Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Nicholas acknowledges public frustration over water, pushes back on criticism

    Nicholas acknowledges public frustration over water, pushes back on criticism

    Antigua’s Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas has publicly recognized mounting citizen frustration over persistent water disruptions while simultaneously defending his administration’s handling of the crisis. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony for the new Barnacle Point reverse osmosis water plant, Nicholas acknowledged that public anger reflects water’s essential role in daily life, though he contends criticism frequently overlooks complex technical challenges.

    The minister articulated that current water production levels now adequately meet national demand, with ongoing outages primarily stemming from transmission and distribution deficiencies rather than insufficient supply. Nicholas emphasized that decades of infrastructure neglect and underinvestment have created systemic weaknesses that cannot be immediately resolved.

    Nicholas identified public expectation management as particularly challenging during infrastructure transitions, noting that criticism often intensifies even amid measurable progress. He referenced the newly operational Barnacle Point facility—contributing two million imperial gallons daily—and the earlier Fryes Beach plant as evidence of production improvements achieved through collaboration between Antigua Public Utilities Authority and Seven Seas Water Group.

    Looking forward, Nicholas outlined upcoming modernization efforts focusing on automated distribution systems and large-scale pipeline replacements. While acknowledging these projects won’t yield instantaneous results, he characterized them as essential for achieving islandwide service consistency. The minister concluded that government must simultaneously advance infrastructure improvements while maintaining transparent communication about achievements and ongoing challenges, cautioning against dismissing progress merely because transformation remains incomplete.

  • Nicholas: Antigua now has enough water, but distribution flaws still leave gaps

    Nicholas: Antigua now has enough water, but distribution flaws still leave gaps

    Antigua and Barbuda has successfully resolved its water production deficit, yet significant distribution challenges persist, leaving numerous communities without reliable access. Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas confirmed the nation now possesses adequate production capacity to meet national demand, attributing ongoing supply interruptions to an aging and inefficient transmission network. The remarks were delivered during the commissioning ceremony of the new reverse osmosis plant at Barnacle Point.

    The recently activated Barnacle Point facility contributes an additional two million imperial gallons per day to the national supply. This development follows the earlier launch of a one-million-gallon-per-day plant at Fryes Beach. These expansions are the result of a collaborative partnership between the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and the Seven Seas Water Group, substantially boosting the country’s overall production capabilities.

    Minister Nicholas delineated a clear distinction between the solved issue of production and the persistent problem of distribution. He openly acknowledged public frustration, noting that residents experiencing outages are typically unconcerned with technical explanations. This frustration places considerable political and social pressure on utility providers during service interruptions.

    The government’s strategy is now squarely focused on the next critical phase: modernizing the transmission and distribution infrastructure. This comprehensive plan includes the large-scale replacement of decades-old pipelines and the integration of automation systems to enhance operational efficiency and response times. APUA Chief Executive Officer John Bradshaw has previously emphasized that these upgrades are indispensable for equitable water distribution across the island, even as production records are being surpassed.

    Nicholas characterized the achievement in production as the completion of ‘the first leg of the relay.’ The remaining and more complex challenge involves ensuring that the increased water volume consistently reaches every household through a robust and modernized delivery network, while simultaneously managing public expectations throughout this transitional period.

  • Elderly Man Found Wandering

    Elderly Man Found Wandering

    Authorities in Antigua have launched a public appeal to help identify an elderly gentleman discovered in a disoriented state while wandering local streets. Despite initial efforts to secure appropriate care, officers encountered procedural limitations when Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital declined admission, citing the man’s status as a non-registered patient. The individual is currently receiving temporary care and protection at the St. John’s Police Station while investigators work to determine his identity and locate his family. Law enforcement officials are urging community members to come forward with any information that might assist in reuniting the gentleman with his loved ones. Those who recognize the individual or have knowledge of a missing person matching his description are encouraged to contact or visit the St. John’s Police Station immediately to facilitate his safe return home.

  • Two men gunned down at shop in Belair

    Two men gunned down at shop in Belair

    The small Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been rocked by another deadly shooting incident, resulting in two fatalities and raising the nation’s homicide count to three for the year. The violence occurred Friday night at a commercial establishment in the West St. George community of Belair, marking the second such shop shooting in the St. George’s area to claim multiple lives within a year.

    Victims of the latest shooting include 26-year-old Anil Greaves, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene, and Quinn Greaves (also known as “Huncho”), who later died at a medical facility. Quinn was the son of prominent radio personality and artist Donnie Prince Collins, who expressed profound grief on social media, stating: “A man shouldn’t have to bury his son. I should grow old with my sons to carry my casket. RIP is something I never dreamt of saying about my son.”

