Carib Scope

分类： society

  • 2026 National Independence Baton Relay to begin on January 28

    2026 National Independence Baton Relay to begin on January 28

    Saint Lucia is poised to launch its highly anticipated 2026 National Independence Baton Relay on January 28, commencing in Castries East and culminating on February 17 in Castries Central. This nationwide journey will traverse all 17 constituencies between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on scheduled dates, serving as a powerful symbol of unity, heritage, and national pride.

    During a soft launch event on January 23, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Urban Renewal, Hon. Richard Frederick, revealed the remarkable evolution of what began as a modest initiative. The baton relay has transformed into a major national phenomenon that now captures international attention, resonating far beyond the island’s shores.

    Minister Frederick declared the event unparalleled in its capacity to unite Saint Lucians, stating it ‘stands at number one’ for fostering national togetherness. The relay has become a dynamic platform for reconnecting communities, preserving local history, and strengthening bonds between domestic and diaspora populations.

    The minister emphasized the event’s significant appeal among overseas Saint Lucians, who eagerly anticipate the annual opportunity to reconnect with their cultural roots. Beyond its emotional significance, the relay functions as a living archive of national heritage, with communities sharing unique historical narratives from their constituencies.

    International interest has surged remarkably, with foreign territories and countries expressing strong desire to participate in the initiative. Minister Frederick acknowledged the unexpected global expansion of what was initially conceived as a local event, noting that the relay now enjoys worldwide recognition.

    While physical baton carrying remains limited, officials stress that inclusivity defines the event’s core philosophy. Participation encompasses broader community engagement, cultural expression, and collective celebration beyond the actual relay.

    Authorities are implementing traffic management strategies to ensure public safety during the festivities. The Safety and Traffic Management Department advises motorists to utilize road networks outside event hours where possible, while encouraging carpooling to reduce congestion and facilitate smoother traffic flow throughout relay activities.

  • The Division of Culture laments the route adjustment for Ole Mas Festival this year

    The Division of Culture laments the route adjustment for Ole Mas Festival this year

    In a decisive move prioritizing public welfare, organizers of Dominica’s highly anticipated Ole Mas Festival implemented significant route modifications due to adverse weather conditions. The Commonwealth of Dominica Division of Culture announced the eleventh-hour changes with what it described as “a heavy heart,” emphasizing that participant safety ultimately superseded traditional arrangements.

    The revised itinerary abandoned the originally planned commencement at Layou’s entrance, instead initiating proceedings at Kalleb Laurent Primary School with procession routes navigating through St. Joseph’s community. This strategic adjustment eliminated the culturally significant traversal along Layou’s link road on the Bayside, a segment particularly vulnerable to weather-related hazards.

    Chief Cultural Officer Earlson Matthew, addressing journalists during Thursday’s press conference, articulated the administration’s philosophical approach to cultural preservation. “We intentionally target communities to revitalize cultural practices,” Matthew explained, referencing prior successful interventions in Bath Estate. “Saint Joseph represents one of our few communities where traditional carnival practices remain vigorously alive, and we seek to amplify this cultural resilience.”

    The dawn event, commencing at 4:00 AM on Saturday, featured numerous traditional groups embodying Dominica’s authentic carnival heritage. Matthew previously characterized the festival as a dedicated platform for indigenous traditions to “receive their deserved time and place to shine” amidst increasingly contemporary carnival celebrations. The cultural division’s long-term vision anticipates cultivating new traditional groups through these community-focused cultural injections, strengthening Dominica’s intangible cultural heritage against modernization pressures.

  • Cuba prepares for Book Fair, Russia – guest of honor

    Cuba prepares for Book Fair, Russia – guest of honor

    The 2026 Havana International Book Fair will serve as a dual tribute, honoring both the centennial of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro and designating Russia as the event’s guest of honor nation. The announcement was made during an official press conference by Juan Rodriguez, President of Cuba’s National Book Institute (ICL), who characterized Russia as “a friendly and brotherly country” from political and cultural perspectives.

    The prestigious literary event, recognized as Cuba’s largest cultural festival, will simultaneously celebrate the legacy of two distinguished Cuban intellectuals: acclaimed author Marilyn Bobes, a two-time recipient of the prestigious Casa de las Americas Prize, and Dr. Jose Bell Lara, Professor Emeritus at the University of Havana holding a PhD in Philosophical Sciences and a Master’s in Caribbean Social Development.

    Rodriguez emphasized that the fair would commemorate Fidel Castro’s enduring influence on Cuban literature and publishing, stating the festival would “celebrate his example, his memory, and his legacy, which includes this very fair and all his contributions to Cuban literature and writers.”

    Russian Ambassador to Cuba Viktor Koronelli expressed profound honor at Russia’s selection, describing the invitation as recognition of Russia’s cultural significance and characterizing the Havana Book Fair as “one of the most important cultural events in all of Latin America.” The 2026 edition promises to strengthen cultural diplomacy between the two nations while highlighting Cuba’s literary achievements.

