Carib Scope

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  • US military seizes third oil tanker

    US military seizes third oil tanker

    The United States military has escalated its maritime enforcement operations with the capture of a third sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea. US Southern Command (USSouthCom) officially confirmed the seizure of the M/T Sophia on January 7th, describing the vessel as a “stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker.

    The operation was conducted collaboratively between the Department of War and Department of Homeland Security forces, resulting in the apprehension without incident. According to military authorities, the Sophia was intercepted in international waters while engaging in prohibited activities. The US Coast Guard is currently escorting the captured tanker to American territory for final disposition.

    This strategic action forms part of Operation Southern Spear, which the Department of War characterizes as an unwavering mission to eliminate illicit activities throughout the Western Hemisphere. The operation reinforces the US commitment to homeland security and regional stability across the Americas.

    US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized the continuing enforcement of blockade measures against dark fleet vessels attempting to illegally transport Venezuelan oil. “Only legitimate and lawful energy commerce – as determined by the US – will be permitted,” Hegseth stated, highlighting that prohibited shipments effectively steal resources from the Venezuelan people to finance illegal operations.

    This development marks the third tanker interception within a month, following previous seizures of the M/T Skipper and M/T Centuries suspected of carrying oil subject to US sanctions. The intensified maritime operations coincide with extraordinary political developments in Venezuela, where deposed President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores recently pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in a New York court. Their extraction from the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas by Delta Force operators on January 3rd preceded the installation of former vice president Delcy Rodriguez as interim president.

  • Roberts beats Watson in ‘opinion poll’ as concerns raised over its relevance

    Roberts beats Watson in ‘opinion poll’ as concerns raised over its relevance

    A contentious internal meeting within the Progressive Liberal Party’s Southern Shores branch has ignited significant debate regarding procedural legitimacy and factional influence. Deputy Chairman Obie Roberts secured a decisive 40-0 victory over contender Clint Watson, the ZNS General Manager, in what was termed an ‘opinion poll’ conducted on Monday evening. Despite the numerical outcome, party insiders emphasize this vote holds no formal authority, as the ultimate selection of constituency candidates rests solely with the party’s candidate committee.

    The meeting, held at PLP headquarters, grew increasingly tense, with reports indicating that the situation nearly escalated into physical confrontations following its conclusion. Serious allegations have emerged regarding the conduct of the branch, including claims of ‘ineligible’ or ‘fake’ members being present and accusations that the branch election was organized outside its proper constituency. Numerous attendees were reportedly turned away for not appearing on the official registry, leading critics to denounce the group as an unrepresentative ‘kangaroo branch.’

    Further compounding the controversy, many participants stated they had been informed the gathering was a routine branch meeting intended for discussion, not a predetermined vote. The surprise nature of the poll and the stipulation that only ‘financial’ members could participate were cited as particularly unfair, especially given historical branch disputes and a recent exodus of members. Supporters of Mr. Watson largely abstained or walked out, protesting what they perceived as a rigged and fundamentally flawed process designed to disenfranchise legitimate constituency voters. The incident has exposed deeper competing factions within the PLP leadership, highlighting a struggle between those backing Mr. Roberts and allies of Mr. Watson.

  • Berry Islanders call for standalone seat as boundaries report expected to be tabled today

    Berry Islanders call for standalone seat as boundaries report expected to be tabled today

    Residents of the Berry Islands are mounting a vigorous campaign for autonomous parliamentary representation as the Boundaries Commission prepares to present its electoral reform report to Parliament. The archipelago, currently paired with North Andros, faces potential reunification with Bimini under proposed constituency revisions—a move locals fear would perpetuate their political marginalization.

    Multiple residents expressed profound frustration to The Tribune regarding historical neglect under combined constituencies. Erica Knowles revealed her astonishment at learning about proposed boundary changes through media channels rather than official consultation. ‘They consistently implement changes without engaging constituents,’ she noted, emphasizing that past administrative partnerships have yielded minimal benefits for island development.

    Infrastructure deficiencies form a central pillar of resident grievances. Telecommunications services remain virtually nonexistent since BTC’s closure over two years ago due to mold infestation, with unreliable connections disrupting daily communications. Banking services are restricted to a single credit union facing operational challenges due to low transaction volume.

    Road construction projects have languished for three years with intermittent progress, while educational institutions suffer teacher shortages and inadequate facilities. Alexandria Moss highlighted disproportionate revenue contribution from Great Harbour Cay compared to infrastructure investment, stating: ‘We require entirely new educational facilities rather than temporary patches.’

