Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Red Cross President Pledges Stronger Disaster Preparedness, Community Support in 2026 New Year Message

    Red Cross President Pledges Stronger Disaster Preparedness, Community Support in 2026 New Year Message

    In his annual New Year’s address, Dr. José V. A. Humphreys, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society, extended profound appreciation to the organization’s volunteers, members, and supporters for their unwavering dedication throughout the past year. The message highlighted how the challenges of the previous year had reinforced the organization’s fundamental mission and demonstrated the critical importance of its humanitarian work.

    Reflecting on a period marked by vulnerability and uncertainty, Dr. Humphreys praised the collective response characterized by compassion, courage, and professional excellence. He emphasized that through this steadfast commitment, the Society successfully delivered hope to households, preserved human dignity, and ultimately fortified community resilience across the nation.

    The President articulated the core identity of the Red Cross, defining it not by its physical symbols but by its people and principles. He underscored the organization’s foundational ethos: non-discriminatory service, leadership rooted in integrity, and actions guided solely by humanity. The past year served as a testament, he noted, that adhering to these values while maintaining accountability and community-centric focus enables meaningful transformation even amidst significant adversity.

    Looking forward to 2026, Dr. Humphreys outlined a strategic vision built on clarity and renewed determination. Key priorities include enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities, broadening community-based health and social support programs, investing in youth engagement and volunteer leadership development, and continuing to strengthen internal governance and long-term sustainability. Reaffirming the Society’s primary mission, he pledged an ongoing, steadfast commitment to preventing and alleviating human suffering in all its forms.

    Concluding on behalf of the Governing Board, Dr. Humphreys expressed deep gratitude for the trust and belief in the power of humanity demonstrated by all involved. His message culminated with wishes for strength, wisdom, compassion, and peace in the new year for every supporter and their families.

  • Nurses seek stronger protection from workplace violence as new year begins

    Nurses seek stronger protection from workplace violence as new year begins

    The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) has launched its 2026 advocacy campaign with urgent calls for strengthened protective measures and improved working conditions, identifying violence against healthcare workers as among the most pressing challenges facing the nursing profession.

    In an official statement, BNA President Dr. Fay Parris commended nurses as “the heartbeat of our healthcare system” while acknowledging both significant progress and persistent challenges. The Association celebrated several 2025 achievements including Barbados’ ratification of International Labour Organisation Convention 149, which establishes formal rights and protections for nursing personnel. This ratification marked a substantial advancement in professional standards and working conditions throughout the island nation.

    Additional milestones included the approval of the Public Officers Loan and Travelling Allowances Act, which promotes equitable allowance distribution across the profession, and noticeable improvements in environmental safety protocols within healthcare facilities, creating safer environments for both staff and patients.

    Despite these advancements, Dr. Parris highlighted several unresolved issues continuing to undermine nurse wellbeing and morale. Protracted delays in approving sabbatical policy logistics have generated widespread frustration among nursing professionals. The ongoing lack of transportation solutions for night and evening shifts remains unaddressed, while systemic staffing shortages have increased dependence on flexi-time arrangements, exacerbating burnout rates.

    Most alarmingly, the Association emphasized that violence against healthcare workers and insufficient protective measures represent growing concerns that demand immediate attention. The BNA has consequently pledged to prioritize safe, supportive workplaces and expedited resolution of employment matters throughout 2026.

    The Association’s comprehensive agenda includes advocating for practical transportation solutions for late-shift workers, championing legal reforms to protect healthcare workers from violence, and expanding insurance options specifically addressing injury and health coverage. Organizational modernization efforts will enhance member services, while strengthened mentorship programs, wellness initiatives, and professional development opportunities aim to ensure every nurse feels valued and supported.

    Furthermore, the BNA plans to increase nursing representation on national boards and policy-making bodies, amplify youth engagement within the profession, and implement membership growth strategies to unify the nursing community under a collective purpose. Dr. Parris concluded with a call for unified action, stating: “The challenges are real, but so too is the strength of the profession when acting collectively.”

  • STATEMENT: From the desk of the president of Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT)

    STATEMENT: From the desk of the president of Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT)

    In a powerful New Year’s address, Mervin Alexander, President of the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT), has articulated a compelling vision positioning educators as the fundamental cornerstone of national progress. The message, directed to teachers, principals, and educators across Dominica, opens with profound gratitude for their unwavering dedication throughout the previous year.

