Carib Scope

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  • Transport Board to go fully cashless ‘early next year’

    Transport Board to go fully cashless ‘early next year’

    The Barbadian government has announced an ambitious timeline to revolutionize its public transportation network, with Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw committing to a comprehensive cashless overhaul for all Transport Board buses by early 2025. This transformative initiative promises to deliver real-time bus tracking and dependable scheduling in a bold attempt to convince motorists to abandon their cars and restore eroding commuter confidence.

    Speaking on Wednesday, Bradshaw revealed that the technical hurdles which previously slowed implementation have been successfully addressed, including resolving the single outstanding secondary school issue from the initial educational rollout. While acknowledging that the pace of modernization hasn’t always met public expectations, she emphasized the administration’s unwavering dedication to creating a more reliable and efficient public transit ecosystem.

    The technological cornerstone of this upgrade will be the integration of smart card payments with the Transit BB mobile application, enabling passengers to monitor bus locations in real-time, track precise arrival estimates, and receive immediate notifications about service delays. This digital infrastructure aims to eliminate the uncertainty that has long plagued the system, allowing commuters to structure their daily routines around predictable bus schedules.

    Bradshaw articulated the vision behind these improvements: ‘Our fundamental objective is to build such robust confidence in the system that citizens feel comfortable planning their lives around it. If people know a bus will reliably arrive at 8:10, they can confidently leave their personal vehicles behind and organize their activities accordingly.’

    The government plans to actively engage with communities throughout this transition, seeking public input on route optimization and service expansion. ‘We want to hear directly from citizens about where transportation services are most needed,’ Bradshaw stated, highlighting the collaborative approach between transport authorities, commuter groups, and the general public.

    This announcement builds upon momentum generated by earlier successful phases of the cashless transition. October 2024 marked a significant milestone with the introduction of personalized smart cards for school children, granting thousands of students seamless, fare-free travel. This followed the initial December 2023 rollout for senior citizens, who now access free transportation using their Trident ID cards. For cases where cards remain unregistered, drivers utilize electronic tablets to verify eligibility, while manual ID checks provide temporary alternatives.

  • Olieprijzen dalen na grootste jaarlijkse verlies sinds 2020

    Olieprijzen dalen na grootste jaarlijkse verlies sinds 2020

    Global oil markets commenced 2026 with downward momentum as both Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) extended losses following their most substantial annual decline since 2020. The benchmark contracts concluded 2025 with nearly 20% depreciation, reflecting market preoccupation with supply surplus concerns rather than geopolitical instability.

    As of Friday afternoon trading sessions, Brent crude futures stood at $60.29 per barrel, recording a decrease of 55 cents, while WTI contracts declined by 53 cents to $56.89 per barrel. This downward trajectory persists despite escalating tensions in Ukraine, where intensified Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure aim to disrupt Moscow’s military financing capabilities. Similarly, recent US sanctions targeting Venezuelan oil enterprises and tanker operations have failed to generate upward pricing pressure.

    The Middle East presents additional complexities as diplomatic strains between OPEC members Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates regarding Yemen’s situation have intensified, evidenced by suspended flights to Aden airport. These developments precede OPEC+’s virtual assembly scheduled for January 4th, where market observers anticipate extended production restraints through Q1 2026.

    Analysts project 2026 will prove pivotal for OPEC+ in managing global supply equilibriums, with Chinese crude inventory replenishment during the year’s first half expected to provide market support. The current price stability embodies the tension between short-term geopolitical risks and longer-term fundamental indicators suggesting persistent oversupply conditions.

    Market dynamics continue to be shaped by multifaceted influences: post-pandemic economic recovery patterns, energy transition investments, and evolving demand from major economies including China and India. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine since 2022 has introduced sustained volatility to energy markets, disrupting Russian supply chains while triggering price fluctuations. Concurrently, OPEC+ production agreements maintain regulated output to stabilize markets.

    The petroleum industry’s long-term outlook remains subject to structural pressures from renewable energy adoption and decarbonization initiatives, suggesting fundamental transformations in price formation mechanisms beyond immediate geopolitical considerations.

  • Bayville man fined $10 000 after pleading guilty to cannabis charges

    Bayville man fined $10 000 after pleading guilty to cannabis charges

    In a significant ruling at the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court, a 40-year-old resident of Bayville, St Michael, has been handed substantial financial penalties for multiple drug-related violations. Hassan Gregg O’Neil Alleyne, residing at Grants Avenue, entered a guilty plea before Magistrate Douglas Frederick during Friday’s proceedings.

    The defendant faced comprehensive charges including possession, trafficking, intent to supply, and importation of illegal cannabis substances. According to official police reports, the criminal activities occurred on December 30, 2025, involving a substantial quantity of 3.20 kilograms of suspected cannabis. Law enforcement authorities estimated the confiscated drugs’ street value at approximately $25,600.

    Magistrate Frederick imposed a $10,000 fine against Alleyne, mandating complete payment within a strict ninety-day timeframe. The court established clear consequences for non-compliance, stating that failure to meet the financial penalty would result in a nine-month custodial sentence at the Barbados Prison Service facility in Dodds. This case represents the ongoing judicial efforts to combat drug trafficking operations within the region.

