Carib Scope

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  • NOTICE: Roadworks to Trigger Overnight Detour on All Saints Road Friday Night

    NOTICE: Roadworks to Trigger Overnight Detour on All Saints Road Friday Night

    Commuters and local residents in Antigua and Barbuda are being notified of upcoming major infrastructure improvements that will close a section of All Saints Road (ASR) for one overnight period in May 2026. The Ministry of Works confirmed that construction activities will take place along the stretch of road running from FADI Building Supplies to Fresh and Eazy Supermarket, requiring a temporary traffic detour.

    The route shift will go into effect starting at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, and will remain in place until 7:00 a.m. the next day, when the road will reopen to regular traffic. Clear directional guidance has been outlined for drivers traveling in both directions. For motorists heading out of town, the detour requires a left turn at Hazelroy’s on All Saints Road, following marked routes visible on official project maps. Drivers traveling into the city center will instead turn right at Fresh and Eazy Supermarket before following the mapped alternate route.

    To keep traffic moving safely and efficiently throughout the construction window, trained flag persons will be stationed at key points along the detour. Project organizers have emphasized that specific segments of the alternate route are designated as one-way traffic zones, with all boundaries clearly marked on official detour maps. Additional physical signage placed along the entire route will also provide continuous guidance for commuters in both travel directions.

    Local residents who live near the construction zone will still be granted access to their properties, though officials have warned that they must exercise extra caution when moving through the area. Heavy construction equipment will be operating in the work zone throughout the night, creating potential hazards for unaware pedestrians and drivers.

    Notably, all commercial businesses located along the closed stretch of road will remain open for regular operations during the work period, encouraging customers to still visit using the alternate access routes.

    This overnight construction work forms part of the broader government-led All Saints Road Project, a major infrastructure upgrade initiative across the island. Project stakeholders and the Ministry of Works have urged all regular users of All Saints Road to adjust their travel schedules and route plans ahead of time, noting that minor delays are likely even with the detour in place.

    For any questions or further clarification about the work or detour arrangement, members of the public can contact the Project Implementation Management Unit directly at 562-9173 during regular business hours.

  • CARPHA says hantavirus risk low in Caribbean

    CARPHA says hantavirus risk low in Caribbean

    A fatal hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship sailing through the Central Atlantic has triggered regional public health warnings, though top Caribbean health officials stress the overall infection risk for the area remains low.

    As of the May 8 update, nine suspected cases have been documented on board the MV Hondius, resulting in three deaths. Five of those cases have been definitively confirmed as hantavirus, specifically the Andes strain – an uncommon variant that can spread between humans through close, extended close contact, a trait not shared by many other hantavirus types.

    Hantaviruses are naturally hosted by rodent populations, with most human infections occurring when people come into contact with rodent urine, fecal matter, or saliva that carries the virus. The outbreak was formally reported to the World Health Organization via the United Kingdom’s International Health Regulations focal point, which then triggered coordination with regional Caribbean health bodies.

    Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), reiterated that the current threat of widespread hantavirus transmission across the Caribbean is minimal. Indar explained that in the Americas, hantaviruses are predominantly spread by wild field rodents, rather than common urban rat populations that are more frequently found in populated Caribbean coastal and port areas, where transmission to humans is far less likely.

    Even with the low current risk, CARPHA is emphasizing the need for ongoing readiness, given the Caribbean’s position as the world’s busiest cruise tourism hub. The region welcomes roughly 44% of all global cruise ship traffic, with projected passenger arrivals set to hit 16.3 million by 2025, making continuous port and vessel surveillance a critical public health priority. The agency is urging all member states to review and reinforce existing vessel monitoring protocols and public health response plans, especially at major entry ports.

    To support these efforts, CARPHA says it will continue to back safe tourism operations across the region through its established regional surveillance infrastructure. Two key systems in this network are the Tourism and Health Information System (THiS) and the Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS), both purpose-built to track and flag public health threats tied to tourism and maritime travel.

    Preliminary performance data for the CVSS shows it has already delivered strong results: the system has successfully flagged suspected infection cases before ships dock at Caribbean ports, with over 96% of cruise ship public health alerts shared with relevant member states within a 24-hour window. That rapid sharing allows port officials to prepare appropriate responses before a vessel arrives, reducing the risk of spread on land.

