Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Former BTL Employees Say 175 Still Await Severance Pay

    Former BTL Employees Say 175 Still Await Severance Pay

    BELIZE CITY – For the third consecutive day, members of the Belize Communication Workers for Justice (BCWJ) have maintained peaceful demonstrations outside Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) headquarters, intensifying their demands for severance payments allegedly withheld for over three decades.

    The labor advocacy group now asserts that at least 175 former BTL employees remain uncompensated, despite the telecommunications company having reached settlements with approximately 70 others. BCWJ representative Emily Turner revealed that the number of claimants continues to expand as additional former workers come forward.

    ‘Initially we documented around 200 cases, but our list keeps growing as more former employees establish contact with our organization,’ Turner stated during the protests.

    The contentious severance dispute traces back to 1994, when BTL operated as a national telecommunications monopoly. The legal landscape shifted significantly in 2025 when the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) issued a landmark ruling clarifying that pension benefits cannot legally substitute severance payments under Belize’s labor legislation, recognizing severance as a fundamental ‘social justice clause’.

    Turner emphasized the critical distinction between these compensation mechanisms: ‘Pension plans are jointly funded by employees and the company through contributions, whereas severance constitutes an employer’s exclusive obligation intended to provide financial security for retired workers, particularly older employees facing limited reemployment prospects.’

    The protests have encountered administrative hurdles, with police authorities denying permits for several planned demonstration days. This has prompted the BCWJ to formally appeal to the Commissioner of Police for intervention.

    Adding complexity to the dispute, the workers’ union has raised serious concerns regarding BTL’s proposed acquisition of competing provider Speednet (SMART), questioning the company’s capacity to pursue an $80-100 million acquisition while outstanding labor obligations remain unresolved.

    ‘We maintain our unwavering commitment to securing justice for these workers,’ Turner affirmed. ‘Our presence here demonstrates our determination to continue this fight until all rightful severance payments are fulfilled.’

  • Gully board: Bees’ Nicolls pledges eco-tourism revival for St Thomas

    Gully board: Bees’ Nicolls pledges eco-tourism revival for St Thomas

    Gregory Nicolls, the Barbados Labour Party’s candidate for St Thomas, has announced an ambitious ecological initiative to convert the parish’s extensive gully network into a premier eco-tourism destination. The proposal, unveiled during a political gathering in Welchman Hall, envisions creating miles of recreational pathways while simultaneously generating employment and stimulating rural economic development.

    Nicolls articulated his vision to revitalize these natural corridors, which once served as vital thoroughfares and social spaces for previous generations. “Our grandparents utilized these gullies as transportation routes and recreational areas,” Nicolls recounted. “My grandmother traveled from Christie Village to Proute through these gullies, and our uncles played cricket within them. We’ve allowed this essential ecosystem to become overgrown.”

    The comprehensive plan includes establishing approximately 25 kilometers of dedicated biking and walking trails through the restored gully system. This infrastructure would position St Thomas as a distinctive tourism attraction, potentially drawing visitors directly from Grantley Adams International Airport seeking unique ecological experiences.

    Beyond recreational amenities, the project emphasizes environmental restoration through the cultivation of indigenous flora. Nicolls specified that the initiative would encourage the proliferation of bougainvillea, ginger lilies, and fruit trees including guava, gooseberry, and cherry varieties, creating both visual beauty and ecological benefits.

    The economic dimension of the proposal involves creating employment opportunities for local youth in gully restoration and maintenance. Additionally, the plan incorporates local entrepreneurs, particularly village shopkeepers who could establish bicycle rental services catering to tourists exploring the gully network.

    Nicolls framed the initiative as a modern revival of the “Heart of Barbados” program specifically adapted for St Thomas, transforming neglected natural assets into sustainable economic and recreational resources for both residents and visitors.

  • Calvin Ayre Foundation Conducts Back-to-Back Medical Evacuations for Citizens in Urgent Need of Overseas Care

    Calvin Ayre Foundation Conducts Back-to-Back Medical Evacuations for Citizens in Urgent Need of Overseas Care

    The Calvin Ayre Foundation (CAF) has executed two critical medical evacuation operations in early 2026, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to addressing urgent healthcare deficiencies through strategic public-private partnerships. These life-saving missions were conducted in coordination with the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) and regional medical facilities.

