Carib Scope

博客

  • Strong UWI presence in inaugural Global Digital Infrastructure Fellowship

    Strong UWI presence in inaugural Global Digital Infrastructure Fellowship

    A major milestone for Caribbean digital development has emerged, as nearly three dozen individuals affiliated with the University of the West Indies (UWI) have been selected for the first-ever Resilient Global Digital Infrastructure (GDI) Fellowship. The achievement cements UWI’s growing reputation as a leading hub for digital innovation across the Caribbean region. Per an official press statement from the university, half of all Caribbean participants selected for the inaugural cohort have formal ties to UWI, a standout result drawn from a pool of hundreds of competitive regional applicants.

    Breaking down the successful selections, 16 are currently part of the UWI community: 10 undergraduate students, three postgraduate students, and three faculty and staff members. An additional four UWI graduates also earned coveted spots in this globally recognized professional development program.

    The Resilient GDI Fellowship is a collaborative initiative led by the SubOptic Foundation, in partnership with industry specialists and academic researchers from the University of California, Berkeley’s Global Digital Infrastructure program. Designed to bridge cross-sector knowledge gaps, the program brings together participants from a wide spectrum of academic and professional fields – including engineering, law, public policy, economics, media, and the social sciences. Over the course of the program, fellows will collaborate to explore frameworks for designing, governing, and reinforcing robust global digital infrastructure that meets long-term future needs.

    A core mission of the initiative is to build specialized local expertise in strategically critical regions like the Caribbean, where consistent, resilient digital connectivity has become an increasingly indispensable asset for social and economic progress. Sandrea Maynard, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs at UWI, emphasized the transformative role of digital infrastructure for the Caribbean.

    “Digital infrastructure is foundational to the future of our region. It underpins teaching and learning, research, innovation, governance, resilience, and economic development,” Maynard said. “UWI’s strong representation in this fellowship reflects both the quality of our people and the importance of investing in the systems and skills that will shape the Caribbean’s digital future.”

    Maynard added that the large contingent of UWI participants in the fellowship underscores the institution’s commitment to ensuring Caribbean voices, knowledge, and perspectives shape global conversations around digital infrastructure planning, digital sovereignty, and equitable sustainable development.

    After engaging with prospective fellows across the Caribbean, Iago Bojczuk, a Research Associate at UC Berkeley, praised the high calibre of regional applicants selected for the cohort. “The enthusiasm and knowledge that the Fellows have brought to the programme so far speak to the immense potential that exists across the Caribbean region,” Bojczuk said. “Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to meaningful connectivity demonstrate what is possible when emerging leaders are empowered to shape the future of global digital infrastructure. Their engagement highlights that resilience must be grounded in equity and sustainability—central pillars of our Global Digital Infrastructure Certificate.”

    Moving forward, the SubOptic Foundation and UC Berkeley GDI program team will guide participating fellows through a structured curriculum that combines targeted skills training, cross-regional collaborative projects, and hands-on applied research. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to strengthen the development of resilient, inclusive, future-ready digital infrastructure systems across the Caribbean and other strategically important regions. UWI closed its announcement by extending formal congratulations to all selected fellows and reaffirming its ongoing commitment to partnering with global institutions to advance Caribbean regional leadership in digital infrastructure, innovation, and technology development.

  • Shane David–Joseph, of Grenadian heritage, shines in world premiere of ‘Driftwood’

    Shane David–Joseph, of Grenadian heritage, shines in world premiere of ‘Driftwood’

    As Britain swelters through a record-breaking June heatwave, with temperatures hitting a new all-time June high of 36.7°C, London audiences are escaping the heat in air-conditioned comfort while diving into a searing, immersive tropical story at Kiln Theatre. The sold-out hit *Driftwood*, Trinidadian writer Martina Laird’s first professionally produced full-length drama, has been drawing packed houses to its world premiere run, which wraps up on July 4, 2026.

