Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Welder mowed down in Manchester hit-and-run

    Welder mowed down in Manchester hit-and-run

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A fatal hit-and-run incident on the Chudleigh main road in Manchester has resulted in the death of a local welder, prompting an intensive investigation by local authorities. The victim has been identified as Mark Sinclair, a resident of the Struan district, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the early hours of Wednesday.

    According to official police reports, the tragic event occurred at approximately 12:30 am when Sinclair was walking along the roadway. An unidentified vehicle struck the pedestrian and fled the scene without stopping to render assistance or identify themselves. Emergency services were notified, but Sinclair’s injuries proved fatal.

    The Manchester traffic department, in collaboration with the Area Three Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Unit, has launched a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators are examining forensic evidence from the scene and seeking eyewitness accounts to identify the responsible vehicle and driver.

    This incident highlights growing concerns about road safety and hit-and-run accidents in the region. Local authorities have reiterated their commitment to apprehending those responsible and ensuring justice for victims and their families.

  • 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.

  • Media community mourns death of broadcast technician Darren Richards

    Media community mourns death of broadcast technician Darren Richards

    The media community across Antigua and Barbuda is grieving the loss of Darren Richards, a highly respected broadcast technician who passed away following a courageous battle with colon cancer. Pointe Broadcasting Network officially confirmed his passing on Tuesday, paying tribute to his significant yet often overlooked contributions to the nation’s media landscape.

    Richards served as a quiet professional whose technical expertise formed the backbone of Pointe FM’s ‘Nightly News’ production. In an industry typically focused on on-air personalities, Richards exemplified the essential behind-the-scenes professionals who ensure seamless broadcast operations. Colleagues remembered his consistently calm presence in the newsroom, particularly during high-pressure live broadcasts, where his steady demeanor provided reassurance to presenters and production staff alike.

    The network released an official statement emphasizing how technicians and engineers like Richards frequently work without public recognition despite being fundamental to media operations. “Pointe Broadcasting Network is deeply grateful for the time Darren spent with us and for the meaningful contributions he made to our nightly news operations,” the statement read, while extending sympathies to his family, relatives, and friends.

    In a demonstration of Richards’ widespread respect, condolences also came from political quarters. The St. John’s City West branch of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party issued a separate statement through chairman Rodney Jarvis, conveying sympathies from Prime Minister Gaston Browne, branch executives, and constituency members. The statement specifically addressed former chairman Delano Richards and Darren’s immediate family, encouraging them to find strength in faith during this difficult period of mourning.

    Both tributes highlighted Richards’ legacy as a dedicated professional whose technically vital work, though largely invisible to the public audience, played an indispensable role in broadcast journalism and media operations throughout the region.

  • DCA Office Closes Early Tuesday After Water Supply Disruption

    DCA Office Closes Early Tuesday After Water Supply Disruption

    The Development Control Authority (DCA) announced an unexpected closure of its offices for the remainder of Tuesday, January 13, 2026, following an interruption to the building’s water supply system. The administrative body confirmed that all public services will remain suspended until water service is fully restored. Normal operations are anticipated to resume on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, contingent on the successful resolution of the infrastructure issue. Officials have committed to providing timely updates should the situation evolve beyond current projections. The DCA extended apologies to citizens for any disruptions to planned visits or administrative proceedings, emphasizing that the closure was implemented as a necessary measure rather than a convenience decision.

  • Antigua and Barbuda joins Barbados and Bahamas among top Caribbean passports

    Antigua and Barbuda joins Barbados and Bahamas among top Caribbean passports

    The newly released 2026 Henley Passport Index reveals significant disparities in global travel freedom across Caribbean nations, with Barbados maintaining its regional supremacy while Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members demonstrate remarkable collective strength in international mobility access.

    Marking two decades since its inception, the comprehensive index documents Barbados as the Caribbean’s most powerful passport, offering citizens unparalleled visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to numerous global destinations. The Bahamas secured second position regionally, demonstrating strong diplomatic reach and travel accessibility.

    The most striking finding emerges from the OECS bloc, which claims six of the Caribbean’s top ten positions despite representing small island states. Saint Kitts and Nevis leads the OECS contingent, followed closely by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Dominica. This concentration of passport power within the sub-regional organization highlights the effectiveness of their collective diplomatic engagements and visa-waiver negotiations.

    Conversely, several larger Caribbean nations including Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba ranked below their Eastern Caribbean counterparts. Haiti remains the region’s most restricted passport, reflecting ongoing challenges in global mobility access.

    The index underscores how passport strength serves as both indicator and determinant of international opportunity, with visa-free access increasingly influencing business prospects, educational exchanges, and tourism development. The widening gap between Caribbean nations with extensive visa-waiver agreements and those constrained by limited diplomatic networks illustrates how geopolitical relationships directly impact citizen mobility.

    These rankings arrive at a significant milestone for global mobility measurement, providing crucial insights into how visa policies continue to shape economic and personal opportunities across the Caribbean region and beyond.

  • Free seedlings distribution set for January 15

    Free seedlings distribution set for January 15

    In a significant move to enhance domestic food production capabilities, the Plant2Plate initiative has announced a major free seedling distribution event scheduled for January 15. The program, developed in partnership with the Agricultural Extension Division, will provide thousands of vegetable and herb seedlings at no cost to participants.

    The distribution event specifically targets registered Backyard Gardeners and those involved in the National Backyard Gardening Competition, creating opportunities for both novice and experienced growers to expand their horticultural efforts. Available seedlings encompass a diverse range of produce including nutrient-rich beetroot, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, lettuce, and specialty greens such as kale and arugula. The selection also features culinary herbs like thyme and chive, alongside substantial vegetables including eggplant and Chinese cabbage.

    Agricultural officials emphasize that this initiative addresses multiple objectives: reducing household reliance on imported produce, promoting sustainable gardening practices, and strengthening national food security frameworks. The distributed crops have been specifically selected for their adaptability to local growing conditions, ensuring higher success rates for home gardeners.

    Participants are advised to arrive promptly at the Agricultural Extension Division venue, as distribution will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies are exhausted. Additional program details can be obtained by contacting the Agricultural Extension Division directly.

  • Health officials rule out rodent infestation at St Leonard’s Boys’

    Health officials rule out rodent infestation at St Leonard’s Boys’

    Authorities have conclusively determined that St Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary School is not experiencing a rodent infestation, following a comprehensive investigation into reports of animal droppings discovered on campus last week. The inquiry revealed that approximately 98% of the droppings were attributed to lizards, with the remaining trace amounts linked to cockroaches and mice confined to a single classroom.

    The investigation was initiated on January 7th when educational officials alerted the Ministry of Educational Transformation and the Environmental Health Department about potential sanitation concerns. Specialized teams from the Branford Taitt Polyclinic and Vector Control Unit promptly conducted detailed inspections and implemented targeted treatment protocols across the school premises.

    Reverend Canon Dr. Sonia Hinds, Chair of the school’s Board of Management, confirmed that environmental health experts found insufficient evidence to warrant full school closure or industrial-scale cleaning operations. The assessment concluded that the findings did not indicate an active infestation scenario requiring drastic measures.

    Despite the reassuring conclusions, health officials recommended specific remedial actions which school administrators have committed to implementing urgently. Ongoing baiting procedures and intensified cleaning protocols continued through Monday as precautionary measures. The final update regarding the resolution was formally communicated to stakeholders on Monday evening, providing clarity and reassurance to the school community.