Carib Scope

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  • Dominican Republic launches prenatal care training in Dajabón and Elías Piña

    Dominican Republic launches prenatal care training in Dajabón and Elías Piña

    In the Dominican Republic, national health authorities have rolled out a new frontline training initiative designed to upgrade prenatal care services and lower preventable maternal and newborn health risks across two underserved border provinces, Dajabón and Elías Piña.

    The joint effort, led by the country’s Ministry of Health and National Health Service (SNS), brings together global partners for both financial and technical backing: the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is covering the program’s core costs, while the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) provides expert technical guidance. The training forms a core component of a broader long-term project targeted at strengthening primary-level maternal and child health services across the two provinces.

    Dominican Health Minister Víctor Atallah emphasized that expanding access to high-quality prenatal care stands as a top public health priority for the current administration. He noted that consistent, routine prenatal checkups are a critical first line of defense, allowing clinicians to catch potential health risks early, head off life-threatening complications before they escalate, and guarantee that expecting mothers receive timely, evidence-based care throughout their pregnancy.

    The intensive three-day training curriculum covers a full spectrum of essential prenatal care skills, including comprehensive whole-pregnancy health assessments, detailed medical history documentation, evidence-based prenatal nutrition guidance, maternal vaccination protocols, patient counseling for expecting families, continuous fetal monitoring techniques, and personalized birth planning. Trainees also build specialized capacity to recognize and respond to urgent obstetric warning signs, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, abnormal bleeding, and maternal infections. Additionally, the program strengthens participants’ ability to coordinate community-level health monitoring and streamline referrals for high-risk pregnancies that require advanced hospital care.

    SNS Director Julio Landrón explained that the overarching goal of the training program is to advance health equity, ensuring every pregnant woman in the two provinces can access timely, comprehensive prenatal care no matter her residential location or socioeconomic status. As part of the broader project, health authorities will also upgrade infrastructure and services at 31 existing prenatal care centers in Dajabón and 19 more in Elías Piña, with coordinated outreach involving provincial hospitals, practicing physicians, nursing staff, community health promoters, and local basic health management teams.

  • New Dominican Foreign Minister meets U.S. Ambassador in Santo Domingo

    New Dominican Foreign Minister meets U.S. Ambassador in Santo Domingo

    Fresh off his formal inauguration to the Dominican Republic’s top foreign affairs post, Víctor “Ito” Bisonó has convened his first high-level bilateral meeting with U.S. Ambassador Leah Francis Campos in the nation’s capital of Santo Domingo. The gathering centered on reviewing the trajectory of Dominican-U.S. relations and mapping out collaborative priorities that align with the mutual interests of both Caribbean and North American nations.

    Over the course of the discussions, the two senior officials walked through long-standing shared policy priorities and untapped opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, building on the decades of robust economic, political, and people-to-people connections that have defined the partnership between the two countries. Bisonó opened the meeting by underscoring the depth and durability of the bond between the Dominican Republic and the United States, pointing to core aligned values including democratic governance, individual freedom, and unwavering respect for national sovereignty as foundational pillars of the relationship. He reaffirmed the Dominican government’s ongoing commitment to collaborative work with Washington to advance inclusive shared prosperity and regional stability across the hemisphere.

    Attendees also dedicated time to exploring potential new avenues for expanded collaboration and cultural, economic, and policy exchange across sectors identified as top priorities for both governments. As one of the Dominican Republic’s largest and most influential international partners, the United States maintains deep, multifaceted ties with the island nation spanning cross-border trade, foreign direct investment, security and development cooperation, and extensive interpersonal social connections between Dominican and American communities.

    The entire meeting unfolded in a warm, cordial, and forward-looking atmosphere, with both officials leaving the gathering reaffirming their shared commitment to sustaining open, regular diplomatic dialogue and advancing the bilateral agenda rooted in reciprocal respect for national interests. Bisonó stepped into his new role leading the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) just recently, after he was sworn in by Vice President Raquel Peña in accordance with Decree 554-26, issued by sitting Dominican President Luis Abinader. His appointment follows the resignation of former Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, who stepped down from the role earlier this year.

