Carib Scope

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  • Six decades of Granma International, a voice that transcends time and geography

    Six decades of Granma International, a voice that transcends time and geography

    Celebrating its 60th anniversary on February 20, 2026, Granma International has evolved from its ideological origins at the Tricontinental Conference to become a digital-era publication maintaining unwavering commitment to revolutionary principles and global justice movements.

    Born from the historic 1966 Tricontinental gathering in Havana, the weekly publication emerged as a multilingual platform (Spanish, English, and French) designed to counter Western media narratives about Cuba’s Revolution. The inaugural edition’s mission statement declared its purpose: “to make known outside our country the reality of the Cuban Revolution” through curated selections from Granma newspaper.

    Throughout its development, the publication transformed from reproducing Granma content to establishing its own editorial agenda under pioneering directors including Alberto Rubiera and Gabriel Molina Franchossi. The 1980s witnessed expansion with Portuguese editions, while the 1990s brought revolutionary changes: rebranding as Granma International, adding German and Italian editions, and establishing international reprints through global solidarity networks.

    Demonstrating remarkable adaptability, the publication achieved digital pioneering status in 1996 by becoming the first Cuban press outlet to establish online presence, garnering millions of early web hits. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Granma International maintained circulation through innovative work reorganization and distribution channel adaptations.

    Currently distributed across 20 countries through reprints in Germany, Argentina, and Brazil, the publication serves both international audiences and domestic institutions including government ministries, business groups, and hospitality venues. Its pages have featured interactions with literary icons including Gabriel García Márquez, while maintaining consistent advocacy for anti-imperialist struggles and global justice movements.

    The publication’s six-decade journey demonstrates how revolutionary media can evolve across technological eras while maintaining ideological consistency, proving that alternative media ecosystems can sustain meaningful global reach and influence despite geopolitical challenges.

  • Tax benefits for investments in renewable energy sources expanded

    Tax benefits for investments in renewable energy sources expanded

    Cuba has significantly broadened its renewable energy tax incentive program to include private sector participants through newly enacted Resolution 41/2026. The updated regulatory framework, published in the extraordinary Official Gazette No. 30, extends income tax exemptions to self-employed workers, agricultural producers, artists, intellectuals, and other individual economic actors who invest in renewable energy projects.

    Deputy Minister of Finance and Prices Yenisley Ortiz Mantecón clarified that the benefits apply equally to projects designed for self-consumption and those capable of contributing electricity to the National Electric Energy System. This policy revision builds upon the foundation established by Decree-Law 345 of 2017 and subsequent regulations, specifically addressing previous limitations that restricted exemptions to certain tariff items applicable to individuals.

    The incentive program requires applicants to obtain technical certification from the National Office for the Rational Use of Energy (Onure) verifying that their investment genuinely supports renewable energy development. Approved projects can enjoy tax benefits for up to eight years, corresponding to their investment recovery period as determined by Onure.

    Since the initial resolution in 2023, Onure has received 168 energy license applications—95 from non-state entities and 73 from the state sector. Currently, 56 projects are operational with granted tax benefits across provinces including Villa Clara, Camagüey, and Havana, while 112 applications remain under evaluation.

    The government acknowledges that these measures may reduce immediate tax revenues but emphasizes their strategic importance in accelerating Cuba’s energy transition. The policy includes compliance mechanisms: Onure conducts periodic audits, and the National Tax Administration Office (ONAT) may revoke exemptions if investments fail to meet established requirements or if imported equipment doesn’t correspond to approved projects.

  • U.S. Ambassador Leah Campos holds meeting with Senator Omar Fernández

    U.S. Ambassador Leah Campos holds meeting with Senator Omar Fernández

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Leah Francis Campos convened with Senator Omar Fernández at his National District offices on Thursday. The high-level discussion, extending beyond an hour, encompassed critical bilateral matters and contemporary political developments shaping both nations’ relationship.

    The comprehensive dialogue addressed multifaceted issues including national security coordination, support for the Dominican diaspora community, educational partnerships, foreign investment opportunities, and joint economic development initiatives. Particular emphasis was placed on collaborative efforts to combat human trafficking networks operating across the region.

