Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Special needs athletes shine at Inter-Schools meet

    Special needs athletes shine at Inter-Schools meet

    In a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and ability, St Lucia hosted its Special Education Inter-Schools Sports Meet at Mindoo Phillip Park on March 19, strategically timed to honor World Down Syndrome Day. Approximately 100 exceptional students from five specialized institutions—Dunnottar School, Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre, Dennery Child Development Centre, Vieux Fort Special Education Centre, and Soufriere Special Education Rehabilitation Centre—demonstrated their athletic prowess in a variety of adapted competitions.

    The event featured both traditional track events and specially designed activities including sack races, lime-and-spoon balancing challenges, beanbag throws, and bottle-filling races. In a progressive approach to competition organization, participants were grouped into junior, intermediate, and senior divisions based on functional abilities rather than chronological age.

    Notable athletic achievements included Kevin Edmendson from Dennery and Delly Emmanuel from Lady Gordon claiming top honors in the junior division. The intermediate category saw Vieux Fort’s Delan Joseph and Ranelle Chalmagne excel, while senior division prizes were awarded to Kimani Tal (Vieux Fort) and Derressya Giddings (Lady Gordon).

    Education Officer for Special Education Dale St Juste emphasized the profound significance of the event, noting that ‘this meet represents the culmination of our physical literacy program specifically designed for special schools.’ He elaborated on the multidimensional benefits: ‘While physical education is crucial for all children, it holds particular importance for those with special needs as it stimulates cognitive development, enhances motor coordination, builds muscular strength, and provides emotional fulfillment through healthy competition and camaraderie.’

    Sports coordinator Johnson James highlighted the transformative impact on participants’ self-esteem: ‘This event serves as the equivalent of national championships for these remarkable students. We’ve witnessed tremendous personal growth—many arrived with diminished self-confidence but have developed into proud athletes through these opportunities.’

    The recognition of special needs athletes has expanded significantly in St Lucia, with recent inclusion in mainstream track meets, table tennis tournaments, and even calypso competitions. These developments collectively demonstrate that while these students may learn differently, their capabilities are boundless, reshaping societal perceptions of disability and achievement.

  • Jamie Darroux of Herberts Charged for Smoking Cannabis in Public

    Jamie Darroux of Herberts Charged for Smoking Cannabis in Public

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – Law enforcement authorities have formally charged Jamie Darroux, a resident of Herberts, following his apprehension for publicly consuming cannabis and possessing the substance. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, March 23, 2026, in close proximity to Potters Primary School.

    According to official reports from the Royal Police Force’s Strategic Communications Office, narcotics officers detected Darroux allegedly engaging in cannabis smoking while conducting routine mobile patrols in the Herberts vicinity. The arrest transpired at approximately 1:30 PM, with officers taking the individual into custody shortly after observation.

    The Police Administration has reiterated its stance on substance control, emphasizing that both the Tobacco Control Act of 2018 and the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act of 2024 explicitly prohibit cannabis and tobacco consumption in all enclosed public spaces, occupational environments, and public transportation systems.

    Designated restricted areas encompass, but are not limited to: public transit terminals, commercial establishments including offices and factories, hospitality venues such as restaurants and bars, educational facilities particularly those catering to minors, healthcare institutions, government buildings, public assemblies, recreational complexes, and all forms of public transportation.

    Legal statutes stipulate that violators found consuming cannabis in public areas may face summary conviction penalties, including fines reaching up to EC$2,000.00. The police force continues to advocate for strict adherence to national laws and discourages participation in unlawful activities that contravene Antigua and Barbuda’s regulatory framework.

  • Dominica State College assists student following Roseau fire loss

    Dominica State College assists student following Roseau fire loss

    In a powerful demonstration of institutional solidarity, Dominica State College (DSC) has provided crucial financial assistance to JaiQi Gu, an architecture student whose life was upended by a catastrophic fire in Roseau on March 1st. The support was extended through a formal donation handover ceremony, funded by a dedicated college-led fundraising initiative designed to aid Mr. Gu in recovering from his significant losses.

    The event, which served as a testament to the campus community’s empathy, saw strong attendance from fellow architecture students and the college’s Student Ambassadors. Their presence underscored a unified front of moral support for their peer. Further amplifying the collective nature of the response, representatives from multiple organizations attended the proceedings. Key among them were officials from the Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology (FAAT), the Student Affairs Department, and the non-profit I Love You Foundation.

