Carib Scope

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  • ‘Gunman’ chases taxi whose driver suffered seizure on Ariapita Avenue

    ‘Gunman’ chases taxi whose driver suffered seizure on Ariapita Avenue

    A medical emergency escalated into a dramatic public safety incident on Ariapita Avenue in Port of Spain Monday morning when a taxi driver suffered a sudden seizure while operating his vehicle. The 63-year-old driver lost control of his white Nissan AD wagon around 9:30 am, colliding with five vehicles in successive impacts that created chaotic scenes along the busy thoroughfare.

    The situation intensified when one of the struck vehicle owners—a legally armed individual—drew his licensed firearm and pursued the errant taxi on foot. This response, while intended to intercept the seemingly reckless driver, inadvertently triggered public panic as bystanders misinterpreted the armed chase as an active shooting scenario. Multiple emergency calls reported a gunman pursuing a vehicle, prompting a tactical police response.

    Heavily armed officers from the Port of Spain Task Force mobilized rapidly under the presumption of an ongoing armed incident. Upon arrival, they discovered the true nature of the emergency: the taxi had come to rest on Scott Bushe Street with both occupants assisted by civilians. Passers-by had extracted the non-responsive driver and his 51-year-old female passenger, placing them in recovery positions in a nearby preschool driveway.

    The crisis highlighted both community compassion and systemic challenges. Brent Lee, a local worker certified in first aid, provided critical medical stabilization to both victims. He revealed the driver had been fasting since 3:30 that morning and experienced memory loss surrounding the incident. Lee’s intervention proved vital during the agonizing 80-minute wait for emergency medical services, with ambulines delayed at Port of Spain General Hospital.

    In the aftermath, Lee advocated for widespread first aid education, sharing his personal experience with his father’s fatal heart attack. His testimony underscored the vital importance of immediate medical response capabilities within communities, emphasizing that professional help cannot always arrive promptly during critical emergencies.

  • Central Trinidad man loses appeal for kidnapping, robbery of call centre employee in 2000

    Central Trinidad man loses appeal for kidnapping, robbery of call centre employee in 2000

    A Central Trinidad man convicted for his involvement in a brutal 2000 kidnapping and robbery case has commenced his prison term after the Court of Appeal dismissed his challenge against conviction and sentence. Anderson Bonaparte, who remained on bail since August 2023 during appellate proceedings, was returned to custody on December 1 to serve his revised term of just over ten years, with credit applied for time previously spent in remand.

    Bonaparte faced convictions in November 2022 for kidnapping, false imprisonment, and aggravated robbery stemming from the November 2000 incident. The trial had resulted in acquittals on rape and assault-with-intent-to-rob charges after then-High Court Judge Carla Brown-Antoine upheld a no-case submission on those counts.

    In his appeal, Bonaparte contended through his attorney Peter Carter that the trial judge improperly directed the jury on offense elements, effectively usurping their deliberative function. He further challenged the admission of evidence regarding co-accused Owusu Williams’ guilty plea and claimed prejudice from jury exposure to dismissed charges.

    The appellate panel comprising Justices Charmaine Pemberton, Gillian Lucky, and Vasheist Kokaram rejected all grounds. While identifying a sentencing calculation error that reduced Bonaparte’s penalties for false imprisonment and aggravated robbery by one year each, the court maintained the ten-year kidnapping sentence.

    Justice Pemberton utilized the ruling to delineate judicial responsibilities, emphasizing that prosecutors must respect accused persons’ rights while defense counsel should vigorously challenge state evidence without compromising systemic integrity. The court specifically commended trial judge Brown-Antoine for her comprehensive jury directions.

    The case originated from the abduction of a call center employee and two coworkers awaiting transport in Chaguaramas. While the coworkers escaped, the victim was forced into Bonaparte’s hired car at weapon-point by Williams and accomplices, blindfolded, transported to Central Trinidad where she was sexually assaulted by multiple perpetrators, and abandoned in Cunupia. Bonaparte’s girlfriend subsequently alerted police, leading to the victim’s rescue.

