Carib Scope

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  • FLASH : Assassination of Inspector Jean Sterlin Hold in Fort-Jacques : what we know

    FLASH : Assassination of Inspector Jean Sterlin Hold in Fort-Jacques : what we know

    Haiti’s deepening security crisis has been tragically underscored by the targeted assassination of Chief Inspector Jean Sterlin Hold, a dedicated law enforcement officer known by his aliases ‘Blan’ and ‘San Souci.’ The incident occurred on the evening of December 30, 2025, in Fort-Jacques within the Kenscoff commune, where Inspector Hold commanded the Lotin sub-police station in the Fermathe area.

    The fatal shooting transpired approximately at 7:00 p.m. outside the ‘Sheeshee’s Food’ Club. According to official reports from the Haitian National Police (PNH), Inspector Hold sustained two gunshot wounds. While his bulletproof vest intercepted one projectile, the second proved lethal.

    Preliminary investigations conducted by PNH have identified Louis Marcus, alias ’50,’ proprietor of the establishment where the attack occurred, as the prime suspect. Law enforcement operations resulted in the apprehension of Johnny Roseus, believed to be Marcus’s brother-in-law, during coordinated searches at both the suspect’s residence and the club. Critical evidence, including surveillance footage, has been secured for forensic examination.

    The General Directorate of PNH has mandated the Inspector General’s Office (IGPNH) and the Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ) to conduct an exhaustive investigation aimed at apprehending all individuals complicit in this homicide and ensuring their prosecution.

    Inspector Hold, a native of Jérémie, had earned recognition for his unwavering opposition to the notorious ‘Kraze Baryè’ criminal faction and his protective stance toward Fort-Jacques residents. His career exemplified professional dedication and selfless community service.

    Official responses to the tragedy have been swift and unanimous. The PNH expressed profound condolences to Inspector Hold’s family, colleagues, and associates while reaffirming their determination to pursue justice. The Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) honored the inspector as a ‘valiant servant of the State’ and pledged continued institutional support for national security operations. Kenscoff Municipal Authority, led by Mayor Jean Massillon, condemned the killing as an assault on republican values and civic safety, extending sympathies to the entire community grieving this significant loss.

  • FSC Orders Travis Smith to Cease Activities

    FSC Orders Travis Smith to Cease Activities

    The Financial Services Commission of Belize (FSC) has issued an official public advisory warning against conducting financial business with Travis Smith, an individual found operating without proper regulatory authorization. According to a formal notice released on December 30, 2025, Smith lacks the mandatory licensing required under both the Financial Services Commission Act and the Securities Industry Act to legally provide any financial or securities services within Belize’s jurisdiction.

    The FSC’s statement explicitly clarifies that Smith is neither licensed nor registered to “provide, carry on, transact, or hold itself out as providing” regulated financial activities. The Commission emphasized that any financial engagements with Smith are undertaken entirely at the public’s own risk, as he operates outside Belize’s regulatory protection framework.

    In addition to the public warning, the regulator has issued a formal cease and desist directive ordering Smith to immediately terminate all unlicensed financial operations. The FSC noted that continuing such activities constitutes a legal offense under Belizean law.

    The Commission stated that this regulatory action serves as a protective measure to safeguard both the public and the integrity of Belize’s financial services sector from potential harm. The warning specifically urges “all persons concerned to take note and exercise extreme caution.”

    In response to the regulatory notice, Smith addressed the matter through a personal online statement, characterizing the FSC’s warning as “not serious.” He claimed the notice merely prohibits him from charging fees for purchasing cryptocurrency on others’ behalf, stating: “I can still invest in crypto. Talk about it. But I simply cannot charge pple to buy crypto for them.”

  • FLASH : Major seizure of weapons and ammunition in Bel-Air

    FLASH : Major seizure of weapons and ammunition in Bel-Air

    In a decisive blow against organized crime, Haitian National Police (PNH) forces conducted a major tactical operation in the Bel-Air neighborhood on December 30, 2025. The targeted raid focused on the stronghold of notorious gang leader Jamesley, resulting in the neutralization of multiple armed combatants and the confiscation of a substantial weapons cache. Despite these successes, authorities confirmed that Jamesley himself evaded capture during the operation.

