Carib Scope

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  • High Court blocks Banks DIH Holdings from capping voting rights of shareholders

    High Court blocks Banks DIH Holdings from capping voting rights of shareholders

    In a significant judicial intervention, Guyana’s High Court has issued an interim injunction preventing Banks DIH Holdings Inc from implementing a contentious resolution that would cap shareholder voting rights at 15% of issued share capital. The ruling by Justice Sandil Kissoon, delivered on January 30, 2026, suspends the controversial measure pending full adjudication of a legal challenge brought by two prominent stock brokerages.

    The legal action was initiated by Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc and Beharry Stockbrokers Limited following the November 2025 adoption of ‘New By-law 8’ by Banks DIH’s board of directors. This proposed amendment sought to impose a strict 15% limitation on both share ownership and voting rights, a move that Justice Kissoon determined effectively arrogated to the company the power to invalidate votes exceeding this threshold.

    Represented by legal counsel Stephen Fraser, the plaintiffs successfully obtained an interlocutory injunction that restrains Banks DIH’s leadership from presenting, tabling, or putting to a vote any resolution seeking to confirm or implement the disputed by-law during its scheduled Annual General Meeting or any subsequent adjournment. The court further mandated the immediate suspension of By-Law Eight’s operational and legal effects pending final determination of the proceedings.

    The judicial order specifically prohibits the company from disregarding, discounting, or refusing to count votes attached to ordinary shares based on the alleged 15% limitation. Additionally, Banks DIH is barred from initiating any investigative actions, divestment requests, or sale processes purportedly authorized under the new by-law, including those related to ‘acting in concert’ provisions or beneficial ownership aggregation.

    The substantive case, filed on January 27, seeks permanent judicial relief including a declaration that the by-law is unlawful and void. The plaintiffs argue that the measure effectively circumvents Guyana’s statutory takeover and change-of-control protections established under Part XI of the Securities Industry Act, potentially depriving shareholders of mandatory offer rights and control premium opportunities.

  • Lucille Hampson of New Winthorpes to Celebrate 100th Birthday This Weekend

    Lucille Hampson of New Winthorpes to Celebrate 100th Birthday This Weekend

    The small community of New Winthorpes prepares for a landmark celebration this weekend as Lucille Hampson, a revered family matriarch, approaches her centennial birthday on February 1st. Mrs. Hampson, whose family includes Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to London Karen-Mae Hill among her descendants, will be honored with a multi-day series of events commemorating her extraordinary life.

    The festivities commence on Friday, January 30th with an intimate family gathering, followed by a spiritual ‘Celebration of Life’ service at the New Winthorpes Seventh Day Adventist Church on Saturday. The culmination occurs Sunday evening with an elaborate dinner and gala at La Casa Palmadita in Fitches Creek, where generations of family and community members will pay tribute.

    Beyond her immediate family role as wife of the late Wycliffe Hampson, mother to ten children (six sons and four daughters), and grandmother and great-grandmother to numerous descendants, Mrs. Hampson holds significant historical importance within her religious community. She distinctionally served as the very first baptized member of the New Winthorpes SDA congregation, establishing a spiritual legacy that parallels her familial contributions.

    The upcoming celebration not only honors individual longevity but symbolizes the enduring strength of family bonds and community traditions in Antiguan society.

  • A new era for Grenada Amateur Swimming Association

    A new era for Grenada Amateur Swimming Association

    The Grenada Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) has embarked on a transformative new chapter following its landmark Annual General Meeting convened on January 24 at the Grenada Olympic Committee headquarters. The assembly culminated in the election of a dynamic executive team charged with revolutionizing aquatic sports development throughout the nation.

    This decisive gathering united swimming community stakeholders to strategize the sport’s future trajectory, with central focus on electing leadership to drive critical infrastructure projects—most notably the acquisition of a modern 25-meter, 8-lane competition pool that represents a cornerstone for athletic development and community engagement.

    The newly constituted executive committee brings together seasoned professionals committed to talent cultivation, facility enhancement, and program expansion. Under the presidency of Nataly Regis—a distinguished sports leader with three decades of involvement in Grenadian swimming—the team possesses comprehensive expertise across athlete development, coaching excellence, and international sports governance.

