Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Retired public servant, healthcare administrator Percy McDonald dies

    Retired public servant, healthcare administrator Percy McDonald dies

    The nation of Saint Lucia is mourning the passing of esteemed former public official Percival “Percy” McDonald, whose death was formally announced on January 14. The Diamond Estate, Soufriere native succumbed to a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his former colleague Cletus Springer, who remembered McDonald as “a gentleman and patriot.

    McDonald’s most notable contribution came during his tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and International Financial Services from 1994, where he delivered exceptional service for five years. His distinguished public service career began in the late 1980s with assignments in the health and agriculture ministries.

    Following his retirement from central government, McDonald intensified his community engagement in Soufriere. He served as Vice President of the Regional Development Foundation (1999-2004) and chaired the groundbreaking Soufriere Marine Management Association (2000-2008). His compassionate leadership extended to establishing a soup kitchen initiative through the Soufriere Parish Council in 2004, providing sustenance for street beggars and underprivileged individuals through collaboration with the St Vincent DePaul Society and National Community Foundation.

    McDonald subsequently transitioned into health administration, chairing the board of St Jude Hospital and serving as chairman and consultant administrator of the Spartan Medical Sciences Institute. He also presided over Tenelle Health Sciences University.

    Springer fondly recalled their professional relationship on social media: “The glue between us was the late, great Romanus Lansiquot. When I transferred to Planning, Percy replaced me at Tourism. We had many lively arguments and shared countless humorous moments. He was a fitness fanatic who exercised as often as he could.”

    McDonald’s national contributions were formally recognized through multiple honors. At the 2023 GIMIES Awards, he received Special Recognition for developing the tourism ministry’s marketing arm and spearheading the national taxi association. His dedication earned him an MBE in 2000 for public and community service, upgraded to CBE in 2022 for poverty alleviation initiatives.

  • Red Bank Rejects Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary

    Red Bank Rejects Scarlet Macaw Sanctuary

    In a decisive community vote, residents of Red Bank Village have formally rejected a government initiative to establish a scarlet macaw sanctuary within the Maya Mountains. The proposed conservation area, intended to safeguard critical feeding grounds for hundreds of these vibrant birds while boosting local ecotourism, faced overwhelming opposition during a packed public consultation on Tuesday evening.

    The meeting, attended by nearly 200 villagers, revealed deep-seated frustrations regarding perceived exclusion from preliminary discussions. Area Representative Rodwell Ferguson confirmed the consensus: “The conversation tonight was really on target to say, ‘We don’t want it.’ As an elected representative, I told them we are going to back off.”

    Central to residents’ concerns were potential restrictions on hill access essential for daily subsistence and unverified rumors about farmer relocations. Ferguson addressed land survey concerns, stating, “I know the land has been surveyed but not issued and signed by the Minister of Natural Resources,” while pledging to prevent any land sales that might limit community access.

    Tour guides presented contrasting perspectives, emphasizing the sanctuary’s ecological and economic necessity. Guide Basilio Mes warned, “It would be very bad for us as we will not be able to come and work in our area anymore,” advocating for a compromise sanctuary model permitting sustainable access. Mes cited observable scarlet macaw population declines and recent environmental threats including illegal logging and unauthorized zipline construction as urgent justification for protection measures.

    Community member Lorencio Sho criticized the government’s engagement approach: “You’re going based off of three persons’ opinions, not the entire community.” Sho referenced Minister Orlando Habet’s recent media comments suggesting the proposal was nearing approval as particularly concerning given the lack of community consultation.

    Despite the current rejection, Ferguson left open the possibility of future reconsideration, stating he would support the initiative should community sentiment evolve. The outcome highlights ongoing tensions between conservation objectives and community sovereignty in natural resource management.

  • George Worme and The New Today lose defamation matter

    George Worme and The New Today lose defamation matter

    In a landmark defamation ruling, the High Court of Grenada has determined that The New Today publication engaged in libel against Karen Roden-Layne, the former general manager of the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA). Justice Raulston Glasgow delivered the verdict on January 13, concluding the lengthy legal proceedings that spanned several years.

    The case centered on allegations published by The New Today claiming Roden-Layne had misappropriated organizational funds through improper use of the authority’s credit card during an official trip to the United Kingdom. Justice Glasgow found the publication failed to substantiate these serious allegations with credible evidence.

    Court documents revealed that following the original publication, GSWMA’s Board of Directors, then chaired by Dr. Bert Brathwaite, conducted a thorough internal investigation that completely exonerated Roden-Layne. The investigation concluded there had no misuse of corporate funds or credit facilities. These findings were subsequently published in The New Today as a paid advertisement, though the original defamatory content remained uncorrected.

    The court has mandated a 21-day negotiation period for both parties to reach a mutually agreeable damages settlement. Should they fail to consensus by mid-February 2026, the matter will be referred to the Master of the Court for formal assessment and determination of appropriate compensation within two months.

    George Worme, representing The New Today, faces significant financial liability following the court’s ruling, which underscores the critical importance of journalistic verification before publishing serious allegations against public figures.

