Carib Scope

分类： society

  • UHWI calls in fraud squad

    UHWI calls in fraud squad

    A devastating audit from Jamaica’s Auditor General’s Department (AGD) has exposed systemic corruption at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), revealing massive procurement violations and fraudulent misuse of tax-exempt privileges that cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. The hospital’s board has now reported these findings to police fraud investigators and Jamaica Customs following the official tabling of the report in Parliament.

    The comprehensive audit, covering fiscal years 2019-2020 through 2024-2025, uncovered what investigators termed “considerable deficiencies” in the hospital’s governance, procurement, and contract management systems. These failures, the AGD warned, created significant corruption risks that could ultimately compromise the institution’s ability to deliver quality healthcare services if not urgently addressed.

    Among the most damaging findings was UHWI’s systematic abuse of its tax-exempt status to import goods for four private companies. Customs records showed items including office furniture, laundry equipment, and medical supplies falsely declared as hospital imports but actually acquired by private entities. This scheme resulted in $23.1 million in losses, with over $20 million in unpaid import duties constituting clear violations of Jamaica’s Customs Act.

    The breakdown revealed staggering specifics: $28 million in laundry equipment imported for Private Company 1 created $6.6 million in revenue losses; $40.6 million in office furniture and medical equipment benefited Private Companies 2 and 3; while 40 waste bins valued at $6.6 million were imported for Private Company 4, which then sold them back to UHWI for $11 million.

    Equally troubling were procurement irregularities involving 51 contracts totaling $521 million awarded to 10 contractors and one consultant without proper documentation. The audit found no evidence that these transactions met standards for transparency, accountability, or value for money. Particularly egregious were “after-the-fact” procurement processes where suppliers were invited to bid for goods and services already delivered, corrupting the competitive process entirely.

    In response, the UHWI board has initiated a comprehensive review of all procurement systems, mandated regularisation or suspension of affected arrangements, and reinforced oversight mechanisms. CEO Dr. Kevin Allen has been granted three months leave to facilitate independent investigations, with Eric Hosin, former Guardian Life Jamaica CEO, appointed as interim leader.

    The hospital management has acknowledged these practices violated public trust and procurement laws, confirming they’ve ceased facilitating imports for private entities. However, the scale of mismanagement suggests a long road to accountability and reform lies ahead for Jamaica’s premier medical institution.

  • Seymour: Four child deaths ‘too many, too soon’

    Seymour: Four child deaths ‘too many, too soon’

    A series of tragic child fatalities across the Bahamas has triggered urgent calls for enhanced national safety protocols and collective societal responsibility. Senator Maxine Seymour, serving as Shadow Minister for Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, has issued a solemn appeal for national introspection following four separate child deaths occurring within the first two weeks of January.

    The most recent incident involved a five-year-old boy who drowned in Murphy Town, Abaco, on Monday. According to police reports, the child was reported missing shortly after 1 PM and was subsequently discovered unresponsive in seawater along a back road. Despite rescue efforts by a concerned citizen and rapid transportation via Emergency Medical Services, the boy was pronounced dead before 3 PM.

    This tragedy marks the fourth juvenile death recorded since the beginning of the year. On January 1, a seven-year-old Pinewood Gardens girl died after allegedly ingesting a food product at a residence. Just two days later, a three-year-old Nassau Village girl passed away after falling ill at home, while that same day, a ten-year-old boy collapsed while playing in a Blackwood, Eleuthera park and could not be resuscitated.

    Senator Seymour, emphasizing her perspective as both a mother and grandmother, stated these deaths ‘sit heavily’ with her, noting that no family should begin a new year with such profound grief. She clarified that her comments were not aimed at assigning blame but rather at emphasizing shared community obligation toward child protection.

    The opposition legislator highlighted the critical need for strengthened public awareness campaigns, improved community support systems, and consistent implementation of safety practices. She specifically advocated for expanded access to first-aid and CPR training throughout communities, asserting that children deserve a nation where their safety isn’t left to chance.

    Senator Seymour further called for transparent and expedited investigations into each death, including the prompt release of autopsy findings. She emphasized that information serves as a powerful tool for prevention, helping families achieve closure while enabling society to identify and address systemic failures.

    Concluding her remarks, the senator extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, expressing hope that they might feel the supportive embrace of a nation mourning alongside them.

  • No defensive driving certification needed for under 25s

    No defensive driving certification needed for under 25s

    The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has officially refuted circulating social media allegations suggesting that drivers under age 25 face substantial penalties for lacking defensive driving certification. In an official statement dated January 14, the ministry clarified that no such regulatory framework exists within Trinidad and Tobago’s legal system.

