Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Minivan overturns in St Thomas

    Minivan overturns in St Thomas

    Emergency response teams are currently managing a critical incident in St. Thomas following the overturning of a minivan confirmed to have been transporting multiple children. Preliminary reports from the scene confirm that the accident resulted in injuries, though the exact number and severity of casualties remain under assessment by first responders.

    Authorities have mobilized a multi-agency emergency protocol, with paramedics, fire crews, and police officers working in coordination at the crash site. The primary focus of the operation is on providing immediate medical triage and securing the area to prevent further danger. The circumstances leading to the vehicle’s loss of control and subsequent rollover have not been officially determined, with investigations pending once the situation is stabilized.

    The community has been advised to avoid the vicinity to facilitate unimpeded access for emergency vehicles. Local hospitals have been placed on alert to receive and treat the injured. This incident has triggered a significant deployment of public safety resources, highlighting the vulnerabilities associated with road transport and evoking serious concerns among residents regarding traffic safety measures.

  • Six schools advance to finals of Sagicor Schools’ Choir Competition

    Six schools advance to finals of Sagicor Schools’ Choir Competition

    Four primary schools and two secondary institutions have secured their places in the upcoming finals of St. Lucia’s annual Sagicor Schools’ Choir Competition following rigorous auditions held from January 12-16. The primary division finalists include Augier Combined, Babonneau Primary, Canon Laurie Anglican Primary—the defending champions from last year’s competition—and Ave Maria Primary. In the secondary category, Sir Ira Simmons Secondary and Jon Odlum School of Arts, Media and Design will compete for top honors.

    Event organizer Jason ‘Bachelor’ Joseph, who transformed the traditional music festival into a competitive choir format four years ago, reported mixed developments in this year’s proceedings. While the number of participating schools declined from 16 to 12, Joseph observed significant qualitative improvements in musical arrangements and vocal techniques. ‘Teachers are arranging well now, the students are singing in parts compared to a lot of unison singing before,’ Joseph told St. Lucia Times, acknowledging the competition’s positive impact on choral education standards.

    However, Joseph identified persistent challenges, particularly regarding adherence to musical scores. ‘Some schools are not paying enough attention to the test piece. There is a score that goes with it, and they don’t study the music sheet,’ he noted, indicating room for growth in musical literacy.

    The competition format has adapted to this year’s participation patterns, with four primary schools and two secondary schools set to perform at the National Cultural Centre on February 4—a deviation from the traditional three-school-per-category structure due to one secondary school’s failure to qualify.

    Joseph attributed the overall participation decline to systemic challenges facing school music programs across the island. Transportation limitations and scheduling conflicts have particularly affected choir rehearsals, as larger groups struggle with after-school commitments that individual instrumentalists can more easily navigate. ‘To work with the larger groups, the teachers have been unable to rehearse after school,’ Joseph explained.

    In response to these challenges, Joseph is considering a return to the music festival format for future January events, which would accommodate both solo and group performances while providing broader representation of school music programs. This potential shift remains contingent on sponsor support, with Sagicor continuing as primary sponsor alongside the Nobel Laureate Festival Committee and the Ministry of Education.

  • APUA warns of water disruptions across Antigua during Crabbs plant maintenance

    APUA warns of water disruptions across Antigua during Crabbs plant maintenance

    Residents across multiple communities in Antigua should prepare for temporary water service interruptions as the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) undertakes essential maintenance operations at the Crabbs Reverse Osmosis Plant. Scheduled for Tuesday between 8:00 a.m. and approximately 6:00 p.m., this ten-hour project will focus on critical work involving the facility’s storage tank.

    During this period, consumers may encounter various service issues including complete short-term interruptions, significantly reduced water pressure, or abbreviated distribution cycles. While APUA anticipates full network restoration by early Wednesday morning, households situated at higher elevations are advised to expect potential delays as the system requires additional time to fully recharge and stabilize.

