Carib Scope

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  • COMMENTARY: Round two of Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition begins today

    COMMENTARY: Round two of Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition begins today

    Eight secondary schools in Dominica have secured their positions in the highly anticipated second round of the 2026 Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition after a rigorous initial elimination phase. The tournament, which commenced on January 22nd, witnessed exceptional performances from student debaters addressing various contemporary issues.

    St. Martin Secondary School emerged as the frontrunner with debater Shanaiyah John achieving the highest individual score of 341 points. Close behind was Wesley High School, propelled by Hephzibah Abenole’s impressive 328-point performance. Other qualifying institutions include Orion Academy (Taya Charles, 320 points), Convent High School (Sienna Andrew, 317 points), Portsmouth Secondary School (Maliah Ettienne, 302 points), Castle Bruce Secondary School (Isaac Roberts, 299 points), and Isaiah Thomas Secondary School (Kianna Aaron, 288 points).

    These seven schools will be joined by defending champions Dominica Grammar School, creating an elite lineup for the upcoming debates scheduled for February 25-26 at the UWI Global Campus Auditorium.

    The second round features compelling motion discussions addressing pressing social and health issues. On February 25th, Wesley High School will propose while Portsmouth Secondary School opposes the motion: ‘Parents, not schools, should be primarily responsible for disciplining students for acts of digital peer-to-peer violence committed outside of school hours.’ Later that day, Isaiah Thomas Secondary School and Convent High School will debate the same proposition.

    February 26th will shift focus to public health with the topic: ‘Nutrition education is more effective than food restrictions in preventing NCDs among teenagers.’ St. Martin Secondary School will face Orion Academy, while Dominica Grammar School debates Castle Bruce Secondary School on this critical health matter.

    Event organizer Trudy Christian anticipates exceptional competition, noting that participants have demonstrated thorough preparation. Christian extended gratitude to headline sponsor Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd. and supporting organizations including Central Cooperative Credit Union, DOMLEC, ICWI, KFC, Lindo Mart, and Dominica Social Security for their educational investment.

    All debates will commence at 2:30 PM daily and will be broadcast live through Dominica News Online and EmoNews platforms, allowing nationwide audience engagement with these intellectual exchanges.

  • CARICOM Movement of Factors BIll passes in Parliament

    CARICOM Movement of Factors BIll passes in Parliament

    In a significant stride toward regional economic unification, the Caribbean Community (Movement of Factors) Bill 2026 has been formally enacted by Parliament. This pivotal legislation operationalizes core provisions of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, establishing a robust legal framework to guarantee the right of establishment, the provision of services, and the unimpeded movement of capital across all CARICOM Member States.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Vince Henderson heralded the passage of the Bill as a transformative moment for regional integration. He emphasized that the Act is designed to dismantle longstanding practical barriers that have historically hindered the free flow of people, capital, skills, and enterprise between member nations. “The Caribbean Movement of Factors Act is a critical instrument to translate regional policy into enforceable national law,” Dr. Henderson stated, underscoring its role in moving from agreement to action.

    The legislation is engineered to fortify the CARICOM economic union by instituting a predictable, transparent, and rights-based regulatory environment for cross-border economic activity. By systematically removing a complex web of administrative and legal obstacles, the Act ensures that both nationals and residents of member states can fully exercise their rights to establish businesses, offer services, and transfer capital without undue restriction.

    Dr. Henderson further elaborated on the macroeconomic significance, noting, “The Act enables the movement of capital among member states, which is the main thing. In the creation of an economic union through the Caribbean Common Market, we are ensuring that all member states, with minor amendments for their specific circumstances, adopt congruent legislation. This harmonization guarantees that all nationals throughout the economic union can uniformly enjoy these fundamental rights.” This legislative alignment is anticipated to stimulate investment, foster competitive markets, and solidify the region’s position as a cohesive economic bloc.

  • Personeel Melkcentrale legt werk neer: ‘Directeur Atompai moet blijven’

    Personeel Melkcentrale legt werk neer: ‘Directeur Atompai moet blijven’

    Employees of Melkcentrale NV initiated an unexpected work stoppage on February 25th in response to the announced termination of Director Monché Atompai and Deputy Director of Administrative Services Ritshik Adelaar. The protest effectively halted all production operations and forced the closure of the company’s retail outlet.

