Carib Scope

分类： society

  • ‘They Nearly Killed My Baby’: Mother Speaks Out, Alleges Police Inaction

    ‘They Nearly Killed My Baby’: Mother Speaks Out, Alleges Police Inaction

    A Belize City mother has come forward with grave allegations against local law enforcement following a violent neighborhood altercation that left her infant daughter injured. Amika Betran claims that both she and her one-year-old child were assaulted with a crowbar during a dispute on December 16, just two days before the child’s first birthday.

    According to Betran’s account, the incident occurred while she was walking near her residence with her child. What began as a verbal argument rapidly escalated when a male assailant allegedly struck her with a crowbar, with the weapon making contact with the infant’s head. The child sustained significant facial injuries including lacerations and bruising, requiring immediate medical attention at a local hospital.

    Betran filed an official police report on the day of the incident but alleges systematic inaction and procedural delays from authorities. Despite multiple follow-up visits to the police station, she claims investigators have shown minimal urgency in pursuing the case. In one particularly concerning instance, she was instructed to return to the station at midnight to speak with an officer—a time she notes is highly inconvenient for caring for an injured infant.

    The frustrated mother has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest within the police department, suggesting that a relative of the accused may be serving as an officer. Betran asserts that only one individual has been charged despite multiple participants being involved in the attack.

    Now considering legal action against the police department, Betran emphasizes the need for accountability within law enforcement. ‘When you have officers that don’t show pride and respect toward their jobs,’ she stated, ‘the whole department can be disgraced.’ The case has drawn attention to broader concerns about police responsiveness and procedural transparency in handling violent crimes within the community.

  • Sterling elderly care complex ‘on track’

    Sterling elderly care complex ‘on track’

    Barbados is poised to revolutionize its approach to community care with the impending completion of the Sterling Residential and Respite Facility in St Philip. Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey has announced significant progress on this groundbreaking project, which promises to reshape support services for older adults, children, and persons with disabilities through an innovative community-based model.

    The development represents a collaborative effort between the Ministry of People Empowerment, the National Assistance Board, the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association, and Soroptimist International of Barbados. Rather than creating large institutional settings, the facility embraces a modern philosophy of smaller, clustered residences arranged in circular pods to foster genuine community connections and relationships.

    Construction is advancing through carefully planned phases. Renovation of the main heritage building is nearing completion, with tender processes for subsequent stages scheduled to begin imminently. The comprehensive complex will eventually include 60-70 residential units, specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s care services, day nursery facilities for children, and fully accessible spaces designed for persons with all types of disabilities.

    With an estimated total investment between $10-12 million, the project allocates approximately $2 million for renovating the historic structure while the remainder funds new construction. The first phase will deliver 20-30 residences, with overall completion expected within the first six to seven months of this year.

    Minister Humphrey emphasized the intentional design pause taken last year to ensure complete accessibility and inclusivity. The revised plans now incorporate accommodations for physical, sensory, and visual impairments alongside expanded green and social spaces. This ‘caring in place’ approach aims to support both residents and families providing home care.

    The government plans to replicate this innovative model across Barbados, with similar facilities already in development for St Thomas and St George parishes, signaling a nationwide transformation in social service delivery.

  • Elderly woman’s fall sparks community outrage

    Elderly woman’s fall sparks community outrage

    A potentially tragic incident in Goodland Gardens has ignited urgent calls for infrastructure reform across Barbados. Seventy-two-year-old Lolene Rawlins survived a harrowing fall into an 87-foot well concealed by overgrown vegetation on Monday, prompting immediate rescue operations by the Barbados Fire Service and Roving Response team.

    The near-fatal accident has exposed critical gaps in public safety monitoring, particularly regarding abandoned and unsecured wells throughout the island nation. Ministry of Transport and Works crews responded by implementing temporary safety measures at the incident site, including plywood covers and caution-taped wooden barriers.

