Carib Scope

分类： world

  • Overseas haven for dogs

    Overseas haven for dogs

    In a remarkable humanitarian effort following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican authorities successfully rescued more than 50 distressed dogs from severely affected communities in the island’s southwestern parishes. Many of these animals have now been adopted into loving homes overseas.

    Agriculture Minister Floyd Green, speaking at a special post-hurricane media briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday, emphasized that while the primary focus remained on saving human lives and delivering essential aid to devastated communities, the government maintained significant concern for animal welfare during the catastrophic event.

    Minister Green detailed how personnel from the Veterinary Services Unit collaborated with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in specialized rescue operations targeting stranded pets, particularly dogs isolated by flooding. The teams conducted aerial reconnaissance missions to identify locations where animals were trapped and required emergency assistance.

    “The ministry facilitated the export of 58 dogs rescued through these coordinated missions,” Green announced. “Some have found new homes in the United States, while others have been relocated to Canada.”

    The Veterinary Services Division has demonstrated exceptional commitment in the aftermath of the Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica on October 28. The ministry has established free veterinary clinics across multiple parishes, including St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Westmoreland, with additional services planned for Clark’s Town in Trelawny. These clinics provide critical support including medical treatment, medication, wound care, vaccinations, and nutritional assistance for both farm animals and pets.

    While no official estimate exists for pet fatalities during Hurricane Melissa, the human toll continues to mount. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has confirmed 45 storm-related fatalities with 18 individuals still missing.

    The agricultural sector suffered catastrophic losses, with Minister Green reporting to Parliament on November 11 that farmers lost 5,600 pigs, 3,560 small ruminants (goats and sheep), and 2,850 cattle. The poultry industry was particularly devastated, losing 458,000 laying hens (representing over 40% of the national layer population) and 780,000 broiler chickens.

    The preliminary damage assessment for the agricultural sector initially estimated losses at $30 billion, but according to World Bank rapid assessment data, this figure has now doubled to approximately $60 billion, highlighting the unprecedented scale of destruction wrought by Hurricane Melissa.

  • Israel carried out more than 2,140 attacks in the West Bank in November

    Israel carried out more than 2,140 attacks in the West Bank in November

    A comprehensive monthly report from the Palestinian Commission Against the Wall and Settlements has documented an alarming escalation of Israeli military and settler activities across occupied territories. According to Commission Head Muayyad Shaaban, security forces perpetrated 1,523 distinct operations while settlers conducted additional attacks throughout the reporting period.

    The investigation reveals a systematic pattern of violations including structural demolitions, property confiscation, deliberate vandalism, movement restrictions, lethal violence, physical assaults, and widespread theft. Shaaban emphasized these actions represent not random incidents but a coordinated strategy to displace indigenous populations and establish an institutionalized system of racialized control.

    Particularly concerning is the attempted establishment of 19 unauthorized settler outposts—initial infrastructures designed to evolve into permanent Jewish settlements. The report asserts these developments occur with explicit political authorization from the highest levels of Israeli governance, intentionally fragmenting Palestinian territorial continuity and imposing demographic realities through fait accompli tactics.

    Quantitative analysis confirms the seizure of approximately 280 hectares (692 acres) of West Bank land through multiple legal mechanisms including confiscation orders, expropriation procedures, and reclassification of state land boundaries. Additionally, authorities executed 46 demolition operations affecting 76 structures while issuing 51 preliminary notices targeting additional properties for future destruction.

  • China financiert drinkwaterprojecten voor 26 dorpen in binnenland

    China financiert drinkwaterprojecten voor 26 dorpen in binnenland

    Suriname and China have formalized a significant bilateral agreement to construct drinking water infrastructure across 26 villages in the remote interior regions of Boven-Suriname, Marowijne, and Brokopondo. The partnership was cemented through the signing of official minutes by David Abiamofo, Suriname’s Minister of Natural Resources, and Jia Jinyi, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Suriname.

    This development cooperation initiative focuses on installing advanced groundwater purification systems designed to provide sustainable access to safe drinking water for thousands of residents in historically underserved communities. The project represents a complete donation from the People’s Republic of China, covering all implementation costs.

    The agreement follows extensive preparatory work conducted in June by Chinese technical experts who performed comprehensive feasibility studies and meticulously assessed local conditions in each beneficiary village. Suriname’s Water Supply Service will facilitate project execution through logistical support, community communication, and capacity building programs.

    This infrastructure development marks a substantial step toward addressing structural water supply deficiencies in Suriname’s interior regions, potentially transforming public health outcomes and living standards in these communities.

