Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Lucea mayor defends new Christmas tree as he blasts detractors

    Lucea mayor defends new Christmas tree as he blasts detractors

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Hanover Municipal Corporation has ignited both celebration and criticism with its holiday decorations. Mayor Sheridan Samuels delivered a passionate defense of the corporation’s efforts during Tuesday’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Bustamante Square, Lucea.

    The center of controversy revolves around a newly purchased artificial Christmas tree positioned prominently before the Municipal Corporation building. Mayor Samuels directly addressed circulating criticisms about the tree’s appearance and scale, asserting that detractors demonstrate a lack of parish pride. ‘Those who cannot recognize beauty should reconsider their criticisms,’ Samuels stated before gathered residents.

    The original tree, planted over 35 years ago by the late James Lawrence and traditionally used for celebrations, sustained significant damage during October’s hurricane. Facing severe financial constraints, the corporation contemplated how to utilize the damaged tree with limited resources before finding an alternative solution.

    Financial challenges resulting from hurricane recovery efforts nearly prevented this year’s celebrations until private donors intervened significantly. Omar McFarlane of the Jamaica Football Federation contributed $500,000 specifically for purchasing the replacement tree after learning about the municipality’s predicament.

    Additional support came from multiple organizations including Sandals Foundation, which provided gifts and toys for children, and the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, which supplied snacks for the event. The collective efforts ensured the continuation of both the annual Christmas treat for children and the tree lighting ceremony despite the parish’s recovery challenges.

    Mayor Samuels extended particular gratitude to all contributors while challenging critics to document and share the town’s beauty rather than diminish the restoration efforts. The ceremony proceeded as planned, symbolizing community resilience and seasonal spirit amid ongoing recovery operations.

  • New York Home Depot theft ringleader, who smuggling goods to Guyana, jailed

    New York Home Depot theft ringleader, who smuggling goods to Guyana, jailed

    A New York man has been sentenced to prison for masterminding an elaborate retail theft operation that targeted Home Depot stores across multiple counties. Manooj Heeralall, 54, of Baldwin, Long Island, received a sentence of 1-1/3 to four years imprisonment after pleading guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree on August 8, 2025.

    According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, Heeralall orchestrated a sophisticated criminal enterprise between October 2021 and December 2023. The operation employed individuals to systematically steal high-value construction and electrical materials from dozens of Home Depot locations throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, and Brooklyn.

    The stolen merchandise, including circuit breakers, light switches, circular saw blades, and specialized equipment, was subsequently collected by Heeralall who provided payment to the thieves. He then stored the illicit goods in his home and garage before arranging shipment to Guyana for international resale.

    Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Heeralall’s residence on December 7, 2023, uncovering substantial evidence. Authorities seized nearly 1,000 circuit breakers valued at $15,025 from inside the home, along with hundreds of additional equipment pieces from the garage. Four garbage bins contained acrylic roof coating, rock spotlights, oscillating blades for grout, and light switch wall plates worth $9,576. The total value of confiscated items reached approximately $37,151.

    In addition to prison time, Heeralall forfeited multiple assets including a 2004 Nissan vehicle, $2,640 in cash, and all items seized during the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Justin Santabarbara of the Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau, with cooperation from The Home Depot Investigations Organized Retail Crime Northern Division.

    District Attorney Donnelly emphasized that such organized theft rings ‘strike at the heart of our local economy’ and undermine legitimate businesses. She commended the collaborative efforts of prosecutors and law enforcement partners in dismantling this criminal operation.

  • High Surf Warning Issued for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla and BVI

    High Surf Warning Issued for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla and BVI

    Meteorological services have escalated alert levels across multiple Caribbean territories with the issuance of an urgent High Surf Warning for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands. The advisory, formally released at 9:25 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24, highlights dangerously elevated surf conditions and potentially lethal rip currents predominantly affecting northern and north-exposed coastal areas.

    Forecaster Letitia Humphreys indicated that the hazardous marine conditions stem from intensifying long-period northerly swells that began developing Wednesday evening. The warning period extends through Thursday morning or early dawn, with temporal variations expected across different island groups.

    Oceanographic measurements project significant sea heights ranging from 2.4 to 3.1 meters (8-10 feet), with occasional surges approaching 3.7 meters (12 feet). Breaking waves are anticipated to surpass 2.1 meters (7 feet), accompanied by substantial north swells measuring 8-9 feet.

    The convergence of these meteorological factors creates multiple threats including powerful battering waves, exceptionally strong rip currents, coastal flooding incidents, and accelerated beach erosion. These conditions present substantial risks to human safety, coastal infrastructure, and maritime operations.

    Emergency management officials strongly advise against entering ocean waters along affected coastlines. Additional precautions include avoiding rocky coastal areas, jetties, and exposed marine structures. While west-facing beaches may offer marginally safer conditions, extreme vigilance remains necessary.