    The incident represents a disturbing pattern of violence involving individuals previously charged with firearm offenses. Anil Greaves had been charged in 2022 alongside Tevin Miller and Carl Quow for possession of an unlicensed homemade firearm. Notably, Quow met a similar fate, being fatally shot on February 6, 2025, in an attack that also injured 17-year-old student Jolani Thompson.

    This shooting bears grim similarities to a previous tragedy less than a year prior, where 69-year-old businesswoman Lesline Davis and two of her patrons, Demeon Cumberbatch and Haynesly Browne, were shot and killed at Davis’ Shop in Belmont. Two individuals, Leon John and Kesroy Ryan, currently await trial for these murders while remanded in prison.

    Meanwhile, Kyle Providence and Joel Williams, both 21 and from Ottley Hall, have been charged with murder in connection with Quow’s death and attempted murder regarding Thompson’s injury. They remain incarcerated pending their next court appearance scheduled for January 26.

    The recurring nature of these incidents, particularly the targeting of commercial establishments and individuals with prior firearm charges, highlights growing concerns about public safety and gun violence in the island nation.

  • Hundreds request appointments for electronic passports

    Hundreds request appointments for electronic passports

    The Dominican Republic’s rollout of its advanced electronic passport system has generated overwhelming public response, with appointment slots filling rapidly just one day after the application process commenced. According to Rocío Quirós, Communications Director at the General Directorate of Passports (DGP), the newly launched system witnessed substantial citizen engagement since its activation on Thursday, February 15.

    The initial phase caters to multiple applicant categories: first-time passport seekers, individuals with expired documentation, those whose passports expire within six months, and persons requiring replacement due to loss or damage. Physical document processing is scheduled to begin February 19 at the DGP’s central headquarters on John F. Kennedy Avenue in the Los Prados sector.

    Quirós clarified that operations currently remain centralized at the main office, with nationwide implementation planned through a gradual expansion strategy. The administration aims to achieve complete coverage across the National District by June.

    The next-generation passport introduces groundbreaking features, including a repatriation service providing up to $9,000 coverage for citizens who die abroad. With over 130 sophisticated security elements—such as invisible inks, microtext, and optically variable imagery—the document meets international standards for modern immigration control systems.

    Priced at RD$6,700 (representing a RD$1,050 increase from previous rates), the new passports offer extended validity periods:十年 for adults and five years for minors under 18. During the transition period, both mechanical (current) and electronic passports will remain valid until the renewal process completes nationwide, which officials anticipate may require several years.

    Regarding institutional changes, the DGP’s former headquarters on George Washington Avenue will continue serving as an operational center following renovations to enhance customer service facilities. Portions of the administrative space have been reallocated to the Directorate of Migration Control, previously co-located within the same building.

  • Government Taking Steps to Address Unhoused Crisis

    Government Taking Steps to Address Unhoused Crisis

    The Belizean government has unveiled a comprehensive national strategy to address the growing homelessness crisis affecting urban centers across the nation. Prime Minister John Briceño announced a significant investment exceeding $800,000 to establish new shelter facilities and enhance support services in four key districts: Belize City, Orange Walk, Cayo, and Stann Creek.

    This initiative emerges in response to the visible increase of unhoused individuals residing on sidewalks, public parks, and abandoned structures—a population often overlooked by society. The Prime Minister characterized the situation as both “a serious problem” and “a sad one,” emphasizing the government’s moral obligation to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

    A detailed proposal presented by Human Development officials received cabinet approval, outlining a regional approach to homelessness intervention. The plan specifically targets complex cases involving mental health challenges and addiction, recognizing that many individuals have exhausted family support systems despite repeated attempts at assistance.

    Funding mechanisms for this social program may derive from unexpectedly robust Boledo lottery revenues. Prime Minister Briceño revealed dramatic financial improvements under his administration’s management, with projections indicating $25 million in profits—a tenfold increase compared to the previous UDP government’s $2.5 million collections. The administration is considering allocating portions of these gaming proceeds to sustainably finance homelessness initiatives, creating a dedicated revenue stream for social welfare programs.

    This policy represents a significant shift in how Belize addresses social inequality, combining immediate shelter solutions with long-term funding strategies to tackle underlying causes of homelessness.

  • Police Seek to Assists Mentally Ill Citizens on Streets

    Police Seek to Assists Mentally Ill Citizens on Streets

    Belizean authorities are developing coordinated strategies to address the complex challenge of mentally ill individuals living on urban streets, following recent violent incidents that highlighted systemic gaps in care. The initiative comes after a disturbing assault in Belize City several weeks ago, where a mentally unstable man attacked two female pedestrians, triggering public demands for improved safety measures. Senior Superintendent Reymundo Reyes, Eastern Division Regional Commander, revealed that cabinet-level discussions have already acknowledged the urgency of this social issue. While police routinely respond to emergencies involving mentally disturbed persons, their effectiveness remains hampered by legal limitations. Officers frequently encounter situations where families present medical certification of an individual’s instability, yet lack authority to mandate treatment or custody. A multi-ministry pilot program conducted in early 2025 temporarily removed numerous mentally ill persons from Belize City streets for northern relocation and care. However, this three-month intervention proved temporary, with most individuals eventually returning to urban environments. Superintendent Reyes indicates that post-analysis confirms the necessity for sustained, reinforced efforts involving social services and healthcare agencies to provide meaningful assistance to this vulnerable population.

