Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Gov’t fast-tracking the repairs of police stations

    Gov’t fast-tracking the repairs of police stations

    Jamaican authorities are implementing an emergency restoration initiative to rapidly repair police facilities severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa across the island nation. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, State Minister in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, announced the government’s accelerated response during the reopening ceremony of the Little London Police Station in Westmoreland on Friday.

    The comprehensive Accelerated Infrastructure Restoration (AIR) Plan utilizes emergency procurement protocols and strategic institutional partnerships to expedite construction, repairs, and critical upgrades to damaged law enforcement infrastructure. Initial assessments indicate approximately 140 police facilities suffered varying degrees of destruction, with 53 requiring urgent restoration work. Among these, 33 stations sustained extensive structural damage that compromised their operational capacity.

    Westmoreland Parish emerged as one of the most severely impacted regions, with multiple stations in Bethel Town, Bluefields, Darliston, Savanna-la-Mar, and Whitehouse experiencing substantial roof damage and structural compromises. Minister Cuthbert-Flynn reported significant progress already achieved, noting that Bethel Town’s roof replacement has been completed through the coordinated efforts of Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake and dedicated partner organizations.

    The minister praised the extraordinary resilience demonstrated by police personnel who continued serving communities despite operating from facilities covered by temporary tarpaulin, without electricity, and with compromised infrastructure. Their commitment ensured uninterrupted policing services throughout the recovery period.

    Future reconstruction efforts will incorporate enhanced disaster-resilient features designed to maintain operational continuity during future extreme weather events. The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security infrastructure, ensuring the Jamaica Constabulary Force operates from modern, purpose-built facilities that reflect the standards of a capable and resilient security force deserving of public trust.

  • CAFFE pays tribute to former ECJ chairman Dorothy Pine-McLarty

    CAFFE pays tribute to former ECJ chairman Dorothy Pine-McLarty

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s democratic institutions are mourning the loss of The Honourable Dorothy Pine-McLarty, a foundational figure in the nation’s electoral reform movement whose legacy continues to shape the country’s political processes. The prominent attorney and former Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) passed away recently, leaving behind a transformed electoral landscape.

    Pine-McLarty’s remarkable career in electoral governance spanned multiple decades, beginning with her extensive service on the Electoral Advisory Committee before making history as the sole member to transition to its successor organization, the ECJ. Her visionary leadership as Commission Chairman from 2013 until her retirement in 2019 was characterized by institutional innovation and an unwavering commitment to preserving democratic integrity. During her tenure, she implemented crucial safeguards that strengthened public trust in Jamaica’s electoral system.

    Beyond her electoral contributions, Pine-McLarty established herself as a legal luminary, serving as managing partner at the prestigious law firm Myers, Fletcher & Gordon. She was particularly celebrated for her dedication to mentoring emerging legal professionals, shaping the next generation of Jamaica’s judicial talent. Her exceptional service to nation-building earned her the Order of Jamaica in 2007, followed by an honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean in 2019.

    Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE), which collaborated closely with Pine-McLarty during her ECJ leadership, acknowledged her profound institutional knowledge and praised the robust working relationship they maintained throughout her tenure. The organization emphasized that her passing represents a significant moment for Jamaican democracy, noting that her contributions have left an indelible mark on the nation’s governance structures. CAFFE has extended heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues, and numerous admirers across the legal and electoral communities.

  • Parliament committee queries accountability — $80M in drugs left to expire

    Parliament committee queries accountability — $80M in drugs left to expire

    A staggering $80 million worth of pharmaceuticals intended for Trinidad and Tobago’s national healthcare system expired over a decade-long period while sitting in Ministry of Health storage facilities, raising serious concerns about accountability and systemic inefficiencies within the country’s medical supply chain.

    The alarming revelation emerged during Monday’s sitting of Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC), where officials highlighted critical failures in drug management protocols. Committee members emphasized the urgent need for strengthened oversight mechanisms to protect public health resources and ensure taxpayer funds are properly utilized.

    Hasmath Ali, Chief Chemist and Acting Director of the Ministry’s Chemistry Food and Drugs Division, acknowledged the severity of the situation while stressing the non-negotiable requirement for rigorous due diligence in pharmaceutical management. “Due diligence is required to ensure the safety of the population. In circumstances that relate to health, there is no argument from me on that,” Ali told committee members.

