Carib Scope

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  • Government unveils renovated Gymnastics Pavilion for 2026 Games

    Government unveils renovated Gymnastics Pavilion for 2026 Games

    Less than 100 days out from the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, the Dominican Republic has marked a major milestone in its preparation push with the official opening of the fully upgraded Gymnastics Pavilion at Santo Domingo’s Parque del Este. The inauguration ceremony was led by the country’s Vice President Raquel Peña and Housing Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, capping off a comprehensive renovation project that transforms the venue into a modern, elite-level sporting space.

    Speaking at the event, government and sports leaders emphasized that the renovation wrapped up on schedule, and the facility now meets every international technical standard required to host elite regional competition. Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz confirmed that all preparation work for the 2026 games remains on track, with the newly finished pavilion checking every box on the organizing committee’s requirements. José P. Monegro, president of the games’ Organizing Committee, called the upgraded pavilion one of the most cutting-edge gymnastics venues across the entire Central American and Caribbean region.

    The renovation project received an investment of more than 260 million Dominican pesos, which went toward a series of critical upgrades. The expanded layout now includes larger dedicated competition zones and separate warm-up areas, upgraded spectator seating that can accommodate more than 3,600 attendees, modern visitor amenities, and state-of-the-art technology systems to support events and athlete training.

    Beyond the 2026 games, government officials stressed that the renovated pavilion is designed to leave a lasting positive impact on the Dominican Republic. Long after the closing ceremony of the regional event, the venue will serve as a permanent hub for domestic sports development and youth athlete training across the country.

  • F15 Softball Cricket Tournament 4.0 — Week 2 matches

    F15 Softball Cricket Tournament 4.0 — Week 2 matches

    The fourth edition of the F15 Softball Cricket Tournament, held across match days at the iconic Richmond Hill Playing Field, has delivered a string of gripping encounters, from tense nail-biters to lopsided dominant displays, all played under the tournament’s standard 15-over format. The tournament officially tipped off on March 29 with a stunning opening clash that set the tone for the action to follow.

    In that opening fixture, Country Meet Town Outah Trouble won the coin toss and opted to set a target for Dr. Thomas Injectors. The side posted a solid, competitive total of 148 runs for the loss of 5 wickets from their full 15 overs, led by Renrick Williams’ quickfire 38 runs off just 19 deliveries, with Jabari Cunningham chipping in a useful 22 runs from 15 balls. Dr. Thomas Injectors’ bowlers kept their opponents in check, with Keymo Browne claiming 2 wickets for 26 runs from his three overs, and Denroy Hazell matching that effort with 2 wickets for 38 runs off his three overs.

    Chasing a required 149 runs for victory, Dr. Thomas Injectors put together a clinical batting performance, reaching the target in the 15th and final over with just one ball remaining. Jevorn Nero stole the show with a blistering unbeaten 70 runs off only 29 balls, while Bradley Richards supported with a steady 31 runs from 27 deliveries. With the match hanging in the balance on the final ball, Kevin Jack sealed a dramatic two-wicket win with a massive six over the boundary. For Country Meet Town Outah Trouble, Alwyn Quashie returned figures of 3 wickets for 30 runs, and Travis Cumberbatch claimed 2 wickets for 12 runs.

    When the tournament resumed for match days on April 11 and 12, four more closely contested matches got underway at the same venue. The first of these, Match #3, saw Valley Boys take on host side Richmond Hill United. Valley Boys won the toss and elected to bat first, but struggled with the host’s bowling attack, managing only 40 runs for the loss of 8 wickets from 11.4 overs. Clinton Keir was the top performer for the batting side with 12 runs off 13 deliveries. Richmond Hill United’s Deptor Culzac was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for just 10 runs from his three overs, while Mcniel Morgan supported with 2 wickets for 8 runs. In reply, the hosts chased down the low target successfully, reaching 41 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 10.4 overs. Marvin Harry led the chase with a quick 11 runs off 5 balls. Romel Jack turned in a spectacular bowling effort for Valley Boys, claiming 3 wickets for only 6 runs from three overs, and Marcus McCoy took 2 wickets for 14 runs, but it was not enough to stop Richmond Hill United securing a four-wicket win. Deptor Culzac, who contributed 5 runs with the bat in addition to his three-wicket haul, was named Man of the Match.

