Carib Scope

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  • SERHA reports temporary delay in supplier payments due to banking issue

    SERHA reports temporary delay in supplier payments due to banking issue

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) has announced a temporary disruption in its payment processing system affecting numerous suppliers. A technical malfunction within the banking infrastructure has precipitated delays for payments originally scheduled for processing on Tuesday.

    In an official statement, SERHA clarified that the interruption stems from complications with banking operations rather than internal financial shortcomings. The authority emphasized that resolving this technical impediment constitutes their utmost priority, with dedicated teams actively collaborating with financial partners to expedite a solution.

    SERHA has committed to processing all outstanding payments immediately upon resolution of the banking anomaly. The organization extended sincere apologies to affected vendors and suppliers for any operational inconveniences resulting from this unforeseen circumstance.

    The regional health authority, which oversees medical facilities across southeastern Jamaica, has pledged to maintain transparent communication with stakeholders throughout the resolution process. Regular updates will be disseminated as the situation evolves and additional information becomes available.

  • Bartlett commends united response behind swift post-hurricane repatriation of 25,000 tourists

    Bartlett commends united response behind swift post-hurricane repatriation of 25,000 tourists

    JAMAICA – The Jamaican government has successfully executed one of the most rapid large-scale tourist evacuations in Caribbean history, safely repatriating 25,000 visitors within just seven days following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett revealed the extraordinary achievement during a December 13th tourism partners’ meeting at Iberostar Hotel in St James, highlighting the operation as a testament to the island nation’s crisis management capabilities.

    The meticulously coordinated effort involved seamless collaboration between hotel operators, transportation providers, airport staff, and security personnel, working in concert to ensure stranded tourists were efficiently returned to their home countries. Minister Bartlett emphasized that this unprecedented response delivered a powerful message to the international community regarding Jamaica’s preparedness and operational competence during emergencies.

    Within merely 24 hours after the hurricane’s passage, the tourism ministry established a specialized Recovery Task Force chaired by John Byles, bringing together both public and private sector stakeholders. This coalition included senior ministry officials, tourism agencies, Jamaica Tourist Board leadership, Tourism Enhancement Fund representatives, Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC), and the Port Authority of Jamaica, all unified under the singular objective of accelerating the tourism sector’s recovery above all other industries.

    Minister Bartlett underscored tourism’s critical role as the backbone of Jamaica’s economy, noting its unique capacity for immediate economic impact through what he termed ‘immediate convertibility’ – the direct flow of tourism earnings into local communities the moment transportation vessels arrive. This characteristic, he explained, positions tourism as the primary driver of national economic recovery following crises through its extensive network of interconnected industries and business models.

    The minister further acknowledged utility providers Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) and National Water Commission (NWC) for their exceptional efforts in restoring full electricity and water services to all major tourism destinations including Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Port Antonio, and Kingston, enabling the sector’s swift reactivation.

  • Virtual Access Court Centres to replace police station hearings

    Virtual Access Court Centres to replace police station hearings

    In a significant stride toward judicial modernization, Trinidad and Tobago’s Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj conducted an inspection of the newly established Virtual Access Court Centres (VACC) at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain on December 22. The visit served as a critical assessment of the nation’s progress in expanding public accessibility to court services through technological innovation.

    Minister Maharaj was accompanied by key ministry officials including Acting Permanent Secretary Trudy Lewis, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary Fran Chaitoo-Jacob, Senior Project Manager Nicholas Suban, and Dr. Louis Percival Anthony Nurse. The delegation received a comprehensive briefing from Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Court Executive Administrator Jamie Philbert, and Acting High Court Registrar Kimberly Prescott.

    This collaborative initiative represents an inter-agency approach to addressing operational challenges within the judicial system. The newly constructed centers are specifically designed to provide a secure and accessible alternative to police stations for conducting virtual court proceedings, thereby alleviating the previous strain on law enforcement resources.

    The development of these specialized centers emerged from concerns raised in May 2025 regarding the impracticality of hosting virtual hearings within police facilities. In response, Minister Maharaj established a working group in July 2025 to comprehensively review virtual hearing procedures. The judiciary subsequently created this dedicated facility at the Hall of Justice as a direct outcome of those deliberations.

