Carib Scope

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  • Two Arrested Following Seizure of Firearm and Ammunition at Mc Pond

    Two Arrested Following Seizure of Firearm and Ammunition at Mc Pond

    In a targeted operation against illicit weapons, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has successfully apprehended two individuals and confiscated an arsenal of illegal firearms and ammunition. The raid, conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Task Force, unfolded at a residential property in the Mc Pond area late Monday evening, February 16, 2026.

    Executing a pre-arranged search warrant at approximately 10:45 p.m., law enforcement officers uncovered a significant cache of weaponry. The seized items included two 9mm pistols, four magazines, a weapon holster, a speed loader, and a substantial quantity of 9mm live rounds.

    The operation resulted in the detention of two suspects: a 31-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman. Both individuals were taken into police custody on serious charges related to the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. They currently remain detained as investigators continue their probe into the matter.

    This enforcement action represents part of the Royal Police Force’s broader strategic initiative to combat gun-related crimes and enhance community security across the nation. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying efforts aimed at removing illegal weapons from circulation and ensuring public safety.

    The police administration is urging citizens to actively participate in these crime prevention efforts by reporting any information concerning illegal firearms or suspicious activities. Confidential tips can be directed to the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913, or anonymously through the Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).

  • Back at education ministry, Blackman to press ahead with reforms

    Back at education ministry, Blackman to press ahead with reforms

    Barbados’ newly reappointed Education Transformation Minister Chad Blackman has committed to accelerating comprehensive educational reforms, targeting both curriculum modernization and infrastructure upgrades ahead of the upcoming academic year. Following his inauguration on Monday, Minister Blackman characterized his reappointment by Prime Minister Mia Mottley as a strong endorsement of his transformative agenda for the nation’s education system.

    Blackman immediately outlined his strategic priorities, emphasizing the urgent need to address the transition process for students moving from primary to secondary education in September. “Our immediate focus is ensuring a seamless transition for students advancing between educational stages,” Blackman stated during his address to journalists.

    The minister identified curriculum reform as a fundamental component of his transformation vision, aiming to develop educational content that simultaneously celebrates Barbadian national identity while preparing students for global competitiveness. “We are crafting a curriculum that finally enables our children to embrace their Barbadian heritage while gaining world-class qualifications for international success,” Blackman explained.

    Infrastructure modernization represents another critical element of the ministry’s ambitious plans. Blackman highlighted the concerning state of many educational facilities across the island, noting that school buildings range from 50 to 200 years old. “Infrastructure renewal demands our urgent attention—we require resilient, contemporary facilities that support innovative teaching methodologies and learning environments,” he emphasized.

    The transformation initiative also includes comprehensive professional development programs for educators, ensuring teaching staff possess the necessary skills to implement the reimagined educational framework effectively. Blackman confirmed that work would commence immediately, with strategic planning sessions beginning the same evening following his inauguration ceremony.

  • Abrahams calls Durant video a ‘lapse in judgement’

    Abrahams calls Durant video a ‘lapse in judgement’

    In a case highlighting the legal perils of digital misconduct, a Barbadian court has mandated community service for a young man who disseminated fabricated content targeting the nation’s Attorney General. Akeem Durant, 27, received sentencing after admitting to transmitting menacing electronic communications that targeted Wilfred Abrahams during the critical pre-election period.

    Acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna presided over the case at Oistins Magistrates’ Court, where Durant—previously without criminal record—was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service. This judicial outcome followed Abrahams’ personal intervention advocating for leniency rather than punitive measures.

    The magistrate addressed Durant directly during proceedings: “While you initially perceived this as humorous, you now comprehend the serious implications of such actions. Social media represents a powerful contemporary tool that demands responsible usage.”

    Outside the courtroom, Durant expressed remorse to Barbados TODAY, stating: “This experience has been profoundly difficult. Digital platforms propagate content rapidly—once released, information spreads uncontrollably. Everyone should exercise extreme caution with their online posts, even through private messaging applications.”

    The Attorney General, who recently secured re-election, revealed that Durant had personally visited his constituency office to offer a sincere apology. Abrahams characterized the incident as “a lapse in judgement” rather than malicious intent, noting that secondary actors had amplified the fabricated content for their own purposes.

    “After three decades in legal practice,” Abrahams explained, “I cannot justify criminalizing youthful indiscretion. His apology demonstrated genuine contrition, and I consequently recommended community service that would ultimately leave no permanent criminal record upon successful completion.”

    Reflecting on the potential consequences, Abrahams acknowledged the situation could have proven “catastrophic” given the international election observers present in Barbados during the viral dissemination. He emphasized: “My professional reputation ultimately withstood this challenge, but this case serves as a crucial warning regarding social media responsibility. Content creators must consider the ethical implications and potential legal consequences of their digital actions, particularly when involving others.”

