Carib Scope

博客

  • Jazz Festival Takes Centre Stage at World Travel Market London

    Jazz Festival Takes Centre Stage at World Travel Market London

    The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has seized the spotlight at this year’s World Travel Market London, shining a renewed focus on its globally acclaimed Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. Held from November 4-6, the prestigious travel event served as an ideal platform for the SLTA to engage with industry partners and offer a sneak peek into the 2026 edition of the festival, slated for April 30 to May 10.

    Geraine Georges, SLTA Public Relations Manager, emphasized the festival’s significance, stating, ‘Building on last year’s emphasis on community tourism, the 2025 highlight is our world-renowned Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.’ To amplify its reach, the SLTA hosted a preview event in London, attracting over 40 media representatives, influencers, trade partners, diaspora members, and festival enthusiasts.

    The showcase aimed to spotlight the festival’s evolution, artistic diversity, and its pivotal role in bolstering Saint Lucia’s cultural identity. Louis Lewis, SLTA CEO, remarked, ‘This year, we’ve brought special attention to our Jazz & Arts Festival, exposing it to the UK traveling public as a unique travel opportunity for Saint Lucia.’

    The SLTA delegation, led by Chairman Thaddeus M. Antoine, included key figures such as Board Director Thomas Leonce, Director of Global Marketing Dexter Percil, and Tourism Ambassador Julien Alfred, a World Champion sprinter. Accommodation partners like The Landings Resort and Spa and Harmony Marina Suites, alongside performers Ronald Boo Hinkson and Christa, also participated.

    Lewis highlighted Saint Lucia’s growing appeal among travel partners, noting strong airline load factors and hotel occupancy rates. He underscored the festival’s dual role as a tourism driver and a platform for local artisans to gain international exposure. ‘We continue to capitalize on the festival not just to attract visitors but also to provide intrinsic benefits, such as offering our artisans a global stage,’ he added.

    Unlike previous years, which focused on lineup announcements, this year’s approach was more thematic, emphasizing the festival’s cultural depth, community jazz initiatives, and artisan participation.

  • Crime Down 10%, More Guns Off the Streets

    Crime Down 10%, More Guns Off the Streets

    Antigua and Barbuda has witnessed a notable 10.3% decline in overall crime from January to October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to recent data presented to the Cabinet. However, the nation continues to grapple with alarming increases in indecent assaults and firearm-related arrests. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, revealed that the Criminal Record Office recorded 2,720 offenses in 2025, down from 3,034 in 2024. Significant reductions were observed in breaking and larceny (9%), burglary (27%), and general larceny (6%). Conversely, indecent assaults, aggravated robberies, and sacrilege saw a rise, while the murder rate remained steady at 11 cases for both years.

    Firearm-related incidents have emerged as a pressing concern, with 44 individuals, including three juveniles, arrested for offenses involving firearms or ammunition. Authorities seized 25 weapons, including modified flare guns, nail guns, rifles, and an imitation firearm, alongside 290 rounds of ammunition. Seventeen individuals have already been convicted. Merchant emphasized that while police efforts to remove guns from the streets persist, the proliferation of firearms and ammunition remains a significant societal challenge.

    To address this issue, the police plan to enhance firearms tracing and intelligence operations, aiming to curb the influx of illegal weapons. Additionally, public awareness campaigns about the severe penalties for gun possession will be intensified to deter potential offenders. Merchant also highlighted the Cabinet’s intention to summon senior police officials for a detailed briefing on the latest crime statistics. Strengthened inter-agency coordination among the Police Force, Customs, and Coast Guard will be prioritized to intercept illegal shipments. Merchant underscored the importance of public collaboration through initiatives like “see something, say something” to bolster national security efforts.

