Carib Scope

分类： society

  • 76% of Dominican girls have suffered violence during their childhood and adolescence

    76% of Dominican girls have suffered violence during their childhood and adolescence

    In a compelling address in Santo Domingo, UNICEF has urged for the recognition, protection, and empowerment of girls’ leadership in the Dominican Republic. The organization highlighted the critical need to safeguard their emotional well-being and ensure their right to grow up free from violence and discrimination. Under the global slogan ‘I am the girl, I lead change,’ UNICEF’s representative in the country, Anyoli Sanabria, reiterated the organization’s steadfast commitment to the rights of girls and young women, particularly in environments plagued by gender inequality and structural violence.

    Sanabria emphasized, ‘Girls have the right to grow up without fear, to learn without violence, and to dream without limits. Listening to them and supporting their leadership skills is essential for building a more just and resilient future.’

    Despite higher school attendance and completion rates among Dominican girls compared to boys, they face significant structural barriers that hinder their overall development and mental health. These challenges include teenage pregnancy, early marriage, unpaid domestic work, and high levels of physical, emotional, and sexual violence.

    A UNICEF report on the situation of children and adolescents in the Dominican Republic revealed alarming statistics: 76% of adolescents aged 15 to 17 have been victims of some form of violence, 52.2% report sexual violence, and 45.5% have experienced physical or psychological abuse in the school environment. These figures underscore a normalized reality where violence not only affects girls’ present but also their future opportunities and emotional stability.

    ‘Every girl faces a double burden: she must survive violence while constantly proving her worth. Her physical and emotional integrity and her leadership skills go hand in hand,’ Sanabria added.

    UNICEF also called for increased investment in mental health services tailored to the needs of girls and young women, and for the strengthening of public policies to combat gender-based violence in all its forms.

    ‘Investing in girls means investing in a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous country. They are not only the future, but also the present of the social change we need,’ Sanabria concluded.

  • Edeeste regularizes more than 22,000 customers and dismantles nearly 8,000 illegal connections

    Edeeste regularizes more than 22,000 customers and dismantles nearly 8,000 illegal connections

    In a significant move to bolster electrical infrastructure and promote responsible energy consumption, the Eastern Electricity Distribution Company (Edeeste) executed a comprehensive technical intervention program across its concession area in September. This initiative, part of the 2025 Strategic Plan for Loss Control and Reduction, successfully normalized services for over 22,000 customers, dismantled approximately 8,000 illegal connections, and integrated more than 4,100 new users into the grid.

  • Ramdien Sardjoe viert 90e verjaardag: ‘Een grote zoon van het land’

    Ramdien Sardjoe viert 90e verjaardag: ‘Een grote zoon van het land’

    Ramdien Sardjoe, a towering figure in Surinamese politics, marked his 90th birthday with an intimate gathering at his home on Friday. The former Vice President, Speaker of the National Assembly, and ex-chairman of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most influential political leaders. Currently serving as the honorary chairman of the VHP, Sardjoe’s legacy continues to inspire generations. Mahinder Jogi, a current member of the National Assembly, praised Sardjoe as “one of the great sons of the country,” highlighting his lifelong dedication to Suriname and the VHP. Jogi emphasized Sardjoe’s wisdom, calm demeanor, and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, which have left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Known for his bridge-building approach and advocacy for national unity, Sardjoe remains a revered figure among the VHP’s supporters and the broader Surinamese community. As he celebrates this significant milestone, tributes pour in from across the country, honoring his enduring contributions to Suriname’s development.

