Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Pierre tours Halls of Justice site ahead of election

    Pierre tours Halls of Justice site ahead of election

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre conducted a site visit to the Halls of Justice Project on Thursday, November 20, to assess the construction progress as the December 1 election approaches. The project, a flagship initiative of the current administration, is being developed under a Build Own Lease Transfer (BOLT) agreement between the Government of Saint Lucia and Themis LTD, a subsidiary of NH International. With a fixed project cost of EC$143 million, Themis LTD is fully financing the construction, including office furniture, filing systems, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. Upon completion, the government will lease the facilities for up to 12 years before ownership is transferred to the people of Saint Lucia.

    During the visit, Prime Minister Pierre expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, particularly noting the diverse workforce comprising individuals from CARICOM nations. He emphasized the significance of the centralized facility, which will serve as the official home of the judiciary in Saint Lucia. Pierre highlighted the current challenges faced by the judiciary, including inadequate court facilities and structural issues, and underscored the importance of consolidating all legal and judicial operations under one roof.

    The Prime Minister also praised the innovative investment model employed for the project, contrasting it with traditional state department housing agreements. He explained that the lease structure ensures the country will eventually gain full ownership of the property, making it a sustainable investment for Saint Lucia. Pierre emphasized that this approach avoids perpetual rental payments and instead provides long-term benefits to the nation.

    Civil engineer John Peters, the project director, provided an update on the construction progress. He reported that the ground floor of the annexe building, which will house criminal courts, has been completed. Work on the foundation of the main building, intended for commercial, family, and civil courts, is progressing well, with hopes of reaching the first or second floor by year-end. Despite weather-related challenges, Peters expressed confidence in meeting the two-year completion timeline.

  • Phillip Wright Becomes First Belizean Archbishop of the West Indies

    Phillip Wright Becomes First Belizean Archbishop of the West Indies

    Belize has achieved a historic milestone with the appointment of Phillip S. Wright as the first Belizean Archbishop of the Anglican Church’s Province of the West Indies. Archbishop Wright, a native of Belize City, was celebrated during a homecoming event on Friday, marking a moment of national pride and recognition of his decades-long dedication to ministry. Born and raised in the southside of Belize City, Wright felt a calling to priesthood as early as nine years old, a path that led him to seminary and eventually to the highest ecclesiastical position in the region. At 58, Archbishop Wright reflects on his journey, from serving as an acolyte in his youth to becoming a bishop at 38 and now an archbishop. His role involves overseeing the province’s dioceses, chairing meetings of bishops, and representing the Anglican Church on international platforms. Reverend Elswith Clare, Methodist Bishop, praised Wright’s election as a testament to his spiritual guidance, pastoral wisdom, and commitment to the gospel. Archbishop Wright emphasized the privilege of accompanying people through life’s significant moments and helping them find purpose. Addressing the timeless question of evil in a world governed by a benevolent God, Wright acknowledged the complexity of the issue but expressed hope in a brighter future under divine control. The archbishop has received widespread congratulations from across Belize and the region, cementing his legacy as a beacon of faith and service.

  • Seven Months Later: New Airport Security Contracts Signed

    Seven Months Later: New Airport Security Contracts Signed

    Seven months after the shocking midair hijacking of a Tropic Air flight by U.S. national Akinyela Sawa Taylor, the Belize Airport Authority has taken decisive action to overhaul airport security. The authority is set to sign new security contracts for municipal airports nationwide, following the termination of nearly $30 million in previous agreements with two private firms. The move comes in response to widespread public backlash and aims to restore confidence in airport safety and tighten oversight. Civil Aviation CEO Narda Garcia emphasized that the new contracts were awarded after a rigorous tendering process, ensuring that the selected company meets all specified requirements. Garcia noted that one company will handle body searches and human security, while another will manage surveillance systems. The announcement of the new contracts is expected soon, marking a significant step toward enhancing airport security in Belize.

  • FLASH : 13.4% increase in gender-based violence in 1 month

    FLASH : 13.4% increase in gender-based violence in 1 month

    Haiti is grappling with a distressing escalation in gender-based violence, as reported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Between January and September 2025, the country witnessed a staggering 13.5% increase in such cases, with over 7,400 incidents documented. Sexual violence, constituting slightly more than half of these cases, included nearly two-thirds involving gang rape. Alarmingly, two-thirds of the victims were internally displaced persons, highlighting the vulnerability of displaced populations. Despite these harrowing statistics, humanitarian efforts remain severely constrained. Only 7% of the targeted 833,000 individuals requiring specialized assistance were reached, primarily due to funding shortages and persistent insecurity. The response program faces a 70% funding gap, amounting to $13.5 million out of the required $19 million. This shortfall jeopardizes critical services for nearly 780,000 women and girls, including clinical care, mental health support, legal aid, and the provision of dignity kits. Access challenges further exacerbate the crisis, particularly for women in remote areas and those with disabilities. Nevertheless, humanitarian organizations are intensifying their efforts, offering psychosocial support, medical care, and legal assistance, while conducting over 32,000 awareness sessions and training 560 frontline workers. OCHA remains committed to collaborating with partners and national authorities to ensure victims can access essential services safely.

