Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Widening parental protections

    Widening parental protections

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has unveiled sweeping proposals to modernize the nation’s parental protection laws, marking the first significant update to the Maternity Protection Act in over two decades. Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste announced on January 11 comprehensive reforms that would extend benefits to fathers, adoptive parents, and guardians in cases of maternal death.

    The groundbreaking legislative overhaul seeks to eliminate the current 24-month limitation period that effectively penalizes women for multiple pregnancies within a year. The proposed amendments also include provisions for paid breastfeeding breaks and stronger workplace protections against discriminatory practices. Employers would be prohibited from taking adverse actions such as termination or pay reduction against employees utilizing parental leave benefits.

    These changes come against a concerning demographic backdrop. Recent Ministry of Health statistics reveal a fertility rate of 1.9 births per woman, below the 2.1 replacement level needed to maintain population stability. Tobago officials have additionally reported a “drastic reduction” in births over the past ten years.

    International research underscores the urgency of these reforms. A Unicef report from early 2025 found that maternity leave policies across Latin America and the Caribbean remain generally deficient, while an International Labour Organisation brief highlighted persistent gender inequalities in Caribbean workplaces.

    The proposed measures represent not merely demographic intervention but a fundamental shift toward gender equity and workplace fairness. By facilitating legal proceedings for discrimination cases and banning pregnancy testing for job applicants, the government aims to create a more balanced environment for working parents.

    While demographic evolution and economic factors contribute to declining birth rates, the modernization of Trinidad and Tobago’s archaic parental protection framework could play a significant role in addressing these challenges. The reforms now await parliamentary consideration and implementation.

  • Rambharat: Let trained people lead hikes

    Rambharat: Let trained people lead hikes

    In the wake of a devastating hiking incident that claimed the life of 41-year-old Jessica Jordan, urgent calls for professional guide certification and enhanced safety protocols have emerged from rescue authorities. Captain Vallence Rambharath, head of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team, has issued a comprehensive safety manifesto following Jordan’s tragic drowning at Madamas River on January 10th.

    The tragedy unfolded when Jordan, part of an eight-person hiking group, slipped while crossing a deteriorated log in rapidly swelling waters. Her legs became trapped between the log and gorge wall, creating an extraction scenario that even professional rescuers found extremely challenging. Rambharath emphasized that the location where Jordan perished was fundamentally inappropriate for hiking activities given the dangerous water conditions.

    ‘Where she fell is exactly where she was found,’ Rambharath stated, highlighting the preventable nature of the incident. ‘If Hunters Search and Rescue cannot navigate the water height in these gorges, no hiker should be there.’

    The rescue captain identified multiple critical failures: the use of a bark-less, moss-covered log for crossing that provided zero grip, poor river-crossing techniques, and most importantly, the decision to proceed with the hike despite nationwide rainfall. ‘Why couldn’t you just cancel the hike?’ he questioned, emphasizing that no commercial considerations should override safety priorities.

    Rambharath advocated for formalized oversight including mandatory guide certification, safety personnel integration within hiking groups, and weather-conscious planning. He specifically recommended against Northern Range hiking during rainy conditions and warned against crossing on smooth, bark-less logs that become dangerously slippery.

    Separately, Palance868 Adventures Team clarified through a Facebook statement that they had no involvement in the fatal hike and maintain a strict safety-first approach, including cancellation policies during adverse weather. The organization expressed condolences while emphasizing their rigorous risk mitigation protocols and incident-free record.

    The hiking community now faces pressing questions about professional standards, regulatory frameworks, and whether the industry requires formal oversight to prevent similar tragedies.

  • First interview was with Newsday

    First interview was with Newsday

    In a heartfelt letter to the editor, Dr. Jamelia Harris, an assistant professor, has joined the chorus of voices expressing profound sadness following the announcement of Newsday’s imminent closure. The academic shared personal anecdotes highlighting the newspaper’s significant role in both her personal and professional development.

    Dr. Harris revealed that her connection to the publication dates back to her childhood, where she developed the daily habit of reading Newsday and completing its crossword puzzles. This relationship deepened considerably in 2007 when she received notification of being awarded the prestigious President’s Medal from a Newsday reporter—a communication that surprisingly preceded the official announcement from the Ministry of Education. That initial contact culminated in her first interview with the newspaper, marking a pivotal moment in her public recognition.

