Carib Scope

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  • SJDC Marks 40th Anniversary With Week of Activities

    SJDC Marks 40th Anniversary With Week of Activities

    The St. John’s Development Corporation (SJDC) launches a commemorative week celebrating its 40th anniversary, embracing the thematic vision ’40 Years: Honoring our Past: Shaping our Future.’ The milestone celebrations commenced on Friday, February 20th, with an early morning feature on the popular local program ‘Good Morning Antigua and Barbuda.’

    The schedule continues with a spiritual observance on Sunday, February 22nd, hosting a congregational service at Spring Gardens Moravian Church at 8 a.m., followed by a communal breakfast at Heritage Hotel at 10:30 a.m.

    Highlighting its civic responsibilities, the corporation has designated Monday, February 23rd, for a dedicated media day. This initiative will concentrate on public education regarding litter awareness, prevention, and control strategies, beginning at 7:45 a.m.

    Midweek, on Thursday, February 26th, the corporation will express its gratitude during Customer Appreciation Day at 10:30 a.m. The following day, Friday, February 27th, is reserved for internal staff recognition. Employees will participate in a designated ‘Staff Dress Day’ and attend an inspirational talk by a motivational speaker at 1 p.m. at the Heritage Hotel.

    The extensive anniversary program will culminate on Saturday, February 28th, with an evening of leisure and community bonding. A barbecue social accompanied by games night is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Multipurpose Center.

    Established four decades ago, the SJDC emphasized that this series of events embodies its dual dedication: paying homage to its rich historical legacy while actively forging a progressive path for future development initiatives in St. John’s.

  • Countries Issue Travel Advisories As Cartel henchmen unleash violence after top drug lord killed in Mexico

    Countries Issue Travel Advisories As Cartel henchmen unleash violence after top drug lord killed in Mexico

    A catastrophic wave of retaliatory violence has engulfed at least 20 Mexican states following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias ‘El Mencho’, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The notorious kingpin, Mexico’s most wanted man, died in military custody on Sunday after sustaining severe injuries during a fierce firefight between his personal security detail and Mexican special forces during his capture in Tapalpa, Jalisco.

    The cartel’s response was immediate and brutal. CJNG operatives orchestrated a coordinated campaign of terror, erecting over 250 burning blockades by commandeering and incinerating buses and vehicles. Dozens of banks, pharmacies, and local businesses were set ablaze, casting plumes of black smoke over cities including the major tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta and the World Cup host city, Guadalajara. At Guadalajara’s airport, panicked travelers were sent scrambling for cover amid reports of nearby gunfire.

    The chaos evoked memories of the 2019 Sinaloa cartel uprising following the capture of Ovidio Guzmán López. In response, authorities enacted drastic measures: Jalisco’s governor declared a ‘Code Red,’ suspending all public transport, mass gatherings, and in-person classes. The U.S. State Department issued shelter-in-place advisories for its citizens across multiple states, while the UK Foreign Office urged extreme caution. Approximately 300 tourists were evacuated from Puerto Vallarta’s airport under heavy police escort after flight cancellations.

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the security forces’ operation while urging public calm, asserting that most of the country continued normal operations. The operation, supported by U.S.-provided intelligence, marked a significant victory; the U.S. had offered a $15 million reward for El Mencho, whom U.S. officials identified as a top fentanyl trafficker. While security forces have since lifted 90% of the blockades and made 25 arrests, tensions remain critically high in the cartel’s stronghold.

  • Rotary Clubs Unite in Worship and Reflection to Mark World Peace and Understanding Da

    Rotary Clubs Unite in Worship and Reflection to Mark World Peace and Understanding Da

    On February 22nd, the Cashew Hill Moravian Church hosted a significant gathering of Rotarians from across Antigua, marking the annual observance of World Peace and Understanding Day. This date holds profound historical importance for the global Rotary community, commemorating the inaugural meeting of the first Rotary Club in Chicago on February 23, 1905, when Paul Harris and three visionaries laid the foundation for what would become a worldwide service organization.

