Carib Scope

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  • Weekly “Fish Fry” Coming to North Front Street?

    Weekly “Fish Fry” Coming to North Front Street?

    The Belizean government is moving forward with plans to establish a vibrant fish market and weekly culinary event on North Front Street, as announced by Tourism Minister Anthony Mahler. This long-discussed initiative aims to create a dedicated space where both residents and tourists can converge to enjoy authentic local cuisine and immerse themselves in Belizean culture.

    Minister Mahler revealed that the concept was inspired by his international travels, particularly observations of fish markets in the United States. “Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit local fish markets,” Mahler stated. “This exposure sparked the idea that Belize should develop its own premium fish market destination for people to experience.”

    The envisioned market will feature numerous small booths offering freshly caught seafood alongside traditional Belizean favorites. According to Mahler, visitors will be able to enjoy local specialties including fry jacks, flour tortillas, and beans at any time of day within the fish market environment.

    A distinctive component of the project will be the introduction of a weekly “fish fry” event, drawing inspiration from Caribbean traditions where communities gather around fried fish and local dishes accompanied by music and entertainment. While the minister expressed enthusiasm for the cultural and economic potential of the initiative, specific operational details and an official opening timeline remain undetermined at this stage.

  • Environment : Risk Management Actions Three-Year Operational Plan 2024-2027

    Environment : Risk Management Actions Three-Year Operational Plan 2024-2027

    Haiti has unveiled a comprehensive Three-Year Operational Plan (2024-2027) to address the nation’s escalating vulnerability to natural disasters and complex crises. This landmark initiative represents the first actionable framework derived from the National Disaster Risk Management Plan (2019-2030), emerging as the Caribbean nation faces increasingly frequent and overlapping environmental shocks that outpace community recovery efforts.

    The strategic blueprint, developed by Haiti’s National Disaster Risk Management System through its Permanent Secretariat and Directorate General of Civil Protection with international support, adopts a multi-hazard approach to safeguard vulnerable populations. With a sobering 7.2 INFORM risk index rating for 2024, the plan acknowledges that over 93% of Haiti’s territory and 96% of its population face exposure to at least two major hazards simultaneously, including hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, and droughts.

    This operational framework organizes disaster management around four strategic pillars: enhanced risk knowledge, improved risk governance, strategic risk investment and transfer mechanisms, and comprehensive preparedness and response systems. Unlike conventional development plans, this initiative focuses exclusively on integrating risk criteria into national planning while addressing all disaster management components from mitigation through recovery.

    The plan’s implementation will mobilize central government operational levels through specialized committees handling sectoral risk management and emergency response coordination via the National Emergency Operations Center. This coordinated approach becomes increasingly critical as Haiti’s deteriorating socio-economic conditions, including widespread armed violence and mass internal displacement, further exacerbate the population’s vulnerability to environmental threats.

    By adopting principles of gender equality, inclusion, human security, and good governance, the 2024-2027 plan aims to build collective and territorial resilience toward the 2030 vision of comprehensive protection for lives and property against Haiti’s multiple risk exposures.

  • GARFIN cancels BRAVIO betting company licence

    GARFIN cancels BRAVIO betting company licence

    Grenada’s financial regulatory body has terminated the operating license of the nation’s last remaining international betting company, marking the culmination of a multi-year legislative transformation. The Grenada Authority for the Regulation of Financial Institutions (GARFIN) officially revoked Bravio Ltd.’s authorization effective immediately, according to a notice published in the February 13, 2026 Government Gazette.

    The regulatory shift began in 2021 when the former New National Party administration repealed the International Betting Act Cap 151A, which had previously governed such operations. This legislative action was further reinforced in 2023 through the International Companies (Repeal Act) (Validation) Bill, enacted by the current Dickon Mitchell Administration.

    The 2023 legislation specifically addressed the validation status of international companies that had failed to meet statutory requirements for continued operation under the Companies Act, Chapter 58A following the revocation of the International Companies Act, Chapter 152. The bill established provisions for listed international companies to continue business operations in compliance with the updated regulatory framework.

    Executive Director Denis Felix of GARFIN formally announced the cancellation, citing Section 10 of the International Betting Act Cap. 151A as the legal basis for the action. The public notice advised citizens and potential business partners to acknowledge this regulatory development and adjust their dealings accordingly.

