Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Neglect followed by neglect

    Neglect followed by neglect

    Health Minister Lackram Bodoe has committed to re-examining the protracted legal case involving eight-year-old Davyn Ragoo and his family, who have been engaged in prolonged litigation to secure essential medical support. This development follows a front-page news report on December 28 that highlighted the family’s struggle against the state’s legal opposition.

    Davyn belongs to a cohort of children born with microcephaly linked to the 2017 Zika virus outbreak. His mother, Kavita Ramkissoon-Ragoo, was compelled to initiate legal proceedings to draw governmental attention to her son’s medical requirements. Although Justice Joan Charles delivered a landmark ruling condemning the state’s failure to provide adequate medical treatment and support, the administration initially announced intentions to appeal the verdict—a threat that ultimately remained unexecuted.

    For years, the case remained in legal limbo, compounding the family’s distress as Davyn grew older without resolved support mechanisms. While Minister Bodoe’s review team has not yet established a timeline or determined specific outcomes, his engagement acknowledges two critical systemic deficiencies.

    Firstly, the case underscores severe gaps in healthcare services for patients with special needs, particularly those affected by Zika and its complications. Addressing these shortcomings would signal a commitment to long-term healthcare reform. Secondly, the situation reveals a misalignment between the litigation strategies of the Attorney General’s office and the public service obligations of government ministries. The pattern of challenging vulnerable citizens in court raises fundamental questions about the state’s fulfillment of its social contract responsibilities.

    The minister’s intervention offers cautious optimism for numerous families facing similar battles, emphasizing that Ramkissoon-Ragoo’s struggle is neither isolated nor uncommon within the current healthcare landscape.

  • Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    In a significant judicial rebuke of military administrative practices, High Court Justice Kevin Ramcharan has delivered a landmark ruling condemning the unlawful treatment of Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard officer Lieutenant (Naval) Chevon Diaz. The January 2nd decision found that flawed performance evaluations and unsubstantiated allegations regarding a missing weapon were improperly utilized to obstruct Diaz’s career advancement.

    The court determined that Diaz was wrongfully denied promotion to acting lieutenant commander despite his 18 years of service, with junior officers being elevated ahead of him in violation of established protocols. Justice Ramcharan’s 50-page judgment exposed critical flaws in the state’s evidence, particularly scrutinizing the affidavit testimony of then-Coast Guard commanding officer Captain Don Polo (now Chief of Defence Staff), which the court described as repeatedly claiming ignorance regarding matters directly within his purview.

    The ruling centered on a 2018 incident involving a missing firearm, which had been used to justify negative performance assessments. The court established that Diaz held no command responsibility for the vessel when the weapon disappeared and that another crew member was actually responsible. With no formal finding of guilt against Diaz, the judge declared that his seniority could not legally be affected by these allegations.

    Justice Ramcharan’s decision mandated that Diaz should have received his promotion to acting lieutenant commander on September 15, 2017—exactly six years after his appointment as lieutenant—with substantive rank advancement following on September 15, 2020. The court additionally ordered reconsideration of Diaz’s eligibility for the Efficiency Medal, requiring assessment based solely on relevant factors rather than the improperly cited weapons incident.

    The state was ordered to pay $175,000 in damages—$100,000 as compensatory damages and $75,000 as vindicatory damages—plus 2.5% annual interest from the claim date until judgment. The ruling also included costs and multiple declaratory orders rectifying Diaz’s promotion timeline and service record.

  • Paul: ‘Marginal gains’ key to elite success

    Paul: ‘Marginal gains’ key to elite success

    Trinidad and Tobago’s premier track cyclist Nicholas Paul has unveiled a meticulously planned competitive schedule for 2026, marking the commencement of his qualification journey for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The strategic roadmap features multiple elite international competitions designed to optimize his performance ahead of the crucial World Track Championships in October.

