Carib Scope

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  • Teen Murdered in Gardenia

    Teen Murdered in Gardenia

    A quiet, routine family gathering in northern Belize’s Gardenia Village ended in senseless tragedy on Sunday evening, when an unidentified lone gunman opened fire without warning, killing 15-year-old Rackeem Armstrong and leaving his 18-year-old cousin Justin Young hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Local law enforcement has launched an active homicide investigation into the attack, which has left the tight-knit community reeling from the loss of a young life and left one promising graduate fighting for recovery.

    According to accounts from family members who survived the attack, the pair of cousins were among a larger group of relatives gathered for a weekly Sunday barbecue at their family home when the shooter approached the property shortly after 8:00 p.m. No confrontation or altercation preceded the gunfire, leaving those present completely unprepared for the violence that unfolded.

    Kayla Young, Justin’s mother, spoke to local outlet News 5 about the chaotic moments immediately after the first shots rang out. She had just arrived at the family gathering when the attack began, recalling: “All I see was light, pop, pop… I couldn’t even realise what was going on.” In the panic that followed, family members scattered for cover, and it was only after the gunman fled that Young was able to locate the two downed teenagers—one of whom was her own son.

    Justin, who had just completed an information technology vocational training program at AC Level Two in Belize City, was just hours away from starting his first scheduled job training when the shooting occurred. Remarkably, he remained conscious in the immediate aftermath of the attack, and even whispered to his mother: “Mom, I was supposed to go to work today.”

    Young emphasized that both teenagers were entirely innocent and had no known conflicts with anyone in the community. “They had no type of issue with anybody,” she said. “As I tell you, they are young teenagers, just growing up.”

    As of the latest update, Belizean police have not made any arrests in connection with the shooting, nor have they released the names of any persons of interest. News 5 has confirmed it will continue to provide updates as new details emerge from the ongoing investigation.

  • Drug Case Against Jamaican Businessman Discontinued

    Drug Case Against Jamaican Businessman Discontinued

    A major cannabis trafficking investigation that originated from a large drug seizure at the Deep Water Harbour in 2025 has concluded unexpectedly for one of the two accused individuals, as prosecuting authorities have dropped all charges against prominent Jamaican businessman Francis Young.

    During a court appearance on Monday presided over by Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, prosecution representatives formally notified the judicial body that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had issued a formal order to end all legal proceedings against Young. At the time of the announcement, no official rationale or additional context was provided for the decision to discontinue the case.

    The charges against Young were filed back in May 2025, when law enforcement personnel discovered 62 pounds of cannabis hidden inside a cargo shipment passing through Deep Water Harbour. The seized drug stock was estimated to have a street value of roughly $372,000. Alongside Young, local man Nadeem Brandon Doumith was also taken into custody and hit with matching trafficking charges connected to the seizure.

    While Young has walked free from all legal accusations related to the high-profile case, the prosecution is moving forward with its case against Doumith. The legal proceeding against the second accused is still active, with the next court date scheduled for August 8, 2026.

  • Preparing for Hurricane Season? Start with a Bucket

    Preparing for Hurricane Season? Start with a Bucket

    As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, households across Belize are already beginning the annual rush to stock up on emergency supplies, a process that can quickly strain budgets already stretched thin by rising living costs. But during an appearance on the popular *Open Your Eyes* morning news program, Chief Hydrologist Tenille Hendy is highlighting a simple, low-cost, and often overlooked preparedness step that could save lives when disaster strikes: securing access to clean drinking water ahead of time.

    Hendy emphasized a critical public health fact that many emergency prep novices overlook: the human body can only maintain safe hydration levels for a maximum of three days without clean water. Unlike many pricey emergency supplies, the solution she recommends relies on items most Belizean households already own, or can purchase for just a few dollars.

    Drawing on long-standing local tradition, Hendy pointed to the common practice of repurposing used food buckets, such as the classic “pigtail bucket” or lard storage buckets that many families keep after emptying. The preparation process is straightforward: wash the container thoroughly with soap powder and a small amount of chlorine bleach (Clorox) to eliminate contaminants, then fill it with clean water once the Meteorological Service issues an incoming storm alert. This simple pre-storage step drastically reduces the stress of water scarcity after a storm hits, Hendy explained.

    For households looking to store larger volumes of water, Hendy said repurposed food barrels work equally well. To harvest natural rainwater, residents can secure a layer of fine mesh netting (often referred to locally as cheese cloth) over the opening of the barrel to filter out debris, add a small measured amount of chlorine bleach to purify the water, and store it for emergency use. This method not only provides free emergency water but also reduces strain on public water systems that often struggle to meet demand in the lead-up to a major storm, she added.

