Carib Scope

分类： politics

  • Witnesses to be called in fraud trial of Ruel Reid, co-accused

    Witnesses to be called in fraud trial of Ruel Reid, co-accused

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The high-profile trial of former Jamaican Education Minister Ruel Reid and his co-accused is set to resume on Thursday, with 10 to 16 witnesses expected to testify this week. The case, which could involve up to 92 witnesses in total, centers on allegations of a multi-million-dollar corruption scheme involving the misappropriation of government funds from the Ministry of Education and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) between 2016 and 2019. Reid is accused alongside his wife Sharen Reid, daughter Sharelle Reid, former Jamaica Labour Party councillor Kim Brown Lawrence, and former CMU President Fritz Pinnock.

    Parish Court Judge Sanchia Burrell ruled on Monday that the trial must proceed, granting an order of indictment despite objections from the defense. Attorney Hugh Wildman, representing the defense, argued that the prosecution relied on statements allegedly obtained illegally, a claim supported by other defense lawyers. Wildman also contended that the Financial Investigations Division (FID) Act prohibits FID officers from sharing gathered information and lacks authority to arrest or charge individuals.

    The prosecution countered that Wildman’s objections were premature, emphasizing that the admissibility of evidence should be addressed during the trial itself. While the crown acknowledged the FID’s limited investigative powers, it maintained that Jamaica Constabulary Force officers designated as FID agents retained their full legal authority, including the power to arrest.

    Judge Burrell dismissed the defense’s request to adjourn the trial for 10 weeks to review crown disclosures, stating that such matters fall outside her jurisdiction at this preliminary stage. The trial’s continuation marks a critical juncture in a case that has drawn significant public and political attention, with implications for Jamaica’s fight against corruption.

  • A lesson in consequences, or Bravo, Jim Gavin

    A lesson in consequences, or Bravo, Jim Gavin

    The southern Caribbean finds itself in a precarious position, caught between two volatile forces: the United States under its controversial former President Donald Trump and Venezuela led by its embattled leader Nicolás Maduro. Trinidad and Tobago (TT), seemingly powerless to influence the situation, faces a diplomatic dilemma. The Prime Minister’s strategy of picking a side and hoping for the best lacks inspiration, while neutrality risks alienating both parties. The region’s fate appears to hinge on developments beyond its control, leaving little room for meaningful intervention. Amid this uncertainty, attention shifts to Ireland, where a presidential election offers a glimmer of hope for political accountability. The race, now a two-person contest between Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, was briefly disrupted by the withdrawal of Jim Gavin, a former Gaelic football star. Gavin’s exit followed revelations of an unpaid debt dating back to 2009, when a tenant accidentally overpaid rent. Despite repeated requests for repayment, Gavin failed to return the money, a decision that resurfaced during his presidential campaign. His abrupt withdrawal, though causing a minor political stir, stands in stark contrast to the global trend of shameless political behavior. From Argentina’s President Javier Milei, accused of nepotism and corruption, to Donald Trump’s continued political success despite multiple legal and ethical controversies, the bar for public office seems alarmingly low. Gavin’s decision to step down, albeit under pressure, offers a rare example of accountability in public life. While some argue his actions reflect his lack of political experience, others see it as a hopeful sign that integrity still matters. Ireland’s election process itself is noteworthy, as the presidency, though largely ceremonial, is determined by direct public vote rather than parliamentary appointment. This democratic exercise underscores the importance of accountability and responsibility in governance, lessons that resonate far beyond Ireland’s borders.

  • Judge orders Norman Scott be fingerprinted in Election Day assault case

    Judge orders Norman Scott be fingerprinted in Election Day assault case

    In a significant legal development, Spanish Town Mayor Norman Scott was compelled to have his fingerprints recorded by law enforcement during his appearance at the St Elizabeth Parish Court in Santa Cruz on Monday. This follows charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and malicious destruction of property stemming from an incident on Election Day, September 3. The altercation involved Julie Francis, an indoor agent for the Jamaica Labour Party, at the BB Coke High School polling station in Junction. According to police reports, Scott overstayed his allotted time at the polling station, leading to a confrontation when an agent attempted to inform him of his time limit. The situation escalated when another agent intervened and was allegedly struck in the face by Scott, prompting his security detail to remove him from the premises. A formal investigation was launched, and summons were served on Scott on September 12. Represented by attorney Charles Ganga-Singh, Scott made his first court appearance before Judge Steve Walters. Julie Francis, the complainant, was represented by a legal team led by King’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson, who successfully requested a fiat to prosecute Scott. Scott is scheduled to reappear in court on November 27.