    More recently, Dr. Harris expressed gratitude for the newspaper’s consistent platforming of her opinion pieces throughout the past year. Her letter serves as both a tribute to the publication’s legacy and a farewell message to the entire Newsday team, wishing them success in their forthcoming professional transitions. The correspondence stands as testament to the enduring impact community newspapers have on their readership and contributors alike.

  • Sergeant Georgia Chambers-Dawson laid to rest

    Sergeant Georgia Chambers-Dawson laid to rest

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) paid solemn tribute to Sergeant Georgia Chambers-Dawson during a memorial service at Rudgemount United Church in Mandeville on Saturday, January 10. Colleagues from the Protective Services Division gathered to honor their departed comrade who dedicated a quarter-century of exemplary service to the nation’s police force.

    Sergeant Chambers-Dawson, who passed away in November 2025, was remembered for her unwavering commitment and professional excellence throughout her 25-year career. The commemorative ceremony featured heartfelt tributes from multiple sectors of Jamaican society, reflecting the profound impact of her service.

    Senior Superintendent of Police Michael Morris delivered a moving eulogy on behalf of the Governor General, emphasizing Sergeant Chambers-Dawson’s exceptional dedication to duty and her significant contributions to law enforcement. The service also included personal reminiscences from her academy batchmates and a poignant remembrance by family friend Shavena Curtis, painting a comprehensive portrait of a life devoted to both public service and personal relationships.

    Following the religious ceremony, attendees proceeded to Melrose Cemetery for the interment, where Sergeant Chambers-Dawson was laid to rest with full honors befitting her distinguished service record. The memorial events underscored the JCF’s tradition of honoring fallen officers while providing closure for colleagues and family members alike.

  • Adjournment in gang trial might be ‘demanded’, says lawyer

    Adjournment in gang trial might be ‘demanded’, says lawyer

    A high-profile trial involving 25 alleged members of the Klansman Gang faction faces significant delays as Jamaica’s Supreme Court grapples with critical evidence disclosure issues. The prosecution, led by Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Janek Forbes, acknowledged substantial evidentiary gaps during Friday’s proceedings before Justice Dale Palmer in downtown Kingston.

    Prosecution representatives revealed multiple outstanding documents including DNA reports for several defendants, chain-of-custody documentation, expert statements, and crime scene reports. Particularly concerning is the forensic laboratory’s indication that DNA analysis alone would require six to eight weeks, followed by additional time for peer review and report completion.

    Defense attorney John Clarke, representing alleged faction leader Tesha Miller, raised constitutional concerns about the prosecution’s proposed ‘ongoing disclosure’ during trial proceedings. Clarke argued this approach could violate defendants’ rights to adequate trial preparation and a fair hearing, stating that receiving crucial evidence mid-trial would effectively abrogate these fundamental rights.

    The complexity deepened with additional defense challenges, including attorney Denise Hinson’s objection to obtaining a DNA sample from client Nashaune Guest five years after evidence collection. Hinson characterized the belated request as fundamentally unfair given the extended timeframe without prior forensic analysis.

    Justice Palmer, who had previously indicated reluctance to grant the prosecution’s requested adjournment to June, delayed his ruling until Monday following these substantial submissions. The court extended bail for one defendant while remanding others who attended virtually via Zoom, underscoring the case’s complex logistical dimensions.

    The proceedings highlight persistent challenges in Jamaica’s judicial system when handling complex organized crime cases, particularly regarding forensic evidence processing and the balance between trial efficiency and defendants’ constitutional rights.

  • Public health dept wants more garbage trucks for Portland

    Public health dept wants more garbage trucks for Portland

    PORT ANTONIO, Portland — Dr. Sharon Lewis, Medical Officer of Health for Portland, has issued an urgent appeal for the immediate allocation of additional garbage collection trucks to the parish. This call to action aims to build upon and sustain the recent successes achieved in controlling the local rodent population through targeted eradication efforts.

    Addressing the monthly meeting of the parish’s municipal corporation last Thursday, Dr. Lewis emphasized the visible diligence of National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) teams but stressed that their efforts are hampered by insufficient resources. She formally requested that Portland be prioritized to receive a minimum of two new garbage trucks by 2026, framing the issue as critical for public health and community well-being.

