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  • Dominica willing to serve as mediator in US-Venezuela conflict

    Dominica willing to serve as mediator in US-Venezuela conflict

    ROSEAU, Dominica – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has formally declared Dominica’s readiness to serve as a diplomatic intermediary in the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Speaking at a year-end press conference, Skerrit emphasized the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) collective stance that the region must remain a “zone of peace” and advocated for dialogue over military action.

    Skerrit highlighted Dominica’s unique diplomatic position, stating, “As a nation that maintains strong friendships with both the United States and Venezuela, we are prepared to facilitate communication if requested by either party.” He expressed hope that conflict could be averted, appealing to U.S. President Donald Trump to leverage his experience in international negotiations to pursue a peaceful resolution.

    The offer comes amid a significant U.S. military escalation in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Since September, the Trump administration has conducted a series of airstrikes as part of an anti-narcotics operation, resulting in the deaths of over 80 individuals, including citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. U.S. authorities have labeled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a “narco-terrorist,” with political analysts interpreting the military build-up as an overt attempt at regime change in Caracas.

    This military campaign has drawn severe international criticism. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned the strikes as violations of international human rights law and demanded their immediate cessation. Similarly, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expressed deep concern, urging Washington to ensure its operations align with international obligations concerning the right to life and the use of force.

    While CARICOM has collectively reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace, internal divisions have emerged. The government of Trinidad and Tobago notably declined to endorse the bloc’s statement, with its Prime Minister controversially advocating for the violent elimination of those involved in the drug trade.

    Despite the tensions, Skerrit acknowledged the existing “excellent collaboration” between Dominica and the U.S. on regional security, citing American investments in infrastructure, including a recently installed radar system for maritime surveillance. He concluded by warning of the profound negative repercussions any armed conflict in the Caribbean would have on all nations in the region, reinforcing the critical need for diplomacy.

  • Health ministry implements outreach programme for expectant and new mothers

    Health ministry implements outreach programme for expectant and new mothers

    In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has launched a comprehensive maternal outreach program designed to support pregnant women and new mothers in severely affected parishes. Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of these groups during disaster recovery, the initiative focuses on ensuring continuous access to essential healthcare services and resources.

    State Minister Krystal Lee emphasized that the program deploys mobile health teams into communities to conduct safety checks, provide medical monitoring, and distribute critical supplies. These teams offer nutritional guidance, maternal packages containing hygiene items, mosquito nets, and cleaning supplies, while also facilitating clinical consultations and hospital coordination where local facilities sustained damage.

    The program has already been implemented in Black River, St. Elizabeth, as well as Savanna-la-Mar and Grange Hill in Westmoreland, with expansions planned for St. James, Hanover, and St. Ann. Beyond physical health services, the initiative incorporates mental health support, aiming to destigmatize psychological care for mothers experiencing post-disaster stress.

    Minister Lee highlighted the program’s success in re-engaging previously isolated mothers, noting that field clinics have established trust and routine care networks. The ministry plans a nationwide awareness campaign focusing on prenatal and postnatal care, vaccination, and infant health, aiming to improve birth outcomes and family resilience during Jamaica’s reconstruction efforts.

  • Ex-worker, companies ordered by court to pay Ansa Bank $40m

    Ex-worker, companies ordered by court to pay Ansa Bank $40m

    In a landmark ruling with significant implications for Trinidad and Tobago’s financial sector, the High Court has mandated over $40 million in damages, interest, and costs be paid to Ansa Bank Ltd following a sophisticated fraudulent loan scheme. Justice Frank Seepersad delivered the decisive judgment on December 15, culminating a complex case that exposed critical vulnerabilities in banking oversight.

    The court found former business development officer Dwayne Rojas at the heart of an elaborate conspiracy that defrauded the institution of approximately $30 million over two and a half years. Evidence revealed Rojas systematically processed fraudulent vehicle loan applications supported by fabricated employment letters and falsified documentation. The scheme involved collusion with multiple auto dealerships that presented non-existent luxury vehicles as collateral, including purported Lexus, Range Rover, BMW, and Jeep models that were actually lower-end vehicles or commercial trucks.

    Justice Seepersad ordered Rojas to pay $16.5 million in damages, while five corporate defendants faced substantial judgments: Ceylon Marketing Ltd ($6.3 million), Joalex Auto Ltd ($11.8 million), Miva Import Export Consultancy Ltd ($4.1 million), Diamond Conceptions Company Ltd ($389,923), and It’s A Deal Ltd ($837,313). Each entity additionally faces prescribed costs ranging from $27,221 to $131,934.

