Carib Scope

分类： society

  • School Meals Programme Rejects Claims Over Alleged ‘Vegetarian’ Meal

    School Meals Programme Rejects Claims Over Alleged ‘Vegetarian’ Meal

    The National School Meals Programme has issued an official clarification regarding recent allegations about meal quality standards. According to the program’s operational protocols, vegetarian meals are exclusively prepared and distributed based on prior registration to ensure proper resource allocation, food safety, and accurate meal planning. Records confirm that no vegetarian meal requests had been registered at the concerned school before the incident date.

    The program clarified that the teacher involved did not request a vegetarian meal through proper channels. Instead, the individual opted for a standard meal at the serving point and specifically requested only vegetable components, which were provided as asked. The program emphasized that any subsequent presentation of this meal—particularly if deliberately altered to appear unappetizing—does not accurately represent the actual quality or standards of meals routinely prepared and served.

    Reaffirming its commitment to nutritional excellence, the National School Meals Programme stated it maintains rigorous standards for meal preparation and service. While acknowledging operational challenges inherent to large-scale programs, officials denied any intentional serving of substandard or unfit meals to children.

    The statement encouraged constructive engagement from the public and educators, urging them to utilize official channels for service-related concerns rather than resorting to public misrepresentation. Program officials emphasized their dedication to continuous improvement and respectful dialogue focused on children’s welfare.

    The program expressed pride in its teams who prepare and serve thousands of meals daily across Antigua and Barbuda, requesting that future concerns be raised through appropriate channels for professional resolution.

  • Police Seize Cocaine in Sandhill Operation

    Police Seize Cocaine in Sandhill Operation

    In a significant law enforcement operation on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, authorities in Maxboro’s Sandhill Village successfully intercepted a substantial quantity of illegal narcotics. The targeted police action resulted in the confiscation of multiple cocaine packages with a combined weight exceeding 4.5 kilograms.

    During the meticulously executed operation, law enforcement officials discovered four separate parcels containing high-purity cocaine, with the bulk seizure amounting to 4,385 grams (approximately 9.66 pounds). Additionally, officers located a further 109 grams of the illicit substance during subsequent searches of the vicinity.

    The substantial seizure represents a major disruption to local drug distribution networks, with the recovered narcotics having an estimated street value in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. While authorities have maintained operational secrecy regarding potential arrests, police representatives confirmed that investigative efforts continue to focus on identifying those responsible for the drug cache and mapping distribution channels.

    Police Commissioner’s office released a statement emphasizing that “this operation demonstrates our continued commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and removing dangerous substances from our communities.” The successful raid forms part of broader ongoing initiatives targeting organized crime and drug distribution networks operating within the region.

  • Encouraging start to early preparations for Festival of the Arts

    Encouraging start to early preparations for Festival of the Arts

    In a strategic move to elevate artistic standards for the upcoming 2026 Festival of the Arts, Grenada has successfully trained 50 primary and secondary school choir instructors through an intensive professional development program. The comprehensive workshop, held at the Public Workers Union building in St. George’s, focused on enhancing vocal pedagogy and choral leadership capabilities across the nation’s educational institutions.

    Voice Specialist Valarie Daniel-Burkhardt, renowned for her work with professionals ranging from broadcasters to politicians, led the technical training sessions. The curriculum encompassed critical vocal techniques including breath control, vocal projection, diction refinement, rhythmic precision, and anatomical awareness of vocal mechanisms. Participants gained practical methodologies for improving singing proficiency while preventing vocal strain and long-term damage.

    Assistant facilitator Lucinda Ogilvie emphasized the universal relevance of vocal training, noting its importance not only for educators and students but also for performing artists across musical genres. “Understanding vocal mechanics is essential for sustainable artistic expression,” Ogilvie stated. “This knowledge protects vocal instruments from deterioration while enhancing performance quality.”

    The initiative, orchestrated by the Division of Culture within the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, represents the government’s commitment to cultural development. Chief Cultural Officer Kelvin Jacob explicitly linked the training to national artistic standards, urging participants to implement their newfound expertise to cultivate exceptional school choirs.

    Educators expressed unanimous appreciation for the program’s practical applicability. Donovan Richards, Principal of Hermitage Government School, confirmed the immediate utility of the exercises for student development. Teacher Kellyann Gunpot similarly endorsed the capacity-building initiative, particularly as Grenada prepares for the return of its premier cultural showcase.

    Cultural Officer Arlene Joseph reported overwhelming participant engagement and readiness to guide choirs toward excellence. The program concluded with formal certification ceremonies presided over by Parliamentary Secretary Senator Quinc Britton and Chief Cultural Officer Jacob, symbolizing the official endorsement of this cultural upskilling endeavor.

  • Call for participation in National Tourism Youth Congress

    Call for participation in National Tourism Youth Congress

    Grenada’s Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture has initiated a nationwide search for young tourism ambassadors through the National Tourism Youth Congress, targeting students aged 14-17. The competition aims to select Grenada’s representative for the Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana this October.

