Carib Scope

博客

  • King Warrior Sound Wins Sound of the Year at National Music Awards

    King Warrior Sound Wins Sound of the Year at National Music Awards

    In a triumphant moment for Antigua and Barbuda’s music community, King Warrior Sound has captured the prestigious Sound of the Year honor at the National Music Awards ceremony. The acclaimed sound system emerged victorious over formidable competitors Stonewall Reloaded and Larger Than Life in a category dedicated to recognizing excellence within the nation’s vibrant music landscape.

    During the awards presentation, a representative of King Warrior Sound accepted the trophy with emotional remarks that blended gratitude with personal reflection. ‘Let me first thank the Lord for this opportunity,’ the representative stated as he opened his acceptance speech before extending appreciation to the sound system’s dedicated supporters.

    The victory celebration took on deeper significance as the representative acknowledged the team’s recent personal hardships, revealing that the award arrived during a challenging period following the passing of their mother. This personal context added profound emotional weight to their achievement.

    Special recognition was given to longtime collaborator Billy, with the representative addressing audience expectations directly: ‘Respect to my brother Billy, because I know persons were looking for Billy. Billy is my brother.’ The acknowledgment extended to what he described as ‘the entire King Warrior family,’ highlighting the collective effort behind their success.

    The Sound of the Year category served as a centerpiece of the National Music Awards, which comprehensively honors artists, bands, DJs, producers, and event promoters who have significantly contributed to the development and enrichment of Antigua and Barbuda’s music industry.

  • Barbados positioned as hub as interCaribbean expands regional network

    Barbados positioned as hub as interCaribbean expands regional network

    InterCaribbean Airways has strategically positioned Barbados as a central hub in its network expansion with the weekend launch of new direct flight routes to three Caribbean destinations. The airline inaugurated scheduled services from Grantley Adams International Airport to Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport (twice weekly), Tortola’s Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (three times weekly), and Trinidad and Tobago’s Piarco International Airport (four times weekly), effective March 8.

    The inaugural flights were met with ceremonial welcomes across all destinations, with government officials and tourism leaders emphasizing the transformative potential of enhanced regional connectivity. Graham Clarke, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s Director for the Caribbean, highlighted how direct flights significantly improve visitor experiences by eliminating lengthy layovers that previously diminished travel quality.

    Sint Maarten’s Director of Tourism May Ling Chun underscored the importance of intra-Caribbean exploration, particularly amid global geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. “This moment reminds us of something very important: the Caribbean must continue to strengthen itself from within,” Chun stated during celebration events.

    The expansion brings substantial economic implications beyond tourism. British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley noted that over 70% of their workforce originates from the southern Caribbean, while also highlighting frequent visa-related travel to Barbados. The territory recorded its highest arrivals at 1.2 million visitors last year, with interCaribbean ranking among the top carriers alongside American Airlines.

    InterCaribbean founder Lyndon Gardiner emphasized the trade opportunities arising from regular scheduled flights to Trinidad and Tobago, identifying the nation as one of the Caribbean’s most significant trading partners for manufactured goods, food, and beverages. Emmanuel Baah, Deputy General Manager at Trinidad and Tobago’s Airports Authority, reinforced that enhanced connectivity creates pathways for increased investment and trade exploration across the region.

    With over 30 years of regional operation, interCaribbean now serves 24 destinations across 18 Caribbean countries, employing more than 600 people as one of the Caribbean’s largest indigenous carriers.

  • UWI and Nigerian universities collaborate: Vice-Chancellors build transformative partnership for Africa-Caribbean education

    UWI and Nigerian universities collaborate: Vice-Chancellors build transformative partnership for Africa-Caribbean education

    In a landmark move for global higher education, The University of the West Indies (UWI) and Nigeria’s Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) have established a transformative partnership through a signed Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement, finalized during a three-day summit at UWI’s Regional Headquarters in Jamaica, brings together 23 newly appointed Nigerian Vice-Chancellors and UWI’s senior leadership including Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, five Campus Principals, and three Pro Vice-Chancellors.

