Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Dangerously hot conditions in effect for Antigua and Barbuda

    Dangerously hot conditions in effect for Antigua and Barbuda

    The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued an excessive heat warning, alerting residents to dangerously high temperatures expected to persist across the islands through Sunday. The advisory, active daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., highlights that the heat index—a combination of temperature and humidity—could soar to 43°C (109°F). Meteorologists attribute the extreme conditions to a mix of high temperatures, elevated humidity, and light winds, which collectively create ‘dangerous heat stress conditions.’

    While the risk level is classified as medium, the service warns that the heatwave could lead to severe health issues, including heat cramps, exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and low-income or homeless populations are particularly at risk.

    Authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures, including staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activities, checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors, and seeking shade or cool areas if feeling unwell. They also emphasized the importance of recognizing symptoms of heat stroke, such as confusion, fainting, or dangerously high body temperature, and immediately contacting emergency services if these signs appear.

    Updates on the situation will be provided on the official website antiguamet.com and through the meteorological service’s social media channels. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary steps to protect themselves and others during this extreme weather event.

  • Antigua’s Youth Tourism Minister Calls for Sustainability, Technology, and Inclusion

    Antigua’s Youth Tourism Minister Calls for Sustainability, Technology, and Inclusion

    At the 21st Regional Tourism Youth Congress held on Thursday, Antigua and Barbuda’s Junior Minister of Tourism, Kiara Kwenga, delivered a compelling call to action, urging her regional counterparts to prioritize sustainability, technology, and social inclusion as the future pillars of Caribbean tourism. Kwenga emphasized that the traditional reliance on ‘sun, sea, and sand’ is no longer sufficient to maintain the region’s competitive edge in the global tourism market. She highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s proactive environmental initiatives, including the ban on single-use plastics, coral reef restoration projects, and the establishment of the Barbuda Blue Halo marine reserve, as examples of leadership in sustainable tourism. On the technological front, Kwenga showcased innovative solutions such as virtual reality previews for travel agents, paperless digital immigration systems, and augmented reality storytelling at historical sites like Nelson’s Dockyard. She also revealed plans to develop AI-powered multilingual apps to serve as ‘digital ambassadors’ for visitors. Kwenga further underscored the importance of community-based tourism and economic inclusion, citing initiatives like Culinary Month in May, which promotes local cuisine while extending the tourism season and supporting local farmers, chefs, and restaurants. Microfinancing and training programs were also highlighted as key strategies to ensure tourism revenues benefit local communities. ‘What we are crafting in Antigua and Barbuda is not merely a tourism product. It is a vision — where innovation meets tradition, where paradise is protected, and where every citizen shares in the promise of progress,’ Kwenga stated. The Congress also featured presentations from young delegates, including 16-year-old Jolé St. John of Tobago, the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s 2025 Regional Junior Tourism Minister, who spoke on leveraging heritage tourism for development. Other participants included Junior Ministers from Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, among others. The Youth Congress, a flagship initiative of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, aims to cultivate critical thinking, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the tourism sector among young leaders aged 14 to 17, offering a glimpse into the future of the industry.

  • High Surf Advisory Issued for Antigua and Barbuda

    High Surf Advisory Issued for Antigua and Barbuda

    The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a high surf advisory, alerting residents and visitors to potentially dangerous sea conditions expected to persist over the coming days. Moderate, long-period swells are predicted to generate waves ranging from 6 to 10 feet (2–3 meters), with occasional larger sets, particularly along the northern and western coastlines of the islands. The advisory, which extends from Friday through Tuesday, also encompasses neighboring eastern Caribbean territories, including the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat, and St Kitts and Nevis. Authorities have highlighted significant risks such as life-threatening rip currents, beach erosion, coastal flooding, and potential property damage. Beachgoers are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid rocky shorelines, and swim only in areas supervised by lifeguards. The Meteorological Service emphasized the importance of heeding the advisory and staying informed through official channels for updates. For further details, the public is encouraged to visit the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service’s website and social media platforms.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Hosts National Priority Workshop on Hazardous Waste Management

    Antigua and Barbuda Hosts National Priority Workshop on Hazardous Waste Management

