Carib Scope

分类： society

  • 40 NCRHA cleaners laid-off

    40 NCRHA cleaners laid-off

    In a sweeping anti-corruption move, the North-Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) has severed ties with multiple service providers, resulting in approximately 40 sanitation workers losing their jobs at the start of the new year. The authority’s CEO, Bhadase Seethal Maraj, revealed this decisive action targeted what she described as “widespread corruption” inherited from the previous administration.

    Maraj disclosed that despite operating without formal contracts or tender agreements for nearly a decade, cleaning company Magic Mist had received approximately $700,000 in monthly payments from the health authority. This arrangement culminated in total payments reaching $58 million over the past seven years. Notably, the company allegedly submitted payment claims for 80 workers while employing only 40 personnel.

    Another cleaning service provider received approximately $37 million annually without proper contractual documentation or tender processes, according to Maraj’s findings. Both companies’ services have been terminated effective 2026.

    The CEO emphasized that this pattern of irregular payments without valid contracts extends beyond cleaning services, affecting security provisions and multiple other areas across regional health authorities.

    This development follows recent reports of wage disputes among NCRHA security workers, attributed to the authority’s delayed payments for contracted services.

    NCRHA chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh provided context regarding the financial challenges facing the institution. Upon assuming office, the new board encountered 560 suppliers owed more than $320 million in outstanding payments. Through systematic restructuring, this number has been reduced to 118 suppliers with liabilities under $100 million.

    Gopeesingh confirmed that alternative arrangements have been implemented to maintain cleaning services across NCRHA facilities. Additionally, the authority plans to recruit for the 40 positions created by the recent contract terminations.

  • Welcome to 2026 – for better and for worse

    Welcome to 2026 – for better and for worse

    As Trinidad and Tobago enters 2026, the nation stands at a remarkable crossroads of global achievement and domestic challenges when measured by per capita metrics. With approximately 1.4 million citizens, this dual-island nation has demonstrated extraordinary impact across multiple domains, from Olympic gold medals and World Cup qualifications to cultural innovations that have reshaped global music through the invention of the steelpan—the only acoustic instrument created in the 20th century.

    The nation’s economic performance has similarly exceeded expectations for its size, consistently ranking among the Caribbean’s highest GDP-per-capita countries driven by energy resources including oil, natural gas, and the world’s largest natural asphalt deposit at Pitch Lake. This economic strength, combined with cultural influence in beauty pageants, Carnival arts, and diaspora impact, presents a picture of a nation punching far above its weight class.

    However, the same per capita measurements reveal troubling contradictions. Trinidad and Tobago now ranks among the region’s most dangerous nations for violent crime, with homicide rates reaching alarming levels that disproportionately affect small communities. The country also scores poorly on global corruption indices, where governance and accountability challenges create particularly damaging consequences in a small society with limited capacity to absorb institutional failures.

    Additional indicators reveal deeper societal patterns: excessive vehicle ownership per person overwhelming infrastructure, and concerning digital behavior patterns including high rates of online pornography consumption that signal gaps in education and privacy awareness.

    Amid these challenges, artificial intelligence represents the defining test of this era. While the nation has historically adapted well to technological changes, its education system remains anchored in rote learning methodologies ill-suited for the AI revolution. As routine jobs face automation threats, the imperative grows for educational reform that emphasizes critical thinking, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

    Geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela add another layer of complexity, with potential implications for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy markets, migration patterns, and regional security. The current US military posture in the region appears focused on containment strategy rather than direct confrontation—a approach familiar to Trinidadians who understand the strategic game of draughts.

    For a small nation, these challenges require particularly careful navigation, where every policy decision carries magnified consequences and there is little margin for error in balancing global opportunities with domestic realities.

  • ARC organisers donate supplies to boys training centre

    ARC organisers donate supplies to boys training centre

    In a heartwarming annual tradition, participants of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) have once again demonstrated maritime generosity by donating substantial food provisions to benefit the Boys Training Centre (BTC) and their families in Saint Lucia. The initiative, coordinated by the World Cruising Club, redirects surplus supplies from transatlantic voyagers to community institutions most in need.

