Carib Scope

分类： society

  • President: Onderwijs speerpunt nationale ontwikkeling; grote conferentie gepland in maart

    President: Onderwijs speerpunt nationale ontwikkeling; grote conferentie gepland in maart

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has declared education the fundamental pillar of national development, announcing sweeping reforms to decolonize the country’s educational system and foster psychological independence. Speaking at a Wednesday press conference in Commewijne, Simons emphasized that true sovereignty requires transforming colonial-era structures and mindsets within classrooms.

    “We cannot claim independence while educating our children with colonial frameworks,” stated President Simons. “Decolonization begins in how we teach our history, culture, and identity. Our youth must become critical thinkers and confident citizens equipped for a rapidly evolving global economy.”

    The government will convene a landmark National Education Conference in March, gathering educators, policymakers, universities, vocational institutions, parents, and civil society organizations. This action-oriented summit aims to establish concrete policies across six key areas: curriculum modernization, teacher professional development, digital infrastructure upgrades, technical education enhancement, equitable access for urban and rural students, and integration of Surinamese heritage into learning materials.

    In a strategic shift in international cooperation, Suriname is prioritizing vocational education exchanges with Dutch institutions. While maintaining existing university partnerships, the focus now centers on creating reciprocal vocational training programs that position Suriname as an equal knowledge partner rather than merely an importer of European educational models.

    The education overhaul extends beyond academics to encompass youth development through cultural education, sports programs, leadership training, and enhanced community libraries. President Simons envisions this comprehensive approach as essential for building both economic competitiveness and national unity.

    “Education becomes the engine of our future,” Simons concluded. “Without education that makes our people stronger, smarter, and freer, we cannot achieve economic growth, technological advancement, or true national cohesion.”

  • OWT Council: Don’t Use Santa Mailbox for Trash

    OWT Council: Don’t Use Santa Mailbox for Trash

    The Orange Walk Town Council has issued a public appeal for civic responsibility following the improper misuse of a cherished Christmas installation. Authorities reported that the specially designed Santa Claus mailbox, positioned as a centerpiece in Central Park’s holiday display, has been found contaminated with refuse instead of children’s heartfelt letters.

    The vibrant red and yellow mailbox serves as a designated drop point for youngsters to post their Christmas wishes to Santa. However, recent inspections revealed it had been treated as a public waste receptacle, compromising its intended festive purpose.

    In an official statement, the Council emphasized: “We respectfully urge community members to cease disposing of garbage in this mailbox at Central Park. This installation constitutes an integral component of our Christmas decorations. We continue to welcome children to deposit their letters to Santa here.”

    The appeal highlights ongoing challenges municipalities face maintaining public decorations during holiday seasons. The incident represents both a sanitation concern and a disregard for community traditions that bring joy to local children during the festive period.

    Town officials remain hopeful that public cooperation will preserve the mailbox’s purpose throughout the holiday season, ensuring the tradition remains accessible and enjoyable for all children participating in this Christmas custom.

  • Policeman faces life imprisonment, flogging if convicted on firearm charge

    Policeman faces life imprisonment, flogging if convicted on firearm charge

    A law enforcement officer from Guyana’s Region One (Barima-Waini) police division is confronting potentially extreme judicial consequences following formal accusations under the nation’s stringent firearm legislation. Constable Daniel Henry appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh on Thursday, December 4, 2025, to answer charges of possessing a firearm with demonstrated intent to inflict harm.

    The specific allegation indicates that Mr. Henry illegally possessed a weapon with the purpose of endangering human life or causing serious damage to property, an offense categorized as a felony under Section 37 of Guyana’s Firearm Offences Act Chapter 16:05. During the initial hearing, the defendant was not permitted to enter a plea. The court denied bail and ordered the accused remanded into custody until his subsequent scheduled appearance on January 14, 2026.

