Carib Scope

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  • Youths attempted to rob man at Windsor Forest foreshore- police

    Youths attempted to rob man at Windsor Forest foreshore- police

    Authorities in Guyana have made significant progress in a disturbing case of public violence that was captured on social media. The Guyana Police Force confirmed Wednesday that three male suspects have been taken into custody following an attempted robbery and assault incident at First Lady Park in Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara.

    The investigation began after viral footage showed three individuals violently attacking a man at the popular recreational area. According to police statements, the victim—a 21-year-old resident of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo—came forward on Monday to identify himself as the person seen being assaulted in the circulating video.

    Police investigators established that the incident occurred when the complainant was approached while seated at the park. The trio allegedly assaulted him and attempted to steal his cellular phone. Fortunately, the victim managed to retain possession of his property despite the physical altercation.

    The breakthrough in the case came on Sunday when law enforcement officials traced the getaway vehicle, bearing license plate PGG 6502, to its registered owner in Zeelugt. This led them to a 17-year-old male suspect who subsequently cooperated with authorities in locating two additional suspects: an 18-year-old from Zeelugt and a 16-year-old from Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara.

    Disturbing details emerged from preliminary investigations, with video evidence showing one of the assailants pulling what appeared to be a knife from his waistband during the assault. The footage also captured concerned bystanders shouting at the perpetrators to cease their attack on the victim.

    All three suspects remain in custody at Leonora Police Station along with the impounded vehicle as investigations continue. The case highlights growing concerns about youth involvement in violent crimes and the role of social media in both documenting criminal acts and assisting law enforcement efforts.

  • Enforcement of road traffic laws a priority, says Blackman

    Enforcement of road traffic laws a priority, says Blackman

    Following a morning collision in St. Thomas involving schoolchildren, former Education Minister Chad Blackman has issued a strong call for enhanced enforcement of road traffic regulations and increased accountability for student transportation providers. The incident, which occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, prompted emergency response from Barbados Fire Service crews to a two-vehicle collision with multiple occupants, including students en route to school.

    Authorities confirmed that while injuries were sustained, none were life-threatening, with several individuals receiving assessment and treatment directly at the scene. Investigations into the precise circumstances of the crash remain ongoing by police.

    Blackman emphasized that entities responsible for transporting students bear not merely moral but legal obligations to ensure safety standards. ‘Public service vehicles and all organizations transporting our students have a duty by law to operate in a manner that does not compromise the safety of our children or any road user,’ he stated.

    Fire officials disclosed that one vehicle was operated by a 16-year-old driver with a 13-year-old passenger. Police reports indicated that two students from a public service vehicle and two from the other vehicle were among those injured.

    The former minister identified enforcement as the pivotal element in preventing recurrences, asserting that existing legislation already provides adequate measures against road deviance and poor driving practices. ‘The law books are clear regarding how we address misconduct on the roads. What must happen now is enforcement,’ Blackman reiterated.

    He further revealed that the Ministry of Education would strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Works and the Barbados Police Service to ensure strict adherence to student transportation regulations. Blackman added that demonstrating consequences for those who disregard the law is essential, stating that ‘rule of law and order must be paramount in all of this.’

    In response to the accident, the Ministry of Educational Transformation deployed secondary school officers to support affected students. The ministry maintains communication with police and will continue monitoring the injured students’ conditions while providing necessary assistance. Police investigations continue to determine the full details surrounding the collision.

  • Families of 2 Trinidadian nationals killed in strikes sue Trump administration

    Families of 2 Trinidadian nationals killed in strikes sue Trump administration

    The United States government faces a significant legal challenge as relatives of two Trinidadian nationals killed in a military operation have initiated a lawsuit in federal court. The case concerns a U.S. strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel off the Venezuelan coast on October 14, which resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo.

    Legal representatives for the families filed the claim in Boston’s federal court, vehemently contesting the official narrative. One attorney characterized the incident as ‘lawless killings in cold blood; killings for sport and killings for theatre,’ suggesting a severe overreach of military authority.

    This event occurs within the context of an intensified U.S. counter-narcotics campaign in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Since September, American forces have struck at least 36 vessels, resulting in over 120 fatalities. The Trump administration has publicly defended these actions as necessary measures against ‘narco-terrorists’ allegedly transporting drugs that contribute to American deaths.

    However, the legal complaint challenges the very foundation of these operations. The U.S. government has positioned its campaign as a non-international armed conflict against traffickers. Prominent legal experts, cited in the filing, argue this classification may itself violate international laws governing such conflicts, particularly concerning the use of lethal force against non-combatants.

    The lawsuit was filed under the Death on the High Seas Act, a statute permitting foreign citizens to seek redress in U.S. courts for wrongful deaths occurring in international waters. The plaintiffs—Joseph’s mother and Samaroo’s sister—maintain that the two men were engaged in legitimate fishing and farm work in Venezuela and were merely returning to their home in Trinidad and Tobago when their boat was destroyed.

    Sallycar Korasingh, Joseph’s mother, articulated a powerful critique of the operation’s morality and legality, stating that if her son was suspected of wrongdoing, the appropriate response should have been arrest and due process, not execution. The core legal argument posits that the killings constitute wrongful death because the men were not participating in military hostilities against the U.S.

    The Pentagon has thus far declined to comment on the pending litigation. This case follows a similar pattern of international legal action, including a separate petition by the family of a Colombian man killed in another U.S. strike, which was recently brought before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

  • SA open three match T20 series with clinical nine-wicket victory over WI

    SA open three match T20 series with clinical nine-wicket victory over WI

    In a dominant display of cricketing prowess, South Africa delivered a crushing nine-wicket defeat to the West Indies in the opening T20I at Paarl on Tuesday. This match served as a crucial preparatory fixture for both teams ahead of the imminent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next month.

    The visiting West Indies, led by stand-in captain Roston Chase in the absence of the injured Shai Hope, opted to bat first after losing the toss. Their innings never found a stable rhythm, plagued by consistent wicket losses at critical junctures. Openers Johnson Charles (13) and Brandon King (27 off 16 balls) provided a brisk start but fell in quick succession to the spin of Keshav Maharaj, leaving the score at a precarious 50/3 within the powerplay. A middle-order collapse ensued, with only a resilient 74-run sixth-wicket partnership between Shimron Hetmyer (48 off 32 balls) and Rovman Powell (29 not out) providing any significant resistance. The Caribbean side eventually posted a modest total of 173/7 from their 20 overs, a figure widely considered below par on the batting-friendly surface. South Africa’s bowling attack was spearheaded by George Linde, who returned impressive figures of 3/25.

    In response, the Proteas’ chase was nothing short of clinical. The opening duo of Lhuan-dre Pretorius (44 off 28 balls) and captain Aiden Markram launched a blistering assault, amassing 68 runs without loss in the first six overs. This explosive start effectively neutralized the game as a contest from the outset. Markram continued his magnificent form, anchoring the innings with a career-best T20I knock of 86 runs from just 47 deliveries, an innings decorated with nine fours and three sixes. He found able support from Ryan Rickelton (40 off 33 balls) as the hosts cantered to victory, reaching 176/1 with more than two overs to spare.

    Post-match, Captain Roston Chase conceded that his team’s performance was subpar, citing a significant deficit in their batting total and a lackluster bowling effort during the powerplay as the primary reasons for the heavy defeat. He remained optimistic, however, stating there was “no reason to panic” and emphasized the need for strategic improvements ahead of the second fixture. He also provided a positive update on regular skipper Shai Hope’s knee injury, indicating it was a precautionary measure and expecting his return for the next game.

  • Education Minister addresses AI use in CXC SBA’s

    Education Minister addresses AI use in CXC SBA’s

    Caribbean education systems are confronting new challenges to academic integrity as they implement digital transformation initiatives. Kenson Casimir, Minister for Education and Digital Transformation, has recognized escalating concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI) utilization in Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) School-Based Assessments (SBAs). This development follows CXC’s announcement integrating both written and digital components into examinations, a modernization effort designed to equip students for a technology-centric future.

    The ministerial address highlighted the urgent necessity for policy frameworks and legislative measures to govern AI’s responsible application within educational environments. Minister Casimir emphasized that while AI presents remarkable opportunities for enhancing learning and development, its potential for misuse demands immediate protective measures. He specifically warned against permitting scenarios where students complete SBAs entirely through AI tools without facing appropriate accountability.

    Casimir characterized AI as an unavoidable transformative power that must be incorporated into human development strategies. He advocated for its responsible deployment to contribute to societal advancement while simultaneously cautioning that comprehensive legislation is essential to prevent unethical practices. Although policy discussions remain ongoing, the minister confirmed the issue would ultimately require deliberation at the Cabinet level. Rejecting fear-based decision-making, Casimir affirmed AI’s existential reality and its capacity to revolutionize education when properly harnessed, provided clear consequences for misuse are established and communicated throughout academic institutions.

  • The government is not ignoring pipe replacement, Minister says

    The government is not ignoring pipe replacement, Minister says

    The Antigua and Barbuda government has announced a strategic prioritization of immediate water production increases over comprehensive pipeline replacement to tackle the nation’s pressing water shortage crisis. Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas, during a recent appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Taking Stock’ program, provided detailed insights into the country’s water infrastructure challenges.

    Minister Nicholas revealed that a substantial portion of the nation’s water distribution network consists of corroded cast-iron pipes exceeding 50 years of service. These aging conduits have deteriorated significantly over time, contributing to persistent issues including water discoloration and substantial leakage problems throughout the system.

    The government’s current approach focuses on enhancing potable water production capacity despite recognizing that increased output places additional strain on the compromised infrastructure. Nicholas explained that this temporary measure is necessary to provide residents with relief from immediate water shortages while long-term solutions are developed.

    Regarding the pipeline replacement initiative, the minister confirmed the securing of external grant funding valued at approximately US$60 million dedicated to infrastructure modernization. However, he emphasized the monumental scale of the undertaking, noting that the network spans hundreds of miles across the nation, requiring a phased implementation approach due to both systemic complexity and logistical considerations.

    While replacement work has commenced in critically affected areas, Nicholas stressed that production improvements cannot be delayed pending full infrastructure overhaul. The government’s dual-focused strategy aims to address both immediate citizen needs and long-term water system sustainability through this carefully balanced approach.

  • Seven schools progress to round two of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition

    Seven schools progress to round two of the Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition

    The 2026 Inter-Secondary Schools Debating Competition has commenced with exceptional vigor, showcasing remarkable intellectual talent across Dominica’s educational landscape. Seven institutions have successfully advanced to the second round following a challenging knockout phase held on January 22nd and 23rd.

    This year’s competition introduced a groundbreaking format shift, moving away from traditional team-based debates to a focus on individual excellence. Each participating school was represented by a single student, with advancement determined exclusively by individual performance scores rather than collective team results.

    The inaugural debate session on January 22nd featured six schools engaging with the environmentally-conscious motion: ‘Local communities should have veto power over projects that significantly affect their environment.’ Participants included Orion Academy, Isaiah Thomas Secondary School, Wesley High School, St. Mary’s Academy, Convent High School, and Arthur Waldron Seventh-Day Adventist Academy.

    The competition intensified on January 23rd as Castle Bruce Secondary School, St. Martin Secondary School, and Portsmouth Secondary School addressed the socio-economic proposition: ‘The legal driving age in Dominica should be lowered to increase youth independence and national productivity.’

    Seven exceptional debaters emerged victorious through their outstanding performances. Leading the scoreboard was Shanaiyah John from St. Martin Secondary School, achieving an impressive 341 points. Close behind were Hephzibah Abenole of Wesley High School (328 points) and Taya Charles from Orion Academy (320 points). The qualifying cohort further included Sienna Andrew (Convent High School, 317 points), Maliah Ettienne (Portsmouth Secondary, 302 points), Isaac Roberts (Castle Bruce Secondary, 299 points), and Kianna Aaron (Isaiah Thomas Secondary, 288 points).

    Narrowly missing advancement were Lucas Sorhaindo of St. Mary’s Academy (286 points) and Khaleed Colaire from Arthur Waldron Seventh-Day Adventist Academy (263 points).

    These seven qualifying schools will progress to Round Two, scheduled for February 25th and 26th, where they will be joined by defending champions Dominica Grammar School.

    Event organizer Trudy Christian characterized the preliminary round as both challenging and enlightening, noting that the exceptional performances indicate 2026 will be a landmark year for debating excellence. Christian specifically acknowledged main sponsor Josephine Gabriel & Co. Ltd. for their sustained commitment to youth development and fostering substantive national discourse through educational initiatives.

