Carib Scope

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  • NEP workers with five years’ service to be transitioned to full‑time public sector posts – PM Skerrit

    NEP workers with five years’ service to be transitioned to full‑time public sector posts – PM Skerrit

    In a landmark development for Dominica’s employment landscape, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced the permanent integration of National Employment Programme (NEP) participants into full-time government service. The policy shift, unveiled during a Wednesday press conference, specifically targets individuals with five or more years of service within public sector placements who meet specific qualification criteria.

    The transformative initiative represents what Skerrit characterized as a ‘natural and strategic evolution’ of the NEP, which has served as a critical workforce bridge since its 2013 inception. The program has historically provided practical experience and employment pathways for young Dominicans seeking entry into professional environments.

    ‘This transition recognizes the dedication and skills of long-serving NEP workers and their contributions to national development,’ stated Prime Minister Skerrit. ‘By offering permanent positions, we aim to provide security, benefits and growth opportunities, enabling them to better serve our communities.’

    Eligibility requirements mandate that candidates possess at least an associate degree, demonstrate consistent satisfactory performance, perform substantive duties, and meet standard public service entry qualifications. The move follows recently regularized positions for over 110 non-established officers, forming part of a broader governmental agenda to enhance job security and benefits for temporary public service personnel.

    Official statistics reveal the program’s substantial impact, with more than 300 participants previously advancing to permanent or acting positions within public service. Hundreds more have transitioned to sustainable employment across both public and private sectors throughout the initiative’s twelve-year operation.

    The regularization initiative will extend to government statutory bodies and agencies, reflecting the administration’s commitment to workforce stabilization and economic security. The NEP operates through government-funded salary support for placements across public and private sector organizations, targeting previously unemployed citizens.

  • “Fruit from a poison tree”

    “Fruit from a poison tree”

    In a dramatic political development, Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary opposition has formally demanded the immediate dismissal of Defense Minister Wayne Sturge from both cabinet and government positions. The call comes amid explosive allegations connecting the minister and the ruling United National Congress (UNC) administration to recently assassinated businessman Danny Guerra.

    Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales presented what he characterized as compelling evidence during a People’s National Movement (PNM) press conference in Port of Spain on Wednesday. Drawing extensively from law enforcement documents and investigative media reports predating Guerra’s death, Gonzales constructed a narrative of concerning associations between government officials and alleged criminal activities.

    Guerra, a real estate developer and DG Homes proprietor, met his demise on March 13 when unidentified assailants ambushed him outside his Sangre Grande business establishment. His violent death occurred precisely two months after his January 2 release from preventive detention, where he had been held for nearly six weeks under a state of emergency order.

    The previously issued preventive detention order outlined serious allegations against Guerra, identifying him as the leader of an organized criminal gang with purported involvement in arms trafficking, money laundering, and illegal quarrying operations. Most alarmingly, the document asserted the gang maintained access to ‘a cache of high-powered firearms’ and intended to ‘imminently execute the assassination of a Government minister’ while escalating attacks against rival factions in public spaces.

    Gonzales specifically highlighted media reports suggesting Guerra had contributed approximately $20 million to the UNC’s electoral campaign, a financial injection allegedly instrumental in securing the crucial Toco/Sangre Grande constituency during last year’s election. The opposition whip further referenced visual evidence showing Minister Sturge socializing with Guerra during campaign events.

    ‘Wayne Sturge as Minister of Defence has access to confidential information relating to the security of Trinidad and Tobago,’ Gonzales asserted. ‘Based on these reports, he is an example of a fruit from a poison tree that benefited significantly from what appears to be criminal wrongdoing in the election campaign.’

    The opposition contends that the minister’s alleged connections represent a severe national security threat that demands immediate prime ministerial intervention. The unfolding scandal raises profound questions about political financing, national security protocols, and the integrity of governmental institutions in the Caribbean nation.