    In scathing commentary, Justice Seepersad criticized Ansa Bank’s internal controls as “woefully wanting” and condemned the institution’s approach to litigation against junior employees. The judge dismissed claims against several former staff members—Zaria Sankar, Reyvaan Rampersad, and Kerry Ramsaroop—finding no evidence of wrongdoing. The court awarded these wrongfully sued defendants over $896,000 in costs, noting that the bank had engaged in an “ill-advised” and “bullying stance” that unfairly impacted innocent individuals.

    The ruling highlighted that senior officers who approved the questionable loans were neither sued nor called as witnesses, raising questions about accountability structures within the institution. Justice Seepersad revealed the fraud was only uncovered after a whistleblower contacted a former bank director in June 2023.

    In a significant development, the judgment has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions and Commissioner of Police for potential criminal proceedings against Rojas, former employee Randy Gottsleben, and the implicated dealers. Additionally, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism will review whether the involved dealerships should retain their operating licenses.

    The case exposed numerous red flags ignored by the bank, including loan applications where driver’s permits were issued to 14-year-olds and employment letters containing glaring inconsistencies. Justice Seepersad characterized Rojas’s conduct as pursuing a “facinorous and opportunistic agenda,” noting evidence of regular socialization with dealership representatives that supported collusion findings.

  • Montego Bay United seek to reclaim JPL lead

    Montego Bay United seek to reclaim JPL lead

    A highly anticipated Jamaica Premier League clash is set for Monday at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, where Montego Bay United will challenge Arnett Gardens in a match brimming with narrative significance and championship implications.

    The encounter carries particular personal stakes for Montego Bay’s coach Xavier Gilbert, who faces his former club for the first time since departing Arnett Gardens. Under Gilbert’s previous leadership, the south St Andrew club achieved consecutive third-place finishes, including a notable 4-2 playoff victory against his current team concluding last season.

    Montego Bay arrives seeking redemption after recent disappointing results saw them surrender the league leadership. The western club managed only one point from their previous two fixtures—a 3-0 defeat to Cavalier SC followed by a dramatic 4-4 draw with Harbour View despite twice holding two-goal advantages. They currently sit second with 23 points, trailing leaders Portmore United by a single point but holding a one-point advantage over Racing United.

    Arnett Gardens enters with renewed confidence after emphatically ending a three-game losing streak with a commanding 10-2 victory against Spanish Town Police FC. The eighth-placed team has accumulated 12 points through eleven matches—exactly half of Montego Bay’s total despite playing two additional games.

    Key offensive threats will highlight the matchup. Montego Bay’s Jourdaine Fletcher leads the league’s scoring charts with nine goals, including two in his previous outing against Harbour View. He will test an Arnett Gardens defense that has conceded 17 goals across nine matches. Conversely, Montego Bay’s defense has shown recent vulnerability, surrendering seven goals in their last two games, though Arnett’s offensive explosion against Spanish Town accounted for 10 of their 22 total goals this season.

    The evening’s opening fixture features Waterhouse FC attempting to break a five-match winless streak against bottom-placed Spanish Town Police FC. Both clubs seek redemption after losing both matches following Hurricane Melissa’s disruption. Spanish Town has conceded 15 goals in those two games—more than seven clubs have allowed all season—while managing two goals in each defeat. Waterhouse, currently ninth, aims to climb at least three positions with a victory.

  • US grandmother returns home after paying $8,000 gun fine

    US grandmother returns home after paying $8,000 gun fine

    A 69-year-old American grandmother has returned to Oklahoma after an online fundraising campaign secured her release from Bahamian custody for unintentionally carrying a firearm aboard a cruise ship. Mary Robinson of Sand Springs was apprehended by Interpol officers in New Providence earlier this month when authorities discovered a concealed Kel-Tec .380 pistol and four rounds of ammunition during a baggage inspection at Prince George Wharf.

    The incident occurred on December 2 when Robinson returned from a shore excursion during a Royal Caribbean cruise intended to celebrate her adopted son’s 12th birthday. According to family statements, the grandmother typically carried personal protection while traveling but ordinarily left the weapon in her vehicle when boarding cruise ships. This time, however, she inadvertently brought the firearm aboard Liberty of the Seas.

    Robinson’s granddaughter, Graci Exendine, initiated a GoFundMe campaign on December 3 that ultimately raised over $12,000—substantially exceeding the $8,000 fine imposed by Bahamian authorities for possession of ammunition. The family described the situation as requiring “a miracle” in their fundraising appeal.

    Legal representatives indicated Robinson suffers from early dementia and explained that the firearm had been a gift from her aunt approximately five decades ago. The weapon reportedly went undetected by security personnel at Port Everglades when Robinson initially boarded the vessel on December 1, but was discovered during screening procedures in Nassau.

    After pleading guilty to firearms offenses and paying the court-imposed penalty, Robinson was released from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services following three to four days in custody. The Royal Bahamas Police Force has confirmed that investigations into the matter remain ongoing.

