Carib Scope

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  • Missing: Dr Sonia Linette Richards

    Missing: Dr Sonia Linette Richards

    Authorities in Barbados have launched a public search operation for Dr. Sonia Linette Richards, a 69-year-old resident of St. James, who vanished from her West Terrace Gardens residence on the evening of January 2nd. The distinguished academic was last observed approximately at 8:40 PM, prompting serious concerns from law enforcement and community members.

    Dr. Richards possesses distinctive physical characteristics that may assist in her identification. She stands at approximately five feet one inch with a medium build and dark complexion. Her hair features a striking combination of black and silver tones, and she requires corrective lenses. Described as articulate and courteous in demeanor, she maintains an upright posture when walking.

    At the time of her disappearance, the missing scholar was attired in a dark blue t-shirt complemented by three-quarter length shorts. Her footwear consisted of distinctive pink and white Sketchers athletic shoes.

    The Barbados Police Service has established multiple communication channels for citizens possessing relevant information. Individuals with knowledge of Dr. Richards’ whereabouts are urged to immediately contact the Holetown Police Station at 419-1700 or 419-1701. Alternative reporting options include the Police Emergency hotline at 211 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-TIPS (8477). Local police stations throughout the island are also prepared to receive information regarding this case.

  • Leaders Urge Unity and Faith as Antigua and Barbuda Marks New Year at National Thanksgiving Service

    Leaders Urge Unity and Faith as Antigua and Barbuda Marks New Year at National Thanksgiving Service

    National leaders in Antigua and Barbuda launched the new year with powerful appeals for unity, faith, and collective responsibility during the annual National Service of Thanksgiving on Sunday. The gathering served as both a reflection on recent challenges and a call to action for the nation’s future.

    Sir Clare Roberts, representing Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, addressed the congregation with a message of acknowledgment for surviving what he characterized as profoundly unsettled times. He highlighted global conflicts, economic pressures, and environmental concerns while crediting the nation’s endurance to prayer, resilience, and the dedicated efforts of families, churches, and public servants. Roberts emphatically stated, “Our survival is not accidental,” and called for renewed commitment to environmental stewardship, community cleanliness, and the pursuit of education through institutions like the University of the West Indies. He further appealed for enhanced compassion toward the elderly, vulnerable populations, and those grappling with mental health or homelessness.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne framed the service as a testament to national resolve, noting his administration’s eleven-year tradition of holding this event as a reflection of its commitment to faith-based governance. While acknowledging 2025 as a “year of bounty” marked by advancements in healthcare, education, and national development, Browne cautioned that the path forward would not be easy. “No successful nation has been built on calm waters,” he declared, urging citizens to confront emerging challenges with purposeful unity rather than division. He reiterated the long-term goal of transforming Antigua and Barbuda into an economic powerhouse and detailed social support measures, including expanded food assistance and a program providing free building materials to impoverished households. Browne pledged to continue governing “with integrity” and requested prayers for the nation’s leadership.

    Adding a perspective from the political opposition, United Progressive Party Deputy Leader Sherfield Bowen struck a contemplative tone, expressing concern over military conflicts edging closer to the traditionally peaceful Caribbean region. He emphasized that these developments, coupled with domestic pressures on finances, healthcare, and national institutions, underscore the critical need for prayer, wisdom, and divine guidance in the year ahead.

    Throughout the proceedings, a consistent narrative emerged weaving together gratitude for past endurance with a sober recognition of future challenges. The service established a foundational tone for 2026, blending spiritual faith with civic duty and calling for unwavering unity across all societal divisions as the nation navigates an increasingly uncertain global landscape.

  • Barbados voelt directe gevolgen crisis in Venezuela

    Barbados voelt directe gevolgen crisis in Venezuela

    Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has issued a stark warning that her nation is experiencing immediate repercussions from the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela. The escalating situation in Caracas has triggered significant aviation disruptions across the Caribbean region, resulting in canceled flights, stranded passengers, and mounting pressure on the island’s tourism and transportation infrastructure.

    Addressing journalists at Ilaro Court, Mottley characterized the preceding 24 hours as ‘extremely challenging,’ noting that her government had to simultaneously manage national security concerns, aviation emergencies, and humanitarian issues amid rapidly evolving developments in Venezuela. The US operation, which reportedly resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife aboard a naval vessel, prompted immediate security and air traffic alerts throughout the Caribbean, triggering emergency consultations among regional leaders.

