Carib Scope

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  • How to Make Christmas Black Cake

    How to Make Christmas Black Cake

    In Belize, the Christmas season remains intrinsically linked to the tradition of black cake—a rich, rum-infused dessert that transcends mere culinary delight to embody national heritage. This iconic treat, with its origins in British colonial-era plum pudding, has evolved over generations into a distinctly Belizean creation that now symbolizes cultural identity, familial bonds, and celebratory gatherings.

    Beyond its ingredient list, black cake represents a ritual of preparation that often begins weeks in advance, allowing dried fruits to mature in spirits. While recipes vary across households—some incorporating prunes, cashews, or candied pineapple—the foundational elements remain consistent: a dense texture derived from spices, browning sauce, and liberal use of rum or wine.

    The preparation process itself is a cherished practice, combining creamed sugar and butter with eggs, flour, and Guinness stout, gradually enriched with extracts, rum, and Grace Browning sauce. Baked slowly and finished with a wine or rum drizzle, the cake emerges as a centerpiece of holiday tables, decorated ceremoniously with pecans and cherries.

    As families unite during the festive period, sharing slices of black cake becomes an act of preserving history and nurturing community—a edible testament to Belize’s culinary evolution and the enduring warmth of home.

  • Police: Former senator’s death not yet classified

    Police: Former senator’s death not yet classified

    Grenadian authorities have confirmed that the investigation into the August death of former opposition senator Neilon Franklyn remains ongoing, with no conclusive determination yet made regarding whether the death was a homicide, suicide, or accident.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Vannie Curwen addressed the case during the year-end police news conference on December 24th, characterizing the investigation as “very complex” and noting that authorities are awaiting results from regional forensic laboratories. “I do not want to speak specifically on Neilon’s matter except to say this matter is still under investigation,” Curwen stated. “It is a matter that we have been assisted with both locally and regionally in terms of some of the labs that we have been working with.”

    The investigation is being directed by Christopher Nelson, Grenada’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who is overseeing all aspects of the case. Curwen emphasized that the prolonged investigation reflects professionalism rather than secrecy, stating: “Our Director of Public Prosecution is leading that investigation; he is directing that investigation, and at some point, when he feels comfortable that he has all that he needs, he will address the nation.”

    Franklyn, who was appointed as an opposition senator by former Opposition Leader Dr. Keith Mitchell, resigned from his parliamentary position in September 2024 and returned to his previous role as a customs officer. His death occurred at The General Hospital after he collapsed at his home following an evening of social activities. Franklyn was buried in September, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain officially undetermined.

    Curwen concluded that authorities would only make public statements when they had “definitive answers, the data, the result, the testing, the lab, the investigation” to support their conclusions.

  • Holetown ‘blues’: Folk, tourists want say in west coast plans

    Holetown ‘blues’: Folk, tourists want say in west coast plans

    A coalition of Barbadian residents, long-term visitors, and political figures voiced mounting apprehension regarding tourism expansion strategies along the island’s western coastline during a public gathering near Holetown on Tuesday. The assembly highlighted deepening concerns over potential privatization of public assets, specifically the Holetown Civic Centre beachfront property, which parliamentary discussions have suggested might be reallocated for private hotel ventures.

    Susan Cole, founder of preservation advocacy group Preserve Barbados, emphasized the event aimed to amplify shared values between local communities and recurrent visitors, many of whom have maintained annual Christmas traditions on the island for decades. “There’s a unique phenomenon where people return every year for 20 or 30 years,” Cole noted. “I sought to document why they consistently choose Barbados, ensuring those very attractions aren’t gradually eroded.”

    Cole clarified that the movement does not oppose development categorically but advocates for responsible spatial planning. She referenced United Kingdom policies that prioritize construction on previously developed land rather than pristine coastal zones. “Barbados must evolve contemporaneously but responsibly,” she asserted. “These principles would resonate with both international visitors and Barbadians, as these beaches collectively belong to everyone.”

    The advocacy leader questioned the economic and cultural wisdom of large-scale, all-inclusive resorts, warning they could dilute the island’s unique character and undermine its competitive edge. “If developments mirror Cancun-style complexes, why would tourists pay premium prices for a diluted experience?” she pondered, highlighting the risk of losing repeat visitors if cherished public spaces vanish incrementally.

    Kemar Stuart, leader of the New National Party, addressed the assembly by framing the debate as a critical policy crossroads rather than isolated disputes. He stressed that tourists, being vital contributors to Barbados’ primary foreign exchange earnings, deserve consideration in development decisions. “We invest significantly in tourism development,” Stuart stated. “Therefore, the very market we cultivate should have input in changes that affect their experience and our economy.”

    Stuart cautioned that overdevelopment threatens the natural beauty constituting the island’s core tourism product, potentially triggering a sectoral decline. He specifically criticized proposals to transfer public assets like the Holetown Civic Centre to private entities, arguing this prioritizes profit over public interest. “We cannot systematically close public access to the coastline,” he declared. “The concept of private beaches must never take root in Barbados.”

