Carib Scope

分类： society

  • 87 cursisten behalen SAO-certificaat na afronding vaktrainingen

    87 cursisten behalen SAO-certificaat na afronding vaktrainingen

    PARAMARIBO – In a significant demonstration of personal initiative and educational commitment, 87 students received vocational certification on January 15, 2026, after successfully completing self-financed training programs. The ceremony, organized by the Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development (SAO), highlighted courses in Basic Refrigeration Technology, Electrical House Installation, Water Sanitation (GaWaSa), and Printed Circuit Board Repair.

    The graduation event witnessed notable attendance from Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare, and Labor Raj Jadnanansing, SAO Director Joyce Lapar, and Izaak Hill, representing the Board of Directors. Originally commencing with 103 participants, the program achieved an impressive 84% completion rate, with all graduates personally covering their training expenses without corporate sponsorship.

    Deputy Minister Jadnanansing praised the graduates’ perseverance and conscious investment in their professional capabilities. He emphasized Suriname’s impending need for skilled labor, particularly driven by expansion in the oil and gas sectors. “Suriname must prepare proactively to prevent future labor market shortages,” he stated, advocating for a shift in perception regarding vocational trainees—from ‘drop-outs’ to ‘drop-ins’ who strategically choose alternative educational pathways.

    SAO Director Lapar highlighted the distinctive character of this cohort, noting the participation of motivated youth, including two 16-year-olds, as a strong indicator of responsibility and forward-thinking. She underscored the necessity of lifelong learning in adapting to rapidly evolving job markets.

    Board representative Hill echoed these sentiments, urging graduates to embrace entrepreneurial thinking and collaborative ventures. All speakers emphasized the critical importance of applying acquired skills to foster confidence and sustainable career growth.

    The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting funded, subsidized, and partially subsidized vocational training, aligning with broader strategies to enhance workforce readiness and economic resilience.

  • Education : 2nd Day of the National Conference on the Refounding of the Haitian Education System

    Education : 2nd Day of the National Conference on the Refounding of the Haitian Education System

    The Northeast Department of Haiti hosted the conclusive session of the National Conference on Educational Refounding on January 16, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to transform its education landscape. Convened under the leadership of the Departmental Directorate of Education, the gathering united diverse stakeholders in a collaborative endeavor to address systemic challenges.

    Presided over by Luckner Mompremier, the Departmental Director of Education, the conference featured robust participation from civil society representatives, educators, school administrators, and students. Technical expertise was provided by Ministry of Education assistants Jean-Rouzier Claircidor and Amos Simon, who contributed substantially to the policy dialogue.

    Conference deliberations centered on two critical pillars: enhancing educational effectiveness and improving quality standards. Participants engaged in comprehensive analysis of existing institutional shortcomings while proposing pragmatic solutions. The consensus emphasized that quality education serves as the fundamental catalyst for youth development and national progress.

    Stakeholders articulated concrete recommendations for curriculum modernization, teacher training enhancement, and infrastructure development. The dialogue consistently highlighted the interconnection between educational excellence and Haiti’s broader socioeconomic advancement.

    In his closing remarks, Director Mompremier acknowledged the constructive contributions of all participants and emphasized the imperative of translating discussions into actionable policies. The conference concluded with a shared commitment to establishing an education system that effectively meets student needs and national development requirements.

  • Cab driver finds 6-year-old girl and her 53-year-old grandmother, reported missing

    Cab driver finds 6-year-old girl and her 53-year-old grandmother, reported missing

    A community’s vigilance culminated in a heartening resolution to a distressing disappearance case in Santo Domingo East. Dianibel Ozuna, who had just celebrated her sixth birthday, and her 53-year-old grandmother, Marilyn Adon de Jesús, were safely located after being reported missing since January 13th.

    The breakthrough occurred when an observant taxi driver, having recognized the pair from widespread media reports, proactively intervened. He escorted them to his residence in the Las 50 Casitas project, located in the Los Prados Orientales area, ensuring their safety until family members could arrive.

