Carib Scope

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  • Abinader arrives in Paris for Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum

    Abinader arrives in Paris for Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum

    PARIS, FRANCE – Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader commenced a significant official visit to the French capital on Monday evening, embarking on a series of high-level diplomatic engagements centered on international cooperation and governance reform. The visit’s cornerstone event is his scheduled bilateral discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside active participation in the OECD’s prestigious Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum.

    The itinerary includes a formal signing ceremony for a memorandum of understanding between the Dominican Republic and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), following a personal invitation extended by Secretary-General Mathias Cormann. President Abinader will further contribute to the International Economic Forum on Latin America and the Caribbean, coinciding with the tenth anniversary celebrations of the OECD’s regional program initiative.

    This high-level forum, commencing Tuesday, serves as an international platform advocating for enhanced governmental transparency, robust accountability mechanisms, and comprehensive institutional strengthening across nations. Beyond multilateral engagements, President Abinader’s agenda features strategic dialogues with OECD leadership, including Aidan Eyakuze, and dedicated sessions with prominent business executives to catalyze foreign investment and deepen economic collaboration.

    The state visit will culminate with a community engagement event connecting with the Dominican diaspora residing in France. Prior to his departure on Wednesday, President Abinader will host an exclusive investment-focused breakfast roundtable with French industry leaders. This session will target capital mobilization toward strategic Dominican sectors such as national infrastructure development, transportation networks, logistics hubs, free trade zones, and renewable energy projects.

  • Luchthavenbeheer mikt op groei: 1 miljoen reizigers en nieuwe terminal

    Luchthavenbeheer mikt op groei: 1 miljoen reizigers en nieuwe terminal

    Suriname’s Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (JAP) has unveiled ambitious expansion plans targeting one million annual passengers and construction of a new terminal, positioning the facility as a key driver for national economic growth. The announcement came during the airport’s 30th anniversary celebrations where officials emphasized its strategic role as Suriname’s gateway to the world.

    Transport, Communication and Tourism Minister Raymond Landveld highlighted the critical importance of enhanced connectivity and improved service efficiency, describing the airport as “the portal to the global community.” The government is prioritizing strengthening the airport’s operational foundation with focused investments in safety protocols, facility upgrades, and expansion of international routes.

    Airport Management Director Vijay Chotkan identified the new terminal construction as a top priority within the Airport Expansion Project. The Commissiedienst Suriname reports that stakeholders have already initiated discussions to accelerate the project, potentially through international tender processes.

    The expansion strategy includes increased involvement of local communities surrounding Wit Santi and Hollandse Kamp, ensuring residents benefit from the airport’s economic development. Chotkan emphasized the urgency of rapid development, particularly given anticipated growth in Suriname’s oil and gas sector, citing Guyana’s similar sector-driven expansion and increased international air connections as a successful model.

    Both the board of commissioners and trade unions have endorsed the modernization and growth initiatives, characterizing the airport as a strategic pillar for Suriname’s development and international connectivity.

  • Victim Killed in San Pedro Was Under Court Order to Stay Away

    Victim Killed in San Pedro Was Under Court Order to Stay Away

    BELIZE CITY – A recent triple homicide in San Pedro has exposed critical flaws in bail enforcement and public safety protocols, according to Belizean law enforcement officials. Karim Espat, one of three individuals fatally shot inside a residence south of San Pedro Town, was under a High Court bail agreement that explicitly prohibited him from residing in or entering the San Pedro area at the time of his killing.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that Espat’s presence in the restricted zone constituted a direct violation of his bail conditions, a factor that police believe significantly contributed to his death. The other victims have been identified as Oscar Mas and Yerlin Bueso Alvarez.

    In a formal statement, ASP Smith emphasized the importance of bail compliance for individual safety. “When conditions are placed on bail, they are instituted for a vital reason. We strongly urge individuals under legal supervision to adhere strictly to these conditions, as they are designed specifically to safeguard their wellbeing,” Smith stated, suggesting that Espat’s failure to follow judicial directives placed him directly in harm’s way.