    Senator Fernández provided detailed insights into the Dominican Republic’s legislative priorities, presenting several legislative proposals under his sponsorship that align with mutual interests. The meeting proceeded with notable cordiality and mutual respect, with both representatives reaffirming the enduring friendship and cooperative spirit that has long characterized US-Dominican relations.

    Ambassador Campos was accompanied by Nora Brito, the U.S. Embassy’s Director of Political Affairs, while Senator Fernández’s delegation included key advisors: legislative consultant José Gregorio Cabrera, chief of staff Danilo Terrero, special assistant Diego Vargas, and communications director Cristian Cabrera. This diplomatic exchange represents part of Ambassador Campos’ continued outreach to Dominican leaders across political, economic, and national security sectors.

  • Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) 2026 returns to Punta Cana

    Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE) 2026 returns to Punta Cana

    The Dominican Republic’s premier tourism event, the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (DATE), is poised to showcase the nation’s vibrant hospitality sector with its 2026 edition. Scheduled for April 24–26, 2026, the Barceló Bávaro Convention Center in Punta Cana will host what industry leaders describe as the Caribbean’s most significant tourism trade fair.

    Organized by the Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association (Asonahores), DATE 2026 solidifies its status as a crucial business platform generating substantial economic benefits through structured meetings between Dominican tourism suppliers and international buyers. The event serves as a strategic catalyst for investment attraction and tourist arrival growth while expanding into specialized market segments including cultural, adventure, religious, sports, and MICE tourism.

    Aguie Lendor, Executive Vice President of Asonahores, highlighted the event’s global reach: “DATE connects the Dominican Republic with worldwide tourism markets, reinforcing our regional leadership position through meaningful business connections and cultural representation.”

    The 2026 edition will feature a completely revitalized visual identity incorporating distinctive elements of Dominican culture, landscapes, and culinary traditions. Enhanced technological integration and innovative staging will complement digital tools that streamline business matchmaking while maintaining alignment with global industry trends.

    Notably, DATE 2026 will expand participation opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering greater inclusion throughout the tourism value chain. The event will prominently feature local artisans and cultural expressions, providing direct exposure to international buyers and media representatives.

    Supported by the Ministry of Tourism and major hospitality brands including Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort, Coco Bongo, and Meliá Hotels International, DATE 2026 positions itself as both a business generation engine and a global showcase for Dominican tourism excellence.

  • Drone Tracks Repeat Offender in Latest Gun Bust

    Drone Tracks Repeat Offender in Latest Gun Bust

    BELIZE CITY – In a striking demonstration of technological policing, Belize City law enforcement has apprehended 20-year-old Devaun Garcia, a known repeat offender, utilizing aerial drone surveillance during a firearms incident. The operation unfolded after reports of gunfire in the South Street district prompted an immediate police response.

    According to official reports, Garcia attempted to evade capture by swiftly changing shirts and discarding an object over a perimeter fence. The police drone maintained visual contact throughout the maneuver, enabling ground units to locate Garcia concealed beneath a wooden structure. Subsequent search operations recovered a discarded Girson 9mm pistol loaded with thirteen live rounds in proximity to his hiding place.

    The judicial proceedings that followed revealed the complex challenges facing Belize’s criminal justice system. Garcia entered a not guilty plea during his afternoon court appearance while facing charges of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition. When informed that the offenses mandated custodial sentencing rather than financial penalties, the defendant maintained his initial plea.

    Senior Magistrate Priscilla Samuels, acknowledging the gravity of the charges, ordered Garcia remanded to Belize Central Prison until his scheduled April 16th hearing. This decision comes against the backdrop of Garcia’s extensive criminal history, which includes previous murder charges that collapsed due to witness disappearance during trial proceedings, and a pending armed robbery case for which he had recently secured bail.

    The case has ignited intense public debate regarding judicial efficacy and recidivism patterns in Belize’s urban centers. Law enforcement officials have highlighted the successful deployment of drone technology as a paradigm shift in evidence gathering and suspect tracking, potentially establishing new protocols for addressing gun-related crimes in challenging urban environments.

  • Will Belizeans Finally Get the Healthcare They’ve Been Promised?

    Will Belizeans Finally Get the Healthcare They’ve Been Promised?