    President Regis brings exceptional qualifications to her role, having represented Grenada as national swimmer since 1994, coached since 1997, and served as international delegate since 2007 at World Championships and Olympic Games. Her transformative work includes pioneering public school learn-to-swim initiatives, water safety programs, and early talent identification systems. Her strategic vision establishes clear progression pathways from foundational swimming instruction through club participation, national competitions, and ultimately to elite international performance.

    The complete executive roster includes: Peron Johnson (Ex Officio), Deb Eastwood (Vice President), Ruth Collymore (Secretary), Jeannine Sylvester Gill (Assistant Secretary), Gwenlian Andrew (Treasurer), Rohan Bernard (Assistant Treasurer), Valorie Andrew (Public Relations Officer), with Dari Twum-Barimah, Stephanie Holmes, and Nigel Gresham serving as Floor Members.

    In her inaugural address, President Regis acknowledged the outgoing board’s contributions while emphasizing that pool construction remains the organization’s paramount priority. The new leadership expressed profound gratitude to previous administrators for sustaining the association through voluntary service and establishing robust foundations for future growth. The incoming executive specifically requested ongoing guidance from predecessors to ensure institutional knowledge transfer and operational continuity.

    This leadership transition signals Grenada’s strengthened commitment to aquatic sports excellence, with the restructured GASA poised to elevate the nation’s regional and international competitive presence through systematic athlete development and world-class infrastructure.

  • Kuwait and Saudi Funds co-financing Project Polaris

    Kuwait and Saudi Funds co-financing Project Polaris

    Grenada has finalized a significant financial agreement to advance its flagship healthcare infrastructure initiative, Project Polaris, with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund. A $30 million loan agreement was formally signed between Grenada’s Finance Minister, Dennis Cornwall, and the OPEC Fund for International Development in January 2026.

    This funding represents the initial disbursement within a broader $60 million financing framework established in December 2025, specifically designated for the construction of a new national hospital. This facility will serve as the centerpiece of the ambitious Hope Vale Medical City development planned for Calivigny, St. George.

    The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the Saudi Fund for Development are acting as co-financiers for this substantial financial package. The project’s execution falls under the purview of the Ministry of Housing and Community Development (MoHCD).

    Of the total EC$825 million authorized under Grenada’s 2025 Loan Authorisation Bill, nearly half (EC$405 million) is allocated to this transformative medical complex. The government plans to raise these funds through various financial instruments, including loans, bonds, and promissory notes.

    The formal signing ceremony occurred at the Panama Convention Centre on January 29, 2026, coinciding with the Latin America and the Caribbean International Economic Forum. Grenada’s delegation was led by Minister Cornwall and included key project figures such as Project Sponsor Ambassador Andrea St Bernard and financial advisor Damian Dolland.

    All financial agreements ratified under the 2025 Loan Authorisation Act will be formally presented to Grenada’s Parliament for legislative approval, ensuring transparent governance of the project’s substantial funding.

  • (VIDEO)4-H Club rally in Roseau under the theme keeping the environment clean

    (VIDEO)4-H Club rally in Roseau under the theme keeping the environment clean

    The vibrant streets of Roseau recently served as the backdrop for a dynamic display of youth environmental activism during the annual 4-H Club rally. Centered on the critical theme of environmental protection, the event showcased a new generation of Dominicans passionately advocating for planetary stewardship.

    Eyewitness documentation, captured by engaged community members and submitted to Dominica News Online, reveals a colorful and energetic gathering. Participants, predominantly young students and club members, were photographed and filmed holding aloft creatively designed placards bearing powerful ecological messages. Their visual campaign transformed the public space into an open-air forum for environmental discourse.

    The rally represents a significant grassroots initiative within Dominica’s broader environmental conservation efforts. The 4-H Club, traditionally focused on agricultural development and youth leadership, has strategically expanded its mission to address contemporary ecological challenges facing the Caribbean nation. This evolution reflects growing regional concerns about climate change impacts, particularly relevant for island nations vulnerable to extreme weather events.

