Carib Scope

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  • Sandals 10-week Hospitality Training Programme

    Sandals 10-week Hospitality Training Programme

    Sandals Resorts International has unveiled an ambitious hospitality training program specifically designed to cultivate the next generation of Caribbean tourism professionals. The comprehensive 10-week initiative combines technical expertise with essential soft skills development, creating a pathway for young Caribbean nationals to enter the thriving hospitality industry.

    The program offers specialized training tracks across five critical hospitality sectors: Food & Beverage services, Rooms Division management, Engineering maintenance, Landscaping design, and Administrative operations. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures participants receive industry-relevant training tailored to various hospitality career paths.

    Successful candidates will benefit from an extensive package that includes professional soft skills development, hands-on practical training opportunities, a recognized Sandals certification upon completion, and eligibility for potential employment based on organizational needs. Participants will also receive a formal letter of recommendation and a stipend during the training period.

    Eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must be Caribbean nationals aged 18-30 with a genuine interest in hospitality careers. The program welcomes both individuals with formal training and those without previous experience, making it accessible to a diverse range of candidates. Essential prerequisites include CXC Mathematics and English qualifications, valid identification documentation, and a current Food Handlers Permit.

    Prospective applicants must submit their resumes to the designated email address [email protected] before the February 13, 2026 deadline. This initiative represents a significant investment in Caribbean human resource development and regional tourism sustainability.

  • MoonGate Hotel and Spa targets 2026 opening in Antigua and Barbuda

    MoonGate Hotel and Spa targets 2026 opening in Antigua and Barbuda

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is poised to significantly enhance its luxury tourism portfolio with the development of MoonGate Hotel and Spa, a new boutique resort scheduled to commence operations in 2026. Situated on the island’s scenic east coast at Half Moon Bay, the project represents a strategic investment in the high-end travel market.

    During an official site visit, Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez received comprehensive updates on the construction milestones and emphasized the project’s role in fortifying the nation’s competitive stance in the eco-luxury tourism segment. Minister Fernandez articulated that MoonGate exemplifies a pivotal industry transition toward prioritizing quality, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic growth.

    Architecturally, the resort is conceived with sustainability as its foundational principle, seamlessly integrating modern design with advanced eco-friendly technologies. This approach directly caters to the escalating global consumer demand for travel options that minimize environmental impact without compromising on luxury.

    The development is being executed in distinct phases. The initial phase, which is currently approaching its final stages, will introduce 47 suites. This inventory will encompass a range of accommodations from standard and premium categories to exclusive penthouse units. A subsequent phase is planned to deliver an additional 22 luxury suites, configured as one- and two-bedroom residences.

    Beyond lodging, MoonGate will feature a diverse array of premium amenities. These will include multiple gourmet restaurants and bars, meticulously curated landscaped gardens, swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a comprehensive wellness spa offering a full suite of services.

    A significant local benefit of the development is the anticipated creation of over 120 permanent employment opportunities for the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, providing a substantial boost to the community’s workforce. The project is thus viewed not merely as a hospitality venture but as a catalyst for long-term socioeconomic advancement, aligning national economic objectives with evolving trends in global luxury travel.

  • Burning Flames to headline Love Fest this Valentine’s Day

    Burning Flames to headline Love Fest this Valentine’s Day

    Grenada’s premier Valentine’s Day celebration, Love Fest, is set to deliver an unforgettable musical experience on February 14, 2026, at the scenic Quarantine Point Recreational Park. The festival has confirmed legendary Antiguan Soca band Burning Flames as its headline act, alongside a diverse lineup of Caribbean talent that promises to transform the picturesque peninsula into a vibrant cultural hub.

    Adding significant star power to the event, Reggae artist and actor Matthew Malcolm—known for his appearance in the 2024 Bob Marley biopic ‘One Love’—joins the roster, enhancing the festival’s cross-cultural appeal. This strategic addition reflects Love Fest’s commitment to showcasing both established regional entertainers and Grenadian performers.

    Now firmly established on Grenada’s annual events calendar, the festival will feature five live acts spanning multiple genres including Soca, Reggae, Soul, Pop, R&B, and traditional steelpan performances. The complete lineup includes Sabrina Francis with the Treehouse Band, Rita & Ultimate Perfections Band, and the River Road Pan Wizards steel orchestra, complemented by DJ sets from Turbo, Graphix Sound, and Fearless Kevon.