    Local residents revealed this was not an isolated case. Edwin Denny, a community witness, cited multiple previous incidents including a fatal 2019 case where 18-year-old Kyrique Boyce died after a well cover collapsed. “This isn’t the first person,” Denny emphasized, noting similar accidents in St. James where individuals have fallen into uncovered wells.

    The community has initiated grassroots efforts to identify hazardous sites, with resident Christopher Alleyne advocating for collaborative action between citizens, authorities, and media. “Instead of sitting back and talking, you can get involved and do your little piece,” Alleyne urged, promoting community-led hazard reporting.

    However, frustration simmers among residents who believe warnings were historically ignored. One visibly angry resident questioned the reactive approach: “Nobody speaks about it until somebody has jumped in there, so who next is going to die in there?”

    Ministry officials acknowledged systemic challenges. Drainage Supervisor Troy Jones admitted many wells remain undocumented due to their secluded locations. “Sometimes it takes a situation like this for us to be aware,” Jones stated, confirming the incident would improve future mapping and identification efforts.

    While temporary measures are being deployed, officials note that permanent solutions require coordinated long-term planning. The incident marks the latest in a series of well-related accidents, including a 2019 National Conservation Commission worker’s survival story and a 2022 case where a young man survived a 42-foot fall with minor injuries.

  • Centenarian, family celebrate milestone

    Centenarian, family celebrate milestone

    The tranquil neighborhood of Ealing Park in Christ Church became a scene of national celebration as Doreen Claudine Irene Cummins, Barbados’ latest centenarian, was honored with a special presidential visit. Marking her 100th birthday on Wednesday, Mrs. Cummins received President Jeffrey Bostic at her home where she shared laughter, wisdom, and remarkable life stories with distinguished guests and family members.

    Displaying sharp wit and vibrant personality, Cummins greeted President Bostic with historical perspective, noting that while a governor general had previously visited her mother in the same household, she particularly valued the current presidential acknowledgment. “Thank God the best president get to sit down with me,” she remarked with cheerful appreciation.

    Born in 1926, Cummins asserted her continued mental acuity despite her advanced age. “I was born in 1926, and you know that I know everything,” she confidently declared to the assembled company.

    President Bostic praised her milestone achievement with cricketing analogy, observing: “This is a significant achievement. It seems as though now we are having more centenarians than we are having batsmen making hundreds for us. This is really wonderful.”

    Cummins reflected on her extensive working life that began at age 13 after attending St Thomas Girls’ School. She detailed her professional journey from Spring Farm, St. Thomas to St. Michael, where she initially worked as a shop assistant earning $7 weekly before advancing to entrepreneurship. “I keep a rum shop for 40 years,” she recounted of her business tenure.

    When soliciting advice for contemporary youth, Cummins emphasized the foundational value of respect that characterized her generation. “Listen to me, in my day it was the same thing. All that is different, we had respect for old people. If you saw an old person you would run and hide. But the young people ain’t care,” she observed regarding evolving social norms.

    The mother of five attributed her longevity to simple culinary pleasures and traditional practices. When questioned about her secret to extended vitality, she humorously cited “breadfruit coucou” accompanied by white rum. Upon inquiry regarding current consumption, she responded with unequivocal frankness: “Of course I do… every day whenever I eat my food. That is what is keeping me good.”

    The celebration included family members and local MP Wilfred Abrahams, creating an intergenerational gathering that honored both Cummins’ personal journey and Barbados’ cultural heritage.

  • Central Board of Health Revises Public Burial Fees

    Central Board of Health Revises Public Burial Fees

    The Central Board of Health (CBH) of The Bahamas has unveiled a comprehensive restructuring of burial service fees, scheduled to take effect on January 5, 2026. This updated pricing framework introduces a tiered system based on age demographics for single grave excavations, marking a significant shift in public health service charges.