    The appeal is directly linked to the outcomes of an extensive, multi-month rodent baiting initiative. Dr. Lewis provided a detailed report on a major operation conducted on December 6, 2025. A team of nine public healthcare workers serviced 255 bait stations at key locations, including all three points of entry to the port and the Musgrave Market in Port Antonio. The operation utilized 284 packs of three different rodenticide brands and involved replacing 37 stations that had gone missing.

    Notably, the data revealed extremely high bait consumption. All baits previously placed in the park areas of the Errol Flynn Marina and the main market were completely consumed by the time of the replenishment mission. Only 11 stations in secondary locations, such as the boat yard and the old marina, contained stale, unconsumed bait, which was promptly replaced. An official evaluation of the bait uptake is scheduled for this month, with findings to be shared subsequently.

    Dr. Lewis directly connected efficient garbage collection to public health safeguards. She expressed deep concern over frequent delays in solid waste collection across Portland communities, noting that accumulated refuse creates ideal breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests like rodents, flies, and mosquitoes. While acknowledging that Portland was fortunately spared significant outbreaks of leptospirosis and dengue fever recently, she warned that this positive health status is fragile. The officer concluded that bolstering the NSWMA’s operational capacity is an essential investment in preventing vector-borne diseases and maintaining the parish’s overall health security.

  • Respect due

    Respect due

    MONTEGO BAY, St James — In a formal recognition of exceptional law enforcement achievements, local government officials in Jamaica’s St James parish are moving to establish an annual ‘Police Day’ celebration. Deputy Mayor Dwight Crawford has presented an official resolution to the St James Municipal Corporation seeking to designate June 8 as a permanent day of honor for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

    The proposal comes amid widespread acclaim for the police force’s remarkable success in combating violent crime throughout the region. Statistical evidence reveals an extraordinary turnaround: murder rates plummeted from 125 fatalities in 2024 to just 58 in 2025—representing a dramatic 67-case reduction within a single year.

    Crawford emotionally recalled the parish’s troubled past during Thursday’s monthly council meeting, stating, ‘I remember when citizens feared even their own shadows and many had completely lost faith in our police institution. Some felt compelled to seek justice through their own means when confronting criminal elements.’

    The resolution gained momentum following an impressive operational report delivered by police representatives that left municipal counselors visibly impressed. ‘What we’re witnessing in St James results directly from the dedicated efforts of our local police personnel,’ Crawford emphasized. ‘Jamaican professionals are effectively addressing our national security challenges through commendable, tangible results.’

    The proposed June 8 date carries particular symbolic significance, marking the anniversary of Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake’s launch of the JCF Transformation Initiative. This comprehensive reform program publicly outlined the force’s structural and operational modernization plans, whose positive effects are now becoming statistically evident.

    Crawford further acknowledged broader governmental contributions to national security improvements, specifically praising Finance Minister Fayval Williams and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang for their supportive roles in the crime reduction achievements.

  • NIC encourages farmers to prepare for rollout of water supply under Essex Valley Project

    NIC encourages farmers to prepare for rollout of water supply under Essex Valley Project

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s National Irrigation Commission (NIC) is accelerating its farmer outreach initiatives as the landmark Essex Valley Agricultural Development Project approaches its final stages in St Elizabeth. This strategic engagement aims to prepare agricultural stakeholders for full utilization of enhanced irrigation services scheduled for 2026 deployment.

    Wayne Barrett, Director of Commercial Operations at NIC, emphasized the critical importance of customer preparation during recent remarks at a JIS Think Tank session. “From a commercial perspective, our primary focus has been proactive engagement and systematic onboarding of new agricultural clients for the Essex Valley initiative,” Barrett stated.

    The Commission’s commercial team has implemented comprehensive support measures including technical advisory services and sustained digital communication through social media channels. These preparatory activities are strategically designed to ensure farmers can immediately resume and scale their agricultural operations once the irrigation infrastructure becomes operational.

    Barrett detailed NIC’s hands-on approach: “We maintain direct field engagement through farm visits, personalized consultations, and continuous dialogue. We’re confident our services will enable farmers to revitalize their production capabilities and attain financial stability.”

    The phased Essex Valley Agricultural Development Project represents a significant national investment in agricultural infrastructure, featuring modernized irrigation systems, enhanced water reliability, and increased productivity mechanisms. This initiative aligns with Jamaica’s broader objectives to reinforce national food security and stimulate rural economic advancement.

