Carib Scope

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  • Ramadan begint in Gaza temidden van puinhopen van verwoeste moskeeën

    Ramadan begint in Gaza temidden van puinhopen van verwoeste moskeeën

    As the holy month of Ramadan commenced in Gaza on Wednesday, Palestinian worshippers turned to the shattered remnants of destroyed mosques and improvised prayer spaces constructed from tarpaulins and wood, demonstrating remarkable spiritual resilience amid widespread devastation.

    The landscape of Gaza City reveals the profound scale of destruction, with the dome of the obliterated Al Hassaina mosque now resting atop mounds of rubble. What was once a courtyard filled with worshippers has transformed into a living space where displaced families now sleep, cook, and hang laundry between broken columns and debris.

    Sami Al Hissi, a 61-year-old mosque volunteer, expressed profound grief while standing amidst the ruins: “I cannot bear to look at this destruction. We once prayed here comfortably, surrounded by friends and loved ones. Now there are no loved ones, no friends, and no mosque remaining.”

    The current reality represents both spiritual and societal devastation for Gaza’s residents. According to figures from the Hamas-run government’s media office, 835 mosques have been completely destroyed and 180 partially damaged during the conflict that began after Hamas’s cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which Israeli authorities say killed 1,200 people. Additionally, 40 of Gaza’s 60 cemeteries have reportedly been destroyed.

    Israel maintains that its military operations target Hamas infrastructure and accuses Palestinian armed groups of using civilian areas, including mosques, for military purposes—an allegation Hamas denies. Palestinian health authorities report approximately 72,000 Palestinian casualties since the conflict began.

    Despite catastrophic damage and severe shortages of construction materials, community efforts have created 430 makeshift prayer spaces using repurposed plastic greenhouse covers, wood, and tent materials, according to Amir Abu Al-Amrain, director of Gaza City’s religious affairs ministry.

    Khitam Jabr, a displaced resident now sheltering in a mosque, articulated the collective disappointment: “We had hoped to celebrate Ramadan in a different atmosphere. With most mosques destroyed, we now pray in tents that have become shelters for the displaced.”

    The commencement of Ramadan in Gaza underscores both the depth of religious faith persisting through conflict and destruction, and the community’s extraordinary resilience despite overwhelming hardship. The situation highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and sustainable solutions to alleviate Palestinian suffering in the region.

  • US $40M Climate Financing Expected for Indigenous Communities

    US $40M Climate Financing Expected for Indigenous Communities

    In a landmark initiative for climate justice, indigenous communities in southern Belize are set to receive approximately $40 million in financing through the Green Climate Fund. The funding aims to bolster climate resilience efforts among Maya populations facing escalating environmental challenges.

    The Julian Cho Society, spearheading the project titled “Maya LED Pathways for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Economies,” has initiated consultations with villages throughout the Toledo District. This comprehensive program is designed to assist local farmers in adapting to unpredictable weather patterns while simultaneously strengthening agricultural practices and supporting community-based enterprises.

    Pablo Mes, Executive Director of the initiative, emphasized the critical role of indigenous stewardship in global climate mitigation. “Indigenous peoples manage twenty-five percent of the world’s landmass, with substantial portions remaining forested—making their territories vital for carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation,” Mes stated.

    The funding recognition comes at a crucial juncture, as Mes highlighted systemic barriers that often prevent climate financing from reaching frontline communities. After extensive consultations with over sixty educators and community leaders, organizers identified mismatches between funding requirements and local needs. This program specifically addresses those disparities by crafting context-appropriate solutions aligned with Maya traditions and knowledge systems.

    While the Belizean government has formally endorsed the initiative, final approval from the Green Climate Fund remains pending. Once secured, the project will enter full proposal development with anticipated implementation beginning in 2027. This represents one of the most significant direct investments in indigenous-led climate adaptation strategies in Central America to date.

  • Government Promises US $40M, But Will Maya Farmers See Any of It?

    Government Promises US $40M, But Will Maya Farmers See Any of It?

