Carib Scope

标签： Antigua and Barbuda

安提瓜和巴布达

  • Rai Benjamin leads youth athletics clinic at YASCO Sports Complex

    Rai Benjamin leads youth athletics clinic at YASCO Sports Complex

    Olympic hurdling champion Rai Benjamin has commended the vibrant energy displayed by emerging talents during an intensive training clinic held at YASCO Sports Complex on December 29, 2025. The specialized event provided a platform for promising athletes to gain firsthand experience under the guidance of Benjamin and his elite training consortium.

    The clinic commenced with an interactive meet-and-greet session, allowing participants to engage directly with the Olympic medalist and his team members. Following introductory exchanges, attendees participated in a meticulously structured warm-up routine preparing them for subsequent activities.

    A rotational circuit training format exposed athletes to diverse disciplines specifically crafted to enhance velocity, explosive power, and technical proficiency. Training modules incorporated plyometric conditioning, precision block start techniques, long jump form refinement, hurdle navigation drills, and seamless relay baton exchanges.

    Event coordinators emphasized the program’s dual objective: introducing adolescent athletes to elite performance methodologies while instilling essential values of disciplined practice and collaborative teamwork. The clinic concluded with participants receiving professional athletic equipment gifted by the Olympians, symbolizing both the culmination of the event and the continuation of their athletic journeys.

    This initiative represents a strategic component within broader efforts to foster youth development through sports engagement, creating inspirational connections between aspiring athletes and world-class competitors to strengthen track and field’s future landscape.

  • West Indies name squad for ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2026

    West Indies name squad for ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2026

    Cricket West Indies has officially revealed its 15-member Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 squad set to compete in the prestigious 2026 ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup across Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6, 2026.

    The selection represents the culmination of an extensive talent identification process that evaluated performances throughout regional competitions and critical international preparatory series. The young squad demonstrated exceptional form by securing consecutive series victories against formidable opponents—defeating England 5-2 in a recent Grenada-hosted Youth ODI series and overcoming Sri Lanka 4-3 in August-September encounters.

    Leadership duties fall upon top-order batter Joshua Dorne, whose appointment as captain recognizes his outstanding performances across both regional circuits and youth international fixtures. Supporting him as vice-captain is all-rounder Jonathan van Lange, forming a strategic leadership duo.

    The squad boasts significant international experience with several players having previously represented West Indies at youth level. Notably, Jewel Andrew brings valuable insight from the 2024 edition and has already made history as the youngest player to represent the senior team in both T20Is and ODIs.

    CWI’s High Performance Manager Dwain Gill emphasized the strategic approach behind squad selection: “This group emerges from a deliberate, well-structured preparation and evaluation process. We meticulously monitored performances in Under-17 and Under-19 regional competitions, prioritizing identification of players with specialized skills and the adaptability essential for international cricket.”

    Gill expressed confidence in the selected team, stating: “The outcome is a balanced and competitive squad, optimally positioned to excel at the Under-19 World Cup while contributing meaningfully to West Indies cricket’s long-term future.”

    The team’s core strength draws from experienced players including Zachary Carter, Matthew Miller, Jakeem Pollard, Shaquan Belle, and Vitel Lawes—all instrumental in the recent home series triumphs. Emerging talents Micah McKenzie and Shamar Apple have secured their positions following impressive debuts in senior competitions and late-series inclusions against England.

    West Indies will contest Group D matches against South Africa, Afghanistan, and Tanzania at Windhoek’s High-Performance Oval. Preparatory warm-up matches against Ireland and Japan are scheduled for January 10 and 13 respectively. The tournament structure will see top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six phase, culminating in semi-finals on February 3-4 and the championship final at Harare Sports Club on February 6.

    Full Squad: Joshua Dorne (captain), Jewel Andrew, Shamar Apple, Shaquan Belle, Zachary Carter, Tanez Francis, R’jai Gittens, Vitel Lawes, Micah McKenzie, Matthew Miller, Isra-el Morton, Jakeem Pollard, Aadian Racha, Kunal Tilokani, Jonathan Van Lange

    Reserves: Brendan Boodoo, Tyriek Bryan, Earsinho Fontaine, Deshawn James

    Management Team: Head Coach Rohan Nurse, Assistant Coaches Jerome Taylor and Nikita Miller, Physiotherapist Kwayne Dalrymple, Strength & Conditioning Coach Shayne Cooper, Team Doctor Dr. Dwain Archibald, Manager Clint St Hill

  • Report Claims Crucial Canadian Tourism To The Caribbean Is Down — Here’s Why That Matters

    Report Claims Crucial Canadian Tourism To The Caribbean Is Down — Here’s Why That Matters

    A significant transformation in Canadian travel behavior is creating substantial economic headwinds for Caribbean destinations, according to industry analysis. Recent data reveals a pronounced decline in Canadian visitors across multiple Caribbean nations throughout 2025, with decreases ranging from moderate to severe depending on the location.

