Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Increased fines a good first step

    Increased fines a good first step

    In a significant policy shift announced on Christmas Day, the Trinidad and Tobago government has enacted Legal Notice No. 471, substantially increasing penalties for traffic violations effective January 1, 2026. The sweeping changes represent the most comprehensive overhaul of traffic fines in recent history, with some penalties increasing tenfold.

    The most dramatic escalation targets uninsured drivers, whose fines jump from TT$1,000 to TT$10,000. The adjustments affect numerous violations outlined in the Ninth Schedule of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, marking a stark departure from previous government positions. Opposition leaders were quick to highlight that Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar had previously criticized high traffic fines while in opposition and promised reductions.

    This punitive approach arrives amid alarming road safety statistics. Traffic fatalities have demonstrated a troubling upward trajectory, climbing from 96 deaths in 2023 to 117 in 2024, and reaching 122 by late 2024. Current figures for 2025 indicate only marginal improvement with 108 road-related deaths recorded to date.

    The government’s latest action contrasts sharply with its earlier decision to weaken the demerit point system in July 2025, raising questions about the consistency of its road safety strategy. The demerit system, initially implemented in March 2020 and subsequently modified in March 2022, had provided a mechanism for tracking repeat offenses while allowing drivers opportunity to correct behavior before license suspension.

    International research suggests that fine increases below 100% prove relatively ineffective in modifying driver behavior, making Trinidad and Tobago’s substantial hikes potentially more impactful. However, critics note the silent implementation without public consultation and characterize the move as revenue generation disguised as public safety measure.

    The administration has demonstrated similar taxation approaches toward alcohol consumption, smoking, and gambling, positioning traffic fines within a broader pattern of behavioral taxation. Enforcement remains a crucial factor, with historical precedents showing systemic challenges. In 2019, authorities reported approximately 120,000 unpaid fixed penalty tickets from 2011-2015, eventually requiring court intervention and subsequent amnesty programs with 50% discounts.

    The government has signaled strengthened enforcement intentions through recent recognition of Police Constable Keron Sankar, who issued 1,427 traffic tickets during the first half of 2025. Experts emphasize that without consistent enforcement and judicial follow-through, even dramatically increased fines may fail to significantly reduce traffic violations and preventable road deaths.

  • JN Money covers grocery bills for shoppers in hurricane-hit Santa Cruz

    JN Money covers grocery bills for shoppers in hurricane-hit Santa Cruz

    In a heartwarming display of corporate social responsibility, JN Money Services brought tangible relief to the hurricane-battered community of Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, by covering grocery expenses for numerous shoppers at In Town Supermarket on December 18. The initiative arrived as residents continue confronting the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on October 28, 2025, leaving widespread destruction to homes, livelihoods, and local economies across western Jamaica.

    The agricultural and informal sectors, which form the economic backbone of St Elizabeth, suffered severe disruptions, resulting in diminished incomes and heightened living expenses. Recognizing these challenges, JN Money collaborated with its local agent, In Town Supermarket, to deliver immediate financial support directly at checkout counters. This intervention ensured that beneficiaries could secure essential supplies without the immediate pressure of payment.

    Recipients expressed profound gratitude for the unexpected assistance. Marvalee Braham, one beneficiary, acknowledged the critical timing of the support, noting that her available funds were insufficient to cover both debts and necessities. Another shopper, Lornalin Carby, shared that it had been a long time since she received such generosity, reflecting on the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa but emphasizing the importance of gratitude.

    Longtime JN member Evona Blair described the gesture as a welcome surprise, while Cashier Supervisor Nadia Beadle highlighted how the initiative uplifted both customers and staff, contributing to a brighter holiday atmosphere.

    This effort was part of JN Money’s broader ‘Holiday Hope’ campaign, aimed at delivering human-centered support during the holiday season to communities experiencing prolonged recovery. Sanya Wallace, Assistant General Manager of JN Money Group, emphasized that the goal extends beyond financial aid—it is also about fostering encouragement and hope amid ongoing uncertainty.

  • Little girl, big heart

    Little girl, big heart

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, an extraordinary act of childhood compassion has become a beacon of hope in Negril, Westmoreland. Six-year-old Kadeea Wilson, misunderstanding her family’s reconstruction challenges, donated her entire year’s savings of $45,000 Jamaican dollars to help rebuild her family home and assist classmates affected by the Category 5 storm.

