Carib Scope

分类： society

  • One killed, two injured in Grande shooting

    One killed, two injured in Grande shooting

    A violent shooting incident in Sangre Grande has resulted in one fatality and left two victims with critical injuries, marking another episode of escalating urban violence in Trinidad and Tobago. The tragedy unfolded on December 12 around 3 pm near Sand Road in the Sangre Chiquito area, where three individuals became targets of a brazen armed assault.

    Preliminary investigative reports indicate the victims were seated inside a stationary white vehicle when another car abruptly approached their location. Without warning, occupants of the second vehicle unleashed a barrage of gunfire, systematically riddling the target car’s front windshield with bullet holes in what appears to be a targeted attack.

    Graphic footage rapidly circulated across social media platforms in the aftermath, capturing the horrific scene. The viral video depicted one male victim bleeding profusely while collapsed across the back seat, with the driver similarly unresponsive in the front compartment. The visual evidence provided stark testimony to the brutality of the assault.

    Law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. While no motive has been officially confirmed, the precision of the attack suggests possible gang-related or retaliatory violence. Police are examining forensic evidence from the crime scene and reviewing digital recordings to identify potential suspects.

    This incident adds to growing concerns about public safety and gun violence in the region, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and community intervention programs to address the root causes of such criminal activities.

  • Two cops granted bail of $200,000 in relation to 2023 assault incident

    Two cops granted bail of $200,000 in relation to 2023 assault incident

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Two law enforcement officers from Jamaica’s police force have been formally charged with assault following a violent incident involving a handcuffed civilian at the Highgate Police Station in St. Mary. The accused, identified as Corporal Brown and Constable Murphy, face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

    The case emerged from an extensive investigation conducted by the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), which culminated in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) recommending criminal charges. Despite the officers’ denial of any misconduct during questioning, both medical documentation and an eyewitness account substantiated the victim’s allegations of being struck in the face while restrained.

    Following the altercation on September 1, 2023, the complainant received medical treatment and was later released on bail. During a recent court proceeding, both officers were granted bail set at $200,000 each as their case progresses through the judicial system.

    This incident occurs amid increased scrutiny of police conduct in Jamaica. Indecom reports that since January 2024, a total of 54 law enforcement personnel have been charged with various offenses following commission investigations. The breakdown includes 28 officers charged in 2024 and an additional 26 facing charges in 2025.

    Notably, Corporal Brown has encountered previous legal troubles, having been charged on September 17, 2025, for wounding with intent in a separate case earlier this year.

  • Employees’ brave efforts to stop fire fail, Cipero St business gutted

    Employees’ brave efforts to stop fire fail, Cipero St business gutted

    A catastrophic fire has completely destroyed Product Central Trinidad, a major retail establishment on Cipero Street in San Fernando, despite valiant containment efforts by firefighters and local employees. The December 11 inferno, which began on the building’s upper level around 2 PM, rapidly escalated beyond control, culminating in the structural collapse of the second story and significant electrical hazards from arcing power lines.

    Eyewitness accounts reveal the immediate response from neighboring businesses, with Ramasir’s Sales and Service owner Chan Ramasir providing fire extinguishers and evacuating her staff upon noticing the initial flames. While security personnel facilitated building evacuations, some employees reportedly remained inside attempting to salvage merchandise before the situation became untenable.

    Firefighting operations faced substantial logistical challenges, including the temporary retreat of the initial response tender to replenish water supplies. The absence of a previously existing fire hydrant less than a block away on Sutton Street prompted concerns among observers, though municipal officials confirmed alternative water sources were available on Lawrence Street and at Cross Crossing.

    Local councilor Ryaad Hosein praised the fire service’s “excellent job” under difficult circumstances, while acknowledging the TT Electricity Commission’s prompt response to disconnect power despite complications from extensively damaged wiring.

    The economic impact is expected to be severe, with Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce president Kiran Singh emphasizing the immeasurable loss of Christmas inventory just two weeks before the holiday. The destruction of this vigorously operating business represents a significant blow to Cipero Street’s commercial district and its workforce, with numerous employees facing unemployment during the critical holiday season.

    The store’s owner, present at the scene, declined commentary while witnessing the devastating loss. This incident marks the second major structural fire in San Fernando within the week, following a December 9 blaze in Moody Stuart Street that left six residents homeless.

