Carib Scope

分类： society

  • In the face of a hurricane threat, protecting the population is paramount

    In the face of a hurricane threat, protecting the population is paramount

    In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has issued urgent directives to safeguard the population and minimize potential damage. During an extended meeting of the National Defense Council (CDN), Díaz-Canel emphasized the critical need for timely evacuations, particularly for residents in flood-prone areas, downstream from dams, and other high-risk zones. The meeting, conducted via videoconference, included officials from provinces on alert, such as Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, Las Tunas, Camagüey, Ciego de Ávila, and Sancti Spíritus.

    Díaz-Canel highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals living alone, and ensuring the safety of personal property and pets. He also stressed the necessity of maintaining a steady flow of information to the public to prevent reckless behavior. The president called for comprehensive measures to secure material resources, livestock, agricultural products, and boats, while prioritizing food processing and evacuation centers. Additionally, he instructed authorities to prepare for the recovery phase, focusing on restoring essential services such as electricity, water supply, and sanitation.

    Dr. Celso Pazos Alberdi, Director General of the Institute of Meteorology, provided an update on Hurricane Melissa, predicting its landfall in eastern Cuba as a high-intensity hurricane. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall, with accumulations of 200 to 400 millimeters in 34 to 48 hours, and coastal flooding due to sea surges. Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra, head of the National Civil Defense Staff, reported on ongoing evacuations, including tourists in Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguín, due to flood risks.

    Provincial leaders detailed their preparedness efforts. In Granma, 110,000 people, including 470 pregnant women, are being protected in evacuation centers or with family and friends. Santiago de Cuba has plans to safeguard 258,573 residents, with dams ready to release water and attention given to the coffee harvest. Holguín has 151 evacuation centers ready for 305,530 people, while Guantánamo is preparing to evacuate 140,000 residents. Similar measures are underway in Las Tunas, where 113 protection centers are available.

    In his concluding remarks, Díaz-Canel commended the provinces for their responsible and knowledgeable approach to the crisis. He expressed confidence in the resilience of the Cuban people, assuring that with collective effort, the nation will overcome the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa.

  • Column: Harmonie en verbondenheid in een wereld vol tegenspoed

    Column: Harmonie en verbondenheid in een wereld vol tegenspoed

    In the heart of Beijing, Indra Toelsie experiences a whirlwind of emotions as she encounters people from all corners of the globe. Their stories offer profound insights into their lives, struggles, and aspirations. Among them, Sumudu from Sri Lanka stands out, forging a bond so strong it feels transcendent, as if their connection spans lifetimes. Now back in his homeland, Sumudu’s uncertain future in a country plagued by terrorism and instability evokes deep emotions in Indra. His poignant words, ‘Where there is a meeting, there is a separation,’ resonate painfully, yet they have vowed to reunite, whether in their homelands or through programs like the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program. Amidst this heaviness, Indra finds hope in the children of diplomats playing together, oblivious to borders and conflicts. Their innocence symbolizes the possibility of unity beyond differences. Indra reflects on her homeland, Suriname, urging its multicultural society to embrace harmony and collective progress. Her experiences in Beijing reaffirm her belief in the power of human connection and compassion, reminding her that harmony is not a utopia but a choice rooted in shared humanity.

  • Ozama River floating bridge reopens after cleanup following Hurricane Melissa

    Ozama River floating bridge reopens after cleanup following Hurricane Melissa

    The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) in Santo Domingo has officially reopened the floating bridge over the Ozama River to vehicular traffic. The reopening follows extensive cleanup operations that removed lilacs and other debris deposited on the bridge by recent heavy rains. MOPC crews worked tirelessly to ensure the bridge was safe for public use, restoring smooth passage between Santo Domingo Este and the National District. The bridge had been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure during Hurricane Melissa. In a statement, the ministry expressed gratitude to citizens for their patience and reiterated its dedication to maintaining and safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure.

  • Overheid zet meer zwaar materieel in vuilnisbrand Charlesburg

    Overheid zet meer zwaar materieel in vuilnisbrand Charlesburg

    A massive fire at the Charlesburg landfill has been burning uncontrollably for over a week, despite relentless efforts to extinguish it. Authorities have deployed heavy machinery, including military equipment, to combat the blaze, which has caused significant distress among local residents. The fire has produced thick smoke and a pungent odor, leading to complaints of respiratory irritation and other health concerns.

    Anwar Moenne, Acting Director of Public Green Spaces & Waste Management, confirmed that round-the-clock efforts are underway to bring the situation under control. “We are working tirelessly with all available resources, including military support and specialized machinery, to contain the fire,” Moenne stated. “Several hotspots remain, and we are focusing on sealing these areas to prevent further spread.”

    In addition to firefighting teams, the Ministry of Public Works, Spatial Planning, and Environment (OWRO) has provided additional equipment, such as bulldozers and pickup trucks, to aid in containment efforts. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has issued warnings to residents in surrounding neighborhoods, advising them to keep windows and doors closed to minimize exposure to harmful smoke.

    Moenne emphasized the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including Defense, Justice & Police, and OWRO, to resolve the crisis swiftly. “The situation is improving, but we are committed to making this a thing of the past as soon as possible,” he added. Despite the ongoing challenges, officials remain hopeful that the fire will be fully extinguished in the coming days.