    Boasting a stellar cast led by *Bridgerton* star Martins Imhangbe, the play centers on Imhangbe’s character Diamond, a restless, resourceful man who travels from his rural hometown in Mayaro to Trinidad’s capital Port of Spain to confront Pearl, the mother who abandoned him as an infant. Set within the walls of ALMA, a gritty Port of Spain gentleman’s club that leans more into downtown rum shop energy than traditional British elite drinking culture, the venue doubles as the home of Pearl and her daughter Ruby. The aging Pearl spends most of her nights away at political rallies for independence leader Eric Williams, who would go on to become the first prime minister of independent Trinidad and Tobago, leaving the sharp, charismatic Ruby to host ALMA’s wealthy guests. Ruby, alongside her ally Seldom – an Indo-Trinidadian police officer with a penchant for off-the-books side work – runs clever honey traps for intoxicated foreign visitors… until Diamond’s unexpected arrival upends their fragile routine.

    Seldom, played by Grenadian-British actor Shane David-Joseph, emerges as the play’s quiet moral core, a charming, quick-witted figure who operates in gray areas but adheres to a quiet code of honor even as every other character pursues their own self-serving ends. David-Joseph, whose family roots span both sides of Grenada, shared what the role meant to him as an artist of Caribbean heritage: this marks the first time in his career he has gotten to bring a fully realized Caribbean character to a major UK stage, delivering lines in the regional patois he grew up hearing from his family, who moved to the UK as part of the Windrush generation. For David-Joseph, the opportunity to portray an Indo-Caribbean character – a group underrepresented in mainstream British media – makes the role even more meaningful.

    “I am honoured to be playing Seldom, in Martina Laird’s wonderful play *Driftwood*. This is the first time in my career I’ve had the opportunity to bring a Caribbean character to life on stage. And it feels great. To speak these words and phrases that I’ve been blessed to hear all my life, on a stage in the UK is amazing. On top of this, being able to portray someone from the Indo-Caribbean community, a community that doesn’t always get depicted in mainstream media, is also wonderful. I hope I’ve done my family, Grenada, and the whole of the Caribbean community proud,” David-Joseph said.

    Beyond its intimate family drama, *Driftwood* layers in sharp geopolitical commentary that echoes modern Caribbean politics. When American soldier Tom, invited to ALMA by Diamond, convinces Diamond to let him install undisclosed “equipment” in the venue’s back room – a move that echoes the 2025 agreement by the Trinidad and Tobago government to allow U.S. military radar installation at Tobago’s airport, and the widespread public protests that greeted a similar U.S. request in Grenada late last year.

    Laird, who wrote the script years before these real-world events, cleverly frames ALMA as a metaphor for colonial Trinidad itself, with the property still owned by a British elder who reaps all its profits, mirroring colonial extraction. Tom’s cozy relationship with the British landowner nods to the U.S.-UK “special relationship” that has long shaped geopolitics in the Caribbean, and the play’s slow unspooling of disaster from the secret equipment serves as a quiet warning about the dangers of foreign powers using Caribbean nations as their backyard, echoing the Monroe Doctrine without ever naming it explicitly.

    Produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company in partnership with Kiln Theatre, after an initial run at RSC’s The Other Place in Stratford-Upon-Avon, *Driftwood* has earned universal acclaim for its sharp writing, flawless ensemble performances, and incisive blend of personal and political storytelling. The run closes on July 4, 2026 – a date that carries its own irony, coming on the U.S.’s 250th Independence Day, making it a particularly timely must-see for audiences of all backgrounds, from Caribbean communities in London to American and British visitors eager to engage with a nuanced, unflinching take on Caribbean history and its ongoing legacy.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Senegal haalt uit tegen Irak en houdt WK-droom levend

    Derde helft WK 2026: Senegal haalt uit tegen Irak en houdt WK-droom levend

    After two underwhelming opening defeats in their 2026 World Cup group stage campaign, Senegal bounced back in spectacular fashion on June 26, dismantling Iraq by a 5-0 margin to breathe new life into their knockout stage hopes. The African side delivered a statement performance that answered growing critics after back-to-back losses to France and Norway, putting in a dominant display that showcased their attacking firepower to the world.

    The match got off to a blistering start for Senegal, who broke the deadlock as early as the 4th minute. Midfielder H. Diarra slotted home the opening goal after a well-crafted build-up play from winger A. Seck, putting Iraq on the back foot from the opening whistle. Iraq’s hopes of a competitive result suffered a catastrophic blow just nine minutes later, when defender R. Sulaka was shown a straight red card, leaving his side down to 10 men against a far more threatening Senegal side.