  • Portland Past Students Health Network renders assistance after Hurricane Melissa

    Portland Past Students Health Network renders assistance after Hurricane Melissa

    A recently established alumni network in Portland, Jamaica, has dramatically shifted its mission from educational support to critical disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact. Originally formed in July with the primary goal of assisting the needy and rebuilding a local school, the Portland Past Students Health Network (PPSHN) found itself confronting an unprecedented natural disaster just three months after its inception.

    The Category 5 hurricane, which unleashed destructive winds reaching 185 miles per hour, primarily devastated Jamaica’s southwestern parishes while delivering significant damage to eastern regions including Portland and St. Thomas. This forced the 56-member nonprofit organization to immediately redirect its efforts toward addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis.

    Since early December, PPSHN has deployed relief teams to multiple affected communities including Moore Town, Mill Bank, Cornwall Barracks Basic School, Comfort Castle Primary School, and several other vulnerable areas. The organization’s response has proven vital for residents like Gary Thompson of Comfort Castle, who expressed profound gratitude after receiving assistance. “This is the first help I’ve seen since Melissa struck on October 28th,” Thompson recounted. “I’ve been living under tarpaulin for nearly a month after losing my entire roof and all my belongings, with no authorities coming to my aid.”

    Stacey McKoy-Bryan, the organization’s treasurer, described desperate conditions observed during their relief missions. “Many communities suffered complete destruction of homes, with residents either living under temporary tarpaulin shelters or crowding into neighbors’ surviving structures,” she reported. Attempts to obtain official commentary from Portland Parish Council regarding recovery efforts proved unsuccessful.

    The nonprofit demonstrates remarkable international coordination, with twenty members operating from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom while the remainder, including McKoy-Bryan, work locally in Jamaica. Upon learning of Melissa’s impending threat, the fledgling group quickly established partnerships with American charitable organizations Operation BBQ Relief and Mercury One, facilitating meal distribution to severely affected populations.

    Hurricane Melissa’s brutal force left thousands homeless across the hardest-hit parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James and Trelawny, with official reports confirming 45 fatalities alongside widespread property destruction.

  • Diaspora leaders unite: WHISTLE launches as first global leadership platform

    Diaspora leaders unite: WHISTLE launches as first global leadership platform

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida—A transformative leadership platform named WHISTLE made its debut on December 9 in South Florida, assembling over sixty distinguished Caribbean diaspora leaders. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to forge stronger connections among Caribbean-rooted professionals, focusing on collective purpose, economic empowerment, and sustainable regional impact.

    The launch occurs amid ongoing challenges faced by Jamaica and neighboring islands, including climate change vulnerabilities and economic instability. These pressing issues highlight the critical need for coordinated diaspora engagement and strategic regional cooperation.

    Co-founded by Trinidadian-born visionaries Denise Williams and Stacey Luces, WHISTLE establishes structured frameworks for leadership development, collaborative influence, and purposeful action across the Caribbean diaspora network.

    Dr. Keith Levy, Chairman of JN Bank and Managing Partner at Visionario Venture Capital, emphasized the importance of trust in economic rebuilding: “Capital moves at the speed of trust. We must cultivate mutual confidence and act courageously to advance shared Caribbean priorities.”

    Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas, highlighted tourism’s vital role in regional recovery, noting that visiting Caribbean nations remains one of the most significant contributions to communities rebuilding after natural disasters.

    The launch event incorporated philanthropic efforts through the Breaking Healthcare Barriers initiative, collecting donations to provide accessible healthcare for Jamaican communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. This charitable component operates under WHISTLE’s humanitarian arm, “We WHISTLE With Love.”

    Stacey Luces, WHISTLE’s Chief Purpose Officer, stated: “Our leaders arrived not merely to network, but to construct meaningful change. WHISTLE emerges from our collective refusal to progress in isolation.” Luces brings decades of experience in public systems, executive leadership, and philanthropy across Caribbean and American contexts.

    WHISTLE’s founders announced plans to activate membership models, expand leadership programs, and strengthen partnerships ahead of its global launch in January 2026. The organization will also introduce WHISTLE Next Gen, dedicated to nurturing emerging Caribbean-descended leaders through mentorship and networking opportunities.

    Denise Williams, WHISTLE’s Chief Impact Officer, remarked: “Our community deserves a platform that harmonizes influence, generates prosperity, and accelerates collective impact.” Williams brings extensive expertise in growth strategy from major corporations across banking, telecommunications, and finance sectors throughout the Caribbean diaspora.

