Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Fisheries upgrade ‘to boost resilience’

    Fisheries upgrade ‘to boost resilience’

    The Barbadian government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to revolutionize its fisheries sector, focusing on critical infrastructure modernization and combating environmental challenges. Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw announced these initiatives during her keynote address at the Disaster Resilient Boatbuilding Symposium held at the Hilton Barbados Resort.

    The modernization campaign centers on significant enhancements to fishing facilities at Consett Bay in St. John. Following the recent completion of a new slipway, the government has committed to further upgrades for the local market and jetty to bolster operational capabilities for fisherfolk. These improvements form part of a broader national effort to strengthen coastal communities and increase resilience against environmental and economic pressures.

    A particularly innovative component of the strategy addresses the escalating sargassum seaweed invasion plaguing Caribbean waters. Minister Bradshaw confirmed the deployment of a specialized vessel dedicated to removing the odoriferous seaweed, whose massive influxes have severely disrupted fishing operations and coastal ecosystems throughout the region. This targeted approach aims to safeguard both livelihoods and marine environments.

    Concurrently, the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex has seen substantial operational enhancements. The breakwater reconstruction was largely completed in January, significantly improving harbor protection and daily safety for workers. Final installation of a structural walkway is anticipated shortly.

    Operational data reveals impressive sector activity: approximately 350 vessel inspections and 300 haul-up operations were conducted in the past year alone. These coordinated efforts are strategically positioning Barbados to develop one of the Caribbean’s most technologically advanced artisanal fishing fleets, transforming both infrastructure and operational standards across the fisheries sector.

  • LETTER: Reader Questions Hairstyle Policy at Antigua Girls’ High School

    LETTER: Reader Questions Hairstyle Policy at Antigua Girls’ High School

    A contentious dispute over hairstyle regulations at Antigua Girls’ High School has ignited debates about cultural identity and educational equity after a student was repeatedly dismissed from classes for wearing natural hair extensions. The incident began when a student with naturally short hair was instructed to remove crocheted locs she had installed during the Christmas break, which she complied with promptly. Seeking to maintain a presentable appearance, the student subsequently added minimal natural twist extensions to achieve manageable length and neatness for school environments. Despite these efforts toward compliance, school authorities sent her home for the second time within days, deeming even the subtle extensions unacceptable. The situation highlights growing concerns about institutional policies that potentially disadvantage students of African descent who utilize traditional hairstyling methods. Educational observers note that such styles represent both practical hair management solutions and cultural significance for many Caribbean students. The case gains additional complexity as other regional institutions reportedly permit similar natural hairstyles provided they meet general neatness standards. This discrepancy raises questions about consistency and cultural sensitivity in school grooming policies across Antigua’s educational landscape. The student’s experience has sparked broader discussions about whether dress code regulations should evolve to accommodate diverse hair textures and cultural practices while maintaining professional standards.

  • Participation in the Regional Caribe Wave Tsunami Exercise—Thursday, 19th March 2026

    Participation in the Regional Caribe Wave Tsunami Exercise—Thursday, 19th March 2026

    The Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) has announced its participation in the annual Caribe Wave Tsunami Exercise, scheduled for Thursday, March 19th, 2026. This regional initiative will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., involving comprehensive testing of the island’s emergency response capabilities.

    The drill is strategically designed to evaluate and enhance tsunami preparedness protocols across the Caribbean region. During the exercise, participants will simulate evacuation procedures from designated Tsunami Hazard Zones in low-lying coastal areas. Evacuees will proceed to predetermined Assembly Areas and Tsunami Safe Sites situated at higher elevations, following established emergency routes.

    Authorities have issued advisories to motorists, urging heightened caution and vigilance during the exercise period. Drivers should anticipate increased pedestrian movement along major transportation corridors as residents practice evacuation procedures.

    The NDMD expressed gratitude to multiple stakeholders, including the general public, business community, Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, Emergency Medical Services, and volunteer organizations. Their collective cooperation is deemed vital for the exercise’s success and for strengthening community resilience against potential tsunami threats.

    This annual exercise forms part of broader regional efforts to improve disaster response coordination and public safety protocols, ultimately aiming to save lives and minimize potential damage from future tsunami events.

