Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Village Council Warns Over Dumping Problem

    Village Council Warns Over Dumping Problem

    The San Felipe Village Council has issued a stern warning regarding persistent illegal dumping activities at key entry points and surrounding areas, stating the practice is severely damaging the community’s historically esteemed reputation for cleanliness and hospitality.

    Council representatives emphasized that while San Felipe remains widely recognized for its residents’ warmth and communal pride, the accumulation of discarded garbage at village entrances presents a contradictory narrative. The council articulated that when trash becomes visible at community gateways, blame isn’t assigned to individuals but rather tarnishes the entire village’s image, collectively labeling residents as neglectful of their environment.

    Despite concerted cleanup initiatives—including substantial mechanical clearing operations conducted merely two months prior—the dumping problem continues unabated, particularly along the Orange Walk–San Felipe roadway corridor. Officials noted that prominently displayed signage throughout the area explicitly warns of potential fines for littering and illegal waste disposal, though enforcement has historically emphasized patient education over punitive measures.

    Additional concerns were raised regarding litter accumulation in the central park following gatherings, particularly those involving youth. The council is urging all residents to utilize provided waste receptacles and assume personal responsibility for maintaining public spaces.

    In a strategic shift toward enforcement, authorities are now encouraging citizens to actively document illegal dumping incidents through photographic or video evidence, which may serve as crucial documentation for potential compliance actions.

  • Boys told to return phone allegedly stolen at Twist Mall

    Boys told to return phone allegedly stolen at Twist Mall

    Security camera footage from Twist Mall has captured public attention after being circulated online, showing two unidentified boys allegedly involved in the theft of a mobile device. The video publication was accompanied by a direct appeal urging the minors or their guardians to promptly return the property to avoid potential escalation.

    The social media post containing the surveillance material explicitly warned that failure to return the phone could result in formal legal proceedings being initiated. Despite the serious allegations and public circulation of the evidence, local law enforcement agencies have not yet confirmed the incident or released any official statements regarding the investigation.

    This situation highlights growing concerns about retail security and the ethical implications of publicly sharing surveillance footage involving minors before official investigations conclude. Mall management has remained silent on their security protocols and the decision to publicly release the footage rather than immediately involving authorities.

    The incident has sparked discussions about proper procedures for handling alleged theft cases involving juveniles and the balance between public shaming and legal due process in addressing petty crimes within retail environments.

  • GOB Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary Plan Draws Mixed Reaction in Red Bank

    GOB Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary Plan Draws Mixed Reaction in Red Bank

    The Belizean government’s initiative to establish a protected sanctuary for scarlet macaws near Red Bank Village has encountered mounting opposition from local residents, who claim insufficient consultation regarding the conservation project. Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet confirmed to News 5 that Cabinet deliberations concerning the protection of vital macaw habitats along river systems commenced several years prior. Officials have identified and mapped a designated area despite complications arising from privately owned farmland utilized by Red Bank inhabitants and adjacent Mennonite communities.

    Minister Habet elaborated that the administration proposes classifying the territory as a Wildlife Sanctuary Two, a designation permitting restricted tourism operations while safeguarding the avian habitat. This classification would theoretically enable local communities to maintain certain livelihood activities alongside conservation efforts. The government indicates it is nearing final approval for the sanctuary’s establishment.

    Nevertheless, substantial segments of the Red Bank community express reservations, culminating in organized protests demanding enhanced transparency. Residents acknowledge supporting conservation principles but voice apprehension regarding the sanctuary’s geographical scope and its potential impact on agricultural practices. A local representative indicated that the proposed protected zone might extend from the Swasey River along the hills adjacent to Red Bank Village and the Southern Highway, potentially affecting small-scale farmers.

    While government representatives assert that Wildlife Sanctuary Two status would authorize continued access for activities such as firewood collection, community members remain skeptical about these assurances. Minister Habet recognizes the divergent community reactions and has committed to conducting additional consultations with Mennonite farmers and private landowners before finalizing the sanctuary designation.

