Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Antigua and Barbuda Opens Applications for Solar Street-Light Program

    Antigua and Barbuda Opens Applications for Solar Street-Light Program

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, through its Department of Environment, has officially launched the application phase for its innovative Solar Street-Light Program. This sustainability project, supported through cooperation with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, represents a significant step in the nation’s renewable energy infrastructure development.

    Eligibility for the program extends to various organized community entities including registered community groups, faith-based organizations, agricultural associations representing local farmers, and private educational institutions. Successful applicants will be awarded comprehensive solar lighting kits featuring high-intensity 8,000-lumen solar street lights mounted on eight-meter poles with arms. Each complete system includes photovoltaic panels, storage batteries housed in weatherproof enclosures, and all necessary mounting hardware and assembly components.

    While the government provides the equipment through this initiative, recipients assume responsibility for installation expenses. Limited logistical support for transportation may be available upon specific request and approval, according to program guidelines.

    Prospective participants must complete official application documentation accessible through the Department of Environment’s digital portals. The administration has established a substantial application window, with all submissions due by February 20, 2026.

    This program constitutes a core component of Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic national framework aimed at accelerating renewable energy adoption and fostering sustainable community infrastructure development across the dual-island nation.

  • FLASH : Taiwan launches two scholarship programs, registrations open

    FLASH : Taiwan launches two scholarship programs, registrations open

    The Taiwanese diplomatic mission in Port-au-Prince has unveiled two comprehensive scholarship programs for Haitian students seeking international education opportunities during the 2026 academic year. This initiative represents a significant expansion of educational cooperation between Taiwan and Haiti.

    Prospective applicants can choose between the MOFA Taiwan Scholarship Program, available in both General Subjects and Public Health specializations, and the ICDF International Higher Education Scholarship Program. These initiatives cater to students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies, creating multiple pathways for academic advancement.

    The General Subjects scholarship under the MOFA program offers Mandarin language instruction during the first year of study, accommodating students’ linguistic preferences. Conversely, the Public Health specialization and ICDF program deliver curriculum exclusively in English, eliminating language barriers for Haitian scholars.

    A critical requirement mandates that candidates select only one scholarship program, with applications violating this policy facing automatic disqualification. The application window remains open until February 27, 2026, requiring physical submission at the Taiwanese Embassy in Haiti.

    Comprehensive eligibility criteria and detailed application procedures have been published on the embassy’s official portal (https://www.roc-taiwan.org/ht_fr/cat/20.html), with dedicated documentation available for each program. This transparency ensures applicants can make informed decisions regarding their academic future.

    This educational partnership reinforces Taiwan’s commitment to fostering international academic exchange and supporting human capital development in Haiti through accessible higher education opportunities.

  • Powering the future: Solar energy at Woburn Methodist School

    Powering the future: Solar energy at Woburn Methodist School

    In a significant stride toward educational sustainability, the Sandals Foundation has unveiled a state-of-the-art solar energy system at Woburn Methodist School in Grenada. The EC$33,350 renewable infrastructure project marks a transformative investment in Caribbean educational resilience, formally commissioned during a ceremonial handover event attended by school officials, community partners, and education stakeholders.

    Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, emphasized the critical nexus between energy security and educational development: “Education stands as a paramount catalyst for national progress. Consistent energy access amplifies digital instruction, enhances teacher readiness, and fortifies institutional sustainability. This solar transition embodies both practical utility and visionary planning—bolstering present-day learning while future-proofing educational institutions.”

    The newly installed solar array directly supports technology-integrated pedagogy, ensuring uninterrupted computer-based learning, stable internet connectivity, and multimedia teaching capabilities. Principal Richard Japal noted the growing importance of reliable electricity in modern education systems: “As regional schools evolve into digital access points, energy resilience becomes fundamental to preparing students for a dynamically changing global economy.”

    Beyond academic applications, the project amplifies community-wide benefits. Woburn Methodist School functions as a hurricane shelter and community hub for meetings, training programs, and development initiatives. This infrastructure enhancement strengthens local disaster resilience while advancing national energy security objectives.

    District Education Officer Curleen Aban-Marshall highlighted the multidimensional impact: “This initiative transcends mere technical installation—it represents a transfer of hope, sustainability, and empowerment. Students now gain firsthand exposure to renewable energy systems, aligning perfectly with Grenada’s national mission for environmental stewardship and climate resilience.”

    The Woburn installation joins an expanding network of solar-powered institutions established by the Sandals Foundation across the Caribbean, collectively advancing sustainable infrastructure for schools, community centers, and medical clinics throughout the region.

