Carib Scope

分类： society

  • 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.

  • BLA still dealing with backlog

    BLA still dealing with backlog

    Barbados transportation authorities are executing a comprehensive recovery plan to address significant delays in vehicle registration services stemming from a systemic technical failure last October. Transport Minister Santia Bradshaw confirmed the ongoing efforts during an inspection visit to the Barbados Licensing Authority’s (BLA) headquarters in Pine, St. Michael.

    The operational crisis emerged on October 20 when the BLA’s legacy registration platform experienced catastrophic failure, necessitating complete system replacement. This disruption halted all vehicle-related services for nearly a week, prompting the November rollout of an entirely new digital platform that requires extensive staff training.

    Minister Bradshaw acknowledged particular challenges affecting existing vehicle owners: “We had numerous complaints from persons who already had vehicles… they couldn’t complete registrations because the system couldn’t access their historical data.” The technical breakdown created a mounting backlog of pending inspections and certificate issuances that continues to impact residents.

    To accelerate resolution, the BLA has deployed a multi-faceted approach including recruitment of additional staff and engagement of retired licensing officers familiar with agency operations. These experienced former employees are assisting with customer service and data entry while receiving training on the new system during weekend and after-hours sessions to minimize service disruption.

    Minister Bradshaw emphasized the critical importance of data accuracy during the manual information transfer process, noting that both the Ministry’s IT team and specialists from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology (MIST) have dedicated personnel working exclusively on system troubleshooting. “We’ve actually rebuilt the system with four additional technical staff, and MIST has assigned a dedicated team specifically for licensing issues,” Bradshaw stated.

    While no definitive completion date has been announced, the Minister indicated that phased training and continuous system improvements are expected to gradually resolve the backlog, with a progress update anticipated within the coming week. The situation has caused considerable public frustration, with many residents paying insurance premiums on vehicles they cannot legally operate due to registration delays.

  • Dominica Lions Club members and district governor make courtesy call to president Sylvanie Burton

    Dominica Lions Club members and district governor make courtesy call to president Sylvanie Burton

    In a significant demonstration of civic engagement, the Dominica Lions Club delegation, accompanied by the District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 60B, was formally received by Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton at the presidential residence on January 16, 2026. This high-level courtesy call formed an integral component of the District Governor’s official agenda, highlighting the organization’s sustained commitment to national development through voluntary service.

    The dialogue centered on the Lions Club’s multifaceted contributions to Dominican society, particularly their impactful interventions in healthcare accessibility, youth development programs, disaster response coordination, and community enhancement initiatives. The District Governor articulated the organization’s strategic vision for the region, emphasizing three core priorities: enhancing service delivery effectiveness, cultivating leadership capabilities among members, and expanding participatory engagement across the district’s operations.

    President Burton expressed profound appreciation for the organization’s dedicated service, acknowledging both its local impact and global humanitarian network. She specifically emphasized the critical role of civil society organizations in fostering social cohesion and driving national progress, with particular commendation for engaging young men in constructive community activities. The President also recognized the Leo Club’s instrumental role in shaping youth development trajectories through structured mentorship and service opportunities.

    The Dominica Lions Club reaffirmed its institutional commitment to maintaining collaborative partnerships with national stakeholders while continuing to operationalize the Lions Clubs International motto, “We Serve,” through concrete community-driven projects and humanitarian interventions.

  • Reception held to honour repeat visitors

    Reception held to honour repeat visitors

    Amid global instability and evolving geopolitical landscapes, Barbados maintains its position as a secure and dependable travel destination, according to Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill. The minister’s remarks came during a special reception at Bide Mill Great House in St. George on Friday evening, honoring visitors with exceptional loyalty to the island nation.

    Addressing an audience of repeat travelers, Gooding-Edghill emphasized Barbados’ unwavering commitment to visitor safety and satisfaction. “You can be absolutely confident that Barbados continues to offer a secure environment for relaxation, dining, and vacationing,” he assured, while encouraging attendees to both maintain their visitation patterns and promote the destination within their personal networks.

    The event specifically recognized tourists who have demonstrated remarkable dedication, with all honorees having visited Barbados for a minimum of 25 consecutive years. The minister characterized these longstanding visitors as indispensable partners in maintaining the vitality of the tourism sector.

    “This evening we acknowledge your steadfast connection to our nation and your extraordinary achievement of making 25 or more visits to our island paradise,” Gooding-Edghill stated. He highlighted their substantial economic contributions and role in sustaining the tourism industry’s longevity, particularly noting the meaningful relationships built between visitors and Barbadian hospitality professionals.

    The minister further elaborated on the strategic importance of loyal tourists, describing them as key ambassadors who enhance sector resilience through personal recommendations to family and peers. In a special recognition, Gooding-Edghill commended local operator Gaird ‘G’ Charles of G Fish Watersports for providing exemplary service to a visitor with disabilities, citing such actions as emblematic of the values that foster repeat tourism.

  • Kromosoeto krijgt een jaar strafvermindering in CBvS-zaak

    Kromosoeto krijgt een jaar strafvermindering in CBvS-zaak

    The Court of Justice of Suriname has delivered its appellate ruling in the case against Ginmardo Kromosoeto, former director of Surinamese Postal Savings Bank (SPSB), reducing his prison sentence from five to four years. The decision, announced on January 19th, represents a partial victory for the defendant while maintaining significant criminal penalties.