    Hendy also outlined the simple purification steps that make stored water safe for consumption: a controlled amount of bleach, or water purification tablets distributed for free or low-cost by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, is enough to eliminate harmful pathogens. This is particularly critical after a storm, when floodwaters filled with debris and sediment contaminate river systems, compromising public drinking water supplies for days or even weeks.

    Beyond the direct impacts of hurricanes that make landfall in Belize, Hendy warned of a lesser-known but persistent flood risk that makes early water preparation non-negotiable: transboundary flooding. This phenomenon occurs when heavy rainfall falls in neighboring Mexico and Guatemala, even when Belize records no rain at all. The excess runoff flows downhill through shared cross-border river systems, triggering widespread flooding in Belize without any local warning signs.

    Hendy pointed to past flooding events in the Benque region as a key example: residents were often caught completely off guard because the storm activity that caused the flood was hundreds of miles away in neighboring countries. Waiting for a storm to be approaching Belize’s coast to start preparing, she stressed, is already too late. By prepping clean water storage containers weeks or even months ahead of hurricane season, households can cut down on last-minute expenses and avoid the risk of being left without safe drinking water when disaster strikes.

  • Government Supports 21 Graduates Under “I Am Belize” Programme

    Government Supports 21 Graduates Under “I Am Belize” Programme

    On June 1, 2026, a landmark graduation ceremony was held in Belize to celebrate the accomplishment of 21 young scholars who completed their studies through the Restore Belize “I Am Belize” Scholarship Programme. The event brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, from senior government representatives and programme organizers to proud family members and supporting community members, where the graduating cohort was hailed as resilient survivors and co-creators of Belize’s emerging next chapter of progress.\n\nNarda Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Prime Minister, delivered remarks on behalf of the prime minister’s office, framing the scholarship initiative as a core component of the Belizean government’s broader national strategy to prioritize youth development and expand equitable access to opportunity across the country. Garcia emphasized that the programme’s guiding philosophy rejects the common requirement for young people to prove their worth before receiving investment, instead centering resilience as a valuable trait worthy of support. “We say we will not wait for you to prove you’re perfect. We will invest in you because you are resilient. And look at the return on that investment today,” Garcia stated, noting that sustained national growth is only possible when no generation of young Belizeans is left behind.\n\nTo highlight the programme’s real-world impact, past scholarship recipients took the stage to share their personal journeys, many describing Restore Belize as more than a funding source: it served as a consistent source of mentorship, emotional support and encouragement during periods of academic and personal hardship. One graduate shared that the scholarship was a critical anchor during moments of self-doubt, saying “It served as a reminder that people believed in my potential, even during moments when I doubted myself.”\n\nAnother graduate, who receives sponsorship from Belize Electricity Limited through the programme, is currently balancing part-time work as a cleaner with full-time studies at the University of Belize, working toward his long-term career goal of becoming a professional pilot. He shared that the programme provided practical, on-the-ground support beyond financial assistance, noting “Whenever I had projects or schoolwork to complete, I could always come to Restore and gather up supplies and other stuff that I needed.” In his address to the 2026 graduating cohort, he advised that the formal institutional support students received during secondary education must now be paired with personal discipline and self-motivation as they transition to higher education and the workforce.\n\nLooking ahead, the Office of the Prime Minister has formally committed to ongoing financial and administrative support for the “I Am Belize” programme, confirming that the initiative will continue to open doors for resilient young Belizeans in coming years.

  • ABEC Announces Temporary Hours Change for St. Paul’s Registration Unit

    ABEC Announces Temporary Hours Change for St. Paul’s Registration Unit

    The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) has announced a temporary change to operating hours at one of its key voter registration facilities that will take effect this week. Located at the Former Real Local Art Gallery on Horsford Hill, the St. Paul’s Registration Unit will only open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon each day, a significant reduction from its usual full-day service schedule.

    This modification to operating hours was not made arbitrarily; the adjustment was specifically designed to accommodate critical, pre-planned building maintenance projects at the site. According to ABEC officials, the shifted schedule is a strategic choice that allows maintenance crews to complete all required work in a safe, streamlined manner, while also cutting down on avoidable interruptions to core electoral services for residents. By limiting opening hours during the construction period, the commission can balance the need for facility upgrades with its ongoing responsibility to serve community members who need to access registration and other electoral support.