  • LETTER: Gregson Hixon’s Death in Fiery Pares Road Crash Leaves Grays Farm Residents Seeking Clarity

    LETTER: Gregson Hixon’s Death in Fiery Pares Road Crash Leaves Grays Farm Residents Seeking Clarity

    The Grays Farm community remains in a state of mourning and bewilderment following a catastrophic vehicular incident that resulted in the death of 47-year-old resident Gregson Hixon. The tragedy unfolded along Pares Main Road under circumstances that local residents describe as both perplexing and deeply unsettling.

    According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports, the sequence of events began when a motorist attempted to avoid colliding with an animal near Welch’s Supermarket. This evasive maneuver caused the vehicle to strike the southern sidewalk before careening across the roadway. The car then impacted a substantial stone structure, subsequently overturning and erupting into flames in a devastating culmination.

    Emergency response teams demonstrated exceptional bravery in their rescue efforts. Fire Department personnel and EMS specialists worked tirelessly to extract occupants from the engulfed wreckage, earning community commendation for their professional and courageous actions despite the extreme dangers presented by the blazing vehicle.

    The complex nature of the accident has left many residents questioning how such a multi-phase collision could occur within a relatively constrained section of roadway. Key uncertainties circulating throughout the community include the potential role of excessive speed, possible visibility limitations, and the precise mechanics that enabled the vehicle to traverse from one side of the road to the other with such destructive force.

    Gregson Hixon is remembered not merely as a statistical casualty but as a valued community member whose loss has created profound grief among friends, family, and acquaintances. The dramatic and fiery nature of the incident has compounded the trauma experienced by this tight-knit community.

    Local citizens have respectfully called for transparent and comprehensive explanations as official investigations continue. This appeal stems not from gratuitous curiosity but from a collective need for closure and a community-wide desire to implement preventive measures that might avert similar tragedies in the future.

    The community of Grays Farm stands united in sorrow, extending deepest sympathies to all those affected by this devastating loss while awaiting clearer insights into the circumstances that led to this fatal event.

  • PM Drew addresses criticism following assumption of CARICOM chairmanship

    PM Drew addresses criticism following assumption of CARICOM chairmanship

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has vigorously defended his leadership approach as current chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) against growing domestic criticism. During a parliamentary address, the St. Kitts and Nevis leader emphasized the regional bloc’s indispensable role in the Federation’s development despite opposition challenges to his diplomatic methods.

    Dr. Drew outlined his hands-on strategy of direct engagement with fellow CARICOM leaders, describing it as essential for navigating complex geopolitical shifts including developments surrounding Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He clarified that all CARICOM decisions represent collective positions rather than individual initiatives.

    Addressing travel-related criticisms from the People’s Labour Party, the Prime Minister dismissed claims of CARICOM’s imminent collapse while acknowledging the organization faces a critical juncture. Recent public disagreements between member states have tested the bloc’s unity, prompting Dr. Drew’s proactive diplomatic missions to facilitate private consultations.

    The Prime Minister specifically addressed transportation criticisms, revealing he utilizes Regional Security System aircraft lacking modern amenities including onboard bathrooms. He characterized these flights as functional rather than luxurious, necessary for efficient regional coordination.

    Dr. Drew highlighted CARICOM’s practical benefits for small island states, citing the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s hurricane preparedness support and the University of the West Indies’ role in developing regional intellectual capacity. He argued St. Kitts and Nevis could not independently bear disaster management costs or develop equivalent educational resources.

    The Prime Minister is scheduled to chair the upcoming Regional Heads of Government Conference at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, where these regional coordination efforts will continue.

  • Suffren stars for VA Tech in close Cal win

    Suffren stars for VA Tech in close Cal win

    BERKELEY, Calif. – Virginia Tech’s women’s basketball team secured their 20th win of the season with a decisive 68-58 victory over California Golden Bears at Haas Pavilion on February 15, powered by a career-defining performance from junior guard Samyha Suffren.

    The matchup began with intense back-and-forth action, with Virginia Tech capitalizing on favorable early opportunities. Coming off the bench, Suffren emerged as the Hokies’ offensive catalyst, scoring the team’s final four points in the opening quarter despite trailing 13-12 after the first period.

    When California built a 21-16 advantage in the second quarter, Suffren engineered a spectacular 10-0 scoring run with eight consecutive points, swinging momentum permanently in Virginia Tech’s favor. The Hokies entered halftime with a 33-29 lead they would never relinquish.

    Though California won the third quarter numerically, Virginia Tech maintained their composure and held a narrow 44-43 edge entering the final frame. Suffren continued her dominance in the fourth quarter, finishing with career highs in minutes played (29:31), points (19), field goals (7-12), and free throws (5-7).

