Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Aziza Clarke cleared after no-case submission

    Aziza Clarke cleared after no-case submission

    In a decisive legal victory, former calypso monarch Aziza Clarke has been fully exonerated of charges alleging she assisted an offender in evading law enforcement. The No. 5 Supreme Court delivered the ruling following a successful no-case submission presented by her defense team, led by King’s Counsel Michael Lashley and attorney Sade Harris.

    The case stemmed from allegations that Clarke, a resident of Bonnetts, Brittons Hill, St Michael, had knowingly transported Hakeem Stuart from Briar Hall to Graeme Hall, Christ Church on March 21, 2019. Prosecutors claimed this action was intended to obstruct Stuart’s lawful apprehension in connection with murder or another serious arrestable offense.

    Presiding Justice Pamela Beckles determined that the prosecution failed to establish the essential elements of knowledge and belief necessary to sustain the charge. In her ruling, Justice Beckles found insufficient evidence to prove Clarke had awareness of or belief in Stuart’s alleged criminal activities at the time of the incident. Consequently, the judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty, bringing the legal proceedings to a conclusive end.

    The judgment represents a significant judicial determination that the threshold for proving criminal intent in assistance cases requires substantial evidence of the defendant’s conscious knowledge of the offender’s actions, which the court found lacking in this instance.

  • Dominica appoints three new magistrates to tackle case backlog

    Dominica appoints three new magistrates to tackle case backlog

    Dominica’s judicial system has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of three new magistrates in late 2025, bringing the country’s total to a full complement of eight judicial officers. Chief Magistrate Candia Carrette-George made the announcement during the New Law Year opening ceremony at the State House Conference Centre, marking a transformative development for the nation’s legal infrastructure.

    The newly appointed magistrates bring diverse legal expertise to their positions. Marie-Louise Pierre Louis, sworn in October 2025, transitions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with substantial criminal law experience and will primarily handle criminal matters. November saw the appointment of Pearlisa Morvan, previously from the Attorney General’s chambers, who will preside over case management hearings, civil litigation, and coroner’s court proceedings. Kimala Alfred, sworn in December 2025, joins from the legal aid clinic and will primarily oversee family and criminal cases.

    Chief Magistrate Carrette-George emphasized that this judicial expansion represents a strategic advancement in addressing systemic challenges within Dominica’s court system. The appointments are expected to significantly enhance court efficiency through improved case management protocols and specialized case allocation. This development directly targets the reduction of case backlogs that have hampered judicial timeliness, ensuring more effective disposition of legal matters across criminal, civil, and family court divisions.

    The achievement of a full magistrate complement underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening judicial capacity and access to justice. This structural enhancement positions Dominica’s legal system for improved service delivery and operational effectiveness throughout 2026 and beyond.

  • RC Archbishop warns of youth mental health crisis

    RC Archbishop warns of youth mental health crisis

    Trinidad and Tobago is confronting a severe youth mental health crisis characterized by escalating rates of suicide, self-harm, and emotional distress among children. Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon has issued an urgent nationwide appeal for immediate intervention from all sectors of society, declaring the well-being of the nation’s youth to be at critical risk.

    The Archbishop’s warning precedes a pivotal national briefing titled ‘The Urgency of Now: A National Call to Save Our Children,’ scheduled for January 19 at the Archbishop’s House in Port of Spain. This event, organized by the Samaritan Movement—a trauma-response initiative established by the Archdiocese of Port of Spain—aims to address what organizers describe as an escalating emergency affecting children across educational institutions.

    Darrion Narine, programme manager of the Samaritan Movement, corroborated the severity of the situation, stating that the country has reached a breaking point. Based on their fieldwork across primary and secondary schools, the movement has documented an alarming surge in student distress, with both overt cries for help and silent suffering becoming daily occurrences. Educators and school administrators report being overwhelmed by the scale of the problem.

    Disturbing data collected by the movement reveals that in a sample group of 48 students, 40% disclosed engaging in or contemplating self-harm behaviors. Narine emphasized that these statistics represent real children—sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters—whose suffering demands immediate action rather than bureaucratic delays.

