Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • President: Decision on opposition senators came after ‘sleepless night’ of wide consultation

    President: Decision on opposition senators came after ‘sleepless night’ of wide consultation

    In a landmark constitutional move, Barbados President Jeffrey Bostic has exercised his executive authority to appoint opposition senators amid the nation’s unprecedented absence of a parliamentary opposition. Following hours of meticulous deliberation extending into the early morning, President Bostic selected Ryan Walters of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and Karina Goodridge of the Friends of Democracy (FOD) party for the crucial Senate positions.

    The appointments, conducted during a swearing-in ceremony at State House on Friday, mark a significant departure from conventional political processes. President Bostic confirmed his decision emerged from evaluating candidates across multiple political groups, not limited to the two names submitted by the DLP. This approach reflects the extraordinary constitutional circumstances created by the governing Barbados Labour Party’s third consecutive electoral sweep, which left no opposition representation in Parliament.

    Addressing the newly appointed senators, President Bostic acknowledged the weight of his constitutional responsibility under Section 75 of the Barbados Constitution, which grants the President sole authority to appoint opposition senators when no parliamentary opposition exists. ‘I spent several hours into the early hours of this morning deliberating because I had a number of other persons from other groups that I was looking at before making my decision,’ the President revealed during the ceremony, which commenced approximately an hour behind schedule.

    The selection process attracted significant public attention, with reports indicating the President had consulted beyond traditional political structures. Senator Walters, a seasoned legislator who previously contested St Michael North West, attended with family members, while Senator Goodridge, making her parliamentary debut, was accompanied by her husband, parents, and FOD general secretary Steve Blackett.

    President Bostic offered particular encouragement to Senator Goodridge, noting that initial nervousness would be natural for any new senator. He emphasized that parliamentary officials would provide support during her transition into the ‘hallowed chamber’ of governance.

    This appointment establishes a historic precedent as Senator Goodridge becomes the first third-party representative to assume parliamentary office in Barbados, challenging the nation’s traditional two-party dominance. The development follows the withdrawal of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2022, which proposed modifying the appointment process but was retracted in August 2022, maintaining the President’s current constitutional authority.

  • Band Leaders Demand Resignation of Carnival Association

    Band Leaders Demand Resignation of Carnival Association

    A significant upheaval is unfolding within Belize’s carnival community as prominent band leaders have publicly demanded the immediate resignation of the Belize Carnival Association’s executive leadership. The escalating conflict reached a critical point during a press conference where longstanding grievances regarding financial transparency and organizational support were formally articulated.

    Band representatives from major groups including Soca Massive, Soca Moca, and Titans Mass Band presented a unified front against the current administration. Their primary concerns center on inconsistent prize distribution practices, with leaders revealing they receive undifferentiated checks without detailed breakdowns of competition category winnings. Veteran band leader Audrey Bradley testified to receiving five different prize amounts despite consistent first-place victories over five consecutive years.

    The financial burden on participating bands has become increasingly unsustainable according to testimony. David Matus of Titans Mass Band disclosed investments exceeding $100,000 annually while prize structures have remained stagnant for twenty-eight years. Beyond financial concerns, band leaders cited inadequate security provisions and disrespectful treatment during organizational meetings.

    Leroy Smith of Fort Revelers raised accountability questions regarding allegedly unreturned prize money from disqualified participants, calling upon the National Celebrations Commission to provide clarification. The movement has culminated in a formal letter of no confidence signed by multiple band leaders, though the association has dismissed this as procedurally invalid.

    In response, Belize Carnival Association President Patrick Thompson maintained his administration would continue leading through Carnival 2026, noting his planned departure after completing his four-year term. Thompson emphasized his twenty-year tenure had elevated the event’s standards and confirmed his executive would proceed with Road March 2026 planning despite the challenges.

    The dissenting band leaders emphasize their movement aims to strengthen rather than undermine Belize’s carnival tradition. Denise Young of Belizean Jewels articulated the collective desire for leadership that actively supports participants’ substantial investments and provides meaningful representation for those sustaining the cultural celebration.

