Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Twee Getuigen niet verschenen in hoger beroep Pikin Saron-strafzaak

    Twee Getuigen niet verschenen in hoger beroep Pikin Saron-strafzaak

    The appeal hearing for five men convicted for their roles in the May 2, 2023 disturbances in Pikin Saron faced significant delays as multiple witnesses failed to appear before the court on November 28th.

    Judicial proceedings encountered obstacles when two subpoenaed witnesses did not attend the session. One individual cited excessive travel distance to the cantonment court as the primary reason for absence, while another witness reported psychological distress preventing them from confronting memories of the traumatic events.

    Defense attorney Murwin Dubois presented arguments regarding witness accountability, stating: ‘No distance is too great when it comes to establishing truth.’ The lawyer formally requested the court to implement consequences for non-appearance, emphasizing the judicial process’s integrity requirements.

    Additional logistical complications emerged regarding a third witness who received their summons too late to arrange attendance, and a fourth witness who had previously reported illness during earlier proceedings and consequently wasn’t subpoenaed for this session.

    The defense team raised further concerns about detainee treatment, specifically requesting that defendants not be transported via prisoner transport vehicles as late as 7 or 8 PM following court sessions. Defendant G.Z. elaborated on psychological vulnerabilities, revealing: ‘I’m under psychiatric care and require sleeping pills to rest. We request to be taken seriously—three months have passed without resolution.’

    The court has scheduled continuation of proceedings for December 9th, allowing time to address these procedural and logistical challenges.

  • Trump to “Permanently Pause” Migration from Third-World Countries

    Trump to “Permanently Pause” Migration from Third-World Countries

    In a dramatic policy escalation, former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared his intention to implement a permanent suspension on migration from all third-world nations. This decisive announcement follows a security incident near the White House that resulted in the death of National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, aged 20, and injuries to another service member.

    The policy shift was communicated through Trump’s social media platform late on Thanksgiving Day. The statement outlined additional stringent measures, including the termination of all federal benefits and subsidies for noncitizens, and the removal of individuals deemed ‘not a net asset to the United States.’

    Law enforcement authorities have identified the suspected shooter as a 29-year-old Afghan national with previous connections to the CIA during post-9/11 operations in Afghanistan. The individual is anticipated to face first-degree murder charges in connection with Specialist Beckstrom’s death.

    Concurrently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has initiated a comprehensive review of green card statuses for immigrants from ‘countries of concern.’ While the specific nations subject to this scrutiny remain undefined, the move signals a significant hardening of immigration enforcement strategies that could affect thousands of current visa holders and applicants.

    This development represents one of the most restrictive immigration proposals in recent American political discourse, potentially altering the nation’s demographic and immigration landscape indefinitely if implemented.

  • The Return of John Saldivar?

    The Return of John Saldivar?

    As the United Democratic Party (UDP) prepares for its November 30th national convention under the banner of \”Unity,\” attention has sharply focused on a contentious three-way race for Party Chairman. The convention, intended to mark a fresh start for Belize’s primary opposition party, now features a dramatic political subplot with former leader John Saldivar attempting a remarkable return to prominence.\n\nThe chairman candidates—Sheena Pitts, Roosevelt Blades, and John Saldivar—each bring substantial backing. Pitts enjoys support from UDP leadership frontrunner Tracy Panton, while Blades serves as campaign manager for key party financier Lee Mark Chang. Most notably, Saldivar has secured endorsement from the northern caucus, including Deputy Leader Hugo Patt, despite carrying significant political baggage.\n\nSaldivar’s political trajectory once appeared destined for the highest office. After winning Belmopan in 2008 following redistricting and securing re-election in 2012 and 2015, he reached his zenith in February 2020 by winning the party leadership vote to succeed Dean Barrow. This triumph proved shockingly brief—within hours, U.S. court documents linked him to convicted fraudster Lev Dermen, who was implicated in a major money laundering case.\n\nThe fallout was immediate and severe. Saldivar resigned as leader-elect and faced suspension from his Cabinet position. In November 2022, the U.S. Department of State formally designated him for \”significant corruption,\\” citing improper acquisition of immigration documents and misuse of governmental resources during his tenure. The designation included travel bans for Saldivar and his immediate family, though he consistently denied the allegations as politically motivated.\n\nDespite these controversies, Saldivar remained politically active, most recently contesting the March 12, 2025 general election under Panton’s leadership. His defeat to PUP incumbent Oscar Mira by over 2,200 votes was widely interpreted as potentially ending his career. His current bid for chairman therefore represents a critical test of both his personal rehabilitation and the UDP’s willingness to embrace a figure with such controversial history.\n\nWhen questioned about Saldivar’s candidacy, financier Lee Mark Chang acknowledged having \”certain opinions\” but deferred to the democratic process, stating voters would ultimately decide. The convention now represents not just an organizational exercise, but a fundamental choice about the party’s identity and its path toward rebuilding credibility as an effective opposition force.

