Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Seide celebrated as a man ‘worthy of honour’ for service to youth

    Seide celebrated as a man ‘worthy of honour’ for service to youth

    Grand Bahama witnessed a powerful tribute to community advocate Dudley Seide during a special recognition ceremony this past weekend. Government officials, corporate partners, and civic leaders gathered to honor his decades of service redirecting at-risk youth through the Reach Out Youth Organisation, which he founded.

    Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey delivered commemorative remarks, recalling her initial encounter with Seide and his wife Katie during her tenure at the Grand Bahama Port Authority. “Dudley’s leadership has created hope and second chances where many believed none existed,” stated Moxey, highlighting his multifaceted approach involving mentorship, legal expungements, and cross-sector partnerships.

    The celebration coincided with Seide’s recent induction into the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Youth Leaders Hall of Excellence Class of 2025, where he stood among five distinguished Bahamians recognized for their enduring commitment to youth development.

    Ian Rolle, President of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, characterized the honor as recognizing not merely an individual but “a movement shaped by grace and propelled by purpose.” He described the Seides as “a true power couple” operating with humility and divine guidance.

    Winston Pinnock, Bahamian Ambassador and business leader, emphasized the growing necessity of their work amid the island’s socioeconomic challenges. “The need is greater than I’ve ever seen it,” Pinnock noted, pledging expanded corporate support and calling fellow business leaders to increased action.

    Religious leaders and community members testified to Seide’s life-saving interventions and family restoration efforts throughout Grand Bahama, culminating in widespread applause for his transformative contributions.

  • Ex-cop found dead months after mother’s death

    Ex-cop found dead months after mother’s death

    The Bedasse family of Cedros, Trinidad, has been struck by a second profound tragedy within months following the apparent suicide of 34-year-old Russell Bedasse, a former police officer, on December 9. The incident compounds an ongoing family crisis stemming from the controversial death of his mother, Shelawaithie “Meera” Bedasse, whose body was discovered at Clifton Hill Beach in Point Fortin on September 24.

    Russell Bedasse, who had served eleven years with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service before his recent resignation, had been immersed in intense grief and public advocacy following his mother’s death. Despite official police classification of her death as suicide, Bedasse maintained that his mother had been murdered, with perpetrators attempting to disguise the crime. His relentless pursuit of justice included scrutinizing phone records that revealed suspicious activity during her final hours.

    The psychological toll on Bedasse was exacerbated by previous trauma—eleven years prior, he had responded to a suicide call only to discover his own father as the victim. This historical trauma resurfaced dramatically during his mother’s case. In late September, expressing frustration with the investigation’s progress, Bedasse resigned from the police service, delivering his badge and resignation letter to the Cedros Police Station where he had last been stationed.

    His public criticism of police handling of the case included social media posts that garnered significant attention. Subsequently, Bedasse posted a viral TikTok video offering a “public apology” to the police service, characterizing his behavior as “out of character and stemmed from a place of deep emotional distress.” The video revealed the depth of his psychological struggle, connecting his current anguish to the trauma of discovering his father’s suicide years earlier.

    The dual tragedies highlight ongoing concerns about mental health support for first responders and the complex emotional dimensions of unsolved death investigations. Local authorities continue to investigate both deaths while mental health resources remain available through Lifeline (800-5588, 866-5433, or 220-3636) and emergency services (990, 811, or 999).

  • ‘Step in the right direction’ – mother welcomes acquittal appeal in son’s killing

    ‘Step in the right direction’ – mother welcomes acquittal appeal in son’s killing

    The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has initiated an expanded appeal following the controversial directed acquittal of two defendants in the 2017 homicide case of eight-year-old Eugene Woodside Jr. This legal maneuver comes as a response to both the judge’s refusal to consider anonymous witness testimony and the unexpected dismissal of charges against Lloyd Minnis and Perry Pickering.

    Kendra Woodside, the victim’s mother, characterized the prosecution’s appeal as a positive development while simultaneously expressing profound distress over her exclusion from the judicial proceedings. Despite acknowledging the procedural advancement, Woodside emphasized that she remains far from experiencing any sense of closure or happiness regarding the matter.

    Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Fraizer confirmed the filing of an amended appeal last Friday, broadening the scope of the initial legal challenge that previously focused exclusively on the anonymity issue. The appeal is scheduled for hearing before the Court of Appeal on December 17.

    The case took an unexpected turn when the trial commenced and concluded without Woodside’s knowledge, despite previous assurances that proceedings wouldn’t begin before 2026. Prosecutors presented neither opening statements nor witness testimony, resulting in the immediate acquittal of both defendants.

    The tragic incident dates back to 2017 when young Eugene was fatally struck by a stray bullet while completing homework assignments in the family’s Chippingham residence. The shooting, which occurred as Woodside—pregnant at the time—cradled her dying son, triggered nationwide outrage and profound personal trauma that ultimately fractured the family structure, affecting both her daughter who witnessed the event and her marriage.

  • Innovation labs bring virtual reality to students

    Innovation labs bring virtual reality to students

    In a significant advancement for special education, the Digicel Foundation has revealed plans to establish five additional fully-equipped Innovation Labs in specialized educational institutions by year’s end. The initiative targets Lady Hochoy Cocorite, Eshe’s Learning Centre, Cascade School for the Deaf, Servol Sunshine Hill, and St Dominic’s Trade School, providing cutting-edge technological resources to enhance learning experiences for students with disabilities.

    The comprehensive technology package includes state-of-the-art computers, immersive virtual reality systems, interactive smart boards, specialized assistive technology accessories, and ergonomically designed furniture. This infrastructure aims to foster more inclusive, hands-on educational approaches tailored to diverse learning requirements.

    Educational leaders from the beneficiary institutions recently conducted an observational tour of the existing Innovation Lab at Palmeras Learning Centre in St. James, established through Digicel Foundation funding in 2024. Under the guidance of IT instructor Faith Jackson and Principal Earlene Phillip, visitors witnessed firsthand the successful integration of technology into specialized curricula.

    Principal Phillip characterized the lab’s impact as transformative: ‘The Innovation Lab has fundamentally revolutionized our educational methodology. Students actively seek opportunities to incorporate technology into their daily learning activities. While the smart board remains particularly popular, the overall access to computers and internet resources for research and skill development has proven invaluable.’

    Diana Mathura-Hobson, Project Manager at Digicel Foundation, emphasized the broader vision: ‘These five institutions join an expanding community of educators dedicated to digital inclusion. Our Innovation Labs initiative strives to guarantee that students with special needs receive equitable access to technological opportunities.’

    This program operates within the Foundation’s Digital Citizenship framework, which seeks to equip youth and marginalized communities with essential digital skills, tools, and confidence for full participation in the digital landscape. With these additions, the Foundation will have established 20 Innovation Labs nationwide, systematically integrating adaptive and accessible technologies into specialized education systems.

  • Question on baby challenge

    Question on baby challenge

    A provocative demographic proposal from Tobago’s highest-ranking official has ignited vigorous public discourse about parental preparedness and child welfare. Chief Secretary Farley Augustine of the Tobago House of Assembly has publicly encouraged citizens to increase the island’s birth rate, accompanied by promises of infant care packages containing essentials like booties, diapers, and other nursery items.

    The initiative, intended to address demographic challenges, has prompted critical examination from community members. In a sharply worded letter to Newsday, Diego Martin resident Richard Lobo questioned whether material incentives alone adequately prepare prospective parents for the comprehensive responsibilities of child-rearing.

    Lobo’s commentary highlights deeper concerns about long-term parental capabilities beyond initial infant care. The central inquiry challenges whether parents receiving these incentives will possess sufficient resources to provide consistent nourishment, proper healthcare, quality education, and emotional support throughout childhood and adolescence.

    The letter further warns of potential societal consequences, suggesting that inadequate parenting support systems might lead to problematic decision-making by children as they mature into adulthood. This response reflects growing public skepticism about governmental demographic interventions that prioritize quantitative population growth without addressing qualitative aspects of child development.

    The emerging debate touches upon fundamental questions about the role of government incentives in private family decisions and the necessary support structures for ensuring child welfare beyond the infancy stage.

