Carib Scope

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  • New Year, New You? The Science Behind Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail

    New Year, New You? The Science Behind Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail

    As the calendar turns each January, millions worldwide experience the familiar cycle of ambitious resolution-setting followed by rapid abandonment. Scientific research reveals this pattern isn’t personal weakness but a psychological phenomenon with ancient roots and modern neurological explanations.

    The tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates back 4,000 years to Babylonian civilization, though contemporary goals have shifted from appeasing deities to improving personal health and finances. A recent survey indicates over 75% of people feel compelled to set resolutions as the new year begins, driven by what psychologists term the ‘Fresh Start Effect.’

    Clinical psychologist Elicia Habet explains this phenomenon: ‘The brain’s dopaminergic reward pathways activate during optimistic planning. You experience neurological satisfaction from anticipating change, often making the planning phase more chemically rewarding than the actual execution.’ This neurological response creates a false sense of accomplishment before any behavioral change occurs.

    The initial motivation frequently leads to ‘False Hope Syndrome,’ where unrealistic goals collide with daily realities. Therapist Dr. Denise Lenares-Solomon observes: ‘People set extreme targets like losing 20 pounds by February 1st. When work and family demands resurface, missed sessions trigger shame and abandonment of goals.’

    Experts identify intrinsic motivation as the critical differentiator. Resolutions based on external validation prove consistently unsustainable compared to those rooted in personal values. Financial consultant Rumille Arana emphasizes: ‘Finances operate continuously, not on calendar resets. Previous decisions inevitably carry forward, requiring mindset shifts rather than temporary fixes.’

    The solution lies in systematic behavioral design rather than ambitious goal-setting. Research-supported strategies include:

    1. Environmental redesign: Making desired behaviors obvious and easy through spatial arrangement
    2. SMART criteria: Transforming vague aspirations into Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives
    3. Micro-habits: Focusing on small, consistent actions rather than dramatic overhauls

    Fitness professional Keith Jones advises: ‘Sustainable change comes from 20-minute daily movements rather than extreme regimens. Frame it as lifestyle choices rather than restrictive diets.’

    The ultimate insight from psychological research: Meaningful change isn’t confined to January 1st. The most effective day to begin better habits is any day that follows conscious decision-making supported by realistic systems.

  • CDB’s Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund announces USD 190,000 in grants to promote regional events and conferences

    CDB’s Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund announces USD 190,000 in grants to promote regional events and conferences

    The Caribbean Development Bank has announced a significant funding initiative through its Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF), making $190,000 available to support the region’s creative sector. This strategic investment targets organizations that can drive development and enhance competitiveness within Caribbean cultural industries.

    Applications for the grant program will remain open until January 31, 2026, with selected projects scheduled for implementation between March 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027. The funding specifically seeks proposals that address critical growth areas including policy development, MSME capacity building, market intelligence enhancement, trade facilitation, and cultural heritage preservation.

    Malene Joseph, Fund Coordinator, emphasized the program’s objectives: “Through this grant call, CDB aims to support home-grown activities that help unlock pathways for our creative Caribbean talent and businesses to become even more empowered. Beyond facilitating necessary policy dialogue and building data-driven insights, CIIF is further enabling creative MSMEs by offering financial support to these targeted events.”

    The funding will be distributed across six grants in three distinct categories. Two $25,000 grants will focus on improving the enabling environment for cultural industries, while another two $20,000 grants will support data intelligence and sector insights initiatives. The remaining two grants, totaling $50,000, will be allocated to activities that prepare MSMEs for market entry and facilitate market access.

    Eligibility is restricted to formally registered organizations operating within the Creative Industries sector, including Business Support Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, universities, Community-Based Organizations, and government agencies. Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of experience in hosting industry-related events and provide a co-financing contribution equivalent to at least 10% of the total project budget.

    Prospective applicants can submit proposals through the Bank’s online portal at https://cdb.submittable.com/submit. Additionally, CIIF will host a virtual consultation on January 14, 2026, to provide guidance to potential applicants.

    Established in 2017, CIIF has consistently worked to enhance the global competitiveness of Caribbean cultural and creative sectors by promoting innovation, collaboration, and sustainability through technical assistance and grants across the Bank’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries.

  • Ali shrugs off unconstitutionality of Teaching Service Commission in absence of Opposition Leader

    Ali shrugs off unconstitutionality of Teaching Service Commission in absence of Opposition Leader

    Guyanese President Irfaan Ali has vigorously defended his administration’s decision to appoint and swear in a seven-member Teaching Service Commission (TSC) despite the absence of an officially recognized Opposition Leader, a position required by the constitution for meaningful consultation on such appointments.

