Carib Scope

分类： society

  • AG police chief gives kudos to police for illegal firearm progress, general updates

    AG police chief gives kudos to police for illegal firearm progress, general updates

    Dominica’s law enforcement authorities have achieved significant breakthroughs in their intensified campaign against illegal firearms, with Acting Police Chief Lincoln Corbette announcing the recovery of 12 weapons within just one month of establishing a specialized Firearms Task Force.

    During a recent press conference detailing police accomplishments for 2025, Corbette revealed that the specially created unit has been operating ‘quietly but effectively’ since its formation. The seized arsenal includes high-powered rifles and military-grade weaponry, with one notable case resulting in five rifles being confiscated simultaneously.

    In a particularly significant seizure, authorities recovered an Uzi submachine gun alongside three pistols and a shotgun from a single individual, who has since been brought before the courts for sentencing. All weapons were confirmed to be unlicensed, highlighting the serious nature of these violations.

    Corbette emphasized the police department’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal firearms from Dominican society: ‘We will go after the firearms, wherever they are. Wherever in the country they are, we’ll go after them. Because we are not used to this callous use of firearms in Dominica. And we won’t relent until such time that we get rid of these firearms.’

    The police chief also reported substantial progress in addressing other public safety concerns, noting a ‘significant reduction’ in reported theft, burglaries, and vagrancy within the Roseau area. These improvements are attributed to strategic operations including ‘Operation Clean Streets’ and the ongoing ‘Operation Safe DA,’ which have collectively removed numerous illicit firearms from criminal elements.

    Complementing these efforts, authorities have intensified community policing initiatives and removed 160 derelict vehicles islandwide. Corbette issued a final warning to residents in the Kingshill area regarding tagged vehicles scheduled for removal before Christmas.

    Additional security measures include enhanced police patrols in urban centers, with increased officer presence in Roseau and Portsmouth during the holiday season to ensure public safety and reduce crime-related anxieties.

  • GOCA celebrates completion of Animation and Multimedia Masterclasses

    GOCA celebrates completion of Animation and Multimedia Masterclasses

    Grenada is strategically positioning its creative talent for global opportunities following the successful conclusion of specialized animation and multimedia training. The Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA) hosted a closing ceremony on December 12th for its “In Motion and In Focus” masterclasses, marking a significant investment in the nation’s creative economy.

    Implemented in collaboration with Ghana’s AnimaxFYB Studios, the intensive program provided comprehensive hands-on training in photography, videography, livestreaming, and animation techniques. Francis Y Brown, founder of AnimaxFYB Studios and lead instructor, emphasized the global context of this initiative: “The creative economy contributes over $2.2 trillion to global GDP and employs more than 30 million people worldwide. Animation, multimedia and digital content represent among the fastest growing segments, with the global animation industry projected to surpass $500 billion by 2030.”

    Brown articulated the program’s mission: “We arrived in Grenada with a clear objective to equip its citizens with world-class creative skills and position them to participate in a rapidly expanding global industry, ensuring Grenada’s talent is not excluded from this growth.”

    The program’s effectiveness was demonstrated through two substantial student projects. The multimedia class produced “The Last Jab,” showcasing their acquired skills in scripting, directing, and cinematography. Simultaneously, the animation class created “Oil Down Animals,” an original animated piece of cultural significance that Brown noted “demonstrates that with proper guidance, Grenadian talent can meet and exceed competitive standards.”

    Participant Milissa Thomas expressed gratitude to both the instructors and GOCA, stating: “We entered this programme as individuals, but we are walking away as animators, filmmakers and storytellers. We discovered skills, confidence and a sense of direction many of us did not know we needed. Opportunities like this aren’t just training—they are building blocks for an industry that will shape the future of Grenadian artists.”

    The government reinforced its commitment through tangible support. Orlando Roman, Advisor for the Creative Economy, announced: “Each graduate of this programme will receive a grant to assist with the acquisition of essential tools, including software and other equipment, enabling continued development of their work.”

    Senator the Hon. Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, congratulated graduates while emphasizing their role in Grenada’s creative future: “The future of animation, digital media and creative technology in Grenada is bright and begins with you. Let us continue to unlock industries that were once unimaginable in our small island, but which now represent our greatest potential.”