    The upcoming briefing will convene mental health professionals, educators, and faith leaders to address multiple critical aspects: the growing evidence of trauma in schools, the long-term consequences of inaction on communities, and the church’s potential role in providing healing and hope. Organizers stress that this event transcends a typical press conference, serving instead as a rallying cry for comprehensive societal response.

    The Samaritan Movement is advocating for the government to declare the situation a national emergency and prioritize trauma-informed educational approaches and community care systems. Simultaneously, they’re calling on private sector entities to fund mental health initiatives that reach directly into schools and homes. Civil society organizations and faith communities are being urged to mobilize networks of care and mentorship, while parents and citizens are encouraged to create supportive environments where young people feel safe to share their struggles.

  • Former cop cries at guilty verdict

    Former cop cries at guilty verdict

    In a landmark verdict that has sent shockwaves through the Bahamian law enforcement community, former Assistant Police Superintendent Sonny Miller was convicted on ten drug-related charges for his involvement in a sophisticated narcotics smuggling operation. The emotional proceedings saw the 47-year-old former Police Staff Association chairman break down in tears as Deputy Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville delivered the guilty verdict, describing the case as extraordinary and unforgettable.

    The conviction stems from a June 2022 operation where authorities intercepted 181 pounds of cocaine and 31 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value exceeding $1.4 million on the remote island of Acklins. The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the United States Coast Guard, revealed Miller’s alleged participation in receiving narcotics transported via aircraft from Venezuela.

    Critical testimony came from two Colombian nationals, Christhian Gaviria Aragon and Christhian Garcia Aristizabal, who previously pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in 2023. Both received reduced 46-month sentences in exchange for their cooperation with prosecutors. Aragon provided particularly damning evidence, alleging that Miller threatened him at gunpoint when a Coast Guard helicopter appeared during the operation, claiming he feared for his life during the encounter.

    During the two-month trial, the prosecution presented compelling video evidence showing Miller’s police vehicle repeatedly leaving and returning to the crime scene with doors and rear hatch open. A silver tin was visibly positioned near the vehicle’s door, contradicting Miller’s testimony that he was merely performing his duties as the officer in charge of Acklins.

    Miller maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, testifying that he had approached the suspects tactfully after discovering them unloading drugs from an aircraft. He claimed he requested backup and drew his firearm to effect arrests upon hearing an approaching helicopter. The former superintendent further alleged improper conduct during his interrogation, including being denied food and medication.

    Magistrate Serville ultimately found the accounts of the Colombian nationals and other officers more credible than Miller’s version of events. Defense attorney Bjorn Ferguson’s argument that the prosecution was attempting to “ride a parade of inferences to a conviction” was rejected in the final verdict.

    Miller has been remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services pending sentencing scheduled for February 24, with his distraught family members expressing their anguish on the courthouse steps. The former high-ranking officer retains the right to appeal within seven days of sentencing.

  • JPS hosts pop-up energy hubs to support residents of Westmoreland , St Elizabeth

    JPS hosts pop-up energy hubs to support residents of Westmoreland , St Elizabeth

    In a significant relief initiative, Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has successfully operated mobile energy hubs across eight communities in Westmoreland and St Elizabeth parishes over the past fortnight. These temporary facilities provide critical support to residents still awaiting full electricity restoration after Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic Category 5 impact.

    The strategic deployment targeted severely affected areas including Bethel Town, Ashton, Grange Hill, and Petersfield in Westmoreland, alongside Braes River, Southampton, Brighton, and Springfield in St Elizabeth. These locations represent what utility officials term the ‘last mile’ of restoration efforts—communities where extensive infrastructure damage and difficult terrain have considerably delayed power recovery.

    JPS’s innovative hubs offer multifaceted assistance: residents can charge mobile devices, access high-speed internet through SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service, obtain personalized customer support, and enjoy recreational activities including music and games. This comprehensive approach addresses both practical needs and psychological wellbeing during the prolonged recovery period.

    Company representatives confirm these pop-up hubs will rotate through additional affected parishes in coming weeks. Current restoration statistics indicate JPS has successfully reconnected approximately 93% of its total customer base, with ongoing work across all hurricane-impacted regions.

