Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Outrage over police killing – CCTV shows victim with hands in air

    Outrage over police killing – CCTV shows victim with hands in air

    Trinidad and Tobago is grappling with public outrage following the release of CCTV footage that contradicts official police accounts of a fatal shooting incident in St. Augustine on January 20. The video evidence shows 31-year-old Joshua Samaroo attempting to surrender before officers opened fire, resulting in his death and critical injuries to his common-law wife Kaia Sealy.

    The disturbing footage captures the moment Samaroo’s vehicle crashed during a police pursuit on Bassie Street Extension. Within seconds of the collision, three officers emerged from their SUV and discharged at least 17 rounds toward the disabled vehicle. The recording clearly shows Samaroo rolling down his window and extending both hands in a surrender gesture before being struck multiple times.

    Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations Suzette Martin acknowledged public concerns regarding the incident, stating the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) treats any loss of life during operations with “utmost seriousness.” The service has committed to full cooperation with the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) investigation while refraining from public commentary on active proceedings.

    The PCA has seized upon this incident to renew demands for body-worn cameras, emphasizing their importance for transparency and accountability. Director David West confirmed an independent investigation would examine whether officers violated use-of-force protocols.

    This shooting represents the fourth police-involved fatality in 2026, continuing a troubling three-year trend that saw fatal police shootings increase by 150% since 2023. The escalation coincides with extended states of emergency that granted expanded police powers throughout most of 2025.

    The government is currently advancing the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill through the Senate, which would maintain enhanced law enforcement capabilities through targeted operational zones rather than nationwide emergency measures. The legislation faces opposition concerns regarding potential power abuses.

    As investigations proceed, the incident has sparked intense social media debate, with some citizens questioning the police narrative while others suggest the couple’s attempt to flee indicated culpability. Family members maintain neither individual was involved in criminal activities.

  • Ramadhar calls on Paria, LMCS to settle with divers’ families

    Ramadhar calls on Paria, LMCS to settle with divers’ families

    In a renewed push for justice, prominent attorney Prakash Ramadhar has issued a firm demand for financial compensation from both Paria Fuel Trading Co Ltd and LMCS Ltd to the families of four divers who tragically perished in a 2022 underwater pipeline incident. During a press briefing in Curepe on January 24th, flanked by associates Saira Lakhan, Ved Trebouhansingh, and Shane Sinanan, Ramadhar emphasized that legal action would be imminent if the companies continued to deny liability.

    This development follows closely after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar distributed $1 million ex-gratia payments to Christopher Boodram, the sole survivor of the catastrophe, and to the families of two deceased divers, Rishi Nagessar and Fyzal Kurban. The tragic event occurred on February 25, 2022, when the five LMCS-employed divers were performing maintenance on a 30-inch pipeline at Berth 6 in Pointe-a-Pierre. They were catastrophically sucked into the line by a powerful differential pressure event, known as Delta P.

    A recent Commission of Enquiry report, tabled in Parliament on January 19, 2024, recommended that the Director of Public Prosecutions consider corporate manslaughter charges against Paria. The report also cited evidence to prosecute Paria manager Colin Piper and LMCS head Kazim Ali Snr—father of one of the victims—for violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

    While expressing gratitude for the government’s compensatory gesture, Ramadhar asserted it was insufficient and that the primary responsibility rests with the involved corporations. He revealed that pre-action letters had been repeatedly sent to both companies, whose legal representatives have consistently denied liability, even post-enquiry. To avoid a protracted legal battle that could span years through appeals, Ramadhar has proposed an out-of-court settlement of $5 million for each affected family. He contextualized this figure by comparing it to the multi-million dollar legal fees generated by the enquiry itself.

    Highlighting the profound ongoing hardships faced by the families, Ramadhar detailed the case of the Kurban family. The victim’s daughter is accruing significant debt for her education in Canada, while her brothers in Trinidad struggle to find work due to community associations with the disaster. Similarly, distribution of the government’s payment to the family of Yusuf Henry is delayed due to unresolved beneficiary issues among his children from different relationships.

    Concluding his appeal, Ramadhar stated his team would dispatch further correspondence to Paria and LMCS, urging a swift and fair settlement to alleviate the families’ burdens without relying solely on state resources, noting that Paria, as a state enterprise, possesses substantial assets exceeding US$1 billion.