  • AKTA announces plans for awarded grant, to strengthen ecosystem restoration and community livelihoods in Castle Bruce

    AKTA announces plans for awarded grant, to strengthen ecosystem restoration and community livelihoods in Castle Bruce

    The Anse Kouanari Tourism Association (AKTA) has unveiled comprehensive plans for a groundbreaking environmental initiative funded by the Dominica National Conservation Trust Fund. Titled “Building Capacity for Ecosystem Restoration in the Castle Bruce District,” the project represents a significant investment in community-led conservation efforts supported by multiple international partners including the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, CUSO International, and the Government of Canada.

    This strategically located initiative targets the biodiverse yet vulnerable Castle Bruce District, situated adjacent to both the Kalinago Territory and the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The region faces mounting environmental pressures including land degradation, climate change impacts, and diminishing native plant populations. The project directly addresses these challenges through a multi-faceted approach centered on ecological restoration and community empowerment.

    The comprehensive program encompasses four primary components scheduled to commence in the coming weeks. First, extensive training sessions will equip up to 25 participants—including local farmers, community residents, and agricultural students—with advanced skills in plant propagation techniques such as budding, grafting, and nursery management. Second, educational resources will be developed including a visually accessible pictorial guide documenting native, indigenous, and pollinator-friendly agroforestry species.

    Third, the establishment of three specialized nurseries will form the project’s productive backbone. These facilities will be managed by a woman farmer, the Castle Bruce Secondary School, and a local model farm, collectively producing hundreds of native plants for reforestation and soil stabilization. Fourth, a community-wide agroforestry planting initiative will be implemented with ongoing mentorship and monitoring systems to ensure long-term viability.

    Project organizers anticipate substantial environmental and socioeconomic benefits including enhanced pollinator habitats, improved soil stability, increased availability of native plant species, and strengthened community capacity in sustainable agriculture practices. The initiative also creates new livelihood opportunities in nursery management and agroforestry, building upon AKTA’s previous successful beekeeping programs to integrate apiculture with broader conservation objectives.

    AKTA will collaborate with key institutional partners including Dominica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy; the Forestry, Wildlife and Parks Division; the National Beekeepers Cooperative Society; and educational institutions. Project Manager Naomi Bannis-Sampson expressed gratitude for the funding, stating: “This enables us to grow knowledge, grow trees, and grow opportunities for communities across the Castle Bruce District,” highlighting the transformative potential of this community-driven conservation investment.

  • Vaktrainingen geven nieuwe kansen aan inwoners van Albina

    Vaktrainingen geven nieuwe kansen aan inwoners van Albina

    Seventy-five residents of Albina, Suriname, have achieved a significant milestone toward economic self-sufficiency after completing nine months of intensive vocational training. The certificate awarding ceremony, held Tuesday at the VOJ-school in Albina, showcased the tangible outcomes of the “Wroko Fu Mek Moni” project, which equips participants with practical skills to generate independent income.

    The comprehensive training program covered diverse trades including textile crafts, electrical and home installation, assistant hairdressing and barbering, and assistant construction works. This initiative is implemented by the Labor Mobilization and Development Foundation (SAO), an operational arm of the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor (VWA), specifically targeting the enhancement of self-reliance and employment prospects in district communities.

    President Jennifer Simons, who attended the closing ceremony, expressed strong appreciation for the project’s concrete achievements. Female participants presented self-made clothing items, while other graduates demonstrated their skills by repairing the school’s entrance gate and constructing a collection basin. The Head of State emphasized that investing in vocational skills directly contributes to production capabilities and income generation opportunities.

    Simons highlighted that while Suriname’s developing oil and gas sector presents new economic opportunities, it remains essential for citizens to acquire relevant skills to provide services within and around this industry. “During this government term, we aim to transition people from poverty to welfare through production. This requires craftsmanship and creativity,” she stated. The President encouraged graduates to further develop their acquired knowledge and announced that the Foundation for Productive Work Units will provide additional entrepreneurial training for those interested in starting businesses.

    Along with their certificates, all successful participants received starter kits containing essential tools to practice their trades immediately. VWA Vice Minister Raj Jadnanansing urged graduates to become project ambassadors who motivate others to enroll. He also announced that VWA and SAO will soon organize awareness campaigns in Albina and surrounding areas, focusing on educating youth about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

    District Commissioner Marvin Vyent of Northeast Marowijne emphasized the importance of such training programs for young people, noting that the district holds significant potential particularly in hospitality, while vocational training creates broader professional opportunities for both employment and self-employment.

    SAO Director Joyce Lapar described the graduation as a milestone achievement, noting that for some participants, this marked the first formal certificate they had ever earned. She expressed gratitude to the business community, National Army, school administration, and the President for their support, stating: “Your presence underscores the importance of vocational training, capacity building, and SAO’s role in this process. We greatly appreciate this recognition.”

