Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Woman, 61, dies in Besson Street house fire

    Woman, 61, dies in Besson Street house fire

    A devastating fire erupted in Port of Spain on January 14th, resulting in the tragic death of 61-year-old Vernie Rigault and the complete destruction of two adjacent residential properties. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 AM on Besson Street, where rapidly spreading flames engulfed two single-story concrete-and-metal structures before emergency services could contain the blaze.

    According to official police reports, officers on routine patrol responded to emergency calls around 12:15 PM, arriving to find both properties already suffering extensive fire damage. Firefighting teams from both Wrightson Road and Belmont Fire Stations were promptly deployed to the scene, though the intensity of the inferno presented significant challenges during suppression efforts.

    During subsequent recovery operations, firefighters discovered Rigault’s charred remains in the bathroom area of her home. Her husband, 75-year-old McDonald Cabrera, who was not present during the incident, later formally identified the body. The adjacent property suffered severe structural damage, though fortunately no additional casualties were reported as the residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

    While authorities have confirmed the absence of suspicious circumstances, the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined. Investigators from Homicide Region One have initiated a comprehensive investigation to establish the origin and circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

    In response to the emergency, Housing Minister David Lee extended official condolences to the affected families, having been notified of the incident through Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle. The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) immediately activated emergency protocols, providing temporary accommodation solutions for displaced residents.

    Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing Phillip Alexander personally visited the disaster site on January 14th to assess damage and coordinate relief efforts. During his visit, Alexander formally presented temporary housing keys to affected families, including McDonald Cabrera, ensuring immediate shelter arrangements. The Ministry has committed to ongoing monitoring of the situation with additional support measures to be implemented as necessary.

  • Funeral service for Donald Oliver to be held at UWI Mona Chapel

    Funeral service for Donald Oliver to be held at UWI Mona Chapel

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican media community will gather to pay final respects to Donald Oliver, the acclaimed sports journalist whose sudden passing last month sent shockwaves through the nation. A formal funeral service has been scheduled for Saturday, January 24 at the University of the West Indies Mona Chapel, commencing at 11:00 am.

    Oliver’s untimely death on December 30 at just 40 years old prompted an extraordinary outpouring of tributes from across Jamaican society. The profound impact of his loss was felt from the highest levels of government to opposition parties, sports organizations, and countless social media users who celebrated his contributions to sports journalism.

    At the time of his passing, Oliver served as audiovisual manager at the Jamaica Observer Media Group, a position he had held since August 2025 following the closure of SportsMax. His distinguished career spanned over two decades, during which he established himself as a prominent figure in Jamaican media through previous roles at CVM TV and TVJ. Oliver was widely recognized as both a senior producer and high-profile commentator, earning numerous awards throughout his prolific career in sports broadcasting.

  • Take Carnival to Skinner Park

    Take Carnival to Skinner Park

    A passionate appeal has emerged from San Fernando advocating for the complete utilization of Skinner Park during Trinidad and Tobago’s upcoming Carnival 2026 celebrations. The proposal, articulated through a letter to the editor by community member AV Rampersad of Princes Town, highlights the venue’s significant potential as a premier Carnival destination.

    The communication emphasizes the park’s demonstrated capability to host major cultural events, specifically referencing its successful history as the venue for Calypso Fiesta—the prestigious semi-finals of the calypso monarch competition. The author vividly describes the distinctive ‘aura’ and unique atmosphere that permeates the park during such events, suggesting these qualities make it an ideal Carnival venue.

    Rampersad’s proposition centers on addressing the current underutilization of the facility, positioning it as both a practical and culturally significant solution for enhancing Carnival 2026 festivities. The argument maintains that maximizing Skinner Park’s capacity would not only optimize existing infrastructure but potentially elevate the overall quality of the national celebration.

    The correspondence concludes with well-wishes for a safe Carnival 2026 for all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, reinforcing the community-focused nature of the suggestion. This proposal comes as Trinidad and Tobago continues to strategically develop its world-renowned Carnival events while balancing tradition with infrastructure optimization.

  • WATCH: Police federation head criticises Indecom at cop’s funeral

    WATCH: Police federation head criticises Indecom at cop’s funeral

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s law enforcement community is confronting a dual crisis of rising violence against officers and perceived institutional bias, according to powerful testimony from Police Federation Chairman Sergeant Arleen McBean. Speaking at a memorial service for slain Constable Charles Stewart, McBean delivered a blistering critique of the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), demanding truly impartial probes into police-related incidents.