  • Jamaican Alex Anderson selected as 2025 Valedictorian of the UWI Global Campus

    Jamaican Alex Anderson selected as 2025 Valedictorian of the UWI Global Campus

    The University of the West Indies Global Campus will celebrate its Class of 2025 through a Virtual Graduation Ceremony, featuring educator Alex Anderson as valedictorian. Anderson, who hails from Montego Bay, St. James, has been recognized for completing his Bachelor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management with First Class Honours.

    With eight years of experience in primary education, Anderson has dedicated his career to fostering student confidence, curiosity, and academic excellence. His educational philosophy centers on student-focused teaching methods and the belief that education serves as a powerful catalyst for personal development.

    Anderson’s academic journey began at the University of Waterloo in Canada, where he earned a Psychology degree in 2012. His pursuit of educational expertise led him to enroll in The UWI Global Campus in 2020, combining his classroom experience with advanced academic training to champion transformative educational practices.

    His approach to teaching extends beyond conventional academics, focusing on helping students discover their potential and develop critical thinking skills essential for success beyond the classroom. Anderson often cites Walter Elliot’s perspective on perseverance: “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.”

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Anderson enjoys football, travel, music, and cooking—passions nurtured through family experiences in his mother’s kitchen. He draws personal inspiration from Philippians 2:3-4, which emphasizes valuing others and living with integrity.

    University leadership, including Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, expressed pride in Anderson’s achievement, noting that it serves as motivation for educators whose work often goes unrecognized. The institution’s senior management team joined in celebrating his accomplishments and wishing him continued success.

    The virtual ceremony will be broadcast live on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM Eastern Caribbean Time through multiple platforms including UWItv.global, Facebook Live, and Flow streaming services.

  • Yanique Taylor Wellington given nod as Indecom deputy commissioner

    Yanique Taylor Wellington given nod as Indecom deputy commissioner

    Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has announced the appointment of Yanique Taylor Wellington as its new deputy commissioner, filling the vacancy created by the departure of Assistant Commissioner Hamish Campbell who held the operational leadership role from 2013 through December 2025.

    Taylor Wellington assumes comprehensive operational responsibilities previously managed by Campbell, bringing substantial institutional expertise to the position. Her distinguished tenure at Indecom includes serving as Director of Complaints since January 2022 and previously as Senior Legal Officer. The legally-trained professional represented the commission during the critical West Kingston Commission of Enquiry in 2015 and notably argued before the UK Privy Council in the landmark Dane Lewin vs Albert Diah case, which resulted in a pivotal ruling affirming Indecom’s authority and reinforcing police accountability mechanisms. Prior to joining Indecom, she served as a senior prosecutor at Jamaica’s Integrity Commission.

    In her initial statements as deputy commissioner, Taylor Wellington highlighted alarming trends in police-related fatalities, revealing a 65% year-over-year increase in fatal security force shootings during 2025, with 311 individuals killed compared to the previous year. Particularly disturbing is the 300% surge in fatalities recorded in the first five days of 2026, with 12 persons shot dead by security forces compared to three during the same period in 2025.

    Taylor Wellington emphasized Indecom’s commitment to “independently, impartially, and promptly investigate all incidents involving security force shootings.” She assured citizens that recent fatal encounters would undergo thorough and objective examination, with appropriate actions taken should legal violations be identified.

    Notably, Indecom’s investigations into these incidents revealed concerning procedural gaps. While eight firearms were recovered across six recent shooting incidents, no body-worn cameras were activated by involved officers during any of these encounters. One Jamaica Constabulary Force member reportedly possessed equipment but claimed inability to activate it due to missing mounting accessories.

    All officers involved have been formally served with Section 21 Notices under the Independent Commission of Investigations Act (2010), requiring them to submit detailed statements and attend investigatory interviews.

