Carib Scope

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  • Grieving mom finds God’s strength at daughter’s funeral

    Grieving mom finds God’s strength at daughter’s funeral

    CROSS KEYS, Manchester — A community united in grief witnessed an extraordinary display of spiritual fortitude Friday as Samantha Biggs addressed congregants at her nine-year-old daughter’s funeral service. Defying expectations, the bereaved mother delivered a powerful eulogy at Cross Keys Church of God of Prophecy, attributing her composure to divine intervention rather than personal strength.

    “Many may find my presence here surprising,” Biggs acknowledged before the assembled mourners. “Yet I felt compelled to speak today. I am sustained by the conviction that power exists to secure justice for Amoya Moore.” Her declaration resonated through the sanctuary, generating supportive affirmations from attendees.

    The tragedy occurred December 9 when Amoya, a fourth-grade student at Villa Road Primary School, was fatally struck by a garbage truck moments after exchanging morning greetings with its crew. The incident occurred mere meters from her family residence in Bonitto Heights, Mandeville, at approximately 7:00 am.

    In emotionally raw remarks, Biggs rejected conventional eulogy conventions: “I will not offer polished speeches that might deepen my anguish. My child is physically absent, yet her spirit remains ever-present within my heart and memories.” She described the aftermath as “profoundly traumatic,” noting the particular difficulty of mornings without her daughter’s vibrant presence.

    Investigation updates remained unavailable from Mandeville police through Friday. An alleged eyewitness expressed frustration to local media, claiming investigators had not collected their statement despite willingness to cooperate.

    School Principal Brent James memorialized Amoya as an “impactful student” known for radiating joy and respect. He recalled her habit of addressing staff with familial terms—calling him “daddy”—and shared a poignant memory of her abandoning her father’s hand to embrace him during a chance meeting.

    The school announced establishment of a memorial scholarship honoring Amoya’s characteristics, with stakeholders pledging support to perpetuate her legacy. The ceremony concluded with peers from Villa Road Primary weeping openly during musical tributes, their grief mirroring the community’s overwhelming loss. Amoya’s pink casket featured photographs alongside the inscription: “Rest peacefully, our angel.”

  • ‘12 years not enough’

    ‘12 years not enough’

    Alicia King, a survivor of a horrific arson attack, has voiced complex emotions regarding the 12-year prison sentence given to her former partner, Antwone Grey. While expressing profound gratitude for the judicial outcome, she simultaneously conveyed her belief that the punishment does not fully reflect the immense physical and psychological suffering she has endured, which includes undergoing more than 30 surgeries with several more life-threatening procedures ahead.

    The brutal incident occurred on August 24, 2023, when Grey, also known as ‘Bad Fowl,’ doused King with a flammable substance and set her ablaze at her St. Catherine residence. He was subsequently convicted on multiple charges, including arson, attempted murder, and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

    In a poignant interview, King articulated her internal conflict. She acknowledged that many victims never see their assailants brought to justice, prompting her to ‘big up’ the legal system, the police, and her legal team. However, she initially hoped for a sentence closer to 30 years, a figure she correlates with the staggering number of surgical interventions required for her recovery. A critical upcoming surgery on her neck, which connects to her chest plate, underscores the ongoing, severe medical challenges she faces.

    Beyond the sentence length, King’s concerns extend to her future safety, contemplating what might happen when Grey is eventually released. She is now determined to focus on living her best life in the coming 12 years while grappling with these anxieties.

    In contrast, her stepmother, Julia Mendez, expressed a sense of relief and closure, believing that justice was served and attributing the outcome to divine will. She emphasized that the conclusion of the legal battle allows King to finally move forward with her life.

  • Second chance without compromise

    Second chance without compromise

    Jamaica’s Senate has enacted significant reforms to the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act, marking a pivotal shift in the nation’s justice approach by expanding eligibility for criminal record expungement. Government senators unanimously emphasized that these amendments constitute a strategic component of a balanced anti-crime framework rather than indicating softened enforcement policies.

