Carib Scope

分类： society

  • PM Browne Pays Tribute to AT&LU Veteran Harold Carter, to Be Given Official Funeral

    PM Browne Pays Tribute to AT&LU Veteran Harold Carter, to Be Given Official Funeral

    The nation of Antigua and Barbuda stands united in recognizing the profoundly transformative impact of the Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) in shaping the country’s modern development. Founded on January 16, 1939, the union became the vehicle through which the population forged a new destiny.

    Harold Carter, who passed away at age 98 on December 26, 2025, emerged as a pivotal figure during one of the union’s most critical periods. Born into an era when sugarcane dominated the agricultural landscape and defined the economic existence of Caribbean nations, Carter witnessed firsthand the brutal legacy of colonial exploitation. Despite the formal abolition of slavery in 1834, workers faced persistently low wages, barbarous working conditions, physical punishments, wage deprivation, inadequate housing, poor nutrition, and widespread illiteracy.

    At age 21, Carter immersed himself in the struggle for meaningful change, joining the AT&LU in 1949 and rapidly assuming leadership responsibilities. His commitment coincided with the union’s preparation for a historic confrontation that would redefine labor relations in the country.

    In May 1951, the AT&LU initiated a pivotal struggle to liberate workers from oppressive conditions, calling for the first-ever Labor Day celebration without legal sanction. The British-descended management of the Antigua Sugar Factory responded with determination to ‘starve the black workers into submission,’ setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.

    Carter played a crucial role in strengthening resolve among workers facing threats from descendants of slave-masters. When the union called a general strike on May 5, 1951, the establishment responded with mass arrests of section leaders. Carter and twelve courageous compatriots were arrested on charges of using threatening language toward workers.

    Tried before a magistrate favored by the overlords, twelve of the men received one-month jail sentences, while Kelso Frederick received two months for evading capture. These thirteen activists—Harold Carter, James Drew, Wills Emanuel, Renford Payne, Steven Payne, Ervin Samuel, Jessey Silcott, Alvin Tanner, Alfred Thomas, Charles Williams, Mash-um-up Simon, Kelso Frederick, and Clovell Williams—challenged the legitimacy of oppressive laws that had maintained Antigua and Barbuda in a state of perpetual underdevelopment.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne, speaking on behalf of the government and people, has declared that Carter will receive an official funeral in recognition of his contributions. The Prime Minister extended condolences to Carter’s wife Olga, his family, friends, and the broader union fraternity, noting that these courageous figures remain eternally present in the nation’s collective memory and historical annals, much like Prince Klaas and the 88 freedom seekers executed in 1736-1737.

  • NSWMA secures World Bank grant for new tyre shredder

    NSWMA secures World Bank grant for new tyre shredder

    Antigua and Barbuda’s National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has obtained a critical World Bank-funded grant to acquire a state-of-the-art tire shredding system. This advanced machinery represents a significant technological upgrade, engineered to process all tire varieties—from standard passenger tires to challenging steel-belted and heavy-duty commercial tires that have historically posed disposal difficulties.

    According to NSWMA General Manager Indira James-Henry, the current shredding equipment at the local landfill has proven fundamentally inadequate for the nation’s needs. Its limited capacity and inability to handle steel-reinforced materials have created a persistent bottleneck in waste processing operations.

    The acquisition of this specialized shredder is expected to transform the country’s approach to tire waste management. Officials project substantial improvements in processing efficiency and safety protocols, directly addressing the chronic overcrowding at landfill sites. This intervention strengthens the overall resilience of the national waste management infrastructure.

    James-Henry highlighted the severity of the tire accumulation problem, revealing that approximately five million discarded tires are currently stockpiled across disposal facilities. This massive buildup presents multifaceted threats to community wellbeing, including heightened fire hazards, environmental contamination risks, and potential public health concerns—challenges that are particularly acute with steel-reinforced tires that resist conventional processing methods.

