Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Guatemalan National Charged in Death PC Marcos Acal

    Guatemalan National Charged in Death PC Marcos Acal

    Belizean authorities have formally charged Juan Carlos Prado, a 30-year-old Guatemalan national, in connection with the tragic hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of Special Constable Marcos Acal. The charges were confirmed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith following a comprehensive investigation into the January 30th roadway fatality.

    Prado, residing in Santa Cruz village, faces multiple serious charges including Manslaughter by Negligence and Causing Death by Careless Conduct. Additional charges encompass Driving without Due Care and Attention, Failing to Report an Accident, and Failing to Stop and Render Aid at the scene.

    The fatal collision occurred approximately at 7:25 p.m. on Friday evening along the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway between Miles 31 and 32. First responders discovered Constable Acal critically injured beside his severely damaged Skygo motorcycle. Despite rapid transportation to Southern Regional Hospital, the 48-year-old officer was pronounced deceased approximately sixty minutes after the incident.

    Law enforcement officials subsequently intercepted a Hino pickup truck in Punta Gorda town based on investigative leads. “Forensic examination of the vehicle revealed significant damage and apparent blood evidence consistent with the collision,” stated ASP Smith during the briefing. Two additional male occupants were detained within the vehicle at the time of interception.

    Special Constable Acal, who had just concluded his duty shift from Independence Police Station, served with distinction for fourteen years. ASP Smith memorialized the veteran officer as having “provided exceptionally dedicated and exemplary service throughout his tenure” with the Belize Police Department.

  • OP-ED: Seven years, 80,000 signatures, and still no major CXC reform

    OP-ED: Seven years, 80,000 signatures, and still no major CXC reform

    For seven consecutive years (2019-2026), CARICOM’s educational system has faced escalating crises surrounding examination administration, compelling students, parents, and educators to become reluctant advocates for basic fairness. With over 80,000 signatures across multiple petitions, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has transformed from a regional pride to a source of persistent public outcry.

    The crisis began in 2019 when the CSEC Mathematics exam was compromised by widespread cheating, with videos circulating of students using mobile phones during testing. The incident revealed critical security vulnerabilities and inadequate invigilation procedures.

    In 2020, confidence in CXC’s grading system collapsed when thousands of high-performing students received unexpectedly low grades. International testing experts later identified grade compression—a statistical or algorithmic error—as the probable cause, affecting approximately 20,000 students. The region’s response contrasted sharply with the UK’s compassionate handling of a similar crisis.

    The pandemic year of 2021 revealed further institutional rigidity as CXC maintained traditional exam structures despite students facing lockdowns, financial hardship, family illnesses, digital inequities, and the trauma of the La Soufrière eruption. Four petitions totaling over 30,000 signatures called for modified approaches, with Jamaica’s Education Minister and UNICEF offices across the region joining the appeals.

    Security breaches resumed in 2023 with the CSEC Mathematics Paper 2 leak, prompting 18,000 students to demand the compromised paper be discarded. In 2024, the CAPE Chemistry exam faced criticism for being misaligned with the syllabus and containing ambiguous questions, generating another 2,500 signatures demanding accountability.

    This pattern creates a moral contradiction for CARICOM, whose leaders champion international reparations for historical injustices while tolerating educational inequities affecting their own children. The contrast becomes particularly stark when comparing CXC’s approach to Cambridge’s meticulously planned 2023-2033 e-testing rollout, which includes phased implementation, pilot testing, and accommodations for digital access disparities.

    The petitions collectively represent a regional diagnostic revealing systemic weaknesses: fragile exam security, opaque grading processes, insufficient stakeholder engagement, inconsistent crisis responses, and quality assurance challenges. Yet they also demonstrate the Caribbean people’s enduring commitment to educational integrity and institutional accountability.

    As trust declines, financially privileged families increasingly turn to private alternatives, threatening CXC’s legacy and CARICOM’s educational cohesion. The resolution now depends on whether regional leaders will treat these petitions as catalysts for reform or continue to dismiss them as mere complaints, ultimately determining whether exam fairness will become a CARICOM-wide election issue.