    After a quarter-century of development, Belize’s ambitious National Health Insurance (NHI) program has reached a pivotal moment with the signing of new implementation contracts. The recent ceremony marked more than bureaucratic formality—it represented the latest chapter in Belize’s long-standing struggle to transform healthcare from a privilege into a fundamental right for all citizens.

    Government officials presented NHI as a hard-won success story originating from the southside of Belize City. Prime Minister John Briceño characterized the event as a “homecoming” for an idea born twenty-five years ago from the conviction that “where you live or how much you earn should never determine whether you live or die.” He described the program as a “laboratory of hope” that has demonstrated how investments in primary care save lives.

    Health Minister Kevin Bernard emphasized that the contract signing signifies Belize’s continued commitment to making healthcare “accessible, affordable and quality” while close to home. He identified primary healthcare as the backbone of an effective health system, noting that NHI has already helped thousands avoid “overwhelming out-of-pocket costs.”

    Lionel Olivera, Communications Officer for Total Health Solutions, detailed the practical implementation: nearly fifteen thousand residents in Pickstock, Freetown and Fort George constituencies will benefit from a “one-stop shop” model integrating primary care, pharmaceutical services, and laboratory facilities within single community-focused buildings.

    Despite the optimistic rhetoric, the ceremony revived fundamental questions that have persisted throughout NHI’s history. Belizeans continue to scrutinize whether the system is expanding rapidly enough, whether funding remains adequate, and whether this renewed effort will finally deliver consistent, reliable healthcare that matches decades of promises.

  • Ministry Warns: Missed Mental‑Health Signs Fuel Crises

    Ministry Warns: Missed Mental‑Health Signs Fuel Crises

    The Belize Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued a critical public health advisory emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention in mental health cases. Contrary to popular perception, officials reveal that individuals with mental health conditions are significantly more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators of it.

    Mental Health Coordinator Yveth Quintanilla presented compelling statistics indicating that only 3-5% of violent incidents involve persons with mental disorders, while these individuals face ten times greater risk of becoming victims themselves. The ministry maintains active monitoring and support systems for known cases, but expresses greater concern about undetected cases that only receive attention after reaching crisis points.

    Quintanilla identified several early warning signs that families and communities should recognize: social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, and sudden changes in eating patterns. These behavioral changes typically manifest in home environments long before emergency situations develop.

    The health authority’s central message advocates for proactive engagement rather than reactive response. They encourage public vigilance and early consultation with mental health professionals, emphasizing that protective intervention begins within immediate social circles. The ministry has reinforced its clinical services to support early-stage mental health challenges before they escalate into critical conditions.

  • Zetina Demands Action on Sky‑High San Pedro Rent

    Zetina Demands Action on Sky‑High San Pedro Rent

    A mounting housing affordability crisis on Belize’s popular islands has triggered forceful demands for government intervention, with political figures and residents decrying systemic neglect and inequitable policies. Gabriel Zetina, UDP caretaker for Belize Rural South, has issued an urgent call for rental market regulation in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, warning that skyrocketing costs are displacing the essential workforce that sustains the tourism-dependent community.

    At a recent press conference, Zetina proposed legislative measures including a draft property or rent act to establish fee controls. “We need to create a bill to regulate rent fees,” Zetina stated. “It has to be done. This isn’t just my initiative but should be a collective government effort.”

    The housing concerns extend beyond rental prices to fundamental issues of land distribution. Zetina and former area representative Manuel Heredia highlighted cases where long-term leaseholders discovered their lands had been quietly titled to others through politically connected channels. Heredia criticized current practices, contrasting them with his tenure: “In my days, it did not matter if you were UDP or PUP—it went by merit. Now land is being distributed to specially connected people.”

    Parallel frustrations emerged from neighboring Caye Caulker, where resident Samira Martinez accused local leadership of prolonged neglect. Martinez demanded improved engagement from area representatives, stronger police presence, and youth programming to address deteriorating safety conditions. “Caye Caulker used to be a safe haven,” Martinez lamented. “This generation will never know the peace we had. We need permanently stationed police officers and activities to engage youth.”

    The collective outcry underscores deepening social tensions in Belize’s island communities, where tourism-driven economic growth has exacerbated inequality and strained public resources, prompting calls for comprehensive policy reform and greater governmental accountability.

