Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Ministers pledge support to Kingdom Academy youth programme

    Ministers pledge support to Kingdom Academy youth programme

    In response to escalating concerns regarding youth violence, Barbados has inaugurated a groundbreaking faith-based educational initiative designed to empower young adults through comprehensive values-based training. The Kingdom Academy program, formally launched at the Power in the Blood Assembly church in Bank Hall, represents a collaborative effort between religious institutions and government authorities to address systemic challenges facing the island’s younger generation.

    The innovative curriculum will deliver instruction through six foundational modules: Faith, Faithfulness, Flourish, Family Life, Finance, and Future. Participants will be segmented into two distinct cohorts—young adults aged 18-25 navigating early adulthood transitions and those aged 26-35 focusing on stability and long-term objectives. The program explicitly integrates spiritual principles with practical life skills development.

    Senator Shane Archer, Minister of State for Youth and Culture, emphasized the critical importance of community engagement during the launch ceremony. He highlighted the concerning decline in volunteerism and communal spirit, noting that contemporary society increasingly prioritizes individual gain over collective welfare. Senator Archer specifically identified mentorship programs for young men as an area requiring immediate attention and resources.

    The initiative has garnered substantial ministerial support, with both Senator Archer and Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman pledging institutional collaboration through existing government programs including the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme and Pathways initiative. Minister Blackman concurrently revealed ambitious educational reforms scheduled for implementation beginning September 2024.

    These transformative changes will mandate all secondary students to participate in uniformed organizations, civic groups, or team sports as core curriculum requirements—marking the first such compulsory inclusion in Barbadian educational history. Minister Blackman further challenged program organizers to expand their outreach to include children as young as nine years old, asserting that early intervention is essential for addressing root causes of societal challenges.

  • OECS aligns with global movement to promote safe products, confident consumers

    OECS aligns with global movement to promote safe products, confident consumers

    March 15, 2026, marks a significant observance as the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) aligns with global partners in commemorating World Consumer Rights Day. This year’s thematic focus, ‘Safe Products, Confident Consumers,’ underscores the region’s dedicated efforts to enhance marketplace safety and consumer welfare.

    Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, emphasized the symbiotic relationship between supplier responsibility and economic vitality. ‘Ensuring product safety and reasonable pricing not only benefits consumers but also strengthens the broader economic framework,’ Dr. Jules stated. The OECS Commission is actively executing strategic initiatives to foster consumer confidence throughout the regional market.

    Central to these efforts is the reinforcement of national consumer protection systems. Robust institutional and legislative structures form the cornerstone of a competitive, consumer-centric business environment. The Commission continues its commitment to providing technical and financial assistance to National Consumer Affairs Departments, addressing operational challenges within the evolving digital economy.

    Recent milestones demonstrate tangible progress:

    • Professional Capacity Building: In partnership with the University of the West Indies, the OECS has delivered advanced training to over 35 consumer affairs specialists. The curriculum focused on investigating market violations and enhancing e-commerce protection mechanisms.

    • Digital Transformation: Through the 11th European Development Fund’s RIGHT Programme, the Commission supplied tablets to member states. These devices enable field officers to collect and transmit market price data with greater efficiency, significantly improving the accuracy and timeliness of regional price surveillance.

    • Digital Portal Enhancements: Current initiatives include upgrading National Consumer Protection Websites in Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These enhancements will feature electronic complaint systems, price inquiry functions, and educational portals to inform consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities.

    • Regulatory Harmonization: The Commission has supported member states in drafting comprehensive regulations covering landlord-tenant agreements, used vehicle sales, and broader consumer protection measures. These regulations aim to clarify compliance requirements and strengthen consumer rights enforcement.

    Beyond national frameworks, the OECS is advancing regional integration through the Free Circulation of Goods regime. This initiative harmonizes model legislation across member states, ensuring products meet consistent safety standards and facilitating seamless intra-regional trade. Key components include:

    • The OECS Food Safety Model Bill: Establishing unified food safety regulations and creating a comprehensive oversight system for all food produced, imported, processed, or sold within the region.

    • The OECS Standards Model Bill: Implementing a harmonized system for technical standards, testing, and certification to guarantee regional goods meet recognized quality and safety benchmarks.

    Aligned with the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection, these efforts position the Eastern Caribbean as an emerging mark of quality and reliability. The ongoing work addresses product safety gaps, protects citizens from unfair practices, and strengthens consumer confidence across the OECS economic union.