    The Foundation’s first medevac mission of the year involved Mr. Paqual Peters, who required immediate pulmonary evaluation and treatment unavailable locally. CAF arranged and funded aerial transportation via CalvinAir Helicopters, while MBS provided comprehensive financial coverage for all medical procedures. Mr. Peters was transferred to Martinique under the medical supervision of Dr. Benjamin Bridge, Senior Registrar in Internal Medicine at Sir Lester Bird Medical Center, ensuring continuous care throughout the transition. The patient has since returned to Antigua following successful treatment, with his sister Esther King expressing profound gratitude for the Foundation’s intervention.

    Shortly following this operation, CAF coordinated a second emergency evacuation for a 15-year-old female patient requiring specialized care not accessible in Antigua. The adolescent was transported to Trinidad & Tobago for comprehensive medical assessment, diagnostic testing, and subsequent treatment. While MBS assumed responsibility for hospitalization and medical expenses, the Foundation contributed significantly to air ambulance costs. CAF worked collaboratively with the patient’s family and physicians to facilitate both compassionate and expedient transfer.

    Patrice Jacobs, Media Associate of CAF, noted: ‘The rapid succession of these emergencies has challenged our response capabilities, yet we remain dedicated to serving critical healthcare needs within our community. Providing swift assistance to this young patient and her family was both a privilege and honor.’

    These consecutive medical evacuations highlight the Foundation’s unwavering dedication to healthcare equity and demonstrate the powerful impact of collaborative efforts between private organizations and public institutions in addressing urgent medical necessities.

  • Marriage and Engaged Encounter set for annual celebration of World Marriage Day in St Joseph

    Marriage and Engaged Encounter set for annual celebration of World Marriage Day in St Joseph

    The St. Joseph Catholic Church is set to host its twelfth consecutive World Marriage Day observance on Sunday, February 8th, continuing its tradition of honoring committed relationships within the community. The event, commencing at 9:00 AM, welcomes couples across various relationship stages—married, engaged, or seriously dating—for a spiritual celebration of matrimonial bonds.

    This annual gathering serves as both a recognition of the institution of marriage and an opportunity for couples to reflect on their commitments. The church’s Marriage and Engaged Encounter ministry organizes the event, creating a dedicated space for relationship enrichment through shared experiences and spiritual practices.

    Unlike typical couple-focused events, World Marriage Day emphasizes the communal aspect of relationships, highlighting how marital bonds contribute to broader social stability. The celebration incorporates liturgical elements specifically designed to acknowledge the challenges and joys of long-term partnerships.

    The event represents one of the region’s most established observances of World Marriage Day, which itself is recognized internationally. Participants can expect a program blending traditional worship with contemporary reflections on modern relationship dynamics, all within the framework of Catholic teaching on sacramental marriage.

  • STATEMENT: Clarification on government grants to government-assisted schools

    STATEMENT: Clarification on government grants to government-assisted schools

    ROSEAU, DOMINICA – In response to emerging concerns within the educational sector, the Government of Dominica has issued an official clarification regarding salary management practices at government-assisted schools. This statement comes following the circulation of a letter from St. Mary’s Academy staff on February 4, 2026, prompting governmental intervention to ensure factual accuracy and public transparency.

    According to the clarification, government-assisted institutions operate as independent entities while receiving monthly grants specifically allocated for staff compensation. The government emphasized that with the notable exceptions of St. Martin Primary, St. Luke’s Primary, and St. John’s Primary Schools, educators at these facilities are not classified as government employees. Consequently, the administration of salary disbursements falls under the purview of individual school authorities rather than central government management.

    The Ministry of Finance maintains a established protocol ensuring that financial assistance to these educational institutions is distributed no later than the final business day of each month, provided all necessary requirements have been satisfactorily met. Although staff members at these schools do not hold public officer status, the government has consistently facilitated their compensation through structured grants, recently including negotiated salary enhancements of 3% and 2% in collaboration with the Dominica Association of Teachers, along with corresponding back-pay adjustments.

    Government officials acknowledged the critical contribution of both government-assisted and private educational institutions within the national framework. While maintaining their independent operational status, these schools are strongly encouraged to promptly collect available grants to ensure timely remuneration for their educational professionals.

