Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Man shot in Merricks, St Philip

    Man shot in Merricks, St Philip

    A violent afternoon shooting in the Merricks area of St Philip has left a 25-year-old male victim hospitalized with gunshot wounds, according to official reports from the District ‘C’ Police Station.

    The incident unfolded at approximately 2:25 PM on Wednesday when unidentified assailants opened fire on a group of individuals congregating outside a local business establishment. Preliminary investigative findings indicate that the perpetrators arrived at the scene in a motor vehicle, discharged multiple rounds toward the gathering, and subsequently fled the area before law enforcement could respond.

    Emergency medical services promptly transported the wounded man to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital via ambulance, where he currently remains under medical supervision. Authorities have not disclosed the victim’s current condition or the severity of his injuries.

    Law enforcement officials have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police are actively seeking witnesses and any individuals with relevant information that could assist in identifying the suspects and determining the motive behind the attack.

    The Barbados Police Service has issued a public appeal for information, urging community members to come forward with any details regarding the incident. Confidential tips can be provided through multiple channels including the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-8477, the Police Emergency line at 211, or directly contacting the District ‘C’ Police Station at 416-8200 or 416-8204.

  • Pres Ali announces Christmas bonus for Joint Services

    Pres Ali announces Christmas bonus for Joint Services

    In a significant pre-Christmas announcement, Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali declared a substantial financial bonus for the nation’s Disciplined Services personnel during a ceremony at the Guyana Defence Force’s Base Camp Stephenson on December 18, 2025.

    The presidential decree guarantees a full month’s tax-free salary bonus for all approximately 13,000 members across multiple security sectors, including the police force, military personnel, prison service staff, and firefighters. This generous holiday gesture represents a total financial injection of GY$2.1 billion into the hands of those serving on the nation’s frontlines.

    President Ali emphasized the administration’s consistent recognition of the security forces’ invaluable contributions to national stability and border protection. “Over the past five years, we have not only restored the one month tax-free bonus to the Disciplined Services, but we have also increased salaries, adjusted pay scales, accelerated promotions, and expanded training opportunities,” stated Dr. Ali during his address.

    The President further highlighted the government’s comprehensive investment strategy for security personnel, which has exceeded GY$6 billion over the past five years. Beyond immediate financial compensation, the administration is focused on long-term professional development through educational initiatives like the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and the Ministry of Education’s Guyana Digital School program.

    Dr. Ali praised the courage and sacrifice of security personnel, acknowledging their role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and protecting Guyanese citizens. The bonus initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to both immediate financial recognition and long-term career development for those serving in essential security roles.

  • PLH Road Proposal for Barbuda Estimated at US$12m

    PLH Road Proposal for Barbuda Estimated at US$12m

    A significant infrastructure proposal for the sister island of Barbuda has been unveiled, with cost estimates reaching approximately US$12 million. The project centers on the development of a new road network, formally known as the PLH Road Proposal, which is intrinsically linked to the broader Plum Lodge Holdings (PLH) development initiative on the island.

    The substantial financial allocation is intended to fund the construction of modern roadway systems designed to improve connectivity and access across Barbuda. Proponents of the plan argue that this infrastructure is a critical prerequisite for future economic growth, particularly in the tourism and real estate sectors championed by PLH. The development is positioned as a catalyst for creating local employment opportunities and stimulating long-term investment on the island.

    However, the proposal has ignited a complex debate among residents and observers. A central point of contention revolves around the balance between modernizing the island’s infrastructure and preserving its unique ecological and cultural character. Critics have raised concerns regarding the potential environmental footprint of such a large-scale construction project, questioning its impact on Barbuda’s pristine landscapes and fragile ecosystems.

    Furthermore, the discussion extends to the broader implications of large private developments driving public infrastructure agendas. The project places a spotlight on the ongoing socio-economic evolution of Barbuda, as it navigates the interplay between ambitious development goals and the imperative of sustainable, community-inclusive planning. The US$12 million price tag makes it one of the most substantial single infrastructure investments proposed for the island in recent years, marking a pivotal moment in its development trajectory.

