Carib Scope

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  • Relief vowed for Scotland District woes as 35 electric buses unveiled

    Relief vowed for Scotland District woes as 35 electric buses unveiled

    Barbados has taken a monumental step toward modernizing its public transportation infrastructure with the formal introduction of 35 new electric buses on Wednesday. This strategic initiative, supported by a substantial $21 million government investment, aims to resolve persistent service reliability issues, particularly within the Scotland District and central regions, while advancing the nation’s environmental goals.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works, Santia Bradshaw, announced the procurement during a ceremony at the Bridgetown Port. She emphasized that this acquisition fulfills a governmental pledge to deliver a more reliable, efficient, and contemporary transit system for Barbadian citizens. The expansion elevates the national fleet to a total of 121 buses, a significant enhancement from the stagnant investment levels experienced in the decade prior to 2018.

    While the new vehicles represent a major advancement, officials clarified they will not be immediately operational. Several technical integrations must be completed, including the installation of cashless payment systems, programming of digital route displays, vehicle registration, and the finalization of charging infrastructure. A phased integration is planned over the coming weeks, with expectations for full deployment by the end of January. The public is advised to remain patient during this transitional period.

    In tandem with this rollout, the government confirmed its commitment to retiring the entire diesel bus fleet by the conclusion of the current financial year. This move underscores a definitive shift toward sustainable public mobility. Since 2018, the administration has allocated close to $58 million toward both maintaining the existing fleet and financing this electric transition, signaling a profound investment in the nation’s future transport capabilities.

  • Drie vuurwerkslachtoffers met oogletsel behandeld in SEH

    Drie vuurwerkslachtoffers met oogletsel behandeld in SEH

    Suriname’s health authorities have reported a concerning rise in fireworks-related injuries, with three confirmed cases requiring emergency medical attention as of Tuesday evening. All victims presented at the Academic Hospital Paramaribo’s Emergency Department with severe ocular trauma, highlighting a disturbing pattern of eye injuries during the holiday season.

    The most recent incidents include a 32-year-old male who sustained significant damage to both eyes and nasal structures from commercial-grade color and light display fireworks (KLS). In a separate case, a 6-year-old boy suffered left eye trauma from burning incense. Both patients received initial emergency treatment before being referred to ophthalmologists for specialized care.

    This medical emergency follows the first documented case on December 28th, when a 24-year-old man experienced similar ocular damage from fireworks. The consistent nature of these injuries—all involving serious eye trauma—has raised alarms among medical professionals about the dangers of improper fireworks handling.

    With legal fireworks sales and usage permitted until midnight on January 1st, 2026, emergency personnel and Suriname’s Fire Brigade have issued urgent safety recommendations. Health officials are particularly emphasizing the critical need for adult supervision of children and adolescents to prevent additional incidents and potential permanent vision impairment. The medical community continues to monitor the situation as New Year’s celebrations approach their peak.

  • Vier kinderen Aroma in stilte begraven in Marienburg

    Vier kinderen Aroma in stilte begraven in Marienburg

    Four young siblings from the Aroma family were laid to rest in a private funeral ceremony held in Mariënburg, Commewijne on Wednesday afternoon. The children—Anchenny (15), Xavier (13), Ro-Denxio (7), and Dean-Jonah (5)—were buried in solemn privacy at the request of their grieving mother.

    The tragic deaths occurred several days earlier when their father, Dennis Aroma, committed the horrific act of killing his four children before taking his own life while in police custody at the Keizerstraat station within 24 hours of the murders. The domestic violence incident claimed ten lives in total, including five additional victims beyond the immediate family.

    Mental health professionals from Suriname’s Psychiatric Center (PCS) and Psychosocial Care services provided continuous support to bereaved family members, having been involved since the first day of the tragedy. The intervention team also extended counseling services to classmates and schoolmates of the young victims.

    The funeral ceremony was attended by numerous political figures and government officials, including Assembly Member Ann Sadi, Vice President Gregory Rusland, and former President Chan Santokhi, who all offered condolences to the grieving family. PCS continues to provide psychological support to all affected families as preparations continue for the remaining victims’ funerals in the coming days.

  • Belize City Police Seize AR-15, Ammunition in Major Bust

    Belize City Police Seize AR-15, Ammunition in Major Bust

    In a significant year-end operation, Belize City law enforcement authorities have successfully intercepted an arsenal of illegal weapons, marking a substantial victory in the nation’s ongoing battle against organized crime. The operation, conducted on December 30, 2025, resulted in the recovery of an AR-15 assault rifle alongside more than 100 rounds of ammunition from a concealed mangrove location adjacent to Nutmeg Street in the Lake Independence district.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith provided official confirmation that the seizure was the product of meticulously coordinated intelligence efforts involving Special Branch units and officers from Precinct Two of the Eastern Division. According to Smith’s statement, the confiscated items included not only the military-grade rifle but also 105 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, two high-capacity drum magazines, additional 7.45 mm rounds, and two tactical bulletproof vests.

