Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Stronger data systems urged for workplace wellness policies

    Stronger data systems urged for workplace wellness policies

    Barbados requires enhanced national data systems to develop effective workplace wellness programs that deliver genuine value for both employees and employers, according to a leading official. Henderson Eastmond, Executive Director of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, issued this call during the media launch for the upcoming TVET Council Barbados Health and Wellness Conference and Open Day, scheduled for March 25-28 at the National Botanical Gardens.

    Eastmond acknowledged that while numerous Barbadian businesses have implemented staff wellness initiatives, the lack of accessible and reliable data severely hampers the ability to measure their true effectiveness. He observed that the consequences of an unwell workforce—increased sick days and diminished productivity—are readily apparent, creating a clear incentive for employer investment in wellness. The TVET Council itself has initiated programs such as health indicator monitoring and walking competitions to promote employee health.

    However, Eastmond emphasized that anecdotal evidence and observational benefits are insufficient. He identified a critical regional deficiency, stating that a fundamental problem across the Caribbean is the inadequate emphasis placed on systematic data collection and analysis. To address this, the TVET Council is advocating for a shift towards evidence-based decision-making, which necessitates robust data and analytical capabilities.

    The council is now actively working to strengthen national capacity in statistics and analytics, a venture that requires significant investment. Consequently, it is urging the government to allocate more resources towards research and data analysis. In response, Patrick McCaskie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Training and Tertiary Education, outlined existing governmental efforts to enhance public sector workplaces. These measures include introducing ergonomic facilities and ensuring cleaner working environments through quarterly deep cleans.

    McCaskie noted that health awareness is integrated into the ministry’s core mission goals and reported a noticeable reduction in absenteeism and sick leave, which he cited as a positive indicator of progress in the government’s health and wellness agenda.

  • Which areas of the National District and the East will experience power outages this weekend?

    Which areas of the National District and the East will experience power outages this weekend?

    The Dominican Electricity Transmission Company (ETED) has announced a series of planned maintenance operations targeting critical transmission infrastructure this weekend. As part of its ongoing infrastructure enhancement initiative, ETED will perform essential upgrades on two major 69 kV transmission lines serving industrial and residential areas.

    On Saturday, March 14, maintenance crews will focus on the Arroyo Hondo – Capotillo transmission line between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. The work involves replacing two 65-foot wooden poles situated directly in front of the Arroyo Hondo – Capotillo substation. This operation will temporarily affect power supply to several major industrial facilities including Molinos Modernos, Mercasid, Petroquímica, Polyplas, Termopac, and Smurfit Kappa.

    A second maintenance window is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, targeting the 69 kV Boca Chica – San Pedro de Macorís (Cementos) line from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This intervention will include comprehensive preventive maintenance at the substation alongside the replacement of critical insulator components. The work will result in temporary service interruptions for the communities of Guavaberry and Cayacoa, as well as for industrial operations at César Iglesias, Destilería Brugal, and Harinas del Higüamo.

    ETED officials emphasized that these scheduled interruptions represent strategic investments in grid reliability rather than emergency repairs. The maintenance program is designed to proactively strengthen transmission infrastructure, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and ensure long-term service stability across the National Interconnected Electrical System (SENI). The company’s preventive approach aims to minimize future disruptions while enhancing the overall resilience of the nation’s power grid.

  • Father, 4 month old child die in East Bank Essequibo road accident; TOPCO saddened

    Father, 4 month old child die in East Bank Essequibo road accident; TOPCO saddened

    A devastating road accident on Orangestein Public Road, East Bank Essequibo, has resulted in the tragic deaths of a 22-year-old man and his four-month-old son, while leaving the child’s 19-year-old mother with serious injuries. The fatal collision occurred on Friday when the family’s motorcycle collided with a truck operated by Tropical Orchard Products Company Limited (TOPCO).

    According to police investigators, the incident transpired at approximately 11 AM when Krishna Persaud, operating motorcycle CM 5492, attempted to overtake a stationary vehicle while crossing solid double yellow lines. The maneuver placed the motorcycle on the opposing lane where it impacted the front right section of truck GZZ 5068, which was exiting a shopping mall parking lot.

    The impact threw both riders from the motorcycle, resulting in fatal injuries for Persaud and his infant son Luke. The 19-year-old mother sustained significant head trauma and other injuries but has since regained consciousness at De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where medical professionals report her condition as stable.

    Authorities have detained the 27-year-old truck driver from Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, for questioning. Preliminary investigations, including breathalyser testing, revealed no indication of alcohol consumption by the truck operator.

    TOPCO issued an official statement expressing profound sorrow over the incident and confirming their full cooperation with ongoing police investigations. The company extended heartfelt condolences to the affected family while emphasizing respect for the grieving process and the integrity of the investigative proceedings.

