Carib Scope

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  • Indecom receives 620 new complaints April – Sept 2025

    Indecom receives 620 new complaints April – Sept 2025

    Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has documented a significant volume of misconduct allegations against security personnel, receiving 620 formal complaints between April and September 2025. The independent oversight agency recommended criminal charges against 34 law enforcement officers and disciplinary measures for an additional 30 personnel during this period.

    The comprehensive data, legally mandated to be presented to Parliament, was disclosed through Indecom’s quarterly reports tabled on January 13, 2026. The April-June quarter accounted for 303 complaints, with assault cases (144) representing nearly half of all allegations. Other predominant categories included fatal shootings (72), neglect of duty (43), firearm discharges (30), and harassment (17).

    Forensic specialists from Indecom conducted scene investigations at 96 incidents during the first quarter, primarily involving fatal shootings (72 cases), followed by shooting injuries (13), firearm discharges (8), and custody-related deaths (3). Geographically, Kingston and St. Andrew recorded the highest complaint volume with 117 reports, followed by St. Catherine (55), St. James (32), Westmoreland (23), and Hanover (13). Portland registered the fewest incidents at just three.

    The commission finalized 113 investigative reports with recommendations, dismissing 89 cases as unsubstantiated while advancing 10 cases for disciplinary action against 12 officers and 14 cases for criminal prosecution against 18 officers. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions issued 17 rulings during this quarter, resulting in charges against six Jamaica Constabulary Force officers and one correctional officer. Notably, security force engagements resulted in 81 fatalities across 72 shooting incidents.

    During the subsequent July-September quarter, Indecom received 317 new complaints, maintaining similar patterns with assault (126), fatal shootings (61), firearm discharges (52), neglect of duty (45), and unprofessional conduct (19) comprising the primary categories. Forensic teams responded to 94 incidents, including 60 fatal shootings, 14 firearm discharges, 12 shooting injuries, and 9 custody deaths.

    Kingston and St. Andrew again led in complaint frequency (115), followed by St. Catherine (60), Westmoreland (26), St. James (19), and St. Thomas (17). The commission completed 119 reports, recommending disciplinary action for 18 officers and criminal charges for 16 officers. The ODPP issued 19 rulings, leading to charges against 11 JCF members.

  • 7,000 families on food assistance

    7,000 families on food assistance

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Food insecurity in the Bahamas has escalated dramatically with Hands for Hunger, a leading assistance organization, reporting a 40% surge in registered families seeking aid over the past year. Executive Director Keisha Ellis confirmed the charity’s pantry registry has expanded from approximately 5,000 to nearly 7,000 households, though the precise catalysts behind this alarming increase remain undetermined.

    This distressing development coincides with the government’s recent announcement eliminating Value-Added Tax (VAT) on unprepared grocery items effective April 1, a policy shift intended to reduce food expenses. While feeding organizations and business leaders have welcomed the fiscal adjustment, they universally characterize it as inadequate against the scale of the mounting crisis.

    Nicolette Fountain Archer of the Bahamas Feeding Network acknowledged the VAT removal would provide marginal budget relief—potentially extending resources by approximately 5%—but emphasized that structural economic pressures dwarf the impact of tax reduction. ‘Rising food prices, utilities, housing costs, and transportation expenses continue to place enormous pressure on families,’ she stated, noting that comprehensive solutions must address root causes of poverty through enhanced social support systems and sustained economic interventions.

    Ms. Ellis echoed these concerns, questioning whether the tax relief meaningfully alters the reality that groceries remain ‘extremely expensive’ for countless Bahamian families. While acknowledging the measure might alleviate superficial ‘tension,’ she emphasized it falls short of resolving systemic food insecurity. ‘No, it will not solve the crisis,’ Ellis asserted. ‘It’s a major step… but no, it is not enough to really address the issues and the underlying causes.’

