Carib Scope

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  • William prepares for US pickleball circuit

    William prepares for US pickleball circuit

    Meggan William, the Caribbean’s sole world-ranked pickleball competitor, is poised for an intensive competitive tour across the United States this spring. The Saint Lucian athlete, currently ranked 209th globally in women’s singles, will demonstrate her multifaceted skillset across four American states during April and May.

    Her tournament schedule includes prestigious events in California, Arizona, Las Vegas, and Utah, where she will compete across three distinct disciplines: women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. This comprehensive participation underscores both her technical versatility and determined pursuit of ranking advancement against the world’s elite players.

    William carries the unique distinction of being the only Caribbean representative on international pickleball rankings, positioning her as a trailblazer for regional athletic representation. Her groundbreaking status has attracted professional sponsorship from The Ksquare Group in Texas, making her their inaugural sponsored athlete in this rapidly growing sport.

    Reflecting on her unique position, William stated, ‘Representing the Caribbean at this competitive tier embodies both profound honor and significant responsibility. I anticipate returning to competition with enthusiasm, facing top-tier opponents, and motivating aspiring athletes throughout our region to pursue excellence in professional pickleball.’

    Coach Tom Yeh emphasized William’s exceptional attributes, noting, ‘Meggan’s unparalleled discipline and competitive mentality distinguish her in the sport. She’s simultaneously elevating the visibility of Caribbean athletes in pickleball while demonstrating that determined competitors from smaller regions can achieve world-class recognition through dedicated effort.’

    William’s ultimate competitive objective involves securing permanent placement within the sport’s professional ranks while continuing to inspire athletic development throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Special needs athletes shine at Inter-Schools meet

    Special needs athletes shine at Inter-Schools meet

    In a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and ability, St Lucia hosted its Special Education Inter-Schools Sports Meet at Mindoo Phillip Park on March 19, strategically timed to honor World Down Syndrome Day. Approximately 100 exceptional students from five specialized institutions—Dunnottar School, Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre, Dennery Child Development Centre, Vieux Fort Special Education Centre, and Soufriere Special Education Rehabilitation Centre—demonstrated their athletic prowess in a variety of adapted competitions.

    The event featured both traditional track events and specially designed activities including sack races, lime-and-spoon balancing challenges, beanbag throws, and bottle-filling races. In a progressive approach to competition organization, participants were grouped into junior, intermediate, and senior divisions based on functional abilities rather than chronological age.

    Notable athletic achievements included Kevin Edmendson from Dennery and Delly Emmanuel from Lady Gordon claiming top honors in the junior division. The intermediate category saw Vieux Fort’s Delan Joseph and Ranelle Chalmagne excel, while senior division prizes were awarded to Kimani Tal (Vieux Fort) and Derressya Giddings (Lady Gordon).

    Education Officer for Special Education Dale St Juste emphasized the profound significance of the event, noting that ‘this meet represents the culmination of our physical literacy program specifically designed for special schools.’ He elaborated on the multidimensional benefits: ‘While physical education is crucial for all children, it holds particular importance for those with special needs as it stimulates cognitive development, enhances motor coordination, builds muscular strength, and provides emotional fulfillment through healthy competition and camaraderie.’

    Sports coordinator Johnson James highlighted the transformative impact on participants’ self-esteem: ‘This event serves as the equivalent of national championships for these remarkable students. We’ve witnessed tremendous personal growth—many arrived with diminished self-confidence but have developed into proud athletes through these opportunities.’

    The recognition of special needs athletes has expanded significantly in St Lucia, with recent inclusion in mainstream track meets, table tennis tournaments, and even calypso competitions. These developments collectively demonstrate that while these students may learn differently, their capabilities are boundless, reshaping societal perceptions of disability and achievement.

  • Schools’ volleyball finals take place on Tuesday

    Schools’ volleyball finals take place on Tuesday

    Beausejour Gymnasium will host the highly anticipated Under-19 schools’ volleyball championship finals this Tuesday, March 24, promising a day of intense competition and new titleholders. The semifinal matches held last Friday at the same venue determined the finalists, setting the stage for dramatic championship clashes.

    In the girls’ division, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) achieved a remarkable comeback victory against defending champions St. Joseph’s Convent in a thrilling three-set semifinal (26-28, 25-11, 19-21), avenging their previous year’s defeat. Meanwhile, Micoud Secondary School demonstrated exceptional resilience by overcoming Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School 2:1 (25-13, 19-25, 22-24) in the other semifinal encounter.

