Carib Scope

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  • Department of the Blue Economy Represented at 13th World Ocean Summit & Expo in Montreal

    Department of the Blue Economy Represented at 13th World Ocean Summit & Expo in Montreal

    Montreal, Canada – The 13th World Ocean Summit & Expo, convened by Economist Impact on March 4-5, 2026, served as a critical platform for global ocean dialogue, with Antigua and Barbuda ensuring the perspectives of small island nations were prominently heard. The high-level assembly gathered world leaders, policy architects, scientific experts, investors, and private sector delegates to forge actionable strategies for sustainable ocean governance and blue economy expansion.

    Representing the Antiguan and Barbudan government, Ms. Marver Woodley, Senior Operations and Policy Manager from the Department of the Blue Economy, delivered the nation’s strategic contributions. Her involvement was pivotal in integrating the unique challenges and priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) into central debates on marine ecosystem preservation, innovative ocean finance mechanisms, climate adaptation frameworks, and global biodiversity conservation efforts.

    This premier international forum is widely recognized for catalyzing meaningful progress in marine policy and ecological stewardship. The participation of SIDS representatives like Woodley underscores a growing recognition that effective ocean solutions must incorporate the vulnerabilities and insights of nations most directly impacted by oceanic changes and climate phenomena.

  • Canadian family seeks consular help after deadly accident in La Romana

    Canadian family seeks consular help after deadly accident in La Romana

    A tragic traffic accident in the Dominican Republic has claimed the life of 67-year-old Canadian baker Colleen Fullerton and left her husband John with severe spinal injuries. The incident occurred Sunday at the notorious Cumayasa 10 curve along the Autovía del Este highway near Villa Hermosa in La Romana province.

    The couple’s daughter, Amanda Fullerton of Lockport, learned of her mother’s death through media reports after receiving a distressing call from her uncle, who was also aboard the vehicle during the collision. In a heartbreaking development, the family has been unable to obtain official information about John Fullerton’s medical condition, prompting Amanda to urgently appeal to Canadian consular officials for intervention and hospital representation.

    The Fullertons, who operate a mechanic’s workshop, now face additional uncertainty as John’s injuries may prevent him from returning to work. Their original travel plans to Cuba were altered following a Global Affairs Canada advisory warning citizens against non-essential travel to the island, leading them to choose the Dominican Republic instead.

    Tour operator Sunwing Vacations, which organized both the trip and bus transportation, has committed to covering all costs associated with repatriating Colleen’s remains to Canada and John’s extensive medical expenses. The family has retained legal counsel as they seek comprehensive answers regarding the accident’s cause and circumstances.

  • Domninica’s geothermal plant on track to be commissioned by end of month, says PM Skerrit

    Domninica’s geothermal plant on track to be commissioned by end of month, says PM Skerrit

    The Commonwealth of Dominica is poised to achieve a significant renewable energy milestone with the imminent commissioning of its state-of-the-art geothermal power plant in Laudat. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit confirmed during a recent press conference that the facility has successfully completed testing phases and is expected to become operational by the end of March.

    The 10-megawatt facility, representing a substantial investment of US$34.8 million, will establish Dominica as the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation to harness geothermal energy at this scale. Situated in the volcanic-rich Roseau Valley, the plant utilizes the island’s natural geothermal resources to provide clean, reliable electricity to approximately 23,000 households.

    This groundbreaking project, developed through a public-private partnership under the Dominica Geothermal Development Company (DGDC), marks a strategic shift from fossil fuel dependency toward sustainable energy solutions. The plant’s commissioning aligns with the broader OECS Decade of Action for Sustainable Energy Development initiative, which aims to source at least 30% of the region’s electricity from renewables by 2035.

    As part of the OECS GEOBUILD Programme supported by the Caribbean Development Bank, Dominica joins four other member states in pioneering geothermal exploration and development across the Eastern Caribbean. This project not only enhances Dominica’s energy security but also establishes a replicable model for neighboring islands seeking to utilize their volcanic potential for sustainable development.

  • FLASH : The FAA extends the flight ban for Port-au-Prince and expands the no-fly zones

    FLASH : The FAA extends the flight ban for Port-au-Prince and expands the no-fly zones

    The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has prolonged its prohibition on commercial flights to Haiti through September 30, 2026, citing severe and persistent security threats. This extension solidifies Haiti’s status of aerial isolation, which has been in effect since November 2024.

    In a significant escalation of precautions, the FAA has broadened the restricted airspace beyond Port-au-Prince to include regions within the Central and Artibonite departments. This decision is driven by intelligence indicating gang factions are advancing northward from the capital, substantially elevating the risk of small arms fire targeting aircraft operating below 10,000 feet. The official advisory underscores the critical inability of Haitian security forces to safeguard airport approach paths and the perimeter of Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

    The aviation blockade is not an isolated U.S. policy. Key international allies, including France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, have issued stringent advisories urging avoidance of the capital’s airport and low-altitude flight operations. Compounding the isolation, the Dominican Republic has sustained the closure of its aerial border with Haiti, suspending all passenger and cargo flights until at least March 28, 2026.

