Carib Scope

分类： society

  • DPP Orders Murder Charge Against Police Constable Urbina

    DPP Orders Murder Charge Against Police Constable Urbina

    In a significant judicial development, Belizean authorities have formally charged Police Constable Lionel Rodolfo Urbina with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of American student Kevin Matthew Depaz. The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) concluded its extensive investigation into the June 2025 incident that resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries during a late-night altercation on Caye Caulker.

    The twenty-year-old officer faces three serious charges: murder, attempted murder, and use of deadly means of harm. Following his transfer from the island to Belize City, Urbina appeared before the Chief Magistrate where bail was formally denied. The court has remanded him to Belize Central Prison with a scheduled return date of March 31, 2026.

    The tragic events unfolded in the early hours of June 30, 2025, outside a fast-food establishment on Caye Caulker. According to official police reports, the confrontation began when Depaz and his companions allegedly assaulted another individual. This prompted intervention from two off-duty officers, Urbina and Darneak Swasey, who pursued the students’ golf cart. The situation escalated dramatically when a second group arrived on the scene, culminating in a violent stabbing that claimed Depaz’s life and left two others with serious injuries.

    Notably, investigators have cleared the second officer initially detained in connection with the incident. The DPP’s decision to proceed solely against Urbina followed meticulous examination of witness testimonies and critical surveillance evidence. During his initial court appearance, the accused officer lacked legal representation. The case will subsequently move to the San Pedro court system for further proceedings.

  • Education : Launch of the National Conference on the Refounding of the Education System

    Education : Launch of the National Conference on the Refounding of the Education System

    Haiti has initiated a comprehensive national dialogue to fundamentally restructure its beleaguered education system. The Ministry of National Education officially commenced the National Conference on the Refounding of the Haitian Education System this week in Pétion-ville, framing the three-day event under the ambitious theme “For Transformative Education.”

    The conference, running from January 21-23, 2026, represents a critical response to the systemic challenges plaguing Haiti’s educational infrastructure. The gathering brings together teachers’ unions, parent associations, educational experts, private sector representatives, and diaspora members to diagnose structural deficiencies and develop strategic solutions.

    At the core of the reform effort are four strategic pillars: operationalizing the High National Council for Education, restoring educational governance and school authority, improving learning environments and school infrastructure, and combating academic failure and dropout rates.

    The discussions align with Haiti’s Ten-Year Education and Training Plan 2020-2030, addressing ten critical themes including educational access and equity, teacher development, digital education innovation, infrastructure improvement, school safety, and crisis resilience.

    Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, represented by Ms. Axène Joseph, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to allocating 4% of GDP to education, characterizing the overhaul as an “imperative national necessity” amid the country’s multidimensional crisis. The Prime Minister emphasized that these consultations aim to mobilize national resources toward achieving meaningful social and economic mobility through education reform.

    Education Minister Antoine celebrated the broad participation as evidence of a shared commitment to addressing the challenges jeopardizing the future of Haitian youth. Conference Coordinator Guy Serge Pompilus emphasized that the success of this transformation will depend on the substantive contributions of all participants, with the proceedings expected to produce strategic documents capable of reversing the education system’s decline.

  • Young Belizeans Decry Gang Charge Tactics

    Young Belizeans Decry Gang Charge Tactics

    A significant controversy has emerged in Belize City regarding the enforcement of national gang legislation, with young residents from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods claiming systematic targeting by law enforcement. These individuals assert that police are repeatedly charging them with gang affiliations based primarily on their residential locations or social associations rather than concrete evidence, raising serious concerns about racial profiling and due process violations.

    Former Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa has publicly defended police procedures, emphasizing that all detentions undergo rigorous investigative processes. Musa clarified that officers utilize multiple evidence sources including social media analysis, photographic evidence, and community intelligence before filing charges. He specifically addressed concerns about repeated charges against previously convicted individuals, explaining that new prosecutions require entirely new evidence gathered after conviction dates.

    The ongoing dispute highlights fundamental tensions between crime prevention and civil liberties in Belize. Community advocates argue that geographic and social profiling creates a cycle of repeated charges that undermines rehabilitation efforts. Meanwhile, authorities maintain that their procedures follow legal standards and are necessary for combating gang violence that disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. This situation continues to evolve as both sides present contrasting perspectives on justice system operations in Belize’s urban centers.

  • Belizean Community Rallies as Dr. Eck Faces Cancer’s Return

    Belizean Community Rallies as Dr. Eck Faces Cancer’s Return

    The Belizean community is mobilizing in support of Dr. Cecilio Eck, a revered pediatrician facing a recurrence of biliary tract cancer. Initially diagnosed in 2024, Dr. Eck had previously undergone extensive treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a successful shoulder reconstruction surgery that briefly returned him to his medical practice last year.

    Recent medical scans conducted in Mexico revealed the cancer’s aggressive return, now affecting his hip area and causing significant mobility challenges. Despite this devastating development, Dr. Eck maintains remarkable optimism while undergoing a new round of radiotherapy treatments.