    The association has formally announced its thematic focus for 2026: “Teachers Are the Foundation to National Development – Value Us.” This theme underscores the critical understanding that without teachers, no other profession could exist, as educators serve as the initial cultivators of all career paths and skillsets.

    Alexander’s narrative reframes the teaching profession beyond mere knowledge transmission, describing educators as “architects of the future,” “builders of society,” and the essential foundation upon which national progress is constructed. The address paints a vivid picture of teachers transforming young children with minimal skills into future professionals who eventually serve society in banks, health centers, and hospitals.

    While acknowledging education’s recognized role in reducing poverty, fostering economic growth, and promoting social cohesion, the DAT president highlighted a significant disparity between rhetorical appreciation and substantive support. The address calls for concrete actions including respect, adequate resources, and meaningful participation in policy-making decisions.

    Specific policy expectations were outlined, including the long-awaited Primary Schools restructuring initially promised for January 2023, now formally agreed upon in the 2024-27 Collective Agreement to commence in January 2026. The association also anticipates salary adjustments for Early Childhood Educators following the revised minimum wage implementation in December 2025.

    The DAT reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for improved working conditions, professional development opportunities, and wages that reflect teachers’ pivotal nation-building role. Alexander concluded with condolences to families of teachers who passed away in 2025 and urged educators to prioritize their health and well-being while continuing their vital contributions to Dominica’s future.

  • ‘Chosen’ Welcomed as Belize’s First Baby of 2026

    ‘Chosen’ Welcomed as Belize’s First Baby of 2026

    Belize welcomed its symbolic first citizen of 2026 with the arrival of baby Chosen at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. The historic birth occurred at 2:03 p.m. on January 1st, with the infant weighing seven pounds and four ounces.

    Twenty-seven-year-old Cliffara Ramos experienced what she described as an ‘extra special’ delivery, marking the first female birth in her family in thirteen years. ‘I was nervous but ultimately happy that my baby arrived healthy and strong. By the grace of God, we are both okay,’ Ramos shared with emotional gratitude.

    The distinctive name ‘Chosen’ held profound meaning for the mother, who revealed: ‘From ever since, whether it was a boy or girl, I said my baby’s name would be Chosen. I always believed I would have children.’

    Medical oversight was provided by Dr. Mikael Gilharry, who explained the delivery process: ‘By noon, we recognized she wasn’t experiencing further dilation despite intense pains. We contacted Dr. Nicholas and performed an emergency C-section that resulted in a healthy female neonate without complications.’

    The hospital staff received high praise from Ramos, who noted: ‘KHMH workers, doctors and nurses who attended to me were exceptionally sweet. I literally cannot complain.’

    Continuing a cherished national tradition, Santiago Castillo Limited presented the family with essential supplies for the infant’s first hundred days. Marketing Manager Aisha Trapp announced: ‘We gift a case of diapers and wipes to the first baby born each year. This instance is particularly special as only one birth occurred at KHMH on New Year’s Day. We will identify and similarly gift first babies in other public hospitals nationwide.’

    Though Ramos’ due date was several days later, baby Chosen emerged as the sole newborn at the facility on January 1st, cementing her place as Belize’s inaugural infant of the new year.

  • Transport Board to go fully cashless ‘early next year’

    Transport Board to go fully cashless ‘early next year’

    The Barbadian government has announced an ambitious timeline to revolutionize its public transportation network, with Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw committing to a comprehensive cashless overhaul for all Transport Board buses by early 2025. This transformative initiative promises to deliver real-time bus tracking and dependable scheduling in a bold attempt to convince motorists to abandon their cars and restore eroding commuter confidence.

    Speaking on Wednesday, Bradshaw revealed that the technical hurdles which previously slowed implementation have been successfully addressed, including resolving the single outstanding secondary school issue from the initial educational rollout. While acknowledging that the pace of modernization hasn’t always met public expectations, she emphasized the administration’s unwavering dedication to creating a more reliable and efficient public transit ecosystem.