  • Car crashes into tree on Friars Hill Road

    Car crashes into tree on Friars Hill Road

    Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into a vehicular incident that occurred on Friars Hill Road near the ABS area, where a Suzuki Ignis departed from the roadway and collided with a tree. The vehicle sustained significant damage to its frontal structure during the impact.

    Remarkably, the solitary driver emerged from the collision completely unscathed, requiring no medical intervention despite the substantial damage to the vehicle. Preliminary assessments from law enforcement indicate the automobile veered off the traveling lane prior to making contact with the tree, though the precise circumstances leading to the deviation remain undetermined as the inquiry continues.

    This incident marks the second collision at this specific location within a remarkably short timeframe of just over thirty days, raising questions about potential road safety issues in this particular stretch of Friars Hill Road. Traffic division officials are examining multiple factors including road conditions, visibility, and driver behavior that might contribute to repeated incidents at this site.

  • Concrete Truck Accident on Buckley’s Line

    Concrete Truck Accident on Buckley’s Line

    Emergency services were dispatched to Buckley’s Line following a significant traffic incident involving a heavy-duty concrete transport vehicle and a critical utility structure. The collision, which occurred earlier today, resulted in substantial damage to an electrical pole, raising immediate concerns for public safety and potential service disruptions in the surrounding area.

    Preliminary reports from first responders indicate the specialized commercial vehicle, carrying a full load of ready-mix concrete, veered off course and made direct impact with the power infrastructure. The force of the impact caused visible structural compromise to the pole, though the full extent of the damage to both the vehicle and electrical systems remains under assessment by authorities.

    Utility crews from the local power provider were quickly on scene to evaluate the integrity of the electrical infrastructure and initiate necessary repairs. Traffic management units implemented temporary diversions to facilitate emergency response operations and ensure the safety of motorists while cleanup and investigation procedures continued.

    No injuries have been reported at this time, though the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with heavy vehicle operations in areas with above-ground utility installations. An official investigation into the precise circumstances leading to the collision has been initiated by relevant transportation authorities.

  • Math Results a ‘Serious Problem,’ Senator Brown Urges Focused Intervention

    Math Results a ‘Serious Problem,’ Senator Brown Urges Focused Intervention

    During the 2026 Budget Debate in the Upper House, Senator Alex Brown issued a stark warning about a persistent national challenge: Antigua and Barbuda’s severe underperformance in mathematics education. The senator emphasized that despite the education sector consistently receiving substantial government funding, the nation’s academic results remain critically below regional standards.

    Brown presented compelling data drawn from several years of Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, revealing a troubling pattern. While the broader Caribbean region maintains an average pass rate in mathematics around 40 percent, Antigua and Barbuda’s performance languishes in the 20s—a significant deficit that threatens student advancement and national development.

    “There’s obviously a problem with maths, and we need to find a solution,” Brown asserted before his fellow senators. “I don’t have the antidote solution, but there has to be a focus.”

    The senator acknowledged the Education Ministry’s considerable budgetary allocations but stressed that financial investment alone proves insufficient without measurable improvements in educational outcomes. He called for strategic, targeted interventions specifically designed to enhance mathematics instruction, including specialized training and support for mathematics teachers.

    Highlighting the critical importance of mathematics proficiency, Brown noted that competence in both mathematics and English remains essential for university matriculation. He urged policymakers to treat the mathematics education crisis as an urgent national priority, directly linking academic performance to students’ future opportunities and the country’s long-term socioeconomic development.

  • Vandalism leaves two Angolan provinces without power

    Vandalism leaves two Angolan provinces without power

    A calculated act of sabotage has severely disrupted Angola’s national power infrastructure, triggering extensive blackouts and multimillion-dollar losses. The incident, confirmed by the Ministry of Energy and Water, targeted critical high-voltage transmission lines.

    Unidentified assailants systematically dismantled five essential electricity transmission towers, causing the complete collapse of the structures. This targeted attack severed the 220 kV Cambambe-Ndala Cachibo and Gabela-Alto Chingo power corridors, which are vital arteries for the country’s electricity distribution network.

    The immediate consequence was a widespread power outage, crippling operations for residents, commercial enterprises, and public service institutions across affected regions. The physical damage alone is valued at over 400 million kwanzas (approximately $438,000), representing a significant blow to the nation’s infrastructure assets.

