Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Police Federation expresses condolences following death of traffic cop

    Police Federation expresses condolences following death of traffic cop

    The Jamaican law enforcement community is in mourning following the tragic death of Constable Eric Evans in a vehicular accident this past Saturday. The incident occurred along the Goshen main road in St. Elizabeth, where the constable sustained fatal injuries.

    In an official statement, the Jamaica Police Federation conveyed profound condolences to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Evans’ colleagues. The Federation confirmed the immediate deployment of a specialized response team from the JCF Welfare Division to the accident site. Support personnel from the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) are also providing assistance at the scene.

    The Federation’s release specifically addressed the profound sense of loss within the PSTEB, stating: “We extend our sincere condolences to the management and staff of PSTEB during this period of loss.” The statement underscores the close-knit nature of Jamaica’s law enforcement agencies and the collective grief being experienced across departments.

    Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision that claimed the life of the serving officer. The incident has highlighted the inherent risks faced by law enforcement personnel even beyond their direct crime-fighting duties.

  • Police warn against obstructing traffic

    Police warn against obstructing traffic

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican authorities have announced stringent traffic enforcement measures for the upcoming holiday season, targeting behaviors that disrupt urban mobility. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will implement a zero-tolerance strategy against traffic obstruction in town centers throughout the Christmas period.

    Dr. Gary McKenzie, Assistant Commissioner of Police for Strategic Operations and Public Safety, emphasized that motorists blocking traffic flow will face immediate consequences. Common violations include double parking, roadway obstructions, and sidewalk parking that forces pedestrians onto dangerous vehicular routes.

    During a December 8th Jamaica Information Service Think Tank session, McKenzie detailed the enforcement protocol: “We will not tolerate obstruction through parking or abandoned vehicles. Offending vehicles will be impounded, and owners will face prosecution before retrieval.”

    The police strategy focuses on maintaining orderly traffic movement despite inevitable seasonal volume increases. Authorities encourage alternatives including parking lot utilization, carpooling arrangements, and improved public bus services. McKenzie affirmed that structured order enables efficient movement even during peak congestion periods.

    Traffic tickets will be issued consistently, with the broader objective of reducing driver frustration that leads to dangerous maneuvers. The initiative balances enforcement with practical mobility solutions for holiday travelers.

  • PM asks for residents’ cooperation amid imminent closure of Petersfield hurricane shelter

    PM asks for residents’ cooperation amid imminent closure of Petersfield hurricane shelter

    WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has appealed for cooperation from hurricane-displaced residents in Petersfield as the government prepares to transition them from emergency shelter accommodations at Petersfield High School. The facility, activated following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, is scheduled to cease operations by December’s end to accommodate the upcoming Easter academic term.

    Addressing thousands of residents during Saturday’s Prime Minister’s Christmas Treat event, Holness outlined a comprehensive assistance strategy while acknowledging the shelter’s impending closure. The government is evaluating land provision initiatives for permanently displaced individuals while developing transitional housing solutions for others.

    “I respectfully request your cooperation during this transition,” Holness stated. “There need not be conflict—I am here as your servant and steward, making decisions in your best interest. With your support, we can implement beneficial solutions efficiently.”

    The Prime Minister emphasized educational priorities, noting: “The school cannot serve as permanent housing. We must restore educational operations in January while ensuring appropriate relocation solutions for all current shelter residents.”

    Government assistance will be tailored to individual circumstances, with Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie and social services personnel conducting personalized assessments. Solutions range from permanent housing for elderly and vulnerable residents to temporary accommodations for those requiring transitional support.

    Holness detailed three primary assistance categories: permanent housing solutions for those with nowhere to return, rental assistance for individuals displaced by uncooperative landlords, and construction support for homeowners needing structural repairs. The government is actively identifying available land parcels for potential housing development projects.

