Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and Environmental Health Unit collaborate to enhance food safety standards across major agricultural sectors

    Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and Environmental Health Unit collaborate to enhance food safety standards across major agricultural sectors

    Dominica has taken significant strides in strengthening its agricultural sector through a comprehensive Food Safety and Hygiene Training Workshop held on January 28, 2026. The collaborative event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy in partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Environmental Health Unit, convened at the Prevost Cinemall to address critical food safety protocols.

    The workshop formed an integral component of the Gender-Responsive Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems (GCAF) Initiative, funded by Global Affairs Canada. Twelve participants representing diverse agricultural sectors including vegetable production, apiculture, and dasheen supply chains participated in the capacity-building program.

    Under the guidance of Mrs. Calma Louis, Environmental Officer from the Environmental Health Unit, and with support from FAO specialists Mrs. Shan Oliver-Julien and Mrs. Amonia Paul-Rolle, the training focused on implementing enhanced food safety standards and hygiene practices. The curriculum combined practical hands-on instruction with strategic discussions about inclusive, gender-responsive approaches to agricultural development.

    Participants acquired essential knowledge in proper food handling techniques, sanitation procedures, and compliance with national health regulations. This empowerment enables them to implement elevated standards within their operations, thereby contributing to more robust and secure food systems throughout Dominica.

    The initiative demonstrates the sustained partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO, and the Environmental Health Unit to strengthen agricultural capabilities, protect public health, and promote climate-resilient farming practices. The GCAF Project continues to support farmers, producer groups, and value-chain stakeholders in adopting climate-smart methodologies, improving market readiness, and ensuring equitable participation across gender lines in vital agricultural sectors—ultimately fostering more sustainable food systems nationwide.

  • Car Dealer Fatally Shot in Corozal Town

    Car Dealer Fatally Shot in Corozal Town

    COROZAL TOWN, BELIZE — A brutal targeted assassination has claimed the life of a local automobile entrepreneur, marking the second violent attempt on his life within three months. Calvin Myers, 36, from Calcutta Village, was executed with a single gunshot to the head while entering Hotel Martin on First Avenue around 8:00 PM Thursday evening.

    According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police investigations, Myers had just been dropped off at the establishment when an unidentified assailant emerged from the roadside and delivered the fatal point-blank shot. The perpetrator immediately fled the scene in a waiting vehicle parked nearby, demonstrating calculated premeditation.

    This homicide represents an escalation of violence against Myers, who survived a previous shooting incident in November 2025 within the same municipality. The recurrence suggests either an unresolved criminal vendetta or ongoing tensions within the local business community.

    Law enforcement authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation but have yet to establish a motive or make any arrests. The Brazen nature of the attack in a public location has raised concerns about public safety and organized crime in the region.

    The case continues to develop as police pursue multiple investigative avenues. Additional information is anticipated during the News 5 evening broadcast at 6:00 PM as investigators work to unravel the circumstances behind this targeted killing.

  • ‘His Priority Was Music’: Belizean Artist Killed in US

    ‘His Priority Was Music’: Belizean Artist Killed in US

    The Belizean music community is mourning the tragic loss of artist Anfernee ‘Big Bang’ Pollard, who was fatally shot during a domestic altercation at his Las Vegas residence on Thursday, January 30, 2026. The 31-year-old recording artist, who had relocated to the United States to advance his musical career, was reportedly targeted along with a female companion by her former partner according to preliminary investigations.

    Law enforcement authorities confirmed that the incident was reported to police by a 10-year-old child present at the residence, highlighting the traumatic circumstances surrounding the shooting. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate the case as a domestic violence homicide.

    Pollard’s brother, Allan Pollard, remembered the artist as a deeply focused and ambitious individual who prioritized his musical aspirations above all else. ‘Those who knew Bang personally understood he wasn’t involved in trouble—he was a solid, grounded youth completely dedicated to his craft,’ Allan stated in an emotional tribute.

    The entertainment industry in Belize has been shaken by Pollard’s untimely death, with an outpouring of grief flooding social media platforms. Fans and colleagues have celebrated his contributions to the music scene, particularly hits like ‘Cocaina’ and ‘Classy’ that established his distinctive sound and energetic performance style.

