Carib Scope

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  • NWA mulls shift of Springmount roadway as it assess massive breakaway

    NWA mulls shift of Springmount roadway as it assess massive breakaway

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — Engineering officials are contemplating a complete roadway realignment in Springmount, St James, following catastrophic damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa. The storm triggered a massive breakaway along a critical transport artery, severing connections between northern St James and southern communities while creating a dangerous precipice.

    Janel Ricketts, Community Relations Representative for the National Works Agency’s western region, confirmed that engineers are actively evaluating multiple solutions for the compromised roadway. “We’re examining potential diversions in that area,” Ricketts stated to Observer Online. “The scale of this breakaway is enormous, requiring us to identify the optimal engineering approach. Current considerations involve shifting the road alignment based on the extensive damage assessment.”

    The destroyed roadway has drastically limited access, with only a narrow segment remaining passable for pedestrians and occasional motorcycle traffic. Major vehicle transit has been redirected through Hampton via neighboring routes. Ricketts noted the precarious conditions, observing that “some brave people are riding motorcycles along there” despite obvious dangers.

    Complicating recovery efforts, ongoing rainfall continues to deteriorate conditions. Ricketts warned residents about hazardous travel conditions, noting overnight rains had deposited additional mud and created slippery surfaces. She emphasized that “they ought to be travelling with extreme caution” as weather conditions persist.

    Despite challenges, recovery progress is evident throughout the parish. The NWA has successfully restored the Chelsea gully area where river erosion had consumed the roadway. Multiple other locations have received preliminary repairs, though Ricketts acknowledged that significant work remains. “We’ve addressed initial stages, but many areas require reshaping and asphalt laying,” she explained.

    Remarkably, all St James roadways except Springmount have reopened to public use, though many show substantial erosion damage. Areas near Seven Rivers in Cambridge experienced weeks of inundation that heavily scoured road surfaces even after water receded. The NWA is now prioritizing these erosion-damaged sections following initial landslide clearance and drainage work.

    Ricketts characterized the overall rehabilitation as “a work in progress” that will require substantial time due to the extensive damage scope, assuring residents that continued improvements are underway.

  • Emergency work to begin immediately at the Westmoreland Infirmary

    Emergency work to begin immediately at the Westmoreland Infirmary

    The Jamaican government has initiated urgent restoration efforts at the Westmoreland Infirmary following extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, announced immediate emergency measures during his December 3 inspection of the compromised facility.

    Critical assessment revealed substantial structural damage to both male and female wards, along with the specialized building previously accommodating the parish’s homeless population. The hurricane’s impact forced displaced residents into shared accommodations, creating what Minister McKenzie deemed “an unacceptable” living situation.

    The restoration strategy employs emergency procurement protocols to accelerate roof repairs on the infirmary’s newest building. Technical teams are evaluating multiple reconstruction approaches, including complete roofing replacement versus partial restoration. Simultaneously, authorities will commence immediate rehabilitation of the dedicated homeless facility to restore proper housing conditions.

    Minister McKenzie acknowledged the compound challenges presented by the facility’s structural limitations and scale of destruction. “The structural competence of the facility is something that has to be taken into consideration,” he noted, emphasizing the complexity of restoring aging infrastructure.

    Beyond physical repairs, the government is addressing humanitarian concerns for both residents and staff. Several employees suffered personal home losses during the hurricane and have been temporarily sheltering at the infirmary. Administrative and welfare support teams will be deployed on-site to process immediate assistance for affected staff members.

    The comprehensive response includes short-term remedial works to improve comfort in the female ward while planning continues for longer-term rehabilitation of the entire facility.

  • Court sides with judge’s son: Illegal PBR use conviction quashed

    Court sides with judge’s son: Illegal PBR use conviction quashed

    In a landmark ruling that clarifies regulatory interpretation of transit privileges, Trinidad and Tobago’s Court of Appeal has unanimously overturned the conviction of a 17-year-old youth—the son of a sitting judge—who had been penalized for unauthorized use of the Priority Bus Route (PBR).

    The appellate panel, comprising Justices Peter Rajkumar, Geoffrey Henderson, and Ricky Rahim, determined that Master Tricia Bhagwandeen-Sadho committed a legal error by imposing an evidentiary requirement not supported by existing legislation. The case originated from an August 2020 incident when the teenager was stopped while operating his father’s vehicle on the PBR and presented a valid permit issued for the vehicle.

