Carib Scope

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  • Diego man charged with threats to kill Senator

    Diego man charged with threats to kill Senator

    A 48-year-old resident of Diego Martin, Trinidad, now faces serious criminal charges following a disturbing social media threat investigation targeting Senator Dr. Amery Browne. Law enforcement officials have formally charged the individual with three counts of making death threats and four counts of misusing electronic communication devices.

    The case originated on November 19 when Senator Browne discovered explicit threats posted by an unidentified Facebook user on his personal profile. The threatening comments, which appeared in response to the Senator’s public posts from November 8-9, contained specific threats against both Browne and his children. According to investigative reports, the victim confirmed having no previous acquaintance or connection with the suspect.

    In a significant development, the alleged perpetrator voluntarily surrendered himself to authorities at the West End Police Station. The formal charges were subsequently filed by W/Cpl Cobb of the Criminal Investigations Department (Area East), marking a swift response to the digital threats.

    The investigation received top-level oversight from senior police officials including Snr Supt Thom, Superintendent Baird, and ASP Mongroo. The operational team was supervised by Insp Durga, Sgt Bhagwandeen, and Sgt Masleir, demonstrating the priority given to cases involving threats against public officials.

    This case highlights growing concerns about the misuse of social media platforms for targeted harassment and threats against political figures, prompting discussions about enhanced digital security measures for public servants.

  • Windies grab nine wickets on Day one of 1st N/Zealand Test

    Windies grab nine wickets on Day one of 1st N/Zealand Test

    In a compelling display of pace bowling under overcast conditions, the West Indies cricket team seized control on a rain-interrupted first day of the opening Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on December 2, 2025. The visitors’ decision to bowl first proved immediately rewarding as veteran pacer Kemar Roach struck in the very first over, dismissing Devon Conway for a duck with a catch at second slip.

    The New Zealand innings struggled to gain momentum throughout the day, eventually stuttering to 231 for nine at stumps. Captain Kane Williamson provided the most substantial resistance with a composed 52, while Michael Bracewell contributed a valuable 47. Their efforts, however, were consistently undermined by a disciplined West Indian bowling attack that capitalized on favorable swinging conditions.

    Jamaican debutant Ojay Shields emerged as a standout performer, claiming two crucial wickets for 34 runs in an impressive introduction to Test cricket. His first Test wicket came when he clean-bowled Tom Blundell for 29, this time avoiding the no-ball that had earlier denied him Williamson’s wicket. All-rounder Justin Greaves provided excellent support with two wickets for 35 runs, including the prized scalp of Williamson shortly after he reached his half-century.

    The day’s proceedings concluded dramatically when last man Jacob Duffy was struck on the helmet by a Roach bouncer, prompting the umpires to suspend play due to deteriorating light conditions. With Shields, Greaves, and Roach leading the attack, the West Indies will resume day two in a commanding position, needing just one wicket to conclude the New Zealand innings.

  • From The Grove to Mount Fitzwilliam – ‘Mother’ Pratt opens doors to her life story

    From The Grove to Mount Fitzwilliam – ‘Mother’ Pratt opens doors to her life story

    The historic family residence of Governor General Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt has been ceremoniously inaugurated as a permanent museum honoring her extraordinary life journey. Government officials and community representatives assembled yesterday for the unveiling of the Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt Legacy Hall, housed within the very home where The Bahamas’ first female Deputy Prime Minister spent her formative years.

    Located on Sixth Street, Poinciana Avenue, the property known as The Grove now serves as a meticulously curated repository of photographs, personal artifacts, and historical exhibits documenting Dame Cynthia’s evolution from humble beginnings to becoming the nation’s head of state. The Governor General described the museum’s establishment as the realization of a ‘lifelong dream,’ emphasizing its role in preserving her narrative of perseverance, faith, and purposeful living.

    The opening ceremony featured musical performances by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band and students from three inner-city schools adjacent to the gubernatorial residence. Personal testimonials from family members, including her daughter, highlighted Dame Cynthia’s resilience and leadership qualities.

    In remarkably candid reflections, Dame Cynthia recounted her childhood in a household of sixteen children where food scarcity was commonplace. She narrated Sundays when a single chicken had to be distributed among all siblings, leaving her—as the thirteenth child—to hope for remaining portions. She described foraging in plum and dilly trees for sustenance and sometimes facing the choice between consuming insect-contaminated rice or going hungry.

    The Governor General shared poignant memories of her mother, an illiterate straw vendor, and her own experiences singing for tourists in exchange for nickels to purchase lunch. One particularly moving account involved a Canadian couple she met as a child while guiding them to a local hotel. So captivated by her spirit, the couple spent two decades attempting to locate her with intentions of adoption, only to discover she had already become a Member of Parliament.

