Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Pottersville man in custody for arson

    Pottersville man in custody for arson

    A resident of Pottersville is now behind bars at Dominica State Prison, facing six separate arson charges connected to a destructive early-morning blaze that tore through multiple structures in Roseau earlier this month. Police Chief Lincoln Corbette confirmed the details of the case in an official media briefing held on Tuesday.

    The suspect, 48-year-old Wilson Joseph, made his initial appearance before a Roseau magistrate court earlier the same day, where law enforcement officials formally opposed any grant of bail. Following the hearing, the court ordered Joseph to be held in pre-trial custody at the island’s state penitentiary. The next scheduled review of Joseph’s case is set for October 2026, according to official court records.

    The incident that led to the charges dates back to 3:20 a.m. on May 6, 2026, when first responders received an emergency call reporting a fire that broke out at Jane’s Cuisine, a local eatery located on Upper Lane in Roseau. Chief Corbette explained that the fire spread at an unusually rapid rate, jumping from the original restaurant location to adjacent adjacent buildings before firefighters could fully contain the blaze. While no casualties have been reported as of the press briefing, multiple properties sustained significant damage from the flames, heat, and smoke.

    Corbette added that official assessments of the total financial and structural damage are still ongoing, as investigators work to document the full scope of the destruction and corroborate evidence connected to the charges. Arson investigations often require extensive forensic analysis to rule out accidental causes and confirm intentional ignition, a process that can take weeks to complete in cases involving widespread damage.

  • Temporary closure of Mont Tout Back Road

    Temporary closure of Mont Tout Back Road

    Drivers and local commuters in St George, Grenada, are preparing for a major disruption to their daily travel routines, after the nation’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation announced a temporary indefinite closure of a key local roadway. Starting Monday, May 11, 2026, Mont Tout Back Road, located in the Grand Anse district of St George, will be completely closed to all motor vehicle traffic, with no confirmed reopening date released to the public as of the announcement.

    The government agency explained that the full closure is required to carry out critical infrastructure improvement projects along the stretch of road. The planned works include full resurfacing of the existing pavement, the installation of a new upgraded drainage system, and the construction of a new reinforced curb wall along the route. All three projects are designed to improve long-term road safety, reduce flood-related disruptions during heavy rain events, and extend the service life of the roadway for local residents and visitors.

    In its official statement, the Ministry extended a formal apology to residents, businesses, and daily commuters who will be affected by the travel disruption. Officials noted that while detours may add travel time for those relying on the route, the short-term inconvenience will result in a safer, more durable roadway for the community long-term. The agency also called on the general public to cooperate with traffic management measures during the construction period.

    This official announcement was originally issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation. NOW Grenada, the outlet publishing the notice, has clarified that it holds no responsibility for the content of statements released by third-party contributors, and provides a channel for users to report any abusive content related to its platform.

  • ‘Never Fail Me’: Son’s tribute after mother’s killing in double homicide

    ‘Never Fail Me’: Son’s tribute after mother’s killing in double homicide

    Days before one of the most cherished holidays for families across the globe, a brutal shooting on Marchand Boulevard claimed two lives, leaving tight-knit communities in Saint Lucia reeling from senseless violence. The first victim, 64-year-old Charmaine Pearl Ramsay, a 22-year veteran of the local police force and mother of five surviving children, was killed instantly in the Saturday night attack on May 9. A second victim, 38-year-old Sheston Duncan, succumbed to his critical injuries just hours later after being rushed to a nearby hospital.

    In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Ramsay’s eldest son, whose identity has been withheld by authorities for personal security, spoke publicly with reporters to share his family’s overwhelming grief. Fighting back tears, he described his mother as a relentless, devoted parent who never once let him down throughout his 28 years of life. “I never imagined my mother would lose her life in that kind of way,” he told reporters. “For the kind of person my mother was, I never thought I would lose her to such violence.”

