Carib Scope

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  • Trump’s “Sort of” Made up His Mind on Venezuela Action

    Trump’s “Sort of” Made up His Mind on Venezuela Action

    President Donald Trump has indicated that he has ‘sort of’ made a decision regarding the U.S. approach to Venezuela, though he remains tight-lipped about the specifics. Speaking to CBS News aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed that his administration is actively considering various military options. These include land-based strikes and other operations targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is accused by the U.S. of supporting armed criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking.

    Over the past two months, U.S. forces have conducted strikes on at least 21 vessels, resulting in the deaths of over 80 suspected traffickers. Despite these actions, several Western European governments have expressed skepticism, stating they have yet to see concrete evidence directly linking Maduro to cartel operations.

    The situation has further intensified with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean. This move is part of a broader military buildup in the region, which now includes destroyers, warplanes, and special operations units. According to CNN, the U.S. military presence in the area has surpassed 15,000 personnel.

    In response to the growing U.S. military footprint, Maduro has ordered a nationwide military mobilization. This escalation underscores the heightened tensions between the two nations and raises concerns about the potential for further conflict.

  • Voting now open for the Dominica Music Awards 2025

    Voting now open for the Dominica Music Awards 2025

    The Dominica Music Awards (DMA) 2025 has officially launched its public voting phase, inviting music enthusiasts from Dominica and beyond to participate in recognizing the island’s most talented artists, producers, and creative professionals. Scheduled for January 3, 2026, at the prestigious InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, the event promises to be a landmark celebration of musical innovation, cultural heritage, and artistic achievement. Organized by Creole Heartbeat, the DMA aims to elevate Dominican music on both regional and global stages while fostering economic growth within the creative sector. Fans can now cast their votes through the official online portal, which offers a straightforward and transparent process. The awards feature 23 diverse categories, including Bouyon Artist of the Year, Soca Artist of the Year, and Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year, alongside Special Awards of Honor for lifetime achievements and cultural contributions. The DMA not only highlights artistic excellence but also underscores the vital role of music in shaping Dominica’s cultural identity and national development.

  • Will Windies deliver a Christmas Test series miracle? ‘Reds’ weighs in

    Will Windies deliver a Christmas Test series miracle? ‘Reds’ weighs in

    As the West Indies prepare to face New Zealand in a three-match Test series starting December 1, veteran cricket commentator Joseph Reds Perreira has pinpointed the Caribbean team’s batting as the decisive factor in their quest for victory. Historically, the Windies have struggled in New Zealand, securing only four Test wins away from home, with their last triumph dating back to 1995. Despite these challenges, Perreira remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the importance of consistent batting performance. He noted that while the bowling attack could be competitive if executed correctly, the batting lineup will ultimately determine the series outcome. The West Indies and New Zealand have clashed 49 times in Tests since 1951, with New Zealand holding a slight edge with 17 wins to the Windies’ 13. However, New Zealand’s home advantage has often been a significant factor in their success. Perreira also highlighted a potential setback for the West Indies: the likely absence of star allrounder Jason Holder, who is reportedly unavailable due to commitments in a T10 competition in Dubai. Holder’s absence could disrupt the team’s balance, as he has been a pivotal player with 3,073 runs and 157 wickets in 69 Tests. Perreira expressed concern over the team’s preparation, suggesting that a pre-series camp in New Zealand would have been beneficial but was hindered by financial constraints. He also emphasized the need for wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach to acclimatize early to the swing-friendly conditions. Despite these hurdles, Perreira remains hopeful for a festive miracle, urging fans to wait for the official squad announcement and favorable weather conditions. The series promises to be a stern test for the West Indies, who aim to deliver a Christmas present to their fans by the end of December.

  • CARPHA celebrates global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) awareness week: Highlighting regional progress in combatting AMR

    CARPHA celebrates global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) awareness week: Highlighting regional progress in combatting AMR

    The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is at the forefront of the global effort to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025. AMR, often referred to as the ‘silent pandemic,’ poses a significant threat to public health, healthcare systems, and sustainable development worldwide. This phenomenon occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the drugs designed to eliminate them, rendering infections increasingly difficult or impossible to treat. CARPHA’s participation in WAAW 2025, themed ‘Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,’ underscores its commitment to promoting responsible antimicrobial use and advancing its Integrated AMR Programme. This initiative, supported by key partners including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Fleming Fund, and the Pandemic Fund Project, employs a multi-sectoral approach to enhance regional AMR surveillance, laboratory infrastructure, and coordinated responses. A cornerstone of CARPHA’s efforts is the Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA), which serves as the technical and operational hub for AMR initiatives. CARA is establishing AMR reference laboratories in Trinidad, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia and developing a regional AMR surveillance system to improve data collection, reporting, and analysis. Additionally, CARPHA has prioritized expanding laboratory capacities in Jamaica and Saint Lucia, complementing its existing CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory in Trinidad. These advancements enable faster pathogen detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve access to high-quality AMR testing. CARPHA has also focused on workforce development, hosting technical experts and organizing training workshops on phenotypic testing, molecular diagnostics, Whole Genome Sequencing, and AMR surveillance. With substantial funding from the Pandemic Fund and the Fleming Fund, CARPHA is enhancing laboratory upgrades, workforce training, and surveillance integration across the region. Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA’s Executive Director, emphasizes the urgency of collective action: ‘Antimicrobial resistance threatens the health and development of every Caribbean nation. Success requires the involvement of governments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, farmers, laboratories, and the public.’ CARPHA continues to expand its surveillance, testing capabilities, and One Health partnerships, urging all stakeholders to champion responsible antimicrobial use and support AMR prevention initiatives.

