Carib Scope

分类： society

  • It’s ‘like watchin him die again’

    It’s ‘like watchin him die again’

    A Bahamian mother’s quest for justice ended in devastating institutional failure when the murder trial of her eight-year-old son concluded without her knowledge, leaving her to discover the acquittal through social media notifications. Kendera Woodside, whose son Eugene Jr. was killed by a stray bullet in 2017, described the experience as emotionally equivalent to witnessing her child’s fatal bleeding firsthand.

    The judicial proceedings against Lloyd Minnis and Perry Pickering—the two men accused of the shooting that killed Eugene as he did homework in their Chippingham home—collapsed unexpectedly this week when prosecutors presented neither opening statements nor witnesses. According to Cordell Fraizer, Director of Public Prosecutions, the case foundered because the Supreme Court denied the Crown’s request to present an anonymous witness.

    Woodside, who was pregnant when she held her dying son, revealed that the judicial system never informed her that the trial had been scheduled, much less that it was underway. For years, she had been told the case would not reach court before 2026. The first indication of the trial’s occurrence and abrupt conclusion came through social media messages and news clips sent by friends and family.

    ‘What happened to the system? Why does the system want to fail Eugene?’ Woodside asked in an emotional interview. ‘He was only eight years old.’

    The failure to notify the victim’s family compounded the trauma of a killing that had originally sparked national outrage. Woodside detailed how the tragedy fractured her family: her daughter, who witnessed the shooting, required psychological support; her marriage dissolved under the weight of shared grief; and annual celebrations like birthdays and Christmas have become painful reminders of loss rather than occasions for joy.

    Woodside has vowed to continue seeking justice, expressing anguish toward all parties involved—from the judge and jury to the prosecutors and the Attorney General’s Office—whom she believes failed her son and compounded her suffering.

  • Request for help allegedly sparks jealous rage

    Request for help allegedly sparks jealous rage

    A domestic dispute in Montego Bay, Jamaica, triggered by post-hurricane recovery efforts, has resulted in serious criminal charges after allegedly escalating into a violent machete attack. Gavin Seaton, the accused, appeared before the St James Parish Court on Wednesday facing assault charges, though he maintains his complete innocence.

    The incident originated on November 4 in Mount Zion, St James, when the complainant was discussing reconstruction assistance for her hurricane-damaged home with a male friend. Prosecutors state that Seaton, her live-in partner, became enraged upon witnessing this interaction. The confrontation quickly turned physical when Seaton allegedly seized the woman’s phone, grabbed her by the throat, and punched her in the torso and chest area.

    According to court documents, the situation intensified dramatically when the victim attempted to flee. Seaton reportedly pursued her with a machete, forcing her to seek refuge in a neighbor’s residence. The attack culminated with Seaton allegedly thrusting the weapon through the neighbor’s window in a continued attempt to reach the victim.

    Law enforcement subsequently arrested and charged Seaton with assault occasioning bodily harm and common law assault. During police interrogation, he reportedly made a statement suggesting the case would not proceed due to the victim’s affection for him. However, in court before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, Seaton vehemently denied all allegations, swearing he never laid hands on the complainant.

    The judicial process continues with prosecutors noting outstanding evidence including a medical certificate and neighbor’s statement. Seaton was granted bail set at $150,000 Jamaican dollars with up to three sureties. The case is scheduled for further mention on January 21, 2026.

  • Jarrett urges stronger support for children as Jamaica rebuilds after Hurricane Melissa

    Jarrett urges stronger support for children as Jamaica rebuilds after Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican business leader Earl Jarrett has issued a compelling call to action for substantial investment in early childhood development, emphasizing its undeniable returns for national prosperity. The CEO and deputy chair of The Jamaica National Group underscored that the most crucial phase for cognitive and social development occurs before age five, making early education fundamental to building national human capacity.

    Speaking at a special colloquium, Jarrett simultaneously urged employers to actively support maternal healthcare by facilitating prenatal clinic attendance for expectant mothers. The event honored the 110th birth anniversary of Dudley Grant, revered as the pioneering father of Jamaica’s early childhood education movement. Grant’s enduring educational philosophy—centered on play-based pedagogy and innovative use of low-cost materials—continues to influence contemporary teaching methodologies.

    Jarrett highlighted Grant’s transformative ‘trashables to teachables’ approach, his collaborative partnerships with both corporate and academic sectors, and his profound impact on policy development and international practices. ‘He functioned as an apostle who gathered like-minded visionaries,’ Jarrett remarked. ‘He truly was the movement’s patriarch.’

    The gathering facilitated strategic discussions on strengthening early childhood systems throughout the region, addressing critical themes including effective policy formulation, technology’s impact on developing minds, and building sectoral resilience. Jarrett stated these dialogues should ‘reaffirm or reframe societal attitudes toward young children,’ noting that a robust early educational framework establishes the foundation for a literate and compassionate society.

    With Jamaica navigating significant contemporary challenges, Jarrett positioned child protection and preparation as central to national recovery efforts, describing children as ‘the present value of the nation’s future wealth.’ He emphasized the urgent need to ‘safeguard the youngest among us’ to develop essential human capacity for the coming three decades.

    Concurrently, Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon advocated for institutionalizing preparedness and resilience within early childhood education. Referencing lessons from Hurricane Melissa, she revealed collaborative efforts with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to develop updated emergency guidelines specifically designed for early childhood institutions.

    The minister cited widespread damage to school computer labs during recent hurricanes, stressing that disaster preparedness must transcend annual drills and become embedded in institutional culture. ‘We need to live and breathe preparedness—it must become our operational mindset,’ she asserted. The ministry is additionally examining curriculum revisions for teacher-training programs to incorporate mandatory crisis management and disaster risk reduction components.

  • Government to Cover CSEC Exam Fees for All Students in 2026, Browne Announces

    Government to Cover CSEC Exam Fees for All Students in 2026, Browne Announces

    In a landmark announcement during Wednesday’s parliamentary budget session, Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed transformative educational reforms that will eliminate tuition costs for qualifying citizens at key higher education institutions. The sweeping initiative, presented as part of the 2026 national budget, represents a significant investment in human capital development for the Caribbean nation.

    Central to the education overhaul is the commitment to provide tuition-free access to the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus for eligible Antiguan citizens. This benefit will take effect upon completion of current infrastructure enhancements underway at the institution. The government simultaneously declared that tuition fees at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advance Studies will be abolished entirely beginning in 2026.

    In a complementary measure aimed at supporting secondary education, the administration will assume financial responsibility for all students undertaking CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) examinations. Prime Minister Browne characterized these initiatives as strategic investments designed to broaden educational accessibility while alleviating economic burdens on families nationwide.

    The comprehensive educational package forms part of a broader developmental agenda that prioritizes human resource development as fundamental to national progress. Further details regarding implementation timelines and eligibility criteria are anticipated in forthcoming government communications.

  • STATEMENT:The UWI joins the world in observing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

    STATEMENT:The UWI joins the world in observing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

    Dr. Halimah DeShong, the newly appointed University Director of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) at The University of the West Indies, has articulated a dual-focused agenda for the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This annual observance, running from November 25 to December 10, brings global attention to sexual and gendered violence disproportionately affecting women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals.

    This year’s campaign addresses two critical emerging issues. First, responding to the United Nations’ theme ‘UNiTe to End Digital Violence against Women and Girls,’ Caribbean activists are highlighting how information and communication technologies (ICTs) are being weaponized to perpetrate sexual and gender-based violence. These technology-facilitated harms manifest as cyberstalking, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, digital impersonation, and online sexual harassment—all targeting vulnerable groups with alarming frequency.

    Second, in Hurricane Melissa’s devastating aftermath across Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba, the initiative emphasizes integrating gender and social inclusion perspectives into disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. Crisis situations exacerbate existing inequalities, leading to increased displacement of women and children, heightened unpaid care burdens, reduced access to reproductive health resources, and elevated risks of sexual violence.

    Despite these challenges, Dr. DeShong notes that digital technologies also empower activists. Organizations like ‘Intersect Antigua’ and IGDS’s own educational platforms demonstrate how digital tools can combat violence and promote gender justice. Additionally, a draft model law on technology-facilitated gender violence has emerged under the Belém do Pará Convention, which several Caribbean governments have endorsed.

    The statement calls for collective action to address the systemic roots of gender inequality, urging policymakers, civil society, and community leaders to prioritize inclusive disaster management and ethical technology use while supporting frontline organizations driving change.

