Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Jollys Pharmacy extends hours st Great George St location following Roseau fire

    Jollys Pharmacy extends hours st Great George St location following Roseau fire

    In response to the temporary closure of its King George V Street branch due to a recent fire, Jollys Pharmacy has implemented significant operational changes at its Great George Street location. The pharmaceutical provider has announced extended business hours to ensure uninterrupted community access to essential medications and healthcare products.

    The strategic decision comes as a direct measure to maintain service continuity following the devastating blaze that affected downtown Roseau in early March. Management emphasized their commitment to customer care by expanding availability at their alternative facility near All Saints University, which remains fully operational.

    Effective immediately, the revised operating schedule establishes enhanced accessibility:
    – Weekday services now extend from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM
    – Saturday operations run from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
    – Sunday availability from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

    This expansion enables community members to obtain prescription medications, over-the-counter remedies, and various pharmacy necessities during more convenient timeframes. The company’s official statement expressed gratitude for public understanding and solidarity with other businesses impacted by the downtown fire, reinforcing their dedication to serving the community during this challenging period.

  • Dominica’s National Development Foundation to lead Earth Hour observance for fourth consecutive year

    Dominica’s National Development Foundation to lead Earth Hour observance for fourth consecutive year

    Dominica is poised to elevate its environmental stewardship as the National Development Foundation (NDFD) announces comprehensive plans for Earth Hour 2026, scheduled for March 28th. Moving beyond the traditional lights-out ceremony, this year’s initiative emphasizes concrete ecological projects and youth engagement through innovative nationwide programs.

    The Foundation, designated as Dominica’s official Earth Hour coordinator since 2021, has fundamentally reimagined the global event’s implementation. Rather than focusing solely on symbolic energy conservation, NDFD has established a multifaceted approach that includes community clean-ups, environmental education campaigns, and strategic partnerships with civil society organizations. This evolution reflects a broader transformation of Earth Hour from its origins as a symbolic lights-off event into one of the world’s most extensive grassroots environmental movements.

    Central to the 2026 campaign is a groundbreaking three-tier educational program developed in collaboration with the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation. Secondary institutions and the Dominica State College will participate in the ‘Be REEL on Earth Hour’ social media competition, creating 30- to 90-second videos demonstrating environmental actions. Primary schools will engage in a ‘Voices for the Earth’ poetry and spoken word contest, while preschools will contribute to developing Dominica’s official Earth Hour motto for 2027 through slogan completion videos.

    A signature project will be the establishment of a ‘Life Park’ at Wotten Waven Primary School, where NDFD staff, partners, and volunteers will conduct tree planting, campus beautification, and clean-up activities. Designed as an enduring legacy initiative, this sustainable green space will serve as a model for environmental stewardship and community collaboration for years to come.

    The Foundation’s commitment to ecological sustainability extends beyond annual events, evidenced by their ongoing green loan programs and the Green Innovation Summit that supports eco-conscious entrepreneurs. Embracing the global theme ’60 Minutes for the Planet,’ NDFD encourages all citizens, organizations, and community groups to dedicate an hour to environmental actions—whether through tree planting, waste reduction, energy conservation, or educational activities.

    Participation incentives include cash prizes of €60, $60 USD, and $60 EC dollars for winning entries, along with corporate-sponsored hampers for top-performing schools. With March 28th falling on a Saturday, educational institutions are encouraged to conduct activities throughout the preceding week to maximize involvement.

    NDFD emphasizes that environmental conservation remains fundamental to Dominica’s sustainable development and resilience, positioning Earth Hour 2026 as an ideal platform to engage youth, strengthen partnerships, and inspire practical conservation measures that protect the island’s natural heritage.

  • BUT backs school breakfast plan, frets over teacher involvement

    BUT backs school breakfast plan, frets over teacher involvement

    The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has conditionally endorsed the government’s landmark initiative to provide free breakfasts for all primary school students, marking the first major overhaul of the national school feeding program in generations. While praising the initiative’s potential benefits for child development, the union urgently seeks clarification from education officials regarding implementation logistics and potential impacts on teaching staff.

    BUT President Rudy Lovell issued a formal statement Wednesday responding to Educational Transformation Minister Chad Blackman’s announcement at the Childhood Obesity Prevention Youth Health Summit. The union leadership acknowledged the program as “a significant and commendable investment in the well-being and academic readiness of our nation’s children,” recognizing research showing that nutritious morning meals improve concentration, classroom participation, and educational outcomes.

    However, the union raised substantial operational concerns that could affect the program’s sustainability. Primary among these is the question of student supervision if breakfast service occurs before official school hours. “Teachers already carry significant responsibilities related to instruction, preparation and extracurricular activities,” Lovell emphasized, demanding clarity on whether existing staff would shoulder additional duties or if designated personnel would be hired specifically for the program.

