Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Former PRO is new head of SVG Teachers’ Union

    Former PRO is new head of SVG Teachers’ Union

    In a landmark transition of leadership, Fiona Charles-Williams has been unanimously elected as the new president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) without facing opposition. The election, conducted over Tuesday and Wednesday, saw the former union spokesperson ascend to the organization’s highest office following her tenure as public relations officer.

    Charles-Williams brings substantial expertise to the role, having dedicated 23 years to the education sector as a graduate teacher. Her election marks a continuation of institutional leadership within the union’s newly formed executive body.

    The leadership restructuring also saw retired educator Oswald Robinson, the immediate past president, secure the position of first vice-president after defeating Rosmond Richardson of Bishop’s College, Kingstown. This competitive election within the vice-presidential race contrasted with the presidential acclamation.

    The newly established executive committee comprises several key appointments: Yokanne Blugh assumes the role of second vice-president, Andrea Durrant as general secretary, and Reba Cozier-Veira as assistant general secretary. Aurie Gordon will serve as treasurer, while Shanique Bailey takes on responsibilities as public relations officer. Committee members Jevon Bynoe and Anthony Compton complete the leadership team.

    In her inaugural platform statement, President Charles-Williams committed to maintaining transparent governance practices while aggressively advocating for legislative reforms that benefit educators. She additionally emphasized expanding the union’s social outreach initiatives to strengthen its community presence.

    The entire executive leadership has been elected for a standard two-year term, during which they will address critical issues facing the education sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

  • Drie Wakaypompen operationeel: water stroomt naar rijstpolders in Nickerie

    Drie Wakaypompen operationeel: water stroomt naar rijstpolders in Nickerie

    Three of the four crucial Wakayma pumps in Nickerie have resumed operations, marking a significant breakthrough in resolving the region’s agricultural water crisis. Following extensive repairs, pumps 1, 2, and 4 are now fully functional and actively channeling irrigation water to rice polders that had faced severe water shortages.

    The irrigation breakdown originated from a generator failure that powered the pumping system, abruptly halting water distribution to rice fields. This mechanical failure created substantial uncertainty among rice farmers, who faced immediate threats to both crop planting schedules and overall yield projections due to the interrupted water supply.

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries (LVV) addressed the emergency by procuring and installing replacement generator equipment. Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim confirmed the successful completion of these critical repairs, stating that the three operational pumps are now performing according to technical specifications.

    Minister Noersalim informed Starnieuws that substantial water volumes are currently being pumped to Nickerie’s rice cultivation areas, with expectations that water delivery systems will achieve full stabilization within coming days. While the restoration of three pumps has alleviated immediate pressure on the rice sector, the timeline for returning the fourth pump to complete operational status remains undetermined. The ministry continues to monitor the situation to ensure consistent irrigation service restoration.

  • Central Board of Health Trains Custodial Staff in Sanitation and Safety Practices

    Central Board of Health Trains Custodial Staff in Sanitation and Safety Practices

    In a significant capacity-building initiative, Antigua and Barbuda’s Central Board of Health orchestrated an extensive training program on February 24th to enhance the professional competencies of custodians and grounds maintenance personnel from multiple public institutions. The event, hosted at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, brought together forty participants from diverse organizational backgrounds.

    Attendees included facilities staff from three major educational campuses—Muriel O’Mard Campus, Dr. Alister Francis Campus, and Eustace Hill Campus—plus representatives from the School of Agriculture. The training also incorporated professionals from the National Office of Disaster Services, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, and the Environment Division, creating a multidisciplinary learning environment.

    The curriculum delivered hands-on instruction across multiple critical domains: advanced cleaning and sanitization methodologies, integrated pest management strategies, efficient waste handling procedures, and sanitation protocols. Particular emphasis was placed on the safe handling and application of industrial cleaning chemicals and the appropriate utilization of personal protective equipment to ensure worker safety.

    Health officials emphasized that this initiative highlights the indispensable role that custodial and grounds staff perform in preserving hygienic and secure environments within educational facilities and workplaces. The Board further clarified that rigorous cleaning and disinfection practices constitute fundamental measures for curbing pathogen transmission, minimizing pest proliferation, and safeguarding the wellbeing of students, employees, and the general public.

    The Central Board of Health reaffirmed its dedication to continuing professional development programs and capacity-enhancement projects for frontline workers who maintain public health standards across the nation’s institutions.

  • Government expands 9-1-1 coverage to Constanza and Jima Abajo

    Government expands 9-1-1 coverage to Constanza and Jima Abajo

    CONSTANZA, La Vega Province – The Dominican government has significantly enhanced its emergency response capabilities with the official activation of the National Emergency and Security System 9-1-1 in the municipalities of Constanza and Jima Abajo. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by José Ignacio Paliza, Minister of the Presidency, marking a pivotal advancement in public safety infrastructure for these vital regions within La Vega province.

