Carib Scope

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  • HDC faces $113k lawsuit over unpaid janitorial services

    HDC faces $113k lawsuit over unpaid janitorial services

    A contractual dispute between Trinidad’s Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and one of its service providers has escalated into a legal standoff, with the cleaning company firmly rejecting the state agency’s request for additional time to address outstanding payments totaling $113,424.

    Businessman Alick Anthony Charles, proprietor of Dirt B Gone Janitorial & Maintenance Services Ltd, has through his legal representative refused HDC’s plea for a one-month extension to respond to a pre-action protocol letter. The company had been contracted to provide comprehensive waste management services at Ridgewood Gardens, Phase Two housing development in Golconda.

    According to legal documents obtained, attorney Kenneth Bradshaw of Bradshaw & Bradshaw Legal Solutions formally communicated his client’s position to both the permanent secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Ministry and HDC’s managing director on December 9. The correspondence emphasized that despite complete fulfillment of contractual obligations and proper submission of invoices, HDC has failed to remit payments for services rendered during March, June, July, August, September, and November.

    HDC’s December 5 response, which acknowledged the matter was under review by its legal department, sought a 30-day grace period for investigation. This request was met with firm opposition from Charles’ legal team, who cited ‘prolonged, unreasonable delay in breach of contract’ that has already caused significant operational and personal hardship.

    The attorney challenged the validity of HDC’s investigation rationale, characterizing it as ‘unparticularised, unsupported’ and potentially indicative of a stalling tactic. Legal representatives noted that all services had been verified on-site and approved through HDC’s internal payment channels, leaving no legitimate basis for further delay.

    In a final compromise, Charles’ legal team has offered a seven-day ultimatum for full settlement of the $113,424 debt, plus accrued interest and $3,500 in legal costs. Failure to comply will trigger immediate legal proceedings for debt recovery, damages for breach of contract, and escalation to the Office of the Procurement Regulator for investigation under public procurement legislation.

    The case highlights ongoing challenges in government procurement processes and the impact of payment delays on small businesses operating in the public sector supply chain.

  • 300 families to benefit from $500k US hurricane grant

    300 families to benefit from $500k US hurricane grant

    In a significant demonstration of international solidarity, the United States has extended a $500,000 grant to the Bahamas Red Cross to support recovery efforts for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa in late October. The humanitarian aid will directly benefit approximately 300 families across the Southern Bahamas islands whose homes sustained damage during the catastrophic storm.

    The symbolic cheque presentation ceremony marked the first major public engagement for newly inaugurated US Ambassador Herschel Walker, who framed the assistance as a reaffirmation of the ‘strong and enduring’ partnership between the neighboring nations. The funding will facilitate critical home repairs and replenish exhausted inventories of emergency shelter supplies, including cots, hygiene kits, and blankets, while simultaneously strengthening the archipelago’s disaster response infrastructure ahead of future meteorological threats.

    Ambassador Walker revealed that US Embassy personnel had already provided substantial operational support during the hurricane’s passage, coordinating private aircraft evacuations, delivering crucial overflight intelligence, and distributing relief materials to vulnerable populations. He contextualized the assistance within the framework of historical friendship, noting both nations ‘have been friends since long before each country existed’ through both prosperous and challenging periods.

    The ambassador further personalized the tragedy by sharing his familial connections to Long Island, where his mother-in-law has resided for over five decades. Describing the island as ‘a remarkable, beautiful place,’ Walker expressed particular satisfaction that US assistance would enable residents to ‘rebuild and return home to normal life.’

    Rhea Pierre, Programme and Operations Manager for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, confirmed that needs assessments remain ongoing, with recovery operations concentrating on shelter rehabilitation, water sanitation solutions, and hygiene promotion. Priority assistance will target severely damaged households, single-parent families, elderly residents, children, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities to ensure comprehensive community inclusion.

    Bahamas Red Cross President Edison Sumner characterized Ambassador Walker’s appointment as a positive development for bilateral relations, emphasizing the US Embassy’s consistent role as a cornerstone of disaster response capabilities. The organization is currently expanding its operational capacity and preparing to implement additional support initiatives, including programs that enable families to procure locally sourced construction materials.

    Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, representing Prime Minister Philip Davis, welcomed the ambassador’s arrival after a prolonged diplomatic absence, describing it as ‘a breath of fresh air’ for bilateral engagement. He acknowledged the nation’s heightened vulnerability to hurricanes while framing the support as more than financial assistance—as a profound testament to shared humanitarian values and enduring friendship that collectively makes a tangible difference in recovery efforts.

