Carib Scope

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  • Inquest hears scream, limited checks before Chinlee Robinson’s death

    Inquest hears scream, limited checks before Chinlee Robinson’s death

    A coroner’s inquest into the death of 23-year-old Chinlee Robinson has unveiled troubling evidence regarding prison conditions and procedures at His Majesty’s Prison. Robinson died on January 24th, mere hours after being granted bail, with medical examinations indicating anoxia, neck trauma, and cardiac failure as contributing factors.

    The proceedings included compelling testimony from a 15-year-old detainee who reported witnessing Robinson return from court visibly distressed about a bail-related matter. The juvenile witness further described hearing a brief scream followed by unusual silence on the night of Robinson’s death. His account also raised serious concerns about institutional practices, noting that inmates were routinely locked in their cells by mid-afternoon and that overnight welfare checks occurred infrequently.

    The case remains shrouded in controversy, with conflicting interpretations of the evidence. Family attorney Wendel Alexander has formally requested a homicide investigation, challenging previous police suggestions that natural causes might explain the death. Prison Superintendent Trevor Pennyfeather has acknowledged that strangulation may have been involved, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.

    The judicial inquiry continues as authorities seek to establish the precise circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, which has raised significant questions about inmate safety and institutional accountability within the correctional system.

  • CCJ Reinstates Manslaughter Convictions in Hilberto Sotz Case

    CCJ Reinstates Manslaughter Convictions in Hilberto Sotz Case

    In a landmark judicial reversal, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has reinstated manslaughter convictions against two Belizean law enforcement officers, Leonard Nunez and Hallet King. This decisive ruling came in response to a Crown appeal challenging the Belize Court of Appeal’s prior decision to overturn the convictions.

    The legal proceedings featured Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn Vidal, supported by Maria L. Santana, advocating for the Crown, while defense attorney Arthur Saldivar represented the convicted officers.

    The appeal centered on a critical legal technicality regarding the appellate court’s application of Section 216(1) of the Senior Courts Act. This provision enables courts to dismiss appeals if no substantial miscarriage of justice is deemed to have occurred, even when technical legal points might favor the appellant.

    In a unanimous decision, the CCJ’s five-judge panel declared: “We have arrived at consensus. The appeal is allowed. The convictions of the two respondents are reinstated. The matter is remitted to the Court of Appeal for the hearing and determination of the appeal by the Crown on sentencing.”

    The case traces back to 2015 when 18-year-old Hilberto Sotz died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody on Caye Caulker. Initially facing murder charges, the officers saw their charges reduced to manslaughter during trial proceedings. The original case hinged on forensic uncertainty, as post-mortem examinations could not definitively establish whether Sotz’s death resulted from an accidental fall or deliberate blunt force trauma, with no weapon ever identified as causative.

    Despite their 2019 sentencing to time served—which allowed their immediate release—the officers now face renewed legal accountability following the CCJ’s intervention.

  • Youth Townhall to Foster Dialogue, Innovation and Youth Empowerment in St. Philip’s North

    Youth Townhall to Foster Dialogue, Innovation and Youth Empowerment in St. Philip’s North

    Glanvilles Community Centre will transform into a dynamic hub of intergenerational dialogue on April 24, 2026, as young citizens converge with community leaders for a groundbreaking Youth Townhall meeting. Scheduled for 4:00 PM, this participatory event represents a strategic initiative to amplify youth perspectives in shaping community development and policy formation.

    Spearheading this civic engagement effort are Youth Parliamentarians Jawan Jackson (Representative for St. Phillips North) and Jayden Martin, whose collaborative leadership demonstrates a growing commitment to institutionalizing youth participation in governance structures. Their initiative moves beyond ceremonial consultation to establish practical mechanisms for youth input in decision-making processes.

    The Townhall’s operational framework emphasizes solution-oriented collaboration, recognizing youth not as passive future leaders but as active contributors to contemporary community development. This philosophical approach challenges traditional age-based hierarchies in civic participation and redefines youth engagement as essential rather than symbolic.