    Community participation emerged as a cornerstone of the event’s success, with passersby actively documenting and sharing the rally’s proceedings. This collaborative approach between organizers and citizens highlights a collective commitment to environmental awareness that extends beyond formal institutional frameworks.

    The Roseau gathering signals a promising shift toward youth-led environmental advocacy in the Eastern Caribbean, demonstrating how traditional organizations are adapting their platforms to address pressing global concerns through local action and community engagement.

  • Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay set to debut new art exhibitions

    Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay set to debut new art exhibitions

    Dominica’s cultural landscape is set to be enriched by two significant art exhibitions opening in February 2026, showcasing the profound works of contemporary Caribbean artists. The Fort Young Hotel’s Old Oven Art Gallery will host ‘Catharsis – The Blues’ by Pauline Marcelle, while Bwa Denn at Secret Bay presents Marica Honychurch’s ‘Salt and Soul’ exhibition.

    Pauline Marcelle’s ‘Catharsis – The Blues’ exhibition, running from February 5 to April 30, 2026, employs the color blue as a powerful symbolic medium to explore complex emotional landscapes. The collection serves as an artistic investigation into themes of mourning, emotional release, and ecological consciousness. Marcelle’s works, including notable pieces such as ‘The Chamber’ and ‘A View Point,’ create a contemplative environment where viewers can engage with the interconnectedness of human experience, memory, and environmental concerns. The exhibition transforms the gallery space into a visual dialogue about resilience and healing amidst personal and planetary challenges.

    Concurrently, Marica Honychurch’s ‘Salt and Soul’ exhibition at Bwa Denn, Secret Bay, will run from February 9 to May 5, 2026. This solo presentation celebrates Dominican cultural heritage, paying tribute to local communities, their traditions, and the enduring spirit of island culture. Honychurch’s artworks, including ‘Fiere’ and ‘Wob&Dasheen,’ explore the deep connections between people, their land, and ancestral practices that continue to shape contemporary Dominican identity.

    Both exhibitions offer distinct yet complementary perspectives on Caribbean artistic expression. ‘Catharsis – The Blues’ operates daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while ‘Salt and Soul’ welcomes visitors from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. These concurrent shows demonstrate the vitality of Dominica’s art scene, providing immersive experiences that bridge personal emotion with collective cultural memory, and offering visitors profound insights into the region’s creative vitality.

  • Starmer benadrukt noodzaak open blik op China ondanks waarschuwing van Trump

    Starmer benadrukt noodzaak open blik op China ondanks waarschuwing van Trump

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer concluded a landmark visit to China on Friday, marking the first official trip by a UK leader to Shanghai and Beijing in eight years. Accompanied by over fifty business executives seeking economic opportunities, Starmer’s mission focused on revitalizing trade relations with the world’s second-largest economy.

    The diplomatic engagement drew immediate criticism from US President Donald Trump, who characterized UK-China trade negotiations as ‘dangerous.’ Starmer countered that Trump’s remarks were primarily directed at Canada, not Britain, and revealed that Washington had been notified in advance about his visit. He further noted the irony of Trump’s criticism given the US president’s own planned spring visit to China.

    During high-level talks in Beijing, Starmer met with President Xi Jinping, with both leaders committing to establish a ‘long-term, stable strategic relationship.’ This development signals a potential thaw in Sino-British relations following years of diplomatic tensions over human rights issues and trade disputes.

    A significant breakthrough emerged regarding travel restrictions on British parliamentarians. China agreed to lift bans imposed after the UK, alongside EU, Canadian, and US allies, sanctioned four Chinese officials over human rights violations against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Starmer characterized this as addressing ‘a point of concern in Parliament,’ while Chinese officials framed it as part of normalizing parliamentary exchanges.

    However, controversy emerged as affected British lawmakers, including former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, denied any quid pro quo arrangement involving sanction relief. In a joint statement, they emphasized they would ‘rather remain under sanctions than make concessions to those responsible for genocide in Xinjiang.’

    Starmer defended his engagement strategy, telling Sky News: ‘It is not wise for the United Kingdom to bury its head in the sand. China is the world’s second-largest economy and, together with Hong Kong, our third-largest trading partner. This visit opens numerous possibilities for jobs and prosperity.’