  • CSO on the ground to get data for census

    CSO on the ground to get data for census

    The Central Statistical Office (CSO) under Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs, and Development has initiated a comprehensive nationwide Geospatial Data Update Exercise (GDUE) starting January 26. This ambitious digital mapping project represents a fundamental modernization of the country’s census preparation methodology, transitioning from traditional paper-based systems to fully digitized data collection protocols.

    Trained field personnel equipped with digital technology are deploying across targeted communities in Trinidad, including Champs Fleurs, Manzanilla, and Kelly Village, to gather precise geo-located information on all structures, households, commercial establishments, institutions, and agricultural holdings. Tobago will commence fieldwork operations at a subsequent scheduled date.

    This technological advancement serves as the foundational pillar for the CSO’s innovative bimodal digital census strategy. The initial phase will enable Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) capabilities, permitting citizens to complete census questionnaires online via personal devices at their convenience. Subsequently, the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) methodology will deploy field enumerators to assist those requiring in-person support, with all data securely captured through tablet devices.

    Approximately 120 rigorously trained enumerators and supervisors, identifiable through official CSO-issued identification badges and branded high-visibility vests, will conduct the exercise with strict adherence to ethical data collection standards. The ministry emphasizes that safeguarding public trust and security remains paramount throughout the process.

    Minister Kennedy Swaratsingh endorsed the initiative, highlighting its critical role in advancing evidence-based policymaking for national development. The CSO has encouraged full public cooperation in selected communities, noting that the collected data will directly inform the upcoming Population and Housing Census and shape future developmental planning. Verification channels including telephone (226-0180) and WhatsApp (252-9899) have been established for citizen inquiries.

  • Wendy Lewis redefinding success through hard work

    Wendy Lewis redefinding success through hard work

    In a powerful embodiment of Michelle Obama’s assertion that “women and girls can do whatever they want,” Trinidadian visionary Wendy Lewis has crafted a multidimensional career that defies conventional categorization. At 54, this San Fernando native has merged three decades of expertise across media, entertainment, and social advocacy into a transformative force for Caribbean women.

    Lewis’s professional tapestry spans remarkable breadth: an internationally recognized keynote speaker, broadcast professional, and leadership strategist who simultaneously operates as CEO of Khalabash Productions, founder of TT Corporate Training Academy (the Caribbean’s first protocol school), certified counselor, ordained minister, and published author. Her broadcast legacy includes hosting acclaimed programs like “D Khalabash Corner,” “Straight Talk with Wendy,” and “A Woman’s Worth.”

    Her groundbreaking achievements include a historic 2001 victory as the first woman to claim the UK Calypso Monarch title—a triumph she successfully defended the following year. This musical prowess complements her status as the region’s longest-serving female artist manager, currently guiding careers of soca artist Roger George and Bollywood vocalist Anuradha Hansraj.

    Beyond entertainment, Lewis wields significant influence as Chair and Regional President of Caribbean Women Honors & Empowerment’s Trinidad chapter. Since 2019, she has spearheaded initiatives combating gender-based violence while creating safe spaces for men’s mental health through the “Men We Are Here For You” program. Her 2024 islandwide period poverty campaign addressed menstrual health and youth empowerment through strategic partnerships and community engagement.

    Lewis attributes her multifaceted success to spiritual grounding, intentional relationship-building, and refined discernment. “My inner circle became more refined, my purpose grew clearer, bringing greater peace, alignment and fulfillment,” she reflects regarding her ability to balance numerous roles.

    Future endeavors include executing “A Woman’s Worth – The Conference,” multiple book releases, and undisclosed projects. Her advice to women navigating multiple roles emphasizes self-prioritization: “Put God first, then yourself, and then anyone or anything else. Give yourself permission to pace your life in seasons and redefine success on your own terms.”

  • Man charged with murder of young mother in southern France

    Man charged with murder of young mother in southern France

    A profound sense of grief has enveloped the French city of Nice following the brutal murder of a 23-year-old woman, identified only as Lizabete, who was fatally shot multiple times while her infant daughter sat unharmed in the vehicle. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at a city intersection, has prompted swift legal action, with a primary suspect now facing murder charges.

    According to official statements from prosecutor Damien Martinelli, the alleged perpetrator—a 45-year-old Portuguese national—has been placed in pre-trial detention after being formally charged with murder on Sunday. Investigators believe the suspect was previously involved with Lizabete’s stepmother, adding a layer of domestic complexity to the tragedy.

    The attack unfolded when the assailant, riding a scooter, approached Lizabete’s car at point-blank range near a local high school and fired repeatedly into the vehicle. Despite the immediate response of emergency services, the young mother could not be revived. Miraculously, her seven-month-old daughter, Ayla, secured in a baby seat beside her, emerged physically unscathed.

