Carib Scope

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  • Inmates focus on ‘feelings’ post-Melissa, for holidays

    Inmates focus on ‘feelings’ post-Melissa, for holidays

    Within Jamaica’s correctional facilities, a unique mental health crisis is unfolding as incarcerated individuals grapple with the psychological aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, despite being physically shielded from the Category 5 storm’s direct impact. The island’s prison system has implemented comprehensive psychosocial support programs to address the emotional distress experienced by inmates who worry about family members and damaged properties in the hurricane-ravaged regions.

    Dr. Myo Oo, consultant psychiatrist for Jamaica’s Department of Correctional Services, revealed that mental health professionals have conducted extensive counseling sessions with prisoners since the devastating storm struck two months ago. Many inmates have voluntarily sought psychological support, particularly those with connections to the southwestern regions that suffered the most severe destruction.

    The therapeutic approach focuses on creating opportunities for emotional expression, with clinicians initiating conversations about hurricane-related concerns during routine consultations. “We provide them space to articulate their emotions and ventilate their feelings,” Dr. Oo explained to the Jamaica Observer. “Even those without direct connections to affected areas often express concern about friends or relatives who might have been impacted.”

    The psychiatrist noted that inmates experience anxiety patterns similar to the general population but emphasized that their confinement intensifies psychological suffering. Limited communication channels and occasional inability to receive visitors compound their distress, particularly for those who have lost contact with families since the disaster. In such cases, medical interventions sometimes become necessary, including medication adjustments or increased dosages for existing prescriptions.

    Beyond hurricane-specific support, the correctional system maintains robust annual programs designed to boost morale during holiday seasons. These initiatives include Family Day events that facilitate inmate-loved one interactions and seasonal celebrations featuring feasts, musical activities, and religious services conducted by visiting churches. Juvenile facilities receive additional resources through external agencies that organize Christmas parties and recreational activities.

    The mental health infrastructure across Jamaica’s 11 correctional institutions includes 14 medical doctors, five full-time and two seasonal psychiatrists, plus three psychologists serving over 3,000 inmates. Despite overwhelming caseloads, professionals focus on helping prisoners acknowledge and process feelings of depression, anxiety, and homesickness that typically intensify during holiday periods.

    Dr. Oo emphasized that individual reactions to both disasters and seasonal changes vary significantly based on personal history and trauma experiences. The correctional system’s multifaceted approach ensures that psychological support remains available through scheduled counselor visits and appointment-based systems, allowing inmates to access professional help when struggling with separation-related emotional challenges.

  • Gwen Stefani, Shelton show support for Sean Paul’s Faith We A Keep

    Gwen Stefani, Shelton show support for Sean Paul’s Faith We A Keep

    International music icons Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani have leveraged their substantial platforms to champion Jamaican artist Sean Paul’s newly released charitable single, “Faith We A Keep.

    Dropped on December 12th through Dutty Rock Productions, the track functions as both a musical offering and a fundraising initiative for Jamaica’s recovery from October’s destructive Hurricane Melissa. The song emerges as an anthem of hope and collective resilience during a critical period of national healing.

    Country superstar Blake Shelton utilized his X (formerly Twitter) account to amplify the cause, stating: “My buddy @duttypaul just put out this song and is raising money with Food For The Poor Jamaica to bring relief to those affected by the hurricane. Check it out and give if you can to help them rebuild their homes and community.”

    Gwen Stefani, the No Doubt frontwoman who previously collaborated with Sean Paul on the 2022 Grammy-nominated track “Light My Fire,” echoed this support through her Instagram stories several hours later. Her post emphasized: “This song by my friend @duttypaul is helping to raise money to support families affected by the hurricane. If you can, please give and help them rebuild.”

    The involvement of these A-list artists brings significant attention to relief efforts. Shelton, with his remarkable track record of 29 Billboard Country Airplay #1 hits and over 52 million singles sold in the U.S., and Stefani, an iconic vocalist known for both her work with No Doubt and solo smashes like “Hollaback Girl,” command substantial international audiences.

