Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Family mourns St Lucy shooting victim, calls for end to gun violence

    Family mourns St Lucy shooting victim, calls for end to gun violence

    A wave of grief has swept through the Checker Hall community in St Lucy following a fatal shooting incident that claimed the life of 28-year-old Romario Archer. The tragedy unfolded late Sunday evening when unidentified assailants opened fire from a dark-colored vehicle outside a local bar, leaving multiple casualties in what authorities are treating as a targeted attack.

    According to eyewitness accounts, the violence erupted approximately at 10:50 p.m. during a karaoke social gathering at Fryers Well establishment. The shooting resulted in nine individuals sustaining various injuries, all of whom were promptly transported to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment. Despite receiving urgent care at Sandy Crest Medical Centre, Archer succumbed to his wounds, marking the incident’s sole fatality.

    In an emotional interview with Barbados TODAY, Sherwood Archer remembered his son as a devoted family man known for his compassionate nature and strong work ethic. ‘Romario was the embodiment of joy and kindness—a young man who cherished his relationships and approached life with unwavering enthusiasm,’ the grieving father stated, vehemently denying any involvement in criminal activities by his son.

    The bereaved family has issued a heartfelt plea to Barbados’ youth, urging them to reject firearm violence and embrace peaceful conflict resolution methods. This appeal coincides with growing concerns about escalating violence across the island nation.

    Political representatives have responded with calls for immediate action. Peter Phillips, Member of Parliament for St Lucy, visited the Archer family residence in Broomfield to offer condolences while emphasizing the necessity for strengthened legal measures. Phillips advocated for the reinstatement of capital punishment as a deterrent against what he termed ‘lawless acts threatening community safety.’

    Democratic Labour Party representative Ian Griffith joined the mourning family, offering support and solidarity during their time of loss. Archer, who resided in Pie Corner with his partner, is remembered by community members as a vibrant individual whose potential was tragically cut short by senseless violence.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Advances Waste Reform Plan with Regional Support

    Antigua and Barbuda Advances Waste Reform Plan with Regional Support

    Antigua and Barbuda has positioned itself at the forefront of environmental reform through its participation in the regional ‘Zero Waste in the Caribbean Project: New Ways, New Waves.’ The Caribbean nation’s delegation, led by National Solid Waste Management Authority General Manager Indira James Henry, recently participated in the 8th Meeting of the Regional Programme Steering Committee to advance collaborative waste management strategies.

    The high-level gathering served as a platform for solid waste management professionals across the Caribbean to evaluate progress, establish strategic priorities, and outline concrete steps toward the program’s culmination in July 2026. Participants reviewed significant developments scheduled for March 16–20, 2026, while confirming timelines for the final committee meeting in June 2026 preceding the project’s official closure.

    Following intensive deliberations, Antigua and Barbuda established five critical priority areas to guide its national waste management transformation. These comprehensive objectives encompass: developing an updated waste policy framework; remediating existing dumpsites while establishing new or enhanced disposal facilities; procuring essential equipment for collection, disposal, and materials recovery; implementing measures to reduce illegal dumping; and designing sustainable financing mechanisms for long-term viability.

    In parallel with these efforts, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has sought financing from the Caribbean Development Bank to launch the Integrated Solid Waste Management Preparation Project. This strategic initiative will fund comprehensive consultancy services to conduct feasibility studies, develop detailed engineering designs, and create a tailored integrated waste management strategy.

    The technical assistance program will evaluate diverse waste management solutions including advanced collection systems, recycling infrastructure, composting facilities, treatment alternatives, and sanitary landfilling operations. Particular attention will be given to managing hazardous and special waste streams while incorporating climate resilience and disaster risk mitigation considerations.

    The project will yield detailed engineering blueprints, precise cost estimations, and bidding documentation for modernized waste management infrastructure. This includes plans for expanding or developing new sanitary landfill sites alongside comprehensive closure and remediation strategies for existing disposal locations.

    General Manager Henry emphasized the invaluable role of regional collaboration, noting that shared experiences create environments conducive to awareness-building, problem-solving, and best practice exchange. This cooperative approach provides exposure to supply chains that can significantly enhance waste management solutions throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Pokigron vraagt aandacht minister Noersalim voor cassaveziekte

    Pokigron vraagt aandacht minister Noersalim voor cassaveziekte

    Residents of Pokigron village have urgently appealed to Agriculture Minister Mike Noersalim for governmental intervention against the spreading Cassava Witches’ Broom Disease, a devastating plant pathogen threatening food security in Suriname’s interior regions.

    During the minister’s official visit to the village, Captain Albert Jeroe presented the gravity of the situation, revealing that numerous female farmers have been forced to uproot and discard their entire cassava plantations. The disease, while not yet affecting every community, has established a concerning presence throughout the Upper Suriname region.

