Carib Scope

分类： society

  • 81 road users killed during 4th quarter of 2025 says ITA

    81 road users killed during 4th quarter of 2025 says ITA

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s road safety landscape presented a complex picture in the final quarter of 2025, with the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) reporting 81 fatalities resulting from 68 separate fatal collisions occurring between October and December. While the overall figures indicate a downward trend in road deaths, certain user groups and parishes experienced concerning increases.

    The geographical distribution of fatalities revealed significant disparities across the island. St. Catherine Parish emerged as the most dangerous region, recording a distressing 22 deaths. It was followed by St. Elizabeth, often called the nation’s breadbasket, with 12 fatalities, and St. Ann with nine. Manchester and Westmoreland parishes each reported seven deaths, while St. Thomas and St. James recorded four fatalities apiece. Portland stood out as the safest jurisdiction with zero fatalities during the three-month monitoring period.

    Comparative analysis with the same quarter in 2024 showed a 6% reduction in total fatalities and an 11% decrease in the number of fatal crashes. However, this overall improvement masked troubling trends among specific road user categories. Motorcyclists remained particularly vulnerable, accounting for 28 deaths (35% of all fatalities), though this represented a 13% improvement from 2024.

    Conversely, private motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians both experienced 7% increases in fatalities compared to the previous year. Drivers accounted for 16 deaths (20% of total fatalities), while pedestrians represented 15 deaths (19% of the total).

    The data revealed a pronounced gender disparity, with males comprising 85% of all fatalities compared to 15% for females. Most concerning was the statistic showing that vulnerable road users—including pedestrians, motorcyclists, pillion passengers, and pedalcyclists—collectively accounted for 57% of all deaths during the review period.

  • Border to get hurricane defence as revetment work begins next week

    Border to get hurricane defence as revetment work begins next week

    Jamaican authorities are set to commence fortification work on the sea wall at Border, a vital commercial corridor straddling St Elizabeth and Westmoreland parishes, as early as next week. This coastal defense initiative aims to safeguard recently reconstructed vendor facilities against oceanic turbulence and mitigate future hurricane damage.

    Industry, Investment, and Commerce Minister Senator Aubyn Hill provided senators with a project update last Friday, confirming that technical clearances have been finalized, paving the way for immediate construction. Minister Hill verified that the quantity surveyor from the Jamaica Business Development Corporation has approved the project scope, which has now been forwarded to the contractor.

    The revetment structure represents a critical protective measure for local vendors who have long contended with the threat of storm surges and rough seas. The engineering solution is designed to withstand severe weather events while addressing environmental considerations, particularly wastewater management. Minister Hill emphasized collaborative efforts with the Tourism Enhancement Fund to implement wastewater diversion systems that prevent oceanic contamination.

    This infrastructure project responds to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28, 2025, causing substantial damage to the vending complex and disrupting local livelihoods. The sea wall construction complements broader rehabilitation efforts that have already transformed the commercial landscape.

    Earlier this January, the ministry inaugurated 51 rebuilt vendor shops—expanding from the original 37—featuring hurricane-resistant roofing with protective straps, reinforced concrete foundations, modern sanitation stations, and a new communal kitchen facility with eleven cooking areas. These enhancements directly support approximately 70 vendors, 26 fishermen, and an estimated 350-400 family members dependent on the Border economy.

    The revitalization project has garnered substantial cross-sector support, with J Wray & Nephew contributing to shop beautification and the Tourism Enhancement Fund providing practical equipment for food preparation. New signage now marks the renewed commercial corridor, signaling the area’s economic resurgence.

  • School repairs to take up to 18 months in some cases – Morris Dixon

    School repairs to take up to 18 months in some cases – Morris Dixon

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s education system continues to grapple with the extensive aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, with complete rehabilitation of damaged schools projected to require up to eighteen months. The disclosure came from Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon during a ministerial address to the Senate on Friday.

    While all educational institutions officially resumed classes on January 14th, Minister Morris Dixon acknowledged that many facilities are operating under suboptimal conditions. Numerous schools have implemented rotational attendance systems to accommodate ongoing repairs while ensuring continuous learning.