  • US embassy gives US$25k donation to Waterloo Sec

    US embassy gives US$25k donation to Waterloo Sec

    In a series of philanthropic gestures reinforcing international ties, the US Embassy in Port of Spain and the US Southern Command (SouthCom) have substantially contributed to the educational infrastructure of Trinidad and Tobago. The most recent beneficiary, Waterloo Secondary School, received a comprehensive donation valued at US$25,000 (approximately TT$175,000) on December 11. The contribution, presented by US Navy Captain Gedion Teklegiorgis during the school’s annual Christmas concert, encompasses critical technological and classroom resources, including ten desktop computer setups with desks and chairs, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), a printer, whiteboards, a refrigerator, a microwave, and assorted stationery. Principal Usha Dookhran-Cheeranjie expressed profound gratitude, noting the donation perfectly capped the institution’s 25th-anniversary celebrations themed ‘gratitude and growth.’ This initiative is a component of SouthCom’s broader humanitarian assistance programme, explicitly designed to fortify learning environments and advance digital literacy among students. US Chargé d’Affaires, Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, emphasized that this act ‘tangibly demonstrates the depth and endurance’ of the US commitment to its partnership with Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring the equipment will see immediate use by students and faculty. This donation to Waterloo Secondary follows an identical contribution made just days prior, on December 5, to the Roxborough Anglican Primary School, underscoring a concentrated effort to support the nation’s educational sector. These efforts are part of a wider campaign of engagement throughout 2025, which has also included infrastructure upgrades by US Navy Seabees at the Lochmaben Roman Catholic School in Cedros and a hosted tour of the USS Gravely for its students, further exemplifying the multifaceted civilian-military partnership between the two nations.

  • Newport-Fersan donates $25 million worth of fertiliser to farmers

    Newport-Fersan donates $25 million worth of fertiliser to farmers

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to accelerate post-hurricane recovery, Newport-Fersan Jamaica Limited has contributed JMD $25 million worth of fertilizer to support farmers devastated by Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on October 28. The substantial donation, comprising over 7,000 bags of critically needed agricultural supplements, was formally handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining during a ceremony at the company’s Kingston headquarters.

    Portfolio Minister Floyd Green acclaimed Newport-Fersan as a ‘friend in every time,’ emphasizing their consistent partnership during Jamaica’s agricultural emergencies. ‘The agricultural sector is susceptible to these climatic events, and Newport-Fersan has proven to be one of our most long-standing and loyal partners,’ Green stated during the ceremony.

    This contribution marks the company’s second major intervention within two years, following their JMD $15 million support package after Hurricane Beryl caused approximately $7 billion in damages last year. Minister Green revealed that Hurricane Melissa represents ‘the most catastrophic event witnessed by our sectors,’ with World Bank models projecting potential losses reaching $60 billion for agricultural and fisheries industries.

    The hurricane’s devastation includes complete destruction of banana and plantain crops, approximately 70% loss of yam production, and near-total elimination of vegetable lines. The poultry sector suffered tremendously with over 1.1 million layer chickens and broilers perishing, while fisheries experienced substantial damage to boats and fishing infrastructure.

    Dennis Valdez, Managing Director of Newport-Fersan, announced the fertilizer donation as part of a broader JMD $40 million relief initiative by the Fersan Group. The comprehensive package includes JMD $9 million in direct farmer support through technical programs and outreach, plus JMD $5 million allocated for affected company staff and their families. Valdez emphasized the company’s commitment as ‘national responsibility’ rather than symbolic gesture, noting the contribution aligns with their 20th anniversary operations in Jamaica.

    The ministry confirmed the fertilizer will be distributed to severely affected farmers during this critical recovery phase when agricultural supplements are in highest demand.

  • Children’s Authority urges safety of children during holidays

    Children’s Authority urges safety of children during holidays

    As Trinidad and Tobago’s school holidays commence, the Children’s Authority has issued crucial guidance to parents and guardians, emphasizing the continued importance of child safety protocols during the festive period. Executive Director Sheldon Cyrus delivered a stark reminder on December 11th that parental responsibilities must remain paramount despite seasonal distractions.

    Statistical data from the Authority reveals neglect persists as the most frequently reported form of child maltreatment, with parental inattention creating dangerous vulnerabilities. Cyrus specifically warned against the provision of alcohol to minors, noting its capacity to impair judgment and increase susceptibility to predators.