    Dame Cynthia’s distinguished athletic career was also highlighted, including her leadership of the Bahamas women’s national softball team to a bronze medal at the 1981 World Games in Santa Clara, California—where she earned the enduring nickname ‘Mother.’ She additionally competed on the National Basketball and Netball Teams before assuming her current role as Governor-General on September 1, 2023.

    In her inaugural address last year, she emphasized her maternal approach to governance: ‘As a mother my eyes and ears are always open to the needs of our young people and the importance of doing all we can to uplift them.’

  • It’s time! Masicka, Tommy Lee kick off dancehall’s ‘war season’ with potent diss tracks

    It’s time! Masicka, Tommy Lee kick off dancehall’s ‘war season’ with potent diss tracks

    The dancehall scene has erupted into full-scale lyrical warfare as two of Jamaica’s most prominent artists, Masicka and Tommy Lee Sparta, exchange blistering diss tracks in what fans are calling the official start of the genre’s ‘war season.’ The escalating conflict began when Tommy Lee Sparta launched the opening salvo with his single ‘Control,’ released Monday afternoon, directly challenging Masicka’s credibility and status within the dancehall hierarchy. In his track, Tommy Lee dismissed Masicka as insignficant mosquito lacking authentic street credentials while warning him against comparing himself to Vybz Kartel, the recently crowned ‘King of Dancehall.’ The reference addressed circulating rumors about tensions between Kartel and Masicka, though neither artist has confirmed any direct conflict. Masicka responded with devastating efficiency early Tuesday morning through his five-minute lyrical counterattack titled ‘Vain.’ The Genasyde Records leader declared himself the ‘GOAT’ (Greatest of All Time) while strategically distancing himself from what he characterized as demonic associations—a clear reference to Tommy Lee’s ‘Uncle Demon’ persona. In his meticulously crafted response, Masicka accused the Spartan artist of riding Vybz Kartel’s coattails following his incarceration and revealed that he had rejected collaboration requests from Tommy Lee during his 2021-2023 imprisonment. The most cutting blow came when Masicka suggested his teenage son enjoys a superior lifestyle to that of the Sparta boss, implying Tommy Lee’s career has become ‘watered-down.’ The brewing tensions between their respective fan bases—Genasyde supporters and Gaza loyalists—reportedly intensified following Reggae Sumfest where Vybz Kartel received his official coronation as dancehall royalty. Masicka’s declaration during his performance that it would be his final appearance at the summer show, coupled with his self-proclamation as the ‘greatest of all time,’ created the perfect storm for the current feud. Both camps are now celebrating their artist’s verbal prowess while advocating for the conflict to remain strictly musical rather than physical. The dancehall community has largely welcomed the explosive exchange as a necessary injection of excitement into the scene, particularly as the Christmas season approaches. Social media platforms have erupted with commentary from enthusiastic fans who view the showdown as a return to dancehall’s classic era of competitive artistry.

  • 10 ways to volunteer this Christmas to support Jamaicans impacted by Melissa

    10 ways to volunteer this Christmas to support Jamaicans impacted by Melissa

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage through Jamaica, a nationwide call for volunteerism has emerged as communities enter the Christmas season. The catastrophic weather event has created unprecedented needs across the island, prompting both governmental and non-governmental organizations to coordinate large-scale relief efforts during what is traditionally a period of giving and community solidarity.

    The reconstruction initiative encompasses multiple tiers of engagement, from hyperlocal assistance to nationally coordinated programs. Neighborhood churches and community groups are organizing food distribution campaigns, structural repairs, and emotional support services for affected families. Corporate entities have activated their seasonal volunteer programs, facilitating employee participation in rebuilding projects and donation drives through human resources departments.

    Governmental coordination occurs through Support Jamaica, an official digital platform that connects vetted volunteers with structured opportunities in disaster response, social services, and community development. Simultaneously, international humanitarian organizations have established significant operations on the ground. Food For the Poor Jamaica continues its critical work in housing construction and sustenance distribution, while World Central Kitchen maintains its emergency feeding operations requiring assistance with meal preparation and delivery logistics.

    The American Friends of Jamaica collaborates with local partners to address educational, healthcare, and disaster relief needs, welcoming volunteers for reconstruction projects. Jamaica Red Cross remains instrumental in emergency response, providing shelter support, first aid, and community preparedness training. The Salvation Army continues its tradition of offering emergency provisions including food, clean water, and temporary housing to displaced families.

    For those seeking formal disaster management roles, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management operates the National Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Programme, focusing on preparedness education, damage assessment, and relief coordination. Alternatively, individuals can pursue direct assistance through personalized ‘adopt-a-family’ initiatives, such as that pioneered by Westmoreland Eastern MP Dr. Dayton Campbell, which connects donors with severely affected households for targeted support with groceries, educational materials, and home repairs.