  • Senator Chris Coye Appointed Special Envoy for Finance and Investment

    Senator Chris Coye Appointed Special Envoy for Finance and Investment

    In a strategic move to bolster its economic development agenda, the Government of Belize has officially designated Senator Christopher Coye as the nation’s Special Envoy for Finance and Investments. The appointment, formally executed by Governor General Froyla Tzalam and documented in the Belize Gazette, carries retroactive effect from January 1, 2026, establishing Coye’s four-year mandate to orchestrate high-value financial initiatives.

    The newly created position empowers the seasoned attorney and former Finance Minister to represent governmental interests across all financial and investment domains. Coye’s authority encompasses collaborative operations with ministries dedicated to economic transformation, civil aviation, and digital governance infrastructure.

    This appointment marks a return to fiscal leadership for Coye, who previously served as Minister of State in the Finance Ministry before resigning in September 2025 following the People’s United Party’s electoral triumph. Since his departure from the executive branch, Coye has maintained his legislative role while resuming private legal practice.

    In exclusive comments to News Five, Senator Coye expressed readiness to leverage his expertise, stating: “I stand prepared to utilize my experience and professional networks at the Prime Minister’s discretion to attract substantive finance and investment opportunities for Belize.” His designation positions him as a pivotal architect of Belize’s economic trajectory during a period of significant investment potential.

    Concurrently, the Transport Ministry’s engagement of law firm Courtenay Coye LLP for the National Bus Company initiative has generated public scrutiny. Transport Minister Louis Zabaneh defended the selection, emphasizing the firm’s documented competency in public-private partnerships and precedent work on the National Gas Company and Southern Deep Port projects.

  • New King’s Trust cohort begins youth development journey in St George

    New King’s Trust cohort begins youth development journey in St George

    Barbados has inaugurated its first 2026 cohort of the King’s Trust International Team Programme, welcoming fourteen young participants to a comprehensive 12-week leadership development initiative. The program launched officially at the Glebe Resource Centre in St. George with an orientation session designed to establish foundational teamwork and personal connection among attendees.

    Inspector Roger Babb of the Barbados Police Service’s Community Relations Department, who serves as crime prevention officer, emphasized the program’s significant role in youth development. “This initiative focuses on empowering young persons to develop themselves to the stage where they can confidently enter society, seek employment, and conduct themselves in ways that bring personal and national pride,” Babb stated, highlighting the program’s alternative to criminal pathways.

    The selection process employs a community-based recruitment strategy utilizing former participants as ambassadors, targeted flyers, and ongoing community engagement. Since its establishment in 2016, this partnership between the Barbados Police Service and King’s Trust International has successfully guided approximately 776 young Barbadians through the program, with many advancing to employment opportunities or further education.

    Sergeant Roger Williams, team coordinator for the program, detailed the comprehensive curriculum structure. The initial induction phase focuses on team-building activities and self-reflection exercises, followed by an intensive residential component at the Coast Guard base featuring challenging physical activities including hiking and obstacle courses. Participants subsequently design and execute community projects requiring fundraising and public engagement, developing practical skills in entrepreneurship and social contribution.

    The program incorporates essential life skills training through specialist resource persons covering financial literacy, CV preparation, and interview techniques. This holistic approach ensures participants develop both the soft skills and practical competencies necessary for workplace success and personal development, ultimately creating well-rounded individuals prepared for professional environments.

  • Villagers, Private Owners Raise Alarm Over Maya Land Rights

    Villagers, Private Owners Raise Alarm Over Maya Land Rights

    Southern Belize is witnessing escalating tensions over land ownership rights as conflicting claims between indigenous communities and private landowners intensify. In San Marcos village, residents are mobilizing to reclaim territory in Big Fall that they assert forms part of their ancestral communal lands, despite documented private ownership by a local farmer.

    Simultaneously, private landowners in the Toledo district have expressed mounting concerns regarding the proposed Maya Land Tenure Bill, fearing potential infringement upon their legally held property rights and long-term security. The legislation aims to formalize indigenous land rights but has created uncertainty among non-Maya property holders.

    Minister of Indigenous Affairs Dr. Louis Zabaneh addressed these developments, revealing that the government has established a provisional expert committee to mediate the complex situation. “We met a few months back with landowners to ensure we understood the situation from all perspectives,” Zabaneh stated. “These third parties are affected by any decision made regarding the delimitation of Maya areas that would cover private lands.”

