Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Winifred Holder joins her mother in the century club

    Winifred Holder joins her mother in the century club

    The Vauxhall Methodist Church in Barbados became the setting for a landmark celebration this past Saturday as community members gathered to honor Winifred Holder on her 100th birthday. The event recognized not only her personal milestone but also her profound legacy of service, echoing the longevity of her mother who also reached centenarian status.

    Described as a community matriarch, mentor, and devoted church member, Holder’s life was celebrated by a diverse assembly of friends, neighbors, relatives, and political figures. Church representative Joseph Hope delivered a heartfelt tribute, highlighting her lifelong dedication. “Ms. Holder is a woman who loves the Lord, enjoys reading her Bible, and gives much to the church here. She served as the church sexton and was instrumental in all fundraising activities,” Hope remarked. He also noted her role in community childcare, recalling, “She kept many children back in the day when parents had to run errands.”

    The celebration attracted notable political attention, including Chad Blackman, a Barbados Labour Party candidate for St James North, who reflected on being cared for by Holder during his childhood. Blackman advocated for the preservation of her life story, particularly her early education alongside Shirley Chisholm, who later became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. Incumbent representatives Adrian Forde and Ryan Straughan were also present to pay their respects.

    In a significant honor, President Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic attended the ceremony, officially designating Holder as a “national treasure.” The President concurred on the urgency of documenting oral histories from the island’s centenarians and hinted at special plans to recognize this demographic in November.

    When asked about the secret to her longevity, Holder attributed it to a quadrumvirate of principles: unwavering faith in God, consumption of good food, maintenance of a positive mindset, and consistent respect for others. Holder, who has one son and two grandchildren, continues to be revered as a living testament to a life of service and faith.

  • MP Richard Lewis Urges National Unity Against Crime After Killing of Nikisha Rose

    MP Richard Lewis Urges National Unity Against Crime After Killing of Nikisha Rose

    Antigua and Barbuda faces a renewed wave of communal grief following the tragic murder of Nikisha Rose, a dedicated mother whose life was abruptly ended by an act of senseless violence. Member of Parliament Richard S. Lewis has issued a heartfelt public statement expressing profound condolences to the bereaved family, while simultaneously issuing a clarion call for national solidarity in combating the escalating crime epidemic.

    The statement underscores the profound societal concern regarding rampant criminal activities, emphasizing that every citizen and resident bears a collective responsibility in confronting this pervasive threat. Lewis vehemently advocates for moving beyond partisan blame games, urging instead for a cohesive, united national front against violence. He stresses the critical necessity of inclusive dialogue, proposing that all relevant interest groups must be integrally involved in formulating a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy specifically targeted at eradicating illegal firearms from community streets.

    In a direct appeal to public cooperation, Lewis reinforces the fundamental community policing principle: ‘If you see something, say something.’ He actively encourages citizens to assist law enforcement authorities by providing any potentially crucial information that could lead to resolving this homicide case. The statement explicitly urges individuals with relevant information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or utilize the anonymous Crimestoppers tip line at 800-TIPS (8477), emphasizing that perpetrators must face judicial accountability for their actions. This tragedy has catalyzed a renewed determination to restore safety and security throughout the nation’s neighborhoods.

  • St Michael man remanded on $65 000 blackmail charge

    St Michael man remanded on $65 000 blackmail charge

    A resident of St Michael, Barbados, is now in custody at Dodds Prison following serious allegations of extortion totaling $65,000. Robert Dacosta Walker, whose residence is listed as McCleans Gap in Brittons Hill, faces formal charges brought by the Criminal Investigations Department (South) of the Barbados Police Service.

    The case centers on accusations that Walker attempted to blackmail an individual identified as Graham Allen during a three-day period between January 15 and January 17, 2026. The specific nature of the alleged threats and the relationship between the accused and the complainant have not been disclosed to the public.