    Despite these challenges, economic development continues through cruise industry investments. Great Stirrup Cay is nearing completion of its ‘Pleasure Island’ project, which will establish dual cruise ports alongside Little Stirrup Cay’s existing Coco Cay facility.

    Emergency services present additional concerns. VJ Reckley described telecommunications as ‘deplorable’ and noted the absence of public ambulance services, forcing medical transports via private vehicles. Social services are similarly constrained, with a shared social worker visiting quarterly from North Andros.

    Residents unanimously contend that independent parliamentary representation would ensure dedicated advocacy for their unique needs. As boundary decisions undergo parliamentary review, Berry Islanders emphasize that geographic isolation and distinct developmental requirements justify autonomous political representation.

  • Father of five killed on pedestrian crossing

    Father of five killed on pedestrian crossing

    A 64-year-old man has become the country’s inaugural traffic fatality for the new year after being struck at a designated pedestrian crossing on Bahamas Games Boulevard, sparking calls for accountability from grieving relatives. Vincent Hepburn, a father of five, was returning to his Yellow Elder Gardens residence on Saturday afternoon when the collision occurred mere houses from his home. Despite sustaining critical injuries, he succumbed to his wounds hours later at a medical facility.

    Family members attribute the tragedy to negligent driving practices, emphasizing that although Hepburn experienced partial blindness in his left eye, he frequently utilized the crossing and possessed extensive familiarity with the area after residing there throughout his lifetime. Investigators discovered a bag of groceries near the accident scene, supporting the family’s assertion that he was returning home to prepare a meal—an activity they described as his passionate pursuit.

    Law enforcement authorities initially omitted the incident from daily crime reports, prompting inquiries from media outlets. Following Tribune investigations, police released an official statement confirming a collision between Hepburn and a black Nissan Juke vehicle. Officers documented visible injuries on the victim and noted front-end damage to the stationary Nissan Juke parked on the eastern roadway shoulder.

    The Hepburn family expressed profound distress over the inadequate police communication protocols, noting they learned about the accident through their 88-year-old grandmother’s frantic phone call rather than official channels. Hospital visits revealed extensive blood loss before medical staff delivered the ultimate devastating news—marking the first intimate encounter with tragedy for the closely-knit family unit.

    Bianca Hepburn remembered her father as their protective cornerstone who consistently emphasized familial loyalty and support. Their final interactions included discussions about Junkanoo participation gifts and recent shared experiences during Christmas services and holiday gatherings. Cooking served as their mutual love language, with heartfelt messages accompanying prepared meals—a tradition now transformed into cherished memories alongside the physical memento of his bedside cover she preserved.

  • WATCH: Man injured in altercation with security guard at Mandeville market bar

    WATCH: Man injured in altercation with security guard at Mandeville market bar

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Law enforcement authorities are conducting intensive interrogations of a private security operative following a late-night shooting incident at a bar near the Mandeville market. The investigation centers on the guard’s use of his legally registered firearm during a physical confrontation that erupted Tuesday evening.

    According to preliminary police reports, the violent encounter occurred approximately after 9:00 pm along Manchester Road, adjacent to the market’s side entrance. Initial findings indicate an escalating dispute between the security guard and another individual within the establishment culminated in the drawing of a knife.

    Official statements confirm that the security personnel responded to the perceived threat by discharging his weapon, striking the alleged aggressor. The wounded man was subsequently transported to a medical facility where he remains hospitalized receiving treatment for his injuries.

    Criminal investigators continue to piece together the precise sequence of events, examining witness testimonies and forensic evidence to determine whether the firearm discharge constituted justified self-defense or excessive force. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding security protocols in public spaces and the appropriate use of lethal force by licensed weapon holders.

  • Trump says Venezuela to hand over oil stocks worth billions

    Trump says Venezuela to hand over oil stocks worth billions

    In a dramatic development following a U.S. military operation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump announced plans to redirect tens of millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil to American ports. The controversial declaration came just days after U.S. special forces extracted Maduro and his wife from Caracas to face drug trafficking charges in New York.

    Trump specified that approximately 30-50 million barrels of premium Venezuelan crude, previously under international sanctions, would be shipped to the United States. The estimated $2 billion in anticipated revenue would be placed directly under presidential oversight, though the legal framework for such an arrangement remains unclear.

    The political vacuum left by Maduro’s removal has been filled by interim President Delcy Rodriguez, a former vice president and energy minister from Maduro’s inner circle. While Rodriguez has pledged cooperation with Washington, she simultaneously asserts Venezuelan sovereignty, stating unequivocally that “no foreign agent governs Venezuela.”

    This contradiction highlights the precarious position of the new administration, which must balance Trump’s demands for control over Venezuela’s oil industry and severed ties with Cuba, China, Iran, and Russia against domestic pressure from hardliners who still control the military and security apparatus.

