Carib Scope

分类： society

  • St Michael man remanded on $65 000 blackmail charge

    St Michael man remanded on $65 000 blackmail charge

    A resident of St Michael, Barbados, is now in custody at Dodds Prison following serious allegations of extortion totaling $65,000. Robert Dacosta Walker, whose residence is listed as McCleans Gap in Brittons Hill, faces formal charges brought by the Criminal Investigations Department (South) of the Barbados Police Service.

    The case centers on accusations that Walker attempted to blackmail an individual identified as Graham Allen during a three-day period between January 15 and January 17, 2026. The specific nature of the alleged threats and the relationship between the accused and the complainant have not been disclosed to the public.

    Walker made his initial court appearance at the District ‘A’ Traffic Court on Saturday, where Magistrate Alison Burke presided over the hearing. As the charge constitutes an indictable offense—a more serious category under Barbadian law—Walker was not required to enter a plea at this preliminary stage.

    The judicial proceedings have now been escalated to a higher court. The case has been formally transferred to District ‘A’ Criminal Court No. 1, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 20, 2026. This transfer indicates the gravity with which the Barbadian judicial system is treating the allegations.

    The remand to prison service custody pending trial suggests the court considers Walker a potential flight risk or that the allegations are sufficiently severe to warrant detention until the formal judicial process begins. The case continues to develop as authorities proceed with their investigation.

  • Cuba celebrates World Day of African and Afro-descendant culture

    Cuba celebrates World Day of African and Afro-descendant culture

    Cuba’s top diplomat has publicly affirmed the nation’s profound cultural and historical connections to Africa, framing the relationship as one of shared heritage and familial bonds. In a statement released on social media platform X, the official characterized Cuban identity as the product of a dynamic fusion of diverse cultures, traditions, and religious practices cultivated over hundreds of years.

    The declaration emphasized that this rich national character stems from a long history of continuous exchange, solidarity, and fraternal ties between the Cuban people and the African continent. “We Cubans feel part of the African continent and children of Africa,” the Foreign Minister stated, underscoring a sense of shared destiny and belonging.

    This recognition coincides with the global observance of World Day of African and Afro-descendant Culture on January 24. The annual celebration, championed by UNESCO, honors the vast and vibrant cultural expressions originating from Africa and its diasporic communities worldwide. The event reinforces the international body’s core mission to advance respect for cultural diversity and human creative expression across the globe.

    This commemoration highlights Africa’s invaluable contribution to world heritage, positioning cultural appreciation as a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development, fostering mutual understanding, encouraging dialogue, and maintaining global peace.

  • Chinese lantaarnfestival licht op voor Chinees Nieuwjaar

    Chinese lantaarnfestival licht op voor Chinees Nieuwjaar

    The 32nd International Zigong Lantern Festival commenced Friday in China’s southwestern Sichuan province, launching spectacular celebrations ahead of the Chinese New Year. This annual extravaganza showcases the ancient art of illuminated lantern craftsmanship on a monumental scale.

    With the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac beginning on February 17, the festival embodies traditional Lunar New Year elements where lanterns symbolize prosperity and good fortune. Opening night attracted massive crowds admiring over 200 handcrafted lanterns depicting animals, mythological figures, and ancient Chinese scenes.

    Local resident Huang Ye, 32, shared: ‘My parents brought me to the Zigong Lantern Festival almost every year during my childhood. For us Zigong natives, this festival represents an inseparable part of our New Year celebration. Now I continue the tradition by bringing my own child to witness these magnificent displays.’

    The monumental installations required approximately 1,200 workers several weeks to complete. Among the most impressive creations was the 210-meter-long ‘Magical China’ display, inspired by ancient legends and featuring the mythical Kunpeng—a gigantic bird-fish hybrid. Another 180-meter installation titled ‘Legend of Mulan’ portrayed the famous female warrior’s story with a herd of galloping horses nodding to this year’s zodiac sign.

    Artisans employed innovative materials including straw, chili peppers, and recycled medicine bottles to construct these breathtaking luminous artworks, blending traditional techniques with sustainable practices.