    The union questioned whether adequate additional staffing would be provided to manage meal distribution and student oversight, warning that “without additional staffing, there is a risk of placing undue strain on teachers, administrative staff, and ancillary workers.” Further concerns addressed potential impacts on the longstanding School Meals Department, which has provided lunch services since 1963, with the union seeking assurance that breakfast expansion wouldn’t compromise the quality or punctuality of existing lunch programs.

    Lovell also inquired about potential adjustments to the school day structure, referencing previous timetable changes during reading initiative implementations. Despite these concerns, the BUT expressed willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the ministry, stating that “with proper planning, consultation, and resource allocation, this initiative can become a transformative measure” supporting both nutritional needs and academic success.

    The proposed breakfast program represents a substantial evolution from Barbados’ original school feeding efforts that began in the mid-1930s with milk and soda crackers during colonial rule, continuing for decades after independence in 1966 alongside the cooked lunch program established three years earlier.

  • Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of Teen in Punta Gorda

    Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of Teen in Punta Gorda

    Authorities in southern Belize have launched a comprehensive investigation into a deadly shooting incident that claimed the life of a teenage laborer and injured another young man in Punta Gorda Town on Wednesday evening. The tragedy unfolded around 8:00 p.m. when local law enforcement received multiple reports of gunfire in the New Road district. Upon arrival, police discovered the fatally wounded body of a 17-year-old from Stann Creek who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. In a related development, 18-year-old Darwin Meraz, also identified as a local laborer, was injured during the same violent encounter and subsequently transported to Punta Gorda Community Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Preliminary investigative findings indicate both victims were walking along Cero Road when an unidentified assailant opened fire without apparent provocation. Law enforcement officials have yet to identify potential suspects or establish a definitive motive for the attack. The incident has sent shockwaves through the small community, with family members expressing profound grief over the senseless loss of life.

  • Gov’t seeking funds to finish Hurricane Elsa home repairs

    Gov’t seeking funds to finish Hurricane Elsa home repairs

    Barbados has achieved a significant milestone in its long-term recovery from Hurricane Elsa, with 95% of homes damaged during the 2021 storm now fully restored. William Clarke, Chief Estate Officer of the National Housing Corporation (NHC), presented this progress report to Parliament during deliberations on the Ministry of Housing’s $138 million appropriations request. The comprehensive rebuilding program has successfully restored or reconstructed 505 properties across the island nation.

    The detailed parish-by-parish breakdown reveals substantial progress: St. George recorded 129 repairs and 70 rebuilds, St. Philip saw 125 repairs with 87 rebuilds, Christ Church documented 98 repairs and 62 rebuilds, while St. Michael accounted for 86 repaired properties. An additional 19 homes were restored across other parishes. Despite this progress, funding constraints have delayed completion of the remaining 5% of properties, primarily those requiring full reconstruction.

    Former Housing Minister Dwight Sutherland expressed concern about the delayed completion, warning that structural deterioration in unfinished homes could potentially double rehabilitation costs if not addressed promptly. “Leaving houses without roofs or windows in our climate will inevitably lead to further damage and greater eventual expenditure,” Sutherland cautioned during parliamentary proceedings.

    Clarke assured legislators that securing final funding remains a top priority, noting that Prime Minister Mia Mottley has committed to addressing the financial shortfall through separate allocations. The NHC maintains a database of approximately 300 vetted contractors who participated in the initial recovery phase, with mechanisms in place to reactivate these teams once funding is secured. The corporation also emphasized its commitment to developing smaller contractors through targeted training programs, ensuring both immediate project completion and long-term construction capacity building.

    “We’re not just finishing houses—we’re building a more resilient construction industry,” Clarke stated, highlighting the dual benefits of the rehabilitation program.

  • Govt to reclaim derelict lots for new housing drive

    Govt to reclaim derelict lots for new housing drive

    In a significant move to address housing challenges, the government has unveiled a comprehensive dual-track strategy focused on repurposing abandoned properties and transferring home ownership to long-term public housing tenants. The announcement was made during parliamentary hearings on housing appropriations by senior housing officials.

    Raymond Lorde, Acting Deputy General Manager of the National Housing Corporation (NHC) and Chief Planning Officer, detailed the new Derelict Housing Revision Project which aims to identify and reclaim neglected private properties across the island. The initiative specifically targets a minimum of 20 derelict structures initially to develop a legal framework for property acquisition and conversion into viable housing units.