    With a numerical advantage, Senegal gradually took control of possession and territory, but could only add one goal to their tally in the first half, going into the halftime break with a narrow 1-0 lead. That narrow margin quickly exploded into an unassailable advantage after the interval, as Senegal opened the floodgates against their tiring 10-man opponents. I. Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute, and just three minutes later, P. Gueye fired home a third to put the result beyond any doubt. Gueye struck again in the 71st minute to make it 4-0, and Senegal rounded off the scoring late on to seal a comprehensive 5-0 victory.

    For Iraq, the defeat brings an early and disappointing end to their World Cup journey. The side struggled to cope with Senegal’s relentless pressure from the opening minutes, and after Sulaka’s early red card, the match became a battle to limit the damage rather than compete for three points. Even so, Iraq’s participation in the tournament carried broader meaning beyond the result, representing a nation for which football has long been a source of collective joy and identity far beyond the sport itself.

    For Senegal, the lopsided win is far more than just a final group stage confidence boost. The African side finished the group stage with three points from three matches, and the five-goal haul drastically improved their goal difference, putting them firmly in contention for one of the best third-placed spots that secure progression to the knockout round. Beyond the table standings, the dominant win allowed Senegal to restore pride after two tough opening matches, proving they still retain the pace, physical strength, and attacking quality that made them a feared side entering the tournament. Now, after doing everything they could to secure their place, Senegal will wait to see if their improved goal difference is enough to see them advance to the next stage of the competition.

  • Monorath: Door Jones aangehaalde zaak ligt bij JIT onder gezag van Openbaar Ministerie

    Monorath: Door Jones aangehaalde zaak ligt bij JIT onder gezag van Openbaar Ministerie

    A routine budget debate in Suriname’s National Assembly was thrown into disarray Wednesday afternoon after an opposition parliamentarian brought forward explosive corruption allegations against the country’s police anti-corruption unit, triggering a temporary suspension of proceedings and a formal commitment from the justice minister to deliver a full update to lawmakers early next week.

    NDP Member of Parliament Ebu Jones claimed during the debate that he held concrete evidence of wrongdoing by the Corruption Investigation Unit (COT) of the Suriname Police Corps, forcing Assembly Speaker Ashwin Adhin to suspend the meeting to allow Minister of Justice and Police Harish Monorath time to verify Jones’ claims. When the session resumed after the break, Monorath clarified a key point of jurisdiction that undermines the core of Jones’ immediate allegations: the specific case Jones referenced is not being handled by the COT at all.

    Instead, the case falls under the purview of the Judicial Intervention Team (JIT), a specialized investigative unit that operates under the direct authority of the Public Prosecution Service (OM), not the national police. This jurisdictional split means the COT does not have direct access to updates on the case’s progress, Monorath explained. “The JIT falls under the Public Prosecution Service and is overseen by the prosecutor-general, so the COT does not hold direct information on the processing and conclusion of the referenced case,” the minister stated.

    Monorath further acknowledged long-standing challenges within the Suriname Police Corps that the government is actively working to address. “We have stated on multiple occasions that we are grappling with serious integrity issues within the force,” he said. “We work every day to restructure the corps so that it becomes safer and healthier from the inside out.” While police hold responsibility for investigating criminal offenses, prosecution of those cases falls to the Public Prosecution Service and the prosecutor-general, he added, outlining the clear separation of duties in the country’s justice system.

    Following the minister’s initial clarification, NDP parliamentary leader Rabin Parmessar proposed that Monorath coordinate with the Public Prosecution Service over the weekend to gather full details on the case, then present a comprehensive update to the National Assembly on Monday. Parmessar noted that the allegations directly impact public and parliamentary trust in corruption investigation and prosecution processes, making full transparency a critical priority. Monorath accepted the proposal, confirming that the government will continue its fact-finding over the coming days and provide lawmakers with as detailed a brief as possible on Monday.

    After receiving this formal commitment, Assembly Speaker Adhin ordered the resumption of the suspended budget debate, and requested that Jones set aside further discussion of the allegations until the government delivers its findings to the legislature.

