Carib Scope

分类： society

  • New wastewater plant in five-year plan to turn sewage into irrigation

    New wastewater plant in five-year plan to turn sewage into irrigation

    Barbados is poised to revolutionize its agricultural sector through a landmark infrastructure initiative designed to convert sewage into a sustainable irrigation resource. The Climate Resilient South Coast Water Reclamation Project, a five-year development program, will provide treated wastewater to farmers at government-regulated prices, potentially reducing irrigation expenses significantly.

    Government officials confirmed that pricing structures for reclaimed water would be determined at the ministerial level, separate from the Barbados Water Authority’s purview. Current rates have already decreased from $1.80 to $1.00 per unit in recent years, with further reductions anticipated once the new system becomes operational.

    Technical specifications reveal an advanced multi-stage purification process beginning with mechanical screening to remove solid debris. The wastewater will then undergo biological treatment, particle filtration, and reverse osmosis purification—utilizing technology similar to the Spring Garden desalination facility—to achieve the Ministry of Agriculture’s strict standard of 450 milligrams per liter of total dissolved solids.

    Dr. John Mwansa, Technical Adviser for the Barbados Water Authority, emphasized the climate-resilient design elements: “The new treatment plant is being constructed four meters higher than existing facilities as protection against storm surges and rising sea levels.”

    The comprehensive system includes a 25-kilometer transmission pipeline extending along the ABC Highway toward St. George Valley, with ultraviolet and chlorine disinfection preventing biological growth within the distribution network. During rainy seasons when irrigation demand decreases, excess treated water will recharge aquifers through five injection wells, creating sustainable water reserves.

    Additional project components involve drilling new boreholes at Gibbons Boggs and upgrading the Bridgetown Sewage Treatment Plant to supplement water supplies toward the Botanical Gardens region. The Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation will manage distribution through existing irrigation networks, though farmers won’t receive reclaimed water until construction concludes in approximately five years.

  • Ariza Credit Union: Call for nominations

    Ariza Credit Union: Call for nominations

    The financial community in Grenada is currently engaged in significant discourse regarding governance protocols within local credit unions. This conversation has gained momentum following the public nomination process for key leadership positions, specifically targeting roles on the Board of Directors and the crucial Credit Committee. These developments highlight a growing emphasis on transparency and accountability within member-driven financial institutions.

  • Four Candidates Qualified Under St Philip’s South Scholarship Programme to Attend UWI Five Islands Campus

    Four Candidates Qualified Under St Philip’s South Scholarship Programme to Attend UWI Five Islands Campus

    ST. PHILIP’S SOUTH, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – A significant educational milestone has been achieved in the St. Philip’s South Constituency as Senator Hon. Kiz Johnson, ABLP Caretaker, revealed that four exceptional candidates have been selected for the constituency’s Scholarship Programme. These scholars will pursue their academic ambitions at the prestigious University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWI FIC).

    The scholarship initiative, which initially announced five available awards, generated substantial interest among constituency residents, demonstrating a strong community commitment to educational advancement. After implementing a meticulous and competitive evaluation process, four applicants successfully met all established criteria for the program’s inaugural cohort, which is scheduled to commence in the near future.

    Senator Johnson originally unveiled this educational initiative on December 12, 2025, as part of her comprehensive strategy to enhance learning opportunities and develop human capital within St. Philip’s South. The program reflects her philosophical commitment to education as a transformative force, with Senator Johnson emphasizing: ‘Education possesses the profound power to transform families, communities, and individual destinies. The people of St. Philip’s South merit every opportunity to achieve upward mobility and realize their full potential.’

    The successful scholarship recipients who will participate in the 10-week academic program include:
    – Ruetoya Browne
    – Egypt Emanuel
    – Carlene Thomas
    – D’Hijah Matthew

    Senator Johnson extended her congratulations to the selected candidates, acknowledging their achievement in meeting the program’s rigorous standards. She encouraged them to approach their educational journey with dedication, academic discipline, and self-assurance as pioneering participants in this constituency-based initiative.

