By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
Nine Killed in Suriname Knife Attack as Caribbean Leaders Grapple with Crime and Public Safety Measures
At least nine people, including five children, were killed in a horrific attack in Suriname over the weekend, authorities confirmed on Sunday, sending shockwaves across the region.
Surinamese police reported that a man armed with a sharp object carried out the fatal attack in the capital, Paramaribo, during the night from Saturday into early Sunday. Four adults and five children were killed, while six children and one adult sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital for medical treatment.
Police said officers were forced to shoot the suspect in the legs during his arrest after he attempted to attack responding law enforcement personnel with the weapon. The suspect, who is believed to be the father of several of the victims, is currently hospitalised and recovering from his injuries.
Surinamese President Chan Santokhi reacted to the tragedy on social media, describing the incident as deeply disturbing and confirming that the attacker had taken the lives of his own children as well as neighbours.
Trinidad and Tobago Tightens Road Traffic Penalties
Meanwhile, in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has defended her government’s decision to impose significantly tougher penalties for road traffic offences, citing widespread lawlessness and reckless behaviour on the nation’s roads.
A legal notice published on December 25 announced increased penalties for a wide range of offences, including speeding, dangerous driving, documentation breaches, and other traffic violations. Most fines have been doubled and will take effect from January 1, 2026.
Responding to questions, the Prime Minister noted that although her administration previously removed the demerit point system, reckless driving continued unabated, leading to serious injuries and loss of life. She warned that continued disregard for the law — including breaches of regulations governing fireworks use during the Christmas period — could result in even stricter measures, including outright bans.
Sharp Decline in Violent Crime in Jamaica
In Jamaica, police reported encouraging developments in the fight against violent crime. The Kingston Eastern Police Division recorded a 59 per cent reduction in murders for 2025, according to a statement released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
Murders in the division fell from 61 in 2024 to 25 as of December 20, driven by intensified police operations and enhanced forensic and investigative capabilities. The improvement mirrors a national trend, with Jamaica recording a 43 per cent decline in murders in 2025 compared to the previous year — the lowest level in more than three decades.
Robberies in Kingston Eastern also declined, while shootings showed a marginal decrease. Police cleared 34 murder cases during the year, representing a 136 per cent murder clearance rate. Since January, officers seized 38 illegal firearms and nearly 700 rounds of ammunition, while 11 high-profile wanted individuals were arrested.
Superintendent Mitchell Campbell, head of the Kingston Eastern Division, described the figures as “lives saved,” crediting targeted operations and sustained law enforcement pressure for the results.
