Carib Scope

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  • Road safety ‘crisis’ sparks calls for action as election nears

    Road safety ‘crisis’ sparks calls for action as election nears

    Barbados confronts a severe road safety emergency described as ‘dangerous and unacceptable,’ with urgent demands for governmental action emerging just days before national elections. Alarming statistics reveal approximately 50,000 of the island’s 180,000 vehicles operate without valid insurance—representing one in four motorists driving illegally. Former Barbados Road Safety Association president Sharmane Roland-Bowen characterized this not as minor administrative negligence but as a full-scale crisis eroding legal foundations and public safety.

    The insurance sector reports unsustainable strain from approximately 15 daily collisions, with average repair costs reaching $10,000 per incident and doubling when injuries occur. Particularly troubling is the finding that 30% of accidents involve uninsured or unlicensed drivers, creating massive financial burdens for compliant motorists through increased premiums and uncompensated damages. Roland-Bowen detailed how uninsured drivers frequently flee collision scenes, leaving victims responsible for repair costs and insurance excesses despite their own compliance with regulations.

    Enforcement failures extend beyond insurance compliance. Reports indicate commercial vehicles operating without road taxation, while systemic issues include reduced police presence at accident scenes enabling fraudulent insurance documentation presentation. Roland-Bowen criticized misaligned enforcement priorities that focus on secondary issues like window tinting while neglecting core dangers including uninsured driving, impaired motorists, and deteriorating infrastructure.

    Despite substantial revenue collection through road taxes and fuel levies, potholes plague transportation networks, forcing dangerous avoidance maneuvers that increase collision risks. The crisis now demands political accountability, with voters urged to question electoral candidates about concrete solutions. Proposed measures include regulatory reforms requiring dual insurance certificates—with one mandatory copy kept in vehicles—plus stricter penalties, license suspensions, and removal of illegal vehicles from roads.

    Roland-Bowen emphasized that meaningful change requires sustained public pressure, governmental accountability, and rigorous law enforcement, warning that without decisive action, conditions will continue deteriorating, further endangering lives, property, and citizens’ rights.

  • ‘Crowded ballot’: St Philip voters say candidates missing from campaign trail

    ‘Crowded ballot’: St Philip voters say candidates missing from campaign trail

    With one week remaining until Barbados’ February 11 general election, residents across St Philip parish express growing frustration over the absence of political candidates despite a historic number of contenders vying for parliamentary seats. An extensive ground assessment reveals widespread voter disillusionment with the electoral process and candidate accessibility.

    Thirteen candidates from multiple parties are competing across three constituencies in St Philip, marking an unprecedented political concentration in the parish. However, voters consistently report minimal engagement with those seeking to represent them.

    Seventy-six-year-old Ms. Straughn of Bonita Drive exemplifies the prevailing sentiment: “Not a politician ever did anything for me, not even a biscuit.” The long-term resident, who has encountered elected officials only once in fifteen years, described deteriorating public services despite previous complaints about transportation inadequacies. While appreciative of pension provisions, she emphasizes their insufficiency and advocates for improved housing solutions for homeless citizens.

    Political analyst Peter Wickham contextualizes the unusual candidate proliferation as reflecting opposition deficiencies rather than anti-government sentiment. “These emerging parties primarily aim to provide opposition alternatives,” Wickham notes, “indicating greater dissatisfaction with existing opposition parties than with the governing administration.”

    St Philip’s strategic significance stems from its historical status as a Democratic Labour Party (DLP) stronghold. Wickham suggests competing parties perceive greater opportunities for displacing the DLP here than elsewhere, though he doubts third-party options genuinely energize the electorate given their limited winning prospects.

    Former government minister Dr. David Estwick, the DLP’s returning candidate, expresses confidence in reclaiming his seat based on his legislative record. He maintains active voter engagement despite apathy allegations, asserting: “We’re hearing constituent concerns and explaining our policy approaches to address them.”

