Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Food Handlers Urged to Register for February Training Sessions

    Food Handlers Urged to Register for February Training Sessions

    The Central Board of Health (CBH) under St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health has unveiled comprehensive preparations for its upcoming food safety certification program, scheduling training sessions throughout February 2026. Health officials are strongly advising all current and prospective food service professionals to complete their registration promptly due to limited capacity arrangements.

    Registration protocols require personal attendance at the CBH offices situated on Upper Church Street during specified morning hours from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The enrollment process demands different documentation based on applicant status: first-time participants must provide two passport-sized photographs, while those seeking certificate renewal need to present expired food handler badges dated 2018 or later.

    A standard registration fee of EC$50 applies to all participants, with an additional EC$25 penalty charge for those requiring session rescheduling after missing their allocated training date. Each instructional session will accommodate a maximum of 80 attendees at the Multi-Purpose Centre in Perry Bay, with specific scheduling arrangements: February 5th dedicated to new applicants (9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.), while February 12th (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.) and February 19th (1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.) will focus on retraining programs.

    The health regulatory body has explicitly stated that children will not be permitted within training facilities during instructional hours. This policy reinforces the professional nature of the certification program and ensures optimal learning conditions for all participants.

  • Gender-Based Violence Walk 2026 Launched Alongside Women’s Shelter Fundraising Drive

    Gender-Based Violence Walk 2026 Launched Alongside Women’s Shelter Fundraising Drive

    Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched its third annual Gender-Based Violence Walk, scheduled for March 7, 2026, with organizers expressing confidence in surpassing previous participation records. The event, unveiled January 7th at the Multipurpose Centre, represents the nation’s largest public advocacy initiative addressing gender-based violence.

    Organized through a collaborative effort between the nonprofit Integrated Health Outreach (IHO) and the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA), the 2025 walk attracted over 2,000 participants. Both organizations anticipate significantly increased attendance for the 2026 event, which aligns with International Women’s Day observances.

    Melanie Williams-Kirnon, Programme Officer at DoGA, characterized gender-based violence as “a pervasive issue that leaves deep scars on victims and disrupts the social fabric of our communities.” She emphasized the walk’s evolution into “a critical initiative for raising awareness about gender-based violence in Antigua and Barbuda” since its 2024 inception.

    The 2026 campaign features an comprehensive eight-week awareness initiative, including weekly youth workshops and a fundraising drive supporting the establishment of a women’s shelter. The shelter project, envisioned as a women-led social enterprise incorporating a beeping farm for sustainable funding, received government approval for a five-acre land lease in October 2025.

    Dr. Nicola Bird, IHO’s Executive Director, acknowledged community support as instrumental in securing government backing for the shelter initiative. “It is the voice of the people, and that people-driven momentum that really helped us,” Dr. Bird stated during the launch ceremony.

    Organizers are particularly focused on increasing male participation, emphasizing that men and boys play crucial roles in achieving cultural transformation. Registrants for the 2026 walk can optionally complete an anonymous survey designed to gauge public perception regarding violence against women and girls in Antigua and Barbuda.

    The event occurs against a sobering global backdrop where UN Women statistics indicate at least one in three women worldwide experiences intimate partner violence. The Caribbean region faces particularly acute challenges, with 46% of women experiencing some form of gender-based violence—exceeding global averages.

    Event Details:
    The Gender-Based Violence Walk 2026
    Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
    Location: The Botanical Gardens
    Time: 2:00 PM
    Registration: https://qrco.de/bgXYuu
    Shelter Project Support: https://gofund.me/9bba6cc27

  • High Court rules Ryan Reid’s 2022 arrest unlawful

    High Court rules Ryan Reid’s 2022 arrest unlawful

    In a landmark ruling that clarifies the boundaries of police authority, the High Court has declared the 2022 arrest and overnight detention of motorist Ryan Reid unlawful. Justice Nicola Byer delivered a decisive judgment establishing that officers lack the legal power to arrest or detain individuals for minor traffic infractions classified as ticketable offenses.

