Carib Scope

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  • Politie vermoedt misdrijf bij vermissing Rodney Leysner; drie verdachten vast

    Politie vermoedt misdrijf bij vermissing Rodney Leysner; drie verdachten vast

    Nearly a week after high-ranking Rudisa executive Rodney Leysner vanished without a trace following his departure from home, Suriname police have upgraded the missing person case to a potential criminal investigation, with three suspects already taken into custody and a fourth currently at large. Investigators have also recovered a burnt vehicle excavated from a swamp on a remote plot of land in the Saramacca district, where Leysner was believed to be heading the day he disappeared.

    Leysner, who serves as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of leading Surinamese company Rudisa, left his residence on Saturday, August 15, in his white Kia Sorento and has not been heard from since. His disappearance was reported to law enforcement the following day on August 16, and the country’s Capital Crimes division has since led the ongoing investigation.

    As investigators followed multiple leads of inquiry, four people have been identified as persons of interest in the case. A couple identified only by their initials S.A. and Y.S.N. were the first to be arrested, brought before a court, and remanded into custody. Surinamese nationals T.R. and R.E. were subsequently linked to the case, and R.E. has also been arrested and detained. As of press time on August 21, police have conducted searches at multiple addresses linked to T.R., but the suspect remains at large.

    Multiple search and investigation operations have been carried out across Saramacca district in recent days, and the progress of these searches and emerging evidence have led investigators to treat the case as a potential felony. Police spokesperson Michel Elskamp noted that law enforcement is still exploring all possible scenarios related to the disappearance, and has not ruled out any outcomes at this stage of the inquiry.

    In one key development from the searches, investigators uncovered a burnt vehicle half-submerged in a swamp on a remote plot in Saramacca. A forensics team was on site to assist with the excavation, and the vehicle has been impounded for comprehensive technical testing to confirm whether it is indeed the white Kia Sorento that Leysner was driving when he left home. Police have stressed that no confirmation has yet been made that the recovered vehicle belongs to Leysner.

    Elskamp emphasized that despite the serious developments in the case, Leysner has still not been located, and law enforcement is working to prevent unconfirmed speculation about the executive’s fate. The investigation into Leysner’s disappearance, the recovered vehicle, and the suspects’ potential involvement remains active and ongoing.

    Police have issued an urgent public appeal for any information that could help locate Leysner and advance the case. According to law enforcement, public tips and information from community members are critical to clarifying the circumstances of the disappearance as quickly as possible. The Capital Crimes division will continue leading the investigation, and police say they will release additional updates only when the progress of the inquiry allows and when public disclosure will not compromise the ongoing investigation.

  • Caribbean urged to turn digital connectivity into global competitiveness

    Caribbean urged to turn digital connectivity into global competitiveness

    The 41st Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition hosted by the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organizations (CANTO) has wrapped up its four-day convening in the region, bringing a clear, actionable message that the Caribbean must advance its digital journey far beyond just establishing basic connectivity.

    Drawn together for the event were cross-sector stakeholders spanning senior government leaders, independent regulatory bodies, regional and global telecommunications providers, leading technology firms and community representatives, all gathered to align on a shared vision for the Caribbean’s digital transformation and long-term economic competitiveness. Themed “Elevate the Caribbean: From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness,” the annual gathering centered on the urgent need for sustained cross-sector investment, continuous technological innovation, and collaborative action to help the region unlock the full economic and social value of its expanding digital infrastructure.

    Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Caribbean – the parent company of major regional telecom operators Flow, BTC and Liberty Business – emphasized that while widespread connectivity has already driven profound positive change across the Caribbean, regional stakeholders cannot pause their progress at this milestone.

    “Connectivity has transformed the Caribbean, but our ambition cannot stop there,” Smidts stated, noting that the next chapter of the region’s digital evolution will depend on far closer coordination between public and private sectors, regulators, industry players and local communities. “We cannot build a globally competitive digital Caribbean in isolation. It will take the courage to invest, the willingness to innovate and a shared commitment to turn ambition into action.”

    Beyond overarching calls for collaboration, conference sessions delved into key priority areas that will define the region’s digital trajectory, including the rapidly growing influence of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks and cloud computing. Attendees also highlighted the critical importance of strengthening cybersecurity defenses, expanding access to digital skills training for regional workforces, and building more resilient digital infrastructure that can withstand disruptions from climate events and other threats.

    As the event’s headline sponsor for the fifth consecutive year, Liberty Caribbean took a leading role in shaping discussions across all core topics, from cybersecurity and 5G rollout to broad-based digital transformation, cross-sector partnership building, and the shifting future of work in an increasingly digital regional economy. The company leveraged the high-profile platform to engage directly with government officials, regulators and industry peers, reiterating that ongoing, open collaboration is the only path to successfully advancing the Caribbean’s shared digital development agenda.

  • ADOMS builds on Mediterranean success by establishing presence in Asia

    ADOMS builds on Mediterranean success by establishing presence in Asia

    In a strategic move to deepen its global footprint in the international maritime industry, the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) announced its latest expansion into the Asian market, establishing a new regional presence in Busan, Republic of Korea—one of the world’s busiest and most influential maritime hubs.

    This new initiative marks the next phase of ADOMS’ targeted global growth strategy, which already counts successful regional operations in two other key maritime centers: Piraeus, Greece, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Those earlier outposts have already proven transformative, allowing the administration to deliver more direct, tailored support to shipowners, vessel operators and a wide range of maritime stakeholders across major international trading lanes.

    The formal agreement for the Busan partnership was signed at an official ceremony on August 21, 2026, with parties including the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, ADOMS, and Thomas Blenk, President and CEO of SolarisTech Inc. The signing was presided over by the Right Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.

    Under the terms of the new partnership, the Busan office will actively promote the Antigua and Barbuda Ship and Yacht Registry across both the South Korean and Japanese maritime markets. By placing ADOMS’ full suite of regulatory and administrative services closer to regional industry players, the move will cut down on response times and make it easier for Asian shipowners to access the registry’s offerings.

    For ADOMS, the Busan expansion represents a critical milestone in the organization’s long-term goal of building a presence in all the world’s top maritime markets, all while retaining robust regulatory oversight and core Flag State responsibilities at its headquarters in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

    Prime Minister Browne emphasized the significance of the expansion during the ceremony, noting that the move into Busan represents a major step forward for Antigua and Barbuda’s ambition to position its maritime services as a competitive global player. “Korea is a major maritime nation, and this partnership provides ADOMS with an important platform from which to engage with the wider Asian maritime community,” Browne stated. “We welcome Mr. Blenk and look forward to the success of this initiative.”

    Ambassador Dwight C.R. Gardiner, Director and Registrar General of ADOMS, echoed that optimism, pointing to the proven success of the organization’s existing regional hubs. “Our experience in Piraeus and Dubai has demonstrated the value of having a professional presence in major maritime centres. Busan is a natural extension of that strategy,” Gardiner explained. “We are bringing ADOMS closer to shipowners and strengthening our ability to provide responsive, high-quality Flag State services in one of the world’s most important maritime regions.”

    As ADOMS continues to scale its international network, the administration has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding strict global standards across all core operational areas, including maritime safety, vessel security, environmental protection, seafarer welfare, and Flag State regulatory administration.

  • Babonneau’s Agnes Edgard turns 100

    Babonneau’s Agnes Edgard turns 100

    The Caribbean island nation of Saint Lucia is marking a remarkable life milestone this month, as local resident Agnes Edgard has officially become the country’s newest centenarian. Hailing from the quiet community of Paix-Bouche in the Babonneau district, Edgard marked her 100th birthday on Sunday, August 16, surrounded by a crowd of loving family members, long-time friends and devoted neighbors who gathered to honor her extraordinary century of life.

    Affectionately known to her community by three beloved nicknames — “Grinita,” “Ma Ta,” and “Ma Bill” — Edgard’s life story has been defined by quiet resilience, unwavering hard work, deep faith, and consistent commitment to serving those around her. Her journey began with an early end to formal education: she only was able to attend Babonneau School through Standard One, leaving her studies to take on critical family responsibilities. Even without extensive formal schooling, Edgard prioritized the values of education and radical honesty when raising her own children, instilling these core principles in the next generation from a young age.

    For most of her life, Edgard built her livelihood around small-scale farming, a demanding trade that taught her the value of consistent effort. To support her growing family, she also supplemented her farming income by baking homemade breads and cakes, and crafting hand-made ice cream for local customers. In 1958, she married Paul Edgard, and the couple went on to raise five children together. Today, her tight-knit family has expanded across four generations, including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren who all gathered to celebrate her centennial.