    This decisive action represents the final implementation of Grenada’s comprehensive restructuring of its international financial services regulatory environment, effectively closing the chapter on international betting operations within the country’s jurisdiction.

  • Selling Iguana? Be Ready to Pay Up $10K

    Selling Iguana? Be Ready to Pay Up $10K

    Authorities in Belize have implemented stringent measures to protect the native iguana population during its critical breeding period, imposing fines of up to $10,000 for individuals caught trafficking or possessing iguana meat. The annual closed season, which extends from February 1 through June 30, represents a vital conservation window designated by the Belize Forestry Department to ensure species survival.

    Victoria Chi, Chief Forest Officer, emphasized that this protective ban coincides with the reptiles’ most vulnerable biological phase when they are actively reproducing to replenish their numbers. “This timeframe specifically aligns with their breeding cycle, which unfortunately also coincides with peak consumer demand for egg-bearing iguanas,” Chi explained, highlighting the ecological rationale behind the seasonal restriction.

    While the Forestry Department doesn’t conduct direct population monitoring, it maintains an active Iguana Conservation Program in partnership with the San Ignacio Hotel. This initiative provides rehabilitation services for injured iguanas frequently recovered from illegal hunting operations, with recovered specimens eventually reintroduced to their natural habitats.

    Enforcement efforts will be significantly intensified through coordinated patrols with national police departments, particularly targeting known wildlife trafficking hotspots including La Democracia, Hattieville, and Sandhill intersections. Chi urged public compliance with the seasonal ban, stating: “This closure exists for important ecological reasons. We must collectively learn to respect these conservation measures.”

    The department encourages citizens to report suspected illegal hunting activities through the dedicated tip line 610-1524 to support enforcement operations during this critical conservation period.

  • St. Vincent authorities confirm missile strike on vessel in local waters

    St. Vincent authorities confirm missile strike on vessel in local waters

    KINGSTON, St. Vincent (CMC) — St. Vincent and the Grenadines authorities have officially verified that a missile struck a vessel within the nation’s exclusive economic zone last Friday, according to Coast Guard Commander Deon Henry. The confirmation came through eyewitness accounts from local fishermen who were operating near fish aggregating devices (FADs) approximately 45 miles southeast of St. Vincent.

    Commander Henry disclosed during a state media broadcast that the fishermen observed the missile impact while navigating toward fishing zone Number 5, where government-installed FADs attract marine life. The incident location places it squarely within St. Vincent’s maritime jurisdiction, 32 miles east of Canouan Island.

    In response to the security breach, the Coast Guard has intensified safety protocols for maritime workers, emphasizing the critical importance of filing detailed fishing plans, maintaining frequent communication with authorities and families, and using brightly colored vessels for enhanced visibility during potential search and rescue operations.

    National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock expressed profound disappointment that the United States government failed to provide prior notification or official communication regarding the military action in Vincentian waters. While acknowledging the nation’s limited military capacity, Leacock emphasized that sovereignty “is buttressed and ensured, not just by military might or the lack thereof” but through international legal frameworks and diplomatic respect.

    The minister adopted a measured diplomatic approach, recognizing the complex interdependence between the Caribbean nation and the United States, where substantial Vincentian diaspora communities reside. He characterized the relationship as needing “a level cordiality and respect for what they call the big brother in the north” while firmly maintaining that the nation “do not make ourselves a soft target to be taken for granted or disrespected.”

    Leacock simultaneously addressed narcotics trafficking concerns, warning citizens against handling drug parcels that might wash ashore and emphasizing collaboration with law enforcement agencies already strained by regional drug trade pressures. The government continues to await formal communication from US Southern Command regarding the incident while pursuing resolution through international legal channels.

  • UDP says Caye Caulker No Longer Safe

    UDP says Caye Caulker No Longer Safe

    The tranquil reputation of Belize’s Caye Caulker has been shattered by escalating violence, prompting urgent calls for enhanced security measures from concerned residents. At a recent press conference convened by UDP Senator Gabriel Zetina, community representative Samira Martinez delivered an emotional testimony about the island’s deteriorating safety conditions.

