Carib Scope

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  • DCP Martin vows police surge: dad killed, pregnant wife injured in ambush

    DCP Martin vows police surge: dad killed, pregnant wife injured in ambush

    A brazen early-morning shooting in the quiet Trinidadian community of Wallerfield has left one man dead, his pregnant wife wounded, and reignited public debate over the effectiveness of the country’s ongoing state of emergency (SoE) aimed at curbing violent crime.

    The incident unfolded at approximately 2 a.m. on Thursday at the home of Anthony Francis, 47, also known by the alias “Smalls”, who was asleep alongside his pregnant partner, her one-year-old son from a prior relationship, and another man identified only as “Lijah”. According to Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) investigators, the unidentified gunman positioned himself outside the residence off Moonan Road, inserted a firearm through an open bedroom window, and opened fire on the sleeping occupants.

    Francis was struck multiple times in the chest and neck, and was pronounced dead on arrival at Sangre Grande Hospital. His pregnant wife sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, while “Lijah” in an adjacent room was also hit. The one-year-old child was unharmed in the attack. Responding officers recovered two spent shell casings near Francis’ sleeping position. Police later confirmed Francis had recently been released from custody after questioning over a recent case of vandalism targeting multiple vehicles in the Wallerfield area, where he had initially been listed as a suspect before being released without charge.

    This shooting comes just one week after an almost identical attack in St James that claimed the lives of 25-year-old Joseph Sutton and his 11-month-old son Jayden, who was just four days short of his first birthday. In that unrelated incident, the attacker also fired through a bedroom window at the sleeping targets, leaving the same deadly pattern of violence that has shaken public confidence.

    In an official statement shared via WhatsApp following the Wallerfield killing, TTPS Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Suzette Martin framed the brazen murder as a desperate reaction to the heavy pressure law enforcement has placed on criminal networks since the implementation of the SoE.

    “What you are seeing is a direct response from criminals who are under sustained pressure,” Martin explained. “The TTPS has increased operations, disrupted networks, and removed weapons from the streets, and that pressure is forcing desperate reactions.”

    Martin rejected any suggestion that the attack signals a failure of the ongoing state of emergency, emphasizing that the SoE has already delivered meaningful results that are not always visible to the general public. “The state of emergency is working. It is disrupting criminal activity, restricting movement, and allowing us to act with greater speed and authority,” she said. “The public may not see every success, but the results are there: arrests, firearm seizures, and the dismantling of criminal operations.”

    Far from softening their approach, Martin confirmed that law enforcement will double down on anti-crime efforts in the wake of the killing. “We are not backing down. In fact, these incidents strengthen our resolve. Our operations will continue, and they will intensify,” she said. An immediate surge in uniformed and plainclothes police presence will be rolled out across Wallerfield, with a focus on targeted, intelligence-led interventions to catch the perpetrators. Martin added that investigators are already pursuing strong leads in the case.

    She issued a stark warning to criminal elements operating across the country: “Let me also send a clear message. There is no safe space for criminals, whether in public or in private homes. TTPS will find you and we will not allow criminal elements to dictate the narrative or undermine the work being done under the SoE.”

    Martin pushed back against criticism that frames isolated high-profile murders as a measure of the TTPS’ success, noting that law enforcement judges progress on the sustained reduction of criminal activity and long-term public safety gains, not individual attacks. “We are focused, we are relentless, and we will continue to take the fight to those who threaten public safety,” she added.

    Requests for comment from local Member of Parliament Phillip Watts, who represents the La Horquetta/Talparo constituency that includes Wallerfield, went unanswered as of Thursday evening. As of Thursday night, the national murder toll for the current year stood at 96, marking a 10% reduction from the same period last year, when the toll had reached 106.

  • Urgent blood appeal for cop shot in abdomen

    Urgent blood appeal for cop shot in abdomen

    A 29-year-old Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) officer remains fighting for his life in intensive care after being gunned down during a armed response operation in southern Trinidad late Friday, prompting an urgent public appeal for O-positive blood donations to support his emergency treatment.