    Ramsay, who spent more than two decades serving the community as a police officer, shaped her son’s entire upbringing through the values of honesty, accountability and unwavering support she instilled in him. Even in his adult years, she remained a constant, caring presence: cleaning his home, washing his clothes, and showing up for him in every challenge and milestone. When asked what he would miss most, he highlighted this unshakable commitment. “In every aspect of my life, my mother would always come and represent me no matter what it be,” he said.

    The grieving son recalled the chaotic, terrifying moments after the shooting that still haunt him. He was at his own home nearby when he heard a volley of gunshots ring out across the neighborhood, but had no idea his mother was caught in the crossfire. It was only when he walked toward her home to check on her that a neighbor broke the devastating news. “When I go there, I see my mother lying there, lifeless already,” he said. “I feel like I was just losing my brains at the moment.” Still, he said he is clinging to his faith and the lessons his mother taught him to stay strong for the rest of his family. “I already gave my life to Christ, so I just consider I have to pray and let life take its course.” To this day, he says he cannot fathom any motive for killing his mother, who dedicated her life to protecting and supporting her community.

    A close friend of Ramsay, who had planned a joyful Mother’s Day celebration with the victim just days before, shared her own heartbreak over the killing. The two had arranged to attend church together, then spend the evening dancing in honor of the holiday. “And look at how the lady pass away,” she said in disbelief. Like many residents, she is now calling for an immediate end to the wave of violence that has shaken the neighborhood. She warned that innocent bystanders—especially children—face constant risk as violent incidents continue to plague the area. After the shooting, fear has spread so widely that local parents are keeping their children home from school, she confirmed. “A mother called the principal and said she not sending her children to school because of what happened,” she said. In an emotional appeal to those behind the violence, she urged them to lay down their weapons. “All those who are doing violent things, stop it, please. Have mercy on everybody else because all of us have family.”

    Top political leaders have also weighed in on the tragedy, condemning the brutal killings and pledging action to bring those responsible to justice. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who also serves as Parliamentary Representative for Castries East, released a formal statement via his official Facebook page expressing his deep sorrow over the deaths. “As Parliamentary Representative, I am deeply saddened by the homicides that occurred over the weekend. I extend sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” he wrote. Pierre confirmed that his administration has already held urgent talks with the leadership of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, and assured the public that authorities are working tirelessly to track down and prosecute the perpetrators. “These acts of violence are a matter of grave concern,” he stated. “The safety and security of our citizens remain a top priority of my Government.”

  • Rude Boy Billboard Removed In Jamaica: Will Belize Do The Same?

    Rude Boy Billboard Removed In Jamaica: Will Belize Do The Same?

    A recent decision by Jamaican municipal authorities to take down a sexually suggestive alcohol advertising billboard has amplified a parallel public debate in neighboring Belize over appropriate content for shared public spaces.

    The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) confirmed it ordered the removal of the disputed advertisement, located in eastern Kingston, following dozens of complaints from local residents. According to KSAMC’s official announcement, regulators were alerted to the billboard last Thursday. After an expedited review of the content, the agency issued a 24-hour compliance notice requiring advertisers to take down the sign, and the order was fully carried out by Friday, May 8.

    The billboard was created to promote “Rude Boy Original”, an alcoholic beverage brand. Its graphic design featured a bottle of the spirit placed between the raised legs of a figure clad in black fishnet stockings and high-heeled boots, paired with the marketing hashtag “#DrinkRude”.

    While KSAMC acknowledged and responded to widespread public concern over the ad, the agency noted that it does not have formal regulatory authority over the creative content of outdoor advertising. Even so, KSAMC emphasized that it routinely encourages brands and advertising firms to exercise intentional judgment, prioritize community sensibilities, and avoid content that would offend general audiences in shared public spaces.

    The controversy quickly divided public opinion across Jamaican social media. Some commentators argued the billboard was simply edgy, creative marketing that fell within acceptable boundaries for commercial advertising, while others insisted the overtly sexualized imagery crossed a line of public decency, especially for advertisements visible to children and families.