  • Activist Challenges JLSC Over Dismissal

    Activist Challenges JLSC Over Dismissal

    In a significant development for Belize’s judicial accountability, prominent social advocate Jerry Enriquez has initiated legal proceedings against the nation’s Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC). The controversy stems from the Commission’s dismissal of a misconduct complaint filed against Justice Tawanda Hondora in late 2025, which Enriquez contends was unjustified despite substantial evidence submission.

    The High Court has granted Enriquez leave to pursue judicial review against the JLSC’s decision. The activist’s allegations originated during a critical constitutional case concerning electoral representation reform, where he documented purported judicial misconduct. Enriquez provided the Commission with recorded evidence and sworn affidavits supporting his claims.

    Enriquez maintains that the JLSC failed to conduct a transparent investigation, instead dismissing the complaint without meaningful consideration. He emphasizes that the Commission only responded after he threatened legal action, claiming the evidence “did not reach the threshold for further investigation”—a determination Enriquez challenges as procedurally flawed and substantively inadequate.

    The case raises fundamental questions about judicial accountability mechanisms in Belize’s legal system. Enriquez asserts that his pursuit underscores a fundamental principle: “No politician, area representative, or even the Governor General is above the law. The constitution remains the supreme law of Belize.” This legal action represents a direct challenge to the opacity of judicial oversight processes and could establish important precedents for future misconduct investigations.

  • Retroactive Allowances for Emergency Workers

    Retroactive Allowances for Emergency Workers

    In a significant move recognizing the sacrifices of frontline emergency personnel, the Belizean government has authorized long-awaited special allowances for firefighters, National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) officers, and select medical staff. The compensation package, which includes hazard pay and on-call allowances, will be applied retroactively to May 1st, 2025.

    Public Service Minister Henry Charles Usher confirmed the approval, acknowledging that these professionals should have been receiving these benefits much earlier. Minister Usher revealed that addressing this compensation gap became an immediate priority upon his assumption of the disaster risk management portfolio. He expressed particular satisfaction that the Ministry of Finance ensured the retroactive implementation, allowing personnel to receive back pay dating to the beginning of May.

    The comprehensive allowance package encompasses several categories including on-call compensation and hazard pay, with eligibility varying according to specific roles and responsibilities within the emergency services. The resolution follows extended collaboration between government authorities and labor unions representing the affected workers. This development marks a substantial financial recognition for those routinely facing dangerous situations in their line of duty, potentially setting a precedent for compensation standards in public safety sectors.

  • Belize Celebrates Father of the Nation

    Belize Celebrates Father of the Nation

    Belize marked the annual commemoration of its founding father, the Right Honourable George Cadle Price, with a solemn ceremony at Independence Hall in Belize City on January 15th. The event transcended political formalities to celebrate the philosophical foundations Price instilled in the nation’s consciousness.

    Henry Charles Usher, Price’s great-grandnephew and a prominent political figure, articulated the deeper significance of the day during his address. “When we speak about George Price, we are not only speaking about independence and politics. We are speaking about a mindset,” Usher stated, emphasizing his great-granduncle’s core tenets: leadership as service, the primacy of the people, and democracy as a daily practice rather than a mere decoration. He framed the day as a vital reminder that the nation was forged through “faith, patience, and a steady commitment to unity.”

    Prime Minister John Briceño echoed this sentiment, recalling Price’s personal counsel that public service represents the highest calling for any Belizean, demanding seriousness of purpose but not self-importance. This philosophy of humble service was a recurring theme, with Usher adding that for Price, leadership was never about “portfolios or positions” but fundamentally about “people” and executing the work they entrusted to their leaders.

    However, the report by Shane Williams for News Five presents a contrasting public perception. For many citizens and the business community, George Price Day is often viewed pragmatically as another costly public holiday that halts economic activity without delivering tangible benefits—a perspective met with some ire from commercial sectors.

    In response to this critique, Usher proposed a transformative vision for the holiday’s future. Advocating for a rebranding of January 15th as a ‘National Education Day,’ he urged Belizeans to honor Price’s legacy by dedicating the time to self-improvement and learning. “I am hoping that January fifteenth can evolve… A day when Belizeans take some time to learn something new,” Usher suggested, encouraging activities like reading or acquiring new skills to make informed decisions for home and country. This, he argued, would align with Price’s own advocacy for using leisure time productively for personal and national advancement.