  • 13-year old shot and injured during attempted robbery- police

    13-year old shot and injured during attempted robbery- police

    A violent attempted robbery targeting two elderly brothers culminated in the shooting of a 13-year-old suspect in Georgetown on Wednesday morning, according to official police reports. The incident unfolded at approximately 10:15 AM near the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Brickdam, a prominent location in the city center.

    Preliminary investigation details indicate that two octogenarian brothers, aged 81 and 79 respectively, were en route to conduct official business when they were suddenly accosted by two assailants arriving by bicycle. One of the perpetrators, allegedly brandishing a knife, attempted to forcibly seize a haversack carried by the older sibling.

    The attempted theft was thwarted when the elderly victim raised an alarm that alerted nearby civilians. During the ensuing commotion, a 25-year-old licensed firearm holder who witnessed the altercation discharged his weapon toward the fleeing suspects. Law enforcement authorities have confirmed the weapon has been secured as evidence pending formal investigation.

    The teenage suspect from Albouystown sustained a gunshot wound to the gluteal region and was promptly transported to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for emergency medical treatment. His accomplice managed to evade capture and remains at large. Police forensic teams have identified relevant CCTV footage from the area and are conducting thorough reviews of the digital evidence.

    The Guyana Police Force declined to specify whether the armed responder was a private citizen or a police officer assigned to ministerial security detail. The investigation remains active as authorities work to reconstruct the precise sequence of events.

  • Dominica’s education ministry collaborates with IsraAID for first aid and CPR training of 47 local teachers

    Dominica’s education ministry collaborates with IsraAID for first aid and CPR training of 47 local teachers

    In a significant stride toward educational safety, the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence has concluded a comprehensive two-day First Aid and CPR certification program. Conducted in partnership with the international humanitarian organization IsraAID, this intensive training equipped 47 primary and secondary school teachers from across Dominica with critical emergency response capabilities.

    The curriculum delivered expert instruction in Basic First Aid techniques, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) protocols, and the proper utilization of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Participants who successfully completed the program will receive official certification through the St. John Association of Saint Lucia, ensuring adherence to internationally recognized first aid standards.

    Permanent Secretary Robert Guiste emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating: ‘This training directly enhances schools’ capacity to respond effectively to medical emergencies and accidents, aligning with our national priorities for building a safer, more resilient education system.’ He further revealed complementary measures including the procurement of first aid kits and fire extinguishers for all schools, alongside personal protective equipment for vocational teachers.

    The program represents just the initial phase of a broader safety campaign. Ministry officials announced plans to train an additional 50 educators by January 2026, with another 50-targeted during summer sessions. The recently concluded training, valued at over $8,000, was fully funded by IsraAID Dominica.

    Wynela Francis, Senior Programme Officer at IsraAID, highlighted the enduring value of the partnership: ‘First Aid and CPR training constitutes essential lifesaving knowledge. Increasing the number of trained staff directly contributes to enhanced school safety and emergency preparedness across Dominican communities.’

    Notably, the instruction was delivered by a newly established cadre of local trainers, many from the Dominica Fire and Ambulance Services. These facilitators were previously certified through capacity-building programs jointly organized by IsraAID and the Office of Disaster Management in 2025. This train-the-trainer model demonstrates a sustainable approach to disaster readiness by developing local expertise and building long-term resilience within the island’s education infrastructure.

  • Bella Vista Man Charged With Christmas Day Murder

    Bella Vista Man Charged With Christmas Day Murder

    In a tragic escalation of community violence, Dixon Noel Caceres, a Belizean laborer residing in Bella Vista Village, now faces formal murder charges for the Christmas Day killing of 25-year-old Archibald ‘Fafa’ Ferrill Jr. The incident occurred during the early hours of December 25th, between 4:00 and 5:00 AM, as Ferrill was walking along an unidentified street. Preliminary investigations indicate this was a targeted assault, with the victim sustaining approximately ten gunshot wounds from an unidentified attacker.

    This homicide represents the latest episode in a disturbing sequence of violent crimes plaguing Bella Vista Village. The community witnessed multiple violent incidents throughout 2025, including an August stabbing triggered by a dispute over stolen tools, a September shooting within a family residence, and the November killing of a local barber inside his establishment.

    Confronted with this alarming pattern of violence, Belizean police authorities have deployed additional operational and intelligence resources to the region. Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minister of Economic Development and Toledo East Area Representative, provided analysis to News Five regarding the underlying causes. Minister Martinez attributed the rising crime rates to negative external influences originating from Central American nations, noting that numerous Bella Vista residents trace their ancestry to migrants from these regions.

  • Politie Nederland: ruim 300 kilo cocaïne aangetroffen in bevroren vis uit Suriname

    Politie Nederland: ruim 300 kilo cocaïne aangetroffen in bevroren vis uit Suriname

    Dutch law enforcement agencies have made a significant narcotics interception after discovering 319 kilograms of cocaine concealed within a shipment of frozen fish. The sophisticated smuggling operation was uncovered on Monday, January 12th, following a targeted investigation prompted by intelligence regarding potential drug trafficking activities.

