Carib Scope

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  • Zachary Harding faces questioning in SSL fraud saga

    Zachary Harding faces questioning in SSL fraud saga

    Zachary Harding, the former Chief Executive Officer of Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL), is now undergoing formal questioning by Jamaican authorities in connection with the island’s largest financial fraud scandal. This development starkly contrasts with his January 2023 public declaration of having “clean hands” when the scandal first emerged.

    On December 27, 2025, Harding presented himself to detectives from the Financial Investigations Division (FID) and the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. According to official statements, the interrogation focuses on “reasonable suspicion of breaches” spanning multiple financial regulations including the Bank of Jamaica Act, Securities Act, Banking Services Act, and Companies Act.

    The investigation intensified with coordinated dawn raids conducted by FID, C-TOC, and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) targeting former SSL directors’ premises in St. James and St. Andrew. These operations resulted in three arrests: former SSL directors Hugh Croskery and Sarah Meany, plus Dermot Meany who faces separate firearms charges.

    During the 2023 interview with Observer Online, Harding had emphatically denied any knowledge of the fraudulent activities, stating: “I have nothing to hide. My heart is clear and my conscience is free.” He specifically claimed unawareness that Olympic champion Usain Bolt maintained an account with SSL during his tenure from September 2019 to June 2022.

    The scandal, which initially revealed the theft of approximately US$12.7 million from Bolt’s account, has expanded to encompass nearly 200 clients with total losses approaching $4 billion Jamaican dollars. To date, only former SSL wealth advisor Jean-Ann Panton has been formally charged, with her case currently progressing through the judicial system.

    Harding maintained that his resignation in June 2022 preceded the scandal’s emergence, and he had no ongoing affiliation with the company. Investigators continue forensic examination of evidence collected during recent operations while assessing potential regulatory violations.

  • GraceKennedy mourns passing of business leader Mable Tenn

    GraceKennedy mourns passing of business leader Mable Tenn

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — GraceKennedy, the prominent Caribbean conglomerate, has announced with profound sorrow the passing of Mable Tenn, celebrated business pioneer and the company’s inaugural female board director. Tenn’s remarkable career spanned decades of transformative leadership and barrier-breaking achievements within Jamaica’s corporate landscape.

    Her professional association with GraceKennedy commenced in 1952 when she assumed the role of secretary to Carlton Alexander, then serving as director. Demonstrating exceptional business acumen and determination, Tenn subsequently established multiple thriving entrepreneurial ventures that would eventually be incorporated into the GraceKennedy portfolio through acquisition.

    In a historic corporate milestone, Tenn shattered the glass ceiling in 1972 by becoming the first woman appointed to GraceKennedy’s board of directors. This groundbreaking appointment established new precedents for gender diversity in Jamaican business leadership and created pathways for subsequent generations of female executives.

    Beyond her corporate legacy, Tenn made substantial contributions to Jamaica’s agricultural development initiatives and emerged as an inspirational figure for women pursuing leadership roles. Her career exemplified resilience, innovative vision, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence that transcended conventional expectations of her era.

    The GraceKennedy organization has extended heartfelt condolences to Tenn’s family, friends, and the countless individuals influenced by her extraordinary journey. The company emphasized that Tenn’s enduring impact on both corporate governance and broader Jamaican society will be perpetually honored with profound respect and appreciation.

  • Logos Hope docks in Tobago

    Logos Hope docks in Tobago

    The MV Logos Hope, renowned as the globe’s largest floating book exhibition, has made its seasonal berth at Scarborough Harbour, Tobago, marking a significant cultural event for the Caribbean region. The vessel, which commenced its stay on December 19, will remain accessible to the public until January 2 before transitioning to Port of Spain for a month-long engagement from January 3 through February 3.

    Operated through a collaborative initiative between international charitable organization GBA Ships and Operation Mobilisation, this unique maritime bookstore boasts an extensive collection exceeding 5,000 literary works. The inventory encompasses diverse genres including children’s literature, fiction, non-fiction, academic references, and educational materials, with a notable representation of publications featuring Christian themes.

    The floating cultural center is maintained by an international volunteer crew representing approximately 60 nationalities, creating a multicultural environment for visitors. During its Tobago deployment, the ship welcomes guests daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with final admissions concluding at 9:00 PM. The facility will observe temporary closures on December 25 and January 1 in recognition of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day celebrations.

    Admission pricing is structured at $5 for general entry, while complimentary access is granted to children under twelve years of age and senior citizens aged sixty-five and above. All visitors must present valid tickets for entry, with minors requiring adult supervision. The vessel accommodates both cash and electronic payment methods, and prospective visitors have the option to reserve specific time slots through advanced online booking systems.

    This visit marks a continuation of the ship’s engagement with the region, following its previous port call in Tobago during 2024. The Logos Hope has established itself as a recurring educational and cultural attraction throughout Trinidad and Tobago, offering unique literary access before proceeding with its international voyage itinerary.

