Carib Scope

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  • Nieuwe brug verbetert bereikbaarheid Bende Kondre

    Nieuwe brug verbetert bereikbaarheid Bende Kondre

    In a significant infrastructure development for Suriname’s interior regions, Minister of Regional Development Miquella Huur officially inaugurated a new concrete bridge in Bende Kondre, Boven Suriname on February 10th. The 16-meter long and 3-meter wide structure spans a heavily utilized creek that serves as a vital transportation route for residents of Bende Kondre and surrounding villages.

    The newly completed bridge represents a major enhancement to regional connectivity and safety standards. Prior to its construction, residents faced considerable challenges crossing the waterway, particularly during adverse weather conditions. The infrastructure project directly addresses these mobility constraints while facilitating improved access to essential services and economic opportunities.

    Minister Huur expressed satisfaction with the project’s completion, emphasizing her ministry’s ongoing commitment to nationwide community development. “While we cannot fulfill all requests simultaneously,” Huur stated, “this bridge demonstrates our sustained dedication to improving living conditions across all regions of Suriname.” The minister extended gratitude to both the construction contractor and local residents whose collaborative efforts ensured the project’s successful realization.

    District Commissioner Humphry Jeroe appealed to the community to maintain the infrastructure properly, highlighting the importance of local stewardship in preserving public assets. Granman (paramount chief) Albert Aboikondo conveyed appreciation for the government’s development efforts, acknowledging the bridge’s transformative potential for the region. Community members echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the project would catalyze further developmental initiatives in the area.

    The inauguration ceremony signifies the Surinamese government’s continued focus on addressing infrastructure disparities in remote communities, potentially setting a precedent for similar projects in other underserved regions of the country.

  • Dominican Pilots Association calls for release of pilot detained in Guinea

    Dominican Pilots Association calls for release of pilot detained in Guinea

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic’s aviation community has launched an urgent international campaign demanding the immediate release of pilot Fabio Nicolás Espinal Núñez, who remains detained in Guinea under controversial circumstances since December despite a court-ordered release.

    The crisis emerged when Espinal Núñez, during an international flight operation, executed a scheduled technical landing for refueling in Guinean airspace. Despite maintaining proper communication with air traffic authorities throughout the maneuver, local military officials subsequently arrested him on allegations of unauthorized landing and airspace violations. Although an appeals court later granted conditional release, Guinean authorities have refused to implement the judicial decision, extending the pilot’s detention indefinitely.

    At a emotionally charged press conference in Santo Domingo, family representatives revealed grave concerns about Espinal Núñez’s deteriorating physical and mental health amid Guinea’s current political climate. International human rights organizations have documented widespread arbitrary detentions and severe civil liberty restrictions under the nation’s military-controlled government.

    Captain Eugenio de Marchena, President of the National Association of Pilots (ANP), condemned the detention as a violation of fundamental aviation protocols. ‘Technical fuel stops are universally recognized procedures governed by international cooperation and good faith principles,’ de Marchena stated. ‘This arbitrary detention sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the entire framework of global civil aviation.’

    The ANP has mobilized a multinational response, urging pilot associations, aeronautical federations, and international aviation bodies to activate emergency mediation channels. Simultaneously, the association has formally petitioned Dominican President Luis Abinader to escalate diplomatic interventions through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demanding immediate consular protection and due process guarantees for the detained aviator.

  • Cricket West Indies Congratulates Vitel Lawes on ICC Under 19 World Cup Team of the Tournament Selection

    Cricket West Indies Congratulates Vitel Lawes on ICC Under 19 World Cup Team of the Tournament Selection

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially celebrated the exceptional achievement of Jamaican prodigy Vitel Lawes, whose remarkable performance at the 2026 ICC Under 19 World Cup secured his place in the Tournament’s Select Team. The 18-year-old left-arm wrist spinner distinguished himself as a pivotal force within the West Indies squad, captivating global cricket audiences with his skillful displays and mental fortitude throughout the competition.