  • Shock and Grief in Gray’s Farm After Death of Nikisha Rose

    Shock and Grief in Gray’s Farm After Death of Nikisha Rose

    The close-knit community of Gray’s Farm is reeling from a tragic late-night shooting that claimed the life of Nikisha Rose, a 42-year-old hairdresser known for her vibrant personality and community involvement. The incident occurred on Friday, January 23, at approximately 10:30 p.m. near the G&E Parking Lot in Michael’s Village.

    According to police reports, Rose was traveling in a vehicle with a male companion when an unidentified assailant opened fire on their car. Both occupants sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to Sir Lester Bird Medical Center for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, Rose succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at 11:21 p.m. The male victim, also a Gray’s Farm resident, remains hospitalized in stable condition.

    Rose’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the community where she was deeply embedded through both her hairstyling profession and her work with the Schools Meals Programme. Colleagues and friends remember her as perpetually energetic and encouraging, with an ever-present smile that brightened her surroundings. Many described her as the emotional backbone of her social circles, making her loss particularly devastating.

    Local residents have expressed profound grief over the passing of what many called a “hardworking mother” and “valued community member.” The spontaneous outpouring of tributes across social media and community gatherings highlights the significant impact Rose had on those around her.

    Law enforcement authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police are actively seeking information from the public and have provided contact numbers for both the Criminal Investigations Department (462-3913) and Crimestoppers (800-TIPS). The Police Administration has formally extended condolences to Rose’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

  • Glow Walk Fundraiser to Support Former Broadcaster Paul Quinn

    Glow Walk Fundraiser to Support Former Broadcaster Paul Quinn

    In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, St. John’s will host a luminous Glow Walk next Friday evening as prominent sports broadcaster Joseph “Jojo” Apparicio converts his birthday celebration into a charitable initiative. The event, scheduled for January 31st, aims to generate crucial financial support for former Observer Radio host Paul Quinn, who experienced a devastating stroke in November 2024.

    Participants will assemble at 6:00 PM at the Yasco Sports Complex, embarking on a illuminated procession through the capital city adorned with glow sticks and reflective attire. Apparicio, the esteemed host of Observer Radio’s ‘Good Morning Jojo Sports Show,’ made the conscious decision to dedicate his annual birthday philanthropy to Quinn following his colleague’s sudden health crisis.

    Medical circumstances have presented significant challenges for the Quinn family. According to Sheriann Quinn, the patient’s wife, medical professionals initially provided a grim prognosis of mere days remaining for her husband. However, against all odds, Quinn has demonstrated remarkable resilience in his recovery journey. He has achieved liberation from oxygen support, regained mobility in all extremities, and maintained full cognitive awareness. A current tracheostomy procedure temporarily restricts his vocal capabilities, but hasn’t diminished his engagement with familiar radio programming each morning.

    The community’s emotional and spiritual support has played an instrumental role in this recovery process, acknowledged Mrs. Quinn, who expressed profound gratitude for continued public prayers and encouragement.

    Apparicio emphasized the substantial financial burdens associated with long-term medical care, noting how such expenses create overwhelming pressure for families navigating health crises. All generated proceeds from the Glow Walk will be directly allocated to Quinn’s medical treatment and rehabilitation requirements. Contributions can be offered during the event or coordinated beforehand, with the walking commencement set for 6:00 PM at the designated sports complex.

  • Cuba commemorates International Education Day

    Cuba commemorates International Education Day

    In a powerful address disseminated through social media channels, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has reaffirmed his nation’s steadfast dedication to advancing free, universal, and inclusive education as an indispensable human right. The diplomatic statement emerged amid growing international concerns regarding global educational disparities.

    Citing alarming UNESCO statistics, Rodríguez highlighted the profound crisis facing worldwide education systems, noting that 244 million children and adolescents currently lack any form of schooling. Further compounding this emergency, an additional 617 million young learners demonstrate insufficient proficiency in fundamental literacy and mathematics skills, creating what experts describe as a global learning poverty epidemic.

    The Cuban diplomat positioned educational access as more than simply an academic concern, framing it as a critical mechanism for fostering international peace, cross-cultural understanding, and social inclusion. Rodríguez emphasized that strengthening educational frameworks represents a foundational pillar for sustainable human development and the eradication of systemic discrimination.