    According to staff spokesperson Assisa Alibug, the workforce was taken by surprise when Atompai revealed during a pre-protest address that external pressure was being applied to force his resignation and contract termination. Alibug stated that no substantive explanation was provided regarding the reasoning behind this decision, leaving employees deeply concerned about the company’s future direction.

    The spontaneous demonstration involved approximately 120-130 personnel across all organizational levels, including management, administrative staff, and production workers. In a show of solidarity, employees have initiated a petition campaign that has already gathered 105 signatures demanding the retention of both executives. Workers emphasized that their protest action was self-organized without any influence from management.

    Staff representatives cited Atompai’s successful leadership in stabilizing the company’s financial position, ensuring timely salary payments, and implementing improved operational processes as key reasons for their support. The duration of the work interruption remains uncertain, with employees indicating their actions will continue until management addresses their concerns.

    No official statement has been released by company ownership or governing authorities regarding the contractual decisions that prompted the labor action.

  • STATEMENT: President National Beekeepers Cooperative Society on introduction of the Food Safety Bill 2026

    STATEMENT: President National Beekeepers Cooperative Society on introduction of the Food Safety Bill 2026

    In a significant development for food safety regulation, Dominica’s National Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd has issued strong endorsements for the newly proposed Food Safety Bill 2026. The organization’s president, Mr. Kevin James, has publicly applauded parliamentary discussions addressing honey adulteration concerns, characterizing the legislative attention as demonstrating “serious commitment to protecting public health and the integrity of our local food industries.”

    The Cooperative has taken an unequivocal stance against honey adulteration practices, asserting that such fraudulent activities undermine consumer confidence and disadvantage legitimate beekeepers who maintain quality standards. Mr. James emphasized that honey represents both an economic asset and a natural product with significant nutritional and medicinal value, warranting robust regulatory protection.

    The proposed legislation establishes comprehensive frameworks including a national Food Safety Service, mandatory licensing for food businesses, and certification requirements for food handlers. Enhanced inspection protocols and enforcement mechanisms form core components of the bill, alongside systems for product traceability, recall procedures, and emergency response coordination.

    Industry representatives believe these measures will not only combat food fraud and misleading labeling but also strengthen market confidence in locally produced honey. The Cooperative has pledged collaborative engagement with government agencies and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the new regulatory regime, aiming to eliminate threats to industry integrity while supporting sustainable growth in the beekeeping sector.

    This legislative initiative emerges amid growing global concerns about food authenticity and safety standards, positioning Dominica to address these challenges through strengthened regulatory frameworks and industry partnerships.

  • Trinidad hekelt Caricom stilte na Venezolaanse dreiging tegen Guyana en Trinidad

    Trinidad hekelt Caricom stilte na Venezolaanse dreiging tegen Guyana en Trinidad

    In a striking address at the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Conference in St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar delivered a blistering critique of the regional organization’s failure to present a unified front against Venezuelan aggression toward member states. The Prime Minister characterized CARICOM’s response as a “concerning silence” despite repeated security threats emanating from Caracas.

    Persad-Bissessar questioned CARICOM’s continued designation as a “zone of peace” when member nations face external threats without demonstrated regional solidarity. She emphasized that both Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago operate under direct pressure from Venezuela, noting her government’s public support for Guyana in its ongoing border dispute with Venezuela while criticizing other CARICOM members for insufficient backing.

    Citing national security imperatives, the Prime Minister revealed her administration has pursued independent security arrangements, including enhanced defense cooperation with the United States. She specifically acknowledged support from the Trump administration and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting collaborative efforts against drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and illegal migration originating from Venezuela.

    The Prime Minister reported that increased U.S. regional engagement has contributed to significant homicide reduction in Trinidad and Tobago, where criminal activity maintains strong connections to transnational gangs and smuggling networks.

    Persad-Bissessar also addressed challenges surrounding CARICOM’s free movement principle, stating that while her government supports integration conceptually, Trinidad and Tobago cannot currently sustain full open borders due to overwhelming pressures on healthcare systems, social services, and national finances from tens of thousands of illegal migrants.

    The address exposed deepening fractures within CARICOM regarding security policy, migration management, and foreign relations. While reaffirming the importance of regional cooperation, the Prime Minister made clear that national security priorities outweigh regional consensus for Trinidad and Tobago. Her unusually forthright critique has forcefully reinvigorated discussions about CARICOM’s effectiveness and strategic direction.