    Lawes emerged as the leading wicket-taker for the Caribbean side, claiming 10 crucial scalps with his deceptive bowling. His tournament journey began spectacularly with a 3/23 spell against Tanzania, effectively dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup. He continued his impressive form despite team setbacks, securing another three-wicket haul (3/48) against Afghanistan and delivering critical breakthroughs in subsequent matches against South Africa, Ireland, and Australia. Notably, Lawes bowled a tournament-high 150 dot balls, consistently building pressure on opposing batsmen.

    Reflecting on his achievement, Lawes described the selection as “a very big achievement” following initial doubts about his place in the World Cup team after a challenging series against Sri Lanka. “To come from such a low moment, this is a tremendous feeling,” Lawes stated. “Being the only West Indian makes it even more special for me, the region, and my country.”

    CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe praised Lawes’s development, noting his “maturity beyond his years” and ability to execute under pressure against quality opposition. Bascombe emphasized that such performances validate the effectiveness of the region’s youth development programs and signal a promising future for West Indies cricket.

    The West Indies campaign featured several other standout performances, including opener Zachary Carter’s century against South Africa—the team’s only hundred of the tournament—and wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew’s consistent contributions. Shaquan Belle recorded the competition’s best bowling figures (6/40 against South Africa), while Jakeem Pollard demonstrated extraordinary economy with 68.4% dot balls delivered.

    CWI extended commendations to the entire Under 19 squad and support staff for their dedicated efforts throughout the tournament, recognizing their collective contribution to building a solid foundation for the future of Caribbean cricket.

  • One Bill to receive first reading in the National Assembly on Thursday, February 12, 2026

    One Bill to receive first reading in the National Assembly on Thursday, February 12, 2026

    The National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis is scheduled to convene on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the National Assembly Chambers at Government Headquarters, Basseterre. The parliamentary session will feature the inaugural reading of significant financial legislation proposed by the government.

    Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, who holds multiple portfolios including Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health and Social Security, will formally introduce the Saint Kitts and Nevis Sovereign Wealth and Resilience Fund Bill (2026). This legislative initiative represents a continuation of the administration’s commitment to principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, and the Rule of Law.

    The parliamentary proceedings will receive comprehensive media coverage, being broadcast live on ZIZ Radio (96 FM) and several partner radio stations. Television audiences can watch the session on Channel 5 in St. Kitts and Channel 98 in Nevis, while digital access will be available through live streaming at www.zizonline.com.

    Official copies of the proposed legislation will be made accessible to the public through multiple channels once available. These include the official website of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (www.sknis.gov.kn) under the ‘Bills’ section, as well as through their Facebook platform, ensuring widespread public access to the document.

  • Cement sales in the Dominican Republic rise 2.3% in 2025

    Cement sales in the Dominican Republic rise 2.3% in 2025

    The Dominican cement industry demonstrated notable economic resilience throughout 2025, achieving a 2.3% overall increase in sales volume despite facing headwinds in domestic construction. This growth was primarily propelled by a robust 9.2% surge in export activities, which effectively counterbalanced a period of slowed local market expansion.

    Domestic cement sales experienced a modest uptick of just 0.9%, signaling relative stability in local demand but falling considerably short of the vigorous growth rates witnessed in preceding years. This domestic slowdown aligns with official Central Bank figures indicating a 1.8% contraction in the national construction sector for the same period.

    The industry’s successful export strategy was underpinned by significant capital investments directed toward enhancing production capabilities, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance with stringent international quality standards. These strategic advancements have enabled Dominican producers to effectively compete in strategic regional markets.

    Jorge David Pérez, President of the Dominican Association of Cement Producers (Adocem), emphasized the sector’s critical contribution to the national economy. He noted that the export expansion has been instrumental in generating vital foreign exchange earnings, reducing the national trade deficit, and bolstering industrial employment. Pérez further advocated for the implementation of public policies designed to stimulate investment in construction, infrastructure, and housing projects, underscoring the sector’s fundamental role in driving broader economic growth, enhancing competitiveness, and fostering job creation across the Dominican Republic.

  • Dominican Republic among few countries that improved corruption perception in 2025

    Dominican Republic among few countries that improved corruption perception in 2025

    The Americas have demonstrated negligible advancement in combating systemic corruption throughout 2025, according to the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) published by Transparency International. The comprehensive assessment of 182 global territories reveals a troubling regional stagnation, with Venezuela and Nicaragua maintaining their positions among the world’s most corrupt nations while the United States recorded its poorest performance in the index’s history.

