Carib Scope

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  • Actress Aisha Hinds Arrives in Antigua for Culinary Month Celebrations

    Actress Aisha Hinds Arrives in Antigua for Culinary Month Celebrations

    Acclaimed television and film actress Aisha Hinds has landed in Antigua and Barbuda, kicking off her participation in the country’s highly anticipated annual Culinary Month celebrations. Her arrival adds another high-profile name to the growing roster of prominent international guests who have traveled to the twin-island Caribbean nation this season, drawn by its vibrant local cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and world-class tourism experiences.

    Hinds, who is celebrated for her standout performances in hit series including *9-1-1*, *Underground*, and *True Blood*, has never shied away from embracing her Caribbean roots. Born to Grenadian heritage, she has long spoken publicly about her deep personal connection to the region and her abiding passion for Caribbean food and cultural traditions. In a statement shared by local tourism officials, they noted that Hinds’ visit serves as a powerful reminder of the deep cultural bonds that tie all Caribbean communities together—bonds forged through shared flavors, interwoven ancestral heritage, collective storytelling, and time-honored traditions that bring people together around dining tables across the region.

    As officials from Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector explained, Hinds’ participation is fully integrated into the official programming of Culinary Month, a weeks-long initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the nation’s top local culinary talent, beloved independent restaurants, immersive one-of-a-kind food experiences, and diverse cultural events held across both islands of the nation.

    For the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Hinds’ visit represents a valuable new opportunity to position the country as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations for cultural and culinary tourism. By welcoming a public figure who genuinely connects to the region’s identity, officials aim to showcase the unique hospitality and food culture that sets Antigua and Barbuda apart for travelers from across the globe.

  • Former Bridgetown Port chairman Larry Tatem dies

    Former Bridgetown Port chairman Larry Tatem dies

    Barbados is honoring the life and legacy of Larry Tatem, a pioneering local businessman and former chairman of the Bridgetown Port, who passed away on Monday morning. His death was officially confirmed by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who delivered a heartfelt tribute highlighting Tatem’s far-reaching, understated contributions to the nation’s development.

    Widely recognized as a foundational figure in Barbados’ hospitality supply sector, Tatem founded Hotel Food Supplies Ltd., an enterprise that operates under the umbrella of Lach Ltd. What began as a small-scale venture with a modest warehouse in Paradise, just six employees, and a vision for reliable service, nearly 40 years ago grew into one of the country’s leading food import operations. Headquartered today at the Warrens Industrial Park, the company supplies a vast network of hotels, restaurants, and major institutional clients across the island, setting industry-wide standards for quality and consistency that have shaped Barbados’ tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

    Prime Minister Mottley described Tatem as one of Barbados’ unsung “quiet builders” — leaders who prioritize national progress and steady growth over public recognition and fanfare. She noted that while many Barbadians may never have recognized Tatem’s face, the impact of his decades of work permeates nearly every corner of the island’s food service and tourism sectors. “That kind of growth does not happen by accident,” Mottley said in her official statement. “It comes from knowing your business, respecting your customers, treating your word as your bond and doing the work day after day, without fanfare.”

    Beyond his success in the private sector, Tatem dedicated 15 years of public service to leading one of Barbados’ most critical economic infrastructure assets: the Bridgetown Port. He served as chairman of the port from 1994 through 2008, an era that saw major expansion, infrastructure modernization, and international recognition for the facility. Mirroring his approach to private enterprise, Tatem led the port through this transformative period with the same quiet diligence and focused effectiveness that defined his entire career, Mottley emphasized.

    Outside of work, Tatem was a proud alumnus of Christ Church Foundation School and held a deep passion for cricket, connections that rooted him in his local community. On behalf of the entire government and people of Barbados, Prime Minister Mottley extended sincere condolences to Tatem’s family, friends, professional colleagues, and the entire staff of Hotel Food Supplies Ltd. She closed her tribute with a final blessing: “May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.”

  • St Vincent and the Grenadines to lead OECS social protection committee

    St Vincent and the Grenadines to lead OECS social protection committee

    Against a backdrop of rising socioeconomic and climate-related pressures across the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is stepping into prominent regional leadership roles to advance coordinated social welfare development and strengthen protection frameworks for vulnerable communities.

