Carib Scope

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  • CCJ overturns Barbados man’s prison sentence in cannabis trafficking appeal

    CCJ overturns Barbados man’s prison sentence in cannabis trafficking appeal

    In a landmark ruling delivered on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has overturned a three-month custodial sentence handed down to a Barbadian man convicted of cannabis trafficking, correcting what senior judges identified as multiple critical errors in lower court applications of Barbados’ modern sentencing legislation.

    The case centers on Danny Lamar Husbands, who pled guilty to trafficking 90 grams of cannabis. Initially, the Magistrate’s Court sentenced Husbands to three months in prison, basing the ruling heavily on his prior criminal convictions and concluding that his offending behavior had escalated over time. The Barbados Court of Appeal later upheld this original custodial sentence, leaving Husbands to appeal to the region’s highest court for redress.

    In its official press release outlining the judgment, the CCJ confirmed it has granted Husbands’ appeal, setting aside both the lower appellate court’s ruling and the original prison term. In place of custody, the court ordered Husbands to enter a six-month good behavior bond. Should he fail to meet the terms of this bond, he will be required to pay a fine of 675 Barbadian dollars within a 14-day window.

    The core of the CCJ’s ruling rests on its finding that both lower courts failed to adhere to the requirements of Barbados’ Penal System Reform Act, a landmark piece of legislation designed to expand the use of non-custodial sentencing and cut down on unnecessary incarceration across the country. The CCJ explained that the act sets a strict high threshold that must be met before courts can issue a custodial sentence, adding that Barbadian courts have routinely opted for non-custodial penalties in cannabis trafficking cases involving quantities similar to the 90 grams at issue in Husbands’ case.

    Senior judges also emphasized that the lower courts incorrectly assigned excessive weight to Husbands’ prior criminal record. Under the explicit text of the Penal System Reform Act, an offender cannot be ordered to serve prison time solely on the basis of previous convictions, a rule that both lower courts failed to follow in this proceeding. Compounding this error, the CCJ found the Barbados Court of Appeal violated statutory requirements by upholding the custodial sentence without first ordering and reviewing a mandatory pre-sentence report.

    The appeal was heard by a five-justice panel consisting of Justices Rajnauth-Lee, Jamadar, Ononaiwu, Eboe-Osuji and Bulkan. Husbands was represented by Andrew O. G. Pilgrim, SC, and Martie R. M. Garnes, while Krystal C. Delaney and Kevin Forde represented the respondent. Anika Jackson, SC, and Rico Yearwood appeared as amicus curiae on behalf of Barbados’ Attorney General. The full text of the court’s judgment is currently available for public viewing on the CCJ’s official website.

    In the press release, the CCJ underscored that the ruling serves to reinforce the core purpose of the Penal System Reform Act, ensuring that the power to order imprisonment is only exercised in cases where it is clearly legally justified under the legislation.

  • Man jailed for fondling 13-y-o girl in van

    Man jailed for fondling 13-y-o girl in van

    A 44-year-old resident of St. Vincent has been sentenced to concurrent prison terms after a jury found him guilty of severe sexual offenses against a 13-year-old minor committed on a public passenger van. Demond Grant had repeatedly maintained his innocence against two charges: indecent assault of a child under the age of 15 and an act of gross indecency against the same victim, which took place during a public transport journey along the leeward coast of the Caribbean island on June 1, 2024.

    Following a guilty verdict delivered by a nine-member jury, High Court Justice Rickie Burnett handed down the sentencing decision this Friday. Court documents outline the full sequence of the incident laid out by Justice Burnett: on the day of the offense, the 13-year-old victim, hereafter referred to as VC to protect her identity, boarded a leeward-bound passenger van at the main Leeward Bus Terminal alongside her older sister and a female friend of similar age. VC’s sister took the front passenger seat adjacent to the van’s driver, while VC and her friend settled into the back row of the vehicle. The friend sat by the right-side window, with VC next to her, Grant to VC’s left, and a second unknown male passenger occupying the left-most seat by the opposite window.