    The genesis of this extensive ban traces back to a dramatic surge in violence commencing in late 2024, when three commercial aircraft—operated by Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines—were struck by gunfire on approach to Port-au-Prince. The crisis intensified in January 2026 when two ZED Airlines planes were similarly attacked, prompting the carrier to immediately cease all operations. This suspension marked the termination of the final scheduled international service to the Haitian capital.

    Despite efforts to mitigate risks, including the demolition of structures near the airport to eliminate cover for shooters, the threat landscape has deteriorated. Intelligence confirms that armed coalitions, such as ‘Viv Ansanm,’ now deploy advanced Barrett M-50 precision rifles, capable of accurately engaging targets at distances up to 4,000 meters. The FAA explicitly states that prevailing security conditions remain fundamentally ‘incompatible with the normal continuation of operations.’

    The protracted flight embargo is triggering severe economic and humanitarian repercussions. Logistical expenses have skyrocketed, air freight capacity has plummeted, and the ensuing economic strangulation is acutely suffocating Port-au-Prince, with dire consequences rippling across the entire nation.

  • Appreciation and Acknowledgment for Support of the 2026 Dominican Republic Independence Celebration in Antigua and Barbuda.

    Appreciation and Acknowledgment for Support of the 2026 Dominican Republic Independence Celebration in Antigua and Barbuda.

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally expressed its profound appreciation to nations and organizations supporting the upcoming 2026 Dominican Republic Independence Celebration, marking a significant moment of Caribbean diplomatic camaraderie. This acknowledgment highlights the growing regional cooperation as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host this prestigious event commemorating the Dominican Republic’s 1821 independence from Spanish rule.

    The celebration, scheduled for 2026, represents more than historical remembrance—it symbolizes strengthening ties between Caribbean nations through cultural exchange and mutual support. The Antiguan government’s recognition of international backing underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving regional heritage and fostering diplomatic relations.

    This cross-island cooperation demonstrates how Caribbean nations are increasingly working in concert to celebrate shared histories while building stronger partnerships for future development. The 2026 observance is expected to feature traditional music, culinary exhibitions, and historical reenactments showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the Dominican Republic, with Antigua and Barbuda serving as gracious hosts to this pan-Caribbean gathering.

    The acknowledgment of support comes at a time when Caribbean nations are strengthening multilateral ties through cultural diplomacy, recognizing that such celebrations serve as platforms for discussing broader regional initiatives including trade, climate resilience, and tourism development. This event continues the tradition of Caribbean nations hosting each other’s independence observances, reinforcing the concept of a unified Caribbean community despite diverse colonial histories and linguistic differences.

  • Caribbean Pushes for Stronger Voice in Global Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Talks

    Caribbean Pushes for Stronger Voice in Global Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Talks

    Caribbean leaders and climate experts convened in Saint Lucia this week to consolidate the region’s position ahead of pivotal international negotiations on fossil fuel phase-out. The strategic gathering brought together senior government officials and civil society representatives amid stalled global climate discussions regarding financing and management of a equitable transition from oil, gas, and coal.

    Regional participants emphasized the urgency of immediate action, citing recent data showing fossil fuel production continues to exceed levels compatible with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming limit—a threshold Caribbean nations vigorously advocated for. Dr. James Fletcher, Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, stressed that the region’s diplomatic credibility hinges not only on its climate vulnerability but on presenting concrete proposals. “Our calls for justice must be matched with clear frameworks for concessional finance, debt reform, renewable energy scaling, and social protections for vulnerable communities,” Fletcher asserted.

    The meeting served as a preparatory session for the First International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, scheduled for late April in Santa Marta, Colombia, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands. Caribbean advocates highlighted their frontline experience with climate impacts, with Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie of the Jamaica Environment Trust detailing the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa—including destroyed infrastructure, massive displacements, and agricultural devastation.

    Financing mechanisms emerged as a critical concern, with Charlin Bodlee of the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy noting significant funding gaps in implementing climate commitments. Bodlee emphasized that current climate finance represents only a fraction of needs, with loan-based approaches exacerbating fiscal strain rather than building long-term resilience.

    Alex Rafalowicz of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative warned that continued fossil fuel expansion not only accelerates climate change but exacerbates public health crises, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution, presenting profound risks to planetary life systems.

  • Guyanese man extradited to US to face trial for identity theft, bank fraud

    Guyanese man extradited to US to face trial for identity theft, bank fraud

    Ronley Floyd Bynoe, a Guyanese national, has been formally extradited to the United States to confront serious criminal charges including bank fraud, misuse of a Social Security Number, and aggravated identity theft. The extradition proceeded on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, after Bynoe voluntarily waived his legal right to contest the transfer.

    According to a statement from Guyana’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, Bynoe was transported under secure escort from the Georgetown Camp Street Prison to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport late Tuesday night. At approximately 1:30 AM, he was formally handed over to two U.S. Marshals and placed on an American Airlines flight bound for the United States.

    The legal pathway for his extradition was set in motion when U.S. authorities, having secured a grand jury indictment in the District Court for the Northern District of Ohio in September 2023, discovered Bynoe had fled to Guyana. An investigation confirmed his location, prompting an official extradition request from the U.S. government to Guyana’s Ministry of Home Affairs in November 2025.

