Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Alta announces Arlene Wallace-Romero as new CEO

    Alta announces Arlene Wallace-Romero as new CEO

    Alta, a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to literacy development in Trinidad and Tobago, has announced the appointment of Arlene Wallace-Romero as its new Chief Executive Officer. Wallace-Romero succeeds founder Paula Lucie-Smith, who will now focus on advancing the Alta programme. Since its inception in 1992, Alta has been offering free reading, writing, and spelling classes to both youth and adults, significantly impacting the community.

    Wallace-Romero brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having held senior management positions at Carib Brewery and the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation (Plipdeco). Her journey with Alta began in 1999 as a volunteer, and over the years, she has taken on various roles, including class coordinator, tutor trainer, workplace administrator, and board member. With 26 years of involvement, she is deeply familiar with Alta’s mission and operations.

    In a statement, Wallace-Romero expressed her admiration for Alta’s systematic approach to education, emphasizing how her management expertise aligns with the organization’s goals. She highlighted her commitment to protecting Alta’s legacy and expanding its reach, particularly through Alta Online, an interactive literacy programme designed for individuals aged nine and above. Wallace-Romero envisions a society where basic literacy skills are as valued as learning to play a musical instrument or swim.

    Founder Paula Lucie-Smith praised Wallace-Romero’s dedication and leadership, noting that her industry experience is crucial for Alta’s next phase of growth. The board of directors has warmly welcomed her appointment, confident that her leadership will drive innovation and further the organization’s mission. Alta continues to invite individuals to join its classes, volunteer as tutors, or support its initiatives through sponsorship. For more information, contact Alta at 624-2582 or Altapos.tt@gmail.com, and follow their updates on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn under Alta TT.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: JPS says no to system shut down

    #EyeOnMelissa: JPS says no to system shut down

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has firmly denied rumors circulating about an imminent electricity shutdown scheduled for 1:30 pm today. In a statement released on Saturday, Winsome Callum, JPS Director of Corporate Communications, clarified that the company has no plans to cut power and emphasized that the system will remain operational as long as conditions permit. Callum urged the public to rely on official JPS communication channels for accurate updates, including the JPS website (jpsco.com), the MyJPS Mobile App, the JPS WhatsApp Channel, and the company’s social media pages (@myjpsonline).

    JPS also warned that, depending on the severity of the impending weather system, prolonged power outages could occur. Restoration efforts will prioritize essential services, major industrial zones, and urban centers, with smaller communities and individual customers being addressed afterward. Callum reassured the public, stating, ‘This is a time to remain calm, focused, and properly informed, while we care for each other.’ The company emphasized the importance of staying updated through verified sources to avoid misinformation during this critical period.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Man plans to brave Hurricane Melissa from roadside hut

    #EyeOnMelissa: Man plans to brave Hurricane Melissa from roadside hut

    In Greater Portmore, St Catherine, a modest hut-like structure beneath a tree near the Monza Housing Scheme has become the unlikely home of 40-year-old Kirk Walker. Since 2022, Walker has endured harsh living conditions after being compelled to leave the Monza scheme, where he previously resided. Despite the imminent threat of Hurricane Melissa, which is expected to bring torrential rains and fierce winds to Jamaica, Walker remains steadfast in his decision to stay put. On Saturday, he expressed no urgency to seek refuge in a shelter, instead choosing to face the storm head-on. Having survived Hurricane Beryl in the same location last year, Walker is confident in his ability to withstand Melissa, which is forecasted to intensify into a major hurricane before making landfall early next week. While he hopes for assistance to secure a more permanent and suitable residence in the future, his immediate focus is on weathering the impending storm.

  • Benjamin Announces 1,500 Street Lights Nationwide

    Benjamin Announces 1,500 Street Lights Nationwide

    In a significant move to bolster community safety, Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, Attorney General and Minister of National Security, has unveiled plans to install additional street lights and ramp up police patrols across All Saints West. The announcement was made during a town hall meeting in Seaview Farm on Thursday evening, hosted by MP Hon. Anthony Smith Jr. Benjamin emphasized that the initiative responds to persistent appeals from residents and their parliamentary representative, particularly in areas like Bellevue Estate. ‘Anthony Smith has been advocating for improved lighting in Bellevue,’ Benjamin stated. ‘We are committed to installing 1,500 new lights, and I’m certain Smith will ensure his community receives its fair share.’ The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to enhance public safety through better visibility and stronger community engagement. Benjamin also pledged increased police presence in the area, urging residents to collaborate through neighborhood watch programs. ‘We’re going to fight to get more light in the area,’ he said. ‘Please organize your neighborhood watchers and ensure mutual vigilance.’ The event also featured updates from Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph on key government projects, including the planned All Saints Polyclinic and ongoing infrastructure upgrades in the constituency.

  • AG Says Antigua and Barbuda Safest in the Region

    AG Says Antigua and Barbuda Safest in the Region

    Antigua and Barbuda continues to hold its position as the safest country in the Caribbean region, according to Attorney General and Minister of National Security, Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Seaview Farm on Thursday evening, Benjamin highlighted the nation’s remarkably low crime rate, attributing this achievement to robust policing efforts and strong community partnerships. The event, organized for All Saints West MP Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., drew a significant audience eager to hear updates on public safety and government initiatives. Benjamin emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to form neighborhood watch groups, remain alert, and report any suspicious activities. He also revealed plans to enhance security measures, including increased police patrols and the installation of additional streetlights in areas like Bellevue Estate to improve visibility and deter crime. The Attorney General commended MP Smith for his dedication to community development and his advocacy for youth, noting his collaborative efforts with national security officials. The town hall also featured presentations from senior Cabinet members, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, who provided updates on ongoing government projects in the constituency.