    This event is not isolated. According to the National Electricity Distribution Company (ENDE), vandalism against electrical installations has become a severe and costly national issue. The utility company revealed that destructive acts throughout this year have resulted in cumulative losses exceeding an astonishing $50 million. These repeated attacks not only inflict direct financial damage on the state-owned enterprise but also create substantial economic losses for businesses forced to halt operations and cause major public inconvenience.

    In response to the crisis, ENDE has mobilized emergency technical teams to the sites. The company has issued a public assurance that crews are working around the clock to assess the damage, secure the areas, and restore power to all affected customers at the earliest possible opportunity. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation to apprehend those responsible for the sabotage.

  • Flow, employees giving in grand style

    Flow, employees giving in grand style

    In a remarkable demonstration of corporate compassion, telecommunications provider Flow Trinidad has orchestrated a profound holiday outreach initiative entirely funded and executed by its employees. Nearly 100 staff members recently transformed the Bridge of Hope Children’s Home in Sangre Chiquito into a winter wonderland of joy and celebration on December 13th.

    The corporate volunteers arrived adorned in festive attire, complete with Santa hats and jingling bells, bringing an infectious atmosphere of Christmas magic to the residential facility. The Bridge of Hope serves as a critical sanctuary for vulnerable children, providing stability and nurturing during pivotal developmental stages. Flow’s intervention created a day of extraordinary experiences featuring interactive games, musical entertainment, and specially curated treats.

    The emotional apex of the celebration emerged during the personalized gift-giving ceremony, where each child received individually tailored presents delivered by an employee portraying Santa Claus. This thoughtful gesture created profound connections between the corporate volunteers and the home’s residents.

    Spearheaded by Acting Senior Manager Ellen Seed-Gray, this philanthropic endeavor has evolved into an cherished annual tradition that embodies Flow’s corporate mantra: ‘we do it the best, we do it with spirit.’ Seed-Gray emphasized that the initiative reflects the company’s core values and represents their commitment to sharing seasonal spirit with the broader community.

    The Christmas outreach forms part of Flow’s comprehensive community engagement strategy that extends beyond seasonal activities. Liberty Business, the B2B division of Flow’s parent company Liberty Caribbean, recently demonstrated ongoing commitment through sponsorship of the Guardian Group’s Shine 5K race. Subsequent to the November 29th event, Flow directed proceeds to the Autism Support Network TT (Rahul’s Clubhouse) and facilitated furniture donations to educational institutions including a secondary school and homework center.

  • Parents outraged as school announces abrupt closure

    Parents outraged as school announces abrupt closure

    In a sudden development that has disrupted educational continuity for numerous families, Calvary Deliverance Christian Academy announced its immediate closure effective Friday, December 15. The unexpected shutdown has created substantial difficulties for parents now compelled to seek alternative schooling options during the holiday season.

    Administrators communicated the decision via formal correspondence, citing severe financial constraints and operational challenges as primary factors behind the termination of academic services. The letter emphasized that prevailing circumstances rendered it unfeasible to uphold the institution’s educational standards, though numerous parents perceived the abrupt timing as particularly inconsiderate.

    Parental response has been characterized by profound frustration and disappointment. Numerous families expressed their grievances through digital platforms, including WhatsApp groups and the church’s official website. Many highlighted the emotional attachment their children had developed with faculty members and criticized the insufficient advance notice provided by school management.

    One affected parent revealed to local media: ‘The apparent prioritization of financial considerations over student welfare is particularly disheartening. Had the administration scheduled the closure for summer, families would have had adequate time to arrange alternative educational arrangements.’

    While some parents acknowledged previous indications of institutional challenges—including staff departures and operational difficulties—the suddenness of the closure announcement exacerbated the situation. Suggestions emerged that alternative solutions, such as organized fundraising efforts or transparent communication regarding financial struggles, might have mitigated the current crisis.

    The Ministry of Education has indicated it received no prior notification regarding the academy’s closure, while school administrators have remained unresponsive to media inquiries. The institution has committed to processing registration fee refunds for the current academic year and has requested settlement of outstanding balances by Friday.

    Administrative personnel will remain available until January 19 to facilitate document transfers and academic record retrieval, with progress reports scheduled for distribution in early January. Administrator Terez Newry characterized the decision as resulting from comprehensive review processes, acknowledging the profound impact on families while expressing gratitude for community support throughout the institution’s operational history.

    The exact number of affected students remains unspecified, though parental estimates suggest at least twenty children across nursery through K5 programs will require educational relocation.