Carib Scope

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  • Indotel launches SonanDO project to strengthen cultural sovereignty in border areas

    Indotel launches SonanDO project to strengthen cultural sovereignty in border areas

    The Dominican Telecommunications Institute (Indotel) has spearheaded a groundbreaking inter-institutional pact involving over 15 public and cultural organizations to implement Project SonanDO. This initiative forms a crucial component of the broader Sovereignty 4.0 strategy, designed to enhance radioelectric sovereignty while promoting national cultural identity and supporting comprehensive development in marginalized border communities through enhanced connectivity, educational resources, and locally produced content.

    Targeting seven strategic border provinces—Dajabón, Independencia, Elías Piña, Pedernales, Montecristi, Santiago Rodríguez, and Bahoruco—the project will deliver programming featuring authentic Dominican music, historical narratives, educational materials, and social guidance messaging. A innovative mobile recording studio, housed within a bus generously donated by OMSA, will traverse these regions to discover, train, and promote emerging local talents with particular focus on youth development.

    Indotel Board President Guido Gómez Mazara revealed the project was developed following comprehensive studies indicating disproportionate foreign radio broadcaster penetration in border zones, with over 60% of residents expressing dissatisfaction with available content. Gómez Mazara emphasized that SonanDO represents a holistic integration of cultural preservation, technological advancement, and educational enhancement to strengthen national identity while generating opportunities and reducing social exclusion. Sovereignty 4.0 coordinator Pochy Familia noted that participation from 19 institutions demonstrates unprecedented governmental commitment to cultural sovereignty and utilizing music as a catalyst for social transformation.

    This collaborative alliance reaffirms the Dominican Government’s dedication to protecting the radio spectrum as a strategic national asset, amplifying cultural presence in vulnerable border regions, and ensuring communication infrastructure serves as an instrument for identity reinforcement, education, and nationwide social cohesion.

  • Gov’t orders Uber to halt operations

    Gov’t orders Uber to halt operations

    The Saint Lucian government has officially declared Uber’s operations unlawful within its jurisdiction, mandating the immediate cessation of services until the ride-hailing giant complies with national regulations. This decisive action follows extensive consultations between government officials and key transportation stakeholders.

    Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire, who oversees tourism, investment, and creative industries, revealed that formal written notice had been delivered to Uber representatives after high-level meetings with the National Taxi Union and the National Council on Public Transportation. The government’s position was formally communicated during Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, where Hilaire outlined three critical regulatory violations.

    The primary compliance issues include Uber’s failure to obtain necessary trade licensing, non-registration with the Inland Revenue Department for tax purposes, and lack of certification under the Tourism Development Act framework. “We have explicitly communicated to Uber that their current operational model constitutes illegal activity within Saint Lucia’s borders,” Minister Hilaire stated authoritatively.

    Despite the government’s suspension order, internal verification confirms the Uber application remains fully functional, with trip booking capabilities still accessible to users. In parallel developments, the National Taxi Union has issued stern warnings to its membership against partnering with the platform, threatening disciplinary measures for those who defy the advisory.

    When questioned about potential enforcement mechanisms should Uber continue operations, Hilaire maintained strategic ambiguity, noting, “We are currently evaluating all available options without predetermining specific actions.” The government anticipates further diplomatic engagement with Uber management to resolve the regulatory impasse, with additional meetings expected in the coming weeks.

  • Security : Certified security agents at the Ministry of Agriculture

    Security : Certified security agents at the Ministry of Agriculture

    In a significant move to bolster institutional security, Haiti’s Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR) has completed an intensive specialized training program for its security personnel. The Western Department initiative represents a substantial advancement in protection standards for government facilities.

    The ministry engaged Protection and Risk Management S.A. (PRM Security), a recognized leader in risk mitigation solutions, to deliver expert instruction through two comprehensive sessions. The curriculum addressed critical operational competencies including controlled access procedures for sensitive buildings, implementation of preventive risk measures, and emergency response protocols for crisis situations and natural disasters.

