Carib Scope

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  • DPP Orders Murder Charge Against Police Constable Urbina

    DPP Orders Murder Charge Against Police Constable Urbina

    In a significant judicial development, Belizean authorities have formally charged Police Constable Lionel Rodolfo Urbina with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of American student Kevin Matthew Depaz. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) concluded its extensive investigation into the June 2025 incident that resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries during a late-night altercation on Caye Caulker.

    The twenty-year-old officer faces three serious charges: murder, attempted murder, and use of deadly means of harm. Following his transfer from the island to Belize City, Urbina appeared before the Chief Magistrate where bail was formally denied. The court has remanded him to Belize Central Prison with a scheduled return date of March 31, 2026.

    The tragic events unfolded in the early hours of June 30, 2025, outside a fast-food establishment on Caye Caulker. According to official police reports, the confrontation began when Depaz and his companions allegedly assaulted another individual. This prompted intervention from two off-duty officers, Urbina and Darneak Swasey, who pursued the students’ golf cart. The situation escalated dramatically when a second group arrived on the scene, culminating in a violent stabbing that claimed Depaz’s life and left two others with serious injuries.

    Notably, investigators have cleared the second officer initially detained in connection with the incident. The DPP’s decision to proceed solely against Urbina followed meticulous examination of witness testimonies and critical surveillance evidence. During his initial court appearance, the accused officer lacked legal representation. The case will subsequently move to the San Pedro court system for further proceedings.

  • Musa ‘Not Concerned’ Over Pou Court Case

    Musa ‘Not Concerned’ Over Pou Court Case

    A brewing legal confrontation within the Belize Police Department has captured national attention as the case of Police Constable Gabriel Pou advances to formal court proceedings. The controversy centers on Pou’s allegations that he faced institutional pressure to falsify an official statement regarding the abduction case of Joseph Budna—a statement he claims would have wrongfully implicated senior officers.

    Pou’s legal representative contends that his client’s recent transfer was a deliberate tactic to suppress his testimony, raising profound questions about transparency and accountability within the law enforcement hierarchy. The constable maintains he possesses evidence demonstrating involvement of higher-ranking officials in misconduct related to the Budna investigation.

    In response to these serious allegations, both Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado and Prime Minister John Briceño have publicly urged Pou to present any substantiating evidence directly to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Adding his voice to this call for transparency, former Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa characterized the Prime Minister’s position as “perfectly right” during recent press inquiries.

    Musa, while acknowledging his limited personal acquaintance with the officer—mentioning Pou was assigned to his ministry with only occasional interactions—expressed no apprehension about the judicial process potentially revealing sensitive information. “I’m not concerned at all,” Musa stated, emphasizing that proper evidentiary disclosure to the DPP represents the appropriate pathway forward.

    As this developing scandal moves through the judicial system, national observers await whether Constable Pou will formally submit his purported evidence, potentially exposing systemic issues within Belize’s law enforcement establishment.

  • Politic : Statement from the OAS General Secretariat on the situation in Haiti

    Politic : Statement from the OAS General Secretariat on the situation in Haiti

    The Organization of American States (OAS) has issued a critical statement addressing Haiti’s ongoing political transition, emphasizing the impending expiration of the current transitional government’s mandate on February 7, 2026. This deadline stems from the April 3, 2024 agreement that established the transitional framework.

    In its comprehensive assessment, the OAS General Secretariat underscored that determinations regarding Haiti’s future governance structures must originate from domestic leadership and key national stakeholders. The international body stressed that any emergent political arrangement should feature clearly defined parameters and temporal limitations to preserve the transitional nature of these mechanisms.

    The OAS outlined essential components for successful transition, prioritizing security restoration and electoral organization through a results-driven methodology. The organization emphasized that operational effectiveness will require robust coordination mechanisms, including constructive collaboration with international partners. Most significantly, the Secretariat highlighted the necessity for national unity, placing Haitian citizens’ welfare at the core of all political deliberations.