    Acting Police Constable Alex Koon Koon, a five-year veteran assigned to the Mon Repos Police Station, was injured during a confrontation with an armed suspect in the La Romaine community on 4 April. Koon Koon was part of a team of Southern Division officers dispatched to La Plaisance Road following a credible public tip that a man was openly carrying a firearm while seated on the outdoor gallery of a local residence.

    The team arrived at the scene at approximately 10:50 p.m. As Koon Koon stepped out of the marked police vehicle, multiple gunshots erupted from the direction of the gallery. The officer was struck in the left abdomen, and the suspect immediately fled the property before law enforcement could detain him.

    First responders rushed Koon Koon to San Fernando General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to address life-threatening internal damage. Senior law enforcement officials confirmed the officer suffered severe trauma to his spleen and one lung, and he has remained in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in critical condition in the days following the shooting.

    While the initial attempt to apprehend the suspect at the scene failed, investigative teams have made early progress in the case. As of the latest updates, three people—two men and one woman—have been taken into police custody and are assisting officers with their ongoing inquiry.

    Top TTPS leadership has publicly reaffirmed the service’s commitment to bringing all responsible parties to justice, and expressed solidarity with the injured officer and his family. Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro visited Koon Koon at the hospital, met with his relatives, and extended official prayers and well wishes on behalf of the entire police service for a full and speedy recovery.

    Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Suzette Martin, who is overseeing the investigation, framed the attack not just as an assault on law enforcement, but on public safety and the rule of law. “When a police officer is shot in the line of duty, it strikes at the very heart of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the rule of law we are sworn to uphold. This is not just an attack on the TTPS, but on the safety and security of every law-abiding citizen,” Martin said in the official media statement.

    Martin emphasized that the violent incident would not weaken the service’s resolve to protect communities. “Let me be clear—this incident will not deter us. The TTPS is actively pursuing a thorough and comprehensive investigation, and we will intensify our operations, follow every lead, and bring those responsible to justice,” she said. “We remain resolute, unwavering, and relentless in our mission to protect and serve, and we will not allow those bent on disrupting our society to succeed.”

    Members of the public have stepped in to support Koon Koon’s recovery via a widespread social media campaign calling for voluntary blood donations. Appeals direct potential donors to the blood bank at San Fernando General Hospital, with a specific request for donors with O-positive blood, the type most urgently needed for the officer’s ongoing treatment.

    Social media posts shared across local platforms highlight the critical difference every donation can make. “Help PC Koon Koon in his fight for his recovery,” one widely shared appeal reads. “Please give blood to help save his life,” it adds, noting that every contribution directly supports the officer as he fights to pull through.

  • Autopsy on Central woman found under bed

    Autopsy on Central woman found under bed

    Nearly three months after the remains of 74-year-old Doodhani Vishvati Sooknanan were discovered beneath a bed at her family residence on Torenia Drive in the Edinburgh 500 housing development in Chaguanas, official autopsy results have formally confirmed that no suspicious or criminal activity contributed to her passing. Local law enforcement announced Wednesday that the official cause of death was a myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack.

  • ESFN Encourages Youth Career Development at Antigua Girls’ High School Career Day

    ESFN Encourages Youth Career Development at Antigua Girls’ High School Career Day

    On April 1, 2026, St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda played host to a meaningful outreach effort as the EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network (ESFN), a regional non-profit focused on sustainability and youth empowerment, joined the annual Career Day at Antigua Girls’ High School (AGHS). The organization’s team, which included several AGHS alumnae, led interactive sessions designed to broaden students’ perspectives on career pathways, highlight the value of diverse skill sets, and encourage young women to pursue their passions across every professional field.

    The visit carried unique emotional and symbolic weight, as the returning former students illustrated the powerful impact of mentorship. By sharing their own post-graduation journeys, team members showed current students how local young people can grow to contribute meaningfully to national, regional, and global development. The energy on campus was palpable: many attendees arrived wearing career-themed uniforms aligned with their current interests, spanning everything from healthcare and construction to business, and came prepared with thoughtful, probing questions for the ESFN team.

