Carib Scope

分类： society

  • New Grant man jailed for disobeying court order for damages

    New Grant man jailed for disobeying court order for damages

    In a decisive judicial ruling that underscores the mandatory nature of court compliance, Justice Frank Seepersad has sentenced New Grant resident Groodial Badal to three days’ imprisonment for deliberate defiance of a court order to compensate an assault victim. The January 15th verdict represents a significant reinforcement of judicial authority against willful non-compliance.

    Justice Seepersad delivered a nuanced judgment that balanced judicial empathy with necessary enforcement, stating: ‘The dispensation of justice at times necessitates an empathetic approach to the application of the rule of law. However, where there has been willful disobedience despite having the means to comply, the court must protect and preserve its authority.’

    The case originated from a 2012 assault and battery claim filed by fellow New Grant resident Balkaran. After extensive legal proceedings, both parties reached a 2016 consent agreement requiring Badal to pay $70,000—comprising a lump sum payment followed by monthly $1,500 installments. Court records reveal only $23,500 has been paid over eight years, with the debt ballooning to $68,523.10 due to accumulating interest.

    Evidence presented demonstrated Badal maintains multiple income streams through home ownership, a roti shop, and a burger cart operation. The judge characterized Badal’s behavior as ‘nonchalance’ and ‘pervicacious disobedience,’ noting his failure to provide substantiated proof of financial hardship.

    In a direct address to the defendant, Justice Seepersad declared: ‘You are in contempt for your failure to make any payment. This does not absolve you of payment of the balance owed. I hope it gives you time to reflect.’

    The ruling included a broader societal critique, observing that ‘disregard for the law appears entrenched in our society, and far too often, citizens only comply with legal obligations under threat of severe sanction.’ Justice Seepersad lamented what he termed the ‘big stick over your head syndrome’ as the primary catalyst for compliance.

    Badal’s defense, represented by attorney Mustapha Khan, cited pandemic-related financial hardships and claimed willingness to continue payments at reduced rates. These arguments were rejected based on evidence of consistent earning capacity and the lengthy duration of non-compliance.

    The imprisonment order takes immediate effect, though the outstanding financial obligation remains fully enforceable upon Badal’s release.

  • Cop killed in Waltham Park shooting laid to rest

    Cop killed in Waltham Park shooting laid to rest

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The New Haven Seventh Day Adventist Church in St Andrew became a place of solemn remembrance on Wednesday as hundreds gathered to honor the life and service of Constable Charles Stewart, slain in a tragic off-duty shooting incident last month.

    The ceremony, described as both a funeral and thanksgiving service, brought together uniformed colleagues, grieving family members, and community supporters. Stewart and his fellow officer, Constable Jemarey Gordon, lost their lives on November 13, 2025, during a violent confrontation at a commercial establishment on Waltham Park Road. According to police reports, multiple assailants engaged the off-duty officers before one produced a firearm and shot both men in their upper torsos. The perpetrators fled the scene on foot, while the wounded constables were transported to a medical facility where they were subsequently pronounced deceased.

    This double homicide triggered an intensive investigation by Jamaican law enforcement authorities, resulting in the apprehension and formal charging of two suspects currently facing justice.

    During the emotional service, Sergeant Arleen McBean, Chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, delivered a poignant eulogy celebrating Stewart’s professional dedication and personal character. McBean’s tribute transcended individual mourning to address systemic challenges within the police force, highlighting critical issues such as officer working conditions, psychological morale, and institutional support structures for personnel and their families.

    In a significant portion of her address, McBean directed criticism toward the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), articulating widespread frustration among rank-and-file officers regarding the oversight body’s operational methodologies and approach to police accountability.

    Following the religious proceedings, Constable Stewart was laid to rest with full honors at Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St Catherine, surrounded by a final salute from his comrades and the tearful farewells of loved ones.

  • Plans in place to respond to earthquakes – JCF

    Plans in place to respond to earthquakes – JCF

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaican authorities have publicly detailed their operational blueprint for responding to significant seismic events, emphasizing coordinated emergency management. Assistant Police Commissioner Dr. Gary McKenzie, overseeing Strategic Operations, articulated the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) structured approach during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank session on January 13.

    The disclosure coincides with the nation’s observance of Earthquake Awareness Week (January 11-18), championed under the banner ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’.

    Dr. McKenzie outlined the protocol: immediate activation of a central command headquarters followed by the swift establishment of subsidiary command units across all parishes. This foundational step ensures rapid deployment of resources and personnel. The strategy prioritizes seamless collaboration with critical national agencies, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the National Works Agency (NWA), and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

    A core component of the response is maintaining robust communication networks and achieving swift community penetration to manage public panic, direct traffic flow, and facilitate urgent aid. Citizens are urged to utilize official emergency channels to report crises promptly. The JCF, in tandem with the JFB, will secure perilous zones, implement necessary quarantines, and support search and rescue operations.

    Commissioner McKenzie reassured the public of the force’s operational preparedness, noting that personnel are extensively trained and equipped to handle diverse scenarios, from structural collapses and fires to hazardous material spills. Furthermore, the contingency plan includes deploying Marine Police units and JDF Coast Guard assets to address potential maritime threats, such as oil spills from critical coastal infrastructure like the PetroJam refinery.