  • Regional youth expert visits Antigua and Barbuda to address gun violence

    Regional youth expert visits Antigua and Barbuda to address gun violence

    Antigua and Barbuda has welcomed Dr. David Muhammad, a distinguished regional youth development specialist from Trinidad and Tobago, for a high-level consultation aimed at curbing the nation’s challenges with gun violence, gang proliferation, and juvenile delinquency. The visit, initiated upon the invitation of local official Khalid Shabazz, centers on deploying proven, evidence-based methodologies to steer young individuals away from criminal pathways.

    Dr. Muhammad’s comprehensive strategy emphasizes a multi-faceted approach, prioritizing early intervention programs, structured mentorship initiatives, educational reform, and empowering community-driven solutions. His expertise is sought to help build resilient support systems that address the root causes of youth crime rather than merely its symptoms.

    During his official stay, Dr. Muhammad is scheduled for high-level discussions with the nation’s Prime Minister and the Minister of Education. The itinerary also potentially includes direct engagements with students and faculty at local schools, aiming to ground his policy recommendations in firsthand community insights. Government representatives have indicated that a detailed schedule of his public appearances and activities will be disclosed as the visit progresses, ensuring transparency and community involvement in this critical endeavor.

  • Traffic disruptions expected as Royalton resort utility works begin

    Traffic disruptions expected as Royalton resort utility works begin

    Residents and motorists utilizing Highway One through Jamestown should prepare for significant nighttime travel disruptions commencing immediately, as engineers initiate critical underground utility operations for the Royalton Vessence Barbados resort development. The comprehensive project, detailed by Neomie Tavernier of Gillespie and Steel Associates Ltd during a Trents Community Centre briefing, involves constructing a subterranean utility tunnel to connect the resort’s main property to a sewage treatment plant situated on Lot 56, directly across the highway.

    The intricate installation will impact multiple essential services currently traversing the roadway, including water mains, gas pipelines, and fibre optic telecommunications cables. Project planners have implemented a systematic east-to-west construction approach with established detour routes to manage traffic flow. During initial phases, an expanded work zone will temporarily obstruct the primary entrance to Jamestown Park, though single-lane northbound traffic will be maintained with alternative access routes via Lot 56.

    Construction activities are strategically scheduled during overnight hours from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM to minimize daytime congestion, with work commencing Tuesday evening. The project timeline anticipates completion by January 20, with roadways fully reopened during non-working hours. Utility interruptions will occur sequentially: gas services will experience early morning shutdowns on Wednesday, followed by Barbados Water Authority (BWA) interruptions from Sunday evening through Monday at 5:00 AM. Flow telecommunications work involving fibre optic cables is scheduled for the subsequent week, primarily affecting sidewalk areas with minimal road impact.

    Project officials emphasize that advanced notifications will be provided for all scheduled service interruptions, with particular consideration given to minimizing disruptions for local hotels and restaurants. The technical team confirms that all roadways will be fully restored and operational upon project completion.

  • Electronic Bicycles Distributed to Support Agricultural and Inter-Agency Operations

    Electronic Bicycles Distributed to Support Agricultural and Inter-Agency Operations

    The Ministry of Agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda has launched a significant mobility enhancement initiative through the distribution of electronically powered bicycles to key agricultural institutions and partner organizations. This strategic deployment occurred on January 5th-6th, orchestrated by the Ministry’s Agricultural Extension Division as part of broader sustainability efforts within the agricultural sector.

    Recipients of the innovative transportation solutions include the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies—specifically for use by the newly established Antigua School of Agriculture in Glanvilles—and several ministerial outposts including the cutting-edge Crop Research and Development Bethesda Station.

    This program represents a concrete step toward modernizing agricultural operations by addressing practical mobility challenges. The e-bikes are expected to revolutionize field operations by enabling agricultural officers, researchers, and farmers to conduct monitoring activities, perform site inspections, and manage daily tasks with unprecedented efficiency. The technology particularly benefits station-based operations where traditional transportation methods have proven limiting.

    Beneficiary institutions have welcomed the donation with notable enthusiasm, highlighting the vehicles’ potential to transform logistical capabilities. The electric bicycles will facilitate swift transportation of agricultural produce, animal feed, and essential equipment across various farming operations, potentially reducing operational delays and enhancing productivity.