    “Faith We A Keep” transcends musical boundaries as a spiritual declaration of strength. The project aligns with Sean Paul’s ongoing humanitarian work through his Sean Paul Foundation, which has been actively distributing essential supplies and providing support to communities across hurricane-ravaged parishes in Jamaica.

    Sean Paul characterized the release as both personal and universal, stating: “This song is for every Jamaican holding on, rebuilding, and believing in a brighter tomorrow. Our strength is unmatched, and together we will rise again. This is my prayer, my encouragement, and my tribute to the resilience of our people.”

  • Hosein plays crucial role in Joburg Super Kings victory

    Hosein plays crucial role in Joburg Super Kings victory

    The Joburg Super Kings launched their SA20 campaign with a commanding 22-run triumph over the Pretoria Capitals at SuperSport Park on Saturday, propelled by a match-winning bowling performance from Duan Jansen. Sent in to bat first, the Kings posted a competitive total of 168 for six from their allotted 20 overs, a score that ultimately proved insurmountable for the Capitals. The victory was anchored by a dramatic late collapse from the Pretoria batting lineup, triggered by Jansen’s devastating spell. Akeal Hosein provided a crucial late flourish for the Kings with an explosive, unbeaten 22 from just 10 deliveries, including two sixes and a four, which added a vital 32 runs in the final three overs. Rilee Rossouw top-scored with a solid 48 off 33 balls, supported by Wiaan Mulder’s 43 from 28. The Capitals’ chase began promisingly with openers Bryce Parsons and Will Smeed forging a 71-run partnership within nine overs. However, the innings unraveled spectacularly after Hosein clean-bowled Smeed for 34. The Capitals lost four key wickets for a mere 18 runs, slumping to 89 for five and effectively ending their contention. Jansen, deservedly named Player of the Match, was the chief destroyer, finishing with exceptional figures of 4-23. Richard Gleeson provided valuable support, claiming 2-33. For the Capitals, Tymal Mills (2-17), Bryce Parsons (2-22), and Codi Yusuf (2-29) each took two wickets, but their efforts were in vain amidst the batting meltdown.

  • Death of a hero

    Death of a hero

    Hugh Barnes, the 65-year-old proprietor of Auglo Senior Living Nursing Home in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, has tragically passed away from a heart attack just ten days after executing a daring rescue of 13 elderly residents during Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm had severely compromised the facility, tearing off its roof and flooding the building with knee-deep water.

    On October 28, as the hurricane made landfall, Barnes refused to abandon the residents he considered family. Working alongside staff through the violent storm, he physically supported and comforted residents while helping to stack mattresses to keep them above rising floodwaters. Standing at six feet five inches, Barnes used his height to secure vulnerable residents and balance mattresses above the water level.

    When roads became passable two days later, Barnes organized the relocation of all residents to his personal home in Bull Savannah, despite his own property sustaining roof damage. In the following days, he made daily trips back to the devastated nursing home to salvage medications, clothing, and personal belongings for the displaced seniors.

    According to his widow Melaney Walters Barnes, her husband was on a mission to restore normalcy for the residents even as he faced tremendous physical and emotional strain. Their final conversation on November 7 centered on his efforts to find an electrician to restore power to the nursing home. Moments later, Barnes complained of chest pains to the nursing home manager and was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to a heart attack.

    Walters Barnes described her husband as having ‘sacrificed his own life for people who have lived their lives.’ Friends and community members, including Howard Hendriks—whose father was among the rescued residents—are now calling for official recognition of Barnes’ bravery and selflessness. Custos of St. Elizabeth Beryl Rochester joined the chorus of those praising Barnes’ heroic actions, noting that his behavior was consistent with his character.

    The financial impact on the family and the nursing home has been devastating, with extensive loss of equipment and supplies. Walters Barnes has assumed management of the recovery efforts while continuing to house the displaced residents in her home, determined to honor her husband’s legacy of compassion and service.

  • UWI’s Institute of Gender and Development Studies – Advocating for women’s equality, empowerment in TT

    UWI’s Institute of Gender and Development Studies – Advocating for women’s equality, empowerment in TT

    For four decades, The University of the West Indies’ Institute for Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) has served as a beacon of progressive change throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region. What began as the Women and Development Studies Group in 1982 has evolved into a premier institution driving gender justice, equality, and research-informed advocacy.

