Carib Scope

分类： society

  • The UWI Global Campus Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates Largest-Ever Cohort of Honour Roll Awardees

    The UWI Global Campus Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates Largest-Ever Cohort of Honour Roll Awardees

    ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus marked a significant academic milestone during its third annual Honour Roll Ceremony on November 6, 2025. The event, attended by prominent figures including Senator Michael Joseph, celebrated unprecedented scholarly achievement across both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

    This year’s ceremony established new institutional benchmarks with 83 students securing places on the prestigious Honour Roll – the largest cohort recognized since the ceremony’s inception. Demonstrating remarkable academic consistency, 35 exceptional students achieved this distinction in both Semester I and Semester II of the 2024-2025 academic year, representing 42% of all honourees.

    In a historic expansion of recognition criteria, postgraduate students received formal acknowledgement for the first time, highlighting their capacity to maintain academic excellence while navigating professional responsibilities and personal commitments. Campus leadership specifically praised these students for their multidimensional excellence.

    University officials commended all honourees for exemplifying resilience, intellectual discipline, and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence that defines the ideal UWI student. The ceremony also paid tribute to the families and support networks whose encouragement proved instrumental to student success.

    The proceedings concluded with a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing that academic achievement represents an ongoing journey rather than a final destination. Campus leadership extended congratulations to all recipients and expressed strong confidence in their future contributions to society and continued pursuit of excellence.

  • Twee Getuigen niet verschenen in hoger beroep Pikin Saron-strafzaak

    Twee Getuigen niet verschenen in hoger beroep Pikin Saron-strafzaak

    The appeal hearing for five men convicted for their roles in the May 2, 2023 disturbances in Pikin Saron faced significant delays as multiple witnesses failed to appear before the court on November 28th.

    Judicial proceedings encountered obstacles when two subpoenaed witnesses did not attend the session. One individual cited excessive travel distance to the cantonment court as the primary reason for absence, while another witness reported psychological distress preventing them from confronting memories of the traumatic events.

    Defense attorney Murwin Dubois presented arguments regarding witness accountability, stating: ‘No distance is too great when it comes to establishing truth.’ The lawyer formally requested the court to implement consequences for non-appearance, emphasizing the judicial process’s integrity requirements.

    Additional logistical complications emerged regarding a third witness who received their summons too late to arrange attendance, and a fourth witness who had previously reported illness during earlier proceedings and consequently wasn’t subpoenaed for this session.

    The defense team raised further concerns about detainee treatment, specifically requesting that defendants not be transported via prisoner transport vehicles as late as 7 or 8 PM following court sessions. Defendant G.Z. elaborated on psychological vulnerabilities, revealing: ‘I’m under psychiatric care and require sleeping pills to rest. We request to be taken seriously—three months have passed without resolution.’

    The court has scheduled continuation of proceedings for December 9th, allowing time to address these procedural and logistical challenges.

  • Government of Dominica announces new minimum wage structure effective December 1, 2025

    Government of Dominica announces new minimum wage structure effective December 1, 2025

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has unveiled a comprehensive revision of its national minimum wage structure, set to become effective December 1, 2025. This landmark adjustment follows through on commitments made during the July 2025 Budget Address and represents the first major wage review since 2021.

    The government established a specialized Minimum Wage Advisory Board comprising representatives from public and private sectors, employer associations, and trade unions. This tripartite body conducted an extensive evaluation of current labor market conditions and comparative wage levels across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) region.

    Under the newly enacted Labour Standards (Minimum Wage) Order, 2025, cabinet has approved substantial increases across numerous occupational categories:

    Agricultural workers will see the most significant hourly raise, moving from EC$7.50 to EC$9.75 per hour—a 30% increase. Similarly, cashiers and receptionists will receive a 30% boost from EC$7.25 to EC$9.42 hourly.

    Multiple sectors including tourism, manufacturing, and service industries will benefit from 20-24% increases. Factory and tourism daily workers rise from EC$7.50 to EC$9.00 hourly, while security guards increase from EC$8.00 to EC$9.60 per hour.