    The extensive list of affected areas encompasses numerous communities: Weirs, North Sound, Gunthorpes, Fitches Creek, Pigotts, Paynters, Lightfoot, Herberts, Sea View Farm, Potters, Parham, Pares, All Saints, Freemans Village, Clare Hall, Cassada Gardens, along with sections of Old Parham Road, Sir Sydney Walling Highway, and Friars Hill Road.

    APUA has formally apologized for any inconvenience resulting from these necessary maintenance activities and strongly recommends that residents implement appropriate contingency measures. The utility provider has directed customers seeking additional information to contact the APUA Support Centre at telephone number 211 for further assistance and updates.

  • APUA warns motorists after safety breach at Bishopgate Street work site

    APUA warns motorists after safety breach at Bishopgate Street work site

    The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has issued a formal safety alert to all drivers following a dangerous breach of a secured work area on Bishopgate Street. The incident occurred last Saturday when an unidentified motorist deliberately removed traffic control cones and entered an active construction site where critical mainline replacement operations are currently in progress.

    According to official reports, the unauthorized entry resulted in damage to specialized materials strategically positioned for the infrastructure project. APUA emphasized that this reckless action created substantial safety hazards for both construction personnel and the general public. The authority confirmed that the project has advanced to the delicate phase of customer reconnections, making compliance with safety protocols particularly crucial.

    In a detailed statement released Monday, utility officials highlighted that protective barriers, cones, and warning signage are implemented specifically to safeguard human lives and preserve essential infrastructure integrity. The breach not only endangered immediate safety but also threatens to delay the project’s completion timeline, potentially affecting utility services for surrounding communities.

    APUA has reinforced its appeal for all road users to strictly observe posted work zone directives, adhere to traffic management instructions, and refrain from entering cordoned-off areas throughout the construction period. The authority simultaneously expressed gratitude for public cooperation thus far and directed additional inquiries to its Support Center at telephone number 211.

  • President urges school youth groups revival

    President urges school youth groups revival

    In a significant address delivered at Bay Primary School this Monday, President Jeffrey Bostic issued a compelling national call to action aimed at revitalizing student engagement in school-based youth organizations. Framing his appeal against growing societal concerns over rising juvenile delinquency rates, the Head of State articulated a clear vision where extracurricular clubs are positioned as essential instruments for nurturing youth character and mitigating behavioral challenges.

    President Bostic expressed profound admiration upon observing uniformed members of groups like the Brownies, Cub Scouts, and Blossoms during his visit. He explicitly credited these organizations with instilling critical values of discipline and self-assurance in young participants. However, he concurrently voiced deep concern over a noticeable nationwide decline in membership figures for such programs.

    Declaring this issue a personal priority for his administration, President Bostic vowed to become an active champion for this cause. “During every official school visit I undertake, I will emphasize this point,” he stated. “We must take decisive action to reverse this trend. My ambition is to witness a dramatic surge in participation—I would ideally love to see the numbers double, whether during parade marches in Bridgetown or events at Kensington Oval.”

    The President underscored the multifaceted benefits of participation, extending beyond mere discipline. He emphasized that active involvement in these structured groups—ranging from uniformed organizations to school Christian fellowships and various academic clubs—is fundamentally crucial for holistic personal development and for fostering a robust sense of civic pride among the younger generation. This initiative is presented not merely as an extracurricular option but as a vital national strategy for positive youth development.

  • Medical school partners with major health charities

    Medical school partners with major health charities

    In a significant move to bridge medical education with community service, the American University of Barbados (AUB) has established formal partnerships with three prominent health organizations: the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados, the Barbados Diabetes Association, and the Barbados Cancer Society. The agreements, signed during a ceremony at the AUB campus in Wildey, create a structured framework for student placements, collaborative outreach programs, and joint research initiatives.

