Carib Scope

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  • Caricom reiterates call for reparatory justice for slave trade

    Caricom reiterates call for reparatory justice for slave trade

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Caribbean Community’s Reparations Commission (CRC) has proclaimed a pivotal turning point in the global movement for reparatory justice. In a powerful statement marking the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the commission emphasized unprecedented momentum building within Global Africa coalitions and international awareness.

    The CRC welcomed the African Union’s landmark declaration of the Decade for Reparations (2026-2035) as a transformative commitment that significantly strengthens worldwide reparations efforts. The commission simultaneously renewed its urgent call for comprehensive restitution programs and compensation mechanisms aimed at repairing centuries of structural damage.

    Historical crimes against humanity—including racialized chattel enslavement, systematic trafficking of Africans, and genocide—were identified as deliberately engineered systems that fueled European economic growth while systematically underdeveloping African and Caribbean nations. The commission underscored how these deeply entrenched exploitation systems continue to shape contemporary global inequalities.

    During Wednesday’s observance, the CRC honored the memory of 15 million African men, women, and children who endured three centuries of brutal enslavement in the Americas. The tribute acknowledged both the unimaginable suffering caused by the Middle Passage and slavery’s brutality, while celebrating countless acts of courage and defiance against European domination systems.

    The commission reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the CARICOM Ten Point Plan for Reparations, which outlines the region’s comprehensive vision for justice aligned with developmental priorities. This includes intensified dialogue, advocacy campaigns, and public education initiatives recognizing that reparatory justice represents both historical correction and essential humanitarian imperative.

    The CRC concluded that international communities must take decisive action to address slavery’s harmful legacies, asserting that justice for victims of African enslavement ultimately constitutes justice for all humanity.

  • Columbia: Doden bij vliegtuigcrash opgelopen tot 66

    Columbia: Doden bij vliegtuigcrash opgelopen tot 66

    A Colombian Air Force Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130 transport aircraft crashed during takeoff from Puerto Leguizamo on Monday, resulting in 66 fatalities among the 128 personnel on board. The tragedy occurred near the Peruvian border when the aircraft reportedly struck a tree with its wing at the end of the runway before crashing and igniting onboard explosives.

    The aircraft was carrying 11 air force members, 115 army personnel, and 2 national police officers according to General Hugo Alejandro Lopez, head of Colombia’s armed forces. Initial rescue efforts were spearheaded by local residents who extracted survivors from the wreckage and transported injured soldiers to hospitals via motorcycles before military vehicles could access the remote crash site.

    Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed via social media that search and recovery operations continue for four missing individuals despite challenging terrain conditions. Currently, 57 survivors have been hospitalized with 30 treated at military medical facilities in non-critical condition.

    President Gustavo Petro condemned bureaucratic obstacles delaying military modernization plans, stating on social media: ‘I will not permit further delays; this concerns the lives of our youth. Civil or military officials unable to meet this challenge must be replaced.’ Multiple presidential candidates for the May 31 elections expressed condolences and demanded thorough investigation into the incident.

    Lockheed Martin has committed to supporting Colombia’s investigation into the crash. The involved aircraft was among three C-130s transferred from the United States under excess defense articles programs in recent years. These Hercules aircraft have served Colombia since the late 1960s, frequently deployed for troop transport amid the nation’s six-decade internal conflict that has claimed over 450,000 lives.

    This incident follows a similar tragedy in late February when a Bolivian Air Force C-130 crashed in El Alto, causing over 20 fatalities and 30 injuries while sparking civil unrest after scattering banknotes during the accident.

  • Fisher exchange with Grenada prepares Turks and Caicos Islands

    Fisher exchange with Grenada prepares Turks and Caicos Islands

    In a landmark demonstration of South-South cooperation, fisheries experts from the Turks and Caicos Islands have completed an intensive knowledge transfer program in Grenada focused on advanced Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) technology. The four-day exchange (March 16-19) enabled six TCI fishers and two fisheries officers to acquire hands-on experience in constructing and deploying these innovative marine systems that significantly enhance open-water fishing efficiency.

    This capacity-building initiative represents a strategic advancement in regional fisheries collaboration under the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). Grenada’s sophisticated FAD infrastructure has been modernized through the World Bank-funded ‘Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean’ (UBEC) project, building upon earlier technological foundations established through Japanese-funded CARIFICO initiatives between 2012-2017.

    The exchange provided TCI delegates with unprecedented access to Grenada’s operational FAD systems, where they observed the harvesting of substantial pelagic species including yellowfin tuna exceeding 100 pounds. Participants gained practical technical expertise in FAD construction methods that will directly inform TCI’s upcoming pilot program scheduled for implementation in coming months.

