Carib Scope

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  • 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.

  • 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.