    “We require immediate assistance to eliminate this disease before it destroys our primary crop,” Captain Jeroe stated. “We anticipate requesting in-vitro cassava plants from your ministry that demonstrate stronger resistance characteristics.” The community leader pledged full cooperation from traditional authorities and villagers in implementing any containment measures.

    Regional Development Minister Miquella Huur joined the appeal, confirming that her ministry has partnered with Agriculture officials to conduct extensive awareness sessions for farmers. Extension workers are currently visiting affected areas to educate agriculturalists on pest management techniques. Minister Huur characterized the pathogen as a significant challenge for interior farmers and expressed hope for near-term solutions.

    The government is collaborating with multiple organizations including the Center for Agricultural Research in Suriname (CELOS), Amazon Conservation Team foundation, and international agencies to develop countermeasures. However, Minister Noersalim acknowledged the global scientific community has yet to produce effective treatment options.

    Survey data indicates the disease has infiltrated eight of Suriname’s ten districts, with only Nickerie and Coronie remaining unaffected. Current efforts focus on identifying resistant cassava varieties and preventing human-assisted transmission through educational programs.

    “We’re emphasizing strict protocols against moving infected plant materials between districts,” Minister Noersalim explained. “Contaminated specimens must be destroyed through incineration immediately upon detection. Simultaneously, we’re screening alternative varieties for natural resistance with the ultimate goal of providing farmers with durable planting materials.”

    The disease manifests through stunted growth, abnormal development, shortened stem segments, and clustered yellow leaves resembling a witch’s broom—hence its name. Internal browning appears in stems and roots, with severe cases showing blackened, dying shoot tips. While tubers may form, they remain undersized and discolored, rendering them unusable despite some yield production.

    The Ministry of Agriculture recommends immediate removal and controlled burning of infected plants to prevent further epidemiological spread.

  • 28-year-old identified in St Lucy fatal shooting

    28-year-old identified in St Lucy fatal shooting

    A festive evening in the Checker Hall community of St. Lucy, Barbados, descended into tragedy on Sunday night following a brazen drive-by shooting. The Barbados Police Service has officially identified the deceased victim as 28-year-old Romario Archer, a resident of Pie Corner, St. Lucy. The violent incident, which unfolded at approximately 10:50 p.m. in the Fryers Well area, also resulted in nine other individuals sustaining gunshot wounds.

    According to preliminary investigative reports, the attack targeted a social gathering where attendees were engaged in a karaoke event at a local bar. Preliminary investigations indicate that the assailants arrived in a dark-colored vehicle, from which multiple shots were indiscriminately fired into the crowd before the car fled the scene.

    Emergency services responded promptly, transporting all nine injured victims to medical facilities for urgent care. Despite efforts to save him, Mr. Archer succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to a private medical clinic. The remaining victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, though their specific conditions have not been publicly disclosed.

    Law enforcement officials from the Crab Hill Police Station have launched a comprehensive investigation into the shooting. Authorities are actively appealing to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information about the vehicle, its occupants, or the events leading up to the shooting to come forward. Individuals can provide tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800-8477, or contact the Police Emergency hotline at 211, or the Crab Hill Police Station directly at 419-1730 or 419-1747.

  • St Philip crash victim identified

    St Philip crash victim identified

    Authorities in Barbados have confirmed the identity of the individual fatally injured during a single-vehicle incident in St. Philip over the weekend. The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Keimar Collymore, a resident of Bath Land, St. John.

    The tragic event occurred along the Thicketts roadway this past Sunday at approximately 3:10 p.m. Preliminary reports from law enforcement indicate that Collymore was operating his vehicle when it left the roadway and collided with a stationary utility pole. The impact of the crash resulted in fatal injuries.

    Emergency services and medical personnel were dispatched to the location; however, a attending physician officially pronounced Collymore deceased at the scene. No other vehicles or individuals were reported to be involved in the collision.

    The District ‘C’ Police Station has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Officers are working to determine the precise cause, which may include factors such as road conditions, vehicle mechanics, or driver error.

    In an effort to gather comprehensive evidence, law enforcement officials are appealing to the public for assistance. They are particularly interested in speaking with any potential witnesses who might have observed the events leading up to or immediately following the collision. Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact the investigative team at District ‘C’ Police Station by calling 416-8200 or 416-8201.

  • Novel agricultural project for youth in Grenada

    Novel agricultural project for youth in Grenada

    A groundbreaking agricultural training program is taking root in Grenada as local charity Reach Within launches an innovative hydroponic farming initiative for at-risk youth. The project, funded through Irish Aid’s In-Country Micro Projects Scheme, represents a significant step toward addressing both youth development and food security challenges in the Caribbean nation.

