Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Para krijgt eerste VWA-dependance met vakopleidingen en steunpakketten

    Para krijgt eerste VWA-dependance met vakopleidingen en steunpakketten

    The Directorate of Welfare and Labor under Suriname’s Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor inaugurated its first district branch in Para on Friday, marking a significant step in the government’s decentralization initiative. The new facility at Witsanti Educational Center immediately commenced operations by awarding certificates to 56 participants who successfully completed vocational training programs administered by the Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development (SAO).

    In addition to their certifications, graduates received starter kits funded through the ‘Wroko Fu Mek Moni’ project, enabling immediate application of their newly acquired skills. This Para branch represents the initial phase of a comprehensive government plan to establish similar facilities across all districts, accelerating development outside the capital city of Paramaribo through decentralized service delivery.

    Vice Minister Raj Jadnanansing emphasized that the new center will provide Para residents, particularly youth, with enhanced access to vocation-oriented training and employment guidance. He instructed coordinator Brian Swedo to conduct assessments in thirteen surrounding villages to identify the most critically needed skills. The branch will also develop a database of job seekers to facilitate targeted employment programs and will serve an educational role in addressing youth alcohol and drug abuse issues.

    District Commissioner Patrick Kensenhuis described the opening as a crucial advancement in bringing essential services closer to the community. Kensenhuis specifically highlighted the need to strengthen Labor Inspection services given the substantial number of businesses operating within Para.

    The ceremony featured the distribution of 90 certificates across multiple disciplines including Gawasa (Gas, Water and Sanitation), Electrical House Installation, Textile Works, and various computer training programs. Although administrative delays postponed the certification event, participants received compensatory support packages:
    – Gawasa and electrical course graduates received basic toolkits
    – Textile Works participants obtained household sewing machines
    – Computer training participants will receive complimentary internet training from SAO in January

    Notably, the programs demonstrated strong female participation in both Gawasa and Electrical House Installation courses. According to SAO Director Joyce Lapar, many trainees have already applied their skills within their communities, including repairing toilets at the LBO school in Wit Santi and performing electrical work at a school in Onverwacht.

  • West Indies great Joel Garner, Central Bank Governor among Independence Day honourees

    West Indies great Joel Garner, Central Bank Governor among Independence Day honourees

    In a grand ceremony marking the 2025 Independence and Republic celebrations, Barbados has recognized over sixty exceptional citizens and international collaborators for their transformative contributions to national development and global standing. The awards represent the nation’s highest honors across diverse sectors including economic reform, healthcare advancement, national security, and acts of extraordinary bravery.

    Three distinguished Barbadians received the Order of Freedom of Barbados, the country’s most prestigious honor. Cricket legend and administrator Joel Garner was celebrated for his unparalleled sporting legacy and administrative leadership in national cricket development. Central Bank Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge earned recognition for his people-centered economic leadership and transformative achievements through the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programs. Healthcare and business pioneer Dr. Kurt Lambert was honored for his exemplary leadership across multiple sectors and unwavering commitment to philanthropic initiatives.

    International recognition was extended to Professor Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank, who received an honorary Order of Freedom for strengthening trade and investment bridges between Barbados and the African continent.

    The Order of the Republic was bestowed upon three national figures: maritime and tourism expert George Fergusson, child protection advocate Faith Marshall-Harris, and leading ENT specialist Dr. Christopher Maynard. Non-national Yvonne Brewer received an honorary Order of the Republic for her decades of service in improving long-term care and welfare support systems.

    In one of the largest collective citations in Barbados’ history, thirty-three members of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Core Implementation Team and the International Business Unit Economic Substance Team received the Gold Award of Achievement. Their coordinated efforts successfully guided Barbados off the FATF Grey List and EU Blacklist, ensuring compliance with international financial regulations and restoring the nation’s financial reputation.

    Additional honors included the Gold Trident of Excellence awarded to five individuals for exceptional leadership in religion, culture, and business, and the Silver Trident of Excellence presented to five recipients for significant contributions to creative industries and social advocacy.

    Seven Barbadians received the Barbados Service Star for outstanding work in community and protective services, while another seven were awarded the Barbados Service Medal for dedicated national service across various sectors.