  • Small craft, high surf advisory remains in effect as rough seas persist

    Small craft, high surf advisory remains in effect as rough seas persist

    Barbados continues to face substantial marine hazards as meteorological authorities extend safety advisories amid persistently dangerous ocean conditions. The Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) maintains its Small Craft and High Surf Advisory through Saturday morning, warning of sustained Atlantic swells measuring 2.5 to 3.0 meters that are creating treacherous coastal environments.

    The intensified sea conditions, generated by a robust Atlantic high-pressure system producing winds of 20-30 knots, present multiple threats to marine operations and coastal infrastructure. Small craft operators face particularly hazardous operating conditions with difficult navigation and elevated capsizing risks. Coastal regions, especially along northern, eastern, and southern shorelines, remain vulnerable to significant beach erosion and temporary submersion during high tide cycles.

    Authorities have issued stern warnings regarding potential safety consequences, including the possibility of serious injury or fatalities if precautionary measures are disregarded. The National Conservation Commission has joined meteorological officials in urging extreme caution for marine users and beachgoers alike.

    The BMS indicates these agitated sea conditions will gradually diminish over the weekend, with current models projecting improvement by Saturday, December 20, at 6:00 AM, though earlier termination remains possible if conditions improve unexpectedly. Residents and visitors are advised to continuously monitor updates through official channels including the Department of Emergency Management and Barbados Government Information Service for real-time safety information.

    For detailed updates, the public may access the Barbados Meteorological Services website or utilize their emergency hotline at 976-2376.

  • Plant2Plate programme kicks off with Backyard Gardening Competition

    Plant2Plate programme kicks off with Backyard Gardening Competition

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially introduced the Plant2Plate Initiative, a comprehensive national program designed to enhance domestic agricultural output and fortify food security across the nation. The announcement was made by the Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs, who concurrently revealed the revival of the popular Backyard Gardening Competition.

    Minister Smith emphasized that the initiative seeks to mobilize citizens at the household level, encouraging them to engage in gardening as a tangible and impactful method to bolster the country’s food independence. He articulated that cumulative small-scale agricultural efforts in backyards can yield significant national benefits, creating a collective buffer against external food supply disruptions.

    This year’s gardening competition is themed ‘Homegrown today, food secure tomorrow’, a slogan that powerfully encapsulates the program’s core objective of fostering long-term national resilience through the promotion of locally cultivated food sources.

    A novel and innovative addition to this year’s initiative is the ‘Cook What You Grow’ Culinary Showcase. This event is specifically crafted to feature and reward culinary creations that utilize ingredients harvested directly from the participants’ personal gardens. Minister Smith explained that this culinary dimension aims to honor the quality and variety of local produce while simultaneously advocating for healthier, sustainable eating practices that support a farm-to-table ethos.

    The Plant2Plate program is a strategic component of the government’s wider agenda to diminish the nation’s dependency on imported foodstuffs. This policy direction is increasingly viewed as critical for building economic and supply chain resilience in an era marked by global logistical challenges and market volatility. All residents are being urged to participate actively by cultivating home gardens, entering the competitions, and displaying their harvests as part of a unified national movement toward achieving greater food self-sufficiency.

  • Bond for Arouca TikTok user who threatened PM

    Bond for Arouca TikTok user who threatened PM

    A Trinidadian court has placed a social media user on a three-year bond after she pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in a TikTok video. Alianna Samaroo, 30, from Arouca, received judicial leniency despite admitting to criminal charges under the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025.

    The Chaguanas Magistrates’ Court heard how Samaroo, operating under the username ‘alianna265’, directly addressed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in her October 30 post, urging him to execute Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and members of her Cabinet. The video sparked immediate police investigation and led to her arrest at a Chaguanas apartment following seven days of detention.

    Magistrate Marissa Gomez imposed a $20,000 peace bond requiring Samaroo to maintain good behavior for thirty-six months. The court stipulated that no conviction would be recorded upon successful completion of the bond period, though any violation would result in immediate sentencing proceedings.

    During proceedings, the mother of two delivered a comprehensive apology to both the Prime Minister and the court. ‘I admit that what I said was wrong,’ Samaroo stated. ‘I did not think about how serious those words were before I spoke.’ She expressed shame for her actions and emphasized that she never intended to cause harm or incite violence.

    The case has highlighted increased police monitoring of online activity. Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro issued a stark warning that social media users making threats would face prosecution regardless of free speech claims. ‘Freedom of expression is a right,’ Guevarro stated, ‘but that freedom ends where criminal conduct begins.’

