Carib Scope

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  • Gas station owners get $10m for unlawful 2012 shutdown

    Gas station owners get $10m for unlawful 2012 shutdown

    In a landmark judicial decision, Trinidad and Tobago’s High Court has mandated the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs to pay over $10 million in combined damages to brothers Prakash and Adesh Maharaj. The ruling concludes a twelve-year legal battle that began with the ministry’s unlawful suspension of the brothers’ de facto retail marketing licenses in 2012, which forced the abrupt closure of their service stations and denied them access to their properties.

    Master Wrenerson Lochan presided over the damages assessment, which followed a series of appellate decisions culminating in a 2020 Privy Council ruling that found the ministry had acted beyond its statutory authority. The court determined that the brothers held valid de facto licenses through consistent payment and acceptance of annual fees, establishing that the ministry possessed no lawful power to suspend their operations.

    The judgment detailed how ministry officials executed sudden shutdowns of both the Fyzabad and King’s Wharf stations in late 2012, publicly accusing the brothers of petroleum regulation breaches and impropriety without due process. The closures received significant media attention, severely damaging the Maharajs’ business reputations. The court found that state agents took possession of the premises, posted security guards, and denied the brothers access to their equipment, business records, and inventory without undertaking proper safeguarding measures.

    In his assessment, Master Lochan accepted the comprehensive expert analysis of chartered accountant Larry Ramoutar, who calculated losses spanning fuel and non-fuel profits, fixed assets, inventory, and operational float money. The State notably failed to present countervailing expert evidence or challenge Ramoutar’s methodology through cross-examination.

    The final award includes $9,257,894 in compensatory damages divided between the brothers, $300,000 in vindicatory damages, approximately $1.58 million in accrued interest at 5% annually from 2022-2025, and an additional $250,000 collectively for distress and anguish stemming from reputational harm and financial hardship. The court characterized the ministry’s handling of the properties as “deeply concerning” and emphasized that the substantial awards serve both to compensate the claimants and deter future governmental overreach.

    The ruling establishes significant precedent regarding state accountability, with Master Lochan noting that “citizens reasonably expect that no officer of the state would arbitrarily interfere with their property without embarking upon a process of law, one which is procedurally fair and consistent with natural justice.”

  • Request for help allegedly sparks jealous rage

    Request for help allegedly sparks jealous rage

    A domestic dispute in Montego Bay, Jamaica, triggered by post-hurricane recovery efforts, has resulted in serious criminal charges after allegedly escalating into a violent machete attack. Gavin Seaton, the accused, appeared before the St James Parish Court on Wednesday facing assault charges, though he maintains his complete innocence.

    The incident originated on November 4 in Mount Zion, St James, when the complainant was discussing reconstruction assistance for her hurricane-damaged home with a male friend. Prosecutors state that Seaton, her live-in partner, became enraged upon witnessing this interaction. The confrontation quickly turned physical when Seaton allegedly seized the woman’s phone, grabbed her by the throat, and punched her in the torso and chest area.

    According to court documents, the situation intensified dramatically when the victim attempted to flee. Seaton reportedly pursued her with a machete, forcing her to seek refuge in a neighbor’s residence. The attack culminated with Seaton allegedly thrusting the weapon through the neighbor’s window in a continued attempt to reach the victim.

    Law enforcement subsequently arrested and charged Seaton with assault occasioning bodily harm and common law assault. During police interrogation, he reportedly made a statement suggesting the case would not proceed due to the victim’s affection for him. However, in court before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, Seaton vehemently denied all allegations, swearing he never laid hands on the complainant.

    The judicial process continues with prosecutors noting outstanding evidence including a medical certificate and neighbor’s statement. Seaton was granted bail set at $150,000 Jamaican dollars with up to three sureties. The case is scheduled for further mention on January 21, 2026.

