Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Robbers on Motorcycle Attempt to Hold Up Delivery Worker

    Robbers on Motorcycle Attempt to Hold Up Delivery Worker

    A delivery worker in Belize City narrowly escaped an armed robbery attempt on Saturday afternoon thanks to the courageous intervention of nearby citizens. The incident unfolded at approximately 4:00 p.m. near the intersection of 1st Street and St. Peter’s Street, directly in front of the Ceviche Express establishment.

    According to eyewitness accounts, two unidentified males mounted on a motorcycle targeted an employee from a local tortilla factory during his delivery route. The assailants brandished a firearm and made explicit demands for monetary compensation from the delivery personnel.

    The potentially violent situation was defused when alert bystanders began shouting at the perpetrators, causing them to abandon their criminal endeavor and flee the scene without obtaining any possessions. Law enforcement authorities have been formally requested to initiate a comprehensive investigation into this attempted armed robbery.

    Medical authorities confirmed that the delivery worker sustained no physical injuries during the confrontation. The swift community response highlights the effectiveness of collective vigilance in preventing street crime in urban environments. This incident represents the latest in a series of security concerns affecting service industry workers in the region.

  • Police Chief Promises Modernisation, Tougher Policing

    Police Chief Promises Modernisation, Tougher Policing

    BELIZE CITY – In his annual Christmas address, Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado unveiled comprehensive plans to advance the modernization of Belize’s law enforcement apparatus while strengthening community partnerships heading into the new year.

    The Commissioner characterized the holiday season as an opportunity for “collective reflection, social unity, and renewed professional purpose,” urging citizens to transcend differences and embrace core values of service, compassion, and civic generosity.

    Reflecting on 2025 as a transformative period for national policing, Dr. Rosado highlighted several institutional achievements. These included organizational restructuring initiatives targeting ISO certification, the operational launch of the Crime Fusion Center to enhance data-driven law enforcement, and the consolidation of intelligence operations through the integration of joint intelligence coordination with Interpol frameworks.

    Additional milestones involved the creation of a specialized interdiction unit and expanded professional development programs across departmental ranks. These measures form part of the strategic “reforming, refocusing, and rebuilding” pillars that have already yielded “tangible operational outcomes,” according to the Commissioner.

    Looking toward 2026, Dr. Rosado committed to intensifying technological integration, broadening community outreach initiatives, and implementing advanced crime-fighting methodologies to address violent offenses and enhance public security. He emphasized that departmental progress stems from “collaborative national effort” rather than isolated institutional actions.

    The Commissioner extended appreciation to citizens for their “sustained trust and cooperation” while commending both uniformed and civilian personnel for their “unwavering dedication amid operational constraints.”

  • He won’t put a ring on it

    He won’t put a ring on it

    A relationship counselor has addressed the growing concerns among women in their late twenties and early thirties regarding marital timelines and relationship progression. The expert response came after a 30-year-old woman expressed anxiety about her three-year relationship showing no advancement toward marriage despite her clear intentions for family formation.

    Rev Christopher Brodber, a certified counselor and religious minister, emphasized the critical importance of establishing mutual life goals before deepening romantic involvement. He advised that individuals should approach relationships with both emotional and rational consideration rather than relying solely on romantic attraction. The counselor stressed that compatibility assessments should include alignment of visions, desires, and objectives rather than superficial qualities like physical appearance or perceived ambition.

    The expert identified a concerning pattern where some partners may delay marriage commitments when receiving relationship benefits without formal commitment. He referenced the Jamaican proverb about ‘getting milk without buying the cow’ to illustrate this dynamic. Brodber recommended that women establish clear boundaries and dealbreakers early in relationships, suggesting that serious discussions about future plans should typically occur within 18 months of dating for couples in their late twenties and thirties.

    While acknowledging changing social patterns where men may marry later due to various factors including financial considerations or commitment hesitancy, the counselor maintained that women should not abandon their marital aspirations. Instead, he advised seeking partners with congruent timelines and life goals. The expert concluded that difficult conversations and potentially difficult decisions are often necessary steps toward achieving long-term personal objectives regarding marriage and family formation.

  • Jaisarie family continues tradition of giving

    Jaisarie family continues tradition of giving

    The Jaisarie family of Churkoo Village, Princes Town, maintained their cherished annual tradition on December 13 by hosting a Christmas community outreach event at their residential property. The gathering brought together approximately 150 children from diverse backgrounds for an afternoon filled with festive celebrations, nourishment, and gift-giving.

