Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Venezuelan woman stabbed to death on way to work

    Venezuelan woman stabbed to death on way to work

    A brutal early-morning attack has left a 28-year-old Venezuelan migrant dead in Chaguanas, Trinidad, with local law enforcement confirming the killing is believed to stem from a domestic conflict.

    The victim has been publicly identified as Mariannys Jiménez, who also went by the nickname Sophia, a resident of Kelly Village in the Caroni district. On Saturday shortly after 9 a.m., Jiménez was walking to her shift alongside a colleague — both worked at a local Chinese restaurant located on Montrose Main Road — when an unidentified man approached her on the public roadway.

    Witness accounts confirm the man produced a knife without warning and launched the assault, stabbing Jiménez multiple times in full view of her shocked co-worker. Jiménez made a desperate attempt to escape her attacker, but quickly lost consciousness from her severe wounds and collapsed on the sidewalk. While the assailant fled the scene immediately after the attack, Jiménez’s co-worker ran to a nearby supermarket to raise an alarm and call for emergency assistance.

    Passers-by who responded to the alert rushed the injured woman to the Chaguanas District Health Facility, but she succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical treatment.

    Investigative updates from law enforcement reveal Jiménez had sought safety from the suspect the night before the attack, staying overnight at her co-worker’s home after reaching out for help. Multiple units of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) responded to the incident, including officers from the Chaguanas Criminal Investigations Department and the Region Three Homicide Bureau of Investigations, who processed the crime scene shortly after the killing. TTPS forensic CCTV technicians also retrieved surveillance footage from surrounding local businesses to aid in identifying and locating the suspect.

    As of the latest update, police have launched an active manhunt for the attacker. Authorities are urging any member of the public with information related to the attack, the suspect’s identity, or his current whereabouts to contact their nearest police station, the Region Three Homicide office directly at 652-0495, or the anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477). The investigation remains ongoing under the supervision of WPC Rampersad.

  • ‘We need to protect our children’

    ‘We need to protect our children’

    On a somber Saturday evening, hundreds of grieving community members and supporters filled the streets of Los Iros, holding flickering candles and murmuring heartfelt prayers for the family of Mercedez Layne, the 12-year-old schoolgirl brutally murdered earlier this month. The silent procession, united by shared sorrow and a collective call for stronger child protection measures, stretched through the neighborhood, bringing together a diverse crowd that included Mercedez’s relatives, close friends, long-time local residents, concerned citizens from across the region, and even cross-party political leaders.

    Most attendees chose to wear white, a quiet symbol of peace and remembrance for a young life cut far too short. As the crowd moved slowly along the residential streets, the air was filled with soft hymns, earnest prayers, and gentle messages of hope for the grieving family, cutting through the heavy grief that hung over the community. Throughout the vigil, speakers repeatedly emphasized the urgent need for all members of the public to become more vigilant and proactive in shielding children from preventable harm.

    For attendees and organizers, the event served two core purposes: to honor Mercedez’s memory, and to turn this unspeakable tragedy into a catalyst for meaningful national conversations about child safety and violence prevention. One speaker delivered a passionate, urgent address to the assembled crowd, framing Mercedez’s death as a critical wake-up call for parents, caregivers, and communities across the entire country. “We need to protect our children,” the speaker stated. “We need to wake up, people. Every child deserves to be safe, and it is our collective responsibility as a society to uphold that right.”

    The evening included multiple moments of quiet reflection and targeted prayer, including a special intercession for Mercedez’s mother, who was admitted to hospital just days after losing her daughter, overwhelmed by the devastating trauma of her death. Political leaders from opposing parties also set aside their partisan differences to join the gathering. Clyde Elder, Member of Parliament for La Brea, and Pennelope Beckles, political leader of the People’s National Movement, both addressed the crowd. Beckles noted that despite their differing party affiliations, all attendees stood united for Mercedez. “We are here as politicians, but mainly because we understand the challenge, the pain and the hurt for the family and the people,” Beckles said. “Her mom is in the hospital, so we say a special prayer for her so she will recover. We know that a mother losing a daughter under those circumstances, it is very difficult. We say a special prayer for her to deal with the pain.” As these prayers were offered, attendees bowed their heads in unison, asking for strength, healing, and comfort for Mercedez’s family during what speakers described as an unimaginable period of grief.