    The emotional address came during Wednesday’s thanksgiving service at New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church, honoring Constable Stewart who was among two off-duty officers fatally shot during a November 13, 2025 altercation at a Waltham Park Road establishment. McBean framed these deaths within a broader pattern of violence, noting that approximately 40 officers had died from various causes in the preceding year, with five-six specifically killed by criminals.

    ‘Last year represented an extraordinarily difficult period for Jamaican law enforcement,’ McBean stated. ‘The scale of losses demands national unity against criminal elements rather than sympathy for offenders.’

    Her most pointed criticism targeted Indecom’s perceived imbalance: ‘Have you ever witnessed Indecom issuing press statements condemning the killings of state agents? We require this body to conduct investigations that are genuinely independent, thorough, objective, and properly contextualized while maintaining public transparency.’

    Despite her criticisms, McBean cautioned against public fearmongering and explicitly instructed officers to comply fully with Indecom investigations, emphasizing: ‘When Indecom requests statements, do not consider yourselves above legal obligations. Provide them.’

    The Federation chairman highlighted significant crime reduction achievements—reportedly unmatched in three decades—as evidence of officers’ dedication despite confronting inadequate working conditions, morale challenges, unresolved welfare concerns, and compensation uncertainties. ‘These security improvements demonstrate the commitment of every JCF member working in extremely challenging circumstances to protect Jamaican citizens,’ McBean asserted.

    She further addressed systemic issues, citing a recent incident where an injured uniformed officer allegedly failed to receive priority medical attention at Kingston Public Hospital. McBean called for established protocols ensuring officers receive appropriate emergency care.

    Concluding with a stark warning about targeted attacks against law enforcement, McBean urged continued professionalism: ‘Criminal elements are systematically planning surgical strikes against officers. Maintaining discipline and integrity remains our strongest defense while we call upon the public to unequivocally reject criminality.’

    Senior police officials including SP Randy Sweeney and ACP Christopher Phillips attended the service alongside Constable Stewart’s parents, siblings, and numerous family members, underscoring the depth of institutional and personal loss.

  • 7,000 families on food assistance

    7,000 families on food assistance

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Food insecurity in the Bahamas has escalated dramatically with Hands for Hunger, a leading assistance organization, reporting a 40% surge in registered families seeking aid over the past year. Executive Director Keisha Ellis confirmed the charity’s pantry registry has expanded from approximately 5,000 to nearly 7,000 households, though the precise catalysts behind this alarming increase remain undetermined.

    This distressing development coincides with the government’s recent announcement eliminating Value-Added Tax (VAT) on unprepared grocery items effective April 1, a policy shift intended to reduce food expenses. While feeding organizations and business leaders have welcomed the fiscal adjustment, they universally characterize it as inadequate against the scale of the mounting crisis.

    Nicolette Fountain Archer of the Bahamas Feeding Network acknowledged the VAT removal would provide marginal budget relief—potentially extending resources by approximately 5%—but emphasized that structural economic pressures dwarf the impact of tax reduction. ‘Rising food prices, utilities, housing costs, and transportation expenses continue to place enormous pressure on families,’ she stated, noting that comprehensive solutions must address root causes of poverty through enhanced social support systems and sustained economic interventions.

    Ms. Ellis echoed these concerns, questioning whether the tax relief meaningfully alters the reality that groceries remain ‘extremely expensive’ for countless Bahamian families. While acknowledging the measure might alleviate superficial ‘tension,’ she emphasized it falls short of resolving systemic food insecurity. ‘No, it will not solve the crisis,’ Ellis asserted. ‘It’s a major step… but no, it is not enough to really address the issues and the underlying causes.’

    Adding his voice to the discourse, Bishop Walter Hanchell of Great Commission Ministries praised the VAT exemption while advocating for its expansion to include cooked food from restaurants and hotels—a critical source of meals for many residents. Similarly, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation endorsed the policy but urged government to consider extending VAT relief to other essentials like hygiene products and medications, framing the move as one component within a broader strategy to reduce living costs.

    The Chamber further highlighted persistent challenges within the business environment, noting that small and medium-sized enterprises in particular await more substantial reforms to achieve operational stability. As national dialogue continues, all parties agree that multi-faceted, long-term approaches are imperative to genuinely combat the deepening crisis of affordability and hunger.