    Match #4 pitted Country Meet Town Outah Trouble against Fairban United. Country Meet Town Outah Trouble won the toss and batted first, posting a strong total of 112 runs for 4 wickets from their 15 overs. Davien Barnum top-scored with 36 runs off 31 balls, and Asif Hooper added a valuable 30 runs from 28 deliveries. Fairban United’s Antonio Barker turned in a devastating bowling spell, claiming 2 wickets for just 3 runs from three overs, while Andrew Glasgow took 1 wicket for 7 runs from two overs. In reply, Fairban United was restricted to just 71 runs for 9 wickets from their full 1 overs. Kelroy Cumberbatch top-scored with 16 runs off 12 balls, and Dwayne Williams made 14 runs from the same number of deliveries. Travis Cumberbatch was the standout bowler for Country Meet Town Outah Trouble, taking 3 wickets for 10 runs from three overs, and Deroy Straugh claimed 2 wickets for 7 runs from two overs. Country Meet Town Outah Trouble won the match by a commanding 41 runs, and Travis Cumberbatch, who also scored 17 runs with the bat, was named Man of the Match.

    Match #5 saw East Kingstown United face off against Kentish Jacob’s Prime Consulting Marriaqua Cricket Club. East Kingstown United won the toss and elected to put Marriaqua into bat first, and the decision paid off immediately as the batting side was bowled out for just 52 runs in 10.4 overs. Adoulph Adams was the only batter to put up resistance, scoring a quick 27 runs off 11 balls. Alex Providence produced a historic bowling performance for East Kingstown United, claiming 6 wickets for just 1 run from his three overs, a spell that included a hat-trick and a wicket maiden. Elroy Cumberbatch supported with 2 wickets for 0 runs from one over. Chasing the small target of 53 runs, East Kingstown United reached the required total in 9 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Ian Bushay top-scored with 23 runs off 22 balls. Adoulph Adams claimed 2 wickets for 5 runs from three overs for Marriaqua, and Randy Hooper took 2 wickets for 14 runs from two overs, but East Kingstown United sealed a comfortable six-wicket win. Alex Providence’s incredible 6-wicket for 1-run performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

    The final match of this round, Match #6, saw Bank of SVG All Stars take on three-time defending champions RS Production Kombat Warriors. RS Production Kombat Warriors won the toss and elected to bat first, posting the highest total of the tournament so far: 151 runs for 5 wickets from 15 overs. Roderick Jonn produced an innings of the tournament contender, scoring an unbeaten 63 runs off 42 balls that included seven sixes and four fours, while Romano Pierre supported with 38 runs off 27 balls. Courtney McDowall claimed 2 wickets for 27 runs from three overs for Bank of SVG All Stars, and Kody Horne took 1 wicket for 21 runs from two overs. In reply, Bank of SVG All Stars was bowled out for just 45 runs in 8.4 overs, with Keyan Boyea top-scoring with 10 runs off four balls. Kerwin Brown claimed 4 wickets for 13 runs for the defending champions, and Kamal Jackson took 3 wickets for 7 runs. RS Production Kombat Warriors won the match by a dominant 106 runs, and Roderick Jonn’s match-winning batting performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

    Organizers have encouraged fans to stay up to date with all the latest tournament news and results by subscribing to the iWitness News WhatsApp Channel.

  • AILA to launch sunflower program for hidden disabilities

    AILA to launch sunflower program for hidden disabilities

    Passengers traveling through the Dominican Republic’s busiest air hub will soon gain a new, discreet tool to access personalized support, as local airport operator Aerodom partners with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower organization to roll out the sunflower lanyard initiative in the coming weeks.

    A subsidiary of global airport infrastructure leader VINCI Airports, Aerodom is bringing a proven, widely adopted accessibility program to Las Américas International Airport (AILA) in Santo Domingo. The scheme, already active at more than 240 airports across the globe, fills a critical gap for millions of travelers living with non-visible disabilities. Conditions including autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, chronic anxiety, and other mental health conditions often do not present obvious outward signs, leaving many travelers hesitant to ask for help or explain their specific needs. The sunflower lanyard acts as a quiet, universal signal that a passenger may require extra assistance, eliminating the need for them to disclose personal medical details to access support.