  • Suspect in Santiago garbage truck driver’s murder arrested in Jamaica

    Suspect in Santiago garbage truck driver’s murder arrested in Jamaica

    A key suspect in the April killing of 40-year-old garbage truck driver Deivy Carlos Abreu Quezada in Santiago, Dominican Republic, has finally been captured after months on the run, attorneys representing the victim’s family have confirmed. Jhovanny de Jesús Metz Cruz, a suspect widely known by his alias “Macho”, was taken into custody by law enforcement on Jamaican soil after evading Dominican authorities since the violent incident unfolded on April 17.

    The deadly attack began when a group of motorcyclists blocked and intercepted the garbage truck Abreu was operating through Santiago’s urban streets, according to official statements from the Dominican Public Prosecutor’s Office. What followed was a high-stakes 23-minute chase that concluded just blocks away from the Santiago Courthouse, in a shocking public display of violence that shook the local community.

    Investigators building the case against Metz Cruz allege that he intentionally maneuvered his motorcycle directly into the path of Abreu’s truck, forcing the driver to bring his vehicle to a halt. After stopping the truck, Metz Cruz allegedly joined other attackers in a brutal assault that left Abreu with critical, life-threatening injuries. Though emergency crews rushed the driver to a local medical facility for urgent care, he ultimately succumbed to his wounds.

    Abreu, who left behind five children, had only worked as a garbage truck driver for nine months before his death, painting a devastating picture of loss for the working-class family. To date, seven other people linked to the fatal attack have already been taken into custody by Dominican authorities, and a Santiago judge has ordered pretrial preventive detention for all seven co-defendants as the case moves through the court system.

    Family attorney José Martínez Brito confirmed that following the arrest, legal teams and law enforcement from both Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are now working through the formal extradition process to transfer Metz Cruz back to the Dominican Republic, where he will answer to formal murder charges connected to Abreu’s death. The long-awaited arrest marks a major breakthrough in an investigation that has held local attention since April, bringing the victim’s family one step closer to seeking justice.

  • Puerto Plata’s Terminal del Norte Project could attract US$520 million investment

    Puerto Plata’s Terminal del Norte Project could attract US$520 million investment

    A transformative new multipurpose port initiative, Terminal del Norte, is being developed in Guzmancito, Maimón, Puerto Plata, with an initial investment commitment of over $520 million from private developer Pragma Capital. Designed to unlock the economic potential of the Dominican Republic’s northern coast, the project centers on expanding regional logistics capacity, drawing in global foreign direct investment, and generating thousands of local employment opportunities.

    Currently, the Terminal del Norte project remains in the pre-construction phase, undergoing mandatory environmental impact assessments and extensive community consultation rounds. Pragma Capital is still awaiting final regulatory permits and government authorizations before breaking ground on the facility, which is positioned to become a core infrastructure asset for the northern region.

    Unlike the Dominican Republic’s dominant southern port network, Terminal del Norte is purpose-built to handle a diverse range of maritime traffic, including general cargo, bulk agricultural goods, container shipping, and critical energy supply deliveries. Its strategic location in Puerto Plata streamlines goods movement across Puerto Plata, Santiago, and the broader Cibao region, eliminating the need for overland transport to southern ports and cutting long-term logistics costs for northern producers and businesses.

    The project is also tailored to strengthen Puerto Plata’s standing as a top global tourism and cruise destination. As the international cruise industry transitions to larger, more efficient vessels and lower-carbon alternative fuels, Terminal del Norte will offer convenient refueling services for cruise ships traversing the Eastern Caribbean, requiring minimal route deviations from standard itineraries. A key design feature separates cargo and logistics operations from tourist and coastal recreation zones, allowing the two sectors to grow in tandem without disrupting Puerto Plata’s tourism-focused local economy, while also upgrading the region’s marine energy infrastructure.

    When construction reaches its peak, Pragma Capital projects the initiative will create approximately 2,000 direct construction jobs. Once the terminal is fully operational, it will support hundreds of permanent on-site roles, alongside thousands of indirect employment opportunities across local transportation, hospitality, support services, and regional supply chains. To ensure local communities benefit long-term, the developer plans to launch a local employment registry for Maimón residents ahead of construction, paired with targeted technical training programs to help local workers qualify for skilled permanent positions. Pragma has also committed to establishing a permanent community working group, including representatives from local neighborhood associations, fishing collectives, the parish, and the Maimón Municipal District, to address resident concerns and maintain transparent ongoing coordination.