    The regional evaluation averaged a concerning score of 42 out of 100 possible points across American nations. Transparency International’s analysis indicates a disturbing backward trend, with 12 of the region’s 33 countries experiencing measurable deterioration since 2012. The organization attributes this regression to governmental inaction, the systematic weakening of democratic institutions, and the expanding footprint of transnational organized crime networks. Among the few bright spots, the Dominican Republic (37) and Guyana (40) demonstrated marginal improvements, each gaining a single point in their annual assessment.

    Canada (75), Uruguay (73), and Barbados (68) emerged as regional leaders in transparency standards, though the report cautioned that even these established democracies confront corruption-related violence and limited anti-graft progress. Conversely, Venezuela (10), Nicaragua (14), and Haiti (16) occupied the bottom positions, characterized by authoritarian repression, institutional collapse, and deeply embedded corrupt practices. Venezuela’s performance ranked among the three worst globally, exceeded only by Somalia and South Sudan.

    Particularly alarming was the continued deterioration of the United States, which scored 64 points—marking a one-point decline from the previous year and a substantial 12-point drop since 2015. Transparency International identified assaults on judicial independence, weakened enforcement of anti-corruption legislation, and reductions in international aid programs as primary contributing factors. Throughout the hemisphere, corruption persists in undermining essential public services, constricting civic freedoms, and eroding institutional accountability, generating severe consequences for citizens’ daily living conditions.

  • Minister reports sharp economic boost from Sugar Mas

    Minister reports sharp economic boost from Sugar Mas

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The National Carnival season has generated an extraordinary economic windfall for St. Kitts and Nevis, with official figures revealing a dramatic 35.9% increase in economic activity during the recent six-week celebration. Minister of the Creative Economy Samal Duggins unveiled these impressive results at a prize-giving ceremony on February 7th, highlighting how the festival has become an increasingly powerful economic engine for the Federation.

    The 2025/2026 Sugar Mas season generated a remarkable $29.5 million in total economic spending, substantially exceeding the previous year’s $21.7 million. This substantial growth has been primarily driven by a proliferation of private events throughout the busy Christmas and Carnival period, demonstrating how the festival has expanded beyond its traditional core activities.

    Minister Duggins emphasized that beyond the direct financial benefits, Sugar Mas continues to serve as a vital marketing platform that attracts international visitors during the winter months. The festival has significantly boosted arrivals from both major source markets and regional neighbors, enhancing the federation’s tourism profile.

    Participation metrics reached unprecedented levels, with over 10,000 revelers flooding the streets for J’Ouvert morning celebrations – some individual bands attracting more than 2,500 participants. The Grand Parade similarly drew massive crowds, with official counts exceeding 5,000 participants including international visitors from across the globe.

    The minister confirmed that private events expanded to 35 separate occasions this season, reflecting the festival’s growing popularity and creating broader opportunities for public engagement. This expansion contributed significantly to both attendance numbers and overall viewership metrics.

    Financial investments matched the festival’s growing scale, with participants sharing over EC$700,000 in prize money. The government demonstrated substantial commitment through direct cash support exceeding EC$500,000 to promoters, troupes, and participating bands for Sugar Mas 54.

    Minister Duggins concluded with an optimistic assessment: ‘I believe we can say fairly that our Sugar Mas product is indeed growing, and we are seeing that progress.’ The numbers clearly indicate that the carnival is evolving into a preferred destination for global revelers while delivering tangible economic benefits to the nation.

  • Cuba voert noodmaatregelen in vanwege brandstoftekort

    Cuba voert noodmaatregelen in vanwege brandstoftekort

    Cuba has enacted urgent fuel conservation measures in response to a crippling US energy blockade that has severely disrupted daily life across the island nation. The Cuban government announced Monday that international airlines would no longer have access to aircraft fuel starting Tuesday, prompting Air Canada to immediately suspend all flights to Cuba.

