Carib Scope

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  • Commonwealth Secretary-General experiences Antigua and Barbuda’s culture ahead of CHOGM 2026

    Commonwealth Secretary-General experiences Antigua and Barbuda’s culture ahead of CHOGM 2026

    During an official visit to Antigua and Barbuda last week, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey experienced the nation’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance as it gears up to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026. The visit commenced with a vibrant cultural showcase at Sandals Resort, where the Antigua Dance Academy performed traditional drumming and dance. Botchwey, deeply moved by the rhythms, drew parallels to her homeland, Ghana, describing the performance as “heartfelt and unforgettable.”

    Botchwey’s itinerary also included a guided tour of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, led by officials from the National Parks Authority. The tour featured visits to Clarence House, Shirley Heights Lookout, and the Dockyard Museum, offering insights into the island’s colonial past and maritime history. The day concluded with a traditional Antiguan lunch at the Copper & Lumber Store Hotel, further highlighting the country’s culinary traditions.

    Though brief, Botchwey’s visit underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s unique blend of cultural pride, historical preservation, and forward-looking ambition as it prepares to welcome leaders from across the Commonwealth in 2026. The visit not only showcased the nation’s readiness to host a global event but also reinforced its commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing its role on the international stage.

  • St. Kitts and Nevis stands in solidarity with Jamaica as Ambassador highlights climate change crisis at OAS

    St. Kitts and Nevis stands in solidarity with Jamaica as Ambassador highlights climate change crisis at OAS

    In a powerful address at the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council, St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to the United States, Jacinth Henry-Martin, reaffirmed her nation’s solidarity with Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm, which struck Jamaica with sustained winds of 185 mph, caused widespread devastation, claiming over 40 lives and leaving communities in ruins. Ambassador Henry-Martin used the platform to emphasize the urgent need for global action on climate change, particularly for small island developing states (SIDS) that bear the brunt of its impacts. She highlighted the grim realities on the ground, including lives lost, livelihoods destroyed, and the immense challenges of rebuilding in the face of increasingly severe weather events. Henry-Martin stressed that the aftermath of such disasters is not just about recovery but a struggle for survival, as SIDS face repeated vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change. She called for a just international response, urging major emitting nations to honor their commitments to climate finance and the Loss and Damage Fund. Early estimates suggest Jamaica faces over US$2 billion in damages, underscoring the disproportionate burden SIDS endure. Regional leaders, climate activists, and stakeholders have amplified these calls at the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) in Brazil, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the urgent need to prevent global warming from surpassing the 1.5°C threshold. Ambassador Henry-Martin concluded by urging hemispheric stakeholders to unite in protecting lives and livelihoods during and after disasters, emphasizing that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present crisis.

  • Dominican Republic completes humanitarian mission to Jamaica and Cuba

    Dominican Republic completes humanitarian mission to Jamaica and Cuba

    The Dominican Republic has successfully concluded its humanitarian aid mission, Operation ‘Caribbean Solidarity,’ delivering critical supplies to Jamaica and Cuba in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Spearheaded by President Luis Abinader, the initiative underscores the nation’s dedication to regional solidarity and disaster response. Coordinated by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Public Health, alongside DASAC and PROMESE/CAL, the operation ensured a rapid and efficient distribution of aid. Utilizing Air Force and Navy resources, the Dominican Republic transported essential items such as food, medicine, mattresses, mosquito nets, and hygiene kits. These supplies were received by local authorities and promptly distributed to the most vulnerable communities in both countries. Operation ‘Caribbean Solidarity’ marks a significant achievement in the Dominican Republic’s foreign and defense policies, showcasing its enhanced capacity to mobilize humanitarian and logistical support across the Caribbean. The government highlighted that this effort not only reinforces the nation’s leadership in regional cooperation but also reaffirms its commitment to fostering peace, solidarity, and integration within the Caribbean.

  • Dominican Republic assumes presidency of Latin American Civil Aviation Commission

    Dominican Republic assumes presidency of Latin American Civil Aviation Commission

    In a significant development for regional aviation, the Dominican Republic has been elected to preside over the Executive Committee of the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (CLAC). This decision was made during the XXVI Ordinary Assembly of the organization, where Héctor Porcella, President of the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board (JAC), was chosen to lead the committee. The vice-presidencies will be held by Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Panama, reflecting a diverse leadership structure. This appointment underscores the Dominican Republic’s growing influence in the civil aviation sector and its commitment to fostering air connectivity and collaboration across Latin America and the Caribbean. Established in 1973, CLAC serves as a unifying platform for civil aviation authorities in the region, aiming to harmonize aeronautical policies and enhance coordination. With this new role, the Dominican Republic is poised to drive strategic initiatives that will shape the future of air transport and regional integration.

  • Krachtige tornado verwoest Braziliaanse stad, zes doden en honderden gewonden

    Krachtige tornado verwoest Braziliaanse stad, zes doden en honderden gewonden

    A catastrophic tornado with wind speeds reaching 250 km/h tore through the southern Brazilian state of Paraná on November 8, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. The city of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, home to 14,000 residents, bore the brunt of the storm, with approximately 90% of its structures obliterated in less than a minute. The disaster claimed at least six lives, injured 750 people, and left one individual missing. Aerial images reveal a landscape of shattered buildings and debris, while nearby agricultural lands remained largely untouched. Fernando Schunig, head of Paraná’s Civil Protection Agency, likened the scene to a ‘war zone,’ emphasizing the lethal impact of such events on urban areas. Residents like Gilberto Brecailo and Marileia Chagas shared harrowing accounts of losing livelihoods and narrowly escaping death. The tragedy struck as Brazil prepared to host the UN Climate Conference COP30 in Belem, reigniting discussions on climate change’s role in intensifying extreme weather events. Experts warn that rising temperatures and humidity could increase atmospheric instability, fueling more frequent and severe tornadoes. In response, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with victims, while government officials mobilized emergency aid, including food, hygiene products, and shelter materials. Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Jr. declared three days of mourning as search and rescue operations continued.

