Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Quarry workers accuse Rayneau of inequality

    Quarry workers accuse Rayneau of inequality

    Employees at Rayneau Construction in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have raised serious allegations of discriminatory labor practices and systemic wage inequality at the company’s Richmond quarry operation. The workers, who were employed under the previous Unity Labour Party government’s land lease agreement, claim the company maintains a two-tiered system that favors foreign nationals while suppressing the rights and compensation of local Vincentian workers.

    According to detailed worker testimonies, Vincentian employees face stark disparities in treatment compared to their foreign counterparts. Local workers report being paid a flat rate of EC$7.14 per hour regardless of their skill level or position, while foreign workers—particularly those from Guyana and India—allegedly receive upwards of EC$20 per hour for similar work. This uniform pay structure fails to distinguish between unskilled laborers and trained tradespeople, creating fundamental inequities in compensation.

    The situation escalated when, following a visit from Labour Department representatives, instead of addressing wage concerns, the company reduced local workers’ hours from 10 to 7 per day. This reduction pushed daily earnings below the EC$50 minimum wage threshold for laborers and under EC$100 for tradesmen, while foreign workers continued to receive full-time hours and compensation.

    Additional grievances include the company’s failure to adjust salaries for Vincentian workers who were promoted to skilled positions such as equipment operators and masons, with some performing these advanced duties for up to two years without corresponding pay increases. Workers also allege systematic denial of legally mandated overtime payments, with the company claiming employees had “agreed” to work 10-hour days without overtime compensation—an arrangement workers contend violates national labor standards.

    The workers have formally requested documented evidence of any voluntary agreement to waive overtime rights, as well as transparency regarding the company’s wage structure and its compliance with St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ labor regulations. They emphasize that industrial workers, given the hazardous nature of quarry operations, should receive higher compensation and better working conditions under national law.

    Despite raising these concerns through proper channels, workers report feeling limited protection from labor authorities and fear job loss if they advocate more forcefully. The case has broader implications for foreign investment and labor practices in the country, with workers warning that if one company is permitted to bypass national labor laws, it could establish a dangerous precedent for other enterprises.

    iWitness News attempted repeatedly over a two-week period to obtain comment from Rayneau Construction representatives, but received no response to the allegations.

  • Journalist calls for legal action over alleged harassment at military parade

    Journalist calls for legal action over alleged harassment at military parade

    SANTO DOMINGO – A prominent Dominican journalist has publicly denounced an incident during the nation’s Independence Day military parade as a severe case of sexual harassment, calling for immediate legal action against the perpetrators. Isis Álvarez characterized the event, which occurred during a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Defense, as an act of ridicule that violated the solemnity of the occasion.

    In a detailed appearance on the radio program ‘El Gobierno de la Tarde’ on Z101, Álvarez articulated that the annual military parade is a fundamental representation of national discipline, institutional integrity, and patriotic fervor. She asserted that such an environment demands utmost respect and that the offending behavior starkly contradicted these values.

    Dismissing potential defenses of the incident as a trivial joke, Álvarez emphasized the profoundly offensive and degrading nature of the act for its victims and the public. She underscored that Dominican law provides clear legal grounds for prosecution, specifically citing Article 24-97 of the national Penal Code. This statute defines harassment as any conduct—whether a single event or repeated actions—that intimidates an individual and impairs their physical, emotional, or psychological well-being.

    Conviction under this law carries stringent penalties, including imprisonment terms ranging from one to twelve years, monetary fines of up to six times the minimum wage, and additional court-mandated measures.

    Consequently, Álvarez has issued a formal appeal to key national authorities—including the National Police, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ministry of Women—to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Her demands are centered on ensuring accountability for those responsible and reinforcing the imperative of dignity and equality in all public spaces and national events.