  • Magistrate to rule next month on whether Azruddin Mohamed’s case should go to High Court

    Magistrate to rule next month on whether Azruddin Mohamed’s case should go to High Court

    A pivotal judicial decision awaits Guyanese opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, as Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman prepares to rule on December 10 regarding their potential extradition to the United States. The case centers on whether the US request for extradition on alleged financial crimes will be referred to Guyana’s High Court based on constitutional considerations.

    The magistrate is expected to adjudicate multiple constitutional arguments presented by the Mohameds’ legal team, who are challenging the validity of amendments made to the Fugitive Offenders Act in 2009. Defense lawyer Roysdale Forde characterized these amendments as unconstitutional, stating they fundamentally altered Guyana’s extradition landscape following a previous High Court ruling that had struck down significant portions of the existing legislation.

    Prosecutors have submitted extensive evidence, including an 11-count US indictment accusing the Mohameds of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering related to their gold trading operations. However, the defense team expressed concerns about receiving redacted documents just one month before the deadline, with attorney Siand Dhurjon describing the situation as nearing an ‘ambush’ by the prosecution.

    Lead prosecutor Terrence Williams, a Jamaican legal expert, dismissed allegations of procedural unfairness while emphasizing his team’s readiness to proceed with the extradition hearing. The court has established a strict timeline requiring defense submissions by December 5, followed by oral arguments on December 8 ahead of the magistrate’s final ruling.

    The outcome will determine whether Guyana’s judicial system will allow the extradition process to advance, potentially setting significant legal precedents regarding constitutional protections in international criminal proceedings.

  • Government of Dominica announces new minimum wage structure effective December 1, 2025

    Government of Dominica announces new minimum wage structure effective December 1, 2025

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has unveiled a comprehensive revision of its national minimum wage structure, set to become effective December 1, 2025. This landmark adjustment follows through on commitments made during the July 2025 Budget Address and represents the first major wage review since 2021.

    The government established a specialized Minimum Wage Advisory Board comprising representatives from public and private sectors, employer associations, and trade unions. This tripartite body conducted an extensive evaluation of current labor market conditions and comparative wage levels across the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) region.

    Under the newly enacted Labour Standards (Minimum Wage) Order, 2025, cabinet has approved substantial increases across numerous occupational categories:

    Agricultural workers will see the most significant hourly raise, moving from EC$7.50 to EC$9.75 per hour—a 30% increase. Similarly, cashiers and receptionists will receive a 30% boost from EC$7.25 to EC$9.42 hourly.

    Multiple sectors including tourism, manufacturing, and service industries will benefit from 20-24% increases. Factory and tourism daily workers rise from EC$7.50 to EC$9.00 hourly, while security guards increase from EC$8.00 to EC$9.60 per hour.

    Domestic workers receive substantial weekly raises: home assistants with meals increase from EC$200 to EC$240 weekly (20%), while those without meals jump from EC$250 to EC$300 weekly (20%). Live-in home assistants rise from EC$220 to EC$264 weekly.

    Numerous positions including bartenders, servers, room attendants, groundskeepers, and janitors all move from EC$7.24 to EC$9.00 hourly—a 24% enhancement. Construction laborers and other unskilled workers increase from EC$7.50 to EC$9.00 hourly.

