Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Six Men’s folk hail land ownership deal after decades of tenancy, dispute

    Six Men’s folk hail land ownership deal after decades of tenancy, dispute

    A transformative initiative is finally bringing land ownership to generations of families in Six Men’s, St Peter, Barbados, concluding one of the island’s most protracted land tenure disputes. Under the government’s Six Men’s Life Improvement Project, over 130 qualified tenants are now progressing toward receiving formal title deeds for properties their families have occupied for decades.

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the landmark advancement during a recent Barbados Labour Party meeting, characterizing the effort as a historic rectification of longstanding property injustices. Surveying operations are currently underway, with thirty-seven households having already received official offer letters to facilitate the transfer process.

    The resolution carries profound emotional significance for elderly residents who have endured a half-century of uncertainty. Seventy-nine-year-old Lorenzo Connell expressed relief that the process is finally advancing, noting ownership will enable him to bequeath the property to younger family members. While welcoming the development, some residents question why they must pay for land their families have occupied for generations.

    Seventy-year-old Everton Griffith, who has resided on his property for over twenty years, believes he should receive the land free of charge as a pensioner. Similarly, sixty-seven-year-old Sonia Goring, whose mother previously worked the fields under arduous conditions, feels historical rent payments should negate current costs.

    Despite these concerns, residents universally acknowledge the program’s importance in providing legal security and inheritance capabilities. Seventy-year-old Samuel Jack, who has waited over forty years for this resolution, noted that ownership will finally enable property improvements previously avoided due to tenure uncertainties.

    The initiative represents the culmination of a process that has already regularized land ownership in other Barbadian tenantry areas including Mount Gay, Bromefield, and Alleynedale, leaving Six Men’s as the final community to benefit from this historical correction.

  • Combermere honours Bostic with carriageway

    Combermere honours Bostic with carriageway

    In a ceremony rich with symbolism and tradition, Combermere School has permanently enshrined the legacy of its distinguished alumnus, Lieutenant Colonel the Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, by naming its main thoroughfare in his honor. The newly christened Jeffrey Bostic Carriageway was officially unveiled during a formal gathering at the Waterford, St. Michael campus last Friday, an event school administrators hailed as a landmark moment in the institution’s storied history.

    Deputy Principal Timothy Barrett underscored the school’s long-standing practice of recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and achieved the highest levels of excellence. This tradition is visibly embedded across the campus, which already features landmarks named after notable figures such as the Frank Worrell Playing Field, Jack Adams Playing Field, Drax Square, Major Noot Hall, and the Jebodhsingh Weather Station.

    Principal Robin Douglas articulated the profound symbolism behind selecting the carriageway for this honor. He described the school’s entrance and exit as a metaphor for the educational and life journey undertaken by every student—from their initial steps in the lower forms to their progression into life beyond the school’s gates. Connecting this imagery to a phrase frequently invoked by President Bostic himself, Douglas noted that the location powerfully represents the concept of ‘from humble beginnings.’ He elaborated that each student’s passage through this gate marks the start of their personal contribution to the enduring legacy of Combermere, an institution whose influence across Barbados and the wider region has been both ‘persistent and unshakable.’ The daily act of entering and leaving the school grounds was presented as a poetic parallel to the lifelong journey of all Combermerians, affirming that the school’s motto, ‘ever a Combermerian,’ represents a profound and lasting identity.

    Errington Shurland, Executive Director of the Regional Security System, addressed the assembly to celebrate, honor, and recognize an alumnus who has ascended to the nation’s highest office, bringing immense pride to himself and his alma mater. Shurland highlighted the significant coincidence of President Bostic’s inauguration on November 30, 2025, which aligned perfectly with the school’s 330th anniversary, describing the dual celebration as a uniquely fortuitous event. He chronicled Bostic’s formative years, beginning with his enrollment at Combermere on September 9, 1971, at the age of ten, through his academic accomplishments and extensive extracurricular engagement in the cadet corps, hockey, table tennis, and football. It was the cadet programme, Shurland emphasized, that proved most instrumental, instilling in him the core values of ‘selfless service, integrity, duty, honour, and loyalty.’ These principles were later echoed in President Bostic’s own installation speech, where he credited Combermere as the place ‘where horizons were expanded and leadership was shaped,’ and paid tribute to the mentors pivotal to his development.