    This operation represents the latest achievement in what has been a remarkably productive year for Belizean authorities in combating weapon trafficking. Official statistics released alongside this bust reveal that the Belize Police Department has seized 234 illegal firearms and 7,477 rounds of ammunition throughout 2025. The breakdown shows 123 were 9mm pistols, 14 were high-powered rifles, with the remainder consisting of .38 caliber firearms and shotguns. These efforts have led to 194 individuals facing charges related to weapons offenses.

    The comprehensive law enforcement campaign has extended beyond weapons interdiction. National drug enforcement operations have yielded the confiscation of 705,638 grams of cannabis, 41,784 grams of cocaine, and over 5,000 grams of crack cocaine. These substance seizures have resulted in criminal charges against 1,562 individuals for narcotics-related violations during the same period.

  • PNP Slams Briceño Administration Over Ombudsman Contract Decision

    PNP Slams Briceño Administration Over Ombudsman Contract Decision

    The Belizean political landscape has been roiled by controversy following the government’s decision not to renew the contract of Ombudsman Gilbert Swazo, drawing fierce condemnation from the opposition People’s National Party (PNP). The PNP has characterized the move as a direct assault on governmental transparency and independent oversight mechanisms.

    The dispute centers on a Christmas Eve notification delivered to Swazo indicating his tenure would conclude without extension. The timing has raised particular concern as it coincides with Swazo’s ongoing involvement in a significant Freedom of Information appeal case. The Ombudsman recently ruled that portions of the government’s legal fee records related to a redistricting case must be disclosed publicly under freedom of information legislation—a decision the current administration is actively challenging in court.

    In response to his non-renewal, Swazo expressed surprise but acknowledged the prerogative of the National Assembly in making such determinations. The PNP has vigorously defended Swazo’s record, highlighting his status as one of the most widely respected ombudsmen since Belize’s independence and noting his overwhelming public support as evidence of his effective service.

    Opposition Leader Tracy Panton joined the criticism, expressing disappointment that the matter was not brought before the National Assembly for proper deliberation and debate. The PNP has formally called upon the Briceño administration to reverse its decision and renew Swazo’s contract, asserting that such action would align with the nation’s best interests and preserve institutional integrity.

  • Scarlet Macaw Nesting Season Shows Gains in Chiquibul

    Scarlet Macaw Nesting Season Shows Gains in Chiquibul

    Conservation efforts for Belize’s critically endangered Scarlet Macaw population are demonstrating significant progress during the 2025 nesting season, according to mid-season assessments from the Chiquibul ecosystem. The subspecies Ara macao cyanoptera, unique to Belize and classified as endangered, faces persistent threats from habitat destruction and human development pressures despite the broader species’ ‘Least Concern’ global status.

    The current conservation initiative, spearheaded by Friends for Conservation and Development since 2011, focuses on comprehensive monitoring and anti-poaching operations across the macaw’s primary habitat in the Chiquibul and Maya Mountain Massif regions. These areas, particularly the riparian corridors of the Upper Macal River and its tributaries, provide essential dry-season feeding grounds for the estimated national population of 300-350 birds.

    As of June 15, 2025, conservation teams have documented 23 active nests with encouraging reproductive metrics. From 70 eggs laid this season, 42 have successfully hatched (60% success rate), while 16 failed due to infertility or embryonic issues. Only six eggs were lost to predation, with another six remaining under incubation. The program has recorded 40 chicks total, with 26 thriving in natural nests and 14 receiving care at Las Cuevas research facilities.

    Conservationists are implementing targeted strategies to address the 8.57% predation rate while investigating how nest location, environmental factors, and parental behavior influence reproductive success. These ongoing efforts represent a crucial advancement in preserving Belize’s distinctive biodiversity and offer hope for the Scarlet Macaw’s long-term recovery.

  • Locals Suspected in Ministry of Agriculture Heist

    Locals Suspected in Ministry of Agriculture Heist

    In a brazen pre-dawn operation, seven masked individuals infiltrated the Ministry of Agriculture compound in Central Farm, Belize, during the early hours of Wednesday. The perpetrators subdued and restrained the security guard before making off with keys to four government-owned pickup trucks.

    According to Minister of Agriculture Rodwell Ferguson, who recently assumed office, the incident occurred approximately at 3:00 AM. Initial investigative findings suggest the suspects intended to transport the stolen vehicles toward Belize’s western border with Guatemala.

    Minister Ferguson indicated strong evidence pointing to local involvement, noting that witness accounts described the suspects speaking Creole. “We do suspect that these individuals have connections across the border,” Ferguson stated. “We alerted Guatemalan authorities as a precautionary measure, but linguistic evidence suggests they are locals.”

    When questioned about potential internal collaboration, the minister maintained a cautious stance: “That possibility remains under consideration, though I refrain from speculation pending further investigation.”

    Law enforcement authorities successfully recovered three vehicles near Arenal and another in proximity to Benque. The minister acknowledged that suspect identification remains ongoing, with expectations of significant developments by day’s end.

