Carib Scope

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  • Consultations Begin on Antigua and Barbuda’s New Pharmacy Law

    Consultations Begin on Antigua and Barbuda’s New Pharmacy Law

    Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a landmark legislative review process to comprehensively update its pharmaceutical regulations, marking a significant step toward modernizing the nation’s healthcare governance framework. The two-day consultation forum, which commenced Monday at Parliament, brings together diverse stakeholders to examine the proposed Pharmacy Bill and Regulations 2026.

    The collaborative initiative, jointly organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Pharmacy Council and the Chief Parliamentary Counsel’s Office under the Ministry of Legal Affairs, represents the most substantial overhaul of pharmaceutical legislation in recent history. Preliminary documents indicate the proposed legislation will address multiple critical areas including pharmacy practice standards, controlled substance distribution protocols, and enhanced regulatory mechanisms for pharmaceutical professionals and establishments.

    Monday’s proceedings featured specialized sessions tailored to different industry segments. Morning discussions engaged practicing pharmacists, while afternoon deliberations included wholesalers, pharmacy proprietors, and their professional staff. The opening ceremony witnessed addresses from Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph and Minister of State Michael Joseph, underscoring the government’s commitment to regulatory modernization.

    Tuesday’s agenda expands participation to include broader societal input. Morning sessions will incorporate perspectives from general citizens and key regulatory agencies including Customs, Police, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Pesticide Board, and the Forensic Laboratory. Afternoon consultations will specifically seek expertise from medical doctors, veterinary professionals, and dental practitioners, ensuring comprehensive multidisciplinary input before final legislative formulation.

  • Questelles students to get more counsellors, new school bus

    Questelles students to get more counsellors, new school bus

    In response to the devastating fire that destroyed a historic building at Questelles Government School on December 29, 2025, the Ministry of Education has implemented comprehensive psychological support measures for affected students as the new term commenced on January 5, 2026.

    Education Minister Phillip Jackson announced the deployment of additional counselors to assist students coping with the trauma during a special assembly marking the beginning of Term II. The 114-year-old elementary school lost its oldest instructional block in the blaze, displacing Grades 5 and 6 students who have been temporarily relocated to Campden Park Secondary School.

    “We have mobilized our counseling resources within the school system to provide immediate psychosocial support,” Minister Jackson stated. “The principal has confirmed that our local counselor will collaborate with community pastors from surrounding villages to deliver essential pastoral care to help students readjust.”

    The government has established an ambitious timeline for complete restoration, targeting Term III for the return of all students to their original campus. Minister Jackson revealed that ministry officials activated emergency response protocols within minutes of the fire incident, working through the night with local MP Nigel Stephenson to develop a comprehensive relocation strategy.

    Minister Stephenson, who holds the infrastructure and transport portfolio, pledged that the reconstructed facility would emerge “better, stronger and bigger” than before, potentially becoming a model institution for the nation. The government has arranged dedicated transportation services, securing a new bus to shuttle students between Questelles and their temporary campus in Campden Park.

    Addressing safety concerns at the temporary location, Stephenson acknowledged the hazardous traffic conditions in the area, noting collaborative efforts with the Traffic Department to install speed bumps and implement additional safety measures.

    School principal Donnette Ferdinand emphasized the institution’s resilience, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from community organizations and religious institutions. Drawing inspiration from biblical scripture (Isaiah 43:2), Ferdinand affirmed the school community’s determination to overcome adversity through faith and collective strength.

  • China’s oliebelangen in Venezuela: grote investeerder en belangrijke afnemer

    China’s oliebelangen in Venezuela: grote investeerder en belangrijke afnemer

    Amidst Venezuela’s political turmoil following the U.S.-led military intervention that ousted President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, China has emerged as a critical economic lifeline and strategic partner for the South American nation’s crippled oil industry. Despite Washington’s efforts to reshape Venezuela’s political landscape and control its energy resources, Beijing maintains substantial leverage through both oil purchases and infrastructure investments.

    Venezuela’s oil production has experienced a dramatic collapse, plummeting from approximately 3.5 million barrels per day in the 1990s to just 1.1 million barrels daily in 2025. This decline stems from chronic mismanagement, insufficient investment, and stringent U.S. sanctions that have crippled the country’s primary economic engine.