    The joint service brought together members from the Rotary Club of Antigua, Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown, and Rotaract in a powerful demonstration of unity and shared purpose. The event served as both a reflective worship service and a reaffirmation of Rotary’s enduring commitment to fostering international goodwill and cross-cultural understanding.

    Vice President Athlyn Davis of the Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown and President Elisa Graham of the Rotary Club of Antigua delivered scripture readings, symbolizing the collaborative spirit that defines the Rotary family in Antigua and Barbuda. Their participation highlighted the organization’s core values of partnership and service.

    Assistant Governor and Past President Jonah Ormond delivered a keynote address reframing the concept of peace through Rotary International’s perspective. He articulated that true peace extends beyond the absence of conflict to encompass the active presence of justice, opportunity, and service to others. Ormond detailed how Rotary’s diverse programs—from community development initiatives to youth leadership programs and international exchanges—all contribute to building sustainable peace through dialogue and cooperation.

    In a compelling call to action, Ormond challenged Rotarians to integrate peacebuilding intentionally into all service projects, regardless of their primary focus on health, youth, or vulnerable families. He urged members to embody Rotary’s values in their daily interactions, promoting tolerance and friendship within their homes, workplaces, and communities. Furthermore, he emphasized the critical importance of engaging community partners—including schools, churches, and youth groups—in honest conversations about conflict resolution and social harmony.

    The observance stands as a testament to Rotary’s foundational principles and its ongoing mission to build bridges across communities and cultures. As Rotarians worldwide continue their work, they remain guided by the organizing principle of Service Above Self and the commitment to standing United for Good in pursuit of a more peaceful, connected, and compassionate world.

  • Spicemas welcomes home Grenadian artistes from Trinidad Carnival 2026

    Spicemas welcomes home Grenadian artistes from Trinidad Carnival 2026

    In a significant celebration of cultural achievement, Spicemas Corporation (SMC) hosted a Special Welcome Ceremony on Friday to honor Grenadian musical ambassadors who excelled at Trinidad and Tobago’s prestigious 2026 Carnival. The event, held at the Maurice Bishop International Airport Administration Building, gathered dignitaries including Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade, cultural officials, and public supporters.

    The ceremony spotlighted artists who elevated Grenada’s musical presence on one of the Caribbean’s most competitive carnival stages. Among those recognized were reigning 2025 Power Soca Monarch Lil Natty & Thunda; Jarvis “Muddy” Cuffie, whose hit single ‘Payroll’ reached number 85 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Songs of 2025 list; and Keron “Lil Kerry” Noel, who secured third place in the 2025 Soca Monarch competition with ‘Bury All.’ Additional acknowledgments went to V’ghn and Terra D Governor for their regionally popular track ‘Jab Decision,’ along with Dred Lion’s ‘Grease It’ and Tallpree and Smokie’s ‘Do For Do.’

    Spicemas Chairman Kurt Ross hailed the occasion as “a moment of cultural pride,” emphasizing that the artists demonstrated exceptional discipline and authentic national representation. “You stepped onto one of the most competitive carnival stages in the Caribbean with confidence, discipline and unmistakable Grenadian identity,” Ross stated. He highlighted that their performances served as cultural diplomacy, promoting Grenada’s Spicemas carnival as a premier event rather than a secondary experience on the Caribbean calendar.

    Ross framed carnival as both a cultural festival and a creative economy, noting that each performance abroad created potential audiences for Spicemas 2026. He urged converting this regional visibility into national and international momentum, calling for strengthened partnerships between artists and the corporation.

    The honored artists expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. Muddy Cuffie described his Trinidad experience as overwhelmingly positive, citing strong Caribbean unity and support from promoters, DJs, and Grenadians abroad. Lil Kerry Noel and Lil Natty & Thunda echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the emotional impact of Trinidadian reception and their commitment to elevating Grenada’s music industry globally. All artists affirmed their dedication to strengthening Grenada’s cultural brand across the region and beyond.

  • Padvinders herdenken Baden-Powell met traditionele cook-out en installatieceremonie

    Padvinders herdenken Baden-Powell met traditionele cook-out en installatieceremonie

    The Pater Anton Donicie Scout Group in Suriname marked the 167th birthday of scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell with a weekend of traditional activities that tested both culinary skills and character development. The centerpiece event featured a cook-out where scouts prepared meals exclusively over wood fires, embracing the movement’s back-to-basics philosophy.