    Safety protocols recommend that individuals caught in rip currents maintain calm, conserve energy by floating, and refrain from swimming directly against the current. Instead, swimming parallel to the shoreline provides the most effective escape strategy until free from the current’s pull.

  • Ministry of Tourism Staff Surprise Minister Fernandez on His Birthday

    Ministry of Tourism Staff Surprise Minister Fernandez on His Birthday

    In a display of workplace camaraderie, the Honourable H. Charles “Max” Fernandez, Parliamentary Representative and Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, was greeted with an unexpected birthday celebration organized by his ministry staff earlier today. The surprise event, meticulously coordinated by the Ministry’s Staff Social Club under the leadership of Ms. Onesha Elvin, transformed the minister’s office into a festive venue adorned with balloons and accompanied by cheerful renditions of the birthday song.

    The heartfelt gesture included carefully selected gifts that reflected Minister Fernandez’s personal interests, demonstrating the staff’s thoughtful consideration. Visibly moved by the surprise, Minister Fernandez expressed profound appreciation for the effort, emphasizing that the personalized attention to gift selection particularly resonated with him.

    In his response, Minister Fernandez highlighted the significance of such moments in fostering organizational unity, stating: “I am truly grateful for this gesture. What touched me most was not just the gifts, but the thought and effort that went into choosing something you knew I would genuinely enjoy. It speaks volumes about the camaraderie and spirit of this team.”

    The minister further acknowledged the staff’s dedication and commitment to their ministerial duties, noting that such celebrations strengthen morale and reinforce familial bonds within the government department. Ministry staff concluded the celebration by extending their warmest wishes for the minister’s continued health, strength, and success in his leadership role serving Antigua and Barbuda.

  • STATEMENT: Auto Trade Ltd on death of Jesse Bardouille

    STATEMENT: Auto Trade Ltd on death of Jesse Bardouille

    Auto Trade Ltd is mourning the profound loss of Mr. Jesse Bardouille, a valued team member who passed away after providing 14 years of dedicated service to the company. The announcement was made with immense sorrow, highlighting the deep personal and professional impact of his passing.

    Mr. Bardouille was widely recognized for his exceptionally warm spirit and congenial personality, traits that endeared him equally to colleagues and the broader public. His authentic affection for people and his innate ability to foster positive environments made him a cornerstone of the workplace community. Beyond his professional role, Jesse was a passionate sports enthusiast, channeling that same vigor and optimism he displayed in his personal interests into his daily interactions.

    The company’s statement extended its most sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and all who were close to him, acknowledging the significant void his departure creates. Colleagues at Team Auto Trade expressed that his absence will be deeply felt, and his memory will be cherished with great fondness by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

  • (VIDEO PREMIER) Dominica News Online’s Christmas Special – ‘Christmas: Facts and Myths’

    (VIDEO PREMIER) Dominica News Online’s Christmas Special – ‘Christmas: Facts and Myths’

    A special radio program recently delved into the rich tapestry of Christmas traditions in the Commonwealth of Dominica, offering listeners a profound exploration of its historical roots and enduring cultural impact. The discussion, hosted by Tim Durand, featured a compelling dialogue between two esteemed guests: Monsignor William Jno Lewis, a prominent religious figure, and Delia Cuffy-Weekes, a cultural expert.

    The conversation moved beyond mere surface-level festivities to investigate the deeper origins of how Christmas is celebrated on the island. The panel examined the unique fusion of European colonial influences, introduced through Christianity, with resilient African traditions and the distinct spirit of the Caribbean. This blend has resulted in a celebration that is uniquely Dominican, characterized by specific culinary customs, musical expressions like traditional and contemporary carols, and community-centric events that define the holiday season.

    The analysis provided insight into how these traditions have evolved from their inception to the present day, shaping national identity and community bonds. The program highlighted Christmas not just as a religious observance but as a significant socio-cultural phenomenon that reinforces family ties, fosters communal harmony, and serves as an annual anchor for cultural preservation. The spirited exchange between the experts provided a nuanced understanding of how a global celebration is locally adapted and cherished, making Dominica’s Christmas a fascinating subject of cultural study.

  • Otis Jackson pleads guilty to firearm and ammunition possession

    Otis Jackson pleads guilty to firearm and ammunition possession

    A 29-year-old resident from Ottos, Antigua, faces impending sentencing after formally admitting to charges of illegal firearm and ammunition possession. Otis Jackson entered his guilty plea on Monday during proceedings before Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, concluding the evidentiary phase of his case.

    The charges originate from a December 11th incident when law enforcement officers on routine mobile patrol intercepted Jackson’s vehicle along Tindale Road approximately at 9 p.m. During a subsequent search operation, authorities uncovered a concealed 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol alongside seven corresponding rounds of ammunition.

    Following standard protocol, Jackson was immediately taken into custody while the confiscated weapon, ammunition, and his vehicle were transported to Police Headquarters for forensic examination and secure storage, where they remain as evidence. The judicial system has scheduled formal sentencing for December 29th, at which time the court will determine appropriate penalties under Antigua’s firearms legislation.