    The interdisciplinary committee includes representation from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Environment, and notably, the Ministry of National Security due to the potentially contentious nature of the disputes. Recent progress has been made in addressing tax payment complications that had previously frozen land transactions for non-Maya residents near indigenous communities.

    In a related development, Belize’s indigenous communities are poised to receive a substantial $40 million climate investment from the Green Climate Fund, administered through the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center. The Julian Cho Society will lead implementation efforts, though questions remain regarding governmental oversight to ensure proper fund distribution. Minister Zabaneh confirmed discussions about extending similar considerations to the Garifuna community during his November visit to the Fund’s headquarters in South Korea.

  • Church and State Deepen Partnership at Religious Affairs Retreat

    Church and State Deepen Partnership at Religious Affairs Retreat

    In a significant move to fortify institutional collaboration, Belizean religious leaders convened with government officials in Belize City on February 20, 2026, for a ministerial retreat focused on enhancing church-state cooperation. The event, orchestrated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs under the leadership of Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh and CEO Chester Williams, brought together diverse faith representatives to establish a framework for addressing national challenges through unified action.

    Minister Zabaneh emphasized the established foundation guiding their collaborative efforts in both public and private spheres, particularly regarding nation-building objectives. “I look forward to us continuing to define and prioritize those special areas that we need to work on together,” Zabaneh stated, highlighting the progressive nature of this governmental partnership with religious institutions.

    Archbishop Philip Wright, President of the Belize Council of Churches, articulated the complementary roles of religious and governmental entities, asserting that “the church’s role in society has never been to replace the state, nor to compete with it.” Instead, Wright emphasized the church’s mission to foster community connections, uphold human dignity, and advocate for truth with compassion, while acknowledging the state’s responsibility to ensure justice, peace, and protection for vulnerable populations.

    CEO Chester Williams presented a nuanced perspective on religious inclusion, recognizing Belize’s Christian foundation while advocating for broader representation. “As a government, we represent everybody, and not just a fraction of society,” Williams noted, emphasizing the need to balance Christian traditions with the rights and perspectives of non-Christian communities.

    Reverend Lloyd Stanford of the Belize Association of Evangelical Churches highlighted the ongoing pursuit of unity despite doctrinal differences, expressing hope that the forum would enhance understanding of societal challenges. The retreat concluded with reinforced commitments to ongoing dialogue and a clearer roadmap for collaborative action between religious and governmental entities for the nation’s benefit.

  • Area Rep Presses for Fix to Sarteneja School Crisis

    Area Rep Presses for Fix to Sarteneja School Crisis

    In Corozal Southeast, Belize, a protracted educational dilemma continues as Sarteneja Baptist High School enters its fourth year without a permanent facility. Area Representative Florencio Marin Jr. has broken his silence regarding the institution’s prolonged struggle, asserting his ongoing collaboration with school administrators to secure a lasting solution.

    Marin emphasized the division’s broader educational landscape, noting that three high schools currently serve the rural area, including the government-supported St. Viator High School located minutes away, which offers tuition-free education. Despite these alternatives, Sarteneja Baptist High’s student body continues their studies in temporarily borrowed spaces, primarily within the village community center and adjacent buildings.

    The representative detailed his office’s historical support, including financial assistance to settle outstanding bills, donations of computer equipment, and help securing additional teaching staff. Regarding the facility crisis, Marin explained that the school’s previous landlord terminated their lease, prompting the Village Council to provide interim accommodations.

    “We are actively working with the government to determine when construction of a proper school building can be incorporated into the development cycle,” Marin stated during a telephone interview. “While other parties have expressed interest in assisting, no concrete agreements have been finalized.”

    The situation highlights the challenges facing rural education infrastructure in Belize, where despite government efforts to provide accessible education, specific communities continue to experience facility shortages that impact learning conditions.

  • Belizean Students Turn Nora Parham Tragedy into Musical

    Belizean Students Turn Nora Parham Tragedy into Musical

    Two Belizean graduate students at Austin Peay State University are channeling their nation’s profound historical trauma into a powerful theatrical production. Cameron Tillett and Alysia Norales have undertaken the monumental task of transforming the tragic story of Nora Parham—Belize’s first and only executed woman—into an original musical theater piece.