    The seized contraband included sophisticated military-grade equipment: a Mavic surveillance drone, multiple handguns (9mm and .22mm pistols), high-caliber assault weapons including an M16 rifle, Kalashnikov rifle, and 9mm submachine guns, complemented by three 12-gauge shotguns. Law enforcement also recovered critical logistical support equipment including weapon magazines, communication radios, power batteries, and various bladed weapons such as machetes and axes.

    Most notably, the operation intercepted a massive ammunition stockpile totaling several thousand rounds. The haul included 4,094 rounds of 5.56mm caliber and 867 rounds of 7.62mm caliber ammunition, indicating substantial offensive capabilities. All confiscated materials underwent formal registration and certification by the Weapons Service of the PNH’s Logistics Directorate.

    The operation marks a strategic victory for Haitian authorities, with specialized units successfully degrading the armed group’s logistical infrastructure. While Jamesley remains at large, police officials emphasized that his operational capacity has been severely compromised through the equipment seizure. In a symbolic conclusion, PNH’s heavy equipment unit completely demolished Jamesley’s residential compound.

    PNH leadership reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to pursuing, dismantling, and permanently eradicating criminal enterprises to restore national security, public order, and state authority for the benefit of all Haitian citizens.

  • De wereld neemt afscheid van 2025 met vuurwerk en ijskoude duiken

    De wereld neemt afscheid van 2025 met vuurwerk en ijskoude duiken

    As the world transitioned from Wednesday to Thursday, global citizens bid farewell to the challenging year 2025 and embraced 2026 with renewed optimism through diverse cultural celebrations across continents.

    Sydney inaugurated the new year with its traditional spectacular fireworks display, featuring approximately 40,000 pyrotechnic effects spanning 7 kilometers across harbor buildings and vessels. The celebration occurred under enhanced security measures following recent violence, with organizers holding a minute’s silence at 11 PM local time for victims of the armed attack at a Jewish event. Mayor Clover Moore expressed hope that the occasion would unite the city in looking forward to “a peaceful and happy 2026.”

    Across Asia, distinctive traditions marked the transition. In Singapore, spectators gathered at Marina Bay Sands to witness dazzling fireworks, while Seoul witnessed thousands congregating at the Bosingak Bell Pavilion for the symbolic ringing of a bronze bell 33 times—a Buddhist-rooted tradition believed to ward off misfortune. China’s Juyong Pass at the Great Wall hosted drum performances and festivities featuring horse symbolism, anticipating the upcoming Year of the Horse in February.

    Hong Kong replaced its typical fireworks with a themed light show displaying ‘New Hope, New Beginnings’ following November’s tragic apartment fire. Croatia’s town of Fuzine continued its unique tradition of midday countdowns since 2000, with celebrations featuring champagne toasts and even brave ice-swimmers in Bajer Lake.

    Preparations intensified for Western hemisphere celebrations, with New York organizers setting up barriers and stages for Times Square’s ball drop amid sub-zero temperatures. Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach prepared for its massive “Reveillon” music and fireworks festival, aiming to break its own Guinness World Record for largest New Year’s celebration.

    In snow-covered Kyiv and Moscow, citizens prepared for celebrations while expressing hopes for peace after nearly four years of conflict. While many Ukrainians expressed skepticism about imminent peace, 9-year-old Olesia in Kyiv remained optimistic, stating her belief that peace would come in the new year as she admired the Christmas tree before St. Sophia Cathedral.