    This declaration aligns with Cuba’s longstanding educational policy, which has historically prioritized comprehensive literacy programs and accessible education despite economic challenges. The Caribbean nation’s educational model has frequently been cited by international organizations for achieving remarkable literacy rates and educational participation levels.

    The timing of this statement coincides with increased global attention on educational inequality following pandemic-related school disruptions that disproportionately affected developing nations. United Nations agencies have warned that without significant intervention, current educational deficits may severely hamper progress toward international development goals.

  • Innovation leaders in the Cuban Press receive awards

    Innovation leaders in the Cuban Press receive awards

    Several Cuban media organizations have been recognized for journalistic excellence and innovative practices during a prestigious awards ceremony held at the Union of Cuban Journalists (UPEC) headquarters. The honorees included Ideas Multimedios, Radio Sancti Spiritus, the satirical publication Palante, and Radio Cumanayagua from Cienfuegos province.

    The awards specifically acknowledged groundbreaking efforts in developing and implementing innovative editorial solutions that address contemporary challenges in journalism. The competition bears the name of Juan Antonio Borrego, the late director of Escambray publishing house, honoring his legacy in Cuban media.

    Dr. Ana Teresa Badia, renowned journalist with Radio Rebelde and chair of the judging committee, reported exceptionally strong participation in this year’s competition. She noted that the majority of entries demonstrated significant commitment to developing practical solutions for the evolving challenges facing modern journalism.

    Special recognition was awarded to Radio Sancti Spiritus for its comprehensive coverage commemorating the centennial of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro’s birth, an honor bestowed by the Institute of Information and Social Communication. Ideas Multimedios received distinctive acclaim for its multimedia section titled ‘The Century of Fidel,’ which earned a special prize created specifically for this occasion.

    In a parallel achievement, the Faculty of Communication at the University of Havana presented Escambray publishing house in Sancti Spiritus with an award for its scientific approach to media management. This recognition aligned perfectly with the same category honored through the Juan Antonio Borrego Award, highlighting consistent excellence in journalistic management practices.

  • ‘Life is terminal,’ says death doula

    ‘Life is terminal,’ says death doula

    In a compelling call to action, Jamaican end-of-life specialist Patrice Dwyer is championing the normalization of death preparedness, emphasizing that financial secrecy and avoidance of mortality discussions are creating severe familial distress. As a certified death doula—a non-medical professional providing holistic support to terminally ill individuals and their families—Dwyer highlights how Jamaicans’ cultural reluctance to share financial details or discuss final wishes often culminates in crises when emergencies strike.

    Dwyer observes that stringent privacy around bank accounts, PIN codes, and asset ownership frequently leaves families unable to access funds needed for medical care or funeral expenses, even when resources are available. This financial paralysis exacerbates emotional turmoil, often forcing relatives into debt to honor burial preferences that were never formally documented.

    The absence of clear wills or advanced directives frequently ignites familial conflict over burial methods—whether traditional burial, cremation, or body donation to science—with disagreements stemming from unspoken personal beliefs and inadequate communication. Dwyer notes that these disputes are particularly painful when patients cannot communicate their wishes due to illness, underscoring the critical need for living wills and designated decision-makers.

    Since her certification in 2021, Dwyer has assisted over 20 families in navigating end-of-life decisions and grief processing. She emphasizes that planning extends beyond wills to include setting up trusts, adding trusted individuals to financial accounts, and discussing preferences for medical facilities or funeral homes. Through Zoom sessions like ‘Let’s Talk Endings and Everything In Between,’ she creates safe spaces for conversations that many Jamaicans avoid due to superstitions about inviting death.

    Dwyer warns that suppressed grief and unresolved end-of-life conflicts have long-lasting emotional impacts, urging Jamaicans to initiate frank family discussions to balance practical preparedness with compassionate closure.

  • Only 72 per cent of students attending school in Region 4

    Only 72 per cent of students attending school in Region 4

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s education system faces a significant challenge in restoring regular school attendance following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, with the most severely affected parishes reporting attendance rates as low as 72%. Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon revealed these concerning figures during a Senate session on Friday, highlighting particular difficulties in engaging teenage male students who have prioritized supporting their families’ recovery efforts over education.

