Carib Scope

分类： society

  • JPs cautioned against signing documents for people they don’t know

    JPs cautioned against signing documents for people they don’t know

    Jamaican Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has issued a stern warning to the nation’s justices of the peace (JPs), cautioning them against formally verifying documents for unknown individuals to prevent enabling fraudulent or criminal activities. The minister emphasized that such practices could undermine public trust in the judicial system.

    Speaking at a commissioning ceremony for 34 new JPs in St Thomas parish, Minister Chuck highlighted a specific case where a JP provided a glowing recommendation for an individual who subsequently faced serious criminal allegations at their workplace. The minister contended that proper verification protocols might have prevented this employment and subsequent allegations.

    “When you sign and witness a document and verify identification of someone you don’t know, you have opened the door for corruption,” Chuck stated, urging JPs to decline requests unless they can personally verify identities.

    The ceremony also featured addresses from Custos of St Thomas Marcia Bennett and Permanent Secretary Marsha Henry-Martin. Bennett emphasized the JP’s role extends beyond document authentication to include community leadership and peacemaking responsibilities. She encouraged new JPs to remain accessible to community members and model law-abiding behavior.

    Henry-Martin, responding on behalf of the newly commissioned justices, acknowledged their mandate to “execute in fairness” within Jamaica’s evolving social and economic landscape. She urged her colleagues to serve with “humility, kindness, meekness, and love” to restore community harmony.

    The office of justice of the peace, originating in England in 1361, requires holders to demonstrate unquestionable integrity while protecting individual rights. Jamaican JPs perform varied duties including document authentication, limited judicial functions, court attendance, bail application consideration, and providing legal counsel.

  • Two dead in fiery Trelawny crash

    Two dead in fiery Trelawny crash

    A devastating vehicular fire on the North Coast Highway has resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals in Trelawny parish Sunday evening. The catastrophic incident occurred approximately at 10:00 PM along the Coopers Pen main road, where a Mercedes-Benz passenger car erupted into flames following a severe collision.

    According to preliminary investigative reports, the intensity of the subsequent fire completely consumed the vehicle and its occupants. The victims sustained such extensive burns that identification through conventional means became impossible, presenting significant challenges for authorities.

    Local law enforcement agencies from the Trelawny Police Division have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the fatal crash. Traffic investigators remain at the scene conducting forensic analysis while attempting to reconstruct the sequence of events that precipitated the deadly blaze. The investigation will examine multiple factors including road conditions, vehicle mechanical integrity, and potential human factors that might have contributed to the catastrophe.

    The incident has temporarily affected traffic flow along this vital transportation corridor as emergency responders worked through the night to secure the area and remove the wreckage. This tragedy marks another sobering reminder of the dangers associated with high-speed travel on Jamaica’s road networks, particularly during nighttime hours when visibility limitations may compound risks.

  • Children’s education will not be jeopardised by challenges beyond their control — ministry

    Children’s education will not be jeopardised by challenges beyond their control — ministry

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — As educational institutions resume operations for the Easter Term, Jamaican authorities have implemented comprehensive contingency measures to ensure academic continuity despite widespread infrastructure damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

    The Category 5 hurricane significantly damaged over 600 educational facilities, prompting the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information to develop a multi-faceted recovery strategy. Portfolio Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon outlined the approach, explaining that temporary arrangements will include shared campus spaces, blended learning methodologies, and innovative host school partnerships.

    Minister Morris Dixon emphasized that the reconstruction effort extends beyond mere physical repairs. “We’re not simply restoring damaged infrastructure,” she stated. “This disaster presents an opportunity to reimagine and reconstruct an education system that embodies enhanced safety, technological integration, and climate resilience.”

    The minister acknowledged the profound challenges facing families and educators, particularly in western Jamaica where the hurricane inflicted severe damage. She praised the collaborative efforts of ministry teams, community partners, and school personnel who worked extensively to facilitate the return to safe learning environments.

    Morris Dixon specifically recognized school administrators, teaching staff, and support personnel for their exceptional leadership and creativity during the recovery period. Their dedicated efforts have enabled numerous schools across the nation to resume operations despite the unprecedented challenges posed by one of Jamaica’s most destructive natural disasters in recent history.

  • Priest warns police: Don’t use uniforms to bully public

    Priest warns police: Don’t use uniforms to bully public

    In a powerful address before dozens of police officers and senior officials, prominent Anglican Archdeacon Dwight Rolle delivered a compelling call for ethical reform within the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The occasion was the Force’s annual church service at Christ Church Cathedral, attended by officers, dignitaries, and community leaders featuring prayers, musical tributes, and honors for fallen personnel.

    Archdeacon Rolle articulated critical concerns regarding societal decay and institutional responsibility. He warned against the dangers of personal ambition and authority misuse, stating emphatically that uniforms should not become instruments for bullying vulnerable citizens. The religious leader identified a cultural shift toward mediocrity where mere paycheck collection supersedes pursuit of excellence.