    Mercedez’s funeral is scheduled to take place tomorrow, when the community will gather once again to lay the 12-year-old to rest and offer their final goodbyes. The tragedy unfolded on the afternoon of June 6, when Mercedez, a primary school student, failed to return home after a relative dropped her off at a taxi that morning. She was reported missing immediately, and search teams located her body the next morning in dense bushes along a secluded dirt road near oil infrastructure on Carapal Road, just 10 minutes from her home on Los Iros Beach Road. A post-mortem examination confirmed she had been beaten to death.

    Investigators from the Region Three Homicide Bureau of Investigations quickly launched an investigation, and within days, 26-year-old Richard Renalis of Palo Seco’s Beach Road was arrested and charged with Mercedez’s murder. Renalis appeared in court last Thursday, where he was formally denied bail ahead of his upcoming trial.

  • A Small Idea. A Big Impact

    A Small Idea. A Big Impact

    On June 15, 2026, a small act of inspiration from one 10-year-old student has permanently reshaped the culture of care at SKI Academy, turning a simple idea into a beloved campus landmark that fosters connection for lonely or struggling students.

    It all started when Grade 5 student Zalia watched a viral TED Talk about the Buddy Bench, a dedicated campus space where students can sit to signal they need company, someone to talk to, or just a friend to sit with when they feel sad, isolated, or overwhelmed. The concept struck a chord with Zalia immediately, and she quickly recognized how much impact a similar space could have on her own school community. Wasting no time, she arranged a meeting with SKI Academy Principal James to pose a straightforward, earnest question: Could the school bring this idea to life?

    To Zalia’s delight, the principal responded with unbridled enthusiasm and full support for the project. Backed by her parents, Zalia set out to turn her vision into reality, taking the lead on every step of the process. She organized fundraisers both within the school and in her local neighborhood to cover the core costs of the project, while a generous parent from the SKI community stepped up to donate all the paint required for the bench’s transformation. Working side-by-side with her classmates, Zalia helped design and paint the bench, turning a simple piece of outdoor furniture into a bright, welcoming symbol of friendship, empathy, and inclusive belonging on campus.

    For SKI Academy leadership, the project is far more than just a new addition to the school grounds—it is a living example of the institution’s core values. “Acts of compassion, empathy, and service are not simply things we talk about—they are part of who we are,” the academy noted in its official announcement of the project.

    Today, just weeks after the bench was installed, it has already become a central gathering point on the SKI Academy campus. It serves as a constant, gentle reminder to students and staff alike that no one has to navigate hard moments alone. School leadership extended sincere gratitude to everyone who helped bring the initiative to fruition, singling out Zalia, her family, her classmates, community volunteers, and teacher Ms. Arora for their contributions.

    As SKI Academy emphasizes: even the smallest acts of care, sparked by one person’s willingness to act, can create a ripple effect of kindness that changes an entire community for the better.

  • Census Office Intensifies Field Operations As New Enumerators Are Deployed

    Census Office Intensifies Field Operations As New Enumerators Are Deployed

    After a temporary pause triggered by Antigua and Barbuda’s recent General Elections, the country’s national Census Office is moving forward with the 2025 Population and Housing Census, rolling out a second wave of trained enumerators to the field starting Monday, June 15.

    The first communities to see these new enumerators in action are the Greenbay Primary School neighborhood and its surrounding areas, where enumerators will begin conducting door-to-door interviews, gathering responses from both residential households and local business establishments. This deployment of additional field staff marks a key milestone in the national counting exercise, bringing the project one step closer to its successful completion.