    Terminal del Norte aligns directly with the Dominican Republic’s National Goal 2036, a national development framework that prioritizes accelerated inclusive economic growth, expanded foreign investment, and increased productive opportunities across all regions of the country. For the Cibao Norte region specifically, the national development target calls for growing the region’s GDP from $20.122 billion to $51.466 billion by 2036, a goal that the port project is expected to meaningfully contribute to.

    Pragma Capital has already secured preliminary interest from multiple United States-based investors looking to participate in the project. The identities of these investors remain confidential under non-disclosure agreements, pending final government approval of the project’s permits.

    If approved and completed according to its current roadmap, Terminal del Norte is positioned to become a landmark logistics and energy infrastructure project for northern Dominican Republic, supporting expanded trade, broad-based job growth, and long-term resilience for the region’s critical cruise tourism sector.

  • Sandals Foundation and Department of Youth Affairs Celebrate Completion of Entrepreneurship Edge Programme With 58 Young Entrepreneurs

    Sandals Foundation and Department of Youth Affairs Celebrate Completion of Entrepreneurship Edge Programme With 58 Young Entrepreneurs

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — For the second consecutive year, the Sandals Foundation and Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Youth Affairs have wrapped up a collaborative initiative designed to uplift the nation’s next generation of business leaders: the Entrepreneurship Edge Programme. This year’s six-week intensive training cycle closed with 58 aspiring and established young entrepreneurs crossing the finish line, marking a notable jump in participation from earlier iterations of the project.

    Rooted in a shared mission to drive youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth, the partnership has poured EC$38,000 in funding from the Sandals Foundation into designing and delivering a curriculum tailored to address the real-world needs of early-stage entrepreneurs. Over the course of the program, participants engaged in targeted training sessions covering a forward-thinking mix of topics, from creativity and artificial intelligence integration for small businesses to core fundamentals including financial management, ethical leadership, project management, business plan development, and public speaking and pitching.

    The program culminated in a public Entrepreneurship Expo held on International Youth Day, which offered graduates a rare opportunity to translate their classroom learning into tangible market experience. The showcase brought together young entrepreneurs from a wide cross-section of sectors, ranging from custom apparel printing and after-school tutoring services to refrigeration repair and other local small businesses. Attendees and potential customers explored the diverse range of products and services on offer, giving founders space to promote their ventures, connect with new clients, build professional networks, and gain hands-on experience presenting their businesses to the public.

    Dr. Jrucilla Samuel, Director of the Department of Youth Affairs, emphasized that the program’s growing popularity and 100% completion rate speak to both rising youth interest in entrepreneurship and the value of the training itself. “At a time when youth unemployment remains a persistent concern across our region, we have to prioritize creating pathways for young people to become job creators, not just job seekers,” Samuel explained. “Entrepreneurship is a core part of the solution. By equipping our young people with practical business skills, mentorship, and a supportive community, we reduce the pressure on the public sector to absorb our growing young workforce.” She also extended gratitude to the program’s network of volunteer facilitators, seasoned entrepreneur mentors, and the Sandals Foundation for their sustained investment in the initiative.

    David Latchimy, General Manager of Sandals Grande Antigua, noted that the foundation’s ongoing commitment to the Entrepreneurship Edge Programme stems from a core belief that youth empowerment is the foundation of long-term national development. “When we invest in young entrepreneurs, we are not just investing in individual businesses — we are investing in people who have the potential to create ripple effects of opportunity across our entire country,” Latchimy said. “Young people today bring the creativity to see opportunity where others see challenges, the resilience to navigate setbacks, and the courage to turn an idea into tangible action. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are driving economic change right now.”

    As part of the closing ceremony, top performing participants Phebe Salmon, Honora Thomas, and Avanti Gardner received special recognition in the form of complimentary evening passes for two at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa. Dr. Samuel was also honored with the same award for her outstanding leadership and coordination of the 2026 program.

    This partnership forms part of the Sandals Foundation’s broader regional mandate to strengthen Caribbean communities through access to education, skills training, leadership development, and economic empowerment. The foundation frames support for young entrepreneurship as more than an individual benefit: it is a catalyst for more connected, prosperous communities, higher rates of economic participation, broad-based job creation, and a more resilient national economy for Antigua and Barbuda.