    This strategic expansion elevates the system’s national coverage to 94% of the population, creating a more robust and integrated network that seamlessly coordinates various emergency response agencies. Minister Paliza underscored that the initiative represents more than just the installation of physical assets. “This is a profound commitment to institutional synergy, ensuring our citizens receive prompt and effective aid during their most critical moments,” he stated, emphasizing the program’s focus on permanent inter-agency coordination.

    The government’s forward-looking plan includes extending this critical service to Montecristi in the upcoming months. This move reaffirms the administration’s dedication to bridging the gap in emergency services for communities across the nation. The expansion is a cornerstone of the State’s overarching priority to preserve human life, enhance emergency coordination mechanisms, and elevate standards in citizen security and pre-hospital medical care, especially in productive and strategically important regions.

    Operational capabilities in Constanza and Jima Abajo will be supported by a substantial deployment of resources, including 11 basic life support ambulances, dedicated police patrol units, and Fire Department crews. The system is underpinned by advanced technological infrastructure, enabling the central Command and Control Center to efficiently manage emergency calls, precisely geolocate incidents, and deploy resources with maximum efficacy.

    Government authorities have confirmed that the 9-1-1 System will continue its phased national rollout and ongoing technological modernization. This effort is a central component of a broader national strategy focused on life protection, property safeguarding, and the strengthening of inter-institutional coordination through technological innovation and enhanced public service delivery.

  • New York to light 16 landmarks for Dominican Independence Day

    New York to light 16 landmarks for Dominican Independence Day

    NEW YORK – In an unprecedented tribute to the Dominican diaspora, New York State will illuminate sixteen of its most iconic structures in the red, white, and blue of the Dominican flag this Friday, February 27th. The large-scale celebration, announced by Consul General Jesús Vásquez Martínez, honors the Dominican Republic’s National Independence Day and stands as a historic recognition of the community’s profound impact within the state.

    The initiative, described by Vásquez Martínez as a monumental gesture, underscores the significant growth, economic contributions, and rising institutional visibility of the Dominican population in New York. The Consul General extended particular gratitude to New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Congressman Adriano Espaillat, whose pivotal support was instrumental in coordinating the statewide display of solidarity.

    The list of landmarks set to be bathed in the tricolor scheme includes some of the most recognizable sites in the United States. The illumination will feature the One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the Kosciuszko Bridge, the Empire State Plaza, the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, and the majestic Niagara Falls, alongside other strategic locations across New York.

    This symbolic act is being heralded as a defining moment for public acknowledgment of the Dominican community’s role. Vásquez Martínez has extended an invitation to all Dominicans abroad to participate in the celebration by displaying their national flags, characterizing the event as a powerful testament to unity, cultural dignity, and collective pride. He emphatically stated that this celebration will mark a turning point in the community’s narrative within the socio-cultural fabric of New York.

  • Garrido store fire prompts evacuation on Duarte Avenue

    Garrido store fire prompts evacuation on Duarte Avenue

    Santo Domingo witnessed a significant emergency response Thursday morning as a substantial fire engulfed the Garrido retail establishment located on the bustling Duarte Avenue. The incident triggered an immediate evacuation protocol for both staff and shoppers, substantially disrupting commercial operations and pedestrian traffic throughout the district.

    Emergency services, including specialized units from the Dominican Fire Department, National Police, Civil Defense, and the National Emergency and Security System, mobilized rapidly to the scene. Their coordinated efforts focused on containing the blaze and ensuring public safety amid the developing crisis.

    Initial reports from store management indicate the fire originated on the building’s second level approximately at 9:00 a.m. Carlos López, an official representative for Garrido, confirmed that the evacuation was executed without delay and that emergency authorities arrived with exceptional promptness. The conflagration generated intense smoke dispersion, compelling several adjacent businesses to initiate temporary closures and dismiss their employees as a precautionary measure. However, commercial activity in more distant sections of the avenue continued uninterrupted. Crucially, preliminary assessments confirm that the incident resulted in no casualties or injuries, marking a successful outcome to the emergency response operation.

  • Reborn schools in Guantánamo

    Reborn schools in Guantánamo

    In an extraordinary display of resilience and coordinated effort, Guantánamo province has successfully restored all 277 educational facilities damaged by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact in late October. The comprehensive rehabilitation project, completed in less than four months, represents a significant achievement in post-disaster recovery and educational continuity.

    The Alfredo López Pérez multi-grade school in the Santa Catalina community, which Hurricane Melissa reduced to rubble and isolated through road destruction, now stands fully operational. The institution has been transformed with fresh construction materials and new furniture, welcoming back its ten elementary students from grades one through five. The reopening ceremony was attended by Yoel Pérez García, First Secretary of the Communist Party in Guantánamo, alongside education officials and local government representatives.

    During the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, which caused substantial damage throughout eastern Guantánamo, the educational community demonstrated remarkable adaptability. Temporary learning spaces were established in private homes, agricultural cooperative facilities, and even beneath shaded outdoor areas. Particularly noteworthy was the solidarity shown by 23 mountain schools that expanded their capacity to accommodate students from neighboring institutions that had been completely destroyed.