  • Addressing school violence must be built on 4 pillars – deputy police chief

    Addressing school violence must be built on 4 pillars – deputy police chief

    Deputy Commissioner of Police Frankie Joseph has declared that tackling school violence demands a unified national strategy centered on prevention, early intervention, protection, and enforcement. He delivered this urgent message at the National Stakeholders Consultation on School Violence Prevention in Kingstown, an event coordinated by the Ministry of National Security in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

    Joseph emphasized that schools should be sanctuaries for learning where youth feel secure, respected, and motivated. However, he reported alarming trends that are undermining this ideal across the region and within St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). These include escalating incidents of bullying, increasing gang influence, physical altercations among students, cyber harassment, and the worrisome presence of weapons on school grounds.

    While acknowledging that most SVG students remain focused on their studies, Joseph warned that a vulnerable minority is succumbing to negative peer pressure, gang recruitment, and violent conduct. He stressed that such violence severely disrupts the educational process, inflicts trauma on students and educators, and jeopardizes the nation’s future.

    The consultation aimed to move beyond discussion toward developing practical solutions through partnership. Joseph outlined a multi-faceted approach:

    1. **Prevention**: Strengthening initiatives like Police Youth Clubs, mentorship programs, conflict resolution training, and anti-bullying education to foster resilience and leadership.
    2. **Early Intervention**: Enhancing collaboration between teachers, parents, counselors, social services, and law enforcement to identify at-risk students through behavioral changes and provide support before situations escalate.
    3. **Protection**: Implementing stronger school safety protocols, improving police-school communication, and addressing external threats like gangs, drugs, and weapons near educational institutions.
    4. **Enforcement**: Maintaining firm accountability for criminal behavior including assaults, weapon possession, and gang activity through lawful measures.

    Joseph concluded that policing alone is insufficient, calling for sustainable partnerships between educators, parents, faith leaders, and community organizations to create a protective network around young people. The ultimate goal is to establish a national school safety framework that supports youth development and prevents entry into the criminal justice system, ensuring schools become centers of discipline, opportunity, and hope.

  • The Bar Association Has A New President

    The Bar Association Has A New President

    The Belize Bar Association has undergone a significant leadership transition following its Annual General Meeting held on March 12, 2026. The legal professional body has elected a completely restructured executive committee to represent the nation’s legal practitioners.

    In a strategic reshuffling of key positions, former Vice President Jose M. Alpuche has been elevated to the presidency, succeeding William Lindo who now assumes the vice presidential role. The treasury responsibilities have been transferred to Darinka Muñoz, who replaces outgoing treasurer Stevanni Duncan Ferrera. Maintaining organizational stability, Kimberly Wallace continues her tenure as secretary.

    The newly formed leadership retains three experienced members on the committee: Senior Counsel E. Andrew Marshalleck, Estevan Perera, and Immanuel Williams, ensuring institutional continuity alongside the fresh appointments.

    Though such developments might appear distant to ordinary citizens, the Bar Association wields considerable influence within Belize’s judicial framework. The organization regularly contributes to critical discussions on legal modernization, courtroom protocols, and implementation mechanisms of legislation. Effective leadership within the association can significantly shape national conversations ranging from constitutional amendments to improving citizen access to legal resources.

    The newly inaugurated executive team has publicly pledged to prioritize both the professional interests of its membership and the broader welfare of Belizean society through its official communications.

  • Stop order and compliance notice issued by Save Deux Branches on December 1,2025

    Stop order and compliance notice issued by Save Deux Branches on December 1,2025

    Dominican environmental regulators have taken decisive action against a major development consortium for serious ecological violations. The Physical Planning Division issued a formal Stop Order and Compliance Notice on December 1, 2025, targeting MMC Development Ltd (MMCE) and China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group (CR5) for their controversial ‘Deux Branches Operation’ project.

    The enforcement document, which surfaced publicly on the Save Deux Branches Facebook page, outlines multiple regulatory breaches with significant environmental implications. Chief among the violations is the illegal dumping of materials near the ecologically sensitive Pagua River, creating both environmental hazards and public health concerns for local communities.

    Regulatory authorities further determined that the development consortium proceeded with operational activities without obtaining mandatory departmental permissions, constituting a clear breach of regional planning protocols. The official order mandates immediate cessation of all project activities effective December 1, 2025, with substantial financial penalties authorized for non-compliance.

    The comprehensive 3.31MB documentation details specific remedial actions required alongside established fine structures for ongoing violations. This enforcement action represents a significant regulatory intervention in development activities affecting Dominica’s natural resources and community welfare.

  • Run for the Reef Set to Headline Belize’s Reef Week

    Run for the Reef Set to Headline Belize’s Reef Week

    Belize’s prominent Reef Week celebrations will reach their climax this Saturday with the World Wildlife Fund’s flagship “Run for the Reef” event. The conservation-focused marathon, organized in collaboration with environmental partners, will commence at 6:00 a.m. at Memorial Park in Belize City.

