Carib Scope

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  • Here’s Why Horses Remain on Belize City Streets

    Here’s Why Horses Remain on Belize City Streets

    Belize City faces mounting pressure to address the controversial presence of horses within urban areas, with municipal authorities citing significant legal constraints as the primary obstacle to resolution. City Councillor Kaya Cattouse has clarified that the City Council lacks the jurisdictional authority to enforce actions against the keeping and racing of horses within city limits, despite escalating public outrage over recurrent animal welfare violations.

    Councillor Cattouse emphasized that the council is actively engaged with the issue rather than ignoring it. ‘We have been systematically documenting incidents and participating in interagency discussions,’ she stated. ‘Concerns have been formally elevated to national authorities who hold ultimate responsibility for animal welfare protocols, public safety standards, and legislative frameworks.’

    The debate has intensified following the circulation of recent photographs depicting injured and malnourished horses, prompting animal advocacy organizations to renew demands for complete removal of horses from urban environments. Michelle Rudon, a local volunteer, characterized the situation as persistent cruelty and called for immediate governmental intervention to address this deeply entrenched problem.

    According to Cattouse, the complexity extends beyond mere enforcement challenges. She advocates for a comprehensive approach that recognizes the multidimensional nature of the issue—encompassing public safety hazards, community health implications, animal welfare considerations, and aspects of youth development programming. This perspective suggests that only a coordinated national response strategy can effectively address the root causes.

    The Belize Police Department faces operational limitations due to absent legal provisions and inadequate facilities for impoundment. Cattouse highlighted the practical dilemma: ‘Without specific legislation authorizing confiscation, and lacking designated facilities for housing seized animals, law enforcement options remain severely constrained.’

    The councillor confirmed that substantive progress awaits the establishment of appropriate national legislation. ‘Once an adequate legal framework is implemented,’ Cattouse affirmed, ‘municipal authorities stand ready to fulfill their role in the execution phase.’ The matter was initially tabled for formal discussion during a City Council session in May, yet reports of animal mistreatment have continued to emerge in subsequent months.

  • Trinidad PM says Caricom has ‘lost its way’

    Trinidad PM says Caricom has ‘lost its way’

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – In a striking diplomatic rupture, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly denounced the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as an unreliable partner, signaling a profound fracture within the regional bloc. The condemnation emerged amidst a contentious dispute regarding U.S. visa restrictions and the organization’s perceived alignment with Venezuela’s government.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar issued a formal statement distancing her nation from CARICOM’s collective position on recent U.S. immigration measures. She asserted that the 15-member integration grouping ‘will not determine the future’ of Trinidad and Tobago, characterizing the organization as having ‘lost its way’ in its foreign policy orientations.

    The diplomatic schism centers on contrasting responses to the United States government’s December 2025 announcement of enhanced entry restrictions for certain foreign nationals. While the CARICOM Bureau – comprising the prime ministers of Jamaica, Barbados, and Grenada – expressed concern about the visa limitations’ potential adverse effects on regional travel and economic stability, Trinidad’s leadership adopted a distinctly different stance.

    Persad-Bissessar emphasized her government’s recognition of Washington’s sovereign right to implement policies advancing its national security interests. ‘Every sovereign state is responsible for its foreign and domestic policy choices and must be prepared to accept the concomitant consequences,’ she stated, framing the U.S. decision as a ‘measured response’ to international circumstances.

    The Trinidadian leader delivered particularly sharp criticism regarding CARICOM’s approach to Venezuela, accusing the organization of ‘lending support to the Maduro narco-government’ while ‘disparaging our greatest ally the United States.’ She referenced the Venezuelan government’s human rights record and its threats against two CARICOM member states as evidence of the regional body’s misguided trajectory.

    Further exposing internal divisions, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne separately criticized CARICOM’s handling of the situation, referencing ‘inertia and insularity’ within the organization. Browne revealed that despite his advice that the visa matter was resolved, CARICOM proceeded with issuing its critical statement, highlighting coordination failures within the bloc.