  • Parliament committee questions Eximbank over potential forex abuse

    Parliament committee questions Eximbank over potential forex abuse

    A parliamentary hearing on December 1st revealed significant vulnerabilities within the national foreign exchange allocation framework, with the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) uncovering how systemic weaknesses enable importers to exploit the system through ‘double-dipping’ practices.

    During the intense scrutiny before the committee, Eximbank executive Navin Dookeran detailed the institution’s verification protocols for pharmaceutical importers, emphasizing their multi-layered approach. The bank’s pharmaceutical facility, serving approximately 30 companies, employs comprehensive financial assessments including financial statements, cost-of-goods-sold analytics, monthly trade reports, usage pattern analysis, and rigorous supplier due-diligence checks to determine foreign currency allocations.

    “Our validation process extends far beyond invoice examination,” Dookeran asserted. “We demand complete financial documentation and utilize multiple empirical data points to calculate appropriate allocation amounts for each enterprise.”

    The bank’s safeguard measures include direct payments to international suppliers and enhanced due diligence for unfamiliar vendors, incorporating corporate background searches and banking verification. Dookeran cited one instance where Google Street View revealed a supposed supplier operating from a residential address, prompting immediate transaction termination.

    Committee Chairman Speaker Jagdeo Singh persistently challenged these controls, highlighting how importers establish US-based supply companies with obscured ownership structures to conceal related-party transactions. “These arrangements facilitate hidden common ownership patterns. What mechanisms exist to verify that invoice-issuing parties aren’t related entities?” Singh questioned.

    The most critical exposure emerged regarding cross-bank verification. Dookeran acknowledged that Eximbank lacks transaction-level cross-referencing systems with other financial institutions, creating opportunities for importers to submit identical documentation to multiple banks. “You are correct,” Dookeran conceded when Singh pointed out this enables ‘double or triple dipping’ into foreign reserves.

    Independent Senator Dr. Marlene Attz contextualized the forex shortage within Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector decline since 2014, which has reduced foreign-exchange earnings while maintaining high demand. This economic mismatch directly impacts pharmaceutical pricing, with limited competition in generic drug importation keeping costs artificially high.

    Pharmacy sector representatives identified regulatory obstacles as primary barriers, noting that outdated drug-registration laws and restrictive recognition of foreign regulatory authorities prevent affordable, high-quality generics from India and Eastern Europe from entering the market. Pharmacist Glenwayne Suchit estimated potential savings of $174 million through regulatory reform.

    Ministry of Health permanent secretary Astif Ali defended the current approval process, emphasizing that while requirements may be burdensome, they are essential for preventing substandard medications from reaching consumers. The chief chemist and drug inspector maintain uniform standards for both brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals, with particular challenges in verifying products from countries without local regulatory representation.

  • Mount Pleasant take on Dom Rep club in bid to join elite band

    Mount Pleasant take on Dom Rep club in bid to join elite band

    Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant Football Academy stands on the precipice of national sporting glory as they prepare to face Dominican Republic’s O&M FC in the decisive second leg of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final. The historic encounter at Kingston’s National Stadium could see the St Ann-based club become just the fourth Jamaican team ever to claim regional supremacy in football.

    Having secured a narrow 1-0 victory in Santiago last Tuesday, Mount Pleasant requires only a draw to clinch the championship title. This potential victory would mark their second professional trophy following their Jamaica Premier League triumph in 2023, positioning them alongside Cavalier FC as the second Jamaican club to win the Caribbean Cup and joining the esteemed company of Harbour View FC and Portmore United as regional champions.

    Head coach Theodore Whitmore emphasized the historical significance of this moment, stating: ‘This represents the culmination of months of dedicated work from management, technical staff, and players. Our owner envisioned establishing our reputation beyond domestic competitions—we aim to become recognized throughout the Concacaf region and internationally.’

