Carib Scope

分类： society

  • WATCH: Christmas parties for government entities cancelled—Morris Dixon

    WATCH: Christmas parties for government entities cancelled—Morris Dixon

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a decisive response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has announced the cancellation of all official Christmas parties for state entities this year. Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon made the announcement during Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, signaling a shift in priorities toward national recovery efforts.

    Minister Dixon clarified that while large-scale, external celebrations are prohibited, small internal gatherings for staff recognition and morale-building within government offices will be permitted. ‘We have agreed to allow small in-ministry or in-department recognition or morale-building activities,’ Dixon stated. ‘If you are doing something in the office, it’s fine, but no rental of external venues is allowed.’

    The minister instead urged government agencies to organize outreach activities targeting team members adversely affected by the hurricane’s impact. Extending this call beyond the public sector, Dixon encouraged private sector entities to maintain their support for relief initiatives, noting concerning reports of event cancellations at hotels that could further strain the economy.

    Highlighting the disproportionate economic impact on western regions of the island, Dixon made a unique appeal to Jamaicans in less-affected areas: ‘We really do need to kind of make up for what is happening in the west in terms of the downturn in economic activity. Those of us in areas that haven’t been affected as much, please go out and spend money. The economy needs it, but, at the same time, spend time doing outreach in the affected areas.’ This dual approach aims to balance economic stimulation with direct humanitarian assistance in the recovery process.

  • Last ‘Good morning’

    Last ‘Good morning’

    The community of Bonitto Heights in Mandeville, Manchester, was plunged into profound grief on Tuesday morning following the tragic death of nine-year-old Amoya Moore, a Villa Road Primary School student struck by a garbage truck while walking to school.

    The incident occurred approximately at 7:00 AM near the child’s residence, moments after she had exchanged morning greetings with the sanitation crew. According to an eyewitness who was washing his car nearby, the tragedy unfolded as the truck descended from Bonitto Heights. The man described hearing a piercing scream before witnessing one of the truck’s sidemen running in distress. Upon rushing to the scene, he discovered Amoya fatally injured on the ground.

    Manchester law enforcement authorities promptly impounded the vehicle for technical examination at the Mandeville depot while initiating a comprehensive investigation through both the Manchester Traffic Department and Area Three Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Unit. The driver remained in police custody for questioning throughout Tuesday afternoon as officers gathered official statements.

    Villa Road Primary School Principal Brent James characterized Amoya as an exceptionally bright, respectful, and disciplined student who held special significance to him personally. “She literally fights to come and hug me each day,” James recounted, visibly emotional. “A child that had such great prospects, and for her life to just be taken away just like that is tragic.”

    The school immediately implemented crisis response protocols, with grief counselors and psychosocial support teams from the Ministry of Education’s Region Five office joining principals from three area schools to assist students and staff processing the devastating news.

    Neighbors remembered Amoya as a remarkably polite child who consistently greeted community members during her daily walks. Dean Williamson, a resident and father of two daughters, expressed the collective devastation: “It is a tragic situation and very devastating to the community. All of us are parents.”

    Senior government officials including Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, Education State Minister Rhoda Moy Crawford, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority issued separate statements extending official condolences to the family and school community. Crawford, who represents Manchester Central and attended Villa Road Primary herself, announced plans to visit both the school and grieving family, simultaneously urging enhanced road safety awareness among all users.

  • Small plane crash-lands on top of car in Florida

    Small plane crash-lands on top of car in Florida

    A dramatic aviation incident unfolded on a Florida highway Monday evening when a single-engine aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing directly onto a passenger vehicle. The Beechcraft Baron 55, experiencing critical engine failure approximately at 5:40 PM local time, attempted to utilize a busy thoroughfare as an impromptu landing strip. During the desperate maneuver, the aircraft ultimately collided with an automobile traveling along the roadway. Emergency services promptly responded to the scene following reports of the mid-highway collision. While the vehicle’s operator sustained injuries requiring hospital transport, medical officials confirmed these were non-life-threatening. Remarkably, both the pilot and sole passenger aboard the aircraft emerged completely unscathed from the incident. Aviation authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the mechanical failure and subsequent emergency landing procedure.

  • CPO meets with Police Association executive

    CPO meets with Police Association executive

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s law enforcement community, Chief Personnel Officer Dr. Daryl Dindial convened with newly elected TT Police Service Social Welfare Association (TTPSSWA) president Ishmael Pitt and executive members on December 9. The meeting, held at the Personnel Department headquarters in St. Clair, marked a pivotal step in fostering collaborative relations between government administration and police representatives.