    Halfway through the journey, Grant initiated inappropriate physical contact by brushing against VC’s leg. At first, the young girl assumed the touch was accidental and shifted her body closer to her friend to create distance. Instead of stopping, Grant moved closer to VC, deliberately running his palm up and down her thigh several times before progressing to directly touch her vagina, the most private area of her body.

    Trapped in the back seat, VC was too afraid to speak up loudly. Sometime later, she noticed Grant had unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, exposing his fully erect penis while staring directly at her. In a desperate attempt to block further contact, VC placed her backpack between her body and Grant, but the offender made no move to stop his inappropriate behavior on his own.

    When the van reached the next scheduled stop in a nearby community, VC immediately exited the back seat and informed her sister of what Grant had done. A heated public argument erupted between Grant and the victim’s sister, during which Grant flatly denied all accusations. VC’s sister then asked another passenger to watch over the girl for the rest of the trip.

    Upon returning home that same day, VC disclosed the full incident to her mother. The following day, the mother accompanied her daughter to the local police station to file an official criminal report. Law enforcement located Grant three months later on September 17, 2024, and after formally cautioning him and conducting an official interview, arrested and charged him despite his continued denial of guilt.

    During Friday’s sentencing hearing, Justice Burnett applied structured sentencing guidelines to the first charge of indecent assault. The judge set a starting sentence of four and a half years, equal to 45% of the 10-year maximum penalty for this offense. Aggravating factors cited included the victim’s status as a minor under 16, the large 31-year age gap between Grant and the victim, the offense escalating from leg touching to direct genital contact, the public nature of the assault that led to a disruptive verbal altercation in front of other passengers, and Grant’s failure to voluntarily cease the abuse even after VC attempted to block him with her bag. The court initially added six months to the sentence due to the overwhelming number of aggravating factors, as no other mitigating factors related to the offense itself were found.

    However, the court acknowledged that Grant had no prior criminal convictions and was considered to be of good prior character, a mitigating factor that outweighed the offense-related aggravating factors tied to Grant as an offender. This led to a two-year reduction in the sentence. After deducting the three months and 19 days Grant had already spent in custody awaiting trial, the court ordered him to serve an additional two years, eight months and 11 days for the indecent assault charge.

    For the second charge of gross indecency for exposing his penis to a minor, Justice Burnett again set a starting sentence of four and a half years, 45% of the maximum penalty. The key aggravating factor here was the public nature of the offense, which exposed other passengers on the moving van to the inappropriate act. The judge ruled that aggravating factors outweighed the single mitigating factor of Grant’s good prior character, adding three years to the starting sentence before applying a two-year reduction for the mitigating factor. After deducting remand time, Grant was sentenced to four years, two months and 11 days for this second charge.

    Since Justice Burnett ruled that both offenses stemmed from a single continuous course of criminal conduct, he ordered the two sentences to run concurrently. This means Grant will serve the longer of the two sentences behind bars.

  • Patrice Roberts Confirms Breakfast Fete Appearance Following Dynamic Carnival Return

    Patrice Roberts Confirms Breakfast Fete Appearance Following Dynamic Carnival Return

    Fresh off a triumphant and high-energy return to Antigua’s Carnival stage this Tuesday, celebrated soca superstar Patrice Roberts has locked in another major performance in the country, set to take place this weekend. The award-winning performer made the exciting announcement to cheering fans at the conclusion of her packed Tuesday set, confirming she will share the stage with a stacked roster of top soca talent at the 268 Breakfast Fete’s flagship “Carnival Deh a Morocco” event on Sunday, August 2. Roberts’ addition to the bill brings two of the genre’s biggest household names to an already star-studded lineup that blends established regional acts with rising local performers.

    The one-of-a-kind event boasts an impressive roster of additional talent, including fan-favorite collective Menace and Friends, dynamic acts Island Prince and Villain, fellow soca stalwart Shurwayne Winchester, breakout performer Young Bredda, iconic Trinidadian entertainer Benjai, and vocalist Duane Ta’Zyah, who performs under the stage name Young Baron. In a special treat for long-time Carnival fans, two of Antigua’s most legendary calypso pioneers, King Short Shirt and King Onyan, are also scheduled to share the stage for a collaborative performance that has been highly anticipated by local audiences.