    Attorney Sherlana Jaisarie, the primary organizer of this philanthropic initiative, emphasized her family’s enduring commitment to community service. The event featured meticulously decorated tents in traditional Christmas colors of red and green, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.

    Children received McDonald’s Happy Meals, specially curated treat bags, and an assortment of toys, while parents were served hot doubles—a popular local street food. The occasion attracted support from community leaders including local government representative Shawn Premchand, who participated in the festivities and publicly commended the family’s efforts.

    Premchand described the experience as profoundly heartwarming, noting the visible joy and excitement among children and families. He particularly praised Jaisarie’s dedication to fostering community spirit during the holiday season through this annual tradition.

    The Christmas treat has evolved into an anticipated community event that effectively embodies the seasonal spirit of generosity and goodwill, strengthening community bonds through shared celebration and charitable giving.

  • ‘Police brutality killed my son’

    ‘Police brutality killed my son’

    A grieving mother in The Bahamas is challenging the official police narrative surrounding her son’s death in custody, demanding an independent autopsy and vowing to pursue legal action. Cheryl Larrimore’s son, Lasheiko Pratt, a 35-year-old mechanic with the Ministry of Works, died during a reported struggle with officers at the Fox Hill Police Station on Thursday morning.

    Pratt had been detained for two days on burglary charges and was scheduled for a court appearance when the incident occurred. Authorities, represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Anton Rahming, stated that officers intervened after Pratt refused to leave his cell and became aggressive. ACP Rahming reported that four officers were ultimately involved in restraining and handcuffing him, during which the detainee became unresponsive. The police asserted that the force used was deemed necessary to subdue an aggressive individual.

    Ms. Larrimore offers a starkly different account, fueled by profound distrust. Having identified her son’s body at the morgue, she noted an absence of visible bruises, which only deepened her family’s confusion and suspicion. She described her son as a “very nice, quiet person” and found the official story illogical, stating, “He gone in there, healthy, good as ever, and then come out in a body bag. That cannot be.”

    The family’s distrust is compounded by the circumstances of how they were notified. Ms. Larrimore was already at the Magistrate’s Court expecting to sign bail for her only son when he failed to appear. She claims the police never contacted her about his death; she instead learned the devastating news through a social media post her daughter discovered.

    This case marks the first in-custody death since the highly publicized February 2013 incidents involving Jamie Smith and Aaron Rolle, who died within 24 hours of each other. Ms. Larrimore also questioned the burglary charge itself, suggesting it stemmed from a longstanding and jealous dispute with a neighbor, not criminal intent.

    With the family seeking justice and transparency, this incident raises serious questions about police accountability, custodial procedures, and the breakdown of trust between the community and those sworn to protect it.

  • 5 things that will make you forget you’re still single this holiday season

    5 things that will make you forget you’re still single this holiday season

    While the holiday season brings festive cheer for many, it can amplify feelings of loneliness for single individuals. However, relationship status need not dictate one’s seasonal experience. Certified master life coach Marie Berbick-Bailey presents five transformative approaches for singles to rediscover joy and meaning during this period.

    Elevate Self-Care to VIP Status
    Rather than awaiting external validation, singles should prioritize self-appreciation. This involves curating personalized experiences such as attending holiday concerts, scheduling spa treatments, or acquiring desired gifts. Establishing solo traditions—like candlelit evenings with favorite music—can profoundly enhance personal fulfillment and demonstrate that self-worth originates from within rather than from relationship status.

    Channel Energy Through Service
    Redirecting focus toward others serves as a powerful antidote to loneliness. Volunteering at shelters, visiting nursing homes, or organizing gift drives for disadvantaged children creates meaningful connections beyond romantic relationships. These acts of generosity trigger intrinsic fulfillment, demonstrating that purpose derives from intentional living rather than marital status. Initiatives like ‘Secret Santa for strangers’ can particularly effectively shift perspective from personal lack to communal abundance.

    Cultivate Personalized Traditions
    Breaking from conventional family expectations allows singles to establish rituals aligned with their values. Whether organizing holiday movie marathons, hosting vision board parties with friends, or conducting gratitude walks, these practices create joy independent of partnership. The emphasis lies on developing traditions that resonate personally, eventually evolving into cherished annual practices that celebrate autonomy rather than accentuating absence.

    Strengthen Community Connections
    Holidays provide ideal opportunities to deepen platonic relationships. Organizing ‘Friendsmas’ dinners, group gift exchanges, or virtual gatherings reinforces that meaningful connections extend beyond romantic contexts. Themed events where participants share accomplishments while enjoying communal meals can generate profound camaraderie, effectively transforming potential isolation into celebration of chosen family.