    Grenada’s Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, Hon. Lennox Andrews, characterized the exchange as “one very good example where, as a people, we can come together and work together to share our knowledge, share experiences, and create the competence and the human resources that we all need to develop our region.”

    TCI fishers reported transformative experiences during the knowledge transfer. Veteran fisherman David Clare exclaimed, “It’s the greatest fishing [technology] I’ve ever seen in my life, and it works perfectly!” while Kevin Harvey noted the dramatic efficiency improvements compared to traditional trolling methods.

    The TCI Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management Director Alwyn Ponteen emphasized the program’s alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals regarding zero hunger, decent work, economic growth, and marine conservation. “This programme represents a strategic and sustainable investment in the youths, men, and women who form the backbone of our fisheries sector,” Ponteen stated.

    Both nations have committed to ongoing collaboration, with Grenada’s Chief Fisheries Officer Nigel Gibbs anticipating “a lasting Caribbean relationship that will grow stronger in the future.” The TCI government confirms its resolution to develop sustainable FAD fisheries as part of its broader Sustainable Livelihoods Strategy, including comprehensive stakeholder consultations, management planning, and legislative reforms.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Pushes Climate Priorities at Global Talks

    Antigua and Barbuda Pushes Climate Priorities at Global Talks

    Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation to the 64th Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-64) in Bangkok comprises Orvin Paige from the Meteorological Department and Arry Simon from the Department of Environment. This pivotal gathering, scheduled for March 24–27, follows the inconclusive proceedings of IPCC-63 in Lima, where member nations could not reach consensus on deadlines for essential climate assessment reports.

    For vulnerable island nations, these procedural delays carry profound implications that extend far beyond bureaucratic negotiations. Countries situated on the frontlines of climate impacts, including Antigua and Barbuda, face existential threats from rising sea levels that endanger coastal populations and tourism infrastructure—the lifeblood of their economies. Increasingly intense hurricanes and erratic precipitation patterns further strain limited resources, despite these nations’ minimal contributions to global carbon emissions.

    A central challenge remains the accessibility of climate finance mechanisms. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) consistently encounter barriers when seeking funding, grappling with convoluted application procedures, insufficient technical expertise, and inflexible eligibility requirements. Even when financing is secured, implementation frequently proceeds at a pace insufficient to address urgent adaptation needs, including coastal defense systems, water security initiatives, and climate-resilient infrastructure development.

    The Bangkok negotiations will also address funding limitations within the IPCC’s own operations, underscoring a systemic concern: inadequate financial support threatens to paralyze both global climate science and localized mitigation efforts in the world’s most vulnerable regions. The outcomes of this session will directly inform preparatory work for COP31, where enhanced financing architectures and strengthened commitments will take center stage. For Antigua and Barbuda and fellow SIDS, the paramount objective remains transforming international policy decisions into tangible, accessible support that delivers measurable protection against climate devastation.

  • Energie, water, obligaties: Wat zijn de doelen van Iran als Trump elektriciteitscentrales aanvalt?

    Energie, water, obligaties: Wat zijn de doelen van Iran als Trump elektriciteitscentrales aanvalt?

    In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a five-day pause in planned attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, according to his statements on Monday. This development follows Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum issued Sunday demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil transit route—or face targeted strikes on Iranian power facilities.

    Trump claimed on Truth Social that Washington and Tehran had engaged in “very good and productive talks” regarding a “complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” adding that “this time Iran is serious; they want to settle. They want peace.” These assertions were immediately contradicted by Iranian officials, with the Tasnim news agency reporting no negotiations were occurring and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissing the claims as “fake news” designed to manipulate financial markets.

    The confrontation stems from Iran’s March 2nd announcement closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil and gas passes, contributing to oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel. Trump’s Saturday threat specified that if Iran didn’t fully reopen the strait within 48 hours, the U.S. would “ATTACK AND DESTROY their various ELECTRIC POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE LARGEST.” Potential targets include Iran’s Damavand plant near Tehran (2,900 MW capacity), Kerman plant (1,910 MW), and Ramin plant (1,890 MW).

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded with counter-threats, vowing to target Israeli power plants and facilities supporting U.S. military bases in the region. The IRGC stated the strait would remain closed “until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt,” while Iranian officials clarified the passage remains open to all except “ships belonging to our enemies.”

