Carib Scope

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  • Ex-Convict Released a Year Ago Accused of Double Murder

    Ex-Convict Released a Year Ago Accused of Double Murder

    Authorities have apprehended a previously convicted felon in connection with the brutal killings of two delivery personnel that occurred in December 2025. Harry Nathaniel Trapp, 49, was taken into custody last Thursday following an extensive investigation into the deaths of Sarita company employees Raynard Garbutt and Alexander Crawford.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, confirmed that Trapp had served a substantial prison term prior to these allegations. Official records indicate the suspect completed a twenty-five-year incarceration for manslaughter before gaining release approximately one year ago.

    While Trapp remains the primary suspect currently facing charges, law enforcement officials emphasize their investigation remains actively ongoing. ACP Romero stated investigators continue pursuing multiple leads and remain open to the possibility of additional suspects. “Should evidence emerge implicating other individuals, corresponding charges will be filed,” Romero affirmed during his official statement.

    The criminal investigation continues to develop as authorities work to reconstruct the events leading to the December 11th homicides. This case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting concerns about recidivism and violent crime recurrence.

  • Entrepreneur Leslie Clarke is the island’s latest road fatality

    Entrepreneur Leslie Clarke is the island’s latest road fatality

    The Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia is grappling with the sudden loss of prominent entrepreneur and community benefactor Leslie Clarke, who passed away following a traffic collision on January 25th. The tragic incident occurred on the John Compton Highway between the Choc and Sunny Acres roundabouts, where Clarke, aged in his early eighties, was operating one of the vehicles involved in the accident.

    As the proprietor of Saint Lucia’s Domino’s Pizza franchise, Clarke had significantly expanded the business footprint across the island, most recently extending services to the Choiseul community in September 2025. During the opening ceremony, he had enthusiastically committed to fostering stronger ties with southern residents, demonstrating his enduring dedication to regional development.

    Beyond his commercial achievements, Clarke maintained an extraordinary legacy of philanthropic engagement, particularly in youth sports development. His support encompassed boxing, swimming, and lifesaving programs, with foundational roles in establishing both the Saint Lucia Lifesaving Association and the Saint Lucia Swimming Association during the 1980s.

    Clarke’s distinguished public service included leadership tenures as both General Manager and later Chairman of the National Development Corporation (now rebranded as Invest Saint Lucia) during the early 1990s. His professional trajectory reflected a deep commitment to national economic advancement.

    An accomplished cricketer in his youth, Clarke remained actively engaged in sports throughout his life, maintaining regular swimming routines until his final days. He leaves behind a legacy of community service and business acumen, survived by his four children and extended family members. Local authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.

  • Burglars Target Medina House of Jewelry

    Burglars Target Medina House of Jewelry

    Authorities in Belize City have launched a comprehensive investigation following a sophisticated burglary targeting the prominent Medina House of Jewelry. The incident, which occurred during the early hours of Monday morning, has raised significant security concerns within the local business community.

    According to Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, the criminal operation began when multiple perpetrators subdued the establishment’s security guard. “The assailants restrained the guard, threatened him with what appeared to be a firearm, and subsequently forced entry into the premises,” Romero stated during a press briefing.

    Law enforcement officials are currently examining extensive surveillance footage to ascertain the full scope of the crime and identify potential suspects. The precise inventory of stolen merchandise remains undetermined as investigators conduct a thorough audit of the jewelry collection.

    Romero emphasized that detectives are exploring all possible angles, including the potential involvement of internal accomplices. “We are conducting a meticulous investigation to eliminate the possibility of an inside job,” he noted, highlighting the complex nature of the case.

    The Belize City Police Department has yet to confirm whether the perpetrators were definitively armed during the commission of the crime. Company representatives have maintained silence regarding the incident, declining to issue any official statements while the investigation remains ongoing. The business community awaits further developments as authorities continue their pursuit of the suspects.

  • No Arrests Yet in Murder of Security Guard

    No Arrests Yet in Murder of Security Guard

    Belizean authorities are actively investigating the brutal murder of Darwin Valerio, a 35-year-old security guard who was ambushed and fatally shot while on duty. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning at the Belize Water Services warehouse located in Lord’s Bank Village.

    Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, provided an update on the case, confirming that investigators are examining crucial video footage obtained from the crime scene. “Substantive work has been conducted regarding this murder,” Romero stated. “We have secured some video evidence that is currently undergoing thorough analysis. However, no arrests have been made at this juncture.”

    When questioned about potential involvement from Valerio’s colleague who was on duty the same night, Romero indicated that investigators have not uncovered any evidence implicating the coworker. “The investigation remains ongoing without any conclusive evidence pointing to his involvement,” Romero clarified.

    The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the apparent ambush, marking another violent incident in the region’s security landscape. The investigation continues as authorities pursue all available leads to identify and apprehend those responsible for the security guard’s untimely death.

