Carib Scope

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  • 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.

  • Socialist Party of Peru celebrates Cuban Revolutionary anniversary

    Socialist Party of Peru celebrates Cuban Revolutionary anniversary

    The People’s Socialist Party (PSP) of Cuba has issued a stark assessment of Latin America’s political climate, characterizing the region as experiencing profoundly dark times marked by intensified imperial measures. According to the party’s anniversary statement, these actions aim to encircle not just physical territories but also the ideological spheres of popular thought, hope, and collective consciousness.

    The statement, released to commemorate another year of the Cuban Revolution, framed the occasion not merely as a historical milestone but as a testament to sustained resistance and moral victory. It emphasized that the Cuban people continue to demonstrate unwavering resolve in the face of unprecedented challenges.

    While acknowledging that Cuba’s journey has never been without difficulty, the PSP highlighted that current conditions present uniquely formidable obstacles. Despite this, the revolutionary fervor that ignited 67 years ago remains undiminished, serving as a continuous pulse driving present-day struggles.

    The party invoked Che Guevara’s vision, asserting that the revolutionary dream actively fuels the development of a new societal model built upon ethics, solidarity, and historical commitment. Cuba stands resilient, the statement affirmed, maintaining its dignity while resisting what it described as an inhumane economic blockade and a coordinated media campaign designed to isolate the nation globally.

    Countering this isolation, the PSP highlighted Cuba’s internationalist legacy—sharing revolutionary gains through education, healthcare, and scientific advancement dedicated to public welfare. This solidarity, characterized as substantive action rather than empty rhetoric, was crystallized in Fidel Castro’s principle: ‘Homeland is Humanity.’

  • Dominican organizations reiterate support for Cuba

    Dominican organizations reiterate support for Cuba

    International leftist organizations have issued coordinated statements commemorating the anniversary of the Cuban Revolution while simultaneously condemning United States foreign policy toward several Latin American nations. The United Left Movement (MIU) delivered a formal communication to Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel recognizing January 1, 1959, as a historically significant date that represents political liberation and independence achievements.

    The message coincides with the centennial celebration of Fidel Castro’s birth (1926-2016), whose legacy was characterized as fundamentally humanist, integrationist, and anti-imperialist. The MIU statement emphasized that Castro’s ideological principles continue to direct Cuba’s contemporary resistance movements and innovative approaches to national sovereignty challenges.

    A substantial portion of the communication addressed the ongoing U.S. economic, commercial, and financial embargo against Cuba, which the movement labeled as both inhumane and inconsistent with prevailing international opinion. The statement noted that the blockade contradicts the expressed will of most United Nations member states who have repeatedly voted against its continuation.

    The MIU further acknowledged the considerable sacrifices made by the Cuban population in defending national sovereignty and reaffirmed its “friendship and fraternal relations” with Cuba’s Communist Party, government institutions, and citizens.

    Separately, the Central Coordination of the Caamanista Movement endorsed these sentiments while expanding its criticism to include U.S. policies toward Venezuela, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Colombia. The Dominican Popular Movement separately characterized the Cuban Revolution as the most consequential revolutionary movement within the region and arguably across the global stage.

  • Caribbean bishops call for day of prayer amid rising regional tensions

    Caribbean bishops call for day of prayer amid rising regional tensions

    Anglican bishops across the Caribbean have issued a solemn appeal for a unified day of prayer dedicated to peace, raising profound concerns that a recent surge in military operations is jeopardizing both regional stability and the fundamental well-being of local populations. The ecclesiastical leaders cautioned that the Caribbean Sea, a vital artery for commerce and sustenance, is being transformed into an unintended arena of international confrontation.

    In an official communiqué released on December 29, the Antilles Episcopal Conference detailed a rapid deterioration of the geopolitical climate since October. The statement catalogued a concerning escalation in military maneuvers, seizures of vessels, expanded naval presences, and the imposition of airspace restrictions, all of which are collectively impinging on the daily existence of communities throughout the archipelago.

    The bishops portrayed the Caribbean as a space historically defined by its peaceful character, now under threat from external forces. They emphasized that the sea is not a void to be contested but a lifeline for countless fishers, maritime workers, coastal inhabitants, and migrants. Recent incidents, including naval blockades, were cited as significantly elevating dangers to civilian safety and disrupting essential activities.

    Beyond immediate security risks, the conference highlighted the cascading humanitarian consequences, with a specific focus on the exacerbated plight of the Venezuelan people. The militarized environment is also applying severe pressure on two pillars of the regional economy: maritime trade and the crucial tourism sector, thereby threatening the livelihoods of thousands who rely on open and secure waterways.

    While explicitly acknowledging the legitimate right and duty of nations to combat transnational criminal networks and uphold international legal standards, the bishops presented a forceful argument against militarization as a viable strategy for achieving enduring security. They contended that the intensified operations by both global and regional powers are more likely to foster mutual distrust, cripple local economies, and disproportionately endanger the most vulnerable segments of society.

    Echoing a profound humanitarian principle, the declaration stated, ‘War, or the threat of war, is always a defeat for humanity.’