    The Dominica Government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting all educational sectors, emphasizing the importance of continuous dialogue and cooperative engagement to address concerns effectively, ultimately prioritizing the best interests of both students and educators throughout the nation.

  • Authorities move to clear illegally docked vessels from The Carenage

    Authorities move to clear illegally docked vessels from The Carenage

    The Grenada Ports Authority (GPA) has initiated decisive enforcement measures to address critical environmental and public safety concerns in The Carenage inner harbor, setting a firm Friday deadline for the removal of illegally docked vessels. Following years of warnings and unheeded compliance notices, officials are now coordinating with coast guard and police forces to restore safety and environmental integrity to one of Grenada’s most iconic waterfront areas.

    During a comprehensive joint inspection conducted Wednesday evening, GPA officials documented multiple systemic issues including severely restricted public access pathways, navigational hazards, and substantial environmental contamination. The situation has been exacerbated by vessels permanently moored in the harbor without proper waste containment systems, leading to direct discharge of black and grey water into the marine environment.

    GPA General Manager Franklyn Redhead explained the unique geographical challenges compounding the pollution problem: “The harbor’s enclosed design creates an extremely slow flushing rate, preventing natural dispersion of contaminants and creating accumulated long-term environmental and health risks.” He emphasized that most vessels lack holding tanks, making the harbor effectively an open sewer.

    The regulatory timeline reveals extensive forbearance by authorities. Initial removal notices were issued nearly three years ago, with vessel owners receiving two separate 90-day compliance periods—both ignored without consequence. Redhead stated the current 30-day notice expires Friday, February 6th, after which coordinated removal operations will commence on Monday, February 10th.

    Beyond environmental concerns, the situation presents tangible safety hazards. Vessels docked in direct operating zones create risks for legitimate commercial traffic and themselves, while deteriorating infrastructure has created physical dangers for pedestrians. Eroded sidewalks, flooded roadways, and obstructed access points particularly endanger elderly and disabled citizens attempting to navigate the waterfront.

    Grenada Tourism Authority Chairman Randall Dolland highlighted the tourism implications: “These conditions fundamentally undermine our reputation as a safe destination. Everyone should be able to walk safely along The Carenage—this is non-negotiable for both residents and visitors.”

    Authorities have identified alternative berthing locations at no cost to vessel owners, including the outer harbor near Melville Street, the Lagoon, and Clarke Court Bay. These areas provide safer, more appropriate mooring conditions without the environmental constraints of the inner harbor.

    The GPA operates under clear legal authority granted by the Ports Authority Act, CAP 247, which designates the Port of St George’s as extending from Point Salines to Moliniere. The restricted zone encompassing The Carenage runs from Sails Restaurant to the W E Julien Building.

    Limited exceptions will be granted for cargo vessels actively offloading goods, but no permanent berthing will be permitted. Vessel owners seeking temporary access must now apply directly to the Ports Authority for consideration.

    The enforcement operation represents a significant shift from years of patient negotiation to decisive action, with authorities pledging to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure safe and professional implementation of harbor regulations.

  • Belize City Council Moving to Secure 13 Park Titles

    Belize City Council Moving to Secure 13 Park Titles

    The Belize City Council has initiated a significant administrative process to obtain formal legal titles for approximately 13 municipal parks, addressing longstanding ownership ambiguities that have plagued the city’s public spaces. Mayor Bernard Wagner announced the landmark effort, emphasizing the necessity of securing definitive ownership documents for cherished community areas including Memorial Park, Rock Park, Wilton Cumberbatch, and Manatee Park.

    For decades, the council has managed these recreational spaces without holding official titles, creating vulnerabilities to competing land claims and development pressures. “I have to leave here better than I found it,” stated Mayor Wagner, articulating his administration’s commitment to institutional strengthening. “Many times, in some of these parks, people make claim to spaces,” he noted, highlighting the practical challenges of managing public assets without clear legal standing.

    The titling initiative represents a strategic shift toward formalized urban governance that will enable comprehensive park rehabilitation and long-term planning. With secured ownership, the council anticipates enhanced ability to implement upgrades, perform consistent maintenance, and pursue structured development of these community assets. The formalization process additionally creates a legal barrier against unauthorized encroachment, ensuring these green spaces remain permanently dedicated to public use.

