Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Man fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to drug charges

    Man fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to drug charges

    A St. James resident has been convicted on multiple narcotics charges following a court appearance at the District ‘A’ Traffic Court this past Saturday. Chad Roosevelt Elija Chase, 30, of West Terrace, St. James, entered a guilty plea before Magistrate Alison Burke for six distinct drug offenses.

    The charges encompassed possession, trafficking, and intent to supply both cannabis and cocaine. The court imposed a financial penalty of $2,000, mandating payment within a sixty-day period. Failure to comply will result in a three-month custodial sentence at the Barbados Prison Service facility in Dodds.

    According to official reports, the Barbados Police Service Narcotics Unit apprehended and formally charged Chase in relation to illicit activities dated January 23. Law enforcement authorities confirmed the seizure of suspected cannabis with an approximate weight of 21 grammes, carrying an estimated street value of $105. Additionally, officers confiscated roughly 1.7 grammes of suspected cocaine valued at approximately $85.

    The judicial outcome highlights ongoing efforts by Barbadian authorities to combat drug-related crimes through both legal prosecution and financial penalties.

  • Monorath: Situatie bij Zijin levensgevaarlijk, brandstichting onacceptabel

    Monorath: Situatie bij Zijin levensgevaarlijk, brandstichting onacceptabel

    Suriname’s Justice and Police Minister Harish Monorath has expressed profound regret over a fatal incident at the Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines in Brokopondo that resulted in the death of a 26-year-old illegal miner. The minister characterized the mining area as persistently hazardous due to repeated intrusions by unauthorized gold seekers.

    Minister Monorath clarified that the Chinese multinational mining company operates within established regulations, provides employment opportunities, and contributes tax revenue to the state. However, he acknowledged the economic desperation driving individuals to infiltrate the mining site for subsistence. “These activities occur in an extremely life-threatening manner,” Monorath stated, noting that illegal miners frequently position themselves near heavy machinery and crushing operations during rock processing activities.

    The tragedy unfolded when security personnel attempted to evacuate individuals from the active work zone. During this operation, one man fell into a mining pit and succumbed to his injuries. The situation escalated dramatically as remaining illegal miners refused to disperse from the facility.

    Following the fatality, enraged protesters set multiple company assets and vehicles ablaze. The mining enterprise, in coordination with security forces, withdrew personnel and equipment to secure locations. Police reinforcements dispatched to contain the violence faced projectile attacks from aggrieved individuals.

    In response to the deteriorating security situation, authorities deployed additional police units and military personnel to restore order. Minister Monorath emphasized the unacceptable nature of the destruction against multinational property and assaults on law enforcement officers. He highlighted existing government-level agreements and noted that mining revenues fund essential public services nationwide.

    The minister prioritized immediate stability and civilian safety while indicating future dialogues to seek middle-ground solutions. Monorath unequivocally condemned violent responses and property destruction as illegitimate means of conflict resolution.

  • Power outages affect DGII platforms and paralyze the sale of vehicle registration stickers and online services

    Power outages affect DGII platforms and paralyze the sale of vehicle registration stickers and online services

    The Dominican Republic’s General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) announced a significant service disruption on Saturday due to electrical infrastructure failures that crippled its technological platforms. The outage has severely impacted the agency’s Virtual Office (OFV), preventing citizens from accessing critical digital services including tax payments and vehicle registration sticker purchases.

    According to an official statement released by the tax authority, the electrical issues have rendered key digital services inaccessible. The DGII’s technical teams are actively working to resolve the system failures and restore full functionality, though no specific timeline for complete recovery has been provided.

    The technological breakdown has created tangible problems for Dominican citizens. Multiple authorized banking institutions reported being unable to process vehicle registration sticker sales throughout Saturday due to the system-wide outage. Customers visiting various bank branches received uniform notifications about the DGII’s system failure, leaving them unable to complete mandatory vehicle registration procedures.