    CARPHA confirmed it will maintain ongoing monitoring of the MV Hondius outbreak in close partnership with regional and global public health partners, and will issue new updates to member states and the public as new information becomes available.

  • Gachette Jewellers expresses condolences on death of long-time employee

    Gachette Jewellers expresses condolences on death of long-time employee

    The Caribbean island nation of Dominica is mourning the unexpected loss of one of its most respected master craftspeople, renowned local goldsmith Russel Lucien, who passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

    Lucien spent nearly three and a half decades as a valued member of the team at Gachette Jewellers, one of the island’s well-known jewelry establishments. In an official public statement released following Lucien’s passing, leadership at Gachette Jewellers paid tribute to the lifelong artisan, highlighting the profound impact he had on colleagues, customers, and the entire local community throughout his 35-year tenure.

    The statement emphasized that beyond Lucien’s world-class skill as a goldsmith, his personal character left an enduring mark on everyone he encountered. “More than a master goldsmith, Russel was family to us,” the statement read. It went on to praise his unwavering dedication to his craft, extraordinary attention to detail, steady loyalty to the brand, and genuine warm demeanor that made him a beloved figure across Dominica. The statement added that he will forever be remembered for his consistent kindness, quiet generosity, contagious joyful spirit, and lifelong commitment to achieving excellence in every piece he created.

    Gachette Jewellers closed by expressing gratitude to the broader community for the outpouring of prayers and support the team and Lucien’s family have received in the wake of this loss. Following the announcement of Lucien’s passing, Dominica’s leading local media outlet Dominica News Online (DNO) also issued a message of condolence, extending its deepest sympathies to Lucien’s immediate family, close friends, and all loved ones who are grieving his passing.

  • MP Ron Redhead set to take over ICT portfolio from 1 June

    MP Ron Redhead set to take over ICT portfolio from 1 June

    In a public announcement made during the official launch of the International Girls in ICT Day–AI Innovation Challenge this past Friday, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell revealed a key shift in cabinet leadership: long-serving legislator Ron Redhead, the Member of Parliament for St George North East, will assume full responsibility for the country’s ICT portfolio starting June 1. Currently, Mitchell himself oversees Grenada’s ICT and digital transformation strategy, a responsibility he has held alongside multiple other high-level cabinet posts that include Prime Minister, National Security, Public Administration, Infrastructure and Information. A formal official statement confirming Redhead’s appointment is scheduled to be released by the Prime Minister in the coming days.

    Redhead first entered public office following the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) historic 9-6 election victory in June 2022, where he won his seat for St George North East. After the NDC took power, he was appointed Minister of State for Youth and Sports, a position he stepped down from during the government’s 2024 cabinet reshuffle. At the time of that reshuffle, administration officials clarified that the departure would allow Redhead to complete his university degree while continuing to carry out his duties as an elected Member of Parliament. Now, he is set to rejoin the cabinet ahead of his upcoming graduation.

    At the end of this month, Redhead will graduate from St George’s University, having completed his academic program while balancing the full demands of his parliamentary role. Prime Minister Mitchell emphasized the significance of this achievement during his announcement, framing Redhead’s journey as a powerful example of lifelong learning and persistent goal pursuit even amid challenging circumstances. “He has a unique story to share,” Mitchell noted. “I highlight this because it’s important for us to understand that we can work and continue to educate ourselves and continue to pursue our dreams, even in pretty difficult circumstances.”

    Mitchell argued that Redhead’s experience combining senior public policymaking and ongoing higher education leaves him uniquely positioned to lead Grenada’s digital development. “The fact that he is a Member of Parliament, the fact that he’s a politician, the fact that he is responsible for policymaking, is all the more reason why he recognised the need to pursue and continue his education,” Mitchell added. The Prime Minister also emphasized that the portfolio shift will bring much-needed dedicated focus to Grenada’s expanding ICT and digital transformation agenda. Unlike the current arrangement where the portfolio is held by the Prime Minister alongside multiple other major responsibilities, Redhead will have no conflicting high-priority duties, allowing him to devote full attention to advancing the country’s digital goals. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to take on his new portfolio. I’m sure those members of the ICT team will be happy to have a minister who has the time and no competing priorities to ensure that we can continue to push ICT and the digital transformation in Grenada,” Mitchell said.