    China has become Venezuela’s most significant oil customer, with Vortexa energy data indicating imports of approximately 470,000 barrels per day in 2025—representing about 4.5% of China’s total seaborne crude imports. Much of this oil flows to independent Chinese refineries known as ‘teapots,’ which capitalize on discounted prices. Additionally, portions of these shipments serve as repayment for Venezuela’s estimated $10 billion debt to China.

    Chinese state-owned enterprises maintain dominant positions in Venezuela’s energy sector. Sinopec and CNPC control the largest oil entitlement reserves among foreign companies, holding 2.8 billion and 1.6 billion barrels respectively. Since 2016, Chinese firms have invested approximately $2.1 billion in Venezuela’s oil infrastructure despite mounting political risks.

    Although CNPC ceased direct oil imports from Venezuela in 2019 due to sanctions, it continues production operations through the Sinovensa joint venture with Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA. Similarly, Sinopec maintains significant oil reserves through its joint venture arrangements. Several private Chinese companies—including China Concord Resources Corp., Kerui Petroleum, and Anhui Erhuan Petroleum Group—also hold oil production and service contracts, though their current operational status remains unclear.

    The geopolitical implications extend far beyond energy markets. China’s deepening involvement in Venezuela represents a strategic challenge to U.S. influence in Latin America. While the Trump administration pursued regime change to reorient Venezuela’s political alignment, China has positioned itself as a stabilizing force committed to respecting Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law.

    Beijing’s investments form part of a broader strategy to secure access to vital energy resources while expanding economic influence in regions traditionally dominated by Western powers. These partnerships simultaneously bolster Venezuela’s resilience against American sanctions and political pressure.

    The post-intervention landscape remains highly volatile, with uncertainty surrounding Venezuela’s political future and China’s ability to maintain its economic interests amid escalating U.S.-China tensions. Despite Chinese investments, Venezuela’s oil industry continues to grapple with infrastructure deficiencies and economic instability, suggesting that recovery will require more than foreign investment alone.

  • Taxi Driver Charged With Sexual Assault of Minor

    Taxi Driver Charged With Sexual Assault of Minor

    In a developing case that has drawn significant public attention, Philippine authorities have formally apprehended and charged 29-year-old taxi operator Wilbert Cal with sexual assault offenses involving a minor. The arrest occurred on Saturday following detailed allegations presented by a 13-year-old female victim.

    According to official police documentation, the incident unfolded when the adolescent visited a commercial establishment operated by Chinese proprietors. The victim reported that an unidentified male approached her without consent and engaged in inappropriate physical contact without her authorization. Following immediate investigation, law enforcement officials identified and located suspect Cal, leading to his detention.

    Judicial proceedings are currently underway as prosecutors prepare formal charges against the accused. The case has sparked broader conversations regarding passenger safety protocols within the transportation sector and protection mechanisms for minors in public spaces. Local community leaders have called for intensified security measures around commercial establishments frequented by young people.

    Law enforcement representatives have reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice while ensuring the victim’s privacy and psychological wellbeing throughout the legal process. The case continues to develop as investigators examine additional evidence and witness testimonies.

  • Maduro pleads not guilty to drug trafficking charges in U.S. court

    Maduro pleads not guilty to drug trafficking charges in U.S. court

    In a dramatic courtroom appearance that has sent shockwaves through international diplomatic circles, former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro entered a plea of not guilty to multiple narcotics-related charges before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein on Monday. The proceeding marked an extraordinary development in the long-standing tensions between Washington and Caracas.

    Maduro, who maintained his presidential status throughout the hearing, reportedly declared himself ‘kidnapped’ since his capture by U.S. authorities on January 3. His wife, Cilia Flores, similarly pleaded not guilty as a co-defendant in the case—a notable expansion from the original 2020 indictment that initially targeted only Maduro.

    The charges against the Venezuelan leader are extensive and severe: narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, and weapons violations involving firearms and explosive devices. Federal prosecutors allege Maduro orchestrated a sophisticated drug trafficking network that collaborated with multiple notorious criminal organizations, including Mexico’s Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, Colombian FARC rebels, and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.

