Carib Scope

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  • Lee warns against squatting in HDC properties

    Lee warns against squatting in HDC properties

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Housing Minister David Lee has issued a stern warning against squatting in government-subsidized housing properties, declaring such actions will face zero tolerance from authorities. The minister’s comments came during a January 4 press conference at the UNC headquarters in Chaguanas, where he addressed growing concerns about unauthorized occupation of Housing Development Corporation (HDC) units.

    The crackdown follows a recent incident in Corinth where a family who had made payments for an HDC home discovered strangers attempting to occupy their property weeks before they were scheduled to receive keys. The couple filed an official police report on December 29 after being alerted to the unauthorized entry at their Riverside South townhouse near San Fernando.

    Minister Lee revealed that similar squatting attempts have emerged across multiple HDC settlements, including areas within his Caroni Central constituency. He strongly contested previous statements by former housing minister Camille Robinson-Regis suggesting the UNC administration permitted such activities. Lee emphasized that HDC chairman Feeroz Khan had never endorsed squatting in government housing.

    Producing documented evidence of squatting cases within HDC files, Lee asserted that neither he, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, nor the HDC would tolerate such ‘lawlessness.’ He warned potential squatters that law enforcement and HDC security divisions would collaborate to ensure only legally entitled occupants reside in government properties.

    Simultaneously, HDC chairman Khan disclosed significant financial challenges within the corporation, including over $600 million in outstanding payments to contractors. Khan criticized previous construction management practices under the PNM administration, alleging that houses worth approximately $500,000 were being constructed at costs nearing $2 million each. He claimed this benefited PNM associates and financiers while costing taxpayers millions in overpayments to contractors, including one instance of a $10 million overpayment.

    Despite these challenges, Khan assured the public that HDC has developed a recovery plan that includes increasing affordable housing production to bridge the gap between housing demand and availability.

  • IR expert: Trump cannot run Venezuela

    IR expert: Trump cannot run Venezuela

    International relations specialist Anthony Bryan has categorically rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that the United States would directly govern Venezuela following the military extraction of President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, conducted by U.S. forces in the early hours of January 3rd, resulted in Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores being removed from a fortified compound in Caracas.

    During a press briefing at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump declared that the U.S. would assume control of Venezuela’s administration and leverage its substantial oil reserves for international trade. However, the President provided no detailed explanation regarding the mechanics of this proposed governance structure or the composition of any transitional administration.

    Bryan, who serves as co-chairman of the Caribbean Policy Consortium, countered through WhatsApp communications on January 4th that “Trump cannot run Venezuela. Maduro is gone but the power structure in Venezuela remains.” The expert emphasized that constitutional succession had already occurred with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assuming the presidency following Maduro’s capture.

    Trump acknowledged that Rodríguez had been sworn in as interim leader and had engaged in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating her cooperation. However, the President simultaneously expressed skepticism about Rodríguez or any Maduro administration figures retaining power long-term.

    The U.S. leader also cast doubt on exiled opposition figure María Corina Machado’s potential involvement in any interim government, questioning her domestic support and respect within Venezuela. Trump promised imminent announcements regarding American designees who would ensure the country’s proper management.

    This development follows Bryan’s November expressed hope for diplomatic resolution between the two nations—a prospect Trump now claims Maduro squandered through missed opportunities. The President additionally asserted that American energy corporations would enter Venezuela to rehabilitate infrastructure and generate national revenue, with promised reimbursements for those economically impacted under Maduro’s regime.

  • World Athletics boss Sebastien Coe arrives in Jamaica

    World Athletics boss Sebastien Coe arrives in Jamaica

    Sebastien Coe, the President of World Athletics and renowned British double Olympic champion, has commenced a significant diplomatic tour in Jamaica. His arrival at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston late Sunday night marked the beginning of several days of high-profile engagements with the nation’s sporting and governmental leadership. The track and field icon was formally received by Garth Gayle, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).

    The agenda for Coe’s visit includes strategic meetings at the highest levels of Jamaican governance. Scheduled discussions with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Sports Minister Olivia Grange follow an initial working breakfast with JAAA leadership. This itinerary underscores the collaborative spirit between international athletic governance and Jamaican sporting authorities.