    Thirteen scheduled flights to Barbados were canceled, affecting thousands of passengers including cruise travelers and customers of JetBlue, Delta, United Airlines, and KLM. The crisis has extended to Bridgetown’s port, where four cruise ships are currently docked with a fifth expected, creating logistical challenges due to limited berthing capacity. The Barbadian government has implemented measures to assist stranded travelers while coordinating with tourism and immigration authorities to manage the situation, though airspace has since reopened.

    When questioned about Barbados’ position regarding the developing crisis, Mottley emphasized her country’s commitment to regional coordination through CARICOM and adherence to international law. ‘Let me be very clear: Venezuela is our friend, the United States of America is our friend. The Caribbean Community is the body with which we, as a matter of principle, align our foreign policy,’ the Prime Minister stated. She indicated Barbados would await additional information before taking collective action, refusing to ‘preempt or compromise the integrity of CARICOM’s consultation process.’

    Mottley reiterated Barbados’ fundamental foreign policy principle: ‘Our principles are clear: small states can only survive within a rules-based international order. Anything that undermines that causes us grave concern, both in Barbados and throughout the region.’

    Other Caribbean nations have expressed serious concerns about the situation. The CARICOM chair condemned the escalation and called for dialogue and peaceful solutions to prevent further regional destabilization. Colombia, which shares a border with Venezuela and hosts significant refugee populations, expressed apprehension about regional implications while emphasizing the importance of stability and security. Trinidad and Tobago, a key transportation hub, reported heightened readiness at airports and ports while expressing solidarity with affected passengers.

    The Caribbean has endured years of impacts from the Venezuelan crisis, including migration flows and economic pressures, with these latest developments underscoring the critical need for enhanced regional cooperation.

  • Airlines scramble to add Caribbean flights after airspace restrictions strand tens of thousands of travellers

    Airlines scramble to add Caribbean flights after airspace restrictions strand tens of thousands of travellers

    Carrier networks across the Eastern Caribbean initiated massive recovery operations Sunday following the expiration of U.S. Federal Aviation Administration flight restrictions that had stranded tens of thousands of travelers. The airspace closures, implemented in response to U.S. military actions in Venezuela, triggered hundreds of flight cancellations during the peak holiday travel period.

    While FlightAware data showed significant improvement from Saturday’s 400 cancellations in San Juan to approximately 20 on Sunday, residual disruptions continued affecting passengers. Airlines faced mounting challenges as available seats remained scarce through the coming week, with newly added flights selling out within hours of being posted.

    Major carriers implemented emergency measures to address the crisis. American Airlines deployed 17 additional flights connecting San Juan, Aruba, U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados, and Dominica with their Miami and Charlotte hubs. Southwest Airlines supplemented schedules with six extra San Juan round-trips Sunday and eight more Monday, plus two additional Aruba services.

    The unprecedented demand prompted airlines to consider deploying wide-body aircraft typically reserved for transcontinental routes to Caribbean destinations. Carrier representatives noted that unlike hurricane evacuations where advance preparation occurs, this situation developed without warning following geopolitical developments.

    Affected passengers received accommodation through waived change fees and fare differences for rebooked January travel. The policy covered more than a dozen regional airports, though many travelers reported difficulties securing accommodations and expressed concerns about extended hotel costs while awaiting available flights.

  • Love Island winners holiday in Antigua

    Love Island winners holiday in Antigua

    Reality television stars Cach Mercer and Toni Laites, who captured the hearts of viewers to emerge victorious in Love Island UK’s twelfth season, are currently basking in their triumph during an opulent holiday in Antigua. The winning couple, who secured the coveted £50,000 prize during the summer 2025 finale of the ITV2 phenomenon, have been documenting their sun-drenched Caribbean escape for their rapidly growing fanbase on TikTok.

    Their victory was the culmination of the popular dating show’s format, which places a group of single contestants in a secluded villa with the objective of forming romantic partnerships. Throughout the season, participants face the risk of being eliminated if they fail to couple up, with the ultimate decision resting entirely in the hands of the viewing public. The finale sees audiences cast their votes for the pair they believe to be the most genuine and compelling, cementing their status as that year’s champions.