    Faith has remained a central pillar of Edgard’s life for 100 years. She has long served her local church and a range of community organizations, earning a reputation as a reliable, caring neighbor anyone could turn to for help when in need. As she enters her second century of life, Edgard is being widely celebrated across Saint Lucia for the generosity, perseverance, and lifelong devotion she has shown to both her family and her local community.

    Officials from Saint Lucia’s Older Persons Unit, part of the government’s Department of Equity, Social Justice, Gender and Older Persons, also joined the birthday celebrations to honor the centenarian. During the event, staff presented Edgard with a congratulatory bouquet of flowers and a custom commemorative plaque to mark the rare milestone, and extended official well wishes to Edgard and her entire family on the special occasion.

  • PSU Urges Tax Workers to “Stand Ready”

    PSU Urges Tax Workers to “Stand Ready”

    A major industrial relations dispute has emerged in Belize ahead of a key parliamentary vote, as the Public Service Union (PSU) has directed all members of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) to prepare for potential industrial action if the 2026 Revenue Authority Bill advances through the House of Representatives in its unamended form. The union has levied serious accusations against the national government, claiming it was deliberately excluded from the legislative drafting process that shaped the flagship revenue reform bill.

    In an official media statement released Thursday, the PSU detailed a months-long pattern of exclusion during the lead-up to the bill’s parliamentary consideration. The legislation is designed to transition the BTSD into a newly created Semi-Autonomous Revenue Authority, a restructuring overseen by a high-level Project Steering Committee. According to the union, the committee never meaningfully incorporated PSU stakeholder input before the bill was sent to the full House for a vote.

    During the committee’s inaugural sitting in May, the full text of the bill was only presented as a slide deck, with no formal distributed text for members to review. In a striking revelation, the PSU confirmed that the BTSD’s own in-house legal counsel was unable to address member questions about the legislation, as she had not been involved in the drafting process at all.

    The union’s account of procedural irregularities continued: PSU submitted formal, on-time feedback on the committee’s Terms of Reference in mid-May, but it took more than 30 days for the Financial Secretary to issue any response. A follow-up meeting promised by the Secretary to address the union’s concerns has yet to be scheduled, even months after the initial commitment.

    When the PSU moved forward independently to organize an internal consultation with BTSD staff in July to collect on-the-ground concerns about the restructuring, the Financial Secretary formally blocked the meeting. After the union proposed an alternative date, no official response was ever issued. Undeterred, the PSU held the unauthorized consultation anyway, compiled all staff feedback into a formal report, and delivered it to the Financial Secretary’s office. The Secretary confirmed receipt of the report on August 10, just two days before the bill went to the Finance and Economic Development Committee for review.

    According to the PSU, the compiled staff concerns were never presented to the Finance and Economic Development Committee during its August 12 consideration of the bill. The union called this omission deliberately disingenuous, noting that the committee’s own public consultation process was already extremely limited and underdeveloped.

    The PSU has formally called on the House of Representatives to send the bill back to committee for full stakeholder consultation, and announced that it will also submit its full set of objections and recommendations directly to the Belize Senate for consideration. The union warned that the legislation, in its current form, poses significant dangers to the country’s public service framework and long-term governance.

    In closing, the PSU issued a direct mobilization message to all BTSD members, urging them to remain in close contact with union leadership and stand ready to take collective action if the bill passes the Lower House. “To every member of the Belize Tax Service Department: this fight is not over, and it is not yours to face alone,” the statement read. “We ask every member to ready themselves for whatever action becomes necessary should this Bill be passed in the Lower House.”

  • Road Closures Set for Weekend Cycling Championships

    Road Closures Set for Weekend Cycling Championships

    As Belize gears up to welcome young cycling talent from across the Caribbean for a major regional competition, the Cycling Federation of Belize has issued a critical public alert for motorists: multiple key roads across the Belize District will be closed temporarily this weekend to accommodate the 2026 Caribbean Junior Road Cycling Championships.

    The first stage of the competition, an Individual Time Trial that will test riders’ speed and endurance against the clock, is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22. The entire race, which both begins and ends just beyond the Blackberry community, will run along the Boom Hattieville Road. To ensure the safety of competing athletes, the full stretch of road from the Boom entrance through to the Hattieville Roundabout will remain closed for the entire duration of Saturday’s time trial.