    ABEC has issued a formal apology to the public for any hassle or inconvenience that the shortened hours may cause for voters planning to visit the office this week. The commission is urging all residents who intend to access registration services or other electoral assistance at the St. Paul’s location to adjust their schedules in advance to align with the new temporary operating window.

    As the maintenance work gets underway, ABEC also extended its gratitude to the local public for their patience and willingness to cooperate during this temporary transition. The commission notes that the upgrades are necessary to maintain a safe, functional space for voters into the future, and public flexibility will help the project be completed on schedule with minimal issues.

  • UWI Five Islands Campus New Guild Council Begins Tenure

    UWI Five Islands Campus New Guild Council Begins Tenure

    The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus has formally welcomed its new student Guild Council for the 2026/2027 academic year, marking not just a routine leadership handover but a fresh, purpose-driven commitment to elevating the student experience and upholding the core values of the student governing body. The incoming leadership team opened its public address by grounding its new term in gratitude, pausing to recognize the profound contributions of the outgoing council and every generation of student leaders that preceded it.

    The outgoing Guild Council’s tenure was defined by unwavering dedication, remarkable resilience, and consistent commitment to amplifying student needs. Through periods of challenge and celebrated milestones, its members worked tirelessly to advocate for student interests, strengthen campus community bonds, and drive meaningful institutional growth. Their work has left a solid foundation that the new council is privileged to build upon, the incoming team emphasized. Every prior Guild administration has left an indelible mark on the institution, weaving together the legacy of student voice and service that shapes the Guild today. Standing on the work of those who came before them, the new council says it does not take the weight of this responsibility lightly.

    Unlike narratives that frame new leadership as a complete break from the past, the 2026/2027 council frames its role as building on a long legacy of service. The team embraces both the achievements and hard-earned lessons of previous terms, and has committed to moving the Guild forward with radical integrity, clear purpose, and full accountability to the student body.

    At its core, the Guild exists to champion the needs and interests of every student on campus, advance their educational, personal, and social growth, and encourage active, meaningful participation in all areas of campus life. The new council has made a public pledge to keep these foundational principles at the center of every decision it makes.

    For the coming academic year, the council’s core mandate is clear: Rebuild the Guild and Restore Trust. The leadership team emphasizes that trust is never demanded, but earned—through consistent transparency, dependable action, full accountability, and authentic, ongoing engagement with the students the organization serves. Rebuilding the Guild will involve strengthening its internal structures, boosting its visibility across campus, and reinforcing a simple truth for every student: the Guild is not just a bureaucratic campus organization, it is your collective voice, your dedicated advocate, and your partner in shaping the campus experience.

    The new council brings a bold yet grounded vision for its term. Its members imagine a campus where every single student feels seen, heard, supported, and empowered to make an impact. They aim to build a Guild that leads proactively, rather than reacting to issues after they arise—one that anticipates emerging student needs and responds with creative solutions, compassion, and decisive action.

    Key priorities for the term include increasing overall student participation in campus governance and activities, fostering greater unity and connection across the student body, strengthening collaborative ties with campus administration, and expanding partnerships with other student Guilds and organizations across the region. The council notes that meaningful, lasting progress only comes through open dialogue, cross-group partnership, and collective effort from the entire campus community.

    In a direct address to the UWI Five Islands student body, the council reaffirmed that the Guild exists first and foremost for students. “We are honoured by your trust, inspired by your confidence, and humbled by the responsibility you have entrusted to us,” the statement reads. The team has pledged to listen closely to student concerns, advocate fearlessly for student interests, and serve faithfully throughout the coming academic year. Members commit to celebrating student wins, pushing for progress on pressing student needs, and working around the clock to ensure every student has the support and opportunities they need to thrive during their time on campus.

    The foundation for progress has already been laid by generations of past leaders, and the mantle of leadership has officially been passed. Carrying gratitude for the work of the past, confidence in what the campus community can achieve together, and a shared commitment to rebuilding the Guild and restoring student trust, the new leadership is ready to move forward alongside the entire student body. The council closed its address with a shared hope: that the 2026/2027 academic year will bring widespread progress, lasting unity, and exceptional achievement for all members of the UWI Five Islands Campus community.

  • Belize’s Weather Tech Is More Advanced Than You Think

    Belize’s Weather Tech Is More Advanced Than You Think

    As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season officially kicks off on June 1, the Central American nation of Belize has announced major upgrades to its weather monitoring infrastructure, positioning it as one of the best-prepared countries in the Caribbean and Central American region for storm tracking, according to the country’s top meteorological official.

    Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon confirmed in a Monday morning interview on the public affairs program *Open Your Eyes* that Belize’s expanded, high-density weather observation network now outpaces many peer nations in the region, delivering far more accurate and granular data to forecasters tracking developing Atlantic storm systems. When asked whether the country is ready to face the next five months of cyclone activity, Gordon stated that the nation’s monitoring capacity is fully prepared to handle whatever storms develop.

    A key new addition to the country’s monitoring infrastructure is a purpose-built Storm Surge Monitoring station housed at the Belize Fisheries Department. Unlike general wind and rainfall tracking tools, this new station is specifically designed to measure the rising coastal flood waters that come with major hurricanes – a critical upgrade, as historical data shows storm surge, rather than high wind, is the deadliest hazard associated with Atlantic hurricanes.

    The new technology is not limited to government forecasters, Gordon emphasized: everyday Belizeans can now access hyper-local, real-time forecast data through the official Belize Weather app, available for download on both Android and Apple iOS devices. However, Gordon noted that the biggest remaining challenge is not building accessible forecasting tools, but encouraging the public to rely on these verified official resources instead of unvetted information shared on social media and unofficial platforms. During hurricane events, misinformation from unaccountable sources can spread rapidly, creating unnecessary confusion and putting lives at risk when communities need to make time-sensitive safety decisions.

    “We are tasked and are responsible for providing weather forecasts for Belize. Therefore, we are accountable,” Gordon said. “If you’re looking at some other person out there, that person is not accountable.”

    Forecasters from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting a below-normal 2026 hurricane season, with an expected range of 8 to 14 named storms forming across the Atlantic basin. Of those, 3 to 6 are projected to strengthen into full hurricanes. The milder forecast is tied to the expected development of El Niño ocean conditions in the Pacific, which typically suppress Atlantic hurricane activity through increased wind shear that disrupts storm formation.

    While the overall seasonal outlook is milder than average, meteorologists stress that even one major hurricane making landfall can cause devastating damage, and all coastal communities in Belize should remain prepared throughout the five-month season that runs through November.

  • Liberty Caribbean prepared for 2026 hurricane season

    Liberty Caribbean prepared for 2026 hurricane season

    As the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season approaches, regional telecommunications provider Liberty Caribbean – parent company of major brands Flow, Liberty Business and BTC – has formally announced it is fully prepared to maintain connectivity and support local communities when the season officially kicks off on June 1.

    With more than 100 years of operating experience across the Caribbean archipelago, the firm has made continuous investments to upgrade its emergency preparedness, network resilience and rapid response capabilities, positioning it to support residential customers, government agencies and entire communities through potential weather-related crises. The company’s announcement comes one year after Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across Jamaica, a disaster that highlighted just how critical resilient communications infrastructure and fast emergency response are for Caribbean nations.

    “Hurricane Melissa reminded us once again that connectivity is far more than technology. In moments of crisis, it becomes a lifeline for families, businesses, emergency responders, and governments,” explained Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Caribbean. “The lessons from that experience have further strengthened our resolve and accelerated our investments in network resilience, operational preparedness, and recovery capabilities across the region. We remain committed to ensuring our customers and communities can rely on us when it matters most.”

    Over the past 12 months, Liberty Caribbean has rolled out a series of targeted resilience upgrades across its multiple market footprints. In Jamaica, this has included large-scale investments in an enhanced next-generation mobile network, expanded spectrum capacity, diversified transport routes, hardened physical network infrastructure, expanded backup power systems, and additional network redundancy measures, all designed to boost service reliability and cut down recovery time after storms. Beyond infrastructure upgrades, the company has also run regular large-scale emergency simulation drills, updated fuel and logistics contingency plans, and coordinated closely across cross-functional teams in every operating market to guarantee rapid mobilization when extreme weather hits. Most recently, Flow Grenada completed a full emergency response drill in February 2026, with a second exercise scheduled immediately after the start of the season in June.

    Smidts emphasized that while no communications network can be completely immune to damage from extreme weather events, the company’s core priority remains building stronger, more adaptive and more resilient systems that can support Caribbean communities through both disruptions and post-storm recovery. “Our teams have worked tirelessly to modernise our infrastructure, strengthen operational readiness, and improve how we respond during emergencies. While no network is immune to extreme weather events, our focus remains on building stronger, smarter, and more resilient systems capable of supporting the Caribbean through disruption and recovery alike,” Smidts added.