    Under the terms of the new partnership, the lanyards will be available completely free of charge at AILA’s dedicated passenger assistance desk. Critically, no medical documentation or formal diagnosis will be required to obtain a lanyard, removing unnecessary barriers for travelers who need the program’s support. In addition to distributing the lanyards, Aerodom has committed to rolling out comprehensive training for all frontline airport staff, third-party service partners, and on-site operators. The training will focus on equipping personnel to recognize the lanyard and provide appropriate, respectful support that aligns with each traveler’s needs.

    The sunflower lanyard initiative is not an isolated accessibility effort, but rather a core addition to Aerodom’s ongoing, company-wide accessibility strategy that aligns with parent company VINCI Airports’ global inclusion standards. This new program also complements the major expansion project currently underway at AILA, the Dominican Republic’s busiest and most important international entry point. The expansion, centered on the construction of an all-new terminal, is designed to boost the airport’s overall passenger capacity and upgrade passenger services across the board for all travelers in the years ahead.

  • Nibbs Calls for ‘Change’ in Barbuda, Backs Beezer with Development Agenda

    Nibbs Calls for ‘Change’ in Barbuda, Backs Beezer with Development Agenda

    Against the backdrop of longstanding calls for renewed infrastructure, economic diversification and improved quality of life on the Caribbean island of Barbuda, a leading political figure has thrown his weight behind a bold new development agenda, pushing for urgent systemic shifts that address the unique challenges facing the island’s community.

    Trevor Nibbs, a prominent voice in Barbuda’s local governance and political discourse, has publicly declared that incremental adjustments to the island’s current development framework are no longer sufficient. In a recent address to community stakeholders and political observers, Nibbs emphasized that Barbuda requires sweeping, meaningful change to unlock its full economic potential, recover more fully from past climate shocks, and deliver equitable opportunities for all residents, particularly young people who have faced growing rates of outmigration in search of better prospects.

    Central to Nibbs’ push for reform is his full endorsement of the development agenda put forward by candidate Knacyntar “Beezer” Nedd. Nibbs highlighted that Beezer’s plan prioritizes targeted investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable tourism development that centers local ownership, expanded access to affordable healthcare and education, and support for small businesses rooted in Barbuda’s traditional industries such as fishing and agriculture.

    For many years, Barbuda has grappled with systemic challenges that have slowed its progress. The island suffered catastrophic damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017, and many residents have voiced frustration over the slow pace of reconstruction and uneven distribution of recovery funds. Additionally, debates over land use and large-scale development projects have created divisions within the community, with many locals pushing for a model that prioritizes community benefit over outside corporate interests.

    Nibbs argued that Beezer’s development framework directly addresses these community concerns, outlining a clear path that balances sustainable growth with protection of Barbuda’s unique natural environment and cultural heritage. He noted that the agenda prioritizes community-led decision-making, ensuring that Barbudans retain control over their island’s future rather than ceding influence to external actors.

    In closing, Nibbs called on all Barbudans to unite behind the push for change, arguing that a united front is necessary to overcome the political and economic obstacles that have held the island back for decades. He stressed that the upcoming political process represents a critical turning point for Barbuda, and that embracing Beezer’s development agenda will set the island on a path toward long-term prosperity and equity.

  • Bendes onder druk in Haïti, maar dreiging houdt aan

    Bendes onder druk in Haïti, maar dreiging houdt aan

    For months, armed, powerful criminal gangs have held swathes of Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince in a violent grip, extorting communities, carrying out mass kidnappings, and terrorizing civilians. A new United Nations expert report released this week finds that while coordinated anti-gang operations have managed to slow the gangs’ rapid territorial expansion across the capital, the overall security threat in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation remains as severe and unpredictable as ever.

