Carib Scope

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  • PM, UNC mourns as Daphne Phillips dies

    PM, UNC mourns as Daphne Phillips dies

    The United National Congress (UNC) and Trinidad and Tobago’s political community are mourning the passing of Dr. Daphne Phillips, a foundational member and former government minister who died on December 3. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who served alongside Phillips in former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday’s cabinet from 1995-2001, issued an emotional tribute through the UNC, honoring her late colleague’s multifaceted legacy.

    Dr. Phillips distinguished herself as Minister of Community Development, Culture and Women’s Affairs during her tenure, simultaneously holding the portfolio of Minister in the Ministry of Community Empowerment, Sport and Consumer Affairs. Her career spanned multiple domains including academia, nursing, and policymaking, earning her recognition as both a mentor and patriot.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized Phillips’ unwavering commitment to national development, noting her pioneering work in community empowerment, women’s advancement, family strengthening, and cultural enrichment. Phillips’ political journey began with the People’s Popular Movement (PPM) under Michael Als before merging with the newly formed UNC in 1991, where she remained a steadfast supporter throughout the party’s evolution.

    This loss represents the second recent tragedy for the UNC following the November murder of councilor Romona Victor, who was killed by her common-law husband in a murder-suicide incident. The consecutive losses have created a somber period for the political organization as it remembers two significant contributors to its mission and values.

  • PNM mourns death of Garvin Simonette

    PNM mourns death of Garvin Simonette

    Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape is mourning the loss of former temporary senator Garvin Simonette, who passed away on December 2 following health-related complications. The prominent legal professional and political figure came from a distinguished lineage of public service, being the son of the People’s National Movement’s inaugural general secretary Nicholas Simonette and Hummingbird Medal Silver recipient Irma “Mother Ipyana” Simonette.

    Simonette’s political journey began with his initial appointment as temporary government senator in 2016, followed by another term in 2018. His parliamentary service extended until August 2019, during which he established himself as a meticulous researcher known for delivering scholarly discourses during legislative debates.

    The former senator’s career encountered significant turbulence in August 2019 when revelations emerged about a prior drunk driving charge in the United States. This disclosure prompted his immediate resignation from the Senate and subsequent deselection as public administration minister-designate, a position he was scheduled to assume following the cancellation of his swearing-in ceremony.

    Beyond politics, Simonette built an impressive legal career specializing in company, commercial, and taxation law. His professional expertise gained recognition not only within Trinidad and Tobago but across regional and international legal circles, where he was respected for his technical proficiency and professional conduct.

    The PNM party memorialized Simonette as an individual deeply committed to national development, emphasizing his family’s legacy of social activism and his personal dedication to serving as an effective representative for his constituents.

  • Nursing home owner denies suicide claim, says resident cut himself shaving

    Nursing home owner denies suicide claim, says resident cut himself shaving

    A significant discrepancy has emerged between law enforcement reports and a nursing home administration regarding an incident involving an elderly resident. Patricia Moxey, proprietor of Pat’s Senior Citizen Nursing Home and Daycare Centre on Soldier Road, has publicly challenged a police classification of an attempted suicide, asserting that the event was a minor shaving accident that was dramatically misrepresented.

    According to Moxey, an 80-year-old male resident, who has resided at the facility for approximately six months and maintains full mental capacity for personal grooming, merely nicked his wrist while shaving himself—a routine activity he performs independently. She characterized the subsequent reporting as a disproportionate overreaction, stating the incident ‘was put out wrongly’ and that excited frustrations led to a false narrative. The resident, described by staff as alert and pleasant, has no history of self-harm behaviors.

    Contrasting this account, police officials reported that officers responded to a call on Monday morning around 7am after the man was discovered with injuries to his left wrist, suspected to be self-inflicted with a sharp object. Medical personnel on scene assessed the wounds as superficial. A student nurse involved in the discovery detailed that she noticed a small ‘nip’ during morning care routines, provided basic first aid by applying pressure and bandaging the wound, and subsequently reported the matter to her supervisor, who then contacted emergency services. The nurse expressed surprise upon learning the incident was being investigated as an attempted suicide, having believed she was reporting a minor accident.