    The minister expressed particular concern about rotational learning arrangements, stating emphatically, ‘I want rotations ended as quickly as possible.’ She explained the varying timelines for repairs, noting that while some facilities require approximately six months of work, others need nearly complete reconstruction, extending the process to a year and a half.

    Complex reconstruction efforts present significant logistical challenges, as work must proceed around academic schedules. Contractors are conducting repairs during nights and weekends to minimize disruption. In some cases, rehabilitation includes infrastructure upgrades—replacing temporary zinc roofs with more durable concrete slabs, which contributes to extended timelines.

    To address classroom shortages, the education ministry has implemented a strategic redeployment of temporary structures. Once repairs conclude at one facility, tents are relocated to other schools still undergoing reconstruction, helping reduce rotational attendance numbers.

    The ministry maintains a firm policy requiring all examination-year students to attend school five days weekly. This applies to pupils preparing for Primary Exit Profile (PEP), Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) tests. Rotational schedules affect only those students not facing imminent external examinations.

  • Wisconsin-based Bartalozzi Homes rebuilds homes in Jamaica for hurricane victims

    Wisconsin-based Bartalozzi Homes rebuilds homes in Jamaica for hurricane victims

    WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In a remarkable display of international solidarity, a specialized team of volunteer builders from Wisconsin has successfully constructed eight new residential units for Jamaican families devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The humanitarian mission, orchestrated by The Issa Trust Foundation, specifically targeted employees of Couples Resorts who lost their homes during the catastrophic Category 5 storm.

    Dirk Bartalozzi, owner of Bartalozzi Homes and leader of the volunteer contingent, expressed profound personal motivation for participating in the rebuilding initiative. Having witnessed the extensive destruction across Westmoreland parish, Bartalozzi—whose wife is Jamaican—felt compelled to leverage his professional expertise in service of the recovery efforts.

    The construction process demonstrated both technical proficiency and adaptive problem-solving. While Bartalozzi noted that the fundamental building techniques mirrored those used in his Wisconsin-based residential projects, the team encountered unique challenges working with elevated foundations designed for flood protection. “Building on stilts presented distinct structural considerations,” Bartalozzi explained, highlighting the specialized approach required for hurricane-resistant construction.

    The volunteers arrived fully equipped with professional-grade tools, including battery-powered framing systems, precision saws, industrial drills, and critical hurricane strapping components. This comprehensive preparation enabled the team to complete each home within an impressive two-day timeframe, significantly accelerating the community’s recovery process.

    The initiative represents a successful collaboration between corporate social responsibility through The Issa Trust Foundation and skilled volunteerism, demonstrating how targeted technical assistance can effectively address post-disaster housing needs in vulnerable communities.

  • Stakende BLTO vraagt ontslag onderwijsminister en directieleden

    Stakende BLTO vraagt ontslag onderwijsminister en directieleden

    In a dramatic escalation of ongoing labor disputes within Suriname’s education sector, the Union of Technical Education Teachers (BLTO) has formally petitioned President Jennifer Simons for the immediate dismissal of Education Minister Dirk Currie and two senior administrators. The union’s demands come amid a nationwide strike that has paralyzed technical education institutions across the country.

    During a tense meeting at the presidential palace on January 23, BLTO representatives presented their petition directly to President Simons, outlining five critical grievances that have prompted their fifth industrial action this year. The primary concerns include persistent delays in salary payments and overtime compensation dating back to November 2025, non-compliance with court orders mandating payroll system reforms, and detrimental policies that have allegedly dismantled the formerly functional vocational education system.

    Union spokespersons expressed profound frustration, stating, ‘We have been forced to strike. This marks our fifth action – we cannot continue under these conditions.’ Beyond personnel changes, the BLTO demands immediate establishment of an emergency intervention team and guarantees that all outstanding payments will be settled by January 31. Additional concerns highlight deteriorating infrastructure, with reports of inadequate safety measures, poor hygiene standards, and insufficient facilities at vocational schools.

