Carib Scope

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  • High Court dismisses habeas corpus application by SoE detainee

    High Court dismisses habeas corpus application by SoE detainee

    In a significant judicial ruling, High Court Justice Karen Reid has rejected the habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of Kevin Mills, a customs clerk from La Horquetta currently held under a preventative detention order (PDO). The decision, delivered during a January 21 hearing, reinforces the government’s controversial emergency powers amid ongoing security concerns.

    Mills was initially detained on December 13, 2025, under a PDO authorized by Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander. The order alleges Mills’ involvement in facilitating “brazen and well-orchestrated attacks” against civilians and law enforcement personnel. According to police intelligence assessments, Mills and associates from the La Retreat Gang were planning additional shootings and homicides that would constitute a severe threat to public safety.

    Legal representative Nestor Dinnoo-Alloy mounted a multifaceted challenge against the detention’s legality. The defense contended that the government failed to publish the PDO notice in the Gazette within the mandated seven-day window stipulated by the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025. Documentation indicated the notice only appeared on December 25—12 days after the order’s issuance—which Dinnoo-Alloy argued rendered the detention unlawful.

    Additional arguments highlighted that Mills was already on bail for unrelated ammunition possession charges, questioning the justification for preventive detention under these circumstances. Concerns were also raised regarding the extended duration of Mills’ confinement without formal charges.

    Representing the state, Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan characterized the habeas corpus application as “fundamentally flawed.” Ramlogan asserted that although Gazette publication occurred later than technically required, the PDO had been properly served to Mills within the statutory timeframe, preserving its legal validity. He emphasized that service—not publication—represented the critical legal requirement, noting there was no challenge against the minister’s fundamental authority to issue such orders.

    Ramlogan further observed that Mills had already pursued alternative recourse through the Emergency Powers Review Tribunal, with judgment pending just one day prior to the habeas corpus hearing. He additionally contextualized the publication delay within the framework of the Christmas holiday period and existing legal precedents.

    Senior Counsel Ian Benjamin, representing the Commissioner of Prisons, aligned with these arguments and described the application as an abuse of judicial process.

    Justice Reid’s dismissal continues a pattern of unsuccessful legal challenges against preventive detentions during the ongoing state of emergency. Previous petitions from Isaiah Greenidge and Rajaee Ali were similarly rejected by Justices Devindra Rampersad and Frank Seepersad in October and July 2025 respectively.

    The state of emergency remains in effect and is currently scheduled to expire on January 31, unless further extended by government authorities.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Friday January 23rd 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Friday January 23rd 2026

    The global dietary supplement industry, valued at over $50 billion, presents consumers with a complex landscape of health promises and scientific uncertainties. A comprehensive analysis reveals a sector experiencing unprecedented growth yet facing critical scrutiny regarding efficacy, safety, and regulatory oversight.

    Unlike pharmaceutical products requiring rigorous FDA approval for both safety and effectiveness before market entry, dietary supplements operate under a different regulatory paradigm. The 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) permits supplements to reach consumers without pre-market authorization, placing the burden of proof for safety concerns on the Food and Drug Administration after products are already available to the public.

    This regulatory framework has enabled an explosion of products ranging from traditional vitamins and minerals to botanicals, probiotics, and innovative compounds targeting various health aspects from cognitive function to metabolic performance. However, this accessibility comes with significant challenges: inconsistent product quality, potentially misleading marketing claims, and limited scientific validation for many popular formulations.

    Medical professionals emphasize that while certain supplements demonstrate clear benefits for specific populations (such as folic acid for pregnant women or vitamin D for those with deficiencies), many products lack robust clinical evidence. The absence of mandatory third-party testing creates quality control issues, with some products containing ingredients not listed on labels or contaminants that pose health risks.

    Consumers navigating this market must exercise critical evaluation, consulting healthcare providers about potential supplement-drug interactions and recognizing that these products are intended to complement—not replace—a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. The industry continues to evolve with increasing calls for stricter regulation and more transparent labeling practices to better protect public health.

  • No water, weak security: Court staff livid

    No water, weak security: Court staff livid

    Court employees in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, are voicing grave concerns over inadequate security provisions and a severe water shortage at their temporary workplace. The staff was relocated from their original Black River courthouse following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025. The hurricane caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure in Black River, including the complete destruction of the courthouse, alongside hospitals, schools, and commercial buildings.

    Despite the move to a facility behind the Santa Cruz Police Station on Coke Drive, intended to minimize delays in judicial services, employees report feeling vulnerable and unsupported. Their anxieties were sharply heightened by a recent security breach where an individual entered the office and forcibly seized a box of legal files. Staff intervened to recover the documents, and the perpetrator was subsequently detained by police. This incident has underscored the palpable lack of permanent security personnel, with police patrols provided only sporadically following the event.

