Carib Scope

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  • Person of interest

    Person of interest

    Barbados law enforcement authorities have issued a public appeal for assistance in a significant criminal investigation, seeking to identify and locate an individual connected to a serious offense. The Barbados Police Service has released details about the person of interest, urging citizens to come forward with any information that might aid their investigation.

    Authorities have provided multiple channels for reporting information, including direct contact numbers for District ‘B’ Police Station at 437-4311 or 430-7625. Additionally, individuals can reach the Police Emergency line at 211 or utilize the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-8477. The police emphasize that any information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, could prove crucial to the investigation.

    In a stern warning to the public, the police service reminded citizens that harboring or assisting wanted individuals constitutes a serious criminal offense under Barbadian law. Those found providing shelter, transportation, or any form of assistance to fugitives face prosecution and potential criminal charges themselves. The notice underscores the legal obligations of citizens to cooperate with law enforcement efforts rather than obstruct justice.

    The appeal represents standard procedure in criminal investigations where public cooperation can significantly enhance police efforts to solve serious crimes. Law enforcement officials stress that community involvement remains essential to maintaining public safety and bringing perpetrators to justice.

  • Antigua and Barbuda to welcome Windstar’s newest luxury yacht Star Seeker on inaugural call

    Antigua and Barbuda to welcome Windstar’s newest luxury yacht Star Seeker on inaugural call

    Antigua and Barbuda prepares to welcome Windstar Cruises’ premier luxury yacht Star Seeker this Sunday, marking a significant milestone in both the vessel’s inaugural Caribbean season and the destination’s luxury tourism strategy. The 224-guest, all-suite yacht will dock at 10 a.m., with officials planning a traditional plaque exchange ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

    Media representatives have been invited to document the event, with boarding arrangements scheduled for 9:30 a.m. subject to security approvals. This visit represents more than just another port call—it signifies Antigua’s growing prominence in the boutique cruise market and Windstar’s strategic expansion into intimate, destination-focused itineraries.

    Star Seeker, delivered to Windstar Cruises in December 2025, stands as the company’s first purpose-built vessel in its premium Star Class series. Following its transatlantic maiden voyage and christening ceremonies in early 2026, the yacht commenced its inaugural Caribbean season, featuring routes specifically designed to access smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach.

    The luxury vessel accommodates guests across 112 meticulously designed suites, most offering private verandas or expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. With approximately 130 crew members ensuring premium service, the yacht boasts multiple dining venues, a comprehensive spa facility, generous open deck spaces, and an innovative watersports marina platform.

    Industry analysts from Leisure Group Travel identify Star Seeker as central to Windstar’s broader expansion strategy, which emphasizes culturally immersive experiences and access to exclusive destinations. This approach differentiates the company from mainstream cruise operators and caters to travelers seeking more personalized and authentic journeys.

    Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism authorities view this visit as a strategic opportunity to reinforce the nation’s position as a preferred destination for high-end cruise traffic. The event is expected to draw significant attention from maritime stakeholders and tourism professionals monitoring the growing boutique cruise segment.

  • NOTICE: Works At Buckley Line Roundabout

    NOTICE: Works At Buckley Line Roundabout

    The Ministry of Works and Transport for Antigua and Barbuda has issued a public advisory regarding significant infrastructure rehabilitation at the Buckley Line roundabout on All Saints Road. This essential maintenance forms a critical component of the broader All Saints Road Project, a government-led initiative aimed at enhancing national infrastructure.

    To ensure public safety and facilitate construction activities, a temporary detour will be activated near the Belmont Clinic area. The traffic diversion is scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, with an anticipated conclusion by midday on Sunday, March 29th.

    Motorists navigating the vicinity should prepare for potential delays and exercise heightened caution. The ministry confirms that flag personnel will be deployed to manage traffic flow, particularly given the operation of heavy-duty machinery within the construction zone. Despite the temporary disruption, all local businesses will maintain regular operating hours throughout the weekend.

    Authorities strongly recommend that commuters and stakeholders recalibrate their travel itineraries to accommodate potential congestion. For additional information or specific inquiries, the public is directed to contact the Project Implementation Management Unit via telephone at 562-9173.

