Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Archbishop wants laws to protect children: ‘Social media more addictive than alcohol’

    Archbishop wants laws to protect children: ‘Social media more addictive than alcohol’

    In a groundbreaking appeal, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon has called for comprehensive legislation to shield children from social media’s addictive dangers, drawing parallels to substance abuse regulations. Speaking at a January 19 press conference, the religious leader emphasized that digital platforms are deliberately engineered to foster dependency through sophisticated algorithms.

    Archbishop Gordon’s proposal directly references Australia’s pioneering ban prohibiting children under 16 from accessing major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. His intervention comes just two days after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced sweeping age restriction reforms for alcohol, cannabis, and gambling activities.

    The Australian model—currently under global scrutiny—represents the world’s first comprehensive youth social media prohibition. Under these regulations, minors cannot establish new accounts while existing profiles face deactivation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s administration justifies this radical measure based on government-commissioned research revealing alarming statistics: 96% of Australian children aged 10-15 actively use social media, with 70% exposed to harmful content including violence, misogyny, and self-harm promotion.

    Archbishop Gordon specifically praised Trinidad and Tobago’s recent disciplinary measures, including increased traffic fines and the proposed age restriction hikes. ‘We have become an undisciplined society,’ Gordon observed, characterizing these policy shifts as crucial ‘national building levers’ rather than mere revenue-generation tactics.

    The proposed Trinidadian legislation would mirror Australia’s three-pronged criteria for identifying regulated platforms: services primarily facilitating online social interaction, enabling user-to-user communication, and allowing content posting capabilities. This framework potentially affects ten major platforms currently accessible without restrictions in the Caribbean nation.

    Gordon’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the government’s broader protective agenda, creating unusual alignment between religious and governmental institutions on public welfare policy. The archbishop’s characterization of social media as ‘more addictive than alcohol’ echoes recent Congressional testimony from tech executives acknowledging their platforms’ dependency-building design philosophies.

  • McKenzie hails Adam Stewart, private sector support for Trelawny Infirmary temporary facility

    McKenzie hails Adam Stewart, private sector support for Trelawny Infirmary temporary facility

    Jamaica’s innovative approach to relocating vulnerable citizens has received significant private-sector backing, with corporate leaders stepping forward to provide essential infrastructure. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has publicly acknowledged substantial contributions from Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart and Geddes Refrigeration’s Roy Lafayette toward the Trelawny Infirmary temporary relocation project.

    The groundbreaking initiative represents the Jamaican government’s first implementation of prefabricated container units to house infirmary residents during transitional periods. Stewart’s donation of four specialized air-conditioning units will ensure climate-controlled environments within the temporary structures, while Lafayette has committed additional cooling systems for all ward areas in the new facility.

    During an onsite inspection tour, Minister McKenzie emphasized the critical partnership between government and private entities in addressing public welfare challenges. “Several private-sector interests have helped make this possible,” McKenzie stated, specifically recognizing both corporate contributors for their rapid response to infrastructure needs.

    The container-based solution currently under construction marks a significant advancement in Jamaica’s emergency housing capabilities for institutional care settings. Government officials have committed to ongoing monitoring of construction progress ahead of the facility’s formal commissioning, with McKenzie expressing optimism about the project’s timeline and eventual operational status.

  • Woman seeks closure 7 years after mother’s murder

    Woman seeks closure 7 years after mother’s murder

    A grieving daughter continues her relentless pursuit for justice nearly seven years after the horrific murder of her mother, a case that remains shrouded in mystery within Trinidad’s criminal investigation system.

    Carolyn McKenzie, daughter of the late Angela Elizabeth McKenzie, maintains her vigil for answers regarding the brutal chopping death that claimed her 64-year-old mother’s life on January 30, 2019. The elderly victim was discovered in the front yard of her Quinam Road residence in Siparia, situated within a densely forested area, bearing catastrophic chop wounds that nearly decapitated her.

    Forensic evidence examination revealed a disturbing blood trail originating from inside the residence, suggesting the violent attack commenced indoors before culminating in the exterior premises. Notably, investigative reports indicated no apparent theft or robbery, eliminating conventional motives and deepening the mystery surrounding the crime.

    Despite comprehensive investigations conducted by the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, the case remains officially categorized as ongoing with no arrests made. The deceased, remembered as an active agriculturalist and devout congregant of La Divina Pastora RC Church, lived independently at the time of her tragic demise.