    Dr. Syed Kazmi, Dean of AUB, emphasized that these alliances are deeply aligned with the institution’s educational philosophy of service-based medical training. “This initiative fundamentally revolves around our commitment to giving back to the community,” Dr. Kazmi stated. The university has implemented an early clinical immersion program that exposes students to practical healthcare environments from the inception of their medical careers.

    Through these partnerships, medical students will gain hands-on experience by participating in health fairs, rehabilitation services, youth fitness programs, and emergency cardiac care training. The curriculum requires two years of training in Barbados followed by two years in either Guyana or the United States, with mandatory community service components before graduation.

    AUB’s existing free clinic, operated by three physicians five days a week, already serves residents from surrounding communities and across Barbados. The university demonstrated its community commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic when graduates were deployed at government testing centers, earning recognition from national health authorities.

    Greta Yearwood, Chief Executive of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the enhanced collaboration: “This memorandum enables students to contribute their skills across our cardiac rehab gym, youth fitness initiatives, and childhood obesity programs where additional support is most needed.”

    The partnerships will also facilitate research collaboration and public health awareness campaigns. Anita Bhat, AUB Chief Executive, characterized the agreements as part of a broader strategy to expand the university’s community footprint: “We are more than a medical institution; we are an active healthcare provider through our free clinic and continually seek collaborations to better serve the community.”

    Representatives from all organizations highlighted upcoming fundraising activities, including a March 28 event at Open Kitchen described as “a night of celebration, nutrition and fun” featuring local musicians. These efforts aim to support equipment upgrades and sustain services for underprivileged patients. University officials indicated that additional partnerships with other organizations are anticipated as AUB continues to expand its community engagement initiatives.

  • Penville community forges plan for collective safety

    Penville community forges plan for collective safety

    The Penville Police Togetherness Community Policing Group has achieved a significant milestone by convening a productive meeting with local community leaders, marking a pivotal advancement in law enforcement-community relations. This gathering facilitated substantive discussions focused on developing comprehensive programs to benefit all demographic segments within the Penville area.

    During the constructive dialogue session, community representatives provided insightful recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the Police Togetherness initiative. The policing group demonstrated genuine receptiveness to community input, establishing a foundation for mutual understanding and cooperation.

    The collaborative framework includes several strategically designed components:
    – Monthly educational seminars designed to inform and inspire residents of all ages
    – Organized athletic competitions to promote youth engagement and positive development
    – Joint activities specifically crafted to build trust and foster unity between law enforcement personnel and community members

    Penville’s leadership enthusiastically endorsed the initiative, pledging full cooperation with law enforcement authorities to ensure the program’s successful implementation. This partnership represents a proactive approach to community policing that prioritizes safety, unity, and empowerment through sustained collaboration. The meeting establishes a new standard for police-community engagement that could serve as a model for other communities seeking to strengthen similar relationships.

  • Cassada Gardens house destroyed in fire

    Cassada Gardens house destroyed in fire

    A residential property in Cassada Gardens suffered catastrophic damage in a major fire incident that erupted on Sunday evening, prompting an urgent response from local emergency services. Official reports from the St John’s Fire Station confirm that the alarm was raised shortly after 4:45 PM, triggering the immediate deployment of multiple fire tenders and specialized crews to the location.

    Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters encountered a fully developed inferno that had already consumed the entire structure. Despite their rapid intervention and professional efforts, the intensity of the conflagration proved overwhelming, resulting in the complete destruction of both the building and all contents within. Authorities have confirmed that no casualties or injuries occurred during the incident, marking a fortunate outcome amidst the substantial property loss.

    This Cassada Gardens emergency formed part of a particularly active operational period for the local fire department, which also addressed multiple other incidents throughout the weekend. These included separate fires at Wireless Road on Saturday and another at Bendals Primary School earlier on Sunday, indicating a pattern of fire-related emergencies across different locations.