    Adding his voice to the discourse, Bishop Walter Hanchell of Great Commission Ministries praised the VAT exemption while advocating for its expansion to include cooked food from restaurants and hotels—a critical source of meals for many residents. Similarly, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation endorsed the policy but urged government to consider extending VAT relief to other essentials like hygiene products and medications, framing the move as one component within a broader strategy to reduce living costs.

    The Chamber further highlighted persistent challenges within the business environment, noting that small and medium-sized enterprises in particular await more substantial reforms to achieve operational stability. As national dialogue continues, all parties agree that multi-faceted, long-term approaches are imperative to genuinely combat the deepening crisis of affordability and hunger.

  • Take Carnival to Skinner Park

    Take Carnival to Skinner Park

    A passionate appeal has emerged from San Fernando advocating for the complete utilization of Skinner Park during Trinidad and Tobago’s upcoming Carnival 2026 celebrations. The proposal, articulated through a letter to the editor by community member AV Rampersad of Princes Town, highlights the venue’s significant potential as a premier Carnival destination.

    The communication emphasizes the park’s demonstrated capability to host major cultural events, specifically referencing its successful history as the venue for Calypso Fiesta—the prestigious semi-finals of the calypso monarch competition. The author vividly describes the distinctive ‘aura’ and unique atmosphere that permeates the park during such events, suggesting these qualities make it an ideal Carnival venue.

    Rampersad’s proposition centers on addressing the current underutilization of the facility, positioning it as both a practical and culturally significant solution for enhancing Carnival 2026 festivities. The argument maintains that maximizing Skinner Park’s capacity would not only optimize existing infrastructure but potentially elevate the overall quality of the national celebration.

    The correspondence concludes with well-wishes for a safe Carnival 2026 for all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, reinforcing the community-focused nature of the suggestion. This proposal comes as Trinidad and Tobago continues to strategically develop its world-renowned Carnival events while balancing tradition with infrastructure optimization.

  • Management by neglect

    Management by neglect

    A scathing critique of Trinidad’s public service operations has emerged through a citizen’s letter to Newsday, highlighting severe systemic failures at the Licensing Office in San Fernando. The correspondence, submitted by Gordon Laughlin via email, paints a picture of institutional neglect that extends beyond licensing to immigration services, banking, and transportation infrastructure.

    The core issue identified revolves around chronic mismanagement rather than procedural penalties. Citizens reportedly face financial penalties for delays directly caused by institutional shortcomings, including critically understaffed offices, inadequate planning, and obsolete operational systems. The author describes a scene of profound dysfunction: a single cashier, one photographer, and merely one teller attempting to serve thousands of citizens.

    This operational crisis creates substantial economic repercussions, wasting valuable time, financial resources, fuel, and overall productivity. The letter argues that such systemic inefficiencies directly hinder national economic improvement and development. Rather than representing governance focused on progress, the current situation exemplifies what the author terms ‘management by neglect’—a pattern of administrative failure that permeates multiple public service sectors.

    The critique suggests that the fundamental problem stems from insufficient resource allocation coupled with a concerning lack of urgency in addressing these longstanding issues. The situation at the San Fernando office, documented photographically last Friday, serves as a microcosm of broader national service delivery challenges.

  • CJ tackles backlog

    CJ tackles backlog

    In a significant move to tackle chronic judicial delays, Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh has overseen the appointment of five new puisne judges to Trinidad and Tobago’s judiciary. The swearing-in ceremony, conducted by President Christine Kangaloo on January 13, marks a substantive response to growing concerns about case backlogs that have plagued the nation’s court system.

    The newly appointed justices—Trevor Jones, Raymond Roberts, Maria Busby Earle-Caddle, Josefina Baptiste Mohammed, and Sydelle Johnson—assume their roles amid systemic challenges that recently forced court administrators to manually count cases when activist Anthony Dopson requested backlog statistics. The absence of automated tracking systems highlighted the judiciary’s operational limitations, prompting commitments to strengthen data collection mechanisms.