    Under the guidance of Dr. Sue Ann Barratt, the institute’s director and senior lecturer, IGDS brings together academic, professional, and technical teams to advance meaningful dialogue, scholarly investigation, and community engagement. Their work illuminates how gender dynamics influence both visible and concealed challenges affecting diverse populations across the nation.

    The institute’s intellectual foundations rest upon the pioneering work of Caribbean feminist scholars Professors Patricia Mohammed and Rhoda Reddock, now emerita faculty members. Their extensive scholarship—spanning over 100 publications—has fundamentally shaped Caribbean feminist discourse and women’s movements, providing critical insights into the intersecting identities and experiences of women throughout the region.

    Dr. Angelique Nixon, senior lecturer and researcher at IGDS, emphasizes the necessity of intersectional analysis: ‘We do not just exist as one aspect of our identity. These dimensions—race, sexuality, class background, and others—overlap and mutually influence one another.’ This framework reveals how socioeconomic status, education, geographic location, and access to resources collectively determine social positioning and experiences of privilege or oppression.

    IGDS has launched numerous transformative initiatives that created tangible societal impact. The groundbreaking ‘Break the Silence’ campaign brought national attention to child sexual abuse and its connections to HIV transmission. Another flagship program, ‘A Sexual Culture of Justice’ led by Dr. Nixon, addressed gender-based violence, homophobia, and bullying through its influential #PullUpYuhBredren awareness movement.

    The institute’s reach extends beyond traditional academia through youth empowerment programs like the Reach for Rights camp and a global Massive Open Online Course on feminist transformational leadership that attracted participants from over 80 countries. Current research priorities include climate justice, aging populations, and gender-responsive policy development that informs national planning strategies.

    Recently, IGDS commemorated its 40th anniversary alongside the Department of Creative and Festival Arts at their new Gordon Street location in St. Augustine. The institute continues its advocacy through international campaigns such as the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, hosting walks, student exhibitions, and collaborative events with organizations like the Hindu Women’s Organisation.

    Through its integrated approach combining scholarship, education, and community engagement, IGDS remains at the forefront of efforts to bridge social divisions, challenge systemic inequalities, and foster a more equitable society for all Caribbean people.

  • Plea to Health Minister – Drop appeal in Zika child case

    Plea to Health Minister – Drop appeal in Zika child case

    The Zika Foundation has issued a compelling appeal to Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe, urging the immediate cessation of the government’s planned appeal against a landmark 2023 High Court judgment. The ruling had affirmed the constitutional rights of children born with Zika-related disabilities, mandating state support for their specialized care needs.

    Dr. Karen Sohan, Head of the Zika Foundation and former Chief of Staff at Mt Hope Women’s Hospital, emphasized that affected families seek only practical measures to manage their children’s complex care requirements. “These are modest needs, but they carry immense significance in easing daily burdens and preserving dignity,” Dr. Sohan stated, citing examples such as covered parking facilities to protect vulnerable children during hospital transport in inclement weather.

    The case centers on eight-year-old Davyn Ragoo, one of 17 Trinidadian children born with congenital Zika syndrome during the 2017 outbreak. Born with microcephaly, Davyn is non-verbal and immobile, requiring round-the-clock care including specialized nutrition, constant physiotherapy, and mobility assistance. His mother, Kavita Ramkissoon-Ragoo, has developed an intricate system of gestures to communicate with her son—mouth opening indicates hunger, tongue twiddling signifies thirst, leg stretching suggests abdominal pain, and leg rubbing signals the need for diaper changes.

    The original lawsuit, filed in 2019 against former Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, resulted in Justice Joan Charles’s groundbreaking 34-page judgment. The court found the state had violated Davyn’s constitutional right to life by failing to provide appropriate healthcare, ordering immediate specialized medical provision, financial assistance, and protocol implementation within three months. The state was also mandated to pay damages for constitutional breaches.