    A concluding statement from the college framed the donation not as an isolated act of charity, but as a reflection of DSC’s foundational ethos. It emphasized the institution’s deep-seated commitment to nurturing the holistic well-being of its student body, affirming that its support extends far beyond academic instruction to provide a vital safety net during periods of acute personal crisis and unforeseen hardship.

  • King urges new approach to sport, culture as growth key

    King urges new approach to sport, culture as growth key

    In a compelling address during Monday’s parliamentary debate on the Appropriations Bill, Senator John King issued an urgent call for Barbados to fundamentally reposition its sports and cultural sectors from peripheral activities to central drivers of national development. The former culture minister articulated a visionary blueprint suggesting these creative industries could emerge as the nation’s next major economic engines if strategically harnessed.

    Senator King highlighted the paradoxical reality that while Barbados has consistently produced world-class talent across sporting and cultural domains, the nation has historically failed to capitalize on the substantial business potential inherent in these sectors. He pointed to the recently concluded 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, successfully hosted in Barbados, as demonstrating the transformative economic impact possible through major event staging. However, King challenged the government to pursue more ambitious initiatives by developing and owning homegrown tournaments and events.

    “Imagine the possibilities if Barbados were creating tournaments ourselves—events where we maintain intellectual property rights and control broadcasting privileges,” Senator King proposed. “The revenue potential from owning these events represents an economic frontier we must seriously explore.”

    The government senator elaborated on the extensive economic multiplier effects generated by sports investments, noting benefits extending far beyond athletes to create employment opportunities in sports nutrition, psychological support services, media production, and local service sectors including transportation and vending operations.

    Drawing from his previous experience as supervisor at the Government Industrial Schools, King emphasized the profound social value of sports as instruments for crime reduction and community cohesion. He shared poignant observations of how paternal attendance at youth cricket or football matches could effectively mend fractured family dynamics among at-risk adolescents.

    “Witnessing a father appear to support his son’s football match or boxing performance—and the subsequent positive transformation in their relationship—demonstrates how sports investment transcends financial calculations,” King reflected. “The social returns significantly outweigh mere dollar valuations.”

    Addressing cultural heritage, Senator King expressed concern that Barbados continues to undervalue its unique assets, ranging from distinctive linguistic patterns to historical monuments. He referenced Jamaica’s successful commercialization of patois and Cuba’s internationally acclaimed ballet and sports programs as exemplars of what strategic cultural valuation can achieve.

    King asserted that Barbadian narratives represent “endless” creative resources that should be leveraged to produce films, documentary features, and merchandise for global audiences. “We possess compelling stories awaiting narration and remarkable sites that we might overlook but would captivate international visitors,” he noted. “Transforming our mindset regarding asset valuation represents the crucial first step.”

    While acknowledging current budgetary allocations for facility improvements, the senator cautioned that infrastructure alone proves insufficient. He advocated for enhanced mentorship frameworks and systemic educational reforms to better nurture children demonstrating aptitude in dance or sports rather than conventional academic pursuits.

    Referencing the global achievements of Barbadian icons like Rihanna and West Indies Women’s cricket captain Hayley Matthews, King postulated that if individuals can excel “with minimal institutional support,” the next generation—buttressed by deliberate government investment—could achieve unprecedented success, ultimately positioning Barbados as a global leader in sports and cultural innovation.

  • Workers Union Files Appeal against Industrial Court’s Job Abandonment Ruling

    Workers Union Files Appeal against Industrial Court’s Job Abandonment Ruling

    In a significant legal development, the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU) has initiated appellate proceedings to contest a controversial Industrial Court decision regarding employment termination. The case, formally documented as Akeele Thomas v Carlisle Bay Resort, centers on the court’s February 2026 determination that a hotel employee had voluntarily abandoned his position rather than experiencing wrongful dismissal.

    The appellate submission contends that the lower court committed substantial legal errors in its interpretation of employment law principles. The union’s legal team asserts the court incorrectly determined that no dismissal occurred despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Central to their argument is the claim that the court established job abandonment without requiring the employer to demonstrate clear evidence of the worker’s intent to permanently leave his position.

    Further legal objections address procedural matters, including the alleged misapplication of burden of proof requirements. The union maintains the court improperly placed the evidentiary burden on the employee rather than the employer, contrary to established labor jurisprudence. Additional concerns highlight the court’s failure to adequately consider the employer’s actions, including the removal of the employee from work schedules and the cessation of communication.