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, in collaboration with the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC–Caribbean), convened a pivotal National Priority Workshop on Hazardous Waste Management on October 2, 2025. Held at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI) in Osbourn, the event marked a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to address hazardous waste challenges. The workshop was part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) ISLANDS Programme, a regional initiative aimed at fostering sustainable and non-chemical development across twelve Caribbean nations. Antigua and Barbuda is currently implementing Output 2.2 of the programme, which focuses on developing a National Hazardous Waste Strategy and Roadmap. This comprehensive strategy aims to strengthen policy frameworks, assess national capacities, and outline actionable steps for managing priority waste streams, including PCBs/POPs, obsolete pesticides, PFAS-containing foams, electronic waste, used lead-acid batteries, waste oils, and healthcare waste. During the workshop, national representatives emphasized the urgency of tackling hazardous waste, noting its growing risks to the country’s natural beauty and public health. A key concern highlighted was the improper categorization and treatment of medical waste, a challenge shared across the Caribbean region. The event served as both a validation and planning forum, enabling stakeholders to review collected data, identify gaps, and establish short-, medium-, and long-term priorities. Presentations covered initial assessments of national capacity, sectoral consultations, and field visit outcomes. Discussions also focused on prioritizing critical waste issues, setting the stage for the next phase of roadmap validation. The session concluded with a Country Engagement Forum led by BCRC–Caribbean, providing an overview of regional activities and gathering stakeholder feedback. By uniting government agencies, technical experts, and local stakeholders, the workshop underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to enhancing its hazardous waste management framework under the ISLANDS Programme.

  • Rotary Club of Antigua Advances Education Through Technology Programme

    Rotary Club of Antigua Advances Education Through Technology Programme

    The Rotary Club of Antigua has taken a significant step forward in its mission to enhance education and professional development through its Education Through Technology Programme. On October 1, 2025, the organization distributed laptops to several key institutions and educators, marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide. Among the recipients were The Tiny Smiles Preschool and Daycare Centre, the New Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Academy, the Caribbean Council of the Blind, the Industrial Workshop for the Blind, The Victory Center, and Industrial Arts Teacher Fitzgerald Ponde. Each representative expressed profound gratitude for the Rotary Club’s support in advancing technological growth and training within their respective fields. President Elisa Graham emphasized the club’s unwavering commitment to fostering technological development among young minds, highlighting the collaboration with international partners, such as the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club from Washington State. This initiative underscores the Rotary Club of Antigua’s dedication to leveraging local and global resources to meet the evolving needs of schools and students.

  • Alburquerque criticizes senate tip law, warns delivery workers and consumers will suffer

    Alburquerque criticizes senate tip law, warns delivery workers and consumers will suffer

    In a recent critique of legislative changes, former Vice President Rafael Alburquerque voiced strong opposition to a Senate amendment to the Labor Code, which mandates a 10% tip on food deliveries. Alburquerque argued that this law would impose additional financial burdens on consumers while simultaneously undermining the earnings and benefits of delivery workers.

  • Youth signals outside court spark concern

    Youth signals outside court spark concern

    Barbados is grappling with a surge in gang-related activities, as young men charged with violent offenses openly display apparent gang signs outside courtrooms. This alarming trend has heightened public concern and underscored the growing influence of gang culture amidst the nation’s ongoing struggle to curb street violence. The situation has prompted urgent calls from sociologists for deeper research and targeted interventions to address the root causes of youth involvement in gangs. Dr. Dwayne Devonish, Professor of Management and Organisational Behaviour at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill, emphasized the need for comprehensive studies to understand the factors driving gang affiliation. According to Dr. Devonish, the Criminal Justice Research and Planning Unit identified six dominant gangs across 50 local neighborhoods in Barbados, with membership ranging from 15 to 50 individuals, typically aged 17 to 40. While he cautioned against assuming all individuals displaying gang signs are active members, he acknowledged the cultural significance of such gestures. Dr. Devonish highlighted the critical role of schools, which have increasingly become recruitment grounds for gangs, and stressed the importance of vigilance from law enforcement and state agencies. He also pointed out a troubling trend where gang affiliation is now seen as a badge of honor among young Barbadians, signaling loyalty and toughness. This normalization of criminality, coupled with declining public confidence in law enforcement, poses a significant challenge that requires immediate and focused action to reverse.