    A particularly poignant segment of Coe’s itinerary involves an inspection visit to the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Tuesday. The facility’s track has remained non-operational for six years and sustained additional damage during Hurricane Melissa in October, highlighting infrastructure challenges facing Jamaican athletics.

    This visit represents Coe’s second official trip to Jamaica in under four years, following his previous attendance at the 2022 Carifta Games hosted in Kingston. The current tour emphasizes World Athletics’ continued commitment to nurturing Jamaica’s track and field legacy while addressing critical infrastructure needs.

  • Montego Bay United beat Treasure Beach FC to reclaim JPL lead

    Montego Bay United beat Treasure Beach FC to reclaim JPL lead

    Montego Bay United has surged back to the top of the Jamaica Premier League standings following a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Treasure Beach FC on Sunday. The crucial match, held at St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex in Santa Cruz, marked Montego Bay’s sixth consecutive triumph over the newly promoted side this season.

    With this win, Montego Bay now sits at 29 points, narrowly edging past previous league leaders Racing United who stumbled with a scoreless draw against Waterhouse FC at a rain-affected Ferdie Neita Park. The championship race has intensified as teams navigate challenging field conditions and tight competition.

    In other Sunday fixtures, Molynes United and Mount Pleasant FA played to a 0-0 stalemate—their second drawn encounter this season. Chapelton Maroons continued their impressive form with a 2-1 victory over Harbour View FC, securing consecutive wins and climbing to sixth position with 18 points. Meanwhile, the scheduled match between Dunbeholden FC and Spanish Town Police FC was postponed due to waterlogged pitch conditions at Dunbeholden Sports Complex.

    Montego Bay’s offensive breakthrough came after two previous scoreless matches, ending a 195-minute goal drought dating back to December 15. Dwight Merrick opened the scoring in the seventh minute, capitalizing on a weak clearance from Treasure Beach goalkeeper Mowey Morgan by slotting home from six yards. Deonjay Brown extended the advantage in the 22nd minute with a close-range finish after defensive miscues from the hosts. Though Tommy Lawrence pulled one back for Treasure Beach in the 38th minute, the home side couldn’t convert several promising opportunities to equalize.

    At Turner Field in Clarendon, Chapelton Maroons demonstrated resilience by overcoming a missed first-half penalty to defeat Harbour View for the second time this season. Zhaine Pinnock’s early third-minute strike was later canceled out by Rohan Brown’s 65th-minute equalizer, but Sean Leighton’s dramatic 85th-minute winner secured three valuable points for the ascending Chapelton side.

  • Morgan urges police to stay focused amid ‘campaign’ to undermine 2025 murder reduction gains

    Morgan urges police to stay focused amid ‘campaign’ to undermine 2025 murder reduction gains

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Government Senator Marlon Morgan has issued a robust defense of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), calling on officers to maintain professionalism and focus despite what he characterizes as a coordinated media campaign seeking to discredit their crime reduction accomplishments.

    In a Sunday statement, Morgan asserted that certain media outlets are exploiting police-involved fatal shootings to overshadow what he described as historic crime reduction progress. He emphasized that Jamaica has witnessed murder rates plummet to a three-decade low in 2025, an achievement he believes is being systematically undermined by sensationalized reporting.

    “A vulgar and misleading campaign has been orchestrated by segments of the press through news reports, commentary, editorials, and even cartoons,” Morgan stated. “This concerted effort aims to diminish the JCF’s remarkable success in achieving the lowest murder rate in 31 years.”

    The senator criticized what he perceives as an unfair narrative that implicitly connects the decline in homicides to increased police lethal force incidents. He urged law enforcement personnel to remain “relentless and professional” in their duties without being discouraged by what he termed reckless media tactics.

    Morgan challenged critics who question police methods when confronting armed criminals, asking: “When faced with marauding gunmen determined to avoid justice and the mandatory 15-year sentence for firearm possession, what alternatives do we expect officers to pursue? We cannot expect them to sing ‘kum-by-yah’ or exchange pleasantries with criminals wielding superior firepower.”