    The appeal further argues the court neglected to examine whether the employer fulfilled reasonable investigative obligations before declaring job abandonment and declined to consider potential constructive dismissal despite relevant evidence presented during proceedings. The ABWU seeks to have the decision nullified and the case reheard before a different judicial panel of the Industrial Court.

    Legal observers note this appeal carries substantial implications for Antiguan labor rights, potentially establishing important precedents regarding employment termination protocols and worker protections in the hospitality sector and beyond.

  • Burkie’s son, 2 others shot dead

    Burkie’s son, 2 others shot dead

    A pre-dawn shooting in Penal has left three young men dead, including the 17-year-old son of deceased Port of Spain businessman Cedric “Burkie” Burke. The victims—Jordan Cudjoe Burke, Ishmael Matthews (22), and Roberto Samuel Carlos (21)—were discovered in a blood-soaked bedroom of a ground-floor apartment on the Burke family property around 2:56 a.m. Tuesday.

    According to police reports, the scene revealed a brutal execution-style killing with ten spent nine-millimeter shells and twelve live rounds recovered near the bodies. Burke was found leaning against a bed base, Matthews lay on his back on the floor, and Carlos was positioned beneath the bed.

    The tragedy has left families grappling for answers. A relative of Burke, who requested anonymity, recounted receiving a frantic call from Burke’s girlfriend screaming “Come fast, they shooting up the place.” She dismissed speculation that Burke was targeted because of his father’s notorious reputation, noting that other children from the family live normal lives without incident.

    Burke, a Form Five student at St. Benedict’s College preparing for CSEC examinations, had recently faced legal troubles involving counterfeit money charges. His mother has been incarcerated since November on firearm possession allegations, leaving the teenager to reside with his grandmother.

    At Matthews’ home, aunt Marinda Yearwood described the three victims as “the three Musketeers—always together.” She revealed Matthews was an academically gifted student who had earned nine subjects with distinction at Shiva Boys’ College but struggled to find steady employment despite numerous applications.

    Yearwood expressed frustration about rampant youth unemployment and lack of opportunities, stating “The Government is not giving enough opportunities for youths coming off the block.” She acknowledged hearing rumors about the victims “doing mischief by some people” but emphasized that nothing warranted execution.

    Homicide Bureau detectives from Region Three are actively investigating and have appealed for information through emergency hotlines and Crime Stoppers. The case highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and socioeconomic challenges in Trinidadian communities.

  • P/Town sisters missing

    P/Town sisters missing

    A concerned relative of two missing teenage sisters from Princes Town is urging the government to implement stringent restrictions on minors’ access to social media platforms, citing grave dangers posed by unsupervised online activity. The appeal follows the disappearance of Celina Balliram, 15, and her sister Alena Baksh, 12, from their grandmother’s home in St. Croix last Friday.

    The girls were last observed around 8:45 a.m. departing to purchase doubles from a local vendor. After their failure to return nearly two hours later, family members alerted authorities. Police descriptions detail Celina as 4’5″ with brown complexion, medium build, long black hair, brown eyes, and last seen in a blue short dress with black netting. Alena is described as 5′ tall with light brown complexion, slim build, long black hair, grey eyes, and was wearing a white crop top with a black short skirt.

    In an anonymous telephone interview, the relative expressed conviction that the sisters were deliberately targeted by older males through their active Instagram profiles. ‘The Government should impose a complete ban on social media for children,’ she asserted. ‘They are exposed to predatory individuals who conceal their identities behind false profiles. These platforms enable adults to systematically target vulnerable youth.’

    The relative revealed this marks the third disappearance incident for Celina, each spanning approximately two months, though notably the first for Alena. Despite attempted communication via WhatsApp, the sisters reportedly responded with hostility before blocking family contacts. Their father’s recent imprisonment for robbery and their mother’s inability to provide care have compounded familial challenges, leaving the grandmother to manage the household while simultaneously caring for her bedridden daughter and the sisters’ younger siblings, aged five and eight.

    Neither sister has attended school since Carnival period. Celina was enrolled in Form Two at Princes Town West Secondary School, while Alena attended Standard Four at St. Stephen’s Anglican Primary School. The relative emphasized the grandmother’s overwhelmed circumstances and appealed directly for the sisters’ safe return.