    Mercer and Laites’ journey on the show resonated strongly with fans, leading to their crowning moment. Their current holiday, filled with pristine beaches and luxury accommodations, serves as both a reward and a continuation of their romantic narrative beyond the villa walls. Their social media posts offer an intimate glimpse into their post-villa life, showcasing not only the perks of their victory but also the strength of their relationship away from the cameras.

  • Humphrey warns of dangerous HIV myths, calls for renewed education drive

    Humphrey warns of dangerous HIV myths, calls for renewed education drive

    Barbados faces a critical setback in its HIV prevention efforts as dangerous misconceptions, including the false belief that a cure exists, are gaining traction among the population. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey issued this stark warning during the Man Aware event held at his constituency office on Saturday, pointing to troubling findings from recent research.

    Minister Humphrey revealed that preliminary data indicates a regression in public knowledge about HIV, leading to concerning decision-making and unusual beliefs. “The initial results from our research seem to suggest that the knowledge of HIV is regressing and persons are making unusual decisions, with some very strange beliefs,” Humphrey stated, emphasizing the urgent need to intensify educational campaigns.

    The minister called for the reinstatement of dedicated HIV awareness budgets across all government ministries, advocating for a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy to address critical gaps in public understanding. He cautioned that previous gains could be rapidly reversed through complacency and inadequate educational consistency.

    While acknowledging significant advancements in medical treatments that enable people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives, Humphrey unequivocally stated: “HIV is still here, there is no cure for HIV.” He specifically addressed young people, warning against reckless behavior inspired by overconfidence in medical technology: “I don’t want anyone to think that because we have had these advancements in medical technologies, that it means that you can be reckless.”

    The Man Aware initiative, launched in 2016 by the National Wellbeing and HIV Commission, was developed to address previous imbalances in outreach efforts. According to Acting Director Lynn Armstrong, the program specifically targets male engagement after concerns emerged that previous campaigns predominantly focused on women through the Speak Sister program.

    Saturday’s event combined practical services with educational content, offering free haircuts for the back-to-school season alongside interactive learning activities. These included innovative approaches such as ‘Ups and Downs’—an educational game developed by Jamilia Williams-Phillips—condom demonstrations, and HIV information sessions between musical sets by deejay Ronald Henry. The Live Well Clinic provided on-site health checks, creating immediate access to services in a community-based setting.

    Minister Humphrey expressed satisfaction with the initiative’s community impact, noting: “Education has to be spread across the country in a way that reaches people and I think that is exactly what we are doing here.”

  • Latin American Countries and Spain reject aggression on Venezuela

    Latin American Countries and Spain reject aggression on Venezuela

    A coalition of nations has issued a formal condemnation of recent actions authorized by former U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring them in direct violation of fundamental principles of international law. The collective statement emphasizes that these operations contravene core tenets of the United Nations Charter, specifically the prohibition against the use and threat of force and the imperative to respect state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    The nations further characterized these actions as establishing an ‘extremely dangerous precedent’ that severely undermines regional peace and security while placing civilian populations at significant risk. The statement articulates a firm position that the resolution of the Venezuelan situation must be achieved exclusively through peaceful means, including dialogue and negotiation that respects the expressed will of the Venezuelan people, free from any form of external interference and in strict compliance with international legal standards.

    Reaffirming the foundational status of Latin America and the Caribbean as a ‘Zone of Peace,’ the document underscores principles of mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and absolute non-intervention. It issues a powerful call for regional unity, transcending political differences, to confront any measures that threaten to destabilize the area.

    The coalition has formally urged United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, along with member states of pertinent multilateral mechanisms, to employ their diplomatic offices to actively contribute to de-escalating tensions and safeguarding regional peace.

    Concluding the declaration, the nations expressed profound concern regarding any external attempts to seize governmental control, administration, or ownership of Venezuela’s natural and strategic resources. They emphasized that such appropriation is fundamentally incompatible with international law and poses a direct threat to the political, economic, and social stability of the entire region.

  • City admin removes vendors outside Yhip’s Bakery, plans afoot to move all vendors on Robb Street

    City admin removes vendors outside Yhip’s Bakery, plans afoot to move all vendors on Robb Street

    The Georgetown City Administration executed a High Court mandate on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, forcibly removing street vendors operating outside the defunct Yhip’s Bakery at the intersection of Robb and Alexander Streets. This enforcement action has ignited intense debate regarding urban vending rights and municipal governance.