    As the seventh anniversary approaches, Carolyn McKenzie plans to honor her mother’s memory through religious commemorations, seeking spiritual solace while confronting the painful reality of unresolved justice. She emphasizes the broader context of unaddressed violent crimes nationwide, expressing both personal anguish and societal concern over investigative delays.

    The emotional toll continues to manifest unexpectedly, with Carolyn describing sudden episodes of overwhelming grief that underscore the persistent trauma affecting victims’ families in unsolved homicide cases.

  • Relatives of Beetham men allegedly beaten in police traffic stop demand investigation

    Relatives of Beetham men allegedly beaten in police traffic stop demand investigation

    Families from Beetham Gardens are demanding urgent investigations into alleged police brutality and constitutional rights violations during a controversial traffic stop incident in Port of Spain. The incident, which occurred on January 17, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within Trinidad’s law enforcement agencies.

    According to eyewitness accounts and family statements, two men returning from work were subjected to violent treatment by police officers during a routine traffic stop on Piccadilly Street. The confrontation reportedly began when one officer used profane language toward the men, prompting a respectful objection about the inappropriate conduct expected from someone in uniform.

    The situation escalated rapidly when officers allegedly physically assaulted both men in full public view. Witnesses described disturbing scenes where one man was beaten with a baton until the weapon bent, while another was struck with a police firearm. The elder of the two men was reportedly forced to the ground, restrained with a knee to his chest, and kicked in the head during the altercation.

    Following their arrest, the detainees were transported to Besson Street Police Station where their families encountered systematic obstruction in securing their release. Despite recent legislative changes under the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act that explicitly grant justices of the peace authority to administer station bail, officers repeatedly denied bail access.

    The case reveals concerning inconsistencies in police procedure. Although relatives were informed the men faced charges of resisting arrest, obscene language, and assault, official documentation only appeared on the Judiciary’s portal approximately 48 hours post-arrest, raising questions about procedural compliance.

    Adding to the controversy, witnesses claim police officers later visited community members demanding deletion of video evidence that had circulated widely on social media platforms. Attorney Terry Boyer has formally taken representation of the affected families, preparing comprehensive complaints to both the Professional Standards Bureau and Police Complaints Authority.

    The incident highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities in Trinidad, testing the implementation of recent judicial reforms designed to protect citizens’ rights during police interactions.

  • Portmore Community College appoints new principal

    Portmore Community College appoints new principal

    ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — In a significant leadership transition, Portmore Community College (PCC) has announced the appointment of Reverend Dr. Austin Wright as its new principal. The college’s board of directors confirmed the decision through an official statement released on Monday, highlighting Dr. Wright’s exceptional qualifications and decades of service to Jamaican education.

    Dr. Wright brings to the position an extraordinary depth of experience, having served as principal at multiple educational institutions across Jamaica. His administrative leadership includes tenures at Mount James All-Age School, Greenwich All-Age School, Constant Spring Primary and Junior High School, and a remarkable 16-year period as Principal of José Martí Technical High School.

    Beyond his principal roles, Dr. Wright’s distinguished career encompasses significant contributions to teacher education and policy development. He has served as an education officer within Jamaica’s Ministry of Education and has lectured at several prestigious teacher training institutions, including St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College, The Mico University College, and the International University of the Caribbean. Additionally, he brings over 27 years of experience as chief external assessor for teacher education programs.

    The newly appointed principal holds certification from Jamaica’s National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL), underscoring his professional preparedness for institutional leadership. His exemplary service has been recognized with numerous awards, most notably the Golden Torch Award from the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, which honored his 38 years of outstanding contribution to education.

    Donmayne Gyles, Chairman of PCC’s Board, expressed strong confidence in the appointment, stating: ‘We are confident that Dr. Wright’s vision, experience and servant-leadership approach will further strengthen Portmore Community College and advance its mission of providing equal educational opportunities.’ Gyles emphasized that Dr. Wright’s values-driven leadership philosophy aligns perfectly with the college’s commitment to accessible, quality education.

  • Prince Harry, Elton John ‘violated’ by UK media’s alleged intrusion

    Prince Harry, Elton John ‘violated’ by UK media’s alleged intrusion

    LONDON—A landmark legal battle commenced Monday in London’s High Court as Prince Harry and Sir Elton John joined five other prominent figures in a sweeping lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL), publisher of the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday. The plaintiffs allege systematic privacy violations spanning 25 years, from 1993 to 2018, including illegal voicemail interception, phone tapping, and deceptive information gathering practices.

