Carib Scope

分类： society

  • BEL Explains San Pedro Power Outage

    BEL Explains San Pedro Power Outage

    San Pedro Town experienced a significant power outage on the evening of Sunday, November 4, 2025, following a transformer malfunction near Ramon’s Village Resort. The incident, which occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m., left the town in complete darkness. Residents reported hearing what they described as an explosion-like sound, raising concerns about the severity of the issue.

    Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), the national electricity provider, issued an official statement explaining the cause of the outage. The disruption was attributed to a hardware fault on the overhead section of the 34.5 kV sub-transmission line, a critical infrastructure component that supplies power to the island. This line connects San Pedro to the national grid through a combination of submarine, underground, and overhead systems.

    Compounding the problem, BEL’s San Pedro Gas Turbine, which typically serves as a backup power source, could not be activated. The turbine relies on the same damaged transmission line, rendering it ineffective during the outage. Additionally, adverse weather conditions further delayed restoration efforts, prolonging the inconvenience for residents.

    Despite these challenges, BEL managed to restore power to the area, bringing relief to the affected community. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities in the island’s power infrastructure and highlights the need for robust backup systems to mitigate future disruptions.

  • Regional Security System concludes training to bolster region’s criminal investigative skills

    Regional Security System concludes training to bolster region’s criminal investigative skills

    The Regional Security System Training Institute (RSS TI) has successfully concluded its Criminal Investigation Course, a comprehensive program designed to enhance the region’s capacity to tackle complex and serious criminal activities. The intensive training brought together law enforcement officials from various Member States, focusing on modern investigative techniques and effective case management. Key topics included evidence collection, crime scene protocols, interview strategies, analytical reasoning, and leadership development. The course also emphasized inter-agency collaboration and strategic decision-making, essential for achieving consistent and high-quality investigative outcomes across the region. The program was led by Assistant Superintendent Cecil Watson and facilitated by retired Canadian detectives Alan Cooke and Zaia Lazar, whose international expertise significantly enriched the training. At the closing ceremony, Deputy Executive Director of RSS, Mr. Atlee Rodney, commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged them to apply their new skills to improve investigative standards within their organizations. EU Attaché Mr. Tedesco reaffirmed the European Union’s support for regional security, noting that the initiative was funded by the 11th European Development Fund. Assistant Commissioner Jefferson Clarke of the Barbados Police Service delivered the keynote address, urging participants to uphold the highest levels of professionalism in their work.

  • Single-Lane Traffic Continues on Sir Sydney Walling Highway, Valley Road North, and Anchorage Road

    Single-Lane Traffic Continues on Sir Sydney Walling Highway, Valley Road North, and Anchorage Road

    The Ministry of Works’ Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU) has announced the continuation of single-lane traffic on several major roads in Antigua and Barbuda to facilitate critical infrastructure repairs. The affected routes include Sir Sydney Walling Highway (SSWH), Valley Road North (VRN), and Anchorage Road (AR).

    On Sir Sydney Walling Highway, extensive work such as asphalt repairs, junction enhancements, concrete installations, and guardrail setups will proceed westward from Willikies, commencing daily at 8:00 a.m. Similarly, Valley Road North will undergo asphalt repairs in Bolans, starting at the same time each day. Anchorage Road will see sidewalk rehabilitation and drainage improvements near Brydens, also beginning at 8:00 a.m.

    To ensure safety, flag persons will be stationed at the sites, and motorists are urged to adhere to their instructions, especially with heavy-duty equipment operating nearby. Despite the disruptions, all businesses in the affected areas remain open.

    The roadworks are part of the Second Road Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project, a government initiative aimed at enhancing the nation’s transportation network. C.O. Williams Ltd., the contractor overseeing the project, has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and encourages stakeholders to adjust their travel plans to accommodate potential delays. For further inquiries, the public can contact the C.O. Williams Project office at 562-9573.

  • Fatherhood’s DNA

    Fatherhood’s DNA

    The Fathers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TFATT) has sparked a contentious debate by proposing mandatory paternity tests before the issuance of child maintenance orders. This call comes in the wake of a survey conducted by a judiciary-approved laboratory, which revealed that 33% of 440 paternity tests conducted between 2020 and 2025 indicated a different biological father than assumed. TFATT President Rhondall Feeles emphasized the potential prevalence of such cases, questioning the societal impact of this statistic. Between 2016 and 2021, the Family Court received 6,838 child maintenance applications, with 1,766 filings in the 2022/2023 term alone. Early identification of non-paternity cases could alleviate the court’s workload. However, critics argue that the survey’s findings may not be representative, as individuals with existing doubts are more likely to seek testing. The proposal raises concerns about the child’s best interests, with experts cautioning against imposing tests in uncontested cases. Behavioral therapist Wendell De Leon highlighted the emotional toll on men who discover, after years of parenting, that they are not the biological father. While TFATT’s suggestion of criminalizing ‘paternity fraud’ aims to deter deceit, it faces criticism for being overly punitive. Legal experts stress that DNA testing should remain discretionary, allowing courts to consider the emotional and social bonds between a child and their guardian, regardless of biological ties.

