Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Bitar Fast-Food Restaurant Robbed at Gunpoint

    Bitar Fast-Food Restaurant Robbed at Gunpoint

    A Bitar fast-food restaurant became the target of a brazen armed robbery, sending shockwaves through the local community. The incident, which unfolded during operating hours, involved at least one assailant brandishing a firearm to intimidate staff and patrons before making off with an undisclosed sum of cash.

    Early reports from law enforcement indicate that the perpetrator entered the establishment and immediately produced a weapon, creating an atmosphere of fear and coercion. Employees were forced to comply with demands under direct threat, highlighting the vulnerability of service industry workers to such violent crimes. While no physical injuries have been reported, witnesses described scenes of terror as customers scrambled for safety.

    Local police have launched a comprehensive investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and collecting forensic evidence from the scene. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that might lead to the identification and apprehension of the suspect. This event marks concerning trend of armed robberies targeting retail and food service businesses, raising questions about security measures and crime prevention strategies in commercial districts.

    The management of Bitar has expressed full cooperation with investigators while implementing additional security protocols across their chain of restaurants. Community leaders have called for increased police patrols in commercial areas to deter similar incidents and ensure public safety.

  • Community Oriented Policing moves to the Newtown Primary School this week, focus on conflict management

    Community Oriented Policing moves to the Newtown Primary School this week, focus on conflict management

    In a proactive move to address rising educational concerns, the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has intensified its community outreach initiatives. On January 28, 2026, officers from the Community-Oriented Policing Unit attended a Parent-Teacher Association meeting at Newtown Primary School, marking a significant step in fostering collaborative security efforts.

    Corporal Dion Moses, representing the CDPF, delivered a compelling address to parents highlighting critical challenges facing educational institutions. He emphasized the alarming escalation of school violence, bullying incidents, and disciplinary issues requiring immediate attention. The corporal outlined the indispensable role of parental guidance in shaping positive student behavior and academic outcomes.

    Moses advocated for enhanced parental involvement in children’s daily lives, urging families to establish stronger emotional connections to better understand youth experiences. He specifically cautioned against confrontational approaches toward educators, stating, “Parents should refrain from entering school premises to engage in quarrels or heated arguments with teachers.” Instead, he recommended resolving disputes through formal channels and respectful dialogue.

    The police force reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to partnering with educational stakeholders to create secure and nurturing learning environments. This initiative forms part of broader national efforts to strengthen community-police relationships while addressing systemic issues affecting youth development.

    The CDPF’s statement concluded with a powerful call to action: “Through collective responsibility and sustained cooperation, we can build safer schools and more resilient communities for future generations.”

  • Over 100 families in St Peter to be given opportunity to own land

    Over 100 families in St Peter to be given opportunity to own land

    In a landmark move addressing historical injustices, the Barbadian government has initiated the formal transfer of land ownership to 132 families in the Six Men’s community of St. Peter. This initiative, known as the Six Men’s Life Improvement Project, represents a significant step in correcting decades of land tenure insecurity.

    Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the progress during a Barbados Labour Party meeting in Speightstown, revealing that 37 households have already received formal offer letters. The remaining qualified tenants are undergoing property surveys to facilitate complete title transfers through the Tenant’s Freehold Purchase program—a policy originally established under former Prime Minister Tom Adams.

    The government is maintaining the original purchasing terms established decades ago, offering land at just 10 cents per square foot without inflation adjustments. Mottley emphasized the extraordinary opportunity this presents, noting that prospective landowners can acquire property for less than the cost of premium sneakers—approximately US$250 for a standard plot.

    Mottley framed the initiative as a form of historical reparation, stating: ‘The people who were treated as beasts of burden for centuries have already paid for this land over and over through your blood, sweat and tears. Today we ask you simply to consummate that relationship.’

    Colin Jordan, BLP candidate for St. Peter, highlighted that this resolution addresses a half-century-old community concern. He specifically rejected the term ‘squatters’ for residents who have occupied the land for decades, expressing offense at such characterizations.

    The comprehensive project includes surveying the entire area and making necessary adjustments to ensure proper road access for emergency vehicles, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fully integrating these communities into formal infrastructure networks.