    The report, published Tuesday by a panel of experts monitoring UN Security Council sanctions on Haiti, notes that stepped-up security operations, supported by drone strikes and local self-defense groups, have pushed gang factions back from several key areas in central Port-au-Prince. But the assessment warns that these hard-won gains remain deeply fragile and unevenly distributed across the city. Without sustained, coordinated pressure on criminal networks, the report cautions, all recent progress could be erased in a short period of time.

    Gangs currently control most of Port-au-Prince’s urban territory, and have become infamous for widespread systemic violence including routine murders, sexual assault, and mass kidnapping for ransom. In response to intensified security operations and targeted drone strikes, the report finds, gang leaders – the majority of whom remain at large – have adapted their behavior, becoming far more discreet to avoid targeting. Most have cut back on public appearances and halted active activity on social media to reduce their exposure to counter-gang operations.

    Increased pressure in central Port-au-Prince has also pushed many gang factions to relocate their core criminal operations to outlying rural and semi-urban areas on the capital’s periphery, where they face far less resistance from security forces and can continue illegal activity with minimal interference. This shift has forced Haitian security units to reposition their personnel and resources to respond to the new threat, weakening their ability to hold and stabilize territory that has already been reclaimed from gang control.

    Beyond shifting their operational hubs, gangs have tightened their grip on key infrastructure that touches nearly every Haitian household: remittance processing facilities, which handle the critical flow of money sent home by Haitians living abroad that makes up a large share of the country’s total household income. Criminal groups have also increasingly carried out extortion and kidnapping-for-ransom schemes while disguised as police officers, allowing them to operate with greater impunity and trick civilians into cooperating.

    The report also documents the staggering human cost of the year-long anti-gang campaign, which has been supported by private military contractors. Between March 2025 and January 2026 alone, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk recorded 5,519 total conflict-related deaths across Haiti, with at least 3,497 of those fatalities occurring during active anti-gang operations. Casualties have been reported on all sides, including both gang members and innocent civilian bystanders caught in the crossfire.

    Worryingly, the report adds, gangs have even turned the civilian harm from drone strikes and security operations to their advantage, leveraging public anger to consolidate local influence. Many gangs have provided financial aid to civilians who suffered property damage or lost family members during security operations, building local support and strengthening their social control over affected communities. The report also highlights a disturbing upward trend in the recruitment of child soldiers, who are deployed directly in frontline combat and used as human shields against security forces during operations.

  • Roofing Advances as Antigua Cruise Port Upland Development Takes Shape

    Roofing Advances as Antigua Cruise Port Upland Development Takes Shape

    Construction work on the ambitious upland expansion project at Antigua Cruise Port has crossed a key threshold, moving into advanced stages that are already reshaping the site’s physical landscape for visitors and stakeholders alike. As roofing operations across multiple new structures progress steadily, the development has entered a visible new phase that brings the project’s long-term vision closer to completion.

    Developers working on the initiative have begun applying vibrant, Caribbean-inspired paint palettes to the exterior walls of what will soon become new retail outlets and entertainment venues. This design choice is more than cosmetic: it is intended to carve out a distinct, energetic visual identity for the expanded precinct, weaving the region’s cultural and natural character into the built environment itself to reflect the destination’s unique appeal.

    Leading the on-site construction push is local team LICCOM, which continues to hit critical project milestones ahead. Alongside ongoing roofing work across the development’s core structures, crews are also making steady progress on one of the project’s most anticipated amenities: the Day Club pool, a recreational feature expected to draw significant visitor interest once the port opens to expanded operations.

    The entire upland development is a core component of a broader overhaul of Antigua Cruise Port led by Global Ports Holding, the global port infrastructure operator. The overarching goal of the upgrade is to elevate the overall visitor experience at the facility, transforming it from a simple transit point into a dynamic, multifaceted hub that delivers value both to the hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers that pass through each year and to local businesses operating in and around the port.

    Project stakeholders say the recent, visible progress—shifting the build from behind-the-scenes structural work to public-facing finishing touches—serves as a clear signal that the next chapter of Antigua Cruise Port’s transformation is now within sight, with the project remaining on track to deliver its promised upgrades to the Caribbean’s cruise sector.

