Carib Scope

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  • Human survival at stake

    Human survival at stake

    A coalition of eleven former Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government has intensified diplomatic efforts to address Cuba’s escalating humanitarian crisis, urging immediate termination of the United States’ oil embargo against the island nation. Their intervention precedes the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Conference commencing in St Kitts and Nevis.

    The distinguished group, including former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson as principal spokesperson, characterized the fuel embargo as an existential threat to Cuba’s civilian population. “There can be no justification for imposing a fuel embargo which could extinguish 11 million civilian lives,” their collective statement emphasized. “Exposing citizens to starvation, disease, and extinction through energy resource denial constitutes a mortal danger that transcends ideological considerations.”

    The former leaders’ roster comprises significant regional figures: Donald Ramotar (Former President of Guyana), former Prime Ministers Freundel Stuart (Barbados), Edison James (Dominica), Tillman Thomas (Grenada), Bruce Golding (Jamaica), Dr. Kenny Anthony (St. Lucia), Dr. Keith Rowley (Trinidad & Tobago), alongside subsequent endorsers Baldwin Spencer (Antigua & Barbuda), Said Musa (Belize), and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (St. Vincent & The Grenadines).

    This diplomatic maneuver occurs against Cuba’s severe energy catastrophe, exacerbated by the Trump administration’s policies designed to restrict oil access. The crisis deepened following the collapse of Venezuelan crude shipments after US intervention against Nicolás Maduro’s government, with additional threats against alternative suppliers.

    Cuban authorities have implemented drastic energy conservation protocols, including stringent fuel rationing and substantial reductions in public transportation services. The former CARICOM leaders condemned these developments as creating “catastrophic consequences” through the “strangulation of Cuba’s vital requirements for energy, food, medication, education, and basic livelihood.”

    The coalition specifically acknowledged Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s consistent advocacy against the embargo, noting her historical support for United Nations resolutions demanding its termination. Their statement concluded with a powerful appeal for regional solidarity: “Our considerable vocal firepower as past, present, and future leaders must be directed against hegemonic economic aggression threatening havoc in our Caribbean space.”

  • KINGSMEN PUSH

    KINGSMEN PUSH

    The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is set to witness the triumphant return of a Jamaican franchise this August, marking the end of its two-year absence from the Twenty20 tournament. Under new ownership by United States-based Kingsmen Sports Enterprise, led by Pakistan-born businessman Fawad Sarwar, the team is aggressively pursuing a championship-winning squad from the ground up.

    Central to Kingsmen’s strategy is the recruitment of Jamaica’s premier cricket talents—Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, and Brandon King—all of whom have expressed interest in returning to represent their homeland. Russell, a two-time T20 World Cup champion who departed the Jamaica Tallawahs in 2022 for Trinbago Knight Riders, previously indicated his desire to conclude his CPL career with a Jamaican team. Powell, who captained the Tallawahs to their 2022 title, and King, the team’s former skipper and current West Indies T20 vice-captain, are also being actively courted for a homecoming.

    Faisal Mirza, a representative of Kingsmen, emphasized in an interview with the Jamaica Observer that the trio represents foundational pieces in the franchise’s vision. While avoiding premature commitments, Mirza confirmed that negotiations are underway with several Jamaican players and coaches ahead of the upcoming CPL draft. He stated, ‘We want to build the best team for the upcoming season and for the future… We want to bring the right kind of people—that is paramount to building the right culture.’

    Despite being newcomers to the CPL, Kingsmen have declared an ambitious goal: winning the championship immediately. Mirza dismissed any notion of a gradual integration, asserting, ‘We want to throw down from day one, ball one—that’s what the Tallawahs spirit is.’ The management aims to assemble a competitive roster blending local talent and international players, supported by both foreign and Jamaican coaches.

    The revived franchise inherits a legacy of success, having previously secured three CPL titles (2013, 2016, and 2022). With strong local interest and strategic recruitment efforts, Kingsmen are positioning the team as a immediate contender, aspiring to restore Jamaican pride in one of the Caribbean’s most beloved sporting events.

  • New UWI unit to boost learning support for struggling students

    New UWI unit to boost learning support for struggling students

    The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus has inaugurated a specialized Educational and Psychological Assessment Unit (EPAU) to address learning difficulties among young students across Barbados. Funded by a $200,000 Caribbean Development Bank grant, this initiative establishes a dedicated pathway for identifying and supporting educational needs within the Caribbean cultural context.

    EPAU Coordinator Erin Mahon revealed that the unit primarily serves nursery through secondary school students experiencing learning gaps, with ambitions to expand services to university students. “Currently, university students seeking learning assessments are outsourced to private psychologists,” Mahon told Barbados TODAY. “We aim to become the primary assessment resource for all educational levels.”

