Carib Scope

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  • Domínguez Brito: “The behavioral crisis of our adolescents is a national alarm”

    Domínguez Brito: “The behavioral crisis of our adolescents is a national alarm”

    SANTO DOMINGO, DR – Prominent political figure Francisco Domínguez Brito has issued a stark warning regarding escalating violence and disrespect within educational institutions, characterizing the situation as a national emergency that demands immediate state and societal intervention.

    Addressing recent disturbing incidents at schools across Santo Domingo, San Francisco de Macorís, and Santiago, Domínguez Brito condemned the current climate as profoundly unacceptable. “Educators increasingly confront threats, verbal abuse, and physical violence without adequate institutional backing,” he stated. “The erosion of teacher authority and their resulting vulnerability directly undermines educational institutions and disrupts the broader social fabric of communities.”

    Domínguez Brito presented a nuanced analysis, asserting that this behavioral crisis among adolescents stems from complex societal failures rather than individual student culpability. He identified key contributing factors including family disintegration, insufficient community support systems, premature exposure to alcohol and narcotics, and a critical deficiency in effective preventive government strategies. “This represents a pervasive social dilemma that our nation has neglected for far too long,” he emphasized.

    In response to this multifaceted challenge, the leader proposed a comprehensive action plan. His recommendations include reinforcing school psychological and guidance services, implementing definitive protocols for educator protection, developing robust mechanisms for violence reporting and resolution, and enhancing collaborative social outreach programs to identify at-risk youth vulnerable to substance abuse and academic abandonment.

    Concluding his appeal, Domínguez Brito underscored the fundamental importance of safeguarding educators: “Ensuring teacher security is synonymous with protecting our nation’s future. Our schools must transform into secure environments where educators operate with respected authority, dignity, and substantive institutional support.”

  • High jumper Jacobie is raising the bar

    High jumper Jacobie is raising the bar

    Saint Lucian athlete Jenneil Jacobie has catapulted herself into the track and field spotlight with a record-shattering performance in women’s high jump. The 21-year-old Corinth Secondary alumna achieved a personal best of 1.87 meters last week, establishing new benchmarks at East Texas A&M University and the Southland Conference while simultaneously meeting qualification standards for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

    Jacobie’s remarkable leap represents the fourth-highest achievement in Saint Lucian women’s high jump history, trailing only legendary athletes Levern Spencer, Jeannelle Scheper and Makeba Alcide. Despite this accomplishment, the rising star maintains she has yet to reach her full potential.

    The journey to this breakthrough has been fraught with challenges. After attracting attention from multiple American universities with 1.70m jumps in her homeland, Jacobie selected then-Division II institution Texas A&M Commerce (now ETAMU) primarily due to the presence of renowned high jump coach Rock Light. Her collegiate career immediately faced setbacks when medical complications that had plagued her in Saint Lucia forced her to miss her entire freshman season.

    “My first year truly tested me,” Jacobie reflected. “I had to cultivate patience and understand that circumstances don’t always align favorably. Through it all, my coaches never wavered in their belief in my capabilities.”

    After undergoing surgery that cost her the 2025 competitive season, Jacobie spent 18 months in recovery and contemplation. “I discovered how deeply my identity was intertwined with track and field,” she revealed. “Watching competitions from the sidelines proved emotionally challenging, so I channeled my energy into supporting teammates and sharing knowledge to remain connected to the sport.”

    Her comeback has been nothing short of spectacular. In two appearances this season, Jacobie has set meet records each time and earned Southland Conference Field Athlete of the Week honors on both occasions. Currently ranked among the NCAA’s top ten high jumpers, she now sets her sights on qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and becoming only the third Saint Lucian to clear 1.90 meters.

    Coach Light has implemented a carefully managed training regimen to balance academic responsibilities with athletic ambitions. Meanwhile, Jacobie has undergone a parallel transformation in her academic pursuits, transitioning from nursing to pre-medical studies after her aunt encouraged her to reconsider her professional limitations.

    “Maintaining equilibrium between rigorous pre-med coursework, rehabilitation protocols, and competition schedules demands meticulous planning and perseverance,” Jacobie acknowledged. “The spring semester presents particular challenges, requiring constant schedule reevaluation to optimize performance across all domains.”

    With a renewed mindset that rejects self-imposed limitations both on and off the track, Jacobie continues to redefine her potential. “I believe there’s more capacity waiting to be unlocked,” she stated. “My approach focuses on consistent effort, proper treatment adherence, and avoiding premature exhaustion—not merely participating in major competitions, but delivering exceptional performances when it matters most.”

