Carib Scope

分类： society

  • UWI Five Islands Students Launch Campus Newsletter to Amplify Student Voices

    UWI Five Islands Students Launch Campus Newsletter to Amplify Student Voices

    The Frigate Post, a dynamic publication at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC), has become a cornerstone of campus life, celebrating student creativity, achievements, and community spirit. Conceived as a platform to foster connection and storytelling, the publication aims to reflect the diverse talents and experiences of its student body.

    ‘Our mission was straightforward: to unite the campus through compelling narratives while showcasing the ingenuity and accomplishments of our students,’ explained the editorial committee. ‘We envisioned a space that was both entertaining and enlightening, where every student could find a piece of their own journey.’

    Each edition of The Frigate Post is meticulously crafted by a dedicated team of student volunteers who invest countless hours to ensure the content is accurate, high-quality, and innovative. Beyond its serious features, the publication also includes lighthearted elements such as the ‘Joke of the Day,’ capturing the lively and spirited atmosphere of UWI FIC.

    ‘We take immense pride in the progress we’ve made and are eager to continue evolving,’ the committee shared. ‘Every issue is a snapshot of our campus’s unique story, and we’re thrilled to see where the future takes us.’

    The Frigate Post is now accessible online and actively encourages submissions from all UWI FIC students, inviting them to contribute their voices and perspectives to this growing campus legacy.

  • Senator Lamin Newton Supports Irene B. Williams Students Ahead of Panorama

    Senator Lamin Newton Supports Irene B. Williams Students Ahead of Panorama

    Senator Lamin Newton has stepped forward to support students from the Irene B. Williams Secondary School by funding their uniforms for the upcoming Schools Panorama competition. In a heartfelt statement, Newton emphasized his unwavering dedication to youth development, stating that he was “called upon to assist” and acted “without hesitation.” He highlighted the importance of nurturing young minds, saying, “We must always be willing to assist our youth, inspire them, and provide the necessary guidance required to make them model citizens.” Newton also extended his best wishes to the students, invoking “God’s continued guidance” for their success in the competition. The annual Panorama event, a celebrated platform for young steelpan musicians across Antigua and Barbuda, is set to bring together talent from various schools, fostering cultural expression and community spirit.

  • Divali ver van huis: Licht en hoop in een vreemde stad

    Divali ver van huis: Licht en hoop in een vreemde stad

    This Diwali, I found myself thousands of miles away from home, celebrating alone in Beijing. Despite the physical distance, the warmth of the festival and the connections with friends and colleagues from Bangladesh, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka made the day special. Although my plans for the festival were disrupted by a busy schedule, I embraced the solitude and reflected on the lives of those who face unimaginable hardships. Sending Diwali blessings to friends like Tanzil, Vignesh, Mahdi, Danish, and Sumudu, I hoped for brighter days ahead for them. The festival fell a day earlier in Beijing due to the time difference, but the spirit of Diwali transcended borders. My colleague Marlon and I ventured out to explore the city, braving the cold autumn weather. We indulged in shopping for warm clothes and discovered affordable deals in the bustling malls. In the afternoon, we opted for a traditional Chinese massage, choosing to cycle through Beijing’s streets. The city, once known as the ‘bicycle capital of the world,’ has seen a resurgence in cycling culture, driven by sustainability and efforts to reduce pollution. Despite the chaotic traffic, we navigated the streets with ease, using shared bikes unlocked via a mobile app. A mishap with my phone mid-ride reminded me of its indispensability in daily life here. After the massage, we cycled back through the chilly evening, marveling at the city’s vibrant lights. As the thousands of lights of Beijing continued to shine, I realized that light and hope are universal, even when far from home.