    Domestic workers receive substantial weekly raises: home assistants with meals increase from EC$200 to EC$240 weekly (20%), while those without meals jump from EC$250 to EC$300 weekly (20%). Live-in home assistants rise from EC$220 to EC$264 weekly.

    Numerous positions including bartenders, servers, room attendants, groundskeepers, and janitors all move from EC$7.24 to EC$9.00 hourly—a 24% enhancement. Construction laborers and other unskilled workers increase from EC$7.50 to EC$9.00 hourly.

    This sweeping reform aims to establish a more equitable compensation framework, bolster household earnings, and strengthen social safeguards for low-income workers. The Dominican government reaffirms its dedication to fostering a labor market environment that prioritizes worker welfare and sustainable economic security.

  • Family Questions Care After Woman Dies a Day Following Prison Release

    Family Questions Care After Woman Dies a Day Following Prison Release

    A tragic case emerging from Belize has ignited serious concerns regarding healthcare standards within correctional facilities. Shirley Arnold, a 47-year-old woman with chronic health complications, passed away merely 24 hours after being discharged from Belize Central Prison, operated by the Kolbe Foundation.

    Arnold initially encountered legal troubles in June when apprehended for operating an unlicensed vehicle. During her court appearance, she explained her dire circumstances—rushing to receive essential dialysis treatment while lacking alternative transportation. The judicial authority demonstrated leniency, imposing a minimal fine of $105 in recognition of her medical and financial hardships.

    Despite this compassion, Arnold—identified as a repeat offender—ultimately served time at the facility. Her family now alleges systemic negligence, asserting that prison authorities failed to deliver appropriate medical attention during her incarceration. They are preparing legal measures against the institution.

    Virgilio Murillo, CEO of the Kolbe Foundation, provided the prison’s perspective in an interview with News Five. He confirmed that Arnold received scheduled dialysis treatments at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) throughout her detention. Murillo characterized Arnold as frequently ‘noncompliant’ and ‘belligerent,’ creating significant challenges for staff. He suggested that Arnold’s own attitude may have contributed to the situation, stating, ‘I think Shirley reached a point where she may have just given up.’ Despite these behavioral issues, Murillo maintained that correctional personnel ‘did all that could have been done’ under difficult circumstances.

    The contrasting narratives highlight ongoing debates about prisoner welfare, particularly regarding individuals with serious pre-existing medical conditions. This incident raises fundamental questions about institutional responsibility versus personal accountability in correctional healthcare systems.

  • Salvation Army opens registration for annual food package programme

    Salvation Army opens registration for annual food package programme

    The Salvation Army has announced the commencement of registration for its yearly holiday food package initiative, extending crucial support to families experiencing financial hardship. The enrollment process is scheduled for December 2nd at the organization’s Citadel on Long Street, operating between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

    Prospective beneficiaries are required to furnish a valid government-issued photographic identification document during registration. Individuals seeking to register on behalf of others may present the identification of the person they are representing.

    Successful registrants will be issued an authorization card specifying their designated collection date, with distributions planned for December 17th and 18th. Simultaneously, the charitable organization is actively soliciting public donations to sustain this vital community program.

    Contributions can be delivered directly to the Salvation Army’s headquarters at 36 Long Street. Alternatively, potential donors may contact the organization at 785-5019 to coordinate a convenient pickup arrangement for their charitable gifts.

  • Hefty fines as police share traffic changes for Independence Parade on Sunday

    Hefty fines as police share traffic changes for Independence Parade on Sunday

    Barbadian authorities have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory ahead of Sunday’s dual ceremonies celebrating national independence and presidential installation at Kensington Oval. The Barbados Police Service will implement extensive road closures and parking restrictions from 5:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with severe penalties for violations including $500 fines or potential three-month imprisonment sentences for non-compliance.