  • Mahon loses My Lord’s Hill home to fire

    Mahon loses My Lord’s Hill home to fire

    In a devastating turn of events, Roger Mahon, a 63-year-old sanitation worker, faced the complete destruction of his home just two days before his scheduled retirement from the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA). The fire erupted Wednesday evening at his Proute Road residence in My Lord’s Hill, St Michael, reducing his lifelong home to ashes.

    Mahon recounted receiving a frantic call from his son while he was briefly away from the property. Returning immediately, he encountered an overwhelming blaze with three fire trucks and multiple police vehicles already on scene. The lifelong resident expressed utter disbelief at the scene that greeted him.

    Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have originated from a toaster oven left operating with its timer engaged—a common practice for Mahon who stated this was the first incident of its kind. The intensity of the conflagration prevented salvage of any personal belongings or household items.

    Despite losing everything, Mahon expressed gratitude that adjacent properties sustained only minor damage. Divisional Officer Tremelle Perch confirmed the fire response involved three water tenders from Bridgetown and Barbados Port fire stations under the command of multiple officers who successfully contained the blaze.

    The incident has left Mahon, who lives alone and manages diabetes, without essential medication and too distressed to eat. Both major political parties have pledged support, with candidates Trevor Prescod (Barbados Labour Party) and Ensley Granger (Democratic Labour Party) offering assistance for rebuilding efforts.

    Neighbor Lionel Brewster, 84, described the event as terrifyingly unexpected, noting his property suffered only minor exterior damage including cracked glass panes and some board damage. A vehicle parked between residences sustained damage to its rear windshield and roof structure.

  • Temporary Closure of the Magistrates’ Court located on High Street, St John’s

    Temporary Closure of the Magistrates’ Court located on High Street, St John’s

    The judicial operations at the Magistrates’ Court situated on High Street in St. John’s, Antigua, are undergoing a temporary suspension to facilitate critical building enhancements. This necessary closure forms part of a coordinated initiative by the national judiciary to modernize its facilities and ensure the long-term structural integrity of its premises.

    Court administrators have confirmed the shutdown will enable contractors to execute comprehensive maintenance work, which includes upgrades to electrical systems, improvements to public accessibility, and essential repairs to the historic building’s infrastructure. The project aims to create a safer, more efficient, and modernized environment for both court staff and the public once operations resume.

    During this interim period, all scheduled court matters traditionally heard at the High Street location are being systematically relocated to alternative courtrooms within the jurisdiction. The Office of the Magistrate has issued clear directives for attorneys, defendants, witnesses, and jurors to verify their new assigned venues through official court communications channels to avoid any disruptions to their legal proceedings.

    The judiciary emphasizes that these infrastructural improvements, while causing temporary inconvenience, are a vital investment in the nation’s legal framework. The enhancements are expected to significantly improve service delivery, case management efficiency, and public access to justice upon the court’s reopening, which is projected to occur upon completion of the mandated works.

  • Deputy Police Chief stresses ‘zero tolerance’ for disorder during upcoming Carnival

    Deputy Police Chief stresses ‘zero tolerance’ for disorder during upcoming Carnival

    Dominica’s law enforcement authorities have issued stringent warnings ahead of the upcoming Carnival celebrations, emphasizing a uncompromising stance against public safety violations. Deputy Police Chief Jeoffrey James, speaking during the ‘Disaster and You’ program on state-owned Radio DBS, outlined specific security measures that will be rigorously enforced throughout the festival period.

    The senior police official clarified that the designated Carnival route through Roseau—established by ministerial order under Statutory Rules and Regulations—will be strictly protected against unauthorized vehicle access. ‘Any individual found cycling, riding, or operating motor vehicles within the official Carnival perimeter will be committing a criminal offense,’ James stated. ‘This constitutes a significant danger to both participants and operators themselves, and consequently will not be tolerated under any circumstances.’

    James emphasized that public familiarity with the published route details creates an expectation of compliance, noting that violators will face immediate legal consequences. The police strategy extends beyond traffic control to encompass broader public safety concerns, with explicit prohibitions against fireworks, weapons, and disorderly conduct.