    Event coordinators report robust participation, with over 200 runners already registered and total attendance projected between 250-300 participants. The gathering represents one of Central America’s most significant public demonstrations of support for marine ecosystem preservation.

    Nadia Bood, WWF Senior Program Officer, elaborated on the week’s significance during the Reef Week Fair in Belize City. “This annual collaboration brings together numerous NGOs and environmental organizations for a series of coordinated activities,” Bood stated. “WWF specifically is hosting two cornerstone events: the morning marathon followed by an evening awards ceremony for our mangrove-friendly development challenge.”

    The broader Reef Week initiative, which commenced the previous Saturday, serves to emphasize the multifaceted importance of Belize’s coral networks. “Our objective is to highlight the reef’s critical role in sustaining livelihoods, providing food security, and offering coastal protection,” Bood explained. “This world-class natural resource delivers immeasurable value to our nation, and we aim to amplify that message through public engagement.”

    The event occurs against the backdrop of growing global concern regarding coral bleaching and marine ecosystem degradation, positioning Belize at the forefront of community-driven conservation efforts.

  • Police engage deaf, hearing-impaired on personal safety

    Police engage deaf, hearing-impaired on personal safety

    In a groundbreaking effort to enhance public safety for marginalized communities, Saint Lucia’s Deaf and Hearing-Impaired residents recently received crucial guidance on personal security and rights protection. The collaborative initiative, spearheaded by the Deaf Ministries Department of the Castries Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Society of the Deaf Club, facilitated an interactive dialogue between law enforcement and the hearing-impaired community.

    Police Officers Jean James and Merlika Flavius delivered specialized safety recommendations tailored to the unique challenges faced by non-hearing individuals. The presentation focused on practical strategies for navigating a world predominantly designed for hearing people, covering aspects from emergency response to daily interactions.

    Dale St. Juste, leadership figure for the Deaf Ministries at Castries Church, emphasized the program’s significance in remarks to St. Lucia Times: “This engagement represents a vital connection between a vulnerable demographic and the protective services mandated to support them.”

    The session evolved into a dynamic exchange where participants posed numerous questions and proposed concrete improvements for police procedures regarding disability accommodation. Particularly emphasized were suggestions for enhancing communication accessibility during police interactions.

    Organizers concluded the event by advocating for greater public compassion toward people with disabilities, highlighting their ongoing efforts to achieve normalcy in daily life. The initiative marks a significant step toward inclusive community policing and disability awareness in Saint Lucia.

  • Community patrol conducted in Cochrane – Derelict vehicles tagged

    Community patrol conducted in Cochrane – Derelict vehicles tagged

    The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) is amplifying its community engagement efforts through sustained patrols under its Community Policing Initiative. This week, officers conducted targeted operations in Cochrane village, facilitating substantive dialogues with residents to reinforce collaborative ties between law enforcement and the community.

    During these patrols, authorities identified multiple abandoned vehicles, placing official removal tags and explicit warning notices on them. The CDPF issued a firm directive to vehicle owners, mandating removal within a specified timeframe. Non-compliance will trigger legal consequences, including forcible removal of vehicles at owners’ expense.

    Police officials emphasized that derelict vehicles present multifaceted public safety concerns, including potential safety hazards, environmental contamination risks, and tendencies to attract criminal operations. The initiative forms part of broader measures to ensure communities remain secure, hygienic, and well-organized.

    The CDPF is urging continued public cooperation with law enforcement personnel to uphold safety standards across Dominican communities, reinforcing that effective policing requires active citizen participation.

  • Castries man, 39, fatally stabbed

    Castries man, 39, fatally stabbed

    The community of Morne Du Don in Castries, Saint Lucia, was shaken by a lethal stabbing incident on Thursday evening that resulted in the death of 39-year-old Germaine Modeste, locally known as “Germs.

    The violent altercation occurred at approximately 6 p.m., culminating in Modeste sustaining fatal stab wounds. Eyewitness accounts describe a physical confrontation between the deceased and two other males recognized within the community.

    A distraught niece of the victim recounted hearing commotion outside her home before discovering her uncle bleeding critically on the steps. “I was traumatized. I have never known my uncle to be involved in any acts of violence,” she told St Lucia Times. “He was very loving, he always says it as it is and if he saw you doing something that was not good, he would always tell you ‘check on yourself.’”

    Another witness reported that the assailants fled the scene immediately after the attack, despite calls for assistance. Emergency response teams from the Saint Lucia Fire and Emergency Services were dispatched to the location and administered urgent medical aid. Unfortunately, Modeste succumbed to his severe injuries despite resuscitation efforts.

    Local law enforcement authorities have initiated a formal investigation into the homicide, marking another violent incident on the island. The investigation aims to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this tragic community loss.