    Law enforcement authorities have apprehended and formally charged 22-year-old fisherman Shelby Hernandez with three counts of murder. Police records indicate Hernandez has a prior criminal conviction for gang affiliation with the San Pedro Crips. However, the defendant’s family has publicly contested the charges, claiming that surveillance footage provides Hernandez with an alibi, placing him at his residence during the timeframe of the killings.

    The Belize Police Department has heightened surveillance and patrols in the San Pedro region amid serious concerns about potential retaliatory violence following the incident.

  • Health minister calls for step-down care amid ageing population

    Health minister calls for step-down care amid ageing population

    Barbados is confronting a severe healthcare challenge as approximately 40 elderly patients continue occupying hospital beds at Queen Elizabeth Hospital long after completing medical treatment, according to Health Minister Senator Lisa Cummins. The minister revealed this troubling situation during a Senate address on Monday, emphasizing the critical shortage of step-down care facilities and support systems for the aging population.

    Step-down care, which provides transitional support between hospital treatment and independent living, has become urgently needed as Barbados experiences demographic shifts toward an older population. Minister Cummins described the distressing reality of families failing to collect relatives who have been medically cleared for discharge, noting that some elderly patients are effectively abandoned due to being perceived as burdens or because relatives lack proper care capabilities.

    While acknowledging that some families deliberately neglect their responsibilities—particularly those who continue collecting pension benefits on behalf of hospitalized relatives—the minister clarified that many cases stem from genuine incapacity rather than abandonment. Numerous families lack access to hospice care, rehabilitative services, or post-acute support, leaving hospital care as the only viable option for their elderly relatives’ wellbeing.

    This crisis has prompted government action on multiple fronts. Minister Cummins announced comprehensive plans to establish enhanced healthcare training through the proposed University College of Barbados, including a dedicated School of Nursing to address critical staffing shortages. The initiative will expand educational programs in nursing, pharmacy, and specialized healthcare disciplines to build workforce capacity over the coming years.

    Additionally, the government is allocating significant resources to strengthen diagnostic capabilities and develop new care specializations. These efforts represent a strategic push to modernize Barbados’ healthcare infrastructure and create sustainable solutions for elderly care that balance institutional support with family accountability.

  • Wanted man now in police custody

    Wanted man now in police custody

    Barbados law enforcement authorities have confirmed the apprehension of Jacobi Nathaniel Bynoe, a high-profile fugitive who voluntarily surrendered to police custody on Sunday. The individual, alternatively identified through the aliases ‘Abubakar’ and ‘Indian’, had been evading capture since late 2025 concerning multiple serious criminal investigations.

    The Barbados Police Service officially activated a public wanted bulletin for Bynoe on November 9, 2025, initiating an extensive multi-agency investigation. Following months of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and civilian networks, the subject ultimately elected to turn himself in at an undisclosed police facility.

    Police Commissioner Ernest Weaver confirmed that Bynoe is currently cooperating fully with investigative proceedings. “The suspect is providing valuable assistance to our ongoing criminal investigations,” stated Commissioner Weaver during a press briefing. “His decision to surrender represents a significant breakthrough in multiple pending cases.”

    The law enforcement agency extended formal gratitude to both media outlets and community members for their sustained vigilance and information sharing throughout the investigation. This case highlights the effectiveness of public-police collaboration in resolving high-profile criminal matters within the Caribbean community.

    Legal analysts suggest the surrender could indicate potential plea negotiations, though authorities have declined to comment on specific legal strategies. Bynoe remains in custody awaiting formal charging procedures while investigations continue.

  • ‘Swing, gallows’: MP calls for hangings’ return after St Lucy slaying

    ‘Swing, gallows’: MP calls for hangings’ return after St Lucy slaying

    A Barbados parliamentarian has issued a forceful demand to reinstate executions following a deadly mass shooting that claimed the life of a young man in his constituency. St. Lucy MP Peter Phillips made the emotional appeal hours after the island recorded its 13th homicide this year, declaring that capital punishment must be implemented to address escalating gun violence.

    The tragedy unfolded on Sunday evening around 10:50 pm in Fryers Well, Checker Hall, when assailants in a dark-colored vehicle sprayed bullets at a karaoke gathering. Thirty-one-year-old Romario Archer was fatally wounded and pronounced dead at Sandy Crest Medical Centre, while nine other victims received treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital for gunshot injuries.