    At the opening ceremony of the 10th Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee on Human and Social Development held in the country on May 20, 2026, Social Welfare Minister Shevern John confirmed that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will take over as the new chair of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Social Protection Technical Advisory Committee. Later this year, the nation will also assume leadership of the OECS Council of Ministers on Human and Social Development, and is preparing to host ministers and delegates from all OECS member states for upcoming high-level meetings.

    This year’s two-day committee gathering convened under the theme “Advancing Social Protection in the OECS: Policy, Practice and Learning”, drawing government officials and regional policy makers from across the sub-region. Attendees gathered to review collective strategies for reinforcing social welfare systems that serve at-risk populations across the Eastern Caribbean.

    Minister John explained that the core mandate of the Technical Advisory Committee is to evaluate pressing social protection challenges facing each OECS member state and develop evidence-based recommendations to lift overall citizen well-being across the bloc. He framed the committee as a foundational pillar of ongoing regional reform efforts, noting that the meeting’s central discussions would focus on identifying successful, locally tested initiatives within member states that could be scaled up and replicated across other OECS nations.

    “In an era of collective growth, we as Caribbean people have built a wealth of context-specific knowledge and hands-on experience that we can share across the region to elevate quality of life for all,” John stated in his opening address. The minister further described the body as a “catalyst for social protection reform”, emphasizing that its guidance will shape the trajectory of future regional social policy.

    The push for stronger, more accessible social protection has climbed the priority list for Caribbean national governments in recent years, as the region grapples with persistent economic instability, more frequent and severe climate-linked natural disasters, and growing strain on existing public assistance programs. In response, regional governing bodies have been advancing targeted reforms to modernize outdated welfare systems, boost inter-agency collaboration, and expand support to households hard-hit by economic downturns and environmental emergencies.

    Closing his opening remarks, John extended formal gratitude to Saint Kitts and Nevis, which completed its two-year term as the outgoing chair of the Technical Advisory Committee, and extended a warm welcome to all delegates participating in the 2026 meeting hosted by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

  • Public Demands Answers Over Higher BEL Bills

    Public Demands Answers Over Higher BEL Bills

    As Belize grapples with a sustained cost-of-living crisis that has sent grocery and fuel prices soaring to new highs, residents are now facing another crippling financial burden: sharply inflated electricity bills from Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). With the latest round of billing arriving in mailboxes and online accounts, thousands of customers across the country have taken to social media to share shocking reports of their monthly charges doubling, and in some extreme cases, tripling from their typical levels.

    The widespread public backlash prompted local outlet News 5 to reach out to BEL for additional clarification, following a brief initial statement the utility provider released last Friday. In that initial public comment, BEL attributed the higher bills to seasonal temperature trends, arguing that warmer summer months force air conditioning and other cooling systems to run far more frequently to keep indoor spaces comfortable, directly driving up total household energy consumption. The company also advised customers to adjust their energy use during peak midday heat hours to keep their costs manageable.

    But for frustrated consumers, this seasonal explanation has fallen completely flat, failing to ease growing anxiety over the unexplained price jumps. Many residents say their daily energy usage habits have not changed at all from previous years, leaving them confused by the sudden and dramatic increase in charges. One customer who spoke out about the issue called on BEL to launch immediate reassessments of customer meters, saying they reject the company’s official explanation for the doubled bill. Another resident noted that their household is empty for more than 12 hours a day as all members work outside the home, yet their bill still spiked dramatically – a trend they called nonsensical that has gone unaddressed by company officials. Additional customers have also reported frequent, short-notice power outages over recent weeks that have damaged home appliances, adding another layer of frustration with the utility provider.

    The sudden spike in bills comes just four months after BEL implemented a base rate increase in January, raising prices to $0.4427 per kilowatt-hour to offset nearly $108 million in rising energy supply costs. That rate hike already put extra financial strain on household budgets, and the unexplained further increase has pushed public frustration to a breaking point.

    As of Tuesday, BEL has confirmed that it is still reviewing the large volume of customer complaints and concerns, with a more detailed formal response planned for release in the coming days.

  • ‘Black-ish’ Star Marsai Martin Enjoys Antigua Getaway at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa

    ‘Black-ish’ Star Marsai Martin Enjoys Antigua Getaway at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa

    One of Hollywood’s youngest and most accomplished stars, Marsai Martin — the American actress and producer who has been breaking barriers in entertainment since her breakthrough role — has chosen the Caribbean island of Antigua as her latest vacation destination. The star has been documenting her sun-soaked getaway, posting vivid photos of her stay at the iconic Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, a top-tier property nestled along the island’s scenic northern coastline.