    Notable participants Shaquan O’Neil and Donte Walter will contribute their expertise on youth leadership and international representation, adding substantial depth to discussions about effective civic engagement models. Their involvement signals the event’s seriousness in addressing both local and global perspectives on youth development.

    The selection of Glanvilles Community Centre as the venue reflects intentional spatial politics—bringing formal civic discourse into community spaces where young people naturally congregate, thereby democratizing access to participatory mechanisms that traditionally occur in institutional settings.

    This inclusive gathering welcomes all youth organizations, community stakeholders, and interested public members, creating an unusually open platform for cross-sectoral dialogue. As Antigua and Barbuda continues prioritizing youth development, this Townhall exemplifies the practical implementation of national youth empowerment policies through ground-level civic architecture.

  • Strong Winds, Dangerous Seas to Affect Antigua and Barbuda This Week

    Strong Winds, Dangerous Seas to Affect Antigua and Barbuda This Week

    The northeastern Caribbean region is on alert this week as meteorological authorities issue warnings for deteriorating marine conditions and intensified wind patterns. A significant weather system is expected to generate powerful easterly winds accelerating through Tuesday night into Wednesday, with sustained speeds potentially reaching 41 km/h and powerful gusts approaching 63 km/h.

    Mariners in Antigua and Barbuda and adjacent islands have been advised to exercise extreme caution as these conditions develop. While gradual easing is anticipated later in the week, meteorological models indicate winds will persist above seasonal norms throughout the weekend.

    The most severe marine impacts will concentrate in open Atlantic waters where wave heights are projected to reach approximately 3.4 meters, with occasional swells surging to 4.3 meters. Coastal zones and sheltered areas are expected to experience comparatively milder effects, though still above normal conditions.

    Local authorities have initiated small craft advisories, strongly recommending that operators of smaller vessels remain in port or maintain proximity to safe harbors. Residents throughout the affected regions are encouraged to secure outdoor items susceptible to high winds and maintain vigilance through official weather monitoring channels as the situation evolves.

  • Belizean Music Eyes Global Breakthrough

    Belizean Music Eyes Global Breakthrough

    The Belizean music scene is experiencing a critical juncture in its development, brimming with creative potential yet confronting significant structural barriers to international recognition. Industry professionals report that while domestic success has been achieved, a formidable gap exists preventing the transition onto the global stage.

    Devin ‘DJ Perf’ Peyrefitte, a prominent local music producer, characterizes the current state as one of ambitious stagnation. ‘The industry is thriving because we have figured out certain aspects regarding our direction and the goal to take Belizean music beyond our borders,’ Peyrefitte stated. ‘However, we have reached a definitive stop. Artists have maximized their potential within Belize and now face a structural void that prevents further external expansion.’

    In response to this challenge, producers are initiating strategic efforts to gauge international receptiveness. Artists including STIG and King Rome are being positioned as test cases, performing on foreign platforms to measure audience engagement and demand for Belize’s unique musical offerings.

    ‘The immediate focus is determining viable methods for exporting local talent abroad,’ Peyrefitte explained. ‘We are essentially conducting market research through performance—attempting to validate whether global audiences desire Belizean music.’

    Despite promising initial indicators, industry leaders identify a trifecta of deficiencies holding back progress: inadequate infrastructure, insufficient financial investment, and a lack of coordinated institutional support. These limitations hinder the development of a sustainable export model for Belize’s musical talent.

    The pathway from local recognition to international market penetration, along with its associated challenges and opportunities, will be the subject of in-depth analysis on the upcoming episode of Kolcha Tuesday, airing at 6:00 p.m.

  • President of Mexico receives Governor-General of Canada

    President of Mexico receives Governor-General of Canada

    Mary Simon, Canada’s inaugural Indigenous Governor General, arrived at Felipe Angeles International Airport in central Mexico yesterday alongside her husband, Whit Fraser. The distinguished visitor was formally received by Mexican Foreign Secretary Juan Ramon de la Fuente, marking a significant moment in bilateral relations between the two North American nations.