    The production represents years of meticulous research and creative development, with Tillett having conceptualized the project for over five years before formally committing to paper. The musical delves into the heartbreaking case of a mother wrongfully convicted and hanged decades ago, a story that remains etched in Belize’s collective memory.

    Artistically, the production promises an authentic cultural experience by incorporating traditional Belizean musical styles including bruk down and punta, while simultaneously integrating contemporary theatrical elements. This fusion creates a unique soundscape that honors Belize’s cultural heritage while appealing to modern audiences.

    The creators have received notable recognition from their university’s theater faculty, particularly impressive given their lack of formal theater experience. However, as international students facing funding challenges due to work restrictions, Tillett and Norales have established a dedicated email (themusicalnora@gmail.com) to solicit donations for production costs, props, and staging requirements.

    The upcoming university festival will serve as the production’s debut platform, with campus auditions scheduled for next week. Ultimately, the artists aspire to bring their culturally significant work back to Belize, sharing this important historical reckoning with their homeland audience.

  • NEBL Season Opens Tonight with Major Hype

    NEBL Season Opens Tonight with Major Hype

    The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) commences its highly anticipated new season tonight amid unprecedented excitement, marking what organizers project as potentially the most significant basketball event in Belizean sports history. The season opener at Belize Civic Center features a championship rematch between the San Pedro Tiger Sharks and Cayo Western Ballerz, followed by a showdown between Belize City Defenders and Orange Walk Running Rebels.

    Beyond the competitive double-header, the event transforms into a comprehensive entertainment spectacle featuring celebrity performances by Supa G, a high-stakes $5,000 shooting competition, and an extensive array of giveaways including smartphones, televisions, resort packages, and exclusive event access.

    Dr. Karim Juan, coach of the Cayo Western Ballerz, emphasized the historic significance of the occasion: “We are anticipating one of the most substantial basketball gatherings in Belize over the past decade. The Civic Center expects maximum capacity with an unprecedented offering of fan engagement activities alongside premium athletic competition.”

    The opening game commences at 7:30 PM, recreating last tournament’s championship dynamic between the Tiger Sharks and Ballerz, while the subsequent match pits the Defenders against the Running Rebels. This dual-game format provides spectators with two premium contests for a single admission price, enhancing accessibility and value for basketball enthusiasts nationwide.

  • Labor Standards : Haiti in «serious deficiency» of compliance (ILO)

    Labor Standards : Haiti in «serious deficiency» of compliance (ILO)

    The International Labour Organization’s 2026 assessment reveals a severe deterioration in Haiti’s adherence to international labor standards, marking a critical failure in social governance. According to the report, the Caribbean nation has systematically neglected its obligations under multiple conventions, creating what the ILO characterizes as an unprecedented labor rights crisis.

    Under Article 19 of the ILO Constitution, member states are required to regularly report on convention implementation. Haiti has persistently failed this fundamental requirement for over a decade, with 16 reports currently outstanding. This chronic non-compliance has resulted in the country’s classification as being in ‘serious failure of submission,’ significantly damaging its international credibility.

    The evaluation identifies particularly alarming conditions regarding Convention No. 98 concerning collective bargaining rights. Since 2014, Haiti has submitted no reports on this critical convention, while the textile sector continues to face serious allegations of anti-union dismissals. The current security crisis has effectively paralyzed union activities, rendering collective bargaining virtually nonexistent.

    Child labor protections show equally concerning deficiencies. Despite ratifying Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, monitoring has stalled with no reports since 2011. The restavèk system—a practice of forced domestic child labor—remains entrenched despite existing legislation. The ILO notes that current laws lack sufficiently dissuasive criminal penalties to eradicate this exploitation.

    Labor inspection capabilities have deteriorated markedly under Convention No. 81, with inspectors lacking clear status and intervention capacity. This deficiency particularly affects nighttime inspections and leaves workers in precarious sectors without adequate protection.

    Social security coverage through OFATMA remains limited to the formal economy, excluding most agricultural and informal workers from compensation for workplace accidents or occupational diseases.

    The ILO concludes that Haiti faces a systemic crisis requiring immediate institutional reform. Restoring international credibility will necessitate transparency and the revitalization of effective social dialogue mechanisms.