Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Lawyers, DCS joust over allowing digital devices in prisons

    Lawyers, DCS joust over allowing digital devices in prisons

    A significant legal confrontation has emerged in Jamaica’s Home Circuit Court, centering on attorney access to electronic devices within correctional facilities. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) issued an official denial Thursday refuting claims that lawyers are being prohibited from bringing cellphones and digital devices into prisons when consulting with incarcerated clients.

    The controversy surfaced during preliminary proceedings for the landmark trial of Tesha Miller and 24 co-defendants, who face extensive charges under anti-gang legislation including murder and robbery allegations. Miller is identified as the alleged leader of the Clansman gang faction based in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

    Wednesday’s scheduled trial commencement collapsed as prosecutors requested a substantial 12-14 week adjournment to complete documentation and finalize case preparations. Presiding Judge Dale Palmer rejected this extended delay, instead mandating that DCS representatives, including Commissioner of Corrections Brigadier Radgh Mason, appear in court Friday to address the device access policy.

    Defense attorneys presented compelling arguments against the device restrictions. John Clarke, representing Miller, revealed he had raised concerns since April 2024 regarding electronic disclosure accessibility. Clarke described inconsistent implementation across facilities, noting that while medical professionals receive device access privileges, attorneys remain restricted despite judicial correspondence advocating for their access.

    Co-counsel Tameka Harris expressed profound frustration, disclosing that the matter had been discussed in multiple stakeholder meetings with Commissioner Mason, who had previously committed to resolving the issue through formal institutional orders. Harris emphasized the practical impossibility of adequately presenting digital evidence—including videos and audio recordings—without electronic devices, potentially compromising defendants’ rights to comprehend evidence against them.

    The DCS response affirmed its commitment to inmates’ constitutional rights to legal representation, referencing February 2025 discussions with the Jamaica Bar Association and subsequent March 2025 correspondence from Commissioner Mason. The department stated it facilitates legal consultations through virtual platforms and permits electronic devices when “safe, reasonable, justified and practicable,” while encouraging formal reporting of any rights violations.

    Judge Palmer, adamant about progressing the long-pending case, declared a June adjournment unacceptable and scheduled Friday’s hearing to determine a reasonable preparation timeline, acknowledging the substantial judicial resources already invested in this complex gang prosecution.

  • Objection, Your Honour

    Objection, Your Honour

    A significant constitutional debate has erupted within Jamaica’s legal community following controversial remarks by distinguished jurist Patrick Robinson regarding appellate court authority over judicial decisions. The former International Court of Justice judge recently advocated for eliminating what he termed “a legal oddity” – the ability of Jamaica’s Court of Appeal to overturn rulings made by the Chief Justice.

    Robinson’s position, articulated in a January 2026 Sunday Gleaner column, emerged from his analysis of Jamaica’s 2025 appellate court decision to quash a murder conviction originally presided over by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes. The appellate court had determined that Justice Sykes had “descended quite extensively into the arena” during proceedings, improperly eliciting evidence that should have remained the prosecution’s responsibility.

    In response, prominent defense attorney Peter Champagnie, King’s Counsel, has characterized Robinson’s proposal as both “a misstep” and “retrograde,” despite expressing profound respect for Robinson’s legal expertise. Champagnie maintains that appellate review of judicial decisions represents a crucial “peer review” mechanism essential to maintaining judicial integrity within democratic systems.

    The attorney specifically referenced the Judicature (Appellate Jurisdiction) Act, highlighting provisions that ensure the Court of Appeal’s independence from the Chief Justice’s office. Section 3(1)(b) stipulates that while the Chief Justice may participate in appellate panels, this requires invitation from the court president and the presence of at least four other judges.

    The controversy centers on the case of Conroy Stephenson, whose murder conviction was overturned in December 2025. Stephenson had been sentenced to 16 years imprisonment in 2019 for a fatal shooting in Seaview Gardens. The Appeal Court determined that extensive judicial intervention during witness cross-examination had denied Stephenson a fair trial, resulting in both overturned conviction and acquittal without retrial.

    Champagnie clarified that while judicial questioning during trials is permissible for clarification purposes, judges must avoid descending into the adversarial arena by conducting what effectively becomes cross-examination on behalf of either prosecution or defense. This distinction between appropriate judicial inquiry and improper advocacy forms the crux of the current legal discourse surrounding judicial conduct and appellate oversight in Jamaica’s justice system.

