Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Melly Rose Speaks out on US Military Presence in Caribbean Waters: “There has to be a better way.”

    Melly Rose Speaks out on US Military Presence in Caribbean Waters: “There has to be a better way.”

    Trinidadian artist Melly Rose has expressed deep concern over recent reports of U.S. military operations in Caribbean waters, which have allegedly led to the bombing or destruction of boats. The singer, known for her advocacy for community and humanity, shared her heartfelt thoughts on the situation, emphasizing the potential impact on innocent lives.

    “I’ve been seeing what’s happening, and honestly, it’s been sitting heavy on my heart,” Melly Rose stated. “While I understand the need to protect our region, innocent people could be getting hurt in the process. These are real families, real lives. Everyone deserves their day in court. There has to be a better way.”

    Melly highlighted the plight of everyday people who rely on the sea for their livelihoods, including fishermen, ferry workers, travelers, and families moving between islands. “For many of us, the ocean is not just water; it’s how we connect, how we feed our families, how we survive. I just want safety for our people,” she added.

    The artist also called on regional and international powers to prioritize peace over force, reminding them that Caribbean lives matter. “The Caribbean has always been a place of love, rhythm, and resilience,” Melly said. “I just hope leaders choose compassion and care when making decisions that affect our people. We deserve to feel safe in our own waters.”

    Melly Rose’s message resonates with many in the Caribbean, where the ocean is not only a source of livelihood but also a cultural and emotional lifeline. Her plea for compassion and justice underscores the broader need for peaceful resolutions in conflicts that impact vulnerable communities.

  • SBB stuit op bijkans 2.160 illegale bruinhartpalen bij EBS

    SBB stuit op bijkans 2.160 illegale bruinhartpalen bij EBS

    In a startling revelation, the Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision (SBB) has identified significant irregularities during a follow-up inspection at the premises of Energie Bedrijven Suriname (EBS) on Bethesdastraat. The inspection, which began on October 1, 2025, and is still ongoing, uncovered 2,159 brownheart timber poles with serious violations, a dramatic increase from the initial report that flagged 508 suspicious poles. The findings have been detailed in a second report, now forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The SBB report highlights that the poles exhibit signs of illegal logging, with multiple infractions observed during field inspections. These include missing origin information (marked only as ‘sold’), poles with ‘retribution paid’ status but lacking mandatory transport tickets, reused labels, and the absence of legally required labels. The SBB emphasized that timber of suspected illegal origin should have passed at least one checkpoint, where transport tickets are presented to forestry officials and registered in the SFISS system—a step that was notably skipped. The report underscores that the inspection was conducted on poles currently in a seized state at the EBS site.

  • Culture : Growing interest in Vietnam for the history, culture and values ​​of the Haitian people

    Culture : Growing interest in Vietnam for the history, culture and values ​​of the Haitian people

    In a remarkable display of cultural diplomacy, the Embassy of Haiti in Vietnam recently hosted a group of students from the Vietnam Academy of Diplomacy, fostering a deeper understanding of Haiti’s rich history and cultural heritage. The event, led by Chargé d’Affaires Darlier Dorval and Counselor Léa Perceval, featured an engaging presentation on the Haitian Revolution and its enduring impact on global diplomacy, particularly within the Global South. This initiative underscored Haiti’s pivotal role as the first independent Black Republic and its influence on liberation movements worldwide. The visit also coincided with the commemoration of the Battle of Vertières, a cornerstone of Haiti’s independence struggle, inspiring several Vietnamese students to focus their graduation theses on Haiti. Adding a flavorful dimension to the exchange, Haitian chefs Lalaroque Bichat and Madame Amenda Merilien guided students in preparing Joumou soup, a symbol of Haitian freedom. The event further enriched cultural ties with a kompa dance workshop and a showcase of Haitian music, blending culinary and artistic traditions to celebrate shared values and stories.

  • Chief Justice warns new lawyers of tougher discipline rules

    Chief Justice warns new lawyers of tougher discipline rules

    In a significant move to uphold the integrity of the legal profession, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes announced on Friday that stricter penalties are being introduced for lawyers who fail to meet their professional obligations. Speaking at a special sitting for 34 newly admitted attorneys-at-law at the No. 1 Supreme Court, Haynes revealed that a draft amendment to the Legal Professions Act is currently under review. This update aims to overhaul the disciplinary framework governing legal practitioners.

  • Police Seize Rifle, Ammo in San Ignacio House Search

    Police Seize Rifle, Ammo in San Ignacio House Search

    In a significant operation in San Ignacio, law enforcement officials have arrested three individuals following the discovery of a substantial arsenal of weapons and ammunition during a targeted house search. The raid, conducted earlier today, took place at a residence on Maya Street, home to 51-year-old Reina Isabel Amaya. Also present were two other occupants: 20-year-old Henry Jeremy Amaya and 27-year-old Jose Santos Amaya. During the search, officers uncovered a GIVATI-brand, nine-millimeter rifle-style firearm, accompanied by two magazines, a drum magazine, and an alarming quantity of ammunition—195 rounds of nine-millimeter and 20 rounds of .223 caliber. The cache was reportedly concealed within a bucket inside the property. None of the individuals could provide a valid firearm license, leading to their immediate detention. They are currently held at the San Ignacio Police Station, pending formal charges. Authorities are intensifying their investigation to determine the origins and purpose of such a significant weapons stockpile in a residential area.