    Beyond sticker sales, taxpayers encountered substantial difficulties attempting to fulfill their fiscal obligations digitally. Users attempting to access the DGII’s virtual platform received various error messages, including notifications indicating that requested web pages were non-existent or temporarily unavailable.

    The tax authority has issued a formal apology to taxpayers for the inconveniences caused by the service disruption. The DGII has committed to providing ongoing updates regarding system restoration progress and will announce when services return to normal operational capacity.

  • Berquin : Laying of the foundation stone for the Departmental Directorate of the Police

    Berquin : Laying of the foundation stone for the Departmental Directorate of the Police

    A landmark ceremony in Berquin, Nippes Department, on January 22, 2026, marked the formal commencement of construction for the new Departmental Directorate of the Haitian National Police (PNH). The event, while symbolic, follows four months of significant construction progress on the modern facility, which aims to substantially enhance the PNH’s institutional footprint in the region.

    The project is strategically designed to address critical public safety expectations and bolster security governance. The presence of a diverse delegation underscored its national importance and international backing. Attendees included Mayor Anne Myriam Loiseau Luima of Miragoâne, judicial dignitaries, religious leaders, and key international figures such as Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Nishiuchi and Xavier Michon, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Haiti.

    High-ranking PNH officials, including Inspector General Mario Aubergiste, Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, were also present, highlighting the project’s alignment with the force’s strategic modernization goals.

    Xavier Michon of UNDP reiterated the organization’s steadfast commitment to aiding the Haitian government in fortifying its public security institutions. He articulated that the new infrastructure would be pivotal in improving officer working conditions and nurturing a more collaborative relationship between the police force and the local community.

    Local leadership welcomed the initiative. The Mayor of Miragoâne hailed the project as a beacon of hope for the people of Nippes, essential for ensuring social peace and fostering local development through a better-equipped police force.

    Ambassador Nishiuchi reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing support for Haiti’s stabilization and institutional strengthening, positioning Japanese cooperation as a vital catalyst for enhancing security and promoting sustainable development.

    Inspector General Aubergiste emphasized that the construction is a core component of the High Command’s vision to decentralize and modernize the PNH’s operational capabilities. He extended profound gratitude to the national and international partners supporting these efforts.

    Post-ceremony, the delegation conducted an assessment of the nearby Miragoâne Police Station, which has been operating from temporary prefabricated structures since being severely damaged in the devastating January 2010 earthquake. This visit highlighted the urgent need for permanent infrastructure, as the current conditions have long impacted both police personnel efficacy and public service quality.

  • Yeni Berenice on Brianna Genao: “The team hasn’t stopped investigating for a single minute”

    Yeni Berenice on Brianna Genao: “The team hasn’t stopped investigating for a single minute”

    LA VEGA, Dominican Republic – Twenty-four days following the mysterious disappearance of Brianna Genao in Barrero, Puerto Plata, the nation’s top prosecutor has provided a crucial update on the investigative efforts. Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso confirmed that investigative teams remain fully engaged in the case, working relentlessly to uncover the truth behind Genao’s disappearance.

    Reynoso emphasized the uninterrupted nature of the investigation, stating, ‘Our dedicated team has not ceased its work for a single day, continuously pursuing all relevant investigative procedures essential to resolving this case.’ The statement came amid growing public concern about the pace of the investigation.

    Regarding international involvement, the Attorney General clarified that while FBI agents have concluded their on-site operations, the American law enforcement agency continues to provide essential support to Dominican authorities. ‘The completion of field operations by an international agency like the FBI does not signify the end of our collaboration,’ Reynoso explained. ‘The formal request from our office ensures their continued accompaniment throughout the entire investigative process.’

    Although the timeline for receiving the FBI’s comprehensive report remains unspecified, sources familiar with the investigation indicate anticipated delivery within the coming fortnight. Reynoso maintained strict protocol regarding disclosure limitations, noting, ‘Our legal code explicitly prohibits revealing investigative details until formal proceedings are initiated.’