    This comprehensive volunteer mobilization represents a critical component of Jamaica’s recovery strategy, harnessing the collective power of civic engagement to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term reconstruction requirements following natural disaster.

  • Outgoing president of BTVI accused by faculty of funding ‘lavish’ party while staff go unpaid

    Outgoing president of BTVI accused by faculty of funding ‘lavish’ party while staff go unpaid

    Faculty members at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) initiated industrial action on Thursday, leveling serious allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement against outgoing President Dr. Linda Davis. The protest, organized by unionized instructors, demanded Dr. Davis’s immediate removal from office amid claims she has created a toxic administrative environment.

    The Bahamas Union of Auxiliary Professionals in Education presented a detailed list of grievances, including allegations that Dr. Davis deliberately obstructed processes and demonstrated ‘blatant disregard and disrespect’ toward staff members. Among the most significant accusations: the president allegedly questioned faculty credentials in ways that affected benefit eligibility, stalled negotiations on a new industrial agreement, withheld approvals for professional development opportunities, and delayed signing crucial job letters.

    Financial concerns formed a core component of the protest. Faculty representatives claimed that despite being informed for months that no funds were available for salary increases, professional development, or long-service recognition payments, the administration somehow secured resources for what they described as a ‘lavish’ celebration of Dr. Davis’s legacy. This event reportedly featured a DJ, MC, Junkanoo rush-out performance, and covered travel expenses for accreditation guests.

    Bahamas Union of Auxiliary Professionals in Education President Ernesto Williams expressed particular frustration that staff entered the holiday season without approved increments, certification allowances, and degree appreciation payments that were contractually mandated. He noted that the decision to fund a celebration while withholding employee benefits ‘sent the wrong message’ and suggested staff welfare had been deliberately sidelined.

    Williams revealed that multiple meetings with BTVI’s board of directors, including a session as recent as September 11th, yielded no substantive action. He urged Dr. Davis to utilize her remaining 19 days in office to address outstanding financial obligations, emphasizing she still retains authority to release funds and engage government personnel. Failure to resolve these issues, Williams warned, could place staff in financial limbo and further erode confidence in the institution’s leadership.

  • Fair Trading Commission director grilled over delays in pharmaceutical probe

    Fair Trading Commission director grilled over delays in pharmaceutical probe

    In a tense parliamentary hearing on December 2, Fair Trading Commission (FTC) Executive Director Bevan Narinesingh faced rigorous interrogation from Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) Chairman Jagdeo Singh regarding the commission’s perceived inaction on potential anti-competitive practices within the pharmaceutical industry.

    Speaker Singh, visibly frustrated throughout the proceedings, challenged Narinesingh on what he characterized as the FTC’s ‘lethargic’ response to serious allegations of monopolistic behavior in drug supply and distribution. The confrontation centered on the commission’s failure to utilize its statutory powers under the Fair Trading Act despite receiving formal complaints and documentation since September 2024.

    Singh methodically outlined the FTC’s broad investigative authority, particularly emphasizing Section 9 provisions that empower the commission to act on its own initiative without requiring formal complaints. ‘Anti-competitive behavior in a marketplace is among the highest public-interest concerns needing protection,’ Singh asserted, receiving agreement from Narinesingh before pressing further on the commission’s inaction.

    The hearing revealed that despite a September 6, 2024 letter from a private business association raising competition concerns, the FTC’s response consisted primarily of information requests rather than initiating formal investigations. Singh questioned why the commission hadn’t invoked Section 8 powers to compel document production from suspected entities instead of placing the burden on complainants to obtain sensitive corporate records.

    Narinesingh defended the FTC’s approach, citing ongoing evidence gathering through meetings with Health Ministry officials in December 2024 and consultations with the Pharmacy Board. However, when pressed for documentation of these meetings, he could not immediately produce minutes or formal reports.

    The exchange intensified when Singh referenced the FTC’s December 13, 2024 public statement acknowledging that concerns ‘may require further examination.’ The chairman demanded concrete actions beyond letter-writing and meetings, to which Narinesingh cited public notices inviting input through digital channels.

    A critical moment emerged when Narinesingh revealed the FTC had determined ‘sufficient grounds’ for investigation by June 17, 2025 but claimed inability to proceed due to the commission’s board being dissolved since May. Singh challenged this justification, questioning where the Fair Trading Act circumscribes the executive director’s authority based on board availability.

    The session concluded with Singh issuing comprehensive directives for the FTC to provide all relevant documentation, including internal communications, meeting minutes, and task assignments, before adjourning until January 26 for further review.