    Addressing concerns raised by journalists, President Ali asserted that governmental and constitutional processes must proceed uninterrupted. “The work of the government must continue. The work of the Constitution must continue,” he stated during Wednesday’s proceedings. The President emphasized that the commission’s establishment was crucial for improving educational quality and creating advancement opportunities for teachers, with Education Minister Sonia Parag having stressed the importance of constituting the body before the new school term.

    The political backdrop reveals a complex constitutional standoff. Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir has yet to convene opposition parliamentarians to elect a leader for the 16-seat We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party. The anticipated candidate, Azruddin Mohamed, faces extradition requests from the United States over financial crime allegations, with Attorney General Anil Nandlall previously warning that Mohamed’s appointment would tarnish the nation’s reputation.

    Opposition parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul of APNU condemned the presidential move as “constitutional erosion,” accusing the administration of displaying “a maturing dictatorship unfolding before our eyes.” Mahipaul further criticized the international community for remaining silent on these constitutional developments while engaging diplomatically with the Ali government.

    The President referenced a five-month-old legal precedent wherein Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire had ruled that appointing a Police Commissioner without opposition consultation was constitutionally permissible out of necessity. When questioned about gender assumptions regarding the future opposition leader, Ali noted the decision would depend on parliamentary voting, remarking, “I don’t know that the Opposition Leader will be a ‘he’ or a ‘she’.”

    The newly inaugurated TSC, chaired by Doodmattie Singh alongside six other members including Chief Education Officer Saddam-Hussain, faces immediate challenges with 2,700 senior vacancies created by the government to enhance educational quality. President Ali highlighted that these positions would facilitate faster career advancement for teachers who traditionally “had to wait all their life, close to retirement to become head teachers.”

  • ‘Martyrs’ of Castries honoured on 25th anniversary of cathedral massacre

    ‘Martyrs’ of Castries honoured on 25th anniversary of cathedral massacre

    A quarter-century after the horrific New Year’s Eve Massacre that traumatized Saint Lucia, the nation continues to grapple with the painful legacy of the attack that claimed multiple lives during a religious service. On December 31, 2000, worshipers attending Holy Eucharist at Castries’ Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception found themselves targeted by assailants wielding machetes, gasoline, and incendiary devices in a brutal assault that transformed the sacred space into a scene of unimaginable violence.

    The attack resulted in multiple casualties, including Sister Theresa Egan, who was killed at the cathedral’s western entrance, and Father Charles Gaillard, who sustained severe burns and later died from his injuries. Numerous other congregants suffered grave harm, with victims including Sister Mel Kenny, Victor Reyes, Mark Beaubrun, Celsus Merville, Mary Bynoe, Agnes Biscette, Gregory Biscette, Desmond Devaux, Gwendolyn Winters, Victor Darius, Edison Elcock, and Richard St. Omer.

    Medical responses spanned international borders as critically injured victims required specialized care. Six victims endured severe burns ranging from first to third-degree injuries, prompting emergency medical evacuations. Father Gaillard and Mary Bynoe were airlifted to La Meynard Hospital in Martinique, while others including Reyes, Beaubrun, Biscette, and Merville were transported to the specialized burn unit at New York’s Cornell Hospital. Those with head trauma including Gregory Biscette and Desmond Devaux were transferred to Barbados for advanced diagnostic imaging.

    Justice proceedings eventually identified two perpetrators—Kim John, then 20, and Francis Philip, 34—both of whom pleaded guilty and received life imprisonment sentences. Although both individuals identified with the Rastafarian faith, community leaders swiftly denounced the violence and advocated for religious tolerance and coexistence.

    In a significant act of remembrance and healing, the Roman Catholic Church has incorporated the tragedy into its ongoing Jubilee Year celebrations under the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ This period of spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and pilgrimage now includes a formal initiative recognizing the attack’s victims as martyrs of Saint Lucia. Through ceremonial lighting of candles from the Jubilee Candle for each martyr, the Church aims to establish devotion to these figures as an enduring legacy of Jubilee 2025.

  • 5 Grenadians recognised by King Charles on his New Year Honours List

    5 Grenadians recognised by King Charles on his New Year Honours List

    In a distinguished recognition of service to national development, five Grenadian citizens have been honored in King Charles III’s 2026 New Year Honours List for their exceptional contributions across education, culture, fishing, and agriculture sectors.