    The Jamaican action has thrown new fuel onto an ongoing debate in Belize, where a separate Rude Boy Original billboard at the entrance to the capital city of Belmopan has already drawn fierce criticism from public and religious leaders. Church Senator Louis Wade Jr. has publicly called for the immediate removal of the Belizean billboard, which features Trinidadian recording artist Nailah Blackman holding the Rude Boy Original product in a pose opponents call sexually suggestive.

    Wade argued that the ad represents an affront to Belize’s shared public morality, pointing to already pressing social crises in the country including widespread alcohol abuse, gender-based domestic violence, and the over-sexualization of women in media and advertising.

    “I stand with thousands of Belizeans across Belmopan and the entire country who say this billboard must go: it violates the basic sensibilities of respectable people across our nation,” Wade stated in an interview with Plus TV News.

    Wade also accused the brand behind the campaign of deliberately targeting women with aggressive alcohol marketing, while normalizing hypersexualized imagery that harms public standards. As of this reporting, Belizean authorities have not yet announced whether they will follow Jamaica’s lead and order the disputed billboard removed.

  • Man jailed for 5.8 kilos cocaine

    Man jailed for 5.8 kilos cocaine

    More than four years after a major anti-drug seizure in Georgetown’s Tucville neighborhood, a Guyanese national has been handed a severe custodial sentence and fine for trafficking cocaine, law enforcement authorities confirmed Monday.

    Winston Hazel was convicted of trafficking 5.814 kilogrammes of cocaine by Magistrate Fabayo Azore on April 30, 2026, according to the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), the country’s lead agency for counter-narcotics enforcement. The conviction carries a three-year prison term and a GY$8.1 million fine, which equals approximately US$390,000 at current exchange rates.

    The case traces back to a targeted CANU enforcement operation conducted in March 2022 in the Guyhoc Park district of Tucville. During the operation, officers pulled over a private motor vehicle carrying two occupants, acting on intelligence related to suspected drug movement in the area. A systematic search of the stopped vehicle uncovered five sealed parcels containing cocaine, which tested positive for the controlled substance and logged a total net weight of 5.814 kilogrammes.

    CANU did not immediately release details on the status of the second individual who was in the vehicle at the time of the interception. The conviction marks a key win for Guyana’s ongoing crackdown on transnational drug trafficking, as the South American country remains a key transit route for cocaine moving from production hubs in the Andean region to global markets in North America and Europe.

    The verdict was first reported by Demerara Waves Online News, with the last update to the public record published on May 11, 2026, by correspondent Denis Chabrol.

  • Community policing meeting brings Bellevue Chopin and Petite Savanne residents together

    Community policing meeting brings Bellevue Chopin and Petite Savanne residents together

    Residents and law enforcement stakeholders from two Dominica communities gathered this Thursday for a BPP Community Shield community policing forum, launching a collaborative effort to tackle pressing public safety and quality of life challenges in Bellevue Chopin and Petite Savanne.

    Organized by the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, the cross-sector gathering brought together a diverse group of participants beyond uniformed officers: local residents, community leadership representatives, small business operators, faith leaders from local churches, and youth representatives from the area. The meeting was structured around open, transparent dialogue, creating space for community members to voice unfiltered concerns about issues affecting their daily lives and brainstorm collective solutions alongside policing officials.

    Six core challenges emerged as top priorities for attendees during the discussion. The most frequently cited issues included repeated theft of agricultural crops and harvested produce, a critical concern for local farmers who rely on their crops for income and food security. Additional problem areas included unaddressed traffic congestion and safety risks in the New Settlement neighborhood, persistent excessive noise pollution from motorcycles and scooters that have been modified with non-standard silencers, open marijuana use by young people in public spaces, insufficient street lighting that contributes to safety hazards after dark, and the blight and public risk created by long-abandoned vehicles left scattered across community areas.

    Following the open sharing of concerns, participants turned to developing actionable, community-centered responses to improve local public safety and overall wellbeing. Proposed solutions included increasing targeted police patrols in high-concern areas, expanding access to organized recreational and sporting programs for local youth to provide positive, constructive activities, deepening ongoing cooperative ties between residents and policing teams, and rolling out new public awareness campaigns to educate community members on crime prevention and shared accountability. Attendees also made early progress in planning a collaborative Father’s Day sporting event in partnership with the local Village Council, a gathering designed to strengthen community bonds while supporting the initiative’s goals.