    Walker made his initial court appearance at the District ‘A’ Traffic Court on Saturday, where Magistrate Alison Burke presided over the hearing. As the charge constitutes an indictable offense—a more serious category under Barbadian law—Walker was not required to enter a plea at this preliminary stage.

    The judicial proceedings have now been escalated to a higher court. The case has been formally transferred to District ‘A’ Criminal Court No. 1, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 20, 2026. This transfer indicates the gravity with which the Barbadian judicial system is treating the allegations.

    The remand to prison service custody pending trial suggests the court considers Walker a potential flight risk or that the allegations are sufficiently severe to warrant detention until the formal judicial process begins. The case continues to develop as authorities proceed with their investigation.

  • Cuba celebrates World Day of African and Afro-descendant culture

    Cuba celebrates World Day of African and Afro-descendant culture

    Cuba’s top diplomat has publicly affirmed the nation’s profound cultural and historical connections to Africa, framing the relationship as one of shared heritage and familial bonds. In a statement released on social media platform X, the official characterized Cuban identity as the product of a dynamic fusion of diverse cultures, traditions, and religious practices cultivated over hundreds of years.

    The declaration emphasized that this rich national character stems from a long history of continuous exchange, solidarity, and fraternal ties between the Cuban people and the African continent. “We Cubans feel part of the African continent and children of Africa,” the Foreign Minister stated, underscoring a sense of shared destiny and belonging.

    This recognition coincides with the global observance of World Day of African and Afro-descendant Culture on January 24. The annual celebration, championed by UNESCO, honors the vast and vibrant cultural expressions originating from Africa and its diasporic communities worldwide. The event reinforces the international body’s core mission to advance respect for cultural diversity and human creative expression across the globe.

    This commemoration highlights Africa’s invaluable contribution to world heritage, positioning cultural appreciation as a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development, fostering mutual understanding, encouraging dialogue, and maintaining global peace.

  • Chinese lantaarnfestival licht op voor Chinees Nieuwjaar

    Chinese lantaarnfestival licht op voor Chinees Nieuwjaar

    The 32nd International Zigong Lantern Festival commenced Friday in China’s southwestern Sichuan province, launching spectacular celebrations ahead of the Chinese New Year. This annual extravaganza showcases the ancient art of illuminated lantern craftsmanship on a monumental scale.

    With the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac beginning on February 17, the festival embodies traditional Lunar New Year elements where lanterns symbolize prosperity and good fortune. Opening night attracted massive crowds admiring over 200 handcrafted lanterns depicting animals, mythological figures, and ancient Chinese scenes.

    Local resident Huang Ye, 32, shared: ‘My parents brought me to the Zigong Lantern Festival almost every year during my childhood. For us Zigong natives, this festival represents an inseparable part of our New Year celebration. Now I continue the tradition by bringing my own child to witness these magnificent displays.’

    The monumental installations required approximately 1,200 workers several weeks to complete. Among the most impressive creations was the 210-meter-long ‘Magical China’ display, inspired by ancient legends and featuring the mythical Kunpeng—a gigantic bird-fish hybrid. Another 180-meter installation titled ‘Legend of Mulan’ portrayed the famous female warrior’s story with a herd of galloping horses nodding to this year’s zodiac sign.

    Artisans employed innovative materials including straw, chili peppers, and recycled medicine bottles to construct these breathtaking luminous artworks, blending traditional techniques with sustainable practices.

  • Shock and Grief in Gray’s Farm After Death of Nikisha Rose

    Shock and Grief in Gray’s Farm After Death of Nikisha Rose

    The close-knit community of Gray’s Farm is reeling from a tragic late-night shooting that claimed the life of Nikisha Rose, a 42-year-old hairdresser known for her vibrant personality and community involvement. The incident occurred on Friday, January 23, at approximately 10:30 p.m. near the G&E Parking Lot in Michael’s Village.