    One tribute captured the collective sentiment: ‘Big Bang Manifest revolutionized Belizean music with an undeniable energy that captivated the nation. His artistic legacy will continue to resonate through his recordings, ensuring his cultural impact endures beyond his tragic passing.’

    As developments continue to emerge, the Belizean community awaits further details while reflecting on the premature loss of a talented artist whose career showed immense promise.

  • Veira na vrijspraak: God is groot en zeer te prijzen

    Veira na vrijspraak: God is groot en zeer te prijzen

    In a dramatic courtroom reversal, Lieutenant Colonel Danielle Veira, former head of the Directorate of National Security (DNV), was fully acquitted of all charges by the Military Court on January 30th. The emotional scene unfolded immediately after the verdict was delivered, with Veira visibly overcome with emotion as she addressed journalists outside the courthouse.

    Veira, who had faced a potential nine-year prison sentence with immediate incarceration as requested by the military prosecutor, expressed profound gratitude for the outcome. ‘God is great and worthy of all praise. He has not abandoned me,’ she stated, her voice trembling with emotion. The former security chief described the past five years as an exceptionally challenging period in her life.

    ‘I have journeyed through these five difficult years, and I am grateful that today has demonstrated to those who care about me – and even to those who hoped for a different outcome – that God is the ultimate judge,’ Veira declared. She expressed her belief that justice had been served through the court’s decision.

    Veira specifically thanked the judges for what she characterized as their ‘insight and discernment’ in reaching the verdict. She also acknowledged her family and all those who had supported her throughout the lengthy legal process. The comprehensive acquittal covered all charges that had been brought against her by the military prosecution.

    Concluding her remarks, Veira requested time for reflection and peace, repeating her initial statement: ‘God is great and worthy of all praise.’ The case has drawn significant public attention given Veira’s former high-ranking position in the nation’s security apparatus.

  • Cop among two arrested in joint anti-trafficking operations

    Cop among two arrested in joint anti-trafficking operations

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican law enforcement authorities have apprehended two individuals, one of whom is an active-duty police constable, during coordinated counter-narcotics operations across Hanover and Westmoreland parishes. The arrests occurred on Friday following intelligence-driven missions executed by specialized units.

    The joint operation, spearheaded by the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch (CTOC) in partnership with the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), yielded significant confiscations including 85 rounds of assorted ammunition, a motor vehicle, multiple mobile communication devices, and an undisclosed amount of currency.

    Initial operations in Hanover targeted illegal ammunition trafficking networks, resulting in the detention of two suspects. Subsequent vehicle searches revealed concealed ammunition within their automobile. Based on gathered intelligence, investigators expanded operations to Westmoreland where additional ammunition was discovered at a residential property.

    Those in custody include a 31-year-old police officer from the Westmoreland Police Division and a 39-year-old civilian. Both detainees face potential charges under Jamaica’s Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act of 2022, with ongoing investigations examining the full extent of the alleged violations.

    The Jamaica Constabulary Force has emphasized its stringent position against criminal conduct within its ranks, stating all recovered evidence has been transferred to specialized forensic units for detailed analysis and processing.

  • 96% of JPS customers with supply ahead of January 31st target

    96% of JPS customers with supply ahead of January 31st target

    Jamaica’s primary electricity provider, Jamaica Public Service (JPS), has announced significant progress in restoring power across the island, achieving 96% customer connectivity ahead of its January 31st target. The utility company confirmed it has entered the final phase of restoration operations following October’s devastating Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

    This concluding stage presents substantial technical challenges, requiring complete redesign and reconstruction of severely damaged infrastructure in remote areas with difficult terrain. JPS emphasized that restoring power to smaller, scattered customer clusters demands intensive resources and specialized expertise.

    The remarkable recovery progress reflects the dedicated efforts of JPS technical crews supplemented by regional and international line workers. Company leadership highlighted that strategic coordination with multiple stakeholders proved instrumental in overcoming obstacles. Collaborative engagement with political representatives, business community members, utility partners, and affected customers facilitated critical access, priority alignment, and expectation management throughout the restoration process.