    Festival Director Chrislyn Lashington emphasized the event’s evolving creative vision: ‘Love Fest continues to grow as a space where music, culture, and genuine connection converge. By welcoming regional entertainers alongside our Grenadian stars, we present a program that honors our rich Caribbean musical heritage while creating new cultural dialogues.’

    Beyond the musical performances, Love Fest 2026 will offer immersive lifestyle experiences including chocolate-making workshops, candle-making sessions, a curated food village, specialty cocktail bars, and thoughtfully designed décor that enhances the open-air waterfront setting. The event caters to individuals, couples, and groups seeking a distinctive Valentine’s celebration.

    Produced by Upstage, the festival is extending its impact through educational initiatives that facilitate cultural exchanges between visiting artists and Grenadian creatives and students. These programs encourage artistic development, cross-cultural understanding, and professional growth opportunities for emerging talents.

    The event enjoys support from multiple partners including the Lashington Agency, Grenada Office of Creative Affairs, Netherlands Insurance, Sunrise Airways, and the Grenada Tourism Authority, among others. Tickets are available through various physical outlets including Grenadian Optical, Esther’s Bar, and Kalico Supermarkets, as well as online via Eventbrite and Go2Fete.com.

  • Ladira Dyer is new Miss Teen Dominica

    Ladira Dyer is new Miss Teen Dominica

    In a dazzling display of talent and poise, Ladira Dyer from Isaiah Thomas Secondary School emerged victorious as the newly crowned Miss Teen Dominica 2026. The prestigious coronation ceremony unfolded on Sunday evening at the vibrant Windsor Park Sports Stadium, famously known as Carnival City, where five exceptional contestants competed for the coveted title.

    Dyer’s remarkable performance throughout the competition earned her multiple distinguished awards, including Best Speech, Best Spectacular Wear, and Best Talent, demonstrating her multifaceted excellence. Her triumph represents not only personal achievement but also brings honor to her educational institution.

    Marina Jno Baptiste of Operation Youth Quake claimed the first Runner-Up position, impressing judges with her elegance in evening wear and earning the Miss Amity award for her congenial spirit. Joyette Carbon from Portsmouth Secondary School secured the second Runner-Up recognition, rounding out the top three finalists.

    The competitive field also included Jeffrine Joseph representing Castle Bruce Secondary School and Janeece Williams of Goodwill Secondary School, both of whom delivered commendable performances throughout the event. The pageant showcased the extraordinary talents, intelligence, and cultural pride of Dominica’s youth, highlighting the promising future leadership of the Caribbean nation.

    This annual celebration of young women’s achievements continues to serve as a platform for personal development, cultural expression, and community engagement, reinforcing positive values among the island’s next generation.

  • Man gets 12 years for stabbing death of ex-girlfriend

    Man gets 12 years for stabbing death of ex-girlfriend

    A 40-year-old tradesman from Cedars, St. Vincent, has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for the manslaughter of his former partner following a violent altercation in Kingstown. Eldon Charles, also known as Max, received his sentence from Justice Rickie Burnett at the High Court after changing his plea to guilty on October 30, 2025.

    The tragic incident occurred on February 4, 2023, when Charles fatally stabbed Altavea Billingy, known as Tavea, during a physical confrontation on Grenville Street. The court heard that the altercation began when Billingy crossed the road to confront Charles after noticing him following her and her friends.

    According to evidence presented, the two had previously been in a relationship that ended before the fatal incident. Police had previously assisted Billingy in retrieving her belongings from Charles’ residence during their separation.

    On the day of the killing, both individuals had been at Canash/Blue Lagoon Beach, where Charles expressed his desire to reconcile, which Billingy explicitly rejected. Later, both parties traveled back to Kingstown in the same van.

    The situation escalated when Billingy noticed Charles following her group near Yankee Chicken in the Little Tokyo area. After crossing the road to confront him, a physical struggle ensued during which Charles produced a switch-blade folding knife. During the altercation, Billingy sustained a single stab wound to her abdomen while attempting to grasp the weapon.

    Tragically, the incident was witnessed by a six-year-old child who was part of Billingy’s group. Police officers arriving on the scene observed Charles placing an object into his pocket before Billingy collapsed. The knife was subsequently discovered in his possession.

    Despite being rushed to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, Billingy was pronounced dead at 11:13 p.m. Pathologist Dr. Ronald Child determined the cause of death as internal hemorrhage resulting from a 1.5 cm penetrating stab wound.