    Complementing this effort, the council continues to encourage public-private partnerships through its adoption program, where local businesses contribute to maintaining and improving parks and roundabouts. Mayor Wagner characterized the titling process as essentially “just to formalize” existing arrangements, transforming de facto management into de jure ownership for the lasting benefit of Belize City residents.

  • Disabled Barbadians to be trained as certified accessibility assessors

    Disabled Barbadians to be trained as certified accessibility assessors

    Barbados is pioneering a transformative approach to accessibility by empowering members of its disabled community as certified accessibility professionals. Fourteen individuals are undergoing specialized universal design training through an innovative partnership between the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD), the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, and Springboard Consulting under the Job Start Programme.

    At the program’s inauguration at BCD headquarters, President Patricia Padmore-Blackman framed the initiative as a landmark advancement in the nation’s inclusion efforts. “This training represents more than skill development—it’s about unlocking unlimited possibilities for employment, independence, and personal growth,” she stated. “We’re building confidence and opening doors for meaningful contribution.”

    The comprehensive curriculum prepares participants to professionally evaluate buildings and public spaces against accessibility standards. Rosanna Tudor, BCD Operations Manager, emphasized the program’s focus on creating professional opportunities: “Our members will become trained assessors who can work independently, bringing firsthand understanding of accessibility challenges.”

    Minister of Labour Colin Jordan characterized universal design as both an economic imperative and social responsibility. “Universal access means treating people like people,” Jordan asserted. “It enables businesses to tap into broader talent pools while increasing productivity and fostering loyalty.” He illustrated how accessibility features like curb cuts and video captions benefit diverse groups beyond the disabled community, from parents with strollers to non-native English speakers.

    Nadine Vogel, CEO of Springboard Consulting, highlighted the program’s practical approach: “We’re ensuring accessibility works for individuals with physical, hearing, or vision challenges. Participants will leave with comprehensive assessment tools to evaluate every aspect of universal design.”

    The initiative marks a significant shift from policy discussion to practical implementation, positioning Barbados at the forefront of inclusive development by leveraging the expertise of those who understand accessibility challenges most intimately.

  • Police Make Arrest in Latest Murder

    Police Make Arrest in Latest Murder

    Authorities in Belize have apprehended a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Paul Smith Jr. in La Democracia Village. Benyati Brandon, 27, now faces formal charges of murder and attempted murder following the violent incident that occurred earlier this week.

    The victim, who had been recently released from Belize Central Prison, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, abdomen, and upper limbs during the attack in his residential neighborhood. Twenty-four-year-old Tyrece Allen, who was present during the assault, survived with non-life-threatening injuries and received medical treatment alongside Smith at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where Smith was subsequently pronounced dead.

    Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting followed a domestic dispute between Smith and his partner, after which unidentified assailants allegedly ambushed him. Family representatives, including cousin Tamara Gillett, reported hearing sustained gunfire during the confrontation.

    Court records indicate Smith had an extensive criminal history involving weapons violations, handling stolen property, and previous attempted murder charges. Notably, he had been acquitted in 2024 for the 2022 homicide of Tyreak August. Relatives suggest the killing may be connected to persisting familial conflicts, with Gillett confirming there had been prior threats against Smith and other family members.

  • Trial Set to Begin in Killing of Customs Officer Nigel Christian

    Trial Set to Begin in Killing of Customs Officer Nigel Christian

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – After more than four years of protracted delays and legal proceedings, the high-profile murder case of Senior Customs Officer Nigel Christian is finally proceeding to trial. The 44-year-old official was violently abducted from his McKinnons residence on July 10, 2020, and subsequently discovered in the Thibou’s area with fatal gunshot wounds, an incident that profoundly shocked the Caribbean nation.

    The three defendants – Lasean Bully of Cashew Hill, Wayne Thomas of Hatton, and Saleim Harrigan of Greenbay – were formally charged with murder in April 2021. Their path to trial has been characterized by numerous adjournments, beginning in the All Saints Magistrate’s Court before the case was ultimately transferred to the High Court assizes in January 2023.

    Further postponements extended the timeline until January 2024, when the accused parties collectively entered not guilty pleas during proceedings before Justice Ann-Marie Smith. The judicial process now moves forward with a trial date set for February 18 under the jurisdiction of Justice Rajiv Persaud, marking a significant development in a case that has captured national attention and highlighted challenges within the Caribbean judicial system.