Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Resident British Commissioner Commends Young Athletes at CARIFTA Trials

    Resident British Commissioner Commends Young Athletes at CARIFTA Trials

    In a vibrant celebration of Commonwealth Day 2026, the British High Commission in Antigua and Barbuda partnered with the Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association (ABAA) to emphasize the pivotal role of youth engagement and sports within the Commonwealth network. The collaborative initiative, held on March 5th at the YASCO sports complex, served as a platform to connect generations of athletes, fostering a spirit of international camaraderie and athletic aspiration.

    The event featured an assembly of several distinguished Commonwealth Games veterans who shared their profound experiences and competitive journeys with an audience of more than 60 emerging young athletes. These seasoned athletes delivered motivational presentations, offering invaluable insights and inspiration to the next generation of Antiguan and Barbudan sports representatives.

    British Resident Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, John Hamilton, addressed the gathering, highlighting the nation’s significant upcoming role on the Commonwealth stage. “Antigua and Barbuda will be hosting the prestigious Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year,” Hamilton stated. “You have demonstrated a strong interest in the work of the Commonwealth, the legacy of the Commonwealth Games, and the importance of collaboration across our nations. I hope the encouragement from athletes who have represented Antigua and Barbuda in the past will serve as inspiration in your own sporting journeys.”

    Further extending its support, the British High Commission contributed to the CARIFTA trials held on March 7th and 8th, which saw intense competition among over 150 athletes. All participants were awarded certificates acknowledging their athletic achievements, accompanied by informational materials about the Commonwealth and the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

    This sporting initiative also served as a precursor to a major diplomatic event, as Antigua and Barbuda is set to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November, the largest gathering in the Commonwealth calendar. Commissioner Hamilton extended gratitude to the ABAA for their diligent efforts in integrating educational components about the 56-member Commonwealth organization into the recent athletic activities.

  • Dominica to see audit of fire hydrants as system is upgraded

    Dominica to see audit of fire hydrants as system is upgraded

    Following a devastating fire incident, Dominica’s National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore has mandated an immediate nationwide audit of fire hydrants, declaring fire emergencies matters of national security. The directive came during a formal ceremony where two new trucks were handed over to the Fire and Ambulance Service, highlighting critical infrastructure vulnerabilities exposed by the March 2nd blaze that destroyed multiple buildings including a Jollys Pharmacy branch in Roseau.

    Minister Blackmoore emphasized that fire personnel must have ‘immediate, unfettered access’ to functional hydrants during emergencies, sharply criticizing the current practice of having to locate personnel to unlock hydrants during critical moments. ‘This nonsense of having to call men when they are sleeping and looking for someone to come unlock hydrants has to stop in this country,’ Blackmoore stated unequivocally.

    The comprehensive audit will be conducted jointly by the Fire and Ambulance Services and the Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Ltd (DOWASCO), with particular focus on housing development areas to ensure both sufficient numbers and strategic placement of hydrants. The minister framed the recent fire as a learning opportunity to evaluate emergency response effectiveness and address systemic gaps in the island’s disaster preparedness infrastructure.

    Authorities have confirmed the March incident resulted in no injuries but revealed pressing needs for infrastructure modernization. In response, the government has mobilized multiple resources including financial incentives for fire personnel as part of broader efforts to upgrade the island’s emergency response capabilities.

  • Paddlers Received at Belcan Bridge with Drums and Roaring Cheers

    Paddlers Received at Belcan Bridge with Drums and Roaring Cheers

    In an unprecedented display of solidarity, participants of the 2026 La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge transformed the traditional competition into a powerful protest march on March 9th. More than twenty canoe teams arrived at Belcan Bridge in perfect synchronization, creating a striking visual of unity as they paddled in a single straight formation with no team advancing ahead of others.

    The emotional arrival was amplified by hundreds of supporters who gathered at the bridge with drums, music, and enthusiastic cheers. As the canoes approached, paddlers raised their oars and Belizean flags in a coordinated gesture of national pride and collective purpose.

