Carib Scope

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  • Spreading ‘Mighty’ Dennery Segment vibes year round

    Spreading ‘Mighty’ Dennery Segment vibes year round

    For nearly a decade, Nevis Mighty Alexander has been a trailblazer in the Dennery Segment genre, a unique musical fusion that blends indigenous rhythms with African and Soca influences, enriched by lyrics in both English and Kwéyòl. While the genre is often associated with Lucian Carnival, Alexander’s work transcends seasonal boundaries, offering anthems for Jounen Kwéyòl, Solo, and Christmas celebrations. His discography includes chart-toppers like ‘Bad in Bum, Bum,’ ‘Two Clap,’ ‘Bagay,’ and the recent hits ‘Keh Dek Keh Dek’ and ‘Nuh Nuh.’

    Currently based in the UK, Alexander recently embarked on a promotional tour in Miami with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority to spotlight Lucian Carnival. In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, he shared insights into his musical journey, the essence of Dennery Segment, and his commitment to preserving the Kwéyòl language.

    ‘Dennery Segment is a reflection of Saint Lucian culture—how we communicate, express ourselves, and celebrate our identity through music,’ Alexander explained. His passion for music ignited at the age of 12, inspired by artists like Yardie, Exodus, and LT. He credits Subance, a fellow Dennery Segment artist, for their collaborative hits, and Jaheim for producing his debut track, ‘Tout Cet Fanm La Matay La.’

    However, it was ‘Bad in Bum, Bum,’ a 2017 collaboration with Subance, that catapulted Alexander to international fame. ‘That song put Dennery Segment on the global map,’ he recalled. Despite his carnival success, Alexander emphasizes the importance of year-round creativity. ‘I’m an artist first. I want to make people happy and honor our traditions, whether it’s Jounen Kwéyòl or any other occasion.’

    Alexander also champions the use of Kwéyòl in his music, viewing it as a vital link to his heritage. ‘This is our language, our authenticity. I want to inspire others to carry it forward,’ he said. Looking ahead, he aims to expand his international reach, citing Cardi B’s recent appreciation for ‘Keh Dek Keh Dek’ as a sign of growing global interest. ‘More vibes, more collaborations—that’s what’s next for me,’ he declared.

  • Asa Bantan, Spice, and Kes electrify Windsor Park on Night Two of WCMF

    Asa Bantan, Spice, and Kes electrify Windsor Park on Night Two of WCMF

    The second night of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) transformed Windsor Park Cricket Stadium into a vibrant hub of Caribbean culture, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. From bouyon to soca, reggae to dancehall, the festival was a testament to the rich musical heritage of the region. Thousands of enthusiastic patrons danced through the night, celebrating the diverse sounds that define the Caribbean. Asa Bantan, hailed as the King of Bouyon, kicked off the evening with a dramatic entrance that ignited the crowd. His performance, filled with hit after hit, solidified his reputation as one of Dominica’s most cherished artists. Despite a minor delay in the schedule, the energy remained unbroken, thanks to a meticulously curated lineup of top-tier performers. Kes the Band took the stage as dawn approached, delivering a mix of timeless classics and modern hits that resonated with fans of all ages. Spice followed, captivating the audience with her bold dancehall style, particularly empowering female fans with her provocative yet inspiring performance. A tribute to Vybz Kartel, though not physically present, stirred the crowd, who sang along passionately to his iconic tracks. Local Creole and bouyon acts also shone, ensuring that homegrown talent remained at the forefront of the festival. As the sun rose, the celebration continued, with revelers still dancing in the early morning light. With two nights behind them, anticipation is now building for the final night of WCMF, promising even greater energy and excitement as the festival draws to a close.