  • Book on Italian expeditionary of the yacht Granma presented in Rome (+Photos)

    Book on Italian expeditionary of the yacht Granma presented in Rome (+Photos)

    A significant commemorative event in Rome celebrated the profound historical connections between Cuba and Italy through the extraordinary life of Gino Doné, an Italian partisan who became a Cuban revolutionary. The gathering, orchestrated by the Cuban Embassy in Italy, served as a poignant reminder of shared struggles for justice and freedom.

    Ambassador Mirta Granda presided over the ceremony, which coincided with the 79th anniversary of the Granma yacht’s landing—a pivotal moment in Cuban history when 82 revolutionaries sailed from Mexico’s port of Tuxpan to initiate the final phase of Cuba’s liberation struggle. The ambassador characterized Doné’s life as “one of the most sublime symbols of the brotherhood of our peoples,” emphasizing how common ideals forge unbreakable bonds between nations.

    The centerpiece of the December 2nd event was the presentation of the biographical work “The Life of Gino Done, Italian Partisan and Cuban Revolutionary.” Ambassador Granda extended gratitude to diverse attendees representing various sectors of Italian society with connections to Cuba, plus members of the Cuban expatriate community in Italy.

    The diplomatic official particularly acknowledged the National Association of Italy-Cuba Friendship (Anaic) for spearheading this initiative and praised the dedication of co-authors Pier Carlo Porporato (Anaic member) and Daily Sanchez Lemus (Cuban journalist and historian) in bringing this important historical account to fruition.

    The ceremony featured video contributions from prominent Cuban figures: Fernando González Llort, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP); René González Barrios, director of the Fidel Castro Ruz Center; and co-author Sánchez Lemus. Each highlighted Doné’s remarkable journey from fighting fascism in Europe to joining Cuba’s revolutionary movement.

    A particularly emotional anecdote recalled Doné’s final meeting with Fidel Castro in 2005 during commemorations for the 52nd anniversary of the assaults on Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks. Their heartfelt embrace culminated in Doné’s pledge: “I will be with you until the last drop of my blood.” His subsequent request—that his remains eventually rest in Cuba alongside his Granma comrades—underscored his eternal devotion to the Cuban cause.

  • PM Skerrit meets with Chinese construction team, tours upcoming Northern Road Project

    PM Skerrit meets with Chinese construction team, tours upcoming Northern Road Project

    Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has personally overseen preliminary technical assessments for the ambitious Northern Road Improvement Project, conducting high-level discussions with a specialized team from China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). The Chinese technical delegation is currently on the ground in Dominica performing crucial evaluations ahead of the infrastructure initiative’s implementation.

    The significant meeting, detailed in an official release from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), represents a key preparatory phase for the comprehensive upgrade targeting the vital transportation corridor between Portsmouth and Hatton Garden. The project, fully financed through funding from the People’s Republic of China, encompasses extensive roadway enhancements including structural improvements and safety upgrades.

    Prime Minister Skerrit’s inspection tour included accompaniment by His Excellency Chu Maoming, China’s Ambassador to Dominica, alongside engineering representatives from the Chinese construction firm. The delegation conducted a thorough walking survey of multiple sections along the northern route, enabling detailed preliminary assessments essential for project planning.

    The comprehensive infrastructure initiative will feature multiple engineering components including construction of new bridges and culverts, slope stabilization measures, roadway widening, and installation of reinforced retaining walls. These improvements are designed to significantly enhance transportation safety, connectivity, and regional development throughout Dominica’s northern region.

    The collaborative site inspection and technical evaluation demonstrate the continued strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between Dominica and China through infrastructure development partnerships. The Northern Road Improvement Project represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in recent Dominican history, with potential to substantially improve transportation efficiency and economic opportunities for northern communities.

  • FAO Mission Begins Weeklong Assessment of Farms in Antigua and Barbuda

    FAO Mission Begins Weeklong Assessment of Farms in Antigua and Barbuda

    Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a groundbreaking agricultural development project in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), focusing on sustainable water management and enhanced production systems. The initiative, officially designated as TCP/ANT/4001 (D) ‘Sustainable Water Management and Access for Better Production,’ commenced operations from December 1-6, 2025, marking a significant step toward climate-adaptive farming practices.

    Under the leadership of Dr. Omardath Maharaj, an accomplished Agri-Business Finance Specialist, the project represents a coordinated effort between international expertise and local governmental bodies. The mission collaborates closely with Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy (MAFLBE), the Department of Environment, and the MAFLBE Extension Division to evaluate current protected-crop farming operations and identify pathways toward greater resilience and investment potential.