  • Brazil 2027 Qualifiers : The new Swedish coach unveils the list of Grenadières convened

    Brazil 2027 Qualifiers : The new Swedish coach unveils the list of Grenadières convened

    In a significant development for Caribbean football, newly appointed Swedish coach Pia Sundhage has announced her inaugural squad selection for the Haitian Women’s National Team. The revelation comes as the Grenadières prepare for their CONCACAF qualifying campaign ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

    The two-time Olympic gold medalist coach, who took helm of the Haitian team recently, revealed a balanced roster that strategically blends experienced veterans with promising young talent. The selection demonstrates Sundhage’s approach to maintaining team stability while injecting fresh energy into the squad.

    Notably, the core group of players who have represented Haiti admirably in recent years remains largely intact. However, Sundhage has introduced several emerging prospects, including Nadia Cassamajor and Amélie Chloé Joseph, both promoted from the U-20 national team program. These additions signal the coach’s commitment to building competitive depth within the squad.

    The team features players competing professionally across multiple leagues worldwide, with representation from clubs in France, England, and the United States. Standout names include Melchie Dumornay (Olympique Lyonnais), Nerilia Mondesir (Seattle Reign), and Batcheba Louis (Birmingham City), who bring top-level experience to the qualification effort.

    Training preparations commence on February 22, 2026, with the team’s opening qualifying match scheduled against Suriname’s national team on March 3rd at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium. The Group D schedule subsequently pits Haiti against Anguilla (April 9) and the Dominican Republic (April 17) as they pursue qualification for the global tournament scheduled for June-July 2027.

    Sundhage’s appointment and initial squad selection mark a new chapter for Haitian women’s football as they aim to build on their previous World Cup appearance and establish themselves as consistent contenders in the CONCACAF region.

  • Kenscoff : Large-scale operation, at least 16 bandits killed

    Kenscoff : Large-scale operation, at least 16 bandits killed

    In a decisive nighttime operation spanning February 20-21, 2026, Haitian security forces launched a major offensive against armed groups in the Kenscoff region. The Haitian National Police (PNH) executed a meticulously planned encirclement strategy, deploying specialized units to the Godet and Wynn Farm sectors beginning at midnight.

    The tactical engagement reached its peak around 4:00 a.m. when PNH forces, utilizing sniper teams and aerial drone support, confronted the armed militants. Preliminary field reports confirm at least 16 combatants were fatally neutralized during the exchange of fire.

    The operation represented a coordinated effort involving multiple security branches, including the PNH’s elite Task Force and Private Military Company (PMC) personnel. While the mission achieved its primary objective of disrupting militant activities, logistical challenges prevented the immediate recovery of weapons and ammunition from the deceased combatants due to their dispersed positions across the operational zone.

    Security operations remain ongoing as Haitian forces continue their systematic sweep to fully secure the area and eliminate remaining threats to public safety.

  • Creators celebrate Independence with handmade pride

    Creators celebrate Independence with handmade pride

    As Saint Lucia approaches its Independence celebrations, local artisans at Blue Coral Mall are transforming the national occasion into a vibrant platform for cultural expression and economic resilience. These craftspeople are not merely displaying their creations but are actively preserving traditions while navigating significant entrepreneurial challenges.

    Terril Nicholas of Illuminating Designs represents the passionate spirit of these artisans. What began as a hobby evolved into a full-time vocation in 2008. “Crafting was always my parallel pursuit regardless of my employment situation,” Nicholas recounted. Her transition to professional artistry confronted substantial obstacles, particularly import duties and material accessibility. “Securing raw materials remains our most persistent challenge,” she noted, highlighting the financial constraints of island-based production. Despite these hurdles, Independence provides crucial exposure opportunities: “This season lets us showcase our products while proudly displaying the national colors.”

    Nicholas’s copper creations embody both artistic vision and functional benefits. “I create entirely self-inspired pieces without digital references,” she emphasized. Her copperwork extends beyond aesthetics, offering purported health advantages including improved circulation and arthritic pain relief.

    Similar narratives of innovation echo throughout the mall. Em’s Creations distinguishes itself through inventive material reuse, particularly with can caps. Francis Beverly Pierre of Goshen Pierre Plus has developed a commemorative jigsaw puzzle honoring Saint Lucia’s Nobel laureates—economist Sir Arthur Lewis and poet Sir Derek Walcott. “This collector’s item represents what we want to preserve about our heritage,” Pierre explained, noting strong interest from international visitors seeking meaningful souvenirs.

