Carib Scope

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  • ‘Blue insurance’: Community-crafted climate insurance plan unveiled

    ‘Blue insurance’: Community-crafted climate insurance plan unveiled

    A groundbreaking initiative to provide affordable, customized climate disaster insurance for Barbados’s most vulnerable populations has reached a critical development phase. The Barbados Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (BANGO) has unveiled an insurer-backed prototype following years of extensive consultations across the Caribbean region.

    Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this regional program has engaged five nations—Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, and Dominica—with Barbados now leading the final development of a ‘fit for purpose’ insurance product ready for local pilot testing.

    Dr. Marcia Brandon, former BANGO Secretary-General and director at the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Livelihoods, emphasized the program’s focus on protecting those in the blue-green economy. ‘People living in vulnerable situations regarding climate disaster—those on coastlines, farmers, fisherfolk, and maritime workers—need instruments that help them recover quickly after disasters,’ she stated.

    The development process has been uniquely participatory, with target communities actively designing insurance concepts through iterative feedback cycles. ‘They have actually created these insurance products which would be fit for purpose to help them if a disaster came,’ Dr. Brandon explained, noting how different groups refined proposals based on their specific needs.

    The current prototype represents a significant milestone—an actual insurance company proposal that is both affordable and accessible. However, Dr. Brandon stressed this remains an evolving process: ‘When I say final product, I’m sure there will be further iterations because we want to meet people’s needs, not just make money for insurance companies.’

    Dr. Christopher Walton, current BANGO secretary-general, highlighted the importance of customizing coverage for Barbados-specific risks. ‘Insurance is needed by everyone, but this isn’t one-size-fits-all,’ he noted, explaining how risks vary dramatically even within small geographic areas—from flooding in St. James to wind damage in St. Joseph.

    The initiative faces significant cultural challenges, particularly overcoming complacency about climate threats. ‘It was years before Barbados saw a hurricane, so people got complacent,’ Dr. Walton observed. ‘Now that it’s really starting to pick up, we’re changing that mindset.’

    Accessibility remains another critical concern. Noting that Barbados ‘is paper-heavy,’ Dr. Walton emphasized the need for digital processes to accommodate busy workers like fisherfolk for whom ‘any time off their boat is less money they make.’

    The proposed solution features an innovative hybrid parametric insurance model explained by Olivia Chase, Senior Development Specialist at the Caribbean Policy Development Centre. This model would trigger payouts based on measurable parameters like wind speed or excess rainfall, verified by official bodies like the Barbados Met Services. Consultants have recommended a three-layer approach: parametric triggers for rapid payouts, an indemnity layer for operational expenses, and a savings component potentially managed through credit unions.

    The final consultation at the Oceana Innovation Hub underscored the connection between climate education and community resilience. Director Ché Greenidge noted the facility’s focus on climate education and ocean literacy, while emphasizing the importance of involving community organizations and fisherfolk in insurance discussions.

    This micro-level approach contrasts with macro tools like the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility by focusing specifically on individual and community needs. The initiative aims to build resilience beyond physical infrastructure, providing liquidity to avoid debt or asset sales post-disaster while promoting awareness and equitable access.

    With the final engagement session complete, gathered feedback will now inform revisions before the pilot insurance product is officially launched, marking a significant step toward climate resilience for Barbados’s most vulnerable workers.

  • Where Does Belize Rank on the World’s Corruption List?

    Where Does Belize Rank on the World’s Corruption List?

    After an 18-year absence from international corruption monitoring, Belize has regained its position on Transparency International’s influential Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). The Central American nation’s reappearance on the 2026 index marks a significant development in global governance tracking, providing both encouraging signals and sobering realities about the country’s anti-corruption efforts.

    According to Cesar Ross, Director of Belize’s Good Governance Unit, the country’s return to the index followed concerted efforts to meet Transparency International’s stringent data requirements. “The absence since 2008 resulted from insufficient international analysis,” Ross explained. “Only two agencies had been producing data assessments for Belize, while the CPI mandate requires at least three independent evaluations.”

    The newly published index reveals Belize achieved a score of 36%, representing a seven-point improvement over its last recorded assessment in 2008. This advancement moved the country from position 109 to 104 among the 182 nations evaluated. However, Ross emphasized that while numerically positive, this progress must be contextualized within global anti-corruption developments. “We must consider why we haven’t been advancing more rapidly compared to international standards,” he noted.

    Ross characterized the CPI not as an endorsement but as a diagnostic tool offering external perspective on governance quality. The ranking provides comparative analysis against global counterparts and illuminates international perceptions regarding corruption levels within Belize’s public institutions.