    For the 58 graduates of the 2026 cohort, the program’s conclusion marks not an end, but a new beginning. Beyond their completion certificates, participants leave with actionable business knowledge, expanded professional networks, increased confidence, and the practical tools needed to grow their ideas into sustainable, long-term ventures.

  • Former Students Donate to St. Joseph’s Academy

    Former Students Donate to St. Joseph’s Academy

    A collective of former St. Joseph’s Academy students has stepped forward to deliver a generous donation earmarked for critical campus upgrades, reaffirming the lasting bond graduates share with their alma mater. Five representatives — Shae Francis, Cody Nedd, Junior Reid, Cordell Croal, and Adrian Richardson — formally presented the gift on behalf of 54 participating alumni from across different graduating cohorts.

    Rudolf Davis, the principal of St. Joseph’s Academy, accepted the donation on behalf of the entire school community, and extended sincere gratitude to the contributing former students for their ongoing commitment to the institution’s growth. Davis outlined the clear plan for the contributed funds: the full sum will be allocated to purchasing and installing new air conditioning units throughout school facilities, a much-needed improvement that will directly enhance the learning and working environment for both current students and instructional staff.

    This charitable act shines a spotlight on the enduring engagement of St. Joseph’s Academy’s graduate network, demonstrating how former students continue to play an active role in advancing the school’s development and supporting new generations of learners. Beyond the tangible infrastructure upgrade, the donation serves as a reminder of the impact that connected alumni communities can have on strengthening educational institutions over time.

  • McIntosh remanded on murder charge

    McIntosh remanded on murder charge

    After more than five years on the run from law enforcement, Nicholas Andre McIntosh, a 26-year-old man who recently turned himself in to authorities, has been remanded to Dodds Prison following a Tuesday court appearance on a charge for the 2021 killing of Tameah Ramdass. He is the third individual to face criminal charges connected to the high-profile murder case.

    McIntosh made his initial appearance before Magistrate Deborah Beckles at the District ‘D’ Magistrates’ Court this week. Under standard legal procedure for indictable offenses of this severity, he was not required to enter a formal plea during the preliminary hearing.

    Following the brief session, the case was reassigned to a different jurisdiction for further proceedings. McIntosh is scheduled to make his next court appearance at the District ‘F’/Horse Hill Magistrates’ Court on September 15, where the case will move forward through the legal process.

  • GFA proudly supports footballers on US scholarships

    GFA proudly supports footballers on US scholarships

    A new cohort of promising young Grenadian footballers is set to advance both their academic careers and competitive football skills after securing full athletic scholarships to study at two community colleges in the United States, the Grenada Football Association (GFA) has officially announced.

    Seven male players — Ejay George, Vijay Valcin, Shermine Williams, Narshon Sylvester, Rondel Nelson, Raheem Raeburn, and Kelroy Peters — have already begun their programs at Missouri-based State Fair Community College (SFCC). Separately, two female athletes, Abigail Williams and Ronniellia Bubb, have started their tenures at Iowa Central Community College, marking another step forward for women’s football development in the Caribbean nation.

    This latest group of scholarship recipients joins more than 30 other Grenadian footballers already pursuing higher education in the U.S. through GFA-facilitated opportunities. GFA General Secretary Carl Lee emphasized that the achievement of these nine athletes is a direct reflection of the organization’s longstanding, unwavering commitment to holistic youth development. Rather than focusing solely on on-pitch performance, the GFA prioritizes creating sustainable pathways that allow local talent to excel in both academic and international sporting arenas, by connecting young players to structured opportunities that combine quality higher education with high-level competitive training.

    “We are immensely proud to see these young footballers and their families seize this incredible opportunity,” Lee stated in a press release from the GFA. “This achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and raw talent. The GFA remains dedicated to empowering our players, ensuring they have the support needed to succeed both on the pitch and in the classroom.”

    Both host institutions compete within the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), with Iowa Central competing in NJCAA Division I. The NJCAA framework provides a structured, competitive athletic environment that allows student-athletes to refine their football skills while working toward accredited college degrees, creating a foundation for future careers either in professional sports or other fields after graduation.