    Paul’s campaign begins with the Pan American Track Championships in Chile (February 16-22), followed by consecutive UCI Nations Cup rounds in Hong Kong (April 17-19) and Malaysia (April 24-26). The cyclist will then compete at either the Commonwealth Games in Scotland (July 23-August 2) or the Central American and Caribbean Games in Dominican Republic (July 24-August 8) before heading to Shanghai for the World Championships (October 14-18) – his first official Olympic qualifier.

    The accomplished athlete identifies tactical execution and marginal gains as critical focus areas for improvement. “I have to still work on my tactics in racing, that’s a big part of it now,” Paul emphasized. “Being able to actually get the marginal gains now, because that’s where I’m losing. I need to get the marginal gains on the track, in the gym, maybe equipment-wise.”

    Paul approaches 2026 as a pivotal year in his career, noting that strong early performances could alleviate pressure during later qualification stages. Seeking his third Olympic appearance, the cyclist aims to secure Trinidad and Tobago’s first Olympic cycling podium after consistently ranking among top contenders in both the 2020 and 2024 Games.

    Reflecting on his 2025 season, Paul described it as productive though less intense than previous Olympic years. His achievements included triple gold (team sprint, sprint, 1K time trial) and silver (keirin) at the Pan American Championships, plus fourth and seventh place finishes respectively in sprint and keirin events at the World Championships. The cyclist also claimed sprint gold and keirin silver at the Bolivarian Games during Trinidad and Tobago’s debut appearance.

    Currently enjoying a period of recovery in his homeland, Paul is balancing rest with preparation for upcoming challenges. His exceptional 2025 performance earned him the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation’s Male International Cyclist of the Year award in December, further cementing his status as a national sporting icon.

  • NEW YEAR MESSAGE from the Incoming Chair of the Caribbean Community, Hon. Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis

    NEW YEAR MESSAGE from the Incoming Chair of the Caribbean Community, Hon. Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis

    Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, has formally assumed the rotating chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on January 1, 2026, marking the beginning of his six-month tenure at the helm of the regional organization. In his inaugural New Year address, the incoming Chairman outlined both the historical significance and contemporary imperatives facing the 20-member bloc.

    Drew commenced by acknowledging the contributions of his predecessor, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, whose leadership navigated the Community through periods of regional instability. The new Chairman emphasized that CARICOM’s founding principles—established through the 1973 Treaty of Chaguaramas—remain critically relevant in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape. He characterized the organization as a strategic response by visionary predecessors who recognized that vulnerable states required collective strength to address shared challenges.

    The address highlighted CARICOM’s concrete achievements across multiple domains, including expanded regional trade, enhanced labor mobility, strengthened health systems, coordinated disaster response, and influential climate advocacy. Drew particularly emphasized that regional integration has evolved from being merely advantageous to becoming an absolute necessity in an increasingly uncertain world.

    Among the pressing regional priorities identified were the ongoing situation in Haiti, which Drew described as requiring sustained engagement through mechanisms including the Eminent Persons Group and UN Security Council Resolution 2793. He also reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to reparatory justice through the established Ten Point Plan, acknowledging the Caribbean’s unique historical experience while celebrating its extraordinary cultural and intellectual contributions to global civilization.

    Addressing recent public disagreements among member states, the Chairman acknowledged that differences are inherent in diverse communities but stressed the importance of managing dialogues with mutual respect and regional responsibility. He framed CARICOM not as a forum avoiding disagreement but as a mechanism for constructively addressing differences while maintaining collective strength.

    Looking forward, Drew announced that St. Kitts and Nevis will host the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government from February 24-27, 2026, inviting fellow leaders to engage in substantive discussions on regional priorities. He concluded with a call for renewed commitment to Caribbean unity, stronger institutional coordination, and strategic maturity on the global stage, affirming that CARICOM represents both the identity and aspirations of the Caribbean people.

  • ARC organisers donate supplies to boys training centre

    ARC organisers donate supplies to boys training centre

    In a heartwarming annual tradition, participants of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) have once again demonstrated maritime generosity by donating substantial food provisions to benefit the Boys Training Centre (BTC) and their families in Saint Lucia. The initiative, coordinated by the World Cruising Club, redirects surplus supplies from transatlantic voyagers to community institutions most in need.