  • Outsource Development Studio launches the Little Go Getters Dominica movement amongst other developments in 2025

    Outsource Development Studio launches the Little Go Getters Dominica movement amongst other developments in 2025

    Dominica witnessed a transformative educational movement throughout 2025 as Outsource Development Studio launched the comprehensive ‘Little Go Getters Dominica Movement’ in partnership with local organizations. The initiative, formally introduced on June 17th, represents a multifaceted approach to youth development that combines entrepreneurial education, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

    The program commenced with a series of community block parties at summer’s onset, funded by corporate sponsors including Jollys Pharmacy, Do It Center, Dominica Electricity Services, and Oceans Forward. These events served as introductory platforms for the movement’s vision of nurturing problem-solving capabilities and creative thinking among children.

    As the academic year resumed, the organization embarked on an extensive school outreach program, visiting four primary institutions: Berean Christian Academy, Giraudel Primary School, Morne Prosper Primary School, and Massacre Canefield Primary School. Through these visits, students encountered ‘The Little Go Getters’ book series and participated in interactive educational activities designed to stimulate entrepreneurial mindsets. Sponsorship from Corp-EFF Insurance Company Ltd., Express Courier, and Auto Trade Ltd. facilitated these educational endeavors.

    Concurrently, the organization partnered with the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management to launch ‘Better Me, Better You, Better Businesses’ executive development courses. These programs specifically target senior managers and executives, emphasizing innovative thinking, organizational transformation, and challenging conventional business practices.

    In a significant cultural development, the organization registered EarthGold, a new intellectual property celebrating Afro-Caribbean heritage through arts, fashion, and superfoods. The inaugural collection, ‘I Have a Very Big God,’ is exclusively available at the Earth Gold – Mother Land Store, featuring culturally significant products that honor Caribbean heritage while promoting wellness.

    The organization’s year-end communication expressed optimism for 2026, declaring ‘Ascend’ as the thematic focus for the coming year—emphasizing growth, elevation, and purposeful advancement across all initiatives.

  • Antigua Cruise Port Pushes Ahead With New Terminal Development

    Antigua Cruise Port Pushes Ahead With New Terminal Development

    Antigua Cruise Port has confirmed significant progress on its comprehensive Upland Development Project, marking a transformative phase for the nation’s maritime tourism infrastructure. The ambitious initiative, developed in partnership with the Antiguan government, features the construction of a state-of-the-art cruise terminal designed to elevate the country’s competitive standing in the Caribbean cruise industry.

    Recent aerial photography of St. John’s Harbour reveals consistent cruise ship traffic, demonstrating sustained market demand for Antigua and Barbuda as a premier port of call. This visible activity reinforces the economic rationale behind the infrastructure investment, which aims to generate substantial trickle-down benefits for local entrepreneurs.

    The port operator emphasized that enhanced facilities will directly support taxi drivers, tour companies, retail vendors, and numerous small businesses that depend on visitor expenditures. By modernizing passenger processing capabilities and upgrading upland amenities, the project seeks to substantially improve the overall tourist experience from disembarkation through departure.

    With construction timelines extending into 2026, Antigua Cruise Port anticipates providing regular progress updates as work advances. The development represents a strategic investment in the nation’s tourism ecosystem, positioning Antigua and Barbuda for increased market share in the region’s highly competitive cruise sector.

  • Central Farm Vehicle Heist Foiled by Remote Shutdown

    Central Farm Vehicle Heist Foiled by Remote Shutdown

    In a dramatic pre-dawn operation, Belizean authorities successfully prevented a major vehicle theft through rapid technological intervention. On December 31, 2025, seven masked individuals breached security at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Central Farm compound, overpowering and restraining the night watchman before seizing keys to four government pickup trucks (three Toyotas and one Nissan).

    The perpetrators, described as Creole-speaking locals, immediately headed toward the western border with Guatemala in what appeared to be a coordinated escape plan. However, the quick actions of the freed security guard triggered an immediate response chain. Ministry officials activated a sophisticated remote vehicle shutdown system that forced the thieves to abandon all four trucks just before reaching the international boundary.