  • Alexia Moonsam uitgeroepen tot beste VOJ-leerling van 2025

    Alexia Moonsam uitgeroepen tot beste VOJ-leerling van 2025

    The Rotary Club of Paramaribo has awarded the prestigious VOJ Student Excellence Award 2025 to Alexia Moonsam from St. Louise School, recognizing her exceptional academic performance, dedication, and leadership qualities. The award ceremony was graced by the presence of Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, Dirk Currie, who urged students to focus not only on academic knowledge but also on character development. Alongside Alexia, Redjinio van Meulen, Eva Vaseur, Jenaysa Mijnals, and Wayne Doekoe were among the top five finalists. Additionally, Dylan Wijnaldum, Amber Asmowidjojo, Metrisha Darnoud, Mercy-Grace Stedenburg, and Roghim Resosetiko received honorable mentions for their achievements. Rotary Club President Anand Gajapersad delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing that education is the cornerstone of personal growth. He encouraged students to strive for excellence, believe in themselves, and appreciate the support of their parents and teachers. Jury Chair Soraya Nanand praised the high caliber of participants and expressed hope to see them at the VOS Student Excellence Awards in the future. Minister Currie highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence, urging students to develop interpersonal skills and resilience. Since 2005, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo has organized the VOJ Student Excellence Award to nurture talent and discipline among youth. This year, the top fifteen students were selected based on their final exam results. During an intensive training weekend, participants received instruction in personal leadership, presentation skills, and artificial intelligence. The ten most promising candidates advanced to the final round, held on October 8, 2025. The Rotary Club aims to continue motivating young talents to excel and realize their full potential through this initiative.

  • Deadly Highway Crash Near Hattieville Claims Two Lives

    Deadly Highway Crash Near Hattieville Claims Two Lives

    A catastrophic accident unfolded late Thursday night on the George Price Highway near Hattieville, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The incident occurred just before midnight at mile fourteen, where a Ford F-150 pickup, driven by 40-year-old Osman Pineda, collided with the rear left wheel of a Freightliner truck. The violent impact caused the Ford to lose control, swerve into the opposite lane, and crash head-on into an oncoming Nissan. Tragically, the two occupants of the Nissan, Othoniel Vasquez Moreno, a Mexican Belizean national, and Amisadai Valdez Dominguez, a Mexican national, were pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to extricate the victims from the wreckage, but their efforts were in vain. Pineda sustained minor injuries, while his wife and their two young children—a five-year-old and a nine-month-old baby—were rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for urgent medical attention. The bodies of Moreno and Dominguez were transported to the KHMH morgue for post-mortem examinations. The accident has left the community in shock, raising concerns about road safety on this busy highway.

  • Deadly Crash Sparks Safety Concerns on George Price Highway

    Deadly Crash Sparks Safety Concerns on George Price Highway

    A tragic accident near Hattieville on the George Price Highway has reignited concerns about road safety in Belize. The crash, which occurred on the evening of October 9, 2025, has highlighted longstanding issues with the highway’s infrastructure, including inadequate lighting, missing reflectors, and the blinding glare of oncoming vehicles’ high beams. These factors have made nighttime travel perilous, prompting calls for immediate action. Chester Williams, CEO of the Ministry of Transport, addressed these concerns in a recent statement. He revealed that discussions with the Ministry of Infrastructure are ongoing regarding the installation of proper road markings and reflectors. However, Williams emphasized that the government is currently focused on rehabilitating the George Price Highway, making it impractical to implement temporary safety measures. He urged drivers to exercise greater caution, particularly in poorly lit areas, and to avoid speeding when visibility is compromised. This incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety improvements on one of Belize’s most heavily traveled routes.

  • Bishop Urge Continued Church/State Dialogue on Social Issues

    Bishop Urge Continued Church/State Dialogue on Social Issues

    In a recent address following a significant meeting, Bishop Phillip Wright, President of the Belize Council of Churches, emphasized the importance of maintaining an ongoing dialogue between the church and the state. He highlighted the necessity of this collaboration in addressing evolving social issues, particularly in light of the church’s involvement in the recent cannabis referendum in Caye Caulker. Bishop Wright underscored that such dialogues are crucial for fostering mutual understanding and consensus on contentious matters. He expressed optimism about the evolving relationship between the church and the government, viewing it as a vital mechanism for navigating new challenges and ensuring the well-being of the nation. The Bishop’s remarks reflect a broader commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between religious and governmental entities, which he believes is essential for societal progress.

