Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Minister for National Security applauds historic HMP graduation

    Minister for National Security applauds historic HMP graduation

    Grenada’s correctional system has reached a transformative milestone with the graduation of Course 1 of 2025 at His Majesty’s Prisons (HMP). On January 13, the institution celebrated its largest-ever cohort of 55 newly certified prison officers who have achieved the groundbreaking Correctional Custodial Security NVQ Level 2 certification—a first in the nation’s penal history.

    Commissioner of Prisons Anthony Rogers delivered a powerful address commending the graduates’ extraordinary accomplishments while emphasizing the profound responsibility of their vocation. He stressed that integrity, discipline, and service must form the cornerstone of their professional conduct as they prepare to serve their nation with honor.

    The comprehensive training program received significant institutional support, with Commissioner Rogers expressing gratitude to multiple stakeholders including class teachers, physical training instructors, principal officers, and specialized units. The rigorous curriculum encompassed pre-dawn physical conditioning, weapons proficiency, riot control tactics, and academic studies designed to forge exemplary officers.

    Commissioner of Police Randy Connaught reflected on the demanding Special Services Unit phase that tested each recruit’s discipline, endurance, and character. The program’s intensity was specifically engineered to build resilience and unity among the graduates, who successfully overcame the most challenging aspects of their training.

    The Prime Minister and Minister for National Security personally congratulated the new officers, affirming their induction into a professional corps entrusted with maintaining the highest standards of both security and humanity within Grenada’s correctional framework. The government’s investment in this certification program demonstrates its commitment to strengthening the nation’s rehabilitative and security infrastructure.

  • BWU calls for stronger enforcement of labour laws as it marks 85 years

    BWU calls for stronger enforcement of labour laws as it marks 85 years

    The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has called upon the government to prioritize rigorous enforcement of current labor regulations rather than introducing additional legislation. During the unveiling of the union’s newly launched website at Solidarity House, General Secretary Toni Moore emphasized that existing gaps and inconsistencies in labor laws continue to leave workers vulnerable across various sectors.

    As the nation’s oldest trade union approaches its 85th anniversary, Moore reaffirmed the BWU’s commitment to transforming advocacy into tangible outcomes for members. The union has established clear annual priorities to ensure accountability, allowing members to evaluate whether organizational actions align with stated objectives throughout the year.

    Moore highlighted a critical concern regarding Barbados’ labor legislation framework: “While we possess numerous well-crafted labor laws on paper, these regulations frequently contain conflicting interpretations and implementation gaps that undermine worker protections.” The general secretary explained that legislative inconsistencies create ambiguous understandings that ultimately disadvantage employees.

    Rather than advocating for new laws, the BWU has engaged extensively with the Ministry of Labour to refine existing regulations. Moore reported productive discussions focused on enhancing enforcement mechanisms, particularly through the union’s construction industry campaign. These efforts have yielded commitments from the Labour Department to strengthen personnel capacity for improved responsiveness to worker concerns.

    The construction sector presents particular challenges, with Moore noting: “While construction activity booms nationwide, the playing field remains profoundly uneven.” Many companies, including those bidding for taxpayer-funded public contracts, fail to comply with basic standards. The union continues to push for proper health and safety protocols and fair compensation that exceeds minimum wage requirements, citing unionized environments that pay 2-2.5 times the baseline rate.

    The new website launch represents a significant modernization initiative for the BWU, enabling digital membership registration, grievance filing, dues payment, and real-time updates on legislative developments. Shop stewards can document workplace issues through the secure platform, which incorporates robust data protection measures and user-friendly navigation design.

  • Housing guidelines for Grenada

    Housing guidelines for Grenada

    In a significant step toward strengthening national disaster resilience, Grenada’s key public agencies convened at Radisson Hotel Grenada in November 2025 to establish comprehensive housing guidelines for updating the National Disaster Management Plan. The landmark meeting brought together experts and officials to create frameworks that specifically address gender-responsive recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    The newly developed guidelines emerged from an extensive multi-week review process examining critical documents including the 2024 Post Disaster Needs Assessment, the 2011 National Disaster Plan, and relevant legislation such as the Physical Planning and Development Control Act and the 2023 Disaster Management Act. The process incorporated direct consultations with housing sector agencies to ensure practical applicability.