    Justice Rajkumar, authoring the decisive judgment, emphasized that the Highways Act and Classification of Highways Order explicitly authorize vehicles—not individual drivers—to utilize the bus route. The court found that the youth satisfactorily met his legal obligation by producing the legitimate PBR permit and affirming he had permission to use the vehicle, thereby shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors to demonstrate otherwise—a burden the state failed to discharge.

    Critically, the court rejected the lower court’s reliance on unpublished conditions printed on the permit’s reverse side, noting these conditions were never formally entered into evidence. The judgment further repudiated the Master’s concern about ‘absurd outcomes’ resulting from literal statutory interpretation, highlighting that the legislation already empowers the minister to impose additional conditions if necessary.

    The ruling establishes significant precedent regarding statutory construction principles and reinforces that courts cannot infer restrictions absent from legislative text. The Appeal Court consequently vacated all penalties associated with the conviction.

  • Claxton Bay woman killed by ex-boyfriend who dies by suicide

    Claxton Bay woman killed by ex-boyfriend who dies by suicide

    A devastating case of domestic violence culminated in dual fatalities on December 8 in Claxton Bay, concluding a turbulent relationship between two residents of Pranz Gardens. The victims have been identified as 43-year-old Angel Lutchman, an entrepreneurial mother of two, and 29-year-old technician Shazard Mohammed.

    The tragic sequence unfolded when Lutchman’s 12-year-old son returned from an overnight stay with relatives to discover the horrifying scene. His mother had been brutally attacked in her bedroom, suffering fatal stab wounds and a slit throat. Mohammed’s body was found nearby in the same room, having taken his own life following the murder.

    This lethal conclusion came despite Lutchman’s proactive measures for protection. Just two weeks prior to the incident, she had secured a restraining order against Mohammed, who resided merely a few houses away. The court order proved insufficient protection against the escalating violence that characterized their relationship.

    Family accounts reveal contrasting perspectives on the couple’s dynamic. Lutchman’s relatives described Mohammed as persistently abusive, noting that conflicts between the pair occurred with disturbing regularity. Conversely, Mohammed’s family acknowledged the frequent verbal and physical altercations while simultaneously characterizing the couple as ‘inseparable’ in their complex relationship dynamic.

    Lutchman, who operated an online business, leaves behind two children from a previous relationship. Mohammed was also a parent to one child, compounding the tragedy’s impact on multiple families within the community.

  • Kublalsingh: PM must ‘step aside’ for aligning with ‘imperialists’

    Kublalsingh: PM must ‘step aside’ for aligning with ‘imperialists’

    Prominent environmental activist Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh has issued a forceful demand for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to relinquish her position, accusing her of embroiling Trinidad and Tobago in what he characterizes as an “imperialist” agenda through alleged support of controversial US military operations in the region.

    The controversy stems from ongoing US counter-narcotics operations that have resulted in over 80 fatalities across more than 20 lethal strikes in the Southern Caribbean and Pacific since September 2. United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has declared these operations in violation of established international law.

    During a December 7 vigil for peace at Woodford Square in Port of Spain, organized amid escalating US-Venezuela tensions, Kublalsingh delivered a scathing indictment of the government’s foreign policy alignment. “She appears to be actively encouraging this military approach, mirroring the previous Trump administration’s attempted strategy of invading Venezuela, installing an illegitimate leader, and securing oil access,” he asserted.

    The environmental advocate accused the administration of abandoning diplomatic channels in favor of militarized approaches, stating that Persad-Bissessar was following the “American playbook” of confrontation rather than negotiation. He called for her to “step aside peacefully and diplomatically” to preserve national interests.

    Regarding ongoing US investigations into potential war crimes allegations, Kublalsingh warned that the Prime Minister was effectively painting targets on herself and her supporters. He challenged the evidentiary basis of the strikes, demanding: “Has America produced any verification that these vessels transported drugs? Any proof these individuals were traffickers? The answer is none.”

    Radio and television personality Abeo Jackson amplified these concerns in an impassioned address, urging national unity across political divisions to confront what she termed the government’s “betrayal” of economic sovereignty. She specifically referenced damaged relations with Venezuela and lost opportunities for oil access, arguing that the administration was sacrificing national interests to align with “big imperialist nations.”

    Movement for Social Justice leader David Abdulah, addressing questions about the modest turnout, emphasized the qualitative significance of the diverse cross-section of participants. He maintained that Trinidad and Tobago’s international reputation had suffered severe damage due to the administration’s policies, stating that protesters were “maintaining the integrity of TT” against complicity in questionable international operations.