    Industry publication Travel and Tour World documented substantial reductions in Canadian arrivals, with Dominica experiencing the most dramatic downturn at 36.5% fewer visitors during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Other affected destinations include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, all reporting declines between 1.5% and 18%. The trend extends to St. Vincent, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Bonaire, and Anguilla, confirming a regional pattern rather than isolated incidents.

    Multiple factors contribute to this tourism redistribution. Canadian travelers are demonstrating altered preferences, increasingly selecting destinations beyond traditional American and Caribbean options. Economic considerations including domestic inflation pressures and cost-saving measures have made expensive vacation packages less appealing. Additionally, political developments in the United States following the 2025 presidential inauguration have further influenced Canadian travel decisions regarding neighboring destinations.

    The timing presents particular challenges for Caribbean economies that traditionally rely on Canadian visitors seeking warm-weather retreats during winter months. Despite successful recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa in October 2025—Jamaica notably welcomed 300,000 visitors post-hurricane—residual caution appears to persist among some travelers.

    This tourism redistribution carries significant implications for Caribbean hospitality sectors and regional economies. Industry observers are monitoring whether decreased demand from Canadian travelers might result in more competitive pricing for other visitor demographics or alternatively trigger economic challenges for tourism-dependent communities. The long-term adaptation strategies that Caribbean destinations employ to attract Canadian visitors back to the region remain under careful observation.

  • Beyoncé declared the fifth billionaire musician by Forbes

    Beyoncé declared the fifth billionaire musician by Forbes

    Forbes has officially designated global music icon Beyoncé as a billionaire, positioning her as the fifth musical artist to reach this elite financial threshold. The publication’s Monday report confirms her membership in an exclusive club that includes Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and her husband Jay-Z.

    This financial milestone arrives following an extraordinary period in the entertainer’s groundbreaking career. Her country album “Cowboy Carter,” released in 2024, earned the industry’s highest honor at the 2025 Grammy Awards where she secured Album of the Year. This achievement simultaneously established her as the first Black woman to receive the Best Country Album award.

    With an unprecedented 35 Grammy victories from 99 nominations, Beyoncé stands as the most decorated artist in the award ceremony’s history. This tally includes accolades received during her tenure with Destiny’s Child, the chart-dominating female ensemble that propelled her initial rise to fame.

    The commercial success of her “Cowboy Carter Tour” proved monumental, generating over $400 million in revenue according to Live Nation data reported by Reuters. This figure represents the highest-grossing country music tour ever documented.

    Billboard recognized her enduring influence by naming her the 21st century’s “greatest pop star” in 2024, acknowledging her quarter-century of cultural impact and artistic evolution. Her 2023 “Renaissance World Tour” demonstrated this influence practically, with BeyHive fans creating economic impacts so significant in Stockholm that economists noted the tour temporarily moderated Sweden’s declining inflation rates through increased tourism spending.

    Beyond musical accomplishments, Beyoncé has constructed a multifaceted business portfolio including successful clothing and hair care collections. Her expansion into the beverage sector features a whisky brand honoring her great-grandfather, SirDavis, contributing substantially to her financial growth.

    Her journey to icon status began in the early 1990s with television appearances on “Star Search” as part of Girls Tyme. The subsequent formation of Destiny’s Child established one of history’s best-selling female groups. Earlier this year, Beyoncé reunited with former bandmates Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland during her Las Vegas performance, highlighting her ongoing connections to her musical origins.

    Since the group’s 2001 hiatus, her solo career has produced critically acclaimed albums beginning with 2003’s “Dangerously in Love,” which secured five Grammy Awards. Her historic 2018 Coachella performance made her the first woman of color to headline the festival, preceding her 2023 overtaking of conductor Georg Solti as the most awarded artist in Grammy history.

  • US Lawmakers Condemn Trump Administration Proposal Targeting Caribbean and Immigrant Families

    US Lawmakers Condemn Trump Administration Proposal Targeting Caribbean and Immigrant Families

    A coalition of U.S. lawmakers has launched a forceful condemnation against a Trump administration proposal that would fundamentally alter immigration sponsorship rules for Caribbean nationals and other immigrant families. The controversial measure, currently in the public comment period, seeks to expand the definition of ‘public charge’—a longstanding immigration provision used to deny entry to those likely to depend on government assistance.