    This legal development emerges shortly after the political organization We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) circulated a video recording on social media. The footage depicted an individual, allegedly Mr. Henry, openly brandishing and discharging an AK-47 assault rifle while issuing threats toward another person in the Port Kaituma area. The judicial process will determine whether the individual in the video is indeed the accused officer.

    Guyanese law mandates severe punishment for such violations. If convicted, Constable Henry could receive a life imprisonment sentence coupled with corporal punishment, specifically whipping or flogging, regardless of whether the intended injury or property damage ultimately occurred. The case has attracted significant public attention, highlighting serious concerns about firearm misuse and accountability within law enforcement institutions.

  • Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for Barbados

    Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for Barbados

    The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) has maintained its Small Craft Advisory through Friday evening as turbulent marine conditions persist across the island’s coastal waters. According to Thursday’s official bulletin, sustained winds measuring 20 to 25 knots continue generating substantial swells reaching 2.0 to 3.0 meters (7-10 feet) in open waters.

    Meteorologists attribute these challenging conditions to a robust Atlantic high-pressure system currently influencing eastern Caribbean marine patterns. While projections indicate gradual improvement over the weekend, maritime conditions are expected to remain unstable through Friday.

    Authorities have issued renewed cautions to marine operators, particularly small craft vessels and recreational beachgoers, highlighting potential navigation hazards posed by the persistent swell activity. The advisory remains effective until 6:00 PM local time on Friday, December 5th, subject to potential extension should conditions warrant.

    The BMS emphasizes the importance of monitoring updates from official channels including the Department of Emergency Management and Barbados Fisheries Division. Marine stakeholders are advised to exercise heightened vigilance and adhere strictly to safety protocols issued by relevant authorities during this period of elevated maritime risk.

  • Cuba reaffirms Zero tolerance policy on drugs

    Cuba reaffirms Zero tolerance policy on drugs

    Cuban authorities have detailed the nation’s ongoing battle against international drug trafficking networks during a comprehensive press briefing. Silvera, who chairs the National Drug Commission, acknowledged that while domestic drug consumption remains relatively contained, the country faces escalating challenges from increasingly diverse and potent narcotics circulating globally.

    Addressing the complex situation, Silvera emphasized the government’s collaborative approach, working across multiple societal sectors to implement preventative strategies against substance abuse. This multi-faceted effort comes despite Cuba’s unique position as a non-producing and non-trafficking nation that nevertheless suffers repeated attempts at drug introduction, primarily through maritime routes.

    Colonel Juan Carlos Poey, head of the Specialized Anti-Drug Unit at the Ministry of the Interior (Minint), provided critical context, noting that Cuba’s geographical placement on major trafficking corridors makes it vulnerable to transnational criminal operations. First Colonel Ivey Carballo, Chief of Staff of the Border Guard Troops Directorate, further elaborated on this strategic challenge, explaining that the nation’s position on the South-North trafficking route necessitates constant vigilance over maritime territories.

    The officials highlighted the crucial role of public cooperation in anti-drug efforts, with Cuban citizens frequently assisting authorities by reporting and temporarily securing packages containing illicit substances discovered in coastal waters. This community involvement, combined with systematic institutional efforts, forms the backbone of Cuba’s comprehensive strategy to eliminate drug trafficking—a phenomenon fundamentally incompatible with the nation’s social principles and foundational values.

  • PHOTOS: C.O. Williams Pushes Ahead with Road Surface Works in Pares Village

    PHOTOS: C.O. Williams Pushes Ahead with Road Surface Works in Pares Village

    Infrastructure enhancement efforts are progressing steadily in Antigua as C.O. Williams Ltd. (Antigua) advances its comprehensive asphalt preparation and repair initiative along the Sir Sydney Walling Highway in Pares Village. The ongoing project represents a significant investment in the island’s transportation infrastructure, focusing on improving road safety and driving conditions for local residents and visitors alike. Construction crews are methodically working to address surface deterioration and structural weaknesses that have developed over time through weather exposure and constant traffic flow. The rehabilitation strategy involves meticulous preparation of the existing roadbed followed by application of premium-grade asphalt materials designed to withstand tropical climate conditions. While temporary traffic management measures are in effect to facilitate the construction process, motorists are advised to exercise caution when traversing the work zones and consider alternative routes during peak construction hours. The project timeline anticipates minimal disruption to daily commutes, with most intensive work scheduled during lower-traffic periods. This infrastructure improvement initiative forms part of broader governmental efforts to modernize Antigua’s road network and enhance connectivity between key communities and economic centers across the island.