    “We’re examining derelict houses from EPD notices to determine how we can access these housing units,” Lorde explained. “The project focuses on identifying properties that can be incorporated into smaller housing developments, particularly in areas where utilities and infrastructure already exist, thereby reducing government expenditure.”

    The government is collaborating with the NHC and Rural and Urban Development Commission to establish what Lorde described as a “sound legal instrument” for property reclamation, with current efforts centered on perfecting this mechanism through pilot programs.

    Concurrently, Housing Minister Chris Gibbs confirmed the administration is accelerating plans to transfer title deeds to residents who have occupied NHC housing for more than two decades. This initiative addresses concerns raised by parliamentarians regarding tenants who have paid rent for decades without achieving ownership.

    “We are committed to transferring title to these individuals in your estates that have been living in the estates for more than 20 years,” Minister Gibbs stated, characterizing the measure as “an issue of social justice.” The process will require tenants to be current on their rent for the first 20 years, with the government working to address any subsequent arrears.

    The minister revealed that transfer proceedings have already commenced in several communities, including Deacons and Fernihurst, marking the initial phase of this ownership transition program.

  • Well-known Westmoreland businessman suspected of committing suicide

    Well-known Westmoreland businessman suspected of committing suicide

    The Westmoreland parish community was plunged into mourning following the tragic death of prominent local entrepreneur Craig Chong in what authorities are investigating as an apparent suicide. The 45-year-old hardware magnate, owner of multiple establishments including Bluemar Hardware and Home Store, was discovered in his vehicle late Thursday under circumstances that have left both residents and officials deeply concerned.

    According to law enforcement reports, the incident occurred approximately at 11:15 PM along Belmont Main Road where residents reported hearing a sudden explosive noise followed by a distinct crashing sound. Police responders arrived to find Chong’s 2017 white Ford Everest SUV abandoned in roadside vegetation. The businessman was positioned in the driver’s seat, clothed in a black merino top, blue denim jeans, and grey sneakers.

    Critical observations revealed what appeared to be a gunshot injury to the right temple area. A legally registered Walter 9mm pistol was recovered at the scene, containing a loaded magazine with sixteen cartridges plus an additional magazine holding fifteen rounds, all surrendered to investigating officers by community members.

    Police authorities emphasized the absence of struggle indicators, missing personal items, or evidence of forced entry, with all vehicle doors found securely locked—factors leading investigators to preliminarily exclude criminal involvement.

    Chong was rapidly transported to Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital but succumbed to his injuries during emergency treatment procedures.

    Unverified reports suggest the deceased’s business had been selected to participate in the government’s ROOF initiative, distributing construction materials to victims of Hurricane Melissa.

    Community members expressed profound grief, with local vendor ‘One Spakle’ describing Chong as a paternal figure who consistently demonstrated exceptional generosity. “He possessed genuine kindness,” Spakle recounted. “Unlike others who might dismiss those in need, he would freely provide building supplies including cement bags to struggling individuals.”

    The hardware store remained shuttered Friday with closure notices citing ‘unforeseen circumstances.’ Employees reportedly arrived for work but departed upon learning the devastating news, while community members gathered informally to mourn the loss of a respected business leader known for his philanthropic spirit and community engagement.

  • ‘He was a blessing’: Mom grieves over five-year-old drowned son

    ‘He was a blessing’: Mom grieves over five-year-old drowned son

    In the quiet aftermath of unimaginable tragedy, Laurel Dean confronts a reality forever altered by the loss of her five-year-old son, Maximus Rolle, whose life ended tragically in coastal waters near Murphy Town, Abaco, nearly two months ago. The autistic child, described by family as mischievously bubbly with a cheeky sense of humor, was discovered in seawater on January 12 after being reported missing earlier that afternoon. Despite resuscitation efforts by officers and a concerned citizen, he was pronounced deceased at the local clinic.

    Dean now navigates a landscape of grief that surfaces unpredictably—some days manageable, others overwhelmingly not. Her final interaction with Maximus remains etched in memory: a morning video call showing the boy lying in bed, followed hours later by the devastating news that defines every parent’s nightmare. She had quietly departed for work after instructing her sixteen-year-old daughter to monitor Maximus, who frequently attempted to follow her outdoors.

    Known affectionately as ‘Baby Hulk’ for his remarkable strength, Maximus communicated primarily through actions rather than words, displaying particular affection for building blocks and demonstrating tender warmth alongside his playful defiance. ‘The five years with him was fully a blessing,’ Dean reflects. ‘It taught me patience—something I don’t really have—and with him, it kind of calmed me down.’