    This initiative, spearheaded by ODPEM, aims to bolster societal resilience and enhance public consciousness regarding earthquake preparedness throughout Jamaica.

  • Education Director: School’s PLP song taken out of context

    Education Director: School’s PLP song taken out of context

    Garvin Tynes Primary School’s Majority Rule commemoration has ignited political tensions after footage emerged showing students performing a partisan song during the ceremony. The video, which circulated widely on Tuesday, captured young pupils chanting “PLP all the way” and lyrics suggesting political intimidation against opponents.

    The recording prompted immediate criticism from Free National Movement supporters, with FNM chairman Dr. Duane Sands demanding clarity about the presentation’s context and questioning whether education authorities had sanctioned content that involved children in overt political messaging.

    Education Director Dominique McCartney-Russell addressed the controversy while maintaining neutrality regarding the appropriateness of the performance. Having not attended the event personally, she emphasized that the clip circulating online failed to represent the full scope of the assembly, which encompassed multiple historical aspects of Majority Rule.

    According to McCartney-Russell, the complete program featured educational presentations on significant historical milestones including the Burma Road Riot, women’s suffrage achievements, the formation of the governing party, the General Strike, and Black Tuesday. Student participation included sharing factual historical information and musical performances intended to illustrate Bahamian political development.

    The Education Director characterized the incident as an innocent program misinterpreted through selective sharing, affirming that department officials would engage with school leadership to ensure future events maintain educational integrity while protecting students from unintended political exposure. She emphasized the importance of preserving children’s welfare while acknowledging the historical significance of Majority Rule in the Bahamas’ development.

  • Maitland lacked murderer’s profile, former supervisor tells court

    Maitland lacked murderer’s profile, former supervisor tells court

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A serving police inspector delivered unexpected testimony Wednesday in the murder trial of Constable Noel Maitland, expressing profound astonishment at the charges against his former subordinate. The inspector, currently stationed at Rockfort Police Station in the Kingston Eastern Division, appeared as a defense character witness in the high-profile case.

    The court heard how the veteran officer characterized Maitland as a dedicated professional who displayed no indicators of violent tendencies. “I was very surprised. This came as a shock,” the inspector testified. “Nothing in his behavior and general character suggested that he was a person who could have done something like that.”

    Maitland faces charges of murder and preventing the lawful burial of his girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson, who vanished from the Chelsea Manor Apartments in St. Andrew on July 12, 2022. The apartment was Maitland’s registered residence at the time of Donaldson’s disappearance.

    Under cross-examination by Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson, the inspector elaborated on his perception of typical murder suspects. He suggested such individuals often demonstrate visible signs of rage, uncontrollable behavior, and violent outbursts – particularly during high-stress public interactions. These traits, he maintained, were completely absent in Maitland’s professional conduct.

    The inspector portrayed the accused constable as an exemplary officer who required minimal supervision and demonstrated exceptional reliability in his duties. “He was serious about his work so he would arrive early. He would always be on top of things to be done,” the witness told the seven-member jury.

    Testimony revealed Maitland primarily handled prisoner transport operations, responsible for transferring detainees between facilities including Constant Spring, Red Hills, Lawrence Tavern, and Grants Pen. His supervisor described him as “very vibrant” and sociable, noting he often became “the center of attention” in social settings due to his outgoing personality.

    The prosecution challenged the witness’s familiarity with Maitland’s private life, prompting the inspector to acknowledge he had no knowledge of Maitland’s relationships with either Donaldson or Kathanya Smith, the mother of Maitland’s child. The inspector also confirmed providing an earlier statement to prosecutors, technically making him a Crown witness despite his defense testimony.

    With the defense resting its case after this testimony, the trial proceeds to closing arguments from the prosecution team on Thursday.

  • Residents in western Jamaica to receive skills training in construction through BRIDGE initiative

    Residents in western Jamaica to receive skills training in construction through BRIDGE initiative

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—A transformative workforce development program is launching across four Jamaican parishes to address both unemployment and hurricane recovery needs. The Building Resilience and Inspiring Development through Guided Experience (BRIDGE) initiative will provide comprehensive construction training to 200 unemployed individuals from St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. James, and Hanover.

    Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon unveiled the program during a ceremonial event held in partnership with the Jamaica Society for the Blind. The initiative represents a strategic response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, targeting communities that suffered severe impacts.

    Participants will gain practical expertise through immersive on-site training at active reconstruction projects. The curriculum encompasses essential construction disciplines including roof repair techniques, steel reinforcement installation, and masonry work. Instruction will be delivered by HEART/NSTA Trust-certified trainers supplemented by international technical experts through global partnerships.

    Beyond skill development, the program provides financial support through monthly stipends of J$65,000 to enable participation. Minister Dixon specifically emphasized inclusive programming, urging administrators to actively integrate persons with disabilities into the training cohort. “We need to ensure disabled community members can participate meaningfully in such developmental programs,” she stated, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to equitable access.