    Recent advancements within the past 48 hours include successful re-energization of numerous communities across multiple parishes:

    • Westmoreland: Critical services including Whithorn Police Station and courthouse, plus FLOW and Digicel cellular sites, alongside residential areas in Dunbar River, Deans Valley, and Little London

    • St James: Key infrastructure restoration encompassing NWC Pumping Station, educational facilities like Mount Horeb All Age & Infant School, and telecommunications infrastructure

    • St Elizabeth: Institutional facilities including Bethlehem Moravian College and Malvern Police Station, plus surrounding communities

    JPS maintains mobilized crews across the island working to restore electricity safely and expeditiously. Meanwhile, the company has established temporary energy hubs in affected communities, providing residents with essential power access for device charging, internet connectivity, and other critical services during the final restoration period.

  • Nearly 500 prisoners certified in skill of their choice — Morris Dixon

    Nearly 500 prisoners certified in skill of their choice — Morris Dixon

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has launched a comprehensive national initiative combining legislative reform with practical skills training to combat recidivism rates. Between 2020 and 2023, 467 incarcerated individuals obtained certification in various vocational skills including hair braiding, masonry, carpentry, and tiling. Notably, two participants advanced to earn associate degrees in business administration.

    The program represents a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of National Security and Peace, HEART/NSTA Trust, and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon unveiled these achievements while piloting the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act through the Senate, which passed unanimously on Friday following its December approval in the House of Representatives.

    Minister Morris Dixon emphasized the government’s commitment to empowerment, stating, ‘There is so much value in all our people. Their lives do not end at the prison walls.’ The legislative amendments provide a mechanism for reformed offenders to obtain a fresh start, addressing what the minister described as ‘the predictable result of unmet criminogenic needs and re-entry barriers’ including unstable housing, limited job prospects, untreated substance abuse, and fractured support networks.

    The government’s Plan Secure Jamaica incorporates rehabilitation and reintegration as core components of national security strategy. The DCS implements individualized case management beginning at intake, featuring risk assessments followed by structured programming encompassing academic education, vocational training, psychosocial support, and life skills development. Simultaneously, Jamaica’s restorative justice infrastructure facilitates community-level conflict resolution and diversion programs.

    This multifaceted approach recognizes that sustainable reduction in recidivism requires addressing both systemic barriers and individual rehabilitation needs, positioning Jamaica as an innovator in criminal justice reform.

  • ‘Batman’ pleads guilty to manslaughter, apologies to victim’s family

    ‘Batman’ pleads guilty to manslaughter, apologies to victim’s family

    A decade-long legal proceeding reached its conclusion this week as Shervon Darvick “Batman” Grant received his final sentencing for the 2014 fatal stabbing of Damien Alexander. Justice Devan Rampersad presided over the case at the High Court, delivering a sentence that accounts for Grant’s extensive pre-trial incarceration and guilty plea.

    The incident traces back to June 7, 2014, when a violent confrontation erupted outside the Universal Bar in St. James at approximately 4:10 am. Surveillance footage and witness accounts detailed how Grant, then 32, engaged in a heated argument with Alexander that escalated dramatically. During the altercation, Grant shattered a Carib beer bottle and wielded the broken implement, resulting in a severe neck wound that proved fatal.

    Emergency responders transported Alexander to St. James Hospital before transferring him to Port of Spain General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Crime scene investigators documented critical evidence including the broken bottle, blood samples, and a blood-soaked bandana. Grant was apprehended shortly thereafter at Freddie’s Bakery on Church Street.

    Forensic pathologist Dr. Hugh Des Vignes confirmed the cause of death as a single stab or incised wound to the neck. During police interrogation on June 9, 2014, Grant acknowledged his presence at the scene and admitted to the stabbing after reviewing CCTV evidence.

    The judicial process spanned eleven years, beginning with murder charges filed on June 13, 2014. The case progressed through preliminary inquiries from 2015-2017, culminating in indictment proceedings in 2021. A breakthrough occurred in November 2025 when Grant, through his legal representatives Tristle Khan-Leu and Tracy Wiltshire, negotiated a plea agreement with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, reducing the charge to manslaughter.