    The boys’ competition will feature a compelling championship match between SALCC and St. Mary’s College. SALCC earned their finals berth by securing a straight-sets victory against Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary (25-23, 25-23), while St. Mary’s College advanced with a convincing 2:0 win over Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary (25-16, 25-19).

    The championship day schedule includes the girls’ third-place match between St. Joseph’s Convent and Vieux Fort Comprehensive at 10:00 AM, followed by the girls’ championship final at 11:30 AM. The boys’ third-place match between Leon Hess Comprehensive and Soufriere Comprehensive will commence at 1:00 PM, with the highly anticipated boys’ championship final between SALCC and St. Mary’s College scheduled for 2:30 PM.

  • Jamie Darroux of Herberts Charged for Smoking Cannabis in Public

    Jamie Darroux of Herberts Charged for Smoking Cannabis in Public

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – Law enforcement authorities have formally charged Jamie Darroux, a resident of Herberts, following his apprehension for publicly consuming cannabis and possessing the substance. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, March 23, 2026, in close proximity to Potters Primary School.

    According to official reports from the Royal Police Force’s Strategic Communications Office, narcotics officers detected Darroux allegedly engaging in cannabis smoking while conducting routine mobile patrols in the Herberts vicinity. The arrest transpired at approximately 1:30 PM, with officers taking the individual into custody shortly after observation.

    The Police Administration has reiterated its stance on substance control, emphasizing that both the Tobacco Control Act of 2018 and the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act of 2024 explicitly prohibit cannabis and tobacco consumption in all enclosed public spaces, occupational environments, and public transportation systems.

    Designated restricted areas encompass, but are not limited to: public transit terminals, commercial establishments including offices and factories, hospitality venues such as restaurants and bars, educational facilities particularly those catering to minors, healthcare institutions, government buildings, public assemblies, recreational complexes, and all forms of public transportation.

    Legal statutes stipulate that violators found consuming cannabis in public areas may face summary conviction penalties, including fines reaching up to EC$2,000.00. The police force continues to advocate for strict adherence to national laws and discourages participation in unlawful activities that contravene Antigua and Barbuda’s regulatory framework.

  • FAO strengthens protections to support Grenada’s soursop-valued economy

    FAO strengthens protections to support Grenada’s soursop-valued economy

    Grenada maintains a globally unique position as the sole nation authorized to export fresh non-irradiated soursop to the United States, creating both exceptional economic opportunity and substantial biosecurity responsibility. This privileged market access establishes soursop as a strategic high-value commodity, generating approximately US$2.6 million annually while supporting nearly 2,600 predominantly smallholder farmers whose livelihoods depend on the crop’s continued viability.

    Recognizing the critical importance of protecting this agricultural sector, a tripartite collaboration between the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capabilities throughout the soursop value chain.

    As a cornerstone of this effort, FAO jointly convened a three-day intensive workshop titled ‘Risks and Anticipatory Frameworks for the Soursop Industry’ from February 9-11, 2026, at Grenada’s National Stadium. The capacity-building event brought together 31 participants (18 female, 13 male) from multiple agricultural agencies including the Ministry’s technical units for extension services, pest management, and forestry, alongside representatives from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA).

    The curriculum focused on developing advanced competencies in plant health risk anticipation through improved surveillance methodologies, early warning systems for pest detection, sample reporting protocols, scenario planning, and coordinated response mechanisms. This cross-sectoral approach enabled meaningful dialogue on strengthening protective measures for Grenada’s vulnerable soursop industry.

    Complementary project components include developing a holistic surveillance program with emergency response protocols, enhancing institutional capacities for pest detection and certification, piloting traceability systems for export compliance, and building farmer capabilities in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

    FAO Production and Plant Protection Specialist Anne Desrochers emphasized the strategic importance of these efforts: ‘Grenada’s exclusive access to the United States market for fresh soursop presents a significant and timely opportunity to strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and uplift rural communities.’ Participant feedback confirmed the training’s value, particularly appreciating the balance between theoretical foundations and practical exercises that facilitated collaborative learning.

    The workshop concluded with participants identifying key implementation actions, potential barriers, and collaboration mechanisms to strengthen anticipatory responses within the soursop value chain, ensuring the continued viability of Grenada’s unique agricultural export.