    Participants articulated that their demonstration aimed to preserve the fundamental spirit of the historic race. One competitor emphasized to News 5 Belize: ‘The people are the ones that support us and motivate us and give us the strength to paddle.’ Another paddler framed the protest in emotional terms: ‘This is about love; it’s about Belize. We don’t want the race to die out.’

    Jesus Linares, President of the Belize Canoe Association, who actively participated in organizing the protest arrival, stated: ‘A lot of people thought this was talking, but this was not all talking.’ The movement garnered support from former participants as well, with ex-paddler Raynard Humphreys noting from the Civic Center observation point: ‘I am extremely impressed and proud to see that our Belizeans, for once, we stand up to something.’

    The demonstration represents a significant moment in Belizean sporting culture, showcasing how athletic events can serve as platforms for community expression and cultural preservation.

  • Agro Expo 2026 Set for March 31 at Botanical Gardens

    Agro Expo 2026 Set for March 31 at Botanical Gardens

    Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural sector is poised for a vibrant showcase as the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy announces Agro Expo 2026. Scheduled for March 31st at the picturesque Antigua Botanical Gardens, this event will place special emphasis on engaging the next generation of agricultural pioneers and promoting technological innovation within the industry.

    The exposition, running from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, will feature a diverse array of agricultural displays including student garden projects, livestock exhibitions, and fresh local produce markets. A highlight of the day will be the prestigious Inter-school Garden Competition prize ceremony, honoring exceptional student and institutional contributions to agricultural education and practice.

    Organizers have curated an interactive experience designed to foster family engagement and public learning about sustainable farming practices. With an admission fee of $5, the event aims to be accessible while generating support for emerging agricultural talent. The ministry emphasizes that the expo represents a strategic investment in the nation’s food security future by encouraging youth participation, supporting young farmers, and recognizing environmental stewardship initiatives that will shape the agricultural landscape for decades to come.

  • ABSAR Pays Tribute to Longtime Volunteer Lee J. Sagert After His Passing

    ABSAR Pays Tribute to Longtime Volunteer Lee J. Sagert After His Passing

    The emergency response community of Antigua and Barbuda is grieving the tragic loss of dedicated volunteer Lee J. Sagert, who passed away following a sudden medical crisis during an active rescue operation. Sagert, whose decade-long service impacted countless lives, collapsed while answering an emergency call, marking a profound loss for the Caribbean nation’s search and rescue capabilities.

    As a multifaceted emergency specialist, Sagert exemplified extraordinary commitment through his roles as firefighter, paramedic, and rescue technician. His journey began over ten years ago when he first arrived on the island and immediately immersed himself in life-saving work. Jonathan Cornelius, Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) service, remembered Sagert as both mentor and friend whose passion for rescue work became his defining characteristic.

    ‘Lee died doing what he loved to do, what he devoted his life to doing,’ Cornelius stated in an emotional tribute, highlighting the cruel irony that a man who dedicated his existence to saving others ultimately succumbed during that very mission. Despite immediate medical intervention from fellow responders at the scene, Sagert failed to respond to treatment.

    Most recently operating from the Barbuda Ocean Club, Sagert handled the full spectrum of emergency responses—from fire incidents to medical crises and technical rescue operations. ABSAR’s official statement emphasized his invaluable contributions to national safety infrastructure, noting how his expertise strengthened emergency preparedness across both islands.

    The organization has extended heartfelt condolences to Sagert’s family and friends, acknowledging that his legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched and the emergency response systems he helped build. This incident has sparked reflections within the rescue community about the physical demands placed on volunteers and the emotional toll of constant emergency response work.