    The situation has triggered regional energy disruptions, with QatarEnergy halting LNG production after attacks on Ras Laffan and Mesaieed facilities, and Saudi Arabia suspending operations at its Ras Tanura refinery following fires allegedly caused by intercepted Iranian drones. Iranian officials denied involvement in these incidents.

    Iran has expanded its potential retaliation targets to include financial entities supporting U.S. military activities, specifically mentioning U.S. Treasury bond holders. Companies like Berkshire Hathaway ($360 billion in holdings), Tether ($100 billion), and Circle—all with regional investments—could potentially be affected. The IRGC-linked Tasnim agency also listed technology firms including Google, Microsoft, Palantir, IBM, Nvidia, and Oracle as “new targets for Iran” due to their Israeli connections and military applications.

    Critical water desalination infrastructure has already been impacted, with both Iran and Bahrain reporting attacks on facilities. This is particularly significant for Gulf states which rely on desalination for 50-100% of their water needs due to extreme water scarcity.

  • Colombia: Militair toestel crasht, 34 doden

    Colombia: Militair toestel crasht, 34 doden

    A devastating aviation tragedy struck Colombia’s southern Amazon region on Monday when a Colombian Air Force Hercules C-130 transport aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in at least 34 confirmed fatalities. The aircraft, carrying military personnel, went down in Puerto Leguizamo, a remote municipality in the Putumayo province that borders both Peru and Ecuador.

    According to Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez, the ill-fated aircraft experienced catastrophic failure merely 1.5 kilometers from its departure point. The crash triggered explosions aboard the aircraft due to ignited ammunition, complicating rescue efforts. Sánchez confirmed through official channels that preliminary investigations ruled out any ‘attack by illegal actors’ and indicated the aircraft had been airworthy with a qualified crew prior to departure.

    Initial reports indicated 125 passengers aboard, but the Air Force later clarified the actual manifest listed 121 individuals—110 soldiers and 11 crew members—who were being transported to another location within Putumayo province. Local authorities, including Putumayo Governor Jhon Gabriel Molina, reported that identification processes remained ongoing for 21 victims.

    The crashed Hercules C-130, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, represents part of Colombia’s military fleet that has undergone modernization in recent years. Colombia initially incorporated Hercules aircraft into its military operations in the late 1960s and has since updated older models with newer variants imported from the United States.

    This incident marks the second major Hercules C-130 catastrophe in South America within months. In February, a Bolivian Air Force counterpart crashed in El Alto, narrowly avoiding residential structures while claiming over 20 lives and injuring 30 others. The recurrence of such incidents has raised questions about the operational safety and maintenance protocols of military transport aircraft across the region.

  • FAO hosts workshop as part of multi-pronged support for Grenada’s USD 2.6 million soursop industry

    FAO hosts workshop as part of multi-pronged support for Grenada’s USD 2.6 million soursop industry

    Grenada has solidified its status as the world’s sole authorized exporter of fresh, non-irradiated soursop to the United States, creating a unique agricultural niche with profound economic implications. This privileged market position, however, demands rigorous sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) protocols to maintain compliance and ensure continued access. Recognizing this critical need, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Grenada’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands & Forestry and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), has launched a comprehensive initiative to bolster the entire soursop value chain.

    The cornerstone of this effort was a specialized three-day capacity-building workshop held from February 9-11, 2026, at Grenada’s National Stadium. Organized through a partnership between the FAO, the national ministry, and the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA), the event convened 31 technical officers and stakeholders. The cohort, comprising 18 women and 13 men from various technical units including extension services, pest management, and forestry, alongside representatives from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), engaged in intensive training on advanced surveillance techniques, early warning systems, and coordinated response strategies for plant health risks.

    Beyond the workshop, the multi-faceted project encompasses several strategic components. These include the development of a nationwide surveillance and emergency response program, enhancements to institutional capabilities in pest detection and certification, and the piloting of traceability systems tailored for export markets. Furthermore, the initiative will establish two farmer-owned demonstration plots in the parishes of Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick. These sites will serve as practical training hubs to promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), directly aiming to increase on-farm productivity and long-term sustainability.

    Anne Desrochers, FAO’s Production and Plant Protection Specialist, underscored the initiative’s significance, stating, ‘Grenada’s exclusive access to the United States market for fresh soursop presents a significant and timely opportunity to strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and uplift rural communities.’ Participant feedback highlighted the value of the workshop’s blended approach, which combined theoretical knowledge with practical exercises to foster collaborative problem-solving. The session concluded with the formulation of concrete action plans designed to overcome implementation barriers and establish robust collaboration mechanisms, thereby future-proofing this vital industry against emerging biosecurity challenges.