  • GTA Chairman among public life officials who failed to declare assets

    GTA Chairman among public life officials who failed to declare assets

    Grenada’s Integrity Commission has publicly identified several prominent public officials for their failure to submit mandatory asset declarations as required by national law. The list includes Randall Dolland, Chairman of the Grenada Tourism Authority, two medical practitioners, and multiple police officers of varying ranks.

    The Commission’s notice, published in the January 23, 2026 Government Gazette and signed by Chairman Gillian Bristol, reveals these officials have neglected their legal obligation to declare assets, liabilities, income, and interests since the government transition in 2022. This disclosure marks a significant enforcement action under Grenada’s Public Life Act.

    Notably, Dolland continues to serve as GTA chairman despite his original three-year appointment technically expiring in 2025. The National Democratic Congress Administration initially appointed Dolland to this position, with his board tenure formally commencing on August 8, 2022. While no official reappointment notice has been gazetted, verification with the GTA confirms his continued service in the role.

    The published notice explicitly outlines the legal consequences for non-compliance, including potential fines up to EC$200,000 or imprisonment for up to five years. The Commission maintains authority to seek court orders compelling compliance through ex parte applications.

    Grenada’s Public Life Act designates numerous government-affiliated positions as ‘public life’ roles subject to these transparency requirements, including senators, parliament members, commission appointees, and statutory board chairpersons. The legislation aims to maintain accountability and prevent corruption among officials holding public trust.

  • Business magnate Noel Cadasse dies at 80

    Business magnate Noel Cadasse dies at 80

    The Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia is mourning the loss of distinguished entrepreneur and public servant Noel Samuel Cadasse, who passed away peacefully at his Canadian residence at the age of 80. The prominent business leader, whose remarkable journey began in the coastal village of Anse La Raye, built an impressive legacy across multiple industries before his eventual migration to Canada.

    Cadasse’s business acumen first emerged through his representation of regional insurance providers, eventually culminating in the establishment of his own successful venture, First National Insurance Company. His entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond insurance into diverse sectors including bakery operations and tourism development. His most notable contribution to Saint Lucia’s hospitality industry was the creation of Caribees Hotel at La Panse, one of the first locally owned and operated hotels during its era.

    Beyond his commercial achievements, Cadasse dedicated significant effort to public service, serving as a former senator and contributing his expertise to numerous organizational boards. His leadership extended to chairing Saint Lucia’s Gaming Control Commission, where he helped shape regulatory frameworks for the industry.

    Following his relocation to Canada with his family, Cadasse continued to demonstrate his business prowess while gradually transitioning toward retirement. His reflective memoir, “Ebb and Flow – The Life Journey of Noel Cadasse,” captured the essence of his extraordinary personal and professional evolution.

    The British Crown recognized his substantial contributions to community development, infrastructure, and economic growth by awarding him the prestigious Office of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E) during the 2025 King’s Birthday Honors. Cadasse is survived by his wife Julia and their children, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of Saint Lucian entrepreneurs.

  • US$500 Reward Offered for Missing Cat Accidentally Released Near Willoughby Bay

    US$500 Reward Offered for Missing Cat Accidentally Released Near Willoughby Bay

    An American visitor to Antigua has launched an urgent search operation, offering a $500 reward for the safe recovery of a rescue cat that was accidentally released near the Crossroads Centre in Willoughby Bay. The incident has sparked a community-wide effort to reunite the traveler with his feline companion.

    According to local animal welfare organization Paaws Antigua, the visitor had completed all necessary documentation and made comprehensive arrangements to transport the cat to the United States. The mix-up occurred when the animal was inadvertently released before the travel plans were finalized, despite the completed paperwork.

    The emotional bond between the visitor and the cat has become central to the story. Paaws Antigua revealed that the American had developed a profound connection with the animal during his stay, describing how the cat had ‘built a home in his heart.’ The organization characterized the visitor as ‘heartbroken’ over the unexpected separation.

    Local authorities and animal welfare experts are advising the public on proper handling procedures. If community members can safely secure the cat, they are encouraged to do so using appropriate caution. Alternatively, witnesses should maintain visual contact with the animal and immediately contact Paaws Antigua’s emergency response team, which has mobilized recovery specialists to handle the situation.

    The organization has issued a public appeal for widespread information sharing through social networks and community channels. This collaborative effort aims to maximize visibility and increase the chances of successful reunion between the emotional support animal and its intended owner before the scheduled departure.

  • VIDEO: A new dawn in SVG

    VIDEO: A new dawn in SVG

    After more than two decades of dedicated journalism, a seasoned reporter has witnessed an unprecedented political transformation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Throughout a distinguished 23-year career spanning monumental national events—from the inaugural opening of Argyle International Airport to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Beryl—the journalist had documented every significant occurrence except one: a change in government.