  • Tourism Ministry Investing to Raise Carnival Standards

    Tourism Ministry Investing to Raise Carnival Standards

    The Belizean government is orchestrating a comprehensive cultural and infrastructural renaissance, spearheaded by Tourism and Sports Minister Anthony Mahler. Three major initiatives are simultaneously unfolding, targeting national celebration standards, sports facilities, and local economic hubs.

    A significant restructuring is imminent within the Belize Carnival Association, the organizer of the country’s premier September festivities. Investigations reveal that several prominent Belize City carnival bands are engaged in confidential negotiations with a consortium of international investors. This alliance aims to elevate the carnival to a globally competitive event, but their proposition necessitates the removal of the current leadership under President Patrick Thompson. The association’s governance is further clouded by electoral ambiguity, with debates ongoing whether the incumbent administration’s term was extended to 2027 due to pandemic disruptions. Minister Mahler maintains a neutral stance, asserting his ministry’s readiness to collaborate with any elected leadership committed to delivering a world-class spectacle. He revealed prior engagement of a Trinidadian carnival expert, whose assessment concluded Belize’s event requires substantial modernization in routing and costume design to achieve international export readiness.

    Parallel to the carnival overhaul, a transformative project is revitalizing Belize’s athletic infrastructure. The redevelopment of the iconic Rogers Stadium has entered a critical implementation phase. Initial construction focuses on interior fencing and field reconfiguration, architecturally designed to accommodate both little league baseball and softball competitions. Minister Mahler, citing his personal background in baseball, emphasized that regional competitiveness is unattainable without modern facilities. He pointed to the overwhelming usage and subsequent wear of Berger Field as clear evidence of pent-up demand and justified the urgent investment. The project is slated for progressive completion, with interior works anticipated by April or May, followed by outer fencing, bleachers, and ancillary facilities.

    A third initiative injects new vitality into North Front Street, Pickstock. Minister Mahler’s visionary ‘fish fry’ project, inspired by vibrant Caribbean and U.S. fish markets, is finally materializing. This endeavor transcends mere construction of vendor stalls; it is a culturally curated experience designed to foster community identity. The plan includes establishing a dedicated fish market and instituting a weekly event—potentially on a Thursday or Saturday night—featuring live entertainment, traditional Belizean cuisine like fry jacks and flour tortillas, and an authentic local atmosphere. The objective is to create a dynamic destination that attracts both residents and tourists, generating sustained economic activity and cultural vibrancy reminiscent of successful models in Barbados.

  • Colorful Village Sign Becomes Symbol of Sarteneja Pride

    Colorful Village Sign Becomes Symbol of Sarteneja Pride

    In the serene fishing village of Sarteneja in Belize’s Corozal District, a newly unveiled welcome sign has transcended its practical purpose to become a powerful emblem of local identity and communal spirit. The brainchild of a collaboration between the Sarteneja Youth Group and acclaimed local artist Aruderio Carrillo, this vibrant installation features a meticulously painted mural that captures the essence of coastal life.

    Carrillo, whose deep roots in the community informed his artistic vision, donated his expertise pro bono, accepting compensation solely for materials. The resulting artwork depicts iconic elements of Sarteneja’s culture: breathtaking sunsets over the water, traditional wooden fishing boats used in regattas, palm-fringed beaches, and local fishermen in canoes. The phrase “Where the Sun Meets the Water” accompanies these visual narratives, referencing a phenomenon particularly visible during summer months.

    Village Council Secretary Darnel Cruz emphasizes the sign’s significance in representing Sarteneja’s character as a predominantly Mestizo fishing community where over ninety percent of men engage in traditional fishing practices. The initiative aligns with a broader national movement of communities erecting distinctive signage, though Sarteneja’s version stands out for its deeply personalized artistic interpretation.

    The installation has rapidly become both a popular photographic landmark for visitors and a source of immense local pride. Officials are leveraging this enhanced visibility to promote upcoming cultural events, particularly the Easter weekend festivities featuring a marathon and traditional regatta. This community-driven project demonstrates how public art can effectively celebrate cultural heritage while fostering economic and social development through tourism engagement.