  • West Indies U19s extend winning streak at World Cup

    West Indies U19s extend winning streak at World Cup

    In a display of resilience and tactical prowess, the West Indies Under-19 cricket team clinched a crucial 25-run victory against Ireland on January 25th during the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The match, held at the High Performance Oval in Namibia, was ultimately decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method following rain interruptions, yet underscored the Caribbean side’s determination to advance in the tournament.

    After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the West Indies lineup faced significant challenges against a disciplined Irish bowling attack. The batting order faltered consistently, with the notable exception of Jewel Andrew, whose international experience proved invaluable. Andrew anchored the innings with a determined knock of 66 runs, providing stability and ensuring his team posted a competitive total of 234 before being bowled out.

    Ireland’s response began promisingly, with openers James West and Freddie Ogibly forging a solid 47-run partnership. The momentum continued as West combined with Adam Lecky for an additional 35 runs, positioning Ireland favorably. However, the West Indies’ spin attack dramatically shifted the game’s dynamics. Vitel Lawes (2-41) and Micah McKenzie (4-36) applied relentless pressure through a series of dot balls, triggering a cascade of reckless shots and wickets from the Irish batsmen.

    Just as Ireland’s innings unraveled, rain intervened, halting play permanently. The umpires subsequently applied the DLS method, confirming the West Indies’ victory. Despite this win, the team acknowledges the need for improvement as they prepare to face an in-form Australian squad on January 28th in a high-stakes encounter that will determine their semi-final prospects.

  • ‘Reds’ Perreira applauds Windies U19 following World Cup performance

    ‘Reds’ Perreira applauds Windies U19 following World Cup performance

    Legendary West Indies cricket commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira has expressed considerable optimism about the regional team’s prospects following their impressive performances at the ongoing ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup across Namibia and Zimbabwe. The Caribbean squad successfully advanced to the tournament’s Super Six stage, securing a notable victory against Ireland on January 26.

    Perreira’s commendation came even prior to this latest triumph, following the team’s impressive group stage victory against South Africa. The veteran commentator, whose association with Windies cricket spans over fifty years, particularly highlighted the exceptional batting display from Zachary Carter, who scored a spectacular 114 runs from just 104 deliveries, including eight boundaries and eight maximums.

    “Carter’s century was truly extraordinary,” Perreira noted. “His powerful striking and strong on-side play remind me of former Guyana and West Indies opener Clayton Lambert. Maintaining a run rate consistently above five while scoring 104 balls with eight fours and four sixes demonstrated remarkable composure.”

    Perreira emphasized the encouraging development of batting depth within the squad, observing that the team no longer relies solely on standout performer Jewel Andrew. He praised Jonathan Van Lange’s supporting partnership with Carter and highlighted opener James Francis’ earlier half-century performance.

    The commentary legend also recognized the team’s bowling strengths, particularly Shaquan Belle’s outstanding 6-40 figures from 10 overs. Perreira identified emerging talents like left-arm medium pacer Jaqueem Pollard and left-arm leg spinner Vitel Lawes as promising prospects for West Indies cricket’s future.

    With this demonstrated depth in both batting and bowling departments, the West Indies squad appears well-positioned to challenge for their second Under-19 World Cup title, potentially ending their decade-long championship drought in the tournament.

  • GOCA launches upgraded website and Creative Business Directory

    GOCA launches upgraded website and Creative Business Directory

    In a significant digital advancement for the Caribbean creative sector, the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs (GOCA) has officially launched its comprehensive upgraded website and innovative Creative Business Directory on January 22, 2026. This strategic initiative represents a major milestone in GOCA’s ongoing mission to enhance the visibility, growth, and sustainability of Grenada’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs).

    The revitalized digital platform serves as a dynamic showcase for Grenada’s creative economy, featuring detailed information about key programs including the CCI Business Development Fund, Concessions for Creatives, and CCI Scholarships. A central component of the upgrade is the Creative Portal—an exclusive online community designed for registered creative professionals that facilitates access to essential services and promotes professional development opportunities.

    Simultaneously launched, the Creative Business Directory functions as a publicly accessible marketplace connecting creative talent with potential clients and collaborators. This user-friendly digital directory simplifies the process of locating and engaging Grenada’s diverse creative professionals, from filmmakers and designers to artisans and performers.

    Orlando Romain, GOCA’s Advisor for the Creative Economy, emphasized the strategic importance of this digital transformation: ‘Our approach has always been intentional. Since our 2023 launch through the Unleash Conference, we’ve maintained a clear roadmap focusing on capacity building, financing, and market access. This digital tool specifically addresses market access challenges while celebrating our abundant local and diaspora creative talent.’