    A well-known younger figure within the ruling NDC party, Redhead has not yet commented on his upcoming appointment: attempts by reporters to reach him for a statement on Friday were unsuccessful.

  • NV Havenbeheer wijst beschuldigingen over vertraging veersteiger Albina van de hand

    NV Havenbeheer wijst beschuldigingen over vertraging veersteiger Albina van de hand

    A long-awaited cross-border ferry connection between Albina, Suriname and French Guiana has hit repeated startup delays, and now Suriname’s state-owned port management firm NV Havenbeheer is pushing back against widespread claims that Suriname is responsible for the hold-up. In a formal statement, the company laid out a detailed breakdown of the project, placing the bulk of outstanding uncompleted tasks and root causes of stagnation squarely on French stakeholders.

    The infrastructure project centers on the new ferry Le Malani and purpose-built docking terminals along the Marowijne River, which forms the natural border between Suriname and France’s overseas department of French Guiana. In recent weeks, regional media reports have circulated narrative that Suriname has failed to honor its pre-agreed commitments, holding up the full launch of the much-needed connection. NV Havenbeheer refuted that framing as factually inaccurate, saying it misrepresents the actual structure and division of labor of the entire project.

    The initiative is part of the European Union’s PO Amazonie regional development program, which grants French Guiana access to EU structural funds for cross-border integration projects in the Amazon basin. Per the program’s governance structure, France holds full ownership of the initiative and overall program management, while Suriname participates only as a cooperating partner. The new Albina ferry terminal itself was constructed strictly in line with technical designs and specifications provided by French project partners.

    NV Havenbeheer explained that after Suriname completed construction of the terminal per the approved original plan, French stakeholders requested a series of last-minute technical design adjustments that were not part of the original scope of work. Those adjustments have now been fully completed by the Suriname side, and the terminal has been redelivered for use.

    A second major challenge has emerged from falling water levels at the mouth of the Marowijne River. At low tide, the angle between the Le Malani’s loading ramp and the terminal creates access difficulties, particularly for heavy freight traffic. French authorities have selected a solution: install movable adjustable ramps on both banks of the river. The procurement and tendering process for this infrastructure upgrade remains the responsibility of French authorities, and is still ongoing.

    NV Havenbeheer also highlighted a lingering financial discrepancy that has yet to be resolved: currently, the Suriname side, via the port authority, covers all ongoing maintenance costs for the Albina terminal, while 100% of revenue from ferry ticket sales goes to the French side. The company confirmed that officials from both countries have held discussions on the issue, and are currently working to find a financially viable arrangement that is fair to Suriname.

    Contrary to earlier unsubstantiated claims that navigation on the Suriname side of the river was inadequate, recent depth soundings conducted by the Maritime Authority of Suriname confirm that the channel on Suriname’s side is fully navigable and poses no barrier to operations. NV Havenbeheer confirmed that at high tide, the Le Malani can already safely dock at the new Albina terminal to handle both passenger and freight traffic without issue. All pre-requirements on the Suriname side have been fulfilled, the company said, and the ball is now in the French court to complete the remaining steps needed for the full commercial launch of the new cross-border ferry connection.

  • CARICOM and Spain sign new agreement to boost regional health response

    CARICOM and Spain sign new agreement to boost regional health response

    On May 6, 2026, a landmark new cooperation agreement between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Government of Spain was formally signed during the 10th convening of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) for the CARICOM-Spain Joint Fund for Scientific and Technical Cooperation, unlocking expanded regional support for Caribbean healthcare systems and marking a new milestone in decades of cross-regional partnership. Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General, and María Cristina Pérez Gutiérrez, Spain’s Ambassador to CARICOM, put their signatures to the agreement in an official signing ceremony held alongside the meeting.

    Under the terms of the new pact, the Spanish government is committing €400,000 in funding to a targeted regional health initiative named “Strengthening Regional Leadership, Governance and Coordinated Action in Health to Address New and Existing Health Challenges in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).” The multi-stakeholder project will be executed collaboratively by the CARICOM Secretariat and the Caribbean Public Health Agency, with the ultimate goal of shoring up fragmented local healthcare infrastructure and improving regional capacity to respond to both persistent public health gaps and emerging health threats across the bloc’s member states.