    All three speakers framed the situation as a critical juncture for Caribbean sovereignty, invoking historical struggles for self-determination and calling for the region to maintain its status as a “zone of peace” through diplomatic engagement rather than military alignment.

  • EBC chair to returning officers: Conduct THA elections with integrity

    EBC chair to returning officers: Conduct THA elections with integrity

    TOBAGO – The electoral machinery for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections has been officially set in motion with the ceremonial presentation of writs to returning officers, marking the formal initiation of proceedings leading to the January 12 polling day.

    In a significant procedural event conducted under Election Rule 3 of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 2:01, Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) chairman Mark Ramkerrysingh personally handed the writs to the appointed officers. This legal instrument empowers the officials to administer the electoral process on behalf of the EBC, establishing the framework for democratic participation.

    Chairman Ramkerrysingh addressed the assembled officers with a compelling charge, emphasizing their critical role as custodians of electoral integrity. He characterized their position as “guardians of the process on the ground” who carry the substantial responsibility of maintaining public confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions.

    “The people of Tobago expect an orderly, transparent, and trustworthy process,” Ramkerrysingh stated. “What you do impacts democracy directly, and it is a great service to this country.” He stressed that every electoral event, regardless of scale, must be conducted with absolute professionalism, impartiality, and unwavering integrity.

    The EBC chairman further elaborated on leadership expectations, urging officers to foster positive working relationships with polling day staff through effective support, guidance, and management. He affirmed that the commission’s selection process identified individuals possessing demonstrated competence and requisite experience for these temporary but crucial positions.

    Ramkerrysingh concluded with an inspirational charge: “May you execute your duties with confidence, integrity, and the sense of purpose befitting the high office you temporarily hold. Together, let us deliver an election that Tobago can trust and be proud of.”

  • TUCO opens registration for Carnival competitions, awaits sponsors

    TUCO opens registration for Carnival competitions, awaits sponsors

    The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) has officially commenced registration procedures for its highly anticipated 2026 Carnival competitions. Registration opened December 8 across multiple zonal offices including the head office in Woodbrook, North Zone office in Port of Spain, South/Central Zone office in San Fernando, East Zone office in Arima, and Tobago’s office in Scarborough.

    Eligibility extends to all citizens and naturalized citizens, with tiered registration fees reflecting membership status. Financial members will pay $100 for senior competitions, while non-members face a $500 fee. Members with outstanding dues can regularize their status for $150 per year of lapsed membership.

    TUCO President Ainsley King revealed in a December 8 interview that prize structures remain undetermined as the organization awaits commitments from potential sponsors. King acknowledged TUCO’s significant reliance on government funding, noting concerning signals from recent sponsorship withdrawals from other cultural organizations like Pan Trinbago.

    While no official confirmation of funding reductions has been received, King observed that ‘it is not business as usual’ regarding traditional sponsorship patterns. The president confirmed TUCO has contingency plans, including re-engaging previous sponsors, should primary funding sources diminish.

    Critical registration deadlines have been established: National Calypso Monarch (January 9, 3pm), National Extempo Monarch (January 30, 3pm), National Freestyle Monarch (January 30, 3pm), National Road March Competition (February 13, 3pm), and National Junior Calypso Monarch (January 13, 3pm). Interested participants can seek additional information at tucoamc2026@gmail.com.

  • Petrojam reopens Montego Bay fuel terminal after hurricane repairs

    Petrojam reopens Montego Bay fuel terminal after hurricane repairs

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Petrojam Limited, Jamaica’s state-owned oil refinery, announced Monday the successful restoration of fuel distribution operations from its Montego Bay terminal. This critical supply line to the nation’s western parishes had been inoperative for four weeks following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact in late October.

    The company’s industrial loading facility in St. James parish, severely affected by the late October storm, has now resumed full operations after extensive rehabilitation efforts. Throughout November, the western region relied exclusively on fuel supplies transported from Petrojam’s primary terminal in Kingston, creating logistical challenges and extended delivery times.

    Brian Case, Acting Reliability and Maintenance Manager at Petrojam, expressed satisfaction with the restoration progress: “We are delighted to have been able to reopen over the past few days. Our dedicated teams worked tirelessly around the clock to complete these essential repairs under challenging circumstances.”