    Operational demonstrations during the visit showcased the technology’s capability to enable judicial officers to maintain complete control over proceedings, manage participant engagement, ensure proper conduct, and preserve the integrity of judicial processes in a virtual environment.

    As part of the ministry’s broader digital transformation agenda, these centers will free up critical space at the Besson Street Police Station, allowing the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service to reinvigorate essential crime-fighting operations, including identification parades. The initiative represents a strategic fusion of technology and justice aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness across the entire judicial system.

  • Central defender Kobi Henry signs two-year deal with Real Salt Lake

    Central defender Kobi Henry signs two-year deal with Real Salt Lake

    Trinidad and Tobago international defender Kobi Henry has finalized a permanent transfer to Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake, signing a two-year contract with an option for extension through December 2027. The 21-year-old center back previously spent the 2025 season on loan from French Ligue 2 club Stade de Reims, ultimately convincing the Utah-based franchise to make the move permanent.

    Henry’s initial loan spell encountered early challenges when a hamstring injury limited his first-team appearances to just five matches. Despite this setback, the Florida-born defender demonstrated resilience by completing 14 appearances for Real Monarchs, Salt Lake’s MLS Next Pro affiliate team. His pre-injury performance included two Concacaf Champions Cup appearances against Costa Rican champions CS Herediano in February.

    The towering defender quickly established himself as a key component of Trinidad and Tobago’s national team setup under coach Dwight Yorke, featuring in all six matches during the final round of FIFA 2026 World Cup qualification. Though Trinidad’s qualification campaign ultimately proved unsuccessful, Henry emerged as a fan favorite while showcasing unexpected offensive prowess—scoring crucial goals against Bermuda in both home and away fixtures.

    Real Salt Lake’s sporting director Kurt Schmid expressed enthusiasm about the permanent acquisition, noting: ‘Kobi’s foundational development during 2025 paid dividends late in the season. His abilities on the backline in multiple defensive setups will provide great competition within our roster.’

    Henry conveyed his excitement about the permanent move, stating: ‘I’m extremely excited to be signing permanently with RSL. Last season on loan taught me a lot and I feel ready to make the next step. I’ve been working hard this off-season and can’t wait to help our team enjoy a successful season.’

    Prior to his MLS move, Henry gained experience through 21 appearances for Stade Reims’ B team and 15 matches during a loan spell with FC Villefranche, demonstrating his adaptability across different competitive environments.

  • JCC warns: Caricom indispensable to Trinidad and Tobago economy

    JCC warns: Caricom indispensable to Trinidad and Tobago economy

    A significant diplomatic and economic debate has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago regarding the country’s relationship with the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The Joint Consultative Council for the Construction Industry (JCC) has issued a strong warning that the Caricom market remains indispensable for TT’s economic stability and diversification efforts.

    JCC President Fazir Khan emphasized in a December 23 media release that Trinidad and Tobago must reject any notion of prospering without Caricom’s support. This statement came in response to recent criticisms from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who characterized Caricom as fractured and an ‘unreliable partner’ while indicating TT’s pursuit of partnerships beyond the region.

    The Prime Minister had previously asserted that Caricom members had supported Venezuela against the United States in the latter’s anti-drug trafficking initiatives, specifically mentioning that Antiguans were ‘bad-mouthing’ the US, resulting in additional visa restrictions for that country.

    In a counter-argument, Gaston Browne responded via Facebook on December 21, challenging the characterization of Caricom as unreliable. He highlighted that Caricom represents TT’s second-largest export market after the United States, with substantial economic benefits. ‘In 2024 alone,’ Browne noted, ‘TT earned more than US $1.1 billion in foreign exchange from trade with Caricom, comprising approximately US $784.7 million in domestic exports and US $501.3 million in re-exports to Caricom states.’

    Khan supported this perspective, indicating that Caricom accounts for roughly ten percent of all global exports from Trinidad and Tobago and an even more significant portion of non-energy exports. Excluding petroleum and petroleum products, exports to Caricom reached over US$560 million in a recent benchmark year, representing approximately one quarter of all intra-regional exports—the largest share held by any member state.

    For the domestic construction industry, this regional demand translates into critical employment opportunities for technicians, engineers, contractors, and professional consultants who would otherwise face limitations within the local market. Khan warned that any disruption to this relationship could result in hundreds of millions of US dollars in potential annual export losses, particularly affecting non-energy sectors that are still establishing themselves in extra-regional markets.