  • Nevis Prepares for Caribe Wave 2026 Tsunami Exercise on Thursday

    Nevis Prepares for Caribe Wave 2026 Tsunami Exercise on Thursday

    The island of Nevis is set to participate in the region-wide Caribe Wave 2026 tsunami preparedness exercise on Thursday, March 19, with authorities urging full community engagement. The Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) is coordinating the comprehensive drill designed to enhance emergency response capabilities across the Caribbean region.

    According to NDMD Director Brian Dyer, the simulation will commence precisely at 11:00 a.m. with distributed alert notifications to participating institutions including schools, businesses, and various organizations. The exercise will employ clear verbal markers—repeating “exercise, exercise, exercise”—to distinguish the drill from actual emergencies while maintaining procedural seriousness.

    This year’s scenario simulates a tsunami generated by the hypothetical collapse of the Kick’em Jenny submarine volcano, creating a region-wide impact situation that tests coordinated response mechanisms. Emergency services including police and fire departments will activate sirens and conduct simulated evacuations through designated impact zones.

    The department has conducted extensive preparatory work with diverse community segments including educational institutions, faith-based organizations, volunteers, and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive participation. Public announcements will guide evacuation procedures along predetermined routes to officially designated safe sites across all parishes.

    Dyer emphasized critical tsunami safety protocols, advising immediate relocation to higher ground (minimum 30 meters above sea level) upon observing natural warning signs such as strong tremors, unusual ocean withdrawal, or roaring ocean sounds—without waiting for official instructions in genuine emergencies.

    The director reiterated that Thursday’s activity remains a training exercise, not an actual emergency, while underscoring the importance of public awareness and participation in building community resilience against potential tsunami threats.

  • Youth Advocate Darin Connor captures Development Bank’s 2025 Mental Health Grant

    Youth Advocate Darin Connor captures Development Bank’s 2025 Mental Health Grant

    In a significant recognition of youth leadership in mental health advocacy, the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis has selected Mr. Darin Connor as the recipient of its 2025 Mental Health Grant. The XCD$10,000 award acknowledges Connor’s exceptional contributions to strengthening mental health systems throughout the Caribbean region.

    Mr. Connor, currently pursuing a Psychology major with Political Science minor at the University of the Virgin Islands, described the grant as representing far more than mere financial assistance. In his acceptance statement, he emphasized how this recognition validates the critical importance of normalizing mental health discussions within communities. “This award serves as an external confirmation that society increasingly recognizes the necessity to destigmatize mental health conversations,” Connor noted, reflecting on his personal journey from a background where higher education was uncommon and imposter syndrome frequently prevailed.

    The young advocate holds the distinguished position of LUIx-UNICEF Mental Health Focal Point for St. Kitts and Nevis, representing the Federation across more than twenty Caribbean nations. His portfolio includes developing youth mental health resources, engaging regional partners, and advocating for enhanced psychosocial support systems for young people. Connor’s leadership credentials extend to his previous role as Vice President of the Student Government Association, where he pioneered student wellness initiatives and peer support programs.

    Ms. Chantelle Rochester, Integrated Marketing and Communications Manager at DBSKN and grant coordinator, explained the rigorous selection criteria emphasizing both academic merit and demonstrated commitment to mental health improvement. “Mr. Connor embodies the future of mental health leadership in our nation,” Rochester stated, highlighting how the grant identifies individuals who have already shown tangible dedication to better mental health outcomes.

    General Manager Laurinston Matthew articulated the Bank’s broader vision behind the initiative, noting that “development transcends traditional financial metrics and encompasses the strength, health, and capacity of our people.” This grant program signals the institution’s strategic evolution from conventional financing toward becoming a catalyst for social transformation and human capital development.

    The Development Bank encourages public engagement through its social media channels @developmentbankskn and WhatsApp platform for updates on this and other national development initiatives.

  • What SoE? Daylight killing is 75th for the year

    What SoE? Daylight killing is 75th for the year

    In a brazen midday execution that has raised serious questions about crime prevention effectiveness, 39-year-old contractor Shandon Arjoon was fatally shot multiple times near a construction site in South Oropouche on Tuesday. The father of one was developing land for commercial and private use along the Oropouche Main Road when a masked assailant approached and opened fire with a handgun around 11:20 a.m.