    Roberts’ upcoming festival appearance comes on the heels of widespread critical and fan acclaim for her Tuesday night performance, which marked her full return to Antigua’s annual Carnival celebrations after a period away from the country’s biggest cultural event. “Carnival Deh a Morocco” is a core installment of the long-running 268 Breakfast Fete event series, a staple of Antigua’s Carnival calendar that first launched back in 1991. As of press time, tickets for the sold-status event are still available for purchase to the general public.

  • Final farewell for Sir Garfield Sobers

    Final farewell for Sir Garfield Sobers

    One of the most celebrated figures in the history of global cricket, National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers, is being laid to rest on Friday in a state funeral held at his beloved Kensington Oval, where crowds have gathered to pay their final respects to the icon who shaped the sport for decades.

    The day of remembrance began with a quiet, solemn procession that wound through the streets of Bridgetown, starting from the grounds of the Barbadian Parliament before making its way to the iconic cricket ground widely known as the mecca of Caribbean cricket. Fans, fellow athletes, political leaders, and community members lined the procession route to catch a final glimpse and honor the life and contributions of the legendary all-rounder.

    Sir Garfield, formally titled The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, breathed his last on July 17 at the age of 86, leaving behind a monumental legacy that has transcended the boundaries of sport. Widely regarded by cricket analysts, fans, and fellow players as one of the greatest cricketers to ever step onto a pitch, he redefined the role of the all-rounder, setting new standards for batting, bowling, and fielding that remained benchmarks for generations of emerging players across the globe.

    Beyond his on-field achievements, Sir Garfield remained a deeply beloved figure in his home country of Barbados, where he served as an ambassador for the nation and a source of national pride. His work mentoring young cricketers and supporting community development initiatives cemented his status not just as a sports star, but as a national icon whose influence extended far beyond the boundary rope. Today’s ceremony at Kensington Oval, where he played many of his most iconic matches, offers a fitting final tribute to a man who put Caribbean cricket on the global map.

  • LIVE FROM 7PM: DBF Panel Public Discussion with By-Election candidates

    LIVE FROM 7PM: DBF Panel Public Discussion with By-Election candidates

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  • Farmers Told to Regularize Crown Land Leases or Risk Losing Access

    Farmers Told to Regularize Crown Land Leases or Risk Losing Access

    In a major administrative shift for agricultural land governance in Antigua and Barbuda, the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy has launched a mandatory regularization program for all former tenants of government-owned agricultural lands previously overseen by the Agriculture Development Corporation (ADC). The policy change, which formalizes a transition approved by the country’s Cabinet back in November 2025, brings all lands formerly managed by the ADC under the direct control of the ministry, with the explicit goal of boosting national food production and strengthening long-term food security.

    Announced via a public notice released on July 27 by Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher, the new requirement mandates that every individual who previously held tenancy rights to these lands must complete a formal regularization process through the Agricultural Extension Division of the Department of Agriculture. Legitimate occupiers are instructed to schedule official appointments at the earliest possible opportunity to verify that they are actively using the allocated plots for agricultural cultivation, as required by the national land designation.

    Officials from the ministry emphasized that all affected parcels are officially classified as Crown lands held in public ownership, specifically zoned for agricultural production to advance the national interest. Against a backdrop of growing global concern over food supply chain disruptions and rising food insecurity, the initiative is framed as a core strategic step to shore up Antigua and Barbuda’s domestic food and nutrition resilience. Under the policy, any parcels that are found to be inactive or not under active agricultural production will be reallocated to new farmers who have demonstrated the capacity and willingness to contribute to the country’s total agricultural output.

    In closing, the ministry appealed for collaboration from agricultural stakeholders and the general public, noting that the regularization drive is designed not only to strengthen food security but also to advance long-term agricultural sustainability across the twin-island nation. Members of the public seeking additional information or clarification on the process are encouraged to contact the ministry directly via phone at 462-1213.

  • Miss Dominica Dainisha Eusebe set for regional pageant debut in Nevis

    Miss Dominica Dainisha Eusebe set for regional pageant debut in Nevis

    As the calendar counts down to August 3, 2026, Dainisha Eusebe, the newly crowned Miss Dominica 2026, is putting the final touches on her preparations for one of the Caribbean’s most anticipated cultural pageants: the Bank of Nevis International Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant, set to take place on the soil of St. Kitts and Nevis.

