Carib Scope

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  • Cassius Constantine, Abigail Lesfloris crowned Misyé èk Manmzèl Kwéyòl

    Cassius Constantine, Abigail Lesfloris crowned Misyé èk Manmzèl Kwéyòl

    Saint Lucia’s cultural heritage took center stage as Cassius Constantine and Abigail Lesfloris were crowned Misyé èk Manmzèl Kwéyòl (Mister and Miss Creole) in the revitalized Sandals Grande Saint Lucian pageant. The prestigious competition marked its triumphant return following a pandemic-induced hiatus, celebrating Creole culture through employee engagement and performance excellence.

    Constantine, who also holds the 2024 Mr Caribbean Island Continental title, described his unexpected victory as an electrifying experience. “My primary intention was simply to enjoy the moment, which I certainly did. However, the overwhelming crowd response and ultimately winning the title created an absolutely phenomenal experience,” the newly crowned Mr Kwéyòl recounted.

    For Lesfloris, the victory carried particular significance given the exceptional caliber of competition. She admitted: “I entered with confidence in my talent presentation, but witnessing the extraordinary performances from fellow contestants made me genuinely apprehensive. Hearing my name announced as winner amidst such tremendous talent was profoundly moving.”

    The pageant represented the culmination of a comprehensive cultural initiative launched by the resort during last year’s fourth quarter. This program integrated Saint Lucian Creole traditions into corporate activities through specialized committees, educational seminars, and cultural workshops, significantly enhancing staff participation and cultural awareness.

    General Manager Della John emphasized the event’s broader impact: “The competition generated remarkable energy throughout our resort. Most impressively, our team delivered these outstanding performances while maintaining their regular professional responsibilities, demonstrating incredible dedication and talent.”

    Nine resort employees competed for the titles, including finalists Gania Alladhua, Kayde Altenor, Albert Charlemagne, Eva Alfred, Chelsea Joseph, Jasmine Nelson, and Roche St Cyr. The event successfully blended cultural preservation with corporate engagement, showcasing Creole heritage through modern hospitality traditions.

  • The renovated vendors’ plaza on Sosúa beach will be ready in March

    The renovated vendors’ plaza on Sosúa beach will be ready in March

    The Dominican government has announced the scheduled completion of the initial phase of the Sosúa Beach vendors’ plaza renovation in Puerto Plata by mid-March. This development marks a significant milestone in the comprehensive coastal recovery initiative originally launched in 2021.

    Tourism Minister David Collado revealed the project represents a substantial investment of 500 million Dominican pesos (approximately $8.5 million USD) aimed at boosting both tourism and commercial operations in the region. The minister made these statements during his address at the forty-fifth Anato 2026 Tourism Showcase in Bogotá, Colombia.

    Minister Collado emphasized the transformative nature of the project, stating: “Between March 15 and 20, we are delivering a renewed Sosúa beach where we are systematically eliminating prostitution and protecting our children and adolescents from exploitation. This initiative sends an unequivocal message to international visitors that the Dominican Republic will not welcome tourists seeking such activities.”

    In parallel developments, the Tourism Ministry is channeling approximately $400,000 into sponsorship packages for water sports tournaments focused on wave and wind activities in the nearby Cabarete area. Minister Collado further indicated that similar reorganization plans are prepared for Playa Encuentro’s surrounding zone, though legal complications have temporarily halted progress on that particular project.

  • Sint Maarten wint van Suriname U-20

    Sint Maarten wint van Suriname U-20

    In a hard-fought Under-20 football encounter, Sint Maarten emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Natio on February 27th, marking their first triumph after suffering two consecutive defeats in previous matches.

    The match remained scoreless until the 40th minute when Sint Maarten’s forward Yan Gonzaque broke through Natio’s defensive line and skillfully placed the ball into the net, establishing a 1-0 lead that persisted through halftime.

    Following the interval, the game maintained equilibrium with Natio controlling slightly more possession. Despite this advantage, Sint Maarten extended their lead in the 74th minute as Gonzaque secured his second goal of the evening, demonstrating clinical finishing ability.

    Natio responded swiftly with top scorer Xavi Dors reducing the deficit to 2-1 just two minutes later. The match intensified dramatically when a contentious situation erupted involving players from both sides. The altercation began when Sint Maarten players attempted to delay the restart while Natio players sought to quickly return the ball to midfield. The confrontation resulted in disciplinary action with one Sint Maarten player receiving a red card and a Natio player being shown yellow.