    The administration is transitioning from emergency relief to recovery phase operations, with housing repair grants scheduled to commence in January. Holness concluded: “We recognize your need for permanent roofs over your heads. While many can provide temporary relief packages, the government possesses the capacity and commitment to deliver sustainable housing solutions.”

  • Fireworkslaw willnot stopmayhem

    Fireworkslaw willnot stopmayhem

    In a scathing editorial letter to the editor, citizen Michael Jattan of Diego Martin has launched a vehement critique against Trinidad and Tobago’s recently enacted fireworks legislation, characterizing it as profoundly flawed and dangerously misguided.\n\nThe correspondence, published just 18 minutes prior to analysis, argues the new statute represents a catastrophic failure of governance that prioritizes commercial interests over public welfare. Jattan specifically highlights the legislation’s inadequate protections during Old Year’s Night celebrations, which historically produce widespread distress and physical harm.\n\nAccording to the author, both major political parties—the ruling administration and opposition PNM—have demonstrated moral cowardice by endorsing legislation that effectively serves fireworks importers’ financial interests. The letter references tragic consequences of unregulated fireworks usage, including the death of an infant during Divali celebrations and thousands of canine fatalities over the past two decades.\n\nJattan condemns the bipartisan support for what he terms an ‘insult-to-common-sense bill,’ arguing it provides legal sanction for anticipated chaos while showing blatant disregard for the deleterious effects on human and animal welfare. The author concludes with a stark warning about divine jurisprudence ultimately intervening where responsible governance has failed, suggesting the current political leadership will face accountability for prioritizing commercial interests over public safety.\n\nThe emotionally charged critique presents a damning assessment of legislative processes, accusing lawmakers of effectively permitting fireworks importers to draft self-serving legislation that lacks any meaningful balance between commercial activity and community protection.

  • Wendy Rahamut’s black cake

    Wendy Rahamut’s black cake

    For decades, culinary expert Wendy Rahamut has perfected the art of crafting authentic Trinidadian black cake, a cherished Caribbean Christmas tradition. Through years of meticulous recipe refinement, she has developed techniques that distinguish premium black cake from inferior versions.

    True artisanal black cake embodies specific characteristics: an intensely dark hue derived from abundant fruits rather than artificial browning agents, a dense and moist texture contrasting with sponge-like consistency, and a fruit-to-flour ratio heavily favoring preserved fruits. Rahamut emphasizes the importance of separately chopping and adding cherries and citron peel at the final preparation stage for optimal texture and flavor distribution.

    The signature soaking process involves a precise blend of golden rum and Fernandes Cherry brandy in equal measures—a combination the expert insists cannot be substituted. After initial soaking, fruits are drained, finely chopped using a food processor, then partially rehydrated with reserved liquid to achieve ideal moisture levels without creating excessively wet batter.

    Premium ingredients form the foundation of exceptional black cake: 100% real butter, high-quality all-purpose flour (Gold Seal Flour being Rahamut’s current preference), authentic mixed essence, and a well-balanced spice blend.

    The sensory experience of baking black cake constitutes one of its greatest rewards—the captivating aroma of caramelized fruits intermingling with rich rum vapors creates an olfactory celebration unavailable to those who purchase commercial versions.

    Accompanying the detailed black cake methodology, Rahamut provides a lighter fruit cake alternative requiring simpler ingredients and techniques, plus comprehensive instructions for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic variations. The traditional black cake involves an extensive ingredient list including raisins, currants, sultanas, prunes, walnuts, and mixed peel, soaked in rum and brandy for up to one week before baking at 300°F for 2-2.5 hours.

    The post-baking ‘nursing’ process involves regularly adding tablespoons of brandy or rum over several days, creating cakes that can be preserved for approximately one year when properly wrapped and stored. For non-alcoholic versions, Rahamut recommends grape juice soaking with refrigeration requirements.

    This comprehensive guide represents both cultural preservation and culinary excellence, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to master a time-honored Caribbean tradition.