    On Sunday, August 23, the second and final stage of the championships – a mass-start Road Race – will get underway at the same 7:00 a.m. start time. This race will traverse the Philip Goldson Highway, running between the iconic Flag Monument and the final roundabout adjacent to the North End Estate development. For this stage, traffic management officials have implemented a mixed closure plan: the full segment between the Flag Monument and the Westrac Roundabout will be closed to all vehicle traffic for the entire event, while remaining sections of the race route will operate under rolling closure protocols. Under this system, motorists will be permitted to pass through sections of the route when competitors are not immediately present, though drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution when navigating these areas.

    Regional cycling officials note that this year’s Caribbean Junior Road Cycling Championships marks a key milestone for developing young cycling talent across the Caribbean basin, and organizers have asked all local residents and visitors planning to travel through the affected areas this weekend to plan alternate routes in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.

  • BHA’s Scholarship Programme Expanded to 15 Students this Year

    BHA’s Scholarship Programme Expanded to 15 Students this Year

    For over 20 years, the Belize Hotel Association (BHA) has lifted financial barriers for young learners from families connected to Belize’s tourism and hospitality sector, and this 2026-2027 school year, the industry-led initiative is growing to support more students than ever before. In an announcement made on August 21, BHA confirmed it will award education grants to 15 deserving students this term — a threefold increase in participation from 2022, when current BHA President Reynaldo Malik first joined the organization’s board.

    When Malik first became involved with the program, only five students received support annually. Today, the expansion not only brings more students into the fold but also revises core program rules to make aid more accessible and flexible for Belizean families. Previously structured as tuition-only scholarships, the awards have been reworked into versatile, multi-purpose grants that can cover a wide range of education-related costs beyond tuition. Eligible expenses include textbooks, school uniforms, daily transportation to campus, and other essential supplies that many low-income families struggle to afford.

    The program also updated its eligibility requirements to align with Belize’s common extended family structures. Where dependent eligibility was once limited to immediate children of BHA member employees, the revised criteria now includes dependents in non-traditional care arrangements, such as minor siblings raised by an older brother or sister. This change ensures no qualifying student is excluded from aid due to non-standard family arrangements that are widespread across the country.

    Unlike many other association programs, the Partners in Education initiative operates entirely independent of BHA’s general operating budget. Every dollar awarded comes from voluntary donations from BHA member businesses and funds raised through the association’s annual charity auction. This year’s auction alone generated more than $23,000 for the scholarship fund, demonstrating the tourism industry’s collective commitment to investing in the next generation of Belizeans.

    Notably, BHA does not restrict scholarships to students pursuing degrees or training in tourism and hospitality, despite the program being funded entirely by sector members. Leadership says the open eligibility policy recognizes that a broad range of local industries contribute to the success of Belize’s tourism ecosystem and the national economy as a whole, and all young Belizeans deserve the opportunity to advance their education regardless of their planned career path.

    Malik called the Partners in Education program one of the BHA’s most significant and proud achievements, framing the expansion as part of the tourism sector’s commitment to “pay it forward” to local communities that have supported the industry’s growth. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” he noted in an interview with local outlet News 5, emphasizing that the industry has a responsibility to invest in opportunities for Belize’s youth.

  • Autopsy conducted on remains believed to be those of Jerbiah Paul

    Autopsy conducted on remains believed to be those of Jerbiah Paul

    An official post-mortem examination has been completed on unidentified human remains found in the Capuchin district of Dominica, as part of the ongoing criminal investigation into the disappearance and suspected killing of 17-year-old Jerbiah Paul.

    According to Fixton Henderson, the Acting Assistant Superintendent and official Police Public Relations Officer, the forensic autopsy was carried out by a certified forensic pathologist at the Government Mortuary located inside the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital.

    This forensic procedure represents a key step in the active police probe into Paul’s disappearance, which authorities are treating as a suspected homicide. Investigative teams are now waiting for the full official report from the examining pathologist, a document that is anticipated to deliver critical insights into the exact cause of death of the individual whose remains were recovered.