  • FLASH : Varreux oil terminal blocked, no shortage but…

    FLASH : Varreux oil terminal blocked, no shortage but…

    Since November 17, 2025, Haiti’s largest fuel depot, the Varreux oil terminal, has faced a critical blockade. Armed groups have taken control of key access routes, including National Route 1, Batimat Road, La Saline, and Route 9, preventing tanker trucks from refueling and delivering to service stations. This disruption has led to dwindling fuel stocks at service stations across the country. Despite no official fuel shortage being reported, some opportunistic service station owners have exploited the situation by inflating prices and spreading rumors of scarcity, prompting consumers to stockpile fuel in yellow jerrycans. In response, the General Directorate of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a press release on November 20, 2025, assuring the public that sufficient fuel supplies are available nationwide. The Ministry acknowledged localized disruptions caused by non-compliant practices and announced plans to deploy inspection teams across the country. These teams, working in coordination with the Haitian National Police (PNH), will conduct spontaneous checks at service stations and distribution points to enforce pricing regulations and penalize speculative or illegal activities. On November 20, the Ministry’s inspection service already verified fuel availability at over a dozen service stations in the metropolitan area, aiming to maintain order and ensure the proper functioning of the fuel supply system.

  • Government requires exotic pets to be registered

    Government requires exotic pets to be registered

    The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has introduced a compulsory registration system for privately owned exotic animals. Spearheaded by the Vice Ministry of Protected Areas and Biodiversity and its Biodiversity Directorate, this initiative aims to strengthen oversight, promote responsible management, and safeguard exotic species in alignment with the nation’s environmental legislation. Owners are granted a three-month window from the announcement’s publication to complete the registration process. Key requirements include submitting a formal application to the Vice Ministry, providing documentation that verifies the legal acquisition of the animals—such as prior permits—and permitting technical inspections by the Biodiversity Directorate when deemed necessary. The Ministry has issued a stern warning that unregistered exotic animals may face detention, seizure, or administrative actions under Laws 64-00 and 333-15, among other pertinent regulations. Authorities have urged public cooperation, highlighting its critical role in preserving biodiversity and ensuring the responsible stewardship of exotic species across the country.

  • Gemaskerde rovers lossen schot Nieuwzorgweg

    Gemaskerde rovers lossen schot Nieuwzorgweg

    A violent street robbery unfolded on Nieuwzorgweg in the Latour district, where two masked assailants targeted a victim inside his car. According to police reports, the suspects fired a shot during the robbery, likely intended to intimidate the victim. The criminals managed to steal a necklace with a pendant before fleeing the scene. Witnesses reported that the perpetrators entered a red sedan and sped off toward Hiraweg. Local law enforcement, including the Latour police and other units, have launched an intensive investigation to identify and apprehend the suspects. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the ongoing manhunt.

  • Unpaid and overlooked: Mental Health staff deserves better!

    Unpaid and overlooked: Mental Health staff deserves better!

    In an anonymous letter, several staff members from the nation’s sole mental health facility have raised concerns about an unresolved issue that has persisted for months and warrants public scrutiny. Earlier this year, a group of mental health professionals were tasked with providing care to a mentally ill inmate at the Belle Isle Correctional Facility, a high-risk environment that required them to step beyond their usual responsibilities. To motivate their participation, the government promised an incentive payment. The staff fulfilled their duties, delivering professional care and ensuring the safe management of the patient. However, despite their commitment, the promised payment has yet to be disbursed. When questioned, the government dismissed their request as “too much,” despite having initially proposed the terms. This response has left the staff feeling undervalued and disheartened, especially as significant funds are being allocated for election-related events, including hiring foreign entertainers. The mental health sector in the country is already strained by staffing shortages and poor working conditions. The failure to honor the agreement has further demoralized the frontline workers, who are not seeking charity but fairness, transparency, and the fulfillment of a promise made in good faith. The staff entered the prison because the patient needed them, upheld their oath, and honored their commitment. The question remains: Is this a government that truly cares for its essential workers? It is imperative that this matter be addressed promptly.

  • Internationale dag kinderrechten in een jubeljaar voor Suriname

    Internationale dag kinderrechten in een jubeljaar voor Suriname

    Today marks a significant occasion as Suriname observes both its 50th anniversary as a republic and the international day for children’s rights. This dual celebration underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering a future where every child is guaranteed love, safety, education, respect, and a healthy environment. As Suriname reflects on five decades of resilience, struggle, and hope, the spotlight turns to the younger generation, who are the architects of the country’s next fifty years. The way children are nurtured today will determine the strength and vitality of Suriname tomorrow.

  • More Support for Antigua’s most vulnerable in 2026

    More Support for Antigua’s most vulnerable in 2026

    In a significant move to bolster its social protection framework, Antigua and Barbuda has announced the expansion of its welfare initiatives targeting vulnerable groups, including the poor, elderly, unemployed, and those displaced by fires. Governor General Sir Rodney Williams unveiled these plans during the Throne Speech on Thursday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering a compassionate and inclusive society.