    The program centers around a state-of-the-art hydroponic technology system provided by Fork Farms, a company with established climate-smart education initiatives throughout the Caribbean region. This equipment enables thirty young participants to engage in a comprehensive pilot program that combines job readiness training with practical agricultural skills development.

    Hydroponics, the science of soil-less plant cultivation using nutrient-rich water solutions, offers a modern approach to farming that emphasizes efficiency and environmental sustainability. This method provides precise control over growing conditions and can be implemented in various environments, making it particularly suitable for Grenada’s context.

    Established in 2003, Reach Within operates under the Caribbean Centre for Health Equity at the Windward Islands Research & Education Foundation (WINDREF). The organization specializes in supporting vulnerable youth through evidence-based practices that foster resilience following trauma or neglect. Their services extend to children in protective care and at-risk youth throughout Grenada and its sister islands.

    Program Officer Melvaughn Coutain expressed enthusiasm about the initiative’s multifaceted benefits. ‘This program represents an exciting convergence of science education, food security awareness, and climate resilience building,’ Coutain noted. ‘We’re particularly encouraged by how this innovative farming method captivates young people’s interest while addressing critical community needs.’

    The pilot program serves as the foundation for a broader agricultural youth training initiative that plans to incorporate additional community partnerships. A central component involves developing youth leadership capabilities, with participants eventually guiding educational visits to the hydroponic installation at Reach Within’s St. George’s drop-in center.

    Looking ahead, the organization envisions expanding into aquaponics—integrating fish farming with vegetable production in a self-contained ecosystem. This initial hydroponic project marks the beginning of what Reach Within hopes will become a nationwide approach to youth development through agricultural innovation.

  • Rotary Club of Antigua Donates 32 HP Laptops to National Public Library

    Rotary Club of Antigua Donates 32 HP Laptops to National Public Library

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – In a significant move to bridge the digital divide, the Rotary Club of Antigua has substantially enhanced the technological capabilities of the National Public Library through a major equipment donation. The philanthropic organization presented thirty-two state-of-the-art HP EliteBook laptops to the institution on March 19, 2026, marking a substantial investment in educational infrastructure and digital inclusion initiatives across the nation.

    The donation ceremony featured addresses from key figures behind the initiative. Cordell Josiah, Past President of the Rotary Club and local Coordinator of the project, framed the contribution as more than mere hardware provision. ‘This initiative represents a fundamental commitment to opportunity creation,’ Josiah stated. ‘In our increasingly digital global landscape, technology access is no longer optional but essential. We’re providing critical tools that enable learning, personal development, and professional success.’

    Elisa Graham, current President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening institutional capabilities. ‘The National Public Library serves as a cornerstone of educational advancement and community development,’ Graham noted. ‘By augmenting its technological resources, we’re ensuring this institution remains a dynamic center for knowledge acquisition, innovation cultivation, and digital inclusion for all citizens.’

    Library Director Ryllis Mannix welcomed the donation with profound appreciation, highlighting its practical implications for public service delivery. ‘This generous contribution from the Rotary Club will dramatically enhance our operational capacity,’ Mannix acknowledged. ‘These laptops will particularly benefit students and academic researchers who depend on our facilities for information access and technological resources that might otherwise be unavailable to them.’

    This laptop donation represents the latest in a series of community empowerment initiatives undertaken by the Rotary Club of Antigua, which maintains an ongoing commitment to supporting educational advancement, youth development, and community capacity-building throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

  • ‘Serious concern’ over minister’s parking row

    ‘Serious concern’ over minister’s parking row

    A contentious incident involving Housing Ministry Minister Phillip Alexander has ignited nationwide discourse on disability rights and legal accountability after he was photographed occupying a reserved parking space for persons with disabilities at a Maraval SuperPharm on March 15. The images, disseminated on social media by former minister Randall Mitchell, prompted immediate public criticism and official responses from advocacy groups.

    Minister Alexander defended his actions by citing parking shortages caused by a nearby food court and claiming authorization from a security guard—an individual allegedly cropped from the circulated photograph. This justification was met with skepticism from disability advocates and law enforcement representatives.

    Kahaya Tuckerin, principal of the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), emphasized in a Wednesday interview that reserved parking spaces must be respected regardless of circumstances. “There should always be empathy whether the security guard gave the green light to park there or not,” she stated, highlighting that disabilities may be either visible or invisible and that proper permits displayed on dashboards are required for legal access. Tuckerin reinforced the organization’s advocacy message: “We always appeal to people to ‘see the ability, not the disability.’”

