Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Lions District Governor Begins Official Visit with Courtesy Calls in Antigua

    Lions District Governor Begins Official Visit with Courtesy Calls in Antigua

    Lions Clubs International District Governor Judy King, PMJF, has initiated her official tour of Antigua and Barbuda with high-level diplomatic engagements preceding planned visits to local chapters. The distinguished visitor, accompanied by Zone 2C Chairperson Lion Kim Joseph, PMJF, and representatives from the Antiguan Lions Club, embarked on a series of protocol meetings as part of her regional itinerary.

    The delegation conducted formal courtesy calls with two of the nation’s most prominent figures: His Excellency Sir Clare Roberts, KCN, KC, who serves as Deputy Governor-General, and Prime Minister Gaston Browne. These meetings mark significant recognition of Lions Clubs International’s humanitarian work and its collaborative relationship with Caribbean governments.

    This diplomatic outreach underscores the organization’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and enhancing its community service initiatives throughout the region. The meetings likely focused on discussing ongoing philanthropic projects, potential areas for expanded cooperation, and strategies for addressing local community needs through the Lions Club’s global network of volunteers and resources.

  • Search continues for people after landslide in DRC

    Search continues for people after landslide in DRC

    A catastrophic landslide struck the Burutsi region of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, resulting in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The disaster has so far claimed 19 lives and left four individuals with serious injuries. Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly as more than a dozen people remain unaccounted for, believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

    During the ongoing rescue operations, the situation was further complicated when a local resident assisting with recovery efforts suffered a fall, resulting in a fractured left leg. This incident was confirmed by the administrative secretary of the Luberike group, the administrative division that encompasses Burutsi, in a statement to Actualité.CD.

    The landslide’s destructive path has rendered numerous homes uninhabitable, displacing a substantial number of residents. Those who have lost their dwellings are currently seeking shelter and refuge in local schools, which have been repurposed as emergency accommodation centers.

    In response to the crisis, local authorities have issued a heartfelt appeal for collective solidarity. They are urgently calling for public assistance to support the victims, intensify the search for the missing, and provide essential medical care for the injured. The community is mobilizing to address the immediate humanitarian needs arising from this tragic event.

  • Police Urge Vehicle Owners to Secure Vehicles at All Times

    Police Urge Vehicle Owners to Secure Vehicles at All Times

    The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a stark public safety alert following a concerning surge in vehicle thefts across the nation. Law enforcement authorities report that a pattern of owner negligence—primarily leaving vehicles unsecured with keys inside—is directly enabling criminal enterprises.

    This security crisis has manifested prominently in the St. John’s and Old Parham Road districts, where recent incidents highlight a troubling trend. In a specific case from January 13th, 2026, an orange Suzuki Ignis was stolen from St. John’s Street during morning hours. Police investigation confirmed the vehicle was unattended with its ignition keyed. Similarly, a white Kia Sorento vanished from Old Parham Road overnight between January 12th and 13th.

    Beyond the property loss, police intelligence indicates stolen vehicles are being repurposed to facilitate other serious criminal operations, thereby multiplying the threat to community safety. In response, the Police Administration is mandating heightened public vigilance and has released a comprehensive security protocol.

    The essential guidelines for vehicle owners include: never leaving keys in the ignition under any circumstances; consistently locking all doors and windows regardless of parking duration; opting for well-lit and secure parking areas; and immediately reporting any suspicious behavior to authorities.

    The force emphasizes that community cooperation is indispensable in combating this crime wave. Citizens possessing any information related to these thefts or associated criminal activities are urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) or their nearest police station immediately.

  • NCSA: Limited staff limiting ability to meet growing demand

    NCSA: Limited staff limiting ability to meet growing demand

    Barbados’ National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) faces significant operational challenges due to severe staffing limitations that hinder its capacity to address the island’s growing need for drug prevention and education services. Deputy Manager Troy Wickham revealed that despite concerted efforts to enhance public awareness campaigns, the organization’s modest workforce of just 19 employees substantially restricts its community outreach capabilities. Among these staff members, only four serve as substance abuse prevention officers tasked with directly delivering drug education programs across diverse community groups. The council’s technical capabilities are further constrained by having merely two research and information officers analyzing local drug trends and two counselors providing essential support services. To overcome these limitations, the NCSA has implemented innovative digital solutions including Zoom, Nearpod, and Canva platforms to conduct virtual sessions reaching broader audiences. These technology-driven initiatives are supported by an evidence-based database ensuring research-grounded prevention messaging. The organization has increasingly relied on trained volunteers who undergo comprehensive 7-12 week training programs covering NCSA’s curriculum, local drug research, and technological delivery methods. As Barbados observes Drug Awareness Month throughout January, Wickham has issued a public appeal for additional volunteers to bolster the council’s community prevention efforts. Despite these adaptive measures, Wickham identified message acceptance as another fundamental challenge, noting that persuading the public to internalize prevention messages remains persistently difficult despite expanded outreach initiatives.