  • Secretary General: Caricom preparing for future challenges

    Secretary General: Caricom preparing for future challenges

    In her annual year-end message delivered on December 22, CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett provided a comprehensive assessment of the Caribbean Community’s journey through a period of significant challenges and achievements. The address highlighted both the adversities faced by member states and the collective resilience demonstrated throughout the year.

    The region endured devastating natural disasters, including Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and Hurricane Melissa this year, which caused substantial loss of life and infrastructure damage across Jamaica and Haiti. Dr. Barnett emphasized that recovery efforts would demand considerable resources and extended timeframes. Simultaneously, the Caribbean faced unprecedented geopolitical pressures that threatened export revenues, regional stability, and sovereignty.

    Despite these challenges, CARICOM made significant strides in regional integration. Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines initiated full free movement of citizens among their territories, facilitating enhanced economic activity and interpersonal connections. The community also advanced the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and developed frameworks for a comprehensive Industrial Policy and Strategy, laying groundwork for strengthened productive capacity and economic diversification.

    Agricultural initiatives under the 25 by 2025+ strategy showed production growth despite climate-related setbacks. The region celebrated cultural achievements during Carifesta XV in Barbados and maintained democratic traditions through peaceful elections in seven member states and five associate members.

    Looking forward, CARICOM is prioritizing human capital development, particularly focusing on youth and women’s participation in economic and regional affairs. The community is examining artificial intelligence’s impact on regional business practices while expanding physical and digital connectivity. Disaster resilience and food security programs remain paramount objectives.

    Dr. Barnett expressed gratitude to regional citizens, CARICOM Secretariat staff, international partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector for their contributions. She affirmed confidence in the community’s ability to address future challenges with strategic focus and collective determination, urging all stakeholders to work toward a resilient, prosperous, and united Caribbean community.

  • Jackson welcomes security operations in SSL fraud case

    Jackson welcomes security operations in SSL fraud case

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican security forces have initiated investigative operations regarding the massive Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) fraud case, a development that has garnered approval from opposition figures who nonetheless criticize its timing as significantly delayed.

    Fitz Jackson, Opposition Spokesman on National Security and Member of Parliament, publicly commended the security agencies for their determination in advancing the protracted investigation. In an official release, Jackson characterized the operation as a necessary step toward addressing what he described as a multi-billion-dollar financial fraud that has deeply affected the nation.

    “The announcement of operations today by the various security agencies in the SSL fraud matter is welcomed, though long overdue in coming,” Jackson stated. He emphasized that the Jamaican public now anticipates tangible results, including prompt arrests and thorough prosecution of all individuals implicated in the scheme.

    The MP highlighted the severe impact of the alleged fraud, noting that ordinary citizens have suffered substantial financial losses, including the depletion of life savings, leading to considerable deterioration in their living standards.

    Jackson also recognized the role of persistent public advocacy, both from Jamaicans domestically and those within the diaspora, in maintaining attention on the case. Their continued demands for accountability, he noted, have been instrumental in keeping the investigation active in the public eye.

    He concluded by stressing that ongoing societal pressure remains essential to ensuring that justice is served impartially and that the rule of law is applied equitably, regardless of the power or status of those involved.

  • SLB to further enhance digital portal as part of ongoing transformation

    SLB to further enhance digital portal as part of ongoing transformation

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) is accelerating its digital transformation journey with significant upgrades to its online portal, positioning technology as the cornerstone of its operational evolution. Debt Recovery Manager Owin Watson emphasized the Bureau’s dynamic approach to adapting services for modern client needs during an interview with JIS News.

    ‘Technology serves as the central pillar of our strategic objectives. We’re implementing advanced solutions including AI-powered chatbots and integrated digital tools to elevate customer experience at every interaction point,’ Watson explained. The organization’s primary goal is to provide borrowers with seamless, efficient, and user-friendly digital resources.

    Recent enhancements include the introduction of a comprehensive financial glossary feature, designed to demystify loan terminology and technical jargon for improved client comprehension. This initiative reflects SLB’s broader commitment to transparency and financial literacy.

    The Bureau has simultaneously deployed sophisticated social media analytics and digital engagement platforms to monitor customer satisfaction metrics in real-time. Watson revealed that the marketing department actively tracks feedback through social media reporting features, particularly monitoring responses to the debt reset initiative across platforms like Instagram.

    ‘We prioritize rapid response protocols based on digital feedback. Recently, we identified a customer experiencing onboarding difficulties through social media engagement and immediately initiated direct telephone assistance,’ Watson noted, illustrating how digital monitoring translates into concrete support actions.