    This democratic nation, which regularly holds elections at five-year intervals, maintained remarkable political stability for over two decades. The journalist’s extensive reporting portfolio includes coverage of the catastrophic La Soufrière volcanic eruptions, events that have occurred only three times within a 120-year timeframe (1902, 1979, and 2021), with intervals of 77 and 42 years between activations.

    Despite experiencing these rare geological phenomena and extreme weather events, the most extraordinary development emerged from the political arena. The recent electoral process marked a historic departure from the status quo, presenting the journalist with a unique opportunity to document a peaceful transfer of power for the first time in their professional career. This political milestone represents not just administrative change but a significant evolution in the nation’s democratic narrative, demonstrating the maturation of constitutional processes in the Caribbean nation.

  • Disaster Office Assesses Buckleys Primary School During Earthquake Drill

    Disaster Office Assesses Buckleys Primary School During Earthquake Drill

    Buckleys Primary School in Antigua has emerged as a model institution for disaster readiness, following a comprehensive earthquake preparedness drill conducted on Tuesday. The exercise, which involved the entire student body of over 100 children, was observed and evaluated by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) as part of ongoing efforts to fortify the education sector against natural hazards.

    The school’s enhanced preparedness capabilities stem from its inclusion in the transformative Model Safe School Programme Enhancement Works. This regional initiative, spearheaded by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, represents a significant investment in school safety. The program, made possible through substantial funding from the Government of Norway in 2024, focuses on both physical infrastructure improvements and the development of robust emergency protocols.

    This strategic collaboration between national agencies and international partners demonstrates a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction. By upgrading school facilities and implementing regular, realistic drills, the program aims to create educational environments that can better withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters, thereby protecting both students and staff.

  • Fond Cole Improvement Committee slated to elect new members at next meeting

    Fond Cole Improvement Committee slated to elect new members at next meeting

    The Fond Cole community is mobilizing for a significant democratic event as its Improvement Committee prepares to host a general meeting featuring the election of new leadership. Scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time, the gathering will take place at the Fond Cole Community Centre, serving as a crucial platform for civic engagement.

    In an official communiqué, the committee confirmed that election procedures will be formally supervised by representatives from the Local Government Division, ensuring transparent and standardized electoral protocols. Community members are being actively urged to participate in this democratic process, with emphasis placed on punctual attendance to facilitate smooth proceedings.

    The Fond Cole Improvement Committee operates as a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to community betterment through multifaceted initiatives. Its operational spectrum encompasses public events, youth development programs, environmental clean-up campaigns, and athletic activities, collectively working to elevate quality of life throughout the neighborhood. This election represents a pivotal moment for the community to shape its developmental trajectory through democratically elected representation.

  • Family Pleads for Support After Explosion Destroys Home

    Family Pleads for Support After Explosion Destroys Home

    A devastating household gas explosion has left a Belize City family in dire circumstances, resulting in severe injuries to a elderly dementia patient and complete destruction of their residential property. The incident occurred on Rio Bravo Crescent in the Faber’s Road Extension area over the weekend when 79-year-old Kenneth Flowers attempted to prepare a beverage using a stove connected to a disconnected gas tank.

    Mr. Flowers, who suffers from dementia, described the traumatic moment: “I illuminated the stove and placed water to heat. Suddenly, I detected cracking sounds emanating from the tank… Before I could properly evacuate the area, flames erupted directly from the burner into my facial region, throwing me to the ground.”

    The explosion caused critical burn injuries requiring immediate emergency transport to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. His daughter, Andrea Flowers Sanchez, had momentarily departed to procure groceries when neighboring relatives alerted her to the catastrophic event. “I urgently secured taxi transportation to return home,” Sanchez explained. “I had no alternative supervision for my father during my absence. I merely seized a brief opportunity to obtain nourishment when this tragedy occurred.”

    Sanchez clarified she had previously disconnected the gas tank from the cooking appliance, but her father’s cognitive condition likely caused him to overlook this safety precaution. The conflagration consumed all household possessions, leaving the family without essential furnishings and financial resources.

    While community members have provided clothing donations, the family’s most pressing requirements include bedroom furnishings, bedding materials, infant care products, and monetary assistance. Sanchez, who serves as primary caregiver for both her elderly father and two-year-old son, emphasized their precarious living situation: “We urgently require financial support… My father currently rests on a sofa, which causes him considerable discomfort. We lack adequate space at my mother’s residence.”