    Despite the court’s clear directive, Ramkissoon-Ragoo reports receiving no communication regarding the appeal process nor any state assistance. Families continue to shoulder enormous financial burdens, often abandoning employment to provide full-time care while relying on charitable support.

    While expressing confidence in the government’s commitment to children’s welfare, affected parents urgently request implemented procedures rather than prolonged legal battles. “Our kids were born with lifelong disabilities,” Ramkissoon-Ragoo emphasized. “My dream is for them to receive first-world treatment. We make it look easy, but I admit it is overwhelming at times.”

    Minister Bodoe has acknowledged the inquiry but requested additional time to respond substantively to these critical concerns affecting some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

  • High Court to hear injunction bid against cycling federation on December 30

    High Court to hear injunction bid against cycling federation on December 30

    A significant legal confrontation has emerged within Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling community as the High Court considers an injunction against the national sporting federation. The Just Living Daily (JLD) Cycling Academy, Heatwave Cycling Club, and prominent cyclists Njisane Phillip, Alexi Costa-Ramirez, and Makaira Wallace have jointly filed legal proceedings against the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF).

    The dispute centers on the federation’s planned January 17, 2026 selection trials for the Pan American Track Cycling Championships scheduled for February in Santiago, Chile. The claimants argue that the timing and structure of these trials directly contradict the TTCF’s officially published selection policy and procedures.

    According to court documents, the conflict began when the TTCF distributed an email on November 10, 2025, announcing mandatory track trials exclusively for elite and under-23 cyclists in both sprint and endurance events. The plaintiffs immediately raised concerns through written requests for clarification and review of the selection process.

    Despite extensive correspondence throughout November and early December—including an emergency council meeting and formal communications between legal representatives—the federation maintained its position regarding the January trials. This stalemate prompted the filing of a claim form and statement of case on December 1, 2025, followed by the interim injunctive relief application on December 22.

    The virtual hearing before Justice James is set for December 30 at 9 am, where the TTCF will present its response to the allegations. The outcome of this legal proceeding could significantly impact Trinidad and Tobago’s representation at the upcoming Pan American Championships and potentially reshape athlete selection protocols within national cycling governance.

  • Caricom is a pointless enemy

    Caricom is a pointless enemy

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has dramatically intensified her criticism of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), characterizing the regional bloc as an “unreliable partner” and condemning it as a “dysfunctional and self-destructive” organization. This sharp rebuke emerged on Monday following CARICOM’s Bureau of Conference of Heads of Government suggesting diplomatic dialogue with the U.S. government after President Trump’s decision to restrict entry for citizens from Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.

    The Prime Minister controversially connected this call for discussion regarding altered U.S. access for Caribbean nationals with an implicit alignment to Nicolas Maduro’s Venezuelan government. This latest denunciation significantly amplifies her previous stance of reproaching CARICOM for its insistence on maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace. Her accusations were notably more blunt and direct than in prior statements.

    In a remarkable declaration, PM Persad-Bissessar asserted that “the organization is deteriorating rapidly due to poor management, lax accountability, factional divisions, destabilising policies, private conflicts between regional leaders and political parties, and the inappropriate meddling in the domestic politics of member states.” This criticism is particularly striking given Trinidad and Tobago’s current role as CARICOM’s lead nation on energy, security, and cricket matters.

    The nation’s historical significance to CARICOM adds further weight to these comments. Trinidad and Tobago was among the original signatories to the Treaty of Chaguaramas, effectively establishing the country as the birthplace of the CARICOM concept, and most recently hosted the organization’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2023. This represents a dramatic reversal in position that member states are reportedly struggling to assess and address appropriately.

    Initial responses from regional leaders have been notably cool. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne highlighted that Trinidad and Tobago is a major regional trade partner, with estimated earnings exceeding US$1.1 billion from CARICOM trade in 2024 alone, positioning it second only to the United States. PM Browne pointedly noted that “Trinidad and Tobago faces some of the highest levels of organised crime in the Caribbean, and regional cooperation through CARICOM security mechanisms, intelligence sharing, and coordinated law-enforcement initiatives has been an essential pillar of the response.”