    Belize has secured a pivotal endorsement for a $40 million climate resilience initiative aimed at supporting indigenous Maya communities in the southern Toledo District. The project, titled “Maya LED Pathways for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Economies,” is being developed through the international Green Climate Fund and spearheaded by the Julian Cho Society.

    Executive Director Pablo Mes emphasized the critical role of indigenous land stewardship in global climate mitigation efforts, noting that 25% of the world’s forested land is managed by indigenous peoples. The program specifically targets practical adaptation strategies for local farmers facing climate disruptions while strengthening sustainable economic development.

    Despite government backing, the funding remains pending final approval from the Green Climate Fund. Mes highlighted a significant structural challenge in climate financing: existing funding mechanisms often fail to align with the direct needs of indigenous communities who possess valuable traditional ecological knowledge.

    Extensive consultations have already been conducted across numerous villages, with organizers anticipating a potential 2027 launch if the proposal receives full authorization. The initiative represents a growing recognition that effective climate action requires direct investment in indigenous communities who maintain vital forest ecosystems.

  • Putting Profits Over Paddlers?

    Putting Profits Over Paddlers?

    A significant controversy is emerging around Belize’s premier canoe racing event, the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, as organizers contemplate altering its traditional route. The potential changes have sparked debate about whether financial interests are overshadowing the needs of athletes and the event’s sporting heritage.

    Elvin Penner, Vice President of the Belize Canoe Association, has publicly distanced his organization from the planning process, revealing that the association plays no role in determining the race’s logistics. “We are simply spectators,” Penner stated, emphasizing that his group’s priority has always been the paddlers and should therefore be included in decision-making.

    Penner expressed concern that the event has shifted from its athlete-centered origins toward commercial motivations. “It has become very much a personal business, a money-type of thing,” he commented, questioning whether organizers are prioritizing profits over participants.

    The proposed relocation of the finish line has drawn particular scrutiny. Penner remains skeptical about the justification for this change, noting, “I have yet to hear the real reasons why they wanted to move that finishing line.” He anticipates that the alteration could impose substantial entry fees on spectators, potentially diminishing public engagement with the event.

    The potential route modification threatens to eliminate the race’s iconic final stretch through the Belize City channel, a technically demanding section that has often determined outcomes since the event’s inception in 1998. Penner described this segment as where “you separate the men from the boys” due to its challenging water conditions.

    Event organizers cite security concerns at the current Civic Center finish location as motivation for considering changes. Roberto Harrison, Vice Chair of the organizing committee, explained to News Five: “The Civic Center is too open, and we need to have better control of what happens.”

    Penner advocates for refocusing on the athletes who endure the physical demands of the four-day, 180-mile river journey and the sponsors whose financial support enables participation. Without sponsorship, teams could not afford the $10,000-$15,000 required to compete in the challenging event.

    The organizing committee has not yet reached a final decision regarding the proposed route changes, leaving the future configuration of Belize’s most significant paddling competition uncertain.

  • BREAKING NEWS: Sir Robin Yearwood Resigns as St. Philip’s North MP

    BREAKING NEWS: Sir Robin Yearwood Resigns as St. Philip’s North MP

    In a momentous parliamentary session marking his golden jubilee of service, veteran statesman Sir Robin Yearwood has formally resigned from his position as representative for St. Philip’s North. The historic announcement was delivered Wednesday by House Speaker Osbert Frederick, who read the resignation letter dated February 18, 2026, during a special sitting honoring the legislator’s extraordinary career.

    Sir Robin’s political journey represents one of the most enduring tenures in Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic history, having first entered the House of Representatives on February 18, 1976. His electoral resilience saw him returned to Parliament through eleven consecutive elections, maintaining his constituency even during periods when his Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party lost governmental power in 2004 and 2009.

    Throughout his distinguished service, Sir Robin occupied multiple high-profile ministerial portfolios including Finance Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and ministries overseeing agriculture, aviation, and public utilities. His administrative purview extended across numerous government agencies and statutory bodies, positioning him as a foundational architect of the nation’s development trajectory.