  • Guyanese man to be sentenced for murdering mother

    Guyanese man to be sentenced for murdering mother

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Berbice High Court has scheduled January 6, 2025, for the sentencing of Deonarine Dookhoo, a Guyanese national convicted of murdering his mother in a tragic 2021 incident. The sentencing date was formally set by Justice Sandil Kissoon following a trial that concluded with a unanimous guilty verdict from a 12-member jury.

    Court proceedings revealed that Dookhoo, also known locally as Dinesh, perpetrated the fatal assault on his mother, Teshwattie Jaglall, at her West Coast Berbice residence between June 30 and July 1, 2021. The prosecution established that Dookhoo, who resided with Jaglall alongside his two children, had a documented history of alcohol abuse that frequently led to domestic tensions.

    Evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that the defendant used a cutlass (a traditional machete-like weapon) to attack his mother after she confronted him about his persistent drinking habits. The violent assault resulted in Jaglall’s immediate death, creating shockwaves through the small Berbice community.

    The four-year judicial process included extensive investigation into the family’s background, revealing patterns of alcohol-related domestic strife. Justice Kissoon’s court examined numerous witness testimonies and forensic evidence before delivering the conviction. The upcoming sentencing hearing will determine the appropriate punishment for this severe crime under Guyana’s legal system.

  • Cops charge two men, one year after $91m cocaine bust

    Cops charge two men, one year after $91m cocaine bust

    In a significant blow to narcotics trafficking operations, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has successfully concluded a complex year-long investigation resulting in criminal charges against two individuals connected to a massive cocaine seizure at Piarco International Airport.

    The breakthrough stems from an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) on December 8, 2024, which uncovered 65 kilograms of cocaine concealed within the airport’s cargo area. The illicit substances, with an estimated street value of $91 million, were subjected to rigorous forensic examination by the Specialist Evidence Recovery Unit (SERU) and the Forensic Science Laboratory.

    Following meticulous investigative work, SIU officers executed a targeted operation in the Western Division on December 1, detaining three individuals for questioning. During these operations, authorities seized substantial amounts of multiple currencies totaling £7,005, €150, and TT$69,820 in suspected criminal proceeds.

    The Financial Investigation Bureau has initiated parallel proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act to trace and recover additional assets linked to the drug trafficking network.

    Two primary suspects have been formally charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. The accused appeared before the Port of Spain High Court North on December 4, where charges were laid indictably. Both defendants were remanded in custody after being denied bail.

    Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro praised the interagency collaboration that made the operation successful, noting involvement from SERU, IATF, NOTF, FIB, and CID/CRO units alongside external partners. “Their work demonstrates the strength of intelligence-driven policing and the power of collaboration,” Guevarro stated.

    The Commissioner issued a stern warning to drug traffickers: “Crime hides in cargo, but justice arrives in uniform; those who think they can outwit the TTPS will learn that intelligence is our weapon of choice, and every seizure is us reclaiming the future of Trinidad and Tobago.”

    Investigations into other aspects of the drug trafficking network remain ongoing, with additional arrests and charges anticipated.

  • Shai Hope, Kemar Roach shine, but Black Caps in control as 1st Test reaches climax

    Shai Hope, Kemar Roach shine, but Black Caps in control as 1st Test reaches climax

    In a display of resilience and skill, West Indies batsman Shai Hope crafted a magnificent fourth Test century while veteran bowler Kemar Roach achieved his 12th five-wicket haul during the fourth day of the opening Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on December 5.

    The Caribbean team faces a formidable challenge heading into the final day’s play, requiring 319 additional runs to achieve what would be a record-breaking victory against New Zealand’s imposing target of 531 runs. Despite the daunting task, West Indies concluded day four with renewed optimism thanks to an unbroken 140-run partnership between Hope (116 not out from 183 deliveries) and Justin Greaves (55 not out from 143 balls).

    This crucial fifth-wicket stand rescued the visitors from a precarious position of 72 for four, elevating them to 212 for four at stumps. Hope’s commanding performance featured 15 boundaries and one six, demonstrating exceptional composure throughout his innings. Greaves provided steadfast support with six boundaries in his measured approach.

