Carib Scope

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  • Stop institutionalising our children, Chuck appeals

    Stop institutionalising our children, Chuck appeals

    A powerful coalition of Jamaican government officials is spearheading a transformative movement to abolish the institutionalization of children within the nation’s justice and welfare systems. Leading this charge, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck delivered an urgent appeal before a Parliamentary Joint Select Committee, asserting that placing children in state-run or private care facilities sets them on an irreversible path toward criminal recidivism.

    Minister Chuck, who chairs the committee reviewing the 2018 Child Diversion Act, presented compelling testimony that institutional environments cultivate harmful habits rather than provide rehabilitation. “Once they’re put into institutions, it’s downhill from there,” Chuck emphasized, noting that Jamaica’s prisons are filled with recidivists who began their journey through state care facilities.

    The Minister’s position received robust support from multiple government sectors. Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, State Minister for National Security and Peace, challenged the classification of children as “uncontrollable” and condemned housing them alongside convicted offenders. She advocated instead for comprehensive mentoring programs, highlighting how unresolved trauma and unexplained anger frequently manifest in problematic behaviors that institutions fail to address.

    Adding legal weight to the argument, Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, State Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, drew from personal experience growing up with a mother who served as a children’s officer. She delivered a forceful condemnation of current practices, stating that children’s homes “are destroying rather than helping our children” and shared a troubling account of a Brazilian child detained under questionable circumstances.

    The officials proposed a fundamental reallocation of resources, suggesting that funds currently directed toward institutional care should be diverted to the Child Diversion Unit within the Justice Ministry. This unit, which employs personalized mentoring approaches, has demonstrated significantly better outcomes in rehabilitating youth and reintegrating them into society as productive citizens.

  • WATCH: Truck overturns on Hatfield main road

    WATCH: Truck overturns on Hatfield main road

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica—Traffic operations along the Hatfield main road encountered significant disruption Wednesday morning following the overturning of a sand-transport truck. The incident, which occurred during morning transit hours, resulted in the complete blockage of the vital transportation artery as the vehicle’s payload spilled across the roadway. Emergency response teams and road clearance crews were immediately dispatched to the scene to initiate recovery operations. Local transportation authorities have issued formal advisories to motorists, warning of considerable delays and recommending alternative routes where possible. The cleanup operation involves heavy machinery to remove both the overturned vehicle and the substantial quantity of spilled sand. Authorities have not yet released information regarding potential causes of the incident or whether any injuries resulted from the accident. The thoroughfare is expected to remain partially obstructed until both the vehicle removal and complete road sanitation can be finalized.

  • ‘They killed the whole family’

    ‘They killed the whole family’

    A Bahamian family is grappling with profound grief and outrage following the brutal daylight murder of 36-year-old Jonathan ‘Goddy’ Gooding, who was ambushed and executed last Thursday morning in the parking lot of Shirley Street Shopping Plaza. The incident occurred moments after the victim had completed his regular gym session, a disciplined routine he had maintained for nearly four years.

    According to police reports, the tragedy unfolded around 9 a.m. when Gooding exited a commercial establishment and was approaching his vehicle. Surveillance evidence indicates a Japanese-model vehicle abruptly pulled alongside him, from which an armed assailant emerged and opened fire multiple times before fleeing the scene. The victim’s body remained visible on the pavement opposite his gym—a haunting image that has traumatized those who knew the dedicated fitness enthusiast.

    Gelita Gooding, the victim’s aunt and childhood guardian, expressed devastating emotional turmoil in an exclusive interview. ‘When they killed Jonathan, they destroyed our entire family foundation,’ she stated, revealing that just hours before the shooting, her nephew had been at her home sharing laughter, collecting meals, and discussing fitness goals without any indication of impending danger.

    The grieving aunt portrayed Jonathan as an exceptionally disciplined individual who deliberately avoided alcohol, smoking, and narcotics. His commitment to physical training stemmed not from vanity but from a philosophical desire to maintain mastery over his body and mind. ‘He was focused on his health. He wanted to live better,’ she emphasized, noting his aspirations to build a traditional family structure with children born only within marriage.

    Originally from Bimini, Gooding possessed remarkable life achievements including extensive travel, fluency in Spanish acquired during extended residence in Cuba, and the recent accomplishment of obtaining his license as a boat captain—a profession that allowed him to operate excursions to Rose Island with immense pride.

    The family’s anguish has been severely compounded by the rapid circulation of graphic crime scene footage across social media platforms. Ms. Gooding condemned this digital violation, questioning societal empathy: ‘I think that’s the most heartless thing in the world. How could you allow these people to be there, snapping and recording?’