    Contrary to viral online misinformation, the ministry emphasized that neither the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act nor any subsidiary legislation contains provisions mandating defensive driving courses as a prerequisite for insurance acquisition or retention for young motorists. The purported $10,000 penalty for non-compliance was categorically dismissed as baseless speculation without legal foundation.

    Authorities have issued renewed calls for public vigilance against digital misinformation, urging citizens to consult exclusively official government communication channels for verified information regarding transportation policies and regulatory requirements. This incident highlights ongoing challenges governments face in combating the rapid spread of unverified claims through social media platforms, particularly those involving financial penalties that could cause unnecessary public concern.

  • UPDATE: Massive hardware fire in Negril now under control

    UPDATE: Massive hardware fire in Negril now under control

    A significant conflagration that erupted this evening at a combined maintenance service and hardware supply facility on Negril’s Norman Manley Boulevard has been successfully subdued by Jamaican fire authorities. The incident, which triggered a multi-station emergency response, resulted in the complete destruction of the primary commercial structure but was prevented from spreading to an adjacent lumber yard.

    Initial reports confirm three juveniles were present inside the BerCom Maintenance Services and Hardware Supplies property as flames engulfed the building. While two minors managed to self-evacuate, a third child required professional rescue after experiencing a severe panic attack amidst the escalating crisis. Firefighting personnel successfully extracted the individual, with no critical injuries reported.

    Assistant Commissioner Rudolph Seaton of the Jamaica Fire Brigade detailed the coordinated response, noting initial alerts were received at approximately 6:20 p.m. local time. The operation deployed four specialized fire apparatus and thirty personnel drawn from Westmoreland and Hanover parish divisions. Response teams included units from Negril, Savanna-la-Mar, and Lucea Fire Stations, supplemented by three privately-operated water tankers that provided critical logistical support.

    The commercial building, constructed primarily from plywood, drywall, and zinc roofing materials, proved highly vulnerable to rapid fire propagation. While the main structure suffered total loss, firefighters successfully protected surrounding properties through targeted containment strategies.

    Post-suppression operations currently focus on structural overhaul and atmospheric ventilation to eliminate potential rekindling hazards. The origin and initial catalyst of the fire remain undetermined pending formal investigation by fire marshals.

  • Gov’t proposes 300% increase in stipend paid to jurors

    Gov’t proposes 300% increase in stipend paid to jurors

    In a significant move to strengthen civic participation, Jamaica’s House of Representatives has approved a monumental increase in juror compensation. Justice Minister Delroy Chuck presented the amendment to the Jury Act on Tuesday, which mandates a 300% raise in daily stipends for citizens performing jury duty.

    The revised legislation elevates the daily payment from $2,000 to $6,000 per day. Furthermore, it introduces a groundbreaking provision offering $2,000 per day to individuals who participate in the jury selection process but are not ultimately chosen to serve on a trial.

    Minister Chuck emphasized that this adjustment reflects the government’s recognition of jurors’ indispensable role in maintaining a democratic justice system. The substantial increase addresses long-standing criticisms that the previous compensation failed to cover basic expenses like transportation and meals, creating financial hardship for citizens fulfilling their civic obligations.

    “This modification, though modest, demonstrates our acknowledgment of the financial burden jury duty imposes on ordinary Jamaicans,” Chuck stated during his ministerial address. He highlighted the government’s “deep appreciation” for those who set aside their personal responsibilities to serve the national interest.

    The reform arrives amid ongoing discussions about potentially phasing out jury trials in favor of bench trials presided over solely by judges—a position supported by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes. Nevertheless, the stipend enhancement aims to incentivize greater participation in the judicial process by mitigating financial barriers for prospective jurors.

    Minister Chuck acknowledged that the amendment’s presentation followed extensive deliberation to ensure the proposed increases were appropriate and sustainable. The government anticipates that these measures will offset expenses incurred by jurors and strengthen the foundation of Jamaica’s justice system.

  • Gov’t to launch shelter recovery programme

    Gov’t to launch shelter recovery programme

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has unveiled a major initiative to address housing devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness scheduled to officially launch the Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP) this Thursday. The program represents a coordinated national effort to deliver reconstruction and rehabilitation assistance to households severely impacted by the late October storm.

    Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. announced the comprehensive initiative Wednesday following a Cabinet meeting, describing the SRP as an “overarching, umbrella program” that will consolidate all government support mechanisms for affected families. The program specifically targets restoration of damaged housing infrastructure through a collaborative framework between the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Office of the Prime Minister.

    Charles Jr. emphasized the deliberate nature of this government response, noting that the SRP is designed to provide both immediate emergency relief and sustainable recovery support to Jamaican citizens. Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, 2025, causing significant damage across the island nation and displacing numerous residents. The program’s implementation marks a critical phase in Jamaica’s disaster recovery efforts, focusing on long-term housing solutions rather than temporary measures.

    The Shelter Recovery Programme signifies one of the most substantial post-hurricane reconstruction initiatives recently undertaken by the Jamaican government, reflecting an integrated approach to disaster management and social welfare support for vulnerable populations affected by natural disasters.

  • JPS meets with St Elizabeth councillors

    JPS meets with St Elizabeth councillors

    Local government representatives in St Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, are engaged in critical discussions with the nation’s primary electricity provider, Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), seeking concrete timelines for restoring power to communities still without electricity nearly three months after Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

    The high-stakes meeting, convened in Santa Cruz and attended by JPS Chief Executive Officer Hugh Grant, follows the utility company’s previous refusal to address media inquiries. Councillor Christopher Williams (Jamaica Labour Party, Santa Cruz division) expressed cautious optimism, noting that JPS had requested detailed information about affected communities earlier this week. “We have furnished JPS with that information, so today we are expecting to get some timeline from them,” Williams stated.

    Significant areas remain without power across multiple divisions, including critical infrastructure such as the Santa Cruz Infirmary on Institution Drive. The Santa Cruz division alone reports outages in Rocky Hill, Park Mountain, Good Hope, Abraham, Burnt Ground, New River, and Brighton. Similarly, Councillor Donovan Pagon (People’s National Party, Braes River division) identified Braes River, Elim, Red Ground, George’s Valley, Grosmond, and sections of Wilton, Southampton, and Northampton as still awaiting restoration.

    Residents have been burdened by substantial generator costs, creating mounting pressure on local representatives. Williams acknowledged the growing frustration among constituents, emphasizing that any delay beyond the end of January would be “disheartening.”

    The closed-door negotiations occur against the backdrop of national restoration statistics presented to Parliament by Energy Minister Daryl Vaz. According to official figures, 491,000 of the original 542,000 customers who lost power during the October 28, 2025 hurricane have been reconnected, representing approximately 92-93% national restoration. However, the remaining 51,000 disconnected customers are concentrated in hard-hit regions like St Elizabeth, where infrastructure damage was most severe.

  • Gov’t to roll out RE-LEAF to restore forests battered by Hurricane Melissa – Samuda

    Gov’t to roll out RE-LEAF to restore forests battered by Hurricane Melissa – Samuda

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a decisive response to extensive forest destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa last October, the Jamaican government has unveiled a comprehensive dual-phase reforestation strategy. Environment Minister Matthew Samuda announced Operation RE-LEAF and the second phase of the National Tree Planting Initiative (NTPI2) during a parliamentary session this week.

    Scientific assessments conducted by the Forestry Department revealed alarming damage, with 51% of affected forests suffering moderate to severe devastation. The hurricane left behind broken and uprooted trees, exposed soils, and significantly compromised watershed functionality through substantial canopy loss.

    Minister Samuda warned that such extensive forest destruction carries “real, immediate and potentially catastrophic consequences,” including heightened water insecurity, increased flooding and landslide risks, biodiversity degradation, and the undermining of years of public investment in environmental conservation.

    The newly developed RE-LEAF Initiative (Reforestation, Ecological Enhancement and Landscape Framework) represents Jamaica’s operational blueprint for both post-hurricane recovery and long-term ecological resilience. This targeted, tiered approach prioritizes interventions based on damage severity, watershed importance, community risk factors, and operational feasibility.

    During Phase One (January-June 2026), authorities will plant 300,000 seedlings, with over 170,000 destined for critical watershed areas and 50,000 for urban and peri-urban regions. Notably, 30,000 fruit trees will be incorporated to simultaneously address ecological restoration and food security needs.

    Concurrently, NTPI2 aims to plant three million trees, mirroring the achievement of its predecessor program. This initiative will be fully integrated into the RE-LEAF framework, reinforcing governmental commitments to watershed protection, biodiversity conservation, urban greening, and climate adaptation.