    The exact circumstances that led to the Cassada Gardens blaze remain undetermined as fire investigation specialists have launched a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Forensic experts are currently examining the scene to establish both the origin point and underlying cause of the devastating fire, with findings expected to inform future fire prevention strategies in the community.

  • New GG meets with Rock Gutter Tragedy survivors in Fancy

    New GG meets with Rock Gutter Tragedy survivors in Fancy

    In a solemn private visit to the community of Fancy this Saturday, newly appointed Governor General Stanley ‘Stalky’ John, KC, met with families and survivors affected by the devastating Rock Gutter Tragedy of January 12, 2015. The catastrophic incident, which occurred on a treacherous coastal road between Owia and Fancy, claimed the lives of seven students when their school transport veered off the roadway and plunged into the ocean.

    The Governor General’s delegation, comprising two counsellors, engaged in private conversations with bereaved families and those who survived the horrific accident. North Windward MP Shevern Stewart joined the discreet gathering, which specifically included community members directly impacted by the tragedy.

    His Excellency explained that his visit near the anniversary date was intended to demonstrate solidarity and gain deeper understanding of the community’s ongoing grief and resilience strategies. The visit provided a platform for survivors like Maxroy ‘Danny’ Michael to recount his heroic actions during the disaster, including how he saved several peers before running two miles to Fancy to alert residents.

    The students who perished were identified as Racquel Ashton, Simonique Ballantyne, Glenroy Michael, Chanstacia Stay, Annique Alexander, and brothers Jamarl and Jarmallie Edwards. Notably, the bodies of Stay and Ballantyne were never recovered from the sea.

    The tragedy’s aftermath continues to resonate through the community. The vehicle’s conductor, Ehud Myers, passed away in April 2023 from unrelated causes. The only adults present during the accident were nurse Shelland Hoyte and driver Ravanon Nanton.

    Surviving students Onique Michael, Christie Bowens, Odesia Stay, Teyahna Bowens, Terril Thomas, Israel Roberts, Ruthann Bowens, Orlando Lewis, Shemroy Yorke, and Candi-Ann Sterling continue to live with the trauma of that day. Memorial activities included a January 12 commemorative service and candlelight vigil this year, while a permanent monument was erected at Rock Gutter in March 2017 to honor those lost.

  • Women report sexual harassment while exercising at Parque del Este

    Women report sexual harassment while exercising at Parque del Este

    Santo Domingo has been shaken by alarming reports of sexual harassment targeting women in a popular public recreation area. Two female fitness enthusiasts came forward with accounts of being targeted by a perpetrator while exercising near the archery range at Parque del Este, an area they characterized as dangerously isolated with insufficient security monitoring.

    According to the victims’ detailed testimony, the assailant—identified as a Haitian national—concealed himself behind vegetation while engaging in explicit acts of self-exposure and lewd behavior directed at the women. When the targets recognized the threat and began vocalizing for assistance, the situation escalated as the individual reportedly launched projectiles in their direction before making his escape from the scene.

    The intervention of two male bystanders who were training nearby proved crucial in deescalating the confrontation and providing immediate support to the traumatized women. Following the harrowing experience, the victims formally documented the incident with Municipal Police officers stationed within the park grounds.

    Disturbingly, law enforcement personnel revealed this was not an isolated occurrence. The same individual has been the subject of multiple prior complaints regarding female harassment within the park premises, including allegations of inappropriate physical contact. Despite security responsibilities being formally divided between Armed Forces personnel and Municipal Police, victims assert that effective monitoring in the vulnerable archery section remains virtually absent.

    The continuing security deficiencies have generated widespread apprehension among female park visitors, with many now avoiding the area entirely due to legitimate safety concerns. The affected women have issued an urgent appeal to the National Police, demanding enhanced protective measures, consistent patrol rotations, and the apprehension of the suspected serial offender before more severe incidents occur. “Our purpose here is health maintenance, not survival in fear,” they emphasized, calling for immediate action to restore Parque del Este as a secure environment for women, children, and family gatherings.