    Police Press Liaison Chief Superintendent Sheria King confirmed the classification remains based on the active investigation but encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward. The resident has since returned to the nursing home and is resting comfortably under close monitoring, with regular family visits continuing.

  • TikToker Alianna Samaroo pleads guilty to threatening PM

    TikToker Alianna Samaroo pleads guilty to threatening PM

    A 30-year-old woman from Arouca has entered a guilty plea for issuing a grave death threat against Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar through a social media platform. Alianna Samaroo, a mother of two from Five Rivers, confessed before Chaguanas Magistrate Marissa Gomez on December 3rd to violating Emergency Powers Regulations 2025. The charges stem from an October 30th TikTok video posted under the username ‘alianna265,’ in which she explicitly urged Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to assassinate Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and members of her Cabinet.

    Following seven days in detention, Samaroo was granted bail at TT$50,000 and is scheduled for sentencing on December 18th. Her legal representation was provided by attorneys Roshni Balkaran and Shiva Boodoo. The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly after the defendant’s mother, Elizabeth Vasquez-Rosales, made a public appeal for forgiveness, expressing hope that her daughter would learn respect for the nation’s leadership and parliamentary institutions.

    This incident occurs amidst heightened vigilance by Trinidad and Tobago authorities against online threats targeting public officials. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has issued stern warnings that social media users attempting to destabilize the country or issue threats will face prosecution. The Cyber and Social Media Unit of the TT Police Service is actively monitoring digital platforms and gathering evidence of illicit activities.

    Commissioner Guevarro’s statements followed similar cases, including threats against Opposition Senator Dr. Amery Browne through Facebook posts, which resulted in multiple criminal charges. Additionally, on November 12th, authorities arrested a Diego Martin woman under a Preventive Detention Order for allegedly inciting violence against the Prime Minister through separate social media content. Guevarro emphasized that while freedom of expression is protected, it does not extend to criminal conduct that threatens national security or public officials’ safety.

  • Found dead in bed – Gasparillo woman’s throat slit

    Found dead in bed – Gasparillo woman’s throat slit

    The peaceful community of Gasparillo has been shattered by the brutal murder of 74-year-old Sookhdaya “Chandra” Jury, who was discovered with her throat slit in her San Fabien Road home on December 1. The horrific finding was made by her daughter after repeated calls went unanswered, despite the two having communicated via video chat less than an hour earlier.

    The tragedy strikes just days before the sixth anniversary of her husband Lesley Hosein’s murder, who was killed by bandits in Sangre Grande in 2017. Jury’s brother, 80-year-old Mohan, expressed profound shock, revealing they had spent time together the previous night as she prepared for a Friday trip to visit her daughter in Canada.

    Police investigations revealed no signs of forced entry or robbery, leading relatives and residents to suspect the perpetrator was someone known to the victim. Adding to the mystery, Jury’s cellphone was later recovered in the washroom of a local Gasparillo bar.

    The murder has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community where Jury was described as a quiet, warm, and loving person who frequently welcomed villagers into her home. Neighbor Amir Sahadath, who had been socializing with Jury hours before the murder, expressed both grief and fear, noting the killer remains at large.

    This incident marks the latest in a disturbing pattern of violence against elderly citizens in Trinidad. Earlier this year, 77-year-old Sam Seegulam was found dead in Longdenville in October, 64-year-old Fanglin Zuo was murdered in Tobago in September, and married couple Kumari and Nasheed Baksh (60 and 67 respectively) were found dead in their Cumuto home in January.

  • JN Group hails legacy of Dorothy Pine-McLarty

    JN Group hails legacy of Dorothy Pine-McLarty

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica National Group and the wider Jamaican community are mourning the passing of distinguished attorney-at-law and corporate director Dorothy Pine-McLarty, who died on Sunday. Remembered affectionately as “Mikki,” she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of professional excellence and nation-building spanning more than five decades.

    Elizabeth Ann Jones, Chairman of The Jamaica National Group, memorialized Pine-McLarty as “a quiet force and leader of high standards” whose contributions were fundamental to the organization’s strength. Her association with JN began in September 1998 when she was first appointed to the board of directors of the Jamaica National Building Society.

