Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Old Hilarians’ Association announces new executive for 2025–2027

    Old Hilarians’ Association announces new executive for 2025–2027

    The Old Hilarians’ Association of Bishop Anstey High School has ushered in a transformative era with the inauguration of its newly constituted executive committee for the 2025-2027 term. This development, announced on December 31, signals a revitalized commitment to strengthening alumni connections and institutional legacy.

    The freshly appointed leadership team comprises dedicated volunteers from the alumni community who bring diverse expertise and unwavering passion to their roles. This executive body embodies the enduring Hilarian tradition of service, united by a shared vision to reinvigorate the association’s programs and outreach initiatives.

    Key priorities for the new term include rebuilding organizational momentum, enhancing communication channels among graduates, and creating meaningful engagement opportunities for both past and present students. The executive has pledged to foster collaborative efforts that facilitate reconnection and contribution from the broader alumni network.

    A central component of their strategy involves implementing robust mentorship programs and advocacy initiatives designed to support current students. This intergenerational approach aims to bridge historical legacy with contemporary educational needs while maintaining the institution’s proud traditions.

    The association emphasizes that all executive services remain entirely voluntary, motivated by profound gratitude and responsibility toward the school community. This leadership transition represents both continuity and transformation—honoring historical foundations while adapting to modern alumni aspirations.

    The association encourages all graduates to actively participate in this renewal process, contributing to the development of a dynamic and impactful alumni body that strengthens institutional bonds across generations.

  • Fire Service responds to 13 000 emergency calls in 2025

    Fire Service responds to 13 000 emergency calls in 2025

    The Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) experienced a significant escalation in operational demand throughout 2025, responding to a total of 13,480 emergency and assistance calls according to its year-end operational report. This volume represents a notable five percent increase compared to the 12,839 incidents handled in the previous year, underscoring growing public reliance on the agency’s services.

    An in-depth breakdown of response data reveals a fundamental shift in the nature of emergencies confronting the fire service. Medical emergencies constituted the predominant category, accounting for 6,723 responses. These interventions addressed critical health crises including cardiac arrests, acute respiratory distress, and various life-threatening medical situations requiring immediate pre-hospital care.

    Trauma-related incidents formed the second largest category with 2,194 responses, encompassing accidents, falls, and injuries resulting from violent encounters. Meanwhile, traditional fire emergencies accounted for 679 responses, involving structural fires across residential, commercial, and industrial settings, alongside vegetation fires, vehicle blazes, electrical fires, and smoke-related incidents.

    The service also dedicated substantial resources to 3,884 non-emergency calls, providing essential public assistance, conducting minor investigations, and performing safety inspections throughout communities across the island.

    This operational data illustrates the SLFS’s evolution beyond conventional firefighting into a comprehensive emergency response organization. The statistics highlight the service’s critical function as a primary first responder for medical and trauma emergencies, in addition to its traditional fire suppression role.

    SLFS Press Officer Sherise John reaffirmed the organization’s commitment, stating: ‘The Saint Lucia Fire Service remains dedicated to serving our community and ensuring safety for all residents,’ emphasizing the agency’s preparedness to meet diverse public safety needs.

  • School term to begin on January 6

    School term to begin on January 6

    The Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation has officially confirmed the academic calendar for the upcoming school term in a December 31 announcement. According to the ministerial release, educational institutions across the nation will resume operations with students returning to classrooms on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, marking the commencement of the second academic term.

    The ministry has outlined specific reporting protocols for educational staff to ensure a seamless transition into the new term. School administrators, teaching faculty, and support personnel are required to resume their duties on Monday, January 5, 2026 – one day prior to student arrival. This strategic scheduling allows educational professionals to complete essential preparatory work, including classroom organization, administrative planning, and curricular alignment before welcoming students back to academic institutions.

    The coordinated approach emphasizes the government’s commitment to maintaining educational continuity and operational efficiency within the national school system. By establishing clear timelines for both staff and students, the ministry aims to facilitate an organized restart of academic activities following the term break, ensuring minimal disruption to the educational calendar while maximizing instructional effectiveness from the first day of term.

  • NUPW reflects on gains, eyes stronger advocacy in 2026

    NUPW reflects on gains, eyes stronger advocacy in 2026

    The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) of Barbados has declared its unwavering commitment to aggressively champion improved wages, enhanced job security, and better working conditions for public servants throughout 2026. President Kimberley Agard delivered this firm pledge in her New Year’s address, highlighting the critical timing of upcoming salary negotiations amid escalating living expenses and economic pressures facing workers.

    Reflecting on the achievements of 2025, Agard acknowledged significant progress in regularizing positions for officers who had been acting in various roles for over three years, ending prolonged periods of professional uncertainty. This development marked a substantial victory for job security within the public sector.

