Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Workshop aims to help teachers detect student drug use

    Workshop aims to help teachers detect student drug use

    In response to escalating concerns about drug use among youth, Barbados’ National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) has initiated a comprehensive training program for educators to identify and address student substance abuse. The inaugural workshop, titled “Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use,” convened 65 teachers at Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, marking the beginning of a coordinated effort between educational institutions and community stakeholders.

    Makeda Bourne, Substance Abuse Prevention Officer and program coordinator, emphasized the dual objectives of the initiative: enhancing educators’ ability to recognize both physical drug paraphernalia and behavioral indicators of substance use. The curriculum includes practical identification techniques and intervention strategies, featuring live demonstrations by police officers exhibiting actual drugs and related equipment.

    Rudy Lovell, President of the Barbados Union of Teachers, highlighted educators’ unique positioning to observe student challenges, noting that teachers frequently serve as first responders to youth struggling with substance abuse and its ripple effects on academic performance and family dynamics.

    NCSA Board Chairman Hadford Howell proposed expanding prevention efforts through creative competitions for primary students, suggesting art and writing contests to engage younger audiences in substance abuse education. Howell simultaneously called for greater community and parental responsibility, questioning whether homes and neighborhoods should bear primary accountability for child protection.

    The chairman further outlined four emerging challenges complicating drug prevention: proliferation of new synthetic substances, accelerated market penetration bypassing conventional monitoring, increased drug adulteration practices, and evolving distribution and consumption patterns.

  • Sea View Farm Family Members Freed as Ammunition Case Is Withdrawn

    Sea View Farm Family Members Freed as Ammunition Case Is Withdrawn

    A legal proceeding against three residents of Sea View Farm concluded abruptly this week after prosecutors elected to discontinue the case in the Magistrate’s Court. The defendants, Averly Jno Baptiste Sr., Averly Jno Baptiste Jr., and Tarnalee Jno Baptiste, had been charged with possession of a single twelve-gauge shotgun cartridge without holding the requisite firearm user’s licence.

    The case’s initial hearing was deferred due to the absence of defense counsel, which prevented the accused from formally entering their pleas. The matter was rescheduled and called again before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on Wednesday. In a decisive turn of events, the prosecution formally indicated it would not proceed with the charge. Following this announcement, Chief Magistrate Emanuel issued a formal dismissal, terminating all legal proceedings against the Jno Baptiste family members and effectively closing the case.

  • GOB Supplies Water Pipes to Four Cayo Villages

    GOB Supplies Water Pipes to Four Cayo Villages

    In a significant development for rural infrastructure, the Belizean government has delivered substantial water pipeline resources to four expanding communities in the Cayo District. The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development and Local Government formally transferred ownership of these critical materials to local water boards during an official handover ceremony on Wednesday.

    The recipient communities—San Antonio, Santa Teresita, El Progresso, and Ontario/Blackman Eddy—will utilize these pipes to extend their existing water distribution networks. This infrastructure enhancement comes as direct response to demographic growth in these villages, where expanding populations have created increased demand for reliable water access.

    Government officials emphasized that the pipeline materials will enable water boards to connect additional households to centralized water systems, particularly benefiting residents in newly developed areas. The initiative represents a strategic investment in public health infrastructure, ensuring communities can maintain consistent access to potable water despite expansion pressures.

    The ministry further contextualized this distribution within broader national efforts to strengthen rural community services. This infrastructure support aligns with ongoing governmental priorities to address developmental disparities between urban and rural regions, with water security representing a fundamental component of rural development strategy.

    This project demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing practical infrastructure needs while supporting organic community growth through targeted resource allocation.

  • Empower Her: Belizean Women Step Boldly Into Leadership

    Empower Her: Belizean Women Step Boldly Into Leadership

    BELIZE CITY – A transformative movement is reshaping Belize’s leadership landscape as women ascend to prominent roles across business, government, and civil society. The third annual Empower Her Symposium, convened by the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), has become the epicenter of this cultural shift, gathering female entrepreneurs, executives, and emerging leaders for intensive professional development.

    The two-day leadership convocation, described by organizers as a catalyst for systemic change, featured comprehensive training modules addressing emotional intelligence, transformational leadership methodologies, financial literacy, and holistic wellness practices. The program included interactive workshops, strategic networking sessions, and an intimate fireside conversation featuring insights from prominent business leader Marleni Cuellar.

    Among the powerful narratives shared was that of Susan Ferguson, Executive Director of the Belize Emergency Response Team, who recounted her journey from teenage motherhood to master’s degree completion. ‘Determination replaced limitation,’ Ferguson stated before an audience of peers. ‘I refused to become a statistic and instead built the support systems that now enable me to save lives and serve communities.’

    Academic perspective was provided by Dr. Maxcine McKay of the University of Belize, who emphasized the essential nature of female representation across all societal sectors. ‘Women’s contributions must be recognized beyond symbolic occasions—we need sustained presence in government chambers, healthcare leadership, and media boardrooms,’ Dr. McKay asserted.

    Program metrics substantiate the initiative’s growing influence, with approximately 150 women having completed professional training through the Empower Her curriculum. According to Sarita Bejerano, Manager of the Belize Training and Employment Center, these participants are now implementing their enhanced capabilities while establishing robust mentorship networks that promise to accelerate future leadership pipelines.

    The symposium represents part of Belize’s broader national strategy to leverage gender-inclusive governance and economic participation as drivers of sustainable development, positioning the Central American nation as an emerging model for gender equity in the Caribbean region.

  • PRESS RELEASE: Tribute on the passing of Dr Tomlin Paul, Deputy Principal, The UWI Mona Campus

    PRESS RELEASE: Tribute on the passing of Dr Tomlin Paul, Deputy Principal, The UWI Mona Campus

    The University of the West Indies Global Campus announced with profound sorrow the passing of Dr. Tomlin Paul, Deputy Principal of the Mona Campus, on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The esteemed physician and academic leader leaves behind an indelible legacy in medical education and public health throughout the Caribbean region.

    Dr. Paul’s remarkable career at The UWI spanned over three decades, beginning in 1990 when he joined as a lecturer. His progressive leadership journey saw him assume multiple pivotal roles including Programme Director for the MBBS programme, Deputy Dean, and ultimately Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences from 2017 to 2021 before his appointment as Deputy Principal in 2023.

    A visionary in health professions education, Dr. Paul pioneered initiatives emphasizing student engagement, quality enhancement, and social accountability within medical training. His transformative leadership was instrumental in guiding the Faculty of Medical Sciences to achieve international acclaim, most notably the prestigious ASPIRE-to-Excellence Award in Medical Education for Social Accountability from the Association of Medical Education of Europe.

    Beyond his administrative accomplishments, Dr. Paul was revered for his compassionate mentorship and humble demeanor. Colleagues and students alike cherished his people-centered approach to leadership and his exceptional ability to foster respectful dialogue even amidst differing perspectives. His scholarly influence extended across more than fifty publications and numerous collaborations with regional and global health institutions.

    Global Campus Principal Dr. Francis O. Severin memorialized Dr. Paul as an irreplaceable figure who epitomized student-centered care. “Dr. Paul’s passing leaves a ‘gaping’ space in our lives,” Severin reflected, noting his unique capacity to make colleagues feel respected and valued during discussions.

    The UWI Global Campus Senior Management Team joins the broader academic community in honoring Dr. Paul’s extraordinary contributions to institutional development and regional advancement. The university extends deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues, expressing hope that his lifetime of service will continue inspiring those dedicated to educational excellence and compassionate leadership.

  • KHMH Finally Appoints New CEO After Post Sat Empty for Months

    KHMH Finally Appoints New CEO After Post Sat Empty for Months

    Belize’s premier medical institution, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), has ended its prolonged leadership vacuum with the official installation of Sharine Reyes as Chief Executive Officer. The appointment concludes five months of interim management that began in October 2025 following the departure of former CEO Chandra Nisbet-Cansino.

    The selection process culminated in February 2026 after the hospital board conducted rigorous interviews with a shortlisted pool of distinguished candidates. The competitive field included Ann-Marie Thompson (former Acting Labour Commissioner), Timothy Seguro (Hospital Assistant Administrator and former interim CEO), Dr. Gilroy Middleton (ex-CEO from the Ministry of Immigration), and Gilda Diaz Hall.

    Reyes, who previously held the position of Financial Director at KHMH, demonstrated the qualifications and vision necessary to lead Belize’s sole tertiary-level referral hospital. Her institutional knowledge and financial acumen positioned her as the optimal candidate to steer the organization toward operational stability and enhanced healthcare delivery.

    This leadership appointment represents a critical milestone for the nation’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring consistent management for Belize’s largest public hospital which serves as the primary referral center for complex medical cases nationwide.

  • ‘We don’t want to be a burden’: Hotels explore importing water by barge

    ‘We don’t want to be a burden’: Hotels explore importing water by barge

    In an innovative move to address seasonal water shortages, Saint Lucia’s tourism industry is spearheading a privately-funded water importation initiative. The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) has announced plans to launch a test phase for water barging as early as next month, aiming to reduce pressure on the national water system during peak dry periods.

    SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez clarified that this industry-led solution seeks to minimize competition for water resources between tourism establishments and domestic consumers. The initiative, developed through board-level discussions among hospitality stakeholders, will operate independently of government funding with the private sector covering all operational costs.

    A single barge is projected to transport approximately three million gallons of water per trip, though officials acknowledge this would only satisfy a fraction of the sector’s total requirements. Some hotels are considering docking barges offshore near their properties to facilitate distribution, particularly for northern island consumers, though logistical details remain under discussion.

    The water barging represents just one component of a comprehensive water management strategy. Industry leaders are simultaneously exploring multiple approaches including potential water sharing between hotels with desalination capabilities, incentives for rainwater harvesting systems, and collaborative efforts with WASCO to accelerate critical infrastructure projects.

