Carib Scope

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  • Couva Police Council deepens ties with central communities

    Couva Police Council deepens ties with central communities

    In a strategic move to fortify community relations, the Couva Police Station Community Council (CPSCC) has successfully orchestrated a youth football tournament that brought together young athletes from across central Trinidad. The event, held at Caldrac Grounds in California on November 30, served as both a sporting competition and a crime prevention initiative.

    Bishop Ezekiel Clarke, CPSCC president, emphasized the dual purpose of the sporting venture: ‘Our youth represent one of our primary focus groups. This tournament isn’t just about football—it’s about steering young people away from criminal pathways and nurturing them into exemplary citizens.’ Clarke shares leadership responsibilities with Inspector Khan of the Couva Police, both envisioning expanded volunteer services in the coming years.

    The CPSCC operates as an elected advisory body comprising both law enforcement officials and civilian representatives. Its mandate encompasses providing advisory support to police, organizing community enrichment programs, promoting culturally sensitive engagements, and supporting crime prevention efforts across multiple communities including Couva, Lisas Gardens, California, Dow Village, and several other regions.

    Golden Tigers Football Academy from Dow Village, California, dominated the competition under coach Edna St. Louis, securing championship titles in both Under-17 and Under-13 divisions. The academy’s Kern Pollard claimed Under-17 Most Valuable Player honors, while teammate Elijah Austin achieved a remarkable double victory in the Under-13 category, earning both MVP and Top Scorer awards.

    Organizers extended gratitude to the events committee, volunteers, sponsors, coaches, parents, and community residents whose collective efforts ensured the tournament’s resounding success. The event demonstrated how athletic competition can serve as a powerful vehicle for community building and youth development.

  • PNM senator: Stand-your-ground law won’t protect people

    PNM senator: Stand-your-ground law won’t protect people

    In a contentious Senate session on December 2, 2025, Temporary Opposition Senator Sanjiv Boodhu delivered a comprehensive critique of the proposed Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, challenging its fundamental effectiveness in addressing criminal activities. Speaking during parliamentary debates, Boodhu—who also serves as a deputy political leader for the PNM—directly contradicted government assertions that the legislation would empower citizens to protect themselves during home invasions.

    Boodhu systematically dismantled claims made by Government Senator Dr. Natalie Chaitan-Maharaj, arguing that the bill’s purported benefits would only apply to the limited segment of the population with legal access to firearms. ‘This legislation, despite its accompanying messaging, provides no mechanism for law-abiding citizens to legally obtain firearms,’ he emphasized, highlighting what he characterized as a critical flaw in the proposed law.

    The opposition senator further challenged the government’s foundational premise that existing laws are insufficient to address home invasion crimes, noting that Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, had previously referenced relevant legislation that has been operational since 1971. ‘I cannot comprehend what insufficiency or ambiguity exists in a 54-year-old legal framework,’ Boodhu stated, adding that he was unaware of any instances where law enforcement encountered difficulties in charging individuals for home break-ins.

    Boodhu presented a detailed analysis of the home invasion process, identifying multiple stages including victim surveillance, execution of the crime, escape evasion, and monetization of stolen goods. He acknowledged the severity of crimes committed during such invasions, including ‘violent assaults, robberies, larceny, and sexual offenses,’ but maintained that the proposed legislation fails to address any of these criminal elements.

    The senator criticized the bill for lacking provisions to enhance police capabilities in intelligence gathering, communication interception, or specialized unit formation. ‘It provides no assistance to law enforcement in intercepting criminal communications during any stage of home invasions,’ he noted. Additionally, Boodhu warned that the legislation would potentially exacerbate case backlogs within the criminal justice system rather than alleviating them, with his sole positive acknowledgment being the previous administration’s elimination of preliminary inquiries to reduce judicial congestion.

  • TPP’s Williams-Orr: Radar is ‘Christmas gift’ for Crown Point

    TPP’s Williams-Orr: Radar is ‘Christmas gift’ for Crown Point

    A controversial US military-grade radar installation at Tobago’s ANR Robinson International Airport has ignited both concern and unexpected celebration within the Caribbean community. Certica Williams-Orr, Tobago People’s Party member and former THA councillor, characterized the advanced surveillance system as an early “Christmas gift” for Crown Point residents during a December 2nd political gathering in Bon Accord.

    The radar, identified as resembling Northrop Grumman’s AN/TPS-80 ground/air task-oriented radar (G/ATOR), represents cutting-edge military technology currently deployed by both the US Marine Corps and Air Force. According to manufacturer specifications, the system provides comprehensive 360-degree surveillance capabilities with advanced threat detection for cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, ballistic missiles, and both manned and unmanned aircraft.