    The initiative reflects JPS’s dual strategy of simultaneously rebuilding physical infrastructure while maintaining community engagement during extended recovery operations. The unprecedented hurricane severity necessitated this innovative approach to customer support beyond traditional utility services.

  • Evangelical Churches: More gambling will destroy Trinidad and Tobago

    Evangelical Churches: More gambling will destroy Trinidad and Tobago

    The Trinidad and Tobago Council of Evangelical Churches (TTCEC) has issued a forceful denunciation of the government’s recent authorization of Play Whe lottery operations on Sundays, characterizing the move as a dangerous escalation of gambling accessibility that threatens the nation’s moral foundation.

    In a January 15th statement, the coalition of Christian churches presented a comprehensive moral and social argument against gambling expansion, identifying four primary areas of concern. The council asserted that gambling’s addictive nature becomes increasingly problematic as society grows more permissive toward such activities.

    Central to their argument was the connection between national morality and national stability. The TTCEC invoked biblical principles, stating, ‘Righteousness exalts a nation. For Trinidad and Tobago to withstand pressure, we must maintain a moral foundation. Development in the physical realm cannot occur without parallel development in the moral realm.’ The group emphasized the existence of objective moral standards established by the Creator rather than subjective human preferences.

    The council further identified what it termed the ‘get-rich-quick syndrome’ as a social plague exacerbated by gambling accessibility. They described gambling as fundamentally destructive, noting that compulsive gambling frequently leads to hopelessness, despair, broken relationships, clinical depression, and even suicidal tendencies among affected individuals.

    Regarding legalization, the TTCEC criticized gambling as being predicated on ‘the love of money and lust for more,’ which they identified as biblically recognized roots of evil. They questioned whether increased gambling opportunities might consequently stimulate the development of various social evils.

    The religious coalition also lamented the inadequate public education about gambling’s dangers, comparing its addictive potential to alcoholism and narcotics abuse. They detailed consequences including jeopardized relationships, abandoned education or careers, and dependency on borrowed funds to sustain the habit. The statement further noted that gambling debts often drive individuals toward illegal activities, deception of family members, and eventual legal troubles.

    While acknowledging that their statement couldn’t exhaustively catalog all gambling-related dangers, the TTCEC concluded with a solemn warning: ‘An individual or nation cannot rise above the level of their information. People are destroyed for lack of knowledge.’

  • Individuals urged to have contracts in place ahead of home construction

    Individuals urged to have contracts in place ahead of home construction

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) has issued a critical warning to citizens undertaking construction projects, emphasizing the non-negotiable necessity of formal written contracts to mitigate substantial financial and legal exposures. This advisory comes amid growing concerns about unregulated practices within Jamaica’s construction sector.

    Lenworth Kelly, former IMAJ president, articulated these concerns during a recent JIS Think Tank session, highlighting the alarming absence of regulatory legislation governing contractors. “The industry faces significant challenges due to the lack of formal oversight,” Kelly stated. “Many individuals operate as contractors based solely on self-proclamation, without verified credentials or regulatory compliance.”

    Kelly emphasized that a formal contract represents the fundamental first step upon completion of building plans and drawings. He characterized the undertaking of major construction without contractual protection as “ridiculous,” particularly given that home construction or expansion typically constitutes the largest financial investment in an individual’s lifetime.

    Beyond contract formalization, the IMAJ recommends engaging qualified professionals—architects, engineers, or designers—to administer projects on the homeowner’s behalf. These professionals can conduct monthly milestone verifications and authorize payment disbursements, ensuring accountability and quality control throughout the construction process.

    Common issues reported to the IMAJ frequently involve homeowners who neglected basic due diligence. Kelly posed essential questions homeowners should address: “Have you verified the contractor’s background? What is their professional track record? Are they properly registered with the Company’s Office of Jamaica? How extensive is their business experience?”

    Notably, the association stresses that even minor projects require documented agreements. Kelly illustrated this point stating, “Even for constructing something as simple as a chicken coop, document the terms on paper—specify payment amounts, schedules, and timelines. Such documentation still constitutes a legally recognizable contract.”

    To support public awareness and protection, the IMAJ offers complimentary consulting services through its in-house expert, available to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Homeowners can schedule in-person consultations, Zoom calls, or telephone advice at no cost, receiving professional guidance for various construction endeavors, from small home expansions to new builds.