  • ABLP St John’s Rural East branch pledges support for government leadership in New Year message

    ABLP St John’s Rural East branch pledges support for government leadership in New Year message

    In a significant show of political solidarity, the St John’s Rural East division of Antigua and Barbuda’s ruling Labour Party has publicly reinforced its endorsement of the nation’s leadership cadre. The declaration emphasizes continued confidence in the administration’s governance despite confronting substantial economic headwinds and external pressures affecting the Caribbean region.

    Carl A. Christopher, presiding chairman of the SJRE ABLP branch, articulated this position through a New Year’s communiqué addressed to party constituents. His message highlighted the nation’s forward momentum despite prevailing conditions of economic volatility, escalating living expenses, and broader regional challenges.

    Christopher specifically reiterated unwavering organizational support for both local parliamentary representative Maria Browne and Prime Minister Gaston Browne. He credited their leadership with consistently safeguarding the interests of the working population and maintaining stability during uncertain times.

    The chairman’s correspondence additionally served as a rallying cry for continued political engagement, urging party members to maintain discipline and unity throughout the coming year. Christopher extended personal wishes for health and prosperity to all members and their families.

    This reaffirmation of support occurs as the governing ABLP administration continues to prioritize economic resilience and social development programs. These initiatives are being advanced against a complex backdrop of international financial instability and regional economic difficulties that have characterized the post-pandemic recovery period.

  • Foreign gold miners given 24 hours to stump up real production, face expulsion

    Foreign gold miners given 24 hours to stump up real production, face expulsion

    In a decisive move to combat gold smuggling and revenue loss, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has delivered a stern warning to foreign mining operations across the nation. During a high-level meeting with officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources on January 2, 2026, the President announced that international miners must fully declare their actual gold production within 24 hours or face severe consequences.

    The presidential directive specifically targets mining dredges that have shown suspiciously low or zero production declarations. “All registered dredges with no declaration will be deregistered, and all foreign miners operating illegally in Guyana must be identified for prosecution and expulsion,” President Ali stated following the emergency meeting. The administration has identified Brazilian miners as particularly problematic, though Chinese mining operations have also been implicated in underreporting practices.

    Notably, the President’s statement exempted Zijin Mining Group, China’s major gold producer in Guyana, which officials confirmed has remained compliant with local mining regulations. The crackdown comes as Guyana pursued an ambitious target of 500,000 ounces of gold production in the previous year.

    Beyond the immediate deadline, the government has announced broader reforms to increase transparency in the mining sector. The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association will collaborate with the Natural Resources Ministry to ensure all mining operations maintain proper registration and establish local bank accounts. Ronaldo Alphonso, President of the mining association, echoed the government’s position, urging miners to “make 2026 the year of compliance and declaration” to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability.

  • Prison officers receive long-overdue back pay

    Prison officers receive long-overdue back pay

    The Barbadian government has finalized compensation for prison officers who performed extended duties during the COVID-19 pandemic, concluding a protracted dispute over unpaid wages that had persisted for nearly four years. According to a Friday announcement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, all eligible officers have now received payments for working 12-hour shifts under hazardous conditions while classified as essential workers.

    The resolution follows years of mounting frustration among protective service personnel. Earlier disclosures revealed that prison officers alone were owed over half a million dollars for extra duties dating to 2021. Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne had previously confirmed that administrative preparations were complete, with fund disbursement awaiting action from the Ministry of the Public Service.

    In its statement, the government characterized the payment as “not merely a financial transaction but a long-overdue act of recognition and fairness” toward officers who worked under “immense pressure and personal risk.” The Ministry specifically acknowledged that prison personnel played a critical role in maintaining both institutional security and broader societal stability throughout the health crisis.

    Officials attributed the delay to manual processing requirements amid ongoing modernization of government financial systems. Three ministries—Home Affairs, Finance, and Public Service—collaborated to resolve the outstanding payments.

    The government issued a formal apology for the prolonged wait, recognizing “the frustration and hardship that this postponement may have caused, especially given the immense sacrifices the officers made when the nation needed them most.” Authorities pledged to improve administrative systems to prevent similar delays in future cases involving extraordinary service.

  • Antiguan Diplomat Conrod C. Hunte elected to chair prestigious United Nations body

    Antiguan Diplomat Conrod C. Hunte elected to chair prestigious United Nations body

    In a significant development for international governance, veteran Antiguan diplomat Conrod C. Hunte has been elected to chair the United Nations Joint Inspection Unit (JIU), the organization’s sole independent external oversight body. The election occurred during the Unit’s Winter Session on December 3rd in Geneva, where Inspector Hunte assumed leadership alongside Vice-Chair Mohanad Al-Musawi of Iraq.

    This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the JIU as it approaches its 60th anniversary. Ambassador Hunte brings nearly forty years of multilateral experience to the position, including previous roles as Antigua and Barbuda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York and Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency. His extensive background includes chairing both the Group of 77 and China in the UN Fifth Committee and the Alliance of Small Island States at UNFCCC conferences.