  • CLEAN CHRISTMAS PROMISE

    CLEAN CHRISTMAS PROMISE

    The Jamaican Government has committed to a monumental clean-up operation, pledging that major towns devastated by Hurricane Melissa will be cleared of debris before Christmas. This ambitious promise comes from Works Minister Robert Morgan, who declared the deadline achievable through an unprecedented collaborative effort.

    The scale of the challenge is staggering. Prime Minister Andrew Holness previously revealed that the Category 5 hurricane, which made landfall on October 28, 2025, left approximately 4.8 million metric tonnes of debris across the island—equivalent to nearly 480,000 truckloads. Beyond mere removal, the administration faces complex logistical challenges regarding safe disposal and storage of the wreckage.

    A coordinated response is now underway through a newly launched $1 billion national clean-up program. This initiative represents a multi-parish, multi-constituency approach targeting 16 severely affected areas across five parishes. Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie emphasized that the program transcends simple garbage collection, aiming to restore livelihoods and strengthen community resilience.

    The operation leverages resources from the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), private contractors, the National Works Agency, and even military support from the Jamaica Defence Force. In Montego Bay alone, crews have removed over 2,000 loads of debris with support from 100 soldiers and 200 local residents.

    The clean-up has produced immediate public health benefits. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton reported a significant de-escalation in leptospirosis cases, which had claimed 14 lives and infected 39 individuals. The reduction is directly attributed to eliminating habitats for disease-carrying rodents.

    Despite pre-hurricane challenges with garbage collection delays exacerbated by road blockages and flooding, Minister Morgan expressed full confidence in the agencies involved. The government has allocated $10 million to each constituency specifically for debris removal and vector control, ensuring Jamaicans can celebrate the holidays free from the nuisance and health hazards of accumulated waste.

  • Investigation ongoing after student allegedly ‘pushed’ from bus, says JUTC

    Investigation ongoing after student allegedly ‘pushed’ from bus, says JUTC

    Authorities in Jamaica have initiated a comprehensive investigation into a disturbing incident involving a teenage student who was reportedly ejected from a moving school bus operated by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). The event, which occurred on December 1, 2025, has raised serious concerns about student transportation safety protocols.

    According to official reports from JUTC, the incident took place approximately at 12:10 PM on the Buff Bay to Highgate route in St. Mary. Preliminary findings indicate that the 14-year-old Marymount High School student sustained significant injuries to her knees and face, resulting in nearly two weeks of impaired mobility. Witness accounts suggest the victim was pushed from the vehicle while in motion.

    The state-operated transportation company confirmed that bus personnel responded promptly to the emergency. The driver immediately halted the vehicle upon being alerted by fellow passengers and ensured the injured student received urgent medical attention. A JUTC dispatcher subsequently transported the adolescent to Annotto Bay Hospital for treatment and maintained communication with the student’s family throughout the process.

    JUTC officials emphasized their commitment to passenger safety, noting that the matter was immediately reported to the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Island Traffic Authority. Technical examinations confirmed no mechanical defects in the bus door mechanism. Both law enforcement agencies and JUTC’s internal security team are conducting parallel investigations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

    The situation has drawn political attention, with People’s National Party Caretaker for Portland Western Doreen Campbell characterizing the event as ‘near-tragic’ and demanding transparency in the investigation process. Campbell alleged that overcrowding conditions may have contributed to the incident, with students reportedly standing on the vehicle’s steps. Unverified claims suggest another passenger may have activated the emergency door release mechanism, resulting in the student’s fall.

    JUTC maintains that it continues to cooperate fully with investigative authorities while reinforcing its commitment to maintaining safe transportation services through collaboration with educational institutions, parents, and law enforcement agencies.

  • Why bar owners cannot demand sympathy

    Why bar owners cannot demand sympathy

    A contentious debate has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago regarding bar owners’ resistance to gaming tax enforcement, sparking strong public criticism. Keith Roland, in a recent editorial submission, challenges the prevailing narrative that portrays bar operators as victims of government overreach.

