Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Recovery is growing, but much remains to be done for easterners to return to their daily lives

    Recovery is growing, but much remains to be done for easterners to return to their daily lives

    Under the leadership of First Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, alongside Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the National Defense Council has been rigorously overseeing recovery operations in regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The storm inflicted severe damage on Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguín, disrupting essential services such as electricity, water supply, and telecommunications.

    The restoration of electricity has been a focal point, with significant progress reported in various provinces. In Las Tunas, 99.95% of customers have regained power, while Guantánamo and Holguín have achieved 96.45% and 79.76% restoration, respectively. However, Santiago de Cuba remains a critical area, with only 29.23% of electricity services restored due to extensive damage to distribution lines. Efforts are concentrated here, with additional brigades being deployed to expedite repairs.

    Water supply restoration is also underway, with varying levels of success across provinces. Holguín has restored service to 83% of its population, while Guantánamo and Granma have achieved 96% and 55%, respectively. Santiago de Cuba, however, lags with 57% restoration, partly reliant on water trucks.

    The Economic and Social Body subgroups reported on agricultural recovery, with 13,000 hectares of crops like plantains, cassava, and coffee already rehabilitated. Additionally, construction materials and equipment have been dispatched to aid in rebuilding efforts.

    The National Civil Defense General Staff has transitioned several municipalities into the Recovery Phase, acknowledging the disciplined and cooperative response from the population and media during this crisis.

  • GARD Center Launches Soap Crafting Program for prisoners

    GARD Center Launches Soap Crafting Program for prisoners

    The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development (GARD) Center has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with His Majesty’s Prisons: a Soap Crafting Training Program designed to foster rehabilitation and societal reintegration for inmates. This innovative program integrates practical skill-building with essential life skills, including communication, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial thinking, equipping participants with the tools necessary for sustainable livelihoods post-release. The GARD Center emphasizes that the program’s core mission is to empower individuals to transition seamlessly back into society through entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. By blending hands-on training with personal development, the initiative underscores the Center’s commitment to empowerment, rehabilitation, and offering second chances to those in need. This expansion of their partnership with the prison system highlights a progressive approach to addressing the challenges of reintegration and reducing recidivism.

  • Parent Alleges Sexual Misconduct by Primary School Principal

    Parent Alleges Sexual Misconduct by Primary School Principal

    A parent has raised alarming accusations against a primary school principal, alleging that he attempted to sexually assault her child and other students. The anonymous parent disclosed that the incidents reportedly occurred between 2023 and 2024, when her daughter was merely 10 years old. She expressed outrage, stating, ‘He is supposed to guide them and fulfill his appointed role. Instead, he has shown no remorse and continues to move around the school, even after being instructed to stay away.’ The parent further asserted that the principal has a history of inappropriate conduct toward young girls, urging him to ‘seek someone your own size and leave people’s children alone.’ As of now, education authorities have not confirmed whether an investigation into these serious allegations has been initiated.

  • Interactors Spread Service and Smiles Across Antigua for World Interact Week

    Interactors Spread Service and Smiles Across Antigua for World Interact Week

    In celebration of World Interact Week, Interactors across Antigua have been actively engaging in community service projects, spreading both smiles and meaningful assistance. This global initiative, organized by Rotary International, empowers young people to make a positive impact in their communities through volunteerism and leadership. In Antigua, Interactors focused on a variety of activities, including environmental clean-ups, educational workshops, and support for vulnerable populations. Their efforts not only addressed local needs but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among participants. The week-long event highlighted the power of youth-driven initiatives in creating lasting change. By combining service with compassion, these young leaders demonstrated the importance of giving back and inspiring others to do the same. World Interact Week serves as a reminder of the potential within the next generation to tackle global challenges with creativity and dedication.

  • Santo Domingo faces transportation chaos amid nationwide blackout

    Santo Domingo faces transportation chaos amid nationwide blackout

    A massive nationwide blackout struck the Dominican Republic on Monday, causing severe disruptions to transportation and traffic systems, particularly in the capital city of Santo Domingo. The failure of the National Interconnected Electrical System (SENI) triggered the shutdown of the Paraíso and Isabela substations, which in turn cut power to Lines 1 and 2 of the Santo Domingo Metro and Line 1 of the Cable Car. The Office for the Reorganization of Transportation (OPRET) swiftly suspended services on both systems, ensuring the safe evacuation of passengers from trains and cabins. Authorities confirmed that no individuals were trapped in elevators or stations during the incident.