  • CfA: Facilitators for 2026 Parish-Level Youth Parliament Training Programme

    CfA: Facilitators for 2026 Parish-Level Youth Parliament Training Programme

    The Grenadian Ministry of Youth and Sports has officially announced recruitment for qualified facilitators to lead its prestigious 2026 Parish-Level Youth Parliament Training Programme. This national initiative represents a cornerstone of the country’s youth development strategy, designed to cultivate future leaders through immersive civic education.

    The program’s curriculum focuses on three core developmental areas: mastering public speaking and effective communication techniques, understanding principles of effective leadership and governance, and comprehensive training in parliamentary rules and procedures. The initiative aims to equip young Grenadians with practical skills that bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world application.

    Prospective facilitators must demonstrate substantial experience in youth development, educational instruction, or community leadership roles. Ideal candidates will possess verified expertise in working with youth populations across various community settings. The commitment requires availability for 2-3 days weekly during the April-June 2026 training period, with sessions conducted across multiple parishes at local schools and community centers.

    This parish-level training serves as the foundational stage for Grenada’s youth leadership pathway. Exceptional participants displaying outstanding debate skills, leadership qualities, and community engagement will advance to compete in the National Youth Parliament Elections scheduled for December 2026.

    The Ministry has established a February 20, 2026 application deadline, encouraging interested professionals to access detailed program information and submission guidelines through their official online portal or direct telephone contact. This program underscores Grenada’s ongoing investment in developing politically literate and civically engaged youth leadership.

  • Grenada cannot move forward divided by politics, religion and class

    Grenada cannot move forward divided by politics, religion and class

    During Grenada’s 2026 Independence anniversary interdenominational church service, prominent Seventh Day Adventist Pastor Enoch Isaac delivered a powerful sermon warning citizens about the dangers of political tribalism. Speaking at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church on February 1st, Pastor Isaac emphasized that national progress requires transcending divisions along political, religious, and class lines.\n\nThe religious leader defined political tribalism as \”an intense loyalty to a political group that often prioritizes group allegiance over objective truth and national interest.\” He cautioned that this mentality transforms political opponents into \”immoral enemies\” rather than legitimate adversaries, ultimately fostering hostility and degradation within society.\n\nIsaac called for a collective shift toward reconciliation and collaboration, stating that \”true transformation starts with the spiritual transformation of citizens.\” He urged parents to instill strong values in children and challenged leaders to govern with \”humility, integrity, honesty and accountability.\” The pastor specifically emphasized that churches must serve as the nation’s \”moral compass\” in this transformative process.\n\nThe service, broadcast live through Government Information Service platforms, was attended by Governor General Dame Cecile La Grenade, government ministers, opposition parliament members, and senior civil servants. Notably absent was Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who had traveled to Dubai for an international conference. Acting Prime Minister Lennox Andrews subsequently delivered the scheduled scripture reading in Mitchell’s absence.\n\nThroughout his address, Pastor Isaac repeatedly invoked the phrase \”ever conscious of God,\\” urging congregants to maintain this perspective while pursuing national development and the \”transformation of the Spice Isle.\”

  • Trade Unionists in Antigua and Barbuda Strengthen Capacity to Support LGBTQ+ Workers

    Trade Unionists in Antigua and Barbuda Strengthen Capacity to Support LGBTQ+ Workers

    In a significant stride toward workplace inclusivity, trade union representatives across Antigua and Barbuda have enhanced their capabilities to advocate for workers of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. This development follows an intensive two-day workshop conducted on January 28-29, 2026, designed to foster greater understanding and operational competence regarding LGBTQ+ issues within labor environments.