    During the cordial exchange, both parties engaged in substantive discussions addressing critical organizational matters. While explicitly characterized as preliminary talks rather than formal negotiations, the dialogue encompassed several pressing issues including the ongoing job evaluation exercise, comprehensive pension reform proposals, enhancements to the group health plan, and potential timelines for resuming official bargaining sessions.

    Dr. Dindial emphasized the administration’s commitment to maintaining transparent and productive channels of communication with all stakeholders. The meeting notably served as an occasion to honor outgoing TTPSSWA president Gideon Dickson, whom the CPO praised for his principled leadership and dedication to advancing members’ welfare during his tenure. Dickson’s stewardship was credited with significantly strengthening the association’s advocacy capabilities and achieving tangible benefits for personnel.

    The constructive nature of the discussions has established a foundation for continued engagement, with follow-up dialogues scheduled for early January 2026. Dr. Dindial concluded the proceedings by extending seasonal greetings to all police service members and their families, acknowledging their service during the holiday period. This meeting occurs against the backdrop of the association’s previous acceptance in February 2023 of a four percent remuneration offer covering the 2014-2019 periods.

  • 60 homes for Christmas

    60 homes for Christmas

    MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – In an extraordinary humanitarian response, the S Hotel has mobilized a rapid-deployment project to construct 60 one-bedroom housing units for western Jamaican residents displaced by Hurricane Melissa. With a total investment exceeding $21 million Jamaican dollars, the ‘S for Shelters’ initiative represents one of the most significant private-sector recovery efforts following the devastating storm.

    The ambitious program, driven by the Jamaican-owned hospitality brand, aims to provide safe accommodation for homeless families before Christmas celebrations begin. Hotel Manager and Brand Ambassador Andres Cope emphasized the emotional urgency behind the project: ‘This initiative resonates deeply with our core values. With Christmas approaching rapidly, ensuring our fellow Jamaicans have proper shelter becomes our paramount concern.’

    The innovative housing solution emerged after the hotel received heartfelt communications from international guests expressing concern about traveling to a disaster-affected region. ‘Our overseas clients conveyed genuine distress about visiting while Jamaicans suffered,’ Cope explained during Tuesday’s press briefing. ‘As a locally-owned establishment, we recognize our responsibility to support communities in crisis.’

    Construction teams have demonstrated remarkable efficiency, completing structures at an accelerated pace of two to three units daily. The 10×12-foot wooden houses, engineered for durability and longevity, are being assembled in the hotel’s parking lot before transportation to identified recipients. Projects Manager Tardo Nelson confirmed the buildings’ structural integrity: ‘With appropriate maintenance including regular painting and care, these shelters can provide secure housing for a decade or longer, substantially outperforming conventional board houses common in the region.’

    The identification process for beneficiaries relies on grassroots intelligence from hotel employees residing in affected parishes. This community-based approach ensures assistance reaches the most vulnerable individuals, including a paralyzed gentleman who became the first recipient after losing his entire home.

    The humanitarian endeavor has inspired active participation from international visitors. Mike Vanbuskirk, a tourist from Florida, joined construction teams personally, noting: ‘Contributing physically to Jamaica’s rebuilding process embodies compassionate tourism. Having witnessed Jamaican resilience previously, I feel privileged to participate meaningfully.’

    Other guests, including retirees Tim and Marva Joseph from Virginia, praised the hotel’s transparent crisis communication throughout the hurricane period. ‘Their consistent social media updates demonstrated unwavering resilience,’ Tim noted. ‘We maintained our reservation specifically to support this commendable recovery effort.’

    The project exemplifies growing trends in corporate social responsibility within the hospitality industry, showcasing how tourism infrastructure can directly contribute to disaster recovery while maintaining operational excellence.

  • Jamaican former correctional officer mowed down by moped in New York

    Jamaican former correctional officer mowed down by moped in New York

    NEW YORK — A devastating traffic incident in Queens has cut short the homecoming plans of a retired correctional officer, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety and unlicensed vehicle operation in New York City.

    Trevor Lloyd Samuels, 68, a former Department of Correctional Services officer and father of five, was fatally struck by a moped while crossing at the intersection of 168th Street and 93rd Avenue in Jamaica, Queens on December 5. The Springfield Gardens resident was engaged in final shopping preparations for what would have been his first visit to Jamaica in three years.

