Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Accessibility plan welcomed, but disabled council wants seat at the table

    Accessibility plan welcomed, but disabled council wants seat at the table

    Barbados has launched a comprehensive accessibility initiative through its 2026 Budget, marking a potential turning point in disability inclusion efforts. The government has allocated $600,000 for a pilot accessible corridor in Bridgetown, featuring infrastructure upgrades including sidewalk improvements, kerb ramps, and tactile paving to address long-standing mobility barriers.

    The Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD) has welcomed this development as a significant advancement after advocating for similar improvements for over 15 years through its Fully Accessible Barbados (FAB) Programme. Operations Manager Roseanna Tudor characterized the initiative as ‘a positive shift’ that recognizes accessibility as a national development priority.

    However, the council emphasizes that successful implementation requires structured involvement of persons with disabilities throughout the process. The BCD is urging formal consultation to ensure infrastructure meets international accessibility standards and genuinely addresses community needs. ‘The lived experiences and technical expertise of persons with disabilities are essential,’ Tudor emphasized.

    The budget package includes complementary measures: a $100 monthly cost-of-living credit for Special Needs Grant recipients, a new legal framework for special needs trusts, and an adaptive aquatics program to expand recreational access. These developments coincide with the recent passage of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, creating what the BCD describes as a ‘critical opportunity’ for tangible improvements.

    International partners, including the UN Global Disability Fund, have highlighted the importance of civil society organizations in advancing disability reform in Barbados. The BCD has positioned itself as ready to collaborate with government entities to ensure the pilot project becomes the foundation for broader national transformation, ultimately making Barbados more accessible for all citizens.

  • Pomeroon man found not guilty of rape

    Pomeroon man found not guilty of rape

    In a significant judicial outcome, 37-year-old Desmond George from Charity Housing Scheme, Pomeroon, Essequibo Coast has been fully exonerated of rape allegations dating back to July 2023. The acquittal was formally delivered on March 11, 2026, following a unanimous not guilty verdict from the jury presiding over the case at the High Court.

    Presiding Judge Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln oversaw the proceedings that culminated in Mr. George’s liberation from the serious criminal charge. The defendant had maintained his innocence throughout the legal process, which included both preliminary inquiries and the full High Court trial.

    Defense attorney Jermaine Jervis, representing Mr. George, characterized the prosecution’s case as a “complete fabrication” against his client. “My defense was predicated on the assertion that the entire prosecution case was manufactured against my client,” Mr. Jervis stated in his post-trial comments to Demerara Waves Online News.

    The original allegation claimed that Mr. George, then 35 years old, had committed the offense on July 22, 2023, in the Siriki Upper Pomeroon River area against a female resident of the Essequibo Coast region. During the extended judicial process, Mr. George had been released on bail set at GY$300,000 while awaiting resolution of the case.

    The unanimous jury decision highlights the critical role of evidential standards in criminal justice systems and underscores the principle that accusations require substantiation beyond reasonable doubt for conviction.

  • Babonneau women benefit from Women’s Day hamper drive

    Babonneau women benefit from Women’s Day hamper drive

    In a targeted effort to address gendered poverty, fifteen women-led households in Babonneau, Saint Lucia received comprehensive support packages containing essential food and household items. This humanitarian initiative formed part of the nation’s International Women’s Day observances under the thematic banner ‘Give to Gain’.

    The strategic distribution event, executed on March 14th, emerged from a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Gender and the Share and Care Alliance. Designed to offer immediate economic relief, the program simultaneously amplified national advocacy for women’s rights, justice, and substantive action toward gender equality.

    Carefully identified beneficiaries encompassed single mothers, widows, elderly women, individuals living with disabilities, and low-income households—all confronting Saint Lucia’s escalating living expenses and constrained economic opportunities.

    Each assistance package contained nutritionally significant staples and critical household products specifically chosen to enhance short-term food security while maintaining recipient dignity. The provisions included rice, flour, milk, beans, canned protein sources, cooking oil, infant formula, and personal hygiene products such as sanitary napkins and toiletries.