    According to an official statement released by Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the primary objective of this diplomatic mission is to reinforce the strategic partnership between Mexico and Canada. This visit builds upon the foundation established during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official trip to Mexico City last September, with particular emphasis on enhancing dialogue regarding policies benefiting indigenous communities in both countries.

    Appointed in 2021, Governor General Simon has championed an ambitious agenda focused on social reconciliation—especially with indigenous populations—alongside mental health initiatives, welfare programs, diversity promotion, inclusion efforts, and environmental conservation. Her appointment represents a historic milestone in Canada’s political landscape.

    Canada operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy framework, maintaining membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. Within this structure, King Charles III serves as the formal monarch, while Governor General Simon acts as his official representative both domestically and in international affairs.

    The Mexican Ministry detailed the extensive responsibilities of Canada’s Governor General, which include advising the Prime Minister and cabinet members, overseeing the installation and dissolution of Parliament, and serving as commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces throughout North America.

    The previous September meeting between Prime Minister Carney and Mexican leadership resulted in the elevation of bilateral cooperation to a comprehensive strategic partnership, establishing a new framework for enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.

  • Speaker refuses to meet Azruddin Mohamed; WIN Leader warns of street protest

    Speaker refuses to meet Azruddin Mohamed; WIN Leader warns of street protest

    A political confrontation escalated in Guyana on Tuesday as National Assembly Speaker Manzoor Nadir refused to meet with Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the main opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, sparking threats of mass street protests. Mohamed had arrived at the Parliament Building in Brickdam seeking clarity on when opposition parliamentarians would convene to formally elect him as Opposition Leader—a position that remains vacant despite his party securing 16 of the 65 parliamentary seats in last year’s general elections. The meeting refusal occurred just days before the scheduled January 26 presentation of the 2026 National Budget. Mohamed initially intended to meet with Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs but encountered Speaker Nadir, who retreated to his office and declined engagement despite Mohamed’s attempts to knock on his door. Parliamentary staff subsequently informed Mohamed and his delegation that the Speaker would not receive them. The WIN leader warned that his party would not tolerate the situation lightly, stating that peaceful protests would be organized if necessary. He referenced international pressure from the United States, Britain, Canada, and the European Union, all of which have emphasized the critical importance of appointing an Opposition Leader for functional democracy. Mohamed highlighted several practical implications of the vacancy, including the inability to restructure the seven-member Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) during ongoing claims and objections processes, and the lack of a physical office for public grievances. While President Irfaan Ali has stated that the election of an Opposition Leader is a matter for opposition lawmakers, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has previously expressed that Mohamed’s potential appointment would be a ‘stain’ on Guyana. This political standoff occurs against the backdrop of legal challenges facing Mohamed and his father, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, who are contesting extradition to the United States to face charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering. Their committal hearing continues on February 5, 2026.

  • Uruguayan exporters conclude Mercosur-EU agreement

    Uruguayan exporters conclude Mercosur-EU agreement

    A comprehensive monthly analysis from an economic guild has shed new light on the significant implications of the EU-Mercosur association agreement, formally signed in Montevideo on January 17th. The report underscores the European Union’s pivotal role as a cornerstone for South American export growth and foreign investment.

    According to the study, which draws on official projections, the implementation of the treaty is anticipated to catalyze a substantial upswing in Mercosur nations’ exports, with an estimated increase nearing 4%. Furthermore, the accord is forecast to generate a 0.5% rise in employment, providing a tangible economic stimulus.

    Beyond these macroeconomic gains, exporters are anticipating a robust bilateral enhancement in the trade of both goods and services, coupled with a reciprocal surge in cross-continental investments. The agreement is also projected to fortify the competitiveness and security of international supply chains, addressing a key vulnerability exposed in recent years. A parallel strategic benefit involves the increased competitiveness and critical diversification of energy sources and essential raw materials, reducing dependency on single suppliers.

