Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Student Killed By Bus, Police Await DPP Directive

    Student Killed By Bus, Police Await DPP Directive

    BELIZE CITY – A tragic traffic incident on Thursday evening resulted in the death of a 16-year-old student, prompting both a police investigation and an outpouring of grief from the educational community. The fatal collision occurred along the George Price Highway between miles 10 and 11 at approximately 5:00 p.m. local time.

    According to official reports, Alex Griffith, a student at Sadie Vernon Technical High School, was riding his bicycle when he apparently lost control and fell into the path of an oncoming bus. The vehicle, operated by driver Jonathan Eck, subsequently ran over the teenager despite attempted evasive maneuvers. Emergency responders pronounced Griffith dead at the scene upon arrival.

    Police authorities have confirmed that the involved bus was fully licensed and insured at the time of the accident. While initial investigation has not determined excessive speed as a contributing factor, comprehensive forensic analysis remains ongoing. The driver has cooperated fully with law enforcement officials throughout the inquiry process.

    The Belize Police Department has announced that a complete case file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for formal legal assessment. This procedural step will determine whether criminal charges should be filed against the bus operator based on evidentiary findings and jurisdictional statutes.

    In a moving tribute issued Friday morning, Sadie Vernon Technical High School administration described Griffith as a vibrant community member whose presence ‘brought light, energy, and warmth to those around him.’ The statement extended condolences to family and friends while emphasizing the profound impact of losing ‘such a young and vibrant soul.’

    The educational institution has mobilized counseling services for affected students and staff as the community grapples with this devastating loss. Memorial arrangements are pending family notification and coordination.

  • Popular DBS Radio Felix Henderson national reading contest to see 16th installation next week

    Popular DBS Radio Felix Henderson national reading contest to see 16th installation next week

    The Dominica Broadcasting Corporation (DBS) is preparing to host the prestigious 16th Annual National Reading Competition, an event that has become a cornerstone of the island’s educational landscape. Scheduled for March 24, 2026, at the University of the West Indies Global Campus, this year’s edition marks a significant milestone in the competition’s history.

    Under the coordination of Ronillia Williams, the event continues its tradition of nurturing young literary talents by encouraging students to interpret written materials through expressive reading. Participants will demonstrate their artistic capabilities by exploring various themes in literature, showcasing both technical proficiency and creative interpretation.

    The competition’s enduring success stems from its foundational vision established by Mr. Felix Henderson, with sustained support from Mrs. Mariette Warrington and organizational management. Their collective dedication has transformed the initiative into what Williams describes as “one of the most educated and exciting competitions” targeting early childhood education.

    Williams emphasized that the overwhelming participation from schools nationwide confirms the program’s success in achieving its primary objectives: promoting education from the earliest possible age and preparing students for advanced academic challenges. The competition has effectively identified and nurtured brilliant minds throughout its sixteen-year history.

    The ongoing collaboration between DBS Radio and the Ministry of Education continues to empower young Dominicans with critical literary skills, equipping them for success in academic arenas and beyond. This partnership represents a sustained commitment to educational excellence that has impacted generations of students.

  • Honderden gelovigen sluiten Ramadan af met gezamenlijk Idul-gebed

    Honderden gelovigen sluiten Ramadan af met gezamenlijk Idul-gebed

    Hundreds of worshippers gathered on the grassy field of Nabawischool in Paramaribo-North for a collective Idul-Fitr prayer, marking the conclusion of Ramadan’s month-long fasting period. The ceremony, organized by communities affiliated with the Foundation of Islamic Communities in Suriname (SIS), featured sermons emphasizing faith, self-reflection, and conscious time management.

    During the religious address, attendees were reminded: “No day should pass without gaining wisdom, without learning something new, without strengthening your faith.” The sermon also addressed global unrest, particularly in the Middle East, with the message: “In these chaotic times, there remains one power nobody can take from us: remembrance of Allah. Return to the One who holds everything in His hands.”

    Nazir Eskak, Director of Domestic Affairs, explained the fasting’s significance: “It involves abstaining from food, drink, swearing, sexual intimacy, and smoking. Ultimately, it’s about self-mastery.” He emphasized that fasting serves to bring believers closer to God while positively developing character and mentality. “Regardless of social status, we must approach each other with humility, decency, and empathy.”

    Preacher Marcio Markasan repeatedly highlighted the critical importance of optimizing time utilization. According to Islamic teachings, believers are evaluated based on how they spend their time, how they acquire and use their income, and what they accomplish with their knowledge.

