Carib Scope

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  • Trinidad Gov’t gives green light for US military aircraft to transit local airspace

    Trinidad Gov’t gives green light for US military aircraft to transit local airspace

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A significant political dispute has erupted in Trinidad and Tobago following the government’s approval for United States military aircraft to utilize local airspace. The controversy emerged when former Caribbean Community (Caricom) and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne characterized an official government statement as deliberately misleading.

    The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs had announced Monday that approval was granted for U.S. military transit operations “in the coming weeks,” describing these movements as logistical support missions focused on supply replenishment and routine personnel relations. The statement emphasized Trinidad’s ongoing security partnership with the United States.

    However, Browne presented a starkly different interpretation during a radio interview, asserting that “this was a very deceptive media release by the government.” The former minister contended that “never before has our country given blanket permission for unspecified foreign military aircraft to use the airports and airspace of Trinidad and Tobago in the build-up to a regime change war.”

    Browne expressed particular concern about the timing and context, noting that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has consistently supported U.S. military operations in the Caribbean despite regional objections. This position contrasts sharply with other Caricom members who maintain the region should remain a “zone of peace” while acknowledging cooperation on narcotics interdiction.

    The government, through Foreign Minister Sean Sobers, maintains that engagement with the U.S. Embassy remains constructive and focused on mutual security interests. Sobers reiterated the administration’s commitment to “cooperation and collaboration in the pursuit of safety and security for Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region.”

    The Ministry highlighted tangible benefits from the security partnership, including joint military training exercises, enhanced surveillance capabilities through advanced radar systems, and successful narcotics interdiction efforts worth millions of dollars.

    Browne concluded with a broader criticism, accusing the government of abandoning Trinidad’s traditional neutral foreign policy and diminishing the nation’s regional standing through its alignment with U.S. military objectives.

  • South America market still strong post-Melissa, says Bartlett

    South America market still strong post-Melissa, says Bartlett

    JAMAICA — Jamaica’s tourism sector is demonstrating remarkable resilience with South American markets driving a powerful post-hurricane recovery, according to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. While North American arrivals have experienced temporary adjustments, South American visitor numbers have not only rebounded but exceeded pre-Hurricane Melissa levels with a sustained 77% increase.

    Minister Bartlett, speaking during a sector update at Ocean Coral Spring Hotel following a tour of Falmouth attractions, revealed significant airlift expansions from South America. Copa Airlines has substantially increased its weekly flights to Jamaica, now operating 10 weekly flights to Montego Bay alongside 5 to Kingston—exceeding pre-hurricane capacity by two additional flights.

    “This expansion represents a strong vote of confidence in our destination’s recovery,” Bartlett stated. “Our air seats are adequately aligned with current capacity, and the sustained momentum from South American markets indicates robust demand.”

    European markets remain strong according to the Minister, with the United Kingdom maintaining particularly powerful performance. North American markets (United States and Canada) are showing signs of rebounding as room inventory increases, with full recovery anticipated by 2026.

    The destination has welcomed approximately 300,000 visitors within a short period post-Melissa, positioning Jamaica for what Bartlett describes as a “V-shaped recovery.” Attractions across the island from Morant Point along the northern coastal area are fully operational.

    Hoteliers confirm the positive trend, with Ocean Coral Spring and Ocean Eden Bay General Manager Rudy Richardson reporting strong demand pressures. “We’re currently operating at 85% of our 954-room inventory with sales teams pushing for 100% capacity,” Richardson noted. The property maintained continuous operations throughout the hurricane period with all 1,250 staff retained.

    Final touch-up works are underway across properties, ensuring rooms meet quality standards before availability. The sustained airlift expansion and strong market performance indicate Jamaica’s tourism sector is exceeding recovery expectations.

  • Bellevue Hospital urges families to bring loved ones home for Christmas

    Bellevue Hospital urges families to bring loved ones home for Christmas

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a heartfelt holiday appeal, Bellevue Hospital is urging Jamaican families to reunite with relatives undergoing treatment and to welcome home those who have been medically discharged but remain institutionalized due to lack of family support.

    The psychiatric facility emphasized in a recent statement that familial involvement significantly accelerates healing and recovery. This call comes as households across Jamaica prepare for festive gatherings, gift exchanges, and shared meals—traditions that stand in stark contrast to the experience of numerous Bellevue patients who face the holiday season in isolation, without visits or even phone calls.

    Hospital authorities revealed that among their current residents are clinically stable individuals who have been fully discharged yet continue to reside at the facility simply because they have nowhere to go. These patients remain hospitalized not for medical reasons but due to the absence of family support networks desperately needed for their reintegration into society.