    Barbados’ Foreign Affairs Minister Kerrie Symmonds has called for CARICOM leaders to convene “behind closed doors” to discuss the current diplomatic tension. Referring to the “uncompromising voice” within CARICOM discussions, Minister Symmonds advocated for dialogue amid regional uncertainty, though it appears unlikely he expects Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister to participate.

    This development raises significant questions about regional cooperation dynamics. As the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean is ultimately temporary, analysts suggest that Trinidad and Tobago should not predicate its economic future exclusively on increasingly unpredictable U.S. government relations. The current administration’s approach has demonstrated unreliability to its closest regional trade partners, a factor that will inevitably influence future diplomatic and economic negotiations within the Caribbean community.

  • Tyler Perry sued for sexual assault by ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween’ actor seeking $77 million

    Tyler Perry sued for sexual assault by ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween’ actor seeking $77 million

    Hollywood filmmaker and studio mogul Tyler Perry confronts renewed legal turmoil as actor Mario Rodriguez files a sexual assault lawsuit against him, marking the second such allegation within months. The complaint, submitted Thursday in California courts, seeks substantial damages exceeding $77 million while implicating both Perry and distributor Lionsgate for allegedly ignoring systematic misconduct.

    Rodriguez’s legal narrative details a pattern of unwanted sexual advances spanning from 2014 through 2019. According to court documents, their initial contact originated through an Equinox gym trainer who facilitated communication under the guise of discussing acting opportunities. Perry subsequently encouraged Rodriguez to audition for his 2016 feature ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween,’ reportedly stating, ‘I’m not a bad person to know and have in your corner.’

    Following Rodriguez’s casting, the lawsuit describes multiple incidents of alleged sexual battery at Perry’s Los Angeles residence. These include inappropriate touching during movie screenings, attempted unbuckling of Rodriguez’s pants, and forced physical contact. The filing notes Perry provided $5,000 payments following several encounters, which Rodriguez interpreted as attempts to normalize the misconduct.

    The plaintiff claims his decision to pursue legal action solidified after learning of similar allegations by actor Derek Dixon, who filed a June lawsuit alleging groping incidents during production of Perry’s television series ‘The Oval’ and ‘Ruthless.’ That case has reportedly transitioned from Los Angeles Superior Court to federal jurisdiction in Georgia, where Perry’s studio operations are headquartered.

    Rodriguez’s litigation advances claims spanning sexual assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Lionsgate faces secondary liability allegations for purportedly disregarding warning signs about Perry’s behavior. Perry’s legal representative has issued categorical denials, characterizing the allegations as baseless and vowing vigorous defense.

    The emerging pattern of accusations spotlights power dynamics within entertainment industries, where influential figures allegedly exploit professional aspirations to facilitate inappropriate conduct. This case joins growing industry-wide scrutiny over accountability mechanisms and protection for vulnerable performers.

  • Paraguay hands over fugitive former coup police chief to Brazil

    Paraguay hands over fugitive former coup police chief to Brazil

    In a significant cross-border law enforcement operation, Paraguayan authorities have extradited former Federal Highway Police (PRF) director Erick Vasques to Brazil. The high-profile apprehension occurred at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción, where Vasques was intercepted while attempting to board an international flight to El Salvador using counterfeit documentation.

    The operation culminated at the Friendship Bridge border crossing, where masked Paraguayan security personnel formally transferred the detainee to officers of Brazil’s Federal Police (PF). Visual confirmation showed Vasques being transported without facial concealment in an official vehicle, marking his return to Brazilian jurisdiction.

    This international manhunt was triggered when Brazilian judicial monitoring systems detected the unauthorized removal of Vasques’s court-mandated electronic ankle bracelet. Following the alert, a PF tactical unit conducted a search at his registered residence, confirming his absence and triggering immediate pretrial detention orders issued by Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes.

    The coordinated effort between Paraguayan and Brazilian authorities underscores increasing regional cooperation in apprehending individuals attempting to evade justice through international flight. Vasques’s capture represents a significant development in Brazil’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts, demonstrating the effectiveness of cross-border judicial collaboration.