    The young philanthropist presented her mother, Jhoenea Wilson, with a handwritten note reading: ‘Mommy, here is some money to buy blocks. Love, Kadeea.’ What began as a misunderstanding about construction material shortages evolved into a community-wide initiative when Kadeea requested any remaining funds be used to purchase school supplies for fellow students at Mount Airy Primary and Infant School.

    Principal Nichol Jackson expressed profound admiration for the child’s selfless instincts. ‘She is concerned about the little children like her who would have been affected,’ Jackson noted, emphasizing how Kadeea’s actions demonstrate that even the smallest contributors can make significant impacts.

    The Wilson family transformed their daughter’s gesture into a substantial relief effort, converting donations intended for their canceled November event into 67 gift bags containing educational materials and toys for students, plus an iron for the school staffroom. Local sponsors including Rick’s Café, New West Auto, and numerous other businesses rallied behind the initiative.

    Simultaneously, the family’s own recovery story unfolded with unexpected support. When their contractor’s team was delayed assisting other storm victims, officers from the police force’s Marine Department provided crucial labor to rebuild the Wilson home. Remarkably, the family’s rabbitry business survived the hurricane and will serve as both a sustainable income source and means to support neighbors during ongoing recovery efforts.

    Jhoenea Wilson reflected on the dual blessing of their business surviving and their daughter’s character developing through adversity: ‘I pray we live long enough, and the rabbitry continues to be successful, so we can ensure Kadeea’s dream of being a dentist becomes a reality.’

  • Dr Ronald Henry’s Moses Revealed: When science meets scripture

    Dr Ronald Henry’s Moses Revealed: When science meets scripture

    Dr. Ronald Henry, a 71-year-old distinguished cardiologist and Chaconia Medal (Silver) recipient, has unveiled his interdisciplinary work ‘Moses Revealed’ that synthesizes biblical narratives with archaeological evidence and historical research. The book launch event at Hilton on October 29 featured Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath as keynote speaker, celebrating this unique contribution to religious scholarship.

    Henry’s publication offers a comprehensive re-examination of Moses’ life journey—from his royal Egyptian upbringing to his pivotal role in Abrahamic traditions. Unlike conventional religious interpretations, the 89-page volume employs Egyptological research and hieroglyphic translations to contextualize the biblical account within ancient Egyptian culture and belief systems.

    The cardiologist’s two-decade intellectual journey began during a visit to Egypt where he observed striking parallels between ancient Egyptian concepts of resurrection and Christian doctrines. This realization prompted extensive research into German Egyptologist Jan Assmann’s works, particularly ‘The Search for God in Ancient Egypt,’ which fundamentally reshaped Henry’s understanding of religious evolution.

    A critical COVID-19 infection in December 2023 provided unexpected impetus for completion. During hospitalization, Henry discovered his manuscript’s resonance when a male nurse responded enthusiastically to aloud readings. This experience convinced him to reframe the narrative through Moses’ perspective as ‘an icon of modern man’s dilemma between faith and knowledge.’

    Education Minister Dowlath praised the work as exemplifying lifelong learning, noting its diagnostic precision and human-centered storytelling. Henry characterizes his Moses as ‘more Spiderman than Superman’—a complex figure navigating between Egyptian scientific education and divine calling, mirroring contemporary professionals balancing reason with spiritual seeking.

    The book is available at Paper Based Bookshop (St. Clair), Unique Book Stores nationwide, and Amazon. Henry has already committed to two subsequent publications, maintaining that ‘education should humble us to recognize how much we don’t know.’

  • The Giving Wave spreads joy this Christmas

    The Giving Wave spreads joy this Christmas

    PORT OF SPAIN – The Giving Wave, a youth-driven community organization, has successfully concluded its 2025 operations with a remarkably successful Christmas toy drive campaign that substantially exceeded its initial objectives. The initiative, which partnered with the Just Because Foundation as primary beneficiary, ultimately delivered gifts to more than 200 children throughout Trinidad and Tobago – doubling its original target of 100 beneficiaries.

    The organization’s recent media release detailed how this grassroots effort demonstrated the powerful impact of community collaboration. Founded just seven months ago in May 2025 by five university friends – Genesis Manswell, Luke Manzano, Zack Aleong, Sierra Hade, and Moi-Marie Marchand – The Giving Wave represents a new generation of civic engagement. The group’s members, who share educational backgrounds at Fatima College and Holy Name Convent in Port of Spain, developed their commitment to service during their tertiary education years.

