Carib Scope

分类： society

  • President Abinader inaugurates long-awaited Higüey Municipal Market

    President Abinader inaugurates long-awaited Higüey Municipal Market

    HIGÜEY, La Altagracia – In a landmark ceremony, President Luis Abinader officially inaugurated the state-of-the-art Higüey Municipal Market, a transformative infrastructure project poised to revolutionize local commerce in the eastern Dominican Republic. This modern facility, constructed with an investment of RD$335 million, directly addresses long-standing grievances by replacing unsafe and unsanitary vending conditions with an organized, hygienic, and secure commercial environment for over 200 local vendors.

    Minister of Public Works Eduardo Estrella, present at the inauguration, heralded the market as a cornerstone of both economic recovery and urban modernization for the municipality. He emphasized that the project is a critical component of a broader infrastructure overhaul in Higüey, which includes extensive road paving initiatives and the construction of the Otra Banda ring road, signaling a new era of development for the region.

    The market’s sophisticated design is engineered for efficiency and cleanliness. It comprises six distinct modules, or pavilions, strategically organized by product type. These include dedicated sections for handicrafts, meats and sausages, grains and canned goods, and three separate pavilions exclusively for fresh produce and vegetables. Beyond the 212 commercial spaces, the complex is equipped with comprehensive amenities such as administrative offices, modern sanitary facilities, designated unloading zones, and a spacious parking area accommodating more than 200 vehicles and motorcycles.

    Now fully operational, the new market is projected to significantly boost commercial activity in La Altagracia province. Its impact extends beyond direct sales, anticipated to generate substantial indirect employment opportunities and enhance the city’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors. Ultimately, the facility restores dignity to the work of hundreds of merchants and reinforces Higüey’s pivotal role as a primary economic hub in the eastern part of the nation.

  • Carnival : Ethnographic studies on the Jacmel carnival

    Carnival : Ethnographic studies on the Jacmel carnival

    In a significant cultural documentation effort, Haiti’s National Bureau of Ethnology (BNE) has intensified its ethnographic research on the renowned Jacmel Carnival under the leadership of Director General Erol Josué. The institution, colloquially known as the ‘laboratory of people’s science’ (laboratwa syans pèp la), deployed its technical team on February 15, 2026, to conduct comprehensive field studies during the vibrant carnival celebrations.

    The research initiative encompassed multiple methodological approaches, including in-depth audiovisual interviews with Elie Blaise, Director of the Jacmel Art Center, who provided expert insights into the carnival’s artistic significance. The team conducted systematic observations at the Jacmel Carnival Interpretation Center (CICAJ), examining historical and contemporary aspects of the tradition. Throughout various city neighborhoods, researchers captured extensive footage and documented carnival scenes through both filming and participatory observation techniques. The ethnographic mapping extended to recording cultural elements along the entire carnival route, preserving this year’s unique manifestations.

    This scholarly investigation reveals the fundamental principles underlying Jacmel’s carnival traditions, highlighting the community’s exceptional creativity, generosity, and convivial spirit. The research demonstrates remarkable cultural resilience and critical thinking among Jacmel residents, showcasing how this centuries-old practice serves as crucial identity formation mechanism for both urban and surrounding communities. The documentation effort provides valuable insights into the intergenerational transmission processes that sustain Haitian cultural heritage, offering academic validation of carnival’s role in preserving national identity while adapting to contemporary social contexts.

  • Grote brand bij olieverwerkingsbedrijf aan Naaldvarenweg

    Grote brand bij olieverwerkingsbedrijf aan Naaldvarenweg

    A severe fire incident has engulfed an oil processing company located on Naaldvarenweg, with two massive storage tanks completely consumed by flames. Emergency response teams from multiple fire stations have been deployed in a large-scale operation to contain the dangerous blaze.

    According to preliminary reports, the fire originated around 8:00 PM at the terminus of Naaldvarenweg, adjacent to the industrial estate where the facility operates. Dramatic footage shows flames shooting meters high into the night sky, creating a visible inferno across extensive areas of Para district. Local residents have reported intense burning odors and substantial smoke proliferation throughout the region.