  • Jones beschuldigt anti-corruptie-unit van corruptie; DNA geschorst voor onderzoek

    Jones beschuldigt anti-corruptie-unit van corruptie; DNA geschorst voor onderzoek

    A dramatic bombshell dropped during Suriname’s National Assembly budget debate on June 26, forcing an immediate suspension of proceedings after opposition NDP member of parliament Ebu Jones leveled serious corruption allegations against a serving officer in the Suriname Police Force’s anti-corruption unit.

    Jones told the plenary that he holds concrete evidence proving the senior unit official demanded a $7,000 bribe from a local entrepreneur in exchange for dropping an active investigation into alleged corruption at the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV). The lawmaker emphasized he did not make the accusation lightly, confirming he has secured audio recordings, screenshot evidence, voice messages, and an official police report numbered 131/2025 to back up his claims. A report against the officer has already been filed with authorities, Jones added, and despite the formal complaint, the implicated official remains on active duty within the anti-corruption unit. “When I speak, I do not speak without basis,” Jones told the assembled parliamentarians.

    Following the explosive allegations, Assembly Speaker Ashwin Adhin pushed Jones to confirm he would hand over all supporting evidence to the government for investigation, which the lawmaker agreed to do. Jones noted that relevant authorities already have access to the materials related to the complaint.

    Responding on behalf of the Suriname government, Minister André Misiekaba called the allegations far-reaching and stressed the administration cannot ignore claims of misconduct within a key police anti-corruption body. He urged Jones to immediately transfer all evidence to the government, while drawing a clear distinction: even if one officer is found to have acted improperly, this does not mean the entire anti-corruption unit is corrupt. Misiekaba confirmed that Minister of Justice and Police Kenneth Amoksi has already received an immediate order to launch a verification of all information Jones presented.

    After confirming Jones had shared sufficient concrete detail to warrant a full formal investigation, Speaker Adhin approved a proposal from the National Assembly to suspend the ongoing budget debate. The suspension gives the government time to complete its probe, with an official response expected when the budget debate resumes at a later point, expected during the same parliamentary sitting.

  • Forest Department Sets Deadline for Logging Season

    Forest Department Sets Deadline for Logging Season

    A key regulatory update has emerged from Belize’s forest management sector, with the Belize Forest Department officially locking in July 15, 2026 as the final closing date for the 2025–2026 commercial logging season. Once this deadline passes, all logging-related activities—including tree felling, timber harvesting, log hauling and the transportation of all processed timber products that fall under currently issued permits and licenses—must come to a complete halt.

    To help logging operators prepare for the seasonal closure and avoid penalties for non-compliance, the Forest Department has issued a series of clear reminders outlining mandatory requirements for any approved log transportation that takes place before the July 15 cutoff. Every load of timber moved before the deadline must meet three core conditions: it must be accompanied by a valid official waybill, every log must be clearly marked on both ends with the operator’s registered property brand and the official hammer stamp issued by the Forest Department, and each individual load must possess a separate, valid “Permission to Haul” authorization.

    The department has also clarified the process for submitting hauling permission requests: all applications must be filed through the corresponding local Forest Department range offices. Each request will undergo individual case-by-case review, and approval is not guaranteed as a default. To ensure full adherence to regulatory standards, authorized inspectors reserve the right to conduct on-site field inspections at any time to verify that operations comply with all licensing terms, confirm that all required royalty payments have been completed in full, and confirm that all other regulatory requirements are met.

    In addition to the seasonal closure mandate, the Forest Department has issued a new policy update regarding small-scale logging permits: no new petty permits for logging activities on private or leased lands will be issued after the July 15 deadline. The agency also emphasized that any transportation of forest products harvested under existing petty permits will be strictly prohibited after the closing date, with enforcement measures in place to crack down on unauthorized activity.

  • Cultural Division to unveil 2026 Miss Wob Dwiyet contestants on July 1

    Cultural Division to unveil 2026 Miss Wob Dwiyet contestants on July 1

    One of Dominica’s most cherished cultural celebrations is gearing up for its 2026 iteration, with the official countdown to the Miss Wob Dwiyet pageant set to kick off with the public introduction of this year’s competing candidates.