    Danyela Peña, a relative, provided details on the discovery. She confirmed that the woman and child were situated in a park within the Los Mina sector. Peña emphasized that the successful outcome was a direct result of rapid information dissemination and exemplary cooperation from the public. “Thank God the news recognized them and brought them here,” Peña was quoted as exclaiming with relief.

    In subsequent communications, the grandmother, Marilyn Adon, indicated to her family that she had been in the process of ‘sorting something out’ and had intended to extend her stay away from home. Prior to their discovery, family members and neighbors had expressed deep concern, revealing that Adon had been grappling with a mental health condition. They attributed this to recent personal difficulties, which had reportedly affected her stability over preceding months.

    Keyla, the daughter of Marilyn and mother of Dianibel, had previously described her mother’s condition, noting episodes of nervous breakdowns and pacing, followed by returns to lucidity. A neighbor, Juan Hernández, corroborated the family’s concerns, suggesting that external pressures related to her living situation were a significant contributing factor to her recent state.

    Authorities and family have confirmed that both the young girl and her grandmother were found in perfect physical health, bringing a positive close to the anxious search effort.

  • Alert for tourists and fishermen COE issues maritime restriction in the Dominican Republic due to dangerous swells on the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts

    Alert for tourists and fishermen COE issues maritime restriction in the Dominican Republic due to dangerous swells on the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts

    The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) has escalated maritime warnings following an urgent meteorological bulletin from the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (INDOMET). According to Saturday’s advisory, navigational conditions throughout the Caribbean Sea and along the nation’s northern coastline have significantly deteriorated, with the hazardous marine environment expected to persist for the next 24 to 48 hours.

    INDOMET has implemented specific restrictions for the coastal segment stretching from Punta Águilas to Cayo Pisaje in the Pedernales region. Maritime authorities have mandated that operators of fragile, small, and medium-sized vessels remain in port due to dangerously gusty winds and life-threatening wave conditions that present severe navigation risks.

    For the remainder of the Caribbean coastline and Atlantic coastal areas, officials have issued strong recommendations for extreme caution during maritime operations. Vessels are advised to maintain proximity to shorelines as meteorologists anticipate sustained moderate to strong winds accompanied by periodically abnormal wave patterns throughout the affected regions.

    The COE has reinforced its urgent appeal to fishing communities, maritime operators, and coastal residents to maintain heightened vigilance and refrain from unnecessary risk exposure during this period of pronounced maritime instability. The coordinated emergency response system remains activated to monitor developments and respond to potential incidents arising from the deteriorating sea conditions.

  • Director of Intrant claims motorcyclists are the main violators of the Traffic Law

    Director of Intrant claims motorcyclists are the main violators of the Traffic Law

    SANTO DOMINGO – Milton Morrison, Director of the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant), has publicly attributed the pervasive traffic chaos in the Dominican Republic to a widespread disregard for traffic laws, particularly by motorists, motorcyclists (motoconchistas), and delivery drivers. In a stark assessment, Morrison described these groups as operating like “lawless goats,” creating significant disorder on the roads.

    The official’s comments were made in response to a recent report by Listín Diario. He firmly rejected any notion that drivers in the country are broadly compliant with regulations, stating that such a claim is “totally false.” Morrison argued that if compliance were universal, the nation’s traffic situation would be “a marvel.”

    Emphasizing his long-standing advocacy for stricter law enforcement, Morrison clarified Intrant’s role within a broader ecosystem of institutions. He pointed out that while he is a proponent of rigorous law application, Intrant itself is not a “superpowerful institution” as sometimes perceived. Effective traffic management, he stressed, requires a coordinated, transversal effort involving multiple agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office and the General Directorate of Transit and Land Transportation (Digesett).

    To address these systemic issues, Morrison is advocating for a substantial increase in financial penalties for traffic violations. He had previously presented this proposal to the National Congress, where he also outlined the grim realities of road accidents and fatalities.

    Furthermore, Morrison proposed a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. He believes that individuals caught driving under the influence of alcohol should be immediately incarcerated rather than given leniency. His stance is that jail time would serve as a powerful deterrent and a harsh lesson, effectively teaching offenders that driving intoxicated is unacceptable.

