Carib Scope

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  • Family demands answers after father of four shot by police

    Family demands answers after father of four shot by police

    A Grand Bahama family is seeking accountability from law enforcement following a controversial police-involved shooting in Eight Mile Rock that left 49-year-old father of four Jorel Saltine wounded. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Russell Town area, sparking allegations of excessive force and procedural violations.

    According to Cecil Celo Similien, the victim’s brother, Saltine was shot outside their family residence without justification. “I was home when I heard a gunshot,” Similien recounted. “I came out, and I heard that my little brother got shot in the yard.” He emphatically denied police assertions that Saltine was armed, stating no weapons or drugs were found on his brother following the shooting.

    The Royal Bahamas Police Force provided an alternative account, indicating the confrontation began around 5pm on December 28 when officers on patrol observed a man in the Cemetery Road area who fled upon noticing them. Police claim that during the pursuit, the suspect held his waistband and entered an abandoned structure. Upon exiting, officers alleged he pointed a black object in their direction, prompting one officer to discharge his weapon and strike the suspect in the right foot.

    Law enforcement officials confirmed the wounded man was transported to Rand Memorial Hospital, where medical staff determined his injuries were non-life-threatening. After treatment, he was discharged into police custody and remains detained at Central Police Station.

    The family has raised serious concerns about police procedures following the incident. Similien questioned why no ambulance was summoned to the scene and criticized the premature removal of his brother from medical care. “That could have never happened in the United States,” he stated. “Any question that they needed to ask would have been done in the hospital.”

    Similien further challenged the narrative that his brother posed a threat, asking: “If you chasing an individual and this individual have his back turn, shouldn’t you give a warning shot?” He expressed frustration with what he perceives as systemic protection of officers, stating: “In The Bahamas, we got this thing that the police is always right, which is wrong.”

    The family has also alleged that the involved officer had previously been instructed by courts not to enter their property and accused senior officers of covering up misconduct. “It is a shame when the system that’s supposed to be protecting the citizen is the same system that is corrupt and abusing their power,” Similien asserted.

    Expressing little confidence in official complaints mechanisms, Similien described the process as ineffective: “To go lodge a complaint is just like you writing something and you taking it and fold the paper up and throw it in the garbage.” He claimed that when attempting to file a report, he was dismissed by officers, suggesting discriminatory treatment based on his Rastafarian appearance.

    The Royal Bahamas Police Force has confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing through its Complaint and Corruption Branch, which accepts reports through multiple channels including in-person submissions, written correspondence, and electronic communications.

  • ‘I just want to stay around for my kids’

    ‘I just want to stay around for my kids’

    A 49-year-old mother from Murphy Town, Abaco, endured a Christmas season defined by pain and financial distress rather than celebration, as she confronts a severe ovarian cancer diagnosis without adequate means to secure treatment. Anastasia Johnson, a mother of three, described her devastating physical and emotional journey to The Tribune from her bedside, where she remains largely immobilized by the disease.

    Her medical crisis emerged earlier this year while employed as a cleaner at Maxwell’s supermarket, where she began suffering from relentless vomiting, drastic weight loss, and debilitating fatigue. After initial examinations at a local clinic, she was referred to Princess Margaret Hospital in New Providence, where physicians identified a significant mass subsequently diagnosed as ovarian cancer.

    The emotional toll was immediate and profound. “I broke down in tears,” Ms. Johnson recounted. “I didn’t eat at all for that day, for the next two days, because I didn’t expect it to be cancer.”

    Her resilience is fueled by concern for her children—two sons aged ten and 14, and a 33-year-old daughter. Though she receives emotional and practical support from her children’s father, former coworkers, and loved ones, the financial burden of treatment remains overwhelming. Having resigned from her job due to unbearable pain even before her diagnosis, she now faces estimated chemotherapy costs of $400 per session—an insurmountable sum given her circumstances.

    Medical advisors have recommended she travel to New Providence in early January to determine the required number of chemotherapy rounds. Beyond treatment itself, she requires assistance for seizure medication, inter-island travel, accommodation, food, and basic living expenses.

    This Christmas, typically a time of joy and family connection, was marred by suffering and anxiety. “I really didn’t enjoy it. I tried to smile for my kids, but with everything I’m going through, it wasn’t really enjoyable,” she confessed.

    Facing an uncertain future, Ms. Johnson clings to faith and maternal love. “I just want to stay around for my kids, to watch them grow up,” she expressed. “A mother plays a major role in the kids’ lives. I want to be here to watch my two boys grow up and become someone in life.”

    Those wishing to offer support may contact Ms. Johnson directly at 242-804-2078.

  • Father of seven dies while picking breadfruit

    Father of seven dies while picking breadfruit

    A devastating electrical accident on Christmas Eve has claimed the life of Simon Magislin, a 53-year-old Haitian handyman and father of seven residing in The Bahamas. The tragic incident occurred on Wilton Street as Magislin attempted to harvest breadfruit using a metal pole that inadvertently contacted overhead power lines.