    During the certificate ceremony, Agriculture Minister Vernet Joseph commended PRM Security for their ‘professionalism and technical contribution’ while praising participating officers for their discipline and dedication. Minister Joseph announced broader ambitions, stating: ‘We will modernize and professionalize security services for central bodies, with plans to replicate this training across all Departmental Directorates.’

    Jean Paul, representing PRM Security, confirmed that ‘officers are now fully equipped to ensure physical security for Ministry staff and infrastructure.’

    The most poignant endorsement came from Osmain Austène, Head of Security with 25 years of service, who described the initiative as ‘historic and highly beneficial,’ noting it was the first large-scale training program ever offered to security personnel within the ministry.

    This ceremony not only concludes the training cycle but signals a transformative shift toward institutionalized professional security protocols within Haiti’s agricultural administration.

  • Woman dies after fall from fourth level of Ágora Mall

    Woman dies after fall from fourth level of Ágora Mall

    Santo Domingo was struck by tragedy on Monday when a woman lost her life after falling from the fourth-floor parking structure at Ágora Mall. The incident occurred in an area operated by the General Directorate of Customs, prompting immediate response from emergency services including the National Police, Civil Defense, and the 9-1-1 System.

    Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. While preliminary details remain limited, officials are examining all possible factors that may have contributed to the tragedy.

    Ágora Mall administration released an official statement expressing profound condolences to the victim’s family and friends. The shopping center emphasized the importance of respectful and discreet handling of the sensitive case while acknowledging the swift response of both mall security personnel and emergency authorities who implemented established safety protocols.

    This unfortunate event evokes memories of a similar incident that occurred in July of the previous year, when a male individual died after falling from the parking facility of the same commercial establishment. That previous case was ultimately classified by authorities as an apparent suicide, though no such determination has been made regarding Monday’s incident.

  • ‘I’m up to the task,’ Says Albert Vaughan as New NICH President

    ‘I’m up to the task,’ Says Albert Vaughan as New NICH President

    Belmopan, Belize – February 9, 2026. Albert Vaughan has officially assumed the role of President at the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), expressing strong confidence in his capacity to lead the institution’s cultural preservation mission. The newly appointed president returns to NICH after previously serving as both a senior director within the organization and subsequently as Belize City Administrator.

    In his first official statements, Vaughan emphasized his readiness to meet the challenges ahead, stating: ‘I feel very good because I believe that I’m able, I believe that I’m up to it, and I believe that I can achieve what the minister wants NICH to achieve.’ He acknowledged the confidence placed in him by the Minister of Culture, viewing this appointment as both an honor and a responsibility.

    The incoming president outlined an ambitious agenda focused on three primary objectives: enhancing inter-institutional collaboration across NICH’s four divisions, strengthening protection mechanisms for national heritage, and dramatically expanding public access to cultural resources. His strategic vision includes comprehensive improvements to archaeological site management, revitalization of the Festival of the Arts at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts in Belize City, and the development of community-based cultural programming initiatives.

    Vaughan identified public accessibility as a particular priority, noting: ‘We want to make sure that Belizean heritage is more accessible to Belizeans. A lot of people don’t fully understand what this institution has to offer them.’ His approach signals a shift toward more community-engaged cultural preservation that emphasizes both protection and public participation in Belize’s rich cultural history.

  • POLL: What’s your top Dominican calypso so far for 2026?

    POLL: What’s your top Dominican calypso so far for 2026?

    The vibrant Caribbean music scene is currently witnessing active participation in its annual tradition of recognizing outstanding calypso talent from Dominica. A digital polling initiative has been launched through the Strawpoll platform, inviting music enthusiasts and cultural preservationists to cast their votes for the most remarkable Dominican calypso compositions of the current year.

    This interactive campaign serves multiple purposes within the entertainment ecosystem: it provides valuable audience engagement metrics for artists, creates awareness about calypso’s continuing relevance in contemporary music, and fosters community connection through shared musical appreciation. The voting mechanism employs modern digital tools to preserve and promote traditional musical forms, demonstrating how technology can support cultural heritage.

