Carib Scope

分类： society

  • DPP urges stepped up discipline, responsibility

    DPP urges stepped up discipline, responsibility

    Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Alliston Seale SC has issued a stark warning about the growing trend of parental neglect in Barbados, emphasizing that the failure of parents to guide their children is fostering bad habits and delinquent behavior long before the justice system intervenes. Speaking during the sentencing phase of convicted murderer Gabriel Shando Hayde, Seale stressed the critical role parents play in shaping their children’s moral compass.

    Seale urged parents to correct their children’s misbehavior early, referencing biblical teachings: ‘Who the Lord loves, He chasteneth.’ He clarified that discipline does not necessarily mean physical punishment but involves making children aware of their wrongdoings. Encouraging bad behavior, he warned, only leads to dire consequences, as seen in Hayde’s case.

    Hayde, found guilty by a 12-member jury for the 2020 murder of 26-year-old Kerwin Howell, exhibited a drastic behavioral shift during his teenage years. Probation and psychological reports revealed that while Hayde performed well in primary school, his behavior deteriorated in secondary school. He began breaking school rules, selling snacks on campus, skipping classes, gambling, and engaging in fights. Seale highlighted that these issues were overlooked by his parents, who failed to intervene.

    The acting DPP criticized the tendency of some parents to shift blame onto teachers, the church, or the government instead of taking responsibility for their children’s actions. He noted that Hayde’s parents were unaware of his daily marijuana use and his belief that there was nothing wrong with the ‘block culture.’ Seale concluded that such negligence is a societal problem contributing to the rise in youth crime in Barbados.

  • Temporary road closure: Marian public road

    Temporary road closure: Marian public road

    The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) Traffic Department has announced a temporary road closure affecting a section of the Marian public road. Starting from Thursday, 23 October 2025, the stretch between the intersection with Calivigny public road near the Gospel Hall Church and the Cocoa Road intersection will be closed daily from 9 am to 4 pm. This closure is expected to last for several weeks to facilitate the Calivigny–Marian Pipeline Upgrade Project, spearheaded by the National Water and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa).

    During this period, no vehicles will be permitted to travel along the specified section of Marian public road in either direction. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route via the intersection with Calivigny public road near the Brooke Smith Lowe Institute. However, access will be granted to residents of Marian and local business operators directly impacted by the closure, allowing them to reach their properties.

    The RGPF has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and urges the public to cooperate during this essential infrastructure upgrade. The project aims to enhance water and sewerage services in the region, contributing to long-term community benefits.

    For further updates or concerns, the public is encouraged to contact the Office of the Commissioner of Police. NOW Grenada, the source of this announcement, clarifies that it is not responsible for the opinions or statements made by contributors and provides a reporting mechanism for any misuse of its platform.

  • SPYO and IMA Grenada launch 2025 Primary School Debates

    SPYO and IMA Grenada launch 2025 Primary School Debates

    The St Patrick’s Youth Organisation (SPYO), in partnership with the Investment Migration Agency Grenada (IMA Grenada), has unveiled the inaugural IMA Grenada–SPYO Primary School Debate Competition 2025. This marks the second year IMA Grenada has served as the title sponsor and the eighth year the event has inspired young debaters across Grenada. For the first time, the competition extends its reach to include primary schools from St David, alongside St Patrick, St John, St Mark, and St Andrew. This year’s theme, ‘Empowering the Future: Youth Leadership as the Key to Nation Building,’ challenges 19 participating schools to explore critical topics such as technology for sustainable development, youth governance, and the implications of artificial intelligence. The competition commenced with the opening ceremony and elimination rounds on October 7 and 8, featuring debates on artificial intelligence. The tournament will progress through preliminary, quarter-final, and semi-final rounds, culminating in the Grand Final on December 3. Substantial awards, including cash prizes totaling $13,000, team awards, and individual recognitions, will honor the participants’ efforts. The event is supported by sponsors such as Rubis, Grenada Cooperative Bank, Republic Bank Grenada Limited, Glenelg Spring Water, True Blue Bay Resort, and the National Lotteries Authority (NLA).