    The technological cornerstone of this upgrade will be the integration of smart card payments with the Transit BB mobile application, enabling passengers to monitor bus locations in real-time, track precise arrival estimates, and receive immediate notifications about service delays. This digital infrastructure aims to eliminate the uncertainty that has long plagued the system, allowing commuters to structure their daily routines around predictable bus schedules.

    Bradshaw articulated the vision behind these improvements: ‘Our fundamental objective is to build such robust confidence in the system that citizens feel comfortable planning their lives around it. If people know a bus will reliably arrive at 8:10, they can confidently leave their personal vehicles behind and organize their activities accordingly.’

    The government plans to actively engage with communities throughout this transition, seeking public input on route optimization and service expansion. ‘We want to hear directly from citizens about where transportation services are most needed,’ Bradshaw stated, highlighting the collaborative approach between transport authorities, commuter groups, and the general public.

    This announcement builds upon momentum generated by earlier successful phases of the cashless transition. October 2024 marked a significant milestone with the introduction of personalized smart cards for school children, granting thousands of students seamless, fare-free travel. This followed the initial December 2023 rollout for senior citizens, who now access free transportation using their Trident ID cards. For cases where cards remain unregistered, drivers utilize electronic tablets to verify eligibility, while manual ID checks provide temporary alternatives.

  • Bayville man fined $10 000 after pleading guilty to cannabis charges

    Bayville man fined $10 000 after pleading guilty to cannabis charges

    In a significant ruling at the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court, a 40-year-old resident of Bayville, St Michael, has been handed substantial financial penalties for multiple drug-related violations. Hassan Gregg O’Neil Alleyne, residing at Grants Avenue, entered a guilty plea before Magistrate Douglas Frederick during Friday’s proceedings.

    The defendant faced comprehensive charges including possession, trafficking, intent to supply, and importation of illegal cannabis substances. According to official police reports, the criminal activities occurred on December 30, 2025, involving a substantial quantity of 3.20 kilograms of suspected cannabis. Law enforcement authorities estimated the confiscated drugs’ street value at approximately $25,600.

    Magistrate Frederick imposed a $10,000 fine against Alleyne, mandating complete payment within a strict ninety-day timeframe. The court established clear consequences for non-compliance, stating that failure to meet the financial penalty would result in a nine-month custodial sentence at the Barbados Prison Service facility in Dodds. This case represents the ongoing judicial efforts to combat drug trafficking operations within the region.

  • Prison officers receive long-overdue back pay

    Prison officers receive long-overdue back pay

    The Barbadian government has finalized compensation for prison officers who performed extended duties during the COVID-19 pandemic, concluding a protracted dispute over unpaid wages that had persisted for nearly four years. According to a Friday announcement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, all eligible officers have now received payments for working 12-hour shifts under hazardous conditions while classified as essential workers.

    The resolution follows years of mounting frustration among protective service personnel. Earlier disclosures revealed that prison officers alone were owed over half a million dollars for extra duties dating to 2021. Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne had previously confirmed that administrative preparations were complete, with fund disbursement awaiting action from the Ministry of the Public Service.

    In its statement, the government characterized the payment as “not merely a financial transaction but a long-overdue act of recognition and fairness” toward officers who worked under “immense pressure and personal risk.” The Ministry specifically acknowledged that prison personnel played a critical role in maintaining both institutional security and broader societal stability throughout the health crisis.

    Officials attributed the delay to manual processing requirements amid ongoing modernization of government financial systems. Three ministries—Home Affairs, Finance, and Public Service—collaborated to resolve the outstanding payments.

    The government issued a formal apology for the prolonged wait, recognizing “the frustration and hardship that this postponement may have caused, especially given the immense sacrifices the officers made when the nation needed them most.” Authorities pledged to improve administrative systems to prevent similar delays in future cases involving extraordinary service.

  • EPIC offers 25th anniversary Caribbean calendar

    EPIC offers 25th anniversary Caribbean calendar

    Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), a Florida-registered non-profit organization, commemorates its 25th anniversary with the introduction of a special 2026 fundraising calendar. Founded in 2000 with the explicit mission of safeguarding the Caribbean’s ecological heritage through scientific research, habitat restoration, educational programs, and policy advocacy, the organization is reinforcing its commitment to preserving the region’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

    With operational presence spanning more than 20 Caribbean territories and established offices in St. Maarten and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, EPIC continues its dedicated work across the Antilles. The newly launched ‘Seas & Scenes’ calendar, announced in a January 2 press release, serves dual purposes as both a fundraising tool and an artistic celebration of the archipelago’s natural splendor.