    The initiative reflects broader trends in how music communities are adapting to digital environments while maintaining cultural traditions. By leveraging accessible polling technology, organizers have lowered participation barriers, enabling global engagement with Dominican musical culture. This approach represents a significant evolution from traditional paper-based voting methods previously used in calypso competitions.

    Calypso music, with its deep roots in African and Caribbean storytelling traditions, continues to serve as both entertainment and social commentary throughout the Caribbean region. Such digital initiatives help ensure the genre’s continued relevance among younger audiences while honoring its rich historical significance.

  • Saint Lucian women win in Guadeloupe rugby

    Saint Lucian women win in Guadeloupe rugby

    The Saint Lucia women’s rugby sevens squad has achieved a remarkable victory at the French West Indies tournament in Gosier, Guadeloupe, capturing both team and individual honors in dominant fashion. The team secured the prestigious Monique Ribeaut Shield after demonstrating exceptional performance throughout the competition.

    In a commanding final match against hosts Union Good Luck 972 A, Saint Lucia emerged victorious with a decisive 19-7 scoreline. The team’s success was spearheaded by standout athlete Makeba Alcide, who received the tournament’s Most Valuable Player recognition, and captain Renatta Reynolds, whose leadership proved instrumental in controlling the game’s tempo. Alcide contributed two crucial tries to the final victory, complemented by a try from Mary Roberts and two successful conversions executed by Kera Dornelly.

    The championship journey featured impressive performances across multiple matches. During the semifinal round, Saint Lucia delivered a stunning 22-0 shutout against Diamante Martinique, with scoring contributions from Roberts, Alcide, Marline Cherry, and Allana Paul. The tournament’s opening day witnessed an overwhelming 33-5 victory over Good Luck 972, highlighted by Reynolds’ exceptional hat trick of tries, two additional tries from Roberts, and a sixth try scored by Shammah Philgence.

    Further demonstrating their offensive prowess, the team achieved a resounding 41-7 victory against RCAS, featuring another hat trick from Roberts, two tries and two conversions from Reynolds, and an additional try from Cherry.

    Wayne Pantor, Technical Director of the Saint Lucia Rugby Football Union, praised the team’s achievement: ‘These victories highlight the preparation, fitness, and attacking strength of the Saint Lucia Women’s team as they made a strong statement in the tournament. The women’s championship victory highlights the continued rise of Saint Lucia rugby, while the senior men’s competitiveness and youth development efforts signal a strong future for the sport.’

    The tournament also featured participation from Saint Lucia’s men’s teams, with the senior squad securing fifth place and the Under-20 development team finishing eighth. Despite narrow losses in several closely contested matches, both teams gained valuable experience against international competition, with notable performances from players Alexis (senior team) and Dante Asson (Under-20s). Pantor emphasized that for many players, this tournament represented their first exposure to international competition, serving as crucial preparation for higher tiers of rugby competition.

  • Indiumprijs stijgt fors door Chinese speculatie en schaarste

    Indiumprijs stijgt fors door Chinese speculatie en schaarste

    The global market for indium, a critical metal essential for touchscreens, advanced computer chips, and next-generation solar cells, is experiencing unprecedented price surges reaching their highest levels in over a decade. Market data reveals that Rotterdam traders are currently selling indium at $500-600 per kilogram, representing a staggering 55% increase since September of last year.

    This remarkable price escalation stems from a convergence of factors: intensified speculative trading on Chinese exchanges, tightening supply from major producers, and growing demand from high-tech and defense sectors. China, which dominated global refined indium production with approximately 70% market share in 2024, has significantly reduced exports. December 2025 figures show China exported merely 22.7 tons of raw indium, marking a 23% monthly decrease.

    South Korea, accounting for roughly 17% of worldwide production (180-190 tons out of the global total of 1,080 tons), contributes significantly through major producers like Korea Zinc, which annually sells 90-100 tons. However, production constraints are mounting due to stricter environmental regulations in China, where indium is primarily obtained as a byproduct of zinc ore processing. These environmental policies have curtailed production expansion capabilities, creating structural supply limitations.