    The debt recovery manager confirmed that customer relationship strengthening remains fundamental to SLB’s strategic vision. ‘Client satisfaction metrics guide our operational planning. We utilize diverse analytical tools to measure our performance and continuously improve our service delivery scores,’ Watson concluded.

  • Police probe fatal Yellow Elder shooting

    Police probe fatal Yellow Elder shooting

    Nassau, Bahamas – A violent Christmas Eve incident in the Yellow Elder community has resulted in one fatality and left another man hospitalized with gunshot wounds. The tragic shooting occurred on Wednesday evening, casting a shadow over holiday celebrations in the area.

    According to law enforcement officials, police responded to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of Graham Drive and Lime Streets at approximately 7:00 PM. At the scene, officers discovered a 25-year-old male victim inside a red Nissan Cube, unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Emergency Medical Services personnel confirmed the victim displayed no vital signs of life upon examination.

    A second victim, identified as a 27-year-old male, sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg during the altercation. The injured man was transported to a medical facility via private vehicle before police arrival and subsequently received treatment for his wounds.

    Law enforcement authorities confirmed the recovery of an illegal firearm from the crime scene, which has been secured as evidence. The circumstances leading to the shooting remain under active investigation, with detectives pursuing multiple leads.

    In a related development hours later, Operation Black Scorpion officers conducted a separate operation in the Culmersville area that resulted in the seizure of another illegal firearm. Acting on intelligence received, officers searched an abandoned building where they discovered the weapon along with a sealed package containing suspected marijuana at approximately 9:00 PM.

    No arrests have been made in connection with either incident as investigations continue. Police have not released information regarding potential motives or suspects in the fatal shooting, nor have they disclosed the estimated street value of the confiscated narcotics.

    The Royal Bahamas Police Force has appealed to residents with any information regarding either incident to come forward anonymously.

  • Man dies in motor vehicle crash in St James

    Man dies in motor vehicle crash in St James

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — A tragic traffic incident resulted in a fatality on the Rosemount roadway early Saturday morning. The victim has been identified as 46-year-old Christopher Clarke, also known as “Ali,” a resident of Birch Hill in Green Pond.

    According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred at approximately 8:00 am when Clarke was operating a Nissan Tiida vehicle. The car reportedly veered off course and collided with a utility pole with significant force. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find Clarke having sustained multiple severe injuries.

    Despite being rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, Clarke succumbed to his injuries. The precise circumstances leading to the collision remain under active investigation by local authorities. This incident marks another somber addition to Jamaica’s road traffic statistics, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety measures.

  • Former SSL executive in custody

    Former SSL executive in custody

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Law enforcement authorities have taken a former high-ranking executive of Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) into custody as part of an intensifying probe into a multimillion-dollar fraud case that has rocked Jamaica’s financial sector.

    The detention occurred during a sequence of meticulously coordinated operations conducted by a multi-agency task force across locations in St Andrew and St James. This development represents a significant escalation in the ongoing investigation into alleged financial malfeasance at SSL, which initially came under scrutiny in 2023.

    The investigative alliance comprises Jamaica’s premier financial crime units, including the Financial Investigations Division (FID), the Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU), the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA). This collaborative effort underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the alleged financial irregularities.

    While specific details regarding the detained executive’s identity and precise allegations remain undisclosed pending formal charges, law enforcement officials have indicated that further developments are anticipated as their complex financial examination advances. The investigation continues to unravel the sophisticated mechanisms allegedly employed in what has become one of Jamaica’s most prominent financial fraud cases in recent years.

  • Ukraine anti-corruption agency tries to raid parliament

    Ukraine anti-corruption agency tries to raid parliament

    KYIV, Ukraine — A significant confrontation erupted within Ukraine’s government apparatus on Saturday as security forces obstructed anti-corruption agents from conducting raids inside the parliamentary building. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced that its officers were prevented from executing investigative actions within committees of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, amid an ongoing corruption investigation implicating current members of parliament.

    The bureau disclosed that its investigation, conducted jointly with the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), had uncovered an organized criminal network involving sitting legislators. This development emerges amid a series of high-profile corruption scandals that have recently shaken the Ukrainian government, including the resignation of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff and the revelation of a $100 million kickback scheme within the country’s energy sector allegedly orchestrated by a personal associate of the president.

    The timing of this political crisis is particularly sensitive as President Zelensky concurrently engages in critical diplomatic discussions in the United States regarding peace negotiations to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. The corruption revelations have sparked substantial public outrage while Ukraine faces relentless military assaults from Russian forces, including recent drone and missile attacks on Kyiv that resulted in casualties and further strained the nation’s infrastructure.

    According to reports from Ukrainska Pravda journalist Mykhailo Tkach, detectives were eventually permitted access to government quarters, though NABU officials declined to provide specific details regarding the investigation. The confrontation highlights the ongoing tension between anti-corruption institutions and established power structures within Ukraine, even as the country battles external aggression and internal governance challenges.