  • Bahamian fugitive arrested in Florida

    Bahamian fugitive arrested in Florida

    A notorious Bahamian escapee, Tomal Bowe, has been apprehended by Florida law enforcement following an intensive multi-agency operation that culminated in a dramatic high-speed pursuit. The 33-year-old suspect, wanted for serious criminal charges in The Bahamas, was taken into custody by St Johns County Sheriff’s deputies after evading capture for several hours.

    The incident began when deputies attempted to initiate a routine traffic stop, prompting Bowe to allegedly accelerate away and trigger an extensive chase. Law enforcement officials employed specialized tactical maneuvers, including a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT), to disable the suspect’s initial vehicle. Demonstrating continued resistance, Bowe then allegedly abandoned the disabled car, commandeered a van from a nearby commercial complex, and recklessly drove into opposing traffic on the I-95 highway.

    After abandoning the second vehicle, the fugitive attempted to disappear into a densely wooded marshland area. The search operation escalated with the deployment of aerial surveillance units and specialized K-9 teams, leading to Bowe’s capture several hours later.

    US authorities have confirmed that Bowe entered the country legally with a valid visa. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched an investigation to determine whether his Bahamian criminal history was properly disclosed during the visa application process. Current charges against Bowe include felony fleeing and eluding, grand theft auto, resisting arrest without violence, possession of marijuana under 20 grams, and multiple out-of-county warrants.

    Bahamian police officials indicate that Bowe has an outstanding armed robbery case pending in The Bahamas and will face local justice upon completion of US judicial proceedings. The fugitive had previously gained notoriety in 2020 when he executed a rare escape from the Carmichael Road Police Station during questioning for armed robbery allegations—marking the first recorded escape from that facility.

    International coordination between US and Bahamian authorities is ongoing to determine the timeline for Bowe’s eventual transfer to Bahamian custody.

  • Almost $1 billion needed to fix hurricane damage in Hanover

    Almost $1 billion needed to fix hurricane damage in Hanover

    The Hanover Municipal Corporation in Jamaica confronts a staggering financial crisis as it estimates nearly $1 billion (J$814,844,975.65) required to repair infrastructure devastated by Hurricane Melissa. This catastrophic financial burden compounds existing fiscal challenges, including unresolved salary increases for municipal workers implemented three years ago.

    Mayor Sheridan Samuels revealed the dire situation during the corporation’s monthly general meeting, emphasizing that the recovery effort demands extensive external support. The colossal sum would address repairs to municipal infrastructure, public properties, and facilities under the corporation’s management.

    “Achieving Hanover’s restoration to acceptable standards presents immense challenges, yet our community resilience shall guide us through,” Mayor Samuels stated, acknowledging the severity of the predicament.

    The municipal authority has formally requested assistance from Jamaica’s Ministry of Local Government while simultaneously exploring alternative funding avenues. Potential sources include domestic agencies like the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), with international relief organizations remaining under consideration.

    Mayor Samuels highlighted that the corporation’s financial distress predates the hurricane, exacerbated by the central government’s incomplete funding of mandated salary reclassifications for public sector workers effective since April 2022. This has created persistent strain on municipal resources, affecting operational expenses including payroll, utilities, and transportation.

    The Category 5 hurricane, which struck Jamaica on October 28, severely impacted approximately thirteen municipal revenue streams—including building permits, market fees, advertising signage, and burial services—further weakening the parish’s economic foundation.

    “Our parish is experiencing profound hardship,” Mayor Samuels lamented, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive financial intervention to restore normalcy to the hurricane-ravaged region.

  • Newport-Fersan donates $25 million worth of fertiliser to farmers

    Newport-Fersan donates $25 million worth of fertiliser to farmers

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to accelerate post-hurricane recovery, Newport-Fersan Jamaica Limited has contributed JMD $25 million worth of fertilizer to support farmers devastated by Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on October 28. The substantial donation, comprising over 7,000 bags of critically needed agricultural supplements, was formally handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining during a ceremony at the company’s Kingston headquarters.

    Portfolio Minister Floyd Green acclaimed Newport-Fersan as a ‘friend in every time,’ emphasizing their consistent partnership during Jamaica’s agricultural emergencies. ‘The agricultural sector is susceptible to these climatic events, and Newport-Fersan has proven to be one of our most long-standing and loyal partners,’ Green stated during the ceremony.

    This contribution marks the company’s second major intervention within two years, following their JMD $15 million support package after Hurricane Beryl caused approximately $7 billion in damages last year. Minister Green revealed that Hurricane Melissa represents ‘the most catastrophic event witnessed by our sectors,’ with World Bank models projecting potential losses reaching $60 billion for agricultural and fisheries industries.