    Contrasting this perspective, Friends of Democracy leader Karina Goodridge acknowledges representation gaps in recent years. She argues that expanded candidate choices potentially stimulate electoral participation through generated curiosity and conversation, compelling all parties to enhance their public engagement efforts.

    Practical challenges complicate voter outreach, Goodridge notes, citing large geographical constituencies, resident availability issues, and candidates’ demanding schedules. She emphasizes continued multi-channel communication efforts despite visibility limitations.

    The prevailing analysis indicates that vote splitting among opposition parties likely benefits the dominant Barbados Labour Party, as divided opposition votes traditionally strengthen the ruling party’s position.

  • Goud staat op het punt nieuwe records te bereiken nu kopers terugkeren

    Goud staat op het punt nieuwe records te bereiken nu kopers terugkeren

    Gold markets are experiencing a dramatic resurgence as investor demand and central bank acquisitions propel the precious metal toward unprecedented valuations. Following a significant two-session decline that attracted bargain hunters, analysts project gold will reach new record levels while silver maintains its volatile trajectory.

    The precious metal recorded its most substantial single-day gain since 2008 on Tuesday, rebounding from a substantial sell-off triggered by President Donald Trump’s appointment of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chair, dollar strengthening, and profit-taking activities. This recovery demonstrates the underlying strength of gold’s market position despite temporary fluctuations.

    Market strategists point to persistent inflationary pressures exceeding target levels, escalating debt concerns, and growing investor preference for portfolio diversification beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and fiat currencies. Bart Melek, Head of Commodity Strategy at TD Securities, emphasized that “inflation remains well above target, debt is increasing, and investors continue to view precious metals as a way to diversify their portfolio and reduce dependence on stocks, bonds, and fiat currencies.”

    Financial institutions have issued bullish projections, with UBS and JP Morgan anticipating gold prices reaching $6,200-$6,300 by year-end. Deutsche Bank maintains a 2026 estimate of $6,000, while Citi upheld its baseline scenario predicting an average first-quarter price of $5,000. Spot gold prices climbed 5.4% to $4,915 per troy ounce during morning trading.

    The physical market’s dynamics are now under intense scrutiny following gold and silver’s record peaks of $5,594.8 and $121.6 respectively on January 29th, before experiencing corrections. Gold’s 9.8% decline on Friday represented its most substantial single-day drop in 43 years according to LSEG data, which analysts characterize as a healthy market adjustment.

    Standard Chartered analyst Suki Cooper noted that “the physical market will be crucial in determining the bottom, particularly after Chinese New Year,” referencing the mid-February holiday period in the world’s largest consumer market. Investment demand, particularly from retail sectors, has emerged as the primary driver behind gold’s price surge as other traditional demand sectors—jewelry and central bank purchases—have stagnated.

    Philip Newman, Director at Metals Focus, cautioned that “we expect prices to remain volatile, even though conditions remain favorable for further significant price increases this year,” while acknowledging gold could surpass the $5,500 threshold.

    Silver exhibits even greater volatility due to its smaller market size, recently trading 9.3% higher at $86.8 after retreating from Thursday’s record high. The January rally was largely driven by momentum trading and substantial inflows from private investors. Analysts at Mitsubishi observe that silver has lost a key driver from last year’s gains as concerns about U.S. import tariffs following critical minerals revisions have diminished and London supply constraints have eased. However, the retreat from record levels benefits industrial applications by alleviating extreme margin pressure on solar energy producers.

  • Aviation chiefs ‘on watch’ as US warning over Venezuelan airspace remains in force

    Aviation chiefs ‘on watch’ as US warning over Venezuelan airspace remains in force

    Aviation authorities in Barbados are advocating for continued vigilance in regional air safety, even as normal flight operations have resumed following last year’s widespread disruptions. These cancellations were directly linked to US military maneuvers conducted near Venezuela, which triggered significant international aviation alerts.