    Martin first captured national attention and earned widespread acclaim for her scene-stealing portrayal of Diane Johnson, the quick-witted daughter on ABC’s long-running hit sitcom *Black-ish*. The young entertainer made history in 2019 when she stepped into the dual role of lead actress and executive producer for the major studio comedy *Little*, earning her the title of the youngest person ever to hold an executive producer credit on a large studio feature film, cementing her status as a rising creative force in the industry.

    As one of Antigua’s most celebrated high-end hospitality destinations, Hodges Bay Resort & Spa stands out for its world-class amenities tailored to luxury travelers. The resort boasts expansive ocean-facing villas and suites, an exclusive private marina, a full-service luxury spa for guest relaxation, and a diverse lineup of dining experiences ranging from casual beachside bites to fine gourmet meals.

    Among the resort’s standout culinary offerings is its signature eatery Katsuya, a globally recognized brand co-founded by legendary celebrity chef Katsuya Uechi in collaboration with renowned designer Philippe Starck. The popular restaurant concept has expanded across major international hubs, with additional outposts already operating in major cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, and Dubai, bringing its acclaimed Japanese-inspired fusion cuisine to guests around the world.

  • Is the SOE Enough to Stop Violence in Belize City?

    Is the SOE Enough to Stop Violence in Belize City?

    Less than three weeks after Belize City authorities declared a State of Emergency (SOE) to curb a surge in violent crime, two separate shooting incidents in under 24 hours have reignited public debate over whether the controversial security measure is delivering on its promises.

    The most recent attack unfolded early on the morning of May 25, 2026, along Freetown Road. Initial reports confirm one person was urgently transferred to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for emergency care, with law enforcement officials set to release official details on the victim’s condition and case progress later that afternoon.

    This shooting came just hours after a targeted attack late Friday night on Jane Usher Boulevard, where two armed suspects ambushed 38-year-old Alonzo Myers in the front yard of his home. Surveillance camera footage captured by a nearby resident shows the sequence of the attack: Myers had just stepped into his yard shortly before 11 p.m. when the first gunman rushed to the property gate and opened fire. The footage shows Myers falling to the ground in an attempt to avoid the volley of bullets, before a second suspect is spotted looking over the gate to confirm the attack. Both suspects then fled the area on foot before police arrived. Investigators have since taken possession of the footage to process it as key evidence in the case.

    Tragically, this string of violence is not an isolated pattern in the neighborhood. Just 10 days before the Friday night attack, 19-year-old Lamar Garnett was shot and killed outside his home in the same district, marking one of the high-profile homicides that prompted the SOE declaration in the first place.

    The State of Emergency was officially enacted on May 8, after a rapid succession of violent incidents left the city reeling and put intense pressure on local law enforcement to intervene. Under the extraordinary security measure, members of the Belize Police Department and Belize Defence Force (BDF) have been granted expanded law enforcement powers, including the ability to conduct searches without a warrant and detain suspected individuals for up to 30 days without formal charges. The measure was framed as a temporary crackdown to disrupt local criminal gangs and gun trafficking networks responsible for most of the city’s violent crime.

    But now, with two confirmed shooting incidents occurring while the SOE is already in effect, community members and policymakers are increasingly questioning whether the heavy-handed security approach is actually reducing violence, or if more targeted, long-term interventions are needed to address the root causes of Belize City’s persistent gun crime.

  • UPP Jamale Pringle Thanks Supporters After Thanksgiving Service

    UPP Jamale Pringle Thanks Supporters After Thanksgiving Service

    Antiguan Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle has issued a public statement of gratitude to hundreds of supporters and well-wishers who turned out for a special church thanksgiving service organized in his honor, describing the widespread display of community backing as a moving boost to his political work.

    The event, held at a local place of worship, drew crowds of aligned politicians, community members, and party activists who gathered to show their solidarity with Pringle’s leadership. In the days following the service, Pringle released a formal public message to acknowledge every person who contributed to the gathering and offered their encouragement.

    “It is with a grateful heart that I thank everyone who attended the Church Service of Thanksgiving held in my honour,” Pringle wrote in the statement, noting that the energy and warmth of the in-person gathering had left a lasting impact on him. He went on to extend his appreciation to the many backers who could not attend the service in person but sent messages of support and stood with him “in spirit”, emphasizing that their encouragement mattered just as deeply to him.