  • Police searching for missing teen in Nevis

    Police searching for missing teen in Nevis

    Authorities on the Caribbean island of Nevis have launched a public appeal for assistance in locating Ezaunia ‘Blessings’ Batson, a 16-year-old resident who vanished under unexplained circumstances. The Nevis Police Force issued an official missing person bulletin on Tuesday afternoon, March 3rd, 2026, expressing growing concern for the teenager’s welfare.

    According to law enforcement officials, Batson was last sighted in the Prospect area at approximately 3:55 p.m. on Monday, March 2nd. The specific location was identified as the street directly behind the Government Repair Shop, a municipal facility in the parish. At the time of her disappearance, the fair-skinned adolescent was reportedly dressed entirely in black attire—consisting of black pants and a matching black shirt.

    Physical descriptions circulated by investigators characterize Batson as approximately five feet tall with a medium build. Distinctive features include brown eyes and black hair arranged in plaited style. The teenager resides in the Hamilton community of Nevis, though her disappearance occurred several miles from her home address.

    Police authorities have established multiple channels for information submission, urging citizens with any knowledge of Batson’s whereabouts to immediately contact either their local police precinct or the specialized Criminal Investigations Department. The case has been elevated to high priority status as forensic teams and search personnel work to determine whether Batson’s disappearance resulted from voluntary departure or potential foul play.

    Community response initiatives are being organized as island residents express concern over the unusual disappearance. This incident marks one of the most significant missing person cases on the small Caribbean island in recent years, with authorities emphasizing the importance of rapid information sharing from the public.

  • Labor Ministry to launch child labor-free certification seal

    Labor Ministry to launch child labor-free certification seal

    The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Labor has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to combat child exploitation through a new certification system. Minister of Labor Eddy Olivares formally announced the implementation of a voluntary certification seal against child labor, developed in collaboration with the international organization Save the Children.

    This innovative program enables businesses, institutions, and social organizations to demonstrate compliance with responsible child protection standards. The certification serves as tangible proof of their commitment to eradicating child labor practices within their operations and supply chains.

    Minister Olivares emphasized that child protection represents a fundamental national priority, stating that authentic sustainable development remains unattainable without guaranteeing children’s rights and safety. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to support programs dedicated to protecting childhood rights throughout the Dominican Republic.

    The Labor Minister specifically acknowledged Juan Tomás Díaz, President of Save the Children, for his exemplary leadership and social responsibility within the private sector. Olivares stressed that effective collaboration between government entities, international organizations, and private enterprises is indispensable for constructing a nation free from child labor.

    This certification mechanism is projected to become a national benchmark for corporate social responsibility and child protection efforts, establishing new standards for ethical business practices while raising public awareness about the importance of eliminating child exploitation in all its forms.

  • My flag is the one that has never been mercenary

    My flag is the one that has never been mercenary

    On the 165th anniversary of his birth, Cuban literary circles commemorate Bonifacio Byrne (1861-1936), the Matanzas-born poet whose work seamlessly blended artistic expression with revolutionary fervor. Born during Cuba’s struggle for independence, Byrne’s poetic journey evolved from modernist sophistication to becoming what renowned writer José Lezama Lima described as “the poet of the revolution” and “the singer of separatism.

    Byrne’s multifaceted career extended beyond poetry into journalism and playwriting, where he established several newspapers advocating for Cuban independence. During the Necessary War of 1895, he abandoned ornamental modernist styles to dedicate his craft to the liberation cause, ultimately facing exile in the United States. There, he founded the Revolutionary Club in Tampa and contributed to publications including Patria, El Porvenir, and El Expedicionario.

    The defining moment of Byrne’s literary legacy occurred upon his return to Havana on January 3, 1899, when he witnessed the American flag flying alongside the Cuban banner at El Morro. This poignant sight inspired his seminal work “My Flag,” a poem that scholar Virgilio López Lemus characterizes as “a document in verse, a virile protest capable of representing the feelings of an entire nation.”

    Despite some critics dismissing its compositional simplicity, “My Flag” has transcended academic circles to become embedded in Cuba’s national consciousness for over 120 years. The poem’s enduring power lies in its visceral portrayal of patriotic devotion, particularly its iconic final stanza envisioning even the dead rising to defend the national emblem.