    The most courageous honors, the Barbados Bravery Medal, were presented to seven individuals who risked their lives to save others. Four recipients—Jelani Griffith, Reshelle Griffith, Rashad Jules, and Malique Springer—saved 104-year-old Beryl Whitney from a devastating building fire. Jeremy Payne and Roger Springer rescued four people in distress at sea off Queen Street, St. Peter, while Shawn Green saved his cousin Petra Wilson from a brutal attack by ten dogs.

  • PM says Photo Radar System already showing results

    PM says Photo Radar System already showing results

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has declared the nation’s newly implemented photo radar system already demonstrating measurable success in modifying driver behavior and enhancing road safety. The controversial automated enforcement initiative, currently in its pilot phase, has generated significant public debate since its introduction earlier this year as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat speeding and reduce traffic fatalities.

    During a recent appearance on ‘The Round Table’ program, Dr. Drew emphasized that preliminary observations indicate drivers are substantially reducing their speeds across the Federation’s road networks. While acknowledging the system has faced strenuous criticism from various quarters including media outlets and opposition voices, the Prime Minister maintained that the primary objective remains saving lives through improved traffic safety measures.

    ‘Our fundamental goal was to achieve slower traffic flow throughout the nation,’ Dr. Drew stated during his media engagement. ‘Since implementation, we have observed a notable decline in average vehicle speeds accompanied by reductions in both accident frequency and, most significantly, the complete absence of traffic fatalities during this period.’

    The Prime Minister specifically addressed criticisms from Times Caribbean and other detractors, defending the program’s early effectiveness despite the absence of comprehensive statistical data. Official police records for 4 indicate 1,700 reported accidents throughout the Federation—with 1,345 occurring in St. Kitts and 436 in Nevis—including eight catastrophic collisions that claimed thirteen lives.

    Dr. Drew explained that government authorities prefer awaiting at least three months of operational data before conducting thorough comparative analysis. However, he affirmed that initial observations strongly suggest positive trends in accident reduction. The photo radar system is expected to transition into a permanent traffic safety solution following the conclusion of its pilot evaluation phase.

  • Nolly B freed of murder charge at PI stage

    Nolly B freed of murder charge at PI stage

    In a significant judicial development, former media personality Nolwyn Bennette, widely known as Nolly B, has been formally exonerated from murder charges related to an October 2024 homicide case. The dismissal occurred during a preliminary inquiry held at the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown earlier this month.

    Bennette, a 46-year-old entrepreneur and former announcer for NICE Radio, had been accused of involvement in the fatal stabbing of Elijah Crease, a 34-year-old laborer from Prospect. The incident occurred on September 30, 2024, in Calliaqua, with Crease succumbing to his injuries at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital after being transported for medical treatment.

    The case collapsed when prosecution authorities failed to produce either of their two primary witnesses, whose testimony was considered essential for establishing their legal argument. Notably absent was the mother of another alleged murder victim, whose evidence was anticipated to be particularly significant for the prosecution’s case.

    Legal representation for Bennette was provided by attorney Grant Connell throughout the judicial proceedings. The court’s decision to dismiss charges underscores the critical importance of witness availability and evidentiary presentation within criminal justice systems.

  • Which provinces register the most deaths in traffic accidents?

    Which provinces register the most deaths in traffic accidents?

    The Dominican Republic faces a severe public health emergency as traffic accidents continue to claim thousands of lives annually, establishing themselves as one of the nation’s leading causes of premature death. According to comprehensive data from the National Statistics Office (ONE), the country’s traffic fatality rate reached 20.02 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024, with dramatic variations observed across different provinces.

    Statistical analysis reveals troubling geographical disparities, with Samaná province recording the most alarming fatality rate at 44.96 per 100,000 inhabitants, resulting in over 35 traffic-related deaths in 2024 alone. La Altagracia and San José de Ocoa followed with concerning rates of 41.49 and 40.31 respectively, each averaging approximately 32 annual fatalities. In contrast, the province of Santo Domingo (8.31) and the National District (9.92) demonstrated significantly lower incidence rates.

    The human toll extends beyond mortality statistics, with the Permanent Road Safety Observatory (Opsevi) documenting 104,466 traffic-related injuries as of August this year. San José de Ocoa recorded the highest injury rate at 451.08 per 100,000 inhabitants, followed closely by the National District (446.19) and Puerto Plata (344.58).