  • APUA to Take Responsibility for Road Reinstatement by June, Utilities Minister Says

    APUA to Take Responsibility for Road Reinstatement by June, Utilities Minister Says

    In a significant policy shift aimed at resolving a perennial infrastructure issue, Antigua’s Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas has announced that the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will assume full responsibility for road reinstatement following underground utility works starting this June. The announcement was made during Minister Nicholas’s appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Taking Stock’ program, where he characterized the current situation as a ‘long-standing and deeply entrenched problem.’

    The minister detailed how the existing system created a vicious cycle of infrastructure deterioration: newly repaired or resurfaced roads would frequently be excavated shortly afterward for utility repairs, leading to premature damage and repeated financial burdens on the state. This decades-old practice, according to Nicholas, has consistently compromised road quality nationwide while creating ongoing inconveniences for motorists and pedestrians.

    Under the new framework, APUA will be required to restore excavated roads to acceptable standards immediately upon completion of their underground works, rather than leaving this task to the Public Works Department after the fact. This approach marks a fundamental restructuring of accountability mechanisms, with Nicholas emphasizing that ‘clearer coordination and defined responsibility’ are essential for achieving longer road service life.

    While specific enforcement mechanisms were not outlined during the broadcast, the minister positioned this policy change as a deliberate corrective to systemic failures that have persisted across generations. The initiative represents an effort to institutionalize higher standards and greater accountability within the country’s infrastructure development processes, potentially ending a pattern that has plagued Antigua’s transportation network for decades.

  • Tevin Willock Sentenced to Seven Months’ Imprisonment for escaping custody

    Tevin Willock Sentenced to Seven Months’ Imprisonment for escaping custody

    In a decisive ruling at the Magistrate’s Court of Antigua and Barbuda, Tevin Willock of Green Bay has been ordered to serve a seven-month custodial sentence after admitting guilt to two criminal charges. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, by Magistrate Mighty following Willock’s confession to the crimes of Escaping Lawful Custody and Malicious Damage.

    The judicial proceedings revealed that Willock executed an escape from the St. John’s Police Station, subsequently evading authorities for a period before his capture. Law enforcement agencies initiated an extensive manhunt, issuing public alerts and conducting specialized operations to secure his apprehension. The breakthrough occurred when police units focused their efforts in the Gray’s Farm district, successfully locating and returning the fugitive to custody.

    Magistrate Mighty imposed a six-month incarceration term for the jailbreak violation, supplemented by an additional one-month sentence for the property destruction offense, mandating consecutive service of both penalties at His Majesty’s Prison.

    The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has formally acknowledged the collaborative role played by community members in facilitating Willock’s recapture. In an official statement, the Police Administration expressed profound appreciation for public cooperation, emphasizing its essential contribution to law enforcement effectiveness and the preservation of societal security across the nation.

  • Proteas crush Windies in Paarl opener

    Proteas crush Windies in Paarl opener

    South Africa delivered a commanding performance to crush the West Indies by nine wickets in the opening match of the KFC T20 International series at Boland Park in Paarl on January 27. The victory marked South Africa’s largest margin of victory by wickets against the Caribbean side in T20 history.

    The match, which served as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, saw the West Indies competing without regular captain Shai Hope, who was rested for the fixture. Roston Chase assumed leadership duties for his 50th T20 international appearance.

    After winning the toss and electing to field, South African captain Aiden Markram’s decision proved immediately justified as the Proteas restricted the visitors to 57/3 during the powerplay period. The West Indies’ innings struggled to gain momentum despite a resilient sixth-wicket partnership between Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer, who combined for a crucial 74-run stand off 50 deliveries. Their efforts propelled the Caribbean side to a seemingly competitive total of 173/7 from their allotted 20 overs.

    South Africa’s response was nothing short of dominant, with openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Markram launching a blistering assault that yielded 68 runs without loss during the powerplay. The West Indies’ fielding woes compounded their troubles when both Pretorius (on 21) and Markram (on 27) were dropped in the field. Pretorius eventually fell for 44, but Markram continued his destructive innings, smashing 86 runs from just 47 deliveries. Ryan Rickelton provided supporting fire with an unbeaten 40 as South Africa cruised to victory with 9 wickets and 20 balls to spare.