    When questioned on December 22 about whether withdrawal from Caricom was under consideration by herself or the Cabinet, Persad-Bissessar stated, ‘Withdrawal from Caricom has not been discussed by Cabinet.’ She additionally expressed that she was not concerned about any economic impact resulting from the current Caricom divide.

  • Antiguan gospel-reggae artiste Enoch gets into the Christmas spirit

    Antiguan gospel-reggae artiste Enoch gets into the Christmas spirit

    Enoch, a 12-year-old gospel-reggae artist from Antigua, has declared Christmas his most cherished season, not merely for its festive spirit but for its profound alignment with his personal beliefs and musical mission. Currently performing in Jamaica, the young vocalist delivered powerful performances at two significant events over the weekend, embedding deeper significance into the holiday celebrations.

    The artist, who shares his birthday with Christmas Day, perceives the season as a multifaceted celebration. ‘Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Not only is it the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but I was also born on Christmas Day, so this season is very special and exciting for me,’ Enoch explained. He emphasized that the core principles of Christmas—love, generosity, and sharing with the less fortunate—are the very essence of his musical philosophy.

    His weekend itinerary included a performance in Trench Town on Friday, followed by a standout collaborative performance with esteemed gospel minister Carlene Davis on Saturday. They performed ‘Oh Holy Night’ at the Fun in the Son hurricane relief concert in New Market, St. Elizabeth. Describing the duet as a ‘dream come true,’ Enoch admitted to initial nerves that quickly dissolved once they began singing. He expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to share the stage with Davis, calling the live performance an ‘amazing experience.’

    The relief concert held particular weight for the young artist. The event aimed to raise funds for rebuilding a local church severely damaged by a hurricane. Enoch recounted the challenging conditions: a building without a roof, shattered windows, and no electricity, necessitating a generator. In a moment that epitomized resilience, the generator failed mid-performance. Yet, the show continued uninterrupted. ‘We just kept right on singing,’ Enoch recalled. This experience, witnessing a community smile and support each other amidst adversity, profoundly moved him, revealing the strength of collective human spirit and filling him with pride for his participation.

    Enoch’s musical contributions to the season include his current single, ‘For Christmas, No More Me Me,’ featured on his Christmas EP titled ‘Enoch’s Christmas Songs,’ produced by Noel Howell. Hailing from Jennings Village in St. Mary’s, Antigua, Enoch grew up immersed in the church community and is a student at the St Joseph Academy.

  • Connect a child this Christmas: USF donates tablets to students in need

    Connect a child this Christmas: USF donates tablets to students in need

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to combat educational inequality, Jamaica’s Universal Service Fund (USF) has launched a transformative Christmas initiative delivering brand-new tablets to high-achieving students facing economic challenges. The Connect-A-Child program represents a $15 million investment distributing 630 devices across all constituencies throughout December.

    The strategic intervention specifically targets Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students, aligning with Jamaica’s broader digital inclusion objectives and knowledge-based development framework established for the 2023/24 academic year. USF Chief Executive Officer Charlton McFarlane emphasized the program’s heightened significance following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on educational infrastructure and connectivity.

    This technological empowerment initiative arrives at a critical juncture as educational institutions nationwide continue recovery efforts from recent storm damage. The tablet distribution aims to ensure continuity in digital learning, particularly for students relying on technology for PEP examination preparation.

    “This Christmas season, the Universal Service Fund is connecting our children to greater opportunities by ensuring disadvantaged students receive these essential learning tools,” McFarlane stated. “Our Connect-A-Child initiative embodies our organizational commitment to keeping Jamaica digitally connected.”

    The inaugural distribution ceremony occurred December 5 at Moravia Primary School in Clarendon, where Principal Beverly Smith Williams expressed profound gratitude for the timely support. Despite operating without dedicated computer facilities, Moravia Primary has maintained exceptional academic standards through innovative teaching methodologies and community support.

    “We’re absolutely elated by this contribution,” Smith Williams remarked. “Even during the hurricane’s aftermath without electricity or running water, our faculty implemented creative half-day sessions to sustain educational continuity. These tablets will significantly enhance our digital readiness efforts.”

    The school has historically leveraged donations from alumni and political representatives to advance technology integration, while actively encouraging parental investment in educational devices. The principal noted the new resources will particularly benefit students demonstrating academic excellence despite socioeconomic challenges.