    During the final minutes, Natio intensified pressure in search of an equalizer but ultimately failed to convert opportunities, allowing Sint Maarten to secure their first victory of the tournament.

  • Korps Penitentiaire Ambtenaren versterkt met 197 nieuwe functionarissen

    Korps Penitentiaire Ambtenaren versterkt met 197 nieuwe functionarissen

    In a significant move to strengthen its correctional system, Suriname has formally sworn in 197 new penitentiary officers during an official ceremony held on Friday. The recruits were appointed as ‘fourth-class penitentiary officers’ and simultaneously sworn in as special police officers, marking one of the largest single expansions of personnel in the country’s prison system.

    The ceremony was attended by Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath and Attorney General Garcia Paragsingh, who presided over the oath-taking ritual. According to official statements, this substantial personnel infusion aligns with the government’s strategic policy to enhance security, maintain order, and strengthen legal certainty within Suriname’s correctional facilities.

    KPA Corps Chief Joyce Pané-Alfaisi emphasized during her address that integrity, duty consciousness, collaboration, and confidentiality represent indispensable core values within penitentiary institutions and detention centers. She explicitly stated that violations of these professional standards would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

    Attorney General Paragsingh underscored that the sworn oath constitutes more than mere formality—it represents a substantial responsibility within the criminal justice process. She noted that the professional conduct of correctional officers directly influences public confidence in both the corps and the rule of law.

    Gideon Wielingen, Chairman of the Suriname Penitentiary Officers Union, revealed that the new officers completed an intensive eighteen-month training program. He urged the newly appointed personnel to execute their duties with dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.

    Minister Monorath characterized the ceremony as a ‘harvest festival,’ indicating that the rigorous training had instilled discipline, justice, and duty consciousness—qualities that society would now benefit from. The minister emphasized that this expansion resulted from targeted investments in human capital and ongoing professionalization within the prison system.

    The government continues to invest in reducing understaffing and workload pressure within the KPA, with parallel plans developing for a new headquarters facility in Paramaribo. Following a collective prayer moment, the recruits officially took their oaths, with the top three training graduates receiving special recognition from ministry officials.

    This massive injection of nearly two hundred officers provides Suriname’s correctional system with substantial operational reinforcement, potentially transforming institutional capacity and service delivery within the nation’s law enforcement infrastructure.

  • Dominican Republic : Over $300M to build an economic wall on the border

    Dominican Republic : Over $300M to build an economic wall on the border

    In a landmark address to Congress commemorating the nation’s 182nd Independence Anniversary on February 27, 2026, Dominican President Luis Abinader unveiled a transformative economic strategy for the Haitian border region. The centerpiece of this initiative is a network of dry ports, representing a private investment exceeding $300 million, which will operate under a free trade zone framework. President Abinader characterized this endeavor as “the most important logistics project ever conceived” for the area, emphasizing its role as a strategic state decision to enhance national sovereignty through economic development and improved competitiveness.

    The President drew a clear distinction between physical and economic border security, stating that while the country “already has a border wall to protect its territory,” this new infrastructure would establish “a true economic wall.” The dry ports are designed to achieve multiple objectives: revitalizing economically marginalized border provinces, facilitating legitimate cross-border commerce, strengthening formal trade relations with Haiti, and decisively dismantling extensive smuggling networks that have long plagued the region.

    Abinader cited successful implementations of similar dry port models in other border contexts, specifically referencing the Mexico-United States experience. He noted that these facilities have demonstrated effectiveness in centralizing customs operations, formalizing trade channels, and transforming entire regions into vibrant economic development hubs. The President articulated a comprehensive philosophy of border security, asserting that “There can be no stability where informality reigns. Security is not achieved solely through surveillance; It also involves job creation, trade organization, and the generation of real opportunities.”

    Supplementary analysis indicates that dry ports function as inland logistics platforms with direct connections to seaports via rail, road, or river transport. These facilities extend the services of coastal ports inland by providing comprehensive customs clearance, storage capabilities, and container transshipment services, thereby alleviating congestion in port areas while improving transportation efficiency to both consumption centers and production facilities.

  • Washington Signals Bigger Role in Caribbean Affairs

    Washington Signals Bigger Role in Caribbean Affairs

    In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has formally indicated its intention to deepen engagement with Caribbean nations. The announcement followed the conclusion of the fiftieth CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Saint Kitts and Nevis, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s unexpected presence generated considerable attention among regional leaders.