    This incident represents one of several recent cases involving online threats against public officials. Opposition Senator Dr. Amery Browne recently reported similar threats via Facebook, resulting in multiple charges against the perpetrator. Additionally, authorities arrested a Diego Martin woman in November for allegedly inciting violence against the Prime Minister in separate social media content.

    Samaroo’s legal representation, attorneys Roshni Balkaran and Shiva Boodoo, secured her release on $50,000 bail prior to sentencing. Her mother, Elizabeth Vasquez-Rosales, publicly appealed for forgiveness while expressing hope that the experience would teach her daughter respect for national institutions.

  • Man claims he was held over MP’s missing firearm at bar

    Man claims he was held over MP’s missing firearm at bar

    A resident of Andros has come forward with alarming allegations of police misconduct after being detained for over 24 hours without charge in connection with a missing firearm belonging to a sitting Member of Parliament. Zakari Campbell detailed his ordeal in a widely circulated Facebook post that has sparked significant public concern regarding power dynamics and equal application of the law.

    The incident reportedly began during a Friday night gathering at Round Two bar, where the MP was present with several companions. According to Campbell, the establishment’s manager attempted to close around 2am, but the MP reportedly objected and signaled the DJ to continue playing music. The group remained for approximately another half-hour before departing.

    Campbell emphasized that nothing appeared amiss during the evening’s conclusion: ‘Before leaving the establishment, there was no indication that anything was missing. No one expressed concern. No one searched. No urgency was shown. The night ended without any suggestion that a firearm or any other item was unaccounted for.’

    The situation escalated dramatically on Monday when police officers arrived at Campbell’s workplace and took him into custody. He described the experience as particularly humiliating given his recent employment in a position involving substantial cash transactions. Police executed a search warrant at his residence in his mother’s presence but discovered nothing related to the case.

    Only during interrogation did Campbell learn the missing item was allegedly the MP’s firearm—the first time he claims to have been informed of what exactly was being investigated. He maintained to officers that he had never seen the weapon in question.

    Despite the absence of evidence, Campbell was detained in a cell without formal charges or explanation for over 24 hours. He was finally released at 4:50pm the following day after his mother intervened, reporting that he received no apology upon his release.

    The case has drawn scrutiny from former North Andros MP Carlton Bowleg, who is related to Campbell. Bowleg has raised critical questions about whether the MP’s firearm was properly licensed, why the weapon was allegedly present in the bar establishment, and whether the MP himself faced police questioning. ‘The whole community is concerned as to why he even had a gun inside the place,’ Bowleg stated.

    Law enforcement officials have remained silent on the matter, with Andros police referring inquiries to Chief Superintendent Sheria King, who declined comment. The MP allegedly involved in the incident has not responded to calls or requests for comment, leaving numerous questions unanswered as community concerns continue to mount.

  • Market Bag: Sorrel at $800 a pound, expected to rise above $1,000

    Market Bag: Sorrel at $800 a pound, expected to rise above $1,000

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A severe supply crunch is driving unprecedented price surges for sorrel, Jamaica’s quintessential Christmas beverage ingredient, with market vendors forecasting costs exceeding $1,000 per pound as holiday demand intensifies.

    With Christmas festivities less than one week away, traditional sorrel drink preparations have created explosive demand while Hurricane Melissa’s agricultural disruption continues to constrain supplies. Coronation Market vendors reported current prices hovering around $800 per pound on Thursday, with further increases inevitable as available stocks diminish.

    Tyrone, a seasoned sorrel vendor, confirmed the market trajectory to Observer Online: ‘This week it’s $800 but prices will rise because supplies will get lesser and lesser.’ The product typically maintains a stable $500 per pound price point throughout most of the year, but some market analysts now project potential spikes to $1,500 per pound given current supply chain challenges.

    Amid the sorrel crisis, shoppers received welcome relief as several other produce items showed significant price reductions. Carrots dropped from $400 to $300 per pound, scallion prices were halved from $800 to $400, and tomatoes declined from $800 to $700 per pound compared to previous week’s levels.

    The market fluctuations underscore the complex interplay between seasonal traditions, climate-related agricultural disruptions, and holiday economic patterns in Jamaica’s vibrant produce markets.