    Justice Burnett established an initial sentencing benchmark of 18 years, considering aggravating factors including weapon use and the presence of a child witness. The sentence was reduced due to mitigating circumstances including Charles’ lack of premeditation, previously clean criminal record, and timely guilty plea.

    With credit for time already served in remand—2 years, 11 months and 17 days—Charles will serve an additional 9 years and 14 days in prison.

    The social impact of the crime was highlighted through a victim impact statement from Idor Billingy, the deceased’s mother, who described her enduring anguish and the profound effect on her family, including grandchildren now in her care.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Police Sergeant Vanetta Cochrane-Bachelor Dies

    Antigua and Barbuda Police Sergeant Vanetta Cochrane-Bachelor Dies

    The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has been plunged into mourning following the untimely passing of Sergeant Vanetta Cochrane-Bachelor, identified by service number 58. The veteran officer succumbed on Friday, February 6th, at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, though the precise circumstances of her death remain undisclosed by authorities.

    In an official communiqué, the law enforcement institution conveyed its profound sorrow and extended heartfelt sympathies to Sergeant Cochrane-Bachelor’s bereaved family, wide circle of friends, and distraught colleagues. The force characterized her departure as a significant depletion to its operational ranks, underscoring the void left by her absence.

    An outpouring of homage has commenced from across the department as fellow officers and subordinates commemorate her extensive tenure and unwavering dedication to law enforcement responsibilities. Colleagues are collectively reflecting on her professional legacy and the profound impact she made through her steadfast commitment to serving the community, marking a solemn period for the nation’s policing community.

  • Valentine morning Spice Isle Coffee & Canvas paint event

    Valentine morning Spice Isle Coffee & Canvas paint event

    Sans Souci Arts Studio artist Suelin Low Chew Tung has partnered with Spice Isle Coffee roasters to launch an innovative creative workshop series blending art education with coffee culture. The Coffee & Canvas sessions will run from February through April at Café Emporium in Grand Anse’s Galleria Mall, offering unique Thursday evening (4:30-6:30 PM) and Saturday morning (9:30-11:30 AM) experiences.

    Participants will enjoy a relaxed, pressure-free environment where no prior artistic experience is required. Each EC$95 workshop includes all necessary art supplies and a complimentary artisanal non-alcoholic beverage from Spice Isle Coffee. The sessions feature a brief educational component about coffee origins and processing, followed by guided mixed-media painting instruction accompanied by historical insights about Grenada.

    The series launches with a Valentine-themed event on February 14th, welcoming individuals, couples, friends, and family members (ages 18+). Subsequent workshops will feature seasonal themes including a Revolution remembrance event in March and Easter-themed sessions in April. Organizers emphasize the program’s dual purpose of fostering creativity while supporting local businesses, encouraging participants to patronize the coffee bar.

    With limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis, interested participants must register in advance through the provided registration form. The initiative represents a growing trend of experiential entertainment combining culinary arts with creative expression in community settings.

  • Saint Lucian artistes unite for remix of ‘Praise Him to de Max

    Saint Lucian artistes unite for remix of ‘Praise Him to de Max

    The Saint Lucian gospel music landscape is witnessing a dynamic evolution with the launch of a revitalized remix of the acclaimed single “Praise Him to de Max.” Spearheaded by artist Berty James, professionally recognized as Humble Official, this new iteration represents a strategic fusion of established and emerging musical talent.

    This collaborative project unites James with gospel veteran Nintus Magre and promising newcomer Tally Boy, creating a multi-generational blend that underscores both artistic innovation and communal unity within the island’s gospel community. James characterizes the production as a significant milestone for his creative team, noting that the remix serves as an enhancement rather than a replacement of the original composition.

    The remix introduces distinct auditory dimensions through Magre’s powerful and seasoned vocal contributions, which provide profound emotional depth to the track. Simultaneously, Tally Boy injects contemporary vitality and youthful exuberance, creating a balanced sonic experience that appeals to diverse audiences. James emphasized the intentionality behind these collaborations, reflecting his commitment to showcasing both experienced artisans and rising stars within Saint Lucia’s music industry.

    Produced under James’ artistic direction, the project exemplifies a dedication to continuous creative and professional development. “Our fundamental objective remains constant growth, elevation, and improvement across all our endeavors,” James affirmed during the release announcement.

    While the original recording already enjoyed substantial listener engagement, the creative team anticipates the remix will deliver heightened impact through enhanced vocal arrangements and modernized production techniques. James publicly expressed hope that audiences would embrace this version even more enthusiastically than its predecessor.