    Both speakers unanimously called for enhanced public consultation processes and transparent dialogue before approving major coastal projects, underscoring the necessity of balancing economic advancement with environmental and social preservation.

  • Police Probe String of House Break-ins Across Multiple Communities

    Police Probe String of House Break-ins Across Multiple Communities

    Residential security concerns have escalated in York following a coordinated series of break-ins targeting multiple neighborhoods within a concentrated 24-hour timeframe. Law enforcement authorities are actively investigating incidents reported across George Street, Yorks, Gray’s Hill, and Potters Village, where perpetrators employed forceful entry methods against secured properties.

    Criminal investigations reveal that homeowners had properly secured their residences before departing, only to discover forced entry through compromised windows or doors upon return. The intruders conducted systematic searches of bedrooms and kitchens, selectively removing electronic devices, jewelry, cash, and various household valuables. Crime scene analysis indicates consistent modus operandi across multiple incidents, including precise removal of glass louvres and sophisticated prying techniques applied to wooden door frames.

    Despite comprehensive neighborhood canvassing and evidence collection efforts, investigators have not yet identified potential suspects. The police department has issued formal advisories urging residents to enhance security measures during this period of increased criminal activity. In response to the crime wave, law enforcement officials have announced heightened patrol deployments throughout affected areas and surrounding urban districts, with particular emphasis on evening and nighttime surveillance operations.

    Community safety protocols recommend additional protective measures such as upgraded locking mechanisms, external lighting enhancements, and neighborhood watch coordination. Authorities encourage immediate reporting of any suspicious activities through dedicated emergency channels.

  • Dominica Freedom Party Christmas Message

    Dominica Freedom Party Christmas Message

    Bernard Hurtault, Political Leader of the Dominica Freedom Party, has delivered a poignant Christmas message framing the holiday as a metaphor for national redemption. In his address, Hurtault articulated deep concerns about the erosion of Dominica’s cultural soul while expressing unwavering faith in its resilience.

    The political leader identified multiple symptoms of social deterioration, including political corruption, blatant favoritism, escalating violence, reckless disregard for traffic safety, and widespread neglect of communal rules. These phenomena, he suggested, indicate a troubling fragmentation of the island’s foundational values.

    Despite these challenges, Hurtault emphasized witnessing daily manifestations of Dominica’s enduring spirit. He cited pre-dawn market vendors radiating warmth and dignity, spontaneous camaraderie among citizens in airports, respectful youth proudly wearing school uniforms, and elderly constituents offering heartfelt encouragement. These moments, he described, reveal the persistent heartbeat of Dominican identity.

    Hurtault positioned Dominica as possessing rare qualities in an increasingly superficial world—a place where life maintains balance between labor and wonder, effort and joy, survival and celebration. He framed the preservation of this unique civilization as both a national imperative and a potential global exemplar of humane society.

    The DFP leader concluded with a Christmas-inspired call to action, urging citizens to reject cynicism and recommit to shared values of compassion, humility, and distinctive Dominican identity. He pledged his party’s commitment to walking this path alongside citizens, invoking both Christian guidance and cultural pride as sustaining forces for the nation’s journey forward.

  • Libertad Christmas Tree Vandalised Days After Installation

    Libertad Christmas Tree Vandalised Days After Installation

    The Libertad Village Council has expressed profound disappointment following the deliberate vandalism of the community Christmas tree at the Libertad Sporting Complex, merely days after its installation. In an emotionally charged online statement addressed to residents, council representatives conveyed their frustration over the incident which they described as an attack on communal harmony.

    Photographic evidence released by authorities reveals extensive damage to the decorative installation, with electrical cables powering the Christmas lights deliberately severed. The festive centerpiece had been erected the previous Thursday as the centerpiece of the village’s seasonal celebrations, representing a symbol of shared community joy.

    This incident follows earlier council warnings urging residents, particularly children, to respect public property and refrain from interfering with the installation. Officials had emphasized that the decorations were intended for collective enjoyment and community benefit.

    Despite the destructive act, the council has adopted a resilient stance, vowing to restore the display and continue with planned festivities. The statement concluded with a determined message about overcoming the setback and moving forward together as a community, underscoring their commitment to maintaining village beauty and safety during the holiday season.

  • Ondernemer in Nickerie aangehouden op verdenking van smokkel

    Ondernemer in Nickerie aangehouden op verdenking van smokkel

    In a significant law enforcement operation on December 23rd, West Region Police successfully apprehended a 36-year-old entrepreneur suspected of large-scale smuggling activities. The coordinated operation, conducted in collaboration with a specialized tactical unit, culminated in the suspect’s detention near his residence on Ramadhar Rajaramweg in the Corantijnpolder area of Nickerie district.