    The transition has been marred by violence, with Venezuelan authorities reporting 23 military personnel killed during the U.S. operation and Cuba acknowledging 32 casualties among its military advisors. Attorney General Tarek William Saab mentioned “dozens” of additional civilian and military deaths without providing specific figures, prompting Rodriguez to declare seven days of national mourning.

    International observers have expressed concern over Trump’s assertion of American dominance, with former Venezuelan diplomat Alfredo Toro Hardy describing the situation as “something not seen in Latin America for over a century.” Meanwhile, the White House has dismissed involvement from Venezuela’s democratic opposition, further complicating the path toward legitimate governance.

    The situation remains volatile as Rodriguez attempts to consolidate power while navigating competing demands from Washington and powerful domestic factions, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who continue to demonstrate influence through street mobilizations and control of security forces.

  • Belize clamping down on drones

    Belize clamping down on drones

    Belizean aviation authorities are implementing comprehensive drone regulations to address growing security risks to aircraft operations. The Department of Civil Aviation has initiated a public consultation process for new operational directives that will establish standardized licensing requirements and flight restrictions for both recreational and commercial drone use.

    According to Nigel Carter, Director of Civil Aviation, the updated regulations will replace the current fragmented approval system and align Belize’s drone policies with international aviation standards. The primary motivation stems from safety concerns, as aircraft in Belize frequently operate at low altitudes of approximately 500 feet even during transit, creating potential collision risks between manned and unmanned aircraft.

    The regulatory changes recognize drones’ importance as essential tools for various industries, including agriculture, surveying, and businesses utilizing Geographic Information Systems for land mapping and crop monitoring. However, the mandatory nature of these rules has raised concerns among drone operators, who face potential penalties for non-compliance.

    Operators have scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of the new directive, even as aviation officials emphasize the consultation process aims to incorporate stakeholder feedback. Carter confirmed that authorities are currently gathering input from the drone-operating community before reviewing concerns and meeting with operators to clarify regulatory positions.

    The proposed framework would establish clear, mandatory rules governing all drone operations in Belize, standardizing licensing procedures and operational limits while harmonizing national regulations with international standards observed in the United States, Europe, and global aviation authorities.

  • Yanique Taylor Wellington given nod as Indecom deputy commissioner

    Yanique Taylor Wellington given nod as Indecom deputy commissioner

    Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has announced the appointment of Yanique Taylor Wellington as its new deputy commissioner, filling the vacancy created by the departure of Assistant Commissioner Hamish Campbell who held the operational leadership role from 2013 through December 2025.

    Taylor Wellington assumes comprehensive operational responsibilities previously managed by Campbell, bringing substantial institutional expertise to the position. Her distinguished tenure at Indecom includes serving as Director of Complaints since January 2022 and previously as Senior Legal Officer. The legally-trained professional represented the commission during the critical West Kingston Commission of Enquiry in 2015 and notably argued before the UK Privy Council in the landmark Dane Lewin vs Albert Diah case, which resulted in a pivotal ruling affirming Indecom’s authority and reinforcing police accountability mechanisms. Prior to joining Indecom, she served as a senior prosecutor at Jamaica’s Integrity Commission.

    In her initial statements as deputy commissioner, Taylor Wellington highlighted alarming trends in police-related fatalities, revealing a 65% year-over-year increase in fatal security force shootings during 2025, with 311 individuals killed compared to the previous year. Particularly disturbing is the 300% surge in fatalities recorded in the first five days of 2026, with 12 persons shot dead by security forces compared to three during the same period in 2025.

    Taylor Wellington emphasized Indecom’s commitment to “independently, impartially, and promptly investigate all incidents involving security force shootings.” She assured citizens that recent fatal encounters would undergo thorough and objective examination, with appropriate actions taken should legal violations be identified.

    Notably, Indecom’s investigations into these incidents revealed concerning procedural gaps. While eight firearms were recovered across six recent shooting incidents, no body-worn cameras were activated by involved officers during any of these encounters. One Jamaica Constabulary Force member reportedly possessed equipment but claimed inability to activate it due to missing mounting accessories.

    All officers involved have been formally served with Section 21 Notices under the Independent Commission of Investigations Act (2010), requiring them to submit detailed statements and attend investigatory interviews.

  • AI, outdated visuals fuel misinformation after Maduro capture

    AI, outdated visuals fuel misinformation after Maduro capture

    WASHINGTON, DC — In the aftermath of the dramatic capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by US forces, social media platforms have become inundated with sophisticated visual disinformation, blurring the boundaries between reality and fabrication. The digital landscape has been flooded with artificially generated and repurposed imagery that has collectively garnered millions of engagements, signaling a new era of AI-powered misinformation.