    CEO Suzette Buchanan, during recent ward inspections, encountered multiple discharged patients clinging to the hope of family reunification before Christmas. She observed, ‘With mere days remaining before the holidays, many of our patients would cherish even a single visit from loved ones this year.’

    Buchanan added with emotional resonance, ‘Those cleared for discharge have literally packed their bags. Their eyes reflect profound sadness and heartache as they yearn to celebrate Christmas where they truly belong—at home surrounded by family. A simple visit or taking them home could represent the most transformative healing gift they might receive this season.’

    The hospital has undertaken substantial facility improvements to facilitate meaningful family reconnections. Recently refurbished areas, including the newly inaugurated Leon Bailey Family Room, provide warm and comfortable environments designed specifically for family interactions. These thoughtfully designed spaces aim to help rebuild strained or lost connections, embodying the Christmas values of hope, grace, and the fundamental belief that every individual deserves to feel valued and remembered.

  • Dominica willing to serve as mediator in US-Venezuela conflict

    Dominica willing to serve as mediator in US-Venezuela conflict

    ROSEAU, Dominica – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has formally declared Dominica’s readiness to serve as a diplomatic intermediary in the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Speaking at a year-end press conference, Skerrit emphasized the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) collective stance that the region must remain a “zone of peace” and advocated for dialogue over military action.

    Skerrit highlighted Dominica’s unique diplomatic position, stating, “As a nation that maintains strong friendships with both the United States and Venezuela, we are prepared to facilitate communication if requested by either party.” He expressed hope that conflict could be averted, appealing to U.S. President Donald Trump to leverage his experience in international negotiations to pursue a peaceful resolution.

    The offer comes amid a significant U.S. military escalation in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Since September, the Trump administration has conducted a series of airstrikes as part of an anti-narcotics operation, resulting in the deaths of over 80 individuals, including citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. U.S. authorities have labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a “narco-terrorist,” with political analysts interpreting the military build-up as an overt attempt at regime change in Caracas.

    This military campaign has drawn severe international criticism. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned the strikes as violations of international human rights law and demanded their immediate cessation. Similarly, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expressed deep concern, urging Washington to ensure its operations align with international obligations concerning the right to life and the use of force.

    While CARICOM has collectively reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace, internal divisions have emerged. The government of Trinidad and Tobago notably declined to endorse the bloc’s statement, with its Prime Minister controversially advocating for the violent elimination of those involved in the drug trade.

    Despite the tensions, Skerrit acknowledged the existing “excellent collaboration” between Dominica and the U.S. on regional security, citing American investments in infrastructure, including a recently installed radar system for maritime surveillance. He concluded by warning of the profound negative repercussions any armed conflict in the Caribbean would have on all nations in the region, reinforcing the critical need for diplomacy.

  • Health ministry implements outreach programme for expectant and new mothers

    Health ministry implements outreach programme for expectant and new mothers

    In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has launched a comprehensive maternal outreach program designed to support pregnant women and new mothers in severely affected parishes. Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of these groups during disaster recovery, the initiative focuses on ensuring continuous access to essential healthcare services and resources.

    State Minister Krystal Lee emphasized that the program deploys mobile health teams into communities to conduct safety checks, provide medical monitoring, and distribute critical supplies. These teams offer nutritional guidance, maternal packages containing hygiene items, mosquito nets, and cleaning supplies, while also facilitating clinical consultations and hospital coordination where local facilities sustained damage.

    The program has already been implemented in Black River, St. Elizabeth, as well as Savanna-la-Mar and Grange Hill in Westmoreland, with expansions planned for St. James, Hanover, and St. Ann. Beyond physical health services, the initiative incorporates mental health support, aiming to destigmatize psychological care for mothers experiencing post-disaster stress.

    Minister Lee highlighted the program’s success in re-engaging previously isolated mothers, noting that field clinics have established trust and routine care networks. The ministry plans a nationwide awareness campaign focusing on prenatal and postnatal care, vaccination, and infant health, aiming to improve birth outcomes and family resilience during Jamaica’s reconstruction efforts.

  • Ex-worker, companies ordered by court to pay Ansa Bank $40m

    Ex-worker, companies ordered by court to pay Ansa Bank $40m

    In a landmark ruling with significant implications for Trinidad and Tobago’s financial sector, the High Court has mandated over $40 million in damages, interest, and costs be paid to Ansa Bank Ltd following a sophisticated fraudulent loan scheme. Justice Frank Seepersad delivered the decisive judgment on December 15, culminating a complex case that exposed critical vulnerabilities in banking oversight.