    The five-year program launches between January 29 and February 2 with strategic planting activities spanning forest reserves, private lands, mangrove ecosystems, and urban centers across multiple parishes including Trelawny, St. James, St. Elizabeth, and communities such as Black River and Savanna-la-Mar.

    Minister Samuda emphasized that these locations were strategically selected to represent an integrated governmental approach connecting forest management to water security, sustainable land practices, climate resilience, food production, and community engagement.

  • Parents grieve as boy, 3, dies in sleep

    Parents grieve as boy, 3, dies in sleep

    A Corinth Hills family is confronting unimaginable grief following the sudden death of their three-year-old son, Omarie Richins, who passed away in his sleep during the early hours of January 12. The tragic incident has sparked urgent conversations about child sleep safety and parental vigilance.

    Medical authorities at San Fernando General Hospital conducted a comprehensive autopsy revealing that young Omarie succumbed to a combination of cerebral edema (brain swelling), aspiration pneumonitis, and lower respiratory tract infection. Professor Hubert Daisley, who performed the examination, noted that aspiration pneumonitis occurs when gastric acid is inhaled into the lungs, causing severe inflammation. Additionally, toxicological analysis has been ordered following reports that the child had consumed potentially contaminated drain water, which might have contained pesticide or herbicide residues.

    The child’s father, 58-year-old Anderson, recounted the heartbreaking sequence of events during an emotional interview at their Demeter Lane residence on January 13. He described how the family had shared a pizza dinner earlier that evening—Omarie’s favorite meal—during which the toddler consumed approximately four and a half slices along with sharing a bottle of mauby with his father.

    Following a domestic disagreement between parents that night, Omarie had retired with his mother. According to Anderson’s account based on his wife’s testimony, the child awoke around 3 am complaining of headache, abdominal discomfort, and presenting with mild fever. Mistaking these symptoms for simple indigestion from overeating, she applied Vicks VapoRub and attempted to soothe him back to sleep.

    Tragically, when she later discovered Omarie was unresponsive, immediate CPR efforts proved insufficient. Anderson, drawing on his experience as a former volunteer firefighter, performed emergency procedures including manually clearing vomitus from the child’s airways. Paramedics arrived promptly and transported Omarie to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

    In his profound grief, Anderson has chosen to focus on spiritual acceptance rather than blame, stating: ‘I am not God, so if God sees it fit to take him from us, all I have to do is just ask God to strengthen me.’ He has become an unexpected advocate for child safety, urging parents to maintain vigilant watch over sleeping children: ‘When you have young kids and they eat, even though you’re going to sleep, you must still get up and check. Put your hand by their nostril, put your hand on their stomach.’

    The grieving father emphasized that tragedies can occur without warning, advising parents never to take their children’s wellbeing during sleep for granted. While not attributing fault to his wife, he acknowledged that different sleeping arrangements might have altered the outcome.

    The comprehensive autopsy results are pending toxicology reports, which will determine whether contaminated water consumption played any role in this devastating loss. The community now awaits these findings while mourning with the Richins family.

  • EMA strengthens noise control for Carnival events

    EMA strengthens noise control for Carnival events

    The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) of Trinidad and Tobago has unveiled comprehensive noise management protocols for the upcoming Carnival season, marking a significant shift in how cultural celebrations will be acoustically regulated. These measures represent the government’s latest effort to address longstanding community concerns while preserving traditional expressions.

    Under the enhanced framework, event organizers must now comply with stringent location-specific requirements, including detailed site plans that identify proximity to residential zones and proposed noise mitigation strategies. The EMA has implemented a transparent public notification system, making all noise variation applications accessible through its official website alongside a user-friendly public comment portal.

    High-risk areas—those with historical noise complaints or near sensitive facilities like healthcare institutions—will face additional requirements including formal resident notification processes and comprehensive noise management plans. The authority has adopted intelligence-led monitoring prioritizing events with previous compliance issues.

    Environmental Police Unit officers will collaborate with event organizers to facilitate immediate corrective actions when violations occur, followed by enforcement proceedings under the Noise Pollution Control Rules (2001). The EMA has developed supporting documentation including an Event Variation Information Guide and Quick Reference Guide to assist compliance.

    The initiative aims to reduce noise-related grievances while encouraging improved sound engineering practices. The EMA will conduct ongoing monitoring of complaint trends and provide public updates on outcomes, with potential implementation of pre-event sound testing to establish acceptable noise levels.

    This balanced approach seeks to protect community wellbeing while maintaining Carnival’s cultural vitality through collaboration with government agencies, event promoters, and citizens.