    Despite their advantageous position, Whitmore remains cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the persistent threat posed by O&M FC. The away-goal rule adds strategic complexity to the matchup, meaning any score from the Dominican visitors would force Mount Pleasant to secure an outright victory rather than relying on a draw. The Jamaican side has demonstrated defensive excellence throughout the tournament, conceding merely two goals across six matches.

    Whitmore revealed his tactical perspective: ‘Interestingly, I’m somewhat pleased we’re not entering this leg with a two-goal advantage. The single-goal margin maintains our competitive focus while trusting our defensive solidity and attacking capabilities.’

    The academy faces one significant lineup adjustment with Reggae Boy Demario Phillips suspended for the final. However, Whitmore expressed confidence in his squad’s depth: ‘With over thirty players available, we possess adequate coverage. While Demario will be missed, the show must continue.’

    Team captain Daniel Green articulated the emotional stakes: ‘Lifting this trophy would represent an immense achievement for local footballers. It would elevate our club’s profile internationally and attract greater talent to our organization.’

    With ninety minutes separating them from sporting immortality, Mount Pleasant Academy seeks to permanently inscribe their name in Caribbean football history.

  • Shades of Elegance Celebrates 25 Years of Timeless Beauty, Transformation & Female Empowerment

    Shades of Elegance Celebrates 25 Years of Timeless Beauty, Transformation & Female Empowerment

    In the bustling heart of Old Harbour, Jamaica, Shades of Elegance stands as a testament to transformative vision and entrepreneurial resilience. Its journey began not with ambition, but with necessity. Treacha Reid, now the celebrated founder and president of the South St Catherine Chamber of Commerce, was initially a young single mother with no inherent interest in hairdressing or the beauty industry. Her aspirations lay elsewhere, yet a pivotal insistence from her mother to acquire a practical skill for supporting her infant daughter set her on an unforeseen path.

    Reluctantly enrolling in cosmetology training, Reid could not have anticipated that the very skill she resisted would become the cornerstone of a quarter-century legacy. What originated as a means of survival has blossomed into a revered institution, evolving from a modest salon into a full-service spa renowned for its refinement and commitment to feminine expression.

    Over 25 years, Shades of Elegance has profoundly influenced Jamaica’s beauty culture, cultivating an exceptionally loyal clientele and establishing a new standard of excellence outside the nation’s capital. It has transcended its commercial origins to become a sanctuary where women experience profound restoration and renewal. Reid’s enterprise now embodies purposeful business, demonstrating how vision and dedication can redefine an industry and empower a community.

  • No fluke as Jamaica defeat Puerto Rico a second time at FIBA qualifiers

    No fluke as Jamaica defeat Puerto Rico a second time at FIBA qualifiers

    In a stunning repeat performance, Jamaica’s national basketball team secured their second consecutive victory against heavily favored Puerto Rico with a 97-92 triumph in Monday night’s Group B FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifier clash in San Juan. This remarkable win, coming just four days after their initial 92-90 upset, propelled Jamaica to equal standing with Canada at four points each in the qualifying group standings.

    The match unfolded as a dramatic contest that defied pre-game expectations, with world No. 95-ranked Jamaica consistently outperforming their 16th-ranked opponents. The Jamaican squad established early dominance, concluding the first quarter with a 27-19 advantage and expanding their lead to 54-41 by halftime. Their exceptional shooting accuracy, particularly an impressive 63% success rate from three-point range during the first half, laid the foundation for their commanding position.

    Chase Audige emerged as the game’s top scorer with 20 points, receiving substantial support from Romaine Thomas (18 points) and Kofi Cockburn, who delivered a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Tyran DeLattibeaudiere contributed significantly with 15 points to the team’s collective effort.