    Under the new regulations, interment costs will vary substantially depending on the deceased’s age. The most modest fee of $100 applies to stillborn infants and children under three years of age. For juveniles aged three to under fifteen, the grave digging charge increases to $250. Adults aged fifteen and above will incur a service fee of $500 for single grave preparations.

    Additionally, the CBH has established new rates for ongoing grave maintenance. Annual care and preservation of individual burial sites will now cost $150, covering a full twelve-month period or any portion thereof. For private family plots containing multiple graves, the pricing structure follows a different model: the initial grave space carries a $300 fee, with subsequent plots within the same compound priced at $50 each.

    The Board has specified that all transactions must be processed exclusively at their Upper Church Street administrative office. This centralized payment system aims to streamline financial operations and maintain consistent record-keeping across all burial service arrangements. The announced changes represent the first major fee adjustment for Bahamian burial services in recent years, reflecting updated operational costs and service delivery standards within the public health infrastructure.

  • Business Chamber Condemns Killing of Delivery Driver

    Business Chamber Condemns Killing of Delivery Driver

    The Business Chamber of Spanish Lookout has issued a forceful condemnation of escalating criminal violence targeting delivery personnel across Belize. This decisive statement comes in direct response to Wednesday’s fatal shooting of Mark Gabourel, a Caribbean Chicken delivery driver, during an apparent robbery attempt.

    Characterizing the attacks as ‘senseless acts of violence,’ the Chamber emphasized the broader implications extending beyond individual tragedy. These criminal incidents pose a direct threat to commercial operations, public security, and national economic stability. ‘This tragic loss of life underscores the alarming escalation of violence confronting hardworking Belizeans,’ the Chamber’s official statement declared. ‘No citizen should fear for their life while performing legitimate employment.’

    The Chamber issued explicit demands for immediate governmental intervention, urging coordinated action between Belize’s law enforcement agencies and judicial system. Specific recommendations included enhanced police patrols, targeted enforcement operations, and stringent legal consequences for perpetrators of violent crimes. The objective remains restoring public confidence in security infrastructure while ensuring swift justice for affected families.

    Expressing solidarity with Gabourel’s family, colleagues, and nationwide delivery workers, the Chamber emphasized that ‘protecting lives and livelihoods must constitute a national priority.’ The incident occurred approximately at 4:30 p.m. on Mountain View Boulevard in Belmopan, where assailants on a motorcycle fired multiple shots at Gabourel’s vehicle as he exited a compound. Despite being accompanied by a 15-year-old assistant, the driver sustained fatal injuries after attackers attempted to forcibly access the truck. Gabourel was transported to Western Regional Hospital where he subsequently succumbed to his wounds.

  • Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 Second Place CSEC Student Receives Regional TVET Award

    Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 Second Place CSEC Student Receives Regional TVET Award

    In an extraordinary display of academic prowess, Khalique Harris from St. Joseph’s Academy in Antigua and Barbuda has been crowned the Caribbean Examinations Council’s Most Outstanding CSEC Candidate in Technical and Vocational Studies for 2025. The prestigious recognition was formally bestowed during the CXC Regional Awards Ceremony in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on December 11, 2025.

    Harris’s path to regional distinction was paved with exceptional academic achievement, having successfully completed 22 CSEC subjects with an impressive 17 Grade One passes. His award specifically acknowledges his supreme mastery across multiple technical disciplines, including perfect scores in Information Technology, Food Nutrition and Health, Family and Resource Management, Technical Drawing, and three specialized Industrial Technology fields covering Electrical, Mechanical and Building applications.

    The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries publicly celebrated Harris’s accomplishment, highlighting his remarkable discipline and dedication across diverse technical and vocational fields. Ministry officials emphasized that his achievement not only reflects individual excellence but also demonstrates the strength and quality of Antigua and Barbuda’s educational framework.

    In recognizing the broader support system, the Ministry extended commendations to the administrative and teaching staff at St. Joseph’s Academy, along with Harris’s parents, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to fostering academic success. This landmark achievement stands as both an inspiration to students throughout the nation and a validation of the government’s ongoing investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs as crucial components of national development strategy.