    More than a simple headcount, the decennial Population and Housing Census stands as one of the most critical national undertakings for any country. The comprehensive, granular data collected through the census process forms the evidence base for nearly every major government policy decision, shapes long-term national development planning, and guides the fair allocation of public resources across high-priority sectors including public health, education, affordable housing, employment services, and core infrastructure development. Accurate, timely census data ensures that policy choices impacting local communities are rooted in reliable, up-to-date information rather than outdated estimates.

    To clear up common public concerns, the Census Office has emphasized that all personal information collected by enumerators is handled with the strictest confidentiality, protected by the country’s Statistics Act. No individual responses will ever be shared with any unauthorized third party or external organization, so residents can share accurate information without fear of privacy breaches.

    For easy identification by the public, all official enumerators will carry clear, verifiable credentials: they will wear branded official census vests, display government-issued photo ID cards specific to the census, and be equipped with census-provided tablets, branded census bags, and an official authorization letter issued directly by the Census Office.

    Alongside expanding field operations, the Census Office is ramping up public education and outreach efforts over the coming week. Senior census officials will make scheduled appearances across multiple local media outlets throughout Antigua and Barbuda, giving residents a dedicated opportunity to learn more about the enumeration process, ask questions about procedures or privacy protections, and get the latest updates on the progress of field work.

    The 2025 national census operates under the official theme “Mapping the Present, Shaping the Future,” a slogan that reflects the exercise’s core purpose of documenting current population and housing trends to build better long-term growth for the nation. Census leadership has expressed sincere gratitude for the public’s patience and cooperation during the post-election resumption, and stressed that the overall success of the count depends entirely on the full participation and support of every resident across the country. Residents with questions or concerns can reach census officials by phone at 562-7495, 562-7492, or 462-4775.

  • National Youth Parliament Association Completes Election of Executive Committee and Youth Members of Parliament

    National Youth Parliament Association Completes Election of Executive Committee and Youth Members of Parliament

    The National Youth Parliament Association of Antigua and Barbuda (NYPAAB) has officially wrapped up its democratic electoral process, finalizing the full rosters of its governing Executive Committee and Youth Parliament body for the coming tenure.

    Earlier this cycle, voters had already confirmed selections for several key leadership posts: Ezekiel Francois will lead the organization as President, joined by Jordyn Roberts as Recruitment and Mobilization Officer, Lorianna Richards as Projects and Events Manager, and Janiyah Winston as Financial Secretary. At a recent gathering of association members, the remaining executive positions were filled through democratic voting. Rainer Santos Mercado secured the role of Vice President, while Romario Hughes was elected General Secretary. Lutrell John will take on duties as Public Relations Officer, and Esther Mckenzie will serve as External Affairs Officer. Jessica Zouetr will remain on the committee as Immediate-Past President to provide institutional continuity and guidance.

    Beyond the executive leadership team, NYPAAB also celebrated the successful election of Youth Members of Parliament, who will represent geographic constituencies across the twin-island nation. These young representatives are tasked with amplifying the voices of Antigua and Barbuda’s youth, advancing priorities that matter to younger generations, and gaining hands-on experience in governance through formal parliamentary debate, targeted policy advocacy, and broader civic engagement initiatives.

    The confirmed constituency representatives are Johanna Jacobs for St. Mary’s North, Cyniya Ireland for All Saints West, Celine Edwards for All Saints East and St. Lukes, Jawan Jackson for St. Philip’s North, Chrysean Jarvis for St Johns Rural South, Alton Alcendor for St. Johns Rural West, Daniel Taylor for St. Paul, and Leanna Browne for St. John’s City South. The association has noted that caretaker appointments for the remaining unrepresented constituencies will be announced at a later date.