  • Koninklijke onderscheiding voor Jac Rinkes, ook van grote betekenis voor Suriname

    Koninklijke onderscheiding voor Jac Rinkes, ook van grote betekenis voor Suriname

    In a ceremonious event held on Friday, Professor Jac Rinkes was formally decorated as Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau, marking the celebration of his professional retirement. This prestigious royal distinction serves as recognition for his extensive and multifaceted contributions to legal scholarship and societal development spanning several decades.

    Mayor Roel Wever of Heerlen presided over the ceremonial pinning of the honor, which acknowledges Professor Rinkes’ exceptional career in legal education and research. His academic journey includes significant tenure at Maastricht University from 1985 to 2014, where he served as Special Professor of European Consumer Law. Since 2001, he has held the position of Professor of Private Law at the Open University of the Netherlands, and since 2013, Professor of European and Comparative Insurance Law at the University of Amsterdam.

    Professor Rinkes emerged as a pioneering force in consumer protection law beginning in the 1990s. He played an instrumental role in establishing the Journal of Consumer Law, serving for many years as its editorial secretary and transforming the publication into a leading platform within the legal field. His foundational contributions extended to the creation of the Netherlands Journal of Commercial Law as well.

    At the Open University, Professor Rinkes demonstrated transformative leadership by developing and professionalizing research capabilities. He established a private law research group that evolved into a nationally and internationally recognized research center, chairing this department from 2001 to 2023. Notably, he consistently redirected substantial portions of his additional income and research funding back to support the research group, while vigorously advocating for colleagues and staff members.

    Beyond Dutch borders, Professor Rinkes maintained particularly strong academic ties with Suriname. Through his work with organization Satya Dharma, he previously received the SURO badge from the Surinamese embassy in The Hague for strengthening bilateral relations between Suriname and the Netherlands. The late President Desi Bouterse appointed him as Knight in the Honorary Order of the Yellow Star in recognition of his active engagement with legal research in Suriname.

    His Surinamese initiatives included delivering lectures, supervising doctoral candidates, and encouraging faculty to pursue PhD programs. As research promoter and advisor, he contributed significantly to addressing Suriname’s inheritance issues, providing directional solutions to this deeply rooted societal problem. He also participated in dissertation committees examining corruption and anti-corruption measures in Suriname.

    Throughout his career, Professor Rinkes supervised approximately 18 doctoral candidates while supporting numerous Surinamese students with their bachelor’s and master’s theses. His guidance extended to supporting Chequita Ramautar’s doctoral research on Surinamese inheritance matters from the Netherlands.

    Ramon Ramsodit of Satya Dharma emphasized that this royal honor not only celebrates Professor Rinkes’ academic career but also acknowledges his enduring significance for legal development and knowledge exchange between the Netherlands and Suriname.

  • Man shot dead in Micoud

    Man shot dead in Micoud

    Authorities in Micoud have launched a comprehensive investigation following a deadly shooting incident that resulted in one fatality earlier today. Law enforcement officials confirmed that an adult male victim succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound to the head at the scene.

    Police units remain actively engaged at the crime scene as forensic specialists work to gather evidence and establish the precise sequence of events. While the exact circumstances leading to the shooting remain undetermined, authorities have classified the case as a homicide investigation.

    Local residents reported hearing a single gunshot followed by the arrival of multiple police vehicles. The area remains cordoned off as investigators conduct door-to-door inquiries and examine potential surveillance footage from nearby properties.

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has issued a statement acknowledging the incident but has declined to release specific details pending notification of next of kin and preliminary forensic analysis. Police Commissioner Crusita Descartes-Pelius emphasized that ‘all necessary resources are being deployed to ensure a thorough investigation.’

    This incident marks the latest in a series of violent crimes reported in the Micoud area this year, raising concerns among community leaders about public safety measures. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

  • Rosemarie McMaster, Guardian of Susie’s Hot Sauce Legacy, Dies

    Rosemarie McMaster, Guardian of Susie’s Hot Sauce Legacy, Dies

    The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is united in mourning following the passing of Rosemarie McMaster, a revered figure celebrated for her lifelong dedication to preserving a cornerstone of national heritage. As the daughter of the founder of the iconic Susie’s Hot Sauce, McMaster’s legacy is inextricably linked to the beloved condiment that has graced Antiguan tables for generations.