    According to police reports, the collision involved Yunior Buleje Rodriguez, 26, of Richmond Hill, who was operating the two-wheeled vehicle without proper licensing. Authorities apprehended Rodriguez at the scene and charged him with aggravated, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

    The Daily News revealed that Samuels had planned to depart for Jamaica on December 9, carrying gifts for family members and friends affected by Hurricane Melissa. The trip also included intentions to attend a colleague’s funeral service.

    Kievette Samuels, the eldest of his children, described her father as possessing extraordinary recall abilities, capable of vividly recounting events from half a century past. The retired correctional officer had previously served in the medical section of Kingston’s General Penitentiary.

    Samuels’ personal story reflects transnational family connections—four of his children remain in Jamaica, while his nonagenarian mother resides in Florida. He is survived by five grandchildren in addition to his immediate family.

    While expressing acknowledgment that the arrest cannot reverse her loss, Kievette Samuels noted her satisfaction that investigative measures had been implemented following the tragic incident.

  • Roget sues Rowley over Facebook post

    Roget sues Rowley over Facebook post

    In a significant legal development, Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) President General Ancel Roget has initiated defamation proceedings against former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley concerning a social media post from August 2022. The lawsuit centers on allegations that Rowley’s official Facebook publication falsely associated Roget with criminal activities and attempts to undermine national stability.

    The contentious post, which garnered substantial social media engagement with over 1,000 reactions and 300 shares, allegedly suggested Roget and the opposition United National Congress (UNC) had encouraged highway blockages and supported groups involved in metal theft operations. Roget maintains these assertions were entirely baseless and manufactured without evidence.

    Legal documents indicate the labor leader immediately sought retraction through pre-action protocol correspondence on the same day the post appeared. Despite these efforts, no correction or apology was forthcoming. Instead, Rowley’s legal representatives reportedly denied defamation claims in an October 2022 response, invoking defenses of justification and fair comment.

    Roget’s legal team argues the statements carried exceptional weight due to Rowley’s position as sitting prime minister at the time, potentially exacerbating public hostility toward the union leader. The plaintiff emphatically denies any involvement with or endorsement of illegal activities, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to lawful industrial advocacy.

    The lawsuit seeks comprehensive remedies including full retraction of the allegations, a formal public apology, and financial compensation for reputational damage. Roget is represented by attorneys Kiel Taklalsingh, Leon Kalicharan, Matthew Allahar, and Johanna Richards in this high-profile legal confrontation.

  • Marina workers, residents raise safety concerns after Monos Island kidnapping — Peninsula of fear

    Marina workers, residents raise safety concerns after Monos Island kidnapping — Peninsula of fear

    The tranquil waters surrounding Trinidad’s Down D Islands have been shattered by anxiety as the three-day kidnapping ordeal of renowned 70-year-old boating expert Derek ‘Stones’ Tardieu and his wife Clarabelle continues unabated. The maritime community, once considered a safe haven, now grapples with unprecedented security concerns as authorities scramble to address systemic vulnerabilities.

    At Tardieu Marine Ltd in Chaguaramas, boatmen expressed profound unease about their exposure to criminal elements. ‘We operate without any meaningful protection,’ one marine worker revealed, drawing disturbing parallels to established extortion schemes in other coastal areas. ‘The pattern from Sea Lots, where boat owners face monthly payments to criminal entities, appears to be spreading to our waters.’

    The security vacuum stems from insufficient patrols by Coast Guard and Marine Police units, leaving workers fundamentally vulnerable. Despite having communication radios, the prohibition against firearms aboard vessels creates critical safety gaps. ‘When armed intruders board, our options vanish within seconds,’ another boatman explained. ‘The psychological toll is constant—we’re perpetually calculating risks in what was once our sanctuary.’

    Yohan Goviah, President of the Island Property Owners Association, articulated the community’s shaken confidence: ‘This incident forces us to reconsider our security paradigm. Our proximity to Venezuela and the porous maritime border create inherent challenges, while law enforcement agencies face resource constraints that limit 24/7 surveillance capabilities.’

    Investigative developments reveal sophisticated criminal tactics. The kidnappers communicated via a Colombian-numbered phone, demanding a $2.5 million ransom in a voice message from Tardieu. Subsequent social media circulation showed disturbing footage of the couple held at gunpoint with a military-grade M-26 grenade—a weapon variant produced in Colombia—pressed against Tardieu’s chest.

    Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander acknowledged institutional shortcomings: ‘We inherited limited assets for coastal protection, but are developing coordinated responses with defense counterparts.’ His comments referenced ongoing debates about maritime radar systems, particularly one installed in Tobago that failed to detect the kidnappers’ approach.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has classified the investigation as high-priority, mobilizing specialized resources while urging media restraint to protect the victims’ safety. Western Division ACP Henry encouraged community reporting of extortion attempts, pledging immediate response to credible threats.

    As the search operation continues across the complex maritime border region, the incident has exposed fundamental security deficiencies in Trinidad’s coastal communities, raising urgent questions about sustainable protection strategies for vulnerable maritime populations.

  • TCL, Red Cross team up to donate supplies to Jamaica

    TCL, Red Cross team up to donate supplies to Jamaica

    In a powerful demonstration of corporate solidarity, international cement conglomerate Cemex and its subsidiary Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL) have mobilized a worldwide humanitarian response to address the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The comprehensive relief initiative, branded ‘Together for Jamaica,’ has generated substantial donations of critical supplies including non-perishable food items, infant care products, and essential hygiene kits through an organization-wide fundraising campaign.

    The multinational effort engaged employees, distribution networks, suppliers, and business partners across Cemex’s global operations, with the corporation matching all contributions received. Remarkably, TCL employees in Trinidad and Tobago exhibited extraordinary generosity by not only donating physical supplies but also converting their vacation days into monetary contributions for the relief effort.

    Francisco Aguilera, Managing Director of TCL Group, emphasized the initiative reflects the organization’s fundamental commitment to supporting neighboring communities during their most challenging times. ‘I am profoundly proud of our employees who demonstrated tremendous generosity, offering both essential supplies and personal contributions that reflect a deep sense of compassion and regional unity,’ Aguilera stated.

    The companies have established a strategic partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society to ensure efficient distribution of aid. Red Cross Director General Stephan Kishore highlighted the critical importance of such collaborations during emergency response operations, acknowledging TCL’s leadership and the heartfelt contributions from its employees.

    Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 27 as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, representing the most powerful hurricane ever recorded to hit the island nation. The disaster resulted in 45 fatalities and widespread destruction across multiple parishes, with severe flooding submerging numerous homes and displacing thousands of families. Communication networks in rural areas remained compromised well into November. According to United Nations assessments, the storm caused approximately US$6 billion in damages, equivalent to 30% of Jamaica’s GDP, with economic impacts expected to escalate further.

    The humanitarian campaign aligns with Cemex and TCL’s broader social responsibility framework, which prioritizes community resilience, strategic humanitarian partnerships, and empowering Caribbean populations during crises. Through their collaboration with the Red Cross, the companies ensure all donated resources reach the most vulnerable communities in Jamaica, supporting both immediate recovery efforts and long-term regional reconstruction.

  • AT&LU President Calls for Increase to $500 Minimum Pension

    AT&LU President Calls for Increase to $500 Minimum Pension

    In a powerful address during the VC Bird Day commemorations, Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) President Bernard De Nully delivered a compelling plea to government officials for immediate pension reform. Speaking before an audience that included the Governor General and Prime Minister, De Nully declared the current $500 monthly minimum pension fundamentally inadequate for retirees’ survival needs.

    De Nully challenged cabinet members directly, posing the rhetorical question: “It is time to move beyond the $500. A minimum. Is that livable? The answer is no.” He expressed confidence in the government’s capacity to implement change, stating, “We can do better. And we will do better, for I have faith in my leaders.”

    The union leader contextualized his appeal within the historical legacy of Antigua’s labor movement, highlighting how both the AT&LU and Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party were established on principles protecting society’s most vulnerable members. He emphasized that these institutions “have always acted to protect and to advance the interests of these two groups—the youth and the elderly.”

    De Nully recounted four transformative achievements spearheaded by the labor movement over five decades: the 1967 Constitution, the 1974 Social Security system implementation, the 1978 Medical Benefits Scheme, and the 1994 Education Levy. He clarified that Social Security represents “a forced system of saving. An investment that is returned to the worker upon their retirement, ensuring that the elderly are assured a livable income”—not merely a tax.

    Invoking historical precedent, De Nully referenced former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer’s description of national hero Vere Cornwall Bird Sr. as “unmatched on parallel and unsurpassed” in his national impact. The union president concluded with a personal commitment to strengthen the organization, pledging as the seventh AT&LU leader to “stand in the shoes of this great man” and uphold the principle that “the unity of labor is the salvation of our country.”