    In a statement following the conclusion of voting, NYPAAB extended formal congratulations to all candidates who won positions in the election and expressed gratitude to every association member who participated in the democratic process. The organization says its upcoming term will center on four core goals: cultivating leadership skills among young people, expanding opportunities for civic participation, fostering open and constructive policy dialogue, and empowering the next generation of Antigua and Barbuda’s public and community leaders.

  • Local Business Makes Major Donation Towards RCA Smurf Village

    Local Business Makes Major Donation Towards RCA Smurf Village

    A major local business in Antigua has stepped forward to back one of the nation’s most anticipated annual community fundraisers, marking a meaningful continuation of a decades-long family legacy of public service. On Friday, Automotive Arts and Outdoor World Antigua formally presented a donation exceeding EC$10,000 to the Rotary Club of Antigua to support the 2026 edition of its flagship fundraising event, Colours, which will carry the playful theme “Welcome to Smurf Village.”

    What drew the business to this partnership was the event’s core mission: advancing community empowerment and creating new opportunities for young people across Antigua and Barbuda, a mission that aligns perfectly with the company’s values of local investment. Robert Shoul, owner of Automotive Arts and Outdoor World Antigua, emphasized his deep personal commitment to nurturing youth entrepreneurship during the short handover ceremony. He noted that when he learned this focus would anchor the Rotary Club’s 2026 event, he was eager to join as a lead sponsor. Shoul’s involvement also carries special personal weight: it carries forward his late father Stephen Shoul’s legacy of service, as the elder Shoul was a long-standing, dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Antigua for many years.

    As the Rotary Club of Antigua’s signature annual fundraiser, all net proceeds from Colours 2026 will directly fund the organization’s wide range of community-led projects across both Antigua and Barbuda, from public infrastructure upgrades to educational programs and social support initiatives. Marsha Kalloo, group manager at Automotive Arts and Outdoor World Antigua, shared that the company’s team is working to deliver an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience for all event attendees. To align with the Smurf Village theme, the team is developing a custom glow-in-the-dark miniature golf zone that will feature dozens of prizes and unexpected surprises for guests of all ages, designed to elevate the overall event experience.

    Colours 2026: Welcome to Smurf Village is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, hosted at Antigua’s popular Coolidge Cricket Ground venue. All-inclusive tickets, priced at EC$300 per person, are currently available for purchase at two retail locations: Automotive Arts on Old Parham Road, and Tropic Wear located in Heritage Quay. Attendees can look forward to a full lineup of live musical performances throughout the evening, including sets from Kaution Band, Claudette CP Peters and the Disturbance Band, a special guest appearance from Menace XL, and a headline performance by iconic local act The Original Burning Flames.

  • More Details on the Murder of Oscar Flota

    More Details on the Murder of Oscar Flota

    A brutal fatal assault has shaken the small island community of Caye Caulker, where a well-known local man identified as Oscar Flota, who went by the nickname Fox, was killed in a violent attack on Saturday night. The incident unfolded on the island’s northern side, where multiple eyewitnesses confirmed that Flota was struck repeatedly with a shovel by an attacker he was personally acquainted with.

    According to unconfirmed information obtained by local outlet News 5, the primary suspect is a squatter residing in the Caye Caulker area who already has documented connections to regional criminal activity. Local residents have long linked this individual to gang affiliation and illicit drug distribution operations.

    In the hours following the attack, multiple witnesses provided formal statements to law enforcement officers, who maintained a visible investigative presence across the northern district of the island through all of Sunday morning. While reports circulating in the community indicate that several people connected to the killing have been taken into police custody, official law enforcement representatives have not yet released any public confirmation of these detentions.

    Local residents told reporters that interpersonal and territorial tensions have been simmering in the area for months, with repeated reports of property disputes and violent threats filed with governing authorities over that period. News 5 has announced that it will continue providing updated coverage as new details about the investigation and legal proceedings emerge.