    Beyond her offensive explosion, Suffren demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess, adding to her team-leading 44 steals this season. The junior guard credited head coach Megan Duffy with refining her defensive focus, noting that “offense will come naturally” when defensive intensity is maintained.

    With this victory, Virginia Tech becomes the third ACC team this season to complete a California road sweep, joining conference powers Duke and Louisville. The Hokies improved to 20-7 overall and 10-5 in ACC competition. Supporting Suffren’s effort, guard Carleigh Wenzel recorded her 11th consecutive double-digit scoring performance with 15 points, including the team’s only three-pointer of the contest.

  • Wickham hails Mottley Cabinet as a sign of maturity

    Wickham hails Mottley Cabinet as a sign of maturity

    Political analyst Peter Wickham has characterized Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s newly inaugurated 23-member Cabinet as demonstrating political maturity and refined governance strategy. Despite controversial reappointments of former ministers from the previous Freundel Stuart administration that sparked vigorous public debate, Wickham contends the overall structure reflects a leader consolidating authority with strategic precision.

    Among the most scrutinized appointments are former Democratic Labour Party figures Christopher Sinckler and Michael Lashley. Sinckler assumes the role of Senator and Senior Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, while Lashley returns as Minister of Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice. Wickham noted Sinckler’s appointment was somewhat anticipated given his previous campaign assistance, though Lashley’s return surprised many given his previously more senior portfolios.

    Wickham expressed particular confidence in Sinckler’s foreign affairs capabilities, citing prior ministerial experience. He observed the Prime Minister appears deliberately returning to a model where foreign ministers operate without constituency responsibilities, allowing greater focus on complex international matters. However, Wickham emphasized that public perception remains influenced by Sinckler’s controversial tenure as finance minister, suggesting performance would ultimately determine the appointment’s success.

    Regarding Lashley’s appointment, Wickham questioned the rationale behind accepting a relatively junior position compared to previous roles. As a prominent criminal defense attorney, Lashley now handles what Wickham termed “a very weird concoction of things” within justice ministry responsibilities, though acknowledging his legal expertise might prove valuable in addressing crime-related challenges.

    In contrast, Wickham enthusiastically endorsed the promotion of Kirk Humphrey from Minister of Elder Affairs to Minister of Transport and Works, describing it as a significant vote of confidence given the portfolio’s capital-intensive nature involving extensive road construction projects.

    The analyst particularly highlighted the Cabinet’s reduced size as evidence of Mottley’s growing confidence, noting this represents her smallest Cabinet formation yet. This streamlining indicates consolidation of portfolios and responsibilities rather than expansion of government. Wickham interpreted this structural refinement as signaling a third-term administration that is more measured, streamlined, and assured in its governance approach, with a leader unafraid of excluding certain figures from Cabinet positions.

  • Prime Minister Mottley defends new Cabinet

    Prime Minister Mottley defends new Cabinet

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley has presented a comprehensive justification for her newly appointed 26-member Cabinet, characterizing its expanded structure as a deliberate strategic framework designed to enhance governmental efficiency and accountability. During Monday’s swearing-in ceremony at CARIFESTA House, where ministers and senators took their oaths before President Jeffrey Bostic, Mottley articulated a vision of governance centered on execution rather than political symbolism.

    The Cabinet configuration includes three ministers of state and several newly elevated portfolios reflecting the administration’s priority areas. Mottley emphasized that dedicated ministries for Public Service and Talent Development, Investment, and Economic Affairs represent core pillars of Barbados’ development strategy. “The public service constitutes our primary delivery engine,” Mottley stated. “Barbados’s next developmental phase will ultimately succeed or falter based on service quality enhancement.”

    Regarding the investment portfolio, Mottley highlighted economic resilience concerns: “While tax collection performance remains satisfactory, our tax base continues to demonstrate tenuous characteristics. Our sustained progress fundamentally depends on accelerating both domestic and foreign investment inflows.”

    The Cabinet retains several key figures while introducing strategic reassignments. Santia Bradshaw continues as Deputy Prime Minister overseeing Environment, National Beautification and Fisheries. Senator Jerome Walcott assumes responsibility for Social and Environmental Policy coordination, while Kerrie Symmonds takes charge of Energy, Business Development and Commerce. Notable appointments include Ryan Straughn maintaining Finance, Kay McConney leading Public Service and Talent Development, and Senator Lisa Cummins directing Health and Wellness.

    Mottley simultaneously announced plans to establish a National Competitiveness Commission, characterizing it as a practical mechanism to identify and resolve systemic obstacles across sectors from tourism to street vending. Addressing public frustrations with service delivery, she acknowledged: “Citizens evaluate governance not through policy documents but through lived experiences—transport reliability, road safety, and utility consistency.”