    The situation originated when the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a formal warning in late November against passenger flights operating over Venezuelan airspace. This advisory specifically cited deteriorating security conditions and potentially hazardous military activities concentrated near Maiquetia, a northern Venezuelan city. The FAA’s Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) remains officially in effect until February 19, creating an ongoing backdrop of concern for regional aviation stakeholders.

    Hadley Bourne, Chief Executive Officer of Grantley Adams International Airport Inc., confirmed that while the NOTAM remains active, it currently does not directly impact air traffic operations. “We are still NOTAMS-enabled, but it is not impacting air traffic per se… people are just being cautious,” Bourne stated in comments to Barbados TODAY.

    Concurrently, the UK government has withdrawn its travel advisory for Barbados regarding potential flight disruptions, which was originally implemented following the US military actions toward Venezuela.

    Barbadian aviation officials have been conducting intensive monitoring of the FAA’s warnings, which highlighted not only security deterioration but also increased military readiness activities. Tracey Forde-Bailey, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, emphasized that Barbados had taken formal note of the situation while indicating it hadn’t directly affected the country’s operations.

    Forde-Bailey explained the technical nature of the NOTAM, noting that it primarily provides guidance to US carriers, specifically advising operators to exercise heightened caution within Venezuelan airspace, particularly the Maiquetia region under Venezuelan authority management.

    The civil aviation director further suggested that neighboring nations sharing borders with Venezuela, notably Guyana, would need to maintain particularly close observation, especially for airlines operating flights to those regions. “Any unusual activity within the region would be of interest to every state having boundaries adjacent to Venezuelan airspace,” Forde-Bailey stated.

    The FAA has implemented additional requirements for US operators, mandating at least 72 hours’ advance notice of planned flights with specific details. The agency also directs flight crews to report any observed security issues to its Washington DC-based operations center.

    According to the official NOTAM documentation, operators are advised to maintain caution at all altitudes within the Maiquetia Flight Information Region due to both the worsening security situation and intensified military activities in and around Venezuela. The FAA explicitly stated that these threats could potentially risk aircraft at all flight phases, including during overflight, arrival, departure, and even while aircraft are on the ground at airports.

    Background information released concurrently with the NOTAM detailed specific operational hazards, noting that since September there has been a measurable increase in global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference within the Maiquetia Flight Information Region, coupled with activities associated with escalating Venezuelan military readiness.

  • Congratulations Arianna Challenger, new Carnival Princess

    Congratulations Arianna Challenger, new Carnival Princess

    In a spectacular display of talent and cultural celebration, Arianna Challenger from Paix Bouche Primary School emerged victorious as Dominica’s Carnival Princess 2026. The prestigious coronation ceremony unfolded Sunday evening at Windsor Park Sports Stadium, transformed into a vibrant Carnival City for the occasion.

    Challenger’s triumph was particularly remarkable as she secured an impressive quartet of awards, demonstrating exceptional prowess across multiple competition categories. Her outstanding performance earned her the distinctions of Best Costume, Best in Costume, Best Talent, and Best in Party Dress, establishing her as the clear frontrunner throughout the competition.

    The event featured three exceptional finalists representing primary schools across Dominica. Shanell Benjamin of Woodford Hill Primary School claimed the First Runner-Up position, receiving recognition for Miss Intelligence, Best in Party Dress, Best Party Dress, and the esteemed Miss Congeniality award. Fanayé Shillingford from Bagatelle Primary School earned Second Runner-Up honors, capturing both Miss Photogenic and The People’s Choice Award.

    This annual competition showcases the rich cultural heritage of Dominica through the talents of its youth participants. The Carnival Princess pageant serves as a platform for young students to demonstrate artistic expression, intellectual capability, and cultural awareness through various performance categories. The event draws significant community support and represents an important tradition in Dominica’s cultural calendar, highlighting the nation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique cultural identity through youth engagement.

  • Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budget Survey 2026

    Survey of Living Conditions and Household Budget Survey 2026

    Grenada is set to undertake a comprehensive national assessment of living standards and economic conditions through a joint initiative between the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the World Bank. The Survey of Living Conditions (SLC) and Household Budget Survey (HBS), scheduled to commence in February 2026, will provide critical data to shape the nation’s development agenda.

    Operating under the legal authority of the Statistics Act (No. 30 of 1960 and No. 21 of 1961), this landmark study aims to achieve three primary objectives: precisely measure poverty levels across Grenadian society, collect detailed household expenditure and income patterns, and generate essential social and economic indicators to guide national planning strategies.

    The CSO has emphasized the strict confidentiality protocols governing the survey process. All field interviewers will be administered a formal Oath of Secrecy before commencing their duties, legally binding them to protect respondent information. The agency has assured citizens that all collected data will only be disseminated in aggregated form, with severe penalties for any violations of confidentiality protocols.

    Government officials highlight the survey’s critical importance in addressing pressing national challenges including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The resulting indicators will serve as fundamental tools for analyzing Grenada’s economic and social progress, enabling evidence-based policy formulation.

    The Central Statistical Office is actively seeking public cooperation, particularly from households selected for participation. Officials stress that accurate responses to survey questionnaires are essential for the study’s overall success and its ability to generate reliable insights for national development planning.

  • Lovell says constituents of All Saints West Are Angry About Lack of Water

    Lovell says constituents of All Saints West Are Angry About Lack of Water

    A severe water crisis plaguing the All Saints West constituency has been framed as symptomatic of broader national governance failures by United Progressive Party representative Harold Lovell. In a recent radio address, the political caretaker delineated a pattern of systemic neglect characterized by inadequate planning, dismissal of local expertise, and fragmented utility management strategies.

    Lovell reported that residents endure highly irregular water access, often limited to mere hours at a time, coupled with concerning quality issues when supply resumes. These chronic shortages persist despite substantial financial allocations and repeated governmental assurances of resolution.

    The core of the crisis, according to Lovell, stems from deficient long-term planning and a disjointed approach to water management. He criticized the administration’s predominant focus on expanding desalination capabilities while critically overlooking essential storage and distribution infrastructure. This imbalanced strategy has resulted in costly yet ineffective solutions that fail to address fundamental operational constraints.

    A significant concern raised was the systematic marginalization of seasoned local engineers and water specialists possessing invaluable institutional knowledge. Lovell emphasized that these professionals hold intricate understanding of pipeline networks and system dynamics, yet their expertise remains conspicuously absent from policy decisions.

    The current approach was described as piecemeal, with new treatment facilities constructed without corresponding upgrades to storage capacity or distribution channels. Notably, previously built storage installations have remained non-operational for extended periods despite persistent supply shortages.

    Lovell advocated for developing a comprehensive, expertise-driven water management plan incorporating local knowledge supplemented by international specialists where necessary. He stressed that only through integrated, long-term strategies can sustainable water security be achieved, moving beyond temporary fixes that perpetuate reliability issues.

  • PM: Med students in Cuba to stay as govt weighs health care options

    PM: Med students in Cuba to stay as govt weighs health care options

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has moved to calm mounting anxieties among Saint Lucian medical students in Cuba, clarifying that no immediate withdrawal from academic programs is planned. The clarification came during a Cabinet press briefing on Monday following widespread concern triggered by the Prime Minister’s previous remarks about U.S.-Cuba tensions affecting medical training partnerships.

    The situation developed after Pierre addressed the Second World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities last week, where he highlighted complications arising from the longstanding American embargo against Cuba. The Prime Minister expressed particular concern about how these geopolitical constraints might impact medical scholarship programs that have historically enabled Caribbean nationals to pursue medical education in Cuba.