    Verline Smith, the victim’s sister, described the psychological impact of losing her brother shortly after burying the father of her children. ‘Any dark tinted car come close, I’m afraid. I don’t know what to do,’ she confessed, highlighting the pervasive fear that now shadows the family.

    Close family friend Kadayah Bain remembered Jonathan as a cheerful, hardworking presence who maintained a small social circle and avoided trouble—making his violent death particularly incomprehensible to those who knew his character.

    The investigation remains active as authorities pursue leads regarding the motive and perpetrators behind this shocking public execution.

  • Bill Gates admits affairs but denies involvement in Epstein crimes

    Bill Gates admits affairs but denies involvement in Epstein crimes

    WASHINGTON, United States — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has publicly acknowledged a “huge mistake” in maintaining associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, while simultaneously admitting to extramarital relationships with two Russian women during a recent internal town hall meeting at the Gates Foundation.

    The revelation emerges amidst newly released U.S. Justice Department documents exposing the extensive network of prominent individuals connected to Epstein, including details of close friendships, financial transactions, and private photographic evidence. Gates appears among these documented associations.

    During the foundation gathering—a recording of which was obtained by The Wall Street Journal—Gates expressed profound regret for his decision to engage with Epstein and for involving foundation executives in meetings with the disgraced financier. “It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein,” Gates stated, offering apologies to those indirectly affected by his actions.

    Justice Department documents include a draft email in which Epstein allegedly claimed to have assisted Gates in obtaining drugs to manage consequences of sexual encounters with Russian women and facilitating illicit meetings with married partners.

    Gates confirmed two specific affairs during the meeting: “I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities.” The 70-year-old philanthropist emphatically denied any awareness or participation in Epstein’s criminal activities, stating: “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.”

    The technology pioneer revealed his association with Epstein began in 2011—three years after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. Gates acknowledged awareness of an “18-month thing” restricting Epstein’s travel but admitted to insufficient background investigation. Despite former wife Melinda Gates expressing concerns in 2013, Gates continued the relationship for at least another year.

    Reflecting on current understanding, Gates told staff: “Knowing what I know now makes it, you know, a hundred times worse in terms of not only his crimes in the past, but now it’s clear there was ongoing bad behavior.”

    The Gates Foundation confirmed Gates addressed these matters during its regularly scheduled biannual town hall, noting he “spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.”

  • Burn victim needs blood; sister released from custody

    Burn victim needs blood; sister released from custody

    A critical medical milestone was reached Tuesday night as Dacia Forrester, the Westmoreland entrepreneur severely injured in a gasoline attack, successfully underwent surgical removal of burned skin cells at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay. The 42-year-old victim now faces an urgent need for blood donations while her family continues racing against time to secure $55,000 for specialized burn care in the United States.

    Despite the grave circumstances, family spokesperson Carol Blackwood Hewitt maintains cautious optimism regarding public support for her sister’s medical fund. “The doctor called me this morning and confirmed they successfully removed all burned skin during surgery. Now she primarily needs blood,” Hewitt stated, emphasizing the ongoing medical requirements.

    In a parallel development, judicial authorities released another Forrester sister without charges after nearly a week in detention. The sibling had been arrested February 19 following the violent incident at a Whithorn gas station last Thursday, where a pump attendant allegedly doused Forrester with gasoline and set her ablaze after a physical altercation.

    Hewitt attributed the release to security footage evidence that exonerated her sister. “The police reviewed the complete video surveillance and found no grounds for charges,” she explained, noting that a judge had ordered release if no charges were filed by Tuesday morning.

    The family now actively campaigns for public release of the security footage to counter damaging rumors suggesting Forrester instigated the violence over a romantic dispute. Hewitt vehemently denies these allegations, stating: “At no point was my sister involved in any argument concerning a man. These false narratives are directly impeding our fundraising efforts for her medical evacuation.”

    Financial contributions for Forrester’s air ambulance and stateside treatment can be directed through the Burn Foundation of Jamaica at 876-344-7028, via crisissupportcharity.org, or through the dedicated GoFundMe platform at gofund.me/ccdabce42.

  • WATCH: McKenzie warns of higher litter fines

    WATCH: McKenzie warns of higher litter fines

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaican government is preparing to implement substantially increased penalties for environmental violations as part of a comprehensive crackdown on public disorder. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has announced forthcoming legislative amendments to the Litter Act that will introduce more severe financial consequences for those polluting public spaces.

    Minister McKenzie revealed that the strengthened legislation is expected to be presented and ratified during the upcoming legislative session, potentially by mid-year. “You’re going to be seeing a difference in terms of how public order on our streets is executed,” McKenzie stated, indicating a significant shift in enforcement strategies.