  • Digicel says latest act of vandalism causing service disruption for customers in Kingston

    Digicel says latest act of vandalism causing service disruption for customers in Kingston

    A significant act of deliberate sabotage has severely impacted telecommunications services across the Kingston Metropolitan Area. Digicel Jamaica has reported a criminal vandalism attack on a crucial segment of its underground fiber optic infrastructure in New Kingston, which it describes as a protected cable route. The incident, believed to have occurred overnight, has been condemned by the company as a dangerous and reckless assault on national infrastructure.

    In an official statement released Friday morning, Digicel detailed the severe consequences of this targeted attack. The vandalism has resulted in widespread service disruptions, affecting countless customers, businesses, and essential services throughout the capital region. Technical response teams were immediately deployed to the affected site to conduct urgent restoration work, aiming to repair the critical infrastructure and reinstate services with maximum expediency.

    Stephen Murad, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Jamaica, issued a strong condemnation of the incident, framing it as an attack on Jamaica’s communications backbone. He emphasized that such deliberate destruction disrupts business operations, threatens public safety mechanisms, and interrupts the daily lives of citizens. Murad affirmed the company’s resolve to not be deterred by such criminal acts, reiterating their commitment to rebuilding a more resilient and reliable network. The company is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies in an ongoing investigation and is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activities observed near telecommunications sites or underground access points to aid in apprehending those responsible.

  • Man freed of indecent assault charges in St Catherine Parish Court

    Man freed of indecent assault charges in St Catherine Parish Court

    In a significant ruling from the St Catherine Parish Court, 39-year-old steel worker Robert Wallace was exonerated on Thursday of two counts of indecent assault. Presiding Judge Justice English-Myers delivered the acquittal after determining that the prosecution’s case suffered from fundamental inconsistencies and insufficient credible evidence to secure a conviction.

    The allegations against Wallace involved a minor and stemmed from two separate incidents reportedly occurring in December 2023 and May 2024. The prosecution’s case rested primarily on the testimony of the complainant and her older sister, both of which unraveled during cross-examination by defense attorney Rodain Richardson.

    Critical to the defense’s success were numerous discrepancies in the complainant’s account. The court noted that the complainant admitted to providing false information to police regarding how a door opened during one alleged incident—a contradiction Justice English-Myers described as both material and troubling. The timeline of events presented by the complainant shifted repeatedly, particularly concerning whether the December incident occurred before or after an ongoing family dispute.

    Further weakening the prosecution’s narrative, the complainant’s sister conceded under oath that portions of her written statement—including claims of discomfort and inappropriate looks from Wallace—were untrue. She acknowledged having maintained a positive relationship with Wallace until the family disagreement emerged.

    The court also found the complainant’s behavior inconsistent with the gravity of the allegations. Testimony revealed she neither screamed, cried out, nor reported the incidents to any family members present in Jamaica at the time, including her grandmother, father, or sister.

    Additional testimony from the grandmother, who was present in the home during the relevant period, indicated that the complainant was never left alone with Wallace and visited infrequently, further undermining the prosecution’s case.

    In her ruling, Justice English-Myers concluded that the complainant lacked credibility as a witness due to multiple contradictions, evolving timelines, and unsupported claims. The court determined that the Crown failed to meet the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt, resulting in Wallace’s acquittal on both counts.