    Pringle added that the overwhelming outpouring of love and public backing had done more than lift his spirits — it had reinforced his determination to press forward with his policy goals and political agenda, sharpening his focus on the work he has committed to deliver for his constituents and the broader opposition movement.

    Closing his message, Pringle reaffirmed his long-held dedication to public service, framing his role as one rooted in service to the people he represents. “I remain your humble servant; committed to the cause,” he concluded.

  • Price of ‘Dollar Van’ To Increase

    Price of ‘Dollar Van’ To Increase

    Belize’s local public transportation sector is facing immediate change, as two major taxi associations have moved to raise shared van fares within a single week, with growing operational costs driven by dramatic swings in regional fuel prices cited as the core trigger for the adjustment.

    The first change is set to take effect on June 1, 2026, after the Belize Dollar Van Taxi Association made its official public announcement last Friday. Under the new pricing structure, standard adult fares will climb by 50% from the existing rate of BZ$2 to BZ$3. To reduce the financial burden on family passengers, the association confirmed that discounted children’s fares will stay unchanged at BZ$1.

    A second association, the Bullet Tree Taxi Association, has already rolled out its updated pricing faster, implementing the new rate schedule just this week on May 23. The new rates bring specific changes to inter-community routes: shared rides from Bullet Tree to San Ignacio now cost BZ$4 per passenger, while travel to Santa Elena has increased to BZ$7 per person. Children aged four and above, who previously qualified for discounted pricing, will now pay BZ$3 per trip. Additional services also come with extra charges: passengers who request unscheduled stops along the main route will pay BZ$1 extra per stop, and direct drop-offs at residential homes are now priced at BZ$5, with supplementary fees applied for more remote or out-of-the-way locations.

    These industry-wide fare adjustments come directly on the heels of major, volatile fuel price corrections announced by fuel regulators in Belize just one week prior. The past week has seen unusual and sharp swings in fuel prices across the country: regular grade gasoline jumped by more than BZ$1 per gallon, a dramatic single-week increase that caught both transportation operators and consumers off guard. At one point, temporary price dips for premium gasoline and diesel actually made premium cheaper than regular gasoline, an unusual market anomaly. However, by the end of the working week, premium prices rebounded sharply with a 93-cent per gallon increase, returning to its traditional position as the most expensive fuel grade for consumers. Currently, premium gasoline sits BZ$0.63 per gallon higher than regular gasoline, erasing the brief price inversion.

    Local transportation operators have long noted that fuel costs make up the single largest operating expense for shared van services, which serve as a primary affordable public transit option for working-class residents and low-income families across Belize District. The latest round of price hikes reflects how sustained fuel market volatility is forcing providers to pass increased costs on to consumers, with impacts expected to ripple through local household budgets in the coming months.

  • Kaiso Pros Tent delivers good showing on opening night

    Kaiso Pros Tent delivers good showing on opening night

    The vibrant beats of calypso have officially returned to Saint Lucia, kicking off the island’s annual calypso season with a sold-out opening night showcase from one of its youngest but most dynamic calypso collectives, Kaiso Pros Tent (KPT). Held at the iconic National Cultural Centre this past Saturday, the event put to rest ongoing debates about the traditional art form’s relevance in modern Saint Lucian Carnival, drawing a packed, enthusiastic crowd that reaffirmed calypso’s enduring place at the core of the island’s cultural identity.

    Founded just five years ago, KPT has quickly carved out a reputation as a trailblazing calypso tent, blending reverence for the genre’s centuries-old roots with bold, contemporary creative choices. This year was no exception: organizers reimagined the traditional one-stage format to deliver two distinct shows in one, marketed as a special blue-and-white themed event for attendees. The first half centered exclusively on traditional calypso, the lyrical, storytelling-driven genre that forms the backbone of Caribbean Carnival, while the second portion moved outdoors to the National Cultural Centre’s grounds for high-energy sets of soca and the Saint Lucian-born Dennery segment, catering to fans of more modern, upbeat Caribbean sounds.

    The night kicked off with an unplanned, heartfelt moment: when technical delays prevented the national anthem from playing over the sound system, a handful of audience members started the first verse, and the entire packed venue joined in, setting a communal, passionate tone for the rest of the performance. The show opened with two rising young stars from local schools: Lady J of Ciceron School delivered her thoughtful piece *Change That Mentality*, followed by Mr Personality of Dugard Combined School, whose natural stage presence in his performance of *Remember Me* wowed the crowd, with many noting his poise far beyond his years.