    The revised legislation empowers the Criminal Records Board to evaluate applications from individuals who served prison terms exceeding five years but not surpassing ten years. Adult offenders must complete a 15-year rehabilitation period before applying, while those under 18 at conviction qualify after eight years. The amendments establish comprehensive evaluation criteria including offense severity, demonstrated rehabilitation, participation in reintegration programs, expressions of remorse, and potential impacts on public safety and international obligations.

    Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley articulated the administration’s position during parliamentary debates, stating: “This Administration is not coy about applying draconian legislation when appropriate to address social ills. However, this legislation recognizes our holistic, multi-pronged approach to societal violence—including encouraging offenders who have genuinely turned their lives around.” He highlighted alignment with international standards, referencing the UK’s spent convictions law, North American record suspension systems, and Oceania’s Clean Slate Act.

    The legislative changes received cross-bench support, with Opposition Senator Donna Scott-Mottley affirming that “compassion and accountability are not mutually exclusive.” She noted the reforms particularly benefit impoverished and marginalized Jamaicans who have completed their sentences but remain hampered by past convictions. However, she cautioned that implementation efficiency would determine the law’s ultimate effectiveness, citing historical bureaucratic delays in expungement processing.

    Government Senator Charles Sinclair Jr advocated for complementary prison system reforms, proposing structured work-and-earn programs to help inmates offset personal expenses, compensate victims, and support families. He emphasized that such initiatives would preserve dignity and reduce recidivism among those serving extended sentences.

    All parties concurred that successful implementation requires adequate resourcing of administrative systems and continued parliamentary oversight to ensure the legislation delivers tangible relief rather than becoming mired in procedural obstacles.

  • It’s not automatic

    It’s not automatic

    The Jamaican Senate has approved significant amendments to the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act, establishing a rigorous two-tier evaluation system for expungement applications. Government Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon emphasized during Friday’s parliamentary session that overseas expungements won’t automatically transfer to Jamaican records, addressing concerns about international justice system disparities.

    The legislative framework mandates case-by-case assessments rather than blanket approvals. The revamped procedure requires offenders to first complete prescribed rehabilitation periods before their convictions become ‘spent.’ Subsequently, applicants must demonstrate genuine rehabilitation to the Criminal Records Board, which evaluates potential impacts on justice administration and national security.

    Notably, the amendments expand the Board’s jurisdiction to consider offenses carrying sentences between five and ten years—previously automatically disqualified. This change responds to documented cases where non-egregious crimes received mandatory sentences exceeding the prior threshold. Rehabilitation periods consequently extend from 10 to 12 years for adults and from 5 to 8 years for minors.

    The legislation introduces standardized evaluation criteria including psychological assessments, social enquiry reports, restorative justice participation, and remorse demonstration. To handle anticipated application increases, the Board will expand from five to seven-nine members. Senator Morris Dixon confirmed planned public education campaigns to manage expectations about the amended process’s selective nature.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Saturday January 31st 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Saturday January 31st 2026

    The global dietary supplement industry, a multi-billion dollar market, operates in a regulatory gray zone that continues to challenge consumers and health professionals alike. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs that undergo rigorous FDA testing for safety and efficacy before market entry, supplements benefit from considerably more lenient regulations under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994.

    This regulatory framework places the burden of proof on the FDA to demonstrate a supplement is unsafe after it has already reached consumers, rather than requiring pre-market approval. This fundamental difference means new supplement products can appear on store shelves and e-commerce platforms with minimal oversight, relying primarily on manufacturer integrity for quality and accuracy in labeling.