    Demographic analysis reveals disturbing patterns in victim profiles. Between 2020-2024, the country averaged 1,728 fatal traffic accidents annually, with males accounting for a disproportionate 87.91% of fatalities compared to 12.09% for females. Particularly concerning is the concentration of deaths among youth, with 53% of 2024’s fatalities occurring in the 15-34 age demographic, highlighting their extreme vulnerability on Dominican roads.

  • VWA lanceert opleidingsproject voor 425 werkzoekenden

    VWA lanceert opleidingsproject voor 425 werkzoekenden

    The Surinamese Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor (VWA) officially launched on Friday an ambitious vocational training initiative named ‘Leri Fu Feni Wroko’ (Learn and Find Work), designed to provide 425 job seekers with complimentary training for high-demand occupations. The program’s commencement was marked by the signing of collaborative agreements with four accredited training institutions: SHTTC, ARVAS, PAS, and SSAS.

    This government-backed project specifically targets sectors experiencing significant workforce shortages, including tourism, hospitality services, information technology, and security. Participants can select from diverse training pathways such as wait staff, assistant chef, front office operations, housekeeping, customer experience specialist, chauffeur, security officer, HVAC technician, and warehouse employee. The comprehensive training curriculum spans approximately six months and is offered entirely free of charge to qualified applicants, with registration available through the dedicated portal leri fufeniwroko.org.

    Financial backing for the initiative originates from an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan under the broader ‘Labor Market Alignment for New Industries’ program. This funding supports the government’s strategic focus on economic diversification and enhancing the synchronization between labor market demands and workforce capabilities. Official statements from VWA highlight that recent research identifies skill deficiencies and outdated labor market information as primary barriers preventing unemployed individuals from securing stable employment.

    During the launch ceremony, Deputy Minister Raj Jadnanansing emphasized that the program’s ultimate success metric would be measured by participants’ effective transition into sustainable employment or entrepreneurial ventures. Representing the training consortium, Nazara Kranenburg of SHTTC provided assurances regarding the quality and relevance of the training modules, confirming their design specifically to enhance participants’ competitiveness within the current job market.

  • A race not made for individualists

    A race not made for individualists

    As Barbados commemorates its 59th year of independence, the nation reflects on its remarkable journey of collective achievement rather than individual accomplishments. Beyond its global recognition as the birthplace of rum and creator of iconic cocktails, Barbados has consistently produced extraordinary talent across diverse fields—from global entertainment superstars and climate change activists advocating for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to world champion athletes and technological innovators responsible for the first search engine.

    The past year has presented significant challenges, with climate change manifesting through devastating hurricanes like Beryl and Category 5 Melissa, causing millions in damages and economic disruption. Geopolitical tensions escalating into full-scale wars and rising global tariffs have further complicated the nation’s progress. Despite these obstacles, Barbados has demonstrated remarkable resilience, achieving 17 consecutive quarters of economic growth and multiple credit rating upgrades according to Central Bank reports.

    The tourism sector exemplifies Barbados’ collaborative success, with over one billion dollars in investments planned over the next five years. Visitor numbers have consistently grown from 2023 through 2025, generating a domino effect of employment opportunities, cross-sector business connections, and economic development. This industry’s linkages remain unparalleled in their contribution to national prosperity.

    Critical infrastructure developments underscore the nation’s progress: new hotels, cultural facilities, museums, an upcoming geriatric hospital, expanding airlift capacity, enhanced dining experiences, education transformation initiatives, road network improvements, and water infrastructure advancements. Yet challenges persist regarding cost of living, crime reduction, business facilitation, and service standards.

    The digital era introduces new complexities, with mental slavery emerging through technology manipulation, fake news dissemination, and sophisticated marketing tactics centered on economic motives. This necessitates a collective mindset to navigate evolution beneficially for all citizens.

    As Barbados approaches its monumental 60th independence anniversary, the nation must transform inspirational phrases like “I Have a Dream” into tangible realities. Creating pathways from internship to ownership within industries like tourism will empower younger generations to become directors, CEOs, and general managers. Education, training, and development opportunities must form the core of this thrust forward.

    Guided by Maya Angelou’s wisdom—”We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated”—Barbados continues its journey with steadfast unity. The nation’s success stems not from individual laurels but from shared dedication, embracing both challenges and triumphs as one people moving upward and onward in strength and unity.