    In an official statement shared publicly across the police force’s social media channels, organizers extended gratitude to everyone who carved out time from their personal and professional schedules to participate in the meaningful, solution-focused dialogue. “Together, we are building safer, stronger, and more united communities,” the statement noted.

    The forum is part of the ongoing Community Policing Initiative run by the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force. The program centers its long-term work on three core priorities: building and strengthening public trust between local communities and law enforcement, cultivating sustained, productive partnerships between police and residents, and reducing widespread fear of crime through consistent, proactive engagement with community members.

  • 35-Year-Old Fighting for Life After Stabbing in Ladyville

    35-Year-Old Fighting for Life After Stabbing in Ladyville

    A violent public dispute has left a local construction worker clinging to life in a Belize hospital following a stabbing incident in Ladyville Village, with law enforcement officials confirming that one suspect has been taken into custody as of May 11, 2026.

    According to initial investigative updates from local police, the victim has been identified as 35-year-old Nelson Rene Rosa Ramirez, a resident of the Ladyville community. Responding patrol officers and emergency medical teams were dispatched to a local construction site on Sunday afternoon, where they located Ramirez with multiple penetrating stab wounds. First responders immediately transported the injured worker to a nearby medical facility, where he remains listed in critical, life-threatening condition as of the latest update.

    Preliminary statements from law enforcement outline that the attack unfolded during a casual social gathering between Ramirez and his uncle. What began as a routine meeting quickly escalated into a heated verbal argument, which ultimately devolved into the fatal altercation that left the 35-year-old stabbed. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the detained individual, nor have they shared details on potential charges that may be filed as the investigation continues to progress. Local policing units are still reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses to establish a full timeline of events and confirm the exact circumstances leading up to the stabbing.

  • One Detained After Fatal Stabbing in Belize City

    One Detained After Fatal Stabbing in Belize City

    On the morning of May 11, 2026, a violent fatal stabbing incident in Belize City left a 56-year-old local man dead, and law enforcement officials have taken one suspect into custody as they work to untangle the details of the attack.

    According to preliminary information from investigators on the case, the victim, identified as Marl Longsworth, was spotted moving at speed along Mopan Street at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time. Moments later, he collapsed at the intersection of Mopan and Ebony Streets, where responding officers found him with multiple penetrating stab wounds across his body.

    Emergency first responders immediately transported the injured man to Belize’s main public medical facility, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Despite medical teams’ efforts to stabilize and treat his critical injuries, Longsworth was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

    As of the latest update from the Belize Police Department, the investigation into the circumstances of the stabbing is still actively ongoing. Officials have not yet released information about a possible motive for the attack, nor have they shared additional details about the detained individual. Longsworth’s remains are currently being held pending a formal post-mortem examination, which will be conducted to confirm the official cause and manner of his death.

  • Police investigate fatal accident at Mt Gay, St George

    Police investigate fatal accident at Mt Gay, St George

    A devastating fatal road incident has claimed the life of a 17-year-old student from Tempe, St George, prompting an active investigation by the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF). The collision unfolded on Sunday, 10 May 2026, in the Mt Gay area of St George, according to official updates released by the Office of the Commissioner of Police.

    Preliminary findings from ongoing investigations outline that the young victim was traveling along the roadway on a bicycle when, for reasons still under review, he lost control of his vehicle and fell into the path of moving traffic. Moments after the fall, an oncoming motor vehicle struck the teenager, inflicting life-threatening head trauma. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, where a doctor examined the victim and officially pronounced him dead at the site of the crash.

    In the wake of the tragic incident, the Commissioner of Police and all serving members of the RGPF have issued a formal statement of condolence, extending their deepest sympathies to the deceased student’s family, loved ones and friends, who are now grappling with sudden and unexpected loss. The RGPF has not yet released additional details regarding any potential charges, road conditions at the time of the crash, or the identity of the driver of the vehicle involved, as investigations remain ongoing.