    Since joining the JIU in 2023, Inspector Hunte has already made substantial contributions through focused reviews of major UN agencies including the Food and Agriculture Organization and the UN Environment Programme. He has authored critical reports on governance structures within UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS, UNICEF, and UN-Women, while co-authoring groundbreaking research on preventing sexual exploitation across the UN system.

    The JIU’s mandate under Hunte’s leadership will continue to focus on optimizing resource allocation, enhancing administrative efficiency, and identifying best practices throughout the UN system. Ambassador Walton Webson, Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, celebrated the election as both a national pride and regional achievement, highlighting Hunte’s career-long dedication to strengthening accountability within international institutions.

  • EPIC offers 25th anniversary Caribbean calendar

    EPIC offers 25th anniversary Caribbean calendar

    Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), a Florida-registered non-profit organization, commemorates its 25th anniversary with the introduction of a special 2026 fundraising calendar. Founded in 2000 with the explicit mission of safeguarding the Caribbean’s ecological heritage through scientific research, habitat restoration, educational programs, and policy advocacy, the organization is reinforcing its commitment to preserving the region’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

    With operational presence spanning more than 20 Caribbean territories and established offices in St. Maarten and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, EPIC continues its dedicated work across the Antilles. The newly launched ‘Seas & Scenes’ calendar, announced in a January 2 press release, serves dual purposes as both a fundraising tool and an artistic celebration of the archipelago’s natural splendor.

    The calendar features winning entries from the 2025 Love the Caribbean Photo Contest, presenting twelve months of visually stunning imagery that captures the essence of Caribbean life. Each month highlights a different island’s distinctive coastlines, native wildlife, and cultural moments, accompanied by educational trivia and motivational quotations that illuminate the environmental and cultural uniqueness of each location.

    Executive Director Tabitha Stadler emphasized the collaborative nature of EPIC’s achievements: ‘Our quarter-century of conservation success stems from partnerships with local communities, regional volunteers, and dedicated supporters across the islands. This anniversary not only honors those who have contributed to our mission but also represents a beacon of hope for everyone invested in the sustainable future of the Caribbean and its inhabitants.’

    The organization has invited public participation through donations via epicislands.org/donate until January 31st, with proceeds supporting ongoing environmental protection initiatives throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Guatemala commemorates 67th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution

    Guatemala commemorates 67th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution

    GUATEMALA CITY – The Cuban diplomatic mission in Guatemala hosted commemorative events honoring Cuba’s revolutionary history and its ongoing international medical cooperation. The gathering brought together embassy officials, their families, and members of Cuba’s medical contingent serving in Guatemala.

    Minister Counselor Roberto Socorro delivered the keynote address, highlighting the historical significance of Cuba’s revolutionary victory and the pivotal leadership of Fidel Castro. His presentation detailed crucial milestones in the revolutionary struggle that spanned from the 1950s to contemporary times.

    At a separate ceremony held at the National Coordination Center of the Medical Brigade, Cuban Ambassador Nazario Fernandez recognized both the achievements of the revolution and the dedication of healthcare professionals who have provided medical assistance across Guatemala’s most remote regions for nearly three decades.

    Diplomatic representatives encouraged continued diligence in serving Guatemalan communities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this humanitarian mission. Dr. Mariheta Cutino, head of the Medical Brigade, reaffirmed her team’s commitment to upholding the revolutionary principles that initiated their humanitarian work.

    The commemorations coincided with ongoing social media tributes to Fidel Castro, particularly significant during the centennial year of his birth. These digital commemorations began on December 31st and continued through the events, connecting physical gatherings with virtual expressions of revolutionary remembrance.

  • Former Grenada PM married in Saint Lucia

    Former Grenada PM married in Saint Lucia

    In a notable Caribbean union, former Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, 79, has exchanged vows with Trinidad and Tobago native Dr. Ophelia Wells, a distinguished policy consultant and economist. The ceremony took place in Saint Lucia, recently honored for the eighth consecutive year as the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination by the World Travel Awards.

    The intimate nuptials occurred near Pigeon Island in Gros Islet, attended by a select group of Grenadian guests on December 27th. This marriage represents a second chapter for both individuals – Mitchell was previously married to Marietta Mitchell for nearly forty years, while Dr. Wells, 41, was formerly wed to Dennis Cornwall, who currently serves as Finance Minister in the administration of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell (no relation to Keith Mitchell).

    Mitchell’s political legacy includes his historic tenure as Grenada’s longest-serving prime minister, leading the New National Party from 1989 until 2024. Under his leadership, the NNP achieved remarkable electoral successes, including sweeping all 15 parliamentary seats in both the 2013 and 2018 elections. His political career concluded in June 2022 when he was defeated by current Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.

    The newlyweds share professional connections to Grenada’s financial sector. Dr. Wells previously served as Permanent Secretary in Grenada’s Ministry of Finance, Planning, Economic Development, and Physical Development as recently as 2019, while Mitchell concurrently held the position of Finance Minister.