  • Mobility boost: Govt to expand wheelchair-accessible transport fleet

    Mobility boost: Govt to expand wheelchair-accessible transport fleet

    Barbados is taking significant strides to improve transportation accessibility for its citizens with disabilities. The government has announced plans to expand its fleet of wheelchair-accessible buses, with the first two vehicles expected to arrive by the end of 2025. This initiative, revealed by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Mark Franklin, during the Caribbean Disability Conference, underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the mobility challenges faced by disabled individuals. Franklin emphasized that transportation remains a critical priority, particularly for schoolchildren and others who rely on specialized services. The National Disabilities Unit (NDU), which currently operates five vehicles—only two of which are fully wheelchair-accessible—will receive new buses equipped with durable lifts designed for daily use. Wayne Nurse, Director of the NDU, confirmed that the new vehicles will accommodate eight to 12 passengers, including wheelchair users, and will be capable of navigating smaller residential areas. The initiative is part of the government’s broader 2023–2030 National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and aligns with recent rights-based legislation aimed at fostering inclusion and accessibility. Franklin highlighted that breaking barriers requires more than policy—it demands empathy, tangible support, and a commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of ability, have equal opportunities to participate in society.

  • World Bank Mission to Grenada to advance Skills and Innovation Project

    World Bank Mission to Grenada to advance Skills and Innovation Project

    The World Bank is set to undertake a pivotal Implementation Support Mission in Grenada from October 23 to 24, 2025, as part of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Skills and Innovation Project (SKIP). This mission aims to evaluate the progress of ongoing initiatives and reinforce the execution of strategies to achieve key milestones. The agenda includes a comprehensive review of primary activities, discussions on the annual action plan and budget, and an examination of cross-cutting themes such as procurement, financial management, and environmental and social considerations. The first day will feature site visits to two beneficiary institutions—the New Life Organisation (NEWLO) and the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC)—to assess training environments and interact with faculty and students. The second day will focus on the Annual Action Plan and Budget for 2026, alongside sessions on procurement, financial management, and stakeholder engagement at the Grenada Investment and Development Corporation (GIDC) compound. The mission will also delve into Component 2 of the project, which emphasizes strengthening post-secondary institutions to deliver priority skills and foster innovation. Senior officials from Grenada’s Ministry of Education, led by the Permanent Secretary, will participate, alongside representatives from various ministries and the GIDC. The World Bank team, headed by Senior Economist Victoria Levin, will provide technical support for project management and monitoring. The OECS SKIP initiative underscores a collective commitment to enhancing post-secondary education and equipping the region’s youth with essential technical, entrepreneurial, and innovation skills, thereby fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities for employment and lifelong learning.

  • CDB urges stronger disability inclusion across Caribbean

    CDB urges stronger disability inclusion across Caribbean

    The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has issued a compelling call to regional governments, urging them to prioritize disability inclusion in their development agendas. Speaking at the Caribbean Disability Conference held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados in St Philip, CDB President Daniel Best emphasized that systemic barriers continue to marginalize people with disabilities, despite increasing public awareness. The four-day conference, attended by policymakers, advocates, and individuals with disabilities, aims to bolster inclusion efforts across the Caribbean. Best highlighted the findings of a 2025 regional disability assessment report, which underscored the pressing need to dismantle these barriers and ensure full societal participation for the disabled community. He pointed out that individuals with disabilities often face voicelessness, invisibility, neglect, isolation, prejudice, and abuse, while their families and caregivers grapple with emotional strain and mental health challenges. Best stressed that disability is not a distant reality but a possibility for anyone, urging collective action to address these issues. During the event, the CDB presented a cheque to the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD) to fund initiatives such as assistive technologies, training, and projects aimed at improving accessibility. BCD President Patricia Padmore-Blackman lauded the support, noting its potential to drive innovation and technical advancements for people with disabilities. The CDB also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development, following the April Global Disability Summit in Berlin. Vice President of Operations Isaac Solomon emphasized the bank’s dedication to ensuring that at least 15% of national development programs incorporate disability inclusion. Best highlighted the CDB’s Special Education Needs and Inclusive Education Policy and Strategy (SEND Policy), designed to transform traditional education systems into inclusive ones. He reiterated that inclusion is not charity but justice, and the CDB will continue to provide financing for early identification, curriculum adaptation, and infrastructure to support individuals with special needs.