    The installation process revealed significant transparency issues within Tobago’s governance structure. Chief Secretary Farley Augustine acknowledged learning about the radar deployment through media and WhatsApp reports rather than official channels, while Prime Minister Keith Rowley initially treated the matter as classified national security information.

    Defence Minister Wayne Sturge addressed growing public apprehension during a November 29th media conference, emphasizing the system’s domestic security applications. He clarified that the primary function involves identifying illegal flights and drone operations associated with drug trafficking networks targeting the island.

    Augustine subsequently received assurances from central government authorities that the radar would not be utilized by US forces for offensive operations against any nation. The technological deployment occurs amid ongoing production to satisfy both US military requirements and select international customers, positioning Tobago at the forefront of regional security infrastructure.

    Williams-Orr’s festive metaphor during her public address highlighted the unusual nature of the security upgrade: “Brothers and sisters, Bon Accord/Crown Point, you have to show off yuh self. You have been so much in the news. Last week, you get your gift already for Christmas. You have a whole radar in the air.”

  • Nicholas Paul golden in men’s sprint at Bolivarian Games

    Nicholas Paul golden in men’s sprint at Bolivarian Games

    Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling team has made an impressive mark at the Bolivarian Games in Ayacucho-Lima, Peru, with standout performances from Nicholas Paul and Makaira Wallace. On December 2, Paul secured the country’s first gold medal by dominating the men’s sprint event at the Costa Verde Pan-American Complex in Lima.

    Paul faced Colombian competitor Kevin Quintero in the final, defeating him in consecutive rides to claim victory. This triumph followed his exceptional qualifying round on December 1, where he posted the fastest time of 9.686 seconds. Colombian cyclists Cristian Ortega and Quintero recorded the next best times of 9.955 and 9.997 seconds respectively.

    Paul’s path to gold included quarterfinal success against Chile’s Robert Castillo and a semifinal advancement due to the disqualification of Venezuela’s Alberto Torres. Quintero also progressed by overcoming his compatriot Ortega.

    Meanwhile, rising star Makaira Wallace contributed to Trinidad and Tobago’s medal count with a bronze in the women’s keirin on December 1. Wallace finished second behind Colombia’s Juliana Rendon in her classification ride to reach the final, where she claimed third place behind gold medalist Stefany Cuadrado of Colombia and Venezuela’s Jalymar Rodriguez.

    Wallace continued her strong form on December 2, qualifying third fastest in the women’s sprint with a time of 11.273 seconds. Colombian cyclists Cuadrado and Luna Alvarez led qualifying with times of 10.722 and 11.238 seconds respectively. Wallace then defeated Venezuela’s Carleany Martinez in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals.

  • Haitian mother’s ‘refuge’ lost as fire destroys home

    Haitian mother’s ‘refuge’ lost as fire destroys home

    A Haitian refugee who sought sanctuary in The Bahamas three years ago has encountered renewed devastation after a weekend fire completely destroyed her Windsor Park apartment and all her possessions. Louise Joseph, known to her TikTok followers as Mary Fox, received the catastrophic news while at work on Saturday afternoon when she was urgently summoned home to find her residence engulfed in thick black smoke. While other tenants in the building managed to salvage their belongings, Joseph’s unit suffered total destruction, leaving her with nothing but the clothes she was wearing. Her employer and close friend Erlande Cineas described the traumatic scene, noting Joseph collapsed in disbelief upon witnessing the complete loss of her home, clothing, and critical personal documents. The tragedy carries profound emotional weight for Joseph, who had carefully built the apartment into a sanctuary after fleeing Haiti’s civil unrest and safety concerns. The space contained cherished reminders of her four children, aged six to fifteen, whom she supports from abroad. Joseph revealed through an interpreter that the disaster has resurrected the deep despair she initially experienced upon arriving in Nassau, when she struggled with unemployment and depression. Although she possesses legal residency documents, Joseph now faces homelessness and uncertainty about her future. Temporary shelter has been arranged with friends, but the path to recovery remains unclear. Cineas emphasized that while some community assistance has emerged, the situation requires substantial support beyond clothing donations, including permanent housing solutions. She highlighted the particular irony that Joseph, whose TikTok videos regularly inspire others battling depression, now finds herself in desperate need of emotional and material support. The public has been encouraged to contact 433-9044 to provide assistance.

  • Mom dies in crash before seeing daughter graduate

    Mom dies in crash before seeing daughter graduate

    The Bahamas faces another tragic traffic fatality as 34-year-old Shaquell Roberts, a vibrant mother of two, lost her life in a devastating vehicular collision on Western Road this Monday afternoon. According to police reports, the incident occurred when Roberts’ black Honda Accord collided with an oncoming Honda Stepwagon during her commute home from work.

    Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after 2pm to find Roberts’ vehicle overturned with the victim partially ejected and drifting in and out of consciousness. Despite urgent medical intervention, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The occupants of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries in the collision.

    Roberts, remembered by family as exceptionally ambitious and energetic, balanced her employment at Bahamas Power and Light with multiple entrepreneurial ventures including a cleaning service, nail salon, and clothing enterprise. Her stepsister, Felicia Russell, recounted their final conversation centered on spiritual growth and childhood memories. “We just talked about how only what we do for Christ will last,” Russell shared emotionally.

    The tragedy resonates deeply within the family, particularly affecting Roberts’ two daughters. Her eldest, anticipating graduation next year, now faces this profound loss while the younger child continually asks for her mother. Roberts, who experienced parental loss herself in childhood, frequently expressed her dreams of witnessing her daughters’ transition into adulthood.

    This incident marks the 62nd traffic-related death recorded this year in The Tribune’s statistics, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns in the region. The family now commits to honoring Roberts’ memory by ensuring her children receive every opportunity she envisioned for them.

  • JN Group hails legacy of Dorothy Pine-McLarty

    JN Group hails legacy of Dorothy Pine-McLarty

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica National Group and the wider Jamaican community are mourning the passing of distinguished attorney-at-law and corporate director Dorothy Pine-McLarty, who died on Sunday. Remembered affectionately as “Mikki,” she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of professional excellence and nation-building spanning more than five decades.

    Elizabeth Ann Jones, Chairman of The Jamaica National Group, memorialized Pine-McLarty as “a quiet force and leader of high standards” whose contributions were fundamental to the organization’s strength. Her association with JN began in September 1998 when she was first appointed to the board of directors of the Jamaica National Building Society.

    Following the institution’s corporate conversion in 2017, Pine-McLarty extended her governance expertise across multiple JN Group entities, including JN Financial Group Limited and JN Money Services Limited. She additionally chaired the board of trustees for the JN Individual Retirement Scheme, demonstrating versatile leadership across financial services.

    Earl Jarrett, CEO and Deputy Chairman of JN Group, recalled working closely with Pine-McLarty in various capacities, noting her meticulous attention to accuracy and immense contributions to JN’s development. “She was a stickler for accuracy, and we were the beneficiaries of this through her immeasurable contribution to the growth and development of Jamaica National,” Jarrett stated.

    Beyond her corporate impact, Pine-McLarty was celebrated for her passionate advocacy and community development work. A devout Methodist and active alumna of St Andrew High School for Girls, she served as chancellor’s nominee to the University of Technology council and championed initiatives advancing women’s leadership and empowerment.

    Her pioneering spirit was evident throughout her career. In 2007, she became the first woman appointed commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, later ascending to become its first female chair in 2013. As managing partner of Myers Fletcher & Gordon’s London office, she fostered stronger connections between the United Kingdom and Jamaica, enhancing diaspora relations.

    Pine-McLarty’s exceptional service received national recognition in 2007 when she was inducted into the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fourth-highest honor. In 2019, the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean conferred upon her an honorary Doctor of Business Administration.

    Chairman Jones concluded, “Her years of service to the people of Jamaica and those within her immediate reach, and of course her service to the building of The Jamaica National Group, are efforts that have laid foundations for success and the growth of many. She is dearly missed, but her legacy lives on.”

  • Defending champ KC and Mona High face Manning Cup elimination Wednesday

    Defending champ KC and Mona High face Manning Cup elimination Wednesday

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA Wata Manning Cup approaches its dramatic conclusion Wednesday as four critical matches will determine which two title contenders see their championship dreams extinguished in the second round’s final fixtures. The spotlight falls intensely on Group 2 and Group 4, where former champions face elimination scenarios in high-stakes encounters.

    In Group 2, defending champions Kingston College (KC) confront a precarious situation, sitting third with three points. Their survival depends on defeating group leaders Calabar High, who hold four points, in a 4:15 pm clash at Stadium East. Simultaneously, second-placed Hydel High (four points) faces already-eliminated Campion College at Waterhouse Stadium. Both Hydel and Calabar require merely a draw to secure quarterfinal berths, while KC’s fate hangs on victory or hoping for Campion to upset Hydel should they manage a draw against Calabar.

    The defending champions’ campaign nearly derailed initially with a loss to Hydel, but they resurrected hopes with a decisive 3-0 victory against Campion. However, overcoming a resurgent Calabar squad—reportedly among their strongest in recent years—presents a formidable challenge that could end KC’s title defense and ensure a new champion emerges, mirroring the recent DaCosta Cup upset where Garvey Maceo suffered elimination.