    The comprehensive assessment seeks to compile real-time operational data from agricultural sites, which will inform the development of five detailed business case models for protected agricultural systems. These models are designed to facilitate the sector’s transition toward advanced water conservation methods, improved financial strategies, and the integration of climate-smart digital technologies.

    The project commenced with an inception meeting to finalize objectives and select target farms for evaluation. As part of the knowledge-transfer component, Dr. Maharaj conducted specialized training sessions for extension officers, technical staff, and local farmers, emphasizing the critical importance of financial and operational data collection in driving investment decisions and ensuring long-term profitability.

    Field assessments are currently underway across multiple protected-crop farms, with teams analyzing water-use efficiency, structural integrity of protective installations, production methodologies, and overall economic viability. This data-driven approach comes at a crucial time as the nation addresses the dual challenges of climate variability and escalating production costs, providing essential insights that will shape future agricultural investments, enhance farmer competitiveness, and strengthen national food security.

  • WEEFI Project 2021–2025 Successfully Concludes with Significant Achievements

    WEEFI Project 2021–2025 Successfully Concludes with Significant Achievements

    Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis – December 2, 2025 – The landmark Women’s Employment, Entrepreneurship & Financial Inclusion (WEEFI) Project, a five-year bilateral initiative between Taiwan and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, has officially concluded, marking a significant milestone in advancing gender equality and economic resilience. The project’s closing ceremony, held on November 29, was attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, celebrating a partnership that has profoundly impacted local communities.

    Ambassador Edward Tao of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Kitts and Nevis presided over the event, highlighting the project’s role in expanding economic opportunities for women, strengthening youth capabilities, and enhancing institutional frameworks to build a more inclusive society. The initiative was launched in 2021 to address the severe economic dislocations faced by women in the Federation following the global pandemic, which resulted in widespread income loss and increased domestic burdens.

    Project Manager Mr. Jo Chan of the Taiwan Technical Mission presented a comprehensive report on the initiative’s outcomes. Key achievements include the successful administration of the nation’s inaugural National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) assessment, a groundbreaking development for technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Furthermore, the certification of local instructors with CVQ Level 4 credentials has substantially elevated the quality of pedagogical capacity across both islands.

    The project also drove substantial progress in women’s entrepreneurship, facilitating advanced skills training, product development, and enhanced market accessibility. Its scope was strategically expanded to include youth and vulnerable demographics, underscoring a core commitment to broad-based empowerment.

    The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Eric Evelyn, Deputy Premier of Nevis Island Administration; Hon. Jahnel Nisbett, Minister of Health, Gender Affairs, and Social Empowerment; and Hon. Spencer Brand, Minister of Labour. The Embassy extended its gratitude to numerous partner institutions, including the Ministry of Social Development & Gender Affairs, TVET, the Centre for Workforce Innovation and Technology (CWIT), the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), and the Skills Entrepreneurship Development Unit (SEDU).

    A poignant feature of the event was the distribution of tokens handmade by women beneficiaries, symbolizing their acquired skills and renewed economic confidence. A commemorative video featured congratulatory remarks from Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, alongside reflections from officials and partners on the project’s transformative impact.

    In closing, the Embassy expressed profound appreciation to all trainees, instructors, government officers, and partner organizations, reaffirming Taiwan’s enduring commitment to fostering sustainable development and an inclusive future in collaboration with Saint Kitts and Nevis.

  • Nearly a thousand illegal immigrants detained on December 1

    Nearly a thousand illegal immigrants detained on December 1

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant nationwide enforcement operation, Dominican authorities detained hundreds of individuals for immigration violations this week. The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) executed coordinated interdiction operations on Monday, December 1, 2025, resulting in the apprehension of 587 persons found to be residing in the country without legal status.

    The operations spanned multiple strategic locations, highlighting a comprehensive approach to border and internal control. Key areas targeted included the northern border regions of Cañongó and Dajabón, the eastern tourist zone of Verón, the southern locality of Felipina de Bahoruco, the southwestern port city of Barahona, and Villa Vásquez in Monte Cristi. Operations were also conducted in Los Ríos, a sector of the capital, Santo Domingo.

    In a demonstration of inter-agency collaboration, the DGM received an additional 407 individuals transferred from separate interdiction initiatives conducted by the nation’s security forces. The Dominican Army referred 233 persons, the National Police transferred 63, and the Specialized Border Security Corps (CESFRONT) contributed 111 referrals.

