manufacturing with the successful commissioning of a 300-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system. This substantial renewable energy investment marks a pivotal advancement in both the company’s environmental initiatives and Grenada’s national transition toward clean energy solutions.

    The newly activated solar array is projected to substantially decrease grid electricity dependency while enhancing overall energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This strategic alignment with Grenada’s clean energy objectives demonstrates the brewery’s commitment to national sustainability targets.

    As an integral component of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, CARIB Brewery operates within a corporate framework where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are fundamentally integrated into strategic planning and operational execution. This solar project directly advances the Group’s comprehensive sustainability agenda, reinforcing its dedication to environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

    The technical implementation focuses on achieving multiple benefits: improved energy efficiency, reduced operational expenditures, and substantial decreases in carbon emissions associated with electricity consumption. By generating clean renewable energy on-site, the brewery enhances both its operational resilience and contribution to Grenada’s sustainable development.

    As Grenada’s premier beverage manufacturer producing iconic brands including Carib, Stag, Guinness, and Ting for local and regional markets, this renewable energy integration ensures sustainable production practices while maintaining product quality and supply chain reliability.

    This investment reflects ANSA McAL Group’s broader corporate strategy of embedding sustainability across all operating entities through renewable energy adoption, efficiency enhancements, and robust governance frameworks. The solar project commissioning underscores CARIB Brewery’s role as an environmentally responsible corporate citizen committed to supporting sustainable community development. The company remains dedicated to initiatives that strengthen operational resilience, promote environmental sustainability, and deliver enduring value to employees, consumers, shareholders, and the Grenadian community.

  • Colombia bereidt zich voor op vluchtelingeninstroom

    Colombia bereidt zich voor op vluchtelingeninstroom

    Colombia has initiated major military and humanitarian preparations along its 2,200-kilometer border with Venezuela, anticipating a potential refugee crisis following recent U.S. airstrikes and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the deployment of 30,000 soldiers to reinforce border security while the government establishes emergency response mechanisms.

    The Simon Bolívar International Bridge connecting Cúcuta, Colombia, with Venezuela maintained normal pedestrian and vehicular traffic despite heightened military presence, including three Colombian M1117 armored vehicles stationed at the crossing. However, underlying tensions permeate the region after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened additional strikes unless newly inaugurated interim leader Delcy Rodriguez demonstrates compliance.

    Security forces have been placed on high alert to prevent potential retaliatory actions from armed groups operating in Venezuela, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and Segunda Marquetalia—a dissident faction of the former FARC guerrilla group. Colombian intelligence agencies warn that the possible collapse of Maduro’s government could trigger the return of these groups’ leaders to Colombia as their Venezuelan safe havens become compromised.

    The Colombian government has established five emergency commissions in border municipalities to coordinate humanitarian and security operations. Minister of Equality and Justice Juan Carlos Florian traveled to Cúcuta to implement a comprehensive ‘border plan’ addressing potential migration crises stemming from U.S. military intervention.

    With support from the UN’s International Organization for Migration, Colombia is activating 17 nationwide assistance centers providing food, education, employment training, and violence prevention services. Although no immediate surge in border crossings has been observed, authorities estimate up to 1.7 million additional refugees could enter Colombia, which already hosts three million Venezuelans—the largest share of the eight million who have fled the country.

    Humanitarian organizations are similarly mobilizing resources. The Colombian Red Cross in North Santander department has activated emergency response protocols, utilizing an initial $111,000 from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund to enhance capacity for delivering basic humanitarian assistance to refugees near the border.

    Juan Carlos Torres, the organization’s disaster management director, noted that while current conditions remain normal, the situation could evolve rapidly within days. The trajectory of population movements, he explained, will depend on whether Venezuela stabilizes or descends into further instability, potentially triggering new waves of displacement.

    Local residents like Mary Esperaza, who crossed the bridge from Venezuela to Colombia on Monday, express cautious uncertainty about future developments. ‘We’re waiting to see what happens,’ she remarked. ‘Apparently everything is calm, but we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.’

  • BNA president hopeful revamped domestic action can begin in March

    BNA president hopeful revamped domestic action can begin in March

    In a significant development for Caribbean netball, newly re-elected Barbados Netball Association (BNA) President Nisha Craigwell has outlined comprehensive plans for the upcoming domestic season while addressing ongoing facility upgrades and international commitments. Craigwell, who recently secured her second presidential term, expressed cautious optimism about the Netball Stadium redevelopment project’s completion timeline, targeting alignment with the association’s March 15 anniversary date for season commencement. The BNA leadership acknowledges that the stadium’s readiness will fundamentally determine whether games proceed at the traditional venue or transition to community-based locations throughout Barbados. Craigwell revealed transformative intentions for restructuring the domestic competition format, citing the need to reignite excitement among participants where approximately 90% engage purely at recreational levels rather than national team aspirations. Historically featuring up to eight divisions and seventy teams, the association recognizes the administrative challenges of this expansive structure and intends to implement strategic modifications. These changes aim to enhance both competitive quality and management efficiency while strengthening the pipeline for national team development. Concurrently, Barbados’ netball program maintains ambitious international engagements including the Under-16 regional tournament in Trinidad (April 10-18), CAC Games in the Dominican Republic (July), and World Cup Qualifiers in St. Vincent. The stadium renovation, reportedly progressing toward late March completion, represents a critical infrastructure component supporting both community participation and elite athlete development throughout the netball ecosystem.