  • Education Minister Promises System Where Every Story Can Reach a Successful Chapter

    Education Minister Promises System Where Every Story Can Reach a Successful Chapter

    In a stirring address at the 2025 CIBC Grade Six National Assessment Awards Ceremony, Education Minister Daryll Matthew reiterated his ministry’s dedication to fostering an inclusive education system that supports students from early childhood through university. Matthew emphasized the importance of ensuring that “every story has the chance to reach a successful chapter,” a vision aimed at empowering students to achieve their dreams. The ceremony, held under the patronage of Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, celebrated the nation’s top 100 primary school achievers, with gold and silver awards, cash prizes, and certificates presented by CIBC Caribbean. Matthew urged the young scholars to approach their secondary education with confidence and determination, reminding them that their journey is ongoing. “Your story has not ended,” he said. “It is still being written, and only you can decide how it ends.” Drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:16, he encouraged students to “shine brightly, beautifully, and boldly,” assuring them of the nation’s unwavering support. The minister also highlighted the critical role of the private sector in education, praising CIBC Caribbean for its sponsorship of the event. “When corporate citizens invest in education, they invest in the very soul of the nation,” he remarked. Concluding his speech, Matthew expressed optimism and national pride, urging the awardees to “go out and shine” as Antigua and Barbuda watches, cheers, and believes in their potential.

  • Church to open primary school focusing on spirituality, discipline

    Church to open primary school focusing on spirituality, discipline

    Grace Community Baptist Church in Kingstown Park, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has initiated the construction of a private primary school, Grace Christian Academy, with a curriculum rooted in biblical teachings and discipline. Senior Pastor Dexter Kirby revealed that the project, estimated at EC$1.4 million, will be developed in phases, with the first classrooms expected to open by September 2018. The school will cater to students from kindergarten to grade 6, building on the foundation of the church’s existing preschool, which currently serves 30 children from both the congregation and the public. Funding for the school will primarily come from donations by church members, with additional support anticipated from Christian organizations and churches abroad, including mission teams from the United States. The curriculum will be a hybrid Christian program, such as Abeka, integrating biblical principles into subjects like math, English, and science. Kirby emphasized the importance of character development alongside academic excellence, citing concerns over biblical illiteracy, moral decay, and declining educational standards among the nation’s youth. He stressed the necessity of Christian education to combat these challenges and foster holistic development in children, both spiritually and academically.

  • LETTER: 17-Year-Old Sees Growing Bias in Antigua’s Justice System

    LETTER: 17-Year-Old Sees Growing Bias in Antigua’s Justice System

    The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is facing mounting criticism over allegations of systemic bias and unfair treatment within its ranks. A recent letter to the editor, penned by a concerned 17-year-old, highlights the growing discontent among citizens and officers alike. The letter points to a troubling pattern of selective recognition, where individuals in higher positions are celebrated for achievements that others, often of lower rank, have already accomplished without acknowledgment. For instance, the writer’s neighbor, who diligently balanced her online degree studies with her duties in the justice system, received no recognition for her efforts. In contrast, higher-ranking officers are now being publicly praised for similar accomplishments. This disparity raises serious questions about fairness, justice, and equality within the force. The writer argues that such practices undermine the core values of integrity and meritocracy that the police force claims to uphold. They call for a system where recognition is based on genuine contribution and hard work, rather than hierarchy or status. The letter concludes with a plea for reform, emphasizing that both the public and dedicated officers deserve a justice system they can trust. This issue has sparked a broader conversation about accountability and transparency in law enforcement, as citizens demand better treatment for those who serve with humility and dedication.

  • ‘Trinidadian’ student wins SVG’s Prime Minister’s Gold Medal

    ‘Trinidadian’ student wins SVG’s Prime Minister’s Gold Medal

    Jerrel Insanali, a student originally from Trinidad and Tobago, has been awarded St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister’s Gold Medal for achieving the top performance in the 2025 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). Insanali, who migrated to St. Vincent with his family in 2023, is among 19 students granted national scholarships, each covering five years of study at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Alongside the prestigious medal, he will receive an EC$20,000 cash prize during the National Schools’ Independence Rally held at Victoria Park in Kingstown. The event, themed “Cheers to 46: Honouring Our Scholars: Celebrating Our Nation,” commemorates the country’s 46th anniversary of independence while celebrating academic achievements. Christian Gieowarsingh and Gianna Stapleton, who tied for second place, will each receive EC$10,000 in addition to their scholarships. The rally will also recognize 82 graduates from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College for their exceptional results in the 2025 CAPE and associate degree programs. In addition to national scholarships, 18 exhibition scholarships and 43 bursaries will be awarded, along with two special awards for students over 21. The event will feature remarks by education officials and a keynote address by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, emphasizing the rally’s role in fostering national pride and academic excellence.