    The BRIDGE program represents a dual-purpose intervention addressing both workforce development and disaster recovery objectives while promoting social inclusion in Jamaica’s rebuilding efforts.

  • Lions District Governor Begins Official Visit with Courtesy Calls in Antigua

    Lions District Governor Begins Official Visit with Courtesy Calls in Antigua

    Lions Clubs International District Governor Judy King, PMJF, has initiated her official tour of Antigua and Barbuda with high-level diplomatic engagements preceding planned visits to local chapters. The distinguished visitor, accompanied by Zone 2C Chairperson Lion Kim Joseph, PMJF, and representatives from the Antiguan Lions Club, embarked on a series of protocol meetings as part of her regional itinerary.

    The delegation conducted formal courtesy calls with two of the nation’s most prominent figures: His Excellency Sir Clare Roberts, KCN, KC, who serves as Deputy Governor-General, and Prime Minister Gaston Browne. These meetings mark significant recognition of Lions Clubs International’s humanitarian work and its collaborative relationship with Caribbean governments.

    This diplomatic outreach underscores the organization’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and enhancing its community service initiatives throughout the region. The meetings likely focused on discussing ongoing philanthropic projects, potential areas for expanded cooperation, and strategies for addressing local community needs through the Lions Club’s global network of volunteers and resources.

  • Search continues for people after landslide in DRC

    Search continues for people after landslide in DRC

    A catastrophic landslide struck the Burutsi region of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, resulting in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The disaster has so far claimed 19 lives and left four individuals with serious injuries. Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly as more than a dozen people remain unaccounted for, believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

    During the ongoing rescue operations, the situation was further complicated when a local resident assisting with recovery efforts suffered a fall, resulting in a fractured left leg. This incident was confirmed by the administrative secretary of the Luberike group, the administrative division that encompasses Burutsi, in a statement to Actualité.CD.

    The landslide’s destructive path has rendered numerous homes uninhabitable, displacing a substantial number of residents. Those who have lost their dwellings are currently seeking shelter and refuge in local schools, which have been repurposed as emergency accommodation centers.

    In response to the crisis, local authorities have issued a heartfelt appeal for collective solidarity. They are urgently calling for public assistance to support the victims, intensify the search for the missing, and provide essential medical care for the injured. The community is mobilizing to address the immediate humanitarian needs arising from this tragic event.

  • Police Urge Vehicle Owners to Secure Vehicles at All Times

    Police Urge Vehicle Owners to Secure Vehicles at All Times

    The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a stark public safety alert following a concerning surge in vehicle thefts across the nation. Law enforcement authorities report that a pattern of owner negligence—primarily leaving vehicles unsecured with keys inside—is directly enabling criminal enterprises.

    This security crisis has manifested prominently in the St. John’s and Old Parham Road districts, where recent incidents highlight a troubling trend. In a specific case from January 13th, 2026, an orange Suzuki Ignis was stolen from St. John’s Street during morning hours. Police investigation confirmed the vehicle was unattended with its ignition keyed. Similarly, a white Kia Sorento vanished from Old Parham Road overnight between January 12th and 13th.

    Beyond the property loss, police intelligence indicates stolen vehicles are being repurposed to facilitate other serious criminal operations, thereby multiplying the threat to community safety. In response, the Police Administration is mandating heightened public vigilance and has released a comprehensive security protocol.

    The essential guidelines for vehicle owners include: never leaving keys in the ignition under any circumstances; consistently locking all doors and windows regardless of parking duration; opting for well-lit and secure parking areas; and immediately reporting any suspicious behavior to authorities.

    The force emphasizes that community cooperation is indispensable in combating this crime wave. Citizens possessing any information related to these thefts or associated criminal activities are urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) or their nearest police station immediately.

  • NCSA: Limited staff limiting ability to meet growing demand

    NCSA: Limited staff limiting ability to meet growing demand

    Barbados’ National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) faces significant operational challenges due to severe staffing limitations that hinder its capacity to address the island’s growing need for drug prevention and education services. Deputy Manager Troy Wickham revealed that despite concerted efforts to enhance public awareness campaigns, the organization’s modest workforce of just 19 employees substantially restricts its community outreach capabilities. Among these staff members, only four serve as substance abuse prevention officers tasked with directly delivering drug education programs across diverse community groups. The council’s technical capabilities are further constrained by having merely two research and information officers analyzing local drug trends and two counselors providing essential support services. To overcome these limitations, the NCSA has implemented innovative digital solutions including Zoom, Nearpod, and Canva platforms to conduct virtual sessions reaching broader audiences. These technology-driven initiatives are supported by an evidence-based database ensuring research-grounded prevention messaging. The organization has increasingly relied on trained volunteers who undergo comprehensive 7-12 week training programs covering NCSA’s curriculum, local drug research, and technological delivery methods. As Barbados observes Drug Awareness Month throughout January, Wickham has issued a public appeal for additional volunteers to bolster the council’s community prevention efforts. Despite these adaptive measures, Wickham identified message acceptance as another fundamental challenge, noting that persuading the public to internalize prevention messages remains persistently difficult despite expanded outreach initiatives.