    The textile arts find vibrant expression through Samantha Suzy Rosanna Alexander’s Suzy Dezigns. Her crochet journey began at age eight under maternal guidance. “My mother knitted all our childhood clothes,” Alexander recalled. Her business emerged organically in 2016 when floral arrangement classes sparked demand for crochet accessories. “People began requesting earrings and brooches featuring my floral designs,” she said.

    Generational craftsmanship continues through Constance A. Alexander, who has maintained crochet traditions since the 1960s. Meanwhile, Marina Monroque-Lafeuillee of Belle Lici Designs demonstrates extraordinary resourcefulness, having initially crafted tools from coconut branches and flower sack threads. “I sharpen coconut leaf bones to create knitting needles,” she shared, embodying the innovative spirit that characterizes Saint Lucian artisans.

    Despite their creativity, these entrepreneurs face shared challenges: limited retail spaces, export barriers, and material import complexities. Yet Independence celebrations provide vital temporary venues and international exposure. Many artisans already reach overseas markets through initiatives like Export Saint Lucia’s London store, but aspire to broader global recognition while maintaining their distinctive cultural identities.

  • The NIS appointment and the people’s mandate

    The NIS appointment and the people’s mandate

    The recent electoral triumph in St. Vincent and the Grenadines marked a decisive shift in political leadership, with voters delivering a powerful repudiation of the previous administration’s perceived elitism and centralized power structures. Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Godwin Friday, who concurrently serves as Finance Minister, has been methodically constructing his governance framework with generally well-received appointments that demonstrate strategic alignment of skills and positions.

    This promising beginning, however, now faces significant challenges following the controversial designation of Mr. Stephen Joachim as chairman of the National Insurance Services (NIS). The announcement has triggered substantial discontent among core supporters of the ruling New Democratic Party (NDP), particularly those ordinary citizens who maintained party loyalty during its most difficult opposition years. Many describe the selection as a profound betrayal that contradicts campaign promises.

    While Mr. Joachim’s academic qualifications in accounting and law remain undisputed, his documented public history reveals a pattern of dismissive rhetoric toward NDP supporters across various media platforms over the past decade. This appointment has revived concerns about the party’s tendency to concentrate high-level positions among individuals from specific geographic areas—notably Kingstown, Cane Garden, Villa, Ratho Mill, and Bequia—while overlooking accomplished professionals from North Leeward, Central Leeward, North Windward, South Windward Constituencies, and Marriaqua.

    The nation possesses abundant qualified alternatives with expertise in financial investment, management, and pension administration who operate with more people-centric approaches suitable for leading national institutions. This decision risks perpetuating the damaging perception that the NDP leverages ordinary citizens for electoral support but excludes them from substantive leadership opportunities once in power.

    The current administration deserves opportunity to demonstrate governance competence, but this early personnel decision suggests a potential return to problematic patterns of elitism and tribal power concentration. The government’s commitment to genuine inclusive governance and the integrity of the electoral mandate now face crucial testing, requiring immediate corrective demonstration that the promised era of change remains on course.

  • BIS brengt diplomaten en bedrijfsleven samen voor versterking internationale samenwerking

    BIS brengt diplomaten en bedrijfsleven samen voor versterking internationale samenwerking

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation (BIS) hosted its inaugural networking reception on Friday, marking a significant step toward enhancing collaboration between government entities, international partners, and the private sector. The high-profile event was attended by President Jennifer Simons, members of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and business representatives.

    Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva emphasized the critical importance of strategic partnerships for achieving sustainable development goals. He revealed that economic diplomacy has become the cornerstone of Suriname’s foreign policy since his appointment in July 2025, resulting in the signing of more than fifteen agreements and memoranda of understanding.

    The minister detailed ongoing efforts to explore new economic opportunities through bilateral business councils with neighboring Guyana, the Netherlands, and several other nations including Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Ghana, and Barbados.

    Looking ahead, Minister Bouva highlighted the upcoming celebration in 2026 of fifty years of diplomatic relations with over twenty partner countries. He stressed that both government and private sector actors play pivotal roles in strengthening Suriname’s international standing.

    French Ambassador Nicolas de Bouillane de Lacoste, who serves as dean of the Diplomatic Corps, expressed appreciation for Suriname’s commitment to international law and the rule of law.

    President Simons articulated the administration’s vision, noting that economic reconstruction and social cohesion can only be achieved through collective efforts. She announced forthcoming measures to structure the gold sector, stimulate investments in agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, and provide youth with improved access to entrepreneurial financing.