    In mitigation arguments, the defense emphasized the spontaneous nature of the offense, noting Grant’s intoxication during the incident and his immediate cooperation with authorities. The court received documentation of Grant’s rehabilitation efforts during his 11-year, 7-month pre-sentence detention, including academic pursuits, prison programming, and his role as assistant pastor with The Way of Holiness ministry.

    Justice Rampersad evaluated multiple sentencing factors including retribution, deterrence, public protection, and rehabilitation. The final judgment incorporated substantial credit for time served and the guilty plea, resulting in a remaining sentence of just over four years.

    A profound letter of remorse from Grant was entered into the court record, expressing deep regret to Alexander’s family: “I know that what I did was wrong, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I know that being ‘out of it’ is no excuse. A person’s life is precious, and I had no right to take his.” Grant additionally apologized to his own family for the shame and pain caused by his actions, detailing his spiritual transformation and commitment to societal reintegration.

  • Epstein offered ex-prince Andrew meeting with Russian woman–files

    Epstein offered ex-prince Andrew meeting with Russian woman–files

    LONDON, United Kingdom – Freshly disclosed legal documents have unveiled disturbing communications between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew, Duke of York, revealing Epstein’s attempt to introduce a Russian woman to the British royal in 2010.

    The correspondence, among millions of pages released by the U.S. Justice Department, contains an August 12, 2010 email where Epstein proposed that the prince meet “a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with.” Epstein described the woman as a 26-year-old Russian national who was both “clever and beautiful,” noting she would be in London from August 20-24.

    Court records indicate Prince Andrew inquired what Epstein had told the woman about him and whether she would be delivering “a message” from Epstein. The Duke subsequently responded that he would be in Geneva on August 22 but expressed he “would be delighted to see her.”

    Additional communications from September 2010 reveal discussions about a potential private dinner at Buckingham Palace. Epstein contacted Andrew during a London stay, writing: “What time would you like me… we will also need (to)… have private time.” Andrew responded by offering dinner at the palace with “lots of privacy,” later extending an invitation for Epstein to come “with whomever” between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

    The documents contain no evidence confirming whether either proposed meeting actually occurred. These revelations emerge against the backdrop of Epstein’s August 2010 probation from house arrest following his conviction for procuring an underage girl for prostitution.

    This disclosure further contradicts Prince Andrew’s previous claims to the BBC that he had severed ties with Epstein by December 2010. The royal, who was stripped of all titles by King Charles III last year following extensive controversy over his association with Epstein, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

    The documents add context to the ongoing scandal that culminated in Andrew’s removal from royal duties and his Windsor estate. The prince previously settled a multi-million-pound lawsuit with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to have sex with Andrew on three occasions while she was a minor. Andrew denied the allegations without admitting guilt. Giuffre died by suicide in Australia this past April, while Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019.

  • ‘12 years not enough’

    ‘12 years not enough’

    Alicia King, a survivor of a horrific arson attack, has voiced complex emotions regarding the 12-year prison sentence given to her former partner, Antwone Grey. While expressing profound gratitude for the judicial outcome, she simultaneously conveyed her belief that the punishment does not fully reflect the immense physical and psychological suffering she has endured, which includes undergoing more than 30 surgeries with several more life-threatening procedures ahead.

    The brutal incident occurred on August 24, 2023, when Grey, also known as ‘Bad Fowl,’ doused King with a flammable substance and set her ablaze at her St. Catherine residence. He was subsequently convicted on multiple charges, including arson, attempted murder, and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

    In a poignant interview, King articulated her internal conflict. She acknowledged that many victims never see their assailants brought to justice, prompting her to ‘big up’ the legal system, the police, and her legal team. However, she initially hoped for a sentence closer to 30 years, a figure she correlates with the staggering number of surgical interventions required for her recovery. A critical upcoming surgery on her neck, which connects to her chest plate, underscores the ongoing, severe medical challenges she faces.

    Beyond the sentence length, King’s concerns extend to her future safety, contemplating what might happen when Grey is eventually released. She is now determined to focus on living her best life in the coming 12 years while grappling with these anxieties.

    In contrast, her stepmother, Julia Mendez, expressed a sense of relief and closure, believing that justice was served and attributing the outcome to divine will. She emphasized that the conclusion of the legal battle allows King to finally move forward with her life.