  • Greene Defends Road Programme, Says Works in St. Paul’s Are Planned, Not Rushed

    Greene Defends Road Programme, Says Works in St. Paul’s Are Planned, Not Rushed

    Amid growing resident speculation that current road construction projects across St. Paul’s constituency are a rushed pre-election publicity push, Antiguan cabinet minister E. P. Chet Greene has pushed back against these claims, framing the ongoing works as a carefully designed, multi-year long-term infrastructure improvement strategy for the region and the entire country.

    Greene addressed constituent concerns directly during a recent community meeting, where local residents had raised questions about project timing, construction quality, funding transparency, and public safety alongside existing poor road conditions in some neighborhoods. Rejecting outright assertions that crews were rushing work to beat a potential election timeline, he emphasized that the entire programme follows a structured, phased rollout that has been in motion across Antigua for nearly two years.

    “This is not a rush job to check boxes ahead of a vote — we are rolling out projects according to a pre-set plan,” Greene explained. “Major improvements to the country’s core transportation network have been ongoing across the entire nation for the past 24 months, ranging from full upgrades of primary highways to critical arterial routes that connect communities and facilitate commerce.”

    The centerpiece of the current work phase in St. Paul’s is the long-awaited rehabilitation of All Saints Road, a project that Greene says will deliver transformative improvements to regional transportation connectivity. He confirmed that construction has already begun on the high-demand route, noting that the programme extends far beyond major thoroughfares to include incremental upgrades to secondary feeder roads and smaller neighborhood routes. These secondary upgrades are targeted at boosting access for both local residents and small businesses that rely on passable infrastructure for daily operations.

    To address constituent worries over the allocation and use of public funding for the projects, Greene offered explicit reassurance that all resources budgeted for roadworks are being dedicated exclusively to infrastructure development. “The money appropriated for this programme is going directly to fixing roads,” he said, confirming that long-term financing structures are already in place to support continued, incremental improvements across the constituency in coming years.

    In response to resident concerns about persistent poor road conditions and public safety hazards in under-upkept areas, Greene noted that the government’s approach prioritizes long-lasting, durable solutions over quick, low-quality fixes. To extend the functional lifespan of new and reconstructed roads, the ministry is utilizing more resilient, weather-resistant construction materials that can withstand heavy use and local climate conditions. He also called on local community members to partner with the government in preserving new infrastructure, urging residents to avoid actions that could cause premature damage to freshly completed road surfaces.

    Greene wrapped up his remarks by reaffirming that the St. Paul’s road programme forms one core pillar of a broader regional development agenda. He stressed that reliable, well-maintained transportation infrastructure is a foundational requirement for supporting sustained economic activity and improving quality of life for all residents of the constituency.

  • Three Writers from Antigua and Barbuda Named to 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Longlist

    Three Writers from Antigua and Barbuda Named to 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Longlist

    In a landmark moment for Caribbean literary talent, three writers from the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda have secured a place on the longlist for the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, earning international recognition among the most promising emerging literary voices across the 56-nation Commonwealth bloc.

    The Commonwealth Foundation, the organization that stewards the prestigious annual award, publicly revealed the full longlist on April 14. This year’s competition drew a staggering 7,806 submissions from writers across all Commonwealth member states, making the cut to the longlist a rare and high-accomplishment milestone. Only under 200 entries advanced to this stage of the selection process, turning the longlist inclusion itself into a mark of exceptional creative achievement.

    The Antigua and Barbuda representatives joining the longlist are Ulah Wijnaldum, selected for his work *“A Story of Love and Betrayal,”* Jonella B. Solliegne, recognized for *“Under the Silk Cotton Tree,”* and Lester Simon, whose submission *“Viola Pan”* earned him a spot. While none of the longlisted stories will be published as part of the prize program, the Commonwealth Foundation has framed the three selected creators as “voices to watch” in the global literary landscape in the coming years.

    Established to elevate unrecognized creative talent, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize stands as one of the world’s most prestigious awards for unpublished short fiction. It attracts submissions from five global regions: Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific, serving as a critical launchpad for emerging writers. The longlist stage has long functioned as an early indicator of rising creative talent, often unlocking new regional and global opportunities for writers at every phase of their professional careers.