    Following the institution’s corporate conversion in 2017, Pine-McLarty extended her governance expertise across multiple JN Group entities, including JN Financial Group Limited and JN Money Services Limited. She additionally chaired the board of trustees for the JN Individual Retirement Scheme, demonstrating versatile leadership across financial services.

    Earl Jarrett, CEO and Deputy Chairman of JN Group, recalled working closely with Pine-McLarty in various capacities, noting her meticulous attention to accuracy and immense contributions to JN’s development. “She was a stickler for accuracy, and we were the beneficiaries of this through her immeasurable contribution to the growth and development of Jamaica National,” Jarrett stated.

    Beyond her corporate impact, Pine-McLarty was celebrated for her passionate advocacy and community development work. A devout Methodist and active alumna of St Andrew High School for Girls, she served as chancellor’s nominee to the University of Technology council and championed initiatives advancing women’s leadership and empowerment.

    Her pioneering spirit was evident throughout her career. In 2007, she became the first woman appointed commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, later ascending to become its first female chair in 2013. As managing partner of Myers Fletcher & Gordon’s London office, she fostered stronger connections between the United Kingdom and Jamaica, enhancing diaspora relations.

    Pine-McLarty’s exceptional service received national recognition in 2007 when she was inducted into the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fourth-highest honor. In 2019, the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean conferred upon her an honorary Doctor of Business Administration.

    Chairman Jones concluded, “Her years of service to the people of Jamaica and those within her immediate reach, and of course her service to the building of The Jamaica National Group, are efforts that have laid foundations for success and the growth of many. She is dearly missed, but her legacy lives on.”

  • SLB Debt Reset Programme now active — Walsh

    SLB Debt Reset Programme now active — Walsh

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact, Jamaica’s Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) has activated comprehensive financial relief measures for student borrowers. The initiative includes a landmark Debt Reset Programme and targeted payment deferments for affected regions.

    SLB Executive Director Nickeisha Walsh announced the emergency measures during a Wednesday post-Cabinet briefing at Jamaica House, characterizing the program as both a recovery mechanism and long-term financial rehabilitation opportunity. ‘This debt reset provides our students with a viable pathway to reduce outstanding balances, eliminate accumulated charges, and establish sustainable repayment structures,’ Walsh stated. ‘It’s designed to support both current payers and those in arrears.’

    The Bureau commenced accepting applications on December 1, 2025, with full online functionality scheduled to activate Monday. The Debt Reset Programme features substantial financial concessions: 50% forgiveness on interest arrears alongside complete waiver of all late fees and insurance charges. Participants must clear 100% of principal arrears and 50% of interest arrears during the five-month program window ending April 2026 to achieve current account status.

    Borrowers maintaining current payments receive immediate $100,000 account credits, with additional 2% reductions applied after twelve months of consistent payment history. The SLB’s current portfolio reveals 35,360 active loans totaling $29 billion debt, with approximately 25% considered current, 33% delinquent, and 42% under moratorium status.

    Concurrently, the Bureau implemented geographic-specific relief for parishes hardest hit by Melissa—Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Hanover, St James and Trelawny. In-school students from these regions qualify for $60,000 grants, while graduated borrowers receive three-month payment deferments. Students outside these designated parishes may apply directly to SLB for individualized assistance assessments.

  • CGWTU wants clear timeline on agreed wage increases

    CGWTU wants clear timeline on agreed wage increases

    The Contractors and General Workers Trade Union (CGWTU) has issued a formal demand for immediate clarity and accountability regarding protracted delays in implementing wage increases and arrears for daily-rated workers at the San Fernando City Corporation. Union President General Ermine De Bique Meade characterized the ongoing postponements as completely unacceptable in a December 3rd statement.

    The dispute centers on collective agreements signed back on April 24th covering the periods 2014-2016 and 2017-2019. According to the union, the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) provided firm assurances that new wage rates would be implemented by August with outstanding arrears settled before Christmas. Neither commitment has been fulfilled to date.