    The union leader emphasized that the NUPW would maintain vigilant oversight of national priorities affecting public workers, particularly the ongoing Job Evaluation Exercise, which serves as a crucial mechanism for ensuring equitable and transparent compensation structures. Agard also addressed the transition of government departments into State-Owned Enterprises, asserting that such organizational changes must not compromise workers’ rights or conditions.

    With salary negotiations imminent, the NUPW’s approach will extend beyond mere monetary increases to encompass comprehensive improvements in employment terms and conditions. The union intends to ensure that compensation packages accurately reflect the substantial contribution of public servants to national development while addressing the realities of current economic challenges.

    Additionally, the organization plans to strengthen industrial relations frameworks, enhance the capabilities of shop stewards, and guarantee that workers’ perspectives are integral to all decision-making processes affecting their livelihoods. Agard concluded by expressing gratitude for members’ resilience and reaffirming the union’s dedication to professionalism, progress, and people-centered development throughout Barbados’s public sector.

  • Forestry Department condemns killing of 5 Saint Lucia boas

    Forestry Department condemns killing of 5 Saint Lucia boas

    Authorities in Saint Lucia have launched a formal investigation and pledged to pursue maximum legal penalties following the brutal killing of multiple protected snakes, an incident captured in a viral social media video that has sparked official outrage.

    The Forestry Department issued a forceful condemnation on December 31st after being alerted to a deeply disturbing video circulating online. The footage graphically depicted five Saint Lucia boas (locally known as ‘Tete Chien’) being bludgeoned to death. This endemic species holds protected status under the nation’s Wildlife Protection Act.

    In an official statement, the Department characterized the act as ‘extreme cruelty’ and ‘unacceptable,’ confirming it constitutes a major criminal offense under Chapter 6.03 of the Wildlife Protection Act, last revised in 2001. The legislation explicitly prohibits hunting, capturing, or killing protected wildlife without specific authorization, with additional provisions banning cruel methods of execution.

    The Department emphasized its zero-tolerance stance toward such ‘irresponsible and indiscriminate killing,’ asserting it will exhaust all legal avenues to ensure perpetrators face full prosecution. Officials are collaborating closely with national police forces to advance the investigation.

    Under the Act, penalties for such wildlife crimes can reach up to EC $5,000 per animal killed, potential imprisonment, or both. The Department has confirmed it will be seeking the most severe sanctions available.

  • PM Browne Urges Young People to Pursue Skills or Degrees in 2026

    PM Browne Urges Young People to Pursue Skills or Degrees in 2026

    In a comprehensive New Year’s address to the nation, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda articulated a transformative vision for national development centered on educational advancement, continuous skill acquisition, and community harmony. The leader positioned 2026 as a pivotal year for the twin-island nation, emphasizing that sustainable progress hinges on cultivating a knowledgeable, adaptable citizenry dedicated to perpetual self-improvement.

    Browne’s address specifically targeted the nation’s youth, urging them to aggressively pursue both academic qualifications and technical proficiencies. He characterized education as the fundamental catalyst for enabling meaningful participation in the workforce and driving comprehensive national development. The Prime Minister’s message, however, extended beyond young citizens, challenging adults to embrace learning as an ongoing civic responsibility rather than a concluded chapter of early life.

    The Prime Minister framed productivity and national competitiveness as direct outcomes of this collective commitment to growth, asserting that progress must transcend traditional barriers of political affiliation, age, and socioeconomic status. In a significant connection, Browne explicitly linked educational attainment and personal discipline to social stability, calling for a unified rejection of crime and violence. He posited that destructive behaviors fundamentally erode community foundations and cripple the collaborative effort required to build a resilient society.

    Browne concluded by asserting that true national development transcends economic policy alone, identifying shared values, disciplined cooperation, and social cohesion as the indispensable drivers of lasting advancement. He called upon all citizens to approach the coming year with renewed purpose and responsibility, framing education, lifelong learning, and peaceful coexistence as the cornerstones of Antigua and Barbuda’s future prosperity.

  • Six long weekends in 2026

    Six long weekends in 2026

    The government of Saint Lucia has officially released its 2026 public holiday calendar, revealing an exceptional year featuring six distinct three-day weekends complemented by a special four-day Easter break. This scheduling arrangement provides numerous extended leisure periods throughout the year, offering significant opportunities for both tourism promotion and enhanced work-life balance for residents.

    The extended weekend pattern begins immediately in January with the observance of New Year’s Day on Friday, January 2, creating the first three-day weekend from January 2-4. The most substantial break occurs during Easter celebrations in April, where the consecutive holidays of Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6) combine to form an extended four-day weekend.

    May delivers two separate long weekends, beginning with Labour Day on Friday, May 1, followed by Whit Monday on May 25, which extends the weekend from Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25. The summer season brings another leisure period with Carnival Monday observed on July 20, creating a holiday weekend from July 18-20.

    The extended weekend pattern continues into the final quarter with Thanksgiving Day in October providing a break from October 3-5. The year concludes with a Christmas holiday weekend running from December 25-27, offering residents a festive three-day period to conclude the calendar year.