    Firefighting authorities have initiated a comprehensive containment strategy utilizing numerous tanker trucks and specialized response units. As a safety precaution, Naaldvarenweg has been temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic. Officials are advising nearby residents to keep windows and doors securely closed due to potentially hazardous air quality conditions resulting from the substantial smoke emissions. The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire remains under investigation by relevant authorities.

  • Jouvert marks 4 AM start of 2026 Carnival road celebrations, says Parade Committee official

    Jouvert marks 4 AM start of 2026 Carnival road celebrations, says Parade Committee official

    Dominica’s vibrant Carnival 2026 celebrations will officially commence with the traditional Jouvert festivities at 4:00 AM on Monday, February 16, according to an official schedule release from the Carnival Road Parade Committee. Committee member Charlene White-Christian confirmed the pre-dawn start time for the iconic street party that will run until 10:00 AM, featuring judging of electronic bands, Lapo Kabwit groups, and traditional masquerade gangs from the very beginning.

    Electronic bands have been granted permission to join the celebrations starting at 6:00 AM, with White-Christian noting that some groups have requested earlier entry times. These requests will be coordinated through the Road Parade Committee and Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) representatives who will provide on-the-ground assistance and guidance throughout the event.

    The Carnival Monday schedule continues with the School Parade and Youth Mas beginning promptly at 11:00 AM, featuring children’s bands and floats alongside Traditional Groups. Participants planning to join both the Ole Mas Parade and school bands parade have been allocated a one-hour transition period to change costumes and regroup.

    T-shirt bands will take to the streets at 2:00 PM on Monday, while the elaborate costume bands will make their appearance on Carnival Tuesday (February 17) starting at 11:00 AM. All costume bands have already designated their entry points to the parade route, with judging commencing immediately at 11:00 AM.

    The winners’ parade will also occur on Carnival Tuesday beginning at 10:00 AM, showcasing the newly crowned Carnival royalty including queens, teens, princesses, Calypso King, Junior Monarch, and all participants from Mas Dominic 2026 pageantry events. Registered bands participating in the parades will be evaluated by an official panel of judges stationed primarily at the Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard (Bayfront) judging point.

  • Murder of teen sparks protest in Los Mina calling for deportation of undocumented Haitians

    Murder of teen sparks protest in Los Mina calling for deportation of undocumented Haitians

    Santo Domingo witnessed heightened tensions on Sunday as members of the Ancient Dominican Order (AOD) organized a significant protest in the Los Mina district. The demonstration, originating from community outrage, centered on demands for the immediate expulsion of undocumented Haitian immigrants residing in the Katanga, Vietnam, and adjacent neighborhoods.

    Angelo Vásquez, leading the mobilization, presented immigration authorities with a stringent ten-day ultimatum to initiate deportations. He explicitly warned that a failure to elicit an official response would compel the organization to pursue independent measures to address the situation.

    The catalyst for this public outcry was the horrific killing of 14-year-old Naurel Nizael Medina on February 4th. The adolescent was ambushed near his residence in the Katanga sector, where assailants brutally assaulted him with machetes and blunt objects, leading to his tragic death.

    In a poignant appeal, the victim’s sister, Nazaury Medina, implored the National Police, the Dominican Army, and the General Directorate of Migration to apprehend the perpetrators. She attributed the devastating incident to a pervasive climate of insecurity plaguing the local area.

    Protest participant Carmen Delgado echoed the collective demand for justice, directly urging President Luis Abinader to intensify surveillance along the national border and expedite the procedural timelines for migrant deportations.

    The march culminated outside the Medina family’s home on 52nd Street in Katanga, where attendees reaffirmed their calls for robust governmental intervention and comprehensive enhancements to public safety protocols across the Dominican Republic.

  • Major Water Infrastructure Overhaul Planned for St. John’s, Light and Internet Getting Attention too

    Major Water Infrastructure Overhaul Planned for St. John’s, Light and Internet Getting Attention too

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a major capital improvement project targeting St. John’s aging water infrastructure and surface roads. The initiative, detailed during an appearance on the ‘Browne and Browne Show,’ represents a strategic push to modernize the city’s core utilities and public spaces.