    President Simons, while accepting the petition personally, declined to commit to the dismissal requests but pledged immediate action on other fronts. ‘I will begin addressing urgent matters today, including safety and hygiene concerns at schools,’ Simons stated, emphasizing collaboration with both Education and Finance ministries to resolve payment delays. However, she explicitly noted her inability to promise salary increases.

    The union has maintained its strike position despite presidential appeals to resume classes ‘in the students’ best interests.’ BLTO members expressed skepticism about government promises, with one representative noting, ‘It’s difficult to trust these assurances. Every administration says the same things, yet the problems persist.’ The union plans to determine its next steps during an emergency general assembly scheduled for later today or this weekend.

  • Ministry of Works & Forestry Division Collaborate to Replant Trees at Hall Estate

    Ministry of Works & Forestry Division Collaborate to Replant Trees at Hall Estate

    In an unexpected environmental incident during standard infrastructure maintenance, a mature tree was accidentally removed by a private contractor on Valley Road North near Hall Estate. The error was promptly detected by the Project Implementation Management Unit (PIMU), which immediately consulted with the Forestry Division to develop a remediation strategy.

    Demonstrating rapid environmental accountability, PIMU organized a replanting initiative that resulted in two Cassia fistula trees being installed at the original location on January 23rd, 2026. This compensatory action aims to maintain ecological equilibrium, enhance regional biodiversity, and establish natural shading for future generations.

    The ceremonial planting was executed by a collaborative team including Mr. Adrian Hall, Manager of Hall Estate; Mr. Trevor Thomas, PIMU Driver; Mr. Sherwin Harding, Deputy Community Liaison Officer at PIMU; and Mr. Winston Whyte, PIMU Project Coordinator.

    Officials expressed gratitude to the Forestry Division for their expert guidance, reaffirming their dual commitment to progressive infrastructure development and conscientious environmental protection. The incident has highlighted the importance of careful oversight in public works projects and the value of swift corrective measures when errors occur.

  • LETTER TO THE EDITOR: ‘Deux Branches’ another betrayal of the public’s trust!

    LETTER TO THE EDITOR: ‘Deux Branches’ another betrayal of the public’s trust!

    Dominica confronts a severe crisis of public confidence as government inaction regarding illegal mining operations at Deux Branches exposes fundamental failures in governance. The situation has escalated dramatically since a foreign entity initiated unauthorized extraction activities despite a court-issued stop order that officials have conspicuously failed to enforce.

    The core issue transcends environmental concerns, striking at the heart of Dominica’s social contract. Public trust—particularly in the Ministries of Health, National Security, and Finance—has deteriorated to critically low levels. This distrust now threatens to spread to the departments of Planning, Environment, Lands & Surveys as officials demonstrate alarming indifference to both legal mandates and citizen concerns.

    What makes this case particularly troubling is the administration’s refusal to provide scientific data and factual information to concerned citizens who have themselves presented evidence-based arguments. This ‘No law, No constitution’ approach to governance has created a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic foundations.

    The ecological implications are equally grave. Deux Branches represents not just an environmental treasure but a litmus test for governmental accountability. The failure to protect this landscape could precipitate both ecological disaster and further erosion of public trust, potentially poisoning governance structures, impoverishing society, and destroying civil spirit.

    Dr. Irving ‘Eipigh’ Pascal, the author raising these concerns, maintains cautious optimism that transparent and professional management of this crisis could still reverse the damage. He emphasizes that prevention remains superior to cure, and that protecting Dominica’s natural heritage is fundamental to ensuring a just, prosperous future for the Nature Isle.

    The situation demands immediate attention as it represents a critical juncture in Dominica’s development. How authorities handle this illegal mining debacle will determine whether trust can be restored or whether collective insecurity will deepen in an increasingly challenging global landscape.

  • Detour in Place as Drainage Works Continue at Hodges Bay

    Detour in Place as Drainage Works Continue at Hodges Bay

    Commuters navigating the Hodges Bay area are encountering significant traffic modifications as municipal authorities advance critical drainage infrastructure enhancements. The ongoing construction focuses on establishing a swale drain adjacent to Matthias Drive, situated south of the Breeze Pointe Apartments complex. This essential public works initiative has necessitated the partial closure of certain roadways, resulting in considerable transit delays during peak travel periods.