    In response to his renewed health crisis, MADISCO is organizing “Hope for Dr. Eck” fundraiser on January 30th at the Belize City House of Culture. The event will feature live entertainment from prominent DJs, gourmet catering, premium wines, and raffle prizes including luxury spa sessions and high-end furniture. Tickets are priced at $100 with availability through MADISCO offices, online platforms, and at the door.

    Dr. Eck’s profound impact on the community spans over two decades of pediatric service. Former patients and parents describe his exceptional bedside manner, including signature traditions like a lollipop spin wheel and sticker books that transformed frightening medical visits into positive experiences for children.

    The pediatrician has deliberately maintained transparency about his health journey, aiming to destigmatize cancer discussions and demonstrate that hope persists even through treatment setbacks. His story continues to inspire nationwide support as Belizeans unite behind their cherished healthcare provider during this critical period.

  • ‘Rising star’ magistrate’s sudden death shocks judiciary, prosecutors

    ‘Rising star’ magistrate’s sudden death shocks judiciary, prosecutors

    The Barbadian legal community has been plunged into mourning following the unexpected death of Magistrate Oliver Thomas, a jurist widely regarded as one of the nation’s most promising legal talents. The 39-year-old magistrate, who had only assumed his judicial appointment earlier this month, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, creating profound shockwaves throughout the judicial system.

    Before his elevation to the Bench, Thomas had established an exemplary career as Principal State Counsel within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), where he served with distinction for approximately a decade. Colleagues and superiors consistently praised his capabilities as a diligent, committed advocate characterized by unwavering professionalism, integrity, and profound respect for legal principles.

    The Office of the Chief Justice issued an official statement acknowledging Thomas’s significant contributions to Barbados’s justice system. “His sudden passing represents a substantial loss to the magistracy, the legal profession, and the administration of justice in Barbados,” the statement read, extending condolences from the entire judiciary to his wife, family, and legal colleagues.

    The tragedy cast a palpable pall over court complexes, with many courts closing early on Thursday as staff received counseling. Emotional tributes emerged from across the legal fraternity, painting a portrait of an exceptional legal mind and beloved colleague.

    Justice Pamela Beckles delivered a moving tribute during Supreme Court proceedings, recalling Thomas—affectionately known as ‘Ollie’—as “articulate, well-mannered, and showing deep respect for the Bench.” Fighting back tears, she described him as “a fine gentleman who had all the qualities you would want from a son, brother, or colleague.”

    Director of Public Prosecutions Alliston Seale SC remembered Thomas as “not just a work colleague but a friend and brother,” highlighting his exceptional legal acumen. “He was a repository of knowledge,” Seale noted. “Many of us relied on him for authorities rather than consult the research facilities available to us.”

    Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes, currently on vacation leave, expressed particular sorrow that Thomas’s potential would remain unrealized. “With my interactions with him since his appointment, he was very receptive to knowledge and I thought he had very bright days ahead. We as a magistracy will be poorer for his passing.”

    Acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna reflected on Thomas’s brief but impactful tenure: “Even though his time was short, it was memorable because he was able to hit the ground running. We would speak to each other almost daily, and we will miss him tremendously.”

    The legal community now mourns not only a respected colleague but what many believed would be a future appellate court judge, whose career trajectory suggested significant contributions to Barbados’s criminal justice system for decades to come.

  • Unclaimed Million Dalla Jackpot Leaves $100K for Charity

    Unclaimed Million Dalla Jackpot Leaves $100K for Charity

    BELIZE CITY, Belize – A substantial lottery prize has been officially declared forfeited and will be redirected to charitable organizations after the ticket holder failed to claim it within the mandated period. The incident involves the highly publicized Million Dalla Jackpot draw conducted by Belize Government Lotteries Limited in December, which initially produced nine winners.

    While eight fortunate winners promptly came forward to secure their portions of the jackpot, one winning ticket remained unclaimed as the strict thirty-day redemption window expired. This has resulted in over one hundred thousand dollars in prize money reverting to the lottery corporation, as explicitly stipulated in the rules printed on every lottery ticket.

    Janel Espat, Managing Director of Belize Government Lotteries Limited, provided clarification on the protocol for unclaimed prizes. Despite acknowledging that this year’s jackpot sales did not yield substantial profits, Espat confirmed that the company’s Board of Directors has unanimously decided to allocate the entire unclaimed amount to charitable causes.

    The selection process for beneficiary organizations will be determined during the corporation’s upcoming board meeting scheduled for mid-February. Lottery officials also noted that unclaimed prizes occur with some regularity, particularly when tickets are purchased through third-party sub-agents rather than via the company’s official digital platforms. In this specific instance, the winning ticket was not purchased through the app or website, leaving the potentially unaware winner completely anonymous with no means of contact or identification.

  • Indotel opens new headquarters to boost efficiency and cut operating costs

    Indotel opens new headquarters to boost efficiency and cut operating costs

    Santo Domingo witnessed a significant governmental milestone as Vice President Raquel Peña and Guido Gómez Mazara, President of the Dominican Telecommunications Institute (Indotel), officially inaugurated the institution’s new flagship headquarters. This event marks the culmination of a strategic shift after 24 years of operating from leased facilities, signaling a new era for telecommunications governance in the Dominican Republic.