  • Afro-Guyanese spiritual leader, Jamaican-American die in Mabura trail crash

    Afro-Guyanese spiritual leader, Jamaican-American die in Mabura trail crash

    A devastating traffic collision on Guyana’s Linden-Mabura trail has claimed the lives of three individuals, including a respected Afro-Guyanese spiritual leader and an elderly Jamaican-American woman. The fatal incident occurred Thursday night at approximately 9:30 PM on the recently asphalted roadway.

    According to official statements from the Guyana Police Force, the victims have been identified as Andrew Irvine, a prominent spiritual leader of the Yoruba Ifa House of Samaria; Patricia Woodley, an 81-year-old Jamaican-American national; and Marcus Berley, a 32-year-old resident of One Mile, Wismar who was operating the vehicle.

    Preliminary investigation findings indicate that hire car HD 6751 was traveling westward at high velocity along the southern lane when it collided with the rear section of a stationary trailer combination (motor lorry GJJ 4000 with trailer TSS 4613). The commercial vehicle had been legally parked along the roadside facing westward at the time of impact.

    The force of the collision resulted in critical injuries to all three occupants of the hire car. Emergency responders transported the victims to Linden Hospital Complex where medical personnel pronounced them deceased upon arrival. The driver of the parked lorry, a 36-year-old man from Craig, East Bank Demerara, has been taken into police custody and is cooperating with ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.

  • Court of Appeal to clear backlog of over 2,000 appeals, applications; avoid future prolonged delays

    Court of Appeal to clear backlog of over 2,000 appeals, applications; avoid future prolonged delays

    In a landmark move to address systemic delays in its judicial system, Guyana’s Court of Appeal has initiated a comprehensive program to resolve more than 2,000 pending appeals and applications, some dating back three decades. The initiative, mandated by Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, represents one of the most significant judicial reforms in recent memory.

    The court has established three specialized panels to handle the massive backlog, with each panel assigned 70 cases in the initial phase. This structured approach includes 21 civil appeals, 20 criminal appeals, and 29 applications for leave to appeal across each panel. The first hearings are scheduled to commence on February 10, 12, and 13, 2026, marking a decisive step toward judicial efficiency.

    To ensure maximum transparency and participation, the court will issue hearing notices through multiple channels: mailed to recorded addresses of litigants and attorneys, published in national newspapers, and posted on both the Court’s official website and Facebook page under ‘Hearing Lists’.

    The court administration emphasized that this backlog reduction exercise specifically targets cases filed between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2024. Notably, all applications for leave to appeal and extensions filed before 2021 have already been cleared from the system. Moving forward, newly filed applications in 2026 will receive immediate assignment to prevent future accumulation.

    In an official statement, the judiciary acknowledged the legitimate concerns of those awaiting resolution of long-pending matters and reaffirmed its commitment to ‘timely, fair and transparent administration of justice.’ The court further stressed that this would be a court-driven process guided by robust case management principles, with expectations that all legal representatives come fully prepared to facilitate efficient dispositions.

  • Chile: Doctors majored in Cuba serve in fire-hit areas

    Chile: Doctors majored in Cuba serve in fire-hit areas

    In the aftermath of devastating wildfires that consumed approximately 80% of homes in Penco municipality’s Chinatown district of Lirquen, a specialized medical brigade has established critical healthcare operations. Coordinated by Cindy Alvarez, the team consists of physicians who graduated from Cuba’s Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) and now operate under the NGO ELAM-Chile.

    Dr. Mario Gomez Mannarelli, speaking to Prensa Latina, detailed their comprehensive approach: ‘Beyond operating stationary health posts, our teams conduct mobile medical visits to residents physically unable to leave destroyed properties due to cleanup obligations.’ The physicians employ systematic triage protocols, initially assessing pediatric and adult populations for chronic conditions and instability before distributing necessary medications.

    The medical professionals, self-funding their deployment to the Biobío region and supplying their own pharmaceutical inventories, represent what Dr. Mannarelli terms the ‘White Coat Army.’ He emphasized their disaster response methodology stems directly from Cuban medical training: ‘This operational framework—assessing, stabilizing, and medicating—constitutes our standard disaster protocol acquired through ELAM and Henry Reeve Brigade training.’

    The initiative demonstrates transnational medical solidarity, with Cuban-educated Chilean physicians implementing Caribbean-developed disaster medicine methodologies to address catastrophic wildfires in South American communities.

  • Randy Baltimore donates protective gear to constituency road workers

    Randy Baltimore donates protective gear to constituency road workers

    In a significant community-focused endeavor, road maintenance personnel throughout the constituency have been equipped with enhanced protective gear through a safety initiative spearheaded by ABLP primary candidate Randy Baltimore. The comprehensive donation package included specialized safety glasses, durable work gloves, and high-visibility reflective vests specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by infrastructure maintenance crews.

    Mr. Baltimore emphasized that this proactive measure seeks to acknowledge the critical contributions of road workers while simultaneously addressing practical safety concerns. “Supporting those who maintain our transportation infrastructure represents a fundamental commitment to both workplace safety and community respect,” he stated. “This initiative demonstrates our dedication to ensuring frontline workers have adequate protection while performing their essential daily duties.”