  • Insurance firms pay out $184 000 after deadly November floods

    Insurance firms pay out $184 000 after deadly November floods

    The General Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB) revealed on Tuesday that insurers have disbursed approximately $184,000 in claims stemming from November’s catastrophic floods, which claimed one life and inflicted widespread destruction across the island. GIAB President Andrea Walton confirmed that 60 total claims were processed through the association’s secretariat, comprising 47 motor vehicle claims and 13 property damage claims.

    According to insurance officials, no additional claims are anticipated at this juncture, given that the most severely affected zones were confined to specific regions. The historic deluge, described as the most severe in a decade, resulted in the tragic death of 58-year-old Terry Kellman and caused extensive vehicular devastation, with numerous automobiles either washed away or deemed total losses.

    Kellman tragically perished after losing his footing along Lower Estate Road as torrential waters transformed the Charles Rowe Bridge into a raging river. His body was recovered approximately 24 hours after the initial flooding incident.

    Anton Lovell, General Manager of Cooperatives General Insurance, provided sobering assessment regarding submerged vehicles, stating that complete write-offs were inevitable regardless of insurance coverage. “When vehicles become fully submerged, recovery becomes impossible. These cases represent total losses—even luxury vehicles like Mercedes suffered irreparable water damage,” Lovell explained in post-flood evaluations.

    Despite the devastation, Home Affairs Minister Wilfred Abrahams extended commendations to first responders who conducted rescue and recovery operations throughout the night. During damage assessment tours of St. Peter and St. Lucy parishes alongside emergency personnel, Abrahams emphasized the unprecedented scale and velocity of the flooding event.

    The Minister detailed particular devastation around Charles Rowe Bridge, where multiple vehicles were swept away—some traveling from as far as St. George Parish Church before accumulating near the Chefette junction. Meteorological authorities confirmed that engineering solutions would have proven insufficient against the extraordinary rainfall intensity, with certain areas receiving up to nine inches (228.6mm) within 24 hours.

    Abrahams relayed the Met Office’s professional assessment: “The volume of precipitation within such condensed timeframe would have overwhelmed even world-class infrastructure. Water accumulated in elevated parishes and cascaded downward—our focus must remain on post-event mitigation strategies.”

  • Robert Peneux voorzitter nieuwe Raad van Toezicht IOL

    Robert Peneux voorzitter nieuwe Raad van Toezicht IOL

    In a significant move to enhance educational governance, Suriname’s Ministry of Education, Science and Culture has established a new Oversight Council for the Institute for Teacher Education (IOL). The council was formally installed on Tuesday by Minister Dirk Currie, with veteran educator Robert Peneux appointed as its chairman.

    Peneux, former director of the critical teacher training institute, now leads the five-member supervisory body comprising Ricardo Kenswil, Rawien Mangal, Joan Vliese, and Robby Holband. The installation ceremony included the formal handover of transfer documents to Peneux, marking the beginning of the council’s mandate to strengthen institutional governance and oversight mechanisms.

    Minister Currie identified the formalization of IOL’s legal status as an immediate priority, emphasizing that establishing a clear juridical framework for both the institute and its oversight council would create a solid foundation for administrative operations and future development. This legal structuring is expected to provide greater stability and clarity in the institution’s governance model.

    While acknowledging the importance of legal formalization, Chairman Peneux emphasized that internal structural reforms must take precedence. He specifically mentioned the need to redesign the organizational chart and reconsider the institute’s internal frameworks before addressing external legal matters.

    The newly installed council has outlined several strategic priorities including transforming IOL into a comprehensive School of Education, conducting thorough financial audits of the institution, and establishing a dedicated Human Resources Management department to strengthen personnel policies and organizational development.

    Minister Currie expressed full confidence in the expertise and commitment of the new oversight body, stressing that effective governance, transparency, and strategic direction are essential for enhancing the quality of teacher education in Suriname. The establishment of the council represents a proactive approach to educational reform in the country’s teacher preparation system.

  • Six Men’s folk set to gain land ownership, says MP

    Six Men’s folk set to gain land ownership, says MP

    A significant housing initiative in Barbados is bringing long-awaited property rights to residents of Six Men’s, St Peter, ending decades of legal uncertainty. Government officials have confirmed substantial progress in transferring land titles to families who have occupied these properties for multiple generations.

    During a House of Assembly debate on land resolutions, Labour Minister and St Peter MP Colin Jordan announced that approximately 37 properties have been formally surveyed under the Six Men’s Life Improvement Project. This represents nearly half of the homeowner-occupied parcels in the historically disputed area.

    “The people of Six Men’s are tremendously happy with the progress,” Jordan stated, emphasizing that residents had lived “in limbo for over 50 years” regarding property ownership. The National Housing Corporation (NHC), operating under the Ministry of Housing, has spearheaded the title transfer process that will finally grant legal recognition to generational occupants.

    The minister contrasted the current administration’s approach with previous governments, accusing the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) administration of labeling residents as “squatters” when they attempted to purchase their family lands. Jordan revealed that 37 residents received formal notification letters shortly before Christmas, enabling them to proceed with legal ownership acquisition for lots ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 square feet at approximately $1,400 per property.