    Highlighting the essential foundation of community policing, Rolle emphasized that law enforcement effectiveness becomes meaningless without established trust and perceived safety. He reminded officers of their unrecognized role as mentors for younger generations seeking guidance, purpose, and emotional security.

    The archdeacon portrayed policing not as mere employment but as vocational calling requiring radical commitment to national improvement. He detailed alarming social pathologies including narcotics proliferation, firearms trafficking, escalating gang operations, armed robberies, home invasions, and gratuitous violence – all indicating deterioration of the nation’s fundamental bonds.

    Rolle demanded intentional, transformative approaches to address these systemic ills, emphasizing officers’ moral obligation to champion justice, especially for defenseless children. The event also featured addresses by Bahamas Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander and National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who expressed official gratitude for police service.

    Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles concluded the gathering by acknowledging departmental dedication, anticipating successful outcomes through divine guidance, and presenting a financial contribution to support the Christian Council’s community initiatives.

  • Family finds mom dead in PMH ward

    Family finds mom dead in PMH ward

    A Bahamian family is pursuing accountability and systemic reform following the tragic death of 36-year-old Clanesha Adderley at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in November. Her parents and teenage daughter allege that medical negligence and inadequate care directly contributed to her passing, which occurred just two weeks before her 37th birthday.

    The ordeal began on October 27th when Adderley sought treatment for severe pain. After initial clinic visits provided minimal relief, she was taken to PMH where tests revealed critically elevated white blood cell counts. Despite being deemed urgent for hospitalization, she waited nearly three days before formal admission.

    Once admitted to the Female Medical-Surgical East ward on November 1st, her condition deteriorated rapidly. Family members describe atrocious nursing care, with patients allegedly having to intervene to summon staff. Critical incidents included a severe reaction to a blood transfusion followed by a two-hour period without medical checks.

    In audio recordings obtained by The Tribune, Adderley repeatedly pleaded for legal representation and transfer to another facility. She expressed concerns about unauthorized medication administration and described deteriorating conditions.

    The final tragedy unfolded on November 14th when relatives discovered Adderley unresponsive near arguing nurses. Despite resuscitation attempts, she was declared dead. Subsequent blood tests revealed acute lymphoblastic leukemia—a diagnosis communicated without family presence days earlier.

    This incident marks the family’s second traumatic experience with PMH, following a near-fatal surgical complication suffered by Adderley’s mother in 2008. The Public Hospital Authority has confirmed an investigation into the allegations is underway.

  • Consumer watchdog recovers $203k for consumers in 2025

    Consumer watchdog recovers $203k for consumers in 2025

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has announced the successful recovery of $203,676.51 for Bahamian consumers through its dispute resolution services in 2025. The government agency handled 271 formal complaints throughout the year, achieving a 55 percent financial recovery rate that marks a 2 percentage point improvement over 2024’s performance.

    According to the Commission’s annual report, 191 cases were conclusively resolved through direct intervention, while 35 matters remain under active investigation. An additional 19 complaints were referred to specialized agencies for further action, and 26 cases were settled through advisory services and consumer guidance without requiring formal proceedings.

    The data reveals a notable shift in complaint patterns, with claim amounts increasing by 20 percent year-over-year while recovery amounts grew by 18 percent. This occurred alongside a significant reduction in total complaint volume, which dropped by 39 percent compared to 2024’s 444 cases.

    CPC Executive Chairman Randy Rolle attributed these developments to growing consumer awareness and confidence in the protection system. “These results demonstrate that consumers are becoming more informed, more confident, and more willing to come forward with their concerns,” Mr. Rolle stated. “Our work has not only assisted individual consumers but has strengthened accountability across the broader marketplace, ensuring fairness remains central to our economic framework.”

    Despite the lower absolute recovery amount compared to 2024’s $240,426, the Commission highlighted improved operational metrics across multiple dimensions. The agency reported higher case closure rates, reduced pending investigations, and fewer referrals to external organizations, indicating enhanced resolution efficiency.

    Looking toward 2026, the CPC announced plans to digitize its complaint submission process through a dedicated mobile application, upgrade data analytics capabilities, expand public education initiatives, and strengthen collaborative enforcement mechanisms with partner agencies.

  • G2K lauds historic reduction in murders

    G2K lauds historic reduction in murders

    Jamaica has achieved a landmark victory in its long-standing battle against violent crime, recording just 673 homicides in 2025—the nation’s lowest murder count in over three decades. This figure marks the first time since 1994 that annual murders have fallen below the 700 threshold, signaling a transformative shift in public safety outcomes.

    The youth affiliate of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party, Generation 2000 (G2K), has publicly applauded this achievement, attributing the success to strategic governance, data-informed policies, and robust collaboration between security agencies and communities. In an official statement, G2K highlighted the critical role of Prime Minister Andrew Holness in architecting a revamped security framework that emphasizes innovation, accountability, and partnership.

    Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang also received commendation for implementing evidence-based strategies that coordinated efforts across multiple security divisions. These measures have not only driven down violent crime but also restored public trust, particularly among business leaders and young professionals.