    The strategic collaboration encompasses multiple dimensions of academic excellence, targeting enhanced international rankings, research innovation, sustainable financial models, and digital learning advancements in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The partnership specifically aims to strengthen cultural connections while addressing contemporary challenges through joint academic endeavors.

    Professor Beckles emphasized the historical significance of the agreement, noting its foundation in shared heritage and common vision. ‘This framework represents a pioneering model for knowledge sharing and problem-solving across the African continent and diaspora,’ he stated during the signing ceremony.

    Professor Andrew Haruna, Secretary General of CVCNU, identified the agreement as his first signed MoU since assuming office and characterized it as ‘a strategic step toward building a structured and impactful Africa-Caribbean higher education alliance.’ He highlighted the partnership’s practical focus on moving beyond historical connections to actionable collaboration in research, digital innovation, and academic exchange.

    The operational implementation will be coordinated by UWI’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs Ms. Sandrea Maynard and CVCNU’s Assistant Secretary-General Dr. Sylverina Olaghere. The initial three-year agreement features renewable terms based on mutual consent, ensuring long-term sustainability.

    Collaborative activities will include joint research initiatives, faculty and student exchange programs, scholarship opportunities, internship placements, and projects aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The partnership will specifically address cross-cutting themes including climate change, health sciences, energy solutions, agricultural development, cultural studies, and digital policy formulation.

    This academic bridge between the Caribbean and African higher education sectors represents a significant advancement in South-South cooperation, creating structured mechanisms for institutional capacity building and global visibility enhancement for both regions’ academic institutions.

  • ABCAS Debate Team Travels to St. Kitts and Nevis for Leeward Islands Debating Competition

    ABCAS Debate Team Travels to St. Kitts and Nevis for Leeward Islands Debating Competition

    A 25-member delegation from the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) has embarked on a significant academic mission to participate in the prestigious Leeward Islands Debating Competition hosted in St. Kitts and Nevis. The team, comprising both talented student debaters and distinguished faculty representatives, is under the leadership of Dr. Najele Williams Buffonge, Vice President of ABCAS.

    The delegation features prominent academic figures including Robyn Joseph Nathaniel, Registrar; Jace Gore, Head of the Department of Information Technology; Mark Brown, Head of the Department of Fine Arts and Creative Studies; and Sonia Whittaker, Vice Principal of the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology.

    This educational endeavor has been made possible through substantial community support, highlighted by a successful fundraising luncheon and generous contributions from numerous sponsors. Key supporters acknowledged include LIAT Air, Brownie Bakery – Point, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, Omaha Bakery, Blue Waters Resort and Spa, and several local businesses and supermarkets. Significant institutional backing has also been provided by the Ministry of Tourism and Investment, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and the Inland Revenue Department.

    ABCAS has extended special gratitude to staff members at both the Harrison Centre and Muriel O’Mard Campus for their dedicated efforts in preparing the students for this regional academic competition. The institution emphasizes that this participation not only represents academic excellence but also showcases Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to educational development and regional collaboration.

  • VAT, bonus won’t shut up the union, leader tells govt

    VAT, bonus won’t shut up the union, leader tells govt

    Oswald Robinson, the outgoing president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU), has launched scathing criticism against the Ministry of Education for allegedly ignoring repeated requests to address urgent educational concerns. During a recent appearance on BOOM FM’s “Teachers’ Talk” program, Robinson expressed frustration that three education ministers and the chief education officer have failed to respond to written communications seeking dialogue on pressing matters.

    The union leader highlighted multiple critical issues requiring immediate attention, including severe shortages of basic school supplies, deteriorating infrastructure at several educational institutions, and systemic challenges in public education financing. Robinson specifically referenced the “Go Public! Fund Education” global campaign initiated by Education International, emphasizing the need for adequately funded public education systems despite the government’s significant fiscal constraints.