    According to police reports, emergency responders arrived at the scene following reports of an unresponsive male. Investigation revealed that the iron pole Magislin employed had struck a live electrical wire, resulting in immediate electrocution. The Haitian national had resided in The Bahamas for approximately three to four years, working primarily in maintenance and repair services.

    Neighbor Reynold Simon, who witnessed the aftermath, described the sequence of events: “The door was open. I was seated inside that small front shack when the impact occurred. Upon investigation, I discovered him lying motionless on the ground.” Simon speculated that the metal implement may have slipped from Magislin’s grasp due to his attire of shorts, potentially compromising his grip and control.

    Family members disclosed that despite recently securing more consistent employment, Magislin had expressed significant financial anxieties regarding Christmas provisions for his seven children, all residing in Haiti. Cousin Odilet Lepin revealed their final conversation approximately two weeks prior centered exclusively on economic hardships: “Everything was great health-wise. He wasn’t sick. He just was crying about how Christmas coming on the way and he had no money. That’s the only thing we discussed—how circumstances were genuinely difficult.”

    The scene following the accident was marked by profound grief, with Magislin’s brother reportedly rendered speechless by emotional distress. Local authorities have ordered an autopsy to conclusively determine the precise cause of death, though preliminary evidence strongly suggests accidental electrocution.

  • Cornish and Fox chosen as PLP candidates for Abaco

    Cornish and Fox chosen as PLP candidates for Abaco

    The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has officially designated its electoral contenders for Abaco’s constituencies in the approaching general election, positioning incumbent representative Kirk Cornish and emerging political figure Bradley Fox Jr. to champion the party’s campaign. Verified reports indicate Cornish will pursue the North Abaco nomination, while Fox, who currently chairs the PLP’s branch for Central and South Abaco, will compete for that respective seat. These determinations emerged following rigorous evaluations conducted by the PLP’s candidate selection committee earlier this month, with formal ratification anticipated in the coming weeks.

    The nomination process witnessed competitive challenges, as Bryant Lowe, chairman of Progressive Young Liberals, contested Cornish for the North Abaco candidacy. Meanwhile, Bradley Fox Jr. faced opposition from Donald Rolle, the Acting Director of Local Government. Political observers noted intensified interest in the Central and South Abaco seat after Rolle asserted substantial branch support—a claim that reportedly astonished party insiders, given Fox’s established leadership role within the same branch.

    This electoral restructuring follows the departure of incumbent John Pinder from Central and South Abaco, who previously announced he would not seek re-election. Pinder expressed his belief that he could effect greater change operating behind the scenes rather than through frontline politics. His decision comes amid mixed evaluations of his legislative performance, though Pinder has consistently emphasized achievements in Abaco’s economic regeneration and post-disaster recovery, citing completed public works projects and infrastructure enhancements in areas like Pelican Road and Moore’s Island.

    Despite Cornish’s renomination, some PLP constituents have voiced criticisms regarding his attention to local infrastructure concerns and community responsiveness. Nevertheless, Anastasia Dawkins, chair of the North Abaco PLP branch, affirmed the branch’s support for Cornish once his nomination is formalized, expressing confidence in his ability to secure the seat.

    The Free National Movement (FNM), the main opposition party, has already ratified its candidates: Jeremy Sweeting for Central and South Abaco and Terrece Bootle-Laing for North Abaco, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral contest in the region.

  • Mitchell warns us entry rules becoming ‘unforgiving’

    Mitchell warns us entry rules becoming ‘unforgiving’

    The Bahamas’ Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has issued a stark warning regarding increasingly stringent US immigration policies that are creating significant barriers for Bahamian citizens seeking entry to the United States. In recent discussions with American officials, including newly appointed US Ambassador Herschel Walker and former Chargé d’Affaires Kimberley Furnish, Minister Mitchell emphasized the critical nature of maintaining access between the two nations.

    Mitchell characterized the evolving immigration landscape as growing progressively ‘stricter’ and more ‘unforgiving’ with each passing week, noting that while access remains technically available, the practical hurdles continue to multiply. The minister highlighted the profound historical and demographic connections between the countries, pointing to the substantial Bahamian diaspora of over 57,000 individuals residing in the United States.

    The foreign minister referenced Robert Wilder’s novel ‘Wind From the Carolinas’ as a literary testament to an era when movement between The Bahamas and US was considerably more fluid and American visitors frequented Nassau with minimal restrictions. This historical contrast underscores the dramatic shift in contemporary border policies.