    The court found former business development officer Dwayne Rojas at the heart of an elaborate conspiracy that defrauded the institution of approximately $30 million over two and a half years. Evidence revealed Rojas systematically processed fraudulent vehicle loan applications supported by fabricated employment letters and falsified documentation. The scheme involved collusion with multiple auto dealerships that presented non-existent luxury vehicles as collateral, including purported Lexus, Range Rover, BMW, and Jeep models that were actually lower-end vehicles or commercial trucks.

    Justice Seepersad ordered Rojas to pay $16.5 million in damages, while five corporate defendants faced substantial judgments: Ceylon Marketing Ltd ($6.3 million), Joalex Auto Ltd ($11.8 million), Miva Import Export Consultancy Ltd ($4.1 million), Diamond Conceptions Company Ltd ($389,923), and It’s A Deal Ltd ($837,313). Each entity additionally faces prescribed costs ranging from $27,221 to $131,934.

    In scathing commentary, Justice Seepersad criticized Ansa Bank’s internal controls as “woefully wanting” and condemned the institution’s approach to litigation against junior employees. The judge dismissed claims against several former staff members—Zaria Sankar, Reyvaan Rampersad, and Kerry Ramsaroop—finding no evidence of wrongdoing. The court awarded these wrongfully sued defendants over $896,000 in costs, noting that the bank had engaged in an “ill-advised” and “bullying stance” that unfairly impacted innocent individuals.

    The ruling highlighted that senior officers who approved the questionable loans were neither sued nor called as witnesses, raising questions about accountability structures within the institution. Justice Seepersad revealed the fraud was only uncovered after a whistleblower contacted a former bank director in June 2023.

    In a significant development, the judgment has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions and Commissioner of Police for potential criminal proceedings against Rojas, former employee Randy Gottsleben, and the implicated dealers. Additionally, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism will review whether the involved dealerships should retain their operating licenses.

    The case exposed numerous red flags ignored by the bank, including loan applications where driver’s permits were issued to 14-year-olds and employment letters containing glaring inconsistencies. Justice Seepersad characterized Rojas’s conduct as pursuing a “facinorous and opportunistic agenda,” noting evidence of regular socialization with dealership representatives that supported collusion findings.

  • Montego Bay United seek to reclaim JPL lead

    Montego Bay United seek to reclaim JPL lead

    A highly anticipated Jamaica Premier League clash is set for Monday at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, where Montego Bay United will challenge Arnett Gardens in a match brimming with narrative significance and championship implications.

    The encounter carries particular personal stakes for Montego Bay’s coach Xavier Gilbert, who faces his former club for the first time since departing Arnett Gardens. Under Gilbert’s previous leadership, the south St Andrew club achieved consecutive third-place finishes, including a notable 4-2 playoff victory against his current team concluding last season.

    Montego Bay arrives seeking redemption after recent disappointing results saw them surrender the league leadership. The western club managed only one point from their previous two fixtures—a 3-0 defeat to Cavalier SC followed by a dramatic 4-4 draw with Harbour View despite twice holding two-goal advantages. They currently sit second with 23 points, trailing leaders Portmore United by a single point but holding a one-point advantage over Racing United.

    Arnett Gardens enters with renewed confidence after emphatically ending a three-game losing streak with a commanding 10-2 victory against Spanish Town Police FC. The eighth-placed team has accumulated 12 points through eleven matches—exactly half of Montego Bay’s total despite playing two additional games.

    Key offensive threats will highlight the matchup. Montego Bay’s Jourdaine Fletcher leads the league’s scoring charts with nine goals, including two in his previous outing against Harbour View. He will test an Arnett Gardens defense that has conceded 17 goals across nine matches. Conversely, Montego Bay’s defense has shown recent vulnerability, surrendering seven goals in their last two games, though Arnett’s offensive explosion against Spanish Town accounted for 10 of their 22 total goals this season.

    The evening’s opening fixture features Waterhouse FC attempting to break a five-match winless streak against bottom-placed Spanish Town Police FC. Both clubs seek redemption after losing both matches following Hurricane Melissa’s disruption. Spanish Town has conceded 15 goals in those two games—more than seven clubs have allowed all season—while managing two goals in each defeat. Waterhouse, currently ninth, aims to climb at least three positions with a victory.

  • US grandmother returns home after paying $8,000 gun fine

    US grandmother returns home after paying $8,000 gun fine

    A 69-year-old American grandmother has returned to Oklahoma after an online fundraising campaign secured her release from Bahamian custody for unintentionally carrying a firearm aboard a cruise ship. Mary Robinson of Sand Springs was apprehended by Interpol officers in New Providence earlier this month when authorities discovered a concealed Kel-Tec .380 pistol and four rounds of ammunition during a baggage inspection at Prince George Wharf.