    The official citation further detailed Bostic’s advanced education and training at prestigious institutions including the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, and the Inter-American Defense College in Washington, DC. It outlined a decorated career featuring senior leadership roles within the Barbados Defence Force, the Regional Security System, and significant diplomatic assignments overseas. Shurland also commended Bostic’s extensive national service beyond the military, including his tenure in the House of Assembly and his steadfast leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, exemplified by his resolute rallying cry, ‘No retreat, nor surrender.’ The dedication of the carriageway was presented as a tangible and enduring tribute to this lifetime of service, serving as a powerful exemplar for current and future students. Concluding with a poetic reflection, Shurland reminded the student body that ‘the heights of great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight,’ inspiring them to pursue excellence through perseverance and dedication.

  • Covering Tanner Street Among Plans Being Considered for flood prone area

    Covering Tanner Street Among Plans Being Considered for flood prone area

    Municipal authorities are advancing comprehensive urban renewal strategies targeting flood-vulnerable zones, with the proposed coverage of Tanner Street emerging as a cornerstone initiative. This infrastructural transformation forms part of a multidimensional approach to combat increasing flood risks exacerbated by climate change patterns.

    The proposed engineering solution involves constructing protective barriers and coverage systems along Tanner Street’s most susceptible segments. Urban planners emphasize this intervention would simultaneously address traffic management during extreme weather events while protecting adjacent residential and commercial properties from water damage.

    Environmental agencies have contributed hydrological studies indicating that Tanner Street’s topography naturally channels water toward low-lying districts. The coverage project would incorporate advanced drainage technologies and real-time monitoring systems, representing a shift from reactive flood response to proactive infrastructure resilience.

    Community stakeholders have expressed cautious optimism regarding the proposals, with many emphasizing the need for complementary measures including green space development, permeable surfaces, and updated emergency evacuation protocols. Municipal officials confirm that environmental impact assessments and public consultations will precede any construction approvals.

    This initiative reflects broader regional efforts to implement climate-adaptive infrastructure, with several municipalities exploring similar protective measures for flood-prone transportation corridors. The Tanner Street project particularly highlights the growing intersection between urban planning, climate science, and community engagement in developing sustainable cities.

  • Lucille Hampson of New Winthorpes to Celebrate 100th Birthday This Weekend

    Lucille Hampson of New Winthorpes to Celebrate 100th Birthday This Weekend

    The small community of New Winthorpes prepares for a landmark celebration this weekend as Lucille Hampson, a revered family matriarch, approaches her centennial birthday on February 1st. Mrs. Hampson, whose family includes Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to London Karen-Mae Hill among her descendants, will be honored with a multi-day series of events commemorating her extraordinary life.

    The festivities commence on Friday, January 30th with an intimate family gathering, followed by a spiritual ‘Celebration of Life’ service at the New Winthorpes Seventh Day Adventist Church on Saturday. The culmination occurs Sunday evening with an elaborate dinner and gala at La Casa Palmadita in Fitches Creek, where generations of family and community members will pay tribute.

    Beyond her immediate family role as wife of the late Wycliffe Hampson, mother to ten children (six sons and four daughters), and grandmother and great-grandmother to numerous descendants, Mrs. Hampson holds significant historical importance within her religious community. She distinctionally served as the very first baptized member of the New Winthorpes SDA congregation, establishing a spiritual legacy that parallels her familial contributions.

    The upcoming celebration not only honors individual longevity but symbolizes the enduring strength of family bonds and community traditions in Antiguan society.

  • (VIDEO)4-H Club rally in Roseau under the theme keeping the environment clean

    (VIDEO)4-H Club rally in Roseau under the theme keeping the environment clean

    The vibrant streets of Roseau recently served as the backdrop for a dynamic display of youth environmental activism during the annual 4-H Club rally. Centered on the critical theme of environmental protection, the event showcased a new generation of Dominicans passionately advocating for planetary stewardship.