    Compounding the security fears is a critical lack of running water, which has rendered restrooms unusable and forced staff to resort to collecting water in buckets for basic sanitation. Employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration that their repeated appeals to administrators for solutions have yielded no tangible improvements.

    The situation in Santa Cruz reflects a broader national issue highlighted by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes. He has consistently criticized the dilapidated state of court buildings across Jamaica. In recent pointed remarks, Justice Sykes questioned the government’s commitment to judicial infrastructure, noting a conspicuous silence regarding plans to repair or reconstruct courthouses demolished by Hurricane Melissa, particularly in western parishes like St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. He emphasized that the rebuilding of critical justice infrastructure appears to be treated as a matter of low priority, despite official rhetoric about creating more resilient communities.

  • All-new Q5 from Audi Jamaica

    All-new Q5 from Audi Jamaica

    KINGSTON, JAMAICA – Audi Jamaica has officially introduced the highly anticipated third-generation Q5 to the local market, marking a significant milestone for the luxury automotive sector. The official launch event, held on Saturday, January 17th at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, was met with exceptional consumer enthusiasm, signaling a strong post-hurricane economic rebound.

    Company executives reported an overwhelmingly positive response, with over 200 guests attending the exclusive unveiling. Channa Kay Walker, Sales Manager for Audi Jamaica, confirmed the substantial market interest, while Damien Kerr, General Manager of Oxford Road, revealed that the entire initial shipment of vehicles had already been pre-sold prior to the official launch.

    The new Q5 represents Audi’s engineering evolution, built upon the innovative Premium Platform Combustion architecture. This third iteration of Audi’s global best-seller over the past 15 years incorporates significant advancements across multiple domains including powertrain efficiency, performance metrics, interior spaciousness, and cutting-edge technology integration.

    Exterior styling embraces Audi’s contemporary design philosophy, featuring the distinctive singleframe grille and state-of-the-art lighting systems both front and rear. The vehicle’s expanded dimensions translate to enhanced passenger comfort and cargo capacity, while the interior showcases four fundamental design concepts: human-centric layout, visual clarity, digital stage presentation, and material-driven aesthetics. The cockpit is dominated by a sophisticated triple-screen configuration comprising an 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit, 14.5-inch MMI interface, and an optional 10.9-inch passenger display.

    Powertrain options demonstrate Audi’s commitment to performance-efficiency balance. The standard variant features a 204bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive. For consumers seeking enhanced dynamism, the Q5 Sportback offers coupé-like styling, while the high-performance SQ5 variant delivers 367bhp through a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine complemented by Quattro all-wheel drive. Mild-hybrid and Quattro versions are scheduled for later release in 2026.

    Despite challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa in late October 2025, Audi Jamaica maintains optimistic projections for the coming year. The company has announced plans to introduce additional models including the S3 and Q3 in subsequent months, reinforcing their product portfolio in the Jamaican luxury automotive market.

  • Disciplinary actions taken by JRC stewards

    Disciplinary actions taken by JRC stewards

    The Jamaica Racing Commission has issued disciplinary sanctions against two professional jockeys following official inquiries conducted on January 20, 2026. The proceedings took place at the Commission’s offices located in Big Buy Plaza, Portmore, St Catherine.

    Jockey Shane Richardson faced financial penalties for regulatory breaches during competitive events. Richardson, who rode Oro Oro in the eighth race on January 3, 2026, received a $12,500 fine for employing his whip excessively during the competition.

    In a separate incident, Jockey Jerome Innis incurred a $10,000 penalty for dangerous riding conduct. During the eighth race on January 1, 2026, while mounted on Mamma Mia, Innis engaged in intimidating behavior and caused improper interference with another competitor, Digital One. The infraction occurred approximately 200 meters from the finish line, potentially affecting race outcomes.

    The disciplinary actions demonstrate the racing authority’s continued commitment to maintaining safety standards and fair competition practices within Jamaican horse racing. Such measures aim to protect both equine athletes and human participants while ensuring the integrity of the sport.

  • CONVICT cries

    CONVICT cries

    In a dramatic courtroom conclusion, Jamaican Constable Noel Maitland was convicted on Thursday for the murder and unlawful burial of his 24-year-old girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson, who vanished in July 2022. The seven-member jury’s verdict triggered an emotional collapse from the convicted officer, who wiped away streaming tears with a handkerchief as the reality of his conviction settled upon him.

    Initially maintaining composure in the dock, Maitland eventually bowed his head beneath the weight of the courtroom’s gaze. Trial Judge Leighton Pusey formally delivered the verdict to the visibly distressed defendant, whose scowling expression and knitted eyebrows betrayed his inner turmoil. As officers prepared to handcuff him, Maitland’s emotional control shattered completely with loud, audible sobs.