    Eskak referenced an Arabic proverb: “Time is like a sword—if you don’t use it, it will cut you.” He urged the community not to postpone what can be accomplished today, noting: “Global circumstances demonstrate we cannot afford to waste time in forgiving, embracing one another, and drawing closer to God. We never know if tomorrow will grant us that opportunity.”

  • Confusion at Charles F. Broome as parents rush to collect students

    Confusion at Charles F. Broome as parents rush to collect students

    A scene of administrative chaos and parental anxiety unfolded at Charles F. Broome Memorial School in Barbados on Friday, as conflicting messages about the institution’s operational status triggered a mass student retrieval despite official clearance for reopening.

    The educational facility had undergone emergency closure on Wednesday afternoon and throughout Thursday following reports of potential rodent infestation. The Ministry of Education had formally announced completion of industrial-grade sanitation and remedial measures Thursday evening, declaring the premises fit for academic resumption.

    Contrary to official assurances, Friday morning witnessed extraordinary disruptions as concerned parents flooded the school compound to withdraw their children. Barbados TODAY correspondents observed pupils congregating outside classrooms and on adjacent fields with minimal evidence of organized instructional activities underway.

    By late morning, vehicular congestion reached critical levels along adjacent roadways as anxious families created traffic gridlock while attempting to access the school grounds. Notably absent was any formal communication from educational authorities regarding class suspensions or early dismissals throughout the morning hours.

    The information vacuum was filled through informal networks, with WhatsApp parent groups and word-of-mouth communications becoming the primary alert system. Albert Cornibert, one of numerous parents who retrieved his children, expressed profound dissatisfaction: ‘The complete absence of official notification represents organizational failure. Based on the evident disarray, premature reopening appears to have been a misguided decision.’

    Representatives from the Barbados Union of Teachers were documented assessing the escalating situation on campus. Additional concerns emerged regarding persistent chemical odors potentially related to the intensive cleaning procedures, compounding the atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding campus safety protocols.

  • Man Shot Dead in Orange Walk

    Man Shot Dead in Orange Walk

    Orange Walk Town was shaken by a violent incident on Wednesday evening as authorities launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of Albert Pot. The tragic event unfolded approximately at 7:15 p.m. when local law enforcement received emergency reports of gunfire in the area.

    According to official statements from Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, first responders arrived at the scene to discover a male victim with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services immediately transported the injured individual to the nearest medical facility, where attending physicians pronounced him deceased upon arrival.

    Preliminary investigative findings indicate that Pot was accompanied by another unidentified male when an assailant reportedly scaled a perimeter fence and initiated direct gunfire. The shooter allegedly discharged multiple rounds striking Pot before successfully evading capture through a swift escape from the crime scene.

    Police authorities confirmed that the deceased had previous documented interactions with law enforcement agencies. Official records indicate Pot had been subjected to questioning regarding recent firearms-related investigations within the Orange Walk District jurisdiction over preceding months.

    The Orange Walk Police Department has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, with officers conducting thorough evidence collection and witness interviews. Authorities have appealed to community members with relevant information to come forward and assist with ongoing investigative efforts.

  • Police Release Possible Motive for San Pedro Triple Murder

    Police Release Possible Motive for San Pedro Triple Murder

    SAN PEDRO TOWN, BELIZE – A violent confrontation linked to narcotics trafficking has claimed three lives in a targeted shooting incident south of San Pedro Town. The Belize Police Department has identified the deadly attack as part of an escalating territorial dispute between rival drug factions operating on the island.

    Law enforcement authorities responded to distress calls shortly before 10:00 PM on Thursday evening at a residential property in the Mosquito Coast sector. Upon arrival at the elevated wooden structure, officers discovered two male victims with fatal gunshot wounds: 29-year-old fisherman Karim Nazim Espat and 35-year-old carpenter Oscar Modesto Mas.

    A third victim, 21-year-old Honduran national Yerlin Marisol Bueso Alvarez, was transported to San Pedro Polyclinic with critical injuries but succumbed to her wounds approximately two hours after the attack. Investigators confirmed that Espat’s wife, who was present during the assault, managed to escape physically unharmed.