    This year’s competition is not a standalone event; it is a centerpiece attraction of the 52nd Nevis Culturama Festival, a beloved annual regional celebration that ran from July 23 to August 4, 2026. Per an official statement from the Discover Dominica Authority, the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant has long served a unique purpose beyond traditional beauty competition: it gathers competing delegates from every corner of the Caribbean, creating a platform where contestants can highlight their home nations through displays of cultural heritage, performance talent, critical intelligence, and national pride, all while advancing cross-border regional unity and cultural exchange across the Caribbean bloc.

    Since taking the Miss Dominica 2026 title earlier this year, Eusebe has balanced fulfilling representative duties at multiple official island events with an intensive pre-pageant training regimen. Her preparation has covered everything from stage performance technique to media interview coaching, and refinement of her cultural presentation that will showcase Dominica’s identity to regional audiences.

    In an interview ahead of the competition, the 24-year-old Grand Bay native shared what the opportunity means to her. “Representing Dominica on the regional stage in the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant is both an honor and a responsibility,” she said. “As the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, we have a very rich culture and a unique identity and I’m so proud to share that with the wider region. This opportunity is not just about winning a crown. It is about serving as an ambassador for my country and building meaningful connections with my Caribbean sisters. I hope to make Dominica proud and continue that legacy.”

    Eusebe holds an Associate’s Degree in Geography from Dominica State College and most recently worked as a Land Use Officer in the country’s Physical Planning Division, bringing a diverse professional background to her role as a cultural representative. Beyond the pageant stage, she has a clear goal for her participation: to boost regional interest in visiting her home island. “When I step onto that stage, I want people from across the region to see me as someone who represented Dominica with confidence and pride. I hope they see a young woman who embraces her culture and inspires other young women to do the same. If, when I leave that stage, people are inspired to learn more about Dominica and even visit our shores, then that’s when I know that I have represented my country well,” she explained.

    Marva Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Discover Dominica Authority, publicly praised Eusebe’s dedication to her role and preparation for the pageant. “Dainisha has embraced every aspect of her role as Miss Dominica with dedication and professionalism,” Williams said. “She has prepared diligently for this opportunity and we are confident she will represent Dominica with pride and distinction. Her participation provides another opportunity to showcase our country’s culture and inspire greater interest in Destination Dominica among audiences across the Caribbean.”

    Eusebe also extended gratitude to all Dominicans, both on-island and across the global diaspora, who have supported her journey so far. “To every Dominican who will be cheering me on from home and across the diaspora, thank you for your love, your prayers and your encouragement. It means more than words can ever express. With every step that I take on that stage, I will carry Dominica in my heart. I hope to make you proud by representing our culture and the warmth of our people with grace, confidence and authenticity. No matter the outcome, I will give my very best because I know that I am carrying the pride of my nation,” she said.

    Dominica’s Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority have joined in calling on all local and diaspora Dominicans to rally behind Eusebe as she makes her first regional pageant appearance in Nevis.

  • Inbrekers stelen SRD 70.000 en US$ 800 uit kluis van houtexportbedrijf

    Inbrekers stelen SRD 70.000 en US$ 800 uit kluis van houtexportbedrijf

    A brazen overnight burglary at a timber export firm located on Burenstraat has left the business out more than 70,000 Surinamese dollars (SRD) and 800 United States dollars, with local law enforcement launching a full investigation into the theft.

    Based on initial police accounts, the unknown perpetrators carried out the break-in sometime between 5:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday and 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday. To gain entry to the company premises, the suspects forced open the building’s rear door, leaving clear signs of forced access for responding officers.

    Once inside the facility, the intruders successfully cracked locked a safe holding the company’s cash reserves, removing the full sum of 70,000 SRD and 800 USD before fleeing the scene undetected. The break-in was not discovered until staff arrived at the Burenstraat location Wednesday morning, at which point authorities were immediately notified to launch the investigation.

