Carib Scope

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  • SLHTA Invests $50,000 in Bocage Secondary Programmes

    SLHTA Invests $50,000 in Bocage Secondary Programmes

    In a significant move to bolster educational development, the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) has allocated EC$50,000 from its Tourism Enhancement Fund to Bocage Secondary School. The investment, formally presented on February 13, aims to strengthen institutional programs designed to equip students with essential skills and create meaningful pathways into the workforce, particularly within Saint Lucia’s expanding tourism and hospitality industry.

    SLHTA Chief Executive Officer Noorani Azeez characterized the initiative as part of the association’s broader 2026 commitment to deepen community impact. He emphasized collaborative partnerships with educators, whom he described as “the exceptional heroes in our schools,” noting that teachers and principals play a crucial role in understanding student aspirations and needs. Azeez explained that the funding is intended to make classroom engagement more interactive and learning more profound, ultimately preparing students for substantial contributions to the national economy.

    Highlighting tourism’s projected expansion in coming years, Azeez stressed the importance of early student exposure to industry opportunities. This allows young learners to “see the reach of the tourism dollar” and experience how strategic investments can directly impact their dreams and career goals. While the EC$50,000 donation represents a substantial initial commitment, Azeez described it as “the tip of that iceberg,” signaling the beginning of a long-term partnership with educational institutions.

    At Bocage Secondary School, the funding will directly enhance several targeted programs including special education, remedial instruction, and extracurricular initiatives. Zenith Duncan, the teacher overseeing special and remedial education programs, detailed how the resources will address specific challenges. Her remedial program supports over 30 students requiring foundational literacy and numeracy skills through a whole-school approach where teachers across disciplines provide targeted tutoring.

    The special education department, serving students with conditions including Down syndrome and autism, will benefit from specialized resources. Duncan noted that sound-cancelling headphones will help students with sensory sensitivities maintain focus in classroom environments. Additional support will address penmanship issues and concentration challenges through practical interventions. The school’s feeding mural, robotics, and arts programs will also receive substantial enhancements from the SLHTA contribution, creating a more comprehensive educational experience for all students.

  • Lovell Raises National Accountability Concerns Over $100M Road Programme

    Lovell Raises National Accountability Concerns Over $100M Road Programme

    Political tensions are escalating in Antigua and Barbuda as Harold Lovell, the United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate for All Saints West, has launched a substantive critique against the government’s management of a $100 million road rehabilitation initiative. During a recent appearance on Observer Radio’s ‘Night at Night’ program, Lovell articulated deep concerns regarding the program’s execution and financial transparency.

    Lovell’s scrutiny emerged in response to mounting complaints from constituents about the persistently poor condition of community roads throughout the region. The opposition figure challenged the administration’s claims of massive financial investment, noting a significant disparity between the reported $100 million allocation and the observable deterioration of residential thoroughfares. “We hear that they have a hundred million to spend,” Lovell stated, “yet many residential roads remain in unacceptable condition.”

    The politician further accused the government of prioritizing cosmetic improvements on major highways and highly visible corridors while neglecting village and inner-community infrastructure. Lovell emphasized that the core issue extends beyond sporadic repairs to encompass what he characterized as a fundamental absence of comprehensive, long-term infrastructure planning. “There’s no plan,” he asserted, describing the current approach as piecemeal rather than strategically structured.

    Adding another dimension to his critique, Lovell raised serious questions about the transparency of contract awarding processes within the rehabilitation program. While acknowledging he lacked specific contractual evidence, Lovell maintained that the perceived irregularities in procurement procedures have generated substantial public skepticism regarding governmental accountability.

    The current administration has consistently defended its infrastructure investments, highlighting the necessity of addressing longstanding transportation challenges and modernizing the island’s road network. However, Lovell has reframed the discussion as a matter of national accountability, insisting that substantial public expenditures must be governed by strategic planning and rigorous oversight mechanisms.

    These developments occur against a backdrop of intensified political activity preceding an anticipated by-election, with infrastructure management rapidly emerging as a pivotal issue in public discourse.

  • Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Football Team set to face Guyana next week

    Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Football Team set to face Guyana next week

    Following a historically challenging 18-0 defeat against Jamaica, Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Football Team is undergoing intensive reconstruction ahead of their critical CONCACAF qualifier against Guyana on February 27th. The coaching staff has implemented a comprehensive training regimen addressing multiple deficiencies exposed during their opening match.