  • Christmas Camp to Be Held at the National Public Library; Registration Begins This Coming Monday

    Christmas Camp to Be Held at the National Public Library; Registration Begins This Coming Monday

    The National Public Library is transforming into a holiday wonderland this December with its specially curated Christmas Camp program. Beginning registration on Monday, 8th December, the ‘Singing Santa’s Work Fu Um Christmas Camp’ promises an immersive seasonal experience for young participants aged 4 to 14.

    The week-long camp, scheduled from 15th to 19th December, will operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a comprehensive fee of $100 payable during registration. Parents can complete enrollment procedures at the library between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily following the registration opening.

    This carefully designed program features an array of festive activities including Christmas crafts workshops, vocal training sessions, dance instruction, Christmas karaoke, educational field trips, beach picnics, pajama parties, and various holiday-themed engagements. The curriculum aims to balance entertainment with educational value while fostering creativity and seasonal spirit.

    A standout feature of the camp will be the Grand Finale Christmas Fiesta at Sun City Bar & Restaurant, where participants will showcase their talents before families and community supporters. The event will feature performances, musical entertainment, and collective holiday celebrations.

    For convenience, Sun City offers an optional daily meal bundle at $25 per child, comprising lunch, a beverage, and water. Parents may select this nutritional option during the registration process.

    Organizers have emphasized their commitment to creating a secure, joyful, and enriching environment where children can explore their creativity while embracing traditional holiday values. With limited spaces available, early registration is strongly recommended to ensure participation in this unique seasonal offering.

  • Workshop in Dominica highlights cooperatives’ role in social equity, charts plan for growth

    Workshop in Dominica highlights cooperatives’ role in social equity, charts plan for growth

    Dominica recently hosted a pivotal regional workshop addressing the transformative potential of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) organizations, particularly cooperatives within agriculture and fisheries. Convened as part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 observances, the two-day forum assembled government officials, sector leaders, and technical experts from across the Eastern Caribbean. The primary objective was to forge actionable strategies for enhancing the capacity and influence of cooperatives in driving social justice, economic inclusion, and rural community resilience. Despite their recognized role in fostering social integration and decent employment, participants identified significant systemic constraints. Outdated legislation, fragmented institutional coordination, insufficient data collection mechanisms, and limited access to financial and non-financial services were cited as major impediments to progress. The event was orchestrated under the EU-funded EUCaN initiative, implemented by the Foundation for the Internationalization of Public Administrations (FIAP) and the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA). It enjoyed collaborative partnerships with a consortium of international bodies, including the OECS Commission, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), and Dominica’s Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development. Keynote addresses underscored the necessity of people-centered development. Hon. Gretta Roberts, Dominica’s Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Community Development, emphasized the critical need for solidarity-driven models that synergize civil society, private enterprise, and government policy. A representative from the European Union Delegation to Barbados reaffirmed the EU’s commitment, through initiatives like EUCaN, to bolster regional food systems and resilience by supporting cooperatives as vital actors in creating inclusive value chains and ensuring local food sovereignty. Joni Musabayana, Director of the ILO Office for the Caribbean, championed the power of collective action, stating that collaborative efforts are fundamental to building an SSE ecosystem that empowers communities and secures sustainable livelihoods. Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Roxanne Brizan-St. Martin, Programme Director at the OECS Commission, highlighted the strategic importance of partnerships aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) to convert shared regional challenges into cooperative solutions. The forum featured knowledge-sharing sessions with international experts. Presentations from Spain’s Ministry of Labour and Social Economy and the Spanish Confederation of Social Economy offered adaptable frameworks on legal structures, institutional support, and innovative financing models. Contributions from the FAO, IICA, and the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies provided practical insights into governance, market integration, inclusive finance, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. Delegates from participating nations conducted thorough analyses of their cooperative landscapes, pinpointing urgent needs in legislative modernization, capacity-building, data management, and market development. Consensus culminated in a preliminary work plan prioritizing capacity enhancement, inclusive policy formulation, robust data collection, and the strategic integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to propel the sector forward. In a conclusive statement, organizers affirmed that cooperatives serve as locally-anchored vehicles for generating dignified work, improving market access for small producers, fortifying climate resilience, and enabling shared investments in critical infrastructure and logistics.

  • Students urged to reject stereotypes during disability rights session

    Students urged to reject stereotypes during disability rights session

    In a powerful address at Washington Archibald High School’s final assembly of 2025, renowned disability rights advocate Kerryann Ifill delivered a transformative message challenging students to reconsider their perceptions of persons with disabilities. The December 1st session, coordinated by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing, and Disabilities, coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities observed annually on December 3rd.