    Throughout the traditional calypso segment, KPT balanced performances from established veterans and emerging new talent, while maintaining a rare gender parity that highlighted the breadth of the island’s calypso community. Among the female line-up, Mystic delivered the thought-provoking *When is the Right Time?*, a lyrical piece advocating for a woman’s right to make autonomous decisions about pregnancy and motherhood. Black Berry showcased her impressive vocal range in *Open Your Eyes*, while Keytinna’s wordplay in *Ms Miss* resonated deeply with the crowd. Divine performed the upbeat *I Am Ready*, and Lady Ce Ce paid a moving tribute to the late beloved Saint Lucian vocalist Nicole David.

    On the male side, J’urgen’s performance of *Douvan Ensamn* earned him a rare encore from the cheering crowd, while Kcey’s *Philip Cares* voiced public support for Saint Lucia’s sitting prime minister. Newcomer Anwar turned heads with his confident delivery and strong vocals in *Another Day at the Office*, and veteran performer Lennon “Blaze” Prospere delivered *Nobodies*, a moving commentary on members of society who are often pushed to the margins. The segment closed with former Calypso Monarch TC Brown, who performed *Jodi Pa Ye*—a follow-up to his 2024 track *My Choice*, which also supported the prime minister. In a pointed but thoughtful twist, Brown’s 2025 entry reminded audiences that political leadership is judged by current actions, not past campaign promises.

    After the traditional segment, KPT skipped the standard intermission to move straight to the outdoor soca and Dennery segment, where attendees could dance and mingle while enjoying more modern Caribbean sounds. When the indoor performance resumed, Realist recovered from an early lyrical mistake to deliver a powerful set of *Look in the Mirror*, while Dez Chattel’s *Go Away* made a lasting impression on the crowd. Keytinna carried her earlier momentum into the second round with *All Ah We*, and Anwar returned with the patriotic *Do You Know Really Love Country?*. Blaze, whose performance earlier in the night earned praise from fans, delivered *Before It’s Too Late*, with one attendee holding up a handwritten sign reading “Blaze is better this year”—a sentiment echoed by many in the crowd.

    Beyond the performances from calypsonians, the night earned praise for the exceptional musical backing from Extreme Band with Brass, and master of ceremonies Mr Legacy, who showed marked growth and calm command of the stage compared to his debut in the role last year. For a genre that some have argued is losing ground to more commercial modern sounds in Carnival, KPT’s sold-out opening night stands as clear proof that calypso remains a beloved, living art form at the heart of Saint Lucia’s cultural life, attracting new generations of fans and performers alike.

  • Police visit SDA school for World Boys Day

    Police visit SDA school for World Boys Day

    To mark the annual celebration of World Boys Day, two officers from the St. Joseph District of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) – Sergeant Gachette and Constable Jules – recently paid a special visit to Western District Seventh-day Adventist School. The on-campus engagement centered on connecting with students, with targeted attention to the school’s population of young boys, according to an official release published by the CDPF.

    During their interaction with students, the law enforcement officers delivered talks centered on core life values that lay the foundation for healthy adulthood. Key topics included the critical role of personal discipline, respect for rules and authority, consistent positive conduct, and the long-term impact of intentional, constructive choices made during youth. Beyond sharing guidance, the officers also offered encouragement to the boys in attendance, urging them to stay focused on their educational and personal goals, maintain mutual respect for peers and community members, and work toward growing into accountable, contributing citizens of Dominica.

    In its official statement, the CDPF reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to building stronger, more trusting bonds between police and local communities. This school visit forms part of a broader portfolio of proactive community policing projects, mentorship opportunities, and youth outreach schemes designed to leave a constructive, lasting mark on the lives of Dominica’s younger generation. “Together, we can help shape a brighter future for our youth,” the statement emphasized.

    Observed globally every year on May 16, the International Day of the Boy Child – often referred to as World Boys Day – was created to shine a spotlight on the unique challenges boys face around the world, while elevating conversations around their health and overall well-being. The annual observance also serves to recognize the meaningful, often underrepresented contributions boys make to their families, local communities, and societies at large. Events like the CDPF’s school visit align with the day’s core mission by investing in boys’ development and creating spaces for open, supportive engagement with trusted community leaders.