  • Queen’s College week blends tradition with fun for Class of 2026

    Queen’s College week blends tradition with fun for Class of 2026

    For students, alumni, and staff of Queen’s College (QC), QC Week transcends a mere schedule of events. It is a profound blend of pride, nostalgia, and joy, culminating in a heartfelt farewell for the Class of 2026 as they prepare to etch their names into the school’s illustrious 142-year history. The week-long celebration commenced at St. Augustine Anglican Church in St. George, where Reverend Yolanda Clarke delivered an inspiring sermon. The resonant school song underscored the deep connection among alumni, staff, parents, and students, setting the tone for the festivities. The spirit of unity continued during Monday’s joint assembly in the school hall, where attorney Kamisha Benjamin urged students to seize opportunities and craft their own narratives of excellence. One of the week’s highlights was the role-reversal event orchestrated by the graduating class. Teachers donned student attire while students assumed the role of educators, infusing the school with laughter and creativity. This activity symbolized the seniors’ desire to leave a lasting mark of ingenuity and pride as they bid farewell to their alma mater. Sharon Callender, a staff representative on the QCA Committee, remarked, “This graduating class organized themselves to swap places with the teachers, creating a memorable and lighthearted experience.” The celebrations continued with “I Love QC Day!” on Friday, encouraging students and alumni worldwide to proudly display their QC colors, ties, and wristbands. The week concluded with a karaoke lime at Pelican Village on Saturday and a luncheon at Coconut Court Hotel on Sunday. For the Class of 2026, QC Week was a poignant farewell, filled with pride, cherished memories, and the assurance that they are part of a legacy that continues to shine brightly.

  • Dominican coffee harvest at risk amid severe labor shortage

    Dominican coffee harvest at risk amid severe labor shortage

    The Dominican Republic is on the brink of losing its most promising coffee harvest in a decade, jeopardizing over RD$6 billion in potential income for coffee-producing families. This year, farmers anticipate producing more than 300,000 quintals of coffee—the highest yield since 2013—coinciding with historic highs in international coffee prices, where a quintal is valued at RD$21,500. However, a severe labor shortage threatens to derail this economic boon. In the southern region alone, producers expect over 120,000 quintals, but many fear the crop could spoil due to insufficient workers for harvesting. Traditionally reliant on Haitian laborers, farmers now face restrictions that have left them without viable alternatives. Compounding the crisis, heavy rains in October have accelerated the ripening process, heightening the urgency. Producers are criticizing the government for its inaction, highlighting that neither the Dominican Coffee Institute (INDOCAFE) nor the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented contingency measures. ‘Every pound of coffee that falls to the ground represents 21 pesos lost forever,’ lamented one grower, warning that without immediate intervention, this golden opportunity for rural communities could turn into an economic disaster.

  • Marshall: Downgrade based on US law, not global measures

    Marshall: Downgrade based on US law, not global measures

    Barbados is formulating a comprehensive action plan to address the United States’ decision to downgrade its human trafficking efforts, Attorney General Dale Marshall announced on Thursday. This comes in response to the US State Department’s criticism that the island nation failed to prosecute trafficking cases or assist victims for the third consecutive year. The downgrade, which moved Barbados from Tier 2 to the Tier 2 Watch List in the 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, has prompted Bridgetown to intensify its efforts to reverse the decision. Marshall expressed confidence that the proposed measures would persuade the US to reconsider its assessment. He emphasized that the downgrade was based on US domestic law, specifically the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, rather than international standards. Marshall defended Barbados’ commitment to combating human trafficking, stating that the government takes the issue ‘very seriously’ and has redoubled its efforts in recent years. However, he acknowledged that the number of trafficking cases in Barbados is relatively low, which influences the scale of the response. The Attorney General also rejected Washington’s recommendation to establish specialized courts for trafficking cases, citing feasibility concerns. Barbados has previously been on the Tier 2 Watch List between 2011-2013 and 2019-2021. The TIP Report highlighted several shortcomings, including the absence of trafficking investigations, prosecutions, or victim assistance during the reporting period. While the government has conducted public awareness campaigns and screened vulnerable populations, these efforts were deemed insufficient to maintain its Tier 2 status. The US also criticized provisions in Barbados’ Trafficking in Persons Prevention Act that allow fines instead of imprisonment for sex trafficking, arguing that such penalties undermine the severity of the offense. Systemic issues, such as limited resources, court backlogs, and the prioritization of other crimes by law enforcement, were also cited as contributing factors. Despite these challenges, Barbados remains determined to address the concerns and improve its standing in future TIP reports.