    McMaster emerged as the principal custodian of her mother’s pioneering vision, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the brand’s authenticity and quality. Under her vigilant stewardship, Susie’s Hot Sauce transcended its status as a mere commercial product to become a powerful symbol of local entrepreneurship, cultural pride, and enduring family legacy. Her strategic guidance ensured the brand remained a dominant and cherished fixture in the domestic market, resisting external pressures and modernization trends that often dilute such heritage brands.

    The news of her death has triggered a profound national outpouring of grief and tributes, highlighting the deep personal connection citizens felt towards both the individual and the enterprise she represented. Her contributions extended beyond business, embodying a narrative of female leadership and the preservation of national identity through local enterprise.

    The depth of her impact was previously captured in an interview conducted eight years ago by the late Carl Joseph for the Antigua News Room (ANR), which stands as a lasting testament to her pivotal role in the brand’s story and her significance to the nation’s cultural fabric.

  • Punta Gorda to Get Modern Football Field

    Punta Gorda to Get Modern Football Field

    Punta Gorda, Belize – A significant infrastructure development is poised to transform sporting facilities in southern Belize as the coastal town of Punta Gorda prepares for the installation of a modern synthetic football field. The project, which has reached an advanced stage with materials already on site, awaits optimal weather conditions for implementation.

    Osmond Martinez, Minister of Economic Development and Toledo East Area Representative, convened a strategic meeting with Football Federation of Belize President Sergio Chuc this past Friday to coordinate installation timelines. During their discussions, Minister Martinez confirmed that the synthetic turf has successfully arrived in Belize, marking a crucial milestone in the development initiative.

    The installation process, however, faces meteorological considerations. Martinez emphasized that successful implementation requires several consecutive weeks of dry, sunny conditions to properly prepare the subsurface foundation before laying the synthetic surface. This weather-dependent phase underscores the technical precision required for modern sports infrastructure projects.

    Official photographs accompanying the project update visually document the arrival of large rolls of synthetic turf, demonstrating tangible progress toward the facility’s completion. The images provide concrete evidence of the project’s advancement beyond planning stages.

    Upon completion, the modern football pitch is projected to significantly enhance athletic opportunities for youth and residents throughout Punta Gorda and neighboring communities. The facility represents a substantial upgrade from traditional grass fields, offering all-weather playing capabilities and reduced maintenance requirements.

    Community reception has revealed divergent perspectives. While many residents have expressed enthusiasm for the sporting infrastructure improvement, others have voiced concerns about prioritizing recreational facilities over urgent public works needs. This sentiment was captured in social media commentary referencing deteriorating road conditions near local cemeteries that require immediate attention.

    The project reflects ongoing efforts to develop sports infrastructure across Belize while highlighting the complex balancing act between recreational investments and essential public services in community development planning.

  • Regering spreekt medeleven uit na dodelijk verkeersongeval

    Regering spreekt medeleven uit na dodelijk verkeersongeval

    The national government has issued an official statement expressing profound sorrow following a devastating traffic accident that occurred at the intersection of Johannes Mungstraat and Veldhuizenlaan during morning hours. The catastrophic collision between a passenger vehicle and a public transport bus resulted in multiple fatalities and left numerous individuals with serious injuries.

    In an emotional address, government representatives extended heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and loved ones affected by this tragedy, offering strength and support during this profoundly difficult period. Officials additionally expressed sincere hopes for the swift and complete recovery of all injured parties.

    The administration publicly commended emergency response teams and all involved personnel for their rapid, professional, and efficient on-site intervention. Their coordinated efforts in providing immediate assistance and managing the crisis scenario received particular recognition from authorities.

    Reiterating the critical importance of road safety awareness, the government emphasized that traffic safety represents a shared societal responsibility. All motorists and road users received an urgent appeal to maintain constant vigilance, exercise responsible driving behavior, and demonstrate extreme caution at all times. The statement specifically highlighted the necessity of strict adherence to established traffic regulations and safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.