  • Beazer Says Focus Will Be on Development and Expanding Opportunities for Barbudans

    Beazer Says Focus Will Be on Development and Expanding Opportunities for Barbudans

    Kendra Beazer, a former member of the Barbuda Council, has announced his parliamentary candidacy for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), pledging to center his political campaign on securing direct developmental benefits for Barbudans. Beazer emphasized that his alignment with the ABLP stems from the party’s demonstrated capacity to effectively address resident needs and implement substantive change. In an interview with ABS, Beazer articulated that his decision was fundamentally guided by his commitment to his constituents and the party’s capability to provide necessary resources. His campaign platform will prioritize comprehensive development, encompassing both physical infrastructure and social advancement. Key focus areas include enhancing healthcare services, modernizing educational facilities, implementing efficient waste management systems, and addressing critical social needs. Beazer envisions a parallel development trajectory where infrastructural progress coincides with human capacity building, ensuring that residents are equipped to thrive amid the island’s transformation.

  • Cybersecurity Officials Meet in Antigua and Barbuda

    Cybersecurity Officials Meet in Antigua and Barbuda

    In a significant regional mobilization against digital vulnerabilities, cybersecurity leaders from across the Eastern Caribbean convened in Antigua and Barbuda for a comprehensive two-day workshop. The gathering, themed “Cyber Governance Collaboration in the Eastern Caribbean,” represents a strategic initiative to bolster collective defense mechanisms against sophisticated cyber threats.

    Jointly organized by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Organization of American States (OAS), with substantial backing from the United Kingdom, the event assembled a multidisciplinary cohort of policymakers, technical specialists, legal authorities, diplomatic representatives, and cybersecurity practitioners.

    The primary focus centered on enhancing coordination protocols, communication frameworks, and preparedness strategies at both national and regional tiers. Special consideration was given to the unique challenges confronting Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which increasingly find themselves targeted by complex cyber operations despite limited resources.

    Gordina Hector-Murrell, Director of Cyber Security within Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of ICTs, Utilities and Energy, set a tone of urgency during her opening address. “The cybersecurity landscape has fundamentally shifted from theoretical risk to imminent reality,” she emphasized. “Our national resilience will be measured not by prevention alone, but by our collective capacity to detect, respond, and recover from incidents through unified action.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Geraldine White, Administrative Technician at the OAS General Secretariat stationed in Antigua and Barbuda, stressed the multidimensional nature of effective cyber defense. “True cybersecurity transcends technical prevention,” White noted. “It demands clearly articulated communication channels, well-defined operational roles, and proactive contingency planning across jurisdictional boundaries.”

    This workshop constitutes a critical component of broader regional endeavors to fortify digital infrastructure through knowledge exchange, capability building, and institutional cooperation. The collaborative framework established during these discussions is expected to yield tangible improvements in regional cyber resilience against evolving digital threats.

  • Semi-final lineup set for West Coast Cooperative Credit Union Island-Wide Domino League

    Semi-final lineup set for West Coast Cooperative Credit Union Island-Wide Domino League

    The West Coast Cooperative Credit Union Island Wide Domino League has reached its critical stage as four formidable teams secured their places in the semi-finals after an electrifying weekend of quarter-final matches. The competition showcased both overwhelming dominance and nail-biting finishes across multiple venues.

    In Paix Bouche, Brigidy Stars demonstrated exceptional strategic prowess with a commanding 877-point victory over No Name. The final tally stood at 3,038 to 2,161, marking one of the most decisive wins of the tournament. Simultaneously, Eclipse from Pottersville delivered another powerful performance, overwhelming West Bridge by 840 points with a final score of 3,024 against 2,184.

    The Grandfond encounter provided dramatic spectacle as Rosema White City triumphed before an enthusiastic local audience. Their 393-point victory over Warriors concluded with scores of 3,030 to 2,637, showcasing precision play under pressure. The most closely contested match unfolded at Tarish Pit, where One Love edged out Nun Players by a slender 271-point margin, finishing at 3,008 to 2,737 in a tense battle that kept spectators on edge until the final domino fell.

    The semi-final pairings are now set for a showdown at Glenda Bar in Layou this weekend. Brigidy Stars will face Rosema White City in one bracket, while Eclipse competes against One Love in the other. All matches are scheduled to commence at 2:00 PM, promising high-stakes domino action that will determine which teams advance to the championship final.