    The court specifically identified violations such as failure to wear a seatbelt and mobile phone use while driving as offenses subject only to fixed penalty notices, not warranting arrest. Reid’s detention over two days following a November 7, 2022 traffic stop was deemed an unlawful trespass on his person.

    In a significant clarification of administrative procedures, the court further ruled that only the Commissioner of Police possesses the authority to suspend driver’s licenses before conviction. This finding rendered previous enforcement actions based on presumed suspensions in 2021 unlawful.

    The case, brought against Commissioner of Police Casey Jean Baptiste and the Attorney General, saw Reid represented by attorney Wendel Alexander. While affirming the unlawfulness of Reid’s detention, the court rejected his additional claims of malicious prosecution, harassment, and abuse of discretion in bail refusal, noting these allegations failed to meet established legal thresholds.

    Regarding a separate May 2021 arrest for dangerous driving, the court found police acted within their authority as Reid had failed to provide identification when requested, creating lawful grounds for detention under traffic regulations.

    The court granted Reid leave to pursue damages for his unlawful detention, allowing 21 days to file application. Additionally, he was awarded 75% of his legal costs in the proceeding.

  • Spanish Community Leadership Vote to Proceed Unopposed on Jan. 11

    Spanish Community Leadership Vote to Proceed Unopposed on Jan. 11

    The Spanish-speaking community of Antigua and Barbuda will witness an uncontested leadership election on January 11th, following the expiration of the candidate nomination period without any challengers emerging. This development was confirmed by Alex Martinez, the longstanding community representative whose position has been at the center of recent internal debates.

    Martinez stated that despite active efforts to encourage broader participation in the electoral process, no alternative candidates submitted their nominations before the official deadline. This absence of opposition means the election will proceed as a single-candidate ratification rather than a competitive contest.

    The scheduled vote comes after extended periods of internal discussion regarding representation legitimacy within the community. Certain faction members had raised questions about the formal legitimacy of the current leadership structure, particularly whether Martinez had been properly elected or appointed through democratic means. These concerns highlighted growing demands for transparent governance procedures and ultimately catalyzed the movement toward establishing a clearly defined electoral process to determine community representation.

    The upcoming election, while uncontested, represents a significant institutional step toward addressing these governance concerns and establishing formal protocols for community leadership selection moving forward.

  • Floating Bridge to be closed Saturday for vessel passage

    Floating Bridge to be closed Saturday for vessel passage

    The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) has issued a public advisory regarding the temporary suspension of vehicular transit across the Ozama River Floating Bridge. This scheduled interruption will occur on Saturday, January 10, precisely between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

    The closure is necessitated to facilitate the safe passage of three commercial vessels navigating the river channel. Maritime traffic operations will include two ships traveling upstream for docking at the M&D Repair shipyard facility, accompanied by the downstream movement of the Hygrade 42 barge.

    In light of this temporary disruption, transportation authorities have proactively recommended that motorists who typically utilize this crossing consider alternative routing strategies. Officials specifically designated the Matías Ramón Mella, Juan Pablo Duarte, and Juan Bosch bridges as viable detour options to maintain regional connectivity.

    The MOPC emphasized that this advance notification is part of a comprehensive effort to mitigate potential traffic inconveniences and optimize urban mobility management. The ministry further reaffirmed its institutional dedication to preserving safe, orderly, and efficient transportation infrastructure for all citizens.

  • Santo Domingo Metro Line 1 to suspend night service for maintenance

    Santo Domingo Metro Line 1 to suspend night service for maintenance

    The Office for the Reorganization of Transportation (OPRET) has unveiled a comprehensive nighttime maintenance initiative for Santo Domingo’s Metro Line 1, scheduled from January 10 through January 25. This carefully orchestrated operational pause will affect the critical segment connecting Gregorio Urbano Gilbert and Mamá Tingó stations, with services suspended daily from 8:00 p.m. onward throughout the sixteen-night period.

    In a proactive measure to ensure seamless urban mobility, transportation authorities have coordinated with the Metropolitan Office of Bus Services (OMSA) to deploy complimentary bus services along the affected route. This complementary transportation solution will operate during the maintenance window, providing uninterrupted connectivity for the metro’s regular commuters.