  • Rising Stars Under-15 tournament bowls off under new format

    Rising Stars Under-15 tournament bowls off under new format

    Cricket West Indies has inaugurated a reimagined format for its 2026 Rising Stars Under-15 Championship, marking a strategic shift in youth development approach. Instead of the traditional tournament structure, three simultaneous bilateral series will unfold across Guyana, Antigua, and Jamaica, featuring five matches each.

    Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized the organization’s commitment to balancing talent identification with financial sustainability. “This tournament represents a crucial investment in our regional development pathway,” Bascombe stated. “At the Under-15 level, our primary objective is talent discovery and providing optimal platforms for young athletes to demonstrate their capabilities.”

    The redesigned competition framework prioritizes expanded participation opportunities, enhanced player assessment quality, and comprehensive identification processes. Notably, the tournament will not crown an overall champion, redirecting focus from competitive outcomes to individual player development and long-term potential evaluation.

    This initiative forms part of CWI’s broader structural review of regional competitions for the 2026-2027 period, addressing both performance enhancement and financial challenges. The developmental atmosphere will be enriched by the involvement of former international cricketers and seasoned coaches, including Stuart Williams, Robert Samuels, Sheldon Cottrell, Roderick Estwick, and Dalton Polius, who will provide expert mentorship throughout the series.

    National squads have been announced, with Barbados fielding promising talents including Javion Batson, Michael Bend, and Micaiah Brathwaite among their fourteen-member roster. The tournament’s implementation reflects CWI’s strategic emphasis on building robust foundations for West Indies cricket’s future success.

  • National conference to tackle diabetes, hypertension crisis

    National conference to tackle diabetes, hypertension crisis

    Barbados is mobilizing a comprehensive national response to its escalating non-communicable disease epidemic with the inaugural Live Stronger Longer wellness conference scheduled for May 18-19. Organized by the Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados (DHAB) in partnership with Republic Bank Barbados Limited, the event marks a strategic pivot from public awareness to actionable health solutions.

    The conference emerges against alarming health statistics: one-quarter of Barbadian adults live with diabetes while hypertension affects 40% of the adult population. Conference Director Fern Lewis emphasized the urgent need for intervention, stating “Longevity is not luck, it’s designed,” highlighting the event’s focus on practical lifestyle modifications including natural movement, plant-based nutrition, and social connectivity.

    Featuring 15 international and regional experts including Blue Zones co-founder Nick Buettner, the program will deliver practical longevity strategies through workshops addressing sleep science, nutritional biochemistry, and sexual health. A distinctive feature will be the Blue Wellness Village – an interactive space offering health screenings, personalized consultations, and reimagined Caribbean cuisine demonstrations.

    Health officials addressed Barbados’s high disease reporting rates, with Minister Davidson Ishmael explaining: “While it may look like our numbers are high compared to other places, it is because Barbados does a very good job of capturing and presenting information.” He emphasized that proper management can prevent severe complications, urging citizens to “take your medication, exercise, eat properly, and you can live a long, happy life even with the condition.”

    The initiative represents DHAB’s 50th anniversary commitment to broadening public engagement. President Tyrone Lowe declared: “We are determined to win this battle not just by medical interventions, but with a shared commitment to healthy living.” Corporate sponsor Republic Bank characterized the health crisis as fundamental to national prosperity, with representative Sharon Zephirin challenging attendees: “When you’re thinking the $300 [conference fee] is too much… ask, ‘What’s your life worth?’”

    Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth George emphasized preventive self-care practices and contested international perceptions about Barbados’s amputation rates, asserting efforts to expand podiatric services across the healthcare system.

  • Kehlani, Machel Montano and Beres Hammond to lead St Kitts Music Festival 2026 – WIC News

    Kehlani, Machel Montano and Beres Hammond to lead St Kitts Music Festival 2026 – WIC News

    The Caribbean music scene is set to ignite as St. Kitts Music Festival announces its spectacular 2026 lineup, featuring an impressive roster of international and regional talent. American R&B sensation Kehlani will headline the three-day extravaganza alongside legendary reggae artist Beres Hammond and soca superstar Machel Montano.

    The 28th edition of this premier musical celebration will transform Warner Park Stadium in Basseterre from June 25-27, 2026 into a vibrant hub of cultural expression and musical diversity. The festival promises an electrifying fusion of genres including reggae, soca, dancehall, R&B, and contemporary pop, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.