  • US axes website for reporting human rights abuses by US-armed foreign forces

    US axes website for reporting human rights abuses by US-armed foreign forces

    The US State Department has recently taken down an online portal designed to report alleged human rights violations by foreign military units equipped with American weapons. Known as the Human Rights Reporting Gateway (HRG), this platform served as a formal “tip line” for the US government, offering the only publicly accessible channel for organizations or individuals to directly inform authorities of potential serious abuses by US-armed foreign forces. The removal of this portal has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and a senior congressional aide who played a key role in drafting the legislation that mandated its creation. Despite the backlash, the State Department maintains that it continues to comply with the law. The HRG was established in 2022 under pressure to enforce updated provisions of the Leahy Law, named after former US Senator Patrick Leahy. This law requires the government to facilitate the receipt of information regarding alleged gross human rights violations by military units supported by Washington. Tim Rieser, a former senior aide to Senator Leahy who authored the 2011 amendment mandating such information gathering, expressed concern to the BBC, stating that the gateway’s removal indicates the State Department is “clearly ignoring the law.” Rieser warned that this move could lead to the US supporting foreign security forces involved in heinous crimes without accountability, thereby reducing the incentive for foreign governments to bring perpetrators to justice. In response, the State Department emphasized its ongoing efforts to receive reports of gross human rights violations and its engagement with credible organizations on a wide range of human rights issues, asserting that it remains committed to fulfilling its legal obligations.

  • First ship calls at new Kingstown Port shortly after opening

    First ship calls at new Kingstown Port shortly after opening

    St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) marked a historic milestone with the grand opening of the new Kingstown Port on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The event, held just two days before the nation’s 46th anniversary of independence from Britain, symbolized a transformative leap toward economic resilience and modernization. The first vessel to dock at the port was the Cyprus-flagged container ship FOUMA, measuring 166.15 meters in length and 25.26 meters in width, which arrived shortly after the opening ceremony.

  • 40 Antiguan Students Sheltered at Pegasus Hotel as Hurricane Melissa Nears Jamaica

    40 Antiguan Students Sheltered at Pegasus Hotel as Hurricane Melissa Nears Jamaica

    As Hurricane Melissa intensifies and approaches Jamaica, over 40 Antiguan and Barbudan students pursuing their education in the country have been relocated to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for safety. This proactive measure, orchestrated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Students’ Association (ABSA), aims to protect students from the impending storm. The initiative includes two nights of accommodation and meals at the Kingston-based hotel, contingent upon students presenting valid Antiguan passports and university identification. Rohan Telemaque, ABSA Public Relations Officer, emphasized the importance of centralizing students in a secure location to enhance safety and streamline emergency responses. ‘Having everyone in one place ensures that if an evacuation is necessary, we can act swiftly and collectively,’ Telemaque stated. The Antiguan government is maintaining close communication with student leaders to monitor the hurricane’s progression and provide further support if needed. Officials reaffirmed their dedication to safeguarding nationals studying abroad, particularly during crises. Meanwhile, Jamaican authorities have issued warnings for residents and visitors to remain alert as Hurricane Melissa, recently upgraded from a tropical storm, is predicted to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding to the island in the coming days.

  • Driver Escapes Serious Injury After Honda Fit Crashes on Jonas Road

    Driver Escapes Serious Injury After Honda Fit Crashes on Jonas Road

    A young male driver narrowly escaped serious injury in a dramatic car crash on Jonas Road late Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. as the driver, traveling from north to south on the bustling roadway, reportedly lost control of his Honda Fit. The vehicle veered off the road, crashed through a wire fence, and overturned in the yard of a nearby mechanic shop. Despite the severity of the crash, the driver, who was alone in the vehicle, managed to climb out of the wreckage with only minor injuries. Eyewitnesses described the scene as harrowing, with the car sustaining extensive damage. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports pointing to excessive speed or a sudden loss of control as potential factors. The visibly shaken driver expressed gratitude for his survival, attributing his escape to divine intervention. Law enforcement officials seized the opportunity to remind motorists to exercise caution, especially on high-traffic routes like Jonas Road, where a momentary lapse in attention can have catastrophic consequences.