    The Authority’s comprehensive recommendations include ensuring children receive balanced periods of rest and recreation during holiday cleaning activities, establishing clear behavioral expectations before social gatherings, and educating youth about bodily autonomy and consent. Children should be empowered to decline unwanted physical contact, even from relatives.

    Crucial safety protocols emphasize teaching children about appropriate versus inappropriate touching, monitoring digital activities, reinforcing road safety principles, and instructing children to refuse gifts from strangers. The Authority stressed that every citizen shares responsibility for child protection, urging immediate reporting of suspected abuse to emergency services (999) or their dedicated hotline (996).

    Additional preparedness measures include ensuring children memorize their full names, ages, parental contact information, home addresses, and identifying trusted adults to approach if lost during holiday excursions.

  • Almost $1 billion needed to fix hurricane damage in Hanover

    Almost $1 billion needed to fix hurricane damage in Hanover

    The Hanover Municipal Corporation in Jamaica confronts a staggering financial crisis as it estimates nearly $1 billion (J$814,844,975.65) required to repair infrastructure devastated by Hurricane Melissa. This catastrophic financial burden compounds existing fiscal challenges, including unresolved salary increases for municipal workers implemented three years ago.

    Mayor Sheridan Samuels revealed the dire situation during the corporation’s monthly general meeting, emphasizing that the recovery effort demands extensive external support. The colossal sum would address repairs to municipal infrastructure, public properties, and facilities under the corporation’s management.

    “Achieving Hanover’s restoration to acceptable standards presents immense challenges, yet our community resilience shall guide us through,” Mayor Samuels stated, acknowledging the severity of the predicament.

    The municipal authority has formally requested assistance from Jamaica’s Ministry of Local Government while simultaneously exploring alternative funding avenues. Potential sources include domestic agencies like the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), with international relief organizations remaining under consideration.

    Mayor Samuels highlighted that the corporation’s financial distress predates the hurricane, exacerbated by the central government’s incomplete funding of mandated salary reclassifications for public sector workers effective since April 2022. This has created persistent strain on municipal resources, affecting operational expenses including payroll, utilities, and transportation.

    The Category 5 hurricane, which struck Jamaica on October 28, severely impacted approximately thirteen municipal revenue streams—including building permits, market fees, advertising signage, and burial services—further weakening the parish’s economic foundation.

    “Our parish is experiencing profound hardship,” Mayor Samuels lamented, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive financial intervention to restore normalcy to the hurricane-ravaged region.

  • PNM stalwart Ferdie Ferreira dies at 93

    PNM stalwart Ferdie Ferreira dies at 93

    Trinidad and Tobago is mourning the passing of Ferdinand ‘Ferdie’ Ferreira, a foundational figure in the nation’s political landscape and close confidant of first prime minister Dr. Eric Williams, who died on December 11 at the age of 93. Recognized across party lines as an unwavering patriot, Ferreira dedicated his life to national development and political scholarship.

    Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles led tributes, honoring Ferreira as a man whose “life lived in service, integrity and devotion is honoured by God Himself.” Born in 1932 on Dundonald Street in Port of Spain, Ferreira became one of the few authorities capable of speaking comprehensively about Trinidad and Tobago’s political evolution from colonial times to the present.

    As a founding member of the People’s National Movement (PNM), Ferreira served in multiple capacities including elections officer and labor relations officer while acting as trusted adviser to Williams and subsequent party leaders. His expertise became so renowned that the PNM described his home as “a museum of sorts” containing historical documents, laminated articles, photographs, and recordings preserved with his late wife Pearl.

    Beyond political service, Ferreira was a prolific writer who authored two significant works: “Political Encounters 1946–2016” (2018) and the autobiography “Portrait of a Patriot” (2022), launched the day after his 90th birthday. His intellectual contributions earned him the honorary degree from the University of Trinidad and Tobago in 2021 and the D. Eric Williams Medal of Honour in 2019.

    Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Former culture minister Joan Yuille-Williams remembered him as “the most dedicated servant of the people” who “didn’t look back for anything for himself.” NAR former deputy leader Winston Dookeran praised Ferreira as “a foundation stone for the building of the independent TT,” while former minister Vasant Bharath noted his commentary was “never about spectacle – it was about service.”

    Ferreira’s legacy includes his recent work preserving the PNM’s history on film through interviews with founding members. He is survived by his children David, Donna, and Jaime, daughter-in-law Lavaughn, and numerous grandchildren.