    This initiative operates under the Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate, and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean (EnGenDER) project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) with funding from Global Affairs Canada. The Ministry of Economic Development, Planning and Cooperatives coordinates the project alongside NaDMA, the Ministry of Social and Community Development, Housing and Gender Affairs, the Ministry of Carriacou and Petit Martinique Affairs and Local Government, and the Central Statistical Office.

    Dr. Grenville Phillips, a renowned Caribbean civil and structural engineer specializing in Construction Quality Assurance and Building Codes, including the Caricom Code of Practice for Residential Construction, led the technical exercise. Dr. Phillips previously contributed his expertise as part of CDEMA’s Rapid Needs Assessment Team following Hurricane Beryl.

    The project team comprising UNDP, CDEMA, and consulting experts conducted validation meetings in Carriacou to refine a Housing Recovery Plan based on primary data collection regarding housing damage conditions and household impacts.

    Elizabeth Charles-Soomer, UNDP MCO Prevention, Resilience and Recovery Cluster Lead for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, expressed satisfaction with discussion quality and participation from leads of the Planning and Development Authority, The Housing Authority, The Ministry of Mobilisation, Implementation and Transformation, and NaDMA. Permanent Secretary Merina Jessamy from the Ministry of Economic Development echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical importance of collaborative whole-of-government approaches to recovery and restoration efforts.

  • St. Joseph’s Academy Receives Fresh Funds from Alumni for Repairs

    St. Joseph’s Academy Receives Fresh Funds from Alumni for Repairs

    In a demonstration of enduring commitment to their alma mater, the St. Joseph’s Academy Alumni Association has presented a substantial financial contribution to support ongoing infrastructure improvements. The ceremonial check handover, captured in accompanying visual documentation, featured Association Secretary Lenworth Johnson formally presenting a donation of $13,517.18 to Principal Rudolph Davis.

    The event was attended by key alumni leadership, including Association President Dane Abbott and Treasurer Orden Joseph. During the presentation, President Abbott conveyed profound satisfaction regarding the association’s capacity to facilitate essential campus enhancements, while simultaneously revealing strategic initiatives are currently in development to secure even more substantial funding streams in the foreseeable future.

    Providing a comprehensive financial overview, Treasurer Orden Joseph disclosed that the collective fundraising efforts dedicated exclusively to classroom rehabilitation have now reached an impressive sum of approximately $83,000. This latest contribution is particularly symbolic as it coincides with the institution’s 68th anniversary. Principal Davis accepted the donation with profound gratitude, emphasizing the profound impact such consistent alumni support has on preserving the school’s legacy and operational excellence.

  • Police: Tyson did not die from poison

    Police: Tyson did not die from poison

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has officially dispelled months of public speculation regarding the demise of K9 Officer Tyson, confirming through comprehensive toxicological analysis that the canine did not succumb to poisoning. Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas revealed that advanced laboratory testing detected zero traces of toxic substances in the animal’s system.

    This definitive conclusion follows an earlier series of examinations initiated in 2025 that had previously excluded rodenticide poisoning as the fatal mechanism. Despite these initial findings, police authorities pursued additional forensic investigation to address persistent uncertainties and achieve absolute clarity regarding the circumstances.

    According to medical documentation, a preliminary pathological assessment conducted earlier had identified internal hemorrhage as the immediate cause of death, presenting four potential underlying conditions: toxic poisoning, severe coagulopathy, critically low thrombocyte levels, or acute bacterial infection. With toxicological causes now entirely eliminated, investigators must reengage with veterinary pathologists and medical specialists to pursue alternative diagnostic avenues.

    Defreitas emphasized that the investigation will continue through collaborative consultation with forensic experts to determine the precise pathological mechanism that led to the animal’s tragic demise. The case has drawn significant public attention and highlights the sophisticated forensic capabilities employed in modern animal death investigations.

