Carib Scope

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  • Cross-dressing ‘lawyer’ jailed

    Cross-dressing ‘lawyer’ jailed

    Freeport, Grand Bahama – In a striking case of fraudulent impersonation, the Grand Bahama Magistrate’s Court has sentenced 30-year-old Kimeo McIntosh to three years imprisonment for orchestrating an elaborate scheme where he posed as a female attorney. McIntosh pleaded guilty to 53 offenses including forgery, fraud, money laundering, and impersonating legal counsel.

    The investigation revealed that between October 2025 and January 2026, McIntosh operated under the fabricated identity of ‘Laniqua Rolle,’ targeting vulnerable individuals seeking legal assistance for incarcerated relatives. His sophisticated deception included presenting forged judicial documents and offering legal services that were never rendered, resulting in collective losses of $19,927.56 for multiple victims.

    Law enforcement apprehended McIntosh on February 18 following an attempted escape while wearing complete female attire, including spandex tights, a bra, and cosmetic enhancements. Subsequent search operations uncovered additional disguise materials and two cell phones that facilitated the calculated fraud operation.

    During sentencing proceedings, Magistrate Charlton Smith characterized the crimes as “deliberate, organized, and involving the misuse of purported judicial authority,” noting the direct impact on public confidence in the justice system. The prosecution highlighted McIntosh’s previous convictions for similar offenses involving breaches of public trust.

    Despite mitigation arguments emphasizing McIntosh’s immediate guilty plea, expressed remorse, and offers of restitution, the court determined that the severity of the offenses warranted substantial incarceration. All sentences will run concurrently. McIntosh faces additional court proceedings today regarding separate child cruelty charges.

  • Bishop brands ‘sweethearting’ an evil as study sparks alarm

    Bishop brands ‘sweethearting’ an evil as study sparks alarm

    A senior Anglican bishop has issued a stern condemnation of extramarital relationships known as ‘sweethearting,’ labeling the practice as morally corrupt and indicative of The Bahamas’ departure from its Christian foundations. The remarks from Diocesan Bishop Dr. Anthony Farrington come in response to a comprehensive University of The Bahamas study that has quantified the prevalence of these arrangements for the first time.

    The research paper, titled ‘A Description of Sweethearting in The Bahamas,’ analyzed responses from 6,714 adults and revealed that many married individuals maintain external sexual partnerships to fulfill emotional or intimacy needs while preserving their marriages. Among the key findings: one in five respondents reported multiple sexual partners within the previous six months, with 77% identifying at least one partner as a ‘sweetheart.’ The study also noted that 54% of married women described their sweetheart as sexually superior to their spouse, compared to 39.5% of married men.

    Dr. Farrington expressed profound concern over the findings, stating that while he was aware of the practice, its documentation presented troubling evidence of societal decline. ‘Our society has drifted tremendously from our forefathers’ foundation,’ he remarked. ‘I condemn it unequivocally as a religious leader who believes in the institution of family as one husband, one wife, and their children.’

    The bishop voiced additional concern about public reaction to the study, particularly comments normalizing sweethearting arrangements. This response, he argued, demonstrates that despite The Bahamas’ identity as a Christian nation, significant work remains to align practices with religious principles. ‘There is a difference between being a Christian and a believer,’ Farrington emphasized. ‘Many believe in God but are not walking in the footsteps of Christianity.’

    In response to the study, religious institutions are being urged to intensify their focus on marital strengthening through seminars, family events, and potentially new programs specifically designed to address sweethearting. Bishop Farrington acknowledged that no marriage is perfect but stressed the importance of proactive effort, open communication, and professional counseling to maintain marital integrity.

    Meanwhile, Bahamas Christian Council president Bishop Delton Fernander has raised methodological questions about the research, expressing uncertainty about the survey’s sample size and representation.

  • Staff rally support as super value owner airlifted to U.S.

    Staff rally support as super value owner airlifted to U.S.

    The Bahamian business community has mobilized in support of Rupert Roberts, founder and owner of the nation’s largest all-Bahamian food retail chain Super Value, following his medical emergency over the weekend. According to company president Debra Symonette, staff responded “almost immediately” after learning of Roberts’ urgent need for blood donations, demonstrating the deep loyalty he commands within his organization.

    While Symonette declined to specify Roberts’ medical condition, she confirmed the prominent businessman has been transferred via air ambulance to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he remains under intensive care. Social media platforms were flooded with appeals for blood donors throughout the weekend as news of his health crisis spread rapidly throughout the islands.