    The CPO’s explanations for the delay have evolved over time, initially citing administrative transition issues, then awaiting the national budget, and finally claiming no directive had been issued by the Finance Minister even after budget delivery. The union condemns these shifting justifications as a pattern of systematic delay and excuses that has left workers in financial limbo.

    Complicating matters further, the San Fernando City Corporation allegedly never received signed agreements or implementation instructions from the CPO’s office. The union itself had to provide these documents to the corporation’s CEO just four weeks ago.

    The situation highlights apparent disparities in treatment between worker groups. While the Public Services Association (PSA) secured a ten percent increase with expedited processing on December 2nd, CGWTU-represented workers continue waiting for resolutions dating back over a decade. President Meade emphasized this contrast, noting her union’s outstanding agreements significantly predate those of other labor groups currently negotiating for the 2020-2022 period.

    The union specifically referenced the Finance Minister’s own budget presentation pledge to ratify April-signed agreements for various public sector groups including both Port of Spain and San Fernando City Corporations. Workers now await concrete action matching these political assurances.

  • Mom dies in crash before seeing daughter graduate

    Mom dies in crash before seeing daughter graduate

    The Bahamas faces another tragic traffic fatality as 34-year-old Shaquell Roberts, a vibrant mother of two, lost her life in a devastating vehicular collision on Western Road this Monday afternoon. According to police reports, the incident occurred when Roberts’ black Honda Accord collided with an oncoming Honda Stepwagon during her commute home from work.

    Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after 2pm to find Roberts’ vehicle overturned with the victim partially ejected and drifting in and out of consciousness. Despite urgent medical intervention, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The occupants of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries in the collision.

    Roberts, remembered by family as exceptionally ambitious and energetic, balanced her employment at Bahamas Power and Light with multiple entrepreneurial ventures including a cleaning service, nail salon, and clothing enterprise. Her stepsister, Felicia Russell, recounted their final conversation centered on spiritual growth and childhood memories. “We just talked about how only what we do for Christ will last,” Russell shared emotionally.

    The tragedy resonates deeply within the family, particularly affecting Roberts’ two daughters. Her eldest, anticipating graduation next year, now faces this profound loss while the younger child continually asks for her mother. Roberts, who experienced parental loss herself in childhood, frequently expressed her dreams of witnessing her daughters’ transition into adulthood.

    This incident marks the 62nd traffic-related death recorded this year in The Tribune’s statistics, highlighting ongoing road safety concerns in the region. The family now commits to honoring Roberts’ memory by ensuring her children receive every opportunity she envisioned for them.

  • Team Notnice turns compassion into action

    Team Notnice turns compassion into action

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating path through Jamaica, the dancehall collective Team Notnice has emerged as a powerful force for community support and national unity. Comprising producer Notnice, manager Nordia Mothersille, and artist Jah Vinci, the group has provided essential supplies to over 100 families across severely affected western regions, demonstrating the music industry’s capacity for meaningful social impact.

    Beyond physical assistance, Team Notnice has harnessed the healing power of music through Jah Vinci’s newly released single ‘Out Of Many One People.’ The track, produced by Notnice Records and distributed by ONErpm, serves as both a tribute to hurricane survivors and an anthem of national resilience. Jah Vinci, who personally witnessed the destruction in multiple communities, explained his motivation: ‘The hurricane may have shaken us, but it could never break our spirit. We visited families standing among rubble that was once their homes, yet they spoke with remarkable strength about recovery.’

    The initiative represents what Notnice describes as ‘a declaration of unity rather than mere charity.’ This synergy between artistic expression and community support has become increasingly vital as Jamaica faces a prolonged recovery period. The collective’s efforts gained further momentum following Jah Vinci’s performance at the I Love Jamaica Telethon last Sunday, where he helped raise additional recovery funds.

    Looking forward, Team Notnice continues to blend philanthropy with musical innovation. Jah Vinci revealed plans for a December single release as part of a broader Notnice Records project scheduled for the Christmas season, ensuring that both relief efforts and cultural production remain interconnected in Jamaica’s rebuilding process.