    The initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to embracing environmentally conscious solutions while strengthening collaborative networks with partner institutions. This mobility enhancement project was made possible through international cooperation with the People’s Government of Hainan Province, China, facilitated by the Chinese Embassy in Antigua and Barbuda, demonstrating the global dimensions of local agricultural development efforts.

  • Cap

    Cap

    The northern Haitian city of Cap-Haitien was gripped by bewilderment and horror on January 6, 2026, following the grim discovery of three deceased family members inside a stationary vehicle. The white Toyota Corolla, parked at the ‘Barrière Bouteille’ southern entrance point since January 4th, contained the bodies of Ralph Gustave, Wilnica (or Wiltana) Gustave, and their nine-year-old son Wildensky Rolph Gustave.

    Local residents were alerted by an increasingly potent odor emanating from the car’s interior, despite its proximity to a police station. Initial examinations conducted by Justice of the Peace Serge Fénélus revealed no visible trauma, gunshot wounds, or stab marks on the victims, deepening the mystery surrounding their sudden demise.

    This incident marks the fifth such discovery in Haiti’s North department since late December 2025, following two similarly decomposed bodies found in a vehicle in Charrier on December 17. While investigators have eliminated carbon monoxide poisoning due to the vehicle’s operational condition, the pattern of unexplained deaths has generated widespread alarm throughout the region.

    Authorities have launched a comprehensive judicial investigation to determine the cause of these mysterious fatalities as communities remain unsettled by the troubling recurrence of such incidents.

  • Too Many Drones? Belize Debates Safety, Growth, and Control of the Skies

    Too Many Drones? Belize Debates Safety, Growth, and Control of the Skies

    BELIZE CITY – The rapid proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles across Belize’s skies has sparked a critical national dialogue on aviation safety, economic development, and regulatory oversight. As drones become increasingly integrated into diverse sectors including agriculture, real estate, media, and land surveying, aviation authorities warn that the nation’s unique airspace characteristics demand immediate regulatory intervention.

    The Belize Department of Civil Aviation has initiated a comprehensive public consultation process regarding a proposed operational directive that would establish binding nationwide regulations for all drone operations. This regulatory framework aims to replace the current patchwork of approvals with standardized licensing protocols and operational limitations, aligning Belize’s drone policies with international aviation standards observed in the United States and European nations.

    Director of Civil Aviation Nigel Carter emphasized the critical safety implications of unregulated drone activity, noting Belize’s distinctive aviation environment where low-altitude aircraft operations intersect with densely populated urban centers and busy tourism routes. “We have to be very careful not to create a mix of manned and unmanned aircraft in the same vicinity,” Carter stated, highlighting the potential for catastrophic consequences without proper oversight.

    The technological adoption has accelerated across multiple industries, with drones now serving essential functions in agricultural monitoring, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, property marketing, and land surveying. Training programs have emerged to address the growing demand for certified operators, including comprehensive courses covering both technical proficiency and regulatory compliance.

    However, the mandatory nature of the proposed directives has raised concerns among commercial operators and technical professionals who depend on drone technology for their livelihoods. Stakeholders are organizing emergency meetings to discuss the potential economic impact and operational constraints that standardized regulations might impose.

    The ongoing consultation process represents a pivotal moment for Belize as it attempts to reconcile technological innovation and economic growth with the imperative of maintaining aviation safety standards. The outcome will likely establish precedents for how developing nations manage the integration of emerging technologies within existing infrastructure frameworks.

  • Forest Officers Confront Violence in Line of Duty

    Forest Officers Confront Violence in Line of Duty

    Forestry officials in Belize are confronting increasingly violent resistance while combating illegal logging operations, with armed confrontations becoming alarmingly routine. Deputy Chief Forest Officer John Pinelo Jr. revealed that enforcement teams now regularly face direct threats, weapon brandishment, and even attempted vehicular assault during their patrols.