    Byrne’s masterpiece continues to resonate in contemporary Cuban society, serving as what the original author describes as “a collective cry that grows stronger each time an imperial threat attempts to desecrate our flag.” The poem stands as a testament to how artistic expression can capture and preserve national identity across generations, maintaining relevance through its uncompromising defense of sovereignty and symbolic representation of Cuban resilience.

  • Chaos reported as Intrant begins issuing new licenses

    Chaos reported as Intrant begins issuing new licenses

    Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The highly anticipated launch of the nation’s new driver’s license system by the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant) descended into chaos on Monday. Despite meticulous pre-scheduling of over 1,800 appointments to ensure a smooth rollout, service centers across the capital were overwhelmed by severe logistical failures, technical glitches, and extensive customer delays.

    Major service hubs, including Multicentro Churchill, Blue Mall, Sambil, and the Intrant’s own Licensing Directorate, were crippled by systemic issues. Citizens reported widespread system failures, significant delays in equipment installation, and a conspicuous lack of organizational coordination. In the absence of functional ticketing systems, employees at some locations resorted to calling out names aloud, while applicants endured hours of waiting under the scorching sun.

    The lengthy renewal process, which mandates a prior bank payment before the procedure can be completed, drew particular ire. Further frustrations were fueled by complaints of alleged preferential treatment for certain individuals and the immense time investment required. Many applicants, who had traveled from various provinces to secure their documents, expressed acute distress, noting they had only limited morning hours to complete the arduous process.

    In response to the turmoil, Intrant officials, including Cabinet Director Obniel Salcedo, reiterated that all drivers—including motorcycle owners—must undergo the renewal at authorized centers. Simultaneously, the institution issued a reminder that a grace period extension for expired licenses remains valid until March 20, during which no penalties will be applied. The public is now urgently calling for immediate logistical improvements and accelerated service to mitigate the ongoing disruptions.

  • Government announces ambitious sanitation plan from Boca Chica to Punta Cana

    Government announces ambitious sanitation plan from Boca Chica to Punta Cana

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican government has unveiled a landmark environmental infrastructure project set to transform coastal communities along the nation’s eastern shoreline. President Luis Abinader confirmed this week that a comprehensive sanitation program will commence in March, targeting over 200 kilometers of coastline stretching from Boca Chica to the Verón-Punta Cana region.

    Developed through a strategic partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the ambitious initiative represents one of the most significant public health investments in recent Dominican history. The project’s multifaceted approach will modernize sanitation systems, enhance drinking water accessibility, and bolster environmental conservation measures across economically vital coastal districts.

    The program specifically targets five key areas: Boca Chica, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Higüey, and the premium tourism corridor of Verón-Punta Cana. These regions serve as critical economic engines for the Dominican Republic, hosting numerous resorts, commercial enterprises, and residential communities. President Abinader characterized the initiative as a transformative effort that would revolutionize public health infrastructure while protecting delicate coastal ecosystems.

    Approximately one million residents and visitors are projected to benefit from the upgraded infrastructure, which aims to address long-standing environmental challenges while supporting sustainable development goals. The collaboration with IDB brings international technical expertise and financing to ensure the project meets both national standards and global best practices in environmental management.

    This coastal sanitation program forms part of the administration’s broader strategy to enhance the country’s resilience to climate change while supporting the growing tourism sector that contributes significantly to the national economy.

  • Belize’s New Bus Company Debuts, Not All Onboard

    Belize’s New Bus Company Debuts, Not All Onboard

    Belize’s transportation sector has entered a transformative phase with the official launch of the National Bus Company (NBC) on March 1, 2026. The government-led initiative promises enhanced reliability, modernized fleets, and an advanced ticketing system, though the transition has encountered both operational hurdles and significant operator resistance.