    Notably, the suspect had recently been in police custody for aggravated assault against his former partner and was under a court order to avoid contact with her. He was rearrested Saturday afternoon on the outskirts of Grasse, approximately 40 kilometers from Nice.

    In response to the killing, the Nice municipal government held a public vigil on Friday to honor Lizabete’s memory. The city has also committed to granting her daughter ward-of-the-state status, ensuring support and care throughout her upbringing.

  • Nearly 700 students placed in ‘host schools’ after Melissa – Morris Dixon

    Nearly 700 students placed in ‘host schools’ after Melissa – Morris Dixon

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican educational authorities have successfully relocated approximately 680 students from severely affected regions to functional host institutions. The Category 5 hurricane, which made direct landfall last October, caused substantial damage to educational infrastructure across multiple northwestern parishes including Westmoreland, St James, St Elizabeth, Hanover, and Trelwany, with additional damage reported in Manchester and St Ann.

    Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon confirmed the implementation of the ministry’s host school policy, designed to ensure educational continuity for displaced students. The strategic relocation effort has placed affected students into reputable high schools within the Corporate Area, with prominent institutions such as Alpha Academy, Wolmer’s Schools, Campion College, and Kingston College participating in the program.

    The minister’s statements came during a Senate session on Friday, specifically addressing inquiries from Opposition Senator Lambert Brown regarding educational continuity measures. Minister Morris Dixon notably acknowledged Opposition MP Damion Crawford’s constructive suggestions regarding host school placements, stating: ‘I applaud MP Crawford for aligning with the ministry’s direction on host schools – this initiative has proven tremendously beneficial for our children’s educational stability.’

    The host school policy, activated immediately following the hurricane, represents a coordinated effort between government agencies and educational institutions to mitigate disruption to students’ academic progress while damaged facilities undergo reconstruction and repairs.

  • Bishop Garth Minott elected new president of Jamaica Council of Churches

    Bishop Garth Minott elected new president of Jamaica Council of Churches

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) has undergone a significant leadership transition with the election of Suffragan Bishop of Kingston Garth Minott as its new President. Bishop Minott will commence his two-year term this month, succeeding Bishop Christine Gooden-Benguche who completed her tenure after serving the organization for the past two years.

    The ecclesiastical body announced its newly elected leadership cadre following its annual convening last month. Bishop Minott will be supported by three regional Vice-Presidents: Rev’d Pauline DaCosta of St John’s Methodist Church in Montego Bay (Cornwall), Most Rev’d John Persuad, Bishop of Mandeville (Middlesex), and Rev’d Karen Kirlew of the Greater Portmore Circuit of Baptist Churches (Surrey).

    Beyond his diocesan responsibilities overseeing Kingston, Bishop Minott provides episcopal supervision to the Cayman Islands and multiple Jamaican parishes including Clarendon, St Catherine, St Andrew, St Thomas, St Mary, and Portland.

    Bishop Minott brings extensive theological expertise to his new role, having served as Deputy President and lecturer at the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI) since 2003 prior to his ordination and consecration on June 11, 2022. He additionally coordinated the Doctor of Ministry program offered by Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

    His academic portfolio includes instruction in practical theology, covering Introduction to Ministry, Christian Ethics, and Christian Worship. Before his academic career, Bishop Minott served as Rector of the Browns Town Cure following his ordination as deacon in 1992 and priest in 1993.

    Bishop Minott holds a MPhil degree from the University of the West Indies focusing on the Church’s role in social justice and HIV/AIDS response, complemented by an MA in Theology from McGill University. His professional development extends to specialized training in Instructional Design, Research Skills, and Clinical Supervision. He has contributed significantly as a consultant on HIV/AIDS curriculum integration, served as a Voluntary Counselling and Testing provider, and participated on multiple ethics committees including those of the UWI Medical Faculty and National Bioethics Committee.

    Bishop Minott is married to Dr. Denise Minott, and together they are parents to two sons, Mark and Stephen.

  • Few make the cut

    Few make the cut

    Jamaica’s premier law enforcement agencies are confronting a significant recruitment challenge as their exhaustive vetting procedures eliminate the vast majority of applicants seeking to join their ranks. The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and Financial Investigations Division (FID) have disclosed that their stringent integrity assessments, including polygraph examinations and comprehensive background checks, result in exceptionally high rejection rates.