  • MOWT corrects ‘error’: Late permit fees actually higher

    MOWT corrects ‘error’: Late permit fees actually higher

    The Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) in Trinidad has addressed mounting public dissatisfaction regarding recent fee increases for late permit renewals, revealing that an administrative miscalculation resulted in some drivers being undercharged during processing on December 6.

    The discrepancy came to light during an internal review conducted on the evening of January 5, prompting immediate corrective measures. Ministry officials confirmed that the updated fee structure has been properly implemented on the MOWT’s official portal to ensure transparency and accuracy moving forward.

    According to the revised fee schedule, motorists with permits expired for periods not exceeding six months will now incur a late penalty of $650, representing a $50 increase from the previously charged amount. For more significant delays involving permits that have lapsed for over six months but remain within a three-year threshold, the financial penalty has been substantially elevated to $1,750—a dramatic 75% surge from the former $1,000 charge.

    The ministry’s announcement follows widespread digital protests from drivers across the nation who expressed frustration through various online platforms regarding the increased financial burden. Despite the public discontent, transportation authorities maintain that the corrected fees reflect the actual costs associated with administrative processing of delinquent permit renewals.

    Officials emphasize that the updated fee structure aims to encourage timely renewal compliance while ensuring the proper allocation of resources within the transportation regulatory system. The ministry has encouraged all drivers to verify their permit status and review the updated fee schedule available through official channels to avoid unexpected charges during renewal procedures.

  • High Court settles Erin land battle, dismisses lawsuits against landowner

    High Court settles Erin land battle, dismisses lawsuits against landowner

    In a significant ruling addressing fraudulent land transactions, High Court Justice Karen Reid has delivered a decisive verdict favoring a landowner’s estate while ordering substantial financial restitution from unauthorized developers. The January 6 judgment dismissed all claims seeking specific performance of sale agreements against Joseph Dhanoosingh’s estate, simultaneously awarding over $4.85 million in refunds against Glenn Thomas and Mass Contracting Company Ltd for collecting payments without proper authorization.

    The consolidated legal proceedings originated from residential lot sales at Jackson Trace, Buenos Ayres, Erin, where approximately 63 purchasers alleged they were defrauded by a real estate agent and development company. The claimants, represented by Fitzroy Williams and Neil Bishop, contended that Thomas operated as a real estate agent selling properties on Dhanoosingh’s behalf through Mass Contracting, which purportedly held an exclusive agency agreement dated February 10, 2016.

    Justice Reid’s meticulous examination revealed critical limitations in the agency agreement. While permitting advertising and site visits, the contract explicitly required all payments to be directed to the landowner and did not authorize written sale agreements or collection of deposits by the agent or developer. The court found no evidence that Dhanoosingh attended meetings, provided assurances, or ratified transactions conducted by Thomas and Mass Contracting.

    ‘There is absolutely no evidence proving or corroborating any involvement by the third defendant (Dhanoosingh) in the claimants’ transactions,’ Justice Reid stated in her ruling. She further determined that Thomas and Mass Contracting operated as independent contractors without actual or ostensible authority to represent themselves as landowners or enter into binding agreements.

    The judgment emphasized that none of the agreements were executed as Dhanoosingh’s agents, and all documents expressly required payments to be made directly to the landowner. Accepting payments while presenting themselves as vendors constituted a clear violation of the limited authority granted in the 2016 agreement.

    With Thomas and Mass Contracting failing to defend themselves in proceedings, the court entered judgment against them for damages totaling $4,854,500—representing proven payments from dozens of purchasers. Specific performance was denied since the developers lacked ownership rights to the property. The court additionally dismissed all claims against Ronald Singh as administrator ad litem of Dhanoosingh’s estate, ordering claimants to pay 50% of the estate’s prescribed costs.

    The ruling serves as a robust reinforcement of property rights and contractual boundaries, establishing important precedents regarding agency relationships in real estate transactions. Legal representation included Gilbert Peterson, SC, and Amerelle Francis for the claimants, with Chanka Persadsingh and Kiran Lutchmedial representing Dhanoosingh’s estate.

  • NFA accepting applications for 2026 conch season

    NFA accepting applications for 2026 conch season

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has officially announced the commencement of application procedures for conch fishing licenses and individual catch quota allocations ahead of the 2026 fishing season. The upcoming conch harvesting period is scheduled to begin on March 1, 2026, marking an important timeline for the nation’s marine resource management.

    The regulatory body has established a firm submission deadline of 4:00 pm on Friday, January 30, 2026, for all license applicants. This cutoff applies equally to both Industrial fishers (focused on export markets) and Artisanal fishers (serving local trade channels). The NFA emphasized that applications received after this precise deadline will be automatically disqualified from consideration.

    Prospective fishers must obtain application packages, available at the NFA Head Office information desk for a fee of JMD $500 per package. These documents contain comprehensive information and necessary forms for the licensing process. All completed applications require supporting documentation and must be physically delivered to the Authority’s headquarters at 2C Newport East, Kingston 11.

    The NFA has designated specific contact channels for additional inquiries. Interested parties may contact the Principal Director of Capture Fisheries directly or utilize telephone numbers 876-579-5910, 876-967-2081, or 876-948-9014. Alternatively, queries can be directed via email to fisheries@nfa.gov.jm for further clarification on application requirements and procedures.

  • Belize clamping down on drones

    Belize clamping down on drones

    Belizean aviation authorities are implementing comprehensive drone regulations to address growing security risks to aircraft operations. The Department of Civil Aviation has initiated a public consultation process for new operational directives that will establish standardized licensing requirements and flight restrictions for both recreational and commercial drone use.

    According to Nigel Carter, Director of Civil Aviation, the updated regulations will replace the current fragmented approval system and align Belize’s drone policies with international aviation standards. The primary motivation stems from safety concerns, as aircraft in Belize frequently operate at low altitudes of approximately 500 feet even during transit, creating potential collision risks between manned and unmanned aircraft.

    The regulatory changes recognize drones’ importance as essential tools for various industries, including agriculture, surveying, and businesses utilizing Geographic Information Systems for land mapping and crop monitoring. However, the mandatory nature of these rules has raised concerns among drone operators, who face potential penalties for non-compliance.

    Operators have scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of the new directive, even as aviation officials emphasize the consultation process aims to incorporate stakeholder feedback. Carter confirmed that authorities are currently gathering input from the drone-operating community before reviewing concerns and meeting with operators to clarify regulatory positions.

    The proposed framework would establish clear, mandatory rules governing all drone operations in Belize, standardizing licensing procedures and operational limits while harmonizing national regulations with international standards observed in the United States, Europe, and global aviation authorities.

  • Sound selector killed in St Elizabeth ‘gun fight’ with cops

    Sound selector killed in St Elizabeth ‘gun fight’ with cops

    A fatal encounter between law enforcement and a local music figure in St Elizabeth has resulted in the year’s fourteenth police-involved shooting death. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has officially identified the deceased as 44-year-old Leighton Nembhard, also known by the alias “Bigga Don,” a sound system selector from the Peacock Heights community in Black River.

    The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in the Hodges district near Black River, where authorities report an armed confrontation occurred between Nembhard and police personnel. The situation escalated sufficiently to require additional support from multiple units across the St Elizabeth police division, indicating a significant standoff between the suspect and security forces.

    Following the altercation, law enforcement officials confirmed the seizure of a Browning 9mm pistol containing a magazine loaded with two live rounds of ammunition. The recovery of the weapon suggests armed resistance during the encounter, though full details of the exchange remain under official investigation.

    This event marks a concerning continuation of deadly confrontations between Jamaican citizens and security forces, with official statistics now recording fourteen such fatalities since the beginning of the current calendar year. The pattern of violence raises ongoing questions about conflict resolution and armed engagements in community policing operations.