    According to eyewitness accounts, the shooter wearing a ski mask fled the scene immediately after the attack, entering a waiting vehicle that sped away from the crime location near the St. Mary’s Interchange. Bystanders reported hearing between three to five gunshots, with one witness describing how they had just exchanged greetings with Arjoon moments before the shooting erupted.

    The murder has taken on broader significance as it occurred despite Trinidad and Tobago currently operating under a state of emergency. Clint Arjoon, the victim’s uncle and president of the Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce, openly questioned the effectiveness of these emergency measures, noting that the killer managed to operate in a busy area adjacent to a major highway without apprehension.

    Investigations reveal that Arjoon had previously reported multiple death threats to the La Brea Police Station related to a property dispute in Vessigny. Family members expressed frustration with law enforcement’s response, stating that despite formal complaints, inadequate protection was provided. The victim’s distraught father, Keith Arjoon, offered minimal commentary to media, simply characterizing the country’s crime situation as “bad” while expressing skepticism about the likelihood of his son’s killer being apprehended.

    This incident has sparked renewed concerns about Trinidad’s ongoing crime epidemic, with the national murder toll reaching 75 by Tuesday evening—slightly below last year’s tally of 83 at the same date. Economic implications were also highlighted, with business leaders noting that persistent criminal activity continues to drive migration and negatively impact the nation’s economic stability.

  • Four women rescued in human trafficking bust

    Four women rescued in human trafficking bust

    In a landmark enforcement action, Trinidad and Tobago’s Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU) has secured its first Preventive Detention Order following a sophisticated international operation coordinated with Interpol. The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Purple Ryain,’ culminated in the arrest of a 42-year-old businessman and the liberation of four Venezuelan females from severe exploitation conditions.

    The breakthrough occurred on March 7th in Rio Claro, where CTU officers executed a search warrant at a Fraser Street property after weeks of intelligence-driven surveillance. The suspect, identified as Ryan Mark, was apprehended under the Emergency Powers Regulations of 2026 and remains in custody under the unprecedented detention order.

    Among those rescued were two teenagers aged 15 and 17, along with two adult women aged 27 and 30—the latter being the mother of the younger teenager. Preliminary investigations revealed disturbing evidence of prolonged physical abuse, including visible branding and violence marks, with some victims reportedly confined at the location for over two years.

    The operation also led to two Venezuelan nationals being held as persons of interest at the Immigration Detention Centre, while four others were transferred to Immigration Enforcement authorities.

    CTU Deputy Director Dane-Marie Marshall characterized the operation as ‘an international coordination’ that demonstrated the unit’s commitment to crippling human trafficking networks. ‘This is a good day. Four people being rescued in one operation is a fantastic day,’ Marshall stated, emphasizing the unit’s dedication to ending human trafficking in Trinidadian society.

    The rescued survivors are currently receiving comprehensive support through the CTU’s victim assistance framework, including medical treatment, psychosocial services, and protective measures. The operation involved collaborative efforts between the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and the Police Service’s Special Investigations Unit.

    Authorities indicate that charges under the Trafficking in Persons Act are imminent, with further legal actions expected as investigations progress. The CTU has renewed its call for public vigilance, urging citizens to report suspected trafficking cases through their dedicated hotline and WhatsApp reporting channels.

  • Child support defaulters could face travel and license renewal restrictions

    Child support defaulters could face travel and license renewal restrictions

    Santo Domingo is poised for a significant overhaul of its child support enforcement mechanisms through groundbreaking legislation introduced in the Chamber of Deputies. Legislator Carlos De Pérez has proposed a comprehensive reform bill that would establish one of the most rigorous child support compliance systems in the region, featuring severe consequences for delinquent parents including travel restrictions, license renewals prohibitions, and potential deportation for those residing overseas.

    The legislative proposal centers on the creation of a National Registry of Child Support Providers (RENADA), an integrated digital platform that would enable real-time monitoring through sophisticated interagency coordination. This system would connect with the Central Electoral Board and national financial institutions, triggering automatic enforcement actions within merely five days of missed payments. The implementation of mandatory bank transactions would further ensure complete transparency and financial traceability.