  • ABHTA Wraps Up Conflict Management Course for Tourism Professionals

    ABHTA Wraps Up Conflict Management Course for Tourism Professionals

    The hospitality sector in Antigua & Barbuda has taken a significant step toward enhancing professional standards with the successful completion of an intensive conflict management program. Orchestrated by the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), the four-week curriculum was meticulously designed to arm tourism professionals with advanced tools for effective workplace dispute resolution.

    Under the expert guidance of facilitator Ms. Shirlene Nibbs, the program blended dynamic online learning with practical application. Participants engaged in a series of interactive digital sessions featuring collaborative group assignments, in-depth discussions, and scenario-based exercises aimed at simulating real-world challenges.

    The educational journey reached its pinnacle during a concluding in-person symposium held at the Trade Winds Hotel Conference Centre. Here, attendees delivered innovative presentations that creatively articulated practical methodologies for de-escalating tensions and fostering harmonious work environments.

    In a formal ceremony, the ABHTA conferred certificates upon all graduates, formally acknowledging their dedication to leadership excellence, collaborative teamwork, and continual professional advancement. Attendees universally praised the course as a career-transformative experience, reporting substantial gains in communicative clarity, emotional intelligence, and analytical problem-solving capabilities—all immediately applicable skills set to elevate service quality.

    This initiative underscores the ABHTA’s ongoing commitment to investing in human capital development. Through such targeted training programs, the association aims to fortify the nation’s tourism workforce, ensuring the delivery of exceptional guest experiences and reinforcing the industry’s foundational role in the national economy.

  • The Guild of Students at UWI Five Islands: Championing Our Green Spaces

    The Guild of Students at UWI Five Islands: Championing Our Green Spaces

    The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus has embarked on an ambitious environmental stewardship program spearheaded by its Guild of Students. This initiative, centered around strategic tree planting, represents a profound commitment to ecological preservation and sustainable development throughout the Caribbean region.

    Under the leadership of Guild President Kerron McKenzie, the project transcends mere environmental symbolism, serving as a tangible demonstration of youth-led climate action. McKenzie emphasized the initiative’s deeper significance, stating that preserving green spaces constitutes both an environmental responsibility and an intergenerational duty. The program directly aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 15, addressing climate action and terrestrial ecosystem conservation.

    The operational success of the endeavor was orchestrated by Project Manager Tanisha Phillips, who articulated the project’s multifaceted benefits. “Our tree planting initiative contributes to improved air quality, enhanced biodiversity, and the creation of more sustainable communal spaces,” Phillips noted. “This represents more than environmental activism—it embodies our commitment to long-term ecological responsibility.”

    Complementing these efforts, Policy Officer Joshua Blenman provided strategic direction, ensuring alignment between student-led activities and broader regional environmental priorities. This collaborative approach has established a framework for future sustainability projects that integrate academic excellence with practical environmental leadership.

    The initiative underscores the critical importance of localized environmental actions in small island developing states, where climate change impacts remain particularly acute. By combining immediate action with long-term vision, the UWI Five Islands campus demonstrates how educational institutions can serve as catalysts for sustainable development and environmental resilience throughout the Caribbean community.

  • CIBC Caribbean Donates $177,000 to Cancer Support Groups in Antigua

    CIBC Caribbean Donates $177,000 to Cancer Support Groups in Antigua

    In a landmark achievement for community health initiatives, CIBC Caribbean has allocated $177,000 to advance cancer care services in Antigua and Barbuda. The substantial contribution, derived from the bank’s annual “Walk for the Cure” campaign and associated events, was formally presented during a ceremony held at the Royalton Chic Hotel.

    The donation was equally distributed between two pivotal organizations: the Breast Friends cancer support group and the Oncology Department at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. This year’s fundraising total marks a dramatic 69% increase from the $105,000 raised in 2024, establishing a new benchmark for the institution’s philanthropic efforts in the region.

    According to bank representatives, the initiative has evolved significantly from its original walking event. It now encompasses a diverse portfolio of activities branded under the “For the Cure” banner, including “Jam for the Cure,” “Raffle for the Cure,” “Gala for the Cure,” and “Music for the Cure.” This expanded approach has successfully engaged robust participation from both corporate sponsors and the general public.

    Recipients from both beneficiary organizations expressed profound gratitude for CIBC Caribbean’s sustained commitment. They emphasized the critical role these funds play in confronting cancer, which remains one of the most severe public health challenges in the community. The bank concurrently extended its appreciation to all donors and participants involved in the 2025 campaign, signaling optimism for continued collaborative support throughout 2026.