    Phillips, who visited the grieving Archer family, described the killing as deeply personal due to his long-standing relationship with the family. The MP asserted without hesitation: “I support capital punishment, and I say this without any kind of hesitation. I believe we have to begin to hang a couple of people for doing these foolish things.”

    While Barbados legally retains hanging as punishment for murder, no executions have occurred since 1984. The Caribbean Court of Justice ruled in 2018 that death sentences cannot be automatic, requiring individual judicial consideration for each case. This legal framework has effectively created a de facto moratorium on executions, though the penalty remains technically available.

    Phillips argued that the absence of functional capital punishment has emboldened criminals: “People believe they can do whatever they wish because they can go up Dodds and sit down and relax and eat four square meals a day.”

    Despite his strong stance on punishment, the MP simultaneously pleaded for calm, directly addressing residents: “Let there be no retaliation where this is concerned. Put down the guns. Put away the guns. The Lord will take care of this. We must not take matters into our own hands.”

    He characterized Archer as “a good, decent guy who always stayed out of trouble,” noting his cheerful nature and strong work ethic. The killing represents the second tragedy for the Archer family, who lost another relative to similar gun violence in March 2022.

    The debate over capital punishment in Barbados reflects broader regional discussions. While public opinion traditionally supports retaining the death penalty, particularly during crime surges, empirical evidence regarding its deterrent effect remains inconclusive. United Nations studies and criminological research indicate that certainty of detection and swift justice serve as more effective crime deterrents than the theoretical threat of execution.

  • Cadet Week 2026 commemorates 25 years in latest chapter of Dominica Cadet Corps

    Cadet Week 2026 commemorates 25 years in latest chapter of Dominica Cadet Corps

    The Dominica Cadet Corps (DCC) has launched an extensive week-long celebration commemorating its 25th anniversary since revitalization, showcasing its profound impact on youth development and national service. Running from March 22-28, 2026, the organization’s silver jubilee events demonstrate its enduring commitment to shaping young leaders through paramilitary training and community engagement.

    Established over 116 years ago and reactivated in 2001, the voluntary organization has evolved into a cornerstone of youth development in the Commonwealth of Dominica. The DCC provides comprehensive training in discipline, leadership, and civic responsibility, creating transformative opportunities for young citizens seeking personal and professional growth.

    The anniversary festivities commenced with a solemn church service at the Roman Catholic Church on March 22, followed by an impressive Cadet Day Parade at Saint Mary’s Academy Grounds reviewed by Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton. The week’s agenda incorporates multifaceted activities including educational outreach programs across Central District and North East Division schools, media engagements through radio programming on Q95 and Kairi FM, and strategic meetings with national leadership.

    Highlight events include courtesy calls to President Burton and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit alongside Youth Minister Gretta Roberts on March 25-26, emphasizing the program’s governmental recognition. The celebration features Cadet Uniform Day on March 26, followed by a public parade through Roseau on March 27 accompanied by an exhibition and barbecue at Police Headquarters. The anniversary week concludes on March 28 with community-oriented activities including a car wash and bake sale, reinforcing the Corps’ commitment to public service and community integration.

    This milestone celebration not only honors the DCC’s quarter-century of achievement but also strategically positions the organization for continued growth in developing disciplined, socially-conscious future leaders for Dominican society.

  • Popular figure Munt-I chopped to death in Bagga

    Popular figure Munt-I chopped to death in Bagga

    St. Vincent and the Grenadines has recorded its eighth homicide of 2026 following a violent chopping incident in the Central Leeward town of Barrouallie. The victim, known locally as ‘Munt-I,’ succumbed to severe chop wounds while en route to medical facilities on Monday.

    Social media platforms circulated graphic footage showing the man with critical injuries, which multiple sources confirmed to local news outlet iWitness News preceded his death. Preliminary investigations suggest the attack stemmed from an alleged monetary theft that occurred on Sunday. Law enforcement authorities have subsequently taken one suspect into custody.

    The deceased, previously a recognizable figure on the streets of Kingstown, had relocated to Barrouallie several years ago. His move followed allegations of stealing crack cocaine in the capital city. Munt-I had gained minor social media notoriety for his musical performances, particularly his soca compositions and percussive vocal techniques.