  • Caribbean fishing industry in mourning after death of Chief Fisheries Officer

    Caribbean fishing industry in mourning after death of Chief Fisheries Officer

    The Caribbean fishing community is reeling from sudden, devastating loss after the unexpected death of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, the groundbreaking Chief Fisheries Officer of Barbados who made history as both the youngest person and first woman to lead the nation’s fisheries sector. Industry representatives across local and regional levels have spoken out this week to express their shock and grief at her passing. The 46-year-old trailblazer collapsed on stage Saturday afternoon, just moments before she was set to present awards at a public event hosted at the Weston Fish Market. Emergency first aid was administered immediately by former military personnel who were in attendance at the gathering, who performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away, but Cox could not be revived and was pronounced dead shortly after. Long before she rose to lead the nation’s fisheries work, Cox was deeply rooted in the fishing community: as the daughter of a Barbadian fisherman, Moonesh Dharampaul, president of the 6,000-member Black Fin Fleet Co-op Society, described her as a true “daughter of the sea.” In an interview reflecting on her legacy, Dharampaul shared that the entire industry remains in a state of stunned disbelief just days after her death. “It was more than a job to her… she showed that passion every single day,” he said, adding that Cox fundamentally transformed the relationship between the fisheries sector and the Barbadian general public. On the morning of the day she died, Cox had personally led a community outreach event, guiding a tour of the Fisheries Division for a local group of Brownie Troop members from St. Stephen’s, before joining the Weston Fish Market event. Though Cox’s tenure leading the division was cut far too short, her time in office was defined by bold leadership through unprecedented challenge. She steered the Barbadian fishing industry through widespread devastation left by Hurricane Beryl, and she personally built critical partnerships with major global development bodies including the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Her work extended far beyond Barbados’ borders, leaving a lasting imprint on fisheries policy across the Caribbean and even as far south as Argentina. In response to her passing, the fishing industry has moved to restructure all planned events for the upcoming national Fisherman’s Month, turning the calendar of celebrations into a series of tributes honoring her life and work. Industry leaders are currently organizing a large public funeral and a candlelit vigil to be held at sea, where hundreds of fisherfolk are expected to gather to pay their respects. “We want to dedicate all the other events that have to happen for the Fisherman’s Month as a memorial to Dr. Cox and how she lived,” Dharampaul said, closing his tribute with a traditional fishing blessing: “We wish her calm seas and tight lines on her final journey.” The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat also released an official statement Sunday mourning Cox’s passing, noting that her technical expertise, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to the sector earned her widespread respect and admiration from colleagues across the Caribbean and beyond. CRFM Executive Director Dr. Marc Williams emphasized that Cox’s contributions stretched far beyond Barbados’ coastline. “Through her active engagement in regional initiatives and collaboration with the CRFM and other partner organisations, she helped to shape policies and programmes that have strengthened fisheries governance, enhanced food and nutrition security, and supported the livelihoods of thousands of fisherfolk and fish workers across the Caribbean,” Williams said. He added that Cox’s voice was consistently a valued contributor to regional policy discussions, and her dedication to the sustainable development of the fisheries sector will leave a durable legacy that will benefit generations of fishing communities to come.

  • Masons Celebrate Father’s Day with Families at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral

    Masons Celebrate Father’s Day with Families at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral

    On Father’s Day, members of multiple Masonic Lodges based at the Clement E. M. Bird Masonic Centre gathered alongside their immediate family members, extended relatives and friends to take part in a special celebratory worship service at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral. This joint observance was far more than a simple commemorative gathering: it stood as a thoughtful, powerful reminder of the irreplaceable role that fathers and father figures hold within both family units and the broader community.
    Throughout the specially organized service, speakers and faith leaders centered their messages on three core pillars: enduring family values, intentional spiritual guidance, and the far-reaching positive impact that fathers cultivate through consistent leadership, unconditional love, and steady support. For the Freemasons in attendance, representing a range of local Lodges, the opportunity to participate in this cross-community celebration came with a deep sense of pride. The event allowed them to publicly reaffirm their longstanding commitment to the fundamental guiding principles of their fraternity: faith, family prioritization, and selfless service to others.
    A particularly striking element of the day was the presence of multiple generations of family members worshipping side by side. This intergenerational gathering underscored the event’s core message about the importance of nurturing resilient family bonds and cultivating a widespread culture of respect, personal responsibility, and compassionate care across the community. Attendees also reflected on the enduring role of the church as a foundational cornerstone of stable, connected family life. By creating intentional space for families to come together for shared worship and mutual connection, faith institutions like St. John’s Anglican Cathedral continue to strengthen local community fabric and embed values that build a more compassionate, cohesive society.
    After the formal worship service concluded, attendees and their families moved to a space for casual fellowship, where they shared light refreshments and reflected on the meaning of the day. Many took the opportunity to express sincere gratitude for the fathers, grandfathers, community mentors, and other father figures who shape lives and leave lasting positive impressions on people across all age groups. In closing, the leadership and members of all Lodges meeting at the Clement E. M. Bird Masonic Centre extended warm, heartfelt Father’s Day greetings to every father across the region, offering wishes for continued joy, health, and blessing as they guide and nurture their families through every stage of life.

  • Statement on the Passing of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Chief Fisheries Officer of Barbados

    Statement on the Passing of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Chief Fisheries Officer of Barbados

    The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat has announced the sudden passing of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Barbados’ long-serving Chief Fisheries Officer, issuing an official statement of condolence on June 14, 2026 that has been met with an outpouring of grief across regional fisheries and coastal communities.

    In the statement released by CRFM Executive Director Dr. Marc Williams, the secretariat shared its profound sadness at the unexpected loss, extending heartfelt sympathy to Cox’s family, close friends, professional colleagues, and every member of Barbados’ fishing community as they navigate this period of profound loss.

    Across a decades-long, distinguished career, Dr. Cox dedicated herself to serving Barbados and the broader Caribbean region with consistent devotion, rigorous professionalism, and a deeply rooted passion for marine resource stewardship. In her role as Chief Fisheries Officer, she emerged as a transformative leader, driving major progress in four key areas: the adoption of science-based sustainable fisheries management practices, the building of greater economic and social resilience among small-scale fishing communities, the promotion of responsible long-term stewardship of the Caribbean’s valuable marine ecosystems, and the expansion of cross-border cooperation to address shared challenges facing the regional fisheries and aquaculture industries. Her sharp technical expertise, steady collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to equitable progress earned her widespread respect and admiration from peers across the Caribbean and in global fisheries circles.

    Cox’s influence extended far beyond the territorial waters of her home country. Through her active participation in regional policy initiatives and close, sustained collaboration with the CRFM and its network of partner institutions, she helped shape landmark policies and community-focused programs that have strengthened regional fisheries governance, improved food and nutrition security for millions of Caribbean residents, and secured more stable livelihoods for thousands of small-scale fisherfolk and fish processing workers across the region. Her insight and perspective were consistently prioritized in high-level regional discussions, and her lifelong work to advance the sustainable development of the fisheries sector has created an enduring legacy that will continue to deliver benefits for Caribbean communities for generations to come.

    “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Dr. Cox’s loved ones, her team at the Barbados Fisheries Division, and above all the fisherfolk and fishing communities of Barbados, who have lost a steadfast advocate and unwavering champion,” the statement read. “We encourage those mourning to find comfort in the remarkable impact she achieved during her lifetime, and in the countless lives she touched through her decades of selfless service.”

    The CRFM Secretariat said it joins the entire people of Barbados in mourning Cox’s passing and celebrating her life of service dedicated to advancing the Caribbean fisheries sector and improving the wellbeing of all Caribbean people. May her soul rest in eternal peace.