    Robinson revealed that the newly elected administration under Prime Minister Godwin Friday has inherited a substantial EC$3.5 billion public debt, with a debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 103%. This financial burden requires approximately 40 cents of every dollar to be allocated toward debt servicing, creating complex challenges for education funding. The Eastern Caribbean Currency Union has established targets to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 60% by 2035.

    The outgoing union president provided specific examples of institutional neglect, including bat infestations at New Adelphi Secondary School, missing leadership positions at Bethel High School, and severely compromised infrastructure with leaking roofs and missing louvres. Robinson also reported that some schools lack even basic supplies like chalk and toilet paper, while others have experienced interruptions to their feeding programs.

    Robinson warned that the current administration’s avoidance of dialogue with educators establishes a poor foundation for collaborative progress. He emphasized that social dialogue remains essential for addressing these systemic challenges and urged education officials to engage with the union’s perspectives before conditions deteriorate further.

  • MPs question ads for foreign workers

    MPs question ads for foreign workers

    Barbadian legislators are confronting a growing trend of businesses advertising overseas for positions traditionally filled by local workers, prompting significant parliamentary debate during the Ministry of Labour’s appropriations review. Christ Church West Central MP Adrian Forde highlighted constituent frustrations with frequent newspaper advertisements claiming insufficient qualified Barbadians for roles ranging from bartenders and chefs to teaching positions. These notices routinely assert that no suitable local candidates exist, thereby justifying recruitment beyond national borders.

    Labour Minister Colin Jordan clarified the jurisdictional framework, noting that while work permit authorization resides with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Immigration Department, his ministry ensures labor market equity through employer-worker connections. The critical innovation addressing these concerns is the Barbados Job Register—a digital platform launched in August 2025 designed to transform workforce matching. This system requires immigration officials to consult its database before approving any foreign work permits, ensuring Barbadian candidates receive priority consideration.

    According to Acting Director Moreen Bowen of the Barbados Employment Career and Counselling Service, the platform has attracted significant engagement since its inception, with approximately 2,800 jobseekers and 140 employers registered by February’s end. Jobseekers represent diverse sectors including construction, financial services, technology, retail, and hospitality, with skills spanning customer service, computer proficiency, and data entry. The platform’s functionality allows candidates to upload detailed résumés showcasing qualifications and experience, while employers can search for suitable matches.

    The government is currently developing an enhanced second phase featuring direct vacancy postings and AI-powered job matching algorithms. Outreach collaborations with educational institutions like the Barbados Vocational Training Board, Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, and Barbados Community College have bolstered registrations. While employer feedback remains limited, approximately 43 positions have been filled through the system to date. Minister Jordan emphasized ongoing coordination with immigration authorities to prioritize local hiring, simultaneously urging businesses to acknowledge their social responsibility in providing decent employment for Barbadian citizens.

  • Saint Lucian swimmers star in CARIFTA warmup

    Saint Lucian swimmers star in CARIFTA warmup

    Saint Lucian athletes delivered an impressive performance at the Crédit Mutuel Swimming Meet in Martinique, treating the competition as a strategic warm-up for the upcoming CARIFTA Games. Held at the Pierre Samot Aquatics Centre in Le Lamentin, the event saw remarkable achievements from swimmers representing three major clubs: Sharks, Sea Jays, and Lightning Aquatics.

    Henri-Christian Theobalds emerged as a standout performer, defying expectations with a spectacular showing in the 50m breaststroke. Despite most competitors entering the meet without tapering—a deliberate strategy to prioritize acclimatization over peak performance—Theobalds achieved a qualifying time of 34.09 seconds in the final, a significant improvement from his 34.99-second preliminary swim. This accomplishment secured his position in the boys 13-14 category for the CARIFTA Games, scheduled to take place at the same venue during Easter weekend.

