Carib Scope

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  • National Workers Union to host annual congress of delegates

    National Workers Union to host annual congress of delegates

    The National Workers Union (NWU) will convene its pivotal Annual Congress of Delegates on February 20, 2026, adopting the resolute theme: “Preserving and Advancing Decades of Economic, Social, Political, and Industrial Achievements.” This gathering represents a critical juncture for the organization to reaffirm its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and consolidating past gains.

    In accordance with its constitutional mandate, the Congress will assemble at the NWU Headquarters located within the John Burke King Industrial Academy at Unity House, #7 Maurice Mason Avenue, Sans Souci, Castries. The proceedings will commence with an Open Session at 9:30 a.m., featuring a distinguished roster of speakers and participants.

    The ceremonial opening will be presided over by Chairperson Comrade Kimani Pompelis, with Comrade Nnamdi Obodoechina, Central Committee Member and Shop Steward at St. Jude Hospital, delivering the invocation. Secretary General Comrade Johann M. Harewood will set the strategic tone for the assembly through his Welcome Address.

    The Feature Address will be presented by Cletus Springer, a prominent figure in regional development who serves simultaneously as Chairman of the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. His extensive expertise in industrial relations is expected to provide valuable insights into contemporary labor challenges.

    The agenda also includes brief remarks from Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Labour, alongside solidarity messages from regional and international partner organizations. Following the Open Session, delegates will transition into a Closed Session to critically examine organizational reports and develop comprehensive work plans for the upcoming operational term.

  • Jury Sworn, Tight Security as Nigel Christian Murder Trial Opens

    Jury Sworn, Tight Security as Nigel Christian Murder Trial Opens

    A high-profile murder trial opened under stringent security protocols as three defendants faced charges for the abduction and killing of senior Customs official Nigel Christian. The proceedings commenced before Justice Rajiv Persaud with the selection of an eleven-member jury panel, comprising five men and six women, plus two alternates, following extensive vetting by both prosecution and defense teams.

    The accused—Lasean Bully, Wayne Thomas, and Saleim Harrigan—each entered not guilty pleas. The prosecution is led by Director of Public Prosecutions Clement Joseph and Curtis Cornelius, while the defense is represented by attorneys Sherfield Bowen, Michael Archibald, and Wendel Alexander.

    In an unusual security measure, all members of the public were subjected to searches before being permitted entry into the courtroom. Prosecutors outlined their case, alleging that on July 10, 2020, the defendants—wearing camouflage attire and impersonating police officers—forcibly took the 44-year-old Christian from his residence in McKinnons. His body was subsequently discovered in Thibou’s with fatal gunshot wounds.

    The trial is anticipated to extend over six weeks, with more than fifty witnesses scheduled to provide testimony. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the victim’s senior government role and the brazen nature of the crime.

  • MWAG gears up for 14th Annual Media Awards

    MWAG gears up for 14th Annual Media Awards

    The 14th Annual Media Awards in Grenada will feature prominent human rights attorney Jacqueline McKenzie as keynote speaker, bringing global perspective to critical discussions on press freedom. McKenzie, an internationally recognized advocate for the Windrush generation and named among Top 10 Most Influential Black Britons in 2022, will address the gathering under the theme ‘Press Freedom and Responsibility in a Time of Consequence.’

    Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) President Calistra Farrier emphasized McKenzie’s selection as strategically aligned with current global challenges. ‘With all major global events unfolding, Ms. McKenzie’s international reach adds significant value to this year’s awards and expands MWAG’s outreach,’ Farrier stated, noting that journalists now operate amid democratic strains, climate instability, technological disruption, and widespread disinformation.

    This year’s ceremony introduces several innovations, including a custom-designed trophy selected through an open competition that will become the awards’ permanent symbol. The event has received 99 entries across 20 categories, with two new awards being introduced: The President’s Youth Award for journalists aged 25 and under, supported by the Ministry of Information and Ariza Credit Union, and the Press Freedom Award honoring late Grenadian journalist Leslie Pierre.

    Farrier described Pierre, who passed away in December 2014, as a pivotal figure in Grenadian journalism who trained dozens of media professionals and demonstrated remarkable fortitude in defending press freedoms. ‘He stood on the front lines for press freedom, willing to face any consequences in defence of all journalists,’ she noted.

    Additionally, the Impact Song of the Year Award, supported by Spicemas Corporation, will recognize music as a powerful communication medium. Breaking from tradition, this year’s awards will be held at Pier 57 instead of the Grenada Trade Centre Annex, generating anticipation within Grenada’s media community.

  • Sea Bridge Adds Early Morning Barbuda Departure to Ferry Schedule

    Sea Bridge Adds Early Morning Barbuda Departure to Ferry Schedule

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – In a significant boost to inter-island transportation, Sea Bridge Ferries has announced a comprehensive schedule expansion featuring a new early morning departure from Barbuda. The revised timetable, set to commence on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, introduces strategic changes designed to optimize travel efficiency between the sister islands.