    Beyond its musical merits, James highlighted the track’s inspirational messaging, encouraging widespread sharing of its positive spiritual content. The remix is currently accessible globally through YouTube, providing listeners with immediate access to this cultural and artistic expression of Saint Lucian gospel music.

  • Nestor fuels massive UNT recovery

    Nestor fuels massive UNT recovery

    In a stunning display of resilience, the University of North Texas women’s basketball squad engineered their most remarkable comeback of the season this past Saturday. Facing a daunting 13-point deficit against Temple at the Liacouras Centre, the Mean Green mounted a spectacular second-half surge to clinch a narrow 69-66 victory.

    The comeback was spearheaded by a phenomenal individual performance from the team’s 6-foot-4 center, who single-handedly accounted for all 13 of North Texas’ points in the decisive fourth quarter. Her late-game heroics included consecutive baskets that first tied the game and then secured the lead. She finished with an impressive stat line of 20 points on highly efficient 12-shot attempts, complemented by six successful free throws out of seven. Dominating the boards with 13 rebounds and setting a personal best with four steals, she recorded her 14th double-double of the campaign.

    Despite entering halftime with a 10-point disadvantage, North Texas (13-10, 7-4) exploded offensively in the final two quarters, putting up 41 points. The third period proved to be the critical turning point in the game, with the team unleashing an offensive barrage of 28 points and connecting on six three-pointers to shift the momentum entirely.

    The victory was a testament to a collective team effort. Four other players made significant scoring contributions: Jazzy Owens-Barnett, Aysia Proctor, and Andi Schissler each added 9 points, while Chania Price chipped in with 8. Schissler’s hot hand from beyond the arc continued, as she sank three more triples, bringing her shooting tally to an impressive 9-of-14 from deep over the last three contests. Price also made a notable impact by successfully landing her second and third three-pointers of the year.

    Head Coach Jason Burton praised his team’s unselfish and confident play, stating, ‘We spread the wealth today. We’ve emphasized becoming a team with multiple scoring threats, and that vision was realized on the court. Witnessing multiple players shoot with such confidence fundamentally transforms our identity as a team.’

  • Man with Jamaican roots gains fame after playing grass in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show

    Man with Jamaican roots gains fame after playing grass in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show

    Andrew Athias embarked on an eight-hour journey across the United States with a singular dream: to participate as an anonymous background performer in Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl halftime spectacle. The 31-year-old Philadelphia content creator never anticipated that his role as one of the dancing grasses would catapult him into viral fame following the event, which attracted an estimated 128 million viewers nationwide.

    In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, Athias reflected on his unexpected rise to prominence. “We weren’t supposed to be famous,” he marveled. “It was supposed to be not about us. Now ironically we are the famous people.” His detailed accounts of the experience have since captivated social media audiences, generating widespread media coverage that has seen him featured across numerous news platforms since Sunday night’s performance.

    The selection process proved remarkably unconventional. From a staggering pool of 40,000 applicants, Athias was among 400 chosen based primarily on physical measurements rather than performance credentials. “There was no video submission or proof of being a Bad Bunny fan,” he revealed. “It literally was just we’re looking for bodies to fit in these costumes.” Applicants provided unusual measurements including belly-button-to-floor distances and left-elbow-to-right-chest dimensions.

    Selected participants faced rigorous confidentiality requirements, signing Non-Disclosure Agreements that prohibited any disclosure about their involvement. Athias recounted how phones were confiscated during rehearsals, forcing participants to maintain complete secrecy. Some applicants were reportedly dismissed for violating these terms or failing to comply with costume requirements.

    The commitment involved significant preparation, with Athias traveling to Santa Clara, California two weeks early for intensive rehearsals. Participants received compensation at California minimum wage—a detail Athias discovered only during the third rehearsal. “I didn’t know we were getting paid until about the third rehearsal,” he admitted with amusement.

    On game day, performers underwent a meticulously coordinated operation. They assembled at a secret location 30 minutes from the stadium, avoiding inevitable traffic congestion. The costuming process required approximately two hours to transform all 400 participants into synchronized dancing grasses. Athias described the palpable excitement as performers awaited their moment during the second quarter, culminating in a performance that would become part of Super Bowl history.

    Now navigating his unexpected fifteen minutes of fame, Athias contemplates how to surpass this extraordinary experience. “I guess I now have to be in the Olympics and win a gold medal,” he quipped, reflecting on a journey that transformed an anonymous performer into an accidental celebrity.