    The suspicious container, originating from Suriname, was intercepted at a commercial facility in Barneveld. Specialist units including the National Investigation and Intervention Unit and the National Expertise and Operations Unit initiated a comprehensive examination after initial scans revealed unexplained anomalies within the cargo.

    Despite preliminary scans failing to directly identify narcotics, investigators detected irregularities that warranted further manual inspection. Each frozen fish underwent individual scanning, leading to the discovery of anomalous substances within portion of the shipment.

    Upon forensic examination, law enforcement personnel surgically opened the frozen fish, revealing professionally packaged cocaine bundles concealed within the marine products. The total seizure amounted to approximately 319 kilograms of high-purity cocaine with substantial street value.

    Authorities have clarified that the Barneveld-based company where the container was intercepted currently shows no indications of involvement in the smuggling operation. The criminal investigation continues to focus on identifying the trafficking network’s origins and those responsible for the sophisticated concealment methodology.

    The confiscated narcotics have been securely transferred to customs authorities and subsequently destroyed in accordance with Dutch drug enforcement protocols. This interception represents one of the more inventive concealment methods recently encountered by European border security agencies.

  • Dominica’s DPP to legal colleagues: Take a stand for the law amidst ‘senseless’ violence

    Dominica’s DPP to legal colleagues: Take a stand for the law amidst ‘senseless’ violence

    In a powerful address marking the opening of the new legal year, Director of Public Prosecutions Sherma Dalrymple has issued a urgent mandate to legal professionals across small island states, demanding concrete action against escalating gun violence. Speaking at the State House Conference Centre, Dalrymple challenged judges, attorneys, court administrators, and prosecutors to actively champion respect for the law through decisive measures.

    The prosecution chief emphasized that legal associations must break their silence and actively educate the public about legal consequences before crimes occur. “We cannot wait until cases reach courtrooms—by then lives are already lost, families grieve, and individual liberties hang in balance,” Dalrymple asserted, criticizing passive discussions at bar association meetings while societal violence worsens.

    Dalrymple highlighted the particular vulnerability of small island communities where gun violence “runs as a disease,” casting shadows over cultural celebrations, carnivals, and holiday gatherings. She noted with concern how media reports regularly shock communities with phrases like ‘double murders’ and ‘young men in critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds.’

    While acknowledging existing robust legislative frameworks within Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members—including firearms acts, anti-gang laws, and sentencing guidelines designed to deter violence—Dalrymple insisted legal professionals must shoulder responsibility rather than blaming society alone. “We must consider whether we, as justice system administrators, are truly making the law respectable while advocating against this plague,” she concluded, calling for updated protocols, guidelines, and laws through regional cooperation.

  • Removal of all illegal moorings within the State of Grenada

    Removal of all illegal moorings within the State of Grenada

    The Government of Grenada has announced decisive enforcement action to remove all unauthorized mooring systems from the nation’s coastal waters, with concentrated efforts targeting Prickly Bay and Woburn/Clarke’s Court Bay. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to enhance regulatory oversight within the yachting sector and safeguard fragile marine ecosystems.

    Authorities have clarified the legal protocol for mooring installation: prospective operators must secure formal approval through one of two designated channels. The Fisheries Division holds jurisdiction over installations within Marine Protected Areas, while the Grenada Ports Authority governs moorings situated in harbors under its administrative control.

    Despite prior warnings issued in August 2021 and again in September 2025, officials report persistent non-compliance with established regulations. In response, the government has designated MoorSouth Ltd/HarbourSecure Solutions Ltd as the officially licensed entity authorized to manage, install, and operate government-sanctioned mooring systems. Junior Cuffie has been appointed as the primary operator responsible for development and maintenance within Marine Protected Areas, with new system installations scheduled to commence imminently in the specified bays.

    The Ministry of The Blue Economy and Marine Affairs has established a compliance deadline of January 31 for all unauthorized moorings to be either removed or regularized through arrangement with the licensed operator. Enforcement teams will conduct ongoing surveillance of affected areas, with penalties awaiting those who fail to adhere to the directive as prescribed under Grenadian law.

  • Father and His Two Sons Need Your Help

    Father and His Two Sons Need Your Help

    A Belmopan family faces a long road to recovery following a catastrophic traffic collision this Tuesday that left a father and his two sons with severe injuries. Adolfo ‘Bull’ Guzman, alongside his children Adolfo Jr. and Jayden, is currently hospitalized after their navy blue SUV was completely crushed in the incident. While official details regarding the cause of the crash remain undisclosed by authorities, graphic images of the wreckage circulating online underscore the severity of the impact. In response to the mounting medical costs, the family has initiated a public appeal for financial contributions and urgent blood donations to support the ongoing treatment. The Guzman family has deep roots in the local community, with Adolfo Sr. having dedicated over a quarter-century of service to Builder’s Hardware Ltd. The company has publicly expressed its solidarity, issuing a social media statement that called upon the wider community to ‘keep Adolfo ‘Bull’ Guzman and his two sons… in your thoughts and prayers.’ Relatives have coordinated donation efforts, directing those able to assist with blood donations to contact Nelson Guzman or Elvia Marina Recinos.