    Assistant Coach Sheldon Casimir provided transparent assessment of the team’s current state, acknowledging Jamaica’s formidable quality while identifying specific improvement areas. “Despite the devastating result, our defensive organization—paradoxically our strongest aspect against Jamaica—requires immediate enhancement,” Casimir stated. “We’re prioritizing physical conditioning, mental awareness, and defensive coordination to narrow the gap against elite opponents.”

    The team faces unique logistical challenges with six overseas-based players joining limited preparation time. Casimir emphasized the importance of developing team cohesion: “We’re utilizing these additional days to integrate our overseas contingent and establish effective on-field communication patterns.”

    Technical preparation has been hampered by insufficient match footage for analysis. The coaching staff relies primarily on recent tournament recordings and the Jamaica match for tactical insights. “Ideal preparation would involve numerous practice matches with comprehensive video review,” Casimir explained. “Unfortunately, our current development phase doesn’t permit this luxury.”

    Psychological recovery represents another critical focus area. The coaching staff acknowledges the demoralizing effect of their record defeat and is implementing morale-building strategies. Casimir highlighted the need for professional psychological support: “We expect elite performance without corresponding mental training. Maintaining positive mindset progression is essential—being better today than yesterday, and better tomorrow than today.”

    The team departs for Guyana on February 23rd with renewed determination. The Dominica Football Association continues rallying domestic and international support as the women’s squad pursues their qualification objectives despite significant competitive challenges.

  • Voormalig Zuid-Koreaans president Yoon veroordeeld tot levenslange gevangenisstraf

    Voormalig Zuid-Koreaans president Yoon veroordeeld tot levenslange gevangenisstraf

    In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s political landscape, the Seoul Central District Court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment for orchestrating a rebellion during his controversial attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. The court found Yoon guilty of conspiring with then-Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to undermine constitutional order by deploying military forces to paralyze parliamentary functions.

    Presiding Judge Jee Kui-youn, speaking for the three-judge panel, declared that “dispatching armed troops to the parliament and using equipment to make arrests constitute acts of rebellion.” The court determined that Yoon’s actions on December 3, 2024, resulted in significant societal damage through his emergency declaration, which lasted merely six hours but triggered massive public demonstrations and parliamentary rejection.

    Alongside Yoon, seven other defendants received sentences, including Kim who was handed a 30-year prison term. The former president maintained composure during the verdict reading while his legal team immediately announced plans to appeal, with lead attorney Yoon Kab-keun denouncing the judgment as “completely unjust” and lacking evidentiary basis.

    The case represents one of the most consequential trials in South Korea’s modern history, exposing deep political divisions that have persisted since Yoon’s ouster. Public reaction remains sharply divided, with hundreds of supporters gathering outside the courthouse demanding his release, while other citizens expressed support for even harsher punishment.

    Current President Lee Jae Myung, who assumed office through interim elections following Yoon’s impeachment, praised the South Korean public for peacefully resisting the emergency measures. He suggested the populace deserved Nobel Peace Prize consideration for their democratic resilience.

    This conviction adds to Yoon’s existing legal challenges, including his ongoing appeal of a separate five-year prison sentence. Legal experts anticipate the full judicial process may extend for years, though Thursday’s verdict delivers a clear condemnation of actions that severely tested democratic institutions in one of Asia’s most important economies and U.S. allies.

  • Phase One of $55M Runway Rehabilitation Completed at VC Bird International Airport

    Phase One of $55M Runway Rehabilitation Completed at VC Bird International Airport

    The V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a significant advancement in its infrastructure modernization with the successful completion of the initial phase of a comprehensive $55 million airfield rehabilitation project. This development, finalized on February 13, 2026, represents a critical step in transforming the nation’s primary aviation gateway.

    Initiated in late August 2025, the ambitious eight-phase program is being executed through a collaborative partnership between Akon Company Limited and Kelly Construction. The project’s primary objective is to align the airport’s facilities with stringent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards while enhancing operational capabilities for modern aircraft.

    The completed first phase has delivered substantial infrastructure improvements including the construction of a 7,420-square-meter turning bay, installation of a new blast pad, creation of a runway end safety area, and development of a service road at the runway’s terminus. These enhancements have significantly upgraded the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger, faster aircraft with improved safety protocols.

    Notably, the upgraded facilities now enable the airport to handle long-range aircraft such as the Airbus A350-900, which possesses a remarkable range capability of nearly 16,000 kilometers. This expansion in operational capacity positions Antigua and Barbuda as a more competitive destination in the Caribbean aviation market.

    Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Charles Fernandez recently conducted an inspection tour of the upgraded facilities. Airport authorities have expressed strong confidence that subsequent phases will be completed ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for November 1-4, 2026, in Antigua.

    The comprehensive rehabilitation initiative is projected to substantially boost operational efficiency, strengthen confidence among international aviation partners, and ensure continuous compliance with global aviation standards, ultimately reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s position in the international travel industry.

  • Nobu Hospitality Announces Nobu Beach Inn, Barbuda

    Nobu Hospitality Announces Nobu Beach Inn, Barbuda

    Nobu Hospitality, the premium lifestyle brand co-founded by Hollywood icon Robert De Niro, has revealed comprehensive development plans for its newest venture: the Nobu Beach Inn at The Beach Club, Barbuda. This announcement marks a significant expansion of De Niro’s three-decade vision for the Caribbean island, following the successful 2020 launch of the Nobu Barbuda beach restaurant.

    Developed in collaboration with partners James Packer and Daniel Shamoon, the project redefines barefoot luxury across a 400-acre, low-density coastal sanctuary. The design philosophy emphasizes seamless integration with the natural environment, utilizing sustainable materials and single-story bungalows connected by sand pathways to preserve the landscape’s pristine beauty.

    The resort will feature 36 bedrooms distributed across 17 private villas, complemented by extensive amenities including a beach club, oceanfront pool, comprehensive spa facilities, children’s club, outdoor cinema, multiple sports courts, and a dedicated gym pavilion. Culinary offerings will extend beyond the signature Nobu restaurant to include an oceanfront grill highlighting local seafood and an exclusive omakase sushi bar.

    A fully equipped water sports center will provide guests with dinghy sailing, kite surfing, and water skiing, while sailboats and motor yachts will be available for offshore excursions. The property will host rotating visiting experts including wellness practitioners, DJs, and chefs to create dynamic guest experiences.

    The development also introduces 25 beachfront residences starting at $12 million USD, offering turnkey ownership with optional participation in the resort’s rental program. These customizable four- and five-bedroom bungalows provide direct access to all resort amenities while maintaining private pool and garden spaces.

    Enhanced accessibility follows the recent opening of Burton Nibbs International Airport, which provides private jet access and streamlined inter-island transfers. The property is approximately a ten-minute helicopter journey from Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport, which maintains regular flights from major North American and European cities.

    Construction is scheduled for completion in late 2026, representing De Niro’s deeply personal commitment to preserving Barbuda’s status as one of the Caribbean’s last unspoiled destinations.

  • Iwokrama, Guyana Tourism Authority ink accord to promote tourism development in Region 9.

    Iwokrama, Guyana Tourism Authority ink accord to promote tourism development in Region 9.

    In a landmark move for sustainable tourism development, the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development has formalized a collaborative partnership with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding. This strategic alliance, announced on February 19, 2026, aims to accelerate tourism growth in Guyana’s North Rupununi area (Region 9) through comprehensive capacity building, market development, and sustainable product enhancement.

    The agreement establishes a community tourism training institute at the Iwokrama River Lodge, creating an educational hub for developing professional expertise across various tourism disciplines. This initiative represents a significant advancement in Guyana’s community-based tourism infrastructure, combining conservation excellence with economic development.

    Iwokrama CEO Dane Gobin emphasized the alignment between both organizations’ operational objectives, noting the Centre’s unique position as “the only internationally certified area for Recreational Services in the region.” This certification includes the prestigious Good Travel Seal, initially awarded in 2023 and successfully renewed in 2026 following demonstrated commitments to sustainability benchmarks.

    GTA Director Kamrul Baksh characterized the partnership as a crucial step in strengthening Guyana’s global positioning as a premier nature-based tourism destination. “This reflects our shared commitment to sustainable tourism development that protects our natural heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for communities and visitors alike,” Baksh stated.

    The collaboration builds upon Guyana’s remarkable tourism performance, which recorded 34,923 visitor arrivals in January 2026 alone—a 17.2% increase compared to January 2025, representing the highest January arrivals in the nation’s history. This growth trajectory underscores Guyana’s emerging status as a leading ecotourism destination.

    Established in 1996 through a joint initiative of the Guyanese government and Commonwealth Secretariat, the Iwokrama International Centre manages 371,000 hectares of protected rainforest with a mandate to generate ecological, economic, and social benefits for both local communities and the international community. The GTA operates as a semi-autonomous governmental entity focused on developing sustainable tourism that maximizes socio-economic benefits while preserving Guyana’s natural and cultural heritage.