    Despite his emotional display, Maitland maintained his innocence through legal representatives. Defense attorney Christopher Townsend informed journalists that his client was ‘teary-eyed’ because ‘he knows he is innocent,’ indicating plans to pursue justice through the Court of Appeal. Townsend expressed surprise at the circumstantial evidence-based verdict, noting the jury’s relatively brief deliberation period of three and a half hours following a short summation.

    The prosecution team, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson, received the verdict with solemnity rather than celebration. Thompson explicitly rejected congratulatory messages, explaining that the conviction served as painful confirmation that Donaldson was truly gone. ‘There is no rejoicing, there is no happy, because Donna-Lee is dead,’ Thompson stated, emphasizing the tragedy of a mother losing her daughter rather than any prosecutorial victory.

    The case centered on Donaldson’s disappearance from the Chelsea Manor Apartments in St. Andrew, where Maitland resided. The conviction represents a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable public attention in Jamaica, involving a serving police officer and highlighting issues of domestic violence and accountability within law enforcement.

  • The beat goes on!

    The beat goes on!

    Jamaica is channeling the healing power of reggae music to fuel national recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact. The island nation has officially launched its 2026 Reggae Month celebrations under the thematic banner ‘Rhythms of Resilience,’ transforming the cultural observance into a symbol of post-disaster restoration.

    The February observance, which honors reggae’s profound influence on Jamaica’s social, cultural, and economic development, takes on heightened significance this year as communities continue rebuilding from November’s devastating storm. At Wednesday’s launch event hosted at J Wray & Nephew headquarters, government officials and music industry leaders united in emphasizing reggae’s therapeutic role during challenging times.

    Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange addressed attendees with an impassioned plea for heightened participation. ‘We enter Reggae Month at a time when half the country is rebuilding from devastating hurricane damage, and we face so much trouble in the world,’ Minister Grange stated. ‘Our reggae music is therapy. We turn to this music in good and bad times; the rhythm and lyrics provide relief and inspiration.’

    The minister highlighted several significant anniversaries coinciding with the 2026 celebrations: eight years since UNESCO’s official inscription of reggae music, ten years since Kingston’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City, and seventeen years since the Governor General’s proclamation of Reggae Month.

    Tourism Enhancement Fund Director Carey Wallace echoed the minister’s sentiments, noting that reggae music served as a critical source of hope during the grim aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. ‘We’ve been hit by Hurricane Melissa, but this is Jamaica; we will rebound and shine brighter,’ Wallace declared. ‘When we support Reggae Month, we’re supporting the story of Jamaican resilience that we want to replace the story of devastation.’

    J Wray & Nephew Managing Director Daniel Caron emphasized his company’s continued investment in the celebrations, stating: ‘This year’s celebrations are about coming back and coming back stronger. We want to keep the culture alive, the spirit alive, and with that we will always have resilience.’

    The 2026 Reggae Month calendar features an expansive lineup of more than 60 registered events, including Dennis Brown’s birthday celebrations (February 1), Bob Marley’s birthday festivities at Emancipation Park (February 6), the Wickie Wackie Music Festival (commencing February 12), Dancehall Week (February 22-March), and weekly programming organized by JaRIA and JCDC symposiums.

  • Pathway to Capital

    Pathway to Capital

    Jamaica’s micro and small enterprises are poised to gain unprecedented access to equity financing through a groundbreaking micro market initiative within the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), with Finance Minister Fayval Williams confirming a targeted launch for the second quarter of 2026.

    During her keynote address at the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference in Kingston, Minister Williams revealed that preparatory work has reached an advanced stage, marking a significant milestone in the country’s financial infrastructure development.

    The innovative micro market will function as a specialized second tier within the existing Junior Market framework, specifically designed to accommodate earlier-stage businesses. Unlike traditional lending systems that often exclude micro enterprises due to stringent collateral requirements, this new platform will enable qualified small businesses to raise capital through equity financing while benefiting from the JSE’s established infrastructure, governance standards, and regulatory oversight.

    Minister Williams emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic extension of Jamaica’s capital markets rather than a dilution of listing requirements. “The success of the Junior Market provides strong empirical justification for extending this model downward,” she stated, referencing the proven track record of the existing framework that has served growing companies across multiple sectors for over 16 years.

    The development addresses a critical gap in Jamaica’s financial ecosystem, where micro and small enterprises constitute the majority of businesses and significant employment contributors yet face persistent challenges in accessing affordable capital. Traditional bank lending remains largely inaccessible due to collateral constraints, while informal financing options often impose growth limitations and cash flow pressures.

    A multi-stakeholder steering committee, established in June 2025 and led by the Jamaica Stock Exchange, has been coordinating technical, regulatory, and policy preparations across public and private sectors. The committee has already identified over 200 prospective micro and small businesses as potential candidates, with projections suggesting 25 companies could list within the first two years of operation.