    The most anticipated culinary experiment involved baking chicken pastry in an underground oven—a pit dug into the earth and heated with charcoal. While Sheritsa consulted her mother by phone for cassava preparation advice, Jo-Sara diligently maintained the soup kettle’s wood fire. Other patrols struggled with fundamental tasks: chopping wood proved challenging, and onion preparation brought tears to many young scouts’ eyes.

    Saturday’s installation ceremony at Sunny Point saw formal induction of new cub scouts and explorers, with visibly proud parents participating in the tradition of presenting flowers and placing caps on their children. Bystanders from the neighborhood observed from a distance, seemingly intrigued but hesitant to approach the formal proceedings.

    Group leader Wilgo Koster emphasized the critical role of parental involvement in scouting, noting that ‘it contributes significantly to a child’s development.’ He acknowledged the movement’s ongoing challenges in recruitment despite teaching valuable life skills including self-reliance, cooperation, leadership, nature knowledge, thrift, courage, and perseverance.

    Koster identified discipline as scouting’s foundational pillar, connecting it to broader values: ‘Progress begins with discipline. We teach scouts not just survival skills, but also to avoid materialistic behavior—unfortunately, society seems increasingly focused on acquiring more possessions, which leads to certain problematic behaviors.’

    The Sunday cook-out tested scouts’ patience and ingenuity, requiring them to create fires using only matches and wood, cook soup, and then restore the site to its original condition. Despite initial struggles, the event culminated in impressive culinary achievements that surprised and satisfied casual tasters. The underground-baked chicken pastry received particular praise, though cleaning soot-blackened pots provided an unexpected final challenge that proved more difficult than the cooking itself.

  • UPP Supporters Return to Court in Ongoing ‘Beaches Case’

    UPP Supporters Return to Court in Ongoing ‘Beaches Case’

    The protracted legal battle known as the ‘Beaches Case’ continues as defendants return to the Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 23, at 9 a.m. These individuals face charges related to an alleged trespassing incident at Laurys Bay in the St. Philip North constituency that occurred on Whit Monday, June 9, 2025.

    According to prosecution claims, the group unlawfully accessed property connected to a private development project during the June incident. The case has evolved beyond a simple trespassing matter, transforming into a symbol of the ongoing tension between private development and public beach access rights.

    The proceedings have attracted significant political and public attention, with supporters of the accused characterizing them as patriots defending traditional public access to coastal areas. The case’s prominence was further highlighted when government officials addressed the matter during a Cabinet press briefing on June 11, 2025, confirming that development concerns had been elevated to executive-level discussions.

    Monday’s hearing represents the latest development in a series of court appearances for the defendants as the judicial process continues. The outcome of this session is anticipated to provide further direction for this closely watched case that sits at the intersection of property rights and public access advocacy.

  • Candlelight Vigil Planned for Former MP Eustace “Teco” Lake

    Candlelight Vigil Planned for Former MP Eustace “Teco” Lake

    The community will gather in a solemn tribute to commemorate the life and public service of the late Eustace ‘Teco’ Lake, former Member of Parliament, during a candlelight vigil scheduled for Wednesday evening. The commemorative event is set to occur at the Nut Grove Basketball Court on February 25th, commencing at 6:30 PM, as formally announced through public channels. Event coordinators have indicated that the vigil will serve as a poignant celebration of Lake’s enduring contributions and dedicated service to his constituency and the broader society. Further particulars regarding the ceremony’s program and participating speakers are anticipated to be disclosed in the coming days, allowing community members to properly honor his political legacy and community impact.

  • Powerful winter storm slams US north-east as NYC issues travel ban

    Powerful winter storm slams US north-east as NYC issues travel ban

    A formidable winter storm has unleashed its fury across the northeastern United States, triggering widespread disruption and prompting severe emergency measures. In an unprecedented move, New York City authorities have imposed a mandatory travel ban, effectively grounding all non-essential vehicles to safeguard public safety.