    The enforcement framework will involve rapid response to any criminal activities, with offenders facing expedited processing through magistrate’s courts. While the primary Carnival route remains substantially unchanged from previous years—running from Independence Street at Kennedy Avenue to King George V Street, then proceeding along Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard between the National Bank of Dominica and Issa Trading Limited—authorities acknowledge potential minor adjustments might be implemented.

    This comprehensive security approach reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining the Carnival’s tradition while ensuring participant safety through strict regulatory enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

  • New Building Craft Programme for Antigua and Barbuda with The King’s Foundation, UK

    New Building Craft Programme for Antigua and Barbuda with The King’s Foundation, UK

    A groundbreaking international training initiative for Antigua and Barbuda’s construction sector has been unveiled through a strategic partnership between The King’s Foundation (UK), the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This comprehensive Building Craft Programme offers fully-funded professional development for skilled artisans seeking specialization in heritage conservation and climate-resilient construction methodologies.

    The intensive four-week curriculum, scheduled for April 2026, will be conducted at The King’s Foundation’s prestigious UK training facilities, including Dumfries House Estate in Scotland and Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire. The programme specifically targets experienced construction professionals from Antigua and Barbuda who demonstrate commitment to advancing their expertise in traditional building preservation and sustainable development practices.

    Curriculum highlights include master-level workshops in traditional building techniques, sustainable material applications, and climate-adaptive construction methods directly relevant to Antigua and Barbuda’s architectural heritage. Participants will receive hands-on training from renowned craftspeople in specialized disciplines including carpentry, stonemasonry, decorative ironwork, traditional roofing systems, heritage plastering, technical drawing, and conservation architecture.

    The selection process will identify only eight exceptional candidates who will receive comprehensive scholarships covering all tuition costs, accommodation expenses, round-trip airfare to the UK, and all necessary programme materials. Participants must be at least 18 years old, possess verified experience in building crafts, and commit to the programme’s full duration, including obtaining UK travel authorization.

    Following the UK training component, participants will engage in practical Live Build projects within Antigua and Barbuda, collaborating with local partner organizations to implement their newly acquired skills in real-world conservation and development scenarios.

    Dr. Simon Sadinsky, Executive Director of Education at The King’s Foundation, emphasized the programme’s significance: “We are delighted to offer this opportunity to talented individuals from Antigua and Barbuda who are looking to deepen their skills in traditional building crafts and climate-resilient construction.”

    High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda to the UK, Karen Mae-Hill, added: “This initiative directly supports our government’s mandate for people-focused development while strengthening our national skills pipeline and climate resilience capabilities.”

    Interested applicants must submit completed application forms by the deadline of February 20, 2026, obtainable by contacting programme coordinators Raynel Carroll or Jennie Hartley.

  • Three winning students to be awarded by Dominica Community Tourism Association in essay contest

    Three winning students to be awarded by Dominica Community Tourism Association in essay contest

    The Dominica Community Tourism Association will honor three laureates from La Salette Agricultural and Industrial University (LAIU) today for their winning contributions to the organization’s second annual essay competition. The ceremony, scheduled for 3:30 PM at the LAIU Clubhouse, celebrates student excellence in addressing this year’s critical theme: ‘Our Rivers, Their Contribution to Community and Tourism Development.’

    In an official audio statement, the Association—which serves as the primary body for community-based tourism groups nationwide—expressed profound concern regarding the deteriorating condition of Dominica’s river systems. While acknowledging the island’s remarkable natural endowment of approximately 365 rivers, which earned it the moniker ‘Nature Isle,’ the organization warned that these aquatic treasures face insufficient protection and preservation efforts.

    Rivers constitute the lifeblood of Dominican society, the Association emphasized, providing indispensable economic, environmental, and social benefits. These waterways sustain livelihoods, drive tourism revenue through attractions like the renowned Emerald Pool, and serve as hubs for community gatherings and recreational activities.

    However, escalating threats from littering and pollution jeopardize river health and long-term sustainability. The Association identifies environmental degradation as a direct challenge to its core mission, prompting intensified advocacy for public awareness campaigns and stronger legislative safeguards.