    In emotionally charged court submissions, Prince Harry described becoming “paranoid beyond belief” due to what his legal team characterized as “repeated, sustained and covert acquisition of private information” through 14 separate articles. The Duke of Sussex asserted these violations created “massive strain” on personal relationships, generating widespread “distrust and suspicion” in his life.

    Meanwhile, Sir Elton John and husband David Furnish expressed feeling “violated” upon discovering the alleged intrusion into medical details surrounding their son Zachary’s birth, including the theft of his birth certificate. The couple described profound outrage at what they perceived as a breach of their family’s safety and security.

    The claimants allege ANL employed more than a dozen private investigators—many implicated in previous phone hacking lawsuits—to conduct unlawful vehicle checks, access confidential flight information, and obtain bank details through impersonation tactics known as “blagging.” They further accuse the publisher of orchestrating a cover-up through “mass destruction” of incriminating records.

    ANL vigorously denied all allegations, dismissing them as “lurid” and “preposterous” in written arguments. Defense lawyer Antony White indicated that editors, desk heads, and journalists would testify to reject claims of “habitual and widespread” unlawful practices within the organization.

    This case represents Prince Harry’s third and final legal action against British newspaper publishers, which he has described as his personal “mission” for the greater good. The royal previously made history in 2023 by becoming the first senior royal to testify in court in over a century during his successful hacking claim against Mirror Group Newspapers.

    Other high-profile claimants include actors Liz Hurley and Sadie Frost, politician-turned-campaigner Simon Hughes, and Doreen Lawrence—the mother of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in a racist attack in 1993. All seven plaintiffs were present in court or monitoring proceedings remotely, with testimonies scheduled through early February.

  • Transport Authority investigating video which captures officer pulling gun on civilian

    Transport Authority investigating video which captures officer pulling gun on civilian

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Transport Authority (TA) has initiated an internal investigation following the viral circulation of a video showing one of its officers brandishing a firearm during a roadside operation. The incident, which unfolded during an attempted vehicle seizure, has prompted swift organizational response and raised questions about protocol adherence.

    The controversial footage captures escalating tensions between TA officials and civilians during an enforcement operation. Visual evidence shows a heated exchange between a civilian and a TA officer, culminating in the officer drawing his weapon while issuing commands to ‘step back.’ The situation intensified when the civilian challenged the armed officer by placing a stone under the vehicle’s tire and daring the official to shoot him. The confrontation continued with the subsequent involvement of a police officer who emerged from the operational vehicle.

    In an official statement released Monday, the Transport Authority explicitly distanced itself from the depicted actions, emphasizing that such conduct ‘does not form any part of its training protocols’ and violates established standard operating procedures and public interaction policies. As an immediate disciplinary measure, the involved officer has been removed from frontline duties pending investigation.

    The authority has engaged both the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) to ensure comprehensive review of the incident. Reaffirming its commitment to proper conduct, the TA emphasized expectations that all employees uphold organizational values including courtesy, professionalism, quality customer service, and respect for Jamaican citizens.

    Despite the incident, the authority maintains its dedication to providing efficient, safe, and reliable public transportation services while addressing this breach of operational standards.

  • Gedenkboek 75e geboortedag Bram Behr (1951-1982)

    Gedenkboek 75e geboortedag Bram Behr (1951-1982)

    A poignant tribute unfolded as Henry Does presented the first copies of the memorial publication “BRAM BEHR – A Working Class Hero Is Something to Be” to the children of the late Surinamese activist on what would have been his 75th birthday. The commemorative work emerged from a deeply personal request by Vladi, Behr’s youngest son, who sought photographs of his father who was tragically executed at age 31 during Suriname’s December Murders of 1982.

    The publication’s title draws inspiration from contributor Wim Bakker’s recollection of their 1970s collaboration producing the progressive publication Rode Surinamer. Bakker reveals how John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero” became their anthem, with its resonant chorus line ultimately providing the volume’s thematic foundation. “We had no idea then that this song was about him,” Bakker reflects.

    Ronald Snijders contributes musical memories of Behr’s dedication as first violinist in the Volksmuziekschool Youth Orchestra, where his exceptional talent rapidly elevated him to concertmaster position. Snijders expresses profound shock at Behr’s eventual fate, noting that while the activist fiercely opposed injustice, he never employed physical violence.