    The metal’s strategic importance continues to grow across multiple industries. Beyond consumer electronics, indium is crucial for sustainable technologies including high-efficiency solar cells and advanced computing systems. Adding to demand pressures, the U.S. defense sector recently initiated a procurement request for high-quality indium for military applications valued at up to $125 million, signaling recognition of its strategic significance.

    Market analysts predict sustained price elevation given the fundamental supply-demand imbalance: constrained production against escalating demand from both commercial and defense sectors. This trend highlights broader vulnerabilities in critical mineral supply chains and the growing geopolitical dimensions of resource security.

  • $306K Invested to Save Monkey River From Erosion

    $306K Invested to Save Monkey River From Erosion

    The Belizean government has initiated a critical $306,000 coastal stabilization project in Monkey River Village, a southern coastal community severely impacted by advancing shoreline erosion and rising sea levels. Announced by Toledo East Area Representative Dr. Osmond Martinez, the project commenced last week with an anticipated completion date set for the end of February 2026.

    This intervention addresses urgent concerns from residents who have witnessed progressive loss of land and residential properties, with many fearing eventual displacement as climate change refugees. Dr. Martinez emphasized the historic significance of this initiative, noting it represents the first substantive government action to combat erosion in the vulnerable community after years of perceived neglect.

    The engineering approach prioritizes environmentally conscious methodologies, utilizing natural materials like bollards instead of concrete or piles to minimize ecological disruption. Initial phase one operations focus on wave mitigation at the river-sea confluence, while a subsequent phase will safeguard the village burial ground from imminent washout threats.

    Beyond immediate erosion control, the project features a collaborative conservation component establishing a community-co-managed wildlife sanctuary through partnership with environmental organization TIDE. All project phases have received formal clearance from Belize’s Department of Environment with additional support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Local Government.

  • Organisers expect ‘epic’ 2026 Jazz Festival

    Organisers expect ‘epic’ 2026 Jazz Festival

    The highly anticipated Soufriere Jazz 2026 festival, officially branded ‘The Ultimate Experience,’ was formally launched on February 8th at Hotel Chocolat in Soufriere, Saint Lucia. This premier musical extravaganza represents one of the island’s most significant cultural celebrations, forming an integral part of the broader Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts calendar.

    Ernest Sam Augier, Executive Chairman of the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF)—the organization overseeing both the event and local natural attractions like Sulphur Springs Park—characterized the upcoming festival as ‘epic’ during his keynote address. Augier emphasized the event’s historical significance while promising an unparalleled experience for attendees in 2026.

    ‘Soufriere Jazz has consistently delivered monumental performances within an extraordinary ambiance, and this year will certainly maintain that distinguished tradition,’ Augier declared. While the main concert is scheduled for May 2nd, organizers are curating an entire weekend immersion, including a special preliminary event on May 1st and an exclusive post-concert breakfast at Sulphur Springs on May 3rd.

    The Soufriere Events Management Organization (SEMO) continues its four-year partnership with SRDF to actualize the festival. Windia Jaunia of SEMO reaffirmed their dedication to producing exceptional quality while creating meaningful opportunities for local talent and small businesses. This year’s theme, ‘The Ultimate Experience,’ embodies their commitment to crafting unforgettable moments through atmospheric connection and premium production values.

    The 2026 lineup features a historic reunion of two legendary Saint Lucian bands—Boo & the Tru Tones and Reasons Orchestra, led by Gregory Piper. The festival will showcase reggae artist Meshach, Groovy Monarch Imran Nerdy, soca sensations Ezra D Fun Machine and Arthur Allain, alongside musical collective DYP.

    International talent includes Trinidad’s soca star Voice, Guadeloupe’s 1T1, and Grammy-winning reggae icon Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage fame as the headline performer. The complete festival experience is set to unfold at Soufriere Mini Stadium on May 2nd, promising an extraordinary celebration of Caribbean musical excellence.