    The donation mechanism leverages a practical reality of ocean crossings: sailing crews preparing for the 2,700-nautical-mile journey from the Canary Islands frequently overprovision for safety. Upon reaching Caribbean shores, approximately 150 vessels annually contribute their excess canned goods, dry stores, and non-perishable items rather than letting supplies go unused.

    ARC Director Paul Tetlow explained the program’s rationale: ‘Mariners naturally err on the side of caution when stocking for ocean passages. This system allows us to transform their calculated surplus into community support, creating a meaningful bridge between international sailors and local populations.’

    The strategic distribution to BTC families was facilitated through local ARC coordinator Peta Cozier in collaboration with the Army Winehouse Foundation, which maintains an established partnership with the youth facility. Timing was deliberately coordinated with the center’s Christmas break, ensuring provisions reached households during the festive period when support is most impactful.

    BTC Manager Leanna Wallace welcomed both the material and symbolic significance of the donation. ‘Beyond addressing practical needs, this gesture profoundly demonstrates to our young men that the global community invests in their wellbeing and development,’ she stated, emphasizing how such interactions broaden students’ perspectives on service and global citizenship.

    The 2025 donation carried special significance, marking both the ARC’s 40th overall edition and its 35th consecutive finish in Saint Lucia, reinforcing long-standing ties between the international sailing community and Caribbean host nations.

  • A New Year message to our readers

    A New Year message to our readers

    The Dominican Today editorial team has extended heartfelt New Year greetings to its readership as 2026 commences, expressing profound gratitude for their ongoing support and engagement. In a special year-end communication, the publication conveyed warm wishes for a period marked by robust health, sustained peace, and widespread prosperity throughout the coming year.

    The news outlet has formally announced a temporary publishing hiatus during the initial days of January, with operations scheduled to resume normally on January 2. This brief intermission represents a strategic pause rather than a complete shutdown, allowing the team to refresh before undertaking another year of intensive news coverage.

    Upon returning to regular publication cycles, Dominican Today reaffirmed its foundational commitment to delivering cutting-edge news reporting and maintaining its position as a premier information source. The publication’s mission remains centered on keeping its audience thoroughly informed about significant developments across the Dominican Republic and broader global context through accurate, timely journalism.

    The message concluded with renewed seasonal greetings, encapsulating the team’s optimistic outlook for both their readership’s personal fortunes and the continued journalistic collaboration throughout 2026.

  • Opposition Demands Answers on Ombudsman Exit

    Opposition Demands Answers on Ombudsman Exit

    A significant political controversy has emerged in Belize following the non-renewal of Ombudsman Major Herman Gilbert Swazo’s contract, which officially expires today, December 31, 2025. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and raised concerns about governmental transparency.

    The United Democratic Party leader and Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has publicly challenged the government’s silence regarding Swazo’s departure. In an online statement, Panton emphasized the constitutional importance of the Ombudsman’s office, describing it as a critical institution designed to protect citizens from administrative misconduct, power abuse, and state-level injustice. She asserted that the office’s independence and continuity are fundamental pillars of democratic governance and rule of law.

    The development follows recent controversy surrounding Swazo’s handling of a Freedom of Information appeal related to legal fees paid to private attorneys in the government’s redistricting case. Swazo had ruled that portions of this information should be publicly disclosed, a decision the current administration is now challenging in court.

    Swazo revealed he received unexpected notification of his non-reappointment on Christmas Eve via a letter from Cabinet Secretary Stuart Leslie. The communication expressed gratitude for his contributions but made no mention of contract renewal, which Swazo interpreted as definitive termination. Despite the circumstances, Swazo maintained that his actions should not discourage others from advocating for justice and governmental accountability.

  • Lukashenko describes attack on Putin’s residence as terrorism

    Lukashenko describes attack on Putin’s residence as terrorism

    In a significant escalation of diplomatic rhetoric, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has characterized a recent drone assault on a Russian presidential compound as “the most savage terrorism, at the highest state level.” The remarks came during a press briefing where Lukashenko expressed bewilderment about the attack’s motives, questioning “who needs it?”