    Opening the JTC meeting, co-Chair Elizabeth Solomon, who also serves as Assistant Secretary-General of CARICOM’s Foreign and Community Relations Directorate, emphasized the deep, long-standing collaborative ties between the regional bloc and the European nation. Solomon noted that the CARICOM-Spain Joint Fund has grown far beyond a basic financing mechanism, evolving into a results-driven support program that prioritizes practical, demand-aligned action to advance Caribbean-led regional priorities, delivering measurable, on-the-ground benefits to residents across all CARICOM member states. “The CARICOM-Spain Joint Fund continues to play an important role in advancing regional priorities through cooperation that has evolved into a results-oriented programme of support that is both practical and responsive delivering tangible benefits to the people of the Caribbean Community,” Solomon stated in her opening remarks.

    Ambassador Pérez Gutiérrez echoed these remarks, reaffirming Spain’s unwavering commitment to long-term partnership with the Caribbean bloc. “Spain values its partnership with CARICOM and remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen resilience, sustainability and regional cooperation,” she said, underscoring the Spanish government’s continued focus on supporting Caribbean development priorities.

    Beyond the health agreement, meeting participants also conducted a comprehensive review of two additional proposed regional development projects that have a combined total valuation of $700,000 U.S. dollars. The first proposal, the Greening Caribbean Ports Programme (GCPP), centers on advancing sustainable maritime infrastructure across Caribbean Small Island Developing States, and is slated to be implemented by the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in partnership with the Port Management Association of the Caribbean if approved. The second proposal, focused on disaster preparedness, aims to “Strengthen the Caribbean Emergency Response Capabilities through the Next Level Regional Response Mechanism (RRM),” with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency tapped as the lead implementing body for the initiative.

    By the close of the meeting, representatives from both CARICOM and Spain issued a joint reaffirmation of the critical role the CARICOM-Spain Joint Fund plays in driving inclusive regional development. Both sides described the fund as an indispensable mechanism for advancing shared development priorities and deepening technical cooperation between the Caribbean bloc and Spain, with future collaborative projects expected to continue targeting climate resilience, public health, and sustainable infrastructure across the region.

  • Grenada advances smart farming with drones and RFID Technology

    Grenada advances smart farming with drones and RFID Technology

    Against a backdrop of global efforts to modernize small-scale agricultural systems, the Caribbean nation of Grenada has launched an ambitious tech-driven transformation of its farming and land management sectors, centered on a new drone training program for agricultural officials. This week, 10 officers from the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Forestry wrapped up a week of theoretical instruction on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAVs) — led by local technology provider Aerial Vision — before stepping into the field at Mirabeau Agricultural Station for their first hands-on flight testing exercises.

    The initiative marks a major milestone in the Grenadian government’s long-term strategy to update the country’s agricultural industry through digital innovation. Officials have invested more than EC$200,000 to acquire 9 new drones, bringing the total fleet of UAVs managed by the Ministry of Agriculture to 12. This pilot program builds on a collaborative UAV initiative first launched in 2023 between the ministry and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which was created to integrate cutting-edge aerial technology, big data analytics, machine learning and agriculture-specific artificial intelligence tools into local farming practices.

    Beyond boosting crop yields and streamlining production monitoring, the program targets one of the most persistent and costly challenges facing Grenadian farmers: praedial larceny, or the theft of agricultural produce and livestock. For many small-scale producers in the country, losing even a small number of livestock can erase months of hard work and critical income, making anti-theft protection a top policy priority.

    To address this gap, the training program includes instruction on a complementary technology: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) livestock tagging. The system uses electronically coded micro-tags attached to animals to enable real-time identification and tracking, giving farmers and law enforcement a reliable tool to recover stolen livestock. Leon Williams, UAV Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture, explained that the curriculum extends far beyond basic drone operation. Trainees are also introduced to a suite of emerging digital tools designed to improve agricultural data collection, land management and resource allocation across the country’s rural areas.