    A core focus of the day’s discussions was breaking down barriers for women and girls entering male-dominated professional spaces. Britney McDonald, ESFN Portfolio Manager, walked attendees through her own dynamic career trajectory, which spans infrastructure development, technology, finance, and international relations. Her story helped reframe students’ perceptions of their own capabilities, encouraging them to see themselves as capable leaders in both social and technical fields, while emphasizing the importance of creativity and community-focused work in any career.

    Students raised a wide range of practical questions, from navigating the early stages of building a business to reflecting on the lessons that come from both career regrets and wins. Their curiosity underscored the deep need for targeted guidance as the next generation maps out their professional futures. In response, ESFN highlighted two of its flagship initiatives—the Explorer and Expeditioner programmes—which offer structured apprenticeships and internships that let young people test out different career paths hands-on. These opportunities give participants first-hand insight into various industries, helping them align their professional choices with their genuine passions.

    “It was rewarding to speak with the students on career considerations and that networking with continued education can open doors across different fields,” McDonald shared during the event. “We want them to see that careers evolve in many directions and to be empowered to pursue diverse interests while staying true to their ambitions. It was especially meaningful to remind young women and girls that they belong in every space, including those where they may not always see themselves represented.”

    Beyond career exploration, the event integrated a hands-on interactive activity focused on foundational money management, developed as part of ESFN’s Financial Literacy Programme. Launched just six months prior in September 2025, the programme equips young people with practical skills for budgeting, long-term planning, consistent saving, and building long-term financial independence. The activity reinforced a key takeaway for attendees: meaningful career growth extends far beyond mastering job-specific skills, and confidence in managing personal finances is critical to weathering the inevitable shifts of both professional and personal life.

    This outreach effort aligns with ESFN’s long-standing organizational mission to advance gender equity, empower young people, and expand accessible educational opportunities across the regions it serves. The non-profit is a registered entity focused on advancing sustainability, environmental conservation, and community empowerment across Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Southern United States. Its work spans a broad range of critical issue areas, including climate justice, biodiversity protection, youth development, technological innovation, and public education. Through core initiatives such as the ESFN Volunteer Explorer Program, annual World Wetlands Day awareness campaigns, the Build Your Future initiative, Community Swim Program, and the Endeavour Publication, the organization cultivates innovative local solutions to environmental and social challenges, while inspiring action to protect fragile marine and coastal ecosystems. ESFN also prioritizes supporting creative media and cultural expression from vulnerable communities, with a specific focus on uplifting youth voices, as it works to build a more resilient, sustainable future for all.

  • ‘Criminals under pressure’

    ‘Criminals under pressure’

    A early-morning shooting at a private residence in Wallerfield has left 34-year-old Anthony Francis dead and two others, including Francis’ pregnant wife, wounded, triggering a firm response from senior Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) leadership who frame the killing as a desperate reaction by criminal networks facing intensified law enforcement pressure under the current national state of emergency (SoE).

    The violent incident unfolded around 2 a.m. on the day of the report, when Francis, also known by the alias “Smalls,” his pregnant partner, her one-year-old toddler from a previous relationship, and another man named locally as “Lijah” were all resting inside their Moonan Road home. Investigators preliminary findings indicate the attacker fired multiple rounds through an open bedroom window, targeting the sleeping Francis directly. Francis suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and neck, and was pronounced dead on arrival at Sangre Grande Hospital. His pregnant wife was also hit by gunfire, though medical officials confirm her injuries are not life-threatening; the one-year-old child was unharmed in the attack. “Lijah,” who was in an adjacent bedroom during the shooting, was also wounded and transported for medical care. Two spent bullet casings were recovered from the scene near Francis’ bed, according to police accounts.

    Police records confirm Francis had recently been taken into custody as a suspect in a vandalism case targeting multiple vehicles in the Wallerfield area, but was released without charge following questioning. Local media outlet Express attempted to secure comment from local Member of Parliament Phillip Watts, representing La Horquetta/Talparo, on the killing, but received no response by the time of publication.