    This sweeping reform aims to establish a more equitable compensation framework, bolster household earnings, and strengthen social safeguards for low-income workers. The Dominican government reaffirms its dedication to fostering a labor market environment that prioritizes worker welfare and sustainable economic security.

  • Cloudy Skies and Showers Continue as Cold Front Lingers Near Belize

    Cloudy Skies and Showers Continue as Cold Front Lingers Near Belize

    A persistent cold front hovering near Belize continues to generate unstable atmospheric conditions across the nation, maintaining a pattern of cloud cover, precipitation, and isolated thunderstorms. Meteorological authorities indicate that the predominant weather feature will be mostly overcast skies on Friday, with showers and thunderstorms developing primarily in offshore zones and coastal regions. As the system intensifies into the night and through Saturday morning, forecasters anticipate thickening cloud formations accompanied by widespread outbreaks of rain and electrical storms, particularly affecting coastal communities.

    Despite the unsettled conditions, the National Meteorological Service provides reassuring news regarding tropical activity. The North Atlantic Basin is projected to remain tranquil for the remainder of the 2025 hurricane season, with no tropical cyclones expected to threaten Belizean territory or its adjacent waters.

    The weekend forecast presents a gradual improvement pattern. Saturday will continue to experience periodic rainfall with occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms, most notably along coastal and southern territories. Meteorological models suggest these conditions will progressively diminish later in the day. By Sunday, residents can anticipate predominantly fair skies with only minimal, isolated shower activity.

    Concurrently, the Belize National Hydrological Service has escalated concerns by issuing an official flash flood warning for Region 9, specifically identifying vulnerability along the Belize River at More Tomorrow and downstream communities. Hydrological monitoring stations have recorded above-normal water levels at multiple critical points including the Sibun River at Freetown Sibun, the Southern Lagoon at Gales Point, and the Temash River at Crique Sarco in Region 11, prompting authorities to advise heightened vigilance in these flood-prone areas.

  • Northern frontline workers cast early ballots at Gros Islet Fire Station

    Northern frontline workers cast early ballots at Gros Islet Fire Station

    Northern Saint Lucia witnessed robust electoral participation as essential workers from Gros Islet, Babonneau, and Castries North constituencies commenced advance voting Friday morning at the Gros Islet Fire Station. The polling facility opened precisely at 6:30 a.m., witnessing consistent voter traffic throughout the morning hours in preparation for the December 1 general elections.

    Uniformed personnel from multiple critical services—including the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Saint Lucia Fire Service, and correctional facilities—formed the majority of early voters. Assistant Commissioner of Police Elvis Thomas, presiding officer for the northern electoral district, confirmed to St Lucia Times that comprehensive arrangements had been implemented to guarantee a seamless and organized voting procedure.

    Commissioner Thomas revealed that 477 essential workers were registered for the northern division’s advance poll, with voter numbers anticipated to increase as the morning advanced. Official representatives from various political candidates were formally sworn in, while an international election observer from the Organisation of American States (OAS) monitored proceedings to ensure electoral integrity.

    Emphasizing his commitment to preserving polling integrity, Thomas stated his primary objective was to facilitate an electoral exercise that proceeds ‘smoothly, freely, without any interruption.’ He advised voters to ‘exercise your rights, but do so in a manner that you do not violate any other person’s rights.’

    Police officer Leon Epiphane of the Rodney Bay Police Station, currently on vacation, characterized his voting experience as fundamentally smooth despite noting some procedural delays involving candidate agents. ‘In the end, it worked out well, and I cast my ballot,’ commented Epiphane, a decade-long service member who expressed hope for peaceful elections through the post-polling period until Monday.

  • Family Questions Care After Woman Dies a Day Following Prison Release

    Family Questions Care After Woman Dies a Day Following Prison Release

    A tragic case emerging from Belize has ignited serious concerns regarding healthcare standards within correctional facilities. Shirley Arnold, a 47-year-old woman with chronic health complications, passed away merely 24 hours after being discharged from Belize Central Prison, operated by the Kolbe Foundation.