    Mayor Alfred Mentore revealed preliminary strategies to relocate displaced merchants to Merriman’s Mall, situated between Orange Walk and Cummings Street. However, this proposed solution has encountered significant resistance from both vendors and political figures. The demolition of vendor stalls proceeded despite Mayor Mentore’s formal request to Town Clerk Candace Nelson for an emergency statutory meeting scheduled January 5th to establish a comprehensive vending policy and temporarily halt removals.

    Vendor representatives expressed profound dissatisfaction with the relocation site, citing inadequate infrastructure including absent water facilities, electrical connections, and security concerns due to criminal elements. Approximately fourteen predominantly female vendors—many commuting from distant regions like Mahaica, Cane Grove, and Bath Settlement—now face severe economic uncertainty. They argue that selective enforcement creates unfair market advantages and demand equitable treatment for all Robb Street vendors.

    Political intervention emerged through We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party leader Azruddin Mohamed and senior member Tabita Sarabo-Halley, who condemned governmental indifference toward improving Stabroek and Bourda market conditions despite Guyana’s substantial oil revenue streams. They criticized the administration’s two-year failure to develop adequate vending solutions since initial legal proceedings began.

    Mayor Mentore’s budgetary proposal for 2026 includes infrastructure upgrades at Merriman’s Mall, featuring new sheds and sanitary facilities intended to accommodate approximately fifty vendors. He emphasizes eliminating unfair competitive practices through consistent enforcement across all Robb Street vending operations. The ongoing legal confrontation continues with a scheduled court appearance on January 9th, where municipal authorities intend to present their relocation commitments to the judiciary.

  • First Motorcycle Accident of 2026 Leaves One Dead

    First Motorcycle Accident of 2026 Leaves One Dead

    Belizean authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the year’s inaugural traffic fatality, which occurred on the evening of January 3rd, 2026. The victim has been identified as Brian Miguel, a 24-year-old agricultural worker from St. Matthew’s Village, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a devastating highway collision.

    The tragic incident unfolded approximately between miles 40 and 41 along the George Price Highway, where law enforcement personnel were dispatched at approximately 8:30 p.m. Upon arrival, first responders discovered Miguel’s lifeless body on the roadway beside his damaged motorcycle.

    Preliminary forensic reconstruction suggests the catastrophe occurred when a Ford F-150 pickup truck, operated by 35-year-old William Antonio Aleman of Burrell Boom, allegedly executed an improper lane change maneuver. This action reportedly resulted in a direct collision with Miguel’s motorcycle, though the complete sequence of events remains under active investigation by traffic division specialists.

    Authorities have confirmed the detention of Mr. Aleman pending formal charges. The legal proceedings will consider whether traffic regulations were violated and determine potential liability in this tragic case. This incident has reignited community discussions about road safety measures on Belize’s highway networks, particularly regarding motorcycle visibility and lane discipline enforcement.

    The Belize Police Department has extended condolences to the victim’s family while emphasizing the importance of heightened caution during nighttime travel on the nation’s roadways.

  • Uruguay reiterates rejection of US intervention in Venezuela

    Uruguay reiterates rejection of US intervention in Venezuela

    In a nationally televised statement, Uruguay’s President Luis Lacalle Pou articulated his nation’s firm commitment to foundational principles of international relations, emphasizing non-intervention and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The address outlined Uruguay’s diplomatic stance regarding external military involvement in Venezuela’s political affairs.

    The president underscored that Uruguay maintains a long-established foreign policy tradition that rejects interference in the internal matters of sovereign states, particularly through coercive measures or military force. He reiterated his government’s dedication to resolving international conflicts through dialogue and negotiation rather than confrontation.

    Central to Uruguay’s position are the core tenets of international law, including the sovereign equality of all nations and the imperative of defending multilateralism. President Lacalle Pou emphasized that these principles form the bedrock of his administration’s approach to global affairs.

    Significantly, the Uruguayan leader revealed that his country coordinates with a coalition of nations including Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, and Spain regarding the Venezuela situation. This collaborative approach aims to present a unified perspective in international forums while seeking diplomatic solutions.

    President Lacalle Pou confirmed that Uruguay will pursue this consensus position through multiple diplomatic channels, including active engagement within the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Organization of American States (OAS). The ultimate objective remains facilitating a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela through institutional frameworks and dialogue.