    This collective effort ensured educational continuity in severely affected areas including La Tagua, Santa Catalina de Manuel Tames, Maisí, Imías, and Baracoa—regions that remained inaccessible for weeks following the hurricane. The successful restoration operation highlights how organizational unity and community cooperation can overcome significant natural disasters while maintaining essential public services.

  • Ministry of Defense commemorates 210 years since birth of Ramón Matías Mella

    Ministry of Defense commemorates 210 years since birth of Ramón Matías Mella

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant national observance, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Defense conducted a formal ceremony commemorating the 210th birth anniversary of founding father Ramón Matías Mella as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations. The event served to recognize both active-duty and retired military personnel alongside distinguished civilians for their exceptional service and contributions to national institutional development.

    Held at the historic Independence Hall, the ceremony was presided over by Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, who was joined by the nation’s top military brass and key government figures. The Ministry conferred its prestigious Recognition of Merit Medal across four distinct categories, celebrating core values including patriotism, loyalty, integrity, and dedication to duty. Additionally, the Special Recognition Medal was awarded to honorees from diverse sectors such as academia, legal practice, healthcare, sports, and public administration.

    Minister Fernández Onofre utilized his keynote address to reaffirm the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, and public security. He detailed ongoing initiatives focused on professional military education, strategic readiness training, and technological modernization designed to address contemporary security challenges. Prominent recipients of honors included Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella, Industry and Commerce Minister Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Housing Minister Víctor Bisonó, Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful, and Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso.

    The commemorative activities extended beyond the awards ceremony to include a formal flag-raising ritual, full military honors, a solemn mass, and a floral tribute at the statues of the nation’s Founding Fathers located at Defense Ministry headquarters. These traditional elements underscored the enduring patriotic mission that defines the Dominican Armed Forces.

  • Santo Domingo to host Chinese New Year 2026 Spring Festival

    Santo Domingo to host Chinese New Year 2026 Spring Festival

    Santo Domingo is set to host a spectacular celebration for the Chinese New Year 2026, marking the Year of the Horse, through a collaborative initiative between the Jade Foundation for the Chinese Community, the Mayor’s Office of the National District, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. The event, scheduled for February 28 to March 1, will transform the Pavilion of Nations at the Heroes Center into a vibrant cultural hub open to all residents and visitors.

    The festival promises an immersive cultural experience designed to foster deeper connections between Dominican and Chinese communities. Programming highlights include the fourth edition of the Chinese New Year 5K race, dynamic Dragon and Lion dances, and demonstrations of traditional Chinese martial arts. Visitors can enjoy folkloric performances, interactive cultural exhibits, and browse through handicrafts and accessories at a dedicated bazaar. Unique attractions such as Paso Fino horse shows and traditional acupuncture demonstrations will further enrich the experience, while diverse culinary offerings will feature both Chinese and international cuisine.

    Embracing cherished traditions, the celebration will include the distribution of Hong Bao (red envelopes), symbolizing prosperity and good fortune through special raffles. The festivities will culminate in a dazzling fireworks display, providing a festive conclusion to the event.

    This initiative underscores the Jade Foundation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing cultural diplomacy and promoting multicultural integration within the Dominican Republic. By positioning Santo Domingo as a premier destination for international cultural events, the celebration aims to reinforce values of friendship, diversity, and mutual understanding between nations.

  • Leisure : Did you know ?

    Leisure : Did you know ?

    In an innovative approach to cultural education, Quiz.HaitiLibre has launched an engaging series titled “Did you know?” focusing on Haiti’s unique agricultural practices. The latest installment highlights the skidpad, a specialized medium-sized pickaxe that represents a cornerstone of traditional Haitian farming techniques.

    This manually-operated plowing instrument distinguishes itself from conventional hoes through its distinctive design, engineered specifically for aggressive, deep soil tillage. The tool demonstrates particular effectiveness on Haiti’s challenging sloping terrains and heavy soils congested with root systems. Farmers consider the skidpad indispensable for initial land clearing and weeding operations in high-altitude food crop cultivation.

    The agricultural landscape of Haiti’s mountainous regions has necessitated technical adaptations where motorized mechanization remains impractical or impossible. Alongside the skidpad, farmers employ other specialized implements including the dao—a short, wide machete variant—and digging sticks, all reflecting generations of accumulated knowledge.

    Despite their seemingly simple construction, these tools demand significant physical mastery and sophisticated understanding of soil structures. The preservation of this technical expertise, coupled with ongoing improvements in tool ergonomics, presents crucial challenges for enhancing productivity among small-scale mountain farmers. These agriculturalists bear responsibility for the majority of Haiti’s national food production, making their tools and techniques vital to food security.

    The educational initiative forms part of Quiz.HaitiLibre’s broader mission to showcase Haitian heritage through interactive learning. Their platform offers dozens of games across three difficulty levels, available in both French and English, without requiring registration or payment, making cultural education accessible to all audiences.