  • Parental consent and parental detachment

    Parental consent and parental detachment

    The reluctance of Caribbean parents to engage in discussions about sex education with their children has emerged as a significant cultural issue, according to recent studies and surveys. In the Bahamas, where a well-established sex education program exists in public schools, a staggering 77% of women reported learning about sex from school, while only 5% cited their parents as a source of information. This trend highlights a concerning detachment among parents, who often defer to formal education systems. A similar survey conducted among older teens in Grenada revealed slightly more parental involvement, but still, fewer than half learned about sexuality through school instruction. Alarmingly, over a quarter of these teens turned to social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and ChatGPT for information, raising concerns about the reliability and appropriateness of such sources. Religious institutions, despite their influence in the region, were notably absent as a source of guidance. Adolescents consistently express a preference for learning about sex from their parents, particularly their mothers. However, cultural stigmas surrounding the topic have led to widespread avoidance and ignorance, leaving young people vulnerable. The Age of Civil Responsibility (ACR) Bill has been proposed as a potential catalyst for change, encouraging parents to shift from detachment to active engagement. Advocates argue that both school programs and parental involvement are essential for comprehensive sex education. The Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA) and Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE) are calling for urgent action to address this crisis. They emphasize the need for collaborative efforts to equip parents with the tools and confidence to discuss sex with their children, aiming to increase parental engagement from below 6% to over 60% within the next year.

  • 171 matters heard since re-introduction of night court, says Blackmoore

    171 matters heard since re-introduction of night court, says Blackmoore

    In a recent press conference, National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore provided an update on the reintroduction of night courts, which resumed operations on September 8, 2025. The initiative, which operates from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, has already processed 171 cases, with 26 successfully resolved. Blackmoore expressed his gratitude to all parties involved, including magistrates, court staff, and law enforcement, for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the smooth functioning of the night courts. He personally visited the night court on three occasions and was impressed by the professionalism of lawyers representing their clients. Blackmoore emphasized the importance of ongoing consultations with the Bar Association and other stakeholders to further refine the process. He highlighted the need for improved case management and scheduling, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as elderly clients. The minister also advocated for ‘strata hearings,’ where parties can mutually agree on hearing times. Overall, Blackmoore underscored the night court’s role in enhancing access to justice and the efficient resolution of disputes, ultimately benefiting the state.

  • Senator Dwayne George Installs Traffic Mirror to Improve Road Safety in St. Mary’s South

    Senator Dwayne George Installs Traffic Mirror to Improve Road Safety in St. Mary’s South

    In a proactive move to bolster road safety, Senator Dwayne George has installed a traffic mirror at a bustling junction in St. Mary’s South. This strategic placement aims to enhance visibility for drivers navigating the area, thereby mitigating the risk of accidents. The initiative underscores George’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the well-being of his constituents. Speaking on the project, George emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in fostering a safer community. “This endeavor is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that both motorists and pedestrians can traverse our roads with heightened confidence and caution,” he stated. The senator also hinted at plans to implement similar safety measures across other parts of the constituency, further promoting secure and accessible roadways. George urged drivers to remain alert and considerate, reinforcing the notion that community safety is a shared endeavor.

  • Duguid: Government ‘doing its best’ to clean up country

    Duguid: Government ‘doing its best’ to clean up country

    Dr. William Duguid, Minister of Planning and Development and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, has openly acknowledged that while the government is not flawless, it remains steadfast in its efforts to enhance the island’s cleanliness and address pressing issues such as abandoned vehicles and neglected properties. Speaking at the Ideas Forum — Christ Church Edition, held as part of the parish’s We Gatherin’ celebrations, Dr. Duguid emphasized the administration’s measurable progress in improving sanitation and infrastructure.

  • 5 creative industries subsector associations officially launched

    5 creative industries subsector associations officially launched

    The Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA) has unveiled five new nonprofit associations dedicated to advancing the island’s creative industries. These associations, officially introduced at a press conference on October 22, 2025, aim to represent creative practitioners, drive sector development, and advocate for the growth of Grenada’s cultural and creative economy. The initiative stems from recommendations made at Unleash, Grenada’s national cultural and creative industries conference held in May 2023. Orlando Romain, Advisor for the Creative Economy, highlighted the extensive groundwork undertaken by GOCA over the past two years, including stakeholder consultations, legal guidance, and governance training for the associations’ boards of directors. The five associations—Innovative Multimedia Association of Grenada (IMAGND) Inc., Grenada Association of Dance, Event Planning, Promotion, Infrastructure, Coordination and Theatre (DEPICT) Inc., Grenada Association of Visual Arts and Craft (GAVAC) Inc., Grenada Gastronomy and Culinary Arts (GGCAA) Inc., and Grenada Association of Musicians, Performers and Producers (AMPP Grenada) Inc.—are member-run and independently governed. Leaders of these associations expressed gratitude for GOCA’s support and pledged to champion the interests of their creative communities. Anthony Johnson, President of GGCAA Inc., emphasized the association’s mission to elevate Grenadian cuisine through improved quality, training, and consistency. Sen. the Hon. Adrian Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering creative excellence, urging practitioners to actively engage with their respective associations. For further details, inquiries can be directed to [email protected].