    The unit operates through a referral system with the Ministry of Educational Transformation while maintaining direct collaboration channels with schools and families. Beyond comprehensive psychoeducational assessments, EPAU offers targeted screening services and group consultations. The unit is currently conducting literacy and mathematics screenings across first-form classes to identify students requiring additional support.

    A distinctive feature of EPAU’s methodology is its cultural grounding in Caribbean realities. “Our assessments are interpreted within the cultural and linguistic context of our learners,” Mahon emphasized. “Recommendations are specifically tailored to be realistic for small island developing states.”

    Chief Education Officer Dr. Ramona Archer Bradshaw endorsed the unit as complementary to the ministry’s Every Child Barbados initiative. “Despite expanding our student support services from 12 to over 40 professionals in six years, demand continues to outpace capacity,” Dr. Bradshaw stated during the launch ceremony. “This unit will provide critical support where our systems are most stretched, particularly for vulnerable students.”

    The EPAU will also enhance educator capabilities through specialized workshops training teachers and principals in interpreting assessment reports and implementing recommendations. Strategic partnerships with speech pathologist Jamelle Roberts and early childhood specialist Tanisha Morris will further strengthen the unit’s multidisciplinary approach.

    Dr. Bradshaw highlighted the dual academic and psychological objectives: “While exam success remains important, we must equally prioritize psychological wellbeing. This unit will ensure children receive comprehensive support systems preparing them for both present challenges and future opportunities.”

  • Vrees voor mondiale spanningen na verhoogde importtarieven door VS

    Vrees voor mondiale spanningen na verhoogde importtarieven door VS

    The United States has ignited international economic apprehensions with its announcement of sweeping tariff increases on imported goods, raising base rates to approximately 15%. This protectionist measure, unveiled by the Trump administration, aims to shield domestic industries and address persistent trade deficits that Washington claims disadvantage American businesses.

    The policy shift has triggered immediate concerns among trading partners worldwide, with European and Asian nations evaluating potential countermeasures. Economic analysts warn that elevated import duties could catalyze inflationary pressures, disrupt global supply chains, and diminish investment stability across international markets.

    Financial markets responded with measured caution to the announcement, while multinational corporations began recalculating operational costs in anticipation of heightened trade expenses. The tariff implementation follows extensive legal deliberations within the U.S. regarding previous trade measures, with the current administration seeking to establish a modified statutory foundation for the levies.

    Smaller export-dependent economies, particularly Caribbean nations, face indirect consequences through potential declines in global trade volumes, commodity price fluctuations, and altered capital flows. The timing proves particularly delicate as the global economy navigates post-inflation recovery amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

    International financial institutions caution that escalated trade conflicts could significantly impede worldwide economic recovery efforts. While the tariff structure may remain temporarily effective, its long-term political viability remains uncertain, creating additional uncertainty for global trade planning.

  • St Kitts to welcome 19 Cruise Ships in busy week – WIC News

    St Kitts to welcome 19 Cruise Ships in busy week – WIC News

    The Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis is preparing for an extraordinary maritime convergence as nineteen cruise ships prepare to dock at Port Zante between February 23-28, 2026. This remarkable influx represents one of the most concentrated arrival schedules in the island’s cruise tourism history, with approximately 80 total vessel calls anticipated throughout February.

    The impending fleet includes prestigious liners such as Seabourn Ovation, Norwegian Gem, and Brilliance of the Seas, all scheduled for simultaneous docking on Monday, February 23rd. The week-long maritime parade continues with successive arrivals including Viking Sea, MSC Virtuosa, and Celebrity Ascent, culminating with Norwegian Breakaway and Costa Fascinosa on Saturday, February 28th.

    This naval armada promises substantial economic stimulation for the dual-island federation. Tourism officials project significant revenue generation across multiple sectors including transportation services, hospitality venues, retail establishments, and adventure tourism operators. The massive passenger influx is expected to create temporary employment opportunities while providing sustained income for local artisans, vendors, and tour operators.

    Disembarking visitors will discover diverse experiences ranging from Basseterre’s cultural attractions to Nevis’ pristine landscapes. Adventure enthusiasts can explore underwater ecosystems through snorkeling expeditions, while history aficionados may visit the UNESCO-designated Brimstone Hill Fortress. The iconic St. Kitts Scenic Railway offers panoramic island vistas, complementing more conventional leisure activities including golf, casino entertainment, and coastal sailing.

    The coordinated logistics of accommodating nineteen vessels within a six-day window demonstrates Port Zante’s evolved capabilities as a premier Caribbean destination. Maritime authorities have implemented enhanced docking protocols and passenger management systems to ensure seamless processing of thousands of visitors daily.

    This event underscores the growing significance of cruise tourism within the Caribbean economic landscape, positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as a leading destination for major cruise lines seeking diversified passenger experiences beyond traditional sun-and-sand offerings.