    The London Gazette’s December 30th publication revealed that Beverley Grey received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her transformative work in education. Simultaneously, James Nicholas and Sandra Thomas were both awarded Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) – Nicholas for his dual contributions to fishing and agriculture, and Thomas for her educational services.

    The British Empire Medal (BEM) was conferred upon Irma Cynthia Lewis for agricultural services and Neal Matheson for cultural preservation efforts.

    James Nicholas, with over 25 years of dedicated service through the Southern Fishermen Association, expressed profound elation upon receiving confirmation of his honor. “I feel great, really great! I knew I was nominated, but you are confirming to me that I was awarded. I feel great,” he stated with visible emotion.

    Beverley Grey, who also received recognition as a National Awardee during Grenada’s 2025 Independence celebrations, described feeling “privileged to be recognised for nation building.” She emphasized that the royal honor would further inspire her “to continue striving for excellence.” Grey’s educational journey began 38 years ago with Grey’s Typing School, which has since evolved into Grey’s Training and Certification Centre. Her institution on Lucas Street has equipped thousands of young Grenadians with essential secretarial and professional skills, significantly contributing to the nation’s human resource development.

    The semi-annual honors system, wherein the Monarch as Head of the Commonwealth recognizes outstanding citizens both in June (for the King’s official birthday) and in December (for the New Year), continues to highlight exemplary service across Commonwealth nations. This year’s Grenadian honorees represent decades of cumulative service to critical sectors that form the backbone of the nation’s sustainable development.

  • Matthew Hails Ge’Eve Phillip’s Queen of Queens 1st Runner-Up Finish as “Monumental” for Antigua and Barbuda

    Matthew Hails Ge’Eve Phillip’s Queen of Queens 1st Runner-Up Finish as “Monumental” for Antigua and Barbuda

    Antiguan calypso sensation Ge’Eve Phillip has delivered another spectacular regional performance, securing the position of First Runner-Up at the prestigious Queen of Queens Calypso Show in Montserrat on December 30, 2025. The rising star amassed an impressive 947 points through her powerful renditions of ‘One Man’ and ‘Daughter Come,’ captivating both judges and audience members with her exceptional vocal control, commanding stage presence, and compelling lyrical narratives.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) officially celebrated Phillip’s achievement, highlighting it as a significant milestone in her already distinguished career. Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister responsible for Creative Industries, characterized the accomplishment as ‘monumental’ for the nation, emphasizing that Phillip’s ‘talent, discipline, and consistency continue to prove that we are a formidable cultural force within the region.’

    Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the ABFC, expressed particular pride in Phillip’s representation of Antigua and Barbuda’s youth on the regional stage, noting that the artist ‘is paving the way for the next generation, demonstrating that age and gender are no barriers to excellence.’

    Phillip’s musical journey represents a remarkable progression from prodigy to professional. She first entered the calypso arena in 2013 at just seven years old through Antigua and Barbuda’s Junior Calypso competitions, where she eventually secured an unprecedented 11 Junior Calypso titles. Her transition to senior competitions in 2022 at age 16 earned her First Runner-Up in the national Calypso Monarch competition. The year 2025 has proven particularly successful, with Phillip first capturing the national Calypso Monarch title before claiming the Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch crown in Anguilla, culminating in her latest achievement at the regional Queen of Queens competition.

  • Black Fin Fleet outlines priorities for fishing sector in the new year

    Black Fin Fleet outlines priorities for fishing sector in the new year

    A newly established fishermen’s collective in Barbados is spearheading transformative changes within the nation’s fishing sector through strategic government collaboration. The Black Fin Fleet organization emerged following Hurricane Beryl’s devastation, addressing perceived representation gaps for boat proprietors, captains, and fishing agents.

    Under the leadership of Moonesh Dharampaul, the organization representing approximately 200 industry stakeholders has already achieved significant breakthroughs through early dialogues with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Critical infrastructure enhancements at landing sites have become immediate priorities, with ministerial support resulting in the installation of new compressor systems in Bridgetown to address persistent ice production challenges.

    Dharampaul emphasized the critical nature of reliable ice access for maritime operations: ‘Without adequate ice supplies, our fishing vessels cannot remain operational at sea. We’re collaborating closely with ministry officials to maintain essential machinery that supports our fishing capacity.’

    Beyond infrastructure development, the organization is pioneering insurance reform for commercial fishing operations. Current insurance products inadequately cover fishing activities, prompting negotiations with the General Insurance Association of Barbados for specialized commercial fishing policies ahead of anticipated 2027 regulatory changes.