    Transportation officials have formally issued recommendations for motorists to employ alternative pathways to circumvent the construction zone. Suggested detours include utilizing Matthias Drive as a primary bypass or identifying supplementary access routes to reach destinations within the affected vicinity. The infrastructure development team has extended apologies for any inconveniences caused by the necessary construction activities, simultaneously expressing gratitude to both daily commuters and local residents for their demonstrated patience and cooperation.

    This drainage improvement endeavor represents a strategic component within a broader, comprehensive initiative aimed at reinforcing and modernizing the nation’s transportation infrastructure network. The swale drain installation specifically targets enhanced stormwater management capabilities, intended to mitigate flooding risks and improve road safety during severe weather events. Project coordinators confirm that construction timelines remain on schedule, with anticipated completion expected to conclude within the forthcoming weeks, pending favorable meteorological conditions.

  • Antigua and Barbuda seeks nominations to spotlight female philanthropists ahead of International Women’s Day

    Antigua and Barbuda seeks nominations to spotlight female philanthropists ahead of International Women’s Day

    The Directorate of Gender Affairs in Antigua and Barbuda has officially commenced the nomination period for its 2026 International Women’s Day Spotlight Series, a distinctive program dedicated to celebrating female philanthropists whose modest yet impactful contributions have substantially fortified community foundations nationwide.

    Under the resonant theme ‘Give to Gain,’ this year’s initiative deliberately shifts focus towards women whose altruistic endeavors, though frequently operating beneath the public radar, have generated measurable improvements in supporting vulnerable populations, advancing youth development, and enhancing overall community welfare. The Directorate emphasizes that the program’s core mission is to illuminate these selfless individuals who dedicate themselves to uplifting others and fostering sustainable positive transformation, thereby reaffirming women’s indispensable role as catalysts for societal advancement.

    Citizens are actively encouraged to participate by nominating women who exemplify extraordinary community service, demonstrate compassionate leadership, and exhibit an unwavering commitment to empowering their fellow citizens. Program officials clarify that eligibility extends beyond prominent financial contributors to include those whose generosity manifests through persistent, behind-the-scenes actions and grassroots activism.

    Prospective nominees must be submitted by the deadline of 18 February 2026, with all residents of Antigua and Barbuda eligible to participate in the nomination process. Submissions are accepted through multiple channels including physical delivery to the Directorate’s offices at Lower Nevis Street, postal mail, or electronic communication via telephone.

    This Spotlight Series constitutes an integral component of the nation’s broader International Women’s Day observances, scheduled for annual commemoration on March 8th. The campaign reinforces a fundamental societal message: women’s philanthropic contributions, whether through material resources or dedicated service, generate profound and far-reaching benefits for the entire social fabric.

  • K-9 Roni joins Royal Saint Lucia Police Force

    K-9 Roni joins Royal Saint Lucia Police Force

    The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has significantly bolstered its operational capabilities with the acquisition of K-9 Roni, a specially trained police dog generously donated by the French government. The canine specialist arrived on the island earlier this week accompanied by his handler, with formal training sessions scheduled to commence imminently with local K-9 unit officers.

    Police Public Relations Officer Zane Romulus confirmed that Roni’s integration into the force will substantially enhance the unit’s effectiveness in security operations. Concurrently, the RSLPF is developing comprehensive management protocols for its K-9 division, featuring ambitious infrastructure plans including state-of-the-art kennel facilities, specialized transportation systems for canine safety, and meticulously structured veterinary care programs.

    An official handover ceremony is being organized for the coming weeks to formally recognize this international security collaboration. This development follows high-level discussions between RSLPF delegates and French security counterparts during a January 19th visit to Martinique, where meetings were conducted with both the Gendarmerie and French Navy authorities.

    These diplomatic engagements, stemming from the ninth Franco-Saint Lucia Joint Security Meeting held in October 2025, have additionally paved the way for expanded training opportunities across multiple RSLPF units. The forthcoming programs will emphasize capacity building and strengthened cross-border cooperation mechanisms to effectively address regional security challenges.