    Persad-Bissessar concluded with a stark warning about CARICOM’s institutional viability, citing ‘widening fissures’ beneath ‘the thin mask of unity’ that threaten to cause its ‘implosion.’ She identified poor management, factional divisions, and inappropriate meddling in member states’ domestic politics as existential challenges requiring transparent acknowledgment and reform.

  • STETHS outlast Glenmuir on penalties to win daCosta Cup

    STETHS outlast Glenmuir on penalties to win daCosta Cup

    In a breathtaking conclusion to the ISSA daCosta Cup final, St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) emerged victorious against Glenmuir High in an intense penalty shootout that extended to sudden death at the National Stadium on Saturday. The championship match culminated in an 8-7 penalty decision following a grueling 90-minute stalemate that remained scoreless despite extraordinary efforts from both sides.

    The contest intensified dramatically in the 55th minute when STETHS faced a critical disadvantage after player Jade Lynch received a red card, forcing the team to complete the match with only ten players. Despite this significant setback, STETHS demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical discipline, effectively neutralizing Glenmuir’s offensive strategies throughout the remainder of regulation time.

    The penalty shootout unfolded as a dramatic narrative of its own, with both teams initially deadlocked at four successful conversions apiece after the standard five attempts. The tension escalated as each squad missed their seventh penalty attempt, extending the contest into sudden death rounds. The decisive moment arrived when STETHS goalkeeper Steadmon, who had previously converted his own penalty shot, made his second critical save of the shootout by stopping Glenmuir’s ninth attempt, securing the championship for his team.

    This victory marks STETHS’ sixth daCosta Cup title overall and their first championship claim since 2015, ending an eight-year drought for the institution. The outcome simultaneously denied Glenmuir High their potential fourth hold on the trophy and represented their second finals defeat within a three-year period, adding another chapter to the competitive rivalry between these football programs.

  • 2026 West Indies T20 Breakout League put on pause

    2026 West Indies T20 Breakout League put on pause

    In a significant scheduling shift, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the postponement of the 2026 edition of the West Indies T20 Breakout League, despite previous commitments from Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president Azim Bassarath that the tournament would proceed in January-February at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

    The decision follows a comprehensive collaborative review between CWI and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which determined the originally planned window would conflict with an exceptionally congested international and domestic cricket schedule. The upcoming calendar features two major global events: the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup (January 15-February 6) immediately followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (February 7-March 8).

    CWI CEO Chris Dehring emphasized that while the developmental league remains integral to long-term planning, the pause allows for strategic reassessment during a fiscally constrained period. ‘With our under-19 and senior men’s teams focused on upcoming World Cups, this is an especially demanding period for our players,’ Dehring stated. He confirmed both organizations agree the tournament requires adequate space to achieve its developmental objectives and fan engagement goals.

    The inaugural Breakout League, held April 25-May 10 this year, proved successful with Trinidad and Tobago Legions claiming victory over Leeward Islands Thunder by 17 runs in the final. The tournament served as a crucial platform for emerging talent, with several participants already advancing to international representation.

    Dehring indicated the hiatus would enable authorities to evaluate the league’s structural framework and positioning within the World Cup cycle to optimize developmental outcomes. He highlighted the need for enhanced scouting mechanisms and improved data collection to strengthen alignment between the Breakout League and high-performance systems.

    CPL CEO Pete Russell reinforced his organization’s continued support for the league’s mission, stating the postponement period would allow for refinement of format, timing, and supporting structures to ensure the tournament fulfills its intended role within Caribbean cricket’s development ecosystem.

  • Paralympic Committee president Sudhir Ramessar dies

    Paralympic Committee president Sudhir Ramessar dies

    The Trinidad and Tobago sporting community is in mourning following the passing of Sudhir Ramessar, the long-serving president of the TT Paralympic Committee (TTPC), who died on December 19. Ramessar’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from national sporting organizations celebrating his transformative impact on para-sports advocacy.