    Following the verdict, Wallace expressed quiet gratitude to his legal counsel for their unwavering support throughout the proceedings before reuniting with his family outside the courtroom.

  • British High Commissioner urges Bahamas to join global child-care charter during hostel visit

    British High Commissioner urges Bahamas to join global child-care charter during hostel visit

    During a pre-Christmas humanitarian engagement, British High Commissioner Smita Rossetti formally advocated for The Bahamas to endorse the Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform. The diplomatic appeal occurred during a joint visit with Ann-Marie Davis, spouse of the Prime Minister, to the Bahamas Children’s Emergency Hostel in Nassau on Wednesday.

    The officials participated in after-school activities and presented art supplies and stationery donated by UK-based retailer TG Jones. Both emphasized the shared commitment between their nations toward safeguarding vulnerable children. The Hostel, a non-profit facility, provides immediate protection, shelter, and comprehensive care—including accommodation, food, clothing, and medical services—for up to 35 children aged 0–12 at any given time.

    Mrs. Davis highlighted the critical needs of the institution, noting that many infants reside there during their most formative years. She stressed that support must extend beyond basic provisions to include constant nurturing, developmental guidance, and an environment fostering emotional stability and growth.

    High Commissioner Rossetti expressed profound gratitude for the caregivers’ dedicated work and outlined the Charter’s objectives. Launched earlier this year by UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy during his tenure as foreign secretary, the international framework calls on signatories to invest in family strengthening, enhance protections for vulnerable children, support caregivers, and promote safe, family-based alternative care solutions. Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda are already signatories.

    Rossetti acknowledged the special environment created by the Hostel’s leadership and staff, which includes trained teachers and nurses, but also pointed to ongoing needs that would benefit from private donations. She noted that the facility is among several in Nassau, including Ranfurly Homes for Children, working to ensure no child faces crisis alone.

  • SRPs walk out on TTPS top brass

    SRPs walk out on TTPS top brass

    A high-stakes meeting between Special Reserve Police (SRP) officers and Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) leadership dissolved into confrontation on December 3rd, culminating in a walkout by frustrated SRP members. The conflict emerged during discussions about the planned absorption of 800 SRP officers into the regular police force.

    The tension ignited when an SRP officer offered a ‘special good morning’ to two specific senior officials, noting ‘I know the two of allyuh are honest men!’ This perceived implication of dishonesty among other commanders prompted an immediate backlash. A senior officer abruptly cut the microphone, declaring, ‘I’m not going to take this disrespect! If those two are honest people, then the rest of us are dishonest?’

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Curt Simon intervened to restore order, emphasizing the structured nature of police recruitment protocols. ‘The TTPS is not a market or a parlour,’ Simon stated, explaining that while entry requirements had been relaxed for SRPs, certain criteria remained non-negotiable. The academic requirement of a Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) pass in English emerged as a particular point of contention.

    Simon delivered the controversial assertion that sparked the walkout: ‘Nobody is owed anything! Even a civilian trying to get into the TTPS is not owed the right to walk into the TTPS.’ When challenged by an SRP officer, Simon reiterated his position: ‘You can doubt it, but you are not owed the right,’ prompting several officers to exit the meeting in protest.

    In subsequent remarks to Newsday, Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin characterized the incident as an isolated occurrence driven by ‘heightened emotions.’ He explained that the absorption process, authorized by cabinet note, requires two years of service, a CSEC pass in English (reduced from the standard five passes), and successful completion of polygraph and psychometric testing.

    Benjamin acknowledged that some officers ‘felt disenfranchised’ realizing they wouldn’t qualify, but emphasized that police executives remained committed to the absorption initiative. ‘This executive, we are fighting for our SRP officers,’ Benjamin insisted, noting his personal benefit from a similar process years earlier. He outlined ongoing efforts to improve SRP working conditions, including pension benefits, gratuity arrangements, and promotion pathways through collaboration with the TTPS Social Welfare Association.