  • Lean times lead to high demand for food hampers

    Lean times lead to high demand for food hampers

    Trinidad and Tobago is experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand for essential food assistance, overwhelming charitable organizations and community initiatives during the holiday season. Multiple aid providers report exhausting their supplies within hours of distribution, highlighting a deepening socioeconomic crisis affecting vulnerable populations across the nation.

    Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon emphasized the critical importance of tangible support during these challenging times, noting that while spiritual comfort matters, practical assistance carries profound significance for struggling families. His organization distributed 750 food hampers in Beetham and Sea Lots communities on December 18, with outreach extending to remote areas including Toco and La Horquetta. The Archbishop observed that this year’s economic difficulties have created particularly severe circumstances, making traditional Christmas giving initiatives more vital than ever.

    The Salvation Army faces similar challenges, with Divisional Commander Major Chris Matthias reporting a ‘very serious uptick’ in assistance requests. The organization distributed 600 hampers from its Port of Spain office alone, with additional distributions occurring nationwide. Matthias identified recent layoffs and economic pressures as primary drivers behind the increased demand, noting that ‘need knows no season’ despite the traditional focus on holiday charity.

    Corporate donation declines have exacerbated the situation, according to Salvation Army advisory board member Paula Stowe. She appealed for continued support from both corporations and individuals, emphasizing that reduced contributions directly translate to fewer households receiving essential assistance. The organization purchases basic supplies through donations from its Red Kettle initiative, corporate partners, and mail-in exercises.

    Meanwhile, comedian Rhea-Simone ‘Simmy De Trini’ Auguste has developed an innovative approach to assistance through social media crowdsourcing. She has observed increased requests throughout the year, particularly during August back-to-school periods and the current Christmas season. Her method utilizes grocery gift cards from Bel Air Stores, providing recipients with dignity of choice while addressing practical challenges of transportation and storage. This approach also reduces waste by accommodating specific family needs, including medical requirements and dietary restrictions.

    The widespread reports from official charities and grassroots organizers alike paint a concerning picture of economic distress affecting diverse demographics across Trinidad and Tobago, suggesting systemic challenges that extend beyond seasonal assistance needs.

  • ‘I don’t know if I’m going make it’

    ‘I don’t know if I’m going make it’

    A Nassau mother is confronting what she anticipates will be the most agonizing holiday season of her life following the brutal murder of her teenage son just weeks before Christmas. Shanique Griffiths, mother of 17-year-old Javaughn Deveaux, expressed her profound grief in an emotional interview with The Tribune, stating she doubts her ability to endure the coming days.

    The devastating tragedy unfolded on December 8 when Deveaux’s body was discovered on a dirt road off Gladstone Road with severe injuries to his head and upper torso. The incident marked the nation’s 80th homicide for the year according to official records, with authorities subsequently charging a 15-year-old male in connection with the killing.

    Griffiths recounted how she and her son had been actively planning Christmas portrait sessions mere weeks before his death—joyful preparations that have now become painful reminders of his absence. The grieving mother revealed that Deveaux had secretly planned to surprise her by introducing his girlfriend, a revelation she only learned after his tragic passing.

    As the holiday approaches, Griffiths has abandoned all traditional celebrations. The mother of three, who also has daughters aged four and ten, described having no motivation for holiday preparations including hair appointments, nail treatments, or purchasing new clothing. She has requested solitude during the holidays, allowing relatives to take her daughters while she processes her immeasurable loss.

    The bond between mother and son was exceptionally close, with Deveaux described as a gentle and supportive presence who consistently comforted his mother during stressful moments. The CI Gibson High School student was scheduled to graduate next year and aspired to pursue a career in law enforcement.

    Griffiths poignantly recalled her son’s habit of reassuring her during difficult times, including recent words of comfort while she was hospitalized. The memory now serves as both comfort and anguish following his sudden death. The grieving mother noted that despite previous family losses, including a sister and grandfather, the pain of losing her child transcends all previous experiences.

    The depth of her grief manifests in heartbreaking details throughout her home—particularly the uneaten food still waiting in the refrigerator that she prepared for her son’s return. Unable to discard these final remnants of his presence, Griffiths navigates what she describes as ‘the worst feeling ever’ while seeking justice for her murdered son.