    Jamaica’s momentum peaked in the third quarter when they established a substantial 20-point lead, momentarily silencing the home crowd following Andrew Thelwell’s successful three-pointer. However, Puerto Rico mounted an impressive comeback effort, narrowing the deficit to just seven points entering the final quarter behind Stephen Thompson Jnr’s team-high 18 points, supported by Zakai Zeigler’s 17 points and Alexander Morales’ game-high 25 points.

    The closing minutes witnessed intense back-and-forth action, with Puerto Rico reducing Jamaica’s advantage to a precarious three points at 95-92 with merely 58 seconds remaining. Critical defensive plays, including a decisive steal by Audige and strategic clock management in the final moments, ultimately secured Jamaica’s victory. DeLattibeaudiere’s two successful free throws with 10 seconds left provided the final margin, cementing another historic win for the Jamaican team.

  • Edwin Allen High sets example with post-hurricane recovery effort

    Edwin Allen High sets example with post-hurricane recovery effort

    FRANKFIELD, Clarendon — Edwin Allen High School, one of Jamaica’s largest secondary institutions, is mounting a determined recovery effort following extensive damage from Hurricane Melissa. With its motto ‘Transeamus in Exemplum’ (We shall be an example) guiding the response, school administrators are implementing innovative solutions to ensure full resumption of classes by January 5.

    Principal Jermaine Harris revealed to journalists that the Category 5 hurricane severely damaged nine classrooms and offices, completely destroying the canteen roof and storage facilities. The storm also devastated a critical computer lab where students prepare for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, destroying all computers, smartboards, and air conditioning units.

    The school’s recovery strategy combines temporary measures with appeals for sustainable rebuilding. Crews have installed zinc sheeting and tarpaulin covers on damaged structures while implementing a rotational attendance system for its 2,000 students. Grades 10, 11, and 13—those facing external examinations—maintain continuous five-day attendance, while other grades rotate through campus on designated days.

    Notably, the school has received significant support from its alumni network, which donated a Starlink satellite internet system to maintain connectivity. The technology has proven particularly valuable for students completing school-based assessments and for those in the renowned track and field program who board on campus.

    Principal Harris emphasized that pre-existing structural vulnerabilities, including termite infestations that weakened timber supports, compounded the hurricane damage. The administration has recommended to the Ministry of Education that reconstruction utilize metal rafters and concrete roofing instead of traditional lumber and zinc.

    The school has implemented comprehensive psychosocial support services for students affected by the hurricane, particularly those from western Jamaica where the storm made landfall. The guidance counseling team, with ministry support, provides daily sessions for traumatized students, while boarding students have been safely returned to campus with generator power and internet access restored.

    Despite the challenges, Harris expressed confidence in the recovery process: ‘Through crisis leadership, community partnership, and innovative thinking, we are demonstrating resilience and commitment to our students’ education.’

  • Seven Rivers residents grateful for filtered water

    Seven Rivers residents grateful for filtered water

    A collaborative humanitarian initiative has brought critical relief to the storm-battered community of Seven Rivers in St James, where residents had endured over a month without reliable access to clean water following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

    The French Red Cross, in partnership with European water treatment conglomerate Veolia Group, has deployed a sophisticated mobile filtration unit that now provides potable water to thousands affected by the natural disaster. The compact system, mounted on a pickup truck and connected to a local river via specialized hoses, employs advanced membrane technology and granular-activated carbon filtration to transform contaminated water into safe drinking water.

    Local farmer Carlos Cooke expressed the economic significance of this intervention: “Without this, we’d be spending enormous sums on water deliveries. Current rates reach $1,000 for small drums, creating financial strain when our livelihoods have already been destroyed by the hurricane.”

    The system’s implementation has created a vital community resource, with residents from surrounding areas including Cambridge regularly visiting the site. Retiree Paul White highlighted both economic and health benefits: “This saves me approximately $10,000 in water costs while providing immediate drinking water without boiling requirements.”