    Characterizing Haiti’s current situation as a historical crossroads, the OAS acknowledged the nation’s simultaneous grappling with urgent security concerns while working toward reestablishing democratically elected institutions. The organization noted that maintaining existing stability, preserving institutional continuity, and fostering dialogue remain crucial during this delicate period.

    The General Secretariat concluded with an appeal to all political actors and national leaders to exercise responsibility in service of peace and public interest. Reaffirming Haiti’s priority status within the organization, the OAS reiterated its commitment to supporting stable governance and strengthening democratic institutions in accordance with its established mandates and principles.

  • Former Home Affairs Minister Pushes for Dedicated Gun Court

    Former Home Affairs Minister Pushes for Dedicated Gun Court

    In the wake of the withdrawn Thirteenth Amendment proposal, former Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa is advocating for the preservation of one specific component: the creation of a specialized court dedicated exclusively to firearms and gang-related offenses. Musa has publicly encouraged the current administration and cabinet to reconsider implementing this judicial mechanism, highlighting a critical backlog within the existing system.

    Musa expressed particular regret over the abandonment of this feature, stating, “Perhaps the highlight of the Thirteenth Amendment that I find regrettable that we’re not proceeding with is a specified gun and gang court.” He emphasized the urgency of the matter, pointing to over one hundred and sixty firearm charges currently languishing without resolution in magistrate courts. This significant delay, he argues, constitutes a denial of justice for both the accused and the public.

    The proposed dedicated court was designed to streamline the judicial process for cases brought under the Firearms Act, many of which have failed to yield conclusive outcomes. Musa contends that such a specialized venue is paramount for effectively addressing gun violence and organized gang activity, thereby enhancing public safety and judicial efficiency. He remains hopeful that government officials will re-evaluate this priority initiative to tackle the persistent case backlog.

  • Education : Launch of the National Conference on the Refounding of the Education System

    Education : Launch of the National Conference on the Refounding of the Education System

    Haiti has initiated a comprehensive national dialogue to fundamentally restructure its beleaguered education system. The Ministry of National Education officially commenced the National Conference on the Refounding of the Haitian Education System this week in Pétion-ville, framing the three-day event under the ambitious theme “For Transformative Education.”

    The conference, running from January 21-23, 2026, represents a critical response to the systemic challenges plaguing Haiti’s educational infrastructure. The gathering brings together teachers’ unions, parent associations, educational experts, private sector representatives, and diaspora members to diagnose structural deficiencies and develop strategic solutions.

    At the core of the reform effort are four strategic pillars: operationalizing the High National Council for Education, restoring educational governance and school authority, improving learning environments and school infrastructure, and combating academic failure and dropout rates.

    The discussions align with Haiti’s Ten-Year Education and Training Plan 2020-2030, addressing ten critical themes including educational access and equity, teacher development, digital education innovation, infrastructure improvement, school safety, and crisis resilience.

    Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, represented by Ms. Axène Joseph, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to allocating 4% of GDP to education, characterizing the overhaul as an “imperative national necessity” amid the country’s multidimensional crisis. The Prime Minister emphasized that these consultations aim to mobilize national resources toward achieving meaningful social and economic mobility through education reform.

    Education Minister Antoine celebrated the broad participation as evidence of a shared commitment to addressing the challenges jeopardizing the future of Haitian youth. Conference Coordinator Guy Serge Pompilus emphasized that the success of this transformation will depend on the substantive contributions of all participants, with the proceedings expected to produce strategic documents capable of reversing the education system’s decline.

  • Young Belizeans Decry Gang Charge Tactics

    Young Belizeans Decry Gang Charge Tactics

    A significant controversy has emerged in Belize City regarding the enforcement of national gang legislation, with young residents from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods claiming systematic targeting by law enforcement. These individuals assert that police are repeatedly charging them with gang affiliations based primarily on their residential locations or social associations rather than concrete evidence, raising serious concerns about racial profiling and due process violations.