    Arnold initially encountered legal troubles in June when apprehended for operating an unlicensed vehicle. During her court appearance, she explained her dire circumstances—rushing to receive essential dialysis treatment while lacking alternative transportation. The judicial authority demonstrated leniency, imposing a minimal fine of $105 in recognition of her medical and financial hardships.

    Despite this compassion, Arnold—identified as a repeat offender—ultimately served time at the facility. Her family now alleges systemic negligence, asserting that prison authorities failed to deliver appropriate medical attention during her incarceration. They are preparing legal measures against the institution.

    Virgilio Murillo, CEO of the Kolbe Foundation, provided the prison’s perspective in an interview with News Five. He confirmed that Arnold received scheduled dialysis treatments at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) throughout her detention. Murillo characterized Arnold as frequently ‘noncompliant’ and ‘belligerent,’ creating significant challenges for staff. He suggested that Arnold’s own attitude may have contributed to the situation, stating, ‘I think Shirley reached a point where she may have just given up.’ Despite these behavioral issues, Murillo maintained that correctional personnel ‘did all that could have been done’ under difficult circumstances.

    The contrasting narratives highlight ongoing debates about prisoner welfare, particularly regarding individuals with serious pre-existing medical conditions. This incident raises fundamental questions about institutional responsibility versus personal accountability in correctional healthcare systems.

  • Salvation Army opens registration for annual food package programme

    Salvation Army opens registration for annual food package programme

    The Salvation Army has announced the commencement of registration for its yearly holiday food package initiative, extending crucial support to families experiencing financial hardship. The enrollment process is scheduled for December 2nd at the organization’s Citadel on Long Street, operating between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

    Prospective beneficiaries are required to furnish a valid government-issued photographic identification document during registration. Individuals seeking to register on behalf of others may present the identification of the person they are representing.

    Successful registrants will be issued an authorization card specifying their designated collection date, with distributions planned for December 17th and 18th. Simultaneously, the charitable organization is actively soliciting public donations to sustain this vital community program.

    Contributions can be delivered directly to the Salvation Army’s headquarters at 36 Long Street. Alternatively, potential donors may contact the organization at 785-5019 to coordinate a convenient pickup arrangement for their charitable gifts.

  • 29 Small Business Owners Receive $7,000 Each

    29 Small Business Owners Receive $7,000 Each

    In a significant boost to Belize’s entrepreneurial landscape, twenty-nine small business proprietors have been awarded individual grants of $7,000 through the Belize Enterprise Empowerment Project (BEEP). The initiative, administered by BELTRAIDE, represents a strategic national effort to fortify micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across diverse economic sectors.

    The funding mechanism originates from the CARICOM Development Fund, with BEEP’s launch in 2024 establishing an ambitious target to assist 95 MSMEs within a two-year timeframe. The recent disbursement ceremony signified the completion of the program’s third cohort, demonstrating steady progress toward this objective.

    Narda Garcia, Chief Executive Officer at the Ministry of Investment, emphasized the program’s comprehensive approach during her address. “While our initial cohort distributed $475,000 among 44 enterprises nationwide,” Garcia stated, “the initiative transcends mere financial assistance. Recipients underwent intensive capacity-building programs encompassing financial literacy, digital marketing strategies, and strategic investment planning before qualifying for funding.”

    Grant allocations are designated for multifaceted business enhancements including operational capital, equipment acquisition, product innovation, marketing initiatives, and packaging improvements. Early indicators suggest the program is already transforming business methodologies among participants.

    Notably, the cohort demonstrates strong inclusive representation with 21 female entrepreneurs and 13 recipients originating from rural communities. Kenima Williams, proprietor of Kenima’s Garifuna Cooking Class, highlighted how the grant will facilitate cultural tourism expansion and scuba diving operations development.

    Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director of BELTRAIDE, confirmed ongoing support structures beyond financial disbursement. “Our commitment involves substantial post-award accompaniment,” Quiroz explained. “We collaborate with institutional partners including Caribbean Export to ensure continuous technical assistance and advanced training opportunities.”

    Projections indicate complete disbursement of approximately $800,000 to all 95 designated MSMEs by the program’s conclusion in 2026, substantially reinforcing Belize’s small business ecosystem against contemporary economic challenges.