    The updated operational plan includes a new midday departure from Crabb’s at 12 p.m., while introducing a revolutionary overnight stay protocol for ferries in Barbuda. This logistical enhancement enables a newly established 6:30 a.m. Thursday departure specifically tailored for passengers requiring early arrival in Antigua.

    Company representatives emphasized that this early morning sailing strategically addresses the needs of travelers with time-sensitive obligations including business meetings, medical consultations, and various professional commitments. The initiative represents Sea Bridge Ferries’ commitment to addressing both commercial transportation requirements and passenger convenience through improved scheduling flexibility.

    The transportation provider characterized these schedule modifications as part of their ongoing mission to enhance service quality for Antigua and Barbuda residents. Company officials expressed confidence that the optimized timetable would provide substantial practical benefits for regular commuters and commercial operators alike, while inviting passengers to experience the improved service under the newly implemented schedule.

  • GFNC: We’re Hiring – Communications Officer

    GFNC: We’re Hiring – Communications Officer

    The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) has announced an employment opportunity for a Communications Officer to spearhead public education campaigns promoting healthy nutritional practices throughout the tri-island nation. This strategic position within the Education & Promotion Division will be instrumental in shaping public health messaging across all parishes.

    The successful candidate will assume comprehensive responsibilities including developing and executing communication strategies, creating diverse content for press releases, social media platforms, newsletters, and informational brochures. The role additionally encompasses managing the organization’s digital presence through website maintenance and social media channels, serving as an official spokesperson, and providing support for community events. A critical component of the position involves conducting audience research and preparing analytical reports to measure campaign effectiveness.

    Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related discipline, complemented by demonstrated excellence in both written and verbal communication. The Council requires 2-3 years of professional experience in communications or marketing roles. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to public health advancement in Grenada.

    Interested professionals are invited to submit their applications via email to [email protected] before the deadline of February 27, 2026. The GFNC plays a vital role in addressing nutritional challenges and promoting wellness initiatives throughout Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.

  • Antiguan Student Daniel Athill-Jonas Wins Special Award at Global Toyota Dream Car Art Contest in Japan

    Antiguan Student Daniel Athill-Jonas Wins Special Award at Global Toyota Dream Car Art Contest in Japan

    Daniel Athill-Jonas, a secondary school student from Antigua, has achieved global acclaim by securing a distinguished special prize at the international Toyota Dream Car Art Contest held in Japan. The young visionary was honored with the “Waku-Doki” Award, a category specifically designed to celebrate exceptional creativity, exhilarating innovation, and groundbreaking conceptual thinking in automotive design.

    This international triumph follows his previous success as the national champion of the 2023 Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, which was coordinated domestically by Harney Motors Ltd. The prestigious recognition comes with a substantial monetary award totaling EC$40,000. Athill-Jonas personally received EC$13,500, while his educational institution, Pares Secondary School, was granted EC$27,000 to support its academic and artistic programs.

    The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest represents a global initiative that challenges children worldwide to conceptualize and create visionary vehicle designs, fostering artistic talent and innovative perspectives on future transportation solutions. Documented photographs released by Harney Motors capture the memorable moment when Athill-Jonas, accompanied by Mrs. Harney Barnes and Mr. Harney, displayed his official plaque from Toyota Motor Corporation during a special recognition ceremony held in his honor.

    This extraordinary accomplishment not only signifies a pivotal milestone in the young artist’s developing career but also positions Antigua and Barbuda as an emerging hub for youth creativity and technological innovation on the international stage.

  • Floyd Green goes shopping at ‘Curry’

    Floyd Green goes shopping at ‘Curry’

    Jamaica’s agricultural industry is demonstrating a remarkable resurgence as produce prices experience a significant downward trend across local markets. This encouraging development was highlighted during Agriculture Minister Floyd Green’s feature appearance on the Jamaica Observer’s popular Market Bag video series, filmed at Kingston’s historic Coronation Market.

    Minister Green joined host Carlysia Ramdeen to document the market’s vibrant activity and discuss strategic government initiatives that facilitated the sector’s robust recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact last October. The weekly program, which tracks agricultural commodity prices nationwide, revealed substantial price reductions including tomatoes at approximately $50 per pound, carrots at $100, and cabbage priced around $150.

    During the market tour, Minister Green specifically commended Jamaican farmers for their extraordinary resilience and dedication amid challenging circumstances. “What we are witnessing represents the tangible outcome of combined efforts—strategic seed distribution, enhanced water management systems, operational improvements, and most importantly, the determination of exceptional farmers committed to restoring Jamaica’s food security,” Green emphasized.

    The agriculture minister detailed how coordinated intervention programs involving seed distribution, irrigation support, and technical assistance enabled farmers to rapidly rebuild production capacity following natural disasters. This comprehensive approach has not only stabilized supply chains but also created favorable conditions for price normalization that benefits consumers nationwide.

    The latest Market Bag episode documenting this agricultural recovery premieres Friday at 6:30 PM on YouTube and social media platforms, providing consumers with transparent market information and celebrating the restoration of Jamaica’s local food production capabilities.