    Martinez, a long-time resident and member of the UDP Belize Rural South Team, revealed that the island’s transformation from peaceful haven to concerning crime hotspot has left families fearing for their children’s safety. “Caye Caulker used to be a safe zone where children could grow up in peace,” Martinez recounted. “This new generation will never experience the security we once took for granted.”

    The community advocate outlined specific demands including the permanent stationing of police officers on the island and the implementation of youth engagement programs. Martinez emphasized the vulnerability of young people, stating, “We need comprehensive programs that teach life skills and civic responsibility. Our youth are being targeted, and we must build harmonious relationships between police and community members.”

    These concerns follow a recent shooting incident that left one man injured and another in custody, highlighting the pressing need for intervention. The community’s appeal signals a critical juncture for the popular tourist destination as it struggles to balance its peaceful image with emerging security challenges.

  • Opposition Leader threatens lawsuit against Hot97 FM

    Opposition Leader threatens lawsuit against Hot97 FM

    KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – Former Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has announced his intention to initiate legal proceedings against local radio station Hot 97 and its proprietor Luke Boyea regarding allegations concerning a land transaction involving his youngest son. The controversy emerged during broadcast discussions suggesting Gonsalves’ son, Storm Gonsalves, acquired 95 acres of private land in Spring, Bequia through corrupt practices during his father’s administration.

    Gonsalves, who served as head of government for 25 years before his Unity Labour Party’s electoral defeat in November 2025, vehemently denied any governmental involvement in the transaction. He revealed that while his administration had expressed interest in purchasing the property in 2017 through formal correspondence to the owner’s legal representative Errol Layne, the offer was declined at that time.

    The seasoned attorney clarified that the eventual sale occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic period, completely independent of government affairs. Gonsalves emphasized his complete dissociation from the transaction, stating he was unaware of his son’s purchase until after its completion. He issued a stern warning to the radio station owner, whom he identified as his second cousin, declaring, “You’re barking up the wrong tree… I have rights, you know. And you’re tackling a warrior.”

    Defending his 34-year-old son’s capabilities, Gonsalves described Storm as a risk-taking entrepreneur fully capable of defending his business decisions. Meanwhile, Boyea has publicly expressed confusion regarding the specific defamation claims, indicating he would await formal legal correspondence while maintaining skepticism about Gonsalves’ claimed unawareness of his son’s land acquisition.

  • Sarteneja Students Have Gone Years Without a School Building

    Sarteneja Students Have Gone Years Without a School Building

    In the Corozal District of Belize, Sarteneja Baptist High School represents a stark case of educational infrastructure neglect, having operated without a dedicated school building for more than four consecutive years. The institution’s 84 students receive their education under profoundly challenging circumstances, with some classes conducted in makeshift outdoor sheds constructed from donated materials.

    The school suffers from critical staffing shortages, maintained by just four teachers alongside a principal who performs dual roles as administrator and full-time instructor. The complete absence of specialized facilities—including science laboratories and computer labs—severely limits the educational experience offered to students.

    Darnel Cruz, Secretary of Sarteneja’s Village Council and a local primary school teacher, provided insight into the ongoing struggle. Community leaders identified a potential construction site near the airstrip, but development remains paralyzed by funding deficiencies. Currently, students utilize the community center as a temporary measure, though this solution falls far short of meeting educational requirements.

    With graduation numbers expected to exceed available spaces this June, parental concerns are mounting. Families are increasingly vocal in demanding governmental intervention and a sustainable, long-term resolution. School administration has maintained silence on the matter, while the community continues advocating for the construction of permanent facilities that would allow students to learn in a proper academic environment.

  • Caribbean Archbishop supports Archbishop of Canterbury in response to Project Spire criticism

    Caribbean Archbishop supports Archbishop of Canterbury in response to Project Spire criticism

    In a significant address to international religious leaders, Archbishop Philip Wright of the Church in the Province of the West Indies has championed the Church of England’s controversial Project Spire initiative while challenging the global Anglican community to move beyond symbolic gestures in addressing historical injustices.

    The Archbishop’s remarks came during the “Breaking the Chains of Injustice” International Consultation, convened by UK-based charity USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel). The gathering brought together 40 Anglican leaders from 31 nations to examine the persistent impacts of colonialism on indigenous cultures, languages, and territories across the Caribbean region.