    The guild’s analysis extends into environmental governance, heralding the pact as a catalyst for transformative changes in the collective fight against climate change. The framework is noted for incorporating stringent measures aimed at curbing deforestation and actively promoting sustainable development practices across the member economies.

  • High Court Finds Hubert Elrington Breached Fiduciary Duties

    High Court Finds Hubert Elrington Breached Fiduciary Duties

    In a landmark ruling that underscores the legal profession’s accountability standards, Belize’s High Court has delivered a scathing judgment against prominent attorney Hubert E. Elrington for severe breaches of fiduciary responsibilities. Justice M. Javed Mansoor presided over the case involving the estate of the late James Lightburn, where Elrington served as executor.

    The court determined that Elrington committed grave violations in managing the estate’s affairs, particularly concerning a 562.7-acre property at Ben Lemond Cornhouse, Creek Works Area. This property was sold on June 13, 2017, for US$450,000, with the estate entitled to half of this amount (US$225,000 or BZ$450,000). Evidence presented revealed that these substantial proceeds were never properly accounted for nor deposited into the designated Scotia Bank account as explicitly required by the deceased’s will.

    The litigation was initiated by Jasmin Lightburn, the primary beneficiary designated to receive three-quarters of the estate, with the remaining quarter allocated to her late brother’s children. Despite reaching the age of majority in November 2023, Jasmin received no distribution from the estate, prompting legal action.

    Justice Mansoor’s judgment highlighted multiple failures: non-compliance with the will’s provisions, complete absence of distributions to rightful beneficiaries, and failure to file mandatory estate accounts as required by the Administration of Estates Act. The court characterized these breaches as particularly serious given Elrington’s professional standing as an attorney.

    In consequential rulings, the court ordered Elrington to: distribute all estate funds within 30 days; pay 5% annual interest on the withheld amounts dating back to June 13, 2017; submit full and accurate accounting for all relevant years; and pay $10,000 in legal costs. Significantly, the Registrar was instructed to forward the judgment to both the General Legal Council and the Bar Association for potential disciplinary proceedings.

    This case follows Elrington’s recent six-month suspension by the General Legal Council in November 2025 for grave professional misconduct in an unrelated matter, where he failed to file a client’s claim and maintain proper communication, resulting in a $6,000 restitution order.

  • UN denounces attack on Palestinian Refugees Agency

    UN denounces attack on Palestinian Refugees Agency

    Israeli military forces surrounded and subsequently demolished a United Nations facility in East Jerusalem on Tuesday, an act the head of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency has condemned as an unprecedented violation of international law. According to reports from the Palestinian news agency Wafa, the operation began with troops cordoning off the area before bulldozers moved in to dismantle the structure.

    Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), stated via social media platform X that Israeli soldiers raised their national flag within the UN compound during the operation. He characterized the demolition as a deliberate breach of international obligations that protect UN facilities from such actions.

    Lazzarini emphasized that Israel, like all UN member states, is legally bound to respect the inviolability of UN operations and property. This incident represents the latest escalation in measures taken against UNRWA, following recent Israeli decisions to shutter a health center operated by the agency and cut essential utilities including water and electricity to its facilities.

    The UN official contextualized these actions within what he described as a broader campaign of attacks and disinformation against UNRWA. He noted these measures directly contradict the International Court of Justice’s October ruling, which affirmed Israel’s obligation under international law to facilitate rather than obstruct the agency’s humanitarian operations. The court specifically reiterated that Israel holds no jurisdictional authority over East Jerusalem.

    Lazzarini issued a stark warning that today’s targeting of UNRWA establishes a dangerous precedent that could tomorrow affect any international organization or diplomatic mission, whether in occupied Palestinian territories or elsewhere globally. He called the demolition a wake-up call for the international community regarding the protection of multilateral institutions.