    Capacity-building initiatives will form a central component of the rollout strategy, focusing on preparing investment-ready businesses rather than rushing unprepared companies to market. The approach aligns with the government’s broader strategy to mobilize domestic savings—particularly from pension and insurance funds managing approximately $1.2 trillion in assets—into productive, growth-enhancing investments while maintaining fiscal discipline and market integrity.

  • WRONG TURN!

    WRONG TURN!

    Jamaica’s sporting establishment has delivered a powerful collective rebuke against the controversial Enhanced Games, reinforcing the nation’s unwavering commitment to drug-free athletic competition. The unified stance emerged during Thursday’s annual symposium hosted by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) in St. Andrew, where prominent figures including Sport Minister Olivia Grange, coaching authority David Riley, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Vice-President Ian Forbes, and JADCO Chairperson Debby-Ann Brown Salmon unanimously condemned the scheduled Las Vegas event that permits performance-enhancing substances.

    The symposium gained particular significance following recent revelations that Jamaican sprinter Shockoria Wallace became the nation’s first athlete to register for the privately funded competition, which offers substantial financial incentives for record-breaking performances achieved through medically supervised doping. This development prompted former JAAA president Dr. Warren Blake to publicly question the event’s safety protocols and competitive credibility earlier this week.

    Minister Grange, addressing attendees as special guest speaker, articulated Jamaica’s official position with unmistakable clarity: ‘As a WADA foundation board member overseeing Jamaica’s anti-doping framework, I cannot endorse participation in the Enhanced Games. This concept contradicts everything we champion at JADCO and as signatories to international anti-doping conventions. We are unequivocally about clean sport, not enhanced performances.’

    Grange elevated the discussion beyond regulatory compliance, framing clean competition as fundamental to national identity: ‘We must perceive clean sport as a matter of national character intertwined with our development. Integrity, fairness and discipline define our people and must permeate our sporting culture. Upholding these principles safeguards our global reputation and strengthens the foundation of our athletic excellence.’

    During subsequent panel discussions, Forbes identified financial motivation as the primary driver for athlete participation: ‘The potential monetary gain appears the overarching factor. While financial rewards might seem lucrative, most considering participation are athletes nearing career conclusions. This pursuit jeopardizes their legacy and our nation’s sporting integrity.’

    Riley acknowledged the event’s potential spectacle value but expressed concern about long-term repercussions: ‘Some athletes might pursue fame or competitive advantage unattainable in clean sport. However, association with such competitions could permanently damage professional reputations regardless of actual substance use.’

    Brown Salmon emphasized the dangerous trade-off between short-term gains and lasting consequences: ‘While new platforms and rewards seem attractive, participation undermines principles we’ve tirelessly upheld. Athletes risk their reputations, future eligibility, and most importantly, their nation’s trust. This jeopardizes both personal legacy and Jamaica’s sporting integrity.’

    The Jamaican position aligns with international governing bodies including World Athletics and World Aquatics, the latter having implemented 2025 regulations banning athletes who participate in events embracing prohibited substances from its competitions.

  • Congres zet modernisering rechterlijke macht centraal voor rechtszekerheid en ontwikkeling

    Congres zet modernisering rechterlijke macht centraal voor rechtszekerheid en ontwikkeling

    Suriname has embarked on a comprehensive judicial modernization program that national leaders describe as fundamental to legal certainty, public trust, and economic advancement. The initiative was formally launched today during a joint congress convened by the National Assembly, the Court of Justice, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office at Hotel Torarica’s Ballroom.

    Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin delivered the opening address, emphasizing that the modernization effort extends far beyond technical legal discussions. He identified three critical pillars for societal stability and sustainable economic growth: accessible justice, predictable legal procedures, and authoritative jurisprudence. The congress, supported by the Center for Democracy and Rule of Law, represents a significant moment of national consensus regarding the urgent need for structural reforms within Suriname’s judicial system.

    The conference focuses on two primary reform areas: establishing a third judicial instance responsible for cassation (appeals) jurisprudence and modernizing the Public Prosecutor’s Office. These transformations aim to promote legal uniformity, judicial development, transparency, and effectiveness in criminal proceedings. The themes align with ongoing parliamentary initiatives to constitutionally anchor these judicial components.

    Rather than serving as a concluding event, the congress functions as a foundational element within a broader institutional and parliamentary trajectory. Organizers emphasize that the gathering provides concrete instruments and conceptual frameworks to support decision-making processes regarding judicial modernization. Outcomes and recommendations will be documented in a comprehensive final report that will serve as the basis for subsequent legislation and policy development.

    As a structural follow-up, the National Assembly will establish a Parliamentary Platform for Rule of Law and Constitutional Framework. This platform will facilitate periodic consultation with key judicial actors and monitor reform progress and coherence while fully respecting judicial independence.