    The hurricane’s devastation includes complete destruction of banana and plantain crops, approximately 70% loss of yam production, and near-total elimination of vegetable lines. The poultry sector suffered tremendously with over 1.1 million layer chickens and broilers perishing, while fisheries experienced substantial damage to boats and fishing infrastructure.

    Dennis Valdez, Managing Director of Newport-Fersan, announced the fertilizer donation as part of a broader JMD $40 million relief initiative by the Fersan Group. The comprehensive package includes JMD $9 million in direct farmer support through technical programs and outreach, plus JMD $5 million allocated for affected company staff and their families. Valdez emphasized the company’s commitment as ‘national responsibility’ rather than symbolic gesture, noting the contribution aligns with their 20th anniversary operations in Jamaica.

    The ministry confirmed the fertilizer will be distributed to severely affected farmers during this critical recovery phase when agricultural supplements are in highest demand.

  • Samuda elected president of United Nations Environment Assembly

    Samuda elected president of United Nations Environment Assembly

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant development for global environmental governance, Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda has been elected to lead the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the world’s premier environmental decision-making body comprising all 193 UN member states.

    The election occurred during the seventh session of UNEA (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya, where Minister Samuda is currently heading Jamaica’s delegation. The announcement was formally made Friday morning by outgoing assembly president Abdullah Bin Ali Al-Amri.

    This appointment positions Minister Samuda at the helm of the organization responsible for establishing the global environmental agenda, providing critical policy guidance, and developing strategic responses to emerging ecological challenges. The UNEA additionally oversees policy implementation, promotes international partnerships, and directs the operational priorities of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

    In his inaugural address following the election, Minister Samuda underscored the imperative of cooperative action and inclusive participation in tackling environmental issues. “Environmental stewardship is no longer an isolated agenda item—it is the defining challenge of our century,” he declared. “The decisions we make within this assembly will continue to shape economies, societies and the lives of generations yet unborn.”

    Minister Samuda further emphasized that his presidency represents not just a personal achievement but symbolizes the shared dedication of the entire Latin American and Caribbean region. “Our voices carry the weight of communities on the frontlines of climate impacts—communities that cannot afford delay and do not have the luxury of indifference,” he stated.

    Looking ahead, Minister Samuda committed to several key priorities during his tenure: enhancing the connection between scientific research and policy formation, increasing financial mechanisms for climate adaptation and resilience, and expediting the global shift toward sustainable production and consumption models. He vowed to ensure that all nations, regardless of size or economic status, have equitable access to environmental solutions.

  • Portland Past Students Health Network renders assistance after Hurricane Melissa

    Portland Past Students Health Network renders assistance after Hurricane Melissa

    A recently established alumni network in Portland, Jamaica, has dramatically shifted its mission from educational support to critical disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact. Originally formed in July with the primary goal of assisting the needy and rebuilding a local school, the Portland Past Students Health Network (PPSHN) found itself confronting an unprecedented natural disaster just three months after its inception.

    The Category 5 hurricane, which unleashed destructive winds reaching 185 miles per hour, primarily devastated Jamaica’s southwestern parishes while delivering significant damage to eastern regions including Portland and St. Thomas. This forced the 56-member nonprofit organization to immediately redirect its efforts toward addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis.

    Since early December, PPSHN has deployed relief teams to multiple affected communities including Moore Town, Mill Bank, Cornwall Barracks Basic School, Comfort Castle Primary School, and several other vulnerable areas. The organization’s response has proven vital for residents like Gary Thompson of Comfort Castle, who expressed profound gratitude after receiving assistance. “This is the first help I’ve seen since Melissa struck on October 28th,” Thompson recounted. “I’ve been living under tarpaulin for nearly a month after losing my entire roof and all my belongings, with no authorities coming to my aid.”

    Stacey McKoy-Bryan, the organization’s treasurer, described desperate conditions observed during their relief missions. “Many communities suffered complete destruction of homes, with residents either living under temporary tarpaulin shelters or crowding into neighbors’ surviving structures,” she reported. Attempts to obtain official commentary from Portland Parish Council regarding recovery efforts proved unsuccessful.

    The nonprofit demonstrates remarkable international coordination, with twenty members operating from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom while the remainder, including McKoy-Bryan, work locally in Jamaica. Upon learning of Melissa’s impending threat, the fledgling group quickly established partnerships with American charitable organizations Operation BBQ Relief and Mercury One, facilitating meal distribution to severely affected populations.

    Hurricane Melissa’s brutal force left thousands homeless across the hardest-hit parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James and Trelawny, with official reports confirming 45 fatalities alongside widespread property destruction.