  • Governor-General to Deliver Speech from the Throne on November 20

    Governor-General to Deliver Speech from the Throne on November 20

    The upcoming parliamentary session is set to begin on November 20, with Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams delivering the highly anticipated Speech from the Throne. This ceremonial address will outline the government’s legislative priorities for the forthcoming year, setting the tone for a packed parliamentary agenda. Maurice Merchant, the Director General of Communications, confirmed the date during Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, emphasizing that the session will lead up to Budget Day on December 4. The Speech from the Throne is expected to highlight several pivotal initiatives, including legislation aimed at protecting the elderly, reforming mental health services, and regulating the licensing of elderly care homes. These bills are slated for presentation in the first quarter of 2026. The annual address serves as the formal commencement of a new parliamentary session, offering a comprehensive overview of the government’s policy direction and legislative objectives for the year ahead.

  • Antigua and Barbuda to Introduce Bill to Protect Elderly from Abuse and Neglect

    Antigua and Barbuda to Introduce Bill to Protect Elderly from Abuse and Neglect

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda is set to introduce groundbreaking legislation to protect senior citizens from abuse and neglect, as announced by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant. Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday, Merchant highlighted the Cabinet’s deep concern over numerous reports received by the Social Welfare Division detailing mistreatment and inadequate care of elderly citizens. These reports reveal distressing situations where seniors are being abused, abandoned, or left without proper support. In response, the government is preparing to present the Protection from Abuse and Abandonment of the Elderly Bill to Parliament in the first quarter of 2026. This legislation aims to honor the contributions of the elderly, who have played a pivotal role in nation-building and supporting their families, by ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve in their later years. Additionally, the government plans to introduce a bill to license elderly care homes during the same period, enhancing oversight and raising standards within the caregiving sector. Merchant also confirmed ongoing consultations for a new Mental Health Bill, which has already received feedback from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This bill is expected to be presented to Parliament early next year following broader national discussions.

  • Education, healthcare, highlighted at Doha Second World Summit for Social Development

    Education, healthcare, highlighted at Doha Second World Summit for Social Development

    The Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha, Qatar, from November 4-6, 2025, brought together global leaders to reaffirm the centrality of people in driving progress. The summit emphasized the need for enhanced global solidarity, robust social protection systems, and rights-based policies to eradicate poverty and inequality. Delegates showcased national initiatives, such as South Africa’s expanded welfare safety net, Brazil’s anti-hunger campaigns, Finland’s trust-based welfare model, and Singapore’s inclusive growth strategy, underscoring that sustainable prosperity hinges on equality, dignity, and peace.

  • New ECSC headquarters aims to expand justice access in the OECS

    New ECSC headquarters aims to expand justice access in the OECS

    On November 5, the Government of Saint Lucia officially inaugurated the new headquarters of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) at Orange Grove Plaza in Gros Islet. This state-of-the-art facility, spanning three floors, boasts a total area of approximately 62,006 square feet, with 14,850 square feet in the basement, 21,650 square feet on the ground floor, and 26,506 square feet on the first floor. The building features expanded courtrooms, advanced IT infrastructure, dedicated conference spaces, and secure archival storage, all designed to enhance judicial efficiency and public service delivery. Attorney General Leslie Mondesir praised the facility as a significant step forward in improving access to justice, particularly through remote interactions that reduce barriers like distance and cost. Prime Minister Philip J Pierre highlighted the broader implications of the move, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accessible justice for all citizens of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The relocation addresses long-standing issues of space and functionality at the previous headquarters, marking a new chapter for the ECSC.