    With an approximate investment of $5,000, this initiative demonstrated a community-centric methodology toward women’s empowerment, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of poverty on women and the immediate efficacy of direct intervention strategies.

    Under the leadership of Jeff Desir, Social Transformation Officer for the Babonneau region, the project exemplified partnership-driven action aimed at reinforcing community solidarity while underscoring persistent challenges affecting women, particularly within vulnerable demographic groups.

    The program establishes a foundational model for continued engagement, envisioned to catalyze subsequent livelihood support mechanisms and empowerment programming throughout the Babonneau community.

  • Public workers ‘taking greater interest’ in health, wellness

    Public workers ‘taking greater interest’ in health, wellness

    A significant cultural transformation is underway within Barbados’ public sector as workers demonstrate heightened awareness of both physical and mental wellbeing, according to National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) President Kimberley Agard. Speaking during the union’s Health and Wellness Day at NUPW headquarters on Dalkeith Road, Agard highlighted this positive evolution in workplace attitudes as part of Public Workers Week celebrations.

    Agard observed that public officers increasingly recognize the importance of holistic health management, blending scientific approaches with traditional Bajan remedies. ‘We are living longer, but the goal is to ensure those additional years are healthy ones,’ she told reporters. ‘Persons have been paying greater attention to their health in a holistic way—not only relying on science but also the natural remedies that we as Bajans would have come up learning and understanding throughout the years.’

    The union president particularly emphasized the growing attention to mental wellness, noting: ‘I find even in general conversations that persons are paying attention to their health, with special emphasis on mental health because if the head is bad, then the whole body is bad.’

    Agard also reported progress in workplace safety structures, revealing that several departments have established functional health and safety committees as mandated. These committees actively monitor working conditions and report concerns to the union, though their implementation remains inconsistent across departments. ‘While not as widespread as we would like, these committees are performing their vital role in maintaining workplace vigilance,’ Agard acknowledged.

    The Health and Wellness Day featured participation from multiple health organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority, Barbados Nurses’ Association, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the Emergency Ambulance Service. The event formed part of the NUPW’s annual recognition of public workers’ contributions, particularly honoring those who have demonstrated exceptional service dedication.

  • Jury finds one guilty of murder, another of manslaughter

    Jury finds one guilty of murder, another of manslaughter

    A Barbados Supreme Court jury has reached a decisive verdict in a high-profile 2017 homicide case, delivering contrasting judgments for two defendants accused in the fatal shooting of Michael Edwards. Following extensive deliberations that lasted nearly three hours, the panel convicted Livardo Roghileo Hinds of Durants Lodge Road, Christ Church, on murder charges, while his co-accused Kemar Glenville Stoute of Bottom Close, Wildey, St Michael received a manslaughter conviction.

    The judicial proceedings, presided over by Justice Carlisle Greaves in the No. 3 Supreme Court, culminated last Friday after the judge’s comprehensive summation of the case. The prosecution team, led by Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Krystal Delaney with support from acting Senior State Counsel Anastacia McMeo-Boyce and State Counsel Rommel Sandiford, successfully secured convictions against both defendants despite the differing charges.

    In a significant development during the trial, the prosecution withdrew all charges against a third initially accused individual, Jason Ainsley Wilson of Wildey Gardens, St Michael. The court entered a formal not guilty verdict in Wilson’s favor, resulting in his immediate release from the proceedings. Wilson’s defense was represented by Senior Counsel Andrew Pilgrim and attorney Latisha Springer.

    Justice Greaves has ordered comprehensive pre-sentencing reports for both convicted individuals while remanding Stoute into custody pending formal sentencing scheduled for May 29. The defendants were represented by separate legal teams, with Senior Counsel Angella Mitchell-Gittens advocating for Stoute, while attorneys Safiya Moore and Michael Rivera provided defense for Hinds.