    Beyond the Six Men’s initiative, Jordan announced upcoming improvements for the Maynard’s Housing Area, including exterior power washing and electrical upgrades. The minister concluded with a strong defense of the housing program, stating, “As MP, I am happy on behalf of the people of St Peter who are benefiting from the work of the Ministry of Housing.”

  • Burglaries in Dominica have decreased by over 300 percent over the years, says deputy police chief

    Burglaries in Dominica have decreased by over 300 percent over the years, says deputy police chief

    Dominica’s law enforcement authorities are reporting a historic breakthrough in crime prevention, with burglary rates plummeting by approximately 90% over the past three decades. Deputy Chief of Police Jeoffrey James revealed these striking statistics during a recent appearance on the “Legal Affairs & You” program broadcast by state-owned DBS Radio.

    According to official data, the island nation has witnessed nothing short of a crime reduction revolution. Where mid-1995 recorded alarming numbers exceeding 2,000 burglary cases across the island, current figures show a remarkable decline to approximately 200 incidents annually. James emphasized that this dramatic improvement represents a consistent decrease of over 300% in certain instances, affecting all regions including central districts and the capital Roseau.

    The police official attributed this success to multiple converging factors that have fundamentally transformed crime prevention capabilities. The implementation of Community Policing initiatives has fostered greater collaboration between residents and law enforcement, creating a network of vigilance across communities.

    Technological advancements have played an equally crucial role, with widespread adoption of CCTV systems and sophisticated surveillance equipment enabling both crime deterrence and efficient offender identification. Modern forensic capabilities have significantly enhanced investigation outcomes, resulting in more convictions and prison sentences for those engaged in criminal activities.

    James further noted that demographic shifts within the criminal population have contributed to the trend, with some offenders dying or aging out of criminal enterprises. The increased visible presence of police patrols has created an additional layer of security, making potential burglars reconsider their actions in the face of heightened detection risks.

    This comprehensive approach to crime reduction demonstrates how strategic policing, technological integration, and community engagement can collectively transform public safety landscapes in small island nations.

  • Burglaries in Dominica have reduced by over 300 percent over the years, says deputy police chief

    Burglaries in Dominica have reduced by over 300 percent over the years, says deputy police chief

    Dominica is witnessing a remarkable transformation in public safety, with official data revealing a staggering decline in burglary incidents across the island nation. Deputy Chief of Police Jeoffrey James has officially confirmed this positive trend, attributing the success to a multi-faceted strategy combining community engagement, policing reforms, and technological adoption.

    During a recent appearance on the ‘Legal Affairs & You’ program broadcast by State-Owned Radio DBS, Mr. James presented compelling statistics to illustrate this dramatic turnaround. He revealed that while the island recorded over 2,000 burglaries in the mid-1990s, current figures show this number has been drastically reduced to approximately 200 cases annually—representing a decrease of roughly 90%.

    ‘Burglary was once a very common offense islandwide, not limited to the Roseau area,’ James stated. ‘We have now witnessed a significant decrease in the central districts and across the entire island, with some areas experiencing continuous reductions exceeding 300 percent in certain instances.’

    The senior law enforcement official identified several key factors driving this improvement in community safety. The implementation of Community Policing initiatives has fostered greater cooperation between citizens and police authorities, creating a more collaborative approach to crime prevention.

    James also highlighted the impact of modern security technology, particularly the widespread adoption of CCTV systems. ‘People are increasingly utilizing cameras and other technological instruments for safety purposes, which significantly aids in both crime detection and offender identification,’ he explained.

    Additional contributing factors include successful law enforcement outcomes, with many offenders being investigated, convicted, and incarcerated at the state prison. Natural attrition within criminal circles has also played a role, with some offenders having died or retired from criminal activity due to advanced age.

    The increased visible presence of police patrols across communities has further contributed to creating a deterrent effect against potential burglaries, according to the Deputy Chief of Police.

  • Wounded Officer Trevon Giddings Appeals for Public Help After Losing Leg in Line-of-Duty Shooting

    Wounded Officer Trevon Giddings Appeals for Public Help After Losing Leg in Line-of-Duty Shooting

    In a heartfelt appeal for public solidarity, Officer Trevon Giddings has come forward to share his harrowing journey of recovery after sustaining catastrophic injuries during a police operation last year. The incident, which occurred on May 25, 2025, unfolded when Giddings responded to alerts concerning masked individuals in the Potters district. During the confrontation, he sustained three gunshot wounds, two of which critically damaged his lower limb. Despite exhaustive medical efforts to save the injured leg, surgical teams ultimately performed a necessary amputation of his right leg.

    The physical and emotional toll of this life-changing event has been compounded by significant financial pressures. Medical experts estimate that comprehensive rehabilitation—including advanced prosthetic technology, reconstructive surgical procedures, and extensive physical therapy—will require approximately $200,000. To address these substantial costs, a GoFundMe initiative has been established, though current contributions total just over $10,000, representing a fraction of the required amount.

    Giddings’ story highlights the profound personal sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel and the challenging road to recovery many face after severe line-of-duty injuries. His appeal underscores the critical role community support plays in helping injured first responders rebuild their lives and achieve functional independence following traumatic events.