  • Hon. Anthony Smith Among Agriculture Ministers Taking Action Against Crop and Animal Diseases

    Hon. Anthony Smith Among Agriculture Ministers Taking Action Against Crop and Animal Diseases

    In a landmark meeting held in Brasilia on November 5, 2025, the Ministers of Agriculture from across the Americas convened to address the escalating threat of cross-border plant and animal diseases. Organized by the Brazilian government in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the conference underscored the urgent need for enhanced technical cooperation, improved information sharing, and access to cutting-edge technologies to combat diseases such as the New World screwworm and African swine fever. These diseases pose a significant risk to food security and the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities throughout the hemisphere. The ministers unanimously agreed to bolster the Agricultural Health and Food Security Initiative of the Americas, a strategic platform designed to harmonize and amplify regional efforts in safeguarding agricultural health. Emphasizing the importance of science-based decision-making in trade processes, the delegates, particularly from Argentina and the United States, highlighted the critical role of maintaining a competitive, safe, and healthy agrifood system. As the world’s largest net food exporting region, the Americas are committed to ensuring prosperity and enhancing public health at both national and regional levels. The IICA, a specialized agency within the Inter-American system, continues to play a pivotal role in fostering agricultural development and rural well-being through its international technical cooperation initiatives.

  • Boundaries Commission Invites Stakeholders to Consultation on Proposed Boundary Changes

    Boundaries Commission Invites Stakeholders to Consultation on Proposed Boundary Changes

    The Boundaries Commission of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a pivotal national consultation on proposed constituency boundary changes, scheduled for Monday, November 10th, at the Multipurpose Cultural Center, commencing at 2:00 PM. This initiative is a critical element of the Commission’s broader review of electoral boundaries, aimed at upholding constitutional obligations to ensure fair representation and equitable electoral processes across the nation.

  • FAO announces selection of new assistant director-general and regional representative for Latin America and the Caribbean

    FAO announces selection of new assistant director-general and regional representative for Latin America and the Caribbean

    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has announced the appointment of Mr. Rene Orellana Halkyer as the new Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean. This decision, made under the leadership of FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, follows a highly competitive global selection process. Mr. Orellana Halkyer, a Bolivian national, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. He holds a doctorate in Law from the University of Amsterdam, specializing in Interlegality and Legal Fields, along with advanced degrees in Law and Economics of Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Policy, and a Bachelor’s in Sociology. His professional journey includes serving as Bolivia’s Ambassador to Uruguay, Regional Manager for Mexico and Central America at the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and various ministerial roles in Bolivia, including Minister for Environment and Water. Mr. Orellana Halkyer has also been actively involved in international climate negotiations, including the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In his new capacity, he emphasized the region’s potential to lead sustainable food and agriculture systems, stating, ‘We will work to promote strategic investments aligned with global initiatives such as Hand-in-Hand, to strengthen productivity, boost rural economies, and improve the quality of life of communities.’ He officially assumed his role on November 1, 2025.

  • Nigerian artist, medical student Somto Doris showcases first art exhibition in Saint Lucia

    Nigerian artist, medical student Somto Doris showcases first art exhibition in Saint Lucia

    Somto Doris, a Nigerian-born artist and medical student, is captivating audiences with her debut art exhibition, ‘Body Currency: For Soul to Soul Interaction,’ at La Place Carenage in Castries, Saint Lucia. The showcase, supported by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), opened on October 29 and will continue until November 12, offering free entry to the public. Doris, who began painting as a child, decided to pursue art professionally in December 2016. By early 2017, she transitioned to oil paints and portraiture, a move that earned her recognition when one of her portraits won a competition in Nigeria, boosting her confidence in her craft. After relocating to Saint Lucia in September 2017, Doris has skillfully balanced her medical studies with her artistic endeavors, despite the challenges. ‘Balancing it with school wasn’t very easy… but it was a dedication,’ she shared. Her exhibition, ‘Body Currency,’ delves into human connection and emotion through vivid portraiture and cultural symbolism, showcasing her unique storytelling approach. Beyond her personal achievements, Doris is committed to nurturing the local art community. She founded an informal artist club that meets monthly to share ideas and collaborate. Doris also aspires to organize art competitions, workshops, and seminars to inspire consistency and commitment among artists. A recent highlight of her career was presenting a portrait to the President of Nigeria during his visit to Saint Lucia, an experience she described as a pivotal moment.