    The extensive maintenance protocol involves specialized technical crews working in coordinated eight-hour shifts during overnight hours. This strategic timing minimizes disruption to the metro’s daily ridership while allowing engineers to perform essential system upgrades and safety inspections. OPRET emphasizes that these scheduled interventions represent standard preventive measures crucial for maintaining operational excellence and passenger safety standards.

    Transportation officials have expressed appreciation for public understanding regarding temporary inconveniences, encouraging passengers to adjust travel plans accordingly during the maintenance period. The initiative reflects OPRET’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure reliability and service quality within the Dominican Republic’s capital transit network.

  • Contractors urge Congress to settled decades-old state debts for public works

    Contractors urge Congress to settled decades-old state debts for public works

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant development addressing historical financial grievances, over 100 small and medium-sized engineering and construction contractors convened at the National Congress this week. Their mission: to urgently appeal for the settlement of outstanding state obligations for public works projects, some of which were completed as far back as the 1990s.

    The delegation, comprising predominantly members of the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors (CODIA), is championing a groundbreaking legislative initiative. This proposal seeks to establish an exceptional legal framework, empowering the Ministry of Finance and Economy to finally disburse payments that the state has officially acknowledged but failed to deliver due to protracted bureaucratic entanglements.

    During an extensive session exceeding two hours, the Senate’s Permanent Commission on Public Works heard compelling testimonies from more than 30 contractors. They elaborated on the severe technical, financial, and personal ramifications these delayed payments have inflicted upon their enterprises and family lives. The completed projects in dispute encompass essential community infrastructure—including road networks, educational facilities, and water supply systems—all operational and received by the state, often constructed under emergency directives or official requests yet never formally processed for compensation.

    The human toll of this protracted delay was starkly highlighted, with contractors revealing that more than 20 engineers have passed away without ever receiving payment for their contributions, thereby transferring these unresolved financial claims to their heirs. Following a thorough review of the compelling arguments presented, the Public Works Commission issued a favorable report endorsing the initiative, originally proposed by Duarte province Senator Franklin Romero. Advocates underscored that the legislative measure prioritizes transparency and legal certainty through meticulous case-by-case audits, aiming to resolve a perennial historical liability and deliver long-awaited justice to professionals who have endured decades of financial limbo.

  • St. Vincent Jaycees installs 2026 board of directors

    St. Vincent Jaycees installs 2026 board of directors

    St. Vincent’s chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI) has formally inaugurated its 2026 board of directors during a ceremonial event marking both transition and continuity in leadership. The January 3rd installation ceremony served dual purposes: honoring the accomplishments of the 2025 administration under President Lisha Beache while welcoming new leadership poised to guide the organization’s future direction.

    The event highlighted several landmark achievements from the previous administrative year, most notably the successful hosting of the 65th National Convention of JCI West Indies. This gathering represented a significant homecoming as it marked the convention’s return to St. Vincent after an absence exceeding ten years. Additional accomplishments included substantive community outreach initiatives developed in collaboration with St. Benedict’s School and the School for Children with Special Needs.

    JCI Senator Dennis Gaymes delivered a compelling address emphasizing the critical importance of youth leadership in community development. His charge to the incoming board members stressed principles of integrity and resilience, urging them to maintain strong connections to JCI’s foundational creed and mission statements when confronting future challenges.

    Newly installed President Dominic Horne outlined his vision for the 2026 term during his inaugural address, expressing gratitude to the outgoing board while introducing the administrative year’s theme: ‘Be Better: Unity in Structure, Excellence in Service.’ The complete 2026 leadership roster includes President Dominic Horne, Immediate Past President Lisha Beache, Secretary General Nigel Thomas, Executive Vice President Tyana Stewart, and Vice Presidents Delon DaSilva and Omarr Edwards. Wanika Ashton, former National Executive Assistant and Past President, assumes the role of General Legal Counsel.

    The ceremony concluded with the induction of new members into the organization, extending JCI’s legacy of youth leadership and civic engagement. This local leadership transition coincides with JCI’s global milestones, including the recent celebration of its 110th anniversary during the World Congress in Tunisia (October 2025), where the organization unveiled a redesigned logo symbolizing both its historical roots and contemporary evolution through symbolic elements including the traditional shield, structural pillars, global regions, and ripple effects representing member impact.