    Beyond mere legislative changes, the minister emphasized the necessity for a fundamental transformation in public attitudes toward environmental stewardship. “The truth is, you could put all the statutes on the books. If the Jamaican people do not have a change of mind, then it is not going to work,” he cautioned, highlighting that legal measures alone cannot resolve the nation’s cleanliness challenges.

    The proposed amendments will specifically target two primary areas of concern: littering in public areas and the unauthorized commercial use of sidewalks and roadways. Minister McKenzie expressed particular concern about garage operators and used-car dealers who persistently occupy public thoroughfares, often reducing road access to single lanes and creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians and motorists alike.

    “There is a greater challenge that we face,” McKenzie noted, referencing his discussions with municipal corporations nationwide regarding the systematic takeover of public infrastructure by commercial entities. The minister issued a stern warning that the government would no longer tolerate such flagrant violations of public space regulations.

    McKenzie’s comments signal a determined effort to enhance urban cleanliness and traffic flow through both punitive measures and public awareness campaigns, representing one of the most significant attempts in recent years to address Jamaica’s public space management challenges.

  • Rotary Club Announces Winners of Peace Art Poster Competition

    Rotary Club Announces Winners of Peace Art Poster Competition

    The Rotary Club of Antigua has unveiled the distinguished winners of its annual Peace Art Poster Competition, celebrating the creative expressions of young artists advocating for global harmony. The organization reported an exceptional caliber of entries that transformed the judging procedure into both an inspirational and demanding endeavor, with students presenting profound artistic visions of peace.

    Victors emerged across four distinct age brackets, showcasing talent from various educational institutions. Peace-Marie Browne from St. Nicholas Primary School claimed victory in the youngest category (ages 5-7), while Haedriana Bent of Five Islands Primary School triumphed in the 8-10 age group.

    The adolescent categories witnessed equally impressive achievements. Deja Neke Philo from Clare Hall Secondary School (CKHS) earned premier recognition in the 11-13 division, with fellow CKHS student Tianna Henry dominating the 14-16 age category.

    In their official communiqué, the Rotary Club extended commendations to all participants for their extraordinary passion and inventive approaches. The organization additionally acknowledged the crucial support provided by educators, parental figures, and academic establishments in fostering this meaningful initiative.

    Event coordinators emphasized that the competition persists as a vital channel for the younger generation to communicate potent messages of unity and reconciliation through visual artistry. The initiative continues to reinforce the Rotary Club’s enduring commitment to nurturing peaceful dialogue and creative problem-solving among Antigua’s youth population.

  • Oemraw spreekt van ‘karaktermoord’ en wijst op hervormingen bij SZF

    Oemraw spreekt van ‘karaktermoord’ en wijst op hervormingen bij SZF

    In a striking written statement, Rudrakanth Oemraw, the currently suspended Director-General of Suriname’s State Health Insurance Fund (SZF), has vehemently responded to the controversy surrounding his leadership. He claims the allegations against him constitute unfounded assumptions, an unjust suspension, and even attempts at “character assassination.”

    Oemraw emphasized that upon assuming his role, he received no formal handover from previous management. Despite this, he immediately implemented sweeping measures to revitalize the institution. Under his guidance, the SZF reportedly achieved several critical improvements:

    – Establishment of a 24-hour accessible General Practitioners Post (HAPS) for clients
    – Expansion of SZF pharmacy and Ligeon services to round-the-clock operations
    – Recovery of approximately SRD 30 million in wasted funds and/or overbilling from service providers
    – Significant enhancement of workplace conditions, transforming what he described as a “mouse hole” where staff worked under difficult circumstances
    – Streamlining payment processes to service providers to reduce arrears and protect institutional reputation
    – Initiation of digital transformation to reduce paper-based claim processing and increase transparency
    – Addressing overlapping payments within the healthcare chain and launching initiatives to ensure BGVS viability

    Oemraw maintains these reforms required substantial capacity building and expert recruitment to succeed.

    The embattled director further revealed that multiple investigations were launched since his appointment, including a comprehensive review dating back to 2018. He alleges this investigation was sabotaged and claims he was pressured to reverse findings, which he refused. These actions, he states, resulted in “serious threats” against both himself and his family, necessitating security measures.

    Regarding his recent leave and subsequent suspension, Oemraw contends he was initially placed on two days’ leave before being unjustly suspended. He observes unusual haste in replacing him and indicates he was encouraged to resign voluntarily.

    Media reports referencing an alleged investigation report are dismissed as “subjective, distorted creations” that he never formally received. Oemraw asserts authorities deliberately chose to publicly discredit him rather than await proper investigative outcomes.

    The director has declined to provide additional details to media outlets, stating his written response comprehensively represents his position. He promises further elaboration after additional consultation, concluding that “the final word on this matter has not yet been spoken.”