    The tempest, characterized by blinding blizzard conditions and hurricane-force wind gusts, has precipitated a near-total shutdown of metropolitan transit systems. Air travel has been thrown into chaos, with thousands of flights canceled at major hubs including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports. The severity of the conditions has rendered roadways impassable, leading to the closure of critical infrastructure and posing significant hazards to emergency response operations.

    Meteorological reports indicate the storm system is generating historically low barometric pressures, rivaling the intensity of a major hurricane. This has resulted in rapid snow accumulation rates exceeding two inches per hour in some regions, combined with coastal flooding threats due to accompanying storm surges. Utility companies are reporting escalating power outages as heavy, wet snow and powerful winds bring down power lines across multiple states.

    State governments from New York to Maine have declared states of emergency, mobilizing National Guard units for rescue and recovery missions. Residents are being urged to shelter in place as emergency services struggle to respond to calls amidst whiteout conditions. The storm’s timing during a holiday period has amplified its disruptive impact, stranding travelers and overwhelming municipal resources.

    This extreme weather event underscores growing concerns about climate volatility and its effects on urban infrastructure in northern population centers. The coordinated regional response represents one of the most comprehensive winter weather emergency actions in recent history.

  • Central Board of Health Shares Child Safety, Rodent Control Tips at Villa Polyclinic

    Central Board of Health Shares Child Safety, Rodent Control Tips at Villa Polyclinic

    The Central Board of Health has launched a proactive public health initiative this week at Villa Polyclinic, delivering crucial guidance on domestic safety hazards. This comprehensive outreach program addressed two critical public health concerns through dedicated educational sessions.

    In a targeted effort to enhance child welfare, health specialists provided families with evidence-based strategies for creating safer home environments. The advisory encompassed multiple protective measures: securing hazardous substances including pharmaceuticals and cleaning chemicals, implementing child-proofing mechanisms for electrical outlets, safely storing sharp implements, and emphasizing the necessity of constant adult supervision to prevent domestic accidents.

    Concurrently, Vector Control Unit officers conducted parallel engagements on rodent mitigation protocols. Residents received expert consultation on effective infestation prevention, emphasizing environmental management strategies. Recommendations included maintaining debris-free yards, implementing proper waste storage and disposal systems, structural reinforcement through gap sealing in building foundations, and eliminating open food waste disposal practices that attract vermin.

    Health authorities reaffirmed their commitment to community education as a cornerstone of public health improvement. The Board emphasized that these preventive measures, though simple to implement, collectively contribute to substantial enhancements in household safety and community wellbeing, reducing preventable injuries and disease transmission risks.

  • Registration Deadline Fast Approaching for Queen of Carnival 2026

    Registration Deadline Fast Approaching for Queen of Carnival 2026

    With the vibrant ‘Rhythm of Pageantry’ theme building anticipation across the islands, the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has issued an urgent reminder regarding the impending registration closure for the prestigious Queen of Carnival 2026 competition. The deadline for all aspiring participants to submit their completed registration forms is set for Monday, March 16, 2026.

    The Commission is strongly advising all prospective contestants who have already collected their application packets to finalize and return them without delay. For those yet to register, the National Festivals Office remains the primary point of contact. The office is situated on the 1st Floor of the Cecil George-John Building at the intersection of Corn Alley and Redcliffe Street in St. John’s.

    Office hours for form collection and submission are:
    • Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
    • Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

    Recognizing the need for digital accessibility, the Commission is also accepting inquiries and facilitating the registration process through WhatsApp at (268) 727-9201. Additional information can be obtained by calling the main office line at (268) 462-4707.

    A cornerstone of the Antigua Carnival celebrations, the Queen of Carnival competition is revered for its celebration of intellect, artistic talent, graceful poise, and deep cultural heritage. The Festivals Commission is actively encouraging talented young women throughout Antigua and Barbuda to embrace this unparalleled opportunity for personal growth and cultural immersion. This platform offers a transformative journey that extends far beyond the pageantry itself, fostering empowerment and community pride.

    The Commission’s message concludes with an invitation to all: ‘Feel the Rhythm, Antigua Carnival 2026,’ and become part of an enduring and unforgettable cultural spectacle.