  • PRESS RELEASE: Manicel and Majorie Simon, a Haitian father and his Suriname-born daughter, are recognized by IICA as Leaders of Rurality of the Americas

    PRESS RELEASE: Manicel and Majorie Simon, a Haitian father and his Suriname-born daughter, are recognized by IICA as Leaders of Rurality of the Americas

    In a remarkable story of perseverance and community building, Manicel Simon and his daughter Majorie Simon have been distinguished as Leaders of Rurality by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Their four-decade journey from immigrant struggle to agricultural leadership represents a transformative narrative of integration and empowerment in Suriname.

    Arriving in Suriname in 1981 with nothing but determination, Manicel Simon worked various jobs for 17 years before acquiring his own land in 1998. Today, at 64, he cultivates plantains, sweet potatoes, cassava and squash across 36 hectares—a testament to what he describes as ‘freedom through land ownership.’

    His daughter Majorie, born in Suriname and representing the second generation of this agricultural community, has become instrumental in formalizing collective efforts. As secretary and spokesperson for the Haitian Farmers Cooperative Society of Suriname, she helped establish the organization in 2015 to address the historical isolation of Haitian farmers.

    The cooperative has revolutionized the community’s prospects by facilitating access to training, agricultural machinery, water pumps, fertilizers, and technical assistance through partnerships with IICA, FAO, and the Caribbean Development Bank. Most significantly, it has enabled Haitian farmers to secure land rights after decades of precarious tenancy arrangements where farmers could be evicted after clearing and cultivating plots.

    Beyond production improvements, the Simons have fostered a sense of community identity and rights awareness among dozens of Haitian farming families. Their work includes digital outreach through a Facebook page with over 10,000 followers that markets products and has attracted European clients.

    Current challenges include market limitations in Suriname’s small economy, where seasonal overproduction causes price collapses. The cooperative now focuses on developing export capabilities and food processing infrastructure to create value-added products like plantain chips, cassava flour, and preserved foods that would provide year-round income stability.

    The recognition includes the Soul of Rurality award, celebrating their contributions to food security and sustainability. Their story exemplifies how agricultural production serves as a driving force for immigrant integration and community development, even under adverse conditions, while maintaining cultural connections through weekly church gatherings that strengthen community bonds.

  • Former AG condemns fatal shooting of dog

    Former AG condemns fatal shooting of dog

    A former Attorney General of The Bahamas has added his voice to growing public outrage over the fatal shooting of a family dog by a correctional officer, characterizing the incident as a severe misuse of firearms and a disproportionate application of force. John Delaney, who served in Cabinet under former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, stated that widely circulated video footage from Friday’s incident on Soldier Road raises profound concerns regarding officer judgment, restraint, and institutional accountability.

    Delaney expressed particular alarm at correctional officers marching in a public parade with ‘guns drawn,’ describing the display as an ostentatious and unnecessary show of force. In an official statement shared with The Tribune, he noted that the service dogs accompanying the officers demonstrated greater socialization and threat assessment capabilities than their human handler, who fatally shot the three-year-old dog belonging to veteran musician Duke Errol Strachan.

    The incident occurred as correctional officers passed Strachan’s property during a funeral procession for a retired colleague. Security footage shows two dogs on the property barking and approaching the procession. One officer, already holding his drawn firearm, discharged a single shot killing one dog instantly.

    Delaney challenged the initial characterization of the dogs by the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) Public Relations Department, urging a transparent investigation, appropriate disciplinary action for the officer involved, compensation for the dog’s owner, and a public apology. He emphasized that the department’s credibility remains at stake until it demonstrates its professed value for animal lives through concrete actions.

    While acknowledging that responsible dog ownership requires proper containment, Delaney noted there was no clear evidence the dogs had left their property or posed an imminent threat. He suggested officers could have simply crossed the street to avoid potential conflict, displaying better judgment and precaution.

    The BDCS has described the shooting as unfortunate and confirmed an investigation is underway, with officers involved to be interviewed. The Department of Agriculture’s Animal Control Unit has spoken with the dog’s owners and collected the animal’s remains.