    Fact-checkers from AFP identified numerous deceptive posts circulating on major platforms including X and Facebook shortly after the operation. One widely-shared image purported to show Maduro in US custody, flanked by American military personnel near an aircraft. However, investigation revealed the photograph was entirely AI-generated, featuring a noticeably younger-looking Maduro. Google’s Gemini AI tool detected a SynthID watermark, confirming its artificial origins.

    Another viral image depicted an American soldier posing with a hooded Maduro, but digital archivists confirmed this was actually footage from the 2003 capture of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, repurposed two decades later to mislead contemporary audiences.

    Disinformation monitoring service NewsGuard reported identifying seven fabricated or misrepresented visual materials related to the Venezuela operation that accumulated over 14 million views within 48 hours on X alone. This phenomenon represents what analysts term ‘AI slop’ – mass-produced synthetic content created through inexpensive AI tools that transform simple text prompts into photorealistic imagery.

    Chiara Vercellone, senior analyst at NewsGuard, noted: ‘While many of these visuals don’t radically distort factual circumstances, they represent another weapon in the misinformer’s arsenal that proves increasingly difficult for fact-checkers to debunk due to their approximation of reality.’

    The disinformation wave extended to highest levels of political influence, with former President Donald Trump amplifying a viral video on his Truth Social platform claiming to show Venezuelans celebrating Maduro’s capture by running through streets in their underwear. AFP’s verification team traced this footage to UCLA’s quarterly ‘Undie Run’ tradition among college students, recorded weeks before the Venezuela operation.

    Adding to the confusion, humorous AI-generated clips circulated alongside legitimate news coverage, including one depicting Maduro and Trump dancing together in the Oval Office and another showing the ousted leader posing with prisoners in orange jumpsuits.

    The developments occur amid serious geopolitical proceedings, with Maduro pleading not guilty to drug trafficking and ‘narco-terrorism’ charges in a New York courtroom on Monday. Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez asserted that no foreign power governs her nation, responding to Trump’s statement that Washington would ‘run’ Venezuela during transition period.

  • No angels died in St Toolies

    No angels died in St Toolies

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Tensions between community reassurance and police accountability emerged in Porus following a deadly security operation that resulted in four fatalities. Manchester’s commanding officer, Superintendent Carey Duncan, addressed residents of St. Toolies during a community walk-through on Tuesday, defending police actions that occurred the previous day.

    Superintendent Duncan asserted that police only employ lethal force when confronted with direct threats, stating: “Our responses are consistently proportional to threats directed against us. When perpetrators receive clear instructions to surrender their weapons and instead aim firearms at officers, we respond with equivalent force.” He emphasized that innocent bystanders not posing threats would not have been harmed during Monday’s operation.

    The confrontation claimed the lives of three local men—23-year-old Byron McDonald, 26-year-old Teshawn Porteous, and 19-year-old Rasheed Johnson. Police reported a fourth unidentified individual attempted to flee the scene during an alleged exchange of gunfire before being fatally shot in the neighboring Toll Gate area. This incident brings Jamaica’s security forces-involved fatalities to twelve for the current year, with authorities confirming the seizure of a firearm from the scene.

    While relatives of the deceased had protested the shootings, many St. Toolies residents expressed support for the police presence. Community members praised law enforcement efforts and requested sustained patrols, particularly near the St. Toolies River area where criminal activity has been reported.

    Superintendent Duncan advised residents to remain vigilant against migrant criminals, urging community cooperation: “St. Toolies is traditionally close-knit and family-oriented. If strangers enter your community, we implore you to notify us for proper vetting. Not every newcomer poses a threat, but some do require scrutiny.”

    In response to community concerns, Duncan committed to maintaining consistent police patrols, clarifying that Monday’s operation was “strictly intelligence-driven” based on nationwide intelligence gathering rather than reflecting negatively on the community itself.

    Councillor Claudia Morant Baker (Jamaica Labour Party, Porus Division) endorsed the police approach, thanking authorities for enabling residents to “sleep in peace” knowing problematic elements had been removed from the community.

    The superintendent ruled out imposing curfews unless intelligence indicates impending violence, while also addressing illegal transportation methods. He specifically condemned the dangerous practice of unregulated motorcycle taxis transporting multiple passengers without helmets, emphasizing that such operations would never receive legal authorization.

    Police and local officials conducted a thorough assessment of the shooting location during Tuesday’s engagement, seeking to balance community security concerns with appropriate law enforcement practices.