Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Government provides update on Marie’s Fish Shack

    Government provides update on Marie’s Fish Shack

    The Department of Crown Lands has issued a comprehensive statement addressing public concerns regarding the future of Marie’s Fish Shack, a longstanding local establishment operating on state-owned property at Reduit Beach. This clarification comes amid ongoing development of the $1.3 billion Mount Pimard Beach Park project, a transformative tourism initiative currently underway.

    While acknowledging the restaurant’s significant role within the local community, officials emphasize that the business has operated unofficially on Crown Lands without formal approval from the Commissioner of Crown Lands, as required by law. The government stresses the necessity of compliance with legal frameworks governing state-owned properties, particularly those within areas designated for national development.

    The Mount Pimard development, a partnership between the Government of Saint Lucia and A’ILA Resorts, represents one of the island’s most substantial tourism investments. The multiphase project will eventually feature a family hotel, adults-only wellness resort, luxury villas, residential units, a shopping boulevard, and one of the island’s largest conference centers. The first phase, TheLifeCo holistic wellness resort, is scheduled to open imminently.

    Contrary to perceptions of eviction, authorities describe the action as a strategic relocation to an enhanced site within the same beach area. The new location offers superior amenities including dedicated parking, security services, sanitation facilities, recreational areas, dining spaces, and a children’s playground. Notably, the beach park design from its earliest conceptual stages incorporated provisions for a dedicated fish restaurant, specifically considering Marie’s operations.

    The completed beach park facility, constructed by A’ILA Resorts, has been formally transferred to the National Conservation Authority (NCA) which will oversee its operations. The government encourages local entrepreneurs interested in commercial opportunities within the new development to contact the NCA directly.

    Officials maintain that while celebrating Marie’s contributions and desiring her continued success, adherence to legal protocols remains essential for maintaining equitable business practices across all sectors. The government asserts that this approach ultimately strengthens both the national tourism product and the broader Saint Lucian economy.

  • Tourist dies after suspected fall on ferry

    Tourist dies after suspected fall on ferry

    Authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have initiated a formal investigation into the tragic death of a senior American tourist aboard an inter-island ferry. The incident occurred Sunday during transit between the capital city of Kingstown and the Grenadines archipelago.

    The deceased has been identified as 73-year-old David John Hyde. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene, with preliminary evidence suggesting injuries potentially consistent with a significant fall. A district medical officer attended to the case immediately following the incident.

    In an official communiqué, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force indicated that while initial findings point to accidental trauma, the precise cause of death remains undetermined. A comprehensive post-mortem examination has been scheduled to establish conclusive medical and factual evidence surrounding the fatality.

    Law enforcement officials are actively appealing to the public for assistance, urging any individuals with potentially relevant information to come forward. Witnesses or persons with knowledge of the event are encouraged to contact emergency services at 911 or 999, the dedicated tip line at 784-456-1810, or their nearest police station. Authorities have guaranteed complete confidentiality for all information provided to aid the ongoing investigation.

  • Scam website posing as ‘Arrive Antigua’ charge US$100 per traveler

    Scam website posing as ‘Arrive Antigua’ charge US$100 per traveler

    Government authorities have issued a critical public advisory concerning digital immigration procedures, specifically targeting deceptive third-party websites. Officials emphasize that the singular authentic portal for submitting mandatory online arrival documentation remains the legitimate government domain (https://www.arrivecan.gc.ca/). This warning highlights a growing trend of sophisticated phishing operations where unauthorized platforms meticulously replicate official government webpages to appear genuine. These fraudulent sites often utilize similar color schemes, logos, and interface designs to create a false sense of legitimacy, ultimately misleading users into paying superfluous and illegal processing fees. Beyond financial exploitation, these sites pose significant data privacy risks, potentially harvesting sensitive personal and travel information for malicious purposes. The advisory underscores that no external commercial service is authorized to collect government processing fees for arrival documentation. Travelers and immigrants are urged to exercise extreme vigilance by verifying URL authenticity before submitting any information or payments. This alert forms part of a broader governmental initiative to enhance cybersecurity around essential public services and protect citizens from digital fraud targeting official administrative processes.

  • Virginia Asin-Oostburg neemt roer van Shanti Venetiaan over bij AdeKUS

    Virginia Asin-Oostburg neemt roer van Shanti Venetiaan over bij AdeKUS

    PARAMARIBO – Suriname’s Anton de Kom University (AdeKUS) has inaugurated a new governing board chaired by Virginia Asin-Oostburg, marking a significant transition in the institution’s leadership. The official installation ceremony was presided over by Minister of Education, Science and Culture Dirk Currie, who expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing board led by Shanti Venetiaan for their service.

    The newly formed board comprises Rose-Ann Franklin, Maya Manohar, Renald Laing, and Melody Hoefdraad alongside Chairwoman Asin-Oostburg. The composition remains temporarily incomplete, with positions reserved for upcoming representatives from the business community, scientific faculty, administrative staff, and student body.