  • DCS officer charged after allegedly rupturing Horizon inmate’s eardrum

    DCS officer charged after allegedly rupturing Horizon inmate’s eardrum

    A Jamaican correctional officer is undergoing judicial proceedings following allegations of physically assaulting an inmate during a contraband search operation last year. Romel Wilkie, an officer with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday facing serious criminal charges.

    The court documents indicate Wilkie has been formally charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, a serious offense under section 20 (1) of Jamaica’s Offences Against the Person Act. The alleged incident occurred on February 26, 2025, at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre where Wilkie was conducting routine cell inspections.

    According to the prosecution’s case, the correctional officer reportedly struck the inmate in the facial area near the ear during the search operation. Medical examinations subsequently confirmed the victim suffered a ruptured left eardrum as a direct result of the alleged assault.

    The case progressed to trial following a comprehensive investigation by Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM). The evidence gathered was reviewed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which subsequently authorized criminal charges against Officer Wilkie.

    The judicial process is scheduled to commence on April 14, 2026, when the trial is set to begin. This case forms part of a broader pattern of legal actions against law enforcement personnel in Jamaica. INDECOM statistics reveal that since January 2024, 56 law enforcement officers have been charged following commission investigations, with six of these defendants coming from the Department of Correctional Services.

  • St Catherine man charged following drug bust

    St Catherine man charged following drug bust

    In a pre-dawn law enforcement operation in St. Catherine, Jamaica, authorities have apprehended and formally charged a local resident with serious narcotics offenses. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Garth Forbes from Passage Fort, Portmore, now confronts charges for both possession of and dealing in cocaine following Wednesday’s targeted raid.

    According to official reports from the Greater Portmore Police Division, the incident unfolded approximately at 4:15 AM when a specialized police unit executed a strategic operation at Forbes’s residential property. During a thorough search of the premises, investigators reportedly discovered a quantity of cocaine concealed beneath the suspect’s bed, leading to immediate apprehension.

    The successful operation culminated in Forbes’s arrest on site, with law enforcement officials subsequently processing formal charges against him. The judicial process will commence with his scheduled appearance before the St. Catherine Parish Court on Friday, January 23, where the allegations will be formally addressed within the Jamaican legal framework.

    This enforcement action underscores the continued vigilance of Jamaican authorities in combating narcotics distribution networks within local communities, particularly in the St. Catherine region which has periodically faced drug-related law enforcement challenges.

  • Indecom receives 620 new complaints April – Sept 2025

    Indecom receives 620 new complaints April – Sept 2025

    Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has documented a significant volume of misconduct allegations against security personnel, receiving 620 formal complaints between April and September 2025. The independent oversight agency recommended criminal charges against 34 law enforcement officers and disciplinary measures for an additional 30 personnel during this period.

    The comprehensive data, legally mandated to be presented to Parliament, was disclosed through Indecom’s quarterly reports tabled on January 13, 2026. The April-June quarter accounted for 303 complaints, with assault cases (144) representing nearly half of all allegations. Other predominant categories included fatal shootings (72), neglect of duty (43), firearm discharges (30), and harassment (17).

    Forensic specialists from Indecom conducted scene investigations at 96 incidents during the first quarter, primarily involving fatal shootings (72 cases), followed by shooting injuries (13), firearm discharges (8), and custody-related deaths (3). Geographically, Kingston and St. Andrew recorded the highest complaint volume with 117 reports, followed by St. Catherine (55), St. James (32), Westmoreland (23), and Hanover (13). Portland registered the fewest incidents at just three.

    The commission finalized 113 investigative reports with recommendations, dismissing 89 cases as unsubstantiated while advancing 10 cases for disciplinary action against 12 officers and 14 cases for criminal prosecution against 18 officers. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions issued 17 rulings during this quarter, resulting in charges against six Jamaica Constabulary Force officers and one correctional officer. Notably, security force engagements resulted in 81 fatalities across 72 shooting incidents.

    During the subsequent July-September quarter, Indecom received 317 new complaints, maintaining similar patterns with assault (126), fatal shootings (61), firearm discharges (52), neglect of duty (45), and unprofessional conduct (19) comprising the primary categories. Forensic teams responded to 94 incidents, including 60 fatal shootings, 14 firearm discharges, 12 shooting injuries, and 9 custody deaths.