    The initiative, orchestrated by Public Services International (PSI) with collaborative support from the Rainbow Network of the Dutch Trade Union Confederation (FNV), marks a pivotal component of an extensive 18-month project dedicated to promoting equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the Caribbean sub-region. Sandra Massiah, PSI Sub-Regional Secretary for the Caribbean, emphasized the program’s strategically focused methodology, distinguishing it from previous advocacy endeavors.

    “Our current project in the Caribbean involves introspection—specifically examining dynamics within trade unions themselves,” Massiah elaborated. “We are prioritizing the education of shop stewards and union representatives to deepen their comprehension of LGBTQ+ matters and their implications in labor contexts.”

    The curriculum addressed pressing challenges confronting LGBTQ+ workers, exploring practical strategies through which unions can partner with organizations to champion and bolster the community. Interactive group sessions and facilitated dialogues covered multiple critical areas: LGBTQ+ terminology clarification, identification of vulnerable groups alongside the protective role of trade unions, implementation guidelines for ILO Convention 190 and Recommendation 206 concerning the eradication of workplace violence and harassment, and examinations of discrimination, stigmatization, and intersectionality.

    Participants expressed profound appreciation for the transformative experience. One delegate remarked that the workshop reinforced fundamental human rights principles, noting that “everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals, deserves respect and equitable treatment.” Another described the sessions as profoundly enlightening, voicing optimism about integrating acquired knowledge into their respective union practices.

    Representatives from major labor organizations including the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union, the Public Service Association, the Nurses Association, and the Union of Teachers participated actively. The event also featured expert contributions from Lina Bogle-Mienzer, a noted Labor Relations Practitioner and LGBTQ+ Advocate from Bermuda, and MESH Antigua and Barbuda, a dedicated advocacy and support organization for the LGBTQ+ community.

  • 18-Year-Old Killed in Motorcycle RTA

    18-Year-Old Killed in Motorcycle RTA

    A fatal road traffic accident on the Northern Highway has resulted in the tragic death of an 18-year-old motorcyclist. Miguel Noel Montoya lost his life on the morning of February 2, 2026, following a collision with a tow-head truck near Mile 11 at approximately 10:40 a.m.

    According to official reports, the young man was returning home from his workplace when the devastating incident occurred. Family members confirmed that despite his youth, Montoya was an experienced motorcycle rider who consistently adhered to safety protocols, including wearing protective headgear during his travels.

    Alberto Montoya, the victim’s uncle, provided a heartrending account of receiving the tragic news. “My brother came to my house and informed me that his son had died in this location,” he recounted. “I immediately drove to the scene where we discovered his body.”

    The grieving family remembered Montoya as a responsible young man with a promising future ahead of him. Described as “a good kid” who had not yet started his own family, his loss has created an irreplaceable void in their lives. “The only thing we would want is to see him back,” Alberto Montoya expressed through his sorrow, “but we can’t see him anymore.”

    Authorities continue to investigate the precise circumstances surrounding the collision. The proximity of Montoya’s residence to his workplace adds a particularly poignant dimension to this tragedy, highlighting how routine commutes can unexpectedly turn fatal.

  • Public urged to be on the lookout for two missing Honda CR-Vs

    Public urged to be on the lookout for two missing Honda CR-Vs

    Law enforcement authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have initiated a public appeal for information regarding two late-model Honda CR-V vehicles that have disappeared under suspicious circumstances. The missing SUVs, bearing official registration numbers R5458 and R5421, were reported to authorities as unlawfully taken.

    The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued specific safety guidelines for citizens who might encounter either vehicle. Officials emphasize that individuals should refrain from approaching the automobiles or attempting to intervene directly. Instead, witnesses are instructed to immediately contact local police authorities or utilize the emergency hotline to report sightings.

    Investigators are pursuing multiple leads in the case and believe public cooperation could prove instrumental in recovering the vehicles and apprehending those responsible. The police department has assured confidentiality for all information providers and encourages anyone with potentially relevant details to come forward, regardless of how insignificant they might seem.