  • Students Get First-Hand Look at Diplomacy Ahead of CHOGM 2026 in Antigua

    Students Get First-Hand Look at Diplomacy Ahead of CHOGM 2026 in Antigua

    In an exceptional educational initiative, two Antiguan secondary school students have been granted unprecedented access to the intricate world of international diplomacy. Kiearra Smith, Deputy Head Girl of All Saints Secondary School, and Emari John, Head Boy of Antigua Grammar School, have been participating in a specialized youth program coinciding with their nation’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

    The pioneering program, designed to demystify high-level diplomatic processes, has enabled the students to observe firsthand the complex coordination required for hosting a major international summit. Through direct participation in planning sessions and operational meetings, the initiative provides what officials characterize as an authentic behind-the-scenes perspective on global leadership and diplomatic protocol.

    Smith reflected on the transformative experience, noting the extraordinary opportunity to witness diplomatic mechanisms in real-time while interacting with influential figures shaping international relations. Similarly, John reported heightened motivation to deepen his understanding of diplomatic practices and leadership principles, emphasizing the program’s profound impact on his professional aspirations.

    The initiative represents a strategic investment in youth engagement ahead of the 2026 CHOGM, aiming to cultivate future leaders by exposing them to the practical realities of global governance. This hands-on approach to civic education offers a unique model for how host nations can leverage international events to inspire and educate the next generation of diplomatic talent.

  • BLOODY 6 HOURS

    BLOODY 6 HOURS

    A wave of violence swept through Trinidad’s capital on Sunday, resulting in the fatal shootings of three men in separate incidents across the Port of Spain Division within a narrow six-hour timeframe.

    The first tragedy unfolded at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the McShine Lands area of Laventille. Romello Edingborough, a 29-year-old from Maraval, was engaged in renovation work with his father when six individuals clad in dark clothing approached the property. Two of the assailants, armed with firearms, reportedly seized Edingborough and executed him at the property’s entrance with multiple gunshots before fleeing towards Desperlie Crescent. Despite being rushed to Port of Spain General Hospital by his father, Edingborough was declared deceased upon arrival at 4:39 p.m. Law enforcement officials, including Ag/Cpl Nunez and teams from Homicide Region One, secured the scene and collected ballistic evidence comprising eight 5.56mm shell casings, two .40 caliber casings, one 9mm casing, and a blood sample.

    Approximately two hours later, at 6:10 p.m., officers from the Port of Spain Task Force responded to reports of gunfire at Joe Sam Hill in Laventille. Their investigation led to the discovery of 29-year-old Shaquille Woods from Morvant, who was found deceased at the base of a staircase with multiple fatal gunshot wounds to his head. Emergency medical personnel confirmed no vital signs were present. Homicide detectives and forensic specialists processed the location, recovering a single 5.56mm spent shell casing.

    The third homicide occurred near 9:40 p.m. along Picton Road in Laventille. Prince Moses, 35, was fatally shot outside his residence after stepping into his yard. Relatives reported hearing explosive gunshots before discovering Moses wounded. He was transported to Port of Spain General Hospital by PC Lewis and other responders but was pronounced dead at 10:05 p.m. Crime scene investigators subsequently retrieved multiple 9mm spent shell casings from the location.

    In a related development, another shooting incident claimed the life of 22-year-old Umar Mohammed in Cocorite on Monday morning, bringing the nation’s murder toll to 73 for the year. This figure represents a decrease from the 83 homicides recorded during the corresponding period last year.

  • Abinader swears in environmental observatory committee

    Abinader swears in environmental observatory committee

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant move toward enhanced environmental governance, Dominican President Luis Abinader has officially inaugurated the steering committee for the Observatory of Environmental Policies and Protected Areas. The ceremony, held at the National Palace, marks the operational launch of this multi-sectoral entity established under Decree 105-26.