  • The Jutagirs’ Scottish wedding rewards Barbadian strays

    The Jutagirs’ Scottish wedding rewards Barbadian strays

    Jevan Jutagir, founder of Red Advertising & Marketing, and Danielle St-Pierre recently celebrated their union in a picturesque Scottish wedding ceremony at King’s College Chapel in Aberdeen, Scotland. The historic chapel, dating back to 1498 AD, holds special significance for Jutagir, who once served as student union president at the University of Aberdeen. Guests from Barbados, Trinidad, and Canada, the bride’s birthplace, gathered to witness the joyous occasion.

  • Branch Office Burglarized; Police Launch Investigation

    Branch Office Burglarized; Police Launch Investigation

    Authorities are currently probing a break-in at a political branch office located on Federation Road, where intruders forcibly entered the premises and absconded with several items. The incident is estimated to have occurred between 4 p.m. on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, and 8 a.m. on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. The office secretary confirmed that the building was securely locked the previous afternoon but was discovered breached upon the staff’s return the following morning. Preliminary reports indicate that the perpetrator(s) utilized a heavy tool to pry open an eastern door to gain access. Among the stolen items were a laptop, a composition book, and two AAA batteries, though the total value of the missing goods remains undetermined. Despite a thorough search of the vicinity, no suspects have been apprehended. Forensic experts have been summoned to examine the scene meticulously as the investigation continues.

  • Haaland’s Norway thump sorry Italy to reach first World Cup since 1998

    Haaland’s Norway thump sorry Italy to reach first World Cup since 1998

    In a stunning display of football prowess, Norway clinched their first World Cup berth since 1998 with a commanding 4-1 victory over Italy at the rain-soaked San Siro on Sunday. The triumph sealed their spot in next summer’s finals, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker hailed as a ‘goal machine,’ was the star of the match, scoring a decisive brace within seconds in the 78th and 79th minutes. His contributions were pivotal in Norway’s flawless qualifying campaign, which saw them amass a perfect 24 points from eight matches in Group I. Italy, despite an early lead from Pio Esposito, crumbled under Norway’s relentless pressure, with Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen adding to the scoreline. The defeat left Italy six points adrift of Norway, forcing them into the play-offs for a chance at World Cup qualification. Coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed concern over his team’s second-half collapse, while Norway’s Stale Solbakken remained cautiously optimistic about their prospects in the upcoming tournament. Haaland’s remarkable form, with 16 goals in qualifying, has positioned him as one of the players to watch in North America. Italy, meanwhile, continues to grapple with inconsistency, having missed the last two World Cups despite their 2021 European Championship triumph.

  • Jamaican Jordanio James breaking barriers at UCI Cyclo-cross training camp in Switzerland

    Jamaican Jordanio James breaking barriers at UCI Cyclo-cross training camp in Switzerland

    Jordanio James, a trailblazing Jamaican cyclist, is making waves at the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Cyclo-cross Training Camp in Aigle, Switzerland. As the only Jamaican and the sole black athlete among the 30 elite riders selected globally, James is carving out a unique space in the demanding world of cyclo-cross. The camp, hosted at the UCI headquarters from November 10 to 17, 2025, is renowned as one of the most prestigious technical development programs in international cycling.

  • WATCH: St Elizabeth receives major infrastructure relief from developers

    WATCH: St Elizabeth receives major infrastructure relief from developers

    In a significant community development initiative, Ripton Group of Companies and Alcore Company have partnered to undertake a comprehensive reconstruction project in the Parottee community of St Elizabeth. The collaboration has mobilized over 70 skilled workers to address critical housing and infrastructure needs. The project includes rebuilding homes from the foundation, installing solar-powered street lights to enhance safety and visibility, and providing essential amenities such as mattresses, toilets, and wash areas for residents. Company executives have acknowledged the high demand for such assistance and reaffirmed their dedication to sustaining these efforts to improve living conditions in the area. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward fostering long-term community resilience and well-being.

  • Chinese Benevolent Society donates hurricane relief supplies to Falmouth Hospital

    Chinese Benevolent Society donates hurricane relief supplies to Falmouth Hospital

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny, Jamaica, received a much-needed lifeline on Friday, courtesy of the Chinese Benevolent Society (CBS). The organization donated a wide array of essential relief items, including toilet tissue, bottled water, food supplies, baby pampers, blankets, and other critical care products. The formal handover ceremony took place at the hospital, where Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the hospital and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Dr. Tufton, who was inspecting the Spanish-donated field hospital at the site, lauded the donation as a heartwarming act of compassion during a trying period for the Jamaican people. He emphasized the importance of such gestures in fostering a sense of global solidarity and humanity. Johnny Hung, representing the Chinese Benevolent Society, reiterated the organization’s commitment to aiding communities across Jamaica as they recover from the storm’s aftermath. This donation marks the third such contribution by the CBS to hospitals in the region, with plans to extend further assistance wherever possible. The initiative is part of a broader national relief effort, as public institutions grapple with the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which has left parts of the island without power, disrupted infrastructure, and heightened the demand for emergency services. The Chinese Benevolent Society has a longstanding history of charitable work in Jamaica, and this latest contribution underscores its enduring dedication to supporting the island’s recovery and resilience.