  • Police fires gun to quell feud with van conductor

    Police fires gun to quell feud with van conductor

    A tense confrontation between a traffic officer and a bus conductor near Calliaqua Playing Field escalated dramatically on Thursday afternoon, culminating in a police corporal discharging his firearm twice to restore order. The incident occurred during peak afternoon traffic as students were returning from the Inter-Secondary School Athletics Meet at Sir Vincent Beache Stadium.

    According to eyewitness accounts and official reports, the altercation began when a traffic officer signaled an overloaded passenger bus to stop while it was en route to Kingstown. What started as a routine traffic intervention rapidly deteriorated into a physical altercation, with witnesses reporting the traffic officer throwing his helmet at the bus conductor during the heated exchange.

    The escalating violence drew significant public attention and created substantial traffic disruptions along the busy roadway, with vehicles backing up in both directions due to the obstruction. The situation reached a critical point when a uniformed police corporal arrived on the scene, running along the opposite lane before discharging his service weapon twice into the air as a deterrent measure.

    Authorities subsequently escorted both the bus conductor and the vehicle to a nearby police station for further investigation. No injuries were reported from either the physical altercation or the firearm discharge, with police characterizing the shots as a necessary de-escalation tactic rather than directed fire. The incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public order during high-traffic events involving large student populations.

  • Sobers insists T&T excluded from Caricom decision

    Sobers insists T&T excluded from Caricom decision

    A significant diplomatic dispute has erupted within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) following Trinidad and Tobago’s formal protest against the reappointment process of Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett. Foreign Minister Sean Sobers has emphatically stated that his nation was entirely excluded from consultation procedures prior to Barnett’s reappointment, learning of the decision only after it was finalized.

    Minister Sobers characterized the unilateral action as both ‘disrespectful and insulting,’ expressing profound disappointment that established diplomatic protocols were disregarded. The controversy emerged when CARICOM Chairman and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew announced that a ‘required majority’ of member states had approved Barnett’s second term during February meetings in St. Kitts.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has declared Trinidad and Tobago’s intention to reduce its substantial financial contribution to CARICOM, which currently constitutes 22% of the organization’s total budget. This financial leverage represents the largest single contribution among member states.

    The political conflict has intensified domestically, with Minister Sobers launching sharp criticism against Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles for her support of the reappointment process. Sobers dismissed Beckles’ comments as ‘inane’ and indicative of her ‘continued pattern of supporting wrongdoing,’ while defending the government’s position as principled opposition to procedural violations.

    Central to the dispute is the allegation that three CARICOM members—Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, and The Bahamas—were systematically excluded from critical discussions during the February retreat where Barnett’s reappointment was decided. Minister Sobers maintains this violates the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas governing CARICOM operations.

    The government has framed its stance as a defense of democratic principles and transparent governance, vowing to pursue formal review mechanisms while reconsidering its financial commitments to the regional body.

  • Exam easy, easy!

    Exam easy, easy!

    Students across two primary schools in Arima, Trinidad, expressed widespread relief and satisfaction following yesterday’s Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination, with many describing the test as surprisingly manageable. The Express conducted interviews at Arima Presbyterian and Malabar Government Primary Schools, capturing the emotional responses from students and parents alike.

    Arianna Maharaj of Arima Presbyterian Primary School enthusiastically declared the exam ‘easy,’ a sentiment echoed by her father Vishal, who shared his overwhelming excitement and anticipation for the results. The day held double celebration for 11-year-old Annilie Amoroso, who emerged from the examination compound wearing a birthday crown and sash. Despite encountering one challenging mathematics question, Amoroso expressed confidence in her performance and hopes to secure placement at Bishop Anstey High School East.

    Maya Noreiga provided comparative insight, noting that ‘past papers were harder than the actual exams,’ while acknowledging her aspiration to attend St. Joseph’s Convent. Her mother, Natasha Caldon, attributed this confidence to thorough preparation that left her daughter ‘comfortable, happy and at peace.’

    The examination experience varied among participants. Caleb Austarlie reported minor difficulties with creative writing but found preparation exercises ‘relaxing,’ aiming to join his sister at Arima Central Secondary School. Conversely, Kemiley St Benard described mathematics as ‘kind of hard,’ though she maintained belief in her overall performance.