    The donation mechanism leverages a practical reality of ocean crossings: sailing crews preparing for the 2,700-nautical-mile journey from the Canary Islands frequently overprovision for safety. Upon reaching Caribbean shores, approximately 150 vessels annually contribute their excess canned goods, dry stores, and non-perishable items rather than letting supplies go unused.

    ARC Director Paul Tetlow explained the program’s rationale: ‘Mariners naturally err on the side of caution when stocking for ocean passages. This system allows us to transform their calculated surplus into community support, creating a meaningful bridge between international sailors and local populations.’

    The strategic distribution to BTC families was facilitated through local ARC coordinator Peta Cozier in collaboration with the Army Winehouse Foundation, which maintains an established partnership with the youth facility. Timing was deliberately coordinated with the center’s Christmas break, ensuring provisions reached households during the festive period when support is most impactful.

    BTC Manager Leanna Wallace welcomed both the material and symbolic significance of the donation. ‘Beyond addressing practical needs, this gesture profoundly demonstrates to our young men that the global community invests in their wellbeing and development,’ she stated, emphasizing how such interactions broaden students’ perspectives on service and global citizenship.

    The 2025 donation carried special significance, marking both the ARC’s 40th overall edition and its 35th consecutive finish in Saint Lucia, reinforcing long-standing ties between the international sailing community and Caribbean host nations.

  • Local sports club brings tidings of joy to some senior citizens and less fortunate individuals

    Local sports club brings tidings of joy to some senior citizens and less fortunate individuals

    Marking a significant milestone in its history, the Somerset Sports Club of St. Joseph has channeled the momentum from its 50th anniversary celebrations into a powerful dual mission of charitable outreach and athletic advancement. As the longest-standing sporting organization in Dominica, the club has expanded its mandate beyond the playing field by launching a dedicated Community Development and Social Enhancement Program.

    In a heartfelt holiday initiative, the club extended its generosity to national institutions and local community groups. Essential groceries, including supplies of chicken, beans, rice, beverages, and toiletries, were distributed to the Dominica Infirmary and the Grotto Home for the Homeless. Further amplifying its impact, the club provided key ingredients to the Seventh Day Adventist Church to support the preparation of warm, nutritious Christmas meals for vulnerable community members. Recipients of these donations expressed profound gratitude for the club’s empathetic and timely contribution to their seasonal celebrations.

    Club President Ambrose Sylvester emphasized that this humanitarian drive was undertaken despite the organization facing its own operational challenges, underscoring a deep-rooted commitment to foundational principles of community support.

    Concurrently, the club is making substantial progress on a significant infrastructure project. A new concrete cricket wicket, adjacent to the St. Joseph playing field, is now approximately 90% complete. This facility is poised to become a cornerstone for cricket development in the region and will serve as the foundation for an ambitious Youth Development Program. This initiative is designed to nurture young athletic talent, focusing on boys from the age of ten upwards.

    The executive team of Somerset Sports Club has extended its sincere appreciation to all donors and supporters who made these multifaceted efforts possible, reaffirming a steadfast commitment to fostering holistic community growth through the unifying power of sport and compassionate outreach.

  • Children enjoy Sheraton Mall Christmas cheer with support from RUBIS

    Children enjoy Sheraton Mall Christmas cheer with support from RUBIS

    For the 27th consecutive year, the cherished Christmas Cheer Programme at Sheraton Mall has illuminated the holiday season for disadvantaged Barbadian youth, with energy provider RUBIS continuing its longstanding partnership through a substantial financial contribution. The recent event on December 6 transformed the shopping center into a hub of festive excitement as approximately 100 carefully selected children experienced a day brimming with both entertainment and practical education. Beyond the typical holiday festivities, the program incorporated financial literacy components during shopping activities, providing valuable life skills alongside seasonal joy. The comprehensive experience included catered meals, cinematic entertainment at Olympus Theatres, and the priceless opportunity for children to select their own Christmas gifts. Karen Oliver, Head of Business Operations at Sheraton Mall, emphasized the profound community impact, stating that RUBIS’s $2,000 donation was instrumental in creating meaningful memories for participating families. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to continuing this partnership, recognizing its significant role in supporting community well-being and demonstrating corporate social responsibility during the holiday season and beyond.