  • Police Speak on Shooting Outside Belize City Nightclub

    Police Speak on Shooting Outside Belize City Nightclub

    Belize City authorities have launched a formal investigation into an early morning shooting incident that transpired in proximity to the Midnight Lounge and Night Club on January 16, 2026. The episode, occurring approximately at 3 a.m., culminated in the interception of a vehicle and the subsequent confiscation of an unlicensed firearm.

    Senior Superintendent Raymundo Reyes provided official commentary regarding the police operation. “Law enforcement personnel successfully intercepted an automobile containing two individuals,” Reyes stated to press representatives. “A comprehensive search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of one .38 caliber revolver alongside corresponding ammunition.”

    Despite initial reports of gunfire discharge, police authorities have confirmed that the incident resulted in no physical injuries to civilians or officers. The two occupants of the vehicle now face serious legal consequences, with official charges being prepared for unlicensed possession of both firearm and ammunition.

    While police investigations remain ongoing, preliminary reports from eyewitnesses suggest the situation originated from a verbal confrontation inside the establishment involving 28-year-old driver Guadelupe Pedro Escalante and passenger Kenyon Maskall. The altercation reportedly continued outside the nightclub premises, ultimately escalating to the discharge of firearms and the subsequent police intervention.

  • New Literacy Centre Opens at Milton Lynch Primary

    New Literacy Centre Opens at Milton Lynch Primary

    Milton Lynch Primary School in Christ Church has inaugurated a pioneering Literacy Centre, established through a partnership with the Literacy Project charity. This specialized facility is designed to enhance early reading capabilities, elevate student self-assurance, and offer a targeted environment for tackling literacy obstacles among Barbadian youth. Officially opened last Friday, the center integrates supplementary educational materials and digital tools to cultivate advanced problem-solving and critical thinking competencies. Tara Redhead, Head of the Literacy Project charity, emphasized that the center provides a secure, concentrated setting free from typical classroom disruptions. She articulated the dual-purpose vision: serving as both a tranquil hub where students can access diverse learning resources and a functional teaching space. The initiative emerged from recognizing the necessity for practical learning environments within resource-constrained schools. Redhead noted that while government resources cannot fund complete school refurbishments, creating model spaces demonstrates the future direction of educational reform. Her insights were shaped by years of conducting individualized literacy sessions at public libraries, where she observed significant disparities in children’s reading and writing proficiencies. These experiences catalyzed the charity’s formation, particularly as research consistently reveals correlations between literacy deficiencies and adverse social outcomes including diminished self-esteem, social isolation, and behavioral issues. Ryan Straughn, Member of Parliament for Christ Church East and Minister in the Ministry of Finance, emphasized literacy’s fundamental role in Barbados’s developmental trajectory. Addressing students, he stated the project aims to build both skills and confidence for global impact. Straughn also praised the involvement of four University of the West Indies volunteers participating through the Give Back Programme—a initiative linked to Barbados’s free tertiary education policy. He highlighted how this program facilitates community connections and human capital development beyond government capabilities. Straughn encouraged students to embrace these opportunities, emphasizing that confidence and safe spaces enable path creation. The Literacy Centre stands as foundational preparation for students’ future beyond academic settings, with outcomes determined by how they leverage acquired skills and knowledge.

  • Police Officer Under Investigation

    Police Officer Under Investigation

    A Belize City police officer is under formal investigation by the Professional Standards Branch after video footage of an altercation showing the officer shoving a woman during a family wake went viral on social media platforms. The incident has triggered significant public outcry and raised questions about police conduct during community interactions.

    Senior Superintendent Raymundo Reyes provided context for the officer’s actions, stating the intervention was primarily motivated by safety concerns. He explained that police officers frequently intervene in such situations to minimize risks and protect civilians from becoming potential targets of crime, particularly shootings, in areas known for violence.