  • Wood, Massy and Tagman launch new joint-venture business in Guyana

    Wood, Massy and Tagman launch new joint-venture business in Guyana

    In a significant development for Guyana’s burgeoning energy industry, three major firms—Wood, Massy, and Tagman—have officially established a new joint-venture operating company named WMT Guyana. The announcement, made on February 19, 2026, reveals a strategic partnership where Guyanese consultancy Tagman Inc. holds a controlling 51% stake, emphasizing the venture’s commitment to local leadership.

    The collaboration unites Wood’s global engineering prowess, Massy’s regional operational strength, and Tagman’s three decades of in-country expertise. WMT Guyana will specialize in engineering-led studies, brownfield maintenance, modifications, and early-phase project solutions tailored for Guyana’s specific market needs. This fusion of international standards with deep regional knowledge aims to provide stability and confidence for energy sector clients operating in the country.

    Executive leadership from all three companies expressed strong confidence in the venture. Alex Graham, CEO of Tagman Inc., described it as a “long-term commitment to building a strong, locally anchored operating company.” Vaughn Martin, Group Executive Vice President of Massy Group, characterized the partnership as a “natural progression” for serving Guyana’s expanding energy sector. Jason Mohan of Wood highlighted the venture’s focus on “safe, high-quality and predictable delivery” backed by global technical expertise.

    The new entity will absorb the existing Massy Wood Guyana joint venture, signaling a consolidation of resources and capabilities. Company representatives emphasized their commitment to developing local talent and building a robust, Guyanese-driven supply chain as part of their investment in the country’s energy future.

  • AUA Parts Ways With Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (Antigua) Vernon Solomon

    AUA Parts Ways With Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (Antigua) Vernon Solomon

    In a significant executive reshuffle, the American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine has officially severed ties with its Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Vernon Solomon. The separation marks a pivotal moment in the institution’s operational leadership, though the specific catalysts behind this corporate decision remain formally undisclosed.

    The university administration has moved swiftly to address the vacuum in its executive hierarchy, initiating an immediate search for a successor to steward its Antigua-based operations. This transition occurs as AUA continues to fortify its position within the competitive landscape of Caribbean medical education, serving a substantial cohort of international students.

    Industry analysts are scrutinizing the potential implications of this high-profile departure on AUA’s institutional strategy and day-to-day governance. Executive changes of this magnitude within academic organizations often signal broader strategic realignments, potentially affecting operational protocols, stakeholder relationships, and long-term institutional planning.

    The broader academic and medical education sectors are observing this development with keen interest, given AUA’s established role in training physicians for the global market. The incoming operational leadership will inherit the challenges and opportunities of an evolving educational environment, including technological integration and changing accreditation standards.

  • High Court dismisses ECCO’s claim, ECCO ordered to pay Government EC $10,000 in costs

    High Court dismisses ECCO’s claim, ECCO ordered to pay Government EC $10,000 in costs

    In a decisive legal ruling, the High Court of Saint Kitts and Nevis has comprehensively dismissed the constitutional challenge brought by the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc. against the nation’s newly established copyright regulatory framework. The court delivered its final judgment on Thursday, February 19, 2026, ordering ECCO to pay the government EC$10,000 in legal costs.

    The legal dispute centered on the Copyright Act No. 14 of 2024 and its accompanying Copyright (Collective Management Organisations) Regulations, 2024, which establish a comprehensive system for authorizing and overseeing collective management organizations operating within the federation. The government implemented this regulatory regime to enhance transparency, accountability, and protection for both promoters and creative professionals.

    ECCO’s legal action sought multiple forms of relief, including a declaration that section 4(6) of the Regulations exceeded the authority granted by the parent Copyright Act. The organization additionally argued that the absence of transitional provisions in section 4 violated their legitimate expectations and requested an order of certiorari to invalidate the contested regulatory section.

    The court rejected all aspects of ECCO’s claim, affirming that the Regulations were properly enacted within the scope of authority granted by the Copyright Act. This ruling represents a significant validation of the government’s approach to regulating copyright collective management organizations.

    Legal representation for the government was provided by Solicitor General Simone Bullen-Thompson, while ECCO was represented by attorney Dane Victor Elliott-Hamilton. The judgment follows a previous interim ruling from June 2025, where ECCO similarly lost its bid for an interim injunction against the regulations.