    The work contains particularly moving historical documentation, including Rita Rahman’s account of the journalistic solidarity between Behr and Leslie Rahman (another December Murders victim). She reproduces Behr’s heartbreaking April 25, 1982 letter to his nine-year-old son Raoul, written during imprisonment: “Those naughty soldiers put me in a dark cell for eight days, just like a thief. It wasn’t pleasant, but every day I thought of you. And of all the children outside who are hungry and poor.”

    Personal testimonies continue with Marjan Markelo’s remembrance of Behr as her mathematics teacher in Moengo, describing his transformative pedagogical approach that encouraged critical inquiry and looking beyond surface appearances. Former AMS director and teacher Ronald Venetiaan contributes a powerful closing message urging Behr’s descendants to preserve his positive militant spirit while contextualizing his communist ideals within Suriname’s complex political landscape.

    The memorial volume features extensive photographic documentation alongside contributions from numerous intellectuals and activists, concluding with a solemn memorial page honoring all fifteen victims of the December 8, 1982 executions.

  • Road Upgrade Underway on Jennings Extension Road

    Road Upgrade Underway on Jennings Extension Road

    The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda has announced significant progress on its comprehensive infrastructure modernization initiative, with current construction activities concentrated along the Jennings Extension Road corridor leading to Hermitage Bay. This strategic development forms an integral component of a broader, island-wide program designed to revolutionize transportation networks throughout the nation.

    Engineering teams are executing substantial enhancements to both drainage infrastructure and road surfacing, implementing advanced engineering solutions to elevate safety protocols and travel efficiency. These improvements specifically target the reduction of flood risks and vehicular wear-and-tear, ultimately benefiting both local residents and international visitors accessing the picturesque Hermitage Bay region.

    Government officials have issued formal requests for patience and cooperation from motorists and community members affected by temporary disruptions along the construction route. The Ministry emphasizes that these short-term inconveniences will yield long-term advantages, including reduced maintenance costs and improved emergency vehicle access.

    This project underscores the administration’s dedicated commitment to developing climate-resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events. The Jennings Extension Road upgrade establishes a new benchmark for future infrastructure projects across Antigua and Barbuda, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development and community connectivity.

  • ‘Jail is hell,’ says soca artiste who did time for robbery

    ‘Jail is hell,’ says soca artiste who did time for robbery

    Bradley “Party Dawg” Huggins, a soca musician whose rising career was abruptly interrupted by incarceration, has delivered a powerful cautionary message about prison life following his recent release. The artist, who served over six years for a 2015 armed robbery conviction, characterized correctional facilities as places of unending torment where basic comforts and genuine human connections are scarce.

    Huggins described the brutal reality of incarceration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, revealing that prisoners endure overcrowded cells housing up to nine inmates in confined spaces. The daily routine involves minimal nutrition—primarily consisting of what he termed “the national dish in jail”: rice and stewed chicken—and limited recreational time. He detailed how inmates typically receive bread with tea for breakfast, the ubiquitous rice dishes for lunch, and light evening meals accompanied by herbal tea.

    The artist revealed that survival in prison requires adopting protective personas, noting that “everybody wearing some kind of mask” and genuine relationships are rare. He explained that marijuana serves as a coping mechanism for many inmates, while interactions are often transactional rather than authentic. Huggins admitted to learning how to “become a snake” to navigate this dangerous environment where insincerity prevails.

    Despite these challenges, Huggins found opportunities for personal growth through reading and reflection. He emphasized his determination to avoid reoffending, citing parental responsibilities toward his 11-year-old daughter as primary motivation. The artist maintained communication with his daughter throughout his sentence using contraband cell phones, demonstrating his commitment to remaining present in her life.

    Huggins acknowledged his personal responsibility in the robbery incident while noting that peer influence and alcohol contributed to his poor decision-making. He expressed no bitterness toward his accomplices, revealing that both have reformed their lives since release—one operating a taxi business and the other abandoning previous negative behaviors.

    The musician confirmed plans to revitalize his music career, with new recordings expected for the 2026 Vincymas celebrations. During his incarceration, prison authorities had permitted him recording studio access, indicating institutional recognition of his artistic potential. Huggins concluded that while prison constituted a “very rough experience,” it provided invaluable lessons about personal accountability and life priorities.