    This case highlights continued law enforcement efforts to combat illegal weapons circulation through proactive patrol strategies and vehicle inspections. The successful interception demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated policing measures in addressing weapons-related offenses within the community.

  • New York Dems donate lift to elderly care home

    New York Dems donate lift to elderly care home

    The New Dawn Senior Citizens Nursing Home in Barbados has received a significant enhancement to its care capabilities through a charitable donation from overseas. The Democratic Labour Party’s New York Branch has provided the facility with a state-of-the-art Hoyer lift system, offering both residents and caregivers an early Christmas gift that promises to transform daily operations.

    This equipment donation addresses critical needs in elder care, substantially reducing the physical strain on nursing staff while simultaneously improving safety protocols for residents requiring mobility assistance. The mechanized lift system represents a technological advancement over manual transfer methods, minimizing injury risks for both caregivers and elderly residents.

    Andrew Rawlins, president of the Friends of Barbados DLP New York branch, emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting Barbadian communities globally during the presentation ceremony. “This contribution aligns with our continuous efforts to give back to Barbados, whether locally or within the United States,” Rawlins stated. “We anticipate further collaborations with care facilities specializing in elderly support through equipment donations and similar initiatives.”

    Ronald Nurse, proprietor of the New Dawn facility, expressed profound gratitude for the donation as the home prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2024. The purpose-built nursing home, established in May 2006, was designed from inception to provide specialized care for seniors. Nurse revealed his personal motivation for entering the care industry: “Being raised by my grandmother instilled a deep appreciation for the elderly. We entered this sector determined to elevate standards amid existing challenges.”

    The nursing home benefits from multidisciplinary management expertise, with Nurse’s wife leaving her previous career to apply extensive local and international management experience to facility operations. Nurse additionally acknowledged the sustained support from both the New York-based organization and its Barbadian affiliates throughout the years.

    The donated equipment is expected to create immediate practical improvements, enhancing quality of life for residents while optimizing working conditions for caregiving professionals. This international partnership demonstrates how diaspora communities continue to contribute meaningfully to Barbados’ social infrastructure development.

  • BPWCCUL takes Christmas to Belmont

    BPWCCUL takes Christmas to Belmont

    In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union (BPWCCUL) transformed streets surrounding its Belmont Road headquarters into a festive delivery route on Tuesday. A team of staff volunteers dressed as Santa Claus and elves embarked on a special mission to distribute Christmas gifts directly to children’s doorsteps in the neighboring communities.

    The initiative, which specifically targeted children aged three to ten years old, also included distributing small treats to elderly residents encountered during the delivery route. Branch Manager Michelle Ashby described the effort as part of the credit union’s ongoing commitment to giving back to both members and non-members alike who support the institution throughout the year.

    According to Community Relations Officer Stacy Mottley, this charitable outreach represents a tradition spanning more than two decades, though this year’s approach marked a departure from previous celebrations. Rather than inviting children to their branch facilities, BPWCCUL staff took the festive experience directly into the community, focusing specifically on areas immediately surrounding their Belmont Road headquarters.

    The volunteer corps included staff members from multiple branches across the island, including Emerald City and Carlton Black Rock locations. Retail Manager Harriett Franklin emphasized that the initiative reflects the organization’s community-based values and commitment to spreading Christmas joy beyond financial services.

    The credit union plans to continue its seasonal community engagement activities in the coming days, strengthening its role as both a financial institution and an active community partner during the holiday season.

  • Clapham man denied bail over alleged wounding

    Clapham man denied bail over alleged wounding

    A Clapham man has been ordered to remain in custody at Dodds Prison following a court hearing that revealed a history of police reports filed against him by the alleged victim. Marlon Damien Weekes, 42, appeared in the No. 2 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court facing a serious indictable charge of unlawfully wounding Norman Knight with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on December 18.

    During the bail hearing, Prosecutor Police Constable Troy Tudor presented multiple grounds for objecting to release, citing the substantial evidence against Weekes and concerns about witness intimidation. The court heard that Knight required hospitalization for multiple injuries sustained in the alleged attack, adding to the prosecution’s safety concerns given that both men reside as neighbors in the Christ Church community.

    Further complicating the case, prosecutors revealed that Weekes is currently on bail for a separate assault matter in another jurisdiction. Constable Tudor emphasized that the complainant had made ‘numerous calls to the police about the defendant’ prior to the December incident.

    Weekes denied ever receiving police notices regarding these previous complaints. However, Sergeant Osbourne provided testimony contradicting this claim, recounting one specific response where he found the accused intoxicated and sleeping on a vehicle while holding a pair of scissors. ‘Apparently, he drinks a lot, and I took the scissors from him, and he did not even know,’ the sergeant told the court.

    Magistrate Manila Renee, considering the accused’s previous conviction for possession of an offensive weapon despite its dated nature, remanded Weekes into custody until January 20 for further proceedings. No plea was taken during the hearing due to the indictable nature of the charge.