    Joining the headliners are multiple Grammy-winning artist Fantasia, dancehall stars Mavado and Aidonia, and renowned performers including Kranium, Masicka, Luciano, Tarrus Riley, and Shaneil Muir. The event will also showcase major bands such as Steel Pulse, Nu Vybes Band International, Krosfyah, and Shelly & Signal Band.

    Tourism officials anticipate the festival will significantly boost the islands’ profile as a premium cultural destination, attracting music enthusiasts from across the globe. Ticket pricing has been set at $540 for VIP access and $175 for general admission per day, available through the official festival website at https://stkittsmusicfestival.com/.

    The daily performance schedule reveals Machel Montano leading Thursday’s festivities, followed by Mavado anchoring Friday’s performances, and Kehlani culminating the festival on Saturday alongside Fantasia and Beres Hammond. Sunrise Airways has been confirmed as an official travel partner for the event, facilitating international attendance.

  • Antigua and Barbuda chairs selection process for prestigious United Nations award

    Antigua and Barbuda chairs selection process for prestigious United Nations award

    In a significant diplomatic achievement, the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has taken center stage in the United Nations’ prestigious recognition system. On March 26, 2026, First Secretary Claxton Duberry from Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Mission to the UN chaired a crucial meeting to determine recipients of the United Nations Population Award at both institutional and individual levels.

    This leadership role marks a notable progression for the nation, which served as a committee member in the previous year before being selected to chair the current selection process. The award itself, established in 1981, represents one of the UN’s highest honors, recognizing exceptional contributions to global health initiatives, gender equality advancement, and sustainable development goals.

    The selection process brings critical population issues to international attention while honoring those making transformative impacts in these areas. Duberry described the chairmanship as “a profound honor” and emphasized the importance of his nation’s participation in advancing human dignity and sustainable development worldwide.

    The award holds particular significance for Antigua and Barbuda, as their late family physician Sir Prince Ramsey received the honor in 2018 for his pioneering work in HIV/AIDS advocacy, care, and prevention throughout the Caribbean region. The current committee will announce this year’s laureates later in 2026, with UNFPA utilizing the platform to reinforce continued focus on global population challenges.

  • School’s multicultural day toasts cross-border unity

    School’s multicultural day toasts cross-border unity

    Providence Elementary School in St. George transformed its campus into a vibrant global village on Friday, hosting an annual Multicultural Day that immersed students, faculty, and community members in a rich tapestry of over thirty distinct cultures. The event, meticulously orchestrated by Spanish instructor Chad Small, transcended conventional cultural exhibitions by embedding profound lessons about identity, mutual respect, and social harmony into its core programming.

    Now in its fourth iteration under Small’s coordination, the festival represents a monumental logistical undertaking initiated months in advance. “Planning begins as early as November,” Small revealed, emphasizing the complex coordination required to secure participation from international embassies and cultural organizations. The elaborate setup featured authentic culinary offerings, artifacts sourced directly from overseas, and multiple performance stages under specially erected tents.

    Principal Kiran Mahtani articulated how the event embodies the institution’s two-decade-old founding philosophy that places cultural awareness on equal footing with academic rigor. “The original founders had a very clear vision about inclusivity and diversity,” Mahtani noted, highlighting the school’s commitment to nurturing culturally literate citizens alongside proficient scholars.

    The day’s immersive experiences included a musical showcase by Barbados Community College featuring Tuk Band and calypso performances, a demonstration by the Confucius Institute, and a breathtaking Capoeira martial arts presentation incorporating fire elements by Ignite Entertainment’s Roy Downes. Students contributed personally through diversity-themed skits illustrating how cultural understanding fosters kindness and social cohesion.

    Diplomatic participation from the embassies of Venezuela, Panama, Japan, and Argentina complemented representations from parents and students hailing from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Spain, Syria, Iran, Jamaica, Mexico, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, England, DR Congo, Canada, and Ecuador. The event culminated in a powerful community gathering where traditional Indian dance fused with jazz and pop musical innovations.

    Beyond the festivities, educators emphasized the program’s deeper pedagogical purpose. “It’s fundamentally about helping children understand who they are and how they relate to others,” Small explained, characterizing the event as an essential tool for developing empathy and cross-cultural appreciation that extends far beyond the school grounds into broader societal interactions.