    The collective simultaneously prepares to launch an extensive public awareness campaign highlighting fishermen’s vital role in national food security. The initiative aims to reshape public perception regarding maritime professions while advocating for professional recognition as Blue Economy specialists rather than traditional ‘fisherfolk’ terminology.

    Dharampaul explained the rationale behind terminology evolution: ‘Fishing requires specialized skills acquired through practical experience rather than academic training. We seek appropriate professional designations that reflect the technical expertise and economic value our industry provides.’

    The organization also addresses statistical representation issues, noting that aggregate fleet recovery data often masks operational disparities between different vessel types and their respective catch specialties, which ultimately affects market supply dynamics and consumer expectations.

  • Cuban President congratulates Margarita Ruiz for Patrimony award

    Cuban President congratulates Margarita Ruiz for Patrimony award

    An eminent 89-year-old Cuban researcher has been conferred the nation’s 2025 National Cultural Heritage Award in recognition of her lifelong dedication to the preservation and academic study of Cuba’s artistic legacy. Throughout her distinguished career, she has cultivated multiple generations of heritage specialists while championing comprehensive conservation efforts for both tangible artifacts and intangible cultural traditions.

    The Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) has formally endorsed this honor, highlighting the recipient’s exceptional academic rigor and unwavering advocacy for artists across all creative disciplines. The organization characterized her influence as establishing a ‘school of best practices’ that has profoundly elevated professional standards within Cuba’s cultural sector.

    This latest accolade joins an impressive collection of national honors previously bestowed upon the scholar, including the 2014 National Cultural Research Award, the National Culture Distinction, the Alejo Carpentier Medal, and Havana’s prestigious Giraldilla award. Her systematic documentation methodologies and ethical preservation frameworks have fundamentally transformed how Cuba approaches its cultural heritage conservation, creating enduring institutional knowledge that will benefit future generations.

  • French publication examines garbage disposal problem in DA, says health crisis could be looming

    French publication examines garbage disposal problem in DA, says health crisis could be looming

    The Caribbean nation of Dominica is confronting a severe public health emergency triggered by a systemic waste management collapse. For months, mountainous accumulations of uncollected garbage have plagued municipalities across the island, overwhelming sanitation services and creating fertile ground for disease vectors.

    Despite the government’s deployment of four new garbage trucks, the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC) has publicly acknowledged its inability to maintain collection schedules. The corporation has shifted to a provisional service plan while apologizing to residents of Point Michel, Soufriere, and Scotts Head for persistent delays. Frustratingly, officials note that collection sites are being rapidly refilled shortly after cleanup operations, indicating deeper behavioral challenges.

    The sanitation breakdown has precipitated serious health consequences. Health authorities report a disturbing surge in leptospirosis cases, a potentially fatal bacterial disease transmitted through rat urine. With rodents proliferating in the waste-strewn environment, the Ministry of Health confirmed 17 infections and one fatality in April 2025 alone. Notably, public health communications about the epidemic have diminished in recent months despite growing citizen concerns.

    Community organizations like the Touna Development Committee have joined cleanup efforts while pleading with outsiders to stop illegal dumping near the Concord River. The situation is further complicated by the continued requirement for taxpayers to pay full waste collection fees despite inadequate service delivery.

    Health officials are urging residents to improve waste sorting practices and adhere to disposal regulations while recommending more frequent collections in critically affected neighborhoods. The government faces mounting pressure to resolve both the logistical challenges of waste management and the accompanying public health crisis before the situation escalates further.

  • Families and Patients Gather for Belize’s First Bleeding Disorders Meeting

    Families and Patients Gather for Belize’s First Bleeding Disorders Meeting

    In a historic gathering marking a significant advancement for national healthcare, Belize hosted its inaugural national meeting dedicated to bleeding disorders on December 14, 2025. The landmark event, convened in San Antonio at the Weston Orange Walk Mennonite Community, united patients, families, and caregivers from across the nation.

    Organized by the Belizean Foundation for Bleeding Disorders, the summit served as a crucial platform for education, support, and community building. Attendees were provided with comprehensive educational resources specifically designed to empower them with enhanced self-management techniques and effective advocacy strategies for navigating life with conditions such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease.

    The foundation characterized the meeting as a foundational initiative aimed at substantially improving medical care, strengthening patient advocacy, and elevating the overall quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions. A core objective was the establishment of a robust, interconnected support network to foster collaboration and shared experiences among patients and their families.

    Beyond direct patient support, the event also focused on a critical secondary mission: promoting greater public awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of bleeding disorders within the wider Belizean community, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage broader societal support.