  • Soufriere tragedy sparks heartfelt tributes to devoted father

    Soufriere tragedy sparks heartfelt tributes to devoted father

    The coastal community of Castries, Saint Lucia, has been plunged into mourning following the tragic demise of 31-year-old Sherman Lionel in a marine incident off Anse Mamin, Soufriere. The fatal accident occurred on Wednesday when Lionel, an experienced snorkeler, was struck by a water vessel while exploring underwater realms.

    Emergency response efforts saw the victim transported via private means to Soufriere Hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him deceased approximately at midday. Preliminary reports indicate the severity of injuries sustained in the collision proved insurmountable despite medical intervention.

    As news of the tragedy circulated throughout the island nation, digital memorials blossomed across social media platforms, revealing Lionel’s identity as a dedicated parent and aquatic enthusiast. Heartfelt tributes consistently highlighted his profound devotion to his three young children—one son and two daughters—and his authentic passion for marine activities.

    Digital eulogies captured the collective grief, with one social media user noting: ‘You departed while engaged in what you loved most—diving,’ while another tribute emphasized: ‘His children constituted his entire world. Our hearts break for them.’

    Law enforcement authorities have verified that an additional individual sustained injuries during the incident, though specific details regarding their medical status remain confidential pending family notifications. The Marine Intelligence and Investigations Unit has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise sequence of events and contributing factors that led to this fatal maritime collision.

  • Dominica’s Judy Sango participates in UN agencies and OPDs’ webinar highlighting inclusive hiring practices in the Caribbean

    Dominica’s Judy Sango participates in UN agencies and OPDs’ webinar highlighting inclusive hiring practices in the Caribbean

    A groundbreaking regional webinar has galvanized efforts to transform workplace cultures across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with United Nations agencies partnering with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to accelerate inclusive employment practices. The virtual forum marked a strategic shift from compliance-based approaches to creating genuinely accessible environments where diverse talents can flourish.

    Judy Sango, President of the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities and freelance writer, challenged pervasive stereotypes during her address. “The false equivalence between disability and inability remains our greatest barrier,” she noted, urging employers to adopt value-based hiring rather than charitable approaches. Sango emphasized that persons with disabilities demonstrate exceptional problem-solving capabilities, resilience, and reliability when given equitable opportunities.

    Patrice Quesada, UN Resident Coordinator a.i. for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, framed employment as a transformative tool for social cohesion. “Inclusive hiring transcends box-ticking exercises—it’s about cultivating environments that genuinely value diversity as the cornerstone of community resilience,” he stated in his opening remarks.

    Barbadian attorney Jeneil Odle brought personal perspective as member of the Barbados Council for the Disabled, advocating for systemic educational reforms. “We need expanded special needs schooling beyond primary level, improved assistive technology access, and comprehensive teacher training,” Odle articulated. She notably reframed inclusion as economic imperative: “This isn’t charity—it strengthens business performance, governance, and societal progress simultaneously.”

    The discussion highlighted structural challenges identified by Michelle Brathwaite of the UN Human Rights Office, including legislative gaps, insufficient data collection, and underfunded support services across the region. UNESCO’s Yeonghyeon Kim emphasized accessible information design as critical for equitable recruitment processes.

    ILO Geneva’s Senior Disability Specialist Stefan Tromelo directly contested harmful assumptions: “We must dismantle the myth that informal economy participation is the only option for persons with disabilities. Decent formal employment must become universally accessible.”

    The forum concluded with spotlight on youth-led initiatives, including Grenadian advocate Zinzee Noel’s ‘HireAbility’ social media campaign developed with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. This grassroots movement aims to reshape employer perceptions through authentic storytelling and awareness-building.

  • New School of Agriculture in Glanvilles to Open Next Month

    New School of Agriculture in Glanvilles to Open Next Month

    The Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) has announced the imminent launch of a pioneering agricultural education institution at the former Glanvilles Secondary School campus, with operations scheduled to commence as early as next month. This transformative educational initiative represents a strategic repurposing of educational infrastructure to address national priorities.

    Under the leadership of ABCAS President Dr. E. Jonah Greene, the institution is developing a specialized curriculum through collaborative efforts with both local and regional agricultural experts. The inaugural academic offering will feature two intensive short courses focused on crop production and poultry farming, scheduled for deployment between January and February.