    Justice Jones, speaking immediately after his inauguration at President’s House in St. Ann’s, emphasized his primary objective: addressing the overwhelming backlog through improved case management, streamlined procedures, and expanded judicial capacity. The complexity of the crisis spans all court divisions—civil, criminal, and family law—with some matters languishing for over a decade without indictments being filed.

    Structural complications have intensified the situation, including the elevation of criminal judges to the Court of Appeal without corresponding replacements at trial level. While the new appointments help address staffing gaps, judicial authorities acknowledge that personnel expansion alone cannot resolve deeply entrenched systemic issues.

    Complementary reforms are underway, including enhanced warrant powers for Justices of the Peace to reduce judicial workload. However, broader transformation requires modernization of court infrastructure, revision of antiquated procedures, and strategic prioritization of serious crimes over trivial matters. Although Chief Justice Boodoosingh has advocated returning to in-person proceedings, hybrid court formats remain essential for improving efficiency.

    The judiciary’s multifaceted challenge extends beyond courtrooms to include prison system overhaul to combat recidivism. While the path forward demands comprehensive reform, the bolstered bench represents a promising initial step toward restoring timely justice delivery.

  • The role, importance of administrative professionals and the organisation behind them

    The role, importance of administrative professionals and the organisation behind them

    In an era of rapid technological transformation, administrative professionals in Trinidad and Tobago are demonstrating unprecedented value as strategic partners in organizational success. The National Association of Administrative Professionals of TT (NAAP), founded in 1969 as the National Secretaries Association, has emerged as the premier organization championing the holistic development of these essential workforce members.

    NAAP’s comprehensive programs reflect the evolving nature of administrative roles. The Madam Secretary of the Year competition enhances public speaking and communication skills, while the Administrative Professional Secretary Certificate program, developed with the University of the West Indies, establishes standardized professional benchmarks. The Business Student of the Year 2025 initiative targets secondary school business students, preparing the next generation for corporate leadership through experiential learning beyond traditional classrooms.

    As Trinidad and Tobago diversifies its economy beyond energy into finance, tourism, and creative industries, administrative professionals are proving indispensable. They serve as stability anchors during organizational change, process connectors ensuring seamless communication, and adaptability champions who integrate new technologies while maintaining essential human elements. Their roles now encompass strategic support functions including project management, data analysis, and decision-making processes.

    Contrary to predictions of obsolescence due to automation and artificial intelligence, administrative professionals are experiencing enhanced relevance. Technology serves as an enabler rather than replacement, with cloud systems and AI streamlining tasks while human professionals provide judgment, empathy, and contextual understanding that machines cannot replicate. These professionals are increasingly digital literate, mastering new platforms to maintain organizational competitiveness in a globalized economy.

    The profession continues evolving with expectations for digital proficiency, cultural awareness, and strategic mindset. Administrative professionals now drive innovation support, compliance maintenance in dynamic regulatory environments, and customer service excellence that strengthens Trinidad and Tobago’s global competitiveness. They function as efficiency coordinators across departments, communication gatekeepers between executives and stakeholders, and process innovators adapting to modern workplace demands.

    As NAAP looks toward 2026, the organization emphasizes resilience, professionalism, and growth commitment as essential qualities for administrative professionals shaping organizational success. These professionals stand ready to ensure Trinidad and Tobago’s businesses remain resilient and future-prepared for national prosperity, stepping boldly into the new year with professional pride and shared vision of excellence.

  • MPs to debate bill on ‘zones of special operations’

    MPs to debate bill on ‘zones of special operations’

    The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is poised to introduce groundbreaking legislation establishing special security zones with enhanced law enforcement powers to address escalating crime rates. The Law Reform (Zones of Special Operation)(Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill 2026 will be presented to Parliament on January 16 for debate and approval.

    This pioneering legislation empowers the Prime Minister, with parliamentary consent, to designate specific geographical areas as “zones of special operation” where police and defense forces receive extraordinary authority to conduct searches, seizures, and arrests without warrants based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. Each zone will operate under a joint security command while incorporating input from a social transformation council.

