Carib Scope

分类： society

  • New GG meets with Rock Gutter Tragedy survivors in Fancy

    New GG meets with Rock Gutter Tragedy survivors in Fancy

    In a solemn private visit to the community of Fancy this Saturday, newly appointed Governor General Stanley ‘Stalky’ John, KC, met with families and survivors affected by the devastating Rock Gutter Tragedy of January 12, 2015. The catastrophic incident, which occurred on a treacherous coastal road between Owia and Fancy, claimed the lives of seven students when their school transport veered off the roadway and plunged into the ocean.

    The Governor General’s delegation, comprising two counsellors, engaged in private conversations with bereaved families and those who survived the horrific accident. North Windward MP Shevern Stewart joined the discreet gathering, which specifically included community members directly impacted by the tragedy.

    His Excellency explained that his visit near the anniversary date was intended to demonstrate solidarity and gain deeper understanding of the community’s ongoing grief and resilience strategies. The visit provided a platform for survivors like Maxroy ‘Danny’ Michael to recount his heroic actions during the disaster, including how he saved several peers before running two miles to Fancy to alert residents.

    The students who perished were identified as Racquel Ashton, Simonique Ballantyne, Glenroy Michael, Chanstacia Stay, Annique Alexander, and brothers Jamarl and Jarmallie Edwards. Notably, the bodies of Stay and Ballantyne were never recovered from the sea.

    The tragedy’s aftermath continues to resonate through the community. The vehicle’s conductor, Ehud Myers, passed away in April 2023 from unrelated causes. The only adults present during the accident were nurse Shelland Hoyte and driver Ravanon Nanton.

    Surviving students Onique Michael, Christie Bowens, Odesia Stay, Teyahna Bowens, Terril Thomas, Israel Roberts, Ruthann Bowens, Orlando Lewis, Shemroy Yorke, and Candi-Ann Sterling continue to live with the trauma of that day. Memorial activities included a January 12 commemorative service and candlelight vigil this year, while a permanent monument was erected at Rock Gutter in March 2017 to honor those lost.

  • Women report sexual harassment while exercising at Parque del Este

    Women report sexual harassment while exercising at Parque del Este

    Santo Domingo has been shaken by alarming reports of sexual harassment targeting women in a popular public recreation area. Two female fitness enthusiasts came forward with accounts of being targeted by a perpetrator while exercising near the archery range at Parque del Este, an area they characterized as dangerously isolated with insufficient security monitoring.

    According to the victims’ detailed testimony, the assailant—identified as a Haitian national—concealed himself behind vegetation while engaging in explicit acts of self-exposure and lewd behavior directed at the women. When the targets recognized the threat and began vocalizing for assistance, the situation escalated as the individual reportedly launched projectiles in their direction before making his escape from the scene.

    The intervention of two male bystanders who were training nearby proved crucial in deescalating the confrontation and providing immediate support to the traumatized women. Following the harrowing experience, the victims formally documented the incident with Municipal Police officers stationed within the park grounds.

    Disturbingly, law enforcement personnel revealed this was not an isolated occurrence. The same individual has been the subject of multiple prior complaints regarding female harassment within the park premises, including allegations of inappropriate physical contact. Despite security responsibilities being formally divided between Armed Forces personnel and Municipal Police, victims assert that effective monitoring in the vulnerable archery section remains virtually absent.

    The continuing security deficiencies have generated widespread apprehension among female park visitors, with many now avoiding the area entirely due to legitimate safety concerns. The affected women have issued an urgent appeal to the National Police, demanding enhanced protective measures, consistent patrol rotations, and the apprehension of the suspected serial offender before more severe incidents occur. “Our purpose here is health maintenance, not survival in fear,” they emphasized, calling for immediate action to restore Parque del Este as a secure environment for women, children, and family gatherings.