  • PSA president claims back pay for public servants by December 23

    PSA president claims back pay for public servants by December 23

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s public sector workforce, Public Services Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas has confirmed that union members will receive their long-awaited back payments by December 23rd, just in time for the holiday season.

    The breakthrough follows the formal signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the PSA and the Chief Personnel Officer on December 2nd, which outlines comprehensive compensation improvements for civil service officers. The agreement includes a substantial 10% wage increase, consolidation of Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for both the 2014-2016 and 2017-2019 periods, and the crucial pre-holiday back pay disbursement.

    According to the circular issued by President Thomas, the new salary structure will be implemented starting January 2026, while revised allowances will be retroactively effective from January 1, 2014. This arrangement represents a major victory for the PSA, which had previously rejected a 4% wage offer from the previous administration.

    Thomas emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “Your sacrifice has not been in vain. Today, we are proud to announce that your resilience has delivered meaningful results and this latest development is a testament to the power of unity and solidarity.”

    The agreement fulfills a campaign promise made by current Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar during the United National Congress’s election campaign. The MoA is described as a “significant step forward” for all public officers, with ongoing discussions continuing regarding other employment terms and conditions.

    This settlement contrasts with other public sector groups that accepted lower increases earlier this year. Prison officers, police officers, estate police officers, and airport security personnel had accepted the previous administration’s 4% offer, while the TT Unified Teachers Association negotiated a 5% wage increase for educators.

    Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo had previously instructed the Chief Personnel Officer to advance with the wage proposal during the October 13 budget presentation, setting the stage for the current agreement that brings financial relief and recognition to the nation’s civil servants.

  • Nipdec, PSA settle on 5% salary increase

    Nipdec, PSA settle on 5% salary increase

    In a significant development for labor relations in Trinidad and Tobago, the National Insurance Property Development Company Ltd (Nipdec) has successfully concluded negotiations with the Public Services Association (PSA), resolving a longstanding collective agreement for permanent monthly paid workers. The settlement, finalized between PSA president Felisha Thomas and Nipdec chairman Vijay Gosyne, addresses compensation dating back to the period spanning January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2016.

    The breakthrough agreement implements a five per cent wage increase and provides accumulated back pay totaling $5,613,535.69. This financial package will benefit 57 individuals comprising both current and former personnel—specifically 28 existing employees and 29 who have since departed the organization.

    Nipdec’s leadership emphasized the agreement’s broader significance beyond financial compensation, characterizing it as a testament to the workforce’s dedication and a reinforcement of collaborative industrial relations. The company acknowledged the PSA’s constructive engagement throughout negotiation proceedings, highlighting the settlement as a milestone in strengthening institutional relationships with both employees and their union representation.

    The resolution aligns with government commitments to workforce welfare while supporting Nipdec’s strategic vision to position itself as the region’s premier project and procurement management agency. Company officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining principles of fairness, transparency, and respect in all employee-related matters, suggesting this agreement establishes a positive framework for future labor relations.

  • ‘2,500 voters are missing,’ says AG

    ‘2,500 voters are missing,’ says AG

    Bahamian Attorney General Ryan Pinder has publicly acknowledged significant voter registration discrepancies in the recent Golden Isles by-election, contradicting earlier assurances from Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson about the accuracy of the electoral register. The admission came during Senate deliberations on the Data Protection Bill, 2025, amid growing concerns from opposition parties about the integrity of electoral processes.

    Pinder revealed that both major political parties could only verify approximately 5,500 registered voters in the Golden Isles constituency through aggressive ground operations, despite official records showing 7,926 registered voters. This discrepancy of nearly 2,500 unverified registrations resulted in a notably low voter turnout of just 49%, with only 3,884 ballots cast in the recent election.

    The Attorney General attributed these inaccuracies to multiple systemic factors, including the suspension of active voter transfer exercises since the implementation of the permanent register nine years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation, halting all transfer activities for two years due to curfews and movement restrictions. Additionally, the early election called by the previous Minnis administration interrupted routine scrutiny exercises designed to update voter information and confirm residency statuses.

    Parliamentary Commissioner Thompson had previously dismissed opposition claims, maintaining that his department received no formal complaints regarding missing names or outdated entries. However, Pinder’s statements confirm longstanding concerns about register accuracy that have undermined public confidence in electoral outcomes.

    The Parliamentary Registration Department has reportedly resumed verification exercises, temporarily paused only for the by-election. Both Pinder and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper have urged Bahamian citizens to update their voter information promptly. The government emphasizes that recent amendments to the Parliamentary Elections Act, particularly regarding biometric registration implementation, will significantly streamline future register updates and enhance electoral integrity moving forward.