  • UPDATE: Infant identified after fiery death

    UPDATE: Infant identified after fiery death

    A tragic house fire in the Montpelier area of St James, Jamaica, has claimed the life of a six-month-old infant. The victim has been officially identified as Nymerah Graham, who succumbed to severe burns sustained during the devastating blaze that engulfed her family home on Guinep Tree Lane this Tuesday.

    Emergency responders reported that the fire rapidly spread through the residence where Nymerah lived with her parents and siblings. Despite desperate rescue attempts by family members, the infant suffered catastrophic burns covering her entire body. Preliminary reports indicate another child sustained injuries during the catastrophic incident, though specific details regarding their condition remain undisclosed.

    Jamaican fire investigation units have deployed personnel to the disaster scene to determine the origin and cause of the lethal fire. The community of Montpelier has been shaken by the tragedy, which highlights ongoing concerns about residential fire safety in the region. Standard investigative procedures are underway as authorities work to reconstruct the events leading to this fatal occurrence.

  • Infant dies, child injured as fire rips through Montpelier home

    Infant dies, child injured as fire rips through Montpelier home

    A tragic early morning fire in Montpelier, St. James has resulted in the death of a six-month-old infant and injuries to another child, according to local reports from Jamaica. The devastating blaze erupted approximately at 1:00 am on Tuesday within the Guinep Tree area, completely destroying a board-and-zinc residential structure.

    Emergency responders confirmed the infant succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained during the incident. Another juvenile victim sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment, though specific condition details remain undisclosed.

    Jamaica Fire Brigade personnel have deployed to the disaster site to conduct comprehensive investigations into the origin and cause of the catastrophic fire. The preliminary examination has not yet determined the ignition source or circumstances that led to the rapid spread of flames through the vulnerable housing structure.

    The incident has highlighted continuing concerns about fire safety in informal settlements across Jamaica’s parish regions. Community members have expressed grief over the tragic loss while awaiting official findings from fire investigators regarding preventable measures that might avert similar tragedies.

  • Harvey Weinstein says prison is ‘hell’

    Harvey Weinstein says prison is ‘hell’

    In a remarkable prison interview with The Hollywood Reporter, convicted sex offender and former Hollywood titan Harvey Weinstein portrayed his current existence as unbearable confinement while steadfastly denying all criminal allegations against him.

    The 73-year-old disgraced producer, currently incarcerated at New York’s Rikers Island facility, described his daily reality as profoundly isolated and dangerous. “It’s hell,” Weinstein stated, explaining that security concerns prevent him from interacting with other inmates. “It’s too dangerous for me to be around anyone else. Other inmates get to go to the yard. But every time I’m out there, I feel like I’m under siege.”

    Weinstein recounted a violent incident where another prisoner assaulted him while waiting to use a telephone. “He got off and punched me hard in the face. I fell on the floor, bleeding everywhere. I was hurt really badly.”

    The interview revealed a man grappling with his dramatic fall from being Hollywood’s most powerful producer—the force behind acclaimed films like “Shakespeare in Love” and “Pulp Fiction”—to a convicted felon serving multiple sentences. Despite his convictions in both New York and California courts for sexual assault and rape, resulting in decades of imprisonment, Weinstein persistently maintained his innocence.

    “I will be proven innocent. That I promise you,” he declared regarding an upcoming retrial on rape charges. Weinstein acknowledged inappropriate behavior but distinguished it from criminal conduct: “The thing I was doing wrong was not sexual assault. It was cheating on my wife. I was desperate to keep that secret from her.”

    The former mogul suggested some accusers had financial motivations, stating, “Maybe they saw an opportunity for a payout. But not all of them were as naive as they liked to pretend.” While admitting to creating intimidating power dynamics, he insisted this remained “a long way from sexual assault.”

    Weinstein, who uses a wheelchair and claims to suffer from bone cancer following heart surgery in prison, expressed profound fear about dying behind bars. “It scares the shit out of me,” he confessed. “I’m going to be 74 in March. I don’t want to die in here.”