  • Cawmere, SMS repeat as BSSAC champs

    Cawmere, SMS repeat as BSSAC champs

    The 2026 Dasanai BSSAC Championships concluded in spectacular fashion at the Usain Bolt Complex on Friday, cementing dynastic victories for two of Barbados’s premier athletic institutions. Combermere School achieved a historic three-peat by securing the boys’ title for the third consecutive year, while The St Michael School successfully defended their crown in the girls’ division, showcasing unparalleled consistency and competitive determination throughout the event.

    Final standings in the girls’ competition saw The St Michael School dominate with an impressive 213-point total, finishing well ahead of rivals Harrison College (183 points) and Combermere (142.5 points). Queen’s College claimed fourth position with 117 points, followed by Springer Memorial (113), Christ Church Foundation School (85), The Lodge School (69), Alleyne (67), Coleridge and Parry (66), and Alexandra completing the top ten with 63 points.

    St Michael School head coach Gabriel Burnett expressed elation following the victory, acknowledging initial challenges that required strategic intervention. ‘Our girls started out shaky yesterday morning,’ Burnett revealed to Barbados TODAY. ‘We conducted three team meetings to address nerves particularly affecting our junior competitors. After refining our focus, the team emerged on day two firing on all cylinders, executing exactly according to plan.’

    The triumph has already inspired ambitions for continued dominance, with Burnett noting, ‘With our strength residing in the Under-13 and Under-15 divisions, we anticipate maintaining this excellence moving forward.’ The coach additionally highlighted the crucial support of long-term sponsor Pedialyte Sport, which has backed the program since 2014.

    On the boys’ side, Combermere’s commanding performance yielded 198.5 points to secure their third straight championship. Harrison College captured second place with 157 points, while The St Michael School rounded out the podium with 144 points. The Lodge School (126.5) and St Leonard’s Boys (108.5) completed the top five placements.

    Combermere coach Jarad Murray described the victory as a historic achievement, emphasizing his team’s recognition of the moment’s significance. ‘The boys understood this was an opportunity to join an elite group of schools achieving a three-peat,’ Murray stated. He identified the penultimate day’s performances as the decisive turning point, noting how athletes qualifying in lower positions remarkably elevated their performances in finals.

    Individual excellence shone through as Harrison College’s Hailey Merritt claimed the Victrix Ludorum title, demonstrating remarkable versatility with victories in High Jump, Long Jump, and Triple Jump complemented by a third-place finish in the 100m hurdles. Meanwhile, St Leonard’s Boys’ Alex Jones-Ifill emerged as a sensational new talent, achieving a perfect 40-point sweep to secure the Victor Ludorum title through dominant victories in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and Long Jump events.

  • Mother forgives son’s killer

    Mother forgives son’s killer

    In an extraordinary display of compassion amidst tragedy, Beryl Bovell has publicly forgiven the murderer of her only son, 30-year-old Kurt Bovell, who became Tobago’s third homicide victim this year. The heartbreaking incident occurred last Thursday around 10 p.m. during a birthday gathering on the streets of Patience Hill, where an assailant wearing a hat approached Bovell and fired multiple shots before robbing another attendee of a gold chain and fleeing on foot.

    Speaking with the Express in an emotional interview, the grieving mother revealed her spiritual approach to processing the unimaginable loss. “Whosoever did it, I forgive them. I put everything in God’s hands,” Bovell stated, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite her pain. She recounted how she had repeatedly warned her son about the dangers of spending time “on the block,” but acknowledged the limitations of parental influence: “You make your children, not their mind.”

    While expressing forgiveness, Bovell simultaneously called for systematic justice, hoping authorities would successfully investigate her son’s killing. Her message to the nation’s youth emphasized parental guidance, street avoidance, and educational focus as crucial protective factors.

    The murder has ignited broader conversations about justice approaches in Tobago. Area Representative Nigel Taitt of Signal Hill/Patience Hill rejected retributive justice concepts when questioned about reinstating capital punishment. “I don’t believe in an eye for an eye,” Taitt asserted. “What I do believe in is fair justice… Taking someone’s life is not your responsibility. That is God’s responsibility. No man has the right or privilege to take another person’s life.”

    This case highlights the complex intersection of community violence, restorative justice philosophies, and parental advocacy within Tobago’s social landscape, presenting both a heartbreaking personal narrative and broader societal implications worth examining.