  • NYC’s LaGuardia airport reopened after tarmac incident leaving 2 dead, massive delays

    NYC’s LaGuardia airport reopened after tarmac incident leaving 2 dead, massive delays

    A catastrophic runway collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport has resulted in multiple casualties and significant operational disruptions after an Air Canada aircraft struck an emergency response vehicle during landing procedures late Sunday evening.

    According to aviation authorities, the incident occurred just before midnight when the commercial airliner, traveling at approximately 100 miles per hour during its final approach, made impact with a fire apparatus that had been deployed to address a separate aircraft emergency. The violent collision proved fatal for both pilots in the cockpit and caused substantial damage to the aircraft’s forward section.

    Emergency personnel discovered a remarkable survival case when they located a flight attendant still secured in her seat outside the damaged aircraft. Medical officials confirmed she sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries among the 41 transported to area hospitals. The total onboard consisted of 72 passengers and four crew members.

    Two fire officers operating the emergency vehicle were among those injured in the devastating impact. While 32 hospitalized individuals have been released, several remain in serious condition according to the latest medical assessments.

    The airport faced complete closure for several hours following the accident, stranding numerous passengers and creating extensive flight delays that continued into Monday morning. Although limited operations have resumed, significant security checkpoint congestion and passenger frustration have been reported.

    Aviation safety experts are examining air traffic control recordings that reportedly contain urgent instructions for the fire truck to halt movement moments before the collision occurred.

    This tragedy unfolds against a backdrop of systemic challenges affecting U.S. aviation security operations. The Transportation Security Administration continues to experience staffing shortages related to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding impasse, which began in mid-February following congressional disputes over immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota that resulted in fatalities.

    In response to these security concerns, federal authorities have deployed additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel to 13 airports nationwide, including LaGuardia, effective March 23.

    Air Canada President and CEO Michael Rousseau issued a solemn statement describing the event as “a very sombre day at Air Canada” and expressing profound condolences to all affected passengers, crew members, and their families. The airline has committed to full cooperation with the ongoing investigation while providing support to those impacted by the tragedy.

  • Russian Oil Tanker Bound for Cuba Diverts to Trinidad

    Russian Oil Tanker Bound for Cuba Diverts to Trinidad

    A Russian diesel shipment originally destined for Cuba has been unexpectedly rerouted to Trinidad and Tobago, according to the latest vessel tracking intelligence analyzed by Reuters. This diversion exacerbates a severe energy crisis gripping the Caribbean nation, which now faces critically diminished fuel reserves with no immediate resupply prospects.

    Cuba’s energy infrastructure is experiencing systemic collapse, with nationwide power outages becoming a daily occurrence. The island’s electrical grid was only fully restored last Tuesday following an unprecedented 29-hour total blackout. So far in 2026, Cuba has received merely two oil tankers—a fraction of the required imports to maintain basic electricity generation.

    The Trump administration’s recent sanctions policy adjustment has significantly worsened Cuba’s predicament. Last week’s update to the Russian oil sanctions waiver explicitly excluded Cuba, creating a legal barrier that prevents the island nation from acquiring Russian-origin fuel already in maritime transit.

    This convergence of scarce supplies and regulatory barriers has catalyzed a rampant black market for gasoline. Fuel now trades at approximately $8 USD per liter on the unofficial market—a staggering 600% premium over government-regulated pricing—further straining the Cuban population amid the escalating energy crisis.

  • Sentencing of British man for cocaine moved to Thursday (+Video)

    Sentencing of British man for cocaine moved to Thursday (+Video)

    A British national facing drug trafficking charges in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will remain in custody after his sentencing was postponed for additional investigative work. Warren-Lee Davies, who previously confessed to attempting to export 2.5 kilograms of cocaine from Argyle International Airport, saw his case adjourned until Thursday by Chief Magistrate Colin John.

    The delay came at the request of Prosecutor Renrick Cato, an Inspector of Police, who indicated that authorities required additional time to gather information pertinent to sentencing considerations. Cato emphasized the defendant’s status as a foreign national and noted that forthcoming details would assist the court in determining appropriate judgment.

    Defense attorney Grant Connell acknowledged the prosecution’s vague justification for the postponement but raised no formal objection to the adjournment. Davies will remain remanded in prison until his rescheduled court appearance.

    The defendant was apprehended at Argyle International Airport while preparing to board a flight to the United Kingdom after authorities discovered the substantial quantity of cocaine concealed within his luggage. Davies entered a guilty plea last Friday at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on charges of cocaine possession and attempted drug exportation.