    Colonel Desmond Edwards, Director General of MOCA, elaborated during a recent Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange that approximately 20% of candidates immediately fail polygraph testing. Among those who initially pass, many are subsequently disqualified during meticulous background investigations and additional screening phases, despite possessing adequate academic credentials.

    The screening protocol represents one of the most rigorous in Jamaican law enforcement. All MOCA personnel undergo ‘positive vetting’—a multilayered process involving initial polygraph tests, thorough background assessments, and annual polygraph re-evaluations for every agency member. The organization maintains a specialized polygraph unit with 16 certified examiners who provide integrity assurance services for MOCA personnel and other government entities including the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

    Edwards emphasized the necessity of these measures given MOCA’s sensitive mandate investigating organized crime, financial offenses, and corruption. “We suffer significantly with our capacity to onboard people quickly because sometimes they don’t make it through the process,” he acknowledged, noting that the agency typically must evaluate six to seven applicants before identifying one suitable candidate who meets both academic and integrity standards.

    The FID reports parallel challenges. Chief Technical Director Dennis Chung revealed that background investigations frequently uncover disqualifying factors such as previous involvement in financial irregularities or scam-related activities. Chung indicated that despite strong applicant interest, only approximately 20% ultimately satisfy the comprehensive requirements for financial investigation roles.

    Garth Williams, FID Brand Communications Specialist, clarified that the high attrition rate reflects the specialized nature of financial crime investigation rather than applicant quality or motivation. The agencies maintain that their exacting standards, while slowing recruitment, are indispensable for maintaining investigative credibility and public trust as financial crimes grow increasingly sophisticated and technology-dependent.

  • VPA delivers medical care, counselling and relief to Rocky Point residents

    VPA delivers medical care, counselling and relief to Rocky Point residents

    CLARENDON, Jamaica — A comprehensive community outreach initiative in Rocky Point has delivered critical support to residents grappling with economic hardship and social challenges. Spearheaded by the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) in collaboration with local partners, the program integrated healthcare services, psychological support, and material assistance for vulnerable populations.

    The intervention featured medical examinations administered by healthcare professionals from Luminary Health Medical Centre, alongside therapeutic ‘reasoning’ sessions under VPA’s Big Man Ting program. These discussions addressed themes of positive masculinity, gender-based violence prevention, and adaptive family dynamics in post-hurricane recovery contexts. Practical aid included distribution of essential care packages and warm meals provided by Sakura Express Restaurant.

    Project Coordinator Colleen Wint Bond explained the strategic selection of Rocky Point emerged from the community’s severe hurricane-related losses, particularly among fishing communities who suffered equipment destruction and livelihood disruption. The initiative specifically prioritized homebound elderly residents and individuals with disabilities through targeted deliveries.

    Participant Carlton Golding described the counseling sessions as “timely and beneficial,” noting that “the more time you get to reason, the better it is for you.” Fellow resident Randolph Williams observed the discussions prompted reevaluation of traditional gender roles and community responsibilities.

    Supported by Canada’s government through the We Talk Project, this marks VPA’s third intervention following similar programs in Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth parishes. Member of Parliament Pearnel Charles Jr endorsed the initiative as exemplifying “what Jamaica and Jamaicans should be doing” during hurricane recovery periods.

    Despite limited resources, Wint Bond emphasized the program’s effectiveness stems from leveraging existing community relationships and trust networks, with Clarendon remaining a priority zone for future violence prevention and resilience-building interventions.

  • Traffic accident in Belle Fille Castle Bruce

    Traffic accident in Belle Fille Castle Bruce

    Emergency services responded to a vehicular incident in the Belle Fille area of Castle Bruce on January 24, 2026, according to initial reports received by Dominica News Online. While specific details remain scarce, authorities have confirmed that at least one vehicle was involved in the accident.

    The driver of one vehicle was transported to the Castle Bruce Health Centre for medical treatment following the collision. The current condition of the driver and whether there were additional injuries or vehicles involved has not been officially disclosed by authorities at this time.

    Visual evidence from the scene, including photographs and video footage, indicates emergency personnel were actively managing the situation. The images show vehicle damage consistent with a traffic collision, though the precise cause and circumstances leading to the accident remain under investigation.

    Local authorities have not released further information regarding potential road closures, weather conditions at the time of the incident, or whether any citations have been issued. The investigation into the contributing factors of the accident is ongoing as officials work to determine the sequence of events.

    This developing story represents another incident on Dominica’s roadways, highlighting ongoing transportation safety concerns. The community awaits further updates from official sources regarding the severity of injuries and the complete findings of the investigation.