  • Tourism minister: Carnival 2026 records 13% increase in visitor arrivals

    Tourism minister: Carnival 2026 records 13% increase in visitor arrivals

    Dominica has recorded a substantial increase in tourist arrivals during its Carnival 2026 festivities, marking a significant recovery for the island’s tourism sector. According to Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton, the two-week pre-Carnival period welcomed approximately 9,300 visitors, representing a robust 13 percent growth compared to the same timeframe in 2025.

    The breakdown of arrival statistics reveals even more promising trends: air arrivals surged by 14 percent while sea arrivals increased by 11 percent. The most dramatic growth occurred on Carnival Friday itself, which witnessed a remarkable 38 percent spike in visitor numbers compared to the previous year, indicating that Dominica’s Carnival is increasingly becoming a primary attraction for international travelers.

    Minister Charles-Pemberton credited this tourism success to strategic government investments in transportation infrastructure and destination accessibility. “Significant upgrades to the Douglas Charles airport, coupled with expanded flight capacity from 5,379 to over 8,000 seats, have dramatically enhanced our capability to accommodate visitors during major festivals like Carnival,” the Minister explained during her address.

    The tourism boost has generated widespread economic benefits across multiple sectors. Small and large businesses in accommodation, transportation, food services, retail, and entertainment have all reported increased revenue streams directly attributable to the festival tourism expansion.

    Cultural exports have also played a crucial role in Dominica’s tourism promotion. The Minister highlighted recent international recognition of Dominican Bouyon artists by BET (Black Entertainment Television) as a significant factor in raising the island’s global profile and attracting culturally-minded travelers.

    The Minister extended commendations to numerous organizations and individuals who contributed to the event’s success, including the Dominica Festivals Committee, Discover Dominica Authority, the National Bank of Dominica, various sponsors, the Dominica Police Force, NEP workers, event organizers, volunteers, carnival groups, costume bands, and both domestic and international carnival patrons.

    Looking ahead, Dominica’s national festival calendar continues with upcoming events including the Gospel Festival scheduled for February 28 at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium and Jazz ‘n Creole set for May 3, 2026, at the Cabrits in Portsmouth.

  • St. Eustatius Launches Global Tourism Campaign with Caribbean 365 Partnership to Boost Island Visibility

    St. Eustatius Launches Global Tourism Campaign with Caribbean 365 Partnership to Boost Island Visibility

    The Caribbean island of St. Eustatius, commonly known as Statia, is poised for unprecedented global exposure through its inclusion in the groundbreaking Caribbean 365 project. This innovative year-round program, developed by Caribbean Travel & Tours, features a meticulously curated 365-day calendar and integrated booking platform that seamlessly combines flights, accommodations, and authentic local experiences.

    The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) has secured this strategic partnership at a historically significant moment as the island prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the First Salute in November 2026. This historic event refers to 16 November 1776, when Statia became the first foreign territory to officially recognize the independent American flag.

    Recent familiarization tours have highlighted Statia’s unique offerings, including historical Caribbean tours led by STDF Communication Specialist Erieënne Brandao that explore the island’s rich colonial heritage. Additionally, eco-tourism adventures feature guided treks up The Quill, a dormant volcano and protected nature reserve, led by Anthony Reid of Global Nature Consultancy & Partners. These experiences showcase the island’s exceptional biodiversity and provide expert ecological perspectives.

    The Caribbean 365 platform has garnered recognition in prestigious travel publications including Forbes, Travel Noire, and Travel Weekly. With access to a global network of over 40,000 travel advisers who actively book Caribbean holidays, this initiative positions Statia to reach thousands of high-value travelers and tourism professionals worldwide.

    Maya Pandt, Director of Tourism at STDF, emphasizes the timing’s significance: “This strategic partnership ensures our compelling historical narrative reaches global audiences precisely when interest in American Revolutionary history and Caribbean heritage tourism will peak.”

    As a Dutch Caribbean island, Statia offers intimate, small-scale tourism experiences focused on sustainability, featuring world-class diving in a protected marine reserve with seven distinct ecosystems, living history as an open-air museum with colonial-era ruins, and diverse nature activities including volcano hiking and wildlife observation. The official launch date for the Caribbean 365 project will be announced shortly.

  • Tourism Ministry Honours Retirees at Team-Building Dinner Celebrating Decades of Service

    Tourism Ministry Honours Retirees at Team-Building Dinner Celebrating Decades of Service

    In a significant gathering that blended celebration with institutional reflection, the Ministry of Tourism and Investment convened a special team-building dinner on February 21st. The event served as both a tribute to departing veterans and a strategic initiative to foster unity among current staff members.