  • Copper Wiring Stolen in Break-In at Camp Blizzard Military Base

    Copper Wiring Stolen in Break-In at Camp Blizzard Military Base

    Authorities at Camp Blizzard Military Base have launched a comprehensive investigation following a sophisticated theft of substantial copper wiring from a secured electrical storage facility. The incident, which has raised significant security concerns, involved perpetrators who executed the operation with notable precision.

    Investigative reports indicate that despite the absence of overt forced entry evidence, security personnel suspect access was achieved through a compromised glass window. The methodology employed suggests a calculated approach, with forensic evidence pointing to the use of specialized equipment—specifically a hydraulic rolling jack—to extract the valuable materials. This technical aspect implies prior knowledge of both the facility’s layout and security protocols.

    Law enforcement agencies have conducted extensive ground searches throughout the adjacent areas, yet these efforts have yielded no recovery of the stolen copper components. The ongoing investigation combines traditional detective work with advanced forensic analysis to identify potential suspects and understand the full scope of this security breach.

    The theft highlights vulnerabilities in military-adjacent infrastructure and underscores the growing market for stolen industrial materials. Base commanders have initiated a full security review while coordinating with regional law enforcement to prevent similar incidents.

  • PHOTOS: Single-Lane Traffic in Effect on Sir Sydney Walling Highway Amid Road Repairs

    PHOTOS: Single-Lane Traffic in Effect on Sir Sydney Walling Highway Amid Road Repairs

    Commuters utilizing the Sir Sydney Walling Highway are currently encountering modified traffic conditions as a significant road rehabilitation project advances. Transportation authorities have issued a formal advisory, confirming the implementation of single-lane traffic patterns along certain segments of this crucial thoroughfare. This infrastructural initiative is a continuation of a broader maintenance strategy aimed at enhancing road safety, durability, and overall driving conditions for the public.

    The nature of the work necessitates temporary traffic management systems, which are now actively in place. While crews are diligently working to minimize disruption, the reduced lane capacity inherently creates a potential for congestion, particularly during peak travel hours. Officials are strongly urging all motorists to incorporate additional travel time into their schedules and to remain vigilant for posted signage and instructions from traffic controllers on site.

    This type of proactive infrastructure upkeep is critical for the long-term integrity of the transportation network. The temporary inconvenience of lane restrictions and possible delays is weighed against the substantial long-term benefits, which include smoother road surfaces, improved drainage, and increased safety for all road users. The project underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and upgrading essential public infrastructure. Motorists are encouraged to stay updated on the project’s progress through official transportation channels for any changes to the traffic management plan.

  • Liberta Man Found Injured in Bushes

    Liberta Man Found Injured in Bushes

    Authorities in Liberta have launched a criminal investigation into a violent assault that left a man severely wounded in a local bushland area. The incident came to light when a concerned resident alerted police after hearing distinct cries for assistance emanating from nearby vegetation.

    Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement personnel discovered an adult male victim suffering from significant head trauma, including deep lacerations and active bleeding. Preliminary reports indicate the victim remained conscious and communicated with responding officers, describing how the assault occurred during a physical confrontation that involved both a sharp-edged weapon and a stone used as a blunt force object.

    Emergency medical services promptly transported the injured individual to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where physicians admitted him for comprehensive observation and treatment. Medical staff are monitoring his condition closely due to the nature of head injuries, though current reports suggest he is in stable condition.

    The Liberta Police Department has cordoned off the area for forensic examination and is pursuing multiple investigative leads. Police spokesperson Inspector Joanna Reid stated, ‘We are following all available evidence and encourage anyone with information about this incident to come forward immediately. Such violence against members of our community will be investigated thoroughly.’

    This assault has raised concerns among Liberta residents about safety in peripheral areas, with many calling for increased police patrols in less populated zones surrounding the community. Local officials have promised to review security measures while the investigation continues.