    This shooting marks the second high-profile fatal attack targeting sleeping victims in Trinidad and Tobago in the span of a single week. Seven days prior, an almost identical modus operandi was used in a St James shooting that left 25-year-old Joseph Sutton and his 11-month-old son Jayden—just four days shy of his first birthday—dead. In that case, the attacker also fired through a bedroom window, striking the sleeping pair. Both victims were pronounced dead at Port of Spain General Hospital after relatives discovered them following the gunfire.

    Responding to questions about the killing, which comes during an active state of emergency declared to curb rising violent crime, TTPS Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Suzette Martin emphasized the shooting is not a sign of failure, but evidence that law enforcement operations are successfully squeezing criminal networks. “What you are seeing is a direct response from criminals who are under sustained pressure,” Martin explained in a WhatsApp statement to media. “The TTPS has increased operations, disrupted networks, and removed weapons from the streets, and that pressure is forcing desperate reactions.”

    Martin rejected any suggestion that police would scale back their enforcement efforts in the wake of the attack, saying the incident has only hardened the service’s commitment to rooting out organized violent crime. “We are not backing down. In fact, these incidents strengthen our resolve. Our operations will continue, and they will intensify,” she said.

    To increase public safety in the Wallerfield area following the attack, Martin announced an immediate surge of uniformed and plainclothes officers to the region, paired with expanded targeted enforcement and intelligence-driven investigations. She added that investigators already hold promising leads in the case and are working quickly to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.

    Delivering a clear warning to criminal elements operating across the country, Martin said: “There is no safe space for criminals, whether in public or in private homes. TTPS will find you and we will not allow criminal elements to dictate the narrative or undermine the work being done under the SoE.”

    Defending the ongoing state of emergency as an effective tool for crime reduction, Martin pushed back against implicit criticism that the SoE has failed to stop killings. “The state of emergency is working. It is disrupting criminal activity, restricting movement, and allowing us to act with greater speed and authority,” she said. “The public may not see every success, but the results are there: arrests, firearm seizures, and the dismantling of criminal operations.”

    Martin noted that police measure the success of their anti-crime campaigns not by isolated acts of violence by desperate criminal groups, but by the consistent pressure being applied to illegal networks and the long-term reduction in community harm. “It was the police who remained in control, and they were not measuring success based on isolated incidents but measured it by the sustained pressure they were applying and the long-term impact on crime,” she restated. “We are focused, we are relentless, and we will continue to take the fight to those who threaten public safety.”

    As of the night after the Wallerfield shooting, the national murder toll for the current calendar year stands at 96, a 10% reduction from the 106 recorded at the same point last year.

  • Young Community Leader Jose Bautista Killed in Crash

    Young Community Leader Jose Bautista Killed in Crash

    An ordinary Easter commute along western Belize’s San Ignacio–Benque Road ended in unthinkable tragedy on April 7, 2026, cutting short the life of a beloved young community leader and athlete whose contributions left an indelible mark on Benque Viejo and the surrounding area. Thirty-year-old Jose Rivera Bautista — known affectionately to loved ones as “Poste” — died at the crash scene, leaving his close-knit family, colleagues, and neighbors grappling with sudden, devastating loss.

    For the Bautista family, the day began like any other, with shared laughs and casual conversation that now stand as the last precious memories of a son and brother taken too soon. Just hours after their final gathering together, a late-night phone call shattered their sense of normalcy. Yancy Bautista, the victim’s sister, spoke publicly about the chaotic, heart-wrenching moments after she learned of the crash, describing how she rushed to the scene after seeing a live social media update from an acquaintance.

    “When my sister called me she told me he got in an accident. She said ‘Yans go look for your brother.’ I asked her why, what happened? When she said it was serious, I begged anyone nearby to hurry and take me to the Benque road,” Yancy recalled in an interview with News Five. “When I got to the scene, I was asking everyone where his vehicle was, begging for information. Police wouldn’t let anyone past the cordon, and that’s when I told them it was my brother behind that tape.”

    Yancy described her brother as a gentle, kind-hearted man who never caused trouble and was the only son in their small family of three siblings. “He was a good child, and he was so close to all of us,” she said. “He leaves behind a little girl, Rhea, who lived in Succotz — that little girl was everything to him. She was his whole world.”