    The Super Value president described staff as “very optimistic” about Roberts’ recovery, noting that employees across the retail chain have rallied together with a team in place to maintain operations while regularly receiving updates on his condition. “We’re just praying for him and hoping that everything will turn out for the best,” Symonette stated, emphasizing that Roberts is “very much loved by his staff.”

    Beyond his retail empire, Roberts has been a pivotal figure in Bahamian commercial development for decades. He previously served as chairman of Commonwealth Bank Limited from 1984 to 1992 following the bank’s Bahamianisation, overseeing a period of remarkable expansion. Under his leadership, the institution relocated its headquarters to East Bay Street, established new branches in Oakes Field and Marsh Harbour, and achieved unprecedented growth with total assets soaring by over 700 percent to exceed $125 million while net income tripled from $1.3 million to $4 million during his tenure.

  • Dames denies involvement after partner caught in $4m cocaine bust

    Dames denies involvement after partner caught in $4m cocaine bust

    Marvin Dames, former National Security Minister and current Free National Movement (FNM) candidate, has publicly distanced himself from a major international drug trafficking case involving his business associate. The controversy emerged after US authorities intercepted a vessel jointly owned by Dames and Malcolm Goodman approximately four miles off the coast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on February 11.

    According to official court documents filed by US Department of Homeland Security taskforce officer Jose Alverez, the US Coast Guard conducted a routine customs border search of the 45-foot vessel M/V Reel Xperience after it arrived from New Providence. During inspection, law enforcement officials discovered approximately 200 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $4 million, along with 248 bottles of cough syrup, concealed within the vessel’s common areas and a stateroom.

    Goodman, described by online platform Captain Experiences as an experienced maritime professional with over a decade of industry experience, allegedly made spontaneous statements to officers upon arrest and later admitted sole involvement in narcotics smuggling. He has been charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and importation of a controlled substance, and remains detained pending trial after relinquishing his right to a temporary bond hearing.

    In an official statement, Dames confirmed his business relationship with Goodman but emphatically denied any knowledge or involvement in illicit activities. The former Deputy Commissioner of Police and National Security Minister under the Minnis administration stated that neither he nor his wife had authorized, participated in, or benefited from any alleged criminal conduct connected to the case.

    Dames emphasized his lifelong dedication to national security and law enforcement, pledging full cooperation with any official inquiries from Bahamian or US authorities. The FNM’s Mount Moriah branch has expressed continued support for their candidate, with long-serving member Bennett Minnis confirming they would not request his resignation.

  • Schoolgirl among five injured in Manchester crash

    Schoolgirl among five injured in Manchester crash

    A multi-vehicle collision on the Winston Jones Highway in Manchester resulted in five individuals sustaining injuries, including a young student, during Wednesday morning’s commute. Preliminary investigations by local authorities indicate that the incident occurred before 8:00 a.m. near Williamsfield and Royal Flat. The chain-reaction accident was reportedly triggered by a previously disabled vehicle that caused a significant traffic slowdown on the downhill stretch of the highway. According to police reports, the driver of a pickup truck attempted an ill-advised overtaking maneuver around the congested traffic. This action resulted in the truck striking the rear of a Toyota Hiace bus with substantial force. The impact initiated a destructive domino effect, propelling the bus into a Honda Fit, which subsequently collided with a Toyota Vitz. The sequence of impacts concluded with the pickup truck overturning completely. Emergency services promptly extracted all injured parties from the damaged vehicles and transported them to nearby medical facilities for immediate treatment and evaluation. The injured student has been identified as an attendee of McIntosh Memorial Primary School, though the specific nature and severity of all injuries remain undisclosed. The Winston Jones Highway experienced significant traffic disruptions throughout the morning as police conducted their preliminary investigation and cleared the wreckage.

  • Trinidad PM to Caricom leaders: ‘who vex loss… but we gained’

    Trinidad PM to Caricom leaders: ‘who vex loss… but we gained’

    BASSETERRE, St Kitts – In a striking address at the 50th Caribbean Community (Caricom) summit, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar vigorously defended her nation’s security partnership with the United States while delivering pointed criticism toward regional counterparts regarding their stance on Venezuela. The leader employed the local expression ‘who vex loss’ to emphasize her unwavering position that national security priorities outweigh diplomatic discomfort.