    A recent official press statement from the Cultural Division under Dominica’s Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development confirmed that the 2026 delegate reveal will be hosted as a custom-produced online premiere, launching at 6:00 PM local time on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

    The event, arranged through a partnership between the Cultural Division and the National Cultural Council, will deliver a pre-recorded showcase introducing all five contestants alongside the first public release of their official portraits. Fans across the globe and local audiences will be able to stream the premiere free of charge via the Cultural Division’s official Facebook page, as well as through broadcast and digital platforms of selected local media partners.

    This public unveiling serves as the formal starting line for the 2026 Miss Wob Dwiyet competition, marking the first chance for Dominica’s public to connect with the young women vying for one of the island nation’s most respected and prominent cultural titles.

    Per the Cultural Division, the online reveal format is structured to center the core values that have defined the pageant for decades: the effortless elegance, unshakable confidence, and deep cultural pride that each candidate brings to the competition. It also sets the stage for each delegate’s months-long journey of preparation and community engagement leading up to the final coronation event.

    The months-long competition will conclude on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, when the current titleholder, Miss Wob Dwiyet 2025 ZebadiJah Maxwell, will step down from her role and place the crown on her successor.

    As a long-standing pillar of Dominica’s cultural calendar, the pageant gives contestants a platform to highlight the natural beauty, ancestral heritage, and living traditions that make the island nation unique. For organizers, the competition remains a critical vehicle for preserving and amplifying Dominica’s distinct cultural identity for new generations.

    In closing, the Cultural Division has issued an open invitation to all Dominicans at home and abroad to tune into the online reveal, join in welcoming the 2026 cohort of contestants, and take part in opening a new chapter of celebrating the island’s deep-rooted traditions and the lasting legacy of the iconic Miss Wob Dwiyet Pageant.

  • Lau: Suriname heeft geen geldprobleem, maar een uitvoeringsprobleem

    Lau: Suriname heeft geen geldprobleem, maar een uitvoeringsprobleem

    As Suriname stands on the cusp of a transformative new era driven by upcoming offshore oil and gas production, a senior Surinamese lawmaker has urged the nation to strengthen its administrative and policy delivery capabilities long before revenue starts flowing in. Jeffrey Lau, a member of the National Assembly from the National Party of Suriname (NPS) and part of the influential Committee of Rapporteurs, outlined his stance during the second round of national budget deliberations on June 26.

    Lau emphasized that Suriname is currently at a historic crossroads, with projected oil and gas revenues unlocking unprecedented opportunities for national development. But he pushed back against the common assumption that natural resource wealth alone will deliver long-term, sustainable growth. Contrary to the narrative that oil development only begins when commercial extraction starts, Lau argued that the foundation of Suriname’s oil economy is being built right now, through the policy choices and budget decisions the country makes today.

    A core warning from the lawmaker centered on the misallocation of future oil earnings: he stressed that incoming resource revenues should not be used to patch up long-standing, unresolved fiscal and structural problems. Instead, Suriname must prioritize strategic investments in three foundational areas: robust public institutions, transparent and effective governance, and long-term human capital development.

    On the current state of governance, Lau acknowledged that Suriname has already put in place key legal and regulatory frameworks to improve public financial management, including the Accounting Act and the legal structure for the country’s Savings and Stabilization Fund. Even with these structural advances in place, however, the country continues to struggle with consistent, effective policy implementation. “Suriname does not primarily face a money problem – it faces an implementation problem,” Lau explained. “We have already put together plans, passed legislation, and drafted policy documents, but what society demands and deserves is tangible results.”

    To address this gap, Lau called for the Surinamese government to adopt a more professional, efficient, and results-focused working culture. He also noted that the National Assembly retains a critical oversight role, requiring lawmakers to continue monitoring policy delivery with rigorous, critical scrutiny.

    Transparency and public accountability were another key focus of Lau’s remarks. He highlighted persistent transparency failures in the public and parastatal sectors, pointing to the Suriname Airways (SLM) as a prominent example: the state-owned airline has not published a full annual financial report for multiple consecutive years. Lau argued that the national government must enforce requirements for state-owned entities to submit timely financial disclosures, so that both parliament and the general public can oversee how public funds are being used.