    Suriname police have confirmed that the case remains an active and open investigation. Forensic evidence collection and trace analysis are currently underway to help identify the individuals responsible for the theft. As of the latest update on July 29, no suspects have been taken into custody, and investigators are still working through leads to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds.

  • Venezuelan, Colombian arrested in 55 kilo cocaine bust

    Venezuelan, Colombian arrested in 55 kilo cocaine bust

    In a major anti-narcotics operation in Guyana, one man has received a prison sentence and heavy fine after admitting to large-scale cocaine trafficking, while multiple other suspects remain in custody for ongoing investigations, the country’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) announced Wednesday. The operation was first launched on July 24, when CANU officers intercepted a moving vehicle along Providence Public Road, located in the East Bank Demerara region. Two men — Venezuelan national Gerardo Martinez and Colombian national Revelino Ascue — were taken into custody at the scene of the stop.

    A systematic search of the intercepted vehicle uncovered 50 tightly compressed, brick-shaped parcels containing cocaine, with a total recorded weight of 55.296 kilograms. A third Colombian suspect, whose identity has not been released in detail by authorities, has also entered a guilty plea to charges of possession of 56.296 kilograms of cocaine with intent to traffic, bringing the total seizure weight connected to the case to more than 56 kilograms.

    During a court hearing before Diamond Magistrate Dylon Bess, the guilty-pleading Colombian defendant was formally sentenced: he will serve four years behind bars and is required to pay a fine of 82,944,000 Guyanese dollars, equivalent to approximately $316,000 USD. Martinez, the second suspect arrested in the July 24 vehicle stop, has entered a not guilty plea to the trafficking charges against him. He has been remanded to prison as the legal process moves forward.

    In addition to the two men arrested during the vehicle stop, CANU confirmed that multiple other individuals — including both foreign nationals and Guyanese citizens — are currently being held as the agency continues its probe into what authorities believe is a coordinated cross-border drug trafficking ring operating in the region. CANU, a specialized law enforcement division under Guyana’s Ministry of Home Affairs, has not released additional details on the other suspects or the broader investigation timeline as of Wednesday’s update.

  • Barbados steps up global road tennis push

    Barbados steps up global road tennis push

    Barbados is advancing its years-long effort to earn formal international acknowledgement for its homegrown sport of road tennis, with a seven-person official delegation set to depart the Caribbean island nation Wednesday for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. This trip marks a critical milestone in the country’s campaign to introduce road tennis to a global audience and secure its place as an internationally recognized competitive sport.

    Leading the delegation is Dale Clarke, widely known as the Road Tennis Czar who has spearheaded the global expansion push for the sport. The core mission of the visit is to put on a live demonstration of professional road tennis for top leaders of the Commonwealth Sport Secretariat, alongside influential sports stakeholders from across the Commonwealth bloc who have gathered in Glasgow for the Games.

    In comments ahead of the departure, Clarke emphasized the unique value of this high-profile opportunity. “This lets Commonwealth sports leaders see top-tier professional road tennis in person, played by our very best local athletes,” he explained. “It opens the door for productive dialogue and lets us introduce this one-of-a-kind Barbadian sport to every member nation of the Commonwealth.”

    Clarke also shared that the global expansion effort has already garnered significant traction, with growing interest coming from every corner of the globe. Interest has been registered from multiple countries across Africa, Europe and South America, while a formal development program is already underway across North America. Looking ahead, the next major phase of growth will focus on regional expansion across the Caribbean, a priority Clarke says is long overdue. “It makes no sense for a Caribbean-born sport to stay confined to our borders when we have so many neighboring nations right here in the region that could help it grow,” he noted.

    The delegation includes a mix of top athletes and sports administrators to cover both demonstration and outreach work. Joining Clarke is Mark “Venom” Griffith, a three-time reigning men’s champion of the Barbados Road Tennis Open, rising teenage star Jael Greaves, sibling players Jessica and Jalesa Holder-Vaughan, Shawn Burke, chair of the Barbados Road Tennis Open Committee, and Taahir Bulbulia, a senior adviser to Barbados’ Minister of Sports Charles Griffith. After completing their showcase and meetings at the Commonwealth Games, the full delegation is scheduled to return to Barbados on Monday, August 3.