  • Fire destroys house in Falmouth

    Fire destroys house in Falmouth

    In a fortunate turn of events, residents of Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica, expressed relief on Wednesday morning after discovering that an elderly, physically challenged woman was not present in her home at 3 Queen Street when it was engulfed by flames. The fire, which erupted around 8:00 am, completely destroyed the structure, leaving firefighters to battle the blaze of unknown origin. Remarkably, the woman had been relocated prior to the incident as a precautionary measure ahead of Hurricane Melissa, a decision that potentially saved her life. While the estimated cost of the damage remains undetermined, the incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by emergency responders in the region. Firefighters, supported by the Jamaica Defence Force, continue to clear roads blocked by debris in the aftermath of the powerful hurricane, highlighting the dual threats of natural disasters and unforeseen emergencies.

  • AHF contributes $80 million to Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa relief efforts

    AHF contributes $80 million to Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa relief efforts

    The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has announced a significant $80 million commitment to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm. The initiative begins with an initial shipment of essential supplies valued at $300,000, aimed at addressing the immediate needs of the hardest-hit communities.

  • Customs urges donors to coordinate relief shipments through registered charities

    Customs urges donors to coordinate relief shipments through registered charities

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has issued a call to action for individuals planning to donate substantial quantities of relief supplies. The agency emphasizes the importance of collaborating with registered local charities to ensure a streamlined and effective distribution process. Chief Information Officer André Williams clarified that while individuals are allowed to import a ‘reasonable quantity’ of approved relief items, larger shipments, such as 100 pairs of shoes, will be categorized as commercial quantities and require proper coordination with charitable organizations. Williams highlighted that these donations are intended for direct distribution to those in need, not for resale. He pointed out that registered charities, such as Food For the Poor, are exempt from import duties and General Consumption Tax (GCT), making them ideal partners for large-scale donations. The government has extended the duty- and tax-free period for relief supplies until December 31, ensuring that all shipments arriving before this date will benefit from the exemptions. Williams also advised donors of school supplies to work with the National Education Trust (NET), a government agency dedicated to improving Jamaica’s education sector. For healthcare-related donations, he recommended coordinating with the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation. Williams reassured donors that despite potential logistical challenges during the busy holiday season, all eligible shipments will qualify for the tax relief if they arrive by the extended deadline.

  • Rifle among two illegal firearms seized in St James

    Rifle among two illegal firearms seized in St James

    In a significant operation on Tuesday evening, law enforcement officers in St James, Jamaica, successfully confiscated two illegal firearms in the Wales Pond community. Acting on credible intelligence, the police conducted a targeted search in the area, leading to the discovery of the weapons. The seized items included a high-powered M4 Carbine rifle, accompanied by a magazine loaded with 33 rounds of 5.56 cartridges, and a Para 9mm pistol with a magazine containing 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The firearms were found concealed in a red and white bag within an abandoned building. Despite the recovery of these dangerous weapons, no arrests were made during the operation, which took place around 9:00 pm. This seizure underscores the ongoing efforts by the St James police to combat illegal arms proliferation and enhance community safety.

  • Phillipine family beaten, robbed by gunmen

    Phillipine family beaten, robbed by gunmen

    In a harrowing incident that unfolded in the early hours of November 4, a family of seven in south Trinidad was violently awakened by a group of masked gunmen posing as police officers. The ordeal took place around 3 am along the SS Erin Road in Phillipine, a community that is also home to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC. The family, which included five children, was jolted awake by shouts of “Police! Police!” outside their residence. Six armed intruders forcefully kicked open the front door and stormed the house. The attackers demanded money from Vijay Ragoonanan, the homeowner and a gardener by profession. When Ragoonanan informed them he had no money, the assailants struck him multiple times in the face with their firearms. At the time of the attack, Ragoonanan was in a bedroom with his wife and two of their children, including a seven-year-old. The gunmen proceeded to tie the hands of all family members with tie straps and bound their feet with duct tape. They then ransacked the house, making off with an undisclosed amount of cash, cellphones, and other valuables before fleeing the scene. Police from the Southern Division swiftly responded to the incident but were unable to locate the suspects. Investigations into the brazen home invasion are currently ongoing.

  • Embassy of Mexico celebrates life on the Day of the Dead

    Embassy of Mexico celebrates life on the Day of the Dead

    The Embassy of Mexico in Trinidad and Tobago transformed into a lively hub of culture and tradition on November 1, 2025, as it hosted the annual Day of the Dead celebration at its Hayes Street headquarters in St Clair. The event, rich in symbolism and heritage, featured marigold flowers, candles, and skulls, turning the memory of the departed into a joyous celebration of life and culture. Participants dressed as traditional Catrinas and Catrins added to the festive atmosphere, while dancer Nalini Akal, director of the N9 Dance Company, captivated the audience with a performance inspired by the spiritual essence of the occasion. The Day of the Dead, rooted in pre-Hispanic civilizations like the Mexica, Maya, and Purépecha, merged with Catholic traditions during the Spanish colonization, evolving into a unique cultural expression celebrated on November 1 and 2. Ambassador Víctor Hugo Morales emphasized the event’s significance as a symbol of identity, memory, and hope, dedicating the main altar to flood victims in Mexico and extending solidarity to neighboring Caribbean nations affected by natural disasters. The altar also honored cultural icons like poet Guadalupe ‘Pita’ Amor and wrestler Blue Demon. The celebration included a Calaveritas literary competition, a Mexican wrestling exhibition, and traditional dishes such as tacos de canasta and pan de muerto. Special guests included Senator Darrell Allahar and ambassadors from various countries, making the event a testament to the enduring vibrancy of Mexican culture, even far from home.