  • Westmoreland residents get water, light as JPS restores electricity to Roaring River pump

    Westmoreland residents get water, light as JPS restores electricity to Roaring River pump

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Following an intensive reconstruction effort, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has successfully reinstated electrical power to the National Water Commission’s (NWC) crucial Roaring River pump station. This vital infrastructure serves numerous communities across Westmoreland, marking a significant milestone in restoring normalcy to the region.

    The re-energization process was finalized on Wednesday evening, with comprehensive system testing confirming stable power delivery to the facility. According to JPS officials, the reactivated electrical lines are now simultaneously providing electricity to both the water pump and residential JPS customers in adjacent areas including Petersfield, Waterworks, and Shrewsbury Falls.

    The extensive restoration project presented substantial engineering challenges, requiring the complete reconstruction of more than 10 miles of electrical transmission infrastructure. Crews worked from the power generation source at JPS’s Paradise substation all the way to the NWC’s Roaring River pumping facility. The monumental effort mobilized over 100 line technicians who coordinated their expertise to accelerate project completion amidst challenging conditions.

    This achievement represents a critical step in reestablishing reliable water services for Westmoreland residents who depend on the NWC’s distribution system. The simultaneous restoration of residential power to surrounding communities provides additional relief to households affected by previous service interruptions.

  • Jamaicans encouraged to report building code breaches

    Jamaicans encouraged to report building code breaches

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Municipal authorities in Kingston and St. Andrew have intensified efforts to enhance construction safety through expanded public engagement. The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is actively encouraging citizens to utilize its formal complaint mechanism to report potential violations of national building standards.

    Duane Allison, Senior Building Officer at KSAMC, elaborated on the dual approach during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank session. While confirming that dedicated officers conduct regular zone patrols to identify unauthorized construction activities, Allison emphasized the critical role of community involvement through the corporation’s complementary complaint platform.

    “Our surveillance system operates through specialized officers monitoring construction zones to detect regulatory breaches,” Allison stated. “Simultaneously, we’ve established a responsive public reporting channel where residents can alert us to violations, particularly after-hours construction or development in environmentally sensitive areas.”

    The reporting process offers multiple access points: citizens can visit ksamc.gov.jm and navigate to the ‘report breaches’ section for digital submissions, or contact hotlines at (876) 967-0585/4195. Effective reports should include specific details such as property location and violation characteristics. Allison noted that complainants frequently report construction on gully reservations – protected natural drainage areas – prompting official investigations into project authorization status.

    To facilitate evidence-based investigations, the system accepts photographic documentation and supplementary materials from reporters. Notably, KSAMC guarantees anonymity for individuals submitting concerns, though those seeking follow-up communication may provide contact information.

    This initiative coincides with Jamaica’s Earthquake Awareness Week (January 11-17), organized under the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). With the thematic focus ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’, the campaign highlights the importance of code-compliant construction in mitigating seismic risks and ensuring structural integrity during natural disasters.

  • Three arrested in Trinidad after multi-million dollar drug bust

    Three arrested in Trinidad after multi-million dollar drug bust

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — A significant law enforcement operation in the Beetham Gardens area has resulted in a major drug interdiction and three arrests, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) confirmed this week. The operation, executed under the nation’s current state of emergency and its Emergency Powers Regulations of 2025, targeted a residential property suspected of narcotics trafficking. During a systematic search of the premises, conducted with the occupants present, officers uncovered a substantial cache of illicit substances. The discovery consisted of 111 multi-colored, rectangular packages, all containing high-grade cannabis. The total weight of the seized marijuana was precisely measured at 78.52 kilograms. Law enforcement officials estimated its potential market value at a staggering TT$8,617,334.44, equivalent to approximately US$1.38 million. Consequently, three individuals were taken into custody: two men, aged 45 and 32, and one woman of undisclosed age. All three suspects are slated for a court appearance to face formal charges related to the possession and intended distribution of the controlled substance. This bust represents one of the more significant seizures in recent operations, highlighting continued efforts to combat drug trafficking amidst the ongoing state of emergency.