    Parental perspectives highlighted the emotional toll of preparation. Kerishma Johnson characterized her daughter’s study period as ‘frustrating,’ while Kristin Martinez acknowledged the ‘plenty work’ involved in completing numerous booklets. At Malabar Government Primary, Janae Bharose completed the exam with visual concessions, expressing happiness that the intensive ‘exam style’ preparation had concluded despite mathematics challenges.

    The collective mood reflected significant relief as families transition from examination stress to celebratory anticipation of results, marking both an educational milestone and personal achievement for Trinidad’s youth.

  • 4 dead in latest US strike on vessel in Caribbean Sea

    4 dead in latest US strike on vessel in Caribbean Sea

    The United States military has intensified its maritime counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean basin, with the latest lethal strike marking the 47th such engagement in the region. Conducted on March 25th under the authority of General Francis L. Donovan’s Joint Task Force Southern Spear, this operation resulted in the deaths of four individuals aboard a suspected trafficking vessel.

  • Cross-border kidnap network dismantled

    Cross-border kidnap network dismantled

    Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement authorities have successfully dismantled a sophisticated transnational criminal network specializing in cross-border abductions following the dramatic rescue of 73-year-old Tara Poliah. The elderly woman was violently seized from her San Juan residence on Wednesday evening in a brazen kidnapping operation that triggered a massive multi-agency response.

    The incident unfolded approximately at 7:12 PM when Poliah, captured on security footage, was engaged in conversation with a tenant dressed in black clothing regarding rental payments. Without warning, two additional assailants rushed the elderly woman from behind, forcibly covering her mouth and dragging her into a waiting white Nissan AD Wagon despite her desperate screams for help.

    Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro immediately activated an extensive inter-agency operation involving the Traffic and Highway Patrol, Emergency Response Patrol, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, North Eastern Division Task Force, Coastal and Air Support Unit, and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. Strategic road checks were established across the Maracas Bay, Tyrico Bay, and Las Cuevas Bay areas as authorities tracked the movement of the getaway vehicle.

    In a critical breakthrough, Coast Guard personnel intercepted a small vessel approximately one nautical mile north-northwest of Corozal on Trinidad’s northern coast at 11:59 PM based on intelligence from the Radar Centre. Poliah was discovered aboard the craft alongside six Venezuelan nationals and two Trinidadian men. Authorities believe the kidnappers were attempting to transport their victim to Venezuela via Tyrico Bay. Subsequent operations resulted in the detention of three additional Venezuelan suspects—two men and one woman—bringing the total apprehended to eleven individuals.

    Commissioner Guevarro characterized the operation as “a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle organised criminal groups involved in cross-border kidnappings,” praising the “speed, precision, and professionalism” demonstrated by participating agencies. The rescue operation involved senior police officials including DCP Intelligence and Investigations Natasha George, DCP Operations Suzette Martin, ACP Criminal Division Richard Smith, and Senior Superintendent of the CID Anderson Parryman.

    The successful intervention has prompted serious security concerns among San Juan residents, many of whom expressed profound relief tempered with heightened anxiety regarding community safety. Neighbors revealed that Poliah frequently rented portions of her two-story residence to Venezuelan nationals, highlighting how criminals exploited this familiarity. While grateful for the positive outcome, community members acknowledged the incident has fundamentally altered their perception of security and vulnerability within their own neighborhoods.

  • Analyst: Country risks regional ties

    Analyst: Country risks regional ties

    A prominent Caribbean political analyst has sharply criticized the Trinidad and Tobago government’s rationale for opposing the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, labeling its reasoning as fundamentally flawed and jurisdictionally misplaced.

    Political scientist Peter Wickham asserted that the Trinidadian government’s justification falls entirely outside the mandate of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). His comments follow the announcement by CARICOM Chairman and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew that a majority of heads of government had endorsed Dr. Barnett’s reappointment during last month’s regional summit.

    Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly declared her opposition to the reappointment, stating that “CARICOM has been failing for 52 years and will continue to fail for the next 52 years,” while threatening to reduce her country’s financial contributions to the regional body.

    Wickham challenged the Prime Minister’s diplomatic approach, noting that her absence from the critical meeting where the decision was made undermined her authority to subsequently object to the outcome. He further argued that her treatment of regional partners demonstrated a concerning lack of respect for established CARICOM protocols.

    The analyst specifically dismissed the Prime Minister’s cited justification—related to the extradition of firearms dealer Brent Thomas from Barbados—as entirely irrelevant to CARICOM’s Secretary-General appointment process. Wickham emphasized that such national security matters fall outside CARICOM’s jurisdiction and should not influence personnel decisions within the regional organization.

    Warning of potential economic repercussions, Wickham highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s dual role as both the largest contributor to and beneficiary of CARICOM arrangements. He cautioned that deteriorating relations could prompt other Caribbean nations to reconsider preferential trade agreements with Trinidad, potentially shifting their economic partnerships toward Latin American suppliers.

    International relations expert Dr. Anthony Gonzales noted significant unanswered questions regarding the circumstances under which Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar departed the regional meeting, suggesting the public has received only partial information about the diplomatic incident.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services Employee of the Month is Tayshaun Charles

    Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services Employee of the Month is Tayshaun Charles

    In a notable recognition of professional excellence, Tayshaun Charles has been distinguished as the Employee of the Month within Antigua and Barbuda’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This prestigious accolade celebrates Mr. Charles’s unwavering dedication, exceptional skill, and profound commitment to providing life-saving care within the community.

    The award underscores the critical role of frontline medical personnel, particularly within the public health infrastructure of the twin-island nation. It serves not only as a personal achievement for Charles but also as a symbol of appreciation for all EMS workers who operate under demanding conditions. Their work is fundamental to national health security, responding to emergencies and ensuring the well-being of citizens and visitors alike.

    Such recognition programs are instrumental in boosting morale and fostering a culture of excellence within essential services. By highlighting individual accomplishments, organizations aim to inspire entire teams, reinforcing the values of diligence, compassion, and expertise that are paramount in emergency medical response. The story of Tayshaun Charles exemplifies the positive impact that dedicated public servants have on society every day.

  • WATCH: Bowen Says Baltimore Eligibility Case Still to Be Decided by Court Despite Injunction Ruling

    WATCH: Bowen Says Baltimore Eligibility Case Still to Be Decided by Court Despite Injunction Ruling

    A significant constitutional challenge regarding the eligibility of newly elected MP Randy Baltimore continues to advance through the judicial system, despite the High Court’s recent refusal to block his parliamentary inauguration. Legal representative Sherfield Bowen clarified on Thursday that while the court denied an interim injunction to prevent the swearing-in ceremony, the core legal dispute remains unresolved and is scheduled for expedited trial proceedings.

    The case hinges on whether Baltimore maintained his status as a public officer on Nomination Day (February 25, 2026), which would constitutionally disqualify him from parliamentary service. Court documents reveal Baltimore identified himself as a customs officer on his nomination paperwork, with this designation subsequently appearing on official ballots.

    Bowen elaborated that the court’s injunction denial stemmed from conflicting evidence regarding the effective date of Baltimore’s separation from public service. Although Baltimore submitted a resignation letter dated February 18, 2026, public service regulations mandate a 90-day notice period. The Public Service Commission subsequently invalidated this resignation and instead terminated Baltimore’s employment on March 9, 2026.

    Adding complexity to the matter, contradictory documentation from the Establishment Division suggested the termination took effect on February 19, creating evidentiary discrepancies that require thorough judicial examination. Bowen emphasized that eligibility determinations must be made based on the candidate’s status at the time of nomination, not subsequent events.

    The substantive case will proceed on an accelerated timeline, with a final decision expected before April 27. Petitioners intend to demonstrate that Baltimore remained a public officer on the critical nomination date, thereby rendering his election constitutionally invalid despite his subsequent swearing-in as MP for St. Philip’s North.