    According to the latest 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the season that runs from June 1 through November 30 has a 55% chance of being below average in activity, a 35% chance of being near average, and only a 10% chance of seeing above-normal storm activity. NOAA projects the season will bring between 8 and 14 named storms, defined as systems with sustained winds of at least 39 mph (63 km/h). Of these, 3 to 6 are expected to strengthen into hurricanes with winds of 74 mph (119 km/h) or more, and 1 to 3 of those are forecast to become major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5) with winds exceeding 111 mph (178 km/h). By comparison, an average Atlantic hurricane season sees 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

    “We understand the responsibility that comes with serving the Caribbean. Our commitment extends beyond connectivity alone. It is also about supporting the resilience of the communities we serve and standing beside them before, during, and after times of crisis,” Smidts said.

    Lincoln Baptiste, Country Manager for Flow Grenada, noted that upgrades put in place after the impact of Hurricane Beryl have put the territory in a strong position. “We are confident in the upgrades made to the network and provisions made after the impact of Hurricane Beryl. Although we do not wish for a repeat of such natural disasters we are prepared for any disaster that may impact Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique,” Baptiste said.

    To wrap up its preparedness announcement, Liberty Caribbean and Flow are urging all residential and business customers across the region to review their own personal and operational hurricane preparedness plans, and to stay updated on weather forecasts and official alerts throughout the 2026 season.

  • Single-Lane Traffic to Continue on Sir Sydney Walling Highway

    Single-Lane Traffic to Continue on Sir Sydney Walling Highway

    Drivers and commuters traveling across Antigua and Barbuda’s key arterial routes are reminded that adjusted single-lane traffic management will remain in place to support critical ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation works, according to an official advisory from the Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) under the nation’s Ministry of Works.

    The long-running upgrade works are concentrated along the Sir Sydney Walling Highway, where construction crews have shifted focus to base preparation and asphalt resurfacing operations. These activities are advancing eastward from the Glanvilles area, with daily work commencing at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time.

    Transport officials have issued clear guidance for all road users to approach the work zone with extreme caution, noting that large, heavy-duty construction machinery is operating in close proximity to the active travel lane. Safety protocols require drivers to reduce speed, follow on-site directional signage, and adhere to instructions from traffic control personnel to prevent accidents.

    Crucially, all commercial establishments located along the affected stretch of highway will remain fully open for business throughout the duration of the repair works, ensuring that local economic activity continues uninterrupted.

    The project is being executed by C.O. Williams Ltd., the private construction firm contracted for the scheme. The company has issued a formal statement apologizing to the public for any travel disruptions or inconvenience caused by the ongoing works. The upgrade is a core component of Antigua and Barbuda’s national Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, a government-led initiative designed to extend the service life of the country’s key road networks and improve overall transport safety.

    Stakeholders, including daily commuters, freight operators, and leisure travelers, are encouraged to review and adjust their travel schedules in advance, as minor to moderate delays should be expected when passing through the work zone. For any questions or additional information about the project or traffic arrangements, members of the public can contact the C.O. Williams project office directly via telephone at 562-9573.

  • UPDATE: APUA Confirms Fuel Leak at Former Friars Hill Facility

    UPDATE: APUA Confirms Fuel Leak at Former Friars Hill Facility

    A confirmed fuel leak from an abandoned storage tank at the former Friars Hill Facility in Antigua has triggered a coordinated multi-agency emergency response, led by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).

    Once the leak was detected, APUA moved rapidly to activate internal emergency protocols and immediately notified a broad network of relevant government and regulatory bodies to join the assessment and mitigation effort. Partner agencies including the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), Antigua and Barbuda Police Force, Central Board of Health, Development Control Authority (DCA), Antigua and Barbuda Fire Department, National Solid Waste Management Authority, West Indies Oil Company (WIOC), Department of Public Health, and Department of Environment have all deployed personnel to the site to support containment operations.

    Crews are currently working around the clock to install critical containment barriers designed to stop the spread of leaked fuel and reduce any potential harm to local ecosystems and nearby residential communities. As of the latest update, investigations into the root cause of the leak and full mapping of the spill’s total size remain ongoing, with no definitive conclusions released to the public.

    Local authorities have issued a public advisory urging motorists traveling along Friars Hill Road and residents living in adjacent neighborhoods to remain vigilant and follow all safety guidance posted by response teams throughout the duration of cleanup operations. APUA has reiterated its commitment to resolving the incident in full compliance with public safety and environmental protection standards, noting that it will continue to closely monitor site conditions and share new updates with the public as additional details are confirmed. The authority has also expressed gratitude for the public’s patience as response teams work to bring the situation under control.