    This educational repurposing follows the Cabinet-approved consolidation of Glanvilles and Pares Secondary Schools, a measure implemented to optimize resources amid declining enrollment figures. At the time of merger, Glanvilles recorded 163 students while Pares had 178 enrolled. The transition involved transferring current Glanvilles students to Pares Secondary School, with teaching staff either reassigned to other institutions or retained within the Ministry of Education’s administrative framework.

    The newly designated agricultural campus will leverage Glanvilles’ existing infrastructure, including a fully-equipped science laboratory, home economics department, hydroponic cultivation unit, animal pens, and multiple farm plots. This comprehensive facility repurposing aligns with the government’s heightened emphasis on achieving national food security objectives and advancing specialized agricultural education to strengthen the country’s resilience and self-sufficiency in food production.

  • PM Mottley urges families to join One Family drive to rebuild social fabric

    PM Mottley urges families to join One Family drive to rebuild social fabric

    In a significant national address, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has issued a powerful appeal for citizens to actively participate in restoring the nation’s social cohesion. Speaking at Wednesday’s inauguration of the first Social Empowerment Agency (SEA) client center in Six Roads, St Philip, Mottley positioned the new integrated social services model as a cornerstone of broader societal transformation.

    The Prime Minister articulated a compelling vision where poverty reduction and community strengthening require collective action beyond government intervention. “The battle to lift families from dependence to independence to nurture interdependence must happen not because government alone is integrating services,” Mottley emphasized, “but through combined efforts of public sector, private enterprise, and community engagement.”

    Mottley framed participation as both moral imperative and practical necessity, particularly urging economically stable citizens to join the One Family Programme. She challenged conventional notions of support, stating: “You can always give money, but money isn’t the only currency that helps to empower. The currency that helps to empower most is a listening ear and a helping hand, a warm heart, and voices that literally encourage others.”

    The Prime Minister illustrated this philosophy with a recent case where a business owner opted for restorative justice over prosecution for several youths in trouble. Through mediation involving parents, officials, and religious leaders, agreements were established to reward positive behavior—including academic improvement—with tangible support such as sporting equipment and transportation to recreational activities.

    Mottley connected this approach to Barbados’ cultural and religious values, reminding citizens: “If we don’t be the country that gives people a second chance, what is the basis of the religious faith of Christianity, if it is not about redemption and opportunities, and forgiveness?” Her address positioned social empowerment as both practical governance and national ethical commitment.

  • Senator Michael Freeland Pays Tribute to Teacher Gen’s Life and Legacy

    Senator Michael Freeland Pays Tribute to Teacher Gen’s Life and Legacy

    ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – The nation came together this week to honor the extraordinary legacy of the revered educator known affectionately as ‘Teacher Gen,’ whose funeral service became a powerful testament to a life lived in service of others. The ceremony, attended by citizens from across the dual-island nation, served as a profound reflection on her enduring contributions to education and community development.

    Prominent political figures joined family members in paying heartfelt tributes. Senator Michael Freeland delivered a poignant eulogy, characterizing the departed as a foundational pillar of society. ‘We gather today to celebrate a true matriarch,’ Senator Freeland stated, ‘whose wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our children and community will never be forgotten.’

    Her daughter, The Reverend Denise Smith-Lewis, offered a personal perspective on her mother’s lifelong mission. She shared that Teacher Gen ‘stood firmly for family and community, and clearly understood her life’s assignment,’ framing her work as a divine calling rather than merely a profession.

    Further illuminating her profound personal impact, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr. eulogized his grandmother as ‘a remarkable life, a beacon of love, faith, and inspiration to all.’ He provided intimate details of her home, which he described as having long served as ‘a sanctuary for the abandoned… a place where unconditional love, structure, and discipline transformed lives.’

    The widespread attendance and unified outpouring of respect highlighted the deep and lasting imprint of Teacher Gen’s decades of dedication, cementing her status as a national figure whose influence transcended the classroom and shaped the very fabric of Antiguan and Barbudan society.

  • Two Men Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of Cannabis

    Two Men Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of Cannabis

    In a decisive move underscoring the nation’s drug enforcement stance, the Antiguan judicial system has handed down significant financial penalties to two individuals convicted on cannabis possession charges. The rulings were delivered on Wednesday at the All Saints Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel.

    The first case involved Terrance Roberts, a 48-year-old resident of Federation Road. Roberts, who had previously entered a guilty plea, was found in possession of 267.8 grams of cannabis. The court imposed a substantial fine of $5,000 Eastern Caribbean Dollars, mandating full payment within a one-year period. Failure to comply with this financial penalty will result in a one-year custodial sentence at His Majesty’s Prison.