    The streets of Havana fell unusually quiet as the emergency protocols took effect, designed to preserve rapidly diminishing fuel reserves. In response to what officials describe as economically paralyzing pressure from the Trump administration, the government has implemented reduced work weeks for state enterprises, curtailed school hours, and restricted fuel sales to essential services only.

    Additional austerity measures include the closure of hotels with low occupancy rates and the consolidation of tourists into fewer accommodations. Popular resort destinations such as Varadero and other provincial areas are experiencing hotel shutdowns, according to anonymous tourism industry professionals.

    The fuel shortage has created widespread uncertainty among Cuba’s 9.6 million residents. Public transportation has been drastically reduced, while taxi operators have significantly increased fares. Many citizens now face extended waiting periods for transportation, complicating daily routines and economic activities.

    This latest crisis compounds Cuba’s longstanding economic challenges, which have persisted under a US trade embargo since 1962. The situation deteriorated further when Venezuela—formerly Cuba’s primary oil supplier—ceased deliveries following last month’s US intervention that resulted in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration has threatened tariffs against any nation continuing to supply Cuba with petroleum products.

    The looming fuel shortages threaten to trigger large-scale power outages across the island. Officials confirmed Sunday that Cuba cannot refuel long-haul flights for at least one month, severely impacting international connectivity.

    Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez condemned the US blockade as “cruel aggression” designed to break the political will of the Cuban people. While reaffirming Cuba’s openness to dialogue, Rodríguez emphasized that any discussions must occur on Cuba’s own terms.

    Mexico, previously Cuba’s second-largest oil source after Venezuela, has expressed support for Cuba and initiated diplomatic talks with the US to resume oil exports. President Claudia Sheinbaum warned of an impending humanitarian crisis but stated Mexico cannot expose itself to US tariffs. Mexico recently dispatched over 800 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba.

    The Russian government has also denounced US measures as “suffocating” and is collaborating with Cuba to provide assistance during the crisis.

  • February 10 marks National Folklore Day in the Dominican Republic

    February 10 marks National Folklore Day in the Dominican Republic

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic erupts in vibrant cultural celebration every February 10th as the nation observes National Folklore Day. This significant occasion serves as a nationwide tribute to the rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and popular expressions that form the bedrock of Dominican cultural identity.

    The commemorative events spotlight the profound value of Dominican folklore through diverse manifestations including traditional musical performances, folkloric dances, authentic gastronomy, ancestral legends, artisanal crafts, and deeply-rooted community customs. These cultural treasures, meticulously preserved across generations, showcase the country’s remarkable cultural diversity. Educational institutions, cultural centers, and community organizations nationwide participate through artistic performances, cultural exhibitions, and educational initiatives designed to preserve and strengthen national identity.

    This important cultural observance coincides with the birthday of Julio Alberto Hernández, an esteemed Dominican writer, researcher, and folklorist renowned for his pioneering work in studying and promoting the nation’s cultural traditions. The establishment of this national day reinforces the country’s enduring commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage and ensuring its transmission to future generations as an indispensable component of Dominican history and collective identity.

  • Second man charged in 2024 Cayon murder as Police advance investigation

    Second man charged in 2024 Cayon murder as Police advance investigation

    In a significant development regarding the 2024 homicide investigation, St. Kitts law enforcement authorities have formally charged a second individual in connection with the murder of Kelvin Millard from Cayon. Romeo ‘OG’ Browne, a resident of Cayon, was charged with murder on February 3, 2026, at the Basseterre Police Station, joining previously charged suspect Dijon ‘Baby’ Dore, aged 24, from Hermitage, Cayon.

    The victim, 30-year-old Millard of Upper Cayon, was discovered deceased inside his vehicle in the Cabbage Tree area on January 21, 2024. According to official police reports, the fatal incident occurred between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. along the island’s primary roadway.

    Investigative findings indicate that Millard was confronted by two armed assailants who subsequently opened fire. In what appears to have been a desperate attempt to flee the attack, Millard’s vehicle crashed a short distance from the initial shooting location.

    Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing as they continue to pursue all leads in this case. The additional murder charge represents a substantial step forward in the judicial process, demonstrating the persistent efforts of local authorities to address violent crime within the community.