    Despite months of preparation, the NBC debut witnessed immediate challenges as commuters in San Ignacio experienced 20-minute delays due to missed schedules. Transportation Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh characterized these incidents as ‘natural hiccups’ during the initial implementation phase, noting that 95% of routes operated punctually.

    The consolidation effort faces substantial opposition from fourteen private operators representing the Belize Bus Association (BBA) who have declined to join the nationalized system. These holdouts constitute nearly half of Belize’s inter-city transportation providers and maintain concerns about regulatory enforcement and representation.

    A critical governance issue has emerged regarding BBA’s representation on the Belize Transport Board. Current association president Philip Jones alleges exclusion from decision-making processes since his September 2025 election, despite tradition granting the presidency a board seat. This vacancy occurred when former president Thomas Shaw transitioned to the NBC as a shareholder.

    Minister Zabaneh emphasized that regulatory enforcement enhancements—including requirements for safety equipment like spare tires and fire extinguishers—apply universally rather than targeting holdout operators. The ministry has committed to quarterly meetings with BBA members to address concerns.

    In a significant development, James Bus Line, Belize’s largest southern route operator, has joined the NBC alongside second-largest operator Westline. Minister Zabaneh hailed these transitions as validation of the national system’s potential, citing operators’ ‘years of sacrifice and significant analysis’ in their decisions.

    The government has outlined a phased modernization approach extending through August 2026, featuring driver training, uniform implementation, and gradual fleet upgrades. A cashless payment system mirroring Belize City’s e-bus technology is scheduled for deployment alongside new buses by late 2027, representing what Zabaneh characterizes as ‘a very big transformation in the sector.’

  • Weekend Chopping Turns Deadly in San Juan

    Weekend Chopping Turns Deadly in San Juan

    The San Juan community is grappling with shock and grief following a brutal machete attack that resulted in the death of local resident Elia Bejarano over the weekend. Law enforcement authorities have confirmed the detention of a male suspect believed to be connected to both the fatal assault and an earlier attempted robbery in the same vicinity.

    According to Assistant Commissioner Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, police responded to reports of a violent chopping incident in the San Juan area on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers discovered Bejarano’s lifeless body on the street with multiple machete wounds. Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was returning home from a local bar when he was ambushed by an assailant armed with a machete.

    Medical personnel pronounced Bejarano dead upon arrival at the hospital despite emergency transportation efforts. The detained suspect, who reportedly recently arrived in the community, is also under investigation for an attempted robbery of a female resident earlier that same morning. Police are examining potential motives and circumstances that might have triggered the violent outburst, with the dual incidents suggesting an alarming pattern of behavior.

    Authorities continue to investigate the suspect’s background and possible connections to the community as residents express concerns about public safety. The case has prompted increased police visibility in the area as investigators work to reconstruct the timeline of events leading to the tragic outcome.

  • Game Night Turns Chaotic in Jungle Shooting

    Game Night Turns Chaotic in Jungle Shooting

    A peaceful social gathering in Belize City’s Jungle district was violently interrupted by gunfire on Friday evening, leaving one woman hospitalized with gunshot wounds. According to official police reports, Celestina Zetina was engaged in recreational activities with friends when an unidentified assailant approached the group and discharged multiple rounds indiscriminately.

    The shooting victim sustained a single gunshot wound to her torso and was promptly transported to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where medical personnel successfully stabilized her condition following emergency treatment. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, confirmed that investigators have launched a manhunt for the perpetrator but acknowledged significant challenges in the case.

    Police authorities indicated the spontaneous nature of the attack presents particular investigative difficulties, with no established motive and uncertainty regarding whether Zetina was the intended target. The incident occurred in a populated area with multiple witnesses present during the shooting, yet authorities report limited suspect information.

    During subsequent media briefings, police representatives clarified initial conflicting reports, confirming Zetina was participating in games rather than receiving hair braiding services as previously speculated. The investigation remains active as forensic teams process the crime scene and detectives pursue leads regarding the unidentified gunman’s identity and possible motives.