    The statistical breakdown illustrates the hurricane’s disruptive impact across different regions. Region 4, encompassing the hardest-hit parishes of St. James, Westmoreland, and Hanover, demonstrates the most pronounced attendance decline at just 72%. Region 2, comprising Portland, St. Thomas, and St. Mary, maintains an 80% attendance rate, while Region 3 (St. Ann and Trelawny) reports 82% attendance. These figures remain substantially below pre-hurricane levels despite the official resumption of classes on January 14.

    Minister Morris Dixon identified a troubling pattern of absenteeism particularly concentrated among adolescent males. ‘The situation is especially acute with our teenage boys who are opting to assist their families with reconstruction rather than attend school,’ she explained to legislators. ‘When they witness their homes destroyed, helping their families becomes their immediate priority, displacing educational commitments.’

    The Ministry of Education has implemented a multi-faceted response strategy involving guidance counselors working collaboratively with community institutions, including churches, to emphasize education’s importance while addressing practical recovery needs. The ministry systematically tracks attendance weekly, recognizing from pandemic-era data that extended absences dramatically increase the risk of permanent school dropout.

    ‘While current numbers remain unsatisfactory, our meticulous tracking enables targeted intervention,’ Morris Dixon stated. ‘Our guidance counselors are actively visiting communities to locate and re-engage absent students, understanding that deliberate, sustained effort is essential to prevent long-term educational disruption.’

  • ‘He sleeps, yet he speaks’

    ‘He sleeps, yet he speaks’

    The University of the West Indies Chapel hosted a poignant memorial service on Saturday honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of sports broadcaster Donald Oliver, whose sudden passing on December 30, 2025, profoundly impacted Jamaica’s media landscape and regional sports community. The ceremony became a powerful testament to a career defined by relentless pursuit of excellence rather than fame, as articulated by colleagues, family, and government officials.

    Dr. Colleen Beckles of Love 101 FM delivered a moving eulogy anchored in biblical metaphor: “He sleeps, yet he speaks.” She elaborated that Oliver’s voice continues to resonate through memories, professional legacy, and every aspiring broadcaster who dares to believe in their potential. Dr. Beckles traced Oliver’s media journey to its beginnings in 1994 on ‘The Small People Show’ on Love 101 FM, where he evolved from a curious child with a compelling voice into the program’s 1996 champion—a progression she described as “right, earned, and inevitable.”

    Colleagues universally praised Oliver’s distinctive approach to sports commentary. Journalist George Davis, formerly of SportsMax and now with Nationwide News Network, characterized him as “God’s gift to football commentary,” emphasizing his meticulous preparation and linguistic mastery. “Donald walked with a bag of words,” Davis noted, “filled during hours of preparation, never needing to dig too deep to find the perfect phrase for describing spectacular sporting moments.”

    Oliver’s widow, Norretta, provided intimate insights into his professional dedication, revealing that sports journalism was “not just a job but a calling.” His preparation for matches resembled studying for final exams, involving comprehensive analysis of players’ statistics, patterns, and even aliases. This commitment extended to promotional work, where he would record segments countless times until achieving his auditory vision. Beyond professional excellence, Norretta highlighted their deep personal connection spanning from childhood in Allman Town to parenthood, describing Oliver as an extraordinary father to their daughter Zabella-Rameen, with whom he shared a special bond despite geographical separation.

    Professional acknowledgments came from Jamaica Observer Media Group Managing Director Dominic Beaubrun, who noted Oliver’s significant contributions during critical election preparation periods in August 2025. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, officially recognized Oliver’s two-decade career across major media networks including RJR, CVM, TVJ, and SportsMax, where he rose to senior producer. She particularly highlighted his recent documentary series on Hurricane Melissa’s human impact, which gave voice to Jamaican resilience and struggle.

    In a lasting tribute to Oliver’s influence, former SportsMax colleague Tanya Lee Perkins announced the establishment of an annual bursary at the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication, ensuring his legacy will continue inspiring future generations of journalists. The collective remembrances painted a portrait of a media professional whose analytical brilliance, linguistic artistry, and human warmth transformed sports broadcasting into storytelling artistry.