    Theobalds is anticipated to be among three Sharks swimmers selected for the official CARIFTA team, with the Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation set to announce final roster decisions later this week. His teammate Caden Calderon also demonstrated strong form, finishing ahead of Theobalds in the 50m breaststroke, placing third in the 100m breaststroke, and securing second in the 200m medley. Zaina Brathwaite further contributed to Sharks’ success by advancing to the women’s 50m breaststroke finals.

    Sea Jays club members showcased considerable depth across multiple age groups. Maya Andrew dominated the 12-13 division with gold medals in both the 50m and 100m breaststroke, complemented by silver in the 50m freestyle and bronze in the 50m butterfly. Jayden Xu claimed victory in both the 50m and 100m backstroke events, while Tyler Dantes secured wins in the 12-13 boys’ 50m and 100m backstroke alongside additional podium finishes. Dylan Corcoran and Noah Dorville also delivered notable performances with multiple final appearances.

    Lightning Aquatics athletes made their mark with Jayce Daniel capturing gold in the 12-13 boys’ 100m freestyle while qualifying for two additional finals. Teammates Aaron Charles, Liam Felicien, Aniya George, and Tre Theresine each advanced to at least one final, demonstrating the collective strength of Saint Lucian swimming.

    According to Sea Jays public relations officer Denise Parks, the competition served primarily as an acclimatization opportunity rather than a peak performance event. ‘The swimmers went in untampered, most of them looking to more or less acclimatise themselves,’ Parks explained. ‘Some who already had CARIFTA times were going in to get a feel for the water, to visualise their swims, and to feel what it is to swim at that venue on a bigger stage.’

    Even defending high point winner Sapphire Parks, who did not advance to finals in her events, utilized the meet to familiarize herself with the competition environment, highlighting the strategic approach adopted by the Saint Lucian delegation throughout the event.

  • Minister Misiekaba: bestuur SZF heeft volledig mandaat om orde te herstellen

    Minister Misiekaba: bestuur SZF heeft volledig mandaat om orde te herstellen

    Health Minister André Misiekaba has publicly endorsed the governing board of Suriname’s State Health Insurance Fund (SZF), granting them full authority to address organizational irregularities following the leak of an internal staff memorandum. In an exclusive interview with Starnieuws, Minister Misiekaba characterized the disclosure of internal matters as deeply regrettable, employing a local proverb to emphasize his point: “Whoever damages their nose, damages their face” – suggesting staff members ultimately harm their own institution through such actions.

    The minister revealed that an ongoing investigation into previous operational developments within SZF has prompted the continued suspension of director Rudrakanth Oemraw. According to ministerial statements, dozens of employees were recently hired outside established staffing frameworks and salary scales, violating statutory procedures that explicitly reserve these decisions for the board’s authority.

    Minister Misiekaba clarified that according to SZF’s statutes, the board holds ultimate managerial responsibility, possessing the legal mandate to review and potentially override directives from management. The board has received concerning reports regarding terminated employment contracts of individuals potentially crucial to the ongoing investigation, raising additional questions about procedural compliance.

    “The board consequently possesses full mandate to restore operational stability,” Misiekaba stated, emphasizing that both management and staff must adhere to the board’s statutory responsibilities. The minister stressed the critical importance of allowing the internal investigation to proceed without interference to ensure its thorough completion.

  • Cuban ‘slave labour’ built Argyle?

    Cuban ‘slave labour’ built Argyle?

    Recent allegations by the United States government regarding the exploitation of Cuban professionals in Caribbean nations have sparked intense debate across the region. The controversy centers on whether countries like St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) have benefited from what some characterize as oppressive labor conditions during major infrastructure developments.

    Parliamentary records from SVG between 2009-2011 reveal startling details about the working conditions of Cuban engineers and technicians during construction of the Argyle International Airport. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves acknowledged in multiple legislative sessions that 42 Cuban professionals worked alongside 85 Vincentian workers under markedly different terms.