    Engage in Reflective Practices
    The seasonal slowdown offers natural opportunities for spiritual contemplation and future planning. Journaling, meditation, or prayer can facilitate transitions from scarcity mindsets to abundance mentalities. Creating ‘joy lists’ that catalog existing blessings—from friendships to personal achievements—provides tangible evidence of life’s richness regardless of relationship status. This reflective practice grounds individuals in present fulfillment while constructively framing future aspirations.

    Marie Berbick-Bailey emphasizes that seasonal joy derives from internal resources rather than external circumstances. By implementing these strategies, singles can transform the holidays into periods of genuine celebration, self-discovery, and meaningful connection.

  • Venezuelan ambassador celebrates IVCC students

    Venezuelan ambassador celebrates IVCC students

    The Venezuelan Embassy in Port of Spain hosted a significant cultural and educational event on December 5, celebrating the graduation of Trinidadian students from the Spanish language and Venezuelan culture program. Ambassador Álvaro Sánchez Cordero presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the Spanish language (Castellano) as a vital bridge for mutual understanding between English and Spanish speakers while strengthening bilateral cultural ties.

    During his address, Ambassador Cordero highlighted the six-decade legacy of the Venezuelan Institute of Culture and Co-operation ‘Andres Bello’ (IVCC) as a crucial meeting point for shared knowledge and cultural exchange between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. The ambassador specifically commended graduates for their dedication, particularly those who pursued studies through remote learning or weekend classes despite scheduling challenges.

    The ceremony featured multiple cultural presentations demonstrating the students’ linguistic and cultural acquisition. Professor Lisbeth Kong’s Saturday Conversation Workshop participants delivered presentations exploring cultural connections between the two nations, while Professor Coromoto Fernández-Sirju’s Advanced Spanish Group demonstrated their linguistic progression through specialized presentations. Students Jeselle Gajadhar and Dianne Persaud delivered particularly notable individual presentations.

    Musical performances formed a centerpiece of the celebration, with the IVCC Rondalla ensemble under Professor Geremías Mai Marcano’s direction performing traditional Venezuelan Christmas compositions including ‘Corre Caballito,’ ‘Niño Criollo,’ ‘Precioso Querube,’ and the patriotic anthem ‘Venezuela.’ The embassy subsequently shared performance videos on its Facebook platform on December 12, describing the event as showcasing ‘the magic of our culture at the IVCC.’

    In a testament to the program’s diplomatic significance, Ambassador Cordero declared graduates as cultural ambassadors who now represent ‘the message of peace and global solidarity’ between the neighboring nations. The embassy’s social media posts on December 9 further documented the certificate distribution ceremony, acknowledging participant dedication and the program’s role in fostering meaningful bilateral exchange.

    While the IVCC previously maintained branches in both Port of Spain and San Fernando, the embassy confirmed in 2015 that the San Fernando operations were temporarily suspended due to organizational restructuring and program updates.

  • Rahming threatens legal action against cousin over ‘attacks’

    Rahming threatens legal action against cousin over ‘attacks’

    A deeply personal familial conflict has escalated into a public legal confrontation in The Bahamas, pitting a high-ranking government official against his own cousin. Latrae Rahming, Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, has formally initiated legal proceedings through attorney Owen Wells in response to what he characterizes as persistent personal attacks originating from within his family circle.

    The situation reached a critical juncture when Rahming issued a comprehensive statement indicating his legal team had been instructed to deliver cease and desist notices and commence judicial proceedings to legally restrain the involved parties. The government official expressed profound disappointment that family relations had deteriorated to this level, particularly during the holiday season.

    In a striking juxtaposition to Rahming’s measured response, social media personality Britney Harris—identified as Rahming’s cousin—launched an emotional verbal assault through a widely circulated voice recording. Harris leveled serious allegations against her relative, accusing him of political hypocrisy and familial betrayal. She specifically questioned his consistent defense of politicians while allegedly remaining silent during previous online attacks against public officials and their families.

    Harris further contended that Rahming had utilized law enforcement and legal mechanisms as political weapons while aligning himself with individuals who had previously targeted her and her husband. The social media commentator referenced substantial personal and financial support she claims to have provided Rahming prior to his governmental appointment, suggesting his current position had precipitated a dramatic shift in their relationship.

    This familial dispute occurs against the backdrop of Harris’s existing legal challenges. Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis previously filed a criminal libel complaint against Harris through the same attorney now representing Rahming. That case involved allegations of defamatory statements regarding sexual misconduct published on Harris’s ‘Island Tea’ Facebook platform, which she consistently denied.