    Former Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa has publicly defended police procedures, emphasizing that all detentions undergo rigorous investigative processes. Musa clarified that officers utilize multiple evidence sources including social media analysis, photographic evidence, and community intelligence before filing charges. He specifically addressed concerns about repeated charges against previously convicted individuals, explaining that new prosecutions require entirely new evidence gathered after conviction dates.

    The ongoing dispute highlights fundamental tensions between crime prevention and civil liberties in Belize. Community advocates argue that geographic and social profiling creates a cycle of repeated charges that undermines rehabilitation efforts. Meanwhile, authorities maintain that their procedures follow legal standards and are necessary for combating gang violence that disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. This situation continues to evolve as both sides present contrasting perspectives on justice system operations in Belize’s urban centers.

  • Musa Defends 13th Amendment, Says Anti‑Crime Powers Already in Law

    Musa Defends 13th Amendment, Says Anti‑Crime Powers Already in Law

    In the ongoing constitutional debate surrounding Belize’s proposed Thirteenth Amendment, former Home Affairs Minister Kareem Musa has emerged as a prominent defender of the legislative changes. Addressing growing public concerns, Musa clarified that the amendment does not establish novel anti-crime powers but rather elevates existing provisions from the Crime Control and Criminal Justice Reform Act to constitutional status.

    The constitutional transformation, according to Musa, serves as a legal safeguard against potential challenges to the legislation’s validity. He emphasized that current anti-crime mechanisms, including states of emergency, remain fully operational and legally supported while the Attorney General’s office finalizes implementation details.

    The political discourse has intensified due to conflicting judicial rulings regarding emergency powers, with these legal contradictions expected to eventually reach the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for ultimate resolution. Musa maintains that until the CCJ provides definitive guidance, the existing legal framework continues to authorize necessary security measures, with the amendment serving primarily as constitutional reinforcement rather than substantive change.

    This development occurs amidst broader national discussions about balancing security needs with constitutional protections, marking a significant moment in Belize’s ongoing criminal justice reform efforts.

  • Belizean Community Rallies as Dr. Eck Faces Cancer’s Return

    Belizean Community Rallies as Dr. Eck Faces Cancer’s Return

    The Belizean community is mobilizing in support of Dr. Cecilio Eck, a revered pediatrician facing a recurrence of biliary tract cancer. Initially diagnosed in 2024, Dr. Eck had previously undergone extensive treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a successful shoulder reconstruction surgery that briefly returned him to his medical practice last year.

    Recent medical scans conducted in Mexico revealed the cancer’s aggressive return, now affecting his hip area and causing significant mobility challenges. Despite this devastating development, Dr. Eck maintains remarkable optimism while undergoing a new round of radiotherapy treatments.

    In response to his renewed health crisis, MADISCO is organizing “Hope for Dr. Eck” fundraiser on January 30th at the Belize City House of Culture. The event will feature live entertainment from prominent DJs, gourmet catering, premium wines, and raffle prizes including luxury spa sessions and high-end furniture. Tickets are priced at $100 with availability through MADISCO offices, online platforms, and at the door.

    Dr. Eck’s profound impact on the community spans over two decades of pediatric service. Former patients and parents describe his exceptional bedside manner, including signature traditions like a lollipop spin wheel and sticker books that transformed frightening medical visits into positive experiences for children.

    The pediatrician has deliberately maintained transparency about his health journey, aiming to destigmatize cancer discussions and demonstrate that hope persists even through treatment setbacks. His story continues to inspire nationwide support as Belizeans unite behind their cherished healthcare provider during this critical period.

  • ‘Rising star’ magistrate’s sudden death shocks judiciary, prosecutors

    ‘Rising star’ magistrate’s sudden death shocks judiciary, prosecutors

    The Barbadian legal community has been plunged into mourning following the unexpected death of Magistrate Oliver Thomas, a jurist widely regarded as one of the nation’s most promising legal talents. The 39-year-old magistrate, who had only assumed his judicial appointment earlier this month, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, creating profound shockwaves throughout the judicial system.