    The appellate court’s reduction stemmed specifically from Kromosoeto’s acquittal on charges of participating in a criminal organization. Judicial authorities determined that prosecuting Kromosoeto on this particular charge was unjustified, as several other defendants in the broader SPSB case had not faced similar allegations. This prosecutorial inconsistency influenced the court’s sentencing considerations.

    Despite the sentence reduction, Kromosoeto remains in detention related to the SPSB matter, having already spent over two and a half years in preliminary custody awaiting trial outcomes. His defense attorney, Murwin Dubois, had previously petitioned for his client’s release from pretrial detention, but the court denied this motion.

    The case has drawn attention to Suriname’s judicial processes, particularly regarding white-collar crime prosecution. The Public Ministry had initially sought an eight-year prison term, significantly harsher than both the original and revised sentences. Kromosoeto’s reduced sentence still includes a substantial financial penalty of SRD 150,000 (approximately $40,000 USD), with a 12-month incarceration alternative should he fail to payment.

  • Lawyers concerned about delay in hearing sex cases involving children

    Lawyers concerned about delay in hearing sex cases involving children

    Senior legal professionals in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are raising urgent concerns about systemic delays plaguing the judicial processing of child sexual offense cases, warning that prolonged timelines are causing secondary trauma to young victims.

    Bar Association President Shirlan “Zita” Barnwell highlighted the alarming pattern during a special High Court session, noting that cases involving children under 13 face particularly egregious delays. While acknowledging the anecdotal nature of the evidence, Barnwell cited concrete examples where victims aged 8 at the time of violation reached 11 years or older before their cases reached trial.

    The procedural bottleneck creates devastating consequences for victims who must relive their trauma years after the incidents. Barnwell emphasized that teenagers often face additional psychological barriers including shame and reluctance to testify, potentially compromising justice. She called for systemic reforms to ensure cases are resolved within two years to minimize retraumatization.

    Attorney Grant Connell reinforced these concerns with disturbing accounts of child sexual abuse, including a pregnant 11-year-old victim rendered nearly catatonic by her experience. Connell advocated for strengthened legislation and enhanced police powers to address what he described as rampant abuse against minors.

    Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Duane Daniel acknowledged the regional nature of the problem, citing limited court capacity with only one criminal High Court currently operational. However, he noted that some delays stem from necessary psychological assessments to determine victims’ readiness for testimony, emphasizing the balance between expediency and preventing retraumatization.

    The legal experts collectively emphasized that addressing the crisis requires coordinated improvements across investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial processes, with particular attention to vulnerable child victims.

  • One dead, multiple injured in Vieux Fort collision

    One dead, multiple injured in Vieux Fort collision

    A devastating head-on collision in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Sunday evening resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns in the island nation.

    The fatal incident occurred approximately at 7:05 p.m. near Il Pirata, involving a private automobile and a passenger minibus. Preliminary evidence from social media footage suggests the car, operated solely by Viclann Gollet Joseph, appears to have crossed into the opposing traffic lane moments before impact with the oncoming minibus.

    Emergency response teams from the Saint Lucia Fire Service arrived promptly at the scene to discover nine individuals sustaining various injuries. Joseph was found without vital signs in his vehicle. Despite immediate life-saving measures and rapid transportation to a medical facility, he was subsequently pronounced dead.

    The minibus driver required specialized extrication by rescue personnel after being trapped within the damaged vehicle. Medical assessment confirmed injuries to both lower limbs. Seven additional passengers from the minibus sustained multiple trauma injuries, including significant head and chest trauma alongside other bodily injuries.

    All injured parties received preliminary emergency treatment at the location before being transferred to healthcare facilities for comprehensive medical attention.

    The tragedy has sparked emotional responses across social media platforms, with friends and acquaintances memorializing Joseph as an ambitious individual and dedicated automotive enthusiast known for embracing life passionately.

    Local authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise causation factors behind the collision. In response to this incident, government officials have reiterated urgent appeals for enhanced road safety awareness and increased vigilance among motorists, emphasizing the critical importance of cautious driving behaviors on national roadways.

  • Tsunami Ready Initiative Launched in Barbuda

    Tsunami Ready Initiative Launched in Barbuda

    Barbuda has officially initiated a groundbreaking Tsunami Ready program, marking a significant advancement in the island’s disaster preparedness strategy. The collaborative effort, spearheaded by the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) and the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), was formally launched during a high-level meeting with Barbuda Council Chairman John Mussington and local emergency service leaders.

    The program’s inauguration featured a series of hands-on activities, including comprehensive site evaluations of designated tsunami evacuation routes. These critical assessments form the foundation for developing a bespoke evacuation map, meticulously designed to address Barbuda’s unique geographical and infrastructural landscape. The data collected will directly inform the implementation of robust infrastructure and refined evacuation protocols, aiming to optimize response times during actual tsunami emergencies.

    Chairman Mussington emphasized the existential necessity of tsunami preparedness, noting the characteristically minimal advance warning associated with such events. He articulated a vision of communal solidarity, stating, ‘It’s going to take teamwork,’ and called for widespread public participation in the upcoming Caribe Wave Tsunami Exercise this March. This annual drill is positioned as a cornerstone of the community’s proactive strategy, underscoring a shared responsibility for public safety.

    The overarching ambition of the Tsunami Ready initiative is to cultivate an enduring culture of vigilance and readiness across Barbuda. By integrating public education, active community engagement, and strategic preemptive planning, the program seeks to equip every resident with the essential knowledge and practical resources needed to navigate tsunami threats effectively, thereby substantially bolstering the island’s overall resilience.