    The uses for the new drone fleet extend well beyond farming and anti-theft work too. UAVs will also be deployed to monitor remote forested areas for illegal logging and other unauthorized activities, track the health of tree populations, and conduct rapid aerial assessments of terrain that would take ground-based officers hours or even days to survey manually.

    In the coming weeks, the Ministry of Agriculture will expand the program, holding additional demonstrations for local farmers and extension officers to roll out technology-driven practices across the sector. Government officials believe the integrated approach — combining drone monitoring, digital tracking, and traditional Grenadian farming knowledge — will strengthen the country’s food security, boost operational efficiency, and build greater resilience for the agricultural sector in the face of evolving economic and environmental challenges.

  • Preparation on track for Roger Boyce Elite

    Preparation on track for Roger Boyce Elite

    Preparations for the highly anticipated 2025 Roger Boyce Elite Pro Show, the English-speaking Caribbean’s premier elite bodybuilding competition, are moving forward smoothly ahead of next week’s tournament, according to Dr. Alfred Sparman, President of the Body Building and Fitness Federation (BBFF).

    Scheduled to take place on May 16 at Barbados’ iconic Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, the annual competition has grown far beyond a simple athletic contest, emerging as a cornerstone event for the regional fitness community. In an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY, Sparman shared that the federation remains proud to bring this elite gathering back to Barbados for another year, emphasizing the core values that the event embodies.

    “This event presents far more than competition. It reflects discipline, hard work, healthy living, sacrifice and the relentless pursuit of excellence,” Sparman said. “We are honored to host this elite event and elite athletes coming from all over the region and internationally, while also showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Barbados.”

    Beyond celebrating top-tier athletic achievement, the Roger Boyce Elite Pro Show plays a critical role in raising the bar for bodybuilding and fitness standards across the entire Caribbean. It also serves as a launching pad for emerging talent, giving seasoned and new athletes alike a platform to model dedication, resilience, and good sportsmanship for the next generation of fitness competitors.

    “To all competitors I want to commend the commitment and the preparation they’ve brought to the stage,” Sparman added. “They have already embodied the spirit of champions. We also extend sincere thanks to our sponsors, organizers, judges, volunteers, and supporters whose contribution makes this event possible.”

    Organizers are projecting a landmark turnout for 2025, with between 150 and 200 competitors expected to participate – a figure that continues an annual trend of growing participation. Sparman noted that the event has seen a consistent 25% year-over-year increase in athlete entries since its launch, and this year’s edition will draw competitors from as far afield as Spain and France, alongside top talent from across the Caribbean.

    Sparman outlined several key factors that have driven the event’s rapidly growing popularity across the global bodybuilding community. Unlike any other large-scale bodybuilding competition previously hosted in the region, the Roger Boyce Elite Pro Show has drawn elite industry leadership, including the president and vice president of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness, who attend the event annually.

    He credited the late Roger Boyce, the event’s visionary founder, with creating a world-class competition that has filled a long-held gap in the regional fitness calendar. “All of these islands now feel we don’t have to go to the States for a big show. We don’t have to go all the way over to Europe, we can come right here in Barbados,” Sparman explained. “At the same time, when they come here, we’ll showcase what we have here, this warmth and beautiful island that we live on.”

    For this year’s athletes, the stakes are high: coveted pro cards will be awarded to winners across all competitive categories. Following last year’s tournament, which issued between 16 and 20 pro cards to qualifying athletes, the 2025 edition will offer the same opportunity for up-and-coming competitors looking to turn professional and advance their careers in elite bodybuilding.

    In closing, Sparman extended an open invitation to local and regional sports fans to attend the event, saying, “We look forward to an exciting and memorable competition, and we invite the public to come out and support these outstanding athletes.”

  • Greaves continues record breaking form

    Greaves continues record breaking form

    The Junior Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, kicked off its 1km time trial qualification round on Friday morning with a stunning display of speed from young Barbadian rider Arielle Greaves, who delivered yet another record-breaking performance to stamp her authority on the event.

    Crossing the finish line, Greaves posted an extraordinary official time of 1 minute 12.011 seconds, a result that not only secured her a spot in the afternoon’s final as the fourth-fastest qualifier but also etched a new junior national record next to her name. The mark improves on her own previous benchmark of 1:15.601, which she set just months earlier during a competition in Lima, Peru in 2025.