  • High Court grants bail to GECOM accountant on larceny charge

    High Court grants bail to GECOM accountant on larceny charge

    In a significant legal development, the High Court of Guyana has granted bail to Dikimbie Gittens, a 30-year-old assistant accountant at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), who faces charges of embezzling GY$5 million from the election management authority. Gittens, who had been in custody since his initial court appearance on September 25, was released on October 6 after his attorney, Brenden Glasford, successfully petitioned High Court Judge Jacqueline Josiah-Graham for bail. The bail was set at GY$500,000, with specific conditions attached. Gittens is scheduled to reappear in the Magistrates’ Court on November 5. Glasford argued that the magistrate’s earlier decision to deny bail was inconsistent with the provisions of the Bail Act 2022. Gittens, a resident of Onderneeming, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, is accused of larceny by a clerk or servant under the Criminal Law Offences Act. The alleged theft occurred between September 15 and 16, 2025, at the GECOM Secretariat in Georgetown. Police were alerted after discrepancies in funds intended for polling day workers were discovered. A total of 13 individuals were initially detained but were later released on station bail. The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the missing funds.

  • Beekeepers unite to build national brand through “Buzz to Brand” workshop

    Beekeepers unite to build national brand through “Buzz to Brand” workshop

    The Copper and Lumber Event Centre in Nelson’s Dockyard buzzed with activity on October 16th as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Antigua and Barbuda Intellectual Property & Commerce Office (ABIPCO), and the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative Society Ltd. (ABBC) inaugurated a two-day workshop titled ‘Buzz to Brand: Celebrating Identity and Empowering the Beekeeping Community.’ This event marked a pivotal moment for the local beekeeping industry, showcasing how intellectual property (IP) can bolster community-based enterprises and transform national products into enduring legacies.

    In her opening address, Ms. Ricki Camacho, Registrar of ABIPCO, hailed the initiative as a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and transformation. She lauded the dedication of all partners and expressed gratitude to WIPO for their technical expertise and to her ABIPCO colleagues for their steadfast support. Ms. Jess Honculada, Senior Counsellor at WIPO, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusive development through IP. She highlighted the workshop’s alignment with WIPO’s mission to empower local industries by leveraging IP tools to promote identity, innovation, and sustainability.

    Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the indispensable role of bees in sustainable agriculture and food security. He described beekeeping as more than an economic activity—it is a philosophy of environmental stewardship. ‘Sustainability,’ he remarked, ‘entails producing in ways that safeguard our environment, nurture our communities, and secure our future.’ He also noted that pollination is critical to over 75% of flowering plants and nearly 35% of global food production, underscoring the vital contributions of beekeepers to agriculture and biodiversity.

    The workshop also featured an Entrepreneurial Exhibition, curated by Mr. John Mussington, Chairman of the Barbuda Council and a Barbudan beekeeper, and Ms. Taril Walker Bowen, Vice President of the ABBC. The exhibition showcased a variety of locally crafted products, including honey-based goods, handmade candles, and artisan creations, highlighting the ingenuity of local entrepreneurs and the versatility of beekeeping by-products. The day concluded with a honey tasting session, allowing attendees to savor the distinct flavors of Antigua and Barbuda’s locally produced honey.

    Due to adverse weather conditions, the first day of the workshop ended at 12:30 p.m. and was set to resume on October 17th, continuing the dialogue on empowering the beekeeping sector through innovation, collaboration, and identity.

  • BWA grapples with $100m owed as disconnections rise, some stay off water grid

    BWA grapples with $100m owed as disconnections rise, some stay off water grid

    The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal water connections as it grapples with a staggering debt exceeding $100 million, largely attributed to unpaid bills. Acting CEO Christopher Mapp disclosed in an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY that the authority is investigating suspected cases of unauthorized water access by both residential and commercial users who were previously disconnected for non-payment.

  • National Thanksgiving Service on November 23

    National Thanksgiving Service on November 23

    The Government of Barbados, under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour, Social Security, and the Third Sector, is set to host the annual National Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 23. The event will take place at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, commencing at 10 a.m. This year’s ceremony is themed ‘Transforming Our Nation Through Faith, Hope, and Love,’ emphasizing the values that underpin national unity and progress. Among the distinguished attendees will be Her Excellency the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, President of Barbados; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley; and Chief Justice The Most Honourable Leslie Haynes. They will be joined by a host of government officials and dignitaries, reflecting the significance of the occasion. The service, organized by the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS), aims to foster a sense of collective gratitude and shared purpose among citizens.