    The president also emphasized the strategic significance of the oil and gas sector while underscoring the necessity of international partnerships. She reaffirmed Suriname’s continued focus on climate policy, regional leadership roles within CARICOM, and strengthening diplomatic capacity to position the nation more prominently on the global stage.

  • Authentic Green fig and saltfish

    Authentic Green fig and saltfish

    Beyond mere sustenance, Green Fig and Saltfish embodies the historical and cultural soul of Saint Lucia. This iconic dish, with origins tracing to the island’s colonial era, represents a culinary adaptation that transformed imported preserved cod from European traders and locally grown green bananas into a national symbol.

    Its evolution from a practical meal for earlier generations to a contemporary staple served across households, luxury resorts, and festive gatherings illustrates its profound role in Saint Lucian identity. The preparation is a ritual in itself, connecting modern-day cooks to their heritage through time-honored techniques.

    The meticulous process begins with the saltfish, which requires thorough desalination, typically achieved through an overnight soak or a double boiling method with water changes. The fish is then carefully flaked and deboned. Simultaneously, the green bananas (known locally as ‘green figs’) are prepared by scoring their skins and boiling them until tender before being peeled and sliced.

    The heart of the dish is an aromatic sauce. Oil is heated in a pan to sauté a traditional sofrito of sliced onions, chopped garlic, sweet pepper, and fresh thyme. Chopped tomatoes are added to create a rich, saucy base. The flaked saltfish and a whole hot pepper—left intact to impart flavor without overwhelming heat—are then incorporated.

    In the final step, the boiled green bananas are gently folded into the savory mixture, seasoned with black pepper, and simmered to allow the flavors to meld harmoniously. The dish is traditionally presented alongside fresh accompaniments like avocado, cucumber, or a crisp coleslaw, completing a meal that is both a tribute to the past and a vibrant part of Saint Lucia’s living culture.

  • Pregnant Deer with Twins Killed: “This Is Why We Close Seasons”

    Pregnant Deer with Twins Killed: “This Is Why We Close Seasons”

    Belizean forest authorities have apprehended five individuals in the Los Tambos region of Cayo District for engaging in prohibited deer hunting activities during the legally mandated closed season. The Saturday morning operation uncovered a distressing scene: three slaughtered white-tailed deer, among them a skinned pregnant doe carrying twin fawns that had been extracted from her womb. Additionally, officers discovered a live fawn in the possession of the detained group.

    Victoria Chi, a representative from the Belize Forest Department, emphasized the ecological rationale behind seasonal hunting restrictions: “This tragic incident precisely demonstrates why we implement closed seasons—these animals are either pregnant or nurturing their young. Hunting during these vulnerable periods is strictly prohibited under national legislation.”

    Current regulations established by the Wildlife Protection Act provide comprehensive safeguards for deer populations. Female deer receive protection from July 1st through February 28th of the subsequent year, while male deer may only be legally hunted between October 1st and June 30th. Violations of these conservation laws carry severe penalties, including fines reaching $10,000 Belize dollars or potential imprisonment for up to one year.

    The Forest Department has encouraged public participation in conservation efforts by providing a dedicated hotline (610-1524) for reporting illegal hunting activities. This case has sparked renewed discussion about wildlife protection measures and the importance of seasonal hunting restrictions in maintaining sustainable animal populations.

  • PM Says Water Now Flowing in St. Philip’s North After Town Hall Concerns

    PM Says Water Now Flowing in St. Philip’s North After Town Hall Concerns

    In a rapid response to constituent concerns, the Antiguan government has successfully addressed water supply issues in St. Philip’s North following direct community engagement. Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed the improvements during his appearance on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne show, highlighting how water pressure inconsistencies were resolved within days of being raised at a recent town hall meeting.

    The Prime Minister recounted how constituents openly voiced their concerns during the well-attended public forum, with one resident particularly emphasizing the water challenges facing the community. Browne revealed that he subsequently received confirmation from previously frustrated residents that water pressure had been restored to satisfactory levels, with one complainant enthusiastically reporting ‘powerful’ water flow.

    This swift resolution came after the responsible minister committed to restoring water services by Saturday and ensuring more consistent supply moving forward. Browne emphasized that such direct engagement forums form a crucial component of the government’s accountability measures, allowing officials to directly address service delivery issues affecting local communities.

    The improvements coincide with ongoing campaigning in St. Philip’s North ahead of the March 16 by-election, triggered by the retirement of longtime MP Sir Robin Yearwood. Browne noted that these town hall meetings not only allow residents to show support for the governing Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party but also create opportunities to hold ministers accountable for addressing critical community needs.