  • Wall of Fame unveiled to celebrate Christ Church South’s sporting heroes

    Wall of Fame unveiled to celebrate Christ Church South’s sporting heroes

    In a significant cultural ceremony at Dover Playing Field, Christ Church South has immortalized 56 distinguished athletes through the inauguration of a permanent Wall of Fame memorial. The Saturday evening event celebrated sporting excellence across 13 disciplines ranging from traditional cricket and football to netball, swimming, surfing, and bodybuilding.

    Among the cricketing legends honored were iconic figures including the Most Honourable Joel ‘Big Bird’ Garner, Ian Bradshaw, Emerson ‘Kong’ Alleyne, and Richard ‘Strago’ Straker. The ceremony extended beyond athletes to recognize coaches and administrators who built the region’s sporting infrastructure.

    Minister Trevor Prescod, responsible for Pan-African Affairs and Heritage, delivered the keynote address, framing the initiative as crucial to Barbados’ republican evolution. “If you don’t know who you are, you are like a tree without roots,” Prescod stated, emphasizing the importance of celebrating local heroes who shaped society through discipline and creativity.

    The Minister characterized the memorial as a transformative shift from colonial monuments toward tributes reflecting authentic Barbadian heritage, calling it evidence of intellectual and national maturity. He described the Wall as a dynamic educational instrument that would endure for centuries, serving as both historical beacon and source of national pride.

    Local Parliament Member Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight addressed the significance of preserving community memory amid globalizing pressures that often marginalize small nations’ contributions. “This project is about making sure that we don’t forget,” she noted, highlighting how Christ Church South has historically nurtured unrecognized nation-builders.

    The memorial specifically honors individuals from Dover and Paradise Village who overcame substantial adversity to enrich the nation’s social and cultural fabric. Organizers emphasized these recognitions serve as critical “signal posts” for youth, demonstrating that ordinary citizens can achieve extraordinary greatness through dedication and skill.

    Dr. Munro-Knight concluded: “When we remember who we are as a great people and recall our achievements, we provide future generations with markers showing they too can excel.”

  • Police Believe He Murdered Clinton Pou

    Police Believe He Murdered Clinton Pou

    BELIZE CITY – A 21-year-old man stands formally accused in connection with a deadly shooting that claimed two lives last week near the city’s fish market. Luewin Link now faces multiple criminal charges including murder, attempted murder, and employing deadly means of harm.

    The violent incident unfolded on Tuesday when assailants aboard a motorcycle opened fire near a food trailer establishment. Clinton Delton Pou and his sister Kiandra Pou were reportedly present at the location when the attack commenced. Police personnel already stationed in the vicinity immediately responded to the shooting, initiating pursuit of the fleeing suspects.

    During the subsequent chase, law enforcement officers engaged one of the alleged perpetrators, 40-year-old Ryan Barnett, resulting in his injury. Both Barnett and Clinton Pou subsequently succumbed to their wounds despite medical intervention. An eyewitness account depicted the scene as profoundly chaotic, characterizing the exchange of gunfire as rapid and intense.

    Court documents reveal this was not the first attempt on Clinton Pou’s life. Historical records indicate he survived a previous shooting incident in 2019 at his North Front Street residence, where armed intruders entered the property and discharged multiple rounds, leaving him injured but alive.

    The investigation remains active as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event that has shaken the local community. Additional forensic analysis and witness testimonies are being collected to reconstruct the precise sequence of events leading to the fatalities.

  • Lake Group donates 100 cots to Trelawny Municipal Corporation

    Lake Group donates 100 cots to Trelawny Municipal Corporation

    FALMOUTH, Jamaica — In a significant boost to ongoing hurricane recovery efforts, the Lake Group of Companies has initiated a major relief program by donating 100 emergency cots to the Trelawny Municipal Corporation. This contribution represents the first phase of a broader initiative that will ultimately distribute 1,000 cots across Jamaican communities still recovering from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

    The catastrophic hurricane made landfall on October 28, 2025, unleashing widespread destruction across Jamaica’s western regions, with Trelawny Parish among the hardest hit areas. The donation comes as residents continue the challenging process of rebuilding their homes and livelihoods seven months after the disaster.

    Lisa Lake, Group Chief Executive Officer, revealed that this donation marks the beginning of a comprehensive assistance program. “The Trelawny Municipal Corporation is the inaugural recipient of our larger relief initiative,” Lake stated. “We are allocating one hundred cots to our own team members affected by the hurricane, with an additional eight hundred units destined for distribution island-wide.”

    Michael Lake, Director of Caribbean Resources and the Lake Group of Companies, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting recovery efforts. “We take great satisfaction in delivering these one hundred cots to the Trelawny Municipal Corporation as our tangible contribution to helping rebuild the lives of Trelawny’s residents,” he affirmed during the handover ceremony.