  • Son arrested after Rob Reiner and wife found dead

    Son arrested after Rob Reiner and wife found dead

    LOS ANGELES — The entertainment world was plunged into mourning Sunday following the tragic discovery of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner deceased in their Los Angeles residence. Law enforcement authorities are investigating the case as an apparent homicide, with their son, Nick Reiner, taken into custody for questioning and subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.

    According to multiple US media outlets including CBS, ABC, and the Los Angeles Times, police responded to the Reiners’ home where the couple was found deceased. Los Angeles deputy police chief Alan Hamilton confirmed that investigators were seeking to interview all family members of the 78-year-old director-actor and his wife.

    While official cause of death hasn’t been released by authorities, several news organizations citing police sources reported the couple suffered stab wounds. Celebrity news outlet TMZ, which first broke the story, indicated their throats had been cut during a domestic altercation.

    The tragedy prompted an outpouring of grief from Hollywood and political circles, but also sparked a controversial response from former President Donald Trump. In a statement released Monday, Trump appeared to blame Reiner’s criticism of his presidency for the deaths, referencing what he called ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ in a social media post that drew widespread condemnation.

    Reiner’s legacy in entertainment spans decades, beginning with his breakthrough role as Michael ‘Meathead’ Stivic on the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family.’ He transitioned to directing, creating some of Hollywood’s most beloved films including ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ ‘The Princess Bride,’ ‘Stand By Me,’ ‘This Is Spinal Tap,’ and the Oscar-nominated ‘A Few Good Men.’

    Beyond his cinematic achievements, Reiner was known for his political activism, particularly his support for LGBTQ+ rights and early childhood development programs. He helped establish California’s First 5 initiative, funded by tobacco taxes, and actively supported Democratic candidates including Hillary Clinton.

    The son of comedy legend Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner maintained both behind-the-camera excellence and occasional acting appearances throughout his career. His mother, Estelle Reiner, delivered one of cinema’s most memorable lines in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ during the iconic deli scene.

    Tributes poured in from figures including former President Barack Obama, who praised Reiner’s ‘deep belief in the goodness of people,’ and former Vice President Kamala Harris, who expressed devastation at the loss. Horror author Stephen King, whose work inspired Reiner’s ‘Stand By Me,’ remembered him as a ‘wonderful friend,’ while actor John Cusack acknowledged being ‘at a loss for words.’

    The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths of one of Hollywood’s most respected creative families.

  • UTC gives computers to 2 children’s homes

    UTC gives computers to 2 children’s homes

    In a significant move to advance financial education and digital inclusion, the Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) has reinforced its commitment to youth development through a substantial technological contribution. The investment firm recently provided ten desktop computers to Credo Boys House and Sophia House, two institutions dedicated to supporting young people in Trinidad and Tobago.

    The official handover ceremony occurred on November 19 at UTC’s Port of Spain headquarters, where representatives from both homes received the equipment. The computers, pre-configured with Microsoft software, were accepted by center coordinator Carlene Donald alongside youth representatives from each facility.

    UTC’s leadership emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative. Deyson Scott, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, stated: “We firmly believe technological access serves as a fundamental catalyst for financial literacy and personal development. By bridging the digital divide, we aim to provide resources that facilitate knowledge acquisition, creative expression, and lifelong accomplishment.”

    Executive Director Nigel Edwards expanded on this vision: “This contribution demonstrates our enduring dedication to community empowerment through digital inclusion. We are committed to helping young individuals discover new possibilities via technology and education. Developing financial literacy and digital competencies remains essential for future success, and we aspire to foster curiosity, confidence, and achievement motivation among Trinidad’s youth.”

    The December 12 press release characterized this donation as part of UTC’s broader strategic initiative to equip younger generations with essential future-ready skills and resources. This corporate social responsibility effort aligns with growing recognition that technological access and financial education are increasingly interconnected in modern economic participation.

  • Trinidad and Tobago’s Consular Corps executive reappointed for 2025-2026 term

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Consular Corps executive reappointed for 2025-2026 term

    In a unanimous decision marking continuity in diplomatic leadership, Trinidad and Tobago’s Consular Corps executive committee has been reinstated for the 2025-2026 term. The reappointment occurred during the organization’s annual general meeting convened on December 10 at Furness House.

    The leadership triumvirate remains unchanged with Dean William Ferreira (representing Portugal) continuing at the helm, supported by Secretary Om Lalla (Slovenia) and Treasurer Troy Garcia (Finland). This collective stewardship oversees the diplomatic interests of approximately 32 nations accredited to the Caribbean nation.

    The Consular Corps functions as the institutional backbone for diplomats and honorary consuls operating within Trinidad and Tobago. According to a December 11 release, these representatives serve as critical conduits between their home nations and the host country, facilitating multilateral cooperation across diplomatic, economic, trade, tourism, and cultural domains.