    The blackout also disabled traffic lights at critical intersections in the National District, including Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Rafael Augusto Sánchez avenues. This led to severe gridlock during rush hour, exacerbating the chaos. While some intersections remained operational thanks to private backup systems, the majority were left without functioning signals. In response, agents from the General Directorate of Traffic Safety and Land Transportation (Digesett) were deployed to manually direct traffic and mitigate the risk of accidents.

    As authorities work tirelessly to restore electricity and stabilize transportation operations, residents of Greater Santo Domingo continue to face prolonged delays and widespread traffic disruptions. The incident underscores the vulnerability of the nation’s infrastructure and the urgent need for robust contingency plans to address such emergencies in the future.

  • Nationwide blackout affects Dominican Republic

    Nationwide blackout affects Dominican Republic

    The Dominican Republic is grappling with a nationwide blackout following a significant failure in its electricity transmission system, as confirmed by the Dominican Electricity Transmission Company (ETED) and the Unified Council of Electricity Distribution Companies (CUED). Celso Marranzini, president of CUED, acknowledged the extensive outage and reassured the public that technical teams are mobilizing to restore power promptly. The disruption stemmed from a breakdown in the transmission network, triggered by the simultaneous shutdown of generating units at the San Pedro de Macorís Electricity Company (CESPM). This incident also impacted the Quisqueya Power Plant, causing a domino effect that disrupted other key facilities, including EDAC and AES Andrés. ETED has initiated comprehensive technical efforts across multiple regions to reinstate electricity while ensuring the stability of the national grid. The company issued an apology for the inconvenience and expressed gratitude for the public’s patience, highlighting the unprecedented nature of this event.

  • Van keizerlijk symbool tot persoonlijke creatie: de magie van het zegelsnijden

    Van keizerlijk symbool tot persoonlijke creatie: de magie van het zegelsnijden

    Imagine being entrusted with the task of crafting an emperor’s seal. This prestigious responsibility was symbolically placed on our shoulders during the ‘Seal Cutting’ presentation. On the table lay a small wooden device, a stone block, a black pen, a 15 cm ruler, and a narrow chisel. A pot of red paste stood ready for use. This marked the beginning of an immersive journey into the ancient art of Chinese seal cutting, a tradition that dates back thousands of years to the Shang and Zhou dynasties (circa 1600–256 BCE). Initially, seals, or ‘chops,’ were used by imperial families, high-ranking officials, and institutions to authenticate documents and validate official decrees. During the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE), seals were standardized and became central to imperial governance, symbolizing power and legitimacy. Crafted from materials like wood, jade, bronze, ivory, and stone, these seals were meticulously engraved by skilled artisans. Over subsequent dynasties, such as the Han, Tang, and Song, the use of seals expanded into the private sector and arts. Artists and scholars adopted personal seals as signatures on calligraphy and paintings, elevating them to cultural and artistic icons. In 2009, Chinese seal cutting was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Before we, participants of the China International Press Communication Center 2025 Program, began our hands-on experience, we were briefed on the history of seal cutting. The discovery of three bronze seals in the Yinxu ruins in Anyang (Henan Province) confirmed their use as early as the Shang dynasty (1600–1049 BCE). The art of seal cutting is intricate and multifaceted, showcasing the charm of ancient Chinese characters and culture. It involves three key aspects: character writing, pattern design, and the cutting itself. Designs often feature symbolic motifs like dragons, phoenixes, clouds, and lotus flowers, representing luck, power, wisdom, and longevity. The text typically includes the owner’s name, title, or function, affirming the document’s authenticity and authority. The choice of material and shape further enhances the seal’s significance. Our task was to carve a mirror image of a Chinese character onto a stone block. After securing the stone in a wooden device, we measured and sketched to create an accurate replica. The engraving process was challenging, with participants sighing, laughing, and assisting one another. The room buzzed with chatter and the sharp sound of chisels on stone. After carving, we pressed our seals into red paste and stamped them. Deeper engravings yielded better impressions, and participants eagerly shared their creations. Today, seals remain integral to official documents, contracts, and artworks in China. Traditional techniques blend with modern applications, ensuring this centuries-old art form continues to inspire and endure.