    According to police reports, Rose was traveling in a vehicle with a male companion when an unidentified assailant opened fire on their car. Both occupants sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to Sir Lester Bird Medical Center for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, Rose succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at 11:21 p.m. The male victim, also a Gray’s Farm resident, remains hospitalized in stable condition.

    Rose’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the community where she was deeply embedded through both her hairstyling profession and her work with the Schools Meals Programme. Colleagues and friends remember her as perpetually energetic and encouraging, with an ever-present smile that brightened her surroundings. Many described her as the emotional backbone of her social circles, making her loss particularly devastating.

    Local residents have expressed profound grief over the passing of what many called a “hardworking mother” and “valued community member.” The spontaneous outpouring of tributes across social media and community gatherings highlights the significant impact Rose had on those around her.

    Law enforcement authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police are actively seeking information from the public and have provided contact numbers for both the Criminal Investigations Department (462-3913) and Crimestoppers (800-TIPS). The Police Administration has formally extended condolences to Rose’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

  • Glow Walk Fundraiser to Support Former Broadcaster Paul Quinn

    Glow Walk Fundraiser to Support Former Broadcaster Paul Quinn

    In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, St. John’s will host a luminous Glow Walk next Friday evening as prominent sports broadcaster Joseph “Jojo” Apparicio converts his birthday celebration into a charitable initiative. The event, scheduled for January 31st, aims to generate crucial financial support for former Observer Radio host Paul Quinn, who experienced a devastating stroke in November 2024.

    Participants will assemble at 6:00 PM at the Yasco Sports Complex, embarking on a illuminated procession through the capital city adorned with glow sticks and reflective attire. Apparicio, the esteemed host of Observer Radio’s ‘Good Morning Jojo Sports Show,’ made the conscious decision to dedicate his annual birthday philanthropy to Quinn following his colleague’s sudden health crisis.

    Medical circumstances have presented significant challenges for the Quinn family. According to Sheriann Quinn, the patient’s wife, medical professionals initially provided a grim prognosis of mere days remaining for her husband. However, against all odds, Quinn has demonstrated remarkable resilience in his recovery journey. He has achieved liberation from oxygen support, regained mobility in all extremities, and maintained full cognitive awareness. A current tracheostomy procedure temporarily restricts his vocal capabilities, but hasn’t diminished his engagement with familiar radio programming each morning.

    The community’s emotional and spiritual support has played an instrumental role in this recovery process, acknowledged Mrs. Quinn, who expressed profound gratitude for continued public prayers and encouragement.

    Apparicio emphasized the substantial financial burdens associated with long-term medical care, noting how such expenses create overwhelming pressure for families navigating health crises. All generated proceeds from the Glow Walk will be directly allocated to Quinn’s medical treatment and rehabilitation requirements. Contributions can be offered during the event or coordinated beforehand, with the walking commencement set for 6:00 PM at the designated sports complex.

  • Cuba commemorates International Education Day

    Cuba commemorates International Education Day

    In a powerful address disseminated through social media channels, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has reaffirmed his nation’s steadfast dedication to advancing free, universal, and inclusive education as an indispensable human right. The diplomatic statement emerged amid growing international concerns regarding global educational disparities.

    Citing alarming UNESCO statistics, Rodríguez highlighted the profound crisis facing worldwide education systems, noting that 244 million children and adolescents currently lack any form of schooling. Further compounding this emergency, an additional 617 million young learners demonstrate insufficient proficiency in fundamental literacy and mathematics skills, creating what experts describe as a global learning poverty epidemic.

    The Cuban diplomat positioned educational access as more than simply an academic concern, framing it as a critical mechanism for fostering international peace, cross-cultural understanding, and social inclusion. Rodríguez emphasized that strengthening educational frameworks represents a foundational pillar for sustainable human development and the eradication of systemic discrimination.

    This declaration aligns with Cuba’s longstanding educational policy, which has historically prioritized comprehensive literacy programs and accessible education despite economic challenges. The Caribbean nation’s educational model has frequently been cited by international organizations for achieving remarkable literacy rates and educational participation levels.