    As the athletes settle into their new programs, the GFA extended its well wishes for continued success, encouraging the young players to represent their home country proudly as they pursue their dual goals. The organization also reaffirmed its commitment to expanding similar opportunities for more young Grenadian footballers in the coming years, investing in the next generation of leaders for Grenadian football both on and off the pitch.

  • Bravo, Bishop named inaugural CPL Hall of Fame inductees

    Bravo, Bishop named inaugural CPL Hall of Fame inductees

    The Caribbean Premier League (CPL), one of the most popular T20 cricket tournaments in the world, has announced its first ever group of inductees to its newly established Hall of Fame, and the two honourees are star all-round cricketer Dwayne Bravo and celebrated commentator Ian Bishop. The official induction ceremony will take place at a special Hall of Fame Gala Dinner scheduled for September 15 in Barbados, where the pair will receive formal recognition for their extraordinary contributions to the competition.

    Bravo, a beloved Caribbean cricket icon, claims the distinction of being the first active and retired player to enter the Hall, while Bishop is being honoured in the non-player category for his unwavering support and coverage of the league since its first launch back in 2013.

    In his reaction to the announcement, Bravo expressed deep humility and excitement over the honour. “It’s a real honour to be the first player inducted into the CPL Hall of Fame. This tournament has been a huge part of my career, and I will always treasure every title I’ve won here,” he said. The all-rounder, who has competed in top-tier cricket leagues across the globe, added that there is no experience that compares to competing in front of home crowds in the Caribbean. “I’ve played cricket all over the world, but there’s nothing like playing at home. CPL is a true celebration of Caribbean culture and the game I love,” he noted.

    Bravo’s legacy in the CPL is unmatched by any other player in the tournament’s history. He currently ranks as the competition’s third-highest wicket-taker of all time, with an impressive 129 wickets to his name across his tenure. As a player, he claimed five CPL titles: four between 2015 and 2020 with the Trinbago Knight Riders, and a fifth with the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2021. He extended that winning record even further in 2025, when he led the Trinbago Knight Riders to a championship victory as head coach, bringing his total CPL title count to six, making him the most decorated individual in the tournament’s history.

    Bishop echoed Bravo’s gratitude, saying that the recognition holds a special place in a career built around service to cricket and the Caribbean region. “Cricket has given me so much, and commentary has allowed me to give something back to a game and a region I love deeply. To be inducted into this inaugural CPL Hall of Fame class, and to be recognised for the stories I’ve had the privilege of telling, is an honour I’ll carry with me always,” he said. Bishop also emphasized that the CPL is far more than just a sporting event, calling it a critical platform for showcasing regional talent, cultural identity, and collective pride. “This tournament has always represented something bigger than the sport itself, it’s a stage for Caribbean talent, culture and pride, and I’m grateful to have had a courtside seat to its history,” he added.

    Beyond the induction celebrations, the upcoming gala also carries a charitable purpose: all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation, which works across the Caribbean to expand public awareness of prostate cancer and improve access to testing for the disease throughout the region.

    CPL Chief Executive Officer Pete Russell shared that both Bravo and Bishop have been integral to the growth and global success of the tournament from its very first season. He described Bravo as one of the greatest match-winners the league has ever seen, and praised Bishop as the iconic voice that has brought the excitement and energy of CPL cricket to millions of fans across the globe.

    Moving forward, induction to the CPL Hall of Fame will become an annual tradition, with new inductees set to be announced in advance of each year’s tournament, continuing the work of honouring the individuals who have done the most to shape the competition’s legacy.

  • CXC results out today

    CXC results out today

    Thousands of secondary and post-secondary students across Barbados and the wider Caribbean region are preparing to access their long-awaited 2026 CXC May-June examination results starting at noon local time today. The release process is being formalized by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) during an official launch ceremony hosted in Anguilla on the same morning. At the public event, Dr. Nicole Manning, CXC’s Director of Operations, is scheduled to deliver a comprehensive overview of overall candidate performance across all participating territories, breaking down trends in subject proficiency and overall pass rates for the 2026 exam cycle. Following the official ceremony, individual results will be unlocked for candidates through the CXC’s dedicated online results portal, allowing students to view their personal scores and qualification outcomes immediately from noon onwards. This annual results release is a key milestone for Caribbean students, as CXC qualifications determine eligibility for tertiary education placements and future employment opportunities across the region.