    Eyewitness documentation, captured by engaged community members and submitted to Dominica News Online, reveals a colorful and energetic gathering. Participants, predominantly young students and club members, were photographed and filmed holding aloft creatively designed placards bearing powerful ecological messages. Their visual campaign transformed the public space into an open-air forum for environmental discourse.

    The rally represents a significant grassroots initiative within Dominica’s broader environmental conservation efforts. The 4-H Club, traditionally focused on agricultural development and youth leadership, has strategically expanded its mission to address contemporary ecological challenges facing the Caribbean nation. This evolution reflects growing regional concerns about climate change impacts, particularly relevant for island nations vulnerable to extreme weather events.

    Community participation emerged as a cornerstone of the event’s success, with passersby actively documenting and sharing the rally’s proceedings. This collaborative approach between organizers and citizens highlights a collective commitment to environmental awareness that extends beyond formal institutional frameworks.

    The Roseau gathering signals a promising shift toward youth-led environmental advocacy in the Eastern Caribbean, demonstrating how traditional organizations are adapting their platforms to address pressing global concerns through local action and community engagement.

  • WATCH: PM Suggests Vacant Lots Could Be Used for Parking After Derelict Buildings Are Removed

    WATCH: PM Suggests Vacant Lots Could Be Used for Parking After Derelict Buildings Are Removed

    In a strategic move to address urban decay and congestion, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has put forward a novel proposal for the capital city of St. John’s. During a public consultation focused on urban redevelopment, Browne suggested that property owners could temporarily convert vacant lots—created after the removal of derelict structures—into paid parking areas, particularly within the central business district. This initiative is presented not as a mandate but as a viable option for landowners to generate interim revenue while contributing to city beautification. The Prime Minister emphasized that such productive use of cleared spaces would prevent idleness, reduce urban blight, and improve overall order. This proposal aligns with broader goals of easing traffic congestion, optimizing underutilized land, and supporting long-term urban renewal plans. The idea emerged from ongoing discussions among officials and residents about practical solutions to enhance the city’s functionality and aesthetic appeal amid challenges like parking shortages and redevelopment delays.

  • PHOTOS: Roadworks Continue Along Jennings Extension and Hermitage Road

    PHOTOS: Roadworks Continue Along Jennings Extension and Hermitage Road

    Significant infrastructure enhancement initiatives are currently advancing at the intersections of Jennings Extension and Hermitage Road, marking a pivotal phase in the region’s urban development strategy. Construction crews have mobilized heavy equipment and personnel to execute comprehensive improvements to the area’s foundational utilities and transportation networks. This substantial investment in public works represents a concerted effort by municipal authorities to modernize aging infrastructure, enhance traffic flow efficiency, and bolster community resilience. The ongoing project involves systematic upgrades to road surfaces, drainage systems, and utility conduits, with work proceeding according to meticulously planned phases that prioritize minimal disruption to local residents and businesses. Transportation officials confirm that the improvements will ultimately deliver enhanced safety parameters, reduced congestion, and increased longevity of critical infrastructure assets. While temporary traffic modifications remain in effect, the completed project promises to establish a more robust and sustainable framework for regional connectivity and economic vitality.

  • CARICOM and partners launch multi-tiered online training in crop protection for regional stakeholders

    CARICOM and partners launch multi-tiered online training in crop protection for regional stakeholders

    A significant capacity-building initiative is underway across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with hundreds of agricultural professionals embarking on an intensive six-week training program focused on advanced crop protection. This collaborative effort, which launched on January 26, 2025, represents a strategic partnership between the CARICOM Secretariat, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), and the non-profit organization COLEAD, which specializes in sustainable agriculture.

    The program employs a flexible online learning format designed to accommodate working professionals. It specifically targets farm managers, horticulturalists, production supervisors, nursery operators, and other key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain. The curriculum is structured to address critical challenges facing CARICOM member states, particularly those related to pest management, disease control, and meeting international sanitary standards.