  • Digital menus set to transform hospitality, advertising landscape

    Digital menus set to transform hospitality, advertising landscape

    A groundbreaking digital platform named ‘My Restaurant Menu’ is set to revolutionize the operational dynamics of restaurants and local businesses in Saint Lucia. Spearheaded by Abraham Sutherland, Founder of Quasland Media Group Ltd., this innovative solution addresses persistent challenges in menu management, customer engagement, and advertising. Sutherland shared with St. Lucia Times that the concept emerged from observing the difficulties businesses face in updating menus, controlling costs, and maintaining online visibility. Unlike traditional printed menus, which are expensive to reprint and lack flexibility, this digital system enables businesses to effortlessly update prices, incorporate photos, and directly engage with customers. Sutherland emphasized that the platform is more than a menu; it’s a comprehensive digital interface designed to save costs, enhance convenience, and amplify visibility. The platform’s unique dual functionality serves as both a restaurant management tool and a marketing hub. Customers can browse menus via a mobile-friendly interface, while businesses can integrate advertisements seamlessly within the menu layout. Sutherland highlighted that this feature transforms menu space into valuable digital real estate for advertisers, including beverage companies, event organizers, and local attractions. These ads are strategically placed to enrich the browsing experience rather than disrupt it. Sutherland noted that while digital menus exist elsewhere, this platform stands out due to its combination of functionality and opportunity, creating a unified ecosystem for restaurants, advertisers, and customers. He anticipates rapid adoption in Saint Lucia, citing the island’s increasing digital literacy and the platform’s proven success in other Caribbean regions. A significant advantage of the platform is its monetization potential, allowing restaurants to generate additional revenue through hosted ads. Sutherland explained that advertisers pay for featured placements, providing restaurants with a supplementary income stream. The platform is designed for practicality, requiring only an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or computer for menu management. Sutherland revealed ongoing efforts to collaborate with local tech and media firms to facilitate onboarding and create employment opportunities. Looking ahead, Sutherland envisions the platform as the cornerstone of a broader digital ecosystem, aiming to establish a comprehensive hospitality engagement network where restaurants, advertisers, and customers interact seamlessly. He believes this initiative will significantly enhance business sustainability, online visibility, and customer experience across Saint Lucia.

  • Somohardjo vraagt spoedoverleg met Rekenkamer en GBB over gronduitgifte

    Somohardjo vraagt spoedoverleg met Rekenkamer en GBB over gronduitgifte

    Bronto Somohardjo, Chairman of the Permanent Committee on Land Policy and Forest Management (GBB) in Suriname’s National Assembly, has called for an emergency meeting with the Court of Audit and the Ministry of Land Policy following a damning report on land allocations in 2023. The report, which Somohardjo described as containing \”a stark and undeniable conclusion,\” reveals that land distributions were conducted unlawfully, leaving the public as victims of improper governance.

  • Warme zondag en overwegend droog

    Warme zondag en overwegend droog

    Today, Suriname is set to experience another warm day, with predominantly dry conditions in the morning, particularly along the coastal strip and in Paramaribo. Temperatures are expected to rise rapidly, reaching between 31 to 34 degrees Celsius by midday. The high humidity levels may make the weather feel even more oppressive. In the afternoon, localized rain and thunderstorms are likely, especially in the inland and savanna regions. These showers, though brief, could be intense, accompanied by thunder and gusty winds. Areas like Nickerie and Para might experience light rain earlier in the day. The coastal region is expected to remain mostly dry, though isolated showers inland cannot be ruled out. By late afternoon and evening, the chance of showers diminishes, and temperatures gradually drop to 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. Winds will be light to moderate, blowing from the east to northeast.

  • Cruise tourism: Puerto Plata surpasses 1.9 million visitors through September

    Cruise tourism: Puerto Plata surpasses 1.9 million visitors through September

    Puerto Plata’s Amber Cove and Taíno Bay maritime terminals have achieved a significant milestone, welcoming 1.9 million cruise passengers by September 2025. This accomplishment solidifies the province’s status as the Dominican Caribbean’s leading cruise destination. Despite a minor slowdown in growth during the latter part of the year, the terminals have demonstrated robust performance in attracting maritime tourists. In 2024, the terminals collectively hosted 2.6 million passengers, with projections for 2025 estimating between 2.6 and 2.7 million arrivals, maintaining the record-breaking figures of the previous year. A sector insider noted that the passenger numbers will remain close to past records, with only a marginal 4% difference, as growth has plateaued in recent months. Operated by Carnival Corporation and the ITM group, respectively, Amber Cove and Taíno Bay have become pivotal in revitalizing the northern region’s tourism economy, creating numerous jobs and generating substantial revenue. Puerto Plata, affectionately dubbed ‘The Bride of the Atlantic,’ continues to enhance its allure as a top Caribbean cruise destination, offering pristine beaches, captivating excursions, state-of-the-art port facilities, and the renowned hospitality of its people.