    Mitchell’s concerns extend beyond travel convenience to encompass fundamental economic considerations. The Bahamas faces persistent labor shortages across vital sectors including hospitality, construction, healthcare, and tourism—challenges that have prompted increased requests for work permits to supplement the domestic workforce. These economic realities create a complex bilateral dynamic where The Bahamas must balance its own labor needs while advocating for its citizens’ access to the United States.

    Contrary to assumptions about population decline, recent preliminary census data from the Bahamas National Statistical Institute reveals a 13.6 percent population increase between 2010 and 2022, primarily driven by net migration. The data further indicates that New Providence is experiencing more rapid growth compared to the Family Islands. Minister Mitchell concluded that without this migratory pattern, the Bahamian economy would face severe challenges, emphasizing the interconnected nature of immigration and economic stability.

  • TTFA president Kieron Edwards: We regained corporate, government trust in 2025

    TTFA president Kieron Edwards: We regained corporate, government trust in 2025

    In a transformative year for Caribbean football, Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) President Kieron Edwards has revealed how stringent financial reforms became the cornerstone of the organization’s dramatic resurgence in 2025. Through implementing rigorous transparency measures and strategic governance changes, the association successfully restored both corporate and governmental confidence in its operations.

    Edwards, speaking in a year-end interview with TTFA media on December 28, emphasized that his administration deliberately structured the executive board with financial expertise at its core. The strategic inclusion of multiple chartered accountants signaled the association’s commitment to fiscal responsibility from the highest levels of leadership.

    A pivotal development involved partnering with FIFA to install a dedicated financial consultant within the organization. This collaboration established a comprehensive audit system that ensures absolute accountability for all incoming funds. Corporate sponsors now receive detailed pre-investment expenditure plans and post-utilization reports, creating unprecedented transparency in how football funding is managed.

    The financial overhaul produced tangible results, with the TTFA securing major sponsorship agreements from prominent national companies including National Gas Company, bmobile, KFC, Stag, and Sunshine Snacks for the 2025-2026 period.

    Concurrently, the association fostered strengthened government relations, engaging promptly with newly appointed Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts following the April 28 government transition. This proactive approach yielded significant policy achievements, most notably the rapid passage of the ‘grandparent law’ that expands national team eligibility criteria.

    Infrastructure improvements complemented these administrative advances, with the Hasely Crawford Stadium’s home dressing room undergoing complete refurbishment. Edwards characterized these collective developments as ushering in ‘a new era of professionalism’ that positions Trinidad and Tobago football for sustained success in the modern sporting landscape.

  • Less first-class cricket leads to less mental strength

    Less first-class cricket leads to less mental strength

    The 1960/61 West Indies tour of Australia marked a transformative moment in cricket history, fundamentally altering the sport’s trajectory despite the Caribbean side’s 2-1 series defeat. This landmark engagement—featuring Test cricket’s first-ever tied match—rejuvenated public interest through the visitors’ electrifying style of play, contrasting sharply with the monotonous ‘Battle of the Snooze’ between Australia and England just two years prior.

    Captain Frank Worrell’s commitment to ‘natural West Indian cricket’ captivated Australian audiences to such extent that hundreds of thousands lined Melbourne’s streets to bid farewell to what became the most celebrated touring team in the nation’s cricketing history. This unprecedented popularity directly influenced England’s cricketing authorities to implement radical structural changes when welcoming the West Indies in 1963.

    Facing financial instability in county cricket, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) overhauled its system by accelerating West Indies’ return tour to 1966 instead of 1971 and introducing twin summer tours. The most significant reform came in 1968 with the abolition of archaic residency rules, permitting counties to employ two overseas players who could simultaneously represent their home nations. Thirteen of seventeen counties initially recruited West Indian talent, leveraging their attractive playing style to boost attendance and financial viability.

    This historical context highlights a stark contrast with contemporary challenges. Today’s Caribbean batsmen demonstrate diminished technical proficiency and mental resilience, attributes traditionally cultivated through first-class cricket’s rigorous demands. The T20 format’s dominance has created a generation unfamiliar with prolonged concentration against varied bowling strategies, where batsmen face temporary bowling threats rather than sustained tactical examinations.

    The foundational principles of batsmanship—developed through two-innings cricket where discipline and technique are paramount—are being eroded by excessive T20 exposure. Where Sir Frank Worrell’s team elevated cricket through artistic excellence, current development pathways prioritize explosive brevity over enduring craftsmanship, resulting in weakened batting fundamentals across West Indian cricket.

  • Keshorn, Bertrand are TTOC’s best; Wallace, Marchan cop junior awards for 2025

    Keshorn, Bertrand are TTOC’s best; Wallace, Marchan cop junior awards for 2025

    In a glittering ceremony at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain on December 29, Olympic legend Keshorn Walcott secured the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) Sportsman of the Year award, culminating a remarkable season of athletic excellence. The 32-year-old javelin specialist, already a two-time Olympic medalist, added another prestigious accolade to his collection following his sensational gold medal performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

    Walcott’s championship-winning throw of 88.16 meters demonstrated his dominance in the field events, capping a year of consistent performances that included multiple throws exceeding 80 meters on the Diamond League circuit. His victory in Tokyo was particularly sweet given his injury-forced absence from the 2023 World Championships in Hungary, making this achievement a story of athletic redemption.