    This report is sourced from the official Office of the Commissioner of Police. NOW Grenada disclaims responsibility for the content and opinions shared by external contributors, and invites users to report any abusive content via official platform channels.

  • UWI Five Islands Inter-Campus Guild Council Meeting Delegation in St. Vincent

    UWI Five Islands Inter-Campus Guild Council Meeting Delegation in St. Vincent

    As The University of the West Indies (UWI) continues expanding its coordinated regional higher education footprint, the student guild delegation from its Five Islands Campus is currently taking part in the final leg of the 2026 Inter-Campus Guild Council (ICGC) Conference. The week-long gathering, hosted by the UWI Global Campus in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, runs from May 10 to 17, 2026, and brings together top student leadership representatives from every campus across the UWI system to tackle shared priorities for Caribbean higher education.

    Heading the Four-member delegation from Five Islands Campus is incumbent Guild President Kerron McKenzie, joined by Guild President-Elect Jake Taylor, Postgraduate Representative Kimon Drigo, and Shanese Archibald, who represents the School of Science, Computing and Artificial Intelligence. This group joins counterparts from UWI’s long-established Mona, Cave Hill, and St. Augustine campuses, as well as the hosting Global Campus, for collaborative dialogue focused on bolstering a unified, impactful student movement across the entire Caribbean region.

    Widely recognized as the preeminent regional student leadership forum within the UWI system, the ICGC provides a structured space for student delegates to identify and address pressing challenges facing their peer groups, while drafting actionable recommendations and strategic frameworks to elevate the overall student experience across all institutions. This year’s conference agenda centers on key themes including expanding student welfare support, enhancing academic access and resources, deepening regional integration across campuses, streamlining cross-campus student mobility programs, growing emerging leadership capacity, strengthening student representation in institutional governance, and expanding collaborative partnerships between UWI campuses.

    In opening remarks on the conference’s purpose and value, McKenzie highlighted the outsized role of cross-regional collaboration and youth leadership in advancing the UWI system’s mission across the Caribbean. “The ICGC Conference is far more than a series of scheduled meetings and talks,” he noted. “It is a dynamic space where young leaders from every corner of our region gather to share updates on campus work, confront the very real challenges our peers face, and co-develop concrete, practical solutions that will lift up the entire UWI community.”

    As the newest addition to the UWI campus network, McKenzie emphasized that Five Islands Campus remains deeply committed to ensuring its student body has a strong voice at the regional table, while actively contributing to the evolution of student leadership, advocacy, and inclusive development across the Caribbean. “Our campus has already seen how engagement in student governance creates clear pathways for impact at both the national and regional level,” he shared. “Just recently, one of our former Guild committee members, Shaquan O’Neil—who previously served as Level 3 Representative for the School of Business and Management—was appointed to serve as a national Senator. His trajectory is clear proof that participation in campus student governance prepares young people to step into national leadership and public service roles.”

    McKenzie added that regional collaborative initiatives like the ICGC push students to grow beyond their comfort zones, become active contributors to their local and regional communities, and build durable professional and personal networks that support long-term growth. “Student leadership is not just about showing up for your peers on campus,” he explained. “It is about培育 the next generation of leaders who will go on to make lasting, meaningful contributions to Caribbean society.”

    He also extended public recognition to the hosting UWI Global Campus Guild of Students, as well as all participating delegations and campus guild presidents, for their sustained dedication to advancing regional unity, cross-campus collaboration, and intentional student development across the UWI system.

    Over the course of the week-long conference, the Five Islands delegation is scheduled to contribute actively to policy working groups, leadership development workshops, community outreach initiatives, and long-term strategic planning sessions. For the growing Five Islands Campus, this participation marks another key milestone in its expanding role within the regional UWI community, and reaffirms its long-standing commitment to student-centered advocacy, innovative leadership development, and regional progress.