  • Lee defends position after fraud arrest, says ‘God is great’

    Lee defends position after fraud arrest, says ‘God is great’

    Housing Minister David Lee has reaffirmed his commitment to remain in office despite facing fraud charges, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from his colleagues and the Prime Minister. Speaking outside Parliament on October 13, Lee emphasized his determination to continue fulfilling his governmental duties, stating, ‘God is great. I would like to thank the Prime Minister and my parliamentary colleagues for standing strong with me, so that we will get through this.’ Lee dismissed comparisons to former Housing Minister Marlene McDonald, who was removed from the PNM cabinet in 2019 following charges of misusing public funds. McDonald, who passed away in 2023, faced allegations related to corruption and money laundering through the Calabar Foundation. Lee clarified that his case is distinct, asserting, ‘My matter has nothing to do with being in government or utilizing state resources.’ When questioned about whether his decision to stay in office contradicts former Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s stance that ministers facing corruption allegations should step down, Lee maintained, ‘I was exonerated, and that’s why I keep asking the media to follow the paper trail very closely. You might find the answer.’

  • Two separate Parliament walkouts in the Caribbean within one week; status quo under scrutiny

    Two separate Parliament walkouts in the Caribbean within one week; status quo under scrutiny

    Recent parliamentary walkouts in Trinidad and Tobago and St. Kitts and Nevis have raised serious concerns about the impartiality of parliamentary Speakers and the state of democratic accountability in the Caribbean. These incidents, as reported by Times Caribbean, underscore a growing crisis in regional governance. In Trinidad and Tobago, members of the opposition Peoples National Movement (PNM) staged a walkout on Friday evening, accusing the Speaker of bias and selective application of parliamentary rules. The opposition claimed their attempts to ask urgent questions and address the Prime Minister were consistently blocked, while government MPs engaged in disruptive behavior without consequences. The opposition criticized the Speaker’s failure to uphold constitutional standards, describing the situation as ‘untenable’ and emphasizing that Parliament belongs to the people, not any political party or individual. Political analysts in Port of Spain noted that this incident reflects a broader erosion of confidence in Caribbean parliamentary traditions, which are modeled after British procedures but now face accusations of bias and procedural manipulation. Meanwhile, in St. Kitts, former Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris staged a solitary walkout, protesting the Assembly’s failure to approve parliamentary minutes for over three years. Harris condemned the Speaker’s attempt to approve all outstanding minutes in a single sitting as a ‘flagrant breach of the Constitution and parliamentary tradition,’ arguing that minutes should be reviewed individually to ensure accuracy and transparency. Experts called this the first known instance in modern democratic history where a parliament had gone three years without confirming its minutes, dubbing it ‘A Parliamentary Scandal Without Precedent in the World.’ The controversy has sparked public outrage and calls for the Speaker’s resignation. Analysts view these incidents as indicative of a troubling regional trend, with Westminster-style parliamentary systems in the Caribbean facing challenges from rising partisanship and weakened institutional checks and balances. As one political analyst noted, ‘The Caribbean’s parliaments are on trial — not by the Opposition, but by history itself.’

  • Former Gold Board Chairman threatens Social Media influencer Mikhail “Guyanese Critic” Rodrigues with defamation lawsuit

    Former Gold Board Chairman threatens Social Media influencer Mikhail “Guyanese Critic” Rodrigues with defamation lawsuit

    Gabriel Lall, the former Chairman of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), has issued a stern warning to social media influencer Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as ‘Guyanese Critic,’ over alleged defamatory statements made on his platforms. Lall, a civil society activist, newspaper columnist, and Eucharistic Minister, has demanded a settlement from Rodrigues, who is known for his pro-People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP) stance. The legal representatives of Lall, Christopher Ram and Nigel Hughes, have categorically denied any involvement of their client in corruption, smuggling, or criminal activities. They assert that the accusations have severely tarnished Lall’s personal and professional reputation, causing public embarrassment and ridicule. In a pre-action letter dated October 7, the lawyers have given Rodrigues until October 17 to propose a settlement, failing which legal proceedings will be initiated. The demands include a public apology and retraction on Rodrigues’ social media platforms and in prominent newspapers like Stabroek News and Kaieteur News. Additionally, Lall seeks substantial compensation for the damages incurred. The lawyers have also indicated that even if a settlement is reached, criminal complaints may still be filed with the Guyana Police Force. This development follows a series of defamation cases Rodrigues has lost in recent months, resulting in significant financial penalties.

  • Pressure group stages protest against immigration and citizenship bills

    Pressure group stages protest against immigration and citizenship bills

    On Saturday, Bridgetown witnessed a significant gathering of Barbadians protesting against specific sections of the proposed immigration and citizenship bills. The demonstrators, led by the Loyal Opposition group, voiced their concerns that these laws, if enacted, could profoundly impact the island’s identity, resource allocation, and democratic integrity. The protest commenced at 10 a.m. at Kensington Mall in St Michael, with participants marching to Independence Square. The event was marked by a display of national pride, with some protesters blowing whistles and waving the Barbadian flag, while others held placards with messages like ‘freedom is our right to question everything’ and ‘we do not have a political system, we have an auction’. Organizers characterized the demonstration as ‘peaceful but necessary noise’, emphasizing their opposition to what they perceive as hastily and inadequately considered changes to the country’s immigration and citizenship laws. A primary concern for the protesters is the proposed citizenship requirements, which they argue could lead to an overly lenient acquisition of voting rights, thereby having significant political implications. The Loyal Opposition group clarified that their protest is not against immigrants but is aimed at safeguarding the interests of Barbadians and advocating for a merit-based citizenship process. The controversy surrounding the bills has also been echoed by other figures, including Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne, KC, who has raised questions about the legality of the new freedom of movement policy implemented on October 1.

  • Friday’s youth pledge includes 1 ULP says it implemented

    Friday’s youth pledge includes 1 ULP says it implemented

    In a bold move to secure the support of the nation’s youth, Opposition Leader Godwin Friday has introduced a comprehensive five-point pledge aimed at addressing key issues affecting young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The announcement was made during the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) DJ Sound Clash event in Campden Park on Saturday, where Friday urged the youth to vote the NDP into power and hold them accountable for their promises. The pledge includes significant measures such as reducing student loan interest rates to 4-4.5%, increasing public assistance to EC$500 monthly, and cutting VAT on essential goods and residential electricity. Additionally, the NDP plans to establish a National Athlete Programme, a national development bank, and an innovation hub to support young entrepreneurs and athletes. Friday emphasized the party’s commitment to creating job opportunities, training programs, and internships for the youth, as well as improving e-commerce payment gateways to help young people monetize their online ventures. The opposition leader’s pledge comes as the Unity Labour Party (ULP) seeks a sixth consecutive term in office, with general elections expected by November 2024. Friday’s vision for a brighter future for St. Vincent and the Grenadines resonated strongly with the audience, as he called on young people to register and vote for change.

  • RSS and Canada dicsuss maritime security and capacity building

    RSS and Canada dicsuss maritime security and capacity building

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Her Excellency E. Brenda Wills, the High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, visited the headquarters of the Regional Security System (RSS) on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The visit underscored the deepening collaboration between Canada and the RSS in areas of maritime security and capacity building. Rear Admiral Errington Shurland, Executive Director of the RSS, welcomed the High Commissioner and expressed gratitude for Canada’s sustained support, particularly in maintaining the RSS Air Wing and enhancing the RSS Training Institute. The discussions centered on future joint initiatives aimed at bolstering regional security and operational capabilities. During the visit, the Canadian delegation toured key facilities, including the RSS Training Institute, the Digital Forensic Laboratory, the Asset Recovery Unit, and the Air Wing. To commemorate the occasion, Rear Admiral Shurland presented High Commissioner Wills with a commemorative plaque. The meeting also saw the participation of senior RSS officials, including Deputy Executive Director Atlee Rodney and Director of Operations and Plans Lt. Col. Jeffrey Forde, alongside members of the Canadian High Commission delegation, such as Political Counsellor Stephanie Sprott and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Liaison Counsellor Hugo Boilard. This visit highlights the ongoing commitment of both nations to fostering regional stability and security.

  • Walters still battling perception of disconnect from North Windward

    Walters still battling perception of disconnect from North Windward

    Grace Walters, the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) candidate for North Windward, has been actively engaging with voters to solidify her connection to the constituency she aims to represent. Despite accusations of distancing herself from the community, Walters emphasized her deep-rooted ties to Sandy Bay, where she was raised and began her career in healthcare administration. Speaking at the ULP’s first major campaign rally in Layou, Walters highlighted her long-standing service to North Windward, including her efforts to address community challenges such as alcoholism and illicit drugs. She also outlined her vision for the constituency, which includes improving healthcare, housing, and agricultural support, as well as launching mentorship and cultural programs for the youth. Walters, who holds a doctorate in healthcare administration, is set to face off against the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) Shevern John in the upcoming general election. She urged voters to focus on the ULP’s achievements, including infrastructure development and educational opportunities, and to continue supporting the party’s vision for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The election is expected to take place by November, ahead of the February 2025 constitutional deadline.