    The incident, which Russian authorities claim occurred in the Novgorod region, involved an alleged deployment of 91 unmanned aerial vehicles targeting the presidential residence. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov directly attributed the attack to Ukrainian forces, marking one of the most serious accusations in recent months.

    Despite the severity of the alleged assault, Lavrov reported that Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted all drones involved, preventing any damage to the presidential compound. The minister’s statement highlighted Russia’s continued military preparedness against what it characterizes as terrorist tactics.

    In a consequential development for international diplomacy, Lavrov indicated that while Russia does not plan to completely abandon negotiation channels with the United States following the incident, Moscow will substantially reassess its position in those talks. This suggests potential hardening of Russia’s diplomatic stance toward Western powers engaged in the Ukraine conflict.

    The allegations emerge against a backdrop of intensified hostilities in the region, with drone warfare becoming increasingly prevalent. Security analysts note that attacks on high-profile political targets represent a dangerous escalation in tactics, potentially altering the conflict’s dynamics.

  • Panamanians commemorate transfer of canal administration

    Panamanians commemorate transfer of canal administration

    December 31, 1999, marked a historic transition of power as Panama assumed full sovereignty over one of the world’s most critical maritime infrastructures—the Panama Canal. This transfer ended nearly a century of United States administration that began with the waterway’s 1914 inauguration. During the US operational period, the Canal Zone functioned as a sovereign enclave with separate laws and authorities, creating a physical and jurisdictional division through the heart of the isthmus.

    Over the past 26 years, Panama has not only maintained seamless operations but has significantly advanced the canal’s capabilities and global standing. The establishment of the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) proved instrumental in this success, facilitating comprehensive technical training programs to ensure operational continuity during the sovereignty transition.

    Panama’s stewardship has been characterized by visionary development projects, most notably the 2016 canal expansion that substantially increased transit capacity. The nation has successfully navigated complex water crises while enhancing the waterway’s efficiency. These strategic improvements have solidified the canal’s position in global maritime trade, with the infrastructure now handling approximately 6% of worldwide commercial shipping traffic.

  • 2025 Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards Set for February 26, 2026

    2025 Antigua and Barbuda National Music Awards Set for February 26, 2026

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda will celebrate its vibrant music scene with the official staging of the 2025 National Music Awards (ABNMA) on February 26, 2026. The announcement was formally made by the Ministry of Creative Industries, highlighting the event’s significance in the cultural calendar.

    Established to honor excellence across the musical spectrum, the ABNMA recognizes the exceptional contributions of musicians, producers, composers, songwriters, vocalists, arrangers, educators, and industry practitioners. The awards platform functions as both a celebration of artistic achievement and a strategic initiative to drive growth, innovation, and elevated standards within the twin-island state’s creative sector.

    Building upon the success of previous editions, the 2025 ceremony aims to broaden its influence by uniting artists from diverse genres, generations, and communities. This gathering is designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the rich and varied tapestry of Antiguan and Barbudan music.

    The nomination process is set to commence on January 6, 2026, with the full roster of award categories being unveiled simultaneously. The Ministry is actively encouraging participation from creatives, industry professionals, and the general public to ensure comprehensive recognition of outstanding talent within the local music industry.

    Reiterating its commitment to cultural development, the Ministry emphasized that the National Music Awards serve as a vital national institution. Beyond honoring current achievements, the platform aims to inspire emerging talent, strengthen cultural identity, and bolster the sustainable development of the creative economy.

    As the nation looks toward 2026, the Ministry extended its well-wishes for a prosperous and culturally dynamic year to all artists, stakeholders, partners, and community members. The ABNMA stands as a powerful testament to the extraordinary outcomes achievable through the fusion of talent, dedication, and national pride.

    Additional information regarding award categories, detailed nomination guidelines, and event updates will be disseminated through official channels in the coming weeks.