    Beyond his presidential role with TTPC, Ramessar served as director of the Consortium of Disability Organizations, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to improving conditions for differently-abled individuals both in athletic competition and daily life. His advocacy work created substantial opportunities for para-athletes through persistent lobbying efforts and strategic development initiatives.

    The Trinidad Olympic Committee (TTOC) formally acknowledged Ramessar’s contributions via social media, stating: “We honor his unwavering dedication, leadership and lifelong service to para-sport and athlete advocacy in Trinidad and Tobago. His contribution to sport, inclusion and the Paralympic movement has left an indelible mark that will continue to inspire generations.”

    The Trinidad Rifle Association commemorated Ramessar as “a visionary leader, tireless advocate, and true champion for persons with disabilities in sport” in their Facebook tribute. They emphasized how his leadership “profoundly transformed the sporting landscape, creating opportunities, dignity and hope for countless athletes.”

    Ramessar is remembered not merely as a sports administrator but as a genuine humanitarian whose integrity, passion for service, and commitment to inclusion reshaped Trinidad and Tobago’s approach to Paralympic sports. The national sporting fraternity recognizes his legacy as one that will continue to influence future generations of athletes and advocates alike.

  • NGO challenges EMA over claims of less noise

    NGO challenges EMA over claims of less noise

    A significant discrepancy has emerged between official noise pollution statistics and ground-level realities in Trinidad and Tobago, according to anti-noise advocacy group Citizens Against Noise Pollution in TT (CANPTT). While the Environmental Management Authority’s 2024 report indicated a 2% decrease in noise complaints through its hotline and a 16% reduction in police-reported cases, the NGO contends these figures mask a troubling reality of citizen disillusionment with reporting mechanisms.

    The EMA’s data revealed 464 total noise complaints, with 312 referred to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) as falling outside their jurisdiction. The breakdown showed residential loud music (314 complaints) as the predominant concern, followed by bar music (72) and establishment noise (27). Notably, the EMA’s dedicated hotline received only two complaints about residential music noise, suggesting potential underutilization.

    CANPTT Vice President Lindy-Ann Bachoo challenged the statistical narrative, stating that declining complaint numbers reflect institutional failure rather than improved conditions. “Many citizens have complaint fatigue. When citizens repeatedly report, follow up, and see no meaningful intervention, many eventually stop reporting altogether,” Bachoo explained.

    The advocacy group identified multiple systemic failures: inadequate after-hours reporting options at EMA, limited enforcement personnel (reportedly just eight officers in 2025), and jurisdictional confusion between EMA and police services. Additionally, CANPTT reported that residents face “threats and intimidation” when attempting to report excessive noise, further discouraging formal complaints.

    The 2001 Noise Complaints Pollution Regulations exempt numerous activities including religious events, educational instruction, public gatherings, emergency devices, and construction activities between 7am-7pm. This regulatory framework, combined with perceived institutional inaction, has created what CANPTT describes as a situation where “silence is self-preservation” for affected residents.

    The organization concludes that the apparent reduction in complaints represents a crisis of confidence in protective institutions rather than genuine improvement in noise pollution levels, calling for comprehensive reform of noise management systems and enforcement protocols.

  • Clarendon College edge Cornwall College to claim Ben Francis Cup

    Clarendon College edge Cornwall College to claim Ben Francis Cup

    In a thrilling display of secondary school football, Clarendon College emerged victorious in the ISSA Ben Francis Cup final on Saturday, securing a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against Cornwall College at the National Stadium. The match culminated in dramatic fashion with substitute Nicholy Forbes delivering the decisive goal in the 73rd minute, breaking a tense deadlock that had persisted for most of the second half.

    The championship showdown began with an early offensive surge as Clarendon’s Nayar Anderson, later honored as the match’s Most Valuable Player, opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Anderson executed a spectacular solo effort, maneuvering down the left flank before placing a precise low shot into the far corner of the net.

    Cornwall College demonstrated remarkable resilience, equalizing merely five minutes later through Mekhi Foster’s powerful strike from just inside the 18-yard box. Both teams subsequently engaged in an intense back-and-forth battle, creating numerous scoring opportunities that neither side could capitalize on until Forbes’ late intervention.