  • Bermuda Juniors Triumph Over St Kitts – Bernews

    Bermuda Juniors Triumph Over St Kitts – Bernews

    In a display of youthful prowess and strategic teamwork, Bermuda’s junior Davis Cup squad has clinched a significant 2-1 victory against St Kitts and Nevis. The match, held on the clay courts of Guatemala City as part of the NAMCAM Pre-Qualifying Tournament on February 25, 2026, marks a historic first win for the team in this competitive setting.

    Guided by coach Brent Smith, the trio of Jaden Jones, Michael Collins, and Hasan Khan represented Bermuda in Group One. The competition unfolded with Jaden Jones delivering a commanding performance in his singles match, overpowering St Kitts’ Brandon Brisbane with a decisive 6-2, 6-2 win. The team faced a setback when Michael Collins was edged out in a hard-fought three-set battle against Omar Mongerie, concluding at 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.

    The defining moment arrived in the doubles match, where Jones and Collins returned to the court with remarkable synergy. They dominated the court against the St Kitts pairing of Gabriel Duggins and Omar Mongerie, securing an overwhelming victory with scores of 6-0, 6-1. This decisive doubles win sealed the overall match triumph for Bermuda, showcasing not only individual talent but also exceptional collaborative strength on the international stage.

  • Photo of the Day: Summit of Smiles! Browne and Persad-Bissessar Strike a Cordial Note

    Photo of the Day: Summit of Smiles! Browne and Persad-Bissessar Strike a Cordial Note

    In a notable display of diplomatic cordiality, the Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad and Tobago were observed engaging in a warm exchange during the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda greeted Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago on the sidelines of the regional gathering, presenting a stark contrast to their previously documented strained interactions.

    This encounter between the two Caribbean leaders marks a significant departure from their history of sharp public exchanges and political disagreements that have characterized their relationship in recent years. The meeting occurred within the formal context of the CARICOM summit, a premier forum for addressing regional integration and multilateral cooperation among Caribbean nations.

    The visibly amicable interaction suggests a potential diplomatic reconciliation between the neighboring Eastern Caribbean states, potentially paving the way for improved bilateral relations. Regional observers noted the body language and demeanor between the leaders indicated a mutual willingness to move beyond past disagreements for the benefit of regional harmony and cooperation.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing CARICOM discussions addressing critical regional issues including trade facilitation, climate resilience strategies, and collective security measures that require unified regional approaches and collaborative implementation across member states.

  • Rubio flies into the Caribbean for talks with leaders unsettled by Trump policies

    Rubio flies into the Caribbean for talks with leaders unsettled by Trump policies

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in St. Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday for high-stakes discussions with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, who are expressing deep unease over the Trump administration’s recent foreign policy maneuvers in the region. The diplomatic engagement follows a series of aggressive actions, including the military operation that captured Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro on drug trafficking charges, intensified counter-narcotics tactics, and increased pressure on Cuba.

    CARICOM leaders, representing the 15-nation bloc, are convening amid what St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Godwin Friday described as ‘challenging times from inside and out.’ The gathering occurs against the backdrop of what President Trump has framed as a restoration of ‘American security and dominance in the Western Hemisphere’ through a modern interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine.

    Regional concerns extend beyond Venezuela to include U.S. demands that Caribbean nations accept third-country deportees, reject Cuban medical missions, and reconsider relationships with China. St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, serving as CARICOM chair, emphasized that the region ‘stands at a decisive hour’ with global order shifting, supply chains uncertain, and climate shocks intensifying.

    Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the particular urgency of Cuba’s humanitarian situation, warning that ‘a prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain confined to Cuba’ but would affect migration, security, and economic stability throughout the Caribbean basin. He called for constructive dialogue between Cuba and the U.S. aimed at de-escalation and stability.

    While Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar praised U.S. counter-narcotics operations that have killed at least 151 people in drug interdiction strikes since September, other leaders emphasized the need for mutual respect and rules-based international order. Bahamian Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell stated expectations for ‘full discussion on the nature of the relationship with the U.S.’ during the meetings.

    The summit will also address broader regional issues including security, reparations, climate change financing, and economic integration, even as Cuba’s deteriorating situation—exacerbated by the U.S. embargo that hinders hurricane recovery efforts—dominates the agenda.