  • Antigua Works Ministry Recaps 2025 Road Projects, Signals Expansion in 2026

    Antigua Works Ministry Recaps 2025 Road Projects, Signals Expansion in 2026

    Antigua & Barbuda’s Ministry of Works has characterized 2025 as a year of exceptionally intense infrastructure development, with comprehensive road, curb, and drainage enhancement projects continuing across numerous communities throughout December. In its year-end review, the ministry reported that construction operations proceeded at a consistent and vigorous pace during the final month, attributing this sustained delivery to the collaborative efforts of its internal teams, external contracting partners, and allied government agencies.

    Looking forward to 2026, the ministry has announced ambitious plans to significantly amplify the scale of community road works. This expansion will be facilitated by two major capital investments: the commissioning of a new crusher unit at the Public Works Quarry and the installation of three additional cement storage silos at the government’s concrete processing plant. Ministry officials emphasized that these strategic infrastructural upgrades are designed to concurrently bolster both the national road construction agenda and public housing initiatives.

    Substantial advancements were also reported on key transportation corridors, with the next phase of development on the critical All Saints Road moving forward alongside persistent enhancements to local community roadways. To mitigate public inconvenience, authorities confirmed that targeted traffic diversion protocols will be enacted in areas undergoing active construction.

    The ministry formally acknowledged the pivotal support received from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Works Minister Maria Vanessa Browne, the Project Implementation Management Unit, lead contractor C.O. Williams, and partner agencies including APUA and ABTB, while also extending gratitude to the general public for their continued patience.

    Positioning the upcoming year as the next pivotal chapter in a sweeping national infrastructure transformation, the Ministry of Works concluded its update with New Year’s greetings to all residents.

  • Govt funding boost to drive major youth council expansion

    Govt funding boost to drive major youth council expansion

    In a landmark development for youth empowerment, the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC) has secured a transformative financial commitment from the government that will more than double its annual funding starting fiscal year 2026/27. This substantial increase in subvention marks what Council President Caleb Brathwaite characterizes as a \”special turning point\” for youth development initiatives across the nation.\n\nFor decades, the organization has operated under significant financial constraints that limited its ability to fully execute its mandate. Despite being nearly as old as Barbados’ independence, the council has consistently faced resource limitations across successive administrations. \”For many years, one of the council’s greatest challenges has been financial—quite simply, the resources needed to execute projects and sustain the organization,\” Brathwaite acknowledged.\n\nThe new funding injection will enable an ambitious expansion of programs and services targeting Barbadians aged 18 to 35. Strategic initiatives include the launch of a digital discount card program in partnership with corporate Barbados, establishment of formal apprenticeship programs with established businesses, enhanced support for youth groups, expansion of paid internship opportunities, and creation of structured platforms for youth to voice ideas and concerns.\n\nBrathwaite emphasized the council’s ongoing commitment to its motto of \”building youth and developing country,\\” noting that even amid previous financial and technical challenges throughout 2025, the BYDC maintained its development mandate. Through initiatives like Project Move Up, the corporate internship program, the council provided placements for dozens of young people, certified over 50 youth leaders with Commonwealth support, assisted struggling youth groups and individuals, contributed to youth-focused policy development, and engaged in regional and international youth development efforts.\n\n\”This investment will allow us to create greater impact: young people looking out for young people, young people solving young people’s challenges, and young people actively contributing to youth development,\” Brathwaite stated, expressing confidence that the enhanced resources will finally enable the organization to fulfill its potential in serving Barbados’ youth population.

  • Students Celebrated at 2025 World Food Day Poster Competition Awards

    Students Celebrated at 2025 World Food Day Poster Competition Awards

    Antigua and Barbuda’s future food security champions were celebrated at the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy’s (MOALFBE) inaugural World Food Day Poster Competition Awards Ceremony on December 30th. The event, held at the Fisheries Conference Room, spotlighted young creative talents addressing critical national issues through artistic expression.