    According to the prosecution’s timeline, Maduro’s involvement in narcotics operations dates back to his tenure in Venezuela’s National Assembly in 2000, continuing through his service as foreign minister and his presidency following Hugo Chávez’s death in 2013.

    The legal proceedings unfolded amid heightened tensions outside the courthouse, where both supporters and opponents of Maduro gathered to express their views during the thirty-minute hearing. The case has sparked immediate controversy within international legal circles, with experts questioning the jurisdictional basis of the U.S. operation and its implications for international law.

    Maduro’s defense is being led by attorney Barry Pollack, while Mark Donnelly represents Flores. The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 17, setting the stage for what promises to be a complex legal battle with significant geopolitical ramifications.

    The United States has consistently regarded Maduro as an illegitimate ruler since his controversial victory in the 2018 elections, which were widely criticized for alleged irregularities. This case represents the most direct confrontation between the Venezuelan government and U.S. judicial authorities to date.

  • MS‑13 Gang Member Handed Over to Guatemalan Authorities

    MS‑13 Gang Member Handed Over to Guatemalan Authorities

    In a significant cross-border security operation, Belizean authorities have transferred a high-profile MS-13 gang member to Guatemalan officials for subsequent expulsion to his native El Salvador. The operation, conducted on Friday, targeted 45-year-old Marvin Edgardo Sandoval, alias ‘Cirillo,’ a Salvadoran national identified as a member of the notorious Mara Salvatrucha criminal organization.

    Sandoval had been formally classified as a prohibited immigrant in Belize and was subject to an official ‘Order to Leave’ the country. The deportation procedure was executed through a coordinated effort between specialized G13 police units based in San Ignacio and Belize’s immigration department officials.

    The handover occurred at the Melchor de Mencos border crossing in Guatemala’s Petén department, where Belizean officials transferred custody to Guatemalan customs authorities. Guatemalan migration services subsequently arranged Sandoval’s expulsion to El Salvador, his country of origin.

    This incident marks the second documented deportation of a Salvadoran MS-13 operative from Belize in recent months. In November, Belizean border authorities facilitated the arrest of another gang member, Julio Cesar, at the nation’s western frontier in a similar security operation.

    MS-13, designated as a ‘transnational criminal organization’ by the United States government, originated among Salvadoran immigrant communities in Los Angeles during the 1980s. The gang has since evolved into one of the most formidable criminal networks in the Western Hemisphere, engaging in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and extreme violence across Central America and beyond.

  • Caribbean PR firm wins international award three years in a row

    Caribbean PR firm wins international award three years in a row

    Carli Communications, a Trinidad and Tobago-based public relations consultancy, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by securing the prestigious PR Agency of the Year award from Business Circle Magazine for the third consecutive year. This remarkable triple victory places the Caribbean firm among an elite group of communications specialists worldwide.

    The UK-based Business Circle Magazine confirmed that their awards program specifically honors visionaries who are actively shaping business futures through groundbreaking innovation. The selection process involved meticulous analysis of nominee submissions, supplemented by independent investigations and verifiable public data collected by dedicated research teams.

    According to the awarding body, winners were determined through an uncompromising merit-based evaluation system that assessed multiple criteria including customer service excellence, innovative approaches, creative solutions, service quality, industry experience, sustainability initiatives, and demonstrable strategic influence.

    Founder and CEO Carla Williams Johnson established Carli Communications with a mission to elevate Caribbean businesses and executives onto respected regional and international platforms. The firm has developed an impressive reputation for strategic brand positioning, sophisticated media relations, crisis management expertise, and thought leadership development.

    In response to this unprecedented third consecutive win, Johnson stated: ‘This recognition truly belongs to our clients, partners, and supporters who believe in the transformative power of strategic visibility. Our fundamental mission remains unchanged – to uplift and promote Caribbean businesses and leaders. We take immense pride in representing Caribbean excellence on the international stage, proving that world-class public relations expertise originates right here in our region.’

    This continuing international recognition underscores Carli Communications’ commitment to delivering results-driven public relations services grounded in strategic planning, unwavering credibility, and deliberate visibility campaigns. The firm continues to serve as a powerful advocate for Caribbean business excellence in global markets, having surpassed approximately 90,000 international entities to claim this distinguished honor three years running.