    The winning moment arrived when Forbes, introduced as a second-half substitute, expertly redirected a corner kick into the far right corner of the goal. This strategic victory marked Clarendon College’s fifth Ben Francis Cup title, adding to their previous triumphs in 1989, 1990, 1998, and 2017, while simultaneously preventing Cornwall College from achieving a record-extending eighth championship hold.

  • Toll collection for May Pen to Williamsfield set for December 27, says TJH

    Toll collection for May Pen to Williamsfield set for December 27, says TJH

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — TransJamaican Highway Limited (TJH) has announced the imminent commencement of toll operations along the newly completed May Pen to Williamsfield segment of the PJ Patterson Highway. The official launch is scheduled for December 27, 2025, marking a significant expansion of Jamaica’s highway infrastructure network.

    The infrastructure developer, through its official Instagram channel, detailed comprehensive service offerings that will support this new roadway section. Motorists can expect round-the-clock security patrols and systematic maintenance protocols designed to meet international standards. TJH emphasized its dedication to providing a transportation corridor characterized by safety, reliability, and operational efficiency consistent with existing segments of the TransJam Highways network.

    To ensure sustainable service delivery, TJH will implement a structured toll system at two distinct locations: the Toll Gate-Main Line Toll Plaza and the Toll Gate-Ramp Toll Plaza. The company’s announcement specifically highlighted preferential pricing for T-Tag users, who will benefit from reduced rates and automated frequent traveler incentives, including complimentary passage on every tenth weekly trip through each plaza.

    This development follows the Jamaican Ministry of Transport’s disclosure earlier last week regarding proposed toll structures for the Williamsfield to May Pen segment of Highway 2000. The approved toll schedule establishes three vehicle classifications: Class 1 at J$480, Class 2 at J$720, and Class 3 at J$1,400. T-Tag subscribers will receive modest discounts on mainline tolls, paying J$470 for Class 1 and J$700 for Class 2 vehicles, while ramp access will be priced at fifty percent of the standard mainline rate across all categories.

  • UPDATE: Body retrieved after vehicle plunges into Black River

    UPDATE: Body retrieved after vehicle plunges into Black River

    Jamaican rescue teams have successfully recovered both a submerged vehicle and the body of its male driver following a tragic incident at the historic Lacovia Bridge in St. Elizabeth. The operation, conducted by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard divers on Saturday afternoon, concluded the search that began after the pickup truck veered off the compromised bridge into the Black River on Friday.

    According to official statements released via JDF’s Instagram channel, divers from the Second District Coast Guard unit located the vehicle in the riverbed. During the recovery operation, they discovered one deceased individual trapped within the cabin of the submerged pickup. The JDF extended its formal condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim, acknowledging the profound difficulty of their loss.

    Preliminary investigations by local authorities indicate the accident occurred between mid-morning and mid-afternoon on Friday as the vehicle was traveling toward the town of Black River. Witness accounts and initial evidence suggest the driver lost control before the vehicle left the roadway and entered the water.

    The investigation has revealed significant infrastructure concerns surrounding the accident site. The Lacovia Bridge’s safety rails have reportedly been in a state of disrepair for several years, with their condition further deteriorating during Hurricane Melissa’s passage on October 28. This structural deficiency has raised questions about transportation safety infrastructure in the region.

    In a related development, reports confirm that the victim’s stepson managed to escape the sinking vehicle through heroic measures, swimming to safety before the pickup became fully submerged. Police authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending formal identification and family notifications.

  • Ex-cop ‘Milla 9’ and co-defendant get life sentences for fatal US home invasion

    Ex-cop ‘Milla 9’ and co-defendant get life sentences for fatal US home invasion

    A former Jamaican police officer turned prominent dancehall music producer has been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for his role in a deadly 2019 home invasion in California. Omar ‘Milla 9’ Miller, 46, and his accomplice Andre Andrews, 40, received identical sentences from an Orange County Superior Court judge for the murder of 20-year-old Raymond Alcala during a violent break-in.