  • WATCH: Christmas parties for government entities cancelled—Morris Dixon

    WATCH: Christmas parties for government entities cancelled—Morris Dixon

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a decisive response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has announced the cancellation of all official Christmas parties for state entities this year. Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon made the announcement during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, signaling a shift in priorities toward national recovery efforts.

    Minister Dixon clarified that while large-scale, external celebrations are prohibited, small internal gatherings for staff recognition and morale-building within government offices will be permitted. ‘We have agreed to allow small in-ministry or in-department recognition or morale-building activities,’ Dixon stated. ‘If you are doing something in the office, it’s fine, but no rental of external venues is allowed.’

    The minister instead urged government agencies to organize outreach activities targeting team members adversely affected by the hurricane’s impact. Extending this call beyond the public sector, Dixon encouraged private sector entities to maintain their support for relief initiatives, noting concerning reports of event cancellations at hotels that could further strain the economy.

    Highlighting the disproportionate economic impact on western regions of the island, Dixon made a unique appeal to Jamaicans in less-affected areas: ‘We really do need to kind of make up for what is happening in the west in terms of the downturn in economic activity. Those of us in areas that haven’t been affected as much, please go out and spend money. The economy needs it, but, at the same time, spend time doing outreach in the affected areas.’ This dual approach aims to balance economic stimulation with direct humanitarian assistance in the recovery process.

  • Last ‘Good morning’

    Last ‘Good morning’

    The community of Bonitto Heights in Mandeville, Manchester, was plunged into profound grief on Tuesday morning following the tragic death of nine-year-old Amoya Moore, a Villa Road Primary School student struck by a garbage truck while walking to school.

    The incident occurred approximately at 7:00 AM near the child’s residence, moments after she had exchanged morning greetings with the sanitation crew. According to an eyewitness who was washing his car nearby, the tragedy unfolded as the truck descended from Bonitto Heights. The man described hearing a piercing scream before witnessing one of the truck’s sidemen running in distress. Upon rushing to the scene, he discovered Amoya fatally injured on the ground.

    Manchester law enforcement authorities promptly impounded the vehicle for technical examination at the Mandeville depot while initiating a comprehensive investigation through both the Manchester Traffic Department and Area Three Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Unit. The driver remained in police custody for questioning throughout Tuesday afternoon as officers gathered official statements.

    Villa Road Primary School Principal Brent James characterized Amoya as an exceptionally bright, respectful, and disciplined student who held special significance to him personally. “She literally fights to come and hug me each day,” James recounted, visibly emotional. “A child that had such great prospects, and for her life to just be taken away just like that is tragic.”

    The school immediately implemented crisis response protocols, with grief counselors and psychosocial support teams from the Ministry of Education’s Region Five office joining principals from three area schools to assist students and staff processing the devastating news.

    Neighbors remembered Amoya as a remarkably polite child who consistently greeted community members during her daily walks. Dean Williamson, a resident and father of two daughters, expressed the collective devastation: “It is a tragic situation and very devastating to the community. All of us are parents.”

    Senior government officials including Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, Education State Minister Rhoda Moy Crawford, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority issued separate statements extending official condolences to the family and school community. Crawford, who represents Manchester Central and attended Villa Road Primary herself, announced plans to visit both the school and grieving family, simultaneously urging enhanced road safety awareness among all users.

  • Small plane crash-lands on top of car in Florida

    Small plane crash-lands on top of car in Florida

    A dramatic aviation incident unfolded on a Florida highway Monday evening when a single-engine aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing directly onto a passenger vehicle. The Beechcraft Baron 55, experiencing critical engine failure approximately at 5:40 PM local time, attempted to utilize a busy thoroughfare as an impromptu landing strip. During the desperate maneuver, the aircraft ultimately collided with an automobile traveling along the roadway. Emergency services promptly responded to the scene following reports of the mid-highway collision. While the vehicle’s operator sustained injuries requiring hospital transport, medical officials confirmed these were non-life-threatening. Remarkably, both the pilot and sole passenger aboard the aircraft emerged completely unscathed from the incident. Aviation authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the mechanical failure and subsequent emergency landing procedure.