    Azeez emphasized that government support would primarily be needed for import duty exemptions rather than financial contributions. The association has also initiated medium-term discussions regarding potential investment in desalination plants that would be managed by WASCO to ensure sustainable water security beyond immediate seasonal needs.

  • Police training programme helping young people reshape their futures

    Police training programme helping young people reshape their futures

    In an innovative approach to youth development, Barbados Police Service is leading a transformative program that guides young individuals toward education and employment through rigorous physical and mental challenges. The King’s Trust International Team Programme, currently engaging 56 participants, employs demanding activities specifically designed to build resilience, discipline, and essential life skills.

    Sergeant Roger Williams, program coordinator within the Community Policing Department, detailed the comprehensive curriculum that includes survival drills at sea, obstacle courses, and wilderness hikes conducted at the Regional Police Training Centre in Christ Church. These residential components intentionally push participants beyond their comfort zones to develop mental fortitude and teamwork capabilities.

    The program targets youth aged 16-25, focusing on three core pillars: personal development, employability skills, and social responsibility. Since its local inception in 2016, the initiative has achieved remarkable results with 776 participants completing the program. Notably, 13 graduates have joined the Barbados Police Service ranks, while three others are currently undergoing police training.

    Williams emphasized that the program doesn’t exclusively target troubled youth but welcomes participants from all socioeconomic backgrounds. “We deem everyone to be at risk in some capacity,” Williams explained. “It’s fundamentally a self-development course that benefits youth from all walks of life.”

    The 12-week curriculum combines community projects, classroom sessions, and work placements that expose participants to potential career paths while strengthening critical skills including self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, and emotional management. The program boasts a global success rate of 75% positive outcomes, with participants typically securing employment, returning to education, or engaging in community service.

    Community policing officers actively identify potential candidates during their patrols, while program alumni frequently serve as ambassadors by recommending friends and relatives who could benefit from the transformative experience. Williams highlighted that environmental factors play a crucial role in youth development, stating: “Environment is everything. Placing young people in positive environments can significantly influence their future trajectory.”

    The most rewarding aspect for organizers remains witnessing participants from challenging backgrounds redirect their lives toward positive societal contributions, demonstrating the program’s profound impact on Barbados’ youth development landscape.

  • Vissersorganisaties delen kennis over verwerking en waardetoevoeging

    Vissersorganisaties delen kennis over verwerking en waardetoevoeging

    In a significant cross-regional collaboration, fishermen from Galibi embarked on an educational visit to their counterparts at the Fishermen’s Collective in Commewijne this Wednesday. The exchange focused on innovative fish processing techniques and developing market-ready products for local consumption.

    This initiative forms part of a broader project orchestrated by ABIC Consultancy in partnership with the Fisheries Sub-Directorate of Suriname’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (LVV). Delegates included members of the Wono Poko Nokon cooperative, representing organized fishing communities.

    During the field visit, participants gained hands-on exposure to various value-addition methodologies for caught fish. The knowledge transfer encompassed traditional preservation techniques including smoking, salting, and drying processes for fish and shrimp. The itinerary also featured tours of multiple fish processing facilities and commercial enterprises operating within the sector.

    Mark Lall, Secretary of the Fishermen’s Collective, emphasized the program’s significance in demonstrating how fishing organizations can mutually support each other in developing value-added products. He noted that the shared expertise contributes substantially to both food security and food safety objectives nationwide.

    Lall expressed optimism about future collaborations, highlighting the need for expanded projects to strengthen inter-organizational partnerships and advance sector-wide development. The Collective affirmed that cooperation and consolidated efforts within the fishing industry remain imperative for its sustainability and continued growth.

  • Police Say Targeted Shooting Claimed the Life of Clinton Pou

    Police Say Targeted Shooting Claimed the Life of Clinton Pou

    BELIZE CITY – A violent incident initially perceived as an attempted robbery has been reclassified by authorities as a deliberate assassination following a fatal shooting at a local fish market on March 12, 2026. Clinton Pou was killed in the attack, which also left his sister, 27-year-old Kiandra Pou, hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

    The assault occurred while the victims were near their mother’s food trailer. According to police reports, assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on the siblings. A senior law enforcement official confirmed that responding officers, already present in the vicinity, immediately pursued the suspects. During the chase, police engaged the perpetrators, wounding one suspect who was subsequently apprehended and transported to a medical facility for treatment.

    Eyewitness accounts described scenes of pandemonium as the violence unfolded. One bystander recounted the confusion to local media: “The police were shooting and the civilians were shooting at the same time. It was like a shootout. At least twenty shots were fired… All I did was run into a yard because I saw my friend running.”

    Investigators revealed that the firearm used in the attack was potentially discarded in adjacent waters. Dive teams are scheduled to conduct searches to recover the weapon. This episode represents the second known attempt on Clinton Pou’s life, following a previous shooting at his North Front Street residence in 2019 where he sustained injuries but survived.