  • SIB Reveals 2022 Census Insights: Migration Shifts and Poverty Realities

    SIB Reveals 2022 Census Insights: Migration Shifts and Poverty Realities

    The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) concluded its annual Statistics Week with a significant event—the Data Users Conference in Belize City. This gathering brought together policymakers, researchers, and development partners to discuss the transformative role of data in shaping Belize’s future. The highlight of the conference was the release of two pivotal reports from the 2022 Population and Housing Census: the Migration Report and the Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. These documents provide a comprehensive analysis of population movement, living conditions, and social well-being across the nation. Diana Castillo, Director General of the SIB, emphasized the importance of these findings in guiding policy decisions. The Migration Report revealed that 45,644 Belize residents, or 11.5% of the population, were born abroad, primarily in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The average age of foreign-born residents is 43, compared to 23 for native-born Belizeans. Lesley Criz, an SIB statistician, noted that most migrants come to Belize for employment opportunities, while younger Belizeans often leave for education or family reunification. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) highlighted that 26.6% of Belizeans face poverty beyond income, with factors such as housing, food security, and education access playing significant roles. Rural areas and the Toledo District are particularly affected, with the Maya community experiencing the highest levels of poverty. Christian Orellana, Manager of the Census & Surveys Department, pointed out that lack of internet access and ICT resources is a major contributor to poverty. The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to identify these disparities and strategize solutions for a more equitable future.

  • Autopsy Confusion Adds to Faber Family’s Grief

    Autopsy Confusion Adds to Faber Family’s Grief

    The Faber family, already grappling with the devastating loss of two loved ones, now faces additional anguish due to confusion surrounding an autopsy. Shamar Faber, a victim of a tragic shooting near the KHMH in March, passed away on Tuesday, just ten days after his mother, Sheneile, was brutally murdered and left in a garbage drum. The family had planned a joint funeral for Sunday but encountered a significant obstacle when they were informed that Shamar’s body required an autopsy, despite already possessing a death certificate. This raised fears of a postponed funeral. However, in a sudden turn of events, the autopsy was canceled on the eve of the funeral, leaving the family in a state of bewilderment and frustration. Shawnette Tillett, Shamar’s aunt, expressed her distress, revealing that no clear explanation was provided for the cancellation. She recounted being told that the KHMH failed to supply necessary medical documents, halting the process. The family remains in limbo, unable to proceed with funeral arrangements or access Shamar’s body, while the funeral home faces financial losses due to the uncertainty. The lack of communication and clarity from authorities has compounded the family’s grief, leaving them searching for answers in an already unbearable situation.

  • Traffic violations are a constant on Dominican streets

    Traffic violations are a constant on Dominican streets

    The Dominican Republic’s Law No. 63-17 on Mobility, Land Transportation, Traffic, and Road Safety was enacted to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents. However, widespread non-compliance and lax enforcement have rendered the law largely ineffective. Citizens frequently violate key provisions, such as parking in prohibited areas, excessive honking, and driving under the influence, while authorities fail to implement the necessary measures to curb these behaviors.

  • LETTER: Eustace “Gatoux” Harris, a local pan builder deserves a national award this coming Independence

    LETTER: Eustace “Gatoux” Harris, a local pan builder deserves a national award this coming Independence

    In a heartfelt letter to the editor, a passionate advocate for recognizing unsung heroes has highlighted the remarkable contributions of Eustace ‘Gatoux’ Harris, a master steelpan builder and tuner whose work has shaped the cultural landscape of Antigua. The writer, Alex, emphasizes the importance of honoring individuals like Harris during their lifetime, ensuring they can fully appreciate the accolades they deserve. Harris, a veteran in the craft since the early 1970s, has built and tuned pans for renowned steelbands such as Halcyon Steel Orchestra, Superstars, Geomonites, and Harmonites, while also mentoring students in various communities. Steelpan building, though often overlooked, is a demanding profession requiring exceptional skill, dedication, and precision, particularly when preparing for competitions. Despite their behind-the-scenes role, pan builders are indispensable to the music industry, much like songwriters. As Antigua approaches its 44th Independence anniversary, Alex calls for Harris to receive a national award and formal recognition from the Cultural Department for his invaluable contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage. This acknowledgment, Alex argues, is long overdue and would serve as a fitting tribute to Harris’s lifelong dedication and artistry.

  • Teen Killed in Fatal Motorcycle Collision in Belmopan

    Teen Killed in Fatal Motorcycle Collision in Belmopan

    A devastating road accident in Belmopan has resulted in the untimely death of an 18-year-old student. The incident occurred on Thursday, October 16, at approximately 5:20 p.m. at the intersection of Saint Jude and Saint Matthews Streets. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a severely damaged bus and a motorcycle submerged in a nearby drain. Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus, operated by 23-year-old Jonathan Estrada from San Ignacio Town, was traveling on Saint Matthews Street when it collided with the motorcycle, which was descending Saint Jude Street. The motorcycle was driven by Jonni Cano, who was accompanied by his friend Jamin Patt, both students from the Stann Creek District. The collision forcefully ejected both riders from the motorcycle. Emergency responders rushed the injured students to the Western Regional Hospital. Tragically, Cano was declared dead upon arrival, while Patt’s current condition remains undisclosed. Estrada emerged from the crash unscathed. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.