    The donation was formally received by Falmouth Mayor Councillor C Junior Gager, who conveyed gratitude on behalf of both the municipal government and parish residents. “We extend heartfelt thanks to the Lake family for this generous donation,” Mayor Gager stated. “These cots will reach individuals across multiple affected communities, demonstrating that they remain in the thoughts of caring organizations committed to improving their current living conditions.”

    Following the Trelawny donation, the Lake Group representatives continued their relief mission in Montego Bay, presenting a similar contribution to the St. James Municipal Corporation. The Lake Group of Companies, as the parent organization of Restaurant Associates Limited, holds franchise rights for several major international food brands operating in Jamaica, including Burger King, Popeyes, Little Caesars, and Krispy Kreme.

  • Constant Spring Arcade vendors willing to pay increased fees

    Constant Spring Arcade vendors willing to pay increased fees

    In a notable shift from typical vendor-municipality dynamics, the leadership at Constant Spring Arcade has expressed conditional support for a potential increase in vendor fees. Carlene Spencer, President of the Vendors’ Association, stated that such an increase would be welcomed provided the additional revenue is directly allocated by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) toward critical infrastructure improvements at the facility.

    The endorsement came during a consultation meeting held Friday, which also served as the reopening ceremony for newly refurbished bathrooms. Spencer specifically cited these upgrades as a tangible reason for her support, noting, “I’m okay with the increase, I welcome an increase—because of changes, because we get two brand new bathrooms.” She identified running water and the development of a dedicated car park as the next essential projects to enhance vendor comfort and operational efficiency.

    Acknowledging the economic pressures of the present time, Spencer demonstrated a pragmatic understanding of the KSAMC’s financial constraints. She referenced the mayor’s point that current operational overheads at the arcade surpass the revenue collected from fees. “We can understand that… We were here preparing to hear we are going to have to pay more. As for me, I am anticipating that,” she remarked, adding a philosophical perspective: “Things and time change. So if we have to pay more, we pay more.”

    Beyond infrastructure, Spencer praised the consultative forum for providing a platform to voice concerns. She expressed profound gratitude for the bathroom renovations, describing their previous state as “deplorable” and labeling the completion of the project as genuine “progress.”

    The association president also addressed internal challenges within the vendor community. She highlighted an issue where some individuals retain shop spaces they no longer actively use due to slow sales, thereby preventing new, eager entrepreneurs from accessing prime business locations. Concluding her remarks, Spencer issued a call to action for her fellow vendors, urging them to consistently meet their rental obligations on time to ensure the arcade’s sustained viability.

  • No action against dog killer officer

    No action against dog killer officer

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has announced that a correctional officer involved in the fatal shooting of a family dog will face no disciplinary action after an internal investigation found no breach of firearm policies. The decision has sparked strong criticism from animal welfare advocates who characterize it as predictable institutional protectionism.

    The incident occurred on March 6 along Soldier Road during a funeral procession for retired correctional officer Andrew Sears. Video evidence circulated widely online shows correctional officers walking with leashed dogs past the property of 92-year-old Bahamian musician Duke Errol Strachan when two resident dogs began barking and approached the procession. One officer, who already had his handgun drawn, fired a single shot that killed Strachan’s three-year-old dog.

    Minister Munroe defended the investigation’s findings, stating that authorities examined all circumstances from the officer’s subjective perspective rather than through hindsight. ‘They looked at all of the facts,’ Munroe stated. ‘For instance, if you discharge a firearm where you may be in danger of causing collateral damage, that would call for discipline. Nothing that would indicate he breached any policy regarding firearm use was found.’

    Bahamas Humane Society President Kim Aranha expressed vehement opposition to the decision, calling the shooting ‘unwarranted’ and the investigation outcome predictable. ‘They’re just protecting themselves,’ Aranha stated. ‘I called it from the beginning. The man killed the dog and the dog was not attacking the man.’

    In response to Munroe’s collateral damage argument, Aranha countered: ‘To me that doesn’t fly. You’re saying that policeman could shoot at something as long as there’s nobody else around? Why was he walking around with his gun unholstered?’

    Meanwhile, the Department of Correctional Services has apologized to Strachan and committed to providing him with a new dog and financial support for its care. Prison Commissioner Doan Cleare emphasized the importance of bringing closure to the matter. Strachan expressed satisfaction with the resolution while still mourning his loss: ‘I appreciate their concern, and they came here to settle it. They’re going to find me a dog.’ The nonagenarian added that while he forgives the officer, he still considers the shooting ‘totally unnecessary.’