  • Caribbean Shipping Assoc conference in Guyana to discuss major trade-related issues

    Caribbean Shipping Assoc conference in Guyana to discuss major trade-related issues

    Guyana is poised to host the Caribbean Shipping Association’s (CSA) 56th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition from October 25-28, 2026—marking the first time the country welcomes this prestigious maritime gathering. The event will convene over 350 global maritime stakeholders to address critical industry challenges and opportunities shaping regional commerce.

    According to Komal Singh, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG), the conference will prioritize several transformative themes: enhancing supply chain management, facilitating regional trade, implementing sustainable shipping practices to reduce carbon emissions, and addressing persistent logistical bottlenecks. The discussions will also focus on modernizing port infrastructure, combating cybersecurity threats, and implementing digital innovations throughout logistics networks.

    The timing coincides with Guyana’s remarkable economic and infrastructure transformation, creating abundant opportunities for investors and shipping industry participants alike. Recent preparatory meetings between CSA officials and SAG leadership have focused on venue readiness, logistical coordination, and compliance with international conference standards.

    Industry executives highlight urgent needs for operational improvements across Caribbean ports. Tim Martin, President and CEO of Tropical Shipping, emphasized at the recent US-Caribbean maritime forum that administrative inefficiencies—such as limited customs clearance availability and outdated freight equipment—significantly delay cargo delivery and impact business profitability throughout the region.

    Meanwhile, Arawak Port Development Limited’s CFO Dionne Bethel advocated for enhanced cybersecurity measures and intra-port security upgrades to maintain competitive transshipment services.

    CSA General Manager Capella Ras expressed confidence in Guyana’s preparedness, noting “the dedicated efforts of its organising team promise a memorable and impactful conference.” The event will serve as a crucial platform for strengthening professional networks, showcasing best practices, and exploring emerging opportunities within the Caribbean maritime sector.

  • 15 Youth Leaders named to 2026 UN Advisory Group for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean

    15 Youth Leaders named to 2026 UN Advisory Group for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean

    In a significant move to amplify youth voices in regional development, fifteen emerging leaders from across the Eastern Caribbean have been selected to join the 2026 United Nations Youth Advisory Group (YAG). This strategic appointment reinforces the UN’s dedication to positioning young visionaries at the core of sustainable development initiatives throughout the sub-region.

    The newly formed cohort, marking the fifth installation of this initiative, represents a diverse cross-section of nations including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. These dynamic individuals, aged between 18 and 30, bring substantial expertise across critical development areas including climate action, mental health advocacy, gender equality, disability inclusion, educational reform, food security, crime prevention, and indigenous rights protection.

    UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Simon Springett emphasized the transformative potential of youth engagement, stating: ‘Our youth represent both our present and future. We’ve merely scratched the surface of what young people can contribute to governmental and international institutions. Their increased involvement is crucial for driving meaningful transformation.’

    Rianka Chance of St Vincent and the Grenadines returns for her third term, assuming the role of Chair. She articulated the group’s ambitious vision: ‘I envision the YAG evolving into a unifying force across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean—propelling collaboration, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, and ensuring inclusive youth engagement at all decision-making levels. Our objective extends beyond participation to actively shaping policies, influencing systems, and leading sustainable change locally, regionally, and globally.’

    The selection process adhered to the UN’s Leave No One Behind principle, ensuring substantial representation from marginalized and underserved youth communities. This year’s cohort includes advocates working on indigenous identity recognition and social justice, alongside young leaders with notable accomplishments at national and international levels.

    Throughout their one-year mandate, YAG members will serve as UN Youth Advocates, collaborating with other ambassadors to implement critical policy frameworks including the Youth Development Strategy for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and respective Country Implementation Plans. Their engagement will encompass advocacy campaigns, outreach initiatives, and regional forums aimed at advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    The United Nations anticipates productive collaboration with these emerging leaders to drive inclusive, youth-centered development outcomes across the Eastern Caribbean region.

    2026 YAG Country Representatives:
    – St Vincent and the Grenadines: Rianka Chance (Chair)
    – Anguilla: Melissa Edwards
    – Antigua and Barbuda: Amelia Williams and Shaquan O’Neil
    – Barbados: Kalan Alleyne and Jovanaa Ifill
    – British Virgin Islands: Angeleah Cupid
    – Dominica: Loik Charles and Emmana Jeffers
    – Grenada: Kerri-Ann Marrast, Zinzee Noel, and Raheem Smith
    – St Kitts and Nevis: Hasani McDonald
    – St Lucia: Davianne Alexander and Ethan Leandre