    The reactivated terminal has restored complete daily distribution capabilities for multiple fuel products, including 87 and 90-octane gasoline grades, ultra-low sulphur diesel, and specialized aviation fuel. Comprehensive rehabilitation work encompassed enhancements to delivery infrastructure, structural reinforcement of storage tanks and fuel pipelines, extensive debris clearance, and security perimeter repairs.

    During the disruption period, Petrojam implemented innovative communication strategies, utilizing social media platforms to assist motorists in locating operational service stations through regular Fuel Station Finder updates. The company further emphasized that fuel quality standards remained uncompromised throughout the recovery period, maintained through their ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory facilities in Kingston.

    As Jamaica’s sole petroleum refining entity, Petrojam’s operational restoration signifies a crucial milestone in the nation’s post-hurricane recovery efforts, ensuring stabilized energy supply chains to affected western regions.

  • Former Haitian first lady renews a demand for justice for her husband

    Former Haitian first lady renews a demand for justice for her husband

    PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti—Martine Moïse, widow of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, has issued a powerful renewed demand for justice nearly three years after her husband’s brutal killing. The former first lady, who survived the July 7, 2021 attack that claimed the president’s life, delivered a scathing indictment of Haiti’s judicial system, describing it as a weaponized tool for political persecution rather than an instrument of justice.

    In an emotionally charged statement, Moïse characterized Haiti’s justice system as being ‘in the hands of a small group that manipulates an entire population,’ asserting that her husband had consistently denounced this corrupt system during his presidency. She revealed disturbing patterns within the judicial framework: those without powerful connections ‘die in prison,’ while wealthy individuals evade incarceration ‘even with solid evidence against them.’

    The former first lady drew direct connections between previous judicial attacks on her husband and his ultimate assassination, specifically referencing events on February 7, 2021, when Haitian authorities claimed to have thwarted an attempted coup against President Moïse. She pointedly questioned the whereabouts of judges who had issued warrants against the president while he was executing his constitutional duties, suggesting these legal instruments were ultimately weaponized to facilitate his murder.

    Moïse’s statement extended beyond personal tragedy to address Haiti’s broader crisis, attributing the country’s paralyzing violence to ‘oligarchs, corrupt politicians, and globalist whites’ who she claims ‘sacrificed the People by assassinating President Jovenel Moïse.’ She warned of ongoing strategies to consolidate power through violent means, creating what she described as a ‘violent, enslaving system that sucks their blood.’

    Invoking Haiti’s revolutionary heroes—Padrejean, Makandal, Boukman, Toussaint, and Dessalines—Moïse recalled their rallying cry of ‘Liberty or death’ as relevant to the current crisis. She concluded with her husband’s haunting question from a recorded video: ‘What will we do in the face of these criminals, these lawless bandits?’ asserting that ‘the people have had enough’ and that ‘the time has come for the system to collapse.’

  • JMMB Money gives clients opportunity to win $2 million with ‘Share the Love’ promotion

    JMMB Money gives clients opportunity to win $2 million with ‘Share the Love’ promotion

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant post-hurricane recovery initiative, Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) Money Transfer has unveiled its ‘Share the Love’ promotional campaign, offering clients the opportunity to win substantial cash prizes totaling $2 million during the festive season.

    The comprehensive promotion, active from December 5, 2025, through January 31, 2026, will culminate in a prize draw on February 9, 2026, where twenty fortunate winners will each receive $100,000. This corporate social responsibility effort specifically acknowledges the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on local communities and aims to support those providing financial assistance to loved ones during the recovery period.

    Eligibility for participation extends to all JMMB Money Transfer clients in Jamaica who are at least 18 years of age. Participants can enter the drawing through two primary methods: receiving inbound remittances via JMMB Money Transfer services, with each transaction qualifying for one entry, or by utilizing the JMMB Money Transfer Visa Prepaid Card, where every $5,000 spent generates an additional entry opportunity.

    Sharon Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of JMMB Money Transfer, emphasized the philosophical foundation behind the initiative: “Within our organization, we recognize that each financial transaction embodies profound elements of love, care, and personal sacrifice. This campaign represents our commitment to empowering Jamaican families, fortifying community resilience, and demonstrating that even during periods of adversity, acts of generosity can create meaningful positive change. We take immense pride in supporting our clients through this substantial giveback program.”

    The promotion operates in full compliance with Jamaican regulatory frameworks, specifically adhering to Section 58(3) of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act, with complete terms and conditions available to all participants.