    On the women’s side, sprint sensation Leah Bertrand maintained her reign as Trinidad and Tobago’s premier female athlete, capturing the Sportswoman of the Year title for the second consecutive year. The rising track star achieved personal bests of 10.92 seconds in the 100-meter and 22.54 in the 200-meter events throughout the season, while successfully defending her national 100-meter title in August.

    The awards ceremony also celebrated other standout performers including sprinter Jereem Richards, who received the Sports Personality of the Year honor after setting a national record of 43.72 seconds in the 400-meter event at the World Championships. Cyclist Nicholas Paul enjoyed another successful year with multiple Pan American titles, while emerging talents Makaira Wallace and Jaden Marchan claimed Junior Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year awards respectively.

    The evening recognized both established champions and rising stars, highlighting Trinidad and Tobago’s continued excellence across multiple sporting disciplines on the international stage.

  • Fyzabad Elite Metronomes cop Southern Sports 30-over crown

    Fyzabad Elite Metronomes cop Southern Sports 30-over crown

    Fyzabad Elite Metronomes emerged triumphant in the 2025 Southern Sports Premier Sunday League 30-Over championship, securing a decisive 69-run victory against Independence Sports Club in a day/night finale at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on December 21.

    The match was defined by an explosive batting performance from Fyzabad’s top-order batsman Miguel Heeraman, who delivered a spectacular 132 runs from just 66 deliveries. His innings, featuring 13 boundaries and seven sixes, formed the foundation of Fyzabad’s imposing total of 266/7. He received substantial support from opener Shazard Manshoor, who contributed a solid 63 runs, while Keshava Ramphal added 39 from 37 balls.

    Independence Sports Club’s bowling attack struggled to contain Fyzabad’s aggressive batting lineup, with captain Roman Singh emerging as the most successful bowler with figures of 3/56.

    In response, Independence’s chase was led by opener Vivek Gadraj, who fought valiantly with 74 runs from 61 balls. However, the team failed to build meaningful partnerships around him. Ravi Seetaram remained unbeaten on 30 and Akil Joseph added 23, but Independence ultimately fell short at 197/8 from their allotted overs.

    The bowling hero for Fyzabad was Sherwin Lutchman, whose exceptional spell of 6/31 dismantled Independence’s batting order and played a pivotal role in securing the championship. Lutchman’s precision bowling effectively stifled Independence’s progress throughout their innings.

    Looking ahead, the Southern Sports Cricket League has announced preparations for its 20th anniversary season in 2026, featuring division two, three, and four competitions alongside the Saturday T20 League. The Sunday League is scheduled to commence on February 1, with a grand meeting planned for January 13 where the 2026 rule book and registration forms will be distributed to participating clubs.

  • Keshorn Walcott’s Golden League Athletics set for January 4 return

    Keshorn Walcott’s Golden League Athletics set for January 4 return

    The Keshorn Walcott Golden League Athletics series is set to launch its second season on January 4, 2026, commencing at the Eddie Hart Recreation Grounds in Tacarigua. This developmental circuit, named after Trinidad and Tobago’s two-time Olympic medalist and world champion javelin thrower, will continue its mission to cultivate emerging track and field talent through structured competitive opportunities.

    The 2026 season will feature a four-meet qualifying series culminating in a championship finale at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex on March 14. Utilizing a points-based league format, athletes will accumulate scores across the initial competitions, with the top eight performers in each individual event advancing to the finals.

    Competition will be organized across six age divisions: Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20 categories for both male and female athletes. Following the Tacarigua opener, the circuit will proceed to Shaw Park in Tobago (January 18), Toco Secondary School Grounds (January 31), and Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin (February 14).

    The inaugural 2024-2025 season, which ran from December 2024 through March 2025, successfully prepared numerous junior athletes for the 2025 Carifta Games hosted at Hasely Crawford Stadium. Standout performers including Shian Lewis, Da Shaun Lezama, Christopher Sammy, Alex Seepersad, and Omare Thompson demonstrated their competitive readiness by capturing multiple titles in last season’s finals.

    Organizers have announced free admission to all meets, encouraging families, schools, and local communities to support the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s next generation of athletic talent. The series receives support from major sponsors including bmobile, KW Rehab Centre, Massy Foundation, and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, with Dasani and Powerade serving as official beverages.

    According to a league statement, ‘Golden League Athletics continues to strengthen the national athletics pipeline by providing consistent competition, exposure and motivation for young athletes,’ reinforcing its commitment to grassroots development within the sport.