    In closing, Lau stressed that oil revenues should be treated as a tool for development, not an end goal in themselves. The long-term future of Suriname will not be determined by how much crude oil the country extracts from its offshore reserves, but by how the proceeds from that extraction are invested to improve public welfare. Key priority areas for investment, he said, should include education, public healthcare, national infrastructure, and institutional capacity building.

    “The true wealth of a nation does not lie beneath its soil – it lies in its people,” Lau emphasized. “History will not judge us by how much oil we discover. It will judge us by what we build with that resource.”

  • Mira Millions: Defence Minister Florencio Marin Deflects Questions

    Mira Millions: Defence Minister Florencio Marin Deflects Questions

    A growing public corruption probe centered on millions in questionable government contract payments has put Belize’s top defense official in the hot seat, with Florencio Marin Jr., the country’s Minister of National Defence and Border Security, repeatedly declining to answer key questions about the ongoing investigation. Dubbed the ‘Mira Millions’ probe, the inquiry focuses on a series of contracts awarded during the tenure of former State Minister Oscar Mira, whose family members have been linked to several of the deals at the heart of the scandal.

    When pressed repeatedly by reporters from News 5 for clarity on whether taxpayers actually received the goods, services and completed construction work the government already paid for under these contracts, Marin refused to confirm or deny the delivery of contracted work. Instead, the sitting minister has repeatedly deferred all comment to the Office of the Auditor General, which is currently conducting the official 90-day investigation into the irregular payments.

    “I am prepared to speak, but please, let’s have the audit finished first,” Marin told reporters on the record. “Right now it is ongoing, and I believe it’s prudent that we reserve our comments to when that comes up.” This consistent line of deferral applied to every question posed by reporters, including inquiries into whether Marin or Mira had been notified of repeated large payments directed to the same small group of vendors, and whether the final audit report should be released fully to the public. All questions were pushed back to the independent auditor.

    Marin also declined to take a position on a proposed policy change that would raise the $10,000 contracting threshold for public bidding requirements. This stance puts him at odds with fellow cabinet minister Andre Perez, who has publicly argued that raising the threshold makes practical sense from a business perspective.

    The investigation was sparked after leaked internal Smart Stream procurement records obtained by News 5 revealed that more than $9.4 million in taxpayer-funded government payments are now under scrutiny. Multiple contracts tied to the probe have been connected to immediate family members of the former minister Oscar Mira. For his part, Mira has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that all tender processes were managed independently and that he never exerted influence over procurement decisions. In a public statement, Mira insisted he “had no say” in how the contracts were awarded.

    As the Auditor General’s inquiry moves forward, the public remains waiting for answers on how millions in public funds were allocated, and whether any misappropriation or improper influence occurred in the contracting process.

  • Thea Lafond Gadson breaks national record with historic triple jump victory in Croatia

    Thea Lafond Gadson breaks national record with historic triple jump victory in Croatia

    Dominican triple jump star and reigning Olympic gold medalist Thea Lafond Gadson has added another landmark achievement to her already storied athletic career, claiming top honors at the World Athletics Continental Tour Golden Meeting in Zagreb, Croatia Friday while rewriting multiple record books. Competing against a field of elite international jumpers, Lafond Gadson delivered her career-defining leap on her sixth and final attempt of the competition, launching herself 15.25 meters to take the win. This stunning distance not only betters the 15.02-meter Dominican national record she set at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, but also clinches the world’s leading jump mark for the current 2026 season and marks a new personal best for the athlete, according to updates shared by Panam Sports via its official Facebook page. Beyond the national and seasonal accolades, the jump also shattered the previous meeting record for the Zagreb WACT Golden event, and pushed Lafond Gadson into an exclusive group: she now ranks among the top 10 women’s triple jump athletes in world history for the longest recorded jumps. As first reported via the Rice Man Facebook page, which shared details of the groundbreaking performance, this latest win solidifies Lafond Gadson’s standing as one of the most formidable triple jump competitors on the global circuit. More than a personal victory, the historic leap marks another high-profile moment of pride for the small Caribbean nation of Dominica, which continues to see its name elevated on the international athletics stage thanks to Lafond Gadson’s consistent, world-class performances.