    The Prime Minister concluded by emphasizing collaborative reform, noting that transformational progress requires concerted efforts beyond the political class: “Barbados necessitates world-class public service standards. Every public servant must provide exemplary service to both citizens and visitors alike.”

  • Sulphur Springs dominate Soufrière Infant sports

    Sulphur Springs dominate Soufrière Infant sports

    Sulphur Springs House delivered a spectacular performance at the annual Soufrière Infant School Track Championships, securing a decisive victory at the Soufrière Stadium. The event, which concluded on February 12, saw the yellow-clad athletes establish an insurmountable lead early in the competition.

    Beginning the final day with a commanding 209-point advantage over their nearest rivals, Caribbean Sea, Sulphur Springs extended their dominance by adding another six points to their margin. The final tally stood at an impressive 1,105 points for the champions, leaving Caribbean Sea trailing significantly at 890 points. Last year’s runners-up, Botanical Gardens, accumulated 751 points, while defending champions Piton managed only 717 points in their title defense.

    The championship witnessed exceptional individual performances across multiple age categories. Victor Daniel Felix emerged as a standout athlete for Sulphur Springs, capturing three gold medals in the Under-9 boys division. His achievement symbolized the collective excellence of the winning house.

    In the Under-9 girls category, Nikita Henry of Caribbean Sea demonstrated remarkable skill, earning three gold medals and one silver medal despite her team’s overall second-place finish.

    The Under-8 competitions featured extraordinary talent, particularly Shervel Prospere of Caribbean Sea, who achieved four first-place finishes among the girls. What made her accomplishment particularly notable was her routine training and competition against significantly older athletes. Jahmiel Stanislas of Piton also excelled in this age group, securing three gold medals.

    Sulphur Springs demonstrated particular strength in the Under-7 category, where Javier St Brice dominated as the top boy with two gold medals. The girls’ division saw a shared victory between Kalissa Henry of Sulphur Springs and Kishanly Deligny of Piton, each earning one gold medal.

    Younger age groups continued to showcase emerging talent. S’zyon Meluce of Sulphur Springs topped the Under-6 girls category with one gold and one silver medal. The boys’ division saw joint champions Simon Dolor and Lorenzo Sylvestre, both representing Caribbean Sea, each earning one gold and one silver medal.

    In the Pre-K category, Kaisen Alexander secured back-to-back gold medals for Sulphur Springs, earning him the boys’ crown. Meanwhile, Asia Alexander of Caribbean Sea commanded two gold medals among the girls, demonstrating promising talent for future competitions.

    The event was documented through professional photography by Terry Finisterre, capturing the intensity and achievement of these young athletes throughout the championship meet.

  • UWI hosts Nigerian Vice-Chancellor delegation

    UWI hosts Nigerian Vice-Chancellor delegation

    In a significant move toward Global South educational collaboration, twenty newly appointed Nigerian Vice-Chancellors embarked on a landmark visit to The University of the West Indies (UWI) headquarters in Jamaica from February 10-12. The delegation, representing Nigeria’s Committee of Vice-Chancellors of National Universities (CVCNU), was formally received by UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles during the Africa-Caribbean Higher Education Summit.

    The summit represented a strategic initiative by Nigerian higher education leadership to gain firsthand understanding of UWI’s operational excellence and its innovative approaches to balancing national priorities with global engagement challenges. With Nigeria operating approximately 280 universities (140 public and 140 private) and UWI ranking among the top 3.6% of global institutions according to Times Higher Education rankings, the partnership signifies a powerful alignment between two major educational forces in the Global South.

    Professor Beckles characterized the gathering as “a spiritual moment” that acknowledged the profound historical and intellectual connections between Africa and the Caribbean. He emphasized Nigeria’s substantial influence on UWI’s development, noting that the university’s evolution remains intrinsically linked to these regional bonds.

    CVCNU Secretary-General Professor Andrew Haruna addressed both the challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s higher education landscape while acknowledging the longstanding contributions of Caribbean scholars to Nigerian academic development. The dialogue extended to include Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown Polytechnic and prominent Caribbean diaspora leader, who delivered a keynote address advocating for purpose-driven universities and emphasizing the critical importance of indigenous publishing platforms for elevating Global South research.

    The three-day summit facilitated comprehensive discussions on strategic planning, research development, curriculum standardization, global rankings optimization, resource management, and visionary leadership. The full participation of all UWI Principals and Pro Vice-Chancellors demonstrated institutional commitment to the “ONE UWI” vision, creating a dynamic environment for intellectual exchange and collaborative planning.

    Professor C. Justin Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UWI’s Five Islands Campus, concluded the event with powerful remarks framing South-South collaboration as “a strategic imperative rather than a consolation prize.” He asserted that solutions for developing nations will increasingly emerge through institutions like UWI and Nigerian universities working collaboratively without “waiting for permission to lead.”