    The director highlighted that Belize’s reinstatement creates new accountability pressures, particularly regarding recently enacted legislation. Laws including the 2023 Civil Asset Recovery and Unexplained Wealth Act now face heightened scrutiny to demonstrate tangible impacts rather than merely existing as statutory accomplishments.

    This development positions Belize within a framework of measurable international standards, offering benchmarks for future governance reforms and anti-corruption initiatives. The country’s return to the index establishes a foundation for tracking progress and identifying areas requiring intensified anti-corruption focus in coming years.

  • Churches pivot to win back youth as attendance lags post-Covid

    Churches pivot to win back youth as attendance lags post-Covid

    Religious institutions across Barbados are implementing innovative strategies to address a concerning trend of dwindling congregation attendance, particularly among younger demographics, as the Christian community observes the commencement of Lent. This decline, which church leaders characterize as a persistent ‘new normal’ following the pandemic, extends beyond mere statistical reductions to reflect deeper shifts in engagement patterns and spiritual practices.

    Reverend Dr. Cicely Athill-Horseford, Head of the Barbados Christian Council, confirmed that congregational numbers have failed to return to pre-pandemic levels. She observed that streaming services have inadvertently created a permanent alternative to physical attendance, affecting not only youth but older parishioners as well. ‘People choose to come when they want,’ noted Rev. Athill-Horseford, highlighting a broader apathy toward institutional church participation that has manifested even during significant liturgical periods like Ash Wednesday services.

    In response to these challenges, religious leaders are deploying targeted approaches. Rev. Athill-Horseford has implemented a personalized outreach program where church officers individually reconnect with absent members—a strategy already showing promising results, especially with younger congregants. Meanwhile, at Calvary Moravian Church, Pastor Adrian Smith reported maintaining consistent engagement through intergenerational programming that combines traditional ministries with culturally relevant activities like steelpan groups and youth fellowship initiatives.

    Reverend Lucille Baird of Mount Zion’s Missions Barbados Foursquare Church revealed proactive measures to address the engagement gap, including sending senior leaders overseas for specialized training in next-generation ministry approaches. ‘We have to adjust our programs to accommodate the next change because they are very much different in how they do business and what their expectations are,’ explained Rev. Baird, while emphasizing that such adaptations would not compromise core theological standards.

    As the Lenten season progresses, church leaders unanimously agree that revitalizing youth participation requires strategic innovation in engagement methodologies rather than doctrinal modifications. This collective recognition underscores a significant transformation in how religious institutions conceptualize community building and spiritual development in a post-pandemic reality characterized by digital alternatives and changing attendance patterns.

  • Pig farmers to launch ‘Sousie’ following ‘strong’ Christmas output

    Pig farmers to launch ‘Sousie’ following ‘strong’ Christmas output

    Barbados’ pig farming sector is capitalizing on strong Christmas season performance to launch a new locally-developed brand called Sousie, despite persistent concerns about meeting national demand and competing with imported pork products. Henderson Williams, President of both the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) and the Barbados Pig Farmers’ Association, confirmed the development while reporting sustained industry performance throughout 2024.

    The strategic move toward branded, value-added products represents a significant shift in the industry’s approach to market challenges. While production statistics for 2025 remain unavailable, Williams noted that farmers have maintained positive momentum built over previous years. The sector has witnessed remarkable growth, with producer membership more than doubling in 2024 as farmers intensified efforts to counter imported pork and expand domestic market share.

    Industry expansion has been fueled by multiple factors including government loans facilitated through BAS, innovative product development, and an influx of younger farmers entering the sector. Official data reveals substantial production increases, with pig slaughter numbers rising from 30,975 in 2023 to an additional 1,257 animals in 2024.

    The Sousie brand initiative marks a critical evolution in the industry’s strategy, moving beyond primary production into processed goods including burgers and pork sausages. This value-added approach complements what Williams describes as ‘solid production levels’ while addressing the fundamental challenge of stimulating consumer demand for local products.

    Collaboration with Barbados’ hospitality industry has formed another key component of the sector’s growth strategy, alongside the introduction of refreshed branding for both fresh and processed pork products. Despite ongoing competition from cheaper imports, industry indicators suggest rising output and renewed market interest in Barbadian pork products.

  • New Finish Line for La Ruta Maya 2026?

    New Finish Line for La Ruta Maya 2026?

    Organizers of Belize’s premier river racing event, the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge, are contemplating significant changes for the upcoming March 6-9, 2026 competition. The four-day endurance race may witness a historic relocation of its traditional finishing point from Belize City’s Civic Center to the Grand Resort near Haulover Creek’s entrance.