    Group 4 delivers equally compelling drama with a historic rivalry rekindled as Mona High (three points) confronts Jamaica College (JC) (four points) in a 2:00 pm knockout duel at Stadium East. JC needs only a draw to advance, while 2023 champions Mona must secure victory to keep their title defense alive. An alternative pathway exists for Mona: advancement should they draw with JC if simultaneously Eltham High (four points) loses to winless St Jago in the parallel fixture.

    This matchup carries intensified significance beyond tournament progression. Mona’s coach, Craig Butler—a former JC Manning Cup player—has openly criticized tournament organizers and officials, alleging preferential treatment toward JC over years. Tensions escalated recently when Butler received a red card following post-match protests against a referee he identified as a JC alumnus after Mona’s loss to Eltham, claiming biased officiating knowing JC would benefit.

    The rivalry intensified last year when Mona supporters stormed JC’s premises during championship celebrations, adding historical context to Wednesday’s potentially season-ending confrontation. Meanwhile, Eltham High stands poised to make history, needing only a draw against St Jago to secure their first quarterfinal appearance in decades, introducing additional narrative layers to the day’s decisive matchups.

  • Jamaican makes Forbes ‘30 under 30 Finance’ list

    Jamaican makes Forbes ‘30 under 30 Finance’ list

    Kristofer Madu, a 25-year-old private equity investor with dual Jamaican-Nigerian heritage, has earned prestigious recognition by being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Finance category. Currently affiliated with TPG Investments, Madu specializes in technology, media, and entertainment sector investments, demonstrating exceptional expertise in high-value financial transactions.

    Born in the United States to Dr. Dainia Baugh, a Jamaican mother, and Professor Ernest Madu, a Nigerian father, Madu spent his formative years in Jamaica after his family relocated to the Caribbean nation. His multicultural background has shaped his unique perspective in the finance world.

    Madu’s recent professional accomplishments include his instrumental role in TPG’s monumental US$7.6 billion acquisition of DirecTV from telecommunications giant AT&T. Prior to joining TPG, he honed his skills as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group, where he contributed to landmark deals including the US$17 billion acquisition of Catalent by Ozempic and AbbVie’s US$10 billion purchase of Immunogen.

    Beyond his finance career, Madu maintains a parallel path as a musical artist, releasing original compositions and touring as a professional rapper. Demonstrating his commitment to social impact, he founded the non-profit organization “When We Grow Up,” which aims to provide underserved youth with early exposure and access to high-impact career paths in fields such as finance, technology, medicine, and law.

    Madu’s selection to the elite Forbes list was determined by alumni of previous 30 Under 30 cohorts, recognizing his exceptional achievements across both finance and social entrepreneurship.

  • Kintyre Holdings acquires Kulcha Rum

    Kintyre Holdings acquires Kulcha Rum

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a strategic move signaling significant expansion within the Caribbean spirits sector, Jamaican investment firm Kintyre Holdings (JA) has formally announced its acquisition of the complete Kulcha Rum enterprise. The transaction, finalized on Wednesday, encompasses all commercial operations, intellectual property rights, and the entire product portfolio associated with the distinctive rum brand.

    The acquisition was executed through the purchase of the business from existing owners Richard Lee, proprietor of Miracle Corporation, and Jamaican entrepreneur Peter Bovell. Kulcha Rum, which is presently contract-distilled at a facility on Pechon Street in downtown Kingston, enjoys national distribution through Miracle Corporation. As part of an aggressive growth strategy orchestrated by Kintyre Holdings, additional distribution partnerships are slated to be established to broaden the brand’s market reach.

    Under the new ownership structure, Kulcha Rum will be integrated into a newly formed Spirits Division within Kintyre Holdings. This division has been specifically created to spearhead the company’s ambitious foray into Jamaica’s lucrative rum and spirits industry. The brand’s existing product line, which features White Rum, Gold Rum, and an innovative cannabis-inspired variant, remains intact. Notably, the flavored offering utilizes herbal notes for its distinctive profile while maintaining full compliance with Jamaican regulatory standards for non-infused spirits.

    This acquisition coincides with a period of remarkable financial performance for Kintyre Holdings, which reported record-breaking results for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2025. The purchase represents a key component of the company’s ongoing mergers and acquisitions strategy, designed to diversify its investment holdings and capitalize on high-growth market segments. The involved parties have indicated that a forthcoming press conference will be scheduled to provide further details on the acquisition and its implications for the future of the Kulcha Rum brand.