    Despite the formal abolition of slavery in the British Caribbean in 1834, Archbishop Wright emphasized that the region continues to grapple with profound economic disparities, social inequalities, and environmental degradation directly linked to this historical legacy. He positioned the Anglican Church at a “significant moral crossroads,” noting that while acknowledgment of institutional complicity in the transatlantic slave trade represents a transformative opportunity, empty rhetoric could ultimately prove more damaging than the original offense.

    The Archbishop’s endorsement of Project Spire—a £100 million reparative justice initiative launched by the Church of England in 2023—signals growing momentum within religious institutions to address historical wrongs. This development follows a decade of intensified reparations advocacy, including CARICOM’s 2013 “Ten Point Plan for Reparatory Justice” and the CPWI’s 2015 motion supporting Caribbean reparations claims.

    Archbishop Wright clarified that reparative justice seeks not retribution but recognition of harms caused by centuries of enslavement, requiring “deliberate and intentional redress.” He cited both Project Spire and USPG’s Codrington Project as pioneering efforts in this direction. The latter initiative, launched in 2024, addresses USPG’s historical entanglement with slavery through Christopher Codrington’s 1710 donation of a Barbados plantation. The project aims to transfer plantation ownership to descendants of enslaved individuals and commemorate burial sites of those enslaved.

    USPG General Secretary Duncan Dormor reinforced the moral imperative for action, stating that reparative justice lies “at the heart of Christian mission today.” He emphasized the Church’s deep involvement in “brutal, inhumane, and shameful activities” of the slave trade and called for work toward repair and reconciliation conducted with “openness, humility and constructive critical reflection.”

    When questioned about practical support for Caribbean communities, Archbishop Wright emphasized that meaningful change extends beyond financial compensation. He called for collaborative efforts to build schools and hospitals, enabling Caribbean peoples to “step out of the legacy of this horrendous period of history” while acknowledging the substantial good the Church has accomplished in the region over centuries.

    The gathering received encouraging words from Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally, who praised USPG’s “commitment to partnership, justice, and the flourishing of local churches” as continuing to bless the Anglican Communion in “profound and enduring ways.”

  • Social : Survey on deported Haitians in figures (2025)

    Social : Survey on deported Haitians in figures (2025)

    Haiti confronts one of its most severe migration emergencies as forced deportations surge dramatically, with over 270,000 individuals repatriated throughout 2025. This represents a staggering 36% increase compared to the previous year’s figures, intensifying the nation’s ongoing humanitarian and socio-economic challenges.

    According to a comprehensive survey conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Migrant Protection Working Group, the National Migration Office, and the Support Group for Returnees and Refugees, the Dominican Republic accounted for 98% of all deportations (265,215 people). Other significant sources included the Turks and Caicos Islands (2,935), the United States (1,159), the Bahamas (756), and Jamaica (147).

    The demographic profile of deportees reveals alarming trends. While adult males continue to constitute the majority at 66%, other groups experienced disproportionate increases. Deportations of adult women skyrocketed by 92%, while girls and boys saw increases of 152% and 133% respectively, compared to a 16% rise for adult men.

    Border crossing points witnessed substantial shifts, with Belladère remaining the primary entry point (51% of deportations) followed by Ouanaminthe (27%). Notably, Malpasse recorded a 346% surge in deportations, while Anse-à-Pitres saw a 96% increase.

    The survey of 26,853 adult deportees revealed that 99% were born in Haiti, with primary origins in the Southeast, West, Artibonite, Central, and North departments. Economic desperation drove migration decisions, with 85% citing the search for better opportunities as their primary motivation. Alarmingly, 19% were already displaced in camps before leaving Haiti, and 32% reported possessing no identity documents.

    Educational and employment patterns varied by deportation origin. Those returned from the Dominican Republic demonstrated lower formal education levels but better employment access abroad, primarily in construction, commerce, and agriculture sectors.

    The cyclical nature of migration remains evident, with 60% of 2025 deportees having experienced multiple previous deportations. While only 11% overall planned to leave again within six months, this intention was significantly higher among those deported from the Turks and Caicos Islands (64%) and the United States (59%).

    Immediate needs upon arrival highlighted the precarious situation facing returnees: transportation to places of origin (92%), food assistance (72%), and temporary accommodation (27%) emerged as critical priorities.