    For Antigua and Barbuda, the placement of three local writers on the longlist underscores the nation’s consistent, growing presence in global and regional literary spaces. It reflects the expanding body of dynamic creative work that continues to emerge from the small twin-island state, cementing its reputation as a source of compelling Caribbean storytelling.

    In the coming months, the competition will move to its next phase: the shortlist of finalists is set to be announced later this year, followed by the reveal of overall and regional award winners. The global literary community will now turn its attention to this next stage, watching closely to see if any of Antigua and Barbuda’s longlisted writers advance to compete for the top prize.

  • Government delivers RD$178 million for athletes ahead of XXV Central American and Caribbean Games

    Government delivers RD$178 million for athletes ahead of XXV Central American and Caribbean Games

    SANTO DOMINGO — In a critical step forward for pre-event preparations, Dominican Republic’s Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz has formally issued a fourth round of government funding to the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD) to support Dominican athletes training for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, which will be hosted on local soil in Santo Domingo.

    The official handover ceremony, held at COD headquarters, saw Cruz transfer RD$178.1 million to Garibaldy Bautista, the president of the organization. With this latest allocation, the total government investment in the country’s preparations for the 2026 regional games has risen to RD$743.8 million, after three earlier disbursements that combined to more than RD$565 million.

    Speaking at the event, Cruz laid out how the new injection of capital will benefit the country’s athletic pipeline: the funds will be directed toward expanding and strengthening existing athlete training programs, as well as enabling the recruitment of high-caliber, specialized coaching staff from around the region. Cruz stressed that intentional, well-resourced preparation is the non-negotiable foundation for both successfully hosting the multi-sport event and delivering strong competitive results on behalf of the nation.

    He also drew attention to the unwavering commitment of Dominican President Luis Abinader to the project, noting that the administration has prioritized securing the resources needed to put on a well-organized, world-class competition and position Dominican athletes for success.

    Leadership at the COD has voiced strong approval of the timely government support, emphasizing that consistent, predictable funding is essential to keeping training on track and maintaining elite-level readiness among the country’s top athletes ahead of the 2026 games. COD representatives added that this sustained investment gives the organization the stability it needs to plan long-term and maximize Dominican chances of earning top finishes at the regional competition.

  • Cricket West Indies Plans Partnership to Grow T20 League in Canada

    Cricket West Indies Plans Partnership to Grow T20 League in Canada

    Cricket’s global reach continues to expand beyond its traditional strongholds, and the latest development comes from Cricket West Indies (CWI), which has announced a proactive plan to forge a new partnership aimed at growing the popularity and scale of T20 cricket leagues in Canada. The move marks a key strategic step for CWI as it taps into the fast-growing North American cricket market, where the shorter, high-energy T20 format has gained increasing traction among diverse fan bases over the past decade.

    Canada, home to a large and passionate diaspora of cricket fans from South Asia, the Caribbean, and other cricket-loving regions, has emerged as an untapped opportunity for professional T20 competition. CWI officials note that existing domestic T20 competitions in Canada have yet to reach their full commercial and audience potential, hampered by limited infrastructure investment, broadcast reach, and high-profile player participation. By leveraging CWI’s decades of experience in organizing world-class T20 events and its deep network of top-tier cricket talent, the planned partnership aims to address these gaps.

    The partnership is expected to bring multiple benefits to the Canadian cricket ecosystem. It will facilitate knowledge sharing between Caribbean and Canadian cricket administrators, help secure sponsorship and broadcast deals to increase the league’s visibility, and create pathways for young Canadian players to train and compete alongside experienced international professionals. CWI’s leadership also emphasized that the initiative aligns with global cricket’s push to grow the sport ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup and cricket’s return to the Olympic Games in 2028, which will be hosted in Los Angeles, just south of the Canadian border.

    Industry analysts point out that this move fits into a broader trend of established cricket governing bodies from traditional cricketing nations investing in North American markets. With growing interest from global sports media and commercial sponsors in expanding cricket into new regions, the CWI-Canada partnership could serve as a model for future growth initiatives across North America.