  • interCaribbean Founder Lyndon Gardiner Awarded Honorary Doctorate by UWI

    interCaribbean Founder Lyndon Gardiner Awarded Honorary Doctorate by UWI

    Lyndon Gardiner, the visionary founder and chairman of interCaribbean Airways, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) by The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus. This prestigious accolade celebrates his exceptional contributions to Caribbean aviation and regional development over the past three decades. Under Gardiner’s leadership, interCaribbean Airways has grown into the largest privately owned airline in the region, now connecting 27 destinations across 17 countries. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Gardiner reflected on his journey, stating, ‘It began with a simple dream of flying – to connect our Caribbean islands and make travel accessible to all our people.’ UWI highlighted his remarkable resilience during the 2020 pandemic, when interCaribbean expanded into seven new markets while other airlines scaled back operations. Beyond aviation, Gardiner’s philanthropic efforts, including a scholarship fund for aviation students and support for medical and youth initiatives, were also commended. Trevor Sadler, CEO of interCaribbean, praised Gardiner as ‘a symbol of Caribbean determination and innovation,’ emphasizing his role in enhancing regional connectivity. Dr. Gardiner was one of 11 distinguished honorees recognized during UWI’s 2025 graduation ceremonies across its campuses.

  • SKELEC Bids Farewell to Corporate Communications Manager Ms. Patrice Harris

    SKELEC Bids Farewell to Corporate Communications Manager Ms. Patrice Harris

    Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 23rd, 2025) — The St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (SKELEC) has announced the departure of Ms. Patrice Harris, their Corporate Communications Manager, after five years of dedicated service. Ms. Harris joined SKELEC in 2020 and has since been instrumental in transforming the company’s corporate image. Through strategic branding, community engagement, and innovative communication strategies, she modernized SKELEC’s public presence, making it more relatable and customer-focused. Her efforts not only strengthened the trust between the company and the public but also positioned SKELEC as a forward-thinking utility provider in the region. In addition to her communications role, Ms. Harris served as SKELEC’s Hurricane Coordinator for two hurricane seasons. In this capacity, she led the company’s disaster preparedness and response communications, ensuring timely and accurate information reached customers during critical weather events. Her leadership during these periods was crucial in maintaining public safety and operational readiness. Mr. Clement Williams, General Manager of SKELEC, expressed his gratitude for Ms. Harris’s contributions, stating, ‘Ms. Harris brought a level of professionalism and passion to our communications that elevated how we connect with our customers and stakeholders. Her dedication and insight have left a lasting impact on our team and the wider community. We thank her for her years of service and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.’ Ms. Harris’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter at SKELEC, and the company extends its heartfelt gratitude for her commitment and excellence throughout her tenure.

  • Civil Defense evacuates people from Santo Domingo boardwalk due to Storm Melissa effects

    Civil Defense evacuates people from Santo Domingo boardwalk due to Storm Melissa effects

    In response to the escalating threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, the Dominican Civil Defense has initiated extensive preventive measures along the Santo Domingo boardwalk. Early Thursday morning, operations were launched to ensure public safety by keeping citizens away from the hazardous seashore, where powerful waves continue to batter the Caribbean coast. The initiative, led by Deputy Director and Head of Operations Delfín Rodríguez and National District Director Alexander García, underscores the government’s commitment to minimizing risks and preventing potential loss of life. Rodríguez emphasized the importance of constant surveillance in coastal areas, urging residents to heed warnings and avoid vulnerable zones. Authorities have also called on the public to stay vigilant, refrain from approaching the coastline, and rely on official government updates for accurate information during this critical period.