    Law enforcement officials have launched a full investigation to map out the exact sequence of events that led to the collision. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, staff officer for the investigation, shared preliminary details from the ongoing probe, noting that responding officers found three damaged vehicles at the crash site: Bautista’s extensively damaged gold Toyota Camry, a Bluebird passenger bus with front-end driver’s side damage, and a red Toyota Corolla that also sustained impact damage to its front driver’s side.

    According to Smith’s account of early findings, Bautista was traveling west to east along the highway when his vehicle veered across the center line into the oncoming lane. The Camry collided first with the Bluebird bus, then struck the red Toyota Corolla that was traveling directly behind the bus. Investigators have collected urine samples from both the bus driver and the Corolla driver as part of standard protocol, and both have been served with notices of intended prosecution as the case moves forward. Smith added that while early indicators suggest Bautista may have been at fault for the collision, the investigation is still ongoing, and no final conclusions have been reached.

    Beyond his family, Bautista’s loss is deeply felt across the entire Benque Viejo community, where he was known both as a talented competitive athlete and a dedicated public servant. At the time of his death, Bautista worked for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH), where his work ethic and commitment quickly earned him respect from leadership and colleagues.

    MIDH Chief Executive Officer Victor Espat released a statement confirming the ministry is mourning the loss of one of its rising team members, remembering Bautista as a talented, reliable worker whose dedication set him apart from his peers. Tributes have also poured in from Bautista’s teammates and friends across the region, who remembered his passion for football and his warm, approachable demeanor that made him a favorite throughout the local sports community.

    As the family grieves, they have leaned on the outpouring of support from the community that Bautista served so closely. For many in Benque Viejo, the tragedy is a stark reminder of how quickly life can change, and how much of an impact one young, dedicated person can leave on the people around them.

  • Police Bust City Man with Gun in Caye Caulker

    Police Bust City Man with Gun in Caye Caulker

    In a recent law enforcement operation on the island of Caye Caulker, a routine response to a public disturbance has resulted in the seizure of an unlicensed firearm and the arrest of a 25-year-old Belize City resident, marking another step in local police efforts to curb illegal weapons possession.

    The incident unfolded on the evening of Saturday, March 4, 2026, at approximately 10:40 p.m., when officers were dispatched to a disturbance call at the intersection of Avenida Mangle and Estraya Street. According to official statements from Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, Staff Officer for the department, responding officers immediately noticed a man matching later identification as Herman Ciego fleeing the scene of the disruption.

    Law enforcement personnel initiated a pursuit and successfully took Ciego into custody shortly after the encounter. A systematic search of the area where Ciego had been fleeing yielded a hidden illegal weapon: a 9mm Six-R pistol loaded with 10 live rounds of matching ammunition. Beyond the physical evidence of the unlicensed firearm and ammunition, investigators also obtained video surveillance footage that corroborates the circumstances of the arrest and supports the charges laid against the suspect.

    Ciego now faces two formal charges: keeping an unlicensed firearm and keeping unlicensed ammunition, both violations of Belizean firearms regulations. The operation concludes a swift processing of the incident, with police confirming that all evidence has been secured for upcoming court proceedings. Local law enforcement has emphasized that proactive responses to public disturbance reports often lead to the discovery of additional illegal activity, helping remove dangerous contraband from community spaces.

  • Ashton Gillett Busted with Gun at Boom Horse Race

    Ashton Gillett Busted with Gun at Boom Horse Race

    A planned day of equestrian competition in Belize’s Burrel Boom region ended in criminal charges this week after local law enforcement seized a loaded nine-millimeter firearm from a 29-year-old attendee, highlighting ongoing work to secure public recreational events against illegal weapons activity.

    The incident unfolded shortly after 1:30 p.m. on April 6, 2026, as police assigned to security detail at the Castleton Track venue for the annual Burrel Boom Horse Race conducted routine entry screenings for attendees. During the check, officers noticed behavior from Ashton Gillett, a resident of Cotton Tree Village in Cayo District, that prompted reasonable suspicion of prohibited items. A subsequent search of Gillett’s backpack uncovered a fully operational Taurus nine-millimeter pistol, paired with a magazine loaded with eight live rounds of matching ammunition.