    The bill establishes strict operational parameters: security cordons may remain in place for maximum 24-hour periods, while curfews can be imposed for up to 72 hours in limited areas. Designated zones may maintain their special status for periods not exceeding 180 days, with possible extensions under the same duration constraints.

    Trigger mechanisms for zone declaration include reasonable belief of rampant criminality such as murder, gang warfare, or escalating violence levels, or identified threats to rule of law and public order. Crucially, the legislation explicitly prohibits declaring the entire nation as a single zone.

    The bill incorporates significant safeguards: all normal criminal procedures remain applicable, requiring law enforcement to inform detainees of arrest reasons promptly. Judicial oversight is maintained through magistrate reviews of detention justifications within 48 hours, with provisions for immediate release if arrests are deemed unjustified.

    Additional protective measures mandate body-worn cameras for security personnel where resources permit, detailed inventory documentation of seized items, and specific visitation rights for detainees. The legislation also establishes a 24-member social transformation committee representing various stakeholders including mental health professionals, disability advocates, and community representatives to address underlying social conditions contributing to criminal behavior.

    Penalties for violating zone regulations include fines up to $50,000 and imprisonment terms of one year. The government possesses the special majority required to pass this comprehensive security legislation.

  • Profit powers purpose

    Profit powers purpose

    TOBAGO – In a groundbreaking workshop hosted by EuroChamTT (European Business Chamber in Trinidad and Tobago), United Nations development finance officer Mark Thomas presented a transformative perspective on corporate sustainability, challenging the perceived dichotomy between profitability and environmental responsibility.

    The event, held at Kariwak in Tobago and attended by business leaders and EU diplomats including Ambassador Cécile Tassin, addressed the critical misconception that sustainability initiatives inherently conflict with financial success. Thomas, who coordinates UN partnerships across Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten, argued that profit serves as the essential catalyst for scalable sustainable solutions.

    “Sustainable means profitable,” Thomas asserted, emphasizing that profitability enables reinvestment, growth, and systemic change. He reframed profit not as an expression of greed but as the essential fuel that transforms innovative ideas into world-changing solutions.

    The workshop highlighted how global commitments like the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals are reshaping economic landscapes. Companies embracing sustainable practices now benefit from preferential financing, insurance terms, and market access, while those neglecting environmental and social responsibilities face increasing costs and regulatory pressures.

    Tobago’s tourism industry exemplifies this interconnection, where degraded reefs and eroded beaches directly threaten economic viability. Similarly, Trinidad confronts business risks through infrastructure vulnerabilities, energy reliability issues, and social instability.

    Rather than starting from scratch, Trinidad and Tobago possesses unique advantages: Trinidad’s sophisticated energy infrastructure and industrial expertise, combined with Tobago’s premier tourism offerings, create exceptional opportunities for sustainable transformation. The islands can leverage these assets to develop waste-to-energy systems, water-smart agriculture, and technical training programs that address both environmental and economic needs.

    The event emphasized that government leadership remains essential in creating enabling environments through clear regulations, infrastructure investment, and policy alignment with global standards. This collaborative approach between business, government, and civil society creates a reinforcing cycle where strong businesses build stable communities, which in turn attract investment and fuel further growth.

    As the global economy increasingly rewards sustainable practices, Trinidad and Tobago stands positioned to transform challenges into competitive advantages, proving that profitability and planetary responsibility are not opposing forces but complementary components of long-term success.

  • Studio Joli launches new year with Canvas Caribbean

    Studio Joli launches new year with Canvas Caribbean

    Port of Spain, Trinidad – Studio Joli launches its 2026 programming with “Artistic Expressions,” a vibrant multidisciplinary exhibition showcasing the works of six distinguished artists from the Canvas Caribbean collective. The exhibition, running from January 21 to February 2, presents a diverse array of artistic mediums including silk florals, acrylic wildlife portraits, faceted copper sculptures, and watercolor depictions of everyday life.

