Carib Scope

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  • Griffith defends US, slams Venezuela:‘Some people love Caracas more than Maracas’

    Griffith defends US, slams Venezuela:‘Some people love Caracas more than Maracas’

    In a striking intervention into regional geopolitics, former Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has issued a forceful call for national defense strengthening while offering a robust defense of United States positioning in escalating tensions with Venezuela.

    The retired official, who previously served as both National Security Minister and security advisor, delivered his assessment through a December 19th Facebook video address. Griffith framed the current situation as one where Venezuela, unable to directly confront the United States, is instead targeting smaller neighboring nations like Trinidad and Tobago through intimidation tactics.

    ‘Let’s be unequivocal: Trinidad and Tobago has not threatened Venezuela. The United States has,’ stated Griffith, drawing an analogy to boxing weight classes. ‘This represents the geopolitical equivalent of a heavyweight boxer striking a middleweight, and that middleweight, too intimidated to respond to the heavyweight, subsequently turns to threaten a lightweight who never attacked him.’

    Griffith systematically addressed several claims advanced by Venezuelan officials, including allegations that Trinidad serves as a operational base for destabilizing Venezuela, facilitates U.S. military activities, and participated in the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. He contextualized these developments within historical patterns, noting that territorial claims frequently precede concrete actions.

    The former security chief referenced Venezuela’s previous declaration of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as persona non grata and termination of bilateral gas agreements as evidence of escalating tensions. He characterized Venezuela’s recent warning to Trinidad regarding potential U.S. actions as ‘perhaps the most reckless statement yet.’

    Griffith advocated for immediate high-level diplomatic engagement with the United States explicitly focused on safeguarding Trinidad’s security interests. His recommendations encompassed substantial military enhancements including helicopter acquisitions for the Air Guard, armed and surveillance drone capabilities, and modernization of Coast Guard vessels allegedly neglected by previous administrations.

    The proposed defense package additionally includes surface-to-air missile systems, establishment of a national operational war room, and support for expanded defense force recruitment. Griffith emphasized the necessity of strategic planning to manage illegal immigration flows while warning that delayed action could prove catastrophic.

    He concluded with an urgent appeal for national unity, asserting that without United States support, Trinidad would face severe limitations in defending itself against potential aggression.

  • Independence Foreign Song organiser to host Melissathon on Dec 21

    Independence Foreign Song organiser to host Melissathon on Dec 21

    A groundbreaking virtual benefit event dubbed ‘Melissathon’ is scheduled for December 21st, organized by Jamaican entrepreneur Dr. Garfield McCook from his base in Atlanta, Georgia. This innovative musical marathon aims to generate crucial funds for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage through Jamaica in late October.

    The three-hour streaming event will broadcast live from APAP Media Group Studios in Stone Mountain, Georgia, airing simultaneously on Facebook and YouTube platforms from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST. Dr. McCook, founder of the Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC), has assembled an impressive roster of musical talent from previous competition years to participate in this humanitarian initiative.

    The conceptual framework emerged from McCook’s desire to leverage his platform for meaningful disaster response. “The vision crystallized as I contemplated how JIIFSC could contribute to hurricane relief efforts,” McCook explained. “We’ve created a format where 47 competition artists will showcase their entries from 2021 through 2025 while encouraging donations for Melissa victims – hence the portmanteau ‘Melissathon.’”

    Notable performers include all five JIIFSC winners: Lavie Lujah, Barrington (GoddySon) Burke-Green, Leon “Letonick” Denton, Lionel Denton, Ernel Earlington/Doxology, and Lee “Preist” Johnson. The event will feature co-hosts Tony Anthony, Paul Abrahams, Mr Mighty, and Richard “Missa B” Blackford alongside McCook.

    The organizer personally witnessed the destruction in Falmouth, Trelawny, and the particularly devastated Black River region of St. Elizabeth following the Category 5 hurricane’s October 28th landfall. All proceeds generated through donations at jiifsc.com will be formally transferred to appropriate Jamaican authorities for targeted disaster recovery efforts.

  • Project STAR, UNDP launch ‘Cash for Work’ initiative in Savanna-la-Mar and Salt Spring

    Project STAR, UNDP launch ‘Cash for Work’ initiative in Savanna-la-Mar and Salt Spring

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Project STAR has initiated a comprehensive recovery program in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Cash for Care & Work Initiative represents a strategic shift from traditional relief distribution toward sustainable recovery efforts focused on restoring livelihoods and community stability.

    The program targets residents of Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland and Salt Spring in St. James, offering short-term employment opportunities centered on safe debris removal from homes, public areas, and critical access routes. This approach simultaneously addresses both infrastructure rehabilitation and income disruption within affected communities.

    Through Project STAR’s established economic training framework, workers receive specialized instruction in safe handling protocols, proper protective equipment usage, and environmentally responsible disposal and recycling methods. This training component ensures both immediate employment and skill development for longer-term resilience.

    Saffrey Brown, Project STAR’s director, emphasized the program’s human-centered philosophy: “This initiative reflects our deliberate focus on longer-term recovery that places people and dignity at the center. We’re moving beyond simple relief distribution while acknowledging many households remain under significant emotional, economic, and social strain.”

    The program incorporates multiple support dimensions, including assistance for households facing increased caregiving demands due to hurricane impacts. Additionally, a limited number of micro and small business operators who sustained substantial losses will receive support to restart operations and restore income stability.

    UNDP Multi-country Office Jamaica Resident Representative Dr. Kishan Khoday highlighted the partnership’s strategic importance: “The need for collaborative responses to support Jamaica’s most vulnerable communities has never been greater. This partnership delivers practical solutions where they are needed most.”

    Civil society organizations within affected communities are facilitating transparent beneficiary selection and ongoing monitoring to ensure measurable impact. Selection criteria prioritize those most severely affected, including women-headed households, elderly residents, persons with disabilities, and low-income families.

    Brown noted the program’s foundational principles of fairness, inclusion, and accountability, particularly for communities that experienced heightened vulnerability before the hurricane. The initiative represents a dual approach addressing immediate needs while building community preparedness and capacity for future challenges.

  • After Hurricane Melissa, TuffHeart is hoping for a better Jamaica

    After Hurricane Melissa, TuffHeart is hoping for a better Jamaica

    Jamaican recording artist TuffHeart has articulated a powerful vision for national recovery and cultural transformation following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on western parishes. In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, the artist formerly known as RP outlined his hopes for Jamaica’s spiritual and social rebuilding by 2026.

    Reflecting on recent challenges, TuffHeart stated: “Jamaica has endured tremendous trials emotionally, spiritually, and socially. Yet adversity often brings purification. My aspiration for 2026 extends beyond mere survival to genuine healing with clear direction. I envision a Jamaica restored to balance where youth embrace vision instead of violence, and opportunity replