Carib Scope

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  • Inmate awarded $150k for broken leg, faeces ‘bath’

    Inmate awarded $150k for broken leg, faeces ‘bath’

    In a landmark ruling addressing correctional facility misconduct, Trinidad’s High Court has condemned prison officers for employing disproportionate violence against an inmate during a 2015 incident at Golden Grove Prison. Justice Carol Gobin delivered a scathing assessment of the officers’ conduct, finding the State liable for assault, battery, and negligence despite acknowledging the inmate’s initial provocation.

    The case centered on events occurring July 4, 2015, during institutional lockdown procedures. Inmate Kurt Christopher Bridgelal, then on remand status, initiated conflict by discarding waste contents from his cell after being denied permission to bathe. When portions struck a prison officer, the situation escalated dramatically as the officer retaliated by hurling three successive pails containing human excrement and urine into Bridgelal’s cell.

    Justice Gobin’s judgment emphasized that while Bridgelal’s actions constituted assault, the officers’ response represented “excessive and unreasonable force” that violated professional standards. The situation further deteriorated when officers extracted Bridgelal from his cell, employing physical restraint tactics that resulted in severe leg fractures requiring extensive medical intervention.

    The State’s defense, claiming injuries resulted from Bridgelal’s attempted escape and subsequent fall, was expressly dismissed as inconsistent with evidence. Medical documentation confirmed fractures to both tibia and fibula bones, necessitating hospital treatment and prolonged immobilization.

    Financial compensation totaling $150,000 TT was awarded, comprising $115,000 in general damages and $35,000 in exemplary damages—the latter specifically addressing the court’s condemnation of the officers’ conduct. Additional interest accrues from the incident date through December 18, 2024.

    Legal representation for Bridgelal was provided by attorneys Amit Mahabir, Bernadette Arneaud, and Joseph Sookoo, who successfully established institutional accountability for correctional staff actions. The ruling reinforces judicial scrutiny over prison conditions and use-of-force protocols within Trinidad’s penal system.

  • UWI professor urges support for rural schools damaged by Melissa

    UWI professor urges support for rural schools damaged by Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A ray of hope emerges for Chester Castle Basic and Primary School as recovery efforts gain momentum through crucial international assistance. The educational institution, which suffered catastrophic damage when Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, has received vital support from the German Embassy to address its most pressing needs.

    The tropical cyclone’s ferocious winds completely tore off the school’s roof, resulting in extensive water intrusion across all floors. Classrooms were inundated, destroying valuable educational resources including textbooks and teaching materials. The aftermath required comprehensive sanitization with bleach to combat mold and mildew growth, transforming the once vibrant learning environment into a scene of devastation.

    Professor Opal Palmer Adisa, who has adopted the school, facilitated the critical intervention by submitting a formal request for assistance. The German Embassy responded by providing essential funding for roof reconstruction and perimeter fence repairs. Notably, the project included rebuilding safety railings that protect students from the adjacent river, which had been completely destroyed during the storm.

    German Ambassador Jan Hendrik van Thiel recently conducted a site visit, spending several hours observing students demonstrating remarkable resilience through performances of Caribbean Christmas songs and religious scriptures. The children’s voices radiated joy and determination despite the personal tragedies many have endured.

    Professor Palmer Adisa highlighted the ongoing challenges, revealing that approximately 75% of students lost their homes during the disaster. Many remain in temporary shelters or have been relocated to distant areas including Kingston. The school itself continues to operate without electricity and has lost virtually all its resources. One teacher disclosed that even the clothes and shoes she wore were donated items, having lost her own home to the hurricane.

    Ambassador van Thiel commended the students for their exemplary behavior and performances, praising their demonstrated strength and resilience. He also congratulated Principal Patricia Palmer and her staff for their extraordinary efforts in restoring basic operations despite overwhelming obstacles.

    Professor Palmer Adisa contextualized the situation within broader regional challenges: “Chester Castle represents an impoverished rural community, similar to many others that have faced decades of neglect. This pattern extends across multiple parishes and schools. Recent visits to five other institutions in St. Ann and Westmoreland revealed overwhelming needs that require more than sympathy—they demand committed adoption and sustained support.”

    While expressing profound gratitude for the German Embassy’s intervention, Palmer Adisa emphasized that roof repairs represent merely the initial phase of recovery. The school urgently requires furniture, computer laboratory equipment, digital devices, and diverse reading materials to fully restore educational capabilities. She issued a compelling appeal to affluent Jamaicans to consider adopting rural schools like Chester Castle, stating: “Our children demonstrate remarkable resilience, talent, and hope. They now require collective action to ensure they can stand tall and thrive academically.”

  • WATCH: Man’s body found on Manchester haul road

    WATCH: Man’s body found on Manchester haul road

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A grim discovery unfolded early Monday morning in the Brokenhurst area of Manchester, where local authorities recovered the body of an unidentified male exhibiting injuries consistent with fatal gunshot wounds. The victim was located on a secluded haul road, prompting an immediate investigative response from the Manchester police force.

    Superintendent Carey Duncan, head of the Manchester Police Division, addressed media personnel at the crime scene, revealing that preliminary reports from residents indicated multiple loud explosions were heard around 9:00 p.m. on Sunday evening. Despite the auditory evidence of potential violence, law enforcement officials were not notified until the following morning when a civilian passerby chanced upon the deceased individual.

    Investigative units remained actively engaged at the location throughout Monday morning, meticulously examining the vicinity for forensic evidence, potential ballistic materials, and any additional clues that might illuminate the circumstances surrounding the death. The identity of the victim, along with the precise motive and perpetrators behind the apparent homicide, remains undetermined as detectives continue their inquiry into this violent incident.

  • Rahming threatens legal action against cousin over ‘attacks’

    Rahming threatens legal action against cousin over ‘attacks’

    A deeply personal familial conflict has escalated into a public legal confrontation in The Bahamas, pitting a high-ranking government official against his own cousin. Latrae Rahming, Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, has formally initiated legal proceedings through attorney Owen Wells in response to what he characterizes as persistent personal attacks originating from within his family circle.

    The situation reached a critical juncture when Rahming issued a comprehensive statement indicating his legal team had been instructed to deliver cease and desist notices and commence judicial proceedings to legally restrain the involved parties. The government official expressed profound disappointment that family relations had deteriorated to this level, particularly during the holiday season.

    In a striking juxtaposition to Rahming’s measured response, social media personality Britney Harris—identified as Rahming’s cousin—launched an emotional verbal assault through a widely circulated voice recording. Harris leveled serious allegations against her relative, accusing him of political hypocrisy and familial betrayal. She specifically questioned his consistent defense of politicians while allegedly remaining silent during previous online attacks against public officials and their families.

    Harris further contended that Rahming had utilized law enforcement and legal mechanisms as political weapons while aligning himself with individuals who had previously targeted her and her husband. The social media commentator referenced substantial personal and financial support she claims to have provided Rahming prior to his governmental appointment, suggesting his current position had precipitated a dramatic shift in their relationship.

    This familial dispute occurs against the backdrop of Harris’s existing legal challenges. Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis previously filed a criminal libel complaint against Harris through the same attorney now representing Rahming. That case involved allegations of defamatory statements regarding sexual misconduct published on Harris’s ‘Island Tea’ Facebook platform, which she consistently denied.

    The converging legal and familial tensions highlight increasingly complex intersections between personal relationships, social media commentary, and political positioning in The Bahamas’ public sphere.

  • ‘Police brutality killed my son’

    ‘Police brutality killed my son’

    A grieving mother in The Bahamas is challenging the official police narrative surrounding her son’s death in custody, demanding an independent autopsy and vowing to pursue legal action. Cheryl Larrimore’s son, Lasheiko Pratt, a 35-year-old mechanic with the Ministry of Works, died during a reported struggle with officers at the Fox Hill Police Station on Thursday morning.

    Pratt had been detained for two days on burglary charges and was scheduled for a court appearance when the incident occurred. Authorities, represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Anton Rahming, stated that officers intervened after Pratt refused to leave his cell and became aggressive. ACP Rahming reported that four officers were ultimately involved in restraining and handcuffing him, during which the detainee became unresponsive. The police asserted that the force used was deemed necessary to subdue an aggressive individual.

    Ms. Larrimore offers a starkly different account, fueled by profound distrust. Having identified her son’s body at the morgue, she noted an absence of visible bruises, which only deepened her family’s confusion and suspicion. She described her son as a “very nice, quiet person” and found the official story illogical, stating, “He gone in there, healthy, good as ever, and then come out in a body bag. That cannot be.”

    The family’s distrust is compounded by the circumstances of how they were notified. Ms. Larrimore was already at the Magistrate’s Court expecting to sign bail for her only son when he failed to appear. She claims the police never contacted her about his death; she instead learned the devastating news through a social media post her daughter discovered.

    This case marks the first in-custody death since the highly publicized February 2013 incidents involving Jamie Smith and Aaron Rolle, who died within 24 hours of each other. Ms. Larrimore also questioned the burglary charge itself, suggesting it stemmed from a longstanding and jealous dispute with a neighbor, not criminal intent.

    With the family seeking justice and transparency, this incident raises serious questions about police accountability, custodial procedures, and the breakdown of trust between the community and those sworn to protect it.