    The timing of this statement coincides with increased global attention on educational inequality following pandemic-related school disruptions that disproportionately affected developing nations. United Nations agencies have warned that without significant intervention, current educational deficits may severely hamper progress toward international development goals.

  • Innovation leaders in the Cuban Press receive awards

    Innovation leaders in the Cuban Press receive awards

    Several Cuban media organizations have been recognized for journalistic excellence and innovative practices during a prestigious awards ceremony held at the Union of Cuban Journalists (UPEC) headquarters. The honorees included Ideas Multimedios, Radio Sancti Spiritus, the satirical publication Palante, and Radio Cumanayagua from Cienfuegos province.

    The awards specifically acknowledged groundbreaking efforts in developing and implementing innovative editorial solutions that address contemporary challenges in journalism. The competition bears the name of Juan Antonio Borrego, the late director of Escambray publishing house, honoring his legacy in Cuban media.

    Dr. Ana Teresa Badia, renowned journalist with Radio Rebelde and chair of the judging committee, reported exceptionally strong participation in this year’s competition. She noted that the majority of entries demonstrated significant commitment to developing practical solutions for the evolving challenges facing modern journalism.

    Special recognition was awarded to Radio Sancti Spiritus for its comprehensive coverage commemorating the centennial of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro’s birth, an honor bestowed by the Institute of Information and Social Communication. Ideas Multimedios received distinctive acclaim for its multimedia section titled ‘The Century of Fidel,’ which earned a special prize created specifically for this occasion.

    In a parallel achievement, the Faculty of Communication at the University of Havana presented Escambray publishing house in Sancti Spiritus with an award for its scientific approach to media management. This recognition aligned perfectly with the same category honored through the Juan Antonio Borrego Award, highlighting consistent excellence in journalistic management practices.

  • Wendy Lewis redefinding success through hard work

    Wendy Lewis redefinding success through hard work

    In a powerful embodiment of Michelle Obama’s assertion that “women and girls can do whatever they want,” Trinidadian visionary Wendy Lewis has crafted a multidimensional career that defies conventional categorization. At 54, this San Fernando native has merged three decades of expertise across media, entertainment, and social advocacy into a transformative force for Caribbean women.

    Lewis’s professional tapestry spans remarkable breadth: an internationally recognized keynote speaker, broadcast professional, and leadership strategist who simultaneously operates as CEO of Khalabash Productions, founder of TT Corporate Training Academy (the Caribbean’s first protocol school), certified counselor, ordained minister, and published author. Her broadcast legacy includes hosting acclaimed programs like “D Khalabash Corner,” “Straight Talk with Wendy,” and “A Woman’s Worth.”

    Her groundbreaking achievements include a historic 2001 victory as the first woman to claim the UK Calypso Monarch title—a triumph she successfully defended the following year. This musical prowess complements her status as the region’s longest-serving female artist manager, currently guiding careers of soca artist Roger George and Bollywood vocalist Anuradha Hansraj.

    Beyond entertainment, Lewis wields significant influence as Chair and Regional President of Caribbean Women Honors & Empowerment’s Trinidad chapter. Since 2019, she has spearheaded initiatives combating gender-based violence while creating safe spaces for men’s mental health through the “Men We Are Here For You” program. Her 2024 islandwide period poverty campaign addressed menstrual health and youth empowerment through strategic partnerships and community engagement.

    Lewis attributes her multifaceted success to spiritual grounding, intentional relationship-building, and refined discernment. “My inner circle became more refined, my purpose grew clearer, bringing greater peace, alignment and fulfillment,” she reflects regarding her ability to balance numerous roles.

    Future endeavors include executing “A Woman’s Worth – The Conference,” multiple book releases, and undisclosed projects. Her advice to women navigating multiple roles emphasizes self-prioritization: “Put God first, then yourself, and then anyone or anything else. Give yourself permission to pace your life in seasons and redefine success on your own terms.”