    The occupational hazards confronting road crew workers are particularly severe, encompassing close proximity to vehicular traffic, operation of heavy machinery, and exposure to extreme weather conditions. Such environmental factors make appropriate personal protective equipment not merely beneficial but absolutely essential for preventing workplace accidents and injuries.

    This safety-oriented program forms part of broader community engagement strategies being implemented during the ABLP primary campaign period, reflecting a policy approach that prioritizes tangible support for vital public service workers. The equipment distribution has been met with positive reception from crew members, who report both improved sense of security and elevated morale following the implementation of these enhanced safety measures.

  • Hon. Kelvin ‘Shugy’ Simon marks International Day of Education with call for equal access

    Hon. Kelvin ‘Shugy’ Simon marks International Day of Education with call for equal access

    On the occasion of International Day of Education, Antigua and Barbuda’s Hon. Kelvin “Shugy” Simon delivered a powerful testament to education’s life-changing potential. The government minister and former educator leveraged his personal narrative to advocate for enhanced educational equity throughout the Caribbean nation.

    Representing St Mary’s South constituency, Minister Simon recounted his academic journey as a catalytic force that “opened doors he never imagined possible.” In his official statement commemorating the January 24 observance, Simon credited education with instilling perseverance and providing essential tools for effective community and national service.

    The annual UN-designated observance highlights education’s critical role in advancing global peace, development, and equality. Simon positioned students, educators, and communities as joint architects of the nation’s future, asserting that collective commitment shapes national trajectory.

    “Every child, every student and every teacher possesses the power to mold our nation’s future,” Simon declared, calling for reinforced dedication to knowledge acquisition, equal opportunity, and educational quality.

    The minister’s message resonates with the current administration’s consistent positioning of education as a national priority. Government initiatives continue targeting systemic improvements in educational access, quality, and outcomes across all levels.

    Simon’s advocacy aligns perfectly with this year’s International Day of Education theme, which emphasizes education as both a public benefit and shared responsibility crucial to sustainable national development.

  • Woman Killed, Man Injured in Michael’s Village Shooting

    Woman Killed, Man Injured in Michael’s Village Shooting

    Antigua’s community was shaken by a deadly shooting incident in Michael’s Village on Friday night that claimed the life of 42-year-old Nikisha Rose from Gray’s Farm. The tragic event unfolded approximately at 10:30 p.m. on January 23 near the G&E Parking Lot, where unknown assailants opened fire on a vehicle carrying Rose and a male companion.

    According to police reports, both victims sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and were promptly transported to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for emergency treatment. Medical personnel pronounced Rose deceased at 11:21 p.m. that evening. Her male companion, who also resides in Gray’s Farm, received medical attention and remains hospitalized in stable condition.

    Law enforcement authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police officials have expressed their deepest sympathies to Rose’s family and loved ones while appealing to the public for assistance in their investigation. Investigators are particularly interested in any information that might lead to identifying the perpetrators responsible for this violent act.

    The Criminal Investigations Department has established dedicated communication channels, encouraging witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact them directly at 462-3913 or through the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477). This incident has raised concerns about community safety and prompted discussions about violence prevention measures in the area.

  • Supporting boys and young men in Caribbean education

    Supporting boys and young men in Caribbean education

    On the occasion of International Day of Education 2026, UNESCO’s Caribbean Regional Office Director Eric Falt has issued a compelling call to address the critical educational disparities facing young males across the region. While Caribbean youth continue to demonstrate remarkable capacity for innovation and social transformation, alarming data reveals a troubling pattern of male disengagement from formal education systems.

    Statistical evidence indicates a pronounced gender gap in educational completion rates, with boys constituting the majority of out-of-school youth throughout the Caribbean. This trend manifests most severely at the upper secondary level, where male dropout rates reach concerning proportions. The consequences of this educational deficit extend far beyond the classroom, creating ripple effects that diminish economic prospects, limit life opportunities, and increase vulnerability to violence and high-risk behaviors.

    UNESCO’s research underscores that traditional educational frameworks frequently fail to address the specific needs and learning styles of male students. The organization emphasizes that effective solutions must involve youth as active participants in designing the systems that shape their futures. Successful initiatives across the region demonstrate that when boys are given meaningful voice through Youth Forums, SDG 4 Youth networks, and community consultations, their educational engagement and success rates improve significantly.

    Comprehensive approaches combining mentorship programs, digital skills training, and practical pathway connections have proven effective in maintaining male student motivation. Furthermore, UNESCO identifies the critical importance of addressing structural barriers including poverty, restrictive gender norms, inadequate school access, and insufficient workforce preparation programs.

    The organization’s findings confirm that educated males demonstrate greater resilience against violence and social marginalization while contributing more substantially to family and community stability. UNESCO advocates for policy reforms that prioritize equitable funding, targeted support systems, and educational environments that reflect the lived experiences of all students.

    This International Day of Education serves as both celebration and call to action—recognizing youth potential while demanding inclusive, responsive systems that transform disengagement into participation and unrealized potential into tangible achievement for every Caribbean student.