    Belize’s Prime Minister John Briceño, in exclusive post-meeting revelations, disclosed that closed-door discussions centered on three critical areas: migration patterns, transnational criminal networks, and regional development initiatives. The high-level dialogue marks a notable shift in Washington’s foreign policy priorities toward the Caribbean basin.

    During bilateral talks, Prime Minister Briceño delivered an urgent security appeal to Secretary Rubio, highlighting the escalating threat posed by Mexican cartels expanding southward into Belizean territory. The Prime Minister specifically identified the Caborca Cartel as having established operational presence along Belize’s northern border with Mexico’s Quintana Roo region.

    “Our nation faces unprecedented vulnerability to narco-trafficking operations,” Briceño stated. “We require immediate assistance in equipment provision, intelligence sharing, and specialized training rather than delayed support that might arrive too late to prevent fundamental transformation of our society.”

    While addressing travel concerns following recent security advisories for Mexico, Briceño emphasized that cross-border relations remain strong despite security challenges. He advised cautious travel practices while reaffirming Mexico’s status as a vital regional partner.

    The Secretary of State’s personal attendance at the CARICOM gathering signals the Trump administration’s renewed focus on Latin American and Caribbean affairs, with diplomatic sources suggesting this engagement represents a strategic counterbalance to growing extra-hemispheric influence in the region.

  • The Dominican Republic has recorded 31 cases of dengue so far in 2026.

    The Dominican Republic has recorded 31 cases of dengue so far in 2026.

    Santo Domingo’s Ministry of Public Health has released its sixth epidemiological bulletin for 2026, revealing a controlled dengue situation with 31 confirmed cases and zero fatalities recorded during the initial weeks of the year. Health authorities characterize the dengue transmission as remaining “within successful and safe zones of the endemic channel,” indicating minimal viral circulation with just one confirmed case reported this week.

    The epidemiological landscape presents a more complex picture regarding other diseases. Leptospirosis cases demonstrate a low-to-moderate incidence pattern with a concerning upward trajectory, showing 2, 4, 5, and 6 cases in recent reporting periods.

    Influenza A (H3N2) continues to exhibit persistent and widespread circulation across most epidemiological weeks, maintaining prolonged transmission patterns that began in the final four months of 2025. This sustained activity contrasts sharply with the more defined, shorter peaks observed for influenza subtypes A(H1N1)pdm09 and Influenza B.

    The report highlights a challenging scenario of simultaneous co-circulation involving H3N2, respiratory syncytial virus (which typically surges in the latter half of the year), SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory pathogens, creating sustained multiple transmission dynamics.

    In response, health officials have intensified epidemiological and virological surveillance measures while expanding diagnostic and hospital capabilities. The ministry has prioritized influenza vaccination for vulnerable groups and enhanced health system resilience to reduce transmission and prevent severe outcomes.

    The bulletin also notes concerning mortality statistics, including 10 maternal deaths (70% occurring among Haitian nationals) and 38 infant deaths cumulatively. Health facilities reported numerous case notifications including twelve instances of upper respiratory tract febrile disease, twelve hemorrhagic febrile cases, ten viral parotitis, nine eruptive febrile cases, eight lower respiratory tract febrile diseases, seven meningitis cases, five acute diarrheal diseases, three conjunctivitis cases, three febrile disease instances, and three chickenpox occurrences.

  • Learning From Jamaica’s Anti‑Gang Playbook

    Learning From Jamaica’s Anti‑Gang Playbook

    The recently concluded CARICOM meeting exposed significant fractures within the regional bloc while simultaneously fostering cooperation on critical security matters. Belize’s Prime Minister John Briceño revealed his nation’s intention to seek Jamaica’s expertise in combating escalating gang violence, following candid discussions with Jamaican leader Dr. Andrew Holness.

    Prime Minister Briceño disclosed to News Five that Jamaica’s successful strategies in tackling gang-driven violence present a valuable model for Belize. “Prime Minister Holness was remarkably frank during our caucus,” Briceño stated. “He emphasized the critical importance of addressing gang issues before they become entrenched and powerful enough to resist intervention.”

    The Belizean leader indicated plans for potential knowledge-exchange missions, saying, “We would probably want to send our people to Jamaica or if I can go myself to examine their approach, particularly how they’ve equipped police with appropriate technology and resources for effective crime fighting.”