    Persad-Bissessar presented compelling evidence that collaboration with US military assets had produced tangible results, citing a 42% reduction in homicides directly attributed to disrupted narcotics trafficking networks. ‘We gained from the military help, and I will welcome them again,’ she declared, noting that 257 lives had been saved through this security partnership.

    The Prime Minister expressed profound disappointment with Caricom’s response to Venezuelan aggression toward member states. She revealed that Trinidad and Tobago had faced ongoing threats from the Maduro regime while receiving insufficient regional support. ‘How can it be when that regime was threatening violence to two Caricom member states, there was no voice from Caricom?’ she questioned, challenging the concept of the Caribbean as a zone of peace.

    Persad-Bissessar endorsed Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s perspective that Caricom should function as an alliance of independent nations pursuing individualized paths toward shared prosperity. She reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to regional cooperation while maintaining the right to implement independent security policies tailored to national circumstances.

    The leader concluded by emphasizing pragmatic governance over ideological consistency, stating that ultimate accountability remains to citizens seeking improved quality of life rather than to abstract regional principles.

  • Fi We Children calls for reform of school grooming policies, urges principals to sign MoU

    Fi We Children calls for reform of school grooming policies, urges principals to sign MoU

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A prominent child advocacy organization is spearheading a national movement to transform educational grooming standards across Jamaica. The Fi We Children Foundation (FWCF) has issued a compelling appeal for immediate policy reviews and is actively seeking partnerships with school administrators through its newly introduced Child Dignity & Inclusive School Culture Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

    This initiative emerges amid escalating national discourse concerning grooming-related disciplinary actions in educational institutions. Recent controversies, including disputed allegations surrounding a student’s hairstyle at Ardenne High School, have intensified scrutiny of current practices. While the school denied removing the student from classes, the incident ignited broader conversations about fairness and cultural sensitivity in school policies.

    Africka Stephens of FWCF articulated the foundation’s position: “Educational environments should cultivate personal identity rather than suppress it. We seek collaborative partnerships with principals and school boards who recognize that disciplinary standards and student dignity can harmoniously coexist.”

    Stephens emphasized the particular significance for Black Jamaican children, stating: “Our disciplinary approaches must avoid disproportionate targeting of specific demographic groups. Instead, they should advance principles of fairness, inclusion, and respect while upholding exemplary conduct standards.”

    The proposed MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for institutional modernization, including: reviewing and updating grooming regulations, developing child-centric disciplinary procedures, implementing restorative justice methodologies, conducting sensitivity training for educators and student leaders, and establishing formal channels for parental and student participation in policy development.

    Participating institutions will gain access to policy review assistance, professional development programs for faculty and administrators, specialized student leadership workshops, and formal designation as institutions aligned with children’s rights principles.

    Concurrently, FWCF is urging the Ministry of Education & Youth and other stakeholders to endorse nationwide consultations aimed at ensuring school policies reflect Jamaica’s dedication to educational equity, inclusion, and its commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

  • WATCH: Truck overturns on Hatfield main road

    WATCH: Truck overturns on Hatfield main road

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica—Traffic operations along the Hatfield main road encountered significant disruption Wednesday morning following the overturning of a sand-transport truck. The incident, which occurred during morning transit hours, resulted in the complete blockage of the vital transportation artery as the vehicle’s payload spilled across the roadway. Emergency response teams and road clearance crews were immediately dispatched to the scene to initiate recovery operations. Local transportation authorities have issued formal advisories to motorists, warning of considerable delays and recommending alternative routes where possible. The cleanup operation involves heavy machinery to remove both the overturned vehicle and the substantial quantity of spilled sand. Authorities have not yet released information regarding potential causes of the incident or whether any injuries resulted from the accident. The thoroughfare is expected to remain partially obstructed until both the vehicle removal and complete road sanitation can be finalized.

  • ‘They killed the whole family’

    ‘They killed the whole family’

    A Bahamian family is grappling with profound grief and outrage following the brutal daylight murder of 36-year-old Jonathan ‘Goddy’ Gooding, who was ambushed and executed last Thursday morning in the parking lot of Shirley Street Shopping Plaza. The incident occurred moments after the victim had completed his regular gym session, a disciplined routine he had maintained for nearly four years.