    This lethal incident follows closely after Friday night’s shooting death of 66-year-old shopkeeper Winston Williams, locally known as Zeke, in the Diamond area. With eight recorded homicides in early 2026, the nation demonstrates an increased violent crime rate compared to the same period in 2025, which had documented five killings. The country concluded 2025 with a total of 40 homicides.

  • Judge Refuses to Stop Christmas Eve Murder Trial, Orders Defendant to Answer Charges

    Judge Refuses to Stop Christmas Eve Murder Trial, Orders Defendant to Answer Charges

    In a significant judicial ruling on March 20, 2026, Belize High Court Justice Pilgrim denied a defense motion to dismiss murder charges against Shaquile Perera, ensuring the controversial Christmas Eve homicide case will proceed to full trial. The defendant stands accused of the fatal shooting of Darnell Puerto and the attempted murder of Jehvon Ramclam during a December 24, 2023 incident at a Belize City residence.

    The defense team, led by attorney Joanne Zuniga-Stuart, mounted a multifaceted challenge to the prosecution’s case. They highlighted apparent inconsistencies in Ramclam’s testimony regarding his initial observation of the shooter, potential witness bias stemming from Ramclam’s prior acquaintance with Perera through a previous incident involving his brother, and alleged contradictions between the witness account and available medical and ballistic evidence concerning the shooter’s positioning.

    Justice Pilgrim’s ruling emphasized that Ramclam’s identification—made at close range under adequate lighting conditions during a 25-30 second encounter with someone he previously knew—constituted legally sufficient evidence to support a potential conviction if deemed credible by the court. The judge determined that questions regarding witness reliability properly belong to the ultimate fact-finding process of the full trial rather than a preliminary dismissal motion.

    Adding to the defense’s challenges, the court noted the repeated unresponsiveness of Brandon Bowen, Perera’s named alibi witness, to police requests for an official statement. With the dismissal motion denied, Perera must now decide whether to testify in his own defense during the mandatory judge-alone trial proceeding, where Justice Pilgrim will render the final verdict. Crown prosecutor Kirk Brown leads the prosecution’s case against Perera.

  • FAO hosts workshop as part of multi-pronged support for Grenada’s USD 2.6 million soursop industry

    FAO hosts workshop as part of multi-pronged support for Grenada’s USD 2.6 million soursop industry

    Grenada has solidified its status as the world’s sole authorized exporter of fresh, non-irradiated soursop to the United States, creating a unique agricultural niche with profound economic implications. This privileged market position, however, demands rigorous sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) protocols to maintain compliance and ensure continued access. Recognizing this critical need, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands & Forestry and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), has launched a comprehensive initiative to bolster the entire soursop value chain.

    The cornerstone of this effort was a specialized three-day capacity-building workshop held from February 9-11, 2026, at Grenada’s National Stadium. Organized through a partnership between the FAO, the national ministry, and the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA), the event convened 31 technical officers and stakeholders. The cohort, comprising 18 women and 13 men from various technical units including extension services, pest management, and forestry, alongside representatives from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), engaged in intensive training on advanced surveillance techniques, early warning systems, and coordinated response strategies for plant health risks.

    Beyond the workshop, the multi-faceted project encompasses several strategic components. These include the development of a nationwide surveillance and emergency response program, enhancements to institutional capabilities in pest detection and certification, and the piloting of traceability systems tailored for export markets. Furthermore, the initiative will establish two farmer-owned demonstration plots in the parishes of Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick. These sites will serve as practical training hubs to promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), directly aiming to increase on-farm productivity and long-term sustainability.

    Anne Desrochers, FAO’s Production and Plant Protection Specialist, underscored the initiative’s significance, stating, ‘Grenada’s exclusive access to the United States market for fresh soursop presents a significant and timely opportunity to strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and uplift rural communities.’ Participant feedback highlighted the value of the workshop’s blended approach, which combined theoretical knowledge with practical exercises to foster collaborative problem-solving. The session concluded with the formulation of concrete action plans designed to overcome implementation barriers and establish robust collaboration mechanisms, thereby future-proofing this vital industry against emerging biosecurity challenges.