  • Burger King New Kingston reopens following major renovation

    Burger King New Kingston reopens following major renovation

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Burger King Jamaica has triumphantly reopened its New Kingston establishment, marking a significant milestone exactly one year after a devastating fire caused extensive damage to the premises. The fast-food outlet resumed operations last week following an extensive renovation program, signaling the company’s strengthened dedication to enhancing customer experience and elevating operational benchmarks. This reopening occurs alongside ambitious plans for island-wide expansion in the near future.

    Orion Aitken, Senior Brand Manager for the New Kingston location, revealed that the restaurant has undergone complete modernization with state-of-the-art equipment and redesigned layouts specifically engineered to maximize guest comfort. “Patrons visiting our renovated New Kingston facility will encounter what essentially constitutes an entirely new establishment,” Aitken stated. “The redesign prioritizes operational efficiency and service excellence while ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining stringent safety protocols for all stakeholders.”

    Throughout the renovation period, Burger King implemented comprehensive employee support measures, reassigning team members where feasible and maintaining support through ongoing staff initiatives. The majority of personnel have now returned to work across various locations, resuming their service roles within the community.

    This reopening underscores Burger King’s commitment to upholding premium standards throughout its restaurant network while continuing to serve one of Kingston’s most vibrant commercial districts. The upgraded facility represents a crucial component of Burger King’s broader growth strategy across Jamaica, driven by parent company Restaurant Associates Limited (RAL).

    RAL continues to make substantial investments in its quick-service restaurant portfolio, with each new or renovated location representing an average investment of approximately $250 million while creating significant employment opportunities within local communities.

    To celebrate the reopening, Burger King New Kingston will host a Customer Appreciation Day on December 30, offering the first 500 customers a complimentary large serving of fries. This gesture acknowledges the brand’s return to the community and expresses gratitude to loyal patrons.

    Rashai Graham, Community Communications and Strategy Executive for RAL, commented: “New Kingston serves as a vital commercial hub, and we’re delighted to welcome customers back to a revitalized Burger King that embodies our commitment to quality, safety, and exceptional service.” Graham further announced RAL’s plans to open two additional locations at Old Harbour and Spanish Town Road before year-end, continuing the company’s mission of strategic expansion and community investment throughout Jamaica.

  • EU slams China dairy duties as ‘unjustified’

    EU slams China dairy duties as ‘unjustified’

    BEIJING — China has escalated its trade confrontation with the European Union by implementing provisional anti-subsidy tariffs ranging from 21.9% to 42.7% on imported EU dairy products, effective immediately. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Brussels, which labeled the measures as “unjustified” and based on insufficient evidence.

    The tariffs target various dairy commodities including fresh and processed cheeses, curd, blue cheese, and specific milk and cream products. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that these measures follow an anti-subsidy investigation initiated in August 2024, prompted by a formal request from the Dairy Association of China. Preliminary findings from the investigation allegedly demonstrate a direct correlation between EU subsidies and significant harm to China’s domestic dairy sector.

    European Commission trade representatives immediately challenged the validity of China’s conclusions. “Our assessment indicates the investigation relies on questionable allegations and inadequate evidence, making these measures both unjustified and unwarranted,” a Commission spokesperson stated, adding that the EU is currently reviewing the preliminary determination and will submit formal comments to Chinese authorities.

    This dairy tariff imposition follows closely on Beijing’s recent decision to enforce five-year anti-dumping duties on EU pork imports, which took effect December 17th with rates between 4.9% and 19.8%. These developments represent the latest escalation in a broader trade conflict that began when the EU moved toward implementing substantial tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, citing unfair subsidy practices.

    The ongoing trade tensions occur against the backdrop of a significant trade imbalance, with the EU reporting a $350 billion trade deficit with China in 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron recently indicated Europe’s willingness to consider stronger measures, including additional tariffs, if the trade disparity remains unaddressed. Beyond commercial disputes, the two economic powers also remain divided on geopolitical issues including the Ukraine conflict, where the EU has repeatedly urged China to leverage its influence with Moscow.

  • Italy fines Apple nearly 100 million euros over app privacy feature

    Italy fines Apple nearly 100 million euros over app privacy feature

    ROME — Italian antitrust regulators have imposed a substantial €98 million (approximately $115 million) penalty against technology behemoth Apple Inc. for alleged anti-competitive practices within its mobile application ecosystem. The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) announced the decisive action on Monday, marking one of Europe’s most significant challenges to Apple’s App Store policies.

    The AGCM’s comprehensive investigation concluded that Apple holds a ‘super-dominant position’ in the app distribution market and has abused this power through its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework. According to the regulatory body, Apple unilaterally imposed privacy regulations that created unfair disadvantages for third-party developers while simultaneously benefiting Apple’s own advertising services.

    Introduced in 2021, Apple’s ATT system requires applications to display explicit pop-up notifications seeking user permission before tracking their activity across other applications and websites. While marketed as a privacy enhancement feature, Italian authorities found the implementation disproportionately restricted competitors’ ability to deliver targeted advertising while preserving Apple’s advertising capabilities.

    Apple has immediately contested the ruling, stating its intention to appeal the decision. The Cupertino-based company defended its privacy framework as providing ‘strong privacy protections for our users’ that have received widespread praise from privacy advocates and data protection authorities globally.

    This enforcement action represents the latest escalation in Europe’s ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech’s market practices. French competition authorities previously levied a €150 million fine against Apple for similar concerns regarding its app tracking policies. Multiple European regulatory bodies have initiated parallel investigations into whether Apple’s privacy safeguards potentially violate antitrust regulations by creating uneven competitive playing fields.

    The Italian decision highlights the growing tension between privacy protection initiatives and antitrust enforcement, particularly concerning how technology giants implement controls that may simultaneously serve both user privacy and corporate competitive interests.

  • OECS defends CBI programmes in Eastern Caribbean

    OECS defends CBI programmes in Eastern Caribbean

    CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has confirmed its member nations are engaged in substantive technical discussions with United States authorities regarding their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. These dialogues follow recent tensions sparked by US immigration policy announcements affecting two Caribbean nations.

    The OECS Commission emphasized that negotiations have been characterized by frankness and solution-oriented approaches. Member states with active CBI programs – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis – have demonstrated significant progress in enhancing due diligence protocols, improving information sharing mechanisms, and establishing a regional independent regulatory authority to ensure compliance with international standards.

    This development comes after the Trump administration initially announced partial travel restrictions targeting Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica effective January 2026, citing security concerns related to their citizenship programs. The policy has since been suspended following diplomatic engagement.

    The Commission highlighted the critical importance of CBI programs for small island developing states, describing them as essential, non-debt-creating instruments that finance resilience-building, disaster adaptation, and sustainable development initiatives. These programs have funded vital public investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and renewable energy projects.

    While acknowledging the sovereign right of nations to determine immigration policies, the OECS urged consideration of the unique vulnerabilities and limited economic options available to Caribbean states. The organization emphasized the deep economic interdependence between the Eastern Caribbean and the United States, noting longstanding trade, investment, and tourism relationships.

    The Commission expressed full solidarity with affected member states while highlighting the constructive role Caribbean diaspora communities have played in American society, particularly in healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and public service sectors.

  • Pundit at Sudhir ‘Wheels’ Ramessar’s funeral: He made good use of his life

    Pundit at Sudhir ‘Wheels’ Ramessar’s funeral: He made good use of his life

    PRINCES TOWN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – The funeral of prominent disability rights advocate Sudhir ‘Wheels’ Ramessar on December 21 became a powerful celebration of an extraordinary life dedicated to service and empowerment. The 59-year-old president of the TT Paralympic Committee, who passed away on December 19, was remembered as a transformative figure who transcended physical limitations to become a national inspiration.

    Religious leader Pundit Roopnarine Maharaj delivered a poignant eulogy that challenged attendees to examine their own lives. ‘He received this human form but did not squander it. How many of us possess capable bodies yet fail to realize our potential?’ Maharaj reflected at the Broomage Road service. ‘Wheels accomplished exceptional things despite his challenges—a testament to what determination can achieve.’

    The ceremony drew distinguished figures from across the sporting and political spectrum. Former TT Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis traveled from Port of Spain to honor his friend, describing Ramessar as embodying ‘unmatched courage and integrity.’ Lewis revealed his recent conversation with Paralympic athlete Akeem Stewart, who is grappling with the dual loss of his coach and his mentor Ramessar.

    Transport Commissioner Clive Clarke remembered Ramessar’s selflessness: ‘He offered voluntary assistance whenever needed, always prioritizing others’ wellbeing.’ Former foreign affairs minister Dr. Amery Browne, emotionally moved, recalled always addressing him as ‘Mr. President’ in recognition of his dignified leadership. Browne highlighted their time at the Rio Paralympics where Ramessar’s profound commitment to disabled athletes became unmistakably clear. ‘In hundreds of conversations, he never once requested anything for himself—only advocated for others.’

    Ramessar’s sister Rehanna shared intimate family memories, describing him as ‘a brother who became like a son to us all.’ Through tears, she noted how his passing elicited deeper grief than even their father’s funeral, underscoring the profound bond he maintained with nieces, nephews, and siblings.

    The service concluded with Ramessar’s cremation at Shore of Peace Cremation Site in South Oropouche, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire the disability community and nation alike.