    Mrs. Denise Matthias-Thomas, Principal Assistant Secretary, set the tone by emphasizing the Ministry’s foundational belief in early education’s role in building resilient food systems. “Our young people are indispensable partners in crafting a food-secure future for our nation,” she stated, highlighting the strategic integration of agriculture, fisheries, and environmental education.

    The competition, conceptualized by Communications Head Mrs. Carol-Faye Bynoe-George, engaged government primary and secondary schools with the 2025 World Food Day theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.” Students translated complex concepts of sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and blue economy principles into visually compelling artworks that demonstrated remarkable conceptual understanding.

    Despite being a pilot initiative with participation from three institutions—All Saints Secondary School, Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and Simon Bolivar Primary School—the quality of entries exceeded expectations. Judging criteria encompassed theme alignment, creative originality, message clarity, national relevance, and visual impact, with Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture, presenting participation certificates to all young artists.

    Top honors were awarded to Shaniyah Francis (T.N. Kirnon Primary) in the primary category, while Gabriella Eusebe claimed first place in the secondary division from All Saints Secondary School, followed by schoolmates Keairra Smith (second) and J’Shorna Appleton from Sir Novelle Richards Academy (third). Winners received gift certificates alongside their placement awards.

    The ceremony concluded with Ms. Emerald David’s vote of thanks, acknowledging collaborative efforts across ministry leadership, educators, parents, and organizers. “These students remind us why youth engagement remains fundamental to sustainable development,” she noted, before a photographic showcase captured the intersection of artistic achievement and agricultural innovation.

  • Government to Open 2026 With National Service of Thanksgiving and Prayer

    Government to Open 2026 With National Service of Thanksgiving and Prayer

    The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda will inaugurate the new year of 2026 with its customary National Service of Thanksgiving and Prayer, reinforcing a cherished tradition dedicated to fostering national solidarity and contemplative gratitude. Scheduled for the morning of Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the event will be hosted at the St. John’s Pentecostal House of Restoration Ministries, situated on Lauchland Benjamin Drive.

    This significant gathering is set to draw a distinguished assembly of national leaders and citizens alike. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, alongside his Cabinet ministers and senior government officials, will be in attendance. The service is organized in collaboration with Bishop Stephen Andrews and the congregation of the hosting church, underscoring a partnership between the state and religious institutions. The event symbolizes a collective moment of pause at the year’s dawn, encouraging societal harmony and spiritual reflection among the populace.

  • Former LIAT 1974 Workers in Antigua to Receive Second Compassionate Payment

    Former LIAT 1974 Workers in Antigua to Receive Second Compassionate Payment

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has authorized a second humanitarian disbursement for former employees of the defunct regional airline LIAT 1974 Ltd. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who also serves as Finance Minister, revealed plans to allocate an additional EC$2 million (Eastern Caribbean dollars) to assist workers affected by the carrier’s collapse.

    This forthcoming payment follows a previous distribution and will be funded through the government’s bond issuance mechanism. Browne emphasized that the financial assistance constitutes a voluntary gesture rather than a statutory requirement, reflecting the administration’s pro-labor stance and commitment to social equity.

    “This represents a gratuitous payment without legal obligation,” Browne stated, clarifying the government’s position. The Prime Minister acknowledged ongoing dissatisfaction among some former employees and labor representatives regarding the absence of comprehensive severance packages since the airline terminated operations.

    Despite these concerns, Browne affirmed the government’s dedication to maintaining dialogue with affected parties and implementing reasonable measures to alleviate financial hardships, within the constraints of public finances. To receive the payment, eligible former employees must verify their personal details with the court-appointed administrator handling the airline’s liquidation process.

    LIAT 1974 suspended operations in 2020 amid financial difficulties and underwent formal liquidation proceedings in 2024, resulting in significant employment displacement across multiple Caribbean nations. While the Antiguan government maintains it bears no legal responsibility for severance obligations, it has consistently provided limited financial relief on compassionate grounds while keeping communication channels open with impacted workers.