    Authorities executed a search operation that yielded substantial evidence of illicit trade. The seized contraband included a considerable quantity of illegal cigarettes, various alcoholic beverages, and multiple containers of rat poison in liquid form. Most notably, investigators discovered a significant cache of chemicals in both liquid and powder forms, raising concerns about the potential scope of the smuggling operation.

    The suspect, identified as R.L., has been taken into custody as the investigation continues. The case has been formally transferred to the West Region Detective Unit, which will lead the ongoing investigative efforts. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed the intended destination or purpose of the confiscated chemicals, but the presence of multiple hazardous substances suggests sophisticated smuggling operations beyond typical contraband.

    This operation highlights the continued efforts by Surinamese authorities to combat illegal trade networks that circumvent national regulations and potentially endanger public safety through unregulated distribution of hazardous materials.

  • Belize Police Bring Holiday Cheer to Communities

    Belize Police Bring Holiday Cheer to Communities

    Across Belize, law enforcement agencies have transformed their traditional roles by orchestrating a series of heartwarming community engagements during the 2025 holiday season. These initiatives demonstrate a profound commitment to fostering positive relationships between police and citizens beyond conventional law enforcement duties.

    In Benque Viejo, officers embarked on a comprehensive distribution campaign, delivering specially prepared Christmas food hampers to residents across multiple communities including Arenal Road, Santa Cruz, and Calla Creek Village. The program extended to include police personnel themselves, with some officers receiving holiday provisions. This charitable endeavor was made possible through collaborative partnerships with local businesses that contributed resources.

    The Corozal Formation reimagined community policing by hosting an exclusive Children’s Christmas Party specifically for the families of police officers. The event featured traditional festivities including piñatas, interactive games, and gift distributions, creating cherished memories while recognizing the sacrifices made by law enforcement families throughout the year.

    Meanwhile, in Dangriga, the policing approach balanced celebration with responsibility. The Road Policing Unit joined forces with the Community Policing Unit, National Drug Abuse Control Council, and Town Council Traffic Department to establish a strategic D.U.I.D. checkpoint at Gulisi Primary School. Under Corporal Reyes’ leadership, this initiative combined enforcement with education, delivering crucial road safety awareness during a period typically associated with increased traffic incidents.

    The community outreach culminated in San Pedro, where the North Base Team organized a massive Toy Drive Christmas Party that attracted approximately 150 children and their parents on December 22. The event surpassed mere gift-giving by incorporating grocery hamper distributions and interactive activities, embodying the police force’s dedication to comprehensive community support during the festive period.

  • Escaped Suspect in San Ignacio Robbery Recaptured

    Escaped Suspect in San Ignacio Robbery Recaptured

    Authorities have successfully rearrested Israel Bradley N. Usher, a 29-year-old suspect who escaped police custody while facing serious robbery charges involving two American tourists. The recapture occurred Tuesday evening at approximately 7:00 PM in the Bainsville sector of Hattiville Village following an intensive multi-agency operation.

    Usher’s flight from law enforcement began on Monday, December 22, shortly after his initial detention for an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, December 19. The original incident involved two American female tourists who were allegedly threatened with a knife while walking along Burns Avenue in San Ignacio.

    Investigative evidence, including surveillance footage, captured a physical altercation between Usher and one of the victims during which the assailant attempted to seize her purse. The stolen property contained multiple valuables including a mobile device, $200 in cash, and various personal identification cards.

    Law enforcement officials utilized electronic tracking technology to locate the stolen phone, leading them to detain an individual matching the suspect’s description. Usher now faces additional charges beyond the original robbery counts, including escaping lawful custody, as he remains in secure detention awaiting judicial proceedings.

  • Businessman granted bail on gun, ammo possession charges

    Businessman granted bail on gun, ammo possession charges

    A prominent cellular phone retailer in Guyana has been released on bail after facing serious firearms-related charges. Amar Avinash Persaud, a 37-year-old entrepreneur from Bladenhall North, East Coast Demerara, was granted GY$500,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

    The case originated from Persaud’s arrest on December 21, 2025, when operatives from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) apprehended him on Sherriff Street in Georgetown. Law enforcement officials discovered an AK-47 assault rifle, corresponding ammunition, and a pistol in his possession during the operation.

    James Singh, Director of CANU, confirmed that following the initial detention by anti-narcotics agents, Persaud was formally transferred to regular police custody for processing. The defendant, who operates a mobile phone retail business, now faces multiple counts of illegal weapons possession under Guyana’s firearms legislation.

    The judicial decision to grant bail suggests the court’s preliminary assessment of the case circumstances, though the matter remains active within Guyana’s legal system. The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the charges and the defendant’s established business background in the community.

    Legal experts note that while bail has been granted, the prosecution maintains the authority to pursue full legal proceedings against the accused. The case continues to develop as both sides prepare their arguments for subsequent court appearances.