    The proposed rule would require immigration officials to evaluate whether visa applicants have used, or are likely to use, an expanded range of public benefits including nutrition assistance, Medicaid, and housing vouchers. Critics argue this would disproportionately affect families from Caribbean nations and other developing regions where economic circumstances might make applicants more vulnerable to such scrutiny.

    Congressional opponents from both parties have expressed grave concerns that the policy would effectively create a wealth-based immigration system, penalizing low-income families and potentially causing millions to forgo essential public services due to immigration-related fears. The lawmakers’ statement emphasized that the proposal contradicts fundamental American values of family unity and opportunity.

    The administration maintains the changes would protect taxpayers and ensure immigrants are self-sufficient, but legal experts note the proposal represents the most significant expansion of public charge criteria in decades, potentially affecting over half of all family-based green card applicants annually.

  • US strikes vessel in eastern Pacific, killing 2

    US strikes vessel in eastern Pacific, killing 2

    In a recent escalation of its counter-narcotics campaign, the United States military conducted a lethal strike against a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday. According to US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the operation resulted in the deaths of two individuals aboard the target vessel, with no casualties reported among US service members.

    This incident marks the latest action under Operation Southern Spear, an aggressive initiative launched by the Trump administration to combat narcotics trafficking. The operation has now claimed at least 107 lives through strikes on suspected drug boats. The administration has classified those killed as ‘unlawful combatants,’ citing a classified Justice Department finding that purportedly authorizes lethal strikes without judicial oversight.

    The recent strike follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that US forces targeted a ‘big facility’ last week as part of its pressure campaign against Venezuela. Trump described the target as a dock area used for loading drugs onto boats, though no independent reports from Venezuela have confirmed the destruction of such a facility.

    The administration’s approach has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and some members of Congress, who question the legal basis and oversight of these operations. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has condemned US military activities in the Caribbean as ‘psychological terrorism’ and responded with legislation imposing severe penalties for supporting blockades or piracy.

  • ABCF Winter Chess Tournament 2025 Concludes Successfully in Falmouth Harbour

    ABCF Winter Chess Tournament 2025 Concludes Successfully in Falmouth Harbour

    The Antigua and Barbuda Chess Federation (ABCF) successfully hosted its Winter Chess Tournament 2025 on December 28th at the scenic Catamaran Hotel in Falmouth Harbour. The event transformed the hotel’s restaurant hall into a vibrant arena of intellectual competition, blending strategic gameplay with national celebration.

    The tournament’s significance was elevated by the distinguished presence of Their Excellencies Governor General Dr. Sir Rodney Williams, Lady Sandra Williams, and their son Brent. Their attendance underscored chess’s growing stature as both a competitive mind sport and a vital educational tool within the nation’s sporting landscape.

    Competition commenced with morning registration at 8:00 a.m., followed by the first round at 9:15 a.m. Players were divided into Rated and Unrated sections, creating an inclusive environment for seasoned competitors and newcomers alike. Three intense morning rounds were followed by refreshments before resuming for three additional afternoon rounds.

    Governor General Williams addressed participants, emphasizing chess’s profound role in cultivating discipline, strategic foresight, and resilience among youth. He advocated for greater institutional recognition of chess within national sports frameworks.

    ABCF President Dr. Hannibal M. Fleming announced the results, presiding over an awards ceremony that distributed medals, trophies, and educational prizes. Dr. Guillermo Alberto Queipo Caballero claimed victory in the Rated section, while Alberto Queipo Delgado dominated both the Unrated and Under-16 Junior divisions.

    The Federation further honored exceptional participants through special recognition awards: Jaheim Sebro (Most Improved Player), Ateila Bobb (Best Female Performance), Lucas Vanninen (Best Junior Performance Non-Podium), and Sydiann Challender (Sportsmanship and Fair Play Award).

    Organizational success was attributed to sponsors including Towing & Marine Services, Catamaran Hotel, Nova Wellness, Medical Outfitters Inc., Benjamin Bridge, and ARGO Critical Solutions. Key contributors included Event Organizer Christine Joseph, Chief Arbiter Chester Grant, Past President Seymore Smith, and Press & Media representative Julian Piper.

    The tournament concluded the Federation’s annual competitive calendar, reinforcing its commitment to expanding chess participation across all demographics while strengthening international engagement opportunities.