  • CPO meets with Police Association executive

    CPO meets with Police Association executive

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s law enforcement community, Chief Personnel Officer Dr. Daryl Dindial convened with newly elected TT Police Service Social Welfare Association (TTPSSWA) president Ishmael Pitt and executive members on December 9. The meeting, held at the Personnel Department headquarters in St. Clair, marked a pivotal step in fostering collaborative relations between government administration and police representatives.

    During the cordial exchange, both parties engaged in substantive discussions addressing critical organizational matters. While explicitly characterized as preliminary talks rather than formal negotiations, the dialogue encompassed several pressing issues including the ongoing job evaluation exercise, comprehensive pension reform proposals, enhancements to the group health plan, and potential timelines for resuming official bargaining sessions.

    Dr. Dindial emphasized the administration’s commitment to maintaining transparent and productive channels of communication with all stakeholders. The meeting notably served as an occasion to honor outgoing TTPSSWA president Gideon Dickson, whom the CPO praised for his principled leadership and dedication to advancing members’ welfare during his tenure. Dickson’s stewardship was credited with significantly strengthening the association’s advocacy capabilities and achieving tangible benefits for personnel.

    The constructive nature of the discussions has established a foundation for continued engagement, with follow-up dialogues scheduled for early January 2026. Dr. Dindial concluded the proceedings by extending seasonal greetings to all police service members and their families, acknowledging their service during the holiday period. This meeting occurs against the backdrop of the association’s previous acceptance in February 2023 of a four percent remuneration offer covering the 2014-2019 periods.

  • 60 homes for Christmas

    60 homes for Christmas

    MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – In an extraordinary humanitarian response, the S Hotel has mobilized a rapid-deployment project to construct 60 one-bedroom housing units for western Jamaican residents displaced by Hurricane Melissa. With a total investment exceeding $21 million Jamaican dollars, the ‘S for Shelters’ initiative represents one of the most significant private-sector recovery efforts following the devastating storm.

    The ambitious program, driven by the Jamaican-owned hospitality brand, aims to provide safe accommodation for homeless families before Christmas celebrations begin. Hotel Manager and Brand Ambassador Andres Cope emphasized the emotional urgency behind the project: ‘This initiative resonates deeply with our core values. With Christmas approaching rapidly, ensuring our fellow Jamaicans have proper shelter becomes our paramount concern.’

    The innovative housing solution emerged after the hotel received heartfelt communications from international guests expressing concern about traveling to a disaster-affected region. ‘Our overseas clients conveyed genuine distress about visiting while Jamaicans suffered,’ Cope explained during Tuesday’s press briefing. ‘As a locally-owned establishment, we recognize our responsibility to support communities in crisis.’

    Construction teams have demonstrated remarkable efficiency, completing structures at an accelerated pace of two to three units daily. The 10×12-foot wooden houses, engineered for durability and longevity, are being assembled in the hotel’s parking lot before transportation to identified recipients. Projects Manager Tardo Nelson confirmed the buildings’ structural integrity: ‘With appropriate maintenance including regular painting and care, these shelters can provide secure housing for a decade or longer, substantially outperforming conventional board houses common in the region.’

    The identification process for beneficiaries relies on grassroots intelligence from hotel employees residing in affected parishes. This community-based approach ensures assistance reaches the most vulnerable individuals, including a paralyzed gentleman who became the first recipient after losing his entire home.

    The humanitarian endeavor has inspired active participation from international visitors. Mike Vanbuskirk, a tourist from Florida, joined construction teams personally, noting: ‘Contributing physically to Jamaica’s rebuilding process embodies compassionate tourism. Having witnessed Jamaican resilience previously, I feel privileged to participate meaningfully.’

    Other guests, including retirees Tim and Marva Joseph from Virginia, praised the hotel’s transparent crisis communication throughout the hurricane period. ‘Their consistent social media updates demonstrated unwavering resilience,’ Tim noted. ‘We maintained our reservation specifically to support this commendable recovery effort.’

    The project exemplifies growing trends in corporate social responsibility within the hospitality industry, showcasing how tourism infrastructure can directly contribute to disaster recovery while maintaining operational excellence.