    Strategic road closures will affect critical transportation arteries including Fontabelle Road from Lakes Folly/Redman Drive to President Kennedy Drive/Holborn Circle, and President Kennedy Drive from Westbury Road to Holborn Circle. Public Service Vehicles maintain special access privileges along the President Kennedy Drive corridor despite the general vehicular ban.

    Significant traffic congestion is anticipated along multiple parade routes spanning key urban thoroughfares: Fontabelle Road, Cheapside, Chapel Street, Prince Alfred Street, Broad Street, Trafalgar Street, Bridge Street, Charles Duncan O’Neal Bridge, Probyn Street, Bay Street, Lower Fairchild Street, Marhill Street, James Street, Magazine Lane, Coleridge Street, and Independence Square.

    Enhanced parking regulations prohibit vehicle placement on Westbury Road, President Kennedy Drive, Cheapside Road, Redman Drive, Prescod Boulevard, the access road to Hanschell Inniss, Pickwick Gap, University Row, Mighty Grynner Highway, and Kensington New Road.

    Designated parking facilities with shuttle services have been established for official participants: Kensington Oval for VVIPs, Parliament and Rickett Street for Parliamentarians, Cube Blue Barbados Port Inc for award recipients, Government Headquarters for honourees, Supreme Court and Helipad for participants including parents and children, State House for Presidential guests attending the Toast to the Nation ceremony, Government Procurement for diplomats, judiciary members and emergency services personnel, UWI Car Park for general invitees, and Kensington Mall for staff of designated persons.

    Law enforcement personnel will maintain heightened visibility along the parade route to facilitate traffic flow and ensure public safety during the ceremonial proceedings.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Unveils UN80 Sustainable Development Goals Art Mural

    Antigua and Barbuda Unveils UN80 Sustainable Development Goals Art Mural

    In a vibrant celebration of global cooperation and community engagement, Antigua and Barbuda unveiled a significant public artwork on Friday, November 28th, 2025. The UN80 SDG Art Mural, revealed at 9:30 a.m. along Independence Avenue near the Antigua Recreation Grounds, marks both the United Nations’ 80th anniversary and the nation’s dedication to inclusive sustainable development.

    The creation of this monumental artwork represents an extraordinary collaborative effort orchestrated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in partnership with the United Nations Barbados and Eastern Caribbean office. The project brought together diverse segments of society including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, youth representatives, persons with disabilities, and numerous civil society organizations.

    Under the inspiring theme ‘Building Our Future Together – Everyone Counts,’ the mural visually interprets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through vibrant imagery and symbolic representations. This community-driven artistic endeavor embodies the principles of inclusivity, unity, and shared responsibility that underpin the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    The unveiling ceremony attracted distinguished guests from government, United Nations representatives, community stakeholders, and enthusiastic members of the public. The gathering served not only as an artistic celebration but also as a platform for reflecting on national achievements and recommitting to ongoing efforts toward creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

    Government officials expressed profound appreciation for all contributors, emphasizing that the mural will endure as a permanent testament to the nation’s belief that every citizen plays a vital role in the journey toward progress and development. The artwork stands as both a visual masterpiece and a powerful reminder that marginalised groups, particularly youth and persons with disabilities, must have their voices included in national development conversations.

  • Gov’t to revamp NSHP to address evolving housing demands

    Gov’t to revamp NSHP to address evolving housing demands

    SAVANNA-LA-MAR, JAMAICA — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared a comprehensive restructuring of Jamaica’s New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) to address the nation’s shifting residential demands more effectively. The announcement came during a ceremonial home handover to beneficiary Beverly Barnaby Moo-Young in Westmoreland on Friday.

    Holness emphasized that the program’s immediate focus will shift toward deploying semi-permanent rapid response shelters to accelerate housing delivery. While affirming the government’s commitment to completing all currently approved projects, he revealed plans to fundamentally ‘recraft’ the initiative’s operational framework moving forward.

    While acknowledging the NSHP’s institutional achievements in beneficiary assessment and construction management, the Prime Minister identified technological transformation as critical for improvement. The program has historically relied on conventional building methods utilizing blocks and steel, with limited experimentation poured concrete systems.