    The initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from Grenada’s creative community. André Hayes of MindzEye Films praised the directory’s potential to reduce marketing burdens, noting ‘This allows us to focus more on creating rather than constantly promoting our services.’ Kisha Miller, founder of Living Essentials and Luxurious Scents, highlighted the directory’s efficiency: ‘It minimizes the back-and-forth of finding talent through connections by putting everything at our fingertips.’

    The platform is now live at https://creativeaffairs.gov.gd, offering both public access to creative services and registration opportunities for unregistered creatives seeking to join the growing GOCA community.

  • Kelly Fontenelle named Caribbean Tourism Executive of the Year

    Kelly Fontenelle named Caribbean Tourism Executive of the Year

    Kelly Fontenelle, the Saint Lucian-born Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, has received the prestigious Tourism Executive of the Year award from Caribbean Journal. The recognition highlights her exceptional leadership in driving the federation’s tourism sector to new heights through innovative strategies and targeted promotional efforts.

    Caribbean Journal specifically commended Fontenelle for her relentless pursuit of growth through strategic travel initiatives, targeted promotion, and a remarkable campaign to position St. Kitts as a premier destination within the global travel industry. The publication emphasized her success in keeping the destination ‘top of mind for the global travel trade.’

    In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, Fontenelle expressed humility and credited her entire team for the achievement. ‘This was a really nice honour and this is not just an honour for me, because it has been a team effort,’ she stated. ‘Behind me there is a fantastic team… the Minister for Tourism Marsha Henderson who is very influential in what we do and we have a wonderful board of directors. So the entire team is part of this honour.’

    When questioned about the key factors behind St. Kitts’ tourism success in 2025, Fontenelle identified three critical elements: enhanced destination visibility through expanded advertising in previously untapped markets, a strategic partnership with English football star Cole Palmer that significantly boosted brand recognition, and increased engagement with travel advisors. These coordinated efforts collectively propelled the destination’s tourism performance beyond previous benchmarks.

    Fontenelle, who hails from southern Saint Lucia, assumed her role as CEO in 2024 after serving as Director of Marketing for the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority in the USA. During her tenure there, she played a fundamental role in developing the Saint Lucia Expert (SLEx) loyalty program, which generated substantial growth for brand agents within five years. She is also credited with creating the Romance Specialist Programme for Saint Lucia and was instrumental in establishing the diaspora program. Additionally, Fontenelle founded Travel Advisors Selling the Caribbean, now recognized as the region’s foremost travel advisory company.

    The Caribbean Travel Awards, established by Caribbean Journal in 2014, represent the world’s premier celebration of Caribbean travel excellence, honoring exceptional destinations, accommodations, culinary experiences, and the dedicated professionals who contribute to making the region a world-class tourism destination.

  • Explosion Leads to House Fire

    Explosion Leads to House Fire

    BELIZE CITY – A residential structure located on Faber’s Road sustained significant damage following a destructive fire incident over the weekend. The blaze, which originated from a domestic explosion, resulted in one male occupant being hospitalized with serious burn injuries.

    Preliminary investigation reveals that Kenneth Flores was attempting to ignite a household stove when a sudden explosion occurred. The violent blast immediately triggered a rapidly spreading fire throughout the property. Emergency services responded promptly to the incident, with firefighting personnel providing initial assistance to the injured party before his transportation to medical facilities.

    The victim was subsequently transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) where he received emergency treatment for his injuries. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, who heads the National Crime Investigation Branch, confirmed the incident details to press representatives. “Preliminary information indicates the explosion occurred during stove ignition procedures, resulting in the sustained injuries,” Romero stated during his briefing to media personnel.

    While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, authorities have preliminarily classified the incident as a tragic household accident. The swift response of emergency services prevented further property damage and potential loss of life in the surrounding residential area.

  • Johnson Charles among selections for upcoming T20 World Cup

    Johnson Charles among selections for upcoming T20 World Cup

    The West Indies Cricket Board has officially announced its 15-man roster for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, setting its sights on reclaiming international glory after a ten-year championship drought. Under the leadership of Barbadian captain Shai Hope, the squad will travel to India and Sri Lanka in February for the prestigious tournament, where they hope to replicate their triumphant 2016 campaign.

    The selection, finalized prior to the team’s recent series against Afghanistan as required by ICC regulations, showcases a powerful blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent. The batting lineup demonstrates formidable firepower with the inclusion of explosive hitters including Johnson Charles of Saint Lucia, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, and Sherfane Rutherford.

    Bowling resources appear equally impressive, featuring a diverse spin department led by left-arm specialists Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, supported by the reliable off-spin of Roston Chase. The pace attack gains formidable strength from rising star Shamar Joseph, complemented by the experienced Jason Holder, along with Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd.

    Adding fresh dynamism to the squad is newcomer Quentin Sampson, who earned his selection following an outstanding performance in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League where he received the award for most promising emerging player. The Guyanese sensation brings additional energy and potential to the Caribbean side’s campaign.

    The complete squad includes: Shai Hope (Captain), Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales.