Carib Scope

分类： society

  • 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Kicks Off Tomorrow

    16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Kicks Off Tomorrow

    The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence commences on November 25, 2025, with a sharp focus on the escalating issue of digital violence against women and girls. This year’s campaign, themed ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,’ underscores the urgent need to address online harassment, threats, and abuse. The initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations, runs until December 10, coinciding with International Human Rights Day.

    In Belize, gender-based violence remains a pressing concern. Recent data from the Belize Crime Observatory reveals that 1,954 domestic violence cases were reported by October 2024, with 1,339 involving intimate partners. Women accounted for 75% of victims, and 67% of cases involved current or former partners. Tragically, nine femicide cases were recorded, predominantly affecting women aged 25 to 39.

    The nation has been shaken by several high-profile incidents, including the murder of a mother of four found in a garbage drum, a deadly home invasion in Belize City that claimed the life of Delecia Flowers and injured her teenage daughter, and the horrific deaths of Angelita Magana and her two children, who were burned to death by her ex-common-law husband in San Felipe Village.

    Eleanor Murillo, Executive Director of the National Women’s Commission, emphasized the critical role of community involvement in combating violence. ‘Advocacy comes from everybody,’ she stated. ‘If you witness violence, call 911 immediately. Do not record and share it on social media. Everyone must speak up to make a difference.’

    Globally, one in three women experiences gender-based violence, with digital platforms increasingly becoming hotspots for abuse. The UN is urging governments, tech companies, donors, and individuals to take decisive action to safeguard women online, eliminate harmful content, and provide robust support for survivors.

  • National culinary team shines at Taste of the Caribbean

    National culinary team shines at Taste of the Caribbean

    Saint Lucia’s National Culinary Team has returned home triumphantly after securing multiple silver medals at the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean 2025 competition, held in Barbados from November 16 to 18. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association since 1993, this event is recognized as the Caribbean’s premier culinary showcase, attracting 11 participating nations this year, with Bonaire crowned as the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year.

  • Export Saint Lucia – Taking Music to the World

    Export Saint Lucia – Taking Music to the World

    Each year, as Saint Lucia commemorates St. Cecilia’s Day on November 22, the feast of musicians, there is a renewed outcry for increased support for local artists. This year’s celebrations, once a vibrant tradition on the island’s cultural calendar, were notably subdued, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the music sector. For decades, the industry has struggled with inconsistent national backing, despite the presence of organizations like the Carnival Music Management Committee (CMMC), the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation (ECCO), and the largely inactive Association of Music Professionals (AMPP SLU). None of these entities has provided sustained advocacy or development for musicians. In recent years, however, Export Saint Lucia has stepped in to address this gap. As a statutory body tasked with promoting the island’s exports across goods and services, Export Saint Lucia has embraced music as part of its creative services mandate. Through its “Music Saint Lucia” platform, developed in partnership with the European Union and funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, the agency has fostered relationships with artists across genres, including Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Hip Hop, Reggae, Soca, and Dennery Segment. Glenfield Gilbert, Director of Client Management at Export Saint Lucia, emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting artists through technical, developmental, promotional, and financial assistance. Export Saint Lucia has also collaborated with entities like the Ministry of Commerce, Events Company Saint Lucia, and the Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) to amplify its impact. Local musicians have performed at global showcases such as Expo Dubai and Expo Osaka, and the agency has facilitated their participation in international events like Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (WCMF). In 2024, artists such as Umpa and Subance performed at WCMF, while Imran Nerdy, Ezra De Fun Machine, and Arthur Allain took the stage this year. Ezra expressed gratitude for the opportunity, praising Export Saint Lucia for creating avenues to showcase Saint Lucian music internationally. The agency has also hosted workshops on the business of music, covering topics like contracts, bookkeeping, and copyright. In 2024, Export Saint Lucia introduced the “Most Exportable Song” award during Lucian Carnival, with Imran Nerdy’s “Start di Party” winning the public and international DJs’ vote. Nerdy hailed the recognition as a testament to the global reach of Saint Lucian music. Looking ahead, Export Saint Lucia plans to expand its creative support through initiatives like a Music Video Development Forum, a copyright workshop, and participation in global expos in Serbia and Saudi Arabia. By investing in music as a viable export and positioning musicians as cultural ambassadors, Export Saint Lucia aims to elevate the island’s creative economy.

  • MISSING: 13-year-old Kimarley Reid of Whenner Road

    MISSING: 13-year-old Kimarley Reid of Whenner Road

    Authorities and family members are urgently appealing to the public for assistance in locating 13-year-old Kimarley Reid, who has been reported missing from Whenner Road. Kimarley was last seen at 7:00 PM on Friday, November 21, 2025, in the vicinity of Whenner Road. At the time of his disappearance, he was dressed in a black T-shirt, black long pants, and white Air Force sneakers. According to reports, Kimarley left his home to retrieve a tablet from his school but has not returned since. The police have issued a public plea for anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to immediately contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913/14 or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS. The search operation is being coordinated from the Police Headquarters, with law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to ensure Kimarley’s safe return.

  • Mercosur magazine highlights Cuban tourism

    Mercosur magazine highlights Cuban tourism

    Cuba is leveraging the global excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, to boost its tourism industry. A recent publication in Havana highlights the island’s strategy to attract football enthusiasts and participants during their breaks from the tournament. The magazine, authored by Julio Debali and Jose Aguilera, emphasizes that while football may not be Cuba’s primary sport, the passion for the game among Cubans is steadily growing, fueled by extensive media coverage, particularly on television. The report underscores that Cuba’s goal isn’t to win the World Cup on the field but to ‘win’ in the realm of tourism. The publication invites fans to explore the Caribbean’s ‘most beautiful island,’ offering them an unforgettable vacation experience. It encourages visitors to escape the stress of the tournament, forget about concerns like sargassum and insecurity, and immerse themselves in the island’s charm. By positioning itself as a prime destination for World Cup travelers, Cuba hopes to capitalize on the global event to showcase its tourism potential and create lasting memories for visitors.

  • Men’s Day Forum Calls for Stronger Support Systems for Men and Boys

    Men’s Day Forum Calls for Stronger Support Systems for Men and Boys

    Men and boys from across Antigua and Barbuda gathered on Friday for the annual International Men’s Day Forum, organized by the Department of Gender Affairs. The half-day event, held at Beachlimerz on Fort James, centered on critical themes of mental health, masculinity, and family roles under the banner “Supporting Men and Boys – Fostering Integrity, Compassion, and Resilience.” The forum kicked off with an engaging “Vote with Your Feet” exercise, designed to foster open dialogue and set the tone for the day’s discussions. Sydney Retemyer led the first session, emphasizing the importance of men addressing their mental health and seeking support. Colin John Jenkins followed with an insightful presentation on modern masculinity, exploring how role models and values like respect and accountability influence men’s behavior. Roland Moore concluded the event with a heartfelt discussion on fatherhood, advocating for emotionally engaged and supportive male caregivers. Participants openly shared their experiences, highlighting challenges such as stigma, communication barriers, and the need for robust support systems. Ashlea Ambris, Project Officer, praised the forum for creating a safe and honest environment for learning and connection, underscoring the broader societal benefits of enhancing male well-being. The Department of Gender Affairs expressed gratitude to its partners and reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing initiatives addressing the needs of men and boys.

  • Reach Within team runs 2025 TCS NYC Marathon

    Reach Within team runs 2025 TCS NYC Marathon

    For the 15th consecutive year, Reach Within, a flagship initiative of the Bartholomew J Lawson Foundation for Children and a key project of the Caribbean Centre for Health Equity at St George’s University, successfully mobilized a team of runners for the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon. These dedicated participants collectively raised $60,000, which will directly fund programs aimed at empowering Grenada’s most vulnerable children and teens across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. Founded in 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Ivan, Reach Within initially focused on trauma-healing classes for families and school reconstruction. Over the years, it has expanded its reach to include literacy training, healthcare, food supplementation, and recreational activities in rural schools, alongside trauma-healing programs for youth in care homes. The organization emphasizes resilience over trauma, offering therapeutic activities such as drumming, sports, yoga, and caregiver training, as well as mentoring and counseling. Its Lucas Street drop-in center serves as a vital hub for teens and young adults transitioning out of the Child Protection Agency’s care system. Dr. Karen Lawson, founder of Reach Within, expressed pride in the marathon team’s dedication, highlighting how their efforts translate into transformative opportunities for Grenada’s youth. Those interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about the 2026 TCS NYC Marathon can contact Donnet Williams, Reach Within’s General Manager, at [email protected].

  • Man killed in Pierrot shooting

    Man killed in Pierrot shooting

    A tragic incident unfolded in Pierrot, Vieux Fort, resulting in the death of a 55-year-old man. Authorities reported that on the morning of Friday, November 21, at approximately 6:30 a.m., officers from the Criminal Investigations Department at the Vieux Fort Police Station were alerted to an unconscious man discovered on the ground. Emergency responders from the Saint Lucia Fire Service swiftly attended to the victim, who was then transported by ambulance to St. Jude Hospital. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead by a medical practitioner. The deceased has been identified as Paul Campsell, a resident of Pierrot, Vieux Fort. In a related development, police have confirmed that one individual is currently in custody and is assisting with the ongoing investigation into the shooting.

  • Sleeping priest awakened and robbed

    Sleeping priest awakened and robbed

    In the wake of a recent robbery at St Benedict’s RC Church in La Romaine, Trinidad and Tobago, Fr Jayson Grell has pointed to a deterioration in family values as a significant factor contributing to the surge in crime. The incident, which occurred on November 24, involved the robbery of Fr Derek Anton, 69, and a 22-year-old security guard. The criminals, dressed in dark clothing and masks, tied up both victims and ransacked the church premises, making off with cash and personal belongings. This event is part of a troubling pattern of crimes targeting clergy members in the region. Fr Grell emphasized the need for societal introspection and collective action to address the root causes of such crimes, stressing the importance of parental involvement in children’s upbringing and the reinforcement of gospel values. The Archdiocese of Port of Spain has confirmed the incident and is cooperating with the police investigation, urging prayers for the victims and all those affected by crime.

  • ‘Caring cop’ leaves huge void

    ‘Caring cop’ leaves huge void

    Christopher Condappa, a devoted member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), tragically lost his life in a motor vehicle accident on November 10. The 34-year-old constable, who had fulfilled his childhood dream of joining the police force in 2012, was fatally injured while riding his service motorcycle on Anglican Street in Moneague, St Ann. Reports indicate that a Suzuki Swift collided with his motorcycle, leading to his untimely death. Condappa, assigned to the Moneague Traffic Department, was pronounced dead at the hospital after sustaining multiple injuries. Known for his selfless nature and unwavering commitment to helping others, Condappa was described by his sister, Abey-Gale Condappa-Malcolm, as ‘Mr Save the World.’ His family, including his mother Dorothy Condappa and his wife Camoya, are grappling with the profound loss of a man who was not only a dedicated officer but also a loving father, husband, and brother. Condappa leaves behind four daughters and a legacy of service and compassion that touched countless lives. The family is now preparing for his funeral, a task they never imagined having to undertake.