    Veolia engineer Daniel Rowe explained the technical process: “Our system utilizes hollow membrane fibers that physically block bacteria and debris while granular-activated carbons absorb dissolved solids. Minimal chlorine addition ensures safety without compromising taste.”

    French Red Cross team lead Mark Pascal emphasized their rigorous quality assurance: “We conduct regular laboratory testing to maintain optimal chlorine levels and ensure consistent water safety standards.”

    The site selection process was particularly challenging according to Pascal: “We identified Seven Rivers as among the most severely affected areas, though we acknowledge many communities remain in need.”

    Local Councillor Javin Baker characterized the situation as “a level-10 crisis” noting that traditional water distribution methods had collapsed: “Damage to infrastructure and displacement of water truck operators left over 5,000 residents without alternatives. This international support arrived at our most critical moment.”

  • Mary Isaacs takes on Fire

    Mary Isaacs takes on Fire

    Veteran reggae vocalist Mary Isaacs has delivered a captivating reinterpretation of the classic hit ‘Fire,’ originally penned by Bruce Springsteen and popularized by The Pointer Sisters. The Kingston-born artist, who first encountered the track during her time in 1970s New York, has transformed the pop sensation into a soulful reggae rendition under the production expertise of Delroy ‘Phatta’ Pottinger.

    Isaacs’ connection to the song spans decades, having been among the millions captivated by its infectious melody during its chart-topping reign in 1979. ‘I was drawn to its catchy, repetitive lyrics which I’ve been singing along to since the 1970s,’ the artist revealed regarding her long-standing appreciation for the composition.

    The recording represents her latest collaborative effort with Los Angeles-based Issachar Muzik, a label operated by Jamaican music executive Lloyd Shaw. Their previous joint ventures include reimagined versions of ‘I’m Happy,’ ‘Tell Me,’ and a cover of Gregory Isaacs’ ‘Tune In.’

    Isaacs explained her artistic rationale behind selecting this particular track: ‘In keeping with the love themes of my past works, I chose Fire. Its message resonates deeply – when it comes to love you often go against the words you say because you cannot control what the heart feels.’

    The original recording history traces back to Springsteen’s creative peak when he composed the song during his ascension in rock music. The Pointer Sisters’ interpretation became an instant phenomenon, reaching number two on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and cementing its status as one of 1979’s defining musical moments.

  • Another heartbreak

    Another heartbreak

    The Edwin Allen High School community in Clarendon, Jamaica, finds itself enveloped in an unprecedented wave of grief after the tragic death of a third student within a mere two-month period. The latest heartbreak struck on Sunday night when 14-year-old Jaydon Smith, a student from Crawl River District, succumbed to injuries sustained in a single-vehicle collision on the Chapelton main road. Police reports indicate the Nissan Sunny he was a passenger in collided with a wall around 6:30 PM; he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

    This incident marks the third devastating loss for the school since September, creating a profound crisis that Principal Jermaine Harris describes as unparalleled in his five-year tenure. The school’s mourning began with the sudden passing of 15-year-old Tanesha Gayle, a promising track athlete who fell ill during training and died shortly after. The tragedy continued in late October following Hurricane Melissa, with the death of an unnamed Grade 11 male student under circumstances that remain unclear and are now under investigation.

    The cumulative impact has overwhelmed the school’s emotional resources. Principal Harris revealed the immense strain on the institution’s support system, noting that the three guidance counsellors are severely overworked. In response to the compounding grief, the school has activated its trauma response team to provide critical psychosocial support and grief counseling for students and staff alike. The palpable sorrow was evident on Monday morning, where teachers were overcome with emotion and a somber assembly was held, featuring a moment of silence for Jaydon.

    Despite being a celebrated institution with ten ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls’ Championship titles, including the most recent 2024 victory, the focus has sharply shifted from athletic preparation to mental health and communal recovery. Principal Harris emphasized the necessity of showing empathy and extending support to those most severely affected, acknowledging that sometimes words fail in the face of such repeated tragedy.