    The Senator also expressed genuine appreciation to all applicants who sought consideration for the St. Philip’s South (SPS) Scholarship Programme, noting that the robust response demonstrated a clear constituency-wide commitment to educational advancement and professional development.

    In recognition of collaborative support, Senator Johnson specifically thanked Dr. Dave Ray, Diaspora Liaison, for his valuable contributions to the scholarship program. She simultaneously issued an open invitation to potential donors and organizational partners to assist in expanding the initiative’s reach. Senator Johnson has articulated ambitious plans to scale the program throughout the coming months, thereby enabling additional beneficiaries to receive support in subsequent cohorts.

    ‘The overwhelming response to this initiative confirms our constituency’s deep hunger for educational opportunities and personal growth,’ Senator Johnson observed. ‘Through sustained partnerships and community support, this scholarship program will evolve into a robust and enduring pathway toward opportunity and advancement for the people of St. Philip’s South.’

  • Dominica’s iconic “Aie Dominique” at centre of multiple copyright litigation actions

    Dominica’s iconic “Aie Dominique” at centre of multiple copyright litigation actions

    The Eastern Caribbean nation of Dominica finds itself at the center of a groundbreaking legal confrontation surrounding the beloved patriotic song ‘Aie Dominique,’ with two separate lawsuits filed at the High Court that could reshape artistic rights protection across the Caribbean region.

    Original composer Ophelia has initiated legal proceedings against both Cornell Phillip and the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC), asserting violations of her moral rights as the song’s creator. These rights encompass artistic protections including proper attribution, prevention of false authorship claims, and safeguarding against derogatory treatment of creative works.

    In a parallel litigation, music publisher McCarthy Marie has filed suit against the DOC alleging unauthorized reproduction and distribution of the composition. The complaint specifically references the committee’s synchronization of an instrumental version with visual elements in promotional materials without obtaining necessary licensing permissions or creator consent.

    This legal confrontation emerges against the backdrop of a significant precedent established in July 2023, when artist Sean Caruth secured a landmark victory against the Tobago House of Assembly in a similar moral rights case. Legal experts observe that the outcome of these concurrent lawsuits could establish crucial jurisprudence regarding the protection of authors’ and performers’ moral rights under Caribbean copyright law frameworks.

    The cases have attracted substantial public attention due to the song’s profound cultural resonance within Dominican society. All parties are scheduled to appear before the High Court of Dominica in coming weeks, with proceedings expected to clarify institutional obligations regarding rights clearance procedures for copyrighted material in multimedia productions.

  • Calypso queen walks free after judge rules no case to answer

    Calypso queen walks free after judge rules no case to answer

    In a decisive courtroom ruling, former calypso monarch Aziza Kebret Tsgaye Clarke was exonerated on Thursday when the No. 5 Supreme Court determined she had no case to answer regarding charges of assisting an offender. Justice Pamela Beckles delivered the judgment, characterizing the evidence presented by police investigators as “manifestly unreliable and poor.

    The prosecution, led by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Krystal Delaney and Senior State Counsel Kevin Forde, had accused Clarke of transporting Hakeem Stuart from Briar Hall to Graeme Hall, Christ Church on March 21, 2019, allegedly to impede his lawful apprehension for murder or another arrestable offense. The State contended Clarke had knowledge of Stuart’s actions.

    Following the closure of the prosecution’s case earlier this week, Clarke’s defense team—comprising senior counsels Michael Lashley, Angella Mitchell-Gittens, and defense attorney Sade Harris—filed a no-case submission. They successfully argued that the prosecution failed to establish any evidence demonstrating their client’s awareness of Stuart’s alleged crimes.

    Justice Beckles ruled emphatically in favor of the defense, stating: “Having reviewed all the evidence before the court and all the submissions, I conclude that the case against the accused is not very thin. It is less than thin!” She further explained that even considering circumstantial evidence at its strongest, and drawing all reasonable inferences favorable to the prosecution, no properly directed jury could conclude guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The judge highlighted the critical failure of the investigation, noting that the evidence from investigating officers was “so discredited upon cross-examination that they failed to make up the case for the prosecution.”

    Emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom as Clarke, a resident of Bonnetts, Brittons Hill, St Michael, broke down in tears upon hearing the verdict. Justice Beckles instructed the jury of six women and three men to return a formal not-guilty verdict.

    Outside the Supreme Court Complex, Clarke expressed her gratitude to supporters, stating: “I don’t really have much to say. I just want to thank God, thank my lawyers, thank the judge and the jury and everybody who supported me on this journey. It wasn’t much people, but I am thankful for the few I had. God is the greatest.”

  • Speeding driver on cell phone jailed for killing teen cyclist

    Speeding driver on cell phone jailed for killing teen cyclist

    In a landmark ruling at the Kingstown High Court, Justice Rickie Burnett has sentenced 41-year-old Kashaka Holder to 19 months imprisonment for causing the death of 13-year-old cyclist Dezy Lavia through dangerous driving. The fatal incident occurred on May 14, 2023, beneath the Orange Hill bridge, where Holder—simultaneously operating his vehicle and using a mobile phone—struck the teenage victim.

    Holder, a construction worker and former taxi driver from Byera, pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving resulting in death. Court proceedings revealed that he was driving at excessive speed on the wrong side of the road when his vehicle, HV-112, collided with Lavia’s orange BMX bicycle around 6 p.m. The impact inflicted catastrophic injuries that proved fatal at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital later that evening.

    An eyewitness testified to observing Holder both speeding and engaged with his mobile phone immediately before the collision. Police investigations confirmed the absence of lighting on the bicycles and noted the particularly dark conditions of the area where the tragedy unfolded.

    Despite Holder’s emotional appeals to avoid incarceration—including reports of his profound grief and sleepless nights—Justice Burnett emphasized the irreversible void left in the Lavia family. The court also imposed a two-year driving prohibition following Holder’s prison release, noting his already-suspended license at the time of the incident.

    The sentencing process incorporated both aggravating factors (including Holder’s phone use and wrong-side driving) and mitigating considerations (his guilty plea and cooperation with authorities). From a starting point of 2 years and 5 months (35% of the maximum 7-year sentence), the final 19-month term reflected these balanced deliberations.

    Dezroy Lavia, the victim’s father, expressed forgiveness toward Holder while criticizing systemic judicial delays that prolonged the family’s anguish. He noted particular emotional struggles during family-oriented occasions like Mother’s Day and acknowledged temptations toward vigilante justice during the extended pretrial period.

    Legal representation included Grant Connell for the defense and Crown Counsel Devon Bute prosecuting the case.

  • Maria Browne Offers 20 Fully Funded Scholarships to St. John’s Rural East Residents

    Maria Browne Offers 20 Fully Funded Scholarships to St. John’s Rural East Residents

    In a significant educational advancement for local residents, a new scholarship initiative has been unveiled offering comprehensive funding for specialized short courses at the University of the West Indies Global Campus. The program will provide 20 fully funded scholarships specifically designed for constituents seeking career-focused education opportunities.

    This educational initiative represents a strategic investment in human capital development, emphasizing practical, industry-relevant training that directly aligns with workforce requirements. The curriculum has been carefully selected to ensure participants gain immediately applicable skills that enhance both employability and professional growth prospects within the local constituency.

    According to program organizers, the primary objective is to democratize access to quality education while simultaneously addressing specific community development needs. The scholarships form part of broader preparatory measures being implemented ahead of 2026, indicating a long-term commitment to educational accessibility and workforce readiness at the grassroots level.

    The University of the West Indies Global Campus partnership ensures that recipients will benefit from internationally recognized certification while receiving training tailored to regional economic demands. This collaboration between educational institutions and constituency leadership demonstrates an innovative approach to addressing educational disparities and economic development simultaneously.

  • Gov’t ends rental fees for school sports

    Gov’t ends rental fees for school sports

    In a significant policy shift aimed at supporting youth development, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has abolished all fees for national playing field usage during school athletic competitions. The announcement came from Senator Lavern King, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, during an education forum held on Thursday.

    The policy change means schools will no longer face financial barriers to accessing national sports facilities for their primary athletic events, which typically occur during the second academic term. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to enhancing student development through sports participation.