    The newly formed Observatory is designed as an independent consultative body with a mandate to strengthen oversight, conservation, and sustainable management of the nation’s natural resources, placing particular emphasis on protected areas. It represents a collaborative governance model, integrating representatives from prominent environmental organizations, academic institutions, and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

    A core function of the initiative is to promote the generation of and public access to environmental information. It aims to foster cooperation across government agencies, civil society, and the academic sector, with future plans to transition into a formally established non-profit organization. The decree mandates the steering committee to finalize its legal incorporation and define its operational framework within a 45-day period. Subsequently, the body will be tasked with developing a sustainability plan and securing necessary resources in coordination with the Ministry of Environment.

    This establishment underscores the Abinader administration’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and participatory environmental policy management in the Dominican Republic.

  • Nigerian Igbo regent to visit to strengthen cultural ties

    Nigerian Igbo regent to visit to strengthen cultural ties

    Barbados prepares to host a significant cultural envoy this week as Nigerian traditional leader Regent Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze arrives to reinforce historical connections between the Caribbean nation and its West African roots. The visit represents a deliberate effort to reclaim ancestral heritage disrupted by the transatlantic slave trade that brought thousands of Igbo people to Barbadian shores between the 17th and early 19th centuries.

    Dr. Anakwenze, who serves as regent of the Abagana Kingdom in Nigeria’s Anambra State, brings both royal authority and professional expertise as a physician and Pan-African advocate. As founding chair of the Igbo World Assembly, he represents diaspora communities across more than twenty nations. His Caribbean itinerary forms part of a broader initiative to examine cultural survivals and establish contemporary partnerships between African institutions and the Caribbean region.

    The visit’s programming includes a Thursday evening public lecture at Queen’s Park’s Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre, focusing specifically on Igbo cultural influences within Caribbean societies. The regent’s schedule also features pilgrimages to historically significant sites including the Newton Ancestral Burial Ground and the Bussa Emancission Statue, alongside stops related to King Jaja of Opobo—a Nigerian monarch exiled to Barbados by British colonial authorities in the late 1800s.

    Reverend Onkphra Wells, chair of the Pan-African Coalition of Organizations, emphasized the visit’s dual purpose: celebrating cultural retentions while building practical frameworks for future collaboration. “This creates linkages for developmental purposes across education, culture, and trade,” Wells stated, noting that Barbados’ recent transition to a republic offers new opportunities for international relationship-building.

    Notably, the visit incorporates modern technology to bridge geographical divides, with many events live-streamed to potential audiences exceeding 100 million viewers across Nigeria and the global diaspora. The delegation will additionally conduct meetings with government representatives and academic institutions including the University of the West Indies, exploring formal cooperation in cultural heritage preservation and diaspora engagement initiatives.

  • Officer Shot Reportedly Amid Georgeville Land Dispute

    Officer Shot Reportedly Amid Georgeville Land Dispute

    A law enforcement response to a longstanding territorial conflict in Georgeville turned violent on Monday afternoon, resulting in the shooting of a police sergeant. The incident occurred in the Maya Ranch vicinity near Mountain Pine Road at approximately 3:30 p.m. on March 16, 2026.

    Sergeant Dalon Kelly, identified as the wounded officer, sustained a gunshot wound to the abdominal region during the intervention. Emergency services transported him promptly to Western Regional Hospital, where medical personnel reported his condition as stable while continuing treatment.

    Law enforcement authorities have confirmed the detention of one male suspect and the seizure of a nine-millimeter handgun believed to be the firearm used in the assault. The individual remains in custody as detectives continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

    Local inhabitants revealed that the Maya Ranch area has been embroiled in protracted land ownership controversies for several months, with mounting tensions between conflicting parties. The violent escalation represents a significant deterioration of what residents describe as simmering disputes over property rights and territorial claims.

    The targeting of a police officer responding to a civil disturbance has heightened concerns about community safety and the potential for further violence. Law enforcement agencies emphasize that their investigation remains active and ongoing as they work to determine the full sequence of events and potential additional participants.