    Despite operating with limited resources as UWI students balancing academic and work commitments, the organization has maintained consistent community involvement. Their activities have included environmental initiatives such as beach clean-ups in collaboration with 868SaveTheEarth, volunteer work at the Immortelle Centre, and the organization of multiple food drives throughout the year.

    The group specifically acknowledged On the Verge Ltd. as their largest sponsor and expressed gratitude to all supporters who contributed to the toy drive’s success. The Giving Wave has encouraged continued community participation through their Instagram presence @thegivingwavett, signaling their intention to maintain momentum into 2026 with further charitable projects.

  • Mechanical issues halt TT Spirit sailings

    Mechanical issues halt TT Spirit sailings

    Trinidad and Tobago’s inter-island ferry service is facing significant operational disruptions following the abrupt withdrawal of the TT Spirit vessel from service. The Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company Ltd (TTIT) announced on December 29 that all scheduled sailings aboard the TT Spirit have been canceled indefinitely due to pressing mechanical complications requiring urgent repairs.

    The transportation company confirmed that this development compounds existing service challenges, as the APT James vessel remains concurrently out of operation. To mitigate the impact on inter-island connectivity, TTIT has implemented contingency measures utilizing its remaining operational vessels.

    The Buccoo Reef and Galleons Passage ferries will maintain transportation services between Trinidad and Tobago with revised sailing schedules effective December 29 and 30. These adjustments aim to sustain essential passenger and vehicular movement amid the reduced fleet capacity.

    TTIT officials have urged the traveling public to monitor official channels for schedule updates, arrive at terminals ahead of intended departure times, and adhere strictly to instructions from port and vessel staff. The company has extended apologies for inconveniences caused and expressed gratitude for passengers’ continued patience and cooperation during this service interruption.

    Travelers seeking additional information may contact customer service at Port of Spain: 467-5072 or Scarborough: 467-5330/467-5117 for assistance.

  • Arima fireman abudcted from home

    Arima fireman abudcted from home

    A comprehensive search operation has been mobilized across Trinidad for Bruce Lezama, a 46-year-old fire service officer who was violently abducted from his Arima residence during the weekend. The alarming disappearance has triggered widespread concern among authorities and community members alike.

    Lezama, stationed at the Ambulance Section North, failed to report for his scheduled duty on the evening of December 27, prompting immediate concern from both his family and colleagues. Subsequent investigations revealed disturbing evidence: his home was discovered with the door standing open, and his personal vehicle was later found abandoned in the area.

    Critical security footage retrieved from the property has confirmed the worst fears of investigators—Lezama was forcibly taken by two unidentified individuals in what appears to be a coordinated abduction. The footage has become central to the ongoing police investigation.

    Keone Guy, President of the Fire Service Association Second Division, issued an urgent statement expressing profound concern over the ‘deeply troubling circumstances’ surrounding Lezama’s disappearance. The Association has mobilized its networks and is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies.

    Lezama’s vehicle was subsequently located on December 29 along Tumpuna Road in Arima, providing investigators with a potential geographical focus for their search operations. Police have established multiple checkpoints and are conducting systematic searches throughout the region.

    Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that might assist in locating the missing fire officer. Citizens are encouraged to contact their nearest police station, emergency services at 555 or 999, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-TIPS (8477). The community has rallied in support, with volunteers joining official search efforts to bring Lezama home safely.

  • Fish and bammy vendors in Border grateful for gov’t intervention

    Fish and bammy vendors in Border grateful for gov’t intervention

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Economic activity is rebounding at the renowned Border food stop following the Jamaican government’s reconstruction initiative that replaced vendor stalls destroyed by Hurricane Melissa. The popular roadside culinary destination, situated on the boundary between St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland parishes, has regained its vibrancy as vendors return to serving local specialties including fried fish, bammy (cassava flatbread), and festival (sweet fried dough).

    The restoration project, funded through a $20-million cabinet allocation, represents a critical component of a broader support program for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in regions severely affected by the October 28 category-five hurricane. The intervention has reconstructed a cluster of 44 commercial stalls with enhanced structural resilience.

    For long-term vendor Nadine Brown, whose enterprise at Border spans over three decades, the government’s initiative has provided a crucial economic lifeline. Brown recounted to JIS News the extensive damage suffered by both her business and residential property during the hurricane. “My experience was profoundly difficult. I lost three doors at my house, my television, and significant water intrusion occurred,” she recalled, noting that the storm removed the upper-level roofing and forced her family to occupy only the ground floor.