    By engaging youth through academic competitions, the organization aims to cultivate environmental stewardship among younger generations. This community-driven initiative aligns with global conservation movements, including World Rivers Day, underscoring the universal importance of watershed protection.

    The Association extended appreciation to all sponsors and participants while encouraging continued student involvement in future competitions. This event reflects its broader commitment to integrating environmental preservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism development as interconnected pillars of national progress.

  • Graduates raise the bar as community training stirs up new opportunities

    Graduates raise the bar as community training stirs up new opportunities

    In a significant stride toward workforce development, Barbados has celebrated the inaugural graduation of 19 individuals from a groundbreaking community-based hospitality training initiative. The ceremony, held at Courtyard by Marriott in Garrison, St Michael, marked the successful completion of the Satellite Programme’s first Bartending/Mixology and Cookery 1 courses.

    The programme, formally titled ‘Facilitating Inclusive Development in Communities,’ represents a collaborative effort between Pinelands Creative Workshop, the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, and the Maria Holder Memorial Trust. The graduating cohort comprised 17 women and 2 men who underwent intensive hands-on training, with 11 specializing in Bartending/Mixology and 8 in Cookery 1.

    Sophia Greaves-Broome, CEO of Pinelands Creative Workshop, emphasized the programme’s design to eliminate traditional barriers to education. “We created this to cut through red tape and barriers that often prevent people from accessing training,” she stated during her address to graduates. Greaves-Broome highlighted that the certificates represent “a beginning to your future” in an evolving job market where “the new currency is skills.”

    The Satellite Programme specifically targets young adults aged 18-35 who left formal education without qualifications, single parents, and those unable to meet conventional tertiary education requirements. The initiative reflects the post-pandemic recovery needs of Barbados’ hospitality sector, with training content adapted to industry demands.

    Notably, the Bartending/Mixology course pushed creative boundaries, with students developing over 30 original cocktails using unconventional ingredient combinations. The Cookery curriculum condensed two training levels into an accelerated format. Instructors Sir Sheen McClean and Angela Gittens-Holland received special recognition for their transformative teaching approaches.

    Graduate Dionne Currency-Griffith, speaking on behalf of her cohort, described the experience as “demanding but fulfilling,” noting significant improvements in time management and professional confidence. Her newly acquired certification will enable her catering business to expand into full bar services.

    Two exceptional students received special recognition: Roshania Manning (Cookery 1) and Currency-Griffith (Bartending/Mixology), both achieving scores of 85%. Since its 2022 establishment, the programme has trained 52 Barbadians, with many graduates advancing to entrepreneurial ventures including product bottling and retail operations.

    The ceremony concluded with an empowering message for graduates to leverage their credentials as launching points for continuous professional development and global market opportunities.

  • Cabinet Approves Eco-Regeneration Plan for Christian Valley Watershed

    Cabinet Approves Eco-Regeneration Plan for Christian Valley Watershed

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has greenlit a comprehensive ecological restoration program targeting critical watershed zones, with the Christian Valley area serving as the primary focus. This ambitious initiative represents a strategic fusion of environmental conservation, climate adaptation planning, and sustainable economic development.

    During the weekly Cabinet briefing, Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that agricultural officials presented a detailed proposal that received full ministerial endorsement. The program specifically addresses landscape degradation while fortifying the nation’s defenses against climate-related vulnerabilities.

    The multi-faceted approach encompasses several national priorities simultaneously. Water security constitutes a fundamental component, alongside broader environmental protection measures and the promotion of sustainable economic practices. Reforestation efforts form the cornerstone of the project, with plans for seedling production that will enable expansion to additional regions beyond the initial implementation zones.

    Merchant emphasized the anticipated socio-economic benefits, noting that the creation of new nature reserves will enhance the country’s eco-tourism appeal. These preserved areas are expected to attract visitors interested in nature-based experiences, thereby generating new revenue streams while conserving biodiversity.

    The initiative aligns with broader climate objectives and development goals, creating synergies between ecological restoration and economic diversification. As the program progresses, Cabinet briefing documents will provide detailed implementation timelines and specific project parameters, offering greater transparency regarding the scope and sequencing of activities.