    “We must transition toward prefabricated and pre-construction solutions,” Holness asserted, specifically highlighting precast and containerized modular housing as promising alternatives. He simultaneously addressed potential challenges associated with these methods, including ventilation adequacy, unit sizing appropriateness, and aesthetic integration into Jamaica’s landscape.

    “Technology integration must be adapted to our unique circumstances to ensure housing solutions truly fit our people and environment,” Holness explained, noting that widespread modular construction requires careful consideration of visual impact and livability.

    The Prime Minister concurrently validated the NSHP’s structural resilience, revealing that nearly all program homes successfully withstood Hurricane Melissa’s recent impact, with only two units experiencing flooding while maintaining structural integrity.

  • NPATT proud of you young parranderos

    NPATT proud of you young parranderos

    The National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NPATT) has issued a powerful statement of support for young parang performers following what appears to be public criticism targeting student participants. In a letter published by Newsday, NPATT’s youth officer Joseph Bertrand articulated the organization’s unwavering commitment to youth engagement in this traditional art form.

    NPATT emphasized the vital importance of their Junior Parang Festival initiatives, which include both the National Primary and Secondary Schools Parang Competitions and the recently introduced Tribute to the Icons presentations. These programs are specifically designed to preserve and transmit the complete cultural package of parang—encompassing its musical traditions, linguistic heritage, and underlying values—to younger generations through deliberate and respectful methodology.

    The association expressed concern about commentary that minimizes student efforts or undermines the substantial work undertaken by educational institutions, instructors, mentors, families, and established parang figures. NPATT contends such negative observations conflict with the fundamental principles of community, perseverance, and cultural dignity that parang embodies.

    Addressing young paranderos directly, the organization encouraged continued dedication to their craft, invoking the traditional Spanish phrase ‘con alma y corazón’ (with soul and heart). NPATT positioned these young performers as crucial connectors between the foundational icons who established the tradition and future generations who will inherit it.

    The association pledged ongoing support for youth development within the parang community, vowing to safeguard the art form’s authenticity while fostering an environment where parang can flourish through unity, mutual respect, and joyful expression.

  • Bandits rob woman but returns ID, bank cards

    Bandits rob woman but returns ID, bank cards

    In a startling incident that blends criminal violence with unexpected civility, Port of Spain police are hunting three assailants who robbed an Angostura employee shortly after she departed her workplace on November 27th. The 25-year-old victim was targeted while awaiting transportation on the Priority Bus Route opposite the Vehicle Maintenance Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (VMCOTT) around 7:15 PM.

    The confrontation began when the trio approached the woman, with one attacker seizing her from behind and pressing a curved blade against her throat. Under direct threat to her life, she surrendered her possessions including a black handbag containing a premium Samsung S23 Ultra smartphone valued at $5,000, her company-issued mobile device, and $700 in cash.

    What followed however demonstrated paradoxical behavior from the criminals. As two accomplices fled into nearby vegetation, the remaining assailant—stationed on a distinctive black-and-white bicycle—accommodated the victim’s plea to retrieve her identification and banking cards from a red pouch within the stolen bag. The man complied with her request, calmly returning the critical documents before escaping through the Fernandes compound vicinity.

    In a separate but related development, law enforcement is simultaneously pursuing two additional suspects following an attempted hardware store heist earlier that same day. At approximately 10:10 AM, armed robbers invaded a business along El Socorro Main Road, assaulting the proprietor and stealing a gold chain before employees disrupted the crime through vocal alarms. The startled perpetrators abandoned their plunder and fled in a black Nissan Note vehicle without securing any monetary gain from the establishment.

    Police Constable Cyril of Besson Street Police Station is leading the investigation into the Angostura employee robbery, while PC Ball continues inquiries regarding the foiled hardware store incident. Both cases highlight concerning patterns of violent crime affecting Trinidadian citizens and businesses.