    Security considerations have emerged as the primary catalyst for this potential venue alteration. Vice Chair Roberto Harrison emphasized the organizational challenges posed by the current endpoint, stating, “The Civic Center is too open, and we need to have better control of what happens.” The committee continues to evaluate both locations, with a final determination pending.

    Concurrently, event coordinators are addressing demographic concerns within the competition’s participant pool. Despite maintaining consistent registration numbers of 60-65 paddlers in recent editions, organizers have identified an urgent need for youth infusion in the sport. Harrison noted the aging cohort of veteran competitors, explaining, “Those paddlers that have been running this race over the last 20, 25 years are getting old now.” The committee seeks to balance the preservation of institutional knowledge with the introduction of new talent, emphasizing the importance of retaining experienced guidance while encouraging younger athletes.

    The race’s traditional route remains largely unchanged for the initial three stages: commencing beneath San Ignacio’s Hawkesworth Bridge to Banana Bank (Day 1), progressing to Double Head Cabbage (Day 2), and advancing to Burrell Boom (Day 3). The potential modification exclusively affects the final segment from Burrell Boom.

    In a heartening development, the village of Double Head Cabbage will leverage the event’s visibility to support local resident Keemar, an 18-month-old requiring specialized medical treatment in Mexico for an undiagnosed condition. His family intends to utilize the race weekend for fundraising initiatives.

    Despite anticipated reduced river flow due to arid seasonal conditions, organizers confirm the event will proceed as scheduled. Participants are encouraged to submit early registrations to facilitate logistical planning.

  • Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority to serve as moderator for senior-level aviation and tourism discussion panel at CTO Air Connectivity Summit

    Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority to serve as moderator for senior-level aviation and tourism discussion panel at CTO Air Connectivity Summit

    Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority, has been selected to moderate a pivotal leadership discussion at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2026 Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda. The one-day gathering, scheduled for later this month, will convene tourism ministers, airline executives, airport authorities, and regional policymakers under the theme “Integrating Aviation and Regional Tourism Development.”

    Liburd will facilitate the strategic panel “From Runway to Resort: Connecting Aviation & Caribbean Tourism Development,” which will examine the critical intersection of air transport planning and tourism strategy formulation. The dialogue will feature prominent representatives from aviation, infrastructure development, and private hospitality sectors, addressing practical solutions for route expansion, airport modernization, digital identity implementation, and visitor flow optimization.

    “Air connectivity transcends mere aviation concerns—it represents the cornerstone of tourism development, economic resilience, and regional competitiveness,” Liburd emphasized. “The synergistic alignment between aviation strategy and tourism planning will ultimately dictate our capacity to grow, diversify, and sustain Caribbean visitor economies.”

    Grenada’s prominent participation reflects the nation’s committed engagement in regional airlift negotiations and its evidence-based approach to enhancing connectivity. Recent initiatives include strengthening international air service partnerships and deploying targeted marketing campaigns to improve route performance and increase visitor expenditure.

    The summit constitutes a key component of CTO’s comprehensive Reimagine Plan and the ongoing work of its Airlift Committee, which focuses on improving intra-regional connectivity, long-haul access, and sustainable aviation practices across member states. Liburd’s dual role as moderator and Airlift Committee member positions Grenada at the forefront of discussions that will shape the future of Caribbean air access and tourism integration.

  • The Heartbeat of Independence High School

    The Heartbeat of Independence High School

    At Independence High School, the resonant pulse of a 120-member drum corps has evolved from an extracurricular pursuit into the institution’s defining heartbeat. Under the expert guidance of Band Director Aretha Flores, this ensemble has cultivated a reputation for musical innovation, rigorous standards, and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

    The program represents far more than musical performance—it serves as a transformative educational platform where students develop crucial life skills. Participants consistently report enhanced classroom focus, strengthened self-confidence, and improved collaborative abilities through their immersion in synchronized music and movement.

    ‘This experience creates powerful connections across our diverse student body,’ shared one participating student. ‘We meet, we learn from each other, and we grow together in ways that extend beyond the practice field.’

    With the national Band Festival approaching within weeks, the ensemble intensifies preparations for their upcoming performance. They prepare to take the national stage carrying not just their instruments, but the collective pride of their school community and the values of discipline they’ve collectively cultivated.

    The full depth of this story will be featured on News 5 Live’s 6 o’clock broadcast, offering viewers comprehensive insight into this exceptional program’s impact.