    The incident occurred on December 2 when Robinson returned from a shore excursion during a Royal Caribbean cruise intended to celebrate her adopted son’s 12th birthday. According to family statements, the grandmother typically carried personal protection while traveling but ordinarily left the weapon in her vehicle when boarding cruise ships. This time, however, she inadvertently brought the firearm aboard Liberty of the Seas.

    Robinson’s granddaughter, Graci Exendine, initiated a GoFundMe campaign on December 3 that ultimately raised over $12,000—substantially exceeding the $8,000 fine imposed by Bahamian authorities for possession of ammunition. The family described the situation as requiring “a miracle” in their fundraising appeal.

    Legal representatives indicated Robinson suffers from early dementia and explained that the firearm had been a gift from her aunt approximately five decades ago. The weapon reportedly went undetected by security personnel at Port Everglades when Robinson initially boarded the vessel on December 1, but was discovered during screening procedures in Nassau.

    After pleading guilty to firearms offenses and paying the court-imposed penalty, Robinson was released from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services following three to four days in custody. The Royal Bahamas Police Force has confirmed that investigations into the matter remain ongoing.

  • Son arrested after Rob Reiner and wife found dead

    Son arrested after Rob Reiner and wife found dead

    LOS ANGELES — The entertainment world was plunged into mourning Sunday following the tragic discovery of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner deceased in their Los Angeles residence. Law enforcement authorities are investigating the case as an apparent homicide, with their son, Nick Reiner, taken into custody for questioning and subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.

    According to multiple US media outlets including CBS, ABC, and the Los Angeles Times, police responded to the Reiners’ home where the couple was found deceased. Los Angeles deputy police chief Alan Hamilton confirmed that investigators were seeking to interview all family members of the 78-year-old director-actor and his wife.

    While official cause of death hasn’t been released by authorities, several news organizations citing police sources reported the couple suffered stab wounds. Celebrity news outlet TMZ, which first broke the story, indicated their throats had been cut during a domestic altercation.

    The tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief from Hollywood and political circles, but also sparked a controversial response from former President Donald Trump. In a statement released Monday, Trump appeared to blame Reiner’s criticism of his presidency for the deaths, referencing what he called ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ in a social media post that drew widespread condemnation.

    Reiner’s legacy in entertainment spans decades, beginning with his breakthrough role as Michael ‘Meathead’ Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family.’ He transitioned to directing, creating some of Hollywood’s most beloved films including ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘Stand By Me,’ ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ and the Oscar-nominated ‘A Few Good Men.’

    Beyond his cinematic achievements, Reiner was known for his political activism, particularly his support for LGBTQ+ rights and early childhood development programs. He helped establish California’s First 5 initiative, funded by tobacco taxes, and actively supported Democratic candidates including Hillary Clinton.

    The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner maintained both behind-the-camera excellence and occasional acting appearances throughout his career. His mother, Estelle Reiner, delivered one of cinema’s most memorable lines in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ during the iconic deli scene.

    Tributes poured in from figures including former President Barack Obama, who praised Reiner’s ‘deep belief in the goodness of people,’ and former Vice President Kamala Harris, who expressed devastation at the loss. Horror author Stephen King, whose work inspired Reiner’s ‘Stand By Me,’ remembered him as a ‘wonderful friend,’ while actor John Cusack acknowledged being ‘at a loss for words.’

    The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths of one of Hollywood’s most respected creative families.

  • UTC gives computers to 2 children’s homes

    UTC gives computers to 2 children’s homes

    In a significant move to advance financial education and digital inclusion, the Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) has reinforced its commitment to youth development through a substantial technological contribution. The investment firm recently provided ten desktop computers to Credo Boys House and Sophia House, two institutions dedicated to supporting young people in Trinidad and Tobago.

    The official handover ceremony occurred on November 19 at UTC’s Port of Spain headquarters, where representatives from both homes received the equipment. The computers, pre-configured with Microsoft software, were accepted by center coordinator Carlene Donald alongside youth representatives from each facility.

    UTC’s leadership emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative. Deyson Scott, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, stated: “We firmly believe technological access serves as a fundamental catalyst for financial literacy and personal development. By bridging the digital divide, we aim to provide resources that facilitate knowledge acquisition, creative expression, and lifelong accomplishment.”

    Executive Director Nigel Edwards expanded on this vision: “This contribution demonstrates our enduring dedication to community empowerment through digital inclusion. We are committed to helping young individuals discover new possibilities via technology and education. Developing financial literacy and digital competencies remains essential for future success, and we aspire to foster curiosity, confidence, and achievement motivation among Trinidad’s youth.”

    The December 12 press release characterized this donation as part of UTC’s broader strategic initiative to equip younger generations with essential future-ready skills and resources. This corporate social responsibility effort aligns with growing recognition that technological access and financial education are increasingly interconnected in modern economic participation.