    Recent analyses reveal concerning gaps between marketing claims and scientific evidence. While some supplements demonstrate clear benefits for specific nutrient deficiencies or health conditions, many products make ambitious claims that lack robust clinical validation. The industry faces ongoing challenges with product contamination, inconsistent dosing, and occasionally, the inclusion of undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients in products marketed as ‘all-natural’.
    Health experts emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare providers before beginning any supplement regimen, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking prescription medications. Potential interactions between supplements and medications can produce unintended consequences that consumers may not anticipate.

    The digital age has further complicated the landscape, with social media influencers and targeted advertising creating unprecedented demand for various supplements often without adequate context about their appropriate use or limitations. Regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly examining how to modernize oversight approaches for these products that occupy the complex intersection between food, medicine, and consumer wellness.

  • Police crowned domino champs at Public Service Games

    Police crowned domino champs at Public Service Games

    The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has emerged victorious as the domino champions in the government’s annual Public Service Games, defeating the Fire Services in a thrilling final match. The police team, consisting of Special Constable Lenny Dangleben, Inspector Delvin Blanc, Sergeant Julien Francois, and Corporal Miguel George, demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the tournament after finishing their zone matches with three wins and one loss.

    In a dramatic championship showdown, the CDPF secured a decisive victory with a final score of 1209 points against the Fire Services’ 987 points. This triumph held particular significance for the police team, who had been runners-up in the previous competition. The victory marks a remarkable comeback and demonstrates their improved performance in this year’s games.

    The Public Service Games, now in its latest edition, featured participation from 19 government departments and agencies. The initiative was established to foster teamwork, camaraderie, and healthy competition among public officers while promoting recreational engagement across different government sectors. The domino competition represents one of the key events within the broader games framework, drawing significant interest from both participants and spectators.

    Organizers emphasized that the games serve as an important platform for building relationships between different government departments while encouraging friendly competition outside of regular work environments. The CDPF released an official statement extending congratulations to the winning team for their outstanding performance and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

  • LIVE ON DNO Pay-per-view coverage of the Calypso Semi-Finals and Calypso Finals

    LIVE ON DNO Pay-per-view coverage of the Calypso Semi-Finals and Calypso Finals

    Music enthusiasts worldwide can experience the vibrant rhythms of Caribbean culture this Saturday evening through an exclusive live broadcast. Dominica News Online, in partnership with ComeSeeTv, will stream the highly anticipated Calypso Semi-Finals starting at 8:30 PM local time.

    The event marks a significant moment for the preservation and global promotion of calypso music, an art form deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Dominica and the wider Caribbean. This pay-per-view arrangement represents a modern approach to celebrating traditional music, allowing the diaspora and international fans to participate remotely.

    ComeSeeTv’s technological infrastructure will facilitate the high-quality digital transmission, ensuring viewers receive an immersive auditory and visual experience. The semi-finals serve as a crucial competitive platform for calypso artists, who use their musical prowess to comment on social issues, celebrate history, and entertain through witty lyrics and infectious melodies.

    This digital accessibility initiative demonstrates how traditional cultural events are adapting to contemporary viewing habits while maintaining their artistic integrity and significance.

  • Cuban Ambassador hosts Dominica’s Solidarity Group and Association of Graduates

    Cuban Ambassador hosts Dominica’s Solidarity Group and Association of Graduates

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Cuban Ambassador Miguel Fraga convened with representatives from the Solidarity Group with Cuba and the Association of Cuban Graduates at the Cuban Embassy in Dominica on January 29. The meeting served as a platform to address Cuba’s contemporary challenges while celebrating decades of educational collaboration between the two nations.

    Ambassador Fraga delivered a comprehensive briefing on Cuba’s current economic and political landscape, highlighting the severe impact of what he characterized as a ‘criminal and genocidal’ economic blockade against the island nation. He asserted that these sanctions represent a deliberate strategy to impoverish the Cuban population and isolate the country internationally.

    The dialogue particularly emphasized the remarkable educational partnership that has flourished since 1979, with more than 400 Dominican students having completed their studies in Cuban universities. This academic exchange has produced over 120 medical doctors who have subsequently contributed significantly to both Cuba’s healthcare system and the development of the Dominican Republic’s medical infrastructure.