    Independent Senator Dr. Marlene Attz expressed profound concern over the massive financial loss, questioning whether systemic “lethargy” throughout Trinidad’s healthcare infrastructure contributed to this accumulation of expired medications. She suggested incorporating laypersons into oversight committees to provide fresh perspectives and enhanced accountability measures.

    Ali clarified that while the expired drugs fell under the responsibility of a separate procurement and distribution entity, the Ministry recognized the necessity of addressing these systemic shortcomings. In response to the crisis, officials revealed plans to modernize operations through legislative updates to the Food and Drugs Act and digitization of drug registration processes.

    North Central Regional Health Authority CEO Davlin Thomas provided additional context, explaining that regional health authorities don’t control procurement decisions. “The issue is not with the procurement process itself, but with how these drugs are managed upon arrival and how they are distributed,” Thomas stated, emphasizing that demand-based procurement originates from public need rather than RHA recommendations.

    An anonymous senior RHA official described persistent challenges in inventory management that contribute to pharmaceutical surpluses. The source cited difficulties in accurate forecasting, short decision-making timeframes, and consumption patterns that often differ significantly from procurement orders. Compounding these issues are staff shortages, procedural delays, and strict disposal policies that prevent repurposing drugs nearing expiration.

    Despite these challenges, the official noted gradual improvements through enhanced training programs and stricter monitoring protocols, resulting in decreasing expiration rates in recent years.

  • 10 ways to volunteer this Christmas to support Jamaicans impacted by Melissa

    10 ways to volunteer this Christmas to support Jamaicans impacted by Melissa

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage through Jamaica, a nationwide call for volunteerism has emerged as communities enter the Christmas season. The catastrophic weather event has created unprecedented needs across the island, prompting both governmental and non-governmental organizations to coordinate large-scale relief efforts during what is traditionally a period of giving and community solidarity.

    The reconstruction initiative encompasses multiple tiers of engagement, from hyperlocal assistance to nationally coordinated programs. Neighborhood churches and community groups are organizing food distribution campaigns, structural repairs, and emotional support services for affected families. Corporate entities have activated their seasonal volunteer programs, facilitating employee participation in rebuilding projects and donation drives through human resources departments.

    Governmental coordination occurs through Support Jamaica, an official digital platform that connects vetted volunteers with structured opportunities in disaster response, social services, and community development. Simultaneously, international humanitarian organizations have established significant operations on the ground. Food For the Poor Jamaica continues its critical work in housing construction and sustenance distribution, while World Central Kitchen maintains its emergency feeding operations requiring assistance with meal preparation and delivery logistics.

    The American Friends of Jamaica collaborates with local partners to address educational, healthcare, and disaster relief needs, welcoming volunteers for reconstruction projects. Jamaica Red Cross remains instrumental in emergency response, providing shelter support, first aid, and community preparedness training. The Salvation Army continues its tradition of offering emergency provisions including food, clean water, and temporary housing to displaced families.

    For those seeking formal disaster management roles, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management operates the National Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Programme, focusing on preparedness education, damage assessment, and relief coordination. Alternatively, individuals can pursue direct assistance through personalized ‘adopt-a-family’ initiatives, such as that pioneered by Westmoreland Eastern MP Dr. Dayton Campbell, which connects donors with severely affected households for targeted support with groceries, educational materials, and home repairs.

    This comprehensive volunteer mobilization represents a critical component of Jamaica’s recovery strategy, harnessing the collective power of civic engagement to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term reconstruction requirements following natural disaster.

  • Trade union movement divided, workers exploited

    Trade union movement divided, workers exploited

    Trinidad and Tobago’s trade union movement remains critically divided across three competing federations, fundamentally undermining worker protections and collective bargaining power. This institutional fragmentation has created a landscape where governments can strategically exploit internal divisions, leaving workers vulnerable to unfavorable settlements.

    The historical roots of this disunity trace back to the movement’s earliest days, with pioneering leaders like Cipriani, Rienzi, and Butler initially mobilizing workers across vital sectors including oil, sugar, and transportation. However, the subsequent emergence of multiple federations revealed deep-seated challenges stemming from ideological differences, personality conflicts, and competing political allegiances.

    Today, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and Non-Governmental Organisations (FITUN), the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM), and the National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) operate as separate entities with no union belonging to all three simultaneously. This institutional separation has created barriers to principled solidarity, with each federation guarding its independence at the expense of collective strength.