    The Cuban workers reportedly labored 12 hours daily, seven days weekly, with merely one day off per month. Crucially, they received no overtime compensation for hours exceeding the standard eight-hour workday, while their Vincentian counterparts received overtime pay. Prime Minister Gonsalves described the Cubans as “volunteers with a stipend” who received substantially less compensation than market rates for equivalent expertise.

    Financial disclosures showed Cuban engineers earning less than half the salary of junior Vincentian engineers and approximately one-quarter of what international engineering consultants commanded. The Prime Minister framed this arrangement as “solidarity” and emphasized the value of technical assistance provided “in kind,” estimating the earthworks alone represented an $81 million value achieved for only $22.5 million in actual expenditure.

    The fundamental question remains whether these conditions constitute exploitation under international labor standards. While the arrangement provided economic benefits to SVG, the working conditions—including excessive hours without proper compensation and limited rest days—raise serious ethical concerns about human dignity and workers’ rights.

    The United States government’s pressure on Caribbean nations to end these practices reflects broader geopolitical tensions and differing perspectives on international labor standards. This case exemplifies the complex intersection of economic development needs, South-South cooperation, and fundamental workers’ rights in the global arena.

  • President confirms Chapman Challenge to start with Class Three, Four pupils

    President confirms Chapman Challenge to start with Class Three, Four pupils

    Barbados President Jeffrey Bostic has formally initiated the Chapman Challenge, an ambitious youth development program targeting Class Three and Four students across the nation. The presidential office will spearhead the initiative with support from community volunteers, marking a significant step in national efforts to foster resilience and unlock potential among young citizens.

    During a landmark visit to Grantley Prescod Memorial School, President Bostic articulated the program’s core mission: inspiring children to transcend limitations and societal barriers. “This school, like any other school, has its challenges,” Bostic acknowledged before students and educators. “The important thing is the fact that you did not allow the challenges to prevent you from doing what we are doing here today. You rose above the circumstances.”

    The initiative, first announced during Bostic’s November 30 inaugural address, draws its name from Chapman Lane—the community where the president himself grew up before ascending through military ranks as a lieutenant colonel in the Barbados Defence Force and ultimately assuming the nation’s highest office.

    The launch event featured remarkable student performances that embodied the program’s spirit. Young learners from Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary—currently hosted at the St. Barnabas facility during campus renovations—delivered a stirring medley of patriotic songs including ‘Proud to be a Bajan’ and ‘Beautiful Barbados.’ Students further demonstrated their talents through an acrostic presentation honoring presidential qualities, a Spanish-language performance showcasing linguistic skills, and a dance display that continued seamlessly despite technical difficulties.

    President Bostic reinforced his commitment to educational excellence by quoting the host school’s mission statement emphasizing disciplined, creative environments that develop responsible global citizens. “I want to encourage teachers and students alike,” he stated, framing his visit as both motivational opportunity and civic connection.

    The president candidly addressed contemporary educational challenges, recognizing teachers operate in “very difficult and challenging times, perhaps more so than your predecessors ever had to deal with.” He urged educators to maintain unwavering commitment with a rallying cry of “no retreat and no surrender.”

    Adding powerful testimony, Presidential Aide-de-Camp Captain Tevin Maynard—a Wilkie Cumberbatch alumnus—shared his transformative journey with students. Reciting his former school’s motto (“We persevere, we succeed, for life we work”), Maynard delivered an impactful message: “Anything you put your mind to, you can achieve if you are of good character, you persevere and you continue to work hard. Every time people tell you you can’t, prove to them you can.”

    The event culminated in a thoughtful exchange during which students engaged the president with questions about his academic preferences, age, and childhood aspirations, revealing his unexpected path from aspiring teacher to national leader. President Bostic departed with a custom-carved mahogany plaque of the school’s crest, crafted by alumnus Marlon Waterman, symbolizing the enduring connection established through the Chapman Challenge launch.