    Participants unanimously agreed to enhance solidarity and cooperative initiatives as both nations approach the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The upcoming centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz’s birth was also proposed as an occasion to reaffirm the historical bonds between the countries.

    The concluding consensus reinforced a shared commitment to defending sovereignty, strengthening solidarity cooperation, and maintaining a bilateral relationship founded on mutual respect and enduring friendship.

  • One killed, two injured in Albouystown shooting

    One killed, two injured in Albouystown shooting

    A fatal shooting incident shook the Albouystown community on Thursday evening, resulting in one fatality and two individuals sustaining injuries. According to law enforcement authorities, the violence erupted on James Street when an unidentified assailant opened fire indiscriminately.

    The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Kevon “Author” Ridley, a local laborer residing on James Street. Preliminary police investigations indicate that an unknown male perpetrator discharged multiple rounds in the area, striking Ridley with several gunshot wounds. Emergency services transported the victim to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival.

    Two additional victims caught in the crossfire include a 30-year-old male vendor from Albouystown, who sustained a gunshot injury to his back, and a 43-year-old spray painter from Lust-en-Rust, West Bank Demerara, who suffered a shoulder gunshot wound. Both survivors received immediate medical attention, with the vendor treated at Georgetown Public Hospital and the painter receiving care at a private medical facility. Police confirm both injured parties remain in stable condition.

    Law enforcement officials report no arrests have been made as investigations continue. Authorities are actively working to determine the precise circumstances and motivations behind the shooting, with police urging community members to come forward with any relevant information that might assist in identifying the perpetrator.

  • PRESS RELEASE: West Indies Under-19s exit World Cup after valiant campaign

    PRESS RELEASE: West Indies Under-19s exit World Cup after valiant campaign

    In a gripping encounter at Harare Sports Club, West Indies Under-19s concluded their ICC World Cup campaign with a narrow 22-run defeat to defending champions Australia on Wednesday. The young Caribbean side, requiring victory to enhance semi-final prospects, fought valiantly but ultimately fell short while chasing Australia’s formidable 314/7, finishing at 292/9 despite impressive half-centuries from Zachary Carter and captain Joshua Dorne.

    The tournament journey began promisingly in Namibia with a five-wicket victory over Tanzania, featuring Tanez Francis’s measured half-century and Vitel Lawes’s bowling excellence (3/23). After suffering a setback against Afghanistan, the team demonstrated resilience with a commanding 55-run triumph over South Africa. Carter announced his arrival on the global stage with a spectacular 114-run century, while Shaquan Belle delivered the tournament’s best bowling figures (6/40) to dismantle the South African batting lineup.

    Advancing to the Super Six stage with carried-forward points, West Indies secured a rain-affected DLS victory against Ireland before facing the crucial encounter against Australia. Despite winning the toss and electing to field, opposition captain Oliver Peake’s century propelled Australia to their challenging total. The Caribbean chase commenced explosively with Carter and Francis establishing an 88-run opening partnership, featuring the tournament’s fourth-fastest half-century. Though momentum was maintained through the middle overs, the team struggled during the death overs, culminating in their elimination.

    Several players distinguished themselves throughout the competition: Carter finished with the joint-most sixes (13), wicketkeeper Jewel Andrew led in boundaries (30), while Lawes emerged as the leading wicket-taker (10 scalps) with the most dot balls (150). The team’s World Cup preparation proved comprehensive, including series victories against Sri Lanka U-19s (4-3) and England U-19s (5-2) prior to the tournament, providing crucial match exposure and tactical development.

    While the campaign concluded without silverware, the experience signifies substantial developmental progress for West Indies cricket. The players demonstrated the characteristic Caribbean competitive spirit and resilience against world-class emerging talent, laying foundation for future success in international cricket.