    The consequences of this division became starkly evident during recent wage negotiations. The government’s four percent wage offer was accepted by individual unions rather than through unified federation leadership, with some unions justifying their position through legal arguments never properly tested. This fragmentation set a damaging precedent that weakened the movement’s credibility.

    The subsequent ten percent settlement for public servants further exacerbated divisions, prompting other unions to seek similar treatment rather than reinforcing collective bargaining principles. This selective distribution of benefits has created inequities across the public sector, where compensation should reflect duties, responsibilities, and rising living costs.

    Analysts observe that without a unified approach, the trade union movement cannot effectively defend workers’ interests. The current structure of three separate federations operating in isolation prevents the consistency and credibility that a single, cohesive organization could provide. What’s needed is leadership willing to project a collective voice rather than hiding behind independence as justification for division.

    The ongoing fragmentation risks diminishing the relevance of trade unionism altogether as workers lose faith in divided leadership. Only when union leaders transcend their differences and embrace principled unity can the movement restore its credibility and protect workers from bearing the cost of choices they did not make.

  • PHOTOS: NSWMA Accelerates Derelict Vehicle Removal as Phase Two of National Clean-Up Campaign Intensifies

    PHOTOS: NSWMA Accelerates Derelict Vehicle Removal as Phase Two of National Clean-Up Campaign Intensifies

    The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has executed a significant environmental and public safety operation, successfully extracting over fifty derelict vehicles from residential zones in the Villa and Yorks communities. This intensive week-long removal campaign targeted a diverse range of abandoned transportation, including personal cars, public transit buses, jeeps, and pickup trucks that had been left to deteriorate. The initiative represents a critical phase in the agency’s broader, intensified strategy to enhance urban cleanliness and community aesthetics across the region. By systematically clearing these substantial eyesores and potential hazards, the authority addresses longstanding complaints from residents concerning blight and safety risks. This operation underscores a renewed governmental commitment to enforcing public space regulations and improving quality of life. Officials have indicated that such targeted clean-up drives are set to continue, with plans to expand into additional neighborhoods in the coming months, signaling a sustained effort to combat urban decay.

  • Annette Michael and Cleo Henry Honoured in Women in Tourism Special Awards

    Annette Michael and Cleo Henry Honoured in Women in Tourism Special Awards

    Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector celebrated two of its most influential figures during the prestigious 2025 Tourism Awards Gala, where Annette Michael and Cleo Henry received special recognition for their exceptional three-decade-long careers. The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment presented the Women in Tourism Special Awards to these trailblazers, acknowledging their profound impact on the nation’s vital tourism industry through leadership, mentorship, and transformative influence.

    The newly established awards program specifically recognizes women who have established exemplary standards within the tourism sector while simultaneously strengthening workforce capabilities, supporting national economic development, and inspiring emerging professionals. Both honorees have contributed 33 years of service each, representing the dedication and resilience that form the foundation of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism success.

    Annette Michael, who embraced the personal motto ‘Country First’ throughout her career, progressed from her initial role as Tourism Field Officer to become a Hospitality Management Officer. Her work encompassed significant industry initiatives and government-led development programs that substantially advanced the nation’s tourism offerings.

    Cleo Henry, possessing an Executive MBA and certifications in hospitality excellence (CHE, CGSP), received recognition for her regional impact on tourism education and professional training. Her expertise spans multiple disciplines including hotel operations, culinary arts, tour guiding, and professional certification development. As a consultant, educator, and trainer across the Caribbean region, Henry has played a pivotal role in elevating hospitality standards and empowering tourism professionals throughout the islands.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association characterized both recipients as ‘visionaries who uplift, inspire and transform the spaces they touch,’ emphasizing that their contributions reflect the resilience and dedication of women who have shaped the sector over multiple decades. Ministry officials noted that these awards highlight the indispensable role women play in building and sustaining Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product, with the legacies of both Michael and Henry expected to continue influencing the industry for generations to come.

  • EU-funded grant call for submissions: Social protection and nutrition for sustainable agri–food systems in Caribbean

    EU-funded grant call for submissions: Social protection and nutrition for sustainable agri–food systems in Caribbean

    The European Union, through its EUCan Facility, has unveiled a significant funding initiative titled ‘Nourishing Futures Together,’ specifically targeting Eastern Caribbean nations. This program aims to transform food systems by addressing critical challenges in social protection, nutrition access, and agricultural sustainability.