  • Two recipients accept the Halo Foundation Guiding Light Award for uniformed bodies

    Two recipients accept the Halo Foundation Guiding Light Award for uniformed bodies

    In a distinguished ceremony recognizing exceptional youth leadership, Joshua Roberts and Kerisha Sweeney were formally invested as the 2025 laureates of the prestigious Guiding Light Awards. Their Excellencies Sir Rodney and Lady Williams, representing the Halo Foundation, presented the honorees with commemorative medals and official certificates during the proceedings.

    The awards event, now in its fourth year since establishment in 2022, has created an exclusive cohort of exemplary young citizens who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to community values. Both recipients were formally charged with continuing their roles as inspirational figures among their contemporaries, embodying the core principles of selfless service and leadership excellence.

    In his ceremonial address, Sir Rodney Williams emphasized the profound significance of the recognition. “Transcending one’s designated responsibilities represents the genuine measure of character,” the Governor-General stated, articulating the award’s foundational philosophy. He further revealed that the initiative originated from Lady Williams’s vision to illuminate and honor the substantial contributions made by the nation’s uniformed youth organizations.

    The celebration was attended by family members of both awardees alongside prominent organizational leadership, including Girl Guides Commissioner Suzette Spencer-Burton and Scout Commissioner Patricia Salmon. Selection of recipients remains the exclusive prerogative of the participating youth institutions, maintaining the integrity of the recognition process.

  • Americans in 1998 tried to predict 2025. Here’s what they got right

    Americans in 1998 tried to predict 2025. Here’s what they got right

    As 2025 draws to a close, archival polling data from the Roper Center at Cornell University offers a fascinating window into the collective psyche of late-20th century America. The year was 1998—President Bill Clinton faced impeachment proceedings, ‘Titanic’ dominated the Oscars, and landline phones remained household staples. It was against this backdrop that Gallup and USA Today surveyed 1,055 Americans about their visions for the distant future year of 2025.

    The results reveal a remarkable blend of prescient foresight and optimistic miscalculation. A majority of respondents accurately predicted the election of a Black president, the legalization of gay marriage, and the emergence of a deadly new disease—all realities of contemporary America. Conversely, most expressed appropriate skepticism about the commercialization of space travel or contact with extraterrestrial life.

    Yet the forecast contained significant overestimations. Approximately two-thirds anticipated a female president by 2025, while more than half expected a definitive cancer cure and 61% projected routine centenarian lifespans—advancements that remain unrealized.

    The survey uncovered profound societal pessimism regarding class divisions and civil liberties. Seventy percent predicted improved quality of life for the wealthy, but respondents were divided on middle-class prospects and overwhelmingly anticipated worsening conditions for the poor. Nearly 80% foresaw diminished personal privacy, 57% expected reduced personal freedom, and majorities predicted higher crime rates, environmental degradation, and declining moral values. Seventy-one percent believed it would be harder to raise children with strong character.

    Isolated bright spots included expectations of improved race relations and greater medical care availability, albeit with concerns about affordability.

    Comparing longitudinal data reveals a stark decline in national optimism. Where 60% of Americans expressed satisfaction with the country’s direction in 1998, Gallup’s contemporary measurements show that figure has plummeted to just 24%—highlighting a dramatic shift in the American outlook over the past quarter-century.

  • LETTER: Airport Security Exercise Failure

    LETTER: Airport Security Exercise Failure

    A recent security assessment at a major international airport has uncovered alarming deficiencies in passenger screening protocols, raising serious concerns about aviation safety preparedness. The simulated security exercise, designed to test the effectiveness of detection systems, resulted in a staggering failure rate as prohibited items successfully bypassed checkpoint controls.

    According to internal documents reviewed by security analysts, undercover operatives participating in the drill repeatedly penetrated security layers with mock dangerous objects. The exercise, conducted under realistic operational conditions, revealed multiple points of vulnerability in both technological systems and human screening procedures.

    Aviation security experts have expressed profound concern over the findings, noting that the identified weaknesses could potentially be exploited by malicious actors. The failure comes amid increased global security alerts and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by transportation security agencies worldwide.

    The airport authority has acknowledged the exercise results and immediately initiated a comprehensive review of all security protocols. Emergency briefings have been conducted with screening staff, and additional training sessions have been mandated across all shifts. Technological upgrades to scanning equipment are now being accelerated, with implementation expected within the coming quarter.

    This incident has prompted broader discussions within the aviation security community about the need for more frequent and rigorous testing protocols. International aviation authorities are monitoring the situation closely, as the findings may have implications for security standards globally.