  • COMMENTARY: Kubuli Farms – Cultivating innovation, inclusion and opportunity in Dominica

    COMMENTARY: Kubuli Farms – Cultivating innovation, inclusion and opportunity in Dominica

    In the heart of Dominica, Jeffrey Bruney has transformed Kubuli Farms into a beacon of agricultural innovation, demonstrating how purpose-driven farming can reshape economies and communities. His unconventional journey from telecommunications professional to agricultural pioneer spans 34 years, embodying a profound career shift that has yielded significant social and economic impacts.

    Bruney’s agricultural awakening began after a decade at Cable and Wireless, where despite financial stability, he found little fulfillment. The late Prime Minister Roosevelt Douglas catalyzed his transition with pivotal advice: ‘If your passion can be your livelihood, there’s no better life than that.’ This philosophy became the foundation for Bruney’s approach to agriculture as a vehicle for dignity, independence, and societal contribution.

    In 2000, Bruney embarked on an intentional migration to enhance his expertise, pursuing business studies and advanced agricultural training at Cornell University. His international experience included implementing innovative farming systems in New York and Sweden, where he developed greenhouse production initiatives for major organizations including Salvation Army and United Way. These experiences equipped him with cutting-edge knowledge in hydroponics, aquaponics, and aquaculture systems.

    Returning permanently to Dominica in 2019, Bruney established Kubuli Farms as a practical application of his global learning. The operation prioritizes context-appropriate innovation, utilizing locally sourced materials like bamboo and PVC for greenhouse construction instead of expensive imported systems. The farm’s hybrid aquaponics system converts fish waste into organic fertilizer delivered through drip irrigation, significantly reducing chemical inputs and operational costs while maintaining environmental sustainability.

    Kubuli Farms’ commercial success is anchored by its flagship product, Glo Coco coconut water, which has become a recognizable brand in Dominican markets. Coconut production forms the operational core, supplemented by diverse secondary crops including tomatoes, lettuce, bell peppers, and cabbages that enhance local food security and nutritional variety.

    Bruney’s innovative approach earned him the Farmer of the Year for Innovation award within just one year of production expansion. Beyond agricultural output, Kubuli Farms addresses critical industry challenges through workforce development. Bruney has created an inclusive employment model that integrates Dominican nationals, Kalinago Territory residents, youth, and migrant workers from Haiti and Cuba. This diversity helps overcome skilled labor shortages while providing lawful employment and professional development opportunities.

    The farm serves as an educational platform challenging perceptions about agricultural work. Youth engagement initiatives reframe farming as a technology-driven career path, while demonstrating its financial viability and entrepreneurial potential. Bruney’s model also encourages diaspora members to repatriate skills acquired abroad, creating knowledge transfer that supports Dominica’s growing tourism sector and market expansion.

    Through this multifaceted approach, Kubuli Farms exemplifies agriculture’s potential as a catalyst for food security, employment generation, technological innovation, and social inclusion. Bruney’s business-oriented methodology combined with modern techniques contributes significantly to Dominica’s economic resilience and sustainable development, offering a replicable model for private sector leadership in agricultural transformation.

  • DPM backs sex offender registry

    DPM backs sex offender registry

    In response to two recent killings and escalating concerns over domestic and sexual violence, the Democratic People’s Movement (DPM) under Peter David’s leadership is urgently advocating for the creation of a National Sex Offenders’ Registry in Grenada. David, a seasoned parliamentarian and father of three daughters, characterized the situation as a “national emergency” that demands immediate concrete action rather than continued outrage.

    David emphasized that safeguarding women, girls, and vulnerable populations requires a comprehensive national strategy rather than fragmented responses. During an appearance on GBN’s ‘To The Point’ program, he articulated that convicted offenders meeting legal thresholds should be required to register, enabling communities to be aware when known predators reside among them.

    As a legal professional, David argued that the registry must form part of an integrated legal and social framework. His recommendations include establishing specialized courts or court sessions dedicated to sexual offenses, implementing psychological assessment and treatment programs for incarcerated offenders, and maintaining post-release monitoring of high-risk individuals through electronic surveillance when necessary.

    The DPM leader further stressed the importance of developing community-based mechanisms in coordination with law enforcement to track and supervise offenders, ensuring neighborhoods remain informed rather than left in darkness when known predators return.

    Central to any reform, David insisted, must be the needs of victims. He called for substantial resource allocation toward counseling services, safe housing, shelters, and practical support systems for those attempting to escape abusive situations, noting the frequent pleas he receives from young women trapped without alternatives.

    David also highlighted the preventive role of families and communities, advocating for grassroots investment through regular community sessions that address youth needs and violence prevention. The DPM fully endorses the longstanding public demand for a Sex Offenders’ Registry, maintaining that Grenada must construct a protective system across legal, judicial, and community domains before tragedies occur rather than afterward.