    Ms. Ifill, a Barbadian disability consultant who lost her sight at age five, shared her remarkable journey of overcoming societal barriers to achieve academic and political excellence. Having graduated from the University of the West Indies, served as President of the Barbados Senate, and contributed to rewriting her nation’s constitution, she embodied the message that disability does not define capability.

    “People with disabilities are simply people,” Ifill asserted during her presentation. “They possess the same needs, interests, desires, and opportunities as anyone else—when given the chance.” She detailed her accomplishments as a teacher, conference speaker, and legislator, emphasizing that blindness never prevented her from achieving these milestones.

    The disability consultant provided practical guidance on appropriate interaction with individuals experiencing various disabilities, including vision, hearing, and speech impairments, plus those with physical, neurological, or psychosocial disabilities. She specifically encouraged rejecting stereotypes and avoiding discriminatory behaviors.

    Illustrating her point with a personal anecdote, Ifill described independently operating a sophisticated coffeemaker at her hotel, demonstrating the competence and self-reliance many disabled individuals develop. Her philosophy of perseverance resonated throughout the assembly: “When I am told I can’t, I prove people wrong and show them that I can.”

    Ifill concluded with a sobering statistic that captured the audience’s attention: approximately 15 percent of those present would experience disability during their lifetime. This reality, she emphasized, makes inclusive attitudes and accessibility concerns relevant to everyone.

    The presentation represented part of ongoing efforts by St. Kitts and Nevis to promote disability awareness and foster more inclusive communities through educational initiatives.

  • PHOTOS: Roadworks Underway in Willikies

    PHOTOS: Roadworks Underway in Willikies

    Transportation authorities in Willikies have issued a formal advisory to motorists as significant road infrastructure upgrades progress throughout the region. Construction crews are currently executing comprehensive improvements to the area’s roadway network, requiring temporary traffic modifications and reduced speed limits in active work zones.

    The ongoing enhancement initiative, part of a broader infrastructure development plan, aims to substantially improve road quality, safety standards, and transportation efficiency for residents and commercial vehicles alike. While specific completion timelines remain undisclosed, officials confirm the project has entered its most intensive phase of implementation.

    Commuters traversing the Willikies area are strongly encouraged to allocate additional travel time and maintain heightened awareness of changing traffic patterns. Alternative routes are recommended where feasible to minimize congestion delays. The transportation department emphasizes that all temporary inconveniences will yield long-term benefits through enhanced road safety and improved driving conditions upon project completion.

    Regular updates regarding traffic flow adjustments will be communicated through official government channels and local media outlets to keep the public informed of progress and any schedule modifications.

  • Call to foster disability-inclusive societies for social progress

    Call to foster disability-inclusive societies for social progress

    The Albert Cecil Graham Development Centre (ACGDC), Barbados’ premier facility for children with developmental disabilities, marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a powerful call to action for national inclusion. This year’s theme focusing on disability-inclusive societies for social progress resonated deeply with the organization’s four-decade mission.

    Established in 1981, ACGDC has pioneered multidisciplinary interventions through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychological services, and specialized education programs. The center currently provides comprehensive support to 45 children through its Day Care, Education, and Workshop Units, while serving hundreds more with assessment and therapeutic services annually.

    Chairperson Julston Kinch delivered a compelling message: ‘True social progress remains unattainable while societal members face participation barriers. We challenge all Barbadians—from policymakers to business owners to citizens—to critically examine how their actions either construct or dismantle these obstacles.’

    The center specifically called for practical measures including installation of accessibility ramps, disability-appropriate facilities, and respectful use of designated parking spaces. ‘Accessibility constitutes not a privilege but a fundamental right,’ Kinch emphasized. ‘When businesses invest in ramps, accessible restrooms, and inclusive design, they broadcast that everyone is valued and welcome.’

    As a nonprofit organization, ACGDC depends significantly on community support to sustain its transformative programs. Donations directly fund therapeutic equipment, educational materials, transportation services, and specialized interventions that empower children to thrive. The center welcomes financial contributions, corporate partnerships, volunteer assistance, and in-kind donations.

    Kinch concluded with a vision statement: ‘Every child deserves the opportunity to contribute their unique gifts to our society. Collectively, we can construct a Barbados where inclusion transforms from aspiration to reality—enabling every person, regardless of ability, to participate fully in national progress.’