By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News |
Several Caribbean nations entered the New Year confronting serious security concerns and renewed debates on justice reform, as fatal incidents and policy discussions dominated headlines across the region.
Trinidad and Tobago Records Multiple Deaths at Start of New Year
Trinidad and Tobago recorded 11 deaths between December 31, 2025, and the first day of January 2026, including five homicides and six other fatal incidents, according to regional media reports.
The homicides occurred in East Port of Spain, El Socorro, Marabella, Penal, and Delaford in Tobago. The first murder of 2026 was reported on New Year’s Day, when 58-year-old businessman Ricky Taylor was shot and killed near his business at the corner of Prince and George Streets in Port of Spain around 1:30 p.m.
Taylor, described as a well-known community figure, was reportedly threatened by gang elements before his death. Investigators are examining information suggesting he may have been cooperating with law enforcement. Reports indicate that Taylor had been socialising with friends at a community outreach office on George Street shortly before the fatal shooting. Police investigations remain ongoing.
St. Lucia Probes Holiday Homicides
In St. Lucia, law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of homicides that occurred during the festive season, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.
Two of the incidents took place on December 24 in the Palmiste area of Soufrière. In one case, 25-year-old Kenton Henry of Victoria, Choiseul, was fatally shot. Police responded to reports of gunfire around 1:50 a.m. and found Henry suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to the Soufrière Hospital by the St. Lucia Fire Service, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigations into the killings are ongoing, and a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted.
Jamaica Moves Toward Review of Laws on Minors
Meanwhile, in Jamaica, the government is preparing to revisit laws governing consensual sexual activity between minors who are close in age.
Justice Minister Delroy Chuck announced that a Joint Select Committee will be established to review the Child Diversion Act, noting that a significant number of cases referred under the programme involve consensual sexual activity between minors, including those under the age of 16.
The Minister explained that courts have increasingly referred such cases for review and said a previous committee had recommended decriminalising consensual sexual activity between minors where the age difference does not exceed four years. Parliament is now expected to deliberate on whether such conduct should continue to be treated as a criminal offence.
As 2026 begins, regional leaders and law enforcement agencies face mounting pressure to address violent crime while advancing legal reforms to balance justice, protection, and social realities.