    Meanwhile, the summit witnessed notable tensions as Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar delivered sharp criticism of CARICOM’s solidarity mechanisms. She accused the bloc of failing to support member states during crises, specifically referencing her country’s standoff with Venezuela, and announced Trinidad’s withdrawal from support of CARICOM’s free-movement agenda.

    Prime Minister Briceño offered a robust rebuttal to these claims, asserting that Persad-Bissessar’s criticism was “one hundred percent wrong.” He detailed multiple instances of regional support for both Trinidad and Guyana regarding the Venezuela border disputes, emphasizing CARICOM’s consistent backing of established treaties and boundaries.

    The humanitarian crisis in Cuba emerged as another focal point, with leaders addressing the island’s severe food shortages and the impact of U.S. sanctions. Despite divergent viewpoints on approaching Havana’s leadership, CARICOM members unanimously agreed that both the United States and Cuba must engage in dialogue. The bloc has committed to pooling resources to deliver urgent food assistance to Cuban citizens and has offered to serve as an impartial mediator between the longstanding adversaries.

  • Sugar planters prepare for first cut

    Sugar planters prepare for first cut

    Barbados is poised to commence its 2026 sugar cane harvest in early March, with comprehensive preparations underway to ensure operational readiness across the industry. Agriculture Minister Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight confirmed the imminent start while addressing journalists during the Agrofest agricultural exhibition at Queen’s Park on Friday.

    The minister revealed that operational assessments are currently in progress, including a personal inspection of Portvale Factory’s facilities to verify complete preparedness for the upcoming season. “Within another week and a half, we will be officially starting the sugar crop,” Dr. Munro-Knight stated, adding that a specific commencement date would be formally announced shortly.

    This year’s harvest forms part of a broader strategic initiative to modernize Barbados’ agricultural sector while maintaining respect for traditional practices. The minister emphasized the critical balance between technological innovation and preservation of historical knowledge, advocating for a resilient agricultural value chain that incorporates both elements.

    The Barbados Sugar Industry Limited (BSIL) has confirmed its members’ readiness for the harvesting season. Chairman Mark Sealy reported that associated cane farmers have completed essential preparatory work, including equipment maintenance and insurance arrangements, awaiting only the official start signal.

    According to industry projections, BSIL-affiliated farmers are expected to yield approximately 66,000 tonnes of sugar cane this season. The modernized industry—which has evolved from its historical roots in enslaved labor through various phases of agricultural development—now operates with complete mechanization, eliminating manual cane cutting entirely.

  • Ex-BTL Workers Bring Protest to Chairman Mark Lizarraga’s Doorstep

    Ex-BTL Workers Bring Protest to Chairman Mark Lizarraga’s Doorstep

    Former employees of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) intensified their demonstrations on February 27, 2026, shifting their protest venue from corporate headquarters to the personal business establishment of Board Chairman Mark Lizarraga. The Belize Communication Workers for Justice (BCWJ) organized the midday gathering at Lizarraga’s Southside Meat Shop on Albert Street West, where retired workers marched with placards under the intense midday sun, significantly disrupting local traffic flow.

    The escalation follows collapsed negotiations and what organizers characterize as manipulative public relations tactics from BTL management. Emily Turner, a primary organizer, accused the company of exploiting former workers’ circumstances during a recent press conference rather than addressing their legitimate financial claims. “They would never have watched these people – and some of these people you can see, they cannot, they should not be out here,” Turner stated, emphasizing the physical strain on elderly protesters.

    Central to the dispute is a contentious six percent payment that BCWJ maintains is owed to former employees. The fundamental disagreement concerns the interest calculation timeline: BTL asserts obligations commenced from the Caribbean Court of Justice’s November 2025 ruling, while retirees demand back-payment from their individual departure dates from the company.

    Protest organizers revealed BTL has initiated individual outreach to former employees, a strategy perceived as attempting to fragment collective bargaining efforts. Former employee Michael Augustus cautioned colleagues against isolated negotiations, stating: “Don’t swallow their pill. They want to pull you in without a group behind you.”

    The movement has announced plans to expand demonstrations to other board members’ residences and businesses, with Union Senator Glenfield Dennison confirming forthcoming protests targeting individual directors. For many participants who dedicated decades to BTL, the protest transcends financial compensation, representing a fundamental struggle for dignity and recognition of their contributions to Belize’s telecommunications infrastructure. Retirees traveled from distant regions including Punta Gorda and Corozal to participate, demonstrating nationwide solidarity among former telecom workers.