  • Lobster Season Closes, Fishers Warned to Pull Traps

    Lobster Season Closes, Fishers Warned to Pull Traps

    The Belize Fisheries Department has issued a formal advisory to all commercial and recreational fishers, mandating the removal of lobster traps from national waters by February 28, 2026. This action initiates the nation’s annual seasonal closure, which remains in effect from March 1 through June 30, 2026.

    This regulatory measure forms part of a scientifically-backed conservation strategy designed to facilitate population recovery and sustain long-term fishery health. During this three-month period, strict prohibitions against lobster possession, capture, or trade will be rigorously enforced. Violations will be prosecuted under the statutory provisions of the Fisheries Resources Act, Chapter 210.

    Enhanced maritime surveillance operations will be conducted throughout Belize’s territorial waters to ensure compliance. Authorities have encouraged public participation in enforcement efforts, providing dedicated channels for reporting illegal activities: telephone hotline 224-4552 and official email fisheries_department@fisheries.gov.bz.

    The seasonal moratorium aligns with regional conservation protocols established by the Organization of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of the Central American Isthmus (OSPESCA). This coordinated approach across Central American nations addresses critical concerns regarding overfishing and marine resource depletion, securing both ecological balance and the economic future of Belize’s fishing industry.

  • $50M National Bus Company Set to Launch ‘For the People’

    $50M National Bus Company Set to Launch ‘For the People’

    Belize is poised to revolutionize its public transportation infrastructure with the March 1st inauguration of the National Bus Company, a groundbreaking $50 million initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport. This ambitious venture represents a comprehensive consolidation of the country’s fragmented bus system under a novel public-private ownership structure.

    The innovative ownership model grants the Belizean government a controlling 45.76% majority stake, while 17 participating bus operators collectively maintain 39.15% ownership. The remaining 15.08% will be allocated to institutional investors including insurance companies and the Social Security Board, who have demonstrated significant interest in the transformative project.

    According to auditor Emil Pinelo, the company’s valuation employed sophisticated assessment methodologies combining discounted cash flow analysis with asset-based evaluation. “Our team engaged individually with regional bus operators under strict non-disclosure agreements,” Pinelo explained. “Their provision of sensitive financial data enabled us to conduct a thorough and proper assessment of operational realities.”

    The consolidated operational framework promises substantial benefits for participating operators, with financial projections indicating potential profit increases of approximately 30%. Strategic advantages include bulk purchasing power, integrated electronic payment systems, and significant reductions in cash-handling inefficiencies and revenue pilferage.

    Transport Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh addressed concerns regarding potential future governmental changes, emphasizing that protective legislation will safeguard the company’s road service permits. “While future administrations might reconsider the arrangement decades from now, they cannot do so without legitimate cause,” Zabaneh asserted, expressing confidence that public support would ensure the initiative’s longevity.

    The minister highlighted that ultimate protection for the venture would come from the citizenry themselves, who stand to benefit from improved efficiency, enhanced passenger experience, and a modernized transportation sector. “The people will safeguard their National Bus Company because they will have directly experienced its benefits,” Zabaneh concluded, noting that electoral accountability would ensure continued protection of public interests.

  • Jumby Bay Island, Hermitage Bay and Curtain Bluff Ranked Among Caribbean’s Best by U.S. News & World Report

    Jumby Bay Island, Hermitage Bay and Curtain Bluff Ranked Among Caribbean’s Best by U.S. News & World Report

    Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector has achieved remarkable recognition with three of its luxury resorts securing top positions in U.S. News & World Report’s prestigious Caribbean rankings. The newly released evaluation places Jumby Bay Island at an impressive fifth position, followed by Hermitage Bay at seventh, and Curtain Bluff claiming the twelfth spot among the region’s premier all-inclusive properties.

    The comprehensive assessment examined 214 hospitality establishments across the Caribbean basin, with Antiguan properties demonstrating exceptional performance in the competitive landscape. The Antigua Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has hailed this achievement as testament to the nation’s growing prominence as a premium tourism destination.

    Industry analysts note that these rankings significantly enhance the twin-island nation’s competitive positioning within the luxury travel market. The recognition comes as Caribbean tourism experiences robust recovery post-pandemic, with high-end all-inclusive properties leading sector growth.

    ABHTA representatives emphasized that these accolades reflect the dedication of local hospitality professionals and their commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences. The association further highlighted how such international recognition contributes to destination branding and market visibility.

    With tourism constituting approximately 60% of Antigua and Barbuda’s GDP, these rankings assume substantial economic importance. The continued excellence of luxury resorts reinforces the nation’s strategic focus on high-value tourism as a cornerstone of economic development and sustainable growth.