    The comprehensive plan involves a complete replacement of decades-old water pipelines, a move designed to enhance system reliability and significantly reduce water loss through leaks. Beyond pipe replacement, the project encompasses critical upgrades to water storage facilities and a full digitization of the distribution network. This digital transformation will enable real-time monitoring of supply and pressure levels, allowing for more efficient management of the water system.

    In a coordinated effort to maximize efficiency and minimize public disruption, the underground utility work will be synchronized with a substantial overhaul of surface infrastructure. Once the subterranean installations are complete, crews will proceed with the comprehensive reconstruction of sidewalks and the full resurfacing of roads in the affected zones. This phased methodology is intentionally designed to prevent the repeated excavation of newly paved surfaces, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and long-term infrastructural durability.

    This urban renewal initiative is framed within the government’s broader agenda to upgrade public utilities and enhance service delivery for the capital’s residents and businesses. The modernization drive is seen as an essential response to escalating demand and a critical step toward building more resilient urban infrastructure for the future.

  • Soeng Ngie luidt Chinees Nieuwjaar feestelijk in

    Soeng Ngie luidt Chinees Nieuwjaar feestelijk in

    Suriname’s Soeng Ngie Oriental Market transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration on Sunday as it welcomed the Lunar New Year with a series of community-focused events. The weekly street market adjacent to the establishment became the stage for an immersive Chinese New Year experience, blending culinary traditions, family values, and cross-cultural exchange.

    Entrepreneur and chef Micle Fung You Kee, the driving force behind Soeng Ngie & Co, orchestrated the festivities as what he describes as “our way of giving back.” Attendees were treated to an array of traditional Chinese delicacies, complimentary candied fruit samples, and the opportunity to participate in a lighthearted ‘horse race’ game within the store premises. “I do this with all my love,” Fung You Kee told Starnieuws, emphasizing the personal significance of the event.

    The celebration notably incorporated Korean culinary elements through a market vendor who distributed containers of kimchi made with Chinese vegetables. Visitor Françoise Redout expressed enthusiastic appreciation for the intercultural experience: “It was delicious and different. I’m not accustomed to it, but it was quite spicy. I sampled both the chicken and pork dishes – perfect for a quick snack.”

    Beyond its culinary dimensions, the event served as a poignant tribute to Fung You Kee’s late brother, Robby Fung-You-Kee, the former general director who passed away in December. “If I may say so, this is a double ode to him,” the emotional chef shared. “He was truly the engine behind many things, and we are grateful to him.” Despite recently concluding the mourning period, the family consciously chose to proceed with the celebration, knowing Robby’s affection for such community gatherings.

    The symbolic ‘horse race’ activity allowed customers to compete against Fung You Kee himself, though the entrepreneur clarified that the focus remained on camaraderie and public interaction rather than competition. Meanwhile, products like spicy amalan and new year sauces were introduced to customers, with Henny Madan and his daughters among those sampling the offerings. “The products here are better, especially the sauces are delicious,” noted Madan, whose family regularly travels from Wanica District to shop at the market.

    The celebration extended beyond single-day activities, with many attendees planning to continue their Lunar New Year observance at Tuesday’s Temple Fair in the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall. Organized by the Suriname Chinese United Association and the Chinese Embassy in Suriname, the event promises a full day of bazaar activities, musical performances, and cultural shows starting from 10:00 AM.

    Redout, who plans to attend with friends, highlighted the broader significance of such cultural exchanges: “The atmosphere and culture are simply different and very pleasant to experience. You also meet other people,” reflecting the event’s success in fostering community connections across cultural boundaries.

  • Security : CIMO Turns 30

    Security : CIMO Turns 30

    PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The Intervention and Law Enforcement Corps (CIMO), Haiti’s premier specialized police unit, commemorated its 30th anniversary on February 14, 2026, with a ceremony blending solemn reflection and community engagement. The event at the unit’s Delmas 1 headquarters unfolded under the thematic banner “CIMO: Symbol of Loyalty, Resistance, and Pride,” reflecting the organization’s complex role in national security.