    Student reactions reflected deep unease about their academic futures. One fifth-year Saint Lucian medical student described experiencing ‘heightened anxiety, caught between the political currents of the island and my personal academic future.’ Another medical professional, currently self-funding cardiology studies in Cuba after previously benefiting from government scholarships, called for greater transparency from officials regarding contingency plans.

    Pierre emphasized that enrolled students would complete their programs uninterrupted, stating unequivocally: ‘The students, those who are in Cuba, will continue to be in Cuba. There’s no imminent withdrawal of students.’

    The Prime Minister characterized his administration’s approach as proactive preparation given recent developments, including former President Trump’s designation of Cuba as a national security threat. Pierre acknowledged the delicate diplomatic balance required, noting Saint Lucia’s generally positive relations with the United States while simultaneously protecting its healthcare interests.

    Looking ahead, the government is exploring alternative medical training partnerships with nations including Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, and Brazil to diversify Saint Lucia’s medical education options. ‘We have to prepare for the eventuality,’ Pierre stated, underscoring the need to safeguard both current students and the nation’s future healthcare capacity.

  • St Rose wins SLNYC presidency, pledges to ‘rebuild trust’

    St Rose wins SLNYC presidency, pledges to ‘rebuild trust’

    In a decisive electoral process during the 18th Biennial General Assembly held in Soufrière, Bernell St Rose has been elected President of the Saint Lucia National Youth Council (NYC). This gathering united delegates from registered youth and sports clubs, district councils, and student councils nationwide, aiming to establish a leadership team capable of addressing the mounting social, economic, and developmental issues confronting the island’s youth.

    St Rose will helm the council’s executive body, which includes First Vice President Dequan Charles and Second Vice President Edisa Eugene. The administrative framework was solidified with the election of Alrica Antoine as General Secretary, supported by Marcus Giraudy as Assistant Secretary. Phoebe Smith assumes the role of Public Relations Officer, while Nazan Hutchinson was appointed Treasurer.

    In post-election remarks to St Lucia Times, President St Rose emphasized that her primary objective is to rehabilitate the council’s credibility. “My key mandate is to rebuild and bring back the trust of the NYC as a uniform and credible institution,” she stated, highlighting intentions to reform the council’s structure, including district youth and sports councils, national student councils, and club affiliates. St Rose aims to restore public confidence and pride in the organization.

    The newly inaugurated leadership team now bears the responsibility of enhancing youth representation and engagement across Saint Lucia. This comes amid rising expectations for the council to assume a more dynamic and influential role in the nation’s developmental trajectory, particularly in crafting solutions for youth-specific challenges.

  • Duurzaam ontwikkelingsprogramma West-Suriname gestart

    Duurzaam ontwikkelingsprogramma West-Suriname gestart

    A comprehensive five-year development program has been officially launched in Western Suriname, marking a significant step toward creating improved opportunities for local communities while simultaneously protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable economic activities. The initiative was formally inaugurated during a high-level gathering that brought together government officials, indigenous community representatives, and international partners.

    During the launch ceremony, project partners, stakeholders, and local community delegates unanimously affirmed their shared objectives and collaborative approach to implementation. Patrick Brunings, Suriname’s Minister of Oil, Gas, and Environment, emphasized that this program aligns perfectly with the nation’s long-term development framework known as Suriname 3.0, which prioritizes biodiversity conservation and sustainable economic expansion as core principles.

    The ambitious program will be coordinated under the administrative oversight of the Ministry of Oil, Gas, and Environment, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serving as the primary implementing partner. Financial backing for the initiative is being provided by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), ensuring adequate resources for the multi-year project.

    Strategic implementation will focus on four fundamental pillars: sustainable biodiversity management practices, strengthening nature-friendly economic systems, enhancing governance structures and landscape planning methodologies, and promoting knowledge exchange alongside regional cooperation mechanisms. This integrated approach aims to balance ecological preservation with economic advancement while ensuring local communities benefit directly from development initiatives.