    According to police reports, the tragedy unfolded around 9 a.m. when Gooding exited a commercial establishment and was approaching his vehicle. Surveillance evidence indicates a Japanese-model vehicle abruptly pulled alongside him, from which an armed assailant emerged and opened fire multiple times before fleeing the scene. The victim’s body remained visible on the pavement opposite his gym—a haunting image that has traumatized those who knew the dedicated fitness enthusiast.

    Gelita Gooding, the victim’s aunt and childhood guardian, expressed devastating emotional turmoil in an exclusive interview. ‘When they killed Jonathan, they destroyed our entire family foundation,’ she stated, revealing that just hours before the shooting, her nephew had been at her home sharing laughter, collecting meals, and discussing fitness goals without any indication of impending danger.

    The grieving aunt portrayed Jonathan as an exceptionally disciplined individual who deliberately avoided alcohol, smoking, and narcotics. His commitment to physical training stemmed not from vanity but from a philosophical desire to maintain mastery over his body and mind. ‘He was focused on his health. He wanted to live better,’ she emphasized, noting his aspirations to build a traditional family structure with children born only within marriage.

    Originally from Bimini, Gooding possessed remarkable life achievements including extensive travel, fluency in Spanish acquired during extended residence in Cuba, and the recent accomplishment of obtaining his license as a boat captain—a profession that allowed him to operate excursions to Rose Island with immense pride.

    The family’s anguish has been severely compounded by the rapid circulation of graphic crime scene footage across social media platforms. Ms. Gooding condemned this digital violation, questioning societal empathy: ‘I think that’s the most heartless thing in the world. How could you allow these people to be there, snapping and recording?’

    Verline Smith, the victim’s sister, described the psychological impact of losing her brother shortly after burying the father of her children. ‘Any dark tinted car come close, I’m afraid. I don’t know what to do,’ she confessed, highlighting the pervasive fear that now shadows the family.

    Close family friend Kadayah Bain remembered Jonathan as a cheerful, hardworking presence who maintained a small social circle and avoided trouble—making his violent death particularly incomprehensible to those who knew his character.

    The investigation remains active as authorities pursue leads regarding the motive and perpetrators behind this shocking public execution.

  • Crawford chides councillors amid bad road fuss

    Crawford chides councillors amid bad road fuss

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica—A significant political dispute has erupted in Manchester, Jamaica, concerning the dire state of parochial roads and the alleged failure of local representatives to address constituents’ needs. Rhoda Moy Crawford, Member of Parliament for Manchester Central, has publicly censured councillors and the Manchester Municipal Corporation for their insufficient response to repairing critical roadways, accusing them of neglecting their duties and hiding behind her community popularity.

    The criticism follows recent protests by residents of Brokenhurst, Patrick Town, and Ellen Street, who demonstrated against years of deplorable road conditions. While acknowledging that Brokenhurst primarily borders the South Manchester constituency, Crawford committed to making representations to the National Works Agency (NWA) parish manager and Minister Morgan. However, she emphatically urged other political representatives to fulfill their responsibilities, stating, ‘They are to get up and get out there and face their constituents and get the work done.’

    Crawford specifically called out Councillor Karl Smith (People’s National Party, Knockpatrick division) for what she characterized as inadequate awareness of his jurisdictional boundaries and poor management of parish council roads. She suggested this lack of engagement explains why numerous roads in the Knockpatrick division remain in disastrous condition—many of which she has personally sought funding to repair despite them falling outside her constituency.

    The MP clarified that communities like Patrick Town and Ellen Street fall under the Newport division of South Manchester, represented by MP Peter Bunting and Councillor Anthony Bryce. Crawford asserted these roads are unequivocally the responsibility of the Manchester Municipal Corporation and challenged these officials to advocate more effectively for their constituents.

    Highlighting her own record, Crawford detailed significant infrastructure accomplishments during her six-year tenure, including the repair of 50 roads in Manchester Central. Since the beginning of her second term on September 3, 2025, she has overseen the full rehabilitation of three additional roads in Bashie, Kirkvine, and Royal Flat divisions, with phase two repairs underway in Barnstable.

    Looking forward, Crawford confirmed that procurement for farm road repairs in Knockpatrick is complete, bushing work has commenced in Trowers, and additional projects are scheduled for main roads and community pathways including Williamsfield to Cumberland, Royal Flat to Old England, Rent Land, Wilbin Road, and Ingleside. She concluded by attributing the need for her cross-constituency efforts to the inadequate representation by Mayor Donovan Mitchell and other councillors, reinforcing her call for improved accountability and action from her counterparts.