  • SheLeads second staging to spotlight entrepreneurship and innovation

    SheLeads second staging to spotlight entrepreneurship and innovation

    MANDEVILLE, Manchester — The Northern Caribbean University (NCU) is preparing to host its second annual SheLeads forum on Tuesday, March 17, with this year’s theme focusing on ‘Empowering Her Odyssey Through Entrepreneurship.’ The event will showcase innovation and business development as pathways to female empowerment.

    The evening will feature a distinguished panel of successful young entrepreneurs including Jénine Shepherd, Letesha Whyte, Amanda Samuels, and Nyoka Manning, all of whom have established thriving business ventures. The discussion will be moderated by Patrice Kissoon, who will leverage her professional expertise to facilitate the conversation. The forum is scheduled for 5:00 PM at Robinson Hall’s Lecture Theatre on the NCU main campus.

    SheLeads represents one of three flagship initiatives operated by The Roundtable Foundation, which is supported by NCU’s Careers and Employment Services department. The program series aims to foster youth engagement in civic matters through structured programming:

    – SheLeads: Dedicated to women’s empowerment through mentorship and leadership development
    – HeLeads: Concentrates on promoting positive masculinity and responsible leadership among men
    – WeLead: Provides a collaborative platform for students and change-makers to develop solutions and enhance skills

    Building upon the achievements of last year’s inaugural forum, which featured panelists sharing valuable insights on leadership development and barrier-breaking strategies, this year’s event promises to revitalize discussions surrounding entrepreneurial innovation. The initiative seeks to establish an environment conducive to mutual mentoring, meaningful dialogue, and comprehensive empowerment among emerging leaders.

    The event receives substantial support from multiple sponsors including DBC Creative Co, The PR Dude, Monica’s Expressions, The Short One Productions (TSO), NICHE Media, The Rentorama, Morris Entrepreneurship Center, and Prestige Phone Accessories.

  • Teacher jailed in US for conspiring to provide guns to Trinidad-based gang

    Teacher jailed in US for conspiring to provide guns to Trinidad-based gang

    A 47-year-old Florida educator has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in an international weapons smuggling operation targeting Trinidad and Tobago. United States District Judge William Jung delivered the sentence of one year and one day imprisonment to Shannon Nicole Samlalsingh, following her June 2025 guilty plea to conspiracy charges involving false statements to firearm dealers.

    Court documents reveal that Samlalsingh, formerly employed as a high school teacher in Hillsborough County, systematically purchased seven firearms under false pretenses. She completed mandatory Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) documentation falsely claiming the weapons were for personal use, while actually transferring them to members of a Trinidad-based transnational criminal organization.

    The sophisticated smuggling operation unraveled in April 2022 when Trinidad and Tobago authorities intercepted a suspicious shipment at Piarco International Airport. Concealed within two punching bags were numerous weapons including eleven 9mm pistols, revolvers, a semi-automatic shotgun, and substantial ammunition. Forensic analysis confirmed Samlalsingh had purchased four of the confiscated firearms: a SAR-9 9mm pistol, Ruger-9 pistol, and two Taurus models.

    Judge Jung’s sentence included mandatory forfeiture of all firearms acquired through the criminal scheme. The complex international investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, including their Caribbean Attaché office, ATF agents, and collaborative support from Trinidad and Tobago Police Service alongside multiple U.S. law enforcement agencies.

  • What happens to child custody if I die?

    What happens to child custody if I die?

    In a detailed legal analysis, family law expert Margarette May Macaulay addresses a critical question regarding child custody arrangements in estate planning. The inquiry comes from a mother with full legal custody who seeks to designate her sister as guardian instead of the children’s father in her will, citing his unreliable nature and minimal involvement in their lives.

    Contrary to common assumption, Macaulay clarifies that no surviving parent automatically gains custody following the death of the custodial parent. The Children (Guardianship and Custody) Act provides specific remedies for such situations through sections 3, 4, and 5. While the surviving parent typically becomes guardian either alone or jointly with appointed guardians, this remains subject to the Act’s provisions.

    The legal framework enables appointed guardians to petition the court objecting to the surviving parent’s guardianship on grounds of unfitness. Importantly, Section 4 explicitly permits either parent to appoint any person as guardian of their children after death or incapacity through a deed or will.

    Macaulay recommends a dual approach: executing both a formal deed of appointment of guardian and a last will and testament that references this deed. This creates reinforced legal protection. The appointed guardian—in this case, the sister—would then have authority to apply to the Family or Supreme Court for orders preventing the father from obtaining custody if necessary.

    The attorney emphasizes that the sister must be precisely identified in legal documents with full personal details and must possess the strength and confidence to potentially contest the father’s position. This legal strategy empowers mothers in similar situations to exercise their rights under the Act to protect their children’s future welfare through proper estate planning with qualified legal assistance.