    Kingston and St. Andrew again led in complaint frequency (115), followed by St. Catherine (60), Westmoreland (26), St. James (19), and St. Thomas (17). The commission completed 119 reports, recommending disciplinary action for 18 officers and criminal charges for 16 officers. The ODPP issued 19 rulings, leading to charges against 11 JCF members.

  • Bishop calls for fairer, faster justice

    Bishop calls for fairer, faster justice

    In a powerful address marking the ceremonial opening of the legal year at Christ Church Cathedral, Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd delivered a scathing critique of The Bahamas’ judiciary system, challenging legal professionals to enact urgent reforms. The senior cleric highlighted systemic inequities, excessive procedural delays, and discriminatory practices that he argued undermine justice.

    Bishop Boyd identified protracted case timelines as a fundamental flaw, noting that drawn-out legal processes inflict financial strain, consume excessive time, and generate significant anxiety for those involved. He asserted that much of the bureaucratic complexity is artificially ‘manufactured for convenience, for delay, for spite or because you [are] having a bad day,’ and called for a simplification of procedures.

    The Bishop’s most forceful condemnation focused on stark disparities in treatment based on wealth and race. He posed a pointed rhetorical question to the assembled legal fraternity: why a poor Black individual committing the same crime as a wealthy or white person often faces harsher treatment or sentencing. Drawing audible reactions from the audience, he labeled this differential treatment ‘disgraceful’ and a betrayal of the vision of justice bequeathed by the nation’s forebears.

    Furthermore, Bishop Boyd urged profound self-reflection within the judiciary, pressing them to confront difficult questions about systemic fairness, potential corruption, political interference, and whether the system genuinely serves and protects its most vulnerable users. He concluded by reminding attendees that the ultimate value of any institution lies in its humanity and how individuals treat one another, exhorting them to ‘strive to make a difference.’

    In response, Attorney General Ryan Pinder cautioned against broad generalizations regarding sentencing. He emphasized that judges must evaluate each case independently based on its unique facts and circumstances. Mr. Pinder expressed his full confidence in the judiciary and pointed to newly introduced sentencing guidelines as a pivotal step toward enhancing predictability and transparency, particularly through the formal recognition of mitigating factors.

  • Homeowners urged to ensure dwellings are designed and built to code

    Homeowners urged to ensure dwellings are designed and built to code

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a concerted effort to bolster national resilience, Jamaican authorities and construction experts are issuing urgent calls for stringent compliance with building codes as the cornerstone of earthquake preparedness. With the island nation situated in a seismically active zone, the absence of seasonal patterns or reliable warnings for earthquakes makes structural integrity a critical public safety priority.

    Lenworth Kelly, former president of the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ), emphasizes that natural phenomena only become disasters through inadequate preparation. “I encourage homeowners to verify whether structures—whether rented, purchased, or public buildings—were designed and maintained according to current codes,” Kelly stated during a recent JIS Think Tank session. He highlighted that proper engineering analysis, design construction, and maintenance aligned with the National Building Codes significantly mitigate earthquake impacts.

    The campaign gains added urgency following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation last October, which compromised numerous commercial and residential structures. Duane Allison, Senior Building Officer at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), underscores the legal imperative of the Building Act (2018). “Building codes ensure occupancy safety. Jamaica’s geographical location makes us highly prone to earthquakes, and unapproved, poorly maintained buildings are most vulnerable to severe damage or collapse,” he explained, urging citizens to seek KSAMC approval before construction.

    Collaborative enforcement involves the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), which conducts pre-construction and phased inspections to ensure code adherence. Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, Public Education Officer at JFB, notes that while Jamaica has world-class building codes, their effectiveness hinges on compliance.

    Kelly further advises prospective homeowners to secure structural engineer reports—even if not required by lenders—to assess building safety. He also cautions against construction in no-build zones, unstable slopes, or watersheds, recommending soil tests via trial pits to determine suitable foundation designs. “Clay soil necessitates different designs than standard strip footings. Contractors must alert clients and professionals if soil is unsuitable,” he added, warning that shortcuts lead to catastrophic failures as evidenced by Hurricane Melissa.

    With a magnitude 3.1 earthquake already recorded in 2026, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) observes Earthquake Awareness Week (January 11–17) under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’. Kelly concludes that while earthquake drills are vital, true preparedness lies in conscientious construction and maintenance practices: “Be vigilant, be safe.”