    Shaun Baugh, Programme Manager for Agriculture at the CARICOM Secretariat, emphasized the program’s significance during opening remarks. He highlighted how effective crop protection directly influences yield quality, production costs, market accessibility, and ultimately, farmer livelihoods. The training has already attracted substantial interest, with over 300 registrations and approximately 150 participants actively engaged from the outset.

    The initiative aligns with CARICOM’s ambitious ‘Vision 25 x 2025 + 5’ food security framework, which aims to reduce the region’s food import expenditure by 25% through enhanced local production and improved trade capabilities. Ansari Hosein, Executive Director of CARDI, further contextualized the training’s importance by noting the compounding challenges of climate change, pest-related crop losses, and stringent international trade requirements.

    The educational program follows a progressive three-tier structure:

    – Foundation Level: Introduces core principles of crop protection, pest identification, and the role of chemical controls within integrated management systems

    – Intermediate Level: Examines pest biology, population dynamics, plant diseases, weed competition, and resistance issues with focus on yield optimization

    – Advanced Level: Develops practical skills in pest monitoring, intervention thresholds, and strategy implementation using real-world case studies

    Upon completion in March, participants will be equipped with enhanced capabilities to identify threats, implement appropriate interventions, and apply protection measures more efficiently—directly contributing to the region’s food sovereignty and economic resilience.

  • Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and Environmental Health Unit collaborate to enhance food safety standards across major agricultural sectors

    Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and Environmental Health Unit collaborate to enhance food safety standards across major agricultural sectors

    Dominica has taken significant strides in strengthening its agricultural sector through a comprehensive Food Safety and Hygiene Training Workshop held on January 28, 2026. The collaborative event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Environmental Health Unit, convened at the Prevost Cinemall to address critical food safety protocols.

    The workshop formed an integral component of the Gender-Responsive Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems (GCAF) Initiative, funded by Global Affairs Canada. Twelve participants representing diverse agricultural sectors including vegetable production, apiculture, and dasheen supply chains participated in the capacity-building program.

    Under the guidance of Mrs. Calma Louis, Environmental Officer from the Environmental Health Unit, and with support from FAO specialists Mrs. Shan Oliver-Julien and Mrs. Amonia Paul-Rolle, the training focused on implementing enhanced food safety standards and hygiene practices. The curriculum combined practical hands-on instruction with strategic discussions about inclusive, gender-responsive approaches to agricultural development.

    Participants acquired essential knowledge in proper food handling techniques, sanitation procedures, and compliance with national health regulations. This empowerment enables them to implement elevated standards within their operations, thereby contributing to more robust and secure food systems throughout Dominica.

    The initiative demonstrates the sustained partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and the Environmental Health Unit to strengthen agricultural capabilities, protect public health, and promote climate-resilient farming practices. The GCAF Project continues to support farmers, producer groups, and value-chain stakeholders in adopting climate-smart methodologies, improving market readiness, and ensuring equitable participation across gender lines in vital agricultural sectors—ultimately fostering more sustainable food systems nationwide.

  • Car Dealer Fatally Shot in Corozal Town

    Car Dealer Fatally Shot in Corozal Town

    COROZAL TOWN, BELIZE — A brutal targeted assassination has claimed the life of a local automobile entrepreneur, marking the second violent attempt on his life within three months. Calvin Myers, 36, from Calcutta Village, was executed with a single gunshot to the head while entering Hotel Martin on First Avenue around 8:00 PM Thursday evening.

    According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police investigations, Myers had just been dropped off at the establishment when an unidentified assailant emerged from the roadside and delivered the fatal point-blank shot. The perpetrator immediately fled the scene in a waiting vehicle parked nearby, demonstrating calculated premeditation.

    This homicide represents an escalation of violence against Myers, who survived a previous shooting incident in November 2025 within the same municipality. The recurrence suggests either an unresolved criminal vendetta or ongoing tensions within the local business community.

    Law enforcement authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation but have yet to establish a motive or make any arrests. The Brazen nature of the attack in a public location has raised concerns about public safety and organized crime in the region.

    The case continues to develop as police pursue multiple investigative avenues. Additional information is anticipated during the News 5 evening broadcast at 6:00 PM as investigators work to unravel the circumstances behind this targeted killing.