    This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding vehicle security in the Caribbean nation and demonstrates law enforcement’s reliance on community partnerships in criminal investigations. The case remains active with multiple units working to trace the movements of the vehicles prior to their disappearance.

  • PHOTOS: Drain, Waterway and Roadside Cleaning Continues in Cashew Hill

    PHOTOS: Drain, Waterway and Roadside Cleaning Continues in Cashew Hill

    Municipal maintenance teams are currently executing comprehensive infrastructure improvements throughout Cashew Hill, focusing on critical drainage and waterway systems. These operational activities form part of a sustained initiative targeting enhanced stormwater management and flood risk reduction throughout the community.

    Crews are systematically conducting drainage channel clearing operations, removing accumulated debris and sediment that could potentially impede water flow during heavy precipitation events. Concurrent roadside cleaning efforts ensure transportation routes remain unobstructed and safe for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

    The multi-faceted approach addresses both immediate maintenance needs and long-term resilience planning. By maintaining optimal functionality of drainage infrastructure, authorities aim to significantly diminish flooding vulnerabilities that have historically affected the area during seasonal weather patterns.

    This proactive maintenance strategy reflects the local government’s commitment to public safety and infrastructure durability. Residents and commuters can expect continued improvements in water management systems and roadway conditions as these essential works progress through scheduled phases.

  • PWA donates stove to support Police Youth Intervention Department

    PWA donates stove to support Police Youth Intervention Department

    In a significant demonstration of institutional solidarity, the Police Welfare Association (PWA) has delivered a substantial contribution to the Youth Intervention Department, amplifying its operational capacity to serve at-risk youth populations. This strategic donation, formally presented on behalf of the Police Commissioner, received high-level recognition for its potential to enhance community safety initiatives.

    The Commissioner of Police expressed profound appreciation for the PWA’s executive committee, characterizing their support as instrumental to advancing the department’s critical mission. “This contribution genuinely heartens me,” the Commissioner stated. “Beyond providing practical assistance to our dedicated staff, it directly benefits the young individuals who receive daily mentorship through our programs.”

    Specializing in preventative social work, the Youth Intervention Department maintains focused engagement with vulnerable youth through structured guidance programs and positive activity initiatives. Their evidence-based approach aims to divert young people from criminal pathways while promoting constructive personal development and future opportunities.

    Law enforcement officials emphasize that this donation exemplifies the strengthened collaborative framework between the PWA and police services. This partnership model prioritizes youth-oriented crime prevention strategies alongside broader community resilience projects. Police leadership acknowledges that such cross-institutional cooperation remains fundamental to developing more effective social programs that ultimately create safer, more cohesive communities.

  • Public Works Urges Motorists to “Respect the Cones” as Road Upgrades Continue Across Antigua and Barbuda

    Public Works Urges Motorists to “Respect the Cones” as Road Upgrades Continue Across Antigua and Barbuda

    The Public Works Department of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a renewed public safety campaign, imploring motorists to ‘Respect the Cones’ as extensive national road enhancement initiatives progress. This urgent appeal follows a troubling pattern of safety equipment tampering, including the unauthorized relocation and theft of traffic cones, alongside vehicles trespassing onto freshly laid road surfaces before they have properly cured.

    Department officials emphasize that traffic management devices are deployed with precise strategic intent to safeguard both the traveling populace and construction personnel. Their displacement jeopardizes public safety, risks structural damage to uncured concrete and drying asphalt, and can lead to significant delays in project timelines, ultimately impacting national infrastructure development.

    The campaign outlines critical guidelines for public cooperation:
    – Traffic cones must remain undisturbed in their designated positions.
    – Barricaded areas, clearly marked as hazardous, must be strictly avoided by both pedestrians and drivers.
    – All instructions from road construction crews must be followed without exception.
    – Motorists are reminded that the curing process for new pavement cannot be visually assessed and requires a mandated drying period.

    The government expresses sincere appreciation for citizen compliance, underscoring that collective adherence to these protocols is fundamental to the successful and timely modernization of the nation’s transportation network.