    The NIC has formally recommitted to delivering efficient, high-quality services that support agricultural productivity and contribute to Jamaica’s sustainable development goals. Farmer applications for irrigation services under the pioneering project are currently being accepted.

  • Tree-planting drive ‘strengthens’ environmental, food security goals

    Tree-planting drive ‘strengthens’ environmental, food security goals

    Barbados has demonstrated remarkable national commitment to environmental sustainability through recently concluded ecological initiatives, with officials highlighting the dual benefits of climate action and food security. On Friday, the National Botanical Gardens hosted an awards ceremony honoring participants of the National Tree Planting and Parish Home Garden competitions, which ran from mid-October through November 14.

    Competition Coordinator Dewyn Phillips emphasized that these initiatives align with both domestic environmental priorities and Barbados’ international obligations under the Paris Agreement, which the nation signed in 2015 and ratified in 2016. This global treaty, joined by over 190 countries, aims to mitigate climate change by limiting temperature increases.

    “The most inexpensive way to achieve this is through tree planting,” Phillips explained. “Trees are relatively easy to plant and maintain, yet they represent the fastest and most efficient method of sequestering carbon dioxide from our atmosphere.”

    The competition results showcased impressive participation. In the Parish Home Garden Beautification category, Hazel Lindo-Carrington of Christ Church claimed the top prize of $4,000, followed by Greta Wendy Collymore of St Philip ($3,000) and Marlene Cheeseman of St Joseph ($2,000). The Tree Planting Competition saw even more remarkable achievements: Jefferson Roberts secured first place and $10,000 for planting 1,088 trees, Michelle Seale earned $8,000 for 780 trees, and Ferne Austin received $6,000 for planting 640 trees.

    Beyond environmental benefits, Phillips highlighted how fruit trees specifically contribute to food security by improving access to affordable, nutritious produce rich in essential vitamins and minerals. This initiative directly addresses non-communicable diseases often linked to poor dietary habits.

    The program also fostered community development, with many participants collaborating to clear vegetation and transform plots of land. Phillips noted the enhanced community spirit and social cohesion resulting from these collective efforts.

    Looking forward, the socioeconomic impact of these planted trees—particularly fruit-bearing varieties like soursop and cherry, known for their antioxidant and anti-cancer properties—is expected to materialize within three to five years. Some participants already plan to utilize their produce for juice production and other value-added products, creating sustainable economic opportunities.

  • Miraflores Museum, a trip to ancient Kaminaljuyu in Guatemala

    Miraflores Museum, a trip to ancient Kaminaljuyu in Guatemala

    The Kaminaljuyu Archaeological Site Museum in Guatemala has transformed conventional historical education through an innovative technological approach to showcasing ancient Mayan civilization. Established in 2002 within the 5,030-square-meter complex, the institution provides visitors with a multisensory journey into the ancestral culture and pre-Hispanic history of the country’s central valley.

    Archaeologist Hari Castillo explained to Prensa Latina that the museum’s mission centers on public engagement and knowledge sharing. “Our intention is to reach the public, provide an engaging tour, and spark the interest of anyone, at any age,” Castillo stated, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to accessibility across generations.

    The museum focuses on Kaminaljuyu, which flourished from approximately 1500 BC through the Classic period. Its collections primarily derive from archaeological discoveries made during construction of the adjacent Miraflores Shopping Center, supplemented by private donations that have expanded the repository of artifacts.

    Describing the museum’s innovative methodology, Castillo noted: “We are a center that strives to be cutting-edge and engaging because that’s how you learn the most.” The exhibition encompasses multiple aspects of Mayan life including religious practices, agricultural techniques, cacao cultivation, architectural achievements, and craft traditions.

    The technological integration includes detailed reconstructions, ceremonial reenactments, virtual reality experiences, and interactive screens that allow visitors to discover their personal Mayan nahual (spiritual guide). An educational game based on the numerical system of the ancient civilization further enhances the learning experience.

    The museum continues to push technological boundaries with ongoing 3D modeling projects and immersive room installations. However, Castillo emphasizes that technological sophistication serves a greater purpose: “Above all, we want people to understand the connection between the past and the present.”

    The exhibition comprehensively explains Kaminaljuyu’s historical significance as a major political, economic, and ceremonial hub that influenced regional trade routes and maintained cultural connections throughout Mesoamerica.