Carib Scope

分类： society

  • 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.

  • 39 Pounds of Cannabis Found in Old Capital

    39 Pounds of Cannabis Found in Old Capital

    In a significant law enforcement operation on Monday, December 2, 2025, Belize City police uncovered a substantial cache of illicit cannabis weighing approximately 39.45 pounds. The discovery occurred during a targeted search of a swampy area within the city limits, where authorities located two large garbage bags concealed within the terrain.

    Upon closer inspection, officers discovered the bags contained two crocus sacks holding seventeen individually wrapped parcels of cannabis. The method of concealment in a natural, waterlogged area suggests sophisticated attempts to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies.

    Police officials have confirmed that all seized parcels were properly labelled and secured as found property following standard evidence collection protocols. The seizure represents one of the more significant drug interdictions in the Belize District recently, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat narcotics distribution networks in the region.

    The operation demonstrates continued vigilance by Belizean authorities against drug trafficking activities, particularly in urban areas where such criminal operations often establish distribution points. No arrests have been reported in connection with the seizure at this time, though investigations remain ongoing to identify those responsible for the concealed narcotics.

  • Caribbean Development Bank official highlights link between justice and economic progress at CCJ law event

    Caribbean Development Bank official highlights link between justice and economic progress at CCJ law event

    At the 8th Biennial Law Conference hosted by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law, Dr. Isaac Solomon, Vice President of Operations at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), delivered a powerful address connecting judicial integrity to sustainable development. The event, marking the CCJ’s 20th anniversary under the theme “The CCJ at 20: Reflections on Caribbean Jurisprudence,” served as a platform for Dr. Solomon to articulate the indispensable role of justice in economic advancement.

    Dr. Solomon emphasized the CDB’s decade-long partnership with the CCJ, noting that equitable justice systems form the foundation for inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction. “Justice is the invisible engine that powers economic and social progress,” he declared. “When justice is reliable, investors feel confident. When rights are protected, communities become resilient. When systems are transparent, inequality declines.”

    The address highlighted how robust legal frameworks create conducive environments for investment, build trust in public institutions, and ensure fair treatment for marginalized groups. The CDB’s support has focused on governance improvements and institutional strengthening through multiple initiatives, including previous conferences addressing criminal justice reform and transnational legal cooperation.

    Looking toward the future, Dr. Solomon called for enhanced national justice systems and deeper regional integration. He advocated for “a justice ecosystem that is more deeply integrated, technologically-enabled, people-centered, and capable of supporting the ambitious development agenda of a dynamic Caribbean Community.”

    The conference itself represented a significant milestone, bringing together legal practitioners, policymakers, academics, and development partners to celebrate two decades of Caribbean jurisprudence and strategize on future justice initiatives. Dr. Solomon reaffirmed CDB’s commitment to ensuring legal frameworks adapt to evolving regional needs, ultimately working toward a more just, equitable, and resilient Caribbean.

  • Govt renews papaya revival push as disease pressures linger

    Govt renews papaya revival push as disease pressures linger

    Barbados has initiated a comprehensive scientific program to resuscitate its once-thriving papaya industry, decades after its collapse from disease. Agricultural authorities launched a two-day intensive workshop focused on Papaya Nutrient and Integrated Pest Management this Tuesday, marking a significant step in agricultural rehabilitation efforts.

    Acting Chief Agricultural Officer Michael James revealed the workshop forms part of a broader strategy to rebuild an industry that was virtually destroyed during the 1980s by the devastating bunchy top disease. “This pathogen fundamentally wrecked our papaya sector,” James stated, highlighting the historical impact that continues to affect agricultural economics.

    The Ministry’s agronomy team has been conducting extensive research into disease-resistant papaya varieties that demonstrate greater tolerance to infections. James emphasized the changing agricultural landscape: “Constant spraying is no longer sustainable. With increasing bans on various pesticides, we’re prioritizing the development of biologically tolerant varieties. While we’ve achieved promising results, further research remains imperative.”