    Combining both its own operations and the inter-agency transfers, the DGM processed a total of 994 individuals for irregular immigration status. Following official procedures, the vast majority—917 persons—were subsequently deported from the country. The DGM emphasized that these actions are not isolated incidents but rather constitute a routine component of its ongoing national immigration control strategy. This strategy is implemented in tight coordination with various security and border protection agencies across the Dominican Republic to maintain the integrity of the nation’s immigration laws.

  • The Repair Campaign reveals widespread Caribbean support for long-term investments from former colonial powers

    The Repair Campaign reveals widespread Caribbean support for long-term investments from former colonial powers

    A groundbreaking survey by The Repair Campaign reveals an unprecedented consensus across the Caribbean regarding colonial reparations and historical education. The 2025 study demonstrates that 83% of Jamaicans and Barbadians specifically advocate for sustained financial commitments from former colonial powers including Britain, France, and the Netherlands, citing centuries of resource extraction during colonial rule.

    The research, marking the organization’s third anniversary coinciding with the UN’s International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, exposes critical educational gaps concerning colonial history. Merely 41% of Caribbean respondents received education about chattel slavery in primary schools, with only 35% encountering this history during secondary education. This knowledge deficit extends to European nations, where 85% of UK participants were unaware that over three million Africans were forcibly transported to the Caribbean during the transatlantic slave trade.

    An extraordinary 89% of Caribbean respondents emphasized the necessity of incorporating comprehensive colonial history into local educational curricula. The Repair Campaign, operating under CARICOM’s 10-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice, has significantly advanced this movement through extensive outreach. Their efforts include approximately 280 engagements with civil society and governmental entities across Caribbean and European regions, plus over 100 high-level political meetings spanning 20 nations.

    The campaign’s digital strategy has reached over five million individuals through social media platforms, while gathering more than 20,000 signatures petitioning the UK government for formal apologies and reparative justice. Founder Denis O’Brien contextualized these efforts, stating: ‘The legacy of transatlantic enslavement, colonialism, and Indigenous genocide continues to profoundly shape the social, economic, and political realities of the Caribbean today. Historical injustices persist through structural inequalities, economic vulnerabilities, and social disparities.’

    Campaign Manager Brian Royes announced forthcoming initiatives: ‘In 2026, we will place renewed focus on energizing Caribbean governments to formally demand apologies from UK and European governments for their role in chattel slavery. This constitutes a critical first step toward achieving deep, long-lasting improvement for millions across the Caribbean.’

    The movement frames these financial investments and educational reforms as essential components for achieving reparatory justice and sustainable development throughout the region.

  • Jamaica Secures US$6.7 Billion for Hurricane Melissa Recovery

    Jamaica Secures US$6.7 Billion for Hurricane Melissa Recovery

    Jamaica has obtained a substantial international financial package totaling US$6.7 billion to support recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. The comprehensive assistance package was coordinated following direct appeals from Prime Minister Andrew Holness to global financial institutions.

    The funding consortium includes multiple international organizations: the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), the Caribbean Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. This collaborative effort represents one of the largest disaster recovery packages in Caribbean history.

    Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica during October 2025 as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, generating widespread destruction across the island nation. The hurricane caused massive flooding, severely damaged residential areas, educational facilities, and critical infrastructure networks, while displacing thousands of Jamaican citizens. Preliminary damage assessments indicate total losses reaching approximately US$8.8 billion, establishing Melissa as one of the most destructive meteorological events in Jamaica’s recent history.

    The recovery package incorporates multiple financial instruments including immediate emergency relief allocations, long-term reconstruction financing, specialized technical assistance programs, and substantial private investment components. This multi-faceted approach aims to not only restore damaged infrastructure but also build enhanced resilience against future climate-related disasters.

    Jamaica’s proactive disaster risk management planning enabled rapid initial response efforts. Within days of the hurricane’s impact, US$662 million became available through various mechanisms including government contingency reserves, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, World Bank catastrophe bonds, and IDB credit facilities. This immediate funding addressed critical humanitarian needs while longer-term recovery strategies were being developed.

    The newly announced comprehensive package allocates US$3.6 billion over a three-year implementation period, targeting priority government reconstruction projects, resilient infrastructure development, small business rehabilitation programs, budgetary support, and technical guidance initiatives. Additionally, approximately US$2.4 billion in private investment is anticipated to significantly expand the scale and scope of recovery operations.