  • Dominica to accept refugees deported from US

    Dominica to accept refugees deported from US

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has formally established a refugee resettlement arrangement with the United States, enabling the transfer of third-country refugees to the Caribbean nation when repatriation to their countries of origin proves unfeasible. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed the bilateral agreement during a press briefing in Roseau, emphasizing that stringent security protocols would prevent individuals with violent histories or potential security risks from entering Dominica.

    Skerrit characterized the agreement as a strategic diplomatic advancement that strengthens bilateral relations while safeguarding national interests. The arrangement specifically addresses Dominicans’ access to lawful travel, education, employment opportunities, and family connections in the United States. While Skerrit declined to disclose the national origins of prospective migrants, he confirmed that all operational details had been thoroughly negotiated within a memorandum of understanding that reflects Dominica’s security concerns.

    Concurrently, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne vehemently denied opposition claims regarding a separate US arrangement. Contrary to allegations by the United Progressive Party of a secret agreement to accept 100,000 criminal deportees, Browne clarified that his government had consented to review up to ten non-criminal refugees possessing skills deemed valuable to the local economy. The agreement explicitly grants Antigua full discretionary authority regarding individual admissions and includes US provisions of biometric data and criminal background information.

    Browne revealed that over 100 nations received similar invitations from the US government to alleviate refugee processing burdens, with several CARICOM member states already participating in the initiative. Both leaders framed their respective agreements as demonstrations of regional cooperation while maintaining rigorous immigration controls and national security standards.

  • Man injured in Cave Hill shooting

    Man injured in Cave Hill shooting

    Barbados police have launched a comprehensive investigation into a shooting incident that occurred Monday morning in the Cave Hill area of St. Michael. The violent episode took place along St Stephen Hill at approximately 11:45 a.m., disrupting the community’s tranquility.

    According to preliminary reports from law enforcement authorities, one male victim sustained injuries during the altercation. Emergency medical services promptly responded to the scene and transported the wounded individual to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for urgent medical treatment. The current condition of the victim remains undisclosed by officials.

    Law enforcement personnel maintained a strong presence at the location throughout the day as forensic experts gathered evidence and detectives conducted preliminary interviews with potential witnesses. The Barbados Police Service has cordoned off the affected area while continuing their systematic examination of the crime scene.

    Authorities have not released any information regarding potential suspects or motives behind the shooting. The investigation remains active and ongoing as police work to establish the sequence of events that led to the violent incident. Community members with relevant information have been encouraged to come forward and assist investigators with their inquiries.

  • More Details of 26-Year-Old Father Found Murdered in Parking Lot

    More Details of 26-Year-Old Father Found Murdered in Parking Lot

    BELIZE CITY – The brutal stabbing death of 26-year-old Patrick Uh has left his family grappling with unimaginable grief and unanswered questions. His common-law partner, Roxanna Aldana, expressed profound shock and confusion regarding the motive behind the fatal attack that claimed Uh’s life in a supermarket parking lot.

    According to official reports, authorities discovered Uh’s body lying face up on a wooden pallet in the parking area of New Moon Supermarket near Mile 10 on the Philip Goldson Highway on January 5, 2026. Police evidence indicated a single stab wound to the chest as the cause of death. A black-handled knife with a broken silver metal blade was recovered from beneath his left hand at the crime scene.

    Aldana recounted her traumatic experience of arriving at the location after hearing reports of her partner lying on the ground. “I walked over praying he had simply fallen asleep from drinking so I could bring him home,” she stated. “When I arrived, I saw police and caution tape. Nobody would give me any answers.”

    The devastating reality became clear when officers lifted the body, revealing the blood-soaked pavement beneath. “That’s when I saw they had killed my boy,” Aldana emotionally recalled.

    Describing Uh as a devoted family man, Aldana emphasized his non-confrontational nature despite occasionally drinking. “He was my jokey person, so loving with his family,” she noted, struggling to comprehend why anyone would target him.

    The tragedy leaves behind a four-year-old daughter who continues to ask about her father’s return. “She asks me, ‘Mommy when Daddy coming home?’ I tell her daddy is working because I can’t explain the truth,” Aldana shared. “She only sees me crying.”

    Uh was pronounced dead at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital following the incident. Police investigations continue as the family seeks justice for the senseless violence that shattered their lives.