  • KHMH Responds to Concerns Over Infant Deaths

    KHMH Responds to Concerns Over Infant Deaths

    The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) in Belize has issued a formal response to growing public concern regarding a series of infant deaths at its facility. While expressing profound empathy for affected families, the hospital maintains that established clinical protocols were followed throughout these tragic incidents.

    In an official statement released recently, KHMHA acknowledged the ‘immeasurable and painful loss’ experienced by parents and emphasized their commitment to providing ongoing support and compassionate engagement with grieving families. The hospital clarified that all deceased infants were undergoing treatment for severe medical complications including extreme prematurity, congenital birth defects, and malnutrition—conditions that significantly elevate mortality risks among newborns.

    Despite these explanations, a detailed account from a bereaved mother reveals substantial gaps between institutional assurances and lived experiences. Her infant, born prematurely at 36 weeks, was initially discharged within 24 hours of delivery—a decision she questioned from the outset. When she returned with a medical referral concerning the child’s jaundice condition, she endured hours of waiting without receiving timely attention.

    The mother described concerning medical interventions, including the use of heat therapy rather than standard phototherapy for jaundice, repeated difficulties in obtaining blood samples, and the administration of 29-day-old blood for transfusion. Medical staff reportedly made judgmental comments regarding her parenting capabilities during this critical period.

    Tragically, her son deteriorated rapidly overnight, exhibiting breathing difficulties and persistent vomiting. Despite resuscitation attempts, the infant succumbed to septic shock. The mother further reported receiving minimal emotional support from hospital staff following the death and subsequently facing insensitive questioning from police and human services regarding potential neglect.

    KHMHA maintains that all procedures were conducted in accordance with legal and ethical obligations, including patient confidentiality protocols, and emphasizes its ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to ensure neonatal care standards.

  • WATCH: PM Suggests Vacant Lots Could Be Used for Parking After Derelict Buildings Are Removed

    WATCH: PM Suggests Vacant Lots Could Be Used for Parking After Derelict Buildings Are Removed

    In a strategic move to address urban decay and congestion, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has put forward a novel proposal for the capital city of St. John’s. During a public consultation focused on urban redevelopment, Browne suggested that property owners could temporarily convert vacant lots—created after the removal of derelict structures—into paid parking areas, particularly within the central business district. This initiative is presented not as a mandate but as a viable option for landowners to generate interim revenue while contributing to city beautification. The Prime Minister emphasized that such productive use of cleared spaces would prevent idleness, reduce urban blight, and improve overall order. This proposal aligns with broader goals of easing traffic congestion, optimizing underutilized land, and supporting long-term urban renewal plans. The idea emerged from ongoing discussions among officials and residents about practical solutions to enhance the city’s functionality and aesthetic appeal amid challenges like parking shortages and redevelopment delays.

  • In the face of vandalism

    In the face of vandalism

    In the aftermath of Saint Lucia’s December 1 General Election, a disturbing pattern of political vandalism has persisted despite the conclusion of electoral campaigns. During the heated pre-election period, multiple incidents were reported by competing parties regarding the defacement and removal of campaign materials, including posters, billboards, and flags, allegedly perpetrated by opposing supporters.

    While most large-scale campaign installations were dismantled following the election, one prominent billboard featuring UWP candidate Marcella Johnson remained standing on private property in Gros Islet. Last week, this billboard became the target of vandalism when it was deliberately splattered with red paint in an act of post-electoral sabotage.

    Johnson’s official social media channels issued a strong condemnation of the incident, stating: ‘This is completely unacceptable and must be condemned without hesitation.’ The statement further elaborated: ‘Political competition ends at the ballot box. Once elections are over, democracy demands maturity, respect, and restraint. Vandalism, intimidation, and spiteful acts do not strengthen political movements, they weaken them and erode the civic culture we all depend on.’

    The communication emphasized that such destructive behavior ultimately reflects more negatively on its perpetrators than on its targets. The message concluded with a call for elevated political discourse: ‘Saint Lucia deserves better than this kind of petty political hostility. We can disagree without destroying, campaign without bullying, and express opinions without resorting to vandalism.’