    The evening’s highlight was the formal recognition of five distinguished retirees whose combined service represents approximately 100 years of institutional expertise. Naomi Elizabeth Mason, honored for her extraordinary 43-year tenure, stood as the ministry’s longest-serving retiree. She was joined by Terrance Charles (21 years), Phillip George (23 years), Carlene Gilkes (7 years), and Paula Claire Joseph (5 years).

    Permanent Secretary Sean Cenac delivered heartfelt remarks acknowledging the retirees’ profound impact on both the ministry and the broader tourism sector. “These individuals have fundamentally shaped the foundation of our tourism industry,” Cenac stated. “Their decades of exemplary service have established the platform for our continued growth and development.”

    Looking toward the future, Cenac emphasized the critical importance of internal collaboration and innovation. He challenged current team members to build upon this legacy by enhancing performance metrics and advancing sustainable tourism practices through strengthened cooperation.

    The ministry positions this event as a pivotal moment in its organizational development—simultaneously honoring historical contributions while galvanizing current personnel around shared objectives. This deliberate merging of past appreciation with future-oriented team building reflects a strategic approach to maintaining institutional continuity amid evolving industry challenges.

  • St Eustatius partners with global platform to boost tourism profile

    St Eustatius partners with global platform to boost tourism profile

    The Caribbean island of St. Eustatius (Statia), a special municipality of the Netherlands, is strategically positioning itself as a premier sustainable tourism destination through an innovative digital marketing partnership. The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) has secured inclusion in the groundbreaking Caribbean 365 initiative—a comprehensive year-round promotional platform that combines curated destination features with an integrated booking system.

    This collaboration commenced with a two-day familiarization trip in February 2026 for the Caribbean Travel & Tours production team, marking STDF’s first international media visit of the year. The itinerary highlighted Statia’s dual appeal: its rich historical significance and ecological wonders. Participants experienced a cultural tour led by communication specialist Erieënne Brandao, exploring the island’s colonial heritage, including Fort Oranje—the site where the first salute to the American flag occurred in 1776.

    The program also featured an eco-tourism expedition up The Quill, a dormant volcano and protected nature reserve, guided by Anthony Reid of Global Nature Consultancy & Partners. This segment emphasized Statia’s unique biodiversity and commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

    Tourism Director Maya Pandt underscored the strategic timing of this initiative, noting its alignment with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the First Salute in November 2026. This historic event, wherein Statia became the first territory to recognize American independence, presents significant appeal for heritage tourism, particularly from the U.S. market.

    The Caribbean Travel & Tours platform, acclaimed by Forbes, Travel Noire, and Travel Weekly, leverages a network of over 40,000 travel advisers worldwide. This partnership ensures Statia’s compelling narrative reaches global audiences precisely when interest in revolutionary history and sustainable Caribbean travel is peaking.

  • ‘Islandism’ stalling Caribbean free movement, Huntley warns

    ‘Islandism’ stalling Caribbean free movement, Huntley warns

    A former Caribbean diplomat has identified psychological and political barriers—not technical complexities—as the primary obstacles preventing full freedom of movement across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Earl Huntley, Saint Lucia’s former ambassador to the United Nations and CARICOM, asserts that deep-seated fears of mass migration and political hesitancy have stalled regional integration for decades, despite the demonstrated success of smaller-scale initiatives.

    While Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines implemented a pioneering free movement agreement in 2025, the broader CARICOM vision remains unfulfilled. Huntley, who has observed these negotiations for years, contends that the required policy changes could be enacted immediately. “They have raised a lot of technical matters—social security benefits, contingencies for spouses—that I do not believe are necessary,” he stated. “This comes back to what I call ‘islandism’ and insularity.”

    Huntley traced these apprehensions to historical precedents, including the dissolution of the West Indies Federation in the 1960s, when larger territories feared being overwhelmed by migrants. He argues that such concerns are economically irrational. “People move to places where they can find employment opportunities,” he explained. “If there are jobs available in a country and yet unemployment persists, it means the people there don’t want to do those jobs.”

    He cited the successful example of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), which allows free movement without triggering the feared mass exodus. “Even with skilled nationals—media workers, entertainers, nurses, graduates—there has been no mass movement of people. The OECS has proven that these fears are unfounded.”

    Politicians, Huntley added, are reluctant to champion free movement due to potential voter backlash, prioritizing electoral security over regional progress. Meanwhile, the economic costs of inaction are mounting. He pointed to Guyana, with its expanding oil sector and need for a larger workforce, and Saint Lucia, which faces shortages in construction and skilled labor, as examples of economies that would benefit significantly from integrated labor mobility.

    Echoing this frustration, Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre recently criticized the “slow and frustrating” pace of integration, urging citizens to demand action from their leaders to finally realize the long-promised vision of a unified Caribbean.