  • “We are committed to Cuba forever”

    “We are committed to Cuba forever”

    Despite facing severe economic constraints exacerbated by longstanding trade restrictions, Cuba’s healthcare system has achieved a remarkable 80% survival rate for pediatric cancer patients through innovative protocols and government commitment. This impressive milestone was highlighted during the eighth humanitarian donation from the US-based Hatuey Project (Health Advocates in Truth, Unity and Empathy) to the island nation.

    At the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples (ICAP) headquarters, project coordinator Gloria La Riva presented a substantial shipment of medical supplies and medications destined for pediatric oncology units at Havana’s Juan Manuel Márquez Hospital and Villa Clara’s José Luis Miranda Hospital. The donation will also support maternity facilities across the island.

    Dr. Carlos Alberto Martínez Blanco, head of the Cancer Control Section at Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health, acknowledged the critical challenges healthcare professionals face in maintaining treatment standards without access to first-line medications and advanced technologies due to trade limitations.

    The ceremony was attended by ICAP President Fernando González Llort, a Hero of the Republic, where La Riva declared the project’s unwavering solidarity: “We are committed to Cuba forever. We know that Cuba will not give in, it will not surrender, and neither will we. There are many people in the United States who support and love Cuba.”

    The event also served as a platform to condemn the US government’s continued inclusion of Cuba on its list of state sponsors of terrorism, which participants described as “infamous and false.” The Hatuey Project reaffirmed its stance alongside the Cuban people in opposing what they characterized as imperialist policies that compound healthcare challenges.

  • The flame that remains

    The flame that remains

    HAVANA – The historic Torch March, a century-old tradition symbolizing Cuba’s anti-imperialist resistance, once again transformed Havana’s streets into a flowing symphony of light on Tuesday evening. This annual ritual represents more than mere ceremony—it embodies the materialization of countless personal commitments coalescing into a powerful public declaration.

    The procession originates not in organized spectacle but in private dedication. Each torch is first kindled in imagination before being physically constructed in courtyards, workshop tables, and homes across the city. This initial spark evolves into a manifestation of collective will transformed into radiant light, where personal conviction merges with common purpose to create what participants describe as ‘a geography of warmth and purpose.’

    As darkness recedes before the advancing tide of flames, the night accepts the ritualistic progression. The march serves as both symbolic gesture and active declaration—a testament to the principles and courage of previous generations honored through this tradition. Participants emphasize that the significance lies not merely in carrying torches but in forming the tightly-knit community marching beneath their glow, sharing in their radiant, inviting warmth.

    Confronting what organizers characterize as ‘the old enemy threatening the homeland,’ the event symbolizes the ongoing struggle requiring both illuminating and purifying fire. The march incorporates the anti-imperialist ideology of Cuba’s founding fathers into living tradition, creating a space of pure presence where beauty manifests and becomes embedded in the city’s collective memory.

    While the grandiose image of an illuminated crowd creates powerful imagery, participants suggest the most enduring aspect may be the sequential lighting of torches—passing flame from friend to neighbor, ensuring nothing extinguishes along the route. The night’s testimony becomes generational certainty: like hope itself, the fire persists.

  • José Martí Memorial: the highest tribute

    José Martí Memorial: the highest tribute

    Havana’s Revolution Square has been home to an iconic tribute to Cuban national hero José Martí since January 27, 1996, when revolutionary leader Fidel Castro inaugurated the monumental complex at the base of the square’s towering obelisk. Recognized as the world’s largest monument dedicated to Martí, the memorial stands as both an architectural marvel and a profound symbol of Cuban national identity.

    The concept for this permanent tribute originated with Fidel Castro Ruz, who championed the idea of creating a dedicated space to honor the intellectual architect behind the Moncada Barracks assault. The project gained momentum during 1995, coinciding with the centenary of Martí’s death in combat, ultimately materializing as the impressive structure that dominates Havana’s urban landscape.

    During the inaugural ceremony, Castro expressed profound satisfaction with the realization of this vision, noting: “One feels satisfaction that a man like him has received such a beautiful, aesthetic tribute. The combination of everything here is truly beautiful. The design has been excellent, so now we have a Memorial, which we thought we had, because there was a Monument and the star. I think many people will come to see it; there will not be a citizen who does not come to this place.”