    Founded in 2004 by University of the West Indies visual arts graduates, Canvas Caribbean brings together accomplished artists including Leona Fabien, Adele Bynoe, Raymond Alexander, Kathy Farabi, Tricia Ward, and Vejaya Mungal. Each artist contributes unique perspectives rooted in Caribbean culture and personal artistic journeys.

    Adele Bynoe draws inspiration from multiple art forms including dance, music, and drama, synthesizing these influences into her visual creations. Tricia Ward explores organic and man-made themes through semi-abstract interpretations inspired by Carnival’s vibrant colors and textures.

    Kathy Farabi, who relocated from England to Trinidad and Tobago in 1978, expresses her profound connection to her adopted homeland through paintings that reflect both her technical training and emotional attachment to Caribbean life.

    Raymond Alexander, an educator with over three decades of experience and dual degrees in English literature and visual arts, demonstrates mastery across acrylic and watercolor mediums, selecting styles that optimally communicate his intended emotional impact.

    Vejaya Mungal showcases remarkable versatility across acrylics, watercolors, textile design, and three-dimensional works, with her art deeply informed by cultural rhythms, historical layers, and personal narratives within her community.

    Leona Fabien presents wearable art through silk creations and mixed media paintings inspired by Caribbean flora and fauna, allowing viewers to literally embrace the islands’ delicate yet vibrant beauty.

    The collective maintains a shared mission to exhibit collaboratively while providing mutual encouragement and support throughout their artistic careers. The exhibition opens January 21 with a reception from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 21 Henry Pierre Street, St. James, continuing through February 2 during regular gallery hours.

  • Tricks and traps of aircraft leasing

    Tricks and traps of aircraft leasing

    The complex world of aircraft leasing presents formidable financial risks for airlines, as demonstrated by multiple case studies of carriers facing severe contractual consequences. One particularly cautionary tale involves a local entrepreneur who embarked on establishing an airline, initiating the rigorous five-phase certification process mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The businessperson dry-leased an Airbus A321-131 jet from a United States leasing company, anticipating commercial operations.

    Dry leasing arrangements—where airlines procure aircraft without crew, maintenance, or insurance—typically serve as long-term solutions spanning three to twelve years, ideal for market expansion or new route development. However, when the entrepreneur abruptly withdrew the air operator certificate application mid-process, contractual obligations triggered severe financial repercussions.

    The lease agreement stipulated return conditions requiring the aircraft to qualify for a US 14 CFR Part 121 Certificate, mandating compliance with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) modifications and inspections through a Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Programme (CAMP). The aircraft had reached threshold requirements under the Supplemental Structural Inspection Programme (SSIP), compelling the lessee to expend millions addressing mandatory airworthiness standards—ultimately forcing the sale of both lucrative business assets and personal real estate.

    This scenario exemplifies a broader pattern in aviation leasing. Historical precedents include BWIA’s experience when acquiring an MD83 twinjet, where personnel discovered an ‘as is, where is’ clause only upon delivery refusal attempts. Similarly, BWIA’s seven-year dry lease of two Airbus A321-131 aircraft resulted in substantial financial losses when leadership deemed the aircraft type inappropriate. With no termination grounds available, the carrier subleased to Turkish operator Air Alpha at reduced rates, incurring monthly deficits of $20,000 per aircraft.

    More recently, Caribbean Airlines faced significant penalties when discontinuing its London Gatwick route, agreeing to early redelivery of two Boeing 767-300ER aircraft with termination penalties totaling $135,000 monthly per aircraft. The carrier’s current commitment to four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft through twelve-year leases with Air Lease Corporation further underscores the long-term financial commitments inherent in aircraft leasing.

    Industry experts emphasize that lessors make substantial capital investments expecting fair returns, leaving airlines with subleasing as the most practical alternative when aircraft become unnecessary. Fleet planning represents a critical strategic function balancing capacity, range, fuel efficiency, and maintenance considerations—a data-driven process profoundly impacting operational viability and financial sustainability.