    The converging legal and familial tensions highlight increasingly complex intersections between personal relationships, social media commentary, and political positioning in The Bahamas’ public sphere.

  • Family, friends remember ‘quiet riot’ Wilma Hendrickson

    Family, friends remember ‘quiet riot’ Wilma Hendrickson

    PORT OF SPAIN – The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) general secretary Shirlane Hendrickson delivered an emotionally charged eulogy for her late mother Wilma Hendrickson, who passed away at age 88 on December 12. The memorial service, conducted at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on December 19, gathered family members, close friends, and community figures to commemorate a woman widely regarded as a foundational pillar of strength and selflessness.

    Shirlane Hendrickson honored her mother as “the quiet riot”—a relentless motivator, spiritual anchor, and unwavering supporter throughout life’s most challenging moments. Blending spoken tributes with melodic intonations, her performance reflected Wilma’s vibrant character and profound spiritual dedication.

    She emphasized the core values Wilma instilled in her five children, including Diane “Lady Wonder” Hendrickson: the relentless pursuit of education, dignity, and personal dreams. Despite some family members residing abroad, Wilma’s nurturing presence remained a constant, transcending geographic boundaries through regular communication and emotional support.

    Beyond her immediate family, Wilma was remembered as a trusted confidante and cultural guardian within communities from Williamsville to Chafford Courts. She was deeply committed to preserving local traditions while building lasting relationships grounded in mutual respect and kindness.

    Her 52-year marriage to veteran calypsonian Anthony “All Rounder” Hendrickson stood as a testament to collaborative creativity and shared faith. Wilma co-wrote songs and supported her husband’s musical career, embodying a partnership that blended artistic endeavor with familial devotion.

    Anthony Hendrickson, reflecting on their life together, encouraged attendees to “walk on your own to God,” underscoring themes of perseverance, humility, and spiritual integrity. He recalled their marriage in 1960, spiritual awakening in 1985, and the enduring lessons of generosity Wilma imparted to all who knew her.

    The service concluded with burial rites at Western Cemetery in St James, leaving a community united in gratitude for a life lived with purpose, love, and unwavering faith.

  • Star of Bethlehem shines brightly on St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando stage

    Star of Bethlehem shines brightly on St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando stage

    The Dr Sister Phyllis Wharfe Auditorium radiated with festive energy on December 11 as St Joseph’s Convent in San Fernando presented its annual Christmas Song and Dance Interhouse Competition. This year’s theme, ‘The Star of Bethlehem,’ provided the backdrop for an extraordinary display of student talent and creativity that transcended mere competition.

    Five houses—St Joseph, St Xavier, Notre Dame, St Theresa, and Blessed Ann Marie—engaged in a spirited contest spanning three performance categories: choral music, dance, and traditional parang. After an evening of exceptional presentations, Blessed Ann Marie House achieved a remarkable sweep, claiming victory across all categories and securing both the championship trophy and well-earned accolades.

    The event represented far more than artistic rivalry; it demonstrated the profound discipline and dedication cultivated through the school’s performing arts program. Students balanced intensive rehearsals with academic responsibilities during the crucial end-of-term examination period, resulting in performances that showcased both technical proficiency and genuine emotional expression.

    A particularly impressive aspect emerged during the dance segment, where students overcame the absence of formal dance training facilities. Master of ceremonies Michelle Dowrich, a retired teacher from the institution, noted the exceptional quality of choreography and execution despite the lack of specialized flooring or instruction.

    In the classical music category, houses presented carefully curated selections including ‘We Three Kings,’ ‘The First Noel,’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ with Faith Phillip of St Xavier House earning recognition as Best Conductress. Judges praised the choirs for their dynamic engagement, articulate delivery, and balanced vocal arrangements.

    The dance performances emphasized storytelling through movement, with adjudicators evaluating clarity of expression, technical execution, and synchronization with musical changes. Each house developed distinctive thematic approaches, blending traditional Christmas melodies with contemporary Caribbean influences including soca, calypso, and musical theater elements.

    The parang category received particularly enthusiastic response from judge Dr. Francesca Allard of Los Dinamicos Parang Group, who declared the tradition ‘in good hands.’ She highlighted significant advancements in vocal quality, lead performances, and overall presentation, while noting the authentic joy visible in every performer’s expression.

    As the final notes faded, the event stood as testament to the institution’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals through artistic expression, community engagement, and cultural preservation—truly making the Star of Bethlehem shine brightly through youthful talent and creative passion.