    The escalation follows successful crackdowns on national land extraction, which has redirected illegal operations to private properties. Pinelo described a particularly dangerous incident where officers responding to reports of illegal activity were nearly rammed by a tractor operator who subsequently drew a firearm on the entire team. Private security personnel monitoring the area were forced to disable the tractor by firing at its radiator before the suspect aimed his weapon at officers.

    Despite these hazards, forestry teams continue monitoring remote regions, frequently operating with police support to ensure their safety. All officers now conduct patrols in groups, especially during nighttime operations or in isolated areas. The individual involved in the tractor incident has been formally charged, with forestry authorities advocating for maximum legal consequences for assaults on officers performing their duties.

    This dangerous trend highlights the increasing risks environmental protection personnel face while safeguarding Belize’s natural resources against organized illegal logging networks.

  • Belizeans Feel Financial Squeeze of Maaga Season

    Belizeans Feel Financial Squeeze of Maaga Season

    As Belize enters the new year, the festive atmosphere gives way to financial reality as the annual ‘Maaga Season’ takes hold. This period of economic constraint following holiday expenditures has prompted widespread budgetary adjustments across Belizean households, with essential spending prioritized over discretionary purchases.

    Market vendors in Belize City report significant declines in customer traffic and sales volume during this traditional lean period. Veteran fruit seller Gilharry, with over two decades of experience, emphasizes the importance of strategic preparation. ‘It doesn’t affect me because I’m accustomed to it and I balance up,’ he explains. ‘I focus on quality rather than quantity—my customers return whenever they need me.’

    The economic challenges have been compounded by post-pandemic recovery difficulties. Nadia Quetzal, operating at Pound Yard Market, observes that while Christmas brought heightened activity, the subsequent decline has been more severe in the COVID-19 era. ‘After Christmas, things decline significantly,’ Quetzal notes. ‘People are recovering from expenses, and everything is slow right now—very slow.’

    Vendors have adopted strict budgeting measures to maintain operational viability. Quetzal emphasizes the necessity of working within constrained financial parameters: ‘We have to ensure we don’t exceed expenses and operate at a profitable margin. We’re coping.’

    Belize City resident Allen Francis represents the consumer perspective, advocating for adaptability during the lean season. ‘I relax and try something new,’ Francis states, highlighting that financial prudence needn’t preclude life enjoyment.

    The collective response to Maaga Season reveals a community employing practical financial strategies, religious faith, and psychological resilience to navigate annual economic pressures. As vendors and consumers alike adjust their economic behaviors, the season demonstrates Belizeans’ capacity to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining quality of life during cyclical financial constraints.

  • New Year Begins in Ashes for Belama Resident

    New Year Begins in Ashes for Belama Resident

    A Belize City resident’s New Year celebration transformed into a devastating tragedy when his home was engulfed by flames in what appears to be a suspected arson attack. The incident occurred around 9:00 PM on Sunday in Belama Phase Four, where thirty-two-year-old Damian Sanchez received urgent alerts from neighbors about smoke billowing from his property.

    Upon rushing to the scene, Sanchez discovered neighbors gathered along the roadside while emergency responders battled the blaze. Although firefighters managed to contain the destruction, the interior of the home suffered catastrophic damage with most belongings completely charred. Remarkably, the exterior structure remained largely intact.

    Sanchez expressed gratitude that no injuries occurred but revealed disturbing details suggesting deliberate foul play. Multiple witnesses reported seeing an unidentified individual in a white pickup truck behaving suspiciously near the property shortly before the fire erupted. The suspect reportedly fled when noticed by neighbors.

    Further examination revealed evidence supporting the arson theory, including a forcibly cracked window shutter that may have served as the point of entry. Sanchez confirmed there were no electrical faults or live wires that could have accidentally ignited the blaze.

    Despite facing overwhelming loss, the resilient homeowner maintains an optimistic perspective, stating: ‘Fortunately thanks to God, you could just rebuild. At one certain point it could look better than it used to be.’ As authorities continue their investigation into the fire’s origins, Sanchez has begun the arduous process of reconstruction, hoping to transform this catastrophic beginning into a fresh start.