    Greaves’ latest standout performance comes on the heels of an already impressive showing earlier in the championships. On Wednesday, she notched another new national junior record in the opening round of the flying 200m event, though her run in that competition came to an end at the quarterfinal stage. Undeterred by that early exit, the young rider bounced back with focused determination to deliver a career-best effort in the 1km time trial qualifier.

    Speaking to reporters immediately after her qualifying ride, an energized and self-assured Greaves shared her excitement about the result, crediting much of her success to the guidance of team mechanic and personal mentor Elisha Greene. “The ride felt really good from start to finish,” she said. “I went out onto the track and stuck exactly to the race plan we mapped out together.”

    “Qualifying fourth overall is an incredible starting point for my medal hunt, and getting another national record on top of that has given me a massive confidence boost heading into the final,” Greaves added. “I’m really looking forward to competing this evening, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got, and my goal is to take home the win.”

    Deidre Hinkson, manager of the Barbados national team, spoke publicly about the team’s immense pride in Greaves’ groundbreaking achievement, highlighting the extraordinary barriers the young athlete has overcome to reach this point. Unlike many competing nations, Barbados does not have a dedicated domestic track cycling training facility, forcing Greaves to relocate for her preparation ahead of the continental championships.

    “Arielle is such a strong, driven young athlete, and she has all the tools to go as far as she wants in this sport,” Hinkson said. “Even without a home training track, she has still managed to pull out the best performances of her career here. We are incredibly grateful to Trinidad and Tobago for opening their facilities to her to let her prepare for this event.”

    As Greaves prepares to line up for the 1km time trial final in Heat 5 this afternoon, Hinkson said the team is placing no unnecessary pressure on the young rider. “We just want her to go out, leave every ounce of energy on the track, and do her best,” Hinkson explained. “Whatever the result, if she gives 100% effort, we will all be thrilled. A medal would just be the perfect cherry on top of what has already been an incredible championships for her.”

  • UDP’s Edward Broaster Calls PM’s Fuel Tax Cut “Peanuts”

    UDP’s Edward Broaster Calls PM’s Fuel Tax Cut “Peanuts”

    On May 8, 2026, political tensions over fuel pricing in Belize flared up after United Democratic Party (UDP) caretaker candidate for Belize Rural Central Edward Broaster publicly dismissed Prime Minister John Briceño’s recently announced fuel tax cut as nothing more than “peanuts” — a negligible gesture that fails to address the crippling cost pressures facing working-class Belizeans.

    Broaster made the critical remarks during a local event at the Northern Gas Station in his constituency, where he personally rolled out a temporary $2 per gallon fuel subsidy for local residents, covering costs for up to 10 gallons per qualifying vehicle. During the event, he argued that the prime minister has deliberately chosen to leave the most burdensome fuel levies untouched, even after announcing a 68% cut to the national excise tax on fuel. In Broaster’s view, the remaining environmental taxes and general sales tax (GST) applied to fuel are what continue to squeeze household budgets for ordinary working people across the country.

    “That is giving the government the big bite from the fuel that the prime minister refused to touch,” Broaster told attendees. “He can’t blame it on the war.”

    The local subsidy initiative has sparked pushback from ruling party politicians, who have framed Broaster’s move as a cynical political stunt. Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, the sitting Area Representative for Belize Rural Central, has already dismissed Broaster’s program as a blatant “political gimmick” designed to score cheap votes ahead of potential elections. Additionally, Dr. Louis Zabaneh, the Area Representative for Dangriga, had previously challenged Broaster to expand his fuel relief program to a national scale — a call Broaster has rejected, arguing that meaningful national relief is the responsibility of the incumbent administration, not individual opposition politicians.

    Broaster doubled down on his criticism of the Briceño government, arguing that the administration has failed to deliver the substantive cost-of-living relief it promised to voters. “They really don’t care about the people,” he said. “They’re the ones who have the power to reduce fuel prices across the board.”

    In additional comments made during an interview earlier this week, Broaster revealed that he is already developing a follow-up initiative: a week-long fuel relief program specifically targeted at public bus commuters, who rely on fuel-powered transit for daily travel to work, school, and essential services.