    The memorial complex encompasses not only the striking obelisk but also an extensive museum dedicated to preserving and exhibiting valuable historical documents, photographs, and artifacts that chronicle Martí’s life and intellectual legacy. More than just an architectural achievement, the institution serves as a living testament to Martí’s enduring influence on Cuban revolutionary thought and national consciousness.

    Three decades after its establishment, the José Martí Memorial continues to function as both an educational center and a pilgrimage site for Cubans and international visitors alike. Its dual significance—combining majestic physical presence with deep historical resonance—cements its status as one of Cuba’s most important cultural and patriotic landmarks, ensuring that Martí’s philosophical contributions remain accessible to future generations.

  • Police arrest and charge two in Last Lap stabbing

    Police arrest and charge two in Last Lap stabbing

    In a tragic incident that disrupted national festivities, St. Kitts law enforcement authorities have formally charged two individuals in connection with the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Kaden Hanley. Kirvin Morris, a resident of Haynes Smith Village, and an unidentified 16-year-old male face murder charges for the January 2nd altercation that occurred during the Christmas-Carnival celebrations.

    The violent episode unfolded between 8:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. near Independence Square in Basseterre, where police responders discovered Hanley suffering from a critical chest wound. Despite rapid transportation to Joseph N. France General Hospital by Special Services Unit personnel, the Shadwell Estate resident succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:00 p.m.

    This homicide—the first recorded in the Federation for 2026—prompted immediate cancellation of remaining Carnival events, sending shockwaves throughout the community. The incident’s impact reached governmental levels, with Minister of Creative Economy Samal Duggins issuing a heartfelt statement emphasizing the festival’s intended purpose of celebrating cultural unity and life’s fragility.

    Duggins urged collective reflection, stating: ‘These tragic circumstances remind us of our shared responsibility to protect one another. We must honor Kaden’s memory by embracing compassion over conflict and community solidarity over division.’

    The formal charges against both suspects were filed on January 24, marking a significant development in the investigation that has gripped the small nation.

  • Education Ministry launches “Dominicans at 100%” civic values campaign

    Education Ministry launches “Dominicans at 100%” civic values campaign

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant move to bolster national identity within educational institutions, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Education (Minerd) has inaugurated the ‘Dominicans at 100%’ campaign. Launched this Tuesday as a cornerstone of the nation’s patriotic trimester, the initiative is designed to deeply embed civic and patriotic values throughout the educational community. The campaign strategically repositions schools as dynamic hubs where national history, core values, and symbols are not merely taught but actively celebrated and integrated into daily student life.

    This comprehensive program is intrinsically linked to the newly formalized ‘Morality, Civics, and Citizen Ethics’ curriculum, a subject introduced at the start of the current academic year to advance students’ holistic development. Utilizing a multi-faceted approach, the campaign employs compelling audiovisual materials, concise educational capsules, and powerful narrative storytelling. These resources are crafted to honor the legacy of national heroes while simultaneously celebrating contemporary citizens whose everyday deeds foster a more conscientious and united society.

    Anchoring the initiative is its resonant rallying cry, ‘No le bajes!’—an urgent appeal for unwavering daily dedication to civic duty, reverence for national emblems, and steadfast patriotic principles. Education Minister Luis Miguel De Camps articulated that this endeavor embodies the ministry’s overarching mission to champion value-based learning and cultivate citizens who are deeply invested in democratic processes and the nation’s progress. Minerd further emphasized that the campaign is a pivotal component of a broader strategy to enhance active citizenship and elevate educational standards through impactful and meaningful communication channels.

  • Two Men Killed in Ladyville, Police Suspect Drug Conflict

    Two Men Killed in Ladyville, Police Suspect Drug Conflict

    The Belizean communities of Ladyville and Lord’s Bank are confronting a surge of violent crime following the separate yet connected fatal shootings of two close friends on Sunday evening. Shakeem Ferguson, 26, and Elroy Bainton, 29, were killed within a mere thirteen minutes of each other, sending shockwaves through a neighborhood still grieving the murder of a security guard just one week prior.