  • CBvS markeert 50 jaar onafhankelijkheid met gedenkpenning

    CBvS markeert 50 jaar onafhankelijkheid met gedenkpenning

    In a ceremonial presentation at the Presidential Cabinet on Friday, Surinamese President Jennifer Simons received a special commemorative medal struck by the Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS) to mark the nation’s 50th independence anniversary. Central Bank Governor Maurice Roemer personally presented the prestigious medal to President Simons during the brief but significant ceremony.

    The event also saw Vice President Gregory Rusland and National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin receiving their own specimens of the commemorative piece. The CBvS emphasized during the presentation that the Surinamese currency serves as a powerful symbol of national sovereignty and pride.

    Crafted from 22-karat gold and weighing precisely 7.98 grams, the medal features the official coat of arms of the Republic of Suriname on its obverse side. The reverse side displays an artistic depiction of a youth holding the national flag, symbolizing the nation’s vibrant and youthful independence spirit that continues to thrive five decades after gaining sovereignty.

    This commemorative medal holds both significant cultural value and numismatic importance for collectors and patriots alike. The Central Bank has announced that the general public will be able to acquire this limited edition gold medal starting Monday, December 1st, available directly through the CBvS facilities. The issuance represents both a historical milestone and a tangible representation of national achievement.

  • Colombia: Champeta Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage

    Colombia: Champeta Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage

    Colombia has officially elevated the cultural status of Champeta through a landmark governmental declaration. The Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Knowledge has approved a comprehensive recognition that moves beyond the genre’s popular perception as merely dance and music. The declaration formally acknowledges Champeta’s intrinsic connection to eleven distinct artistic expressions within its cultural ecosystem.

    The pivotal Special Safeguarding Plan, a detailed framework outlining technical, community, and cultural strategies to ensure the preservation and vitality of these expressions, was formally presented by the Roztro Foundation based in Cartagena. This plan establishes a structured pathway for protecting the genre’s multifaceted identity.

    Viviano Torres, a renowned Champeta promoter, hailed the decision as a monumental achievement for local communities. “This is the culmination of a dedicated process to ensure people recognize that Champeta transcends mere dance or music. It is an integral component of the Caribbean’s identity,” Torres emphasized.

    Originating in the 1970s within the working-class neighborhoods and Afro-Colombian communities of Cartagena de Indias and along the Caribbean coast, Champeta has evolved into a powerful symbol of cultural identity and social resistance. The genre developed through a fusion of African musical influences, including soukous, African rumba, and highlife, blended with Caribbean rhythms like reggae, calypso, and dancehall.

    Musically characterized by its dynamic combination of percussion, bass lines, electric guitar, synthesizers, and keyboards, Champeta is equally known for its uninhibited and energetic dance style featuring pronounced hip movements and coordinated footwork. Lyrically, it serves as a narrative vehicle, chronicling stories of daily life, social struggles, community resistance, empowerment, and local identity through authentic colloquial language.

  • International Jaguar Day: A Reminder Why These Big Cats Need Protection

    International Jaguar Day: A Reminder Why These Big Cats Need Protection

    On International Jaguar Day, the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center emerged as the nation’s sole authorized jaguar rescue facility, showcasing its critical conservation work with these endangered predators. Since 2003, the institution has provided sanctuary to over 25 jaguars, including non-releasable individuals that now serve as conservation ambassadors.

    The zoo recently highlighted three distinctive residents: Edgar Hill, a popular attraction during both daytime and nocturnal tours; Ben, a formerly dominant male from Cockscomb Basin rescued in weakened condition after livestock conflicts; and Hero, a Toledo-confiscated cub now contributing to research programs. These animals represent the frontline of Belize’s jaguar preservation efforts.

    Alarming incidents underscore the ongoing threats to jaguar populations. During September’s patriotic celebrations, a female jaguar was fatally shot in Independence Village with one canine tooth removed—a clear indication of trophy poaching. Authorities conducted a formal burial while emphasizing the species’ protected status under national law.

    Just weeks prior, law enforcement intercepted a jaguar pelt in Belize City, resulting in charges against Lidear Lino for attempted online trafficking. These events demonstrate persistent challenges including illegal wildlife trade and human-animal conflicts.

    The Belize Zoo’s educational initiatives aim to foster greater public support for habitat protection, positioning rescued jaguars as living symbols of ecological balance. As apex predators, jaguars play crucial roles in regulating prey populations and maintaining ecosystem stability throughout their range.