    While acknowledging the importance of police accountability, Morgan emphasized that public discourse should shift from merely counting fatal shootings to examining whether each incident was legally justified. He pointed to existing oversight mechanisms including the Independent Investigation Commission (Indecom), ongoing body-worn camera implementation, and internal JCF investigative processes as adequate safeguards for proper review.

    The senator concluded that both media and citizens should allow established accountability processes to determine the justification of police actions rather than engaging in premature judgments that could undermine law enforcement effectiveness and morale.

  • WATCH: New Year’s Day blaze at business establishment leaves operators, staff in limbo

    WATCH: New Year’s Day blaze at business establishment leaves operators, staff in limbo

    A catastrophic fire that erupted in the early hours of New Year’s Day has completely destroyed a longstanding catering bar and grill on Spanish Town Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica, leaving more than 15 employees without livelihoods. The blaze, which ignited shortly after midnight, consumed the premises of Paradise Catering and Dobby’s Hideaway Bar and Grill, resulting in extensive damage to warehouses and the near-total loss of operational equipment. Miraculously, no staff injuries were reported.

    Managing Director Chef Ricardo Esson, surveying the charred remnants of his establishment, expressed profound distress over the impact on his workforce. Characterizing his team as family, Esson revealed that the financial devastation would force him to implement a reduced work schedule once operations resume, potentially placing staff on a week-on, week-off rotation. The timing compounds the tragedy, with Esson highlighting the particular hardship faced by newly hired employees suddenly deprived of income.

    The property owner, 80-year-old Vincent Myers, described the incident as the destruction of his life savings, having operated his business at the location for over three decades. Myers emphasized the necessity of strategic rebuilding with proper materials rather than temporary structures, though he remains optimistic about customer retention with adequate support.

    Whitfield Town Division Councillor Eugene Kelly underscored the broader community impact, noting that approximately 20 employees supported hundreds of family members across multiple generations. Kelly advocated for establishing governmental emergency funds specifically for small businesses, which he identified as economic lifelines for inner-city communities. He emphasized that many such enterprises lack sufficient insurance coverage for catastrophic events, necessitating systemic support mechanisms for recovery and rebuilding.

  • Sobers: PM is ‘on top of things’

    Sobers: PM is ‘on top of things’

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers has vigorously defended Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar against allegations of inadequate leadership following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking at a press conference at UNC headquarters in Chaguanas on January 4, Sobers asserted the Prime Minister remains fully engaged and in control of the situation despite her absence from public addresses.

    The minister confirmed that US military forces executed a precision operation in Caracas at approximately 2:00 AM on January 3, extracting Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores to face trial in New York on multiple criminal charges including narcotics trafficking. The mission reportedly involved Delta Force operatives and was months in planning with CIA coordination.

    Sobers emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s non-involvement in the extraction operation while reaffirming the nation’s continued support for the Venezuelan people during this transitional period. He dismissed suggestions that Venezuela considers Trinidad complicit in Maduro’s removal, stating diplomatic relations remain intact and all Trinidadian citizens in Venezuela have been accounted for.

    The minister highlighted strengthened US-Trinidad security cooperation, referencing November meetings between Persad-Bissessar and US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, joint military exercises with US Marines, and the installation of anti-narcotics radar systems at ANR Robinson International Airport. Sobers credited these collaborations with significantly reducing crime rates through combined US intervention and the Prime Minister’s strategic vision.

    Addressing concerns about transparency, Sobers maintained the government handles the evolving Venezuela situation with necessary discretion through the National Security Council, which the Prime Minister chairs. He defended the administration’s diplomatic approach to US-Venezuela tensions and dismissed criticisms about the press conference location at party headquarters rather than government facilities.

  • Beckles: Where is Kamla?

    Beckles: Where is Kamla?

    Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has launched a scathing critique against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s conspicuous absence from an official press conference addressing escalating regional security tensions. The January 4 briefing, attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers and Housing Minister David Lee, occurred amid heightened geopolitical instability following the US military’s interception of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the positioning of American naval assets in the southern Caribbean, including radar installations within Trinidad and Tobago’s territory.

    Beckles questioned the Prime Minister’s leadership through an online statement, asserting that the nation rightfully expected her presence during a period of international crisis. She characterized the government’s communication effort as fundamentally inadequate, noting that attending ministers appeared unprepared to address critical national security concerns. Instead, Beckles alleged, the conference devolved into discussions about Housing Development Corporation (HDC) matters—a diversion she labeled as frivolous political rhetoric.