    This strategic distribution of public holidays creates optimal conditions for domestic tourism development while providing structured opportunities for family time and community celebrations throughout the year.

  • MISSING: 14-year-old Mahalia Camacho

    MISSING: 14-year-old Mahalia Camacho

    Authorities and community members have launched a widespread search for Mahalia Camacho, a 14-year-old girl who was last seen in the Martin’s Village area approximately 24 hours ago. The teenager was reported missing after she failed to return home yesterday afternoon around 2:00 PM, prompting immediate concern from family and local officials.

    Camacho possesses a clear skin complexion and distinctive long black hair styled in single plaits at the back. Her front plaits are pulled back and tied into two sections, creating a unique identifying feature. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a white shirt paired with navy blue pants and brown Birkenstock sandals.

    Law enforcement agencies have issued a public appeal for assistance, urging residents throughout the region to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings or information that might aid in locating the missing minor. The case has generated significant community response across social media platforms, with thousands sharing the description and photographs in hopes of bringing Camacho home safely.

    Investigators emphasize that any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could prove crucial to the investigation. Special hotlines have been established for tips, and authorities are conducting door-to-door inquiries while reviewing available surveillance footage from the area where she was last seen. The community continues to organize search parties as concerns grow over the teenager’s wellbeing.

  • E.P. Chet Greene Declares 2026 the Year of the Youth in St. Paul’s

    E.P. Chet Greene Declares 2026 the Year of the Youth in St. Paul’s

    In a profoundly hopeful New Year’s address to the community of St. Paul’s, a visionary roadmap for 2026 was unveiled, centered on empowering the younger generation and fostering collective progress. The message, delivered with spiritual reverence and community solidarity, framed the new year not as a mere calendar change but as fertile ground for shared promise.

    The cornerstone initiative declared 2026 the ‘Year of the Youth,’ recognizing young people not as future leaders but as a present force to be unleashed. This commitment will be materially supported by the soon-to-be-completed Leroy ‘Billy’ Tonge Technical Center in Liberta, hailed as a beacon for vocational training in cosmetology, architecture, and building trades. The center is presented as an inheritance for the youth to actively claim and shape their destinies.

    Beyond youth empowerment, the address outlined a multi-faceted community development plan. This includes advancing home ownership programs, fueling local entrepreneurship to strengthen the economic soul of St. Paul’s, and nurturing spiritual roots to maintain unity. The message also emphasized honoring elders with unwavering support while ensuring every child has access to educational resources and opportunities.

    The community’s recent upgrades, including health facilities in Liberta and Cobbs Cross, were reframed not as distant infrastructure but as monuments to shared well-being, entrusted to the people for their use and protection. The address also acknowledged the ongoing work to renew roadways and water services, requiring collective patience.

    A special tribute was paid to local athletes, whose discipline and victories are celebrated as pathways to inspire others and lift community spirit. The speech concluded with a powerful call for a chorus of commitment rooted in deep mutual love and biblical hospitality, urging residents to be their brothers’ and sisters’ keepers in building a community renowned for compassion, opportunity, and unshakeable faith.

  • Column: Decentralisatie van de schoolsport

    Column: Decentralisatie van de schoolsport

    Suriname’s upcoming hosting of the 2026 Inter Guyanese Games has sparked critical examination of athlete selection processes and regional representation disparities. Having reportedly claimed the overall championship title during the 2025 edition in neighboring Guyana, Suriname now bears responsibility for organizing the next iteration of this regional sporting event.

    The coordination of Surinamese representation falls under the purview of the Foundation School Sports Federation Suriname (SSFS), whose nationwide mandate theoretically ensures equal opportunity for students across all districts. Selection criteria should logically prioritize two fundamental qualifications: appropriate age categorization and active sports participation. However, reality demonstrates a persistent pattern where athletes primarily training in the capital city of Paramaribo consistently dominate national selections.

    This geographical bias creates significant barriers for district children seeking competitive opportunities. The Inter Guyanese Games present an ideal platform to actualize decentralization principles through sports. The camaraderie and connections formed during these games provide immeasurable value for participants—benefits that should not remain exclusive to urban-based athletes.

    As host nation, Suriname possesses expanded capacity to include more competitors in its delegation. This flexibility enables the reservation of placement quotas for each district, ensuring broader regional representation. District-based SSFS representatives would determine which athletes merit selection, provided they maintain active sporting engagement.

    Corporate entities operating within districts could be engaged to address financial constraints through sponsorship programs, while local sports associations might collaborate with national governing bodies to elevate training standards. With timely preparation commencing immediately, the 2026 Games could inaugurate a new era of equitable regional participation in international sports forums.

    Systemic reforms must ensure that birthplace ceases to determine athletic opportunity. Every young athlete deserves equitable access to development pathways and competitive experiences that build confidence and foster national pride through sports participation.