  • Plane en route to Jamaica for hurricane relief crashes in Florida – reports

    Plane en route to Jamaica for hurricane relief crashes in Florida – reports

    A small aircraft bound for Jamaica to assist with hurricane relief operations met with tragedy on Monday morning when it crashed in a residential area of Coral Springs, Florida. According to reports from CBS News, the incident occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. The Beechcraft King Air twin-turboprop plane had departed from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at 10:14 a.m., en route to Jamaica, before it plummeted into a man-made pond within the community. The crash caused damage to trees and a backyard fence of a nearby home. Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene to manage the situation. As of the latest updates, there have been no reported casualties. The plane was reportedly on a mission to provide aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, causing significant destruction across parts of the island.

  • US pledges additional US$10 million for Jamaica’s hurricane recovery

    US pledges additional US$10 million for Jamaica’s hurricane recovery

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States has announced an additional $10 million in aid to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. This latest contribution elevates the total financial assistance from the US Government to $22 million. The announcement was made by Jeremy Lewin, US Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, during a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Monday. Holness expressed profound gratitude, highlighting the US as one of the first international partners to respond swiftly after the disaster. He emphasized the critical role of US military assets, particularly heavy-lift helicopters, in reaching isolated communities during the initial relief operations. Preliminary estimates suggest the hurricane caused approximately $68 billion in damages, with assessments still ongoing. Holness stressed the necessity of sustained international support for Jamaica’s recovery, particularly in infrastructure investment, technology transfer, and commerce. Lewin reaffirmed the US commitment, noting that financial aid is just one aspect of their comprehensive support, which includes military personnel and search-and-rescue operations. He expressed confidence in Jamaica’s resilience and pledged continued assistance throughout the recovery process.

  • €1.25-M recovery boost

    €1.25-M recovery boost

    In a significant demonstration of solidarity, the European Union (EU) has pledged an additional €1.25 million in humanitarian aid to support recovery efforts in Jamaica and the Caribbean region following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. The announcement was made by Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in Jamaica on Sunday. This funding will bolster the Red Cross’ disaster relief operations in both Jamaica and Cuba, with a focus on combating virus outbreaks in hurricane-affected areas. The new pledge complements the €5 million in emergency funding already mobilized by the EU, with €2 million allocated to Jamaica and the remainder distributed between Cuba and Haiti, both severely impacted by the Category 5 storm. The aid package includes essential supplies such as clean water, sanitation kits, shelter materials, emergency equipment, and protective gear. Additionally, a fully equipped medical team and a field hospital have been established in Falmouth, Jamaica, to assess damage and guide recovery efforts. Commissioner Lahbib highlighted the EU’s use of the Copernicus satellite system to generate detailed maps identifying the worst-hit areas. She praised the Jamaican government’s resilience and leadership in coordinating relief efforts and acknowledged the swift support from six EU member states—France, Luxembourg, Spain, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. ‘This is European solidarity at its best—friends standing together when it matters most,’ Lahbib stated. As recovery transitions from emergency relief to rebuilding, she reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment to the Caribbean, emphasizing that no disaster could break the bond between the EU and the region.

  • Prime Minister Gaston Browne Visits Museu Emílio Goeldi During COP30

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne Visits Museu Emílio Goeldi During COP30

    The Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, made a significant visit to the Museu Emílio Goeldi during his participation in the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. This historic museum, renowned as one of Brazil’s oldest and most prestigious research and cultural institutions, has been uniquely curated for COP30 to offer delegates and visitors an immersive experience of the Amazon rainforest’s biodiversity. The museum’s exhibits feature over 3,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the Amazon and play a crucial role in maintaining global ecological balance. During his tour, Prime Minister Browne explored displays highlighting the region’s diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species and those exclusive to the Amazon basin. This experience reinforced the urgent need to preserve tropical forests and protect biodiversity, central themes of this year’s climate conference. The Prime Minister’s visit underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s unwavering commitment to climate action and environmental conservation, particularly as Small Island Developing States face heightened vulnerability to biodiversity loss and climate change impacts.

  • Prime Minister Attends Guyana’s Climate Resilience Meeting on the Margins of COP30

    Prime Minister Attends Guyana’s Climate Resilience Meeting on the Margins of COP30

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda participated in a high-level side event titled “Guyana’s Pathway to Climate Resilience: Scaling Low Carbon Leadership & Conserving Biodiversity” during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The event, organized by the Government of Guyana in collaboration with the Global Biodiversity Alliance, convened regional leaders, policymakers, and climate advocates to discuss strategies for enhancing low-carbon initiatives and preserving biodiversity in the Amazon region and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

    In his address, Prime Minister Browne praised the participants for their active involvement and constructive dialogue on climate action. He emphasized the importance of meaningful discussions on climate change, stating, “We have had a big debate about the issue of climate change. I know you have all had a very intensive conversation. I would like to thank you for allowing us to have a very meaningful discussion on this topic. It has a lot to do with our mission of providing dynamic information to the people of the world.”

    The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Guyana for hosting the event and reiterated his commitment to fostering regional collaboration to address the climate crisis. This engagement is part of Antigua and Barbuda’s broader participation at COP30, where the delegation is advocating for ambitious global climate action and financial mechanisms to protect vulnerable island nations.