    Agriculture Minister Rodwell Ferguson confirmed the vehicles were recovered near Arenal and Benque, praising the coordinated efforts between his department and law enforcement. While acknowledging the brazen nature of the pre-dawn heist, Minister Ferguson declined to speculate on whether insiders were involved, stating investigations were ongoing. The incident has raised questions about compound security despite the presence of surveillance cameras, with authorities examining potential cross-border connections while emphasizing the thieves appeared to be Belizean nationals based on linguistic evidence.

  • Thieves Ditch Vehicles After Shootout with Police in Cayo

    Thieves Ditch Vehicles After Shootout with Police in Cayo

    A coordinated police operation in Belize’s Cayo District resulted in the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles following an armed confrontation with suspects on December 31, 2025. The incident began when thieves stole a security guard’s phone at Central Farm, prompting an immediate emergency response. Officers from the Benque Police Formation and Special Patrol Unit swiftly implemented a strategic operational plan designed to intercept stolen vehicles typically trafficked toward Guatemala. During the recovery operation, law enforcement personnel came under fire from one of the suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire before the culprits abandoned their vehicles and fled into surrounding areas. Police successfully recovered two stolen trucks—one located on Hydro Road and another on George Street in Benque Viejo Town. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that investigators are examining multiple video recordings and utilizing geo-tracking technology to identify the suspects involved. Operations remain active as authorities continue their pursuit of the individuals responsible for the theft and assault on officers.

  • Christmas Eve Letter Ends Ombudsman Swazo’s Three-Year Term

    Christmas Eve Letter Ends Ombudsman Swazo’s Three-Year Term

    In a significant political development, Gilbert Swazo concluded his three-year tenure as Belize’s Ombudsman on December 31, 2025, following the government’s decision not to renew his contract. The notification arrived via a Christmas Eve letter, culminating a period of heightened tension between Swazo’s office and the administration.

    The departure follows Swazo’s controversial ruling under the Freedom of Information Act that favored activist Jeremy Enriquez—a decision currently under legal challenge by the government. This ruling reportedly created substantial friction between the Ombudsman and government officials, leading to speculation about the connection between this constitutional standoff and his non-renewal.

    In his final statements, Swazo, a retired Major, emphasized his unwavering commitment to constitutional principles. ‘I took a solemn oath to abide by the Constitution and to do right in all manner of people based on the oath,’ he stated. ‘I operated within the confines of the law, ensuring I abide by the constitution of Belize, the laws of Belize, and the rule of law.’

    When questioned about potential government blacklisting given the administration’s remaining four-year term, Swazo responded with principled defiance: ‘I stand predominant by speaking to my values as an individual, as a Garifuna man, as a Belizean. If I must pay the consequences for being in harmony with my values and the Constitution, I will continue to hold my head very high.’

    The departure marks a notable moment in Belize’s governance landscape, raising questions about the independence of oversight institutions and the balance of power between government branches.

  • Panton Says Ombudsman Ouster Breaches Constitutional Norms

    Panton Says Ombudsman Ouster Breaches Constitutional Norms

    BELIZE CITY – Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has launched a severe critique against the Belizean government’s termination of Ombudsman Gilbert Swazo’s contract, characterizing it as a violation of constitutional norms and established procedures. In a recent interview, Panton expressed profound disappointment with the administration’s approach to filling this crucial oversight position.

    The Office of the Ombudsman represents a fundamental constitutional safeguard within Belize’s governance framework, with clearly defined appointment processes outlined in the nation’s constitution. According to customary practice, the sitting officer should indicate their intention to continue serving three months prior to contract expiration – a step Panton confirms Swazo duly followed through media interviews.

    Panton highlighted the government’s missed opportunities to address the matter through proper legislative channels, noting that both House and Senate meetings occurred before year’s end without any discussion of the Ombudsman’s position. This last-minute handling has left Belize without a key constitutional officer, echoing previous administrative failures such as the nearly two-year vacancy in the Accountant General’s office.

    The Opposition Leader condemned what she described as a pattern of ‘reckless’ management of public offices, emphasizing that government officials serve the people rather than personal interests. Panton called on all public officers to continue acting in Belize’s best interests, operating strictly within legal boundaries, despite the current administration’s approach to governance.