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Trinidad: Was granny starved to death? Judge stops funeral

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(TRINIDAD EXPRESS) — Hours before it was scheduled to happen, a High Court judge ordered that the funeral and burial for an 88-year-old woman be stopped (Friday, Feb. 24) after one of her daughters took legal action.

The daughter said she first wanted an autopsy to be done on her mother’s remains to find out if the woman had been starved to death.

Justice Frank Seepersad granted the request for an injunction, and ordered that the autopsy on Toolin Bocas be done by Monday.

The unusual action was taken by Neffritte Bocas-Larkin, through attorney James Philbert.

In her claim, Bocas-Larkin said that before the death of her mother, another close relative had done all in her power to prevent friends, neighbours and family members from having access to her mother and the property at El Socorro Road, San Juan.

Bocas-Larkin, who is a registered nurse living in New York, claimed she invested US$10,000 in raising the market value of the family property between 2007 and 2012, and now she was being prevented from coming there.

The judge considered the claim that the property was supposed to be equally divided among the four children and their mother, upon the death of the family patriarch Ahmid Bocas.

However, it is alleged that one sibling was claiming the property and the right to ­arrange the funeral for the deceased, who allegedly has $US85,000 in a bank account, the legal action stated.

In support of the appeal for an injunction, Bocas-Larkin produced a High Court order dated October 2021, before her mother’s passing, in which Justice Joan Charles ordered that she be allowed to video and telephone call and speak to her mother from New York, and visit her at the house when she came to the island.

Justice John had also ordered that Bocas-Larkin be allowed to provide food, water and supplements to her mother, and not be harassed and verbally abused.

The court will convene to hear the matter on Monday morning.

Business

​Caribbean Shipping Secures Exemption from U.S. Port Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels​

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The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has exempted Caribbean shipping routes from newly proposed port fees on Chinese-built vessels. This decision follows concerted advocacy by the Caribbean Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) and regional stakeholders, who warned that the fees could have devastating economic consequences for the Caribbean.

The USTR’s initial proposal aimed to impose fees of up to $1.5 million per port call on vessels constructed in China, as part of a broader strategy to counter China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and bolster the U.S. maritime industry. However, the policy faced immediate backlash from Caribbean nations, where a significant portion of shipping relies on Chinese-built vessels.

Dr. Patrick Antoine, CEO and Technical Director of the CPSO, testified at a USTR public hearing, emphasizing that over 90% of CARICOM’s trade in goods depends on maritime transport. He warned that the proposed fees could lead to a 60% increase in shipping costs to and from the Caribbean, severely impacting economies where more than 50% of the ships are Chinese-built.

The potential repercussions were particularly alarming for smaller Caribbean states like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which rely heavily on short-sea shipping routes serviced by Chinese-built vessels. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda expressed concern that shipping a container could increase by $3,000 to $4,000, leading to an 8–10% rise in consumer prices and pushing inflation rates to potentially 12–14%.

In response to these concerns, the USTR revised its policy to exempt ships operating between U.S. domestic routes, the Caribbean, U.S. territories, and Great Lakes ports from the new fees. This adjustment aims to prevent inflation, supply chain disruptions, and surging trade costs in the region.

The exemption has been met with relief across the Caribbean. Dr. Antoine expressed gratitude to the USTR for recognizing the unique challenges faced by Caribbean economies and for taking steps to safeguard regional trade stability.

While the exemption provides immediate relief, regional leaders and industry stakeholders continue to monitor the situation closely. They advocate for long-term strategies to enhance the resilience of Caribbean supply chains and reduce dependency on external factors that could disrupt trade.

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Entertainment

The Dynamic Duo: Chef Davio and Davian Henry Shine at Caribbean Baking Awards

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The Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA) has become the premier platform for recognising exceptional talent within the Caribbean baking community. Among the standout participants is The Dynamic Duo, a Jamaican team comprised of Chef Davio Henry and her brother Davian Henry.

Chef Davio Henry first gained significant attention at the inaugural CBA in 2024, where she was nominated in multiple categories, including Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.

Her innovative approach to traditional Caribbean flavors, particularly showcased in her renowned Bob Marley’s rum cake, has set new standards in the industry.

This year, The Dynamic Duo continues to make waves in the Caribbean baking scene. Chef Davio Henry has once again been nominated for multiple awards, solidifying her growing influence and passion for the craft. Her dedication to excellence has reinforced her position as a leading figure in the Caribbean culinary world.

While Chef Davio has garnered widespread recognition, Davian Henry has played a key role in supporting and enhancing the team’s success. His behind-the-scenes contributions are crucial to the duo’s overall achievements.  Their innovative creations and dedication to the art of baking continue to inspire both peers and aspiring bakers across the region.

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Local News

FDA Investigating SpaceX Starship Debris Over Turks and Caicos

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SpaceX’s mega rocket Starship launches for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (AP Photo/Eric Gay / Associated Press)

Turks and Caicos authorities and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating reports that debris from SpaceX’s Starship rocket landed across the Caribbean following an in-flight explosion during a test launch last month.

The incident, which occurred in mid-January, led to the rocket’s rapid disintegration, sending fragments hurtling toward the Earth. Witnesses in the Turks and Caicos Islands reported rumbling noises and discovered scorched metallic fragments scattered across parts of North and South Caicos. Meanwhile, observers in the Dominican Republic described seeing bright objects streaking through the sky, fueling speculation about the fallout’s extent.

The FAA confirmed that it had opened an investigation into the matter, working closely with SpaceX and regional governments to assess any potential risks posed by the debris.

SpaceX officials stated that a fire in the rocket’s aft section likely caused the failure, triggering an emergency disassembly. The company emphasized that no hazardous materials were present in the debris and reassured that it was collaborating with local authorities to ensure proper cleanup and safety measures.

This latest setback comes as SpaceX continues its ambitious efforts to develop Starship, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, designed for deep-space missions, including future Mars colonization. However, the explosion and subsequent debris fallout have raised concerns about the safety implications of the program’s test flights, especially over populated areas.

The FAA and local officials in Turks and Caicos have urged residents who come across debris to report findings to authorities and avoid handling any objects. Cleanup efforts are already underway, with aviation regulators monitoring potential airspace disruptions caused by the incident.

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