  • Shooting leaves one injured in abandoned hotel

    Shooting leaves one injured in abandoned hotel

    A violent shooting erupted early Thursday morning at the former Pam Village Hotel in the El Batey area of Sosúa, Puerto Plata, leaving one man critically injured. The incident, which occurred during a conflict between illegal occupants of the abandoned complex, involved a group of individuals arriving in a white Sonata vehicle and opening fire on those present. The victim, identified as Miguel de la Rosa, 39, known as “La Barba,” sustained multiple gunshot wounds and is in critical condition at Ricardo Limardo Hospital. Authorities have linked the shooting to an internal dispute among squatters vying for control and management of the occupied apartments. A man referred to as “Amparo” was also implicated in the altercation, alongside others who fled the scene. The attackers abandoned their vehicle, which is now under investigation. The Pam Village Hotel, abandoned years ago, has become a hub for illegal activities, including drug trafficking, and a source of escalating violence in the tourist-heavy area. Local residents have expressed concerns over the deteriorating safety, calling for police intervention. Three individuals have been arrested so far, with the National Police continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators and clarify the motives behind the confrontation.

  • A20: een dag van vrijheid, identiteit en veerkracht

    A20: een dag van vrijheid, identiteit en veerkracht

    On the Day of the Maroons, the political party A20 paid heartfelt tribute to the history, struggles, and cultural richness of Suriname’s Maroon communities. Emphasizing the significance of October 10th, A20 declared it not merely a day of remembrance but a celebration of freedom, identity, and resilience. The Maroons, descendants of enslaved Africans, courageously broke free from the chains of slavery, forging historic peace treaties with colonial authorities in the 18th and 19th centuries. These agreements recognized their freedom and autonomy, laying a foundation of justice and acknowledgment in Suriname’s history. A20 highlighted that the Maroons are not a marginalized group but a proud and active force within society, contributing significantly to education, governance, arts, and entrepreneurship. The party pledged its commitment to equal opportunities, infrastructure development, and sustainable collaboration with Maroon communities. A20 also celebrated the preservation of Maroon culture, including their music, dance, spirituality, crafts, language, and culinary traditions, which are integral to Suriname’s heritage. The party expressed gratitude to André Pakosie, a Maroon historian and cultural activist, whose efforts led to the official recognition of this day. A20 concluded with a call for unity, envisioning a Suriname where every culture thrives, every voice matters, and every community shapes its future with pride and freedom.

  • BEP: Vrijheid, erkenning en nationale trots

    BEP: Vrijheid, erkenning en nationale trots

    Suriname commemorated its 15th annual Maroon Day on October 10, a national holiday dedicated to honoring the heroic resistance of the Maroon community’s ancestors against slavery and oppression. Recognized as a crime against humanity in modern history, this day serves as a reminder of the Maroons’ visionary spirit and their enduring legacy in the fight for freedom and human dignity. The celebration underscores the ongoing relevance of their struggle in contemporary discussions on equality, inclusion, and justice. A statement emphasized, “We not only cherish the fundamental right to freedom but also acknowledge that their fight for a fair and inclusive society continues to shape national and international agendas.” The event also highlighted the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly climate preservation and sustainable resource use, calling for sustained action toward empowerment and social justice. “It is time to reinterpret and revalue our history as a foundation for unity and nation-building,” the statement added. The day also drew attention to the unresolved issue of land rights for Indigenous and Tribal peoples, with a 2007 ruling by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights still awaiting full implementation. President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ commitment to prioritizing land rights was welcomed. Adding a unique touch to the celebration, Suriname’s national football team faced Panama in a crucial match for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event concluded with a message of gratitude, national pride, and hope, wishing all Surinamese a reflective and joyous Maroon Day.