    To date, local law enforcement has not formally confirmed that the recovered remains belong to Jerbiah Paul. Henderson confirmed that to resolve the question of identity, DNA samples from the remains will be sent to an accredited forensic laboratory based outside of Dominica for detailed testing. The outcome of this testing will allow investigators to officially confirm whether the remains are those of the missing teenager.

    Paul was first reported missing to authorities on July 24, after she was last seen by family and acquaintances. The first set of human remains was discovered in the Capuchin region on August 12, carried out by search teams deployed specifically to locate the missing teenager.

    In a surprising development that has drawn widespread public attention, two serving police officers have already been formally charged in connection with the case. The first officer, 23-year-old Jean-Luc Langlais, was charged on August 13, while a second officer, Joshua Hamlet, was charged four days later on August 17.

    Both accused men have been placed on remand in police custody, and their next court appearance is scheduled for October 2, as the legal process moves forward alongside the ongoing forensic investigation.

  • 100% of Belize’s Ocean by 2030: What Does this New Ocean Alliance Mean?

    100% of Belize’s Ocean by 2030: What Does this New Ocean Alliance Mean?

    In a landmark step for global marine conservation, the Central American nation of Belize has formally committed to sustainably managing 100% of its jurisdictional ocean territory by 2030, joining an expanding global alliance that now protects nearly two-fifths of the world’s national waters.

    The government announced its official membership in the 100% Alliance for Sustainable Ocean Management during a formal announcement on August 21, 2026. Coordinated by the World Resources Institute, the alliance works to secure binding political commitments from coastal and maritime nations to advance comprehensive, science-based sustainable ocean governance across all their national waters.

    Belize’s entrance into the alliance does not represent an entirely new policy direction, but rather a formal consolidation of years of existing marine conservation work already underway in the country. These pre-existing efforts include the national Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, the country’s Blue Bonds conservation financing commitments, and ongoing marine spatial planning initiatives that map out sustainable use of different ocean zones.

    To support Belize’s work under the new alliance framework, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has signed a formal cooperation agreement with the Belizean government to deliver targeted support for the country’s national ocean agenda. Under the terms of the agreement, IDB will provide specialized technical assistance to strengthen core foundational systems for Belize’s ocean conservation efforts, including policy development, marine data collection and analysis, governance structures, and sustainable financing frameworks. This support will directly advance the existing Sustainable Ocean Plan and enable the rollout of a broader, cross-sector National Oceans Programme.

    In an official statement following the announcement, Belize Prime Minister John Briceño emphasized that the alliance membership aligns with the country’s long-term priorities for both people and the environment. “Belize’s decision to join the 100% Alliance is about ensuring that every part of our ocean is managed with purpose, for our people, our economy, and future generations,” Briceño said. “It gives us an opportunity to bring our existing commitments and investments together under one national ocean vision, supported by strong science, clear planning, and sustainable financing.”

    The upcoming National Oceans Programme is designed to coordinate sustainable development and conservation priorities across key ocean-reliant sectors in Belize, including commercial and artisanal fisheries, coastal tourism, natural disaster and coastal erosion resilience, and marine pollution reduction. Beyond coordination, the programme will also position Belize to attract additional investment from public, private, and results-based financing sources to fund high-priority ocean conservation and sustainable development projects across the country.

    With Belize’s membership, the alliance now includes the 19 member states of the Ocean Panel, alongside fellow new entrants Colombia, Panama, and the Republic of Korea, bringing the total share of the world’s national waters covered by alliance commitments to 40 percent.

  • Mother and daughter arrested at port over suspected ammunition importation

    Mother and daughter arrested at port over suspected ammunition importation

    In a developing law enforcement operation in Dominica, two female suspects — an adult mother and her adult daughter, both residents of the Mahaut district — have been taken into custody at a local port. The arrests, which took place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, stem from allegations the pair were connected to an illegal plot to import ammunition into the island nation.

    Acting Assistant Superintendent Fixton Henderson, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the details of the detention in an official statement. According to Henderson, law enforcement officers suspect the two women were involved in bringing a shipment of 9mm ammunition, alongside two 9mm ammunition magazines, into the country through the port.

    As of the latest update, the investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities have not yet released additional information about the specific circumstances that led to the discovery of the suspected contraband, nor have they made the identities of the two detained women public. Police have indicated that they will continue to pursue all leads in the case before announcing further updates.