    In his valedictory communication, the statesman reflected on his party’s role in forging what he characterized as a ‘proud, sovereign and resilient nation.’ He expressed particular satisfaction in contributing to building a nation that leads Caribbean regional rankings in human development indicators.

    The veteran parliamentian extended heartfelt gratitude to family, constituents, religious community members, and political supporters whose steadfast backing enabled his five decades of service. Acknowledging the natural progression of political leadership, Sir Robin articulated his belief that the moment had arrived to ‘pass the baton to a younger and more vigorous representative,’ describing the fiftieth anniversary as an ideally symbolic transition point.

    His immediate resignation triggers constitutional procedures for selecting a new parliamentary representative for St. Philip’s North, marking both the conclusion of an unprecedented political era and the beginning of a new electoral chapter.

  • Mexico Reports 213% Jump in Missing Persons Over 10 Years

    Mexico Reports 213% Jump in Missing Persons Over 10 Years

    Mexico is confronting a severe human rights catastrophe as official data reveals a staggering 213% surge in missing persons over the past decade, with current records indicating more than 130,000 individuals now classified as disappeared. This alarming trend, documented in the comprehensive study ‘Violencia en México 2015–2025′ by policy research organization México Evalúa, demonstrates a dramatic escalation from 4,114 disappearances in 2015 to 12,872 cases in 2025.

    The research reveals that disappearances and homicides frequently coexist within regions dominated by criminal organizations, suggesting that the concealment of victims’ remains through unmarked graves or body destruction has become a systematic method for distorting official murder statistics. ‘The parallel occurrence of elevated homicide and disappearance rates indicates that disappearance functions not as an isolated phenomenon but as an operational mechanism to obscure murders and manipulate official records of lethal violence,’ the report emphasizes.

    This crisis has its origins in the government’s intensified campaign against drug cartels initiated in the early 2000s. Criminal syndicates have subsequently diversified their operations beyond narcotics trafficking into forced recruitment, migrant smuggling, and human trafficking. Geographical analysis identifies Sinaloa, Sonora, and Baja California Sur as the states with the highest disappearance rates in 2025, with Baja California Sur experiencing a devastating 666% increase since 2015.

    Under Mexican legal definitions, a disappeared person is any individual whose whereabouts remain unknown, regardless of whether criminal involvement has been established. President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the crisis during her February 10th press conference, acknowledging significant deficiencies in the National Registry platform while promising to release a comprehensive report this month containing ‘the real numbers’ of missing persons. The administration has committed to enhancing disappearance alert systems and strengthening support mechanisms for affected families.

  • Nigel Christian Murder Trial Set to Begin Thursday

    Nigel Christian Murder Trial Set to Begin Thursday

    The High Court of Antigua and Barbuda is set to commence proceedings on Thursday in the closely watched murder case of Customs Officer Nigel Christian. Presiding Justice Rajiv Persaud will oversee the trial against three defendants: Lasean Bully from Cashew Hill, Wayne Thomas of Hatton, and Saleim Harrigan from Greenbay. All three men have formally entered not guilty pleas for the 2020 homicide.

    The case stems from the tragic events of July 10, 2020, when Christian, aged 44, was forcibly abducted from his residence in McKinnons. The investigation culminated with the discovery of his body in the Thibou’s area, where forensic examination confirmed multiple gunshot wounds as the cause of death.

    Charges were formally brought against the defendants in April 2021, following an extensive eleven-month investigation. The judicial process has navigated through multiple stages, beginning at the All Saints Magistrate’s Court before advancing to the High Court. Initially slated for the January 2023 assizes, the trial experienced significant procedural delays. The defendants were formally arraigned before Justice Ann-Marie Smith in January 2024, where they reaffirmed their claims of innocence.

    The commencement of proceedings, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was administratively postponed, with the trial now confirmed to begin Thursday. The case has drawn considerable public attention due to the victim’s status as a government officer and the violent nature of the crime.

  • Cuba congratulates art instructors on their day

    Cuba congratulates art instructors on their day

    Cuban leadership has publicly celebrated the nation’s art instructors, recognizing them as vital ambassadors who propagate and safeguard authentic Cuban cultural values across the globe. These educators are credited with transformative work that liberates and preserves national identity through artistic expression.