    New Zealand’s victory pursuit encountered potential complications as pace bowler Nathan Smith was ruled out of further participation following his absence from batting in the second innings. Additionally, frontline seamer Matt Henry underwent hospital scans for a calf strain after delivering 11 overs on day four.

    Earlier in the day, New Zealand declared their second innings at 466 for eight, with Roach’s impressive figures of five for 78 highlighting the bowling attack. The 37-year-old’s achievement moves him to 291 Test wickets, marking a particularly significant accomplishment after being omitted from recent series against Australia and India.

    The final day’s play, scheduled for 6 pm TT time on December 5, will determine whether West Indies can complete an extraordinary comeback or if New Zealand will secure the victory.

  • TTEC workers to return after helping Jamaica restore power

    TTEC workers to return after helping Jamaica restore power

    PORT OF SPAIN – Following an extensive month-long deployment, members of Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission’s (TTEC) emergency response team are preparing to return home after significantly advancing power restoration efforts in hurricane-ravaged Jamaica. Utilities Minister Barry Padarath confirmed the anticipated December 10 return date pending final arrangements.

    The specialized contingent, which departed from Piarco International Airport on November 10, has been instrumental in recovering Jamaica’s electrical infrastructure devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. Their technical expertise and tireless efforts have yielded remarkable progress, with electricity restoration rates jumping from approximately 45% to 75% across the island nation.

    Minister Padarath revealed that prior to the team’s intervention, a staggering 55% of Jamaica remained without power following the October 28 catastrophe that claimed over 30 lives and prompted Prime Minister Andrew Holness to declare a national disaster zone. The TTEC team’s dedicated work has effectively reduced the outage percentage by approximately 35 points, bringing substantial relief to affected communities.

    The Jamaican government has expressed profound appreciation for the regional solidarity demonstrated through this crisis response. High-level communications between Prime Ministers Holness and Kamla Persad-Bissessar have underscored the continued commitment to bilateral support. Padarath emphasized that dialogue remains ongoing regarding additional assistance requirements before the team’s scheduled departure.

    The returning linemen and technical personnel will enjoy well-deserved reunions with their families ahead of the holiday season. Minister Padarath extended the nation’s gratitude, acknowledging that ‘no amount of compensation can truly reflect their work under such difficult circumstances.’ The successful mission stands as a testament to Caribbean cooperation in times of crisis, reinforcing the region’s collective resilience against natural disasters.

  • Government secrets

    Government secrets

    In a spirited defense of Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership, citizen Patricia Blades has voiced strong support for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her United National Congress (UNC) administration through a published letter to Newsday. The correspondence comes as the government navigates complex governance decisions following their April electoral victory.

    The letter emphasizes the extraordinary challenges facing the administration in what the author describes as ‘a world gone mad,’ acknowledging the difficult choices required in the current global climate. Blades specifically addresses the proliferation of unverified information circulating through social media platforms, warning that even if government secrets were publicly exposed, the accuracy of such information would remain questionable.

    Blades characterizes the UNC’s position as facing a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ scenario, noting criticism from various sectors including Tobago representatives, opposition parties, and economic experts. Despite these multifaceted challenges, the author asserts that only Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar possesses the legitimate authority to act on behalf of the nation.

    The letter concludes with a personal appeal for divine support, expressing prayers for the Prime Minister to obtain both the strength and capability to properly execute her duties during this demanding period of national leadership.

  • British High Commissioner urges Bahamas to join global child-care charter during hostel visit

    British High Commissioner urges Bahamas to join global child-care charter during hostel visit

    During a pre-Christmas humanitarian engagement, British High Commissioner Smita Rossetti formally advocated for The Bahamas to endorse the Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform. The diplomatic appeal occurred during a joint visit with Ann-Marie Davis, spouse of the Prime Minister, to the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel in Nassau on Wednesday.