  • TSTT-CWU affinity plan offers big savings to members

    TSTT-CWU affinity plan offers big savings to members

    In a significant development for telecommunications in Trinidad and Tobago, Telecommunications Services of TT (TSTT) has introduced a specialized affinity program offering substantial savings of up to 24% for Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) members, both active and retired. The initiative, unveiled on December 8 at TSTT House in Port of Spain, symbolizes a revitalized collaborative relationship between the company and the union.

    The program, developed through close coordination between TSTT’s Business and Consumer Sales team led by Vice President Reyanne Sobers and CWU leadership, provides the most competitive market rates for bundled telecommunications services. These comprehensive packages encompass mobile connectivity, internet access, TV/landline services, and home security solutions.

    Speaking at the launch ceremony, TSTT’s Acting CEO Keino Cox emphasized that the initiative transcends conventional commercial offerings. “This affinity plan represents a tangible expression of gratitude,” Cox stated. “It acknowledges the dedicated individuals who maintain our nation’s communications infrastructure—from those climbing poles and monitoring systems to customer service representatives and technology installers, including our valued retirees.”

    CWU Secretary General Joanne Oyleer echoed this sentiment, describing the event as “a proud moment” for stakeholder collaboration. She particularly highlighted the symbolic theme ‘Union Connected by TSTT’ and noted the absence of corporate pushback as evidence of the positive trajectory in labor-management relations.

    The affinity program forms an integral component of TSTT’s broader corporate transformation strategy, which aims to transition from traditional telecommunications provider to a high-performance technology company while keeping both current and former employees central to this evolution.

    TSTT Chairman Kern Dass reinforced this commitment, stating: “This initiative ensures that CWU members directly benefit from our business progress, delivering real value to the homes and lives of those who have built and continue to sustain our organization.”

    The plan is now available to all eligible union members and retirees, marking a new chapter of cooperation built on mutual respect and shared purpose between the telecommunications provider and the workers’ union.

  • Digicel caravan brings Christmas cheer

    Digicel caravan brings Christmas cheer

    Digicel has launched an expansive Christmas caravan initiative that is currently traversing Trinidad, delivering festive celebrations and substantial giveaways to local communities. The telecommunications giant’s pop-up caravan has already generated significant public enthusiasm through successful visits to Arima, Sangre Grande, and Port of Spain, with additional destinations scheduled before December 25.

    According to a December 12 corporate announcement, Digicel has deployed Santa Claus and holiday helpers to surprise customers with valuable gifts ranging from Christmas hams to full grocery provisions. The program emphasizes creating authentic moments of appreciation and meaningful connections with community members throughout its route.

    The company has converted multiple flagship stores and dealer locations into seasonal entertainment hubs featuring live performances, holiday treats, and appearances by popular social media influencers. Participants can engage in ‘Spin the Wheel’ games with over $700,000 in prizes available, including electronics and specialty holiday items through weekly giveaway events.

    This comprehensive community outreach forms the core of Digicel’s ‘Christmas Runs on Real Connections’ marketing campaign. The initiative strategically focuses on generating unexpected joyful experiences throughout December, enhancing customer engagement while celebrating the seasonal spirit through substantial corporate generosity.

  • Government to launch programme to clean public spaces, insists it’s not Cepep

    Government to launch programme to clean public spaces, insists it’s not Cepep

    The Trinidad and Tobago government is set to launch an innovative pilot program for maintaining public spaces within days, according to Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen. The initiative explicitly distances itself from the previous CEPEP framework while addressing similar community maintenance needs.

    The program, scheduled to operate from December 15, 2025, through March 13, 2026, will focus on comprehensive upkeep of cemeteries, recreational facilities, community centers, school grounds, and various public areas. This confirmation follows the emergence of a leaked Cabinet document that initially revealed the program’s operational timeline and ministerial oversight.

    Minister Ameen emphasized the fundamental differences between the new initiative and the previous CEPEP structure, which saw thousands of workers terminated following the recent change in government after general elections. The United National Congress administration had signaled intentions to overhaul the program upon assuming power.

    In an official media release dated December 11, Ameen characterized the program as “a fresh, results-driven initiative designed to strengthen manpower at Municipal Corporations.” The ministry will directly hire workers, a structural change that Ameen states “removes political intermediaries and eliminates ghost gangs” that plagued the previous system.

    The new framework incorporates rigorous operational protocols including proper attendance documentation, performance verification mechanisms, and enhanced financial controls. Teams will be strategically assigned to Municipal Corporations with the objective of delivering “tangible, measurable work” to communities while ensuring workers receive fair compensation without political intermediation or criminal influences previously associated with CEPEP operations.