    The two-tier competition structure invites participants from secondary schools, NEWLO Hospitality Department, and T.A. Marryshow Community College’s Tourism and Hospitality programs. The preliminary round requires candidates to submit a three-minute video presentation by March 20, 2026, through designated school officials at [email protected].

    Seven finalists will advance to the live competition on May 8, 2026, where they will demonstrate their expertise through prepared presentations and impromptu responses. The final round features two challenging components: a structured presentation with audio-visual aids on a predetermined topic, followed by a mystery topic segment that tests quick thinking and communication skills. Contestants will have three minutes to prepare and one minute to deliver their response to unexpected questions.

    This initiative forms part of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s broader strategy to engage youth in regional tourism development. The congress replicates the format of CTO Board of Directors’ meetings and occurs annually during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). The program aims to cultivate research skills, critical discussion, and innovative thinking among Caribbean youth regarding tourism’s future.

    The competition follows the success of Kealah Baptiste from TAMCC, who represented Grenada at the 2025 Regional Congress in Barbados, demonstrating the program’s capacity to identify and develop young tourism leaders.

  • You Will Have to Pay Entry Fee to Watch La Ruta Maya Finish

    You Will Have to Pay Entry Fee to Watch La Ruta Maya Finish

    Spectators attending the grand finale of Belize’s iconic La Ruta Maya canoe race will be required to pay an entrance fee at the Grand Resort near Haulover Bridge, marking a significant shift in access policy for the annual event.

    Roberto Harrison, Vice Chair of the La Ruta Maya Planning Committee, confirmed the implementation of the fee structure, explaining that the privately organized race operates through sponsorship agreements and management arrangements that necessitate cost recovery measures. “This is not a cheap race to run,” Harrison emphasized, noting that expenses for security deployment, traffic coordination, and crowd control remain substantial despite the venue change.

    The decision follows expressed concerns from Belize Canoe Association Vice President Elvin Penner, who previously warned that monetary barriers could substantially reduce fan participation. “I believe, and I’m almost sure of this, there will be a pretty hefty charge to enter the grounds… which will cut back participation by a lot,” Penner told News Five last week.

    While the final pricing structure remains undetermined, Harrison indicated the fee would align with charges implemented at other points along the race route, including the Burrel Boom bridge which has historically charged admission for one leg of the competition. The financial arrangement between Grand Resort and media partner RSV aims to enhance the event’s viability while minimizing operational costs, according to committee statements.

    The race, sponsored by RF&G Insurance, represents one of Belize’s most cherished cultural sporting traditions, with the new access policy potentially altering the dynamic of public engagement for this national event.

  • Volunteers Are “The Engine” Driving GBV Walk 2026, Organiser Reveals

    Volunteers Are “The Engine” Driving GBV Walk 2026, Organiser Reveals

    The Integrated Health Outreach (IHO) organization has emphasized the indispensable role of volunteers in powering Antigua and Barbuda’s third annual Gender-Based Violence Walk, scheduled for March 7th, 2026. In collaboration with the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA), the nonprofit reveals that volunteer efforts have been the cornerstone of previous successful events in 2024 and 2025, and remain critical for the upcoming awareness initiative.

    According to IHO Communications Officer Kieron Murdoch, dozens of committed volunteers have already engaged in multifaceted support activities including community mobilization, flyer distribution, weekend registration sessions, and placard preparation. “Our volunteers are the engine that drives the walk each year,” Murdoch stated, describing their dedication as “extraordinary” and acknowledging that the event would be impossible without their substantial contributions.

    The walk, which begins at 2:00 PM from the Botanical Gardens, represents the nation’s largest public advocacy event focused on combating sexualized and gender-based violence (GBV). While acknowledging that anyone can experience GBV, organizers highlight the disproportionate impact on women and girls due to harmful social norms and gender inequality.

    IHO has conducted in-person registration at various locations including First Choice Supermarket, Epicurean, and Chase Supermarket, with an additional session scheduled for March 28th at Cost Pro Supermarket in Woods Mall from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Participants can also register online through the provided registration link or via IHO’s website, with both registration and event t-shirts provided free of charge.

    Building on the success of the 2025 event that attracted over 2,000 participants, both IHO and DoGA express confidence that attendance will increase significantly in 2026, further amplifying the message for positive societal change and enhanced safety for women and girls.

  • Poll Shows Strong Opposition to La Ruta Maya Finish Line Change

    Poll Shows Strong Opposition to La Ruta Maya Finish Line Change

    A recent informal online survey conducted by News Five has revealed substantial public resistance to the controversial decision to alter the finish line location for the iconic La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge. The proposed change would move the traditional endpoint from the BelCan Bridge to the Grand Resort near Haulover Bridge in Belize City.

    The poll, which garnered nearly 1,000 responses, demonstrated overwhelming opposition with 92% of participants rejecting the relocation plan. Only 5% expressed support for the change, while 3% remained undecided or requested additional information.

    Public commentary revealed deep-seated emotional attachment to the event’s historical traditions. Many respondents emphasized the race’s cultural significance, connecting it to Belize’s heritage and the legacy of Baron Bliss Day on March 9th. Safety considerations emerged as another critical concern, with multiple commenters highlighting potentially hazardous water conditions near the proposed Grand Resort finish line.