    According to police reconstruction, three assailants wearing hooded jackets approached the property before one entered the dwelling and initiated gunfire. Crime scene technicians recovered ballistic evidence including multiple 9mm shell casings and twelve-gauge shotgun cartridges.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero disclosed that Espat had been previously known to law enforcement and was likely the primary target. “This tragedy represents the latest escalation in an ongoing narcotics-related rivalry between organized groups in San Pedro,” Romero stated during a press briefing. “We have already detained multiple suspects from a competing faction.”

    The Police Department has deployed additional resources including the Major Crimes Unit and reinforced patrols throughout the island to prevent retaliatory violence. Authorities have urged community members to cooperate with investigators while maintaining heightened security vigilance.

  • Driver’s license services now available in Portsmouth

    Driver’s license services now available in Portsmouth

    The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force has initiated a significant public service expansion by establishing driver’s licensing facilities in Portsmouth, marking a substantial improvement in accessibility for northern community residents. Police Chief Lincoln Corbette formally announced this development during the official launch ceremony on March 19, 2026.

    This strategic decentralization of motor vehicle services addresses previous geographical barriers that required northern residents to travel substantial distances for licensing transactions. The police service has designated four specialized Licensing Officers who will administer all driver credentialing processes, ensuring efficient and professional service delivery.

    Chief Corbette simultaneously outlined strengthened compliance measures, indicating that enhanced vigilance and surveillance systems will be implemented across the island. Motorists are now subject to increased scrutiny regarding license validity, insurance coverage, and vehicle roadworthiness. The police force issued a specific advisory concerning vehicles with outstanding license fees, noting that those delinquent for over twenty-four months may face deregistration proceedings.

    This dual approach combines improved service accessibility with rigorous safety enforcement, reflecting the police force’s commitment to both citizen convenience and roadway security. The initiative represents part of broader governmental efforts to modernize public services while maintaining regulatory standards that protect all road users.

  • Driver’s license services now available in Portsmouth

    Driver’s license services now available in Portsmouth

    The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force has initiated a significant service expansion by establishing driver’s licensing capabilities in Portsmouth, marking a substantial step toward improving administrative accessibility for northern community residents. Police Chief Lincoln Corbette formally announced this development during the official launch ceremony on March 19, 2026.

    This strategic decentralization of motor vehicle services addresses previous logistical challenges faced by northern residents who previously needed to travel greater distances for licensing transactions. The police service has designated four specialized officers as Licensing Officers who will administer the new facility, ensuring proper documentation issuance and regulatory compliance.

    Chief Corbette concurrently announced enhanced traffic enforcement measures, emphasizing that intensified vigilance and surveillance operations would verify motorists’ compliance with licensing and insurance requirements. Authorities specifically urged vehicle owners to maintain current documentation and ensure their automobiles meet all roadworthiness standards.

    A notable enforcement provision indicates that vehicles with outstanding license fees exceeding two years may face deregistration proceedings. This policy aims to encourage timely fee settlement and regulatory adherence among motorists.

    The police force’s statement concluded by reaffirming its dual commitment to improving public service delivery while simultaneously promoting road safety initiatives and legal compliance throughout the island nation.

  • JASL honours four champions of gender equality

    JASL honours four champions of gender equality

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a powerful culmination of its 2026 International Women’s Day observances, the humanitarian organization Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) presented landmark awards to four distinguished women for their transformative work in reshaping Jamaica’s gender policy landscape. The ceremony recognized decades of dedication to closing critical gaps in legislative frameworks and combating systemic gender inequality across the island nation.

    Patrick Lalor, JASL’s Policy and Advocacy Officer, emphasized to the Jamaica Observer that conventional praise seemed insufficient for honorees who had fundamentally dedicated their lives to advancing female welfare. ‘We seize this moment to celebrate four visionaries who have profoundly enhanced conditions for Jamaican women and girls,’ Lalor stated. ‘For more than ten years, they have tirelessly campaigned for legislative reviews, repeals, and new enactments that bolster protections for vulnerable female demographics disproportionately affected by pervasive violence.’

    Among those celebrated was Ambassador Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, a seasoned gender advocate and former Member of Parliament who previously served as Jamaica’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Despite mobility challenges, she traveled to Kingston to accept the honor at JASL’s Forum and Award Ceremony at the Summit Hotel in St. Andrew. Her advocacy, she revealed, stems from deeply personal experiences with gender-based violence—a subject she bravely raised at a public forum when it remained largely taboo. ‘I stood before 500 people at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel and asked, ‘Look at me, do I look as if I have been beaten by my husband?’ The silence was palpable because nobody discussed this then. I’m profoundly glad I broke that silence,’ she recounted.