  • Broadcaster’s dismissal not due to controversial calypso – Starcom

    Broadcaster’s dismissal not due to controversial calypso – Starcom

    Starcom Network Inc. has firmly stated that the dismissal of Ronnie ‘De Announcer’ Clarke, its former Programme Manager, was not linked to his performance of a contentious calypso at this year’s Pic-O-De-Crop competition. Instead, the decision followed a formal disciplinary process concerning internal company matters. Anthony Greene, Starcom’s General Manager, emphasized that while the public may associate Clarke’s termination with his controversial calypso performance at the National Carol Festival, the action was rooted in concerns about his role within the organization. Greene expressed gratitude for Clarke’s 25 years of service and acknowledged his contributions to the company. The termination, effective last Friday, was the result of a disciplinary process aligned with internal protocols and national labor laws, involving legal representation from both sides. Clarke, a veteran calypsonian and broadcaster, has contested his dismissal, citing ‘serious misconduct’ as the stated reason. He met with the Labour Department on Monday to present his case and has until Friday to file an appeal with Starcom. His attorney, Hal Gollop, has communicated with the Labour Department and is confident the appeal will be submitted before the deadline. Clarke plans to address the public at a freedom of expression march on Saturday, where he intends to reveal additional details. The termination letter, signed by Noel Wood, CEO of Starcom’s parent company, the Nation Group, cited Clarke’s remarks on the Marcia Weekes Show on July 16 as breaches of company policies. Specifically, three of his statements were deemed false, malicious, and detrimental to Starcom’s interests. One such statement criticized the company’s lack of transparency, describing it as a failure to address ‘the elephant in the room.’ Clarke’s case continues to draw public attention as he seeks to challenge his dismissal and defend his professional reputation.

  • Elderly Businesswoman Stabbed to Death in Bullet Tree Falls

    Elderly Businesswoman Stabbed to Death in Bullet Tree Falls

    The tranquil village of Bullet Tree Falls in the Cayo District was plunged into grief and disbelief on the morning of November 10, 2025, following the brutal stabbing of Marty Thorne, a beloved 65-year-old businesswoman and Canadian national. Thorne, the owner of Raw Spa Cabanas, was discovered with multiple stab wounds outside her residence by a caretaker who had arrived at the property. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 a.m., has left the tight-knit community reeling and prompted a full-scale police investigation. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that Thorne’s body was found with visible injuries and is awaiting a postmortem examination. Thorne, who had lived in Belize for decades, was described as a kind and friendly individual with no known enemies. Her tragic death has raised concerns about rising crime in the area, with neighbors like Michael Waight calling for increased security to protect local businesses and residents. Waight, a long-time friend of Thorne, expressed his devastation, stating that such violence was unprecedented in the community. Authorities are yet to determine the motive behind the attack, leaving family, friends, and the community in search of answers and justice.

  • Bella Vista Barber Gunned Down in Broad Daylight

    Bella Vista Barber Gunned Down in Broad Daylight

    The tranquil community of Bella Vista was thrust into chaos on the morning of November 8, 2025, when 35-year-old Marcus Che, a cherished local barber and Guatemalan national, was brutally gunned down in his own barbershop. The assailant, clad in a full-face motorcycle helmet, entered ‘Barberia Che’ shortly before noon and unleashed a barrage of gunfire, fatally wounding Che before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. The brazen nature of the attack has left residents in a state of shock and mourning. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith of the Bella Vista Police Station confirmed that investigators have detained a potential witness and are meticulously reviewing video footage believed to be crucial to the case. Despite these efforts, the motive behind the killing remains elusive, with authorities exploring multiple theories. The incident has prompted heightened police activity in the area, as the community grapples with the loss of a man affectionately known as ‘Marcus the Barber,’ whose absence will be profoundly felt.