    Beyond fostering international relations, corps members deliver essential consular services including passport processing, citizenship documentation, and notarial authentication for their respective citizens. Their mandate extends to providing comprehensive information dissemination to both their national communities and the general public.

    The corps’ operational responsibilities encompass emergency assistance coordination for citizens in distress, alongside visa issuance and advisory services for foreigners seeking to visit the diplomats’ home countries. This structural continuity ensures maintained operational excellence in bilateral diplomatic engagements throughout the upcoming term.

  • Government grants approval for US military flights into and out of Trinidad and Tobago

    Government grants approval for US military flights into and out of Trinidad and Tobago

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has formally authorized United States military aircraft to utilize Piarco International Airport and ANR Robinson International Airport for logistical operations in the coming weeks. This decision emerges within the broader context of the U.S. military’s expanded presence in the southern Caribbean, initiated in August, and aligns with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s commitment to bilateral security cooperation.

    The approval was confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs on December 15, clarifying that the flights are for logistical support, including replenishment and routine personnel rotations. Foreign Minister Sean Sobers emphasized that this forms part of the ongoing, close engagement between the ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain.

    This development coincides with the recent publication of the U.S. National Security Strategy 2025, signed by President Donald Trump. The document outlines a renewed foreign policy approach termed the ‘Trump Corollary’ to the Monroe Doctrine, asserting a goal to ‘reassert and enforce American pre-eminence in the Western Hemisphere’ and deny strategic positioning to ‘non-hemispheric competitors.’

    The bilateral cooperation has yielded tangible assets for Trinidad and Tobago, including the recent installation of an advanced AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system at the Tobago airport by U.S. Marines in November. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar disclosed that this radar system has already aided in significant narcotics interdictions, citing a recent police seizure of $171 million worth of marijuana.

    While the government frames this collaboration as essential for regional safety, drug interdiction, and enhanced surveillance capabilities, it has not been without domestic controversy. The political opposition, the PNM, has questioned the military presence and the specific placement of the radar in Tobago, claims the Prime Minister has rejected by alleging connections between the opposition and drug cartels.

    The strategic U.S. deployment, which now includes an aircraft carrier strike group and nuclear submarines, originates from the ongoing territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region. Persad-Bissessar has stated Trinidad and Tobago would permit U.S. troop operations on its soil if Venezuela incurs into Guyana and a formal request is made under the existing Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). This stance has created a divergence with other CARICOM leaders who advocate for the Caribbean to remain a ‘zone of peace.’

  • NJC ‘deeply disappointed’ over court order to refer to group as Valley Boys

    NJC ‘deeply disappointed’ over court order to refer to group as Valley Boys

    A significant legal confrontation between the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) and the cultural organization World Famous Valley Boys reached a pivotal moment this weekend following a Supreme Court intervention. Justice Leif Farquharson issued an interim order compelling the NJC to officially recognize the group as ‘Valley Boys’—their traditional name—while simultaneously directing the Registrar General to immediately restore the group’s nonprofit registration status.

    The ruling, which has not yet been publicly released in written form, emerged from an emergency application filed by the Valley Boys leadership under Brian Adderley. The legal challenge primarily addressed the NJC’s refusal to acknowledge the group by their established name in official communications and parade arrangements. According to the group’s statement, the court further mandated the Department of Inland Revenue to reinstate their business license and tax identification number once all statutory requirements are fulfilled.

    The dispute originated last month when the NJC referenced the organization as ‘World Famous 1958’ in an official parade order announcement—a designation that sparked immediate backlash from the group’s members. The Valley Boys leadership characterized the NJC’s naming decision as demonstrating nepotism and potentially exposing members to victimization. After their cease-and-desist letter reportedly went unanswered, the matter was escalated to the judicial system.

    In response to the court’s decision, the NJC released a statement expressing profound disappointment, labeling the legal action as a ‘troubling departure’ from previously established agreements with government entities. The committee vehemently denied allegations of favoritism, maintaining that all actions were guided solely by the imperative to protect Junkanoo traditions. The NJC asserted that clear conditions had been established from the outset regarding name recognition, requiring specific documentation that allegedly remained unsubmitted by the group.

    Despite these claims, the NJC acknowledged that the Valley Boys had been permitted to compete and received seed funding despite missing initial registration deadlines—though they emphasized this accommodation did not constitute endorsement of their name claim. The committee maintained that refraining from using the ‘Valley Boys’ designation during legal proceedings was a responsible approach to avoid prejudicing the judicial process.

    The Valley Boys faction expressed gratitude for the Supreme Court’s ruling, announcing their anticipation to deliver a vibrant performance in upcoming parades under their restored identity. The resolution occurs against a complex backdrop involving another faction, Way Forward Valley Boys, with the Court of Appeal previously suggesting the Registrar General may have allowed this group to improperly claim the historic name.