    Before his elevation to the Bench, Thomas had established an exemplary career as Principal State Counsel within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), where he served with distinction for approximately a decade. Colleagues and superiors consistently praised his capabilities as a diligent, committed advocate characterized by unwavering professionalism, integrity, and profound respect for legal principles.

    The Office of the Chief Justice issued an official statement acknowledging Thomas’s significant contributions to Barbados’s justice system. “His sudden passing represents a substantial loss to the magistracy, the legal profession, and the administration of justice in Barbados,” the statement read, extending condolences from the entire judiciary to his wife, family, and legal colleagues.

    The tragedy cast a palpable pall over court complexes, with many courts closing early on Thursday as staff received counseling. Emotional tributes emerged from across the legal fraternity, painting a portrait of an exceptional legal mind and beloved colleague.

    Justice Pamela Beckles delivered a moving tribute during Supreme Court proceedings, recalling Thomas—affectionately known as ‘Ollie’—as “articulate, well-mannered, and showing deep respect for the Bench.” Fighting back tears, she described him as “a fine gentleman who had all the qualities you would want from a son, brother, or colleague.”

    Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC remembered Thomas as “not just a work colleague but a friend and brother,” highlighting his exceptional legal acumen. “He was a repository of knowledge,” Seale noted. “Many of us relied on him for authorities rather than consult the research facilities available to us.”

    Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes, currently on vacation leave, expressed particular sorrow that Thomas’s potential would remain unrealized. “With my interactions with him since his appointment, he was very receptive to knowledge and I thought he had very bright days ahead. We as a magistracy will be poorer for his passing.”

    Acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna reflected on Thomas’s brief but impactful tenure: “Even though his time was short, it was memorable because he was able to hit the ground running. We would speak to each other almost daily, and we will miss him tremendously.”

    The legal community now mourns not only a respected colleague but what many believed would be a future appellate court judge, whose career trajectory suggested significant contributions to Barbados’s criminal justice system for decades to come.

  • CDF FOIA Disclosure Falls Short, Enriquez Says

    CDF FOIA Disclosure Falls Short, Enriquez Says

    Transparency advocate Jeremy Enriquez has declared the government’s response to his Freedom of Information Act request regarding Constituency Development Fund (CDF) records fundamentally inadequate. Despite previous assurances from the Office of the Prime Minister, the disclosed information fails to meet both the legal requirements and the substantive purpose of his sweeping request for accountability documentation.

    The controversy originated in November 2025 when Enriquez submitted a comprehensive FOIA application seeking multi-year CDF records across multiple government ministries. The Office of the Prime Minister responded by acknowledging the administrative complexity of retrieving the extensive documentation—including budgets, disbursement records, payment vouchers, audit reports, and internal assessments—while requesting an extension beyond the statutory fourteen-day deadline for issuing an access decision.

    Enriquez maintained that while he recognized the operational challenges, the government’s legal obligation to provide a formal access decision within the mandated timeframe remained absolute. He argued that administrative inconvenience cannot override statutory requirements, and failure to comply constitutes a deemed refusal, potentially triggering legal enforcement mechanisms.

    The currently disclosed information consists solely of a basic schedule outlining monthly CDF allocations by constituency, totaling $523,333.33 distributed nationwide. The breakdown reveals significant disparities in funding levels: Orange Walk Central receives the highest allocation at $25,000 monthly, while four constituencies—Albert, Fort George, Mesopotamia, and Queen Square—receive only $10,000 each.

    Enriquez emphasizes that this superficial data fails to address the core objective of his request: obtaining the detailed documentation necessary to verify how funds were actually disbursed, to whom they were paid, what approval processes were followed, and whether audits revealed any irregularities or non-compliance. Without these supporting records, the public cannot effectively monitor the use of public funds or hold officials accountable for proper CDF management.

    The transparency advocate has indicated that the government’s partial response represents a failure of the FOIA process’s fundamental purpose—to provide meaningful access to public records that enable genuine governmental accountability rather than merely performing transparency through minimal disclosure.