  • Fisher exchange with Grenada prepares Turks and Caicos Islands

    Fisher exchange with Grenada prepares Turks and Caicos Islands

    In a landmark demonstration of South-South cooperation, fisheries experts from the Turks and Caicos Islands have completed an intensive knowledge transfer program in Grenada focused on advanced Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) technology. The four-day exchange (March 16-19) enabled six TCI fishers and two fisheries officers to acquire hands-on experience in constructing and deploying these innovative marine systems that significantly enhance open-water fishing efficiency.

    This capacity-building initiative represents a strategic advancement in regional fisheries collaboration under the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). Grenada’s sophisticated FAD infrastructure has been modernized through the World Bank-funded ‘Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean’ (UBEC) project, building upon earlier technological foundations established through Japanese-funded CARIFICO initiatives between 2012-2017.

    The exchange provided TCI delegates with unprecedented access to Grenada’s operational FAD systems, where they observed the harvesting of substantial pelagic species including yellowfin tuna exceeding 100 pounds. Participants gained practical technical expertise in FAD construction methods that will directly inform TCI’s upcoming pilot program scheduled for implementation in coming months.

    Grenada’s Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, Hon. Lennox Andrews, characterized the exchange as “one very good example where, as a people, we can come together and work together to share our knowledge, share experiences, and create the competence and the human resources that we all need to develop our region.”

    TCI fishers reported transformative experiences during the knowledge transfer. Veteran fisherman David Clare exclaimed, “It’s the greatest fishing [technology] I’ve ever seen in my life, and it works perfectly!” while Kevin Harvey noted the dramatic efficiency improvements compared to traditional trolling methods.

    The TCI Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management Director Alwyn Ponteen emphasized the program’s alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals regarding zero hunger, decent work, economic growth, and marine conservation. “This programme represents a strategic and sustainable investment in the youths, men, and women who form the backbone of our fisheries sector,” Ponteen stated.

    Both nations have committed to ongoing collaboration, with Grenada’s Chief Fisheries Officer Nigel Gibbs anticipating “a lasting Caribbean relationship that will grow stronger in the future.” The TCI government confirms its resolution to develop sustainable FAD fisheries as part of its broader Sustainable Livelihoods Strategy, including comprehensive stakeholder consultations, management planning, and legislative reforms.

  • Boeren in het binnenland houden vol ondanks vele uitdagingen

    Boeren in het binnenland houden vol ondanks vele uitdagingen

    In the heart of Suriname’s Brokopondo district, what appears to be barren ground covered with bauxite, pebbles, and dry sand belies an agricultural transformation underway just meters away. Here, amidst seemingly infertile conditions, farmers Elvia Asodanoe and Duku have cultivated remarkable plantations featuring diverse crops including pineapple, okra, Chinese tayer, and bitter gourd.

    During a field visit this past Saturday, Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim praised the perseverance of these farmers, stating: “It’s commendable that farmers persist despite all challenges.” Accompanied by Edmund Duiker, chairman of the NOFA Fund, the minister assessed the obstacles confronting local agricultural producers in the interior regions.

    Asodanoe, one of the visiting female farmers, expressed ambitions to not only expand her pineapple cultivation but also introduce new crops like soursop and markoosa. She remains confident about receiving necessary support for these ventures. Similarly, her partner Duku seeks to expand fruit production while modernizing his traditional farming methods.

    Minister Noersalim clarified that the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV) actively encourages interior farmers to scale production and enhance market access. The NOFA Fund plays a pivotal role in this initiative by providing affordable loans to horticulture and agricultural entrepreneurs. Beyond financial assistance, the fund offers guidance on cooperative collaboration, production consolidation, and market distribution—enabling farmers to market products more efficiently and access both local and international markets.

    A significant challenge identified particularly for women farmers in interior regions remains the lack of land titles, which complicates financing applications for expansion. Duiker emphasized that the NOFA Fund specifically targets those engaged in agriculture, livestock, or fisheries, offering substantially lower interest rates than commercial banks. He described the fund as a crucial accelerator for agricultural development, supporting investments in machinery, irrigation, and knowledge transfer to ensure sustainable and commercially viable production.

    Noersalim stressed the ministry’s role in giving agricultural entrepreneurs “a push forward” to achieve accelerated development. “Not only planting is important,” he noted, “but we will also stimulate product marketing and processing support in the coming period.”

    The ministry announced forthcoming visits to Pokigron to consult with village farmers planning expansion and commercial operations. Both LVV and NOFA urge all agricultural entrepreneurs throughout Suriname to leverage the opportunities provided by the fund.