  • NWA begins $328m road repairs in western Jamaica post-Melissa

    NWA begins $328m road repairs in western Jamaica post-Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A comprehensive $328 million infrastructure recovery initiative is now underway across western Jamaica, addressing extensive roadway damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage in October 2025. The National Works Agency (NWA) has commenced an intensive patching and rehabilitation program targeting the most severely affected transportation corridors.

    The category five hurricane made landfall on October 28, 2025, unleashing unprecedented destruction throughout Jamaica’s western region. The storm’s impact created substantial challenges for transportation networks, particularly across the parishes of St James, Trelawny, Westmoreland, and Hanover where multiple roadways suffered critical damage.

    Janel Ricketts, Community Relations Officer for NWA’s western region, identified specific priority areas for rehabilitation. The comprehensive repairs will focus on key transportation arteries including Montego Bay’s city center thoroughfares in St James, the Highgate Hall to Stettin main road in Trelawny, Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril, Westmoreland, and critical segments of the Shettlewood to Chester Castle main road in Hanover. Additionally, the West End roadway in Negril will receive complete asphalting treatment.

    The ambitious recovery project, scheduled for completion within six weeks, forms part of the agency’s broader $1.7 billion islandwide Graded Overlay (GO) Road Rehabilitation Programme. Motorists are advised to anticipate potential traffic disruptions during construction periods and are strongly encouraged to adhere to posted warning signage and follow instructions from traffic management personnel.

    This infrastructure rehabilitation represents a significant step toward restoring normalcy to regions hardest hit by the hurricane, reestablishing vital transportation links for economic recovery and community connectivity.

  • Seven vie for Miss George Alleyne Hall (UWI) title

    Seven vie for Miss George Alleyne Hall (UWI) title

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The University of the West Indies Mona campus prepares to crown its next Miss George Alleyne Hall on March 7th, with seven distinguished students competing for the prestigious title. The selection process, described by event coordinator Domonique Williams as “fairly easy,” deliberately sought candidates who embody the hall’s core values of ambition and community engagement.

    This year’s competition theme, “Jewels of the Jungle, Gems of the Enchanted,” will see contestants evaluated on multiple criteria including poise, eloquence, presentation skills, and how effectively they personify their assigned gemstone. The pageant serves not merely as a beauty contest but as a platform for personal development and community representation.

    The diverse cohort of contestants includes Biology student Justeena Rhone, who values the opportunity for building meaningful friendships, and law student Moiya Richardson, who seeks confidence building through public speaking. International representation comes from Antigua and Barbuda’s Lesheka Hodge, studying management studies with psychology and international relations minors, who views this as her entry into the pageant world.

    Other notable participants include Barbados native Talia Small, who confronts social anxiety through competition; Kelsie Spaulding, who aims to promote her female empowerment project “Her Space”; Antoinette Robinson, inspired by a previous titleholder; and aspiring diplomat Katia Anglin, pursuing history and international relations. The coronation ceremony will take place at the George Alleyne Hall on the UWI Mona campus.

  • Minister Grange reaffirms commitment to Bustamante celebrations

    Minister Grange reaffirms commitment to Bustamante celebrations

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has unveiled comprehensive plans to commemorate the 142nd birth anniversary of Sir Alexander Bustamante, the nation’s first prime minister and revered national hero. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange has confirmed that dual ceremonies will be held simultaneously on February 24, 2026, at both Bustamante’s birthplace in Blenheim, Hanover, and at Kingston’s National Heroes Park.

    The commemorative proceedings will commence with a floral tribute ceremony at the National Heroes Park at 9:00 AM, followed by a birthday tribute ceremony in Blenheim at 11:00 AM. Additionally, Pearnel Charles Jr, Member of Parliament for Clarendon South Eastern—where Bustamante served for approximately 18 years—has organized supplementary activities within his constituency to honor the late statesman.

    Minister Grange directly addressed recent concerns about potential disruptions to the Hanover celebrations, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving national observances. She referenced the February 2025 celebrations when similar concerns emerged regarding funding availability. “The Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, acted decisively in mandating the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) to fully fund and execute the Bustamante birthday celebrations,” Grange stated in an official news release, highlighting the administration’s dedication to maintaining these traditions.

    The minister elaborated on the profound significance of these annual commemorations, describing them as crucial opportunities for national reflection on Bustamante’s legacy of workers’ rights advocacy and nation-building contributions that fundamentally shaped modern Jamaica.

    Acknowledging current fiscal constraints due to Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, Grange expressed appreciation for public understanding while stressing the immeasurable value of heritage celebrations. “The value of heritage commemorations, particularly for young Jamaicans still coping with the impact of the hurricane, cannot be understated,” she explained. “These celebrations offer a sense of continuity, pride and inspiration at a time when our people, especially our youth, need it most.”

    The minister issued a nationwide call to action, encouraging participation from all societal sectors including educational institutions, community organizations, cultural groups, and families. She specifically urged school communities, youth groups, and cultural organizations to actively engage in both the Hanover and Kingston events, emphasizing the importance of keeping Bustamante’s legacy alive in both ceremonial practice and national consciousness.

    Interested parties seeking additional information about scheduled activities or wishing to confirm participation are advised to contact the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission directly.