    The calendar features winning entries from the 2025 Love the Caribbean Photo Contest, presenting twelve months of visually stunning imagery that captures the essence of Caribbean life. Each month highlights a different island’s distinctive coastlines, native wildlife, and cultural moments, accompanied by educational trivia and motivational quotations that illuminate the environmental and cultural uniqueness of each location.

    Executive Director Tabitha Stadler emphasized the collaborative nature of EPIC’s achievements: ‘Our quarter-century of conservation success stems from partnerships with local communities, regional volunteers, and dedicated supporters across the islands. This anniversary not only honors those who have contributed to our mission but also represents a beacon of hope for everyone invested in the sustainable future of the Caribbean and its inhabitants.’

    The organization has invited public participation through donations via epicislands.org/donate until January 31st, with proceeds supporting ongoing environmental protection initiatives throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Former Grenada PM married in Saint Lucia

    Former Grenada PM married in Saint Lucia

    In a notable Caribbean union, former Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, 79, has exchanged vows with Trinidad and Tobago native Dr. Ophelia Wells, a distinguished policy consultant and economist. The ceremony took place in Saint Lucia, recently honored for the eighth consecutive year as the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination by the World Travel Awards.

    The intimate nuptials occurred near Pigeon Island in Gros Islet, attended by a select group of Grenadian guests on December 27th. This marriage represents a second chapter for both individuals – Mitchell was previously married to Marietta Mitchell for nearly forty years, while Dr. Wells, 41, was formerly wed to Dennis Cornwall, who currently serves as Finance Minister in the administration of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell (no relation to Keith Mitchell).

    Mitchell’s political legacy includes his historic tenure as Grenada’s longest-serving prime minister, leading the New National Party from 1989 until 2024. Under his leadership, the NNP achieved remarkable electoral successes, including sweeping all 15 parliamentary seats in both the 2013 and 2018 elections. His political career concluded in June 2022 when he was defeated by current Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.

    The newlyweds share professional connections to Grenada’s financial sector. Dr. Wells previously served as Permanent Secretary in Grenada’s Ministry of Finance, Planning, Economic Development, and Physical Development as recently as 2019, while Mitchell concurrently held the position of Finance Minister.

  • Organization celebrates 25 years of environmental stewardship in the Caribbean

    Organization celebrates 25 years of environmental stewardship in the Caribbean

    A prominent Caribbean-based environmental nonprofit is celebrating a quarter-century of ecological preservation work with the release of a special anniversary calendar. Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), founded in 2000, has expanded from local grassroots beginnings to become a region-wide force spanning more than 20 islands.

    The organization operates through its distinctive S.E.A.S. framework—an integrated approach combining Scientific research, Experiential Education, policy Advocacy, and community Stewardship. This methodology has guided EPIC’s multifaceted conservation efforts, which include wetland protection, pollution reduction, habitat restoration, sustainable tourism promotion, and community empowerment programs.

    To commemorate its 25th anniversary, EPIC unveiled a 2026 calendar featuring winning entries from its recent ‘Seas & Scenes: Love the Caribbean Photo Contest 2025.’ The visual tribute showcases twelve Caribbean islands through stunning imagery capturing diverse coastlines, wildlife populations, and cultural traditions. Each month includes educational trivia about featured locations and inspirational quotations highlighting environmental consciousness.

    Executive Director Tabitha Stadler emphasized the collaborative nature of EPIC’s achievements: ‘Our work has always been built on partnership with local communities, volunteers, and regional supporters. This anniversary celebrates everyone who has contributed to our mission and represents hope for those committed to the Caribbean’s sustainable future.’

    The calendar, available in both digital and print formats, serves dual purposes as both an artistic tribute to regional beauty and a fundraising tool to support EPIC’s ongoing conservation programs. According to the organization, continued public support enables critical research, education, and preservation initiatives that safeguard the Caribbean’s unique natural and cultural heritage.