    The security landscape in Barrero has transformed significantly since the disappearance, with military personnel, national police officers, and specialized investigative detectives maintaining constant presence. Access to the local roadway remains restricted to residents only, with security details reduced to three personnel guarding the entrance—a stark contrast to the extensive deployments seen during initial investigation phases.

  • Animal cruelty: Woman burns a dog taking shelter from the rain with her puppies

    Animal cruelty: Woman burns a dog taking shelter from the rain with her puppies

    A shocking case of animal cruelty has emerged from the Villa Juana sector of the National District, where Mildred Margarita Victoriano stands accused of deliberately scalding a protective mother dog with boiling water. The incident occurred on April 11, 2025, when the canine was shielding her puppies from rainfall near the defendant’s residence.

    Judicial proceedings advanced this Thursday as Judge Patricia Padilla of the Second Court of Instruction imposed coercive measures against Victoriano, requiring periodic court appearances and an 8,000 peso economic guarantee. The court has reserved its ruling on whether the case will proceed to full trial, with a decision scheduled for February 5.

    According to animal welfare advocates, this represents an escalation of violence against the defenseless animal. Lourdes Rodríguez of the National Animal Protection Foundation and Rodríguez Canine Shelter revealed that Victoriano had previously attacked the same dog with battery acid just one day before the scalding incident. Even more disturbingly, rescuers claim the woman had previously kicked the dog while pregnant, resulting in the death of her puppies.

    The victimized animal sustained catastrophic injuries, with rescuer William Betances reporting burns covering approximately 80% of its body. The dog currently resides in a foster home undergoing extensive recovery, while her puppies fortunately remained unharmed during the attacks.

    Animal protection organizations faced significant barriers during the legal process. Betances, Rodríguez, Guillermina Selman of Ecoportal Dominicana Foundation, and other advocates were prohibited from attending the preliminary hearing after the judge determined they lacked formal ownership of the animal. This exclusion highlights systemic challenges in pursuing animal cruelty cases within the Dominican justice system.

    The case unfolds under Law 284-12, which establishes penalties of up to one year imprisonment and fines equivalent to fifty times the minimum wage for animal cruelty convictions, with doubled penalties for repeat offenders.

  • Suriname verkent samenwerking met Ghana voor versterking beroepsonderwijs

    Suriname verkent samenwerking met Ghana voor versterking beroepsonderwijs

    Suriname is embarking on a strategic educational collaboration with Ghana to enhance its vocational training system and better prepare its workforce for upcoming economic developments, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The initiative emerged from high-level discussions between a Ghanaian delegation and Surinamese President Jennifer Simons on Friday.

    According to Assembly Member Tachana Lösche (NDP), who accompanied the delegation, this initiative aligns with the President’s vision to modernize vocational education and make it future-proof. The partnership extends beyond immediate oil and gas sector needs to encompass sustainable long-term economic development strategies.

    The Ghanaian delegation conducted an extensive tour of Suriname’s technical education institutions, including the Polytechnic College Suriname, the Natuurtechnische School, and the Foundation for Labor Mobilization and Development. Officials expressed strong appreciation for the quality and potential of Suriname’s vocational education system, as reported by the Suriname Communication Service.

    A central component of the proposed collaboration involves sending approximately 120 Surinamese students and 20 instructors to Ghana for an 18-month training program. These educational courses will focus on sectors critical to Suriname’s national development objectives, including oil and gas, construction, mining, digital transformation, and agriculture.

    The selection process for participants remains under development and will be conducted within the vocational education sector in coordination with Suriname’s Ministry of Education. Prior to implementation, a Surinamese delegation will visit Ghana to evaluate educational facilities and assess safety protocols. Based on their findings, subsequent steps will be determined and presented to President Simons for final approval.

  • Family of Four Left Homeless After Wireless Road Fire

    Family of Four Left Homeless After Wireless Road Fire

    A devastating Saturday morning fire on Wireless Road has resulted in the complete destruction of a family home, leaving four residents without shelter or possessions. The incident occurred shortly before 10 a.m., engulfing the residence in flames that ultimately consumed both the structure and all belongings within.