    According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, the sequence of events began at approximately 5:32 p.m. on Joe Lewis Street. Ferguson was returning from a store when he was ambushed by assailants in a vehicle who fired multiple shots, inflicting fatal injuries. Shortly thereafter, at around 5:45 p.m., gunfire erupted on nearby Yellowtail Street, where Bainton was shot. He was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital but succumbed to his wounds.

    Police investigations indicate the two victims had been socializing together prior to the attacks. ACP Romero stated that evidence suggests the men were specifically targeted and trailed, with the murders being ‘drug related’ and connected to an ‘internal issue’ within a local group. This revelation contrasts sharply with the perspective of Ferguson’s family. His sister, who spoke anonymously, described him as a man who would typically relax in an alleyway, socialize, and spend time with his one-year-old daughter. She expressed profound shock and confusion over the motive, stating, ‘I never expect something like this.’

    The tragic incidents have exacerbated existing fears in the area. While police have found no direct link to the recent killing of BWS security guard Darwin Valerio, the cumulative effect of these events has left residents feeling increasingly vulnerable and alarmed. Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage and searching for two suspects connected to the vehicle used in the attacks.

  • Investigation Stalled in Fatal Lord’s Bank Shooting

    Investigation Stalled in Fatal Lord’s Bank Shooting

    Authorities in Belize acknowledge their investigation into the fatal shooting of security guard Darwin Valerio has yet to yield a suspect, despite multiple days of evidence gathering. The 35-year-old was killed while on duty at the Belize Water Services warehouse in Lord’s Bank, an incident that continues to baffle investigators.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, who heads the National Crime Investigation Branch, confirmed the ongoing challenges in the case during a press briefing. While video footage from the entity’s surveillance system and nearby cameras has been obtained and is under review, Romero stated the evidence has not progressed to identifying a perpetrator.

    When questioned by reporters about the potential involvement of a coworker, ACP Romero maintained an objective stance, clarifying that while no evidence currently points to any colleague, the investigation remains active. The police force continues to pursue all available leads in their efforts to deliver justice for Valerio’s killing, though the absence of arrests highlights the complexities of the ongoing probe.

  • Harry Trapp Arrested in Sarita’s Double Murder Breakthrough

    Harry Trapp Arrested in Sarita’s Double Murder Breakthrough

    In a significant breakthrough in a case that has captivated national attention since December 11th, law enforcement authorities have formally arrested and charged 49-year-old Harry Trapp in connection with the double murder of Raynard Garbutt and Robert Crawford. The arrest marks a pivotal development in the investigation that has gripped the public conscience for weeks.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, disclosed that meticulous investigative work involving extensive video surveillance analysis and follow-up operations ultimately led to Trapp’s apprehension. According to Romero, the homicides resulted from a robbery operation where the victims were accosted and transported to a highway area before being killed for money stolen from their truck.

    Trapp represents a familiar figure to criminal justice authorities, having served over two decades in prison for previous manslaughter convictions. His criminal history gained notoriety in 2007 when he made headlines after being intercepted at a police checkpoint while traveling toward Belize City alongside two other inmates and a former Deputy Chief of Prison Security. That incident triggered substantial institutional scandal and additional criminal charges.

    While Trapp remains the primary suspect currently facing charges, ACP Romero indicated the investigation remains active with multiple leads being pursued. When questioned about potential accomplices, Romero confirmed that additional charges would be filed should evidence emerge implicating other individuals in the crime.

    In a separate development, police also announced progress in another homicide case, arresting 28-year-old call center agent Tyron Castro for the January 7th murder of Mark Anthony Gabourel. Castro faces charges of abetment to murder for allegedly facilitating the deadly attack, with his arrest occurring on January 26th as investigators continue reconstructing the events leading to Gabourel’s killing.