  • Belize City Property Taxes Set to Rise in 2026

    Belize City Property Taxes Set to Rise in 2026

    Belize City homeowners face significant financial adjustments as municipal authorities have enacted an 18 percent property tax increase set to take effect in 2026. The Belize City Council approved the measure following a comprehensive revision of the city’s property valuation system, which officials claim had become increasingly disconnected from contemporary market realities.

    Municipal representatives justify the tax adjustment as a necessary response to systemic assessment discrepancies that have persisted for years. These outdated valuations, according to council documentation, have created substantial funding shortfalls that jeopardize the municipality’s ability to maintain essential services and infrastructure.

    Valuation Manager Troy Smith provided context during an appearance on the Open Your Eyes morning program, characterizing the increase as comparatively moderate. Smith revealed that a full recalibration based on current market prices and rental rates would have necessitated a dramatically higher tax burden approaching 50 percent. The council consciously opted for the more measured increase to balance municipal needs with homeowner affordability.

    Financial projections indicate that a property owner previously paying $120 annually will now face approximately $148 in taxes before applicable discounts. The council has confirmed the continuation of its 15 percent early-payment incentive program for residents who settle their obligations promptly.

    Despite resident concerns about the increased financial pressure, city officials maintain that the tax adjustment represents an unavoidable step toward ensuring sustainable municipal operations. The new valuation framework takes effect this year, providing homeowners with advance notice to prepare for the forthcoming financial changes.

  • Father of Two Gunned Down in Belmopan Robbery Attempt

    Father of Two Gunned Down in Belmopan Robbery Attempt

    The capital city of Belmopan has been plunged into a state of profound grief and escalating security concerns following the brutal daylight murder of Mark Gabourel, a 55-year-old delivery driver and devoted father of two. The fatal shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon in what authorities have confirmed was a targeted robbery attempt, marking the second violent assault on Gabourel within a year and raising urgent questions about public safety protocols for delivery personnel across Belize.

    According to police reports, the tragedy unfolded around 4 p.m. as Gabourel and a colleague departed from Sunny Side Grocery’s parking lot. Two assailants on a motorcycle intercepted their vehicle, with the passenger immediately opening fire and delivering fatal wounds to Gabourel. Surveillance footage, though partially obscured, has enabled investigators to identify potential suspects believed connected to an organized motorcycle robbery network operating within the region.

    This devastating incident bears striking resemblance to the recent murders of two Sarita delivery drivers along the Hummingbird Highway just three weeks prior, highlighting what appears to be a disturbing pattern of targeted violence against transportation and delivery workers. Gabourel’s employer, Caribbean Chicken, has confirmed that despite surviving a previous robbery in Tiger Town the previous year where $600 was stolen, the company had not implemented enhanced security measures for its delivery staff.

    Jose Navarro, Gabourel’s manager, described him as an exceptional employee who consistently exceeded expectations in his role. ‘He functioned as my right hand—arriving early each morning with infectious energy and dedication to his responsibilities,’ Navarro recounted during an emotional interview. The company has since reiterated its safety protocols advising employees to prioritize their lives over company assets during robbery attempts.

    Legal expert and family friend Arthur Saldivar articulated the community’s growing apprehension regarding diminished law enforcement presence and perceived double standards in crime prevention. ‘We must examine what enables such brazen criminal behavior—whether it stems from insufficient police visibility or broader systemic failures in our justice apparatus,’ Saldivar noted.

    The victim’s sister, Fiona Jones, shared poignant reflections on how the tragedy has fundamentally altered her perception of safety in Belmopan. ‘We never truly comprehend the depth of this violence until it directly impacts our family. This incident has shattered our illusion of security in what we previously considered a safe community,’ she expressed, emphasizing her brother’s unwavering commitment to providing for his two daughters who he had sole custody of.

    As investigations continue, Gabourel’s death has ignited urgent conversations about occupational safety, police effectiveness, and the escalating risks faced by delivery professionals throughout Belizean society.