    Haitian National Police (PNH) Commander-in-Chief André Jonas Vladimir Paraison presided over the proceedings alongside high-ranking officials and dignitaries. The atmosphere combined emotional tributes with spiritual elements, featuring prayers honoring fallen officers and recognizing three decades of service amid Haiti’s ongoing security challenges.

    In his commemorative address, Director General Paraison praised CIMO’s “unwavering commitment” in combating organized crime and restoring public order. His remarks highlighted the unit’s dual role in both enforcement operations and community stabilization efforts during periods of social unrest.

    The ceremony included distinguished honors for current and former commanders. Divisional Commissioner Paul Ménard, the sitting CIMO leader, received plaques of honor alongside predecessors Henrice Bleck and Monestime René, recognizing their contributions to the unit’s development.

    In a significant community outreach gesture, children residing near the CIMO headquarters were awarded commemorative medals, symbolizing the unit’s effort to strengthen neighborhood relations and build public trust.

    Historical context reveals CIMO’s foundational role as the PNH’s first specialized unit, established February 14, 1996. Based permanently in Delmas, its operational mandate encompasses public order maintenance during demonstrations, riot control, civil unrest management, and protection of strategic infrastructure. The unit represents a critical component of Haiti’s security apparatus, frequently deployed in high-risk scenarios threatening public safety.

  • One of Guyana’s Leading Newspapers to Cease Publication

    One of Guyana’s Leading Newspapers to Cease Publication

    In a significant development for Guyana’s media landscape, Stabroek News—one of the nation’s most influential daily newspapers—will permanently cease print publication on March 15, 2026. The announcement was formally made to staff members on Friday by Brendan de Caires, Chairman of Guyana Publications Inc., citing unsustainable financial pressures including declining circulation numbers and diminishing revenue streams.

    The publication, originally established in 1986 by attorney David de Caires and his spouse Doreen de Caires, transitioned to daily distribution in 1994. For nearly four decades, it has maintained a reputation for independent journalism and civil discourse within Guyanese society. The publishing company is now preparing to initiate voluntary liquidation procedures in the upcoming weeks.

    In a poignant farewell article titled ‘The End of an Era,’ Brendan de Caires and his sister Isabelle de Caires reflected on the publication’s legacy: ‘We exit as we entered—unbowed, with heads held high, and beholden to none. The full measure of this newspaper’s contribution to Guyana’s democratic processes and its facilitation of respectful national dialogue will now be for others to assess. Stabroek News has cultivated generations of readers, writers, intellectuals, and commentators. The time has come to pass the baton.’

    The closure marks the conclusion of a notable chapter in Caribbean journalism, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing traditional print media in the digital era.

  • Police Officer Suspended for Dreadlocks?

    Police Officer Suspended for Dreadlocks?

    In a significant development within the Belize law enforcement community, Corporal Kenrick Bol has been officially suspended from active duty following a contentious dispute over his religious expression. The suspension, enacted on February 13, 2026, was formally communicated through the Police Department’s Standards and Accountability Branch.

    The disciplinary action was implemented under Section 8(1) of the Police Act, citing multiple alleged misconduct violations that authorities claim jeopardize departmental integrity and operational efficiency. While specific details remain undisclosed, the suspension letter confirms that several allegations are already undergoing separate disciplinary proceedings.

    Despite his suspension, Corporal Bol will continue receiving full salary benefits during the investigation period. His police powers have been temporarily suspended, though he remains obligated to participate in departmental inquiries when summoned.

    The controversy centers on Corporal Bol’s adherence to Rastafarian religious practices, particularly his refusal to comply with departmental grooming policies requiring the cutting of his dreadlocks. This religious accommodation dispute has drawn attention to the intersection of institutional regulations and individual religious freedoms within the police force.

    Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado recently addressed the matter, emphasizing the department’s commitment to policy compliance while revealing that the case has been referred to the Attorney General’s Ministry for legal guidance. “We take policy implementation seriously,” Commissioner Rosado stated, indicating the complexity of balancing religious expression with uniform standards.

    The ongoing situation highlights broader conversations about cultural sensitivity, religious accommodation, and institutional conformity within Caribbean law enforcement agencies.