    First responders from the St. John’s Fire Station arrived promptly at the scene, executing fire suppression protocols that successfully contained the blaze. Despite their efforts, the property sustained total loss, rendering the dwelling uninhabitable and all contents unsalvageable.

    The displaced household includes David James, his fiancée, and their two minor children, who now face the formidable challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch. While no physical injuries were reported, the family experiences profound material and emotional devastation following the sudden tragedy.

    Authorities from the local fire department have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact origin and cause of the incident. Preliminary assessments suggest the possibility of electrical malfunctions, though official conclusions remain pending until completion of the forensic examination.

    Community organizations and neighborhood support networks have begun mobilizing assistance efforts, providing immediate necessities including temporary accommodation, clothing, and essential supplies for the affected family during this critical period of recovery.

  • Winifred Holder joins her mother in the century club

    Winifred Holder joins her mother in the century club

    The Vauxhall Methodist Church in Barbados became the setting for a landmark celebration this past Saturday as community members gathered to honor Winifred Holder on her 100th birthday. The event recognized not only her personal milestone but also her profound legacy of service, echoing the longevity of her mother who also reached centenarian status.

    Described as a community matriarch, mentor, and devoted church member, Holder’s life was celebrated by a diverse assembly of friends, neighbors, relatives, and political figures. Church representative Joseph Hope delivered a heartfelt tribute, highlighting her lifelong dedication. “Ms. Holder is a woman who loves the Lord, enjoys reading her Bible, and gives much to the church here. She served as the church sexton and was instrumental in all fundraising activities,” Hope remarked. He also noted her role in community childcare, recalling, “She kept many children back in the day when parents had to run errands.”

    The celebration attracted notable political attention, including Chad Blackman, a Barbados Labour Party candidate for St James North, who reflected on being cared for by Holder during his childhood. Blackman advocated for the preservation of her life story, particularly her early education alongside Shirley Chisholm, who later became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. Incumbent representatives Adrian Forde and Ryan Straughan were also present to pay their respects.

    In a significant honor, President Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic attended the ceremony, officially designating Holder as a “national treasure.” The President concurred on the urgency of documenting oral histories from the island’s centenarians and hinted at special plans to recognize this demographic in November.

    When asked about the secret to her longevity, Holder attributed it to a quadrumvirate of principles: unwavering faith in God, consumption of good food, maintenance of a positive mindset, and consistent respect for others. Holder, who has one son and two grandchildren, continues to be revered as a living testament to a life of service and faith.

  • MP Richard Lewis Urges National Unity Against Crime After Killing of Nikisha Rose

    MP Richard Lewis Urges National Unity Against Crime After Killing of Nikisha Rose

    Antigua and Barbuda faces a renewed wave of communal grief following the tragic murder of Nikisha Rose, a dedicated mother whose life was abruptly ended by an act of senseless violence. Member of Parliament Richard S. Lewis has issued a heartfelt public statement expressing profound condolences to the bereaved family, while simultaneously issuing a clarion call for national solidarity in combating the escalating crime epidemic.

    The statement underscores the profound societal concern regarding rampant criminal activities, emphasizing that every citizen and resident bears a collective responsibility in confronting this pervasive threat. Lewis vehemently advocates for moving beyond partisan blame games, urging instead for a cohesive, united national front against violence. He stresses the critical necessity of inclusive dialogue, proposing that all relevant interest groups must be integrally involved in formulating a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy specifically targeted at eradicating illegal firearms from community streets.

    In a direct appeal to public cooperation, Lewis reinforces the fundamental community policing principle: ‘If you see something, say something.’ He actively encourages citizens to assist law enforcement authorities by providing any potentially crucial information that could lead to resolving this homicide case. The statement explicitly urges individuals with relevant information to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913 or utilize the anonymous Crimestoppers tip line at 800-TIPS (8477), emphasizing that perpetrators must face judicial accountability for their actions. This tragedy has catalyzed a renewed determination to restore safety and security throughout the nation’s neighborhoods.