    Complementing the fee elimination, Senator King revealed that prize money for both Inter-Secondary and Inter-Primary Championships will be substantially increased following recommendations from Senior Minister Phillip Jackson. The enhanced rewards are designed to provide more tangible recognition for student athletes’ dedication and achievements.

    “We are aiming to show a more tangible appreciation for our students’ hard work and accomplishments in athletics,” King stated, emphasizing the government’s holistic approach to education.

    The minister also announced a partnership with the Brunch and Soca Foundation, which will contribute EC$1,000 cash awards each to the victor and victrix ludorum (top male and female athletes) at inter-secondary school sports competitions.

    Furthermore, King issued a call to action for private businesses, alumni networks, and community leaders to support educational institutions through adoption programs or direct support for school-based clubs and societies. This collaborative approach seeks to invest comprehensively in the nation’s youth development.

    “These initiatives reflect our commitment to nurturing well-rounded students academically, socially and athletically,” King explained. “We believe that participation in extracurricular activities builds discipline, teamwork and a sense of pride.”

  • Govt to hire 2 more experts to boost volcano monitoring

    Govt to hire 2 more experts to boost volcano monitoring

    The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is significantly enhancing its volcanic surveillance capabilities through a dual strategy of infrastructure investment and specialized staffing. Minister of Disaster Management St. Clair Leacock has announced the creation of new positions for geoscientist and seismic technician to strengthen monitoring operations at La Soufrière volcano.

    The announcement coincided with the official handover ceremony of the newly renovated and retrofitted Belmont Volcano Observatory in Rose Hall on Monday. Minister Leacock, who also serves as deputy prime minister and national security minister, emphasized the facility’s critical role in advancing volcanic research, community-based early warning systems, and international academic collaborations.

    Substantial technical upgrades form the backbone of the enhanced monitoring network. The national seismic monitoring system will see the installation of eight new mountain stations alongside comprehensive upgrades to existing sites. A notable security feature involves enclosing all stations to protect against potential vandalism—a concern that prompted the minister’s public appeal for community cooperation in preserving vital safety equipment.

    Minister Leacock highlighted the project’s significance as representing “decades of preparation, institutional continuity, and national commitment to disaster readiness.” The observatory project was executed at a cost of EC$4.696 million through a World Bank concessional loan, with an additional US$1 million grant provided to the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) for specialized monitoring equipment.

    The minister praised NEMO as one of the nation’s best-run public institutions and commended director Michelle Forbes for her exceptional leadership and professionalism in advancing the country’s disaster preparedness capabilities.

  • Consultation to be held on issues affecting St. John’s City

    Consultation to be held on issues affecting St. John’s City

    The City of St. John’s is mobilizing its property and business owners for a pivotal public consultation focused on urban infrastructure and civic cleanliness. Scheduled for January 29 at 5:00 PM, the event will be held at the John E. St. Luce Conference Center on Sir Sydney Walling Highway.

    This forum, championed by Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner, aims to directly engage stakeholders in addressing critical quality-of-life issues. Under the banner “Your City. Your Voice,” the initiative seeks grassroots input on multiple urban challenges including waste management systems, road conditions, drainage infrastructure, aesthetic improvements, and the removal of derelict structures.

    The consultation will feature high-level government participation with confirmed attendance from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin, Housing and Works Minister Maria Browne, and Tourism Minister Charles Max Fernandez. This demonstrates the administration’s commitment to incorporating public feedback into policy decisions.

    Minister Turner emphasized the participatory nature of the initiative, stating: “The future of St. John’s starts with you. This consultation represents a genuine opportunity for citizens to shape the urban landscape through direct dialogue with decision-makers.”

    Organizers have identified key discussion pillars including: enhanced garbage collection protocols, curbs and drainage improvements, road infrastructure modernization, anti-littering measures, and strategic demolition of abandoned properties. The event structure will allow for both presentation of current challenges and collection of community-generated solutions.

    Interested participants are required to RSVP through designated channels to ensure adequate accommodations. This consultation marks a significant step in the city’s broader urban transformation agenda, positioning citizen engagement as central to municipal development strategies.