    Eligible organizations in Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines are invited to submit proposals that align with three core objectives. These include strengthening social protection programs for agricultural workers and small enterprises, improving access to nutritionally adequate diets through behavioral change initiatives, and implementing circular economy models to enhance local food system sustainability.

    The funding structure offers two distinct pathways: Lot 1 provides grants between €50,000 and €100,000 for projects focusing on social protection and nutrition access, while Lot 2 offers larger grants up to €150,000 for initiatives promoting social innovation and circular economy approaches in food systems. Notably, the program requires no co-funding, covering 100% of eligible project costs.

    This initiative specifically encourages participation from women and youth, seeking to increase their engagement in sustainable food production and distribution. Both individual organizations and collaborative consortia may apply, provided they meet the established eligibility criteria. The program represents a comprehensive effort to build climate resilience while addressing food security and social inclusion challenges in vulnerable Caribbean communities.

  • Police to Increase Traffic Checks and Stop & Search Operations Nationwide

    Police to Increase Traffic Checks and Stop & Search Operations Nationwide

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a significant escalation of traffic enforcement measures nationwide in response to a troubling surge in vehicular collisions and fatal road incidents. Beginning December 1, 2025, authorities will implement enhanced traffic checkpoints and systematic stop-and-search operations conducted around the clock across both islands.

    This strategic initiative represents a proactive approach by police administration to combat dangerous driving behaviors and ensure strict adherence to national traffic legislation. The comprehensive campaign aims to address growing concerns about road safety through visible law enforcement presence and regulatory compliance verification.

    Official communications emphasize that all motorists must maintain vehicles meeting stringent roadworthiness standards, including current licensing, comprehensive insurance coverage, and full compliance with the Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations. Drivers are additionally cautioned to exercise heightened vigilance behind the wheel and observe posted speed limits without exception.

    Police authorities acknowledge that these necessary safety operations may occasionally create traffic delays or temporary disruptions to normal transit patterns. However, they stress that such measures are essential for reducing accident rates and preventing traffic fatalities. The administration formally requests public cooperation and understanding during this critical road safety campaign, expressing gratitude for community support in collective efforts to safeguard the nation’s roadways.

  • Crowds pack parade route as Barbados celebrates 59th Independence and installs new President

    Crowds pack parade route as Barbados celebrates 59th Independence and installs new President

    The streets of Bridgetown transformed into a vibrant sea of blue, gold, and black on Sunday as Barbados celebrated a historic trifecta: its Independence Day, Republic Day, and the inauguration of its second president. The capital city buzzed with an electric atmosphere as citizens and returning nationals secured vantage points along the parade route, creating a tapestry of national pride and communal joy.

    From early morning, families adorned in national colors perched on sidewalks and walls, sharing stories across generations while eagerly awaiting the procession. The event held profound significance for many, including Jared Daniel, who expressed his elation at returning home after two years abroad. ‘It feels good to be back home to watch the Independence parade,’ he remarked, his gaze fixed down the road in anticipation.

    The celebration represented more than just ceremonial pageantry—it marked a deepening of Barbados’s republican journey following its transition from a constitutional monarchy. For attendees like Ryan ‘Dunksman’ Best, whose broad grin became a familiar sight along the route, the day embodied national identity. ‘Everyone who knows me knows I love Independence,’ he declared. ‘It gets even better when you see the parade coming out and the people lining the streets in all their colours.’

    The convergence of constitutional milestone and cultural celebration created an extraordinary experience for spectators. Nathaniel Kinch captured the collective sentiment: ‘The parade was very nice, and the installation of the president was just another thing added on to it. Very enjoyable.’

    Community organizations formed the backbone of the celebrations, with church groups and uniformed organizations filling the sidewalks. Jillian Tull hurried to secure a viewing spot, explaining her dual motivation: ‘I was really excited for Jeffrey Bostic being our president. And I’m here to support the Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinder Band… but not just them, all the young people who’re marching.’

    Youth participation proved particularly noteworthy, with young spectators like Azariah Best expressing excitement for the 59th anniversary celebrations. The parade itself featured an impressive display of national institutions, including the Barbados Coast Guard, Police Service, Cadet Corps, Defence Force, and various youth organizations, all marching in precise formation.

    As the procession reached its climax at National Heroes Square, spectators elevated children onto shoulders and raised phones to capture the historic moment. The Barbados Landship’s arrival triggered a final wave of cheers, rolling proudly into formation before the Prime Minister and dignitaries, symbolizing the nation’s enduring spirit and progressive journey.