    The award came as a surprise to Deputy Superintendent of Police Jacqueline Dillon, a 30-year veteran of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). DSP Dillon was instrumental in overseeing and coordinating domestic violence intervention centers nationwide. In response to Ndombet-Assamba’s disclosure, she revealed her own accidental entry into violence prevention work. JASL specifically honored her unwavering leadership and pivotal role in executing the JCF Domestic Violence Road Tour, an initiative that brought critical awareness and sensitivity training on gender-based violence to communities across Jamaica. ‘I genuinely enjoy helping people, and as law enforcement professionals, we have a crucial role in prevention,’ Dillon affirmed, pledging the JCF’s continued commitment to reducing domestic violence incidents.

    Joy Crawford, co-founder and executive director of Eve for Life—an organization providing comprehensive support to adolescent girls and young women—expressed deep emotional resonance with the recognition. ‘Being honored in your own country by your peers carries immense meaning,’ Crawford reflected. ‘This award affirms that my community values my work.’ She credited her enduring motivation to the ‘wind beneath my wings,’ noting that even plans for retirement two years prior were set aside due to unwavering passion. Eve for Life’s multidisciplinary approach integrates human rights, public health, and social justice to advance innovative, community-driven solutions to gender-based violence.

    JASL also celebrated Joyce Hewitt, a pioneering advocate and former head of Woman Inc—a leading organization established in 1984 offering sanctuary and long-term support to survivors of gender-based violence. Hewitt spent years at the forefront of creating safe havens for women escaping dangerous environments, cementing her legacy as a foundational figure in Jamaica’s gender protection movement.

  • New police youth club launched in Hanover

    New police youth club launched in Hanover

    COVE, Hanover — Seven decades after Jamaica’s inaugural youth club emerged in Sandy Bay, the parish of Hanover has inaugurated its newest establishment: the Cauldwell Police Youth Club. This initiative represents a strategic response to escalating criminal activities that have plagued the region, serving as both preventive measure and community bridge-building endeavor.

    Formally unveiled during a Sunday ceremony at the Hanover Educational Institute—an institution with a 24-year legacy in youth development—the club signifies a transformative approach to community policing and youth engagement. Angela Hay, the club’s founder and a native of Cauldwell, described the distressing circumstances that precipitated this intervention: “I have witnessed the deterioration of Cauldwell to a state where murders became rampant, fear permeated daily life, and communal activities like religious gatherings and sporting events virtually ceased. Trust evaporated while segregation prevailed.”

    Hay, who also established the Hanover Educational Institute, emphasized the club’s foundational philosophy: “Our youth matter profoundly. They require secure, supportive environments to cultivate talents, build self-confidence, and evolve into positive contributors who can actively shape their community’s future.” Her conviction stemmed from observing the damaging effects of economic inequality, scarce opportunities, and negative peer influences that drive antisocial behavior among young residents.

    The urgent need for intervention gained stark visibility in July 2023 when Green Island Police disclosed children’s involvement in lottery scamming to fund education and sustain extravagant lifestyles. Inspector Mervin Hodges, then overseeing the Green Island Police area encompassing Cauldwell, revealed during a peace march that minors were being recruited into gangs by adults, with these activities subsequently spreading into educational institutions. Most concerning was the disclosure that individuals aged 18-26 perpetrated the majority of crimes in the region.

    Custos of Hanover Lennox Anderson-Jackson endorsed the initiative as a critical partnership between the Jamaica Constabulary Force and local communities. “This collaboration transcends mere club formation—it represents trust-building and communication enhancement between law enforcement and citizens. Such synergy creates environments where youth feel supported and inspired to pursue constructive pathways,” he asserted during the launch ceremony.

    Since its conceptualization following a community awareness meeting in December 2024 and subsequent weekly gatherings at Cauldwell New Testament Church of God, the club has demonstrated tangible impact. Members have engaged in hurricane relief operations, school enhancement projects including painting and gardening at Pell River Primary School, and community event organization such as Christmas dinners.

    Currently comprising 30 active members, the club welcomes individuals aged 7-30 seeking personal development and positive community influence. Superintendent Courtney Coley of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Community Safety and Security Branch joined Superintendent Andrew Nish (Hanover Police Division head), club president Caswayne Downes, and Custos Anderson-Jackson in celebrating this advancement in community-led crime prevention and youth empowerment.