    The newly erected Corporate Building 323, situated along 27 de Febrero Avenue, stands as a modern architectural achievement with ten operational floors complemented by four subterranean parking levels and additional surface parking infrastructure. The construction represents a substantial public investment of approximately RD$1,777.9 million, reflecting the administration’s dedication to fiscal responsibility and institutional modernization.

    Guido Gómez Mazara emphasized that this infrastructure project embodies the government’s commitment to transparent resource allocation and operational efficiency. The permanent facility eliminates recurring rental expenditures, creating an estimated RD$1,540 million in savings over the coming decade that will be redirected toward bridging the nation’s digital divide. The consolidation of personnel into a single, purpose-built environment is projected to enhance operational coherence, reduce administrative costs, and significantly improve public service delivery mechanisms.

    The strategic relocation represents more than mere physical transition—it symbolizes Indotel’s reinforced mandate to advance digital inclusion policies and telecommunications development throughout the Dominican Republic. The enhanced operational capacity afforded by the new headquarters will facilitate more effective implementation of national digital infrastructure initiatives, ultimately benefiting citizens through improved connectivity and access to telecommunications services.

  • COE orders maritime restrictions due to strong winds and high waves

    COE orders maritime restrictions due to strong winds and high waves

    Authorities in the Dominican Republic have activated emergency protocols following an official meteorological warning of dangerously deteriorating conditions along the nation’s extensive coastline. The Emergency Operations Center (COE) has declared a nationwide preventive alert after the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) detected a rapid escalation in maritime turbulence affecting both the Atlantic and Caribbean coastal regions.

    Meteorological experts anticipate the severe weather system will persist for 24 to 48 hours, generating powerful wind currents and exceptionally hazardous wave patterns that pose significant risks to maritime activities. In response to the impending danger, the COE has implemented strict navigation restrictions along critical coastal segments.

    On the Atlantic front, vessel operations face complete suspension from Cabo Engaño in La Altagracia province to Cabo Francés Viejo in María Trinidad Sánchez. This prohibition specifically applies to small, fragile, and medium-sized watercraft, which must remain securely docked. Limited navigation privileges are maintained in other Atlantic zones, though operators must exercise extreme caution and remain within close proximity to shorelines.

    The Caribbean coast faces parallel restrictions, with mandatory suspensions enforced from Paraíso in Barahona to Isla Beata in Pedernales. This decisive action responds to monitored abnormalities in wave formations and sustained strong gusts that create potentially life-threatening conditions for maritime operators.

    Government agencies have intensified monitoring efforts through coordinated operations between COE and Indomet specialists. Officials emphasize the critical importance of heeding official communications and observing colored warning flags displayed at beach facilities nationwide. The public is advised that maritime conditions may undergo rapid, unpredictable changes throughout the alert period, requiring continued vigilance until official all-clear notifications are issued.

  • Police seek public’s help identifying person of interest

    Police seek public’s help identifying person of interest

    Authorities in Barbados have initiated a public investigation appeal concerning an individual sought for questioning in relation to a significant criminal case. The Barbados Police Service has formally requested community assistance to both identify and locate this person of interest, who is connected to what officials have characterized as a serious criminal matter.

    Law enforcement agencies have provided multiple channels for information submission, encouraging citizens with relevant knowledge to come forward. The Criminal Investigation Department at the Hastings/Worthing Police Station can be reached at 430-7614 or 430-7219. For urgent police assistance, the emergency line 211 remains active, while anonymous tips can be directed to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477).

    The appeal underscores the importance of community-police collaboration in resolving criminal investigations, with authorities emphasizing that any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, could prove vital to their ongoing investigative efforts.

  • Legal Year 2026 Officially Opens

    Legal Year 2026 Officially Opens

    Belize’s judicial leadership convened this week for the ceremonial inauguration of Legal Year 2026, gathering prominent figures including Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam, Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Stuart Leslie, and Attorney General Anthony Sylvestre. The event brought together judiciary members, legal practitioners, and court administrative staff in a formal proceeding that sets the judicial calendar’s commencement.

    Chief Justice Louise Esther Blenman delivered the keynote address, providing a comprehensive review of the judiciary’s 2025 accomplishments while mapping strategic priorities for the coming year. The address revealed significant progress in case resolution, with the Criminal Bar concluding 224 cases throughout the previous year.

    The judiciary’s modernization efforts featured prominently in the Chief Justice’s remarks. She disclosed that nineteen Practice Directions had been implemented to enhance operational efficiency and simplify legal procedures. These administrative improvements form part of a broader transformation initiative within Belize’s justice system.

    Justice Blenman outlined forthcoming developments including specialized training programs for both judges and attorneys, designed to enhance professional capabilities throughout the legal sector. Simultaneously, new regulatory frameworks are under development to improve the non-contentious administration of estates, addressing procedural gaps in estate management.

    The Chief Justice further emphasized critical needs for institutional strengthening, highlighting necessary improvements in court resources and infrastructure. This institutional enhancement represents a cornerstone of the judiciary’s ongoing commitment to accessible and efficient justice delivery for all Belizean citizens.