    The controversy centers on unregistered gaming machines that have operated extensively throughout TT establishments for years. Roland contends that bar owners have significantly profited from these illegal operations while now demanding public sympathy amid increased regulatory scrutiny. The situation reached a visible point when Guniss Seecharan and members of the Barkeepers and Operators Association (BOATT) gathered at Woodford Square in Port of Spain on December 9 to protest the gaming tax measures.

    Roland’s commentary sharply criticizes bar owners for requesting that authorities ‘look away’ from their unlawful activities. He traces the current enforcement climate to previous administrations that allegedly turned a blind eye to certain violations for political reasons, creating an environment where illegality became normalized.

    The editorial emphasizes that current enforcement actions represent necessary compliance measures rather than political targeting. Roland maintains that proper governance requires upholding legal standards regardless of protest volumes from affected businesses. He concludes that legitimate bar operations must occur within established legal frameworks, noting that consistent law enforcement is long overdue despite industry objections.

  • Solidarity grant programme underway

    Solidarity grant programme underway

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has intensified its nationwide Solidarity Programme implementation with a comprehensive service fair in Black River, St Elizabeth. The event at Don’s Auto World marked the latest initiative in the government’s strategy to deliver essential social services directly to communities.

    Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. articulated the program’s transformative vision during his address, characterizing the initiative as “more than a financial grant—it represents an access portal to sustainable poverty alleviation mechanisms.” The Minister emphasized the program’s comprehensive approach that extends beyond immediate monetary assistance.

    Program beneficiaries gain access to multifaceted support including vocational training coordination through HEART/NSTA, specialized assistance via the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), civil documentation processing aid, and integrated wraparound services. Minister Charles Jr. specifically highlighted the program’s flexibility: “While the immediate $20,000 grant provides crucial relief, the true empowerment emerges through connections to long-term training, employment opportunities, and life-changing social services. Documentation barriers shouldn’t deter anyone—our teams are here to facilitate access.”

    The Black River event constitutes part of a strategic national deployment that has previously served populations in Portland, St Mary, Manchester, Kingston, and St Andrew. These fairs feature collaborative participation from key agencies including the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), PATH, and Tax Administration Jamaica, providing real-time assistance to citizens.

    The Ministry has implemented a phased rollout strategy to optimize reach and effectiveness: Phase One involves constituency offices processing applications; Phase Two leverages partnerships with religious organizations, NGOs, and civil society groups to identify vulnerable populations; Phase Three will introduce a national self-referral system enabling direct online applications for enhanced accessibility.

  • Fireworks law will not stop mayhem

    Fireworks law will not stop mayhem

    A scathing critique from Diego Martin resident Michael Jattan has denounced Trinidad and Tobago’s recently enacted fireworks legislation as profoundly flawed and dangerously irresponsible. In a sharply worded editorial submission to Newsday, Jattan characterizes the new law as “asinine” and serving exclusively to protect commercial interests while ignoring public welfare concerns.

    The commentary highlights how both major political parties – the ruling administration and opposition PNM – have collectively endorsed legislation that Jattan asserts will legitimize the traditional Old Year’s Night chaos. The author contends that the government has prioritized financial considerations of fireworks importers over addressing the documented hazards to both human and animal populations.

    Tragic incidents including the death of an infant during Divali celebrations and thousands of canine fatalities over the past two decades are cited as evidence of the dire consequences of unrestricted fireworks usage. Jattan notes with particular dismay that the proposed reforms contain no substantive improvements to existing regulations, suggesting the legislation may have been effectively drafted by industry stakeholders themselves.

    The critique employs powerful symbolism, associating red with the bloodshed of animals terrified into roadway accidents and yellow with governmental cowardice in failing to enact morally courageous legislation. Jattan concludes with a sobering warning about the eventual reckoning that divine justice will deliver in the absence of responsible governance, noting that “the longest rope has an end” for those currently benefiting from the problematic legislation.