    James stressed the critical importance of collaborative efforts among key stakeholders including the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the University of the West Indies (UWI), and government agencies. “Uncoordinated individual efforts hinder progress. Strategic collaboration prevents duplication and accelerates viable solutions,” he noted.

    The technical workshop incorporates multifaceted sessions covering advanced nutrient management protocols, contemporary pest control methodologies, and practical field tours designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on agricultural practices. This integrated approach aims to equip farmers and agricultural professionals with sustainable techniques for industry restoration.

  • Calvin Ayre Foundation and CalvinAir Supports Urgent Overseas Medical Care and Safe Return for Antiguan Taxi Driver

    Calvin Ayre Foundation and CalvinAir Supports Urgent Overseas Medical Care and Safe Return for Antiguan Taxi Driver

    In a significant humanitarian effort, the Calvin Ayre Foundation in partnership with CalvinAir has facilitated urgent overseas medical treatment and a secure repatriation for a local Antiguan taxi driver facing a severe health crisis. The initiative underscores a growing trend of private sector intervention in bolstering community healthcare support systems where public resources may be stretched.

    The collaborative mission was activated following a formal request for assistance from the driver’s family, who were confronted with the daunting financial and logistical challenges of accessing specialized treatment unavailable on the island nation. The Foundation provided comprehensive funding to cover the substantial costs of advanced medical procedures, international travel, and associated expenses. Concurrently, CalvinAir, a private aviation service, dedicated its resources to manage the complex logistics of a medically supervised air transfer, ensuring the patient’s safe journey to a foreign medical facility and subsequent return home.

    This intervention highlights critical gaps in healthcare accessibility within small island developing states (SIDS), where limited domestic medical infrastructure often necessitates overseas travel for complex treatments. The successful operation not only provided a lifeline for the individual and his family but also sets a potent precedent for public-private partnerships in addressing urgent community welfare needs. A representative for the entities involved expressed a commitment to evaluating future support for similar cases, reflecting a model of corporate social responsibility that directly impacts local communities.

  • Peetron Thomas and Peetron Movement International Team Announce the Return of the Noreen Mingo Christmas Initiative

    Peetron Thomas and Peetron Movement International Team Announce the Return of the Noreen Mingo Christmas Initiative

    ANTIGUA & BARBUDA — The Peetron Movement International Team, under the leadership of Peetron Thomas, has announced the fifth annual return of the Noreen Mingo Christmas Initiative for December 2025. This community program honors the enduring legacy of the late Mrs. V. Noreen Mingo, who passed away in October 2020 but remains celebrated for her lifelong dedication to service and compassion.

    Mrs. Mingo is remembered as a multifaceted pillar of her community—a nurturing mother, supportive sister, caring aunt, trusted friend, and a woman whose generosity flourished in the kitchen. Her extensive contributions included pioneering work within prison ministries, serving as a chaplain, leading community outreach programs, and supporting numerous organizational initiatives aimed at uplifting those in need.

    Her commitment extended deeply into faith-based service as an active member of the Parham Seventh-day Adventist Church. In her earlier years, she also made significant contributions to the Church of God of Prophecy, where her efforts focused on spiritual growth and community support.

    Launched in December 2020 shortly after her passing, the initiative has consistently provided essential support to families and individuals during the holiday season. This year’s program aims to expand its impact with enhanced activities designed to bring nourishment and joy to the community.

    Key components of the 2025 initiative include:
    – Soup Kitchen Service: Offering warm meals and companionship to those experiencing food insecurity
    – Food Package Distribution: Providing essential groceries and supplies to families across the community

    “Each Christmas, Mrs. Mingo could be counted on to provide a plate of food, a warm smile, and a helping hand. Her legacy continues to feed, uplift, and inspire,” stated Peetron Thomas, reflecting on the continued relevance of Mingo’s humanitarian spirit.

    The Noreen Mingo Christmas Initiative stands as a lasting tribute to a life dedicated to service, faith, and generosity, embodying the true spirit of holiday giving and community solidarity.