    Additional revolutionary measures include inflation-adjusted payment structures, retroactive debt collection protocols, and the extension of support obligations until age 21 for students pursuing education. The legislation introduces nighttime detention for persistent defaulters, establishes international cooperation mechanisms for tracking overseas obligors, and creates an emergency fund for cases of genuine insolvency. In a notable provision, the bill mandates full reimbursement of previously paid support if paternity is subsequently disproven, creating a balanced system of accountability for all parties involved.

  • BHTA chief suggests new highway to combat traffic gridlock

    BHTA chief suggests new highway to combat traffic gridlock

    The Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Javon Griffith, issued an urgent plea for national action on Tuesday to resolve the island’s escalating traffic congestion, which he described as a direct threat to both national productivity and the tourism experience. Speaking at an industry address, Griffith emphasized that Barbados’s road infrastructure has failed to keep pace with its economic expansion, transforming what was once peak-hour inconvenience into a pervasive, island-wide dilemma.

    Drawing from his personal experience as a northern resident, Griffith illustrated how daily commutes have become increasingly unpredictable and burdensome. He revealed that his own journey from St. Lucy to St. Michael now requires a lengthy detour via the Ermy Bourne Highway through St. Andrew, St. Joseph, and St. George—a route never designed for such volume—to bypass the severely congested Highway 2A.

    The consequences for the tourism sector are already tangible, Griffith reported, with rising staff tardiness, operational delays, and mounting frustration among employees striving to maintain service excellence despite circumstances beyond their control. He urged the government and stakeholders to adopt a comprehensive, modern traffic management strategy, including a thorough review of traffic flow patterns, strategic transport planning, targeted road infrastructure improvements, and greater integration of technology for efficient vehicle movement.

    Griffith’s call to action comes amid a record-breaking period for Barbadian tourism. In 2025, the island welcomed over 729,000 long-stay visitors—surpassing the previous record set in 2024—driven by an 8.1% surge in arrivals from the U.S. and strong performances from Canada and CARICOM nations. This growth helped push unemployment to a historic low of 6.1%.

    Despite these achievements, Griffith cautioned against complacency, highlighting significant private investments such as the upcoming June 1 opening of the Royalton Vessence Barbados and the recent soft launch of Hotel Indigo in Bridgetown. Enhanced air connectivity, including Aer Lingus’s new direct service from Dublin and British Airways’s deployment of the high-capacity Airbus A350-1000 on its London Heathrow route, further bolstered his cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026.

    While acknowledging supportive government measures like extended concessions under the Tourism Development Act and VAT reductions, Griffith concluded that bold, collaborative leadership is essential to sustain growth and address infrastructure challenges head-on.

  • Bestuur OWMCP valt over uitlatingen vakbond

    Bestuur OWMCP valt over uitlatingen vakbond

    The newly installed board of the Overliggend Waterschap MCP (OWMCP) has formally distanced itself from allegations made by its workers’ union, dismissing claims of operational dysfunction as “pertinent lies.” Board Chairman Sanjay Sahadew has publicly refuted the union’s narrative that the organization suffers from decision-making paralysis and daily operational breakdowns.

    In statements to Starnieuws and through an official letter to the union leadership, Sahadew highlighted concrete achievements since the board’s appointment late last year. The administration has not only addressed personnel matters to ensure smooth organizational functioning but has also developed forward-looking plans in collaboration with the management team. These plans specifically ensure all departments, including watershed management and Wakay operations, can actively perform their duties. Additionally, the board has successfully cleared backlogged financial reporting.

    Sahadew emphasized that contrary to the union’s portrayal, no tensions exist within the organization, and all staff are working unifiedly toward OWMCP’s development. The board expressed surprise at the article’s depiction of organizational turmoil and has requested an immediate meeting with union chairman Dayanand Dwarka to rectify what they describe as damage to the board’s reputation.

    The controversy stems from the union’s reported delegation to the Ministry of Regional Development, seeking urgent intervention due to alleged persistent tensions and leadership concerns. The union had reportedly expressed worries about the governance style of the newly appointed board chairman, claiming it created unrest and operational stagnation—assertions the current leadership vehemently denies while demanding full clarification from the union’s executive committee.