    Minister Currie articulated a vision of radical inclusivity as the cornerstone of national education policy. ‘Financial constraints should never impede access to higher education,’ he asserted, emphasizing the government’s commitment to removing systemic barriers. The minister called for comprehensive legislative reforms to modernize Suriname’s higher education framework, enabling more responsive adaptation to socioeconomic transformations.

    Currie challenged the new leadership to diversify academic programs aligned with sustainable national development. While acknowledging the temporary economic boon from oil and gas sectors, he cautioned against over-reliance on finite resources. ‘Strategic expansion into agriculture, tourism, and innovation-based industries is imperative for long-term prosperity,’ Currie stated.

    The minister outlined expectations for AdeKUS to evolve into a self-sustaining institution through enhanced corporate partnerships, collaboration with private education providers, and strengthened international academic ties. Outgoing Chair Venetiaan characterized the transition as ‘challenging yet rewarding,’ offering congratulations to the incoming team. Asin-Oostburg affirmed the board’s readiness to ‘commence work with vigor and purpose,’ acknowledging the clarity of ministerial directives.

  • Police seeking Turvy Frederick in serious criminal probe

    Police seeking Turvy Frederick in serious criminal probe

    Barbados law enforcement officials have initiated a public search operation for Turvy Frederick, identified as a person of interest in ongoing investigations into serious criminal activities. The Barbados Police Service has formally requested community assistance in locating the individual, who remains at large despite active investigative efforts.

    Frederick, whose last documented residence was in the Barbarees Hill area of St Michael parish, stands approximately six feet tall with a slender physique, dark complexion, and distinctive plaited hairstyle. Authorities have issued specific guidance for the suspect’s surrender, recommending he present himself voluntarily at the Criminal Investigations Department located within the Black Rock Police Station premises. The police advisory explicitly notes that Frederick should be accompanied by legal representation of his choosing during this process.

    Law enforcement agencies have established multiple communication channels for information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts. Citizens can contact the Black Rock Police Station directly at 417-7500 or 417-7505, utilize the Police Emergency hotline at 211, or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. Alternatively, individuals may approach any nearby police station to share relevant information.

    The Barbados Police Service has concurrently issued a stern warning regarding the legal consequences of obstructing justice. Officials emphasized that harboring or actively assisting wanted individuals constitutes a criminal offense under Barbadian law, with perpetrators facing potential prosecution. This reminder underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case and their commitment to apprehending the individual through lawful means.

  • Japan’s JET programme accepting new applications

    Japan’s JET programme accepting new applications

    The Government of Japan has officially extended participation in the esteemed Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme to citizens of Saint Lucia for the 2026 cycle. This international initiative provides a unique professional pathway for qualified individuals to serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) within Japan’s educational system, specifically in the culturally rich Kagoshima Prefecture.

    Beyond their primary instructional responsibilities, selected participants will undertake the significant role of cultural ambassadors. This dimension of the program entails actively sharing Saint Lucian heritage, traditions, and perspectives with local Japanese communities, thereby fostering a vibrant two-way cultural dialogue. The longstanding bilateral engagement, which commenced in 2003, has consistently enriched Japanese classrooms and substantially strengthened the bonds of friendship between the two nations.

    The professional appointment is structured as an initial one-year contract, commencing in 2026. This term is subject to renewal for up to a maximum of three years, contingent upon satisfactory performance evaluations. In certain exceptional cases, participants may be eligible for an extension, potentially allowing for a stay of up to five years.

    Prospective applicants are required to submit their complete application packages via email to culture@po.mofa.go.jp no later than the strict deadline of March 13, 2026. Furthermore, original supporting documents must be physically mailed to the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago, addressed to the JET Coordinator at 5 Hayes Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain. Comprehensive information regarding eligibility criteria, application procedures, and detailed program guidelines is available on the official embassy website.

  • Fusionz Boutique donates $10,000 to support Carter

    Fusionz Boutique donates $10,000 to support Carter

    In a powerful demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Fusionz Boutique has made a substantial $10,000 contribution to support Akira Carter’s urgent medical fundraising campaign. The fashion retailer’s management and staff visited Carter at Queen Elizabeth Hospital last Sunday, presenting both a generous cheque and a thoughtful gift basket to the hospitalized patient.

    The compassionate gesture created an emotionally charged moment that left Carter speechless with gratitude. Company representative Roger Agard explained to Barbados TODAY that their decision to intervene was motivated by persistent social media awareness of Carter’s deteriorating health condition. “After consistently encountering Akira Carter’s story across digital platforms, Fusionz Boutique determined it was imperative to extend meaningful support,” Agard stated. “This represents precisely the type of community need where corporate entities should proactively offer assistance.”

    Ulanda Williams, Fusionz Boutique’s manager, revealed an additional personal dimension to their philanthropy, noting Carter’s longstanding patronage of their establishment. “She transcends being merely a beneficiary of charity—Akira has been a devoted and valued customer whose loyalty we deeply appreciate,” Williams emphasized. “Providing support during this critical juncture represents our heartfelt commitment to those who have supported our business.”