    G2K further recognized the valor and dedication of Jamaica’s security bodies—including the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Jamaica Defence Force, and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency—for their relentless service and professionalism.

    Shayne Kerr, President of G2K, emphasized that these statistics represent more than numerical progress: they signify lives preserved, families protected, and communities revitalized. This milestone reinforces a growing belief that Jamaica can continue on a path toward greater safety and security for all its citizens.

  • 48-hour curfew imposed in sections of Manchester Division

    48-hour curfew imposed in sections of Manchester Division

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican authorities have declared an extensive 48-hour security curfew encompassing six communities within the Manchester Police Division. The emergency measure affects residents of Canewood, Epping Forest, Oxford, Comfort Hall, Breezy Hole, and Auctembeddie following security assessments by law enforcement agencies.

    The restrictive order took effect at 6:00 PM local time on Monday, January 5, with official provisions mandating its continuity until 6:00 PM on Wednesday, January 7. This temporal lockdown requires all civilians within designated boundaries to remain indoors throughout the specified period unless granted explicit authorization by the operational ground commander.

    Geographical parameters established for the security operation encompass:

    Northern Boundary: Extending 3,400 metres along a designated demarcation from vegetated terrain to the Breeze Hole District border.

    Southern Boundary: Spanning 4,100 metres across specified coordinates terminating at Comfort Hall’s vegetated periphery.

    Eastern Boundary: Covering 5,190 metres of territory extending to Waterloo District’s vegetation line.

    Western Boundary: Measuring 5,000 metres from the southern demarcation point through Evergreen to Roses Valley’s wooded areas.

    Law enforcement personnel will maintain continuous patrols and checkpoints throughout the duration to enforce compliance with the emergency protocol. The measure represents the latest in Jamaica’s ongoing security initiatives to address public safety concerns in designated regions.

  • Murder in Lords Bank

    Murder in Lords Bank

    LORDS BANK VILLAGE, BELIZE DISTRICT — A brutal home invasion has culminated in the tragic killing of 57-year-old Phillip Nicholas, sending shockwaves through this quiet community. The incident, which unfolded in the predawn hours of January 4, 2026, is now the subject of an intensive homicide investigation by Belizean law enforcement.

    Authorities confirmed they were dispatched to the residence at approximately 1:41 a.m. following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered Nicholas deceased inside his home, having sustained a catastrophic gunshot wound to the head.

    Preliminary investigative reports indicate the victim was asleep on the floor alongside his wife and their four-year-old grandson—a detail that underscores the particularly heinous nature of the crime. The assailants, described as two masked individuals, allegedly approached the dwelling through an open side door before discharging multiple rounds into the home in what appears to be a targeted attack.

    Following the shooting, the perpetrators fled the scene under the cover of darkness. The motive remains undetermined, leaving investigators to explore all possibilities, including personal disputes or targeted violence.

    The cold-blooded execution of a family man in his own home, with young family members present, has ignited profound concern among local residents regarding community safety and the escalating patterns of violent crime. This homicide represents not just a personal tragedy for the Nicholas family but a distressing symptom of broader security challenges facing the region.

  • Man jailed for assaulting his granny, 80; smashing her phone

    Man jailed for assaulting his granny, 80; smashing her phone

    In an extraordinary courtroom development, an 80-year-old grandmother’s decisive testimony directly resulted in her grandson’s incarceration for assaulting her. Jamel Douglas, 38, of Dascent Cottage, received an 11-month prison sentence for the Boxing Day 2025 attack on Kerhen Jacobs at her Lodge Village residence that resulted in actual bodily harm.

    The judicial proceedings took a dramatic turn when Chief Magistrate Colin John consulted Jacobs regarding the prosecution’s recommendation for a suspended sentence. Instead of leniency, Jacobs delivered compelling testimony about her grandson’s persistent aggressive behavior. “He is very rough and rude. Sometimes, you talk to him and he listen, other times he don’t,” she stated, emphasizing Douglas’s pattern of aggression toward her.

    The incident occurred on December 26, 2025, when Jacobs was conversing with a friend on her porch. Douglas arrived uninvited and sat on a table despite being asked to leave. He subsequently escalated the situation by jumping on the table aggressively. When Jacobs attempted to call for assistance, Douglas wrestled the phone from her hand, injuring her finger in the process, before deliberately smashing the device valued at EC$270.

    Following his guilty plea to both assault and property damage charges, Douglas presented mitigation arguments citing historical mental health issues and perceived unfair treatment by family members. Notably, the chief magistrate observed that Douglas missed the opportunity to offer a genuine apology during these proceedings.

    Upon sentencing, Magistrate John emphasized the sanctity of personal residence, stating, “Your grandmother should be allowed to enjoy her home in comfort without disturbance by you.” The court additionally mandated that Douglas compensate his grandmother EC$270 for the destroyed phone within two months of his release, with a six-month prison term awaiting should he fail to comply.