    The Estate Police Association (EPA) issued a strongly worded statement on Thursday expressing “serious concern” over the incident without directly naming Alexander. The association condemned the suggestion that security personnel could legally authorize parking in designated disabled spaces, calling such notions “troubling” and emphasizing that these spaces represent legal protections rather than privileges.

    EPA President Deryck Richardson underscored that no public official holds authority to circumvent national laws for personal convenience. The association highlighted the precarious position of security officers who may face pressure from powerful individuals to facilitate unlawful actions, warning that officers complying with such requests risk disciplinary consequences while those issuing directives often evade accountability.

    The association reminded all security personnel that their uniforms “represent the rule of law, not the will of any individual” and urged adherence to legal duties and professional standards. Public office holders were reminded that leadership requires exemplary conduct and that Trinidad and Tobago’s laws apply equally to all citizens.

    Current regulations stipulate a $2,000 fine for illegal use of disabled parking spaces, though the demerit points system previously associated with this violation has been abolished by the current administration.

  • Cricket farewell for Rashme

    Cricket farewell for Rashme

    The Cedros cricket community gathered in solemn tribute yesterday to honor Rashme Deoajit, a prominent local cricketer whose life was tragically cut short by violence. Mourners wearing cricket uniforms raised their bats in a final salute during the emotional funeral service for the 28-year-old, who was cremated in her cricket attire at Mosquito Creek’s Shore of Peace.

    Deoajit, affectionately known as “Pumpkin” among her loved ones, was discovered murdered at her Granville residence on Tuesday. Contrary to initial speculation about stab wounds, autopsy results confirmed her cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head combined with strangulation. Investigators believe the fatal attack occurred mere hours before her body was found by a family member.

    Eulogist Carina Ramkissoon painted a vivid portrait of Deoajit as a multidimensional personality who embodied passion both on and off the cricket field. Beyond her athletic prowess, Deoajit served as the emotional anchor for her family, renowned for her nurturing nature and exceptional skill in preparing medicinal bush and fish teas for ailing community members. Her talents extended to culinary arts, fishing, card games, and spirited singing and dancing that often dominated gatherings.

    Remarkably, Deoajit demonstrated practical versatility as well, capable of handling home repairs including roof maintenance, plumbing, and landscaping. Her distinctive humor manifested in characteristically warm greetings where she would approach loved ones to place flowers behind their ears.

    Geraldine George, physical education teacher at Cedros Secondary School, highlighted Deoajit’s instrumental role in securing championship titles for the school’s girls’ cricket team between 2014 and 2016. “She was not only like a team member, she was like a sister to us and a daughter,” George stated while surrounded by grieving teammates.

    The ceremony included sobering reflections on community safety from notable attendees including former MP and government minister Glenn Ramadharsingh, who emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs in interpersonal relationships. He urged vigilance regarding behavioral red flags such as unexplained rage, jealousy, extreme sadness, or signs of mental health challenges among those with access to personal spaces.

    Police reports indicate Deoajit had been socializing with a suspect at her home prior to her death, with witnesses noting subsequent arguing between the two. The tragic discovery occurred when her brother, receiving no response to repeated calls, entered through a window to find her lifeless in a bloodied bedroom.

    As the community grapples with this devastating loss, Ramkissoon’s words resonated with mourners: “Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help to comfort you tomorrow.”

  • INTRANT bans cargo vehicle circulation for Easter 2026

    INTRANT bans cargo vehicle circulation for Easter 2026

    Santo Domingo – In a significant move to enhance road safety during one of the busiest travel periods, Dominican transportation authorities have unveiled comprehensive restrictions on cargo vehicle circulation for the upcoming 2026 Easter holiday. The National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT) has formally enacted Resolution 005-2026, establishing a nationwide prohibition on freight transport from 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, April 6.

    The sweeping measure applies to all cargo vehicles, including those typically granted Restricted Access Zone (ZAR) permits, with additional restrictions placed on oversized loads, double-trailer trucks, and overweight vehicles. Authorities have specifically emphasized that these categories will receive no authorization during the restricted period.

    Critical exemptions have been established for vehicles transporting essential supplies including fuel, food products, drinking water, pharmaceutical products, and medical equipment. Emergency service vehicles such as ambulances, utility maintenance units, and other essential service providers will also remain operational throughout the restriction period.

    Enforcement mechanisms will include substantial penalties for violations, with fines equivalent to one minimum public sector wage as stipulated under Law 63-17. To streamline permissions for exempted vehicles, INTRANT has implemented a digital application system that generates QR-coded verification permits for authorized transport.

    This initiative represents a core component of the government’s broader strategic framework aimed at optimizing traffic flow and reducing accident rates during periods of peak seasonal travel, reflecting ongoing commitments to improved road safety and efficient public mobility.