    Williams further articulated that their substantial donation serves a dual purpose: immediately assisting Carter’s medical fundraising while simultaneously establishing a precedent for broader corporate involvement. “Our primary objective involves inspiring other enterprises to recognize similar opportunities for community support,” Williams explained. “If Barbados’s business community collectively mobilizes its resources, we possess tremendous capacity to assist numerous citizens facing comparable medical crises.”

    Carter’s health emergency began abruptly in December 2025 when she developed a severe illness that progressed rapidly, resulting in complete leg paralysis and partial hand paralysis. Her current treatment strategy requires specialized overseas medical intervention, necessitating significant fundraising efforts. Donations continue to be accepted through FirstPay at +1 (246) 235-0447 or via direct deposit to CIBC FirstCaribbian, Sheraton Mall Branch, Chequing Account #1001109391.

  • Agricultural Career Fair Set for Feb. 26 to Expose Students to Modern Farming Careers

    Agricultural Career Fair Set for Feb. 26 to Expose Students to Modern Farming Careers

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries & the Blue Economy in Antigua and Barbuda is organizing a comprehensive Agricultural Career Fair and Expo scheduled for Thursday, February 26th. The event will take place at the Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, serving as a convergence point for farmers, technical experts, and industry leaders to demonstrate innovative career pathways in modern agriculture.

    The expo will highlight cutting-edge sectors including precision crop production, agricultural technology applications, renewable energy integration, and advanced farm management techniques. A notable participant is Itajah Simmons, proprietor of Simmons Farm, who brings over ten years of specialized experience in cultivating sweet and seasoning peppers, bell peppers, and multi-colored watermelons.

    Simmons operates a five-acre agricultural enterprise in Big Creek that incorporates drone technology into farming operations. His unique professional background includes a master’s degree in renewable energy and biogas engineering, coupled with his current role as a mechanical engineer at Public Works. This combination exemplifies the increasingly interconnected relationship between agricultural science, engineering disciplines, and technological innovation.

    The ministry actively encourages students, educators, and career seekers to attend this initiative, positioning the event as a strategic platform for connecting with professionals who are driving the transformation of Antigua and Barbuda’s agricultural sector toward a more technologically advanced and sustainable future.

  • Acting corporals to be paid from February

    Acting corporals to be paid from February

    In a significant policy shift addressing long-standing labor concerns within the Vincentian police force, National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock announced Monday that officers performing corporal duties without corresponding compensation will finally receive proper payment starting February 1.

    The minister, drawing upon his extensive background in military command and human resource management, characterized the practice of extended unpaid acting appointments as systemic exploitation. “This constitutes nothing less than the exploitation of people’s labour and service,” Leacock stated emphatically during his address.

    Leacock revealed that there are currently 112 corporals in the police force, many of whom have been performing elevated responsibilities for periods ranging from three to eight years without appropriate remuneration. The minister condemned this tradition as fundamentally unjust, particularly within an organization that should exemplify proper employment practices.

    The newly installed New Democratic Party administration, which assumed office on November 27, has moved swiftly to address this issue. Leacock announced the government’s decisive resolution: “We have made the decision that everyone must be paid their corporal’s pay, come the first of February.”

    Establishing new procedural guidelines, the minister asserted that any reasonable probationary period for such appointments should not exceed six months. Beyond this timeframe, organizations must either formally confirm the appointment with proper compensation or return the officer to their previous position. This policy aims to prevent the exploitation of dedicated personnel who have accepted additional responsibilities in good faith.

  • Attempted robbery, shooting at La Clery supermarket

    Attempted robbery, shooting at La Clery supermarket

    Authorities in Saint Lucia have launched a comprehensive investigation into a violent armed robbery attempt at Falcon Mart Supermarket in La Clery, formerly known as Wintrades Supermarket. The incident unfolded around 1:00 PM on January 19th, marking a dramatic escalation of criminal activity in the commercial district.

    According to preliminary police reports, a group of four armed individuals initiated what appears to have been a coordinated robbery attempt at the popular retail establishment. The situation turned violent when at least one assailant discharged their weapon, striking the supermarket’s security guard during the confrontation. Emergency services promptly transported the wounded guard to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, though authorities have yet to disclose his current medical status.

    Law enforcement personnel quickly secured the perimeter and initiated forensic analysis of the crime scene. Investigators are currently gathering witness testimonies and reviewing available surveillance footage to identify the perpetrators and reconstruct the sequence of events. The supermarket remained closed following the incident as police continued their evidence collection process.

    The community of La Clery has expressed growing concern over this brazen daylight criminal activity, with local business owners calling for enhanced security measures in commercial areas. This incident represents one of the most serious armed robbery attempts in the area in recent months, highlighting ongoing challenges in urban security management.

    Police Commissioner Severin Moncherry has assured the public that all necessary resources are being deployed to apprehend those responsible. ‘We are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness and will pursue every lead until these individuals are brought to justice,’ Moncherry stated in a brief press address.

    As the investigation progresses, authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist with the ongoing manhunt. Further updates are expected as police develop additional leads in the case.