    Despite substantial personal losses, Brown has resumed selling her signature bammy and reports steadily improving sales. She expressed profound appreciation for the governmental support: “We genuinely appreciate what they’re doing. It feels encouraging and has been instrumental for all of us.”

    Fellow vendor Opal Wedderburn, a relative newcomer with approximately two years at Border who sought financial independence through self-employment, faced even more severe personal circumstances. The mother of three described becoming homeless after the hurricane destroyed her family residence, compelling them to relocate into a one-bedroom structure built by her uncle that now accommodates herself, her father, and her children.

    “The situation was catastrophic. We were inside our home when the storm hit us severely, forcing us to evacuate during its peak. We lost everything,” Wedderburn lamented. She similarly conveyed gratitude for the stall reconstruction, explaining that her bammy sales now constitute the primary means to support her family and fund reconstruction supplies including cement and steel for their home.

    “Regardless of circumstances, persistence is essential. I returned to work because children bring responsibilities that necessitate moving forward,” Wedderburn emphasized.

    Both vendors acknowledge a modified holiday season this year but confirm that the rebuilt stalls establish a foundational platform for recovery. The new structures incorporate improved engineering features including concrete embedding for stability and hurricane straps to secure roofs during extreme weather events.

    Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, detailed additional protective measures being implemented against flooding risks. The minister highlighted that the stall reconstructions have reactivated the broader local economic ecosystem, benefiting not only food vendors but also the fisherfolk and agricultural producers who supply them with fresh ingredients.

    With cabinet approval of an additional $42 million in funding, Minister Hill has designated MSMEs in Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth, as the next beneficiaries of ongoing restoration efforts.

  • Authorities Step Up Sanitation Drive in St John’s City Centre

    Authorities Step Up Sanitation Drive in St John’s City Centre

    A comprehensive sanitation campaign is underway in the heart of St. John’s, marking a significant escalation in municipal efforts to enhance public health and urban aesthetics. Local authorities have mobilized additional resources and personnel to address cleanliness concerns that have accumulated in the central business district. The initiative involves intensified street sweeping, systematic waste collection, and the removal of graffiti and debris from public spaces. This operation is not merely a superficial cleaning effort but a structured program aimed at long-term maintenance and public awareness. City officials emphasize that the drive is a response to community feedback and part of a broader strategy to improve the quality of urban life, boost civic pride, and support local commerce by creating a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The campaign also includes public education components to encourage responsible waste disposal among businesses and the general public.

  • Culture, identity and self-determination highlight day two of Kwanzaa

    Culture, identity and self-determination highlight day two of Kwanzaa

    The Ngozi Farm and Cultural Sanctuary in Turners Hall, St Andrew, became a vibrant hub of cultural celebration and introspection this Saturday during the second day of Kwanzaa observances. The fifth annual event, continuing through January 1, operated under the thematic banner ‘Embracing Identity and Resilience: Standing Strong in Our Heritage of Self-Determination, Creating Sustainable Futures,’ drawing diverse community participation.

    The day’s proceedings commenced with an artisan market before transitioning to traditional heritage games in the afternoon. The celebration specifically honored Kujichagulia (self-determination), the second principle of Kwanzaa, emphasizing cultural identity and communal empowerment.

    A particularly memorable segment was the Blessing Ceremony, characterized by rhythmic chanting, melodic singing, and powerful drumming during an animated procession into the sanctuary. Ireka Jelani, founder of Ngozi Farm and Cultural Sanctuary, greeted attendees by emphasizing the event’s purpose: ‘We are here to celebrate family, we are here to celebrate culture, we are here to celebrate heritage, and we are here to celebrate community.’

    The government-supported event featured an address from Senator John King, Special Advisor on Culture and Cultural Heritage in the Prime Minister’s Office. Senator King advocated for universal unity, stating, ‘I want to encourage every single person in this room to think of yourself not in terms of color, not in terms of white or black, Jew or Gentile, none of those things. I want you to begin to think of yourselves as a part of the human family.’ He further elaborated on Kwanzaa’s significance as an opportunity for collective reflection and progressive movement as a unified people.

    Shameka Watson, representing St Andrew’s parliamentary representative Dr. Rommel Springer, addressed the concept of self-determination as reclaiming historical narratives and instilling in youth the understanding that their heritage is fundamentally rooted in greatness.

    The celebration culminated in a cultural extravaganza featuring performances by saxophonist Shakhouri Thompson, Poetree Barbados, Haynesville Youth Club, the All Nation Drummers, and concluded with a high-energy finale by reggae band The Rite Side of Red.