    Device distributions will continue through December 31 across all Jamaican constituencies. Operating under the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, the USF maintains a legislative mandate to expand information and communication technology access nationwide, working toward a digitally inclusive society where financial circumstances never impede educational advancement.

  • Bank of Jamaica temporarily waives ACH penalty

    Bank of Jamaica temporarily waives ACH penalty

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to ongoing operational difficulties within the nation’s financial infrastructure, the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has instituted a temporary relief measure for banking institutions. Effective December 15 through December 31, 2025, the central bank will suspend penalty fees for specific high-value Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions.

    The regulatory decision comes as multiple deposit-taking institutions (DTIs) continue experiencing technical complications following Jamaica’s transition to the ISO 20022 (MX) standard payment messaging system. This modernization initiative, which replaced the previous Swift Message Type (MT) framework, has created unforeseen delays in processing Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) payments and account transfers.

    Under the temporary waiver, transactions meeting or exceeding the J$1 million threshold will be exempt from the standard J$5,000 penalty typically imposed by the central bank. This intervention aims to maintain financial fluidity while DTIs address persistent operational hurdles associated with the new payment protocol.

    The BOJ clarified that this exemption applies exclusively to penalties administered by the central bank and does not extend to transaction fees levied by individual financial institutions. DTIs retain autonomy over their respective fee structures throughout the waiver period.

    Central bank officials characterized this measure as a transitional accommodation designed to support financial institutions during their adaptation to the enhanced payment ecosystem. The BOJ emphasized its commitment to maintaining payment system stability while acknowledging the technical complexities inherent in large-scale financial infrastructure upgrades.

  • St Elizabeth police bring Christmas cheer to 200 children

    St Elizabeth police bring Christmas cheer to 200 children

    ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica—The St Elizabeth Police Division celebrated a milestone in community engagement as its annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ Christmas initiative reached a record 200 children from across the parish. This marks the third consecutive year of the program’s successful operation under the leadership of Superintendent Coleridge Minto.

    Superintendent Minto, accompanied by his entire management team and officers from the Community Safety and Security Branch, expressed particular satisfaction with this year’s unprecedented turnout. “We are pleased with the turnout. It is by far the largest number of children that we have seen over the three-year period,” Minto stated on Tuesday, noting that the program continues to grow annually despite challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa.

    The initiative, designed to strengthen police-community relations during the holiday season, provided selected children with gifts and festive experiences. Beyond the shopping component, the event expanded to include celebratory activities at the Santa Cruz police station, where children enjoyed meals and recreational facilities including a bounce-about play area.

    Minto extended heartfelt appreciation to the initiative’s sponsors and partners, acknowledging their crucial role in making the event possible. “I want to say thanks to all our partners who assisted us to ensure that this day will be a reality to the police, to the parents, to the stakeholders, to all those who contributed in one way or another,” he emphasized.

    The growing success of the program demonstrates the St Elizabeth Police Division’s commitment to community-oriented policing strategies and positive relationship building with the communities they serve.

  • Venus Williams ties the knot with Andrea Predi

    Venus Williams ties the knot with Andrea Predi

    Tennis legend Venus Williams has formally entered matrimony with her partner Andrea Predi, culminating their relationship with a unique dual-wedding celebration. The athletic icon and her longtime beau exchanged vows in two distinct ceremonies across different continents, blending international romance with personal celebration.

    The couple’s initial wedding ceremony occurred on September 18th in the picturesque setting of Ischia, Italy, fulfilling Williams’ dream of an Italian wedding. However, due to complex international marriage documentation requirements that typically require approximately eight months for processing for foreign nationals, the Italian ceremony served as a symbolic celebration rather than a legally binding event.

    A subsequent official ceremony was conducted in Palm Beach, Florida, where the couple established their marital status according to American legal standards. The Florida celebration extended beyond a single day, featuring a full week of pre-wedding festivities that reflected the couple’s welcoming nature and love for entertaining guests in their home environment.

    Williams revealed to Vogue magazine that their engagement commenced on January 31, 2025, marking the beginning of their journey toward marital commitment. The dual-wedding approach allowed the couple to honor both their personal dreams and practical necessities, creating memorable experiences in both their preferred Italian setting and their local Florida community.