  • Tracy Panton: “Belize Left Without Ombudsman”

    Tracy Panton: “Belize Left Without Ombudsman”

    Belize has entered a period of constitutional uncertainty following the expiration of Ombudsman Major Herman Gilbert Swazo’s contract on December 31, 2025. The situation has escalated into a political confrontation after Opposition Leader Tracy Panton publicly condemned the government’s handling of the transition, warning that the nation now lacks a crucial oversight mechanism.

    Panton expressed profound disappointment with the administration’s failure to initiate reappointment procedures, emphasizing that the Office of the Ombudsman serves as a fundamental constitutional check on governmental power. She revealed that Swazo had followed established protocols by indicating his willingness to continue serving months in advance, yet the matter never reached the National Assembly for proper deliberation.

    The controversy deepened when Swazo disclosed receiving unexpected correspondence from Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie on Christmas Eve—a communication he interpreted as signaling non-renewal despite containing no explicit discussion of reengagement. This eleventh-hour development has drawn parallels to previous institutional vacancies, including the two-year period without an Accountant General.

    In response to mounting criticism, Cabinet Secretary Leslie characterized the communication as routine administrative procedure, merely acknowledging the contract’s expiration without prejudice to future decisions regarding renewal. The government maintains that no final determination has been made about filling the position, though the absence of an acting ombudsman has created an immediate governance gap.

    This development raises significant questions about institutional continuity and the government’s commitment to maintaining essential democratic safeguards, particularly given the office’s responsibility for investigating public complaints against governmental entities.

  • US-based football scouts eager to recruit Saint Lucians

    US-based football scouts eager to recruit Saint Lucians

    The MAD Sports Group (MSG) has identified significant potential in Saint Lucian footballers for US collegiate programs following their talent scouting mission during the inaugural Gros Islet Football League Showcase Classic in early December. Led by Sporting Director Daniel Fragachan and CEO Manuel “Manu” Hernández, the US-based college placement agency conducted comprehensive evaluations of youth players in northern Saint Lucia.

    MSG distinguishes itself through its established US operations and Latin American roots, focusing on the crucial intersection of athletic development and educational advancement. Fragachan emphasized their unique approach: “We provide a bridge for young athletes to obtain college scholarships. A Saint Lucian player could earn an American degree by age 21 or 22, ensuring valuable qualifications even after their football career concludes.”

    The scouts expressed particular admiration for the physical attributes of Saint Lucian players, noting exceptional athleticism, speed, and strength. Hernández, whose professional background includes administrative roles with elite clubs including Real Madrid, PSG, and Arsenal, observed: “The technical and physical aspects are impressive. Tactical understanding requires development, but this is knowledge that can be acquired through proper training.”

    MSG’s comprehensive program encompasses player evaluation, performance guidance, competitive pathway planning, and individualized academic support. The organization has announced an international showcase in Dallas, Texas, scheduled for March, where selected Saint Lucian players will compete against peers from across the Americas. Additionally, MSG plans to facilitate international tournament exposure for U16 and U13 teams in the United States, Spain, and Costa Rica.

    The collaboration with Gros Islet Football League represents a strategic initiative to provide Saint Lucian athletes with specialized training and competitive opportunities that could ultimately lead to collegiate scholarships and university degrees, creating pathways for both athletic and academic achievement.

  • New Political Party Antigua and Barbuda National Congress Launches

    New Political Party Antigua and Barbuda National Congress Launches

    A new political force has emerged in Antigua and Barbuda with ambitions to transform the nation’s governance landscape. The Antigua and Barbuda National Congress (ABNC) has positioned itself as an alternative to the established political order, directly challenging what it describes as systemic governance failures perpetuated by both major parties.

    The organization’s founding declaration highlights profound dissatisfaction with the current political environment, citing repeated scandals, inadequate accountability mechanisms, and insufficient fiscal discipline across successive administrations led by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) and the United Progressive Party (UPP).

    According to ABNC leadership, citizens endure what they characterize as a ‘persistent drought for truth’ among elected officials, coupled with excessive taxation burdens and deficiencies in essential services including healthcare and infrastructure development.

    The critique extends to what the group identifies as a cyclical pattern of political deflection, where allegations of misconduct—ranging from nepotism to financial waste—are routinely met with reciprocal accusations rather than substantive accountability. ABNC representatives argue this dynamic has reduced governance to a counterproductive game rather than serious public service.

    In contrast, the newly formed Congress pledges to implement rigorous standards of transparency and accountability that yield measurable economic benefits for the nation and its citizens. The organization expresses particular commitment to engaging citizens who align with the national motto of collective progress through individual effort.

    Despite acknowledging the historical challenges faced by emerging political movements in Caribbean democracies, ABNC leadership maintains confidence in their potential to redefine public service expectations and outcomes. The group formally anticipates future electoral opportunities to demonstrate their governance approach, as articulated by spokesperson Gail S. Pero-Weston.