  • Gas bottle ruled out in deadly explosion at Mobil gas station

    Gas bottle ruled out in deadly explosion at Mobil gas station

    A tragic explosion at a Mobil gas station on Regent and King Streets in Georgetown on Sunday night has left one child dead and two others seriously injured. Authorities have confirmed that a cooking gas cylinder, commonly referred to as a ‘gas bottle,’ was not the cause of the incident. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 7:24 PM, destroyed a car and caused significant damage to the Mobil convenience store, Acme’s building, and an adjacent cambio. Shattered glass windows were reported in a building on the north-western corner of the intersection. The Fire Service received an emergency call at 7:30 PM and arrived at the scene by 7:34 PM. Initial investigations revealed no evidence of a gas bottle being involved. Witnesses reported seeing white and then black smoke moments before the loud explosion, which was heard and felt across distant sections of Georgetown. Police are now investigating whether the explosion was caused by an explosive device or a malfunction in the car. A woman, who had parked the car and entered a nearby KFC to make a purchase, was unharmed. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at gas stations and the potential risks associated with vehicle malfunctions.

  • Agriculture : Positive impacts of the World Bank on Haitian agriculture

    Agriculture : Positive impacts of the World Bank on Haitian agriculture

    Haiti, once the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean, faced severe challenges in its agricultural sector, with 27% of rural farmers living in extreme poverty and grappling with acute food insecurity. In response, the World Bank launched the Emergency Project for Resilient Agriculture for Food Security (PARSA), adopting an integrated approach to address these issues. The initiative combined sustainable land management, climate-resilient agricultural practices, and disaster risk reduction to improve natural resources, combat soil erosion, and enhance water retention capacity. This strategy was tailored to Haiti’s unique agroecological context, aiming to generate sustainable income for rural communities. The project emphasized community participation, developing participatory and investment plans for sub-watersheds and providing subsidies for improved technical input packages. Through farmer field schools, farmers were introduced to advanced agricultural technologies and landscape management practices, selected via community involvement. The initiative achieved significant positive impacts, including poverty reduction, climate action, and enhanced resilience against flooding and landslides. Over 4,267 farmers adopted improved technologies, with 38% being women, and more than 80% gained better market access. Additionally, 2,050 hectares were managed sustainably, and 112 farmer field schools were established, benefiting 2,800 farmers. The project also created 6,667 temporary jobs and supported 20 sub-projects through matching grants, improving market linkages and production quality. Following the devastating 2021 earthquake, the emergency response component provided critical support to 137,611 farmers, including climate-resilient crop varieties and seeds. Despite ongoing challenges, the Haitian government, with the World Bank’s support, continues to implement projects like PARSA and RPT II to strengthen productivity, livelihoods, and food security for rural households.

  • One dead, two injured in massive explosion at Mobil gas station

    One dead, two injured in massive explosion at Mobil gas station

    A devastating explosion at a Mobil gas station in Georgetown, Guyana, has resulted in one fatality and two injuries, sending shockwaves through the community. The incident occurred at approximately 7:24 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the intersection of Regent and King streets. Witnesses reported a mangled car at the scene, while the convenience store at the gas station and the nearby Acme Building sustained significant damage. The explosion, which originated near the cooking gas depot, remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the exact cause. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, providing immediate assistance to the injured and securing the area to prevent further harm. The explosion has raised concerns about safety protocols at gas stations and similar facilities in the region. Local officials have promised a thorough investigation to prevent such tragedies in the future.

  • Two St Michael men to face court on separate murder charges

    Two St Michael men to face court on separate murder charges

    Two men from St Michael, Barbados, are set to appear in court on Monday, each facing distinct murder charges. Hassan Alessandro Hazell-Grant, a 22-year-old resident of Jessamine Avenue, Bayville, is accused of the fatal shooting of Akil Hinds on October 6, along with the unlawful use of a firearm on the same day. In a separate case, Akeeme Livingston McDonald, aged 21 and residing in Lewis Gap, Green Hill, has been charged with the murder of Kenardo Woolery, which occurred on October 19. Hazell-Grant is scheduled to present his case in the District ‘A’ Criminal Court, while McDonald will appear before the Oistins Magistrates’ Court. These proceedings highlight the ongoing legal efforts to address violent crimes in the region.

  • Dominican Republic returns to normal as Abinader lifts Hurricane Melissa restrictions

    Dominican Republic returns to normal as Abinader lifts Hurricane Melissa restrictions

    Santo Domingo – President Luis Abinader has announced the lifting of preventive measures across most of the Dominican Republic following the departure of Hurricane Melissa, signaling a gradual return to normalcy. However, four provinces—Barahona, Pedernales, Bahoruco, and Independencia—remain under red alert due to lingering risks from the hurricane’s indirect effects.

  • Mother Calls for Investigation After Teen Allegedly Assaulted by Teacher at Princess Margaret School

    Mother Calls for Investigation After Teen Allegedly Assaulted by Teacher at Princess Margaret School

    A mother is urging authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation following allegations that her teenage son was physically assaulted by a teacher at Princess Margaret School, resulting in facial injuries that required medical attention. The incident reportedly unfolded last Thursday when the student approached his form teacher to discuss a prior suspension. According to accounts, the teacher accused the student of inappropriate conduct and allegedly struck him across the face in response. After the altercation, the student returned to his classroom, but his mother later noticed significant facial swelling and immediately contacted the school’s administration. During a meeting with the principal and assistant principal the following day, it was revealed that they were unaware of the incident. Subsequently, the student was asked to prepare a written report detailing the events. The mother, deeply concerned about the teacher’s actions, emphasized that physical retaliation should never occur without verifying the facts. She has called on the Ministry of Education to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, asserting that no educator has the right to physically harm a student, particularly over unsubstantiated allegations.