    The officials participated in after-school activities and presented art supplies and stationery donated by UK-based retailer TG Jones. Both emphasized the shared commitment between their nations toward safeguarding vulnerable children. The Hostel, a non-profit facility, provides immediate protection, shelter, and comprehensive care—including accommodation, food, clothing, and medical services—for up to 35 children aged 0–12 at any given time.

    Mrs. Davis highlighted the critical needs of the institution, noting that many infants reside there during their most formative years. She stressed that support must extend beyond basic provisions to include constant nurturing, developmental guidance, and an environment fostering emotional stability and growth.

    High Commissioner Rossetti expressed profound gratitude for the caregivers’ dedicated work and outlined the Charter’s objectives. Launched earlier this year by UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy during his tenure as foreign secretary, the international framework calls on signatories to invest in family strengthening, enhance protections for vulnerable children, support caregivers, and promote safe, family-based alternative care solutions. Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda are already signatories.

    Rossetti acknowledged the special environment created by the Hostel’s leadership and staff, which includes trained teachers and nurses, but also pointed to ongoing needs that would benefit from private donations. She noted that the facility is among several in Nassau, including Ranfurly Homes for Children, working to ensure no child faces crisis alone.

  • Mitchell welcomes new US Ambassador Herschel Walker

    Mitchell welcomes new US Ambassador Herschel Walker

    The Bahamas’ Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell officially welcomed Herschel Walker, the newly appointed US Ambassador, during a preliminary meeting held yesterday. This diplomatic engagement preceded Ambassador Walker’s scheduled formal credential presentations to the highest levels of Bahamian government.

    Minister Mitchell characterized the meeting as inaugurating ‘a new chapter’ in the historic bilateral relationship between the United States and The Bahamas. Ambassador Walker, who previously excelled in business and professional football, presented Minister Mitchell with an autographed football—a symbolic gesture blending his personal background with diplomatic protocol.

    During their discussions, Minister Mitchell highlighted Ambassador Walker’s familial connections to Long Island and extended an invitation to accompany him on an official visit to the region during his diplomatic tenure. This personal touch underscored the deeper cultural ties between the ambassador and the island nation.

    The ambassador’s official agenda includes presenting his credentials to Governor General Dame Cynthia Pratt and subsequently meeting with Prime Minister Philip Davis to formalize his diplomatic status. Minister Mitchell expressed The Bahamas’ anticipation of productive collaboration with the new ambassador, emphasizing the continuation of robust bilateral relations throughout his assignment.

  • Digicel says latest act of vandalism causing service disruption for customers in Kingston

    Digicel says latest act of vandalism causing service disruption for customers in Kingston

    A significant act of deliberate sabotage has severely impacted telecommunications services across the Kingston Metropolitan Area. Digicel Jamaica has reported a criminal vandalism attack on a crucial segment of its underground fiber optic infrastructure in New Kingston, which it describes as a protected cable route. The incident, believed to have occurred overnight, has been condemned by the company as a dangerous and reckless assault on national infrastructure.

    In an official statement released Friday morning, Digicel detailed the severe consequences of this targeted attack. The vandalism has resulted in widespread service disruptions, affecting countless customers, businesses, and essential services throughout the capital region. Technical response teams were immediately deployed to the affected site to conduct urgent restoration work, aiming to repair the critical infrastructure and reinstate services with maximum expediency.

    Stephen Murad, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Jamaica, issued a strong condemnation of the incident, framing it as an attack on Jamaica’s communications backbone. He emphasized that such deliberate destruction disrupts business operations, threatens public safety mechanisms, and interrupts the daily lives of citizens. Murad affirmed the company’s resolve to not be deterred by such criminal acts, reiterating their commitment to rebuilding a more resilient and reliable network. The company is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies in an ongoing investigation and is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activities observed near telecommunications sites or underground access points to aid in apprehending those responsible.