    According to the viral footage, the incident occurred outside a residence where a family was holding a wake for their deceased infant. The grieving mother, who was recorded standing near her doorway, explained to officers that she saw no necessity to move completely indoors. The confrontation escalated when an officer questioned, “Is this a veranda then?” before physically pushing the woman recording the incident, causing her to fall to the ground.

    Superintendent Reyes acknowledged the problematic nature of the officer’s conduct, conceding that while the intention was to move civilians to a safer area, the execution was fundamentally flawed. “Maybe the way how the police officer handled the situation was not that perfect or professional, but his intent was to have them in a safe area inside the premises,” Reyes stated during a press briefing.

    The law enforcement official confirmed that the officer will undergo internal review procedures. Furthermore, authorities indicated that should a formal complaint be filed by the affected family, the investigation would expand to include additional disciplinary measures and potential sanctions based on established protocols for professional conduct violations.

  • BBA Condemns Violent Bus Driver Altercation Seen in Viral Video

    BBA Condemns Violent Bus Driver Altercation Seen in Viral Video

    The Belize Bus Owners Association (BBA) has issued a forceful condemnation of two bus drivers captured in a viral social media video engaging in a physical confrontation. The widely circulated footage depicts one driver boarding another bus on a public highway, issuing threats, and launching a physical assault against the other operator.

    In an official statement released on January 16, 2026, the transportation industry group characterized the behavior as ‘completely unacceptable’ for the public transit sector. The association emphasized that such conduct jeopardizes passenger safety, erodes public trust, and tarnishes the reputation of the entire industry.

    The BBA further clarified that neither bus line involved in the incident holds membership within their organization. The association explicitly stated it does not represent or affiliate with the operators shown in the video, noting their actions contradict the standards and code of conduct maintained by BBA members.

    Despite the non-affiliation, the association announced plans to contact the involved operators to address the serious public safety concerns and promote industry stability. The BBA reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward violence and misconduct within the transportation sector, committing to continued advocacy for standards that protect both passengers and operators while preserving the integrity of Belize’s public transportation system.

  • Fitches Creek Clean-Up Sees Three Skips of Bulk Waste Removed

    Fitches Creek Clean-Up Sees Three Skips of Bulk Waste Removed

    A powerful coalition comprising the EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network (ESFN), West Magic Bins Plus, and the Fitches Creek Residents Association (FCRA) has successfully executed a major bulk waste removal operation within the Fitches Creek community. This collaborative endeavor resulted in the elimination of three large skips filled with discarded household materials and waste, markedly enhancing both the visual appeal and ecological wellbeing of the area.

    The strategic significance of Fitches Creek cannot be overstated, as it resides within the ecologically sensitive North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA). This positioning confers upon local residents a crucial role as guardians of essential wetland habitats. With World Wetlands Day 2026 approaching, attention focuses on these ecosystems that sustain vulnerable species including the West Indian whistling duck, various herons, and numerous other avian species dependent on wetland environments.

    Beyond mere waste collection, this initiative represents a deeper cultural shift toward environmental accountability. Project Manager Britney McDonald emphasized this transformative aspect, noting that the project ‘reflects a growing sense of pride, ownership, and environmental responsibility within the Fitches Creek community.’ McDonald further observed that when residents actively engage in such efforts, ‘biodiversity conservation becomes a shared value that delivers real, visible results.’

    The cleanup operation complements previous support from the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), demonstrating how community participation can amplify national waste management strategies. This public-private partnership model showcases the potential when corporate entities, civil society organizations, and local communities align their efforts toward common environmental goals.

    McDonald highlighted the exemplary role played by West Magic Bins Plus, noting that such waste management entities ‘set a positive example for corporate social responsibility.’ The collective effort underscores the fundamental principle that ‘keeping our land and marine spaces clean is everyone’s responsibility.’

    ESFN, as a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainability and community empowerment across Small Island Developing States (SIDS), continues to address critical challenges including climate justice, biodiversity protection, youth development, and educational initiatives. Through programs like the Volunteer Explorer Program and World Wetlands Day Awareness campaigns, ESFN fosters innovative solutions to protect vulnerable marine and coastal ecosystems throughout the Caribbean region.