    Following the seizure, Gillett was taken into police custody immediately. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, a staff officer with the department, confirmed that formal charges have been filed against the suspect for two violations of Belize’s firearms legislation: illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of unlicensed ammunition.

    “This arrest demonstrates our continued commitment to keeping public community events safe for all attendees,” Smith confirmed in an official statement following the processing of the case. Law enforcement officials have not released additional details on whether Gillett has any prior weapons-related charges, or what his intended purpose was for bringing the loaded firearm to the open sporting event.

    The Burrel Boom Horse Race is a regular regional sporting event that draws dozens of competitors and hundreds of spectators from across Belize each year. Security officials note that routine entry searches have become a standard safety protocol for large public gatherings in the district, a measure that allowed officers to intercept the illegal weapon before it could pose a risk to attendees.

  • Three Arrested in Corozal, Two Minors, For Illegal Gun

    Three Arrested in Corozal, Two Minors, For Illegal Gun

    A pre-dawn targeted law enforcement operation in the northern Belize district of Corozal has resulted in the arrest of three people, two of whom are underage, after officers seized a loaded 9-millimeter pistol and more than a dozen rounds of ammunition from the group. The operation, executed by Corozal Police Department just after midnight on Monday, April 6, has led to formal charges against all three suspects: 20-year-old Brandon Sanker, a resident of Corozal Town, and two male minors aged 16 and 17.

    According to Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, a Staff Officer with the Corozal Police, officers launched the planned operation on Narcie Street at approximately 12:15 a.m. During the sweep, law enforcement intercepted the three males and quickly located the prohibited weapon: a BGR-Nine Elite 9-millimeter pistol loaded with 17 live rounds of matching caliber ammunition.

    All three suspects face two joint charges: possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of unlicensed ammunition. The arrests come as part of an ongoing series of targeted anti-crime operations focused on reducing illegal weapons circulation in the Corozal district, a northern region that has seen repeated law enforcement action to curb gun-related crime in recent months.

    This report is adapted from a transcribed broadcast of the outlet’s evening news program. The original transcript notes that any Creole language statements from officials were transcribed using a standardized spelling system for accessibility.

  • Police Bust Hattieville Couple with Drugs and Firearm

    Police Bust Hattieville Couple with Drugs and Firearm

    In a pre-emptive strike against community-endangering criminal activity, law enforcement in Hattieville has taken a cache of illegal narcotics and an unlicensed loaded firearm off local streets, resulting in the arrest of two young village residents. The operation, carried out on April 1, 2026, stemmed from a judicially authorized search warrant executed at a local residential property, which uncovered a hidden stockpile of contraband linked to potential distribution and violent harm.

    According to official details released by Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, the search turned up seven separate parcels of suspected cannabis, with a total combined weight of 739 grams. Alongside the drugs, officers found a loaded 9-millimeter Glock pistol, one pre-loaded magazine holding 13 live rounds, plus two additional high-capacity 9-millimeter extended magazines. One of the extra magazines contained 13 live rounds, while the second held 17 live rounds of ammunition.

    The two suspects, 21-year-old Tajah Robateau and 25-year-old Kevan Joshua Franklyn, both residents of Hattieville Village, were taken into police custody at the scene. They now face four joint criminal charges: possession and control of drugs with intent to supply, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of unlicensed ammunition.

    Local law enforcement officials frame the bust as a critical win for community safety, noting it was part of a wider proactive strategy to dismantle criminal operations before they can escalate into violent incidents that harm innocent residents. With the illegal weapons and drugs successfully removed from circulation, the operation sends an unambiguous message: the possession and trafficking of illegal narcotics and unregistered firearms will not be tolerated within the Hattieville community.

    This report is adapted from a transcribed broadcast of the outlet’s evening television news program, with local Kriol-language testimony standardized to written spelling per local editorial practice.