    The Opposition Leader detailed specific failures during the briefing, highlighting Minister Sobers’ contradictory statements regarding both the venue selection and his participation in the National Security Council. His assertion that the Prime Minister need not address the nation because ‘no one in Trinidad feels unsafe’ drew particular criticism from Beckles, who emphasized the public’s right to transparency regarding airport operations, flight disruptions, and security cordons in Port of Spain.

    Beckles further challenged the government’s position on CARICOM relations, its engagement with the Tobago House of Assembly on security matters, and its adherence to international law under the UN Charter. The conference concluded abruptly when Minister Lee terminated the session without accommodating further media inquiries, leaving multiple questions about governmental coordination and leadership unanswered.

    In her closing remarks, Beckles contrasted Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s absence with the public engagements of other world leaders, including Barbados’ Mia Mottley, Guyana’s Irfaan Ali, and former US President Donald Trump, questioning why Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership remained unavailable during a definitive moment for national and regional security.

  • Pope: Put people first in Venezuela

    Pope: Put people first in Venezuela

    In a significant diplomatic intervention, Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt appeal for peace and stability in Venezuela through his official social media channels. The pontiff utilized both X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook on January 4th to express his profound concern regarding the escalating political situation in the South American nation.

    The Pope’s message emphasized that the welfare of Venezuelan citizens must take precedence above all other considerations. His Holiness articulated a clear vision for conflict resolution, advocating for the immediate cessation of violence and the pursuit of justice through peaceful means. The comprehensive address, available through digital platforms, further elaborated on essential prerequisites for national reconciliation.

    Leo XIV specifically highlighted the critical importance of preserving Venezuela’s constitutional sovereignty and maintaining the established rule of law. He stressed the necessity of safeguarding fundamental human rights and civil liberties for all citizens without exception. The pontiff particularly drew attention to the nation’s most vulnerable populations, who continue to endure severe economic hardships.

    The spiritual leader concluded his appeal with a call for collective prayer, invoking the intercession of Venezuelan saints—Our Lady of Coromoto, José Gregorio Hernández, and Carmen Rendiles—both canonized during his papacy. This religious dimension underscores the Vatican’s deep commitment to both spiritual and practical resolution of the ongoing crisis.

  • Gonzalo Garcia hits treble as Real Madrid thrash Betis without Mbappe

    Gonzalo Garcia hits treble as Real Madrid thrash Betis without Mbappe

    In a spectacular La Liga showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Real Madrid delivered a commanding 5-1 performance against Real Betis on Sunday, largely fueled by a remarkable hat-trick from young Spanish striker Gonzalo Garcia. The 21-year-old academy product, stepping into the void left by injured superstar Kylian Mbappé, demonstrated exceptional prowess with three clinically taken goals that dismantled the visiting side’s defense.

    The match began with Madrid establishing early dominance, culminating in Garcia’s opening strike at the 20-minute mark. The young forward doubled his tally shortly after halftime with a spectacular volley that left Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo helpless. Teammate Raul Asencio further extended Madrid’s advantage before Cucho Hernandez managed a consolation goal for the visitors, who currently sit sixth in the league standings.

    Garcia completed his historic hat-trick in the 82nd minute with an ingenious flicked finish, sending the Bernabéu crowd into raptures. Fran Garcia added a fifth goal in the dying moments to seal the comprehensive victory. The result carries significant implications for the title race, reducing Barcelona’s lead at the summit to just four points following the champions’ narrow 2-0 victory over Espanyol in Saturday’s Catalan derby.

    The performance provided much-needed relief for manager Xabi Alonso, whose position had come under scrutiny following recent inconsistent results. Alonso’s decision to start Garcia proved inspired, with the young forward making the most of his limited opportunities this season. Despite competing for minutes with world-class attacking talents including Mbappé, Rodrygo Goes, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior, Garcia emphasized his commitment to contributing whenever called upon.

    This victory not only strengthens Madrid’s title challenge but also highlights the club’s impressive depth and the effectiveness of their youth development system, capable of producing players ready to perform at the highest level when called upon.