    The historical significance of Cuba’s cultural mission traces back to April 14, 1961, when Fidel Castro established the inaugural National School of Art Instructors during the Literacy Campaign. This pivotal moment occurred just three days preceding the Bay of Pigs invasion, with four thousand students initially enrolled. The institution emerged as a cornerstone in the country’s social transformation, deliberately reshaping cultural accessibility by removing elitist barriers that previously limited artistic engagement.

    This cultural democratization initiative deployed young pioneers throughout the nation, including Olga Alonso González, a Havana native who joined the vanguard movement transporting artistic education to remote communities. Tragically, at nineteen years old, Alonso perished in an accident on March 4, 1964, while serving as a theater instructor in Fomento municipality, Sancti Spíritus province. Her legacy endures through the commemoration of Art Instructor’s Day annually on February 18, her birthdate, honoring her sacrifice and dedication to cultural dissemination.

  • Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane has died

    Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane has died

    The entertainment industry mourns the loss of acclaimed actor Eric Dane, who passed away at age 53 after a valiant struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The tragic news was confirmed through an official family statement obtained by People magazine, revealing his passing occurred Thursday afternoon.

    Dane, celebrated for his compelling portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan in the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ demonstrated remarkable fortitude throughout his health challenges. His family emphasized that his final moments were spent enveloped by cherished companions, his steadfast wife Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom they described as ‘the center of his world.’

    The actor had publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis the previous year, bringing awareness to this devastating neurodegenerative condition. ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, progressively destroys motor neurons, leading to severe muscle deterioration, paralysis, and ultimately proving fatal as it impedes basic physiological functions.

    Beyond his iconic television role, Dane’s filmography showcased remarkable versatility across genres. His notable credits include the gritty HBO series ‘Euphoria,’ musical extravaganza ‘Burlesque,’ romantic ensemble ‘Valentine’s Day,’ family favorite ‘Marley & Me,’ and action drama ‘The Last Ship.’ Each performance contributed to his respected standing in Hollywood, demonstrating range from intense drama to lighthearted comedy.

    Dane leaves behind an enduring legacy both on-screen and through his courageous health advocacy. His family’s statement highlighted the profound depth of his character beyond acting, noting his unwavering dedication to family and his graceful confrontation of adversity. The entertainment community remembers him as both a talented performer and an inspiration in facing life’s most difficult challenges with dignity and strength.

  • Navasky Anderson breaks men’s 800m indoor national record

    Navasky Anderson breaks men’s 800m indoor national record

    Jamaican athletes delivered a series of remarkable performances at the Meeting Lievin Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais indoor track meet in France on Thursday, headlined by Navasky Anderson’s new national record in the men’s 800 meters.

    Anderson achieved a historic milestone by clocking 1:46.10 seconds in the men’s B race, edging out the previous Jamaican indoor record by one-hundredth of a second. This performance surpassed Tyrice Taylor’s mark of 1:46.11 seconds set in Arkansas just over a year ago. Anderson’s achievement continues his record-breaking streak, having previously established a new national standard in the men’s 1000m event on January 31st.

    The meet witnessed additional outstanding accomplishments from Jamaican competitors. Megan Simmonds demonstrated exceptional form in the women’s hurdles, twice surpassing her personal best during the event. She initially clocked 7.93 seconds in the first round, improving upon her previous record of 7.98 seconds, before further lowering her time to 7.88 seconds in the final. This performance now stands as the eighth fastest time ever recorded by a Jamaican woman in the event.

    Further strengthening Jamaica’s presence at the international meet, national champion Nickisha Pryce secured second place in the women’s 400m B race with a time of 52.43 seconds. Meanwhile, World Indoor Championships finalist Jordan Scott achieved a notable result in the men’s triple jump, registering a distance of 17.11 meters. This mark currently ranks as the second best performance globally this season, trailing only Algeria’s Yasser Mohammed Triki, who leads with a jump of 17.35 meters.