    Following legal consultations with the DPP’s office, Guyana’s Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, signed an Authority to Proceed on February 16th, 2026, under the nation’s Fugitive Offenders Act. Bynoe was subsequently arrested by local police on February 18th and brought before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty. During the court proceeding, he was informed of the charges and consented to his extradition, forgoing formal court proceedings to challenge the request.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Declares New State of Emergency Amid Ongoing Violent Crime

    Trinidad and Tobago Declares New State of Emergency Amid Ongoing Violent Crime

    The government of Trinidad and Tobago has reactivated a state of emergency declaration, merely one month after allowing previous emergency measures to expire. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced the decision on Tuesday following urgent recommendations from the National Security Council, which cited specific intelligence regarding planned attacks targeting law enforcement personnel.

    This emergency declaration marks the latest development in the nation’s prolonged struggle with organized criminal violence, with the twin-island nation having operated under emergency provisions for approximately ten months out of the past fourteen. The most recent state of emergency concluded on January 31st of this year.

    According to official statements, the emergency powers grant security forces expanded authority to conduct warrantless searches and arrests in their efforts to combat escalating gang-related violence. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar highlighted concerns about retaliatory shootings between criminal factions that have resulted in multiple fatalities through coordinated attacks.

    The initial emergency period is authorized for fifteen days, with provisions for extension if security conditions require continued special measures. Notably, government officials have indicated no immediate plans to implement curfew restrictions alongside the emergency declaration.

    The decision has drawn criticism from opposition leaders who accuse the administration of failing to develop effective long-term crime reduction strategies. Meanwhile, tourism industry representatives expressed concern about potential negative impacts on visitor arrivals, particularly as global conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have created opportunities for Caribbean destinations to attract alternative travel markets.

    Current crime statistics indicate minimal improvement from previous years, with sixty-three recorded homicides thus far in 2026 compared to sixty-four during the same period last year.

  • DA police force benefits from USVI National Guard combat training

    DA police force benefits from USVI National Guard combat training

    ROSEAU, Dominica – In a significant demonstration of international security cooperation, medical personnel from the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) have successfully concluded a specialized training program with the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF). The joint exercise, held from February 23-27, 2026, at the King George Street facilities in Roseau, marks a pivotal advancement in emergency medical capabilities for Caribbean security forces.

    The training initiative was implemented under the auspices of the State Partnership Program (SPP), with additional support provided by the 436th Civil Affairs Battalion team. The comprehensive program focused exclusively on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) protocols, representing the gold standard in battlefield medicine and emergency trauma response.

    Participants engaged in intensive practical simulations covering critical life-saving interventions. The curriculum included advanced techniques for hemorrhage control through proper tourniquet application, wound packing and bandaging procedures, and airway management protocols for compromised patients. These skills are particularly vital for law enforcement and military personnel who may encounter trauma scenarios in remote or high-risk environments.

    A official statement from the VING highlighted the strategic importance of the exchange: ‘This collaborative endeavor emphasized systematic trauma assessment and treatment methodologies to prevent further injury or mortality. The partnership has substantially reinforced the capacity to deploy TCCC competencies effectively in real-world scenarios, enhancing the ability to provide critical care to both responders and civilians.’

    The bilateral training exercise strengthens regional security partnerships and enhances medical response capabilities across the Caribbean basin, ensuring that both military and police units are better prepared to handle severe trauma incidents whether in combat situations or civilian emergencies.

  • Cuba says working to restore power after big blackout

    Cuba says working to restore power after big blackout

    HAVANA, Cuba — Cuban energy officials announced significant advancements on Thursday in efforts to restore electricity across the nation following a widespread blackout that plunged approximately two-thirds of the country into darkness. The national grid, which experienced a catastrophic failure on Wednesday, has now been successfully reconnected nationwide, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Energy.

    The ministry confirmed that reconnection of the national electrical system was achieved at 5:01 AM local time Thursday, with power generation units being progressively brought back online to facilitate the gradual return of electricity to households and businesses. On-the-ground observations in Havana confirmed that several districts within the capital had already regained electrical service by Thursday morning.

    This incident highlights the profound challenges facing Cuba’s aging power infrastructure, which has deteriorated to a state of chronic dysfunction. Many regions across the island regularly endure daily power interruptions lasting up to 20 hours, exacerbated by severe fuel shortages that cripple power generation capabilities.

    The current energy crisis unfolds during a period of heightened geopolitical tension for the Caribbean nation of 9.6 million people. The situation has deteriorated significantly since January 3, when the United States moved to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who had been supplying approximately half of Cuba’s fuel requirements.

    Following Maduro’s political crisis, Washington initially imposed stringent oil embargo measures against Cuba before subsequently moderating these restrictions. This policy shift came amid concerns raised by neighboring Caribbean nations warning that extreme sanctions could precipitate total economic collapse and inflict disproportionate suffering on civilian populations. Despite these modifications, the Trump administration maintained substantial blockade measures, leaving oil shipments from Caracas to Havana in a state of prolonged uncertainty.