    Additional objections centered on accessibility issues, particularly the possibility that spectators might face entrance fees to view the race conclusion at the private resort venue. Many participants questioned whether current paddlers had been adequately consulted about the proposed changes, noting that while adaptations might be necessary, they should respect the event’s original vision and public character.

    The overwhelming consensus among respondents advocated for preserving the race’s historical route, reflecting a broader community commitment to maintaining cultural traditions against commercial influences.

  • 88-Year-Old Farmer Survives Attack

    88-Year-Old Farmer Survives Attack

    In a remarkable display of resilience, 88-year-old farmer Gabriel Teck survived a violent assault while working on his property in Yo Creek Village, Orange Walk District. The incident, which occurred on the morning of February 24, 2026, has resulted in one detention as police continue their investigation.

    According to official reports, the altercation erupted approximately at 9:00 a.m. when Teck was accompanied by another individual identified solely as ‘Negro Lopez.’ Investigators state that Lopez allegedly accused the elderly farmer of consuming his personal food supplies before launching a sudden attack using a farming implement.

    The severity of the assault makes Teck’s survival particularly extraordinary given his advanced age and the nature of the injuries sustained. Law enforcement officials revealed that following the stabbing, Teck demonstrated incredible presence of mind by independently extracting the farm fork from his chest. Displaying tremendous fortitude, the octogenarian then proceeded to walk toward the nearest main roadway to seek assistance.

    Emergency services transported Teck to Northern Regional Hospital where medical staff admitted him in reportedly stable condition. His current prognosis remains undisclosed as authorities continue gathering evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding the violent encounter.

    Police have confirmed one individual remains in custody as the investigation progresses, though formal charges have not yet been publicly disclosed. The case has drawn attention to rural community safety and the vulnerabilities faced by elderly agricultural workers in remote farming regions.

  • Ontvoerde man levend en in veiligheid aangetroffen

    Ontvoerde man levend en in veiligheid aangetroffen

    In a remarkable turn of events, Steven Maito, the 41-year-old businessman violently abducted from his Zwartbontstraat residence on Thursday evening, has been located alive and in secure condition. The victim had endured hours of uncertainty after being seized by four armed and masked assailants in a meticulously planned operation.

    Police authorities have officially confirmed Maito’s safe recovery while expressing gratitude to all parties who contributed to determining his whereabouts. Investigators have maintained strict confidentiality regarding the precise circumstances of his discovery, citing the ongoing nature of the criminal investigation.

    The breakthrough in the case emerged Saturday when law enforcement located the victim’s stolen Toyota Vigo pickup truck abandoned in a remote wooded area near Zanderij. The vehicle has been impounded for comprehensive forensic analysis, with investigators describing this development as highly significant to understanding the violent abduction’s mechanics.

    According to the detailed statement provided by the victim’s wife, the traumatic incident unfolded approximately at 10:00 PM Thursday. She reported awakening to the sound of her husband’s vehicle, only to witness four masked figures dressed in black overpowering him on their property. The perpetrators were allegedly armed with handguns and potentially other heavy weaponry.

    Security footage from neighborhood cameras captured the chilling sequence of events: the assailants emerging from adjacent woodland, subduing the victim, and forcibly departing in his own vehicle toward the Santigronweg under threat of lethal force.

  • GTAWU and SGU sign collective bargaining agreement

    GTAWU and SGU sign collective bargaining agreement

    In a significant development for labor relations in Grenada, the Grenada Technical and Allied Workers’ Union (GTAWU) and St. George’s University Limited (SGU) formally ratified a comprehensive Collective Bargaining Agreement on February 12, 2026. The six-year pact, covering July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2028, was executed under the supervision of Labour Commissioner Sparkle Grenade-Courtney.

    The signing ceremony featured representation from both organizations’ leadership. SGU’s delegation included Chief Campus Operations Officer Greg Hendel, Vice President Business Administrator Dawne Buckmire, Human Resources Director Camila Williams-Johnson, and legal counsel Skeeta Chitan-Sylvester. GTAWU’s representation was led by President General André Lewis, accompanied by Chief Grievance Officer Trevor Xavier, Shop Stewards Kevon Noel and Gleaner Lewis, Workers’ Representative Ron Greaves, and Industrial Relations Officer Kadisha Andrew.

    Key provisions of the landmark agreement establish minimum starting salaries at 20% above Grenada’s national minimum wage threshold. The compensation package includes structured annual increments: four consecutive 4% raises for the 2022-2026 periods, followed by two 5% increases for the final two years of the contract.

    Additional benefits encompass enhanced night differential allowances, full reimbursement of driver’s license fees, comprehensive health insurance coverage, uniform and protective clothing provisions, pension benefits, and a formalized grievance procedure framework.

    Notably, both parties committed to ongoing negotiations regarding the unresolved status of SGU’s ‘Unvaccinated Workers’ who have been barred from campus premises since June 2021. The discussions will focus on compensation arrangements for these employees’ years of service prior to the implementation of vaccination mandates.