    The family preserves his belongings exactly as he left them, with Dean occasionally laying out his school clothes as if preparing him for another day. Both parents sometimes instinctively reach for his presence, momentarily forgetting their loss. Dean emphasizes daily conversations with her two daughters, encouraging them toward resilience without self-blame while acknowledging the profound spiritual impact of Maximus’s passing. ‘It made me want to go to heaven to see him,’ she confesses.

    Though summer travel plans to the Turks and Caicos Islands now remain suspended, Dean offers a poignant message to other grieving parents: ‘This life is not ours. This is borrowed time.’ She strives to live in manner that might reunite her with her son, acknowledging the difficult road ahead while embracing community support and prayers that have provided unexpected comfort.

  • From vows to verdict

    From vows to verdict

    The dramatic fall of Jamaican politician Jolyan Silvera reaches its judicial climax today as the Supreme Court’s Gun Court Division in Kingston determines his sentence for the 2023 killing of his wife Melissa. This concluding chapter stands in stark contrast to their fairy-tale wedding at St Andrew Parish Church in December 2015, an event that had captivated the nation’s elite.

    Silvera, formerly a People’s National Party Member of Parliament for St Mary Western, shocked the Jamaican public on February 2, 2026 by reversing his previous claims of innocence and pleading guilty to manslaughter and firearm-related manslaughter charges. The conviction stems from the November 10, 2023 shooting death of his wife Melissa, a prominent socialite and business executive.

    The prosecution’s case reveals disturbing details: after an argument about Silvera leaving for a supposed meeting, Melissa was fatally shot multiple times with her husband’s licensed Glock pistol. Crucially, evidence indicates Silvera abandoned the scene without attempting to summon medical assistance or report the incident, leaving their children to discover their mother’s lifeless body the following morning.

    Forensic investigation confirmed three gunshot wounds to Melissa’s body, while crime scene preservation was compromised by extensive renovations undertaken in the bedroom where the killing occurred—including retiling, repainting, and replacement of furniture and mattress.

    Chief Justice Bryan Sykes now faces a complex sentencing decision. While standard sentencing guidelines suggest 3-15 years for manslaughter convictions, legal experts note provisions for exceptional circumstances. A senior attorney with over three decades of experience has urged the court to exceed standard sentencing parameters due to the heinous nature of the crime and Silvera’s post-offense conduct.

    Under Jamaican law, Silvera potentially faces life imprisonment for both manslaughter and using a firearm to commit manslaughter, with judges determining parole eligibility periods that could extend beyond 20 years. The sentencing will consider legal precedents, including the Cornelius Robinson case where life imprisonment was upheld for a murder conviction despite a guilty plea.

    Silvera’s defense team, led by attorneys Peter Champagnie and Patrice Riley, will present mitigating factors alongside expected character references. The outcome will conclude a case that has gripped Jamaica, juxtaposing political prominence with domestic violence and judicial accountability.

  • Parents grieve son’s death in school incident

    Parents grieve son’s death in school incident

    A profound tragedy has shaken Jamaica following the violent death of 16-year-old Devonie Shearer, a student at Ocho Rios High School in St. Ann. The incident occurred Wednesday when Devonie was allegedly struck from behind with a chair by another male student during an altercation that began the previous day. Despite being rushed to medical care, the teenager succumbed to his head injury, leaving a community in mourning and triggering a national conversation about youth violence.

    The emotional devastation was palpable as biological parents Kashema Smith and Milton Shearer embraced in shared grief at the family home. Both expressed haunting regrets about Devonie’s relocation from Hanover to Ocho Rios last year, believing he might still be alive had he remained in his previous community. Smith recounted receiving deliberately vague information about her son’s condition due to concerns about her health, only discovering the tragic truth upon arriving from Hanover.

    Devonie was remembered as an academically driven youth with ambitious plans. His father described him as exceptionally studious, frequently reporting positive school progress with aspirations to financially support his mother and sister. Stepmother Merlene Chambers revealed Devonie had actively sought the transfer to Ocho Rios High School for five years, impressed by its advanced curriculum. He had recently expressed interest in online trading and electrical engineering careers.

    The response has been swift and multi-faceted. The alleged perpetrator, another student, is in police custody after being turned in by his own mother. Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon and local MP Matthew Samuda visited both the school and grieving family, while crisis counselors provided psychological support to students and faculty throughout Thursday.

    Minister Morris Dixon characterized the incident as reflective of broader community issues, stating: ‘What we are seeing in our schools is what we are seeing in our communities.’ She called for nationwide prayers and intensified psychosocial support systems. MP Samuda urged parents to take immediate action when children report school incidents, emphasizing the importance of formal reporting to both school authorities and law enforcement.

    The school maintained a somber atmosphere with heightened security presence as investigations continue. This tragedy has underscored urgent concerns about youth violence and student safety within Jamaica’s educational institutions.