    The conference further expressed its unwavering solidarity with the citizens of Venezuela, affirming support for initiatives aimed at democratic restoration, justice, and peaceful resolution, a position informed through direct consultations with Venezuelan bishops and other church authorities.

    In conclusion, the bishops called upon Caribbean communities to respond to the crisis through spiritual reflection, heightened awareness, and collective solidarity, powerfully reiterating their enduring vision of the region as a sanctified zone of peace.

  • Marianela Nunez receives Honorary Dance Award in Cuba

    Marianela Nunez receives Honorary Dance Award in Cuba

    Cuba’s National Union of Artists and Writers (UNEAC) has conferred its highest dance distinction upon Argentine ballerina Marianela Núñez, recognizing her as one of the most exceptional dance artists of the contemporary era. The prestigious award, established in 2008, honors iconic figures who have made extraordinary contributions to the world of dance.

    Critic Ahmed Piñero, in his official declaration, described Núñez as “perhaps the most extraordinary ballerina of our time,” emphasizing her profound artistic impact. The recognition comes shortly after Núñez’s remarkable performances in Havana, where she partnered with Cuban dancer Patricio Revé in a celebrated production of the classic ballet Don Quixote.

    The collaboration between Núñez and Revé—a principal dancer with both London’s Royal Ballet and Australia’s Queensland Ballet—demonstrated exceptional artistic chemistry and technical mastery. Their performances with the National Ballet of Cuba were met with widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

    Piñero further reflected on Núñez’s deep connections to Cuban ballet traditions, noting that the Argentine dancer considers dance her true homeland. “For Marianela,” he asserted, “ballet has always been more than just her profession; it’s a calling.”

    The ballet specialist highlighted Núñez’s rapid ascent to the pinnacle of her art, achieving the coveted rank of prima ballerina with Britain’s Royal Ballet at just twenty years of age. In a significant comparison, Piñero drew parallels between Núñez’s artistry and that of Cuban ballet legend Alicia Alonso, noting that both dancers prioritize expressive interpretation over technical display, subordinating virtuosity to dramatic authenticity.

    This honor adds to Núñez’s recent recognitions, including the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire bestowed by King Charles III, cementing her status as a truly global ballet icon.

  • Organization celebrates 25 years of environmental stewardship in the Caribbean

    Organization celebrates 25 years of environmental stewardship in the Caribbean

    A prominent Caribbean-based environmental nonprofit is celebrating a quarter-century of ecological preservation work with the release of a special anniversary calendar. Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), founded in 2000, has expanded from local grassroots beginnings to become a region-wide force spanning more than 20 islands.

    The organization operates through its distinctive S.E.A.S. framework—an integrated approach combining Scientific research, Experiential Education, policy Advocacy, and community Stewardship. This methodology has guided EPIC’s multifaceted conservation efforts, which include wetland protection, pollution reduction, habitat restoration, sustainable tourism promotion, and community empowerment programs.

    To commemorate its 25th anniversary, EPIC unveiled a 2026 calendar featuring winning entries from its recent ‘Seas & Scenes: Love the Caribbean Photo Contest 2025.’ The visual tribute showcases twelve Caribbean islands through stunning imagery capturing diverse coastlines, wildlife populations, and cultural traditions. Each month includes educational trivia about featured locations and inspirational quotations highlighting environmental consciousness.

    Executive Director Tabitha Stadler emphasized the collaborative nature of EPIC’s achievements: ‘Our work has always been built on partnership with local communities, volunteers, and regional supporters. This anniversary celebrates everyone who has contributed to our mission and represents hope for those committed to the Caribbean’s sustainable future.’

    The calendar, available in both digital and print formats, serves dual purposes as both an artistic tribute to regional beauty and a fundraising tool to support EPIC’s ongoing conservation programs. According to the organization, continued public support enables critical research, education, and preservation initiatives that safeguard the Caribbean’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

  • VC Bird International delivers during a busy start to winter season

    VC Bird International delivers during a busy start to winter season

    Global aviation is witnessing a substantial resurgence as the new year commences, with VC Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda emblematic of this vigorous trend. The facility is currently processing unprecedented passenger volumes, signaling an exceptionally robust inauguration to the 2025/2026 winter tourism season.

    The airport recently encountered its second peak operational day within a brief timeframe, with last Monday’s intensive activity mirroring the previous Saturday’s processing of 14 international flights. This surge reflects strengthened international confidence in the dual-island nation’s renowned hospitality infrastructure, particularly its world-famous beaches and customer-centric services that initiate upon arrival.

    Despite the overwhelming passenger traffic, the airport administration has maintained exemplary operational standards. Travelers have reported surprisingly efficient processing times and minimal disruptions. International visitors Mr. and Mrs. Chee-loy, who concluded their week-long winter retreat at Jolly Beach Resort, attested to this seamless experience. Noting the frequent aircraft movements visible from their hotel, they anticipated significant congestion at the airport. Contrary to their expectations, they described their transition through the terminal as ‘very smooth and efficient.’

    With the heavy traffic pattern expected to continue through January 11th, airport authorities are proactively advising passengers to arrive at least two hours before scheduled departures. Travelers seeking additional guidance are encouraged to consult their respective airlines for specific recommendations tailored to VC Bird International Airport’s operations during this peak period.