    In a separate and concurrent hearing, 32-year-old Roshawn Elliott from Potters Village faced sentencing after similarly pleading guilty. Elliott’s charges stemmed from the possession of a larger quantity—1.1 pounds (approximately 499 grams) of cannabis. Reflecting the greater amount seized, the court levied a more severe fine of $15,000 EC Dollars, also payable within a twelve-month timeframe. Defaulting on this payment will lead to an eighteen-month incarceration period.

    These consecutive sentencing procedures highlight the ongoing enforcement of cannabis legislation within Antigua and Barbuda, demonstrating the judiciary’s consistent application of penalties proportionate to the severity of the offense. The outcomes serve as a contemporary benchmark for drug-related convictions in the nation’s legal landscape.

  • OPINION: Caribbean Faces Rising Unemployment and Economic Uncertainty Amid Calls for Reform

    OPINION: Caribbean Faces Rising Unemployment and Economic Uncertainty Amid Calls for Reform

    The abolition of Caribbean slavery inaugurated a persistent struggle with employment, a complex issue often reduced to simplistic minimum wage debates and sterile statistics that obscure profound human suffering. The transition from plantation economies through post-colonial patriarchy to inadequate worker protection frameworks has left a fundamental question unresolved: what future awaits the region’s workforce?

    Global experiments offer little clarity. Finland’s Universal Basic Income trial provided unconditional payments to unemployed participants with inconclusive results, while India’s longstanding minimum hours protection for agricultural workers faces potential reform. The Cayman Islands recently implemented a hybrid approach emphasizing financial oversight and bureaucratic self-deception, even as the territory’s reputation suffers from yacht seizures and Ponzi scheme associations. Their entire financial sector now faces existential threat from proposed global corporate tax reforms targeting offshore havens.

    The heart of the unemployment crisis lies with disenfranchised youth who statistically drive regional criminal activity. Compounding this, efficiency gains, artificial intelligence, fiscal policies, and social spending demands are eliminating traditional lifetime employment for older workers—though not yet approaching Argentina’s pension crisis severity.

    Caribbean economies remain dangerously dependent on tourism, limited mineral resources, tax haven status, and remittances—a precarious foundation prompting some islands to explore military assistance economies akin to the Philippines. More alarmingly, formerly independent nations are increasingly functioning as U.S. detention facilities, trading sovereignty for economic survival.

    Remittance-dependent economies face additional pressure from American tax policies, while outsourcing sectors confront U.S. government opposition. Regional leadership promises 2026 solutions through economic diversification and sovereign wealth funds, but without substantive action, the future holds only intensified hardship and empty political rhetoric. The responsibility for meaningful change now rests entirely with Caribbean governance structures.

  • Dr Thomson Fontaine urges youth not to ‘waste their lives’ on violence

    Dr Thomson Fontaine urges youth not to ‘waste their lives’ on violence

    In a compelling address on state-owned radio DBS, United Workers Party (UWP) leader Dr. Thomson Fontaine issued a urgent plea to Dominica’s youth population, emphasizing the critical need for peaceful conflict resolution amidst escalating violent crimes on the island nation.

    The political leader directed his message specifically toward young males, urging them to reconsider their life choices amid what he described as unnecessary levels of violence. ‘I would like to make a very strong appeal to our young people, in particular to our young men, not to waste their lives away,’ Fontaine stated during his radio appearance. ‘This level of violence that we are seeing is really not called for.’

    Fontaine’s intervention comes against a troubling backdrop of criminal statistics, with Dominica recording over 20 homicides throughout 2025—a concerning figure for the Caribbean nation—accompanied by a dramatic increase in firearm-related violence.

    The opposition leader proposed concrete alternatives to violence, suggesting that youth should ‘bring in their illegal weapons’ and instead engage in dialogue to address conflicts. He emphasized the broader societal impact of violent crimes, noting that ‘too many families are impacted, too many people are impacted beyond just the people who are involved in the violence.’

    Fontaine advocated for a transformative approach to the new year, calling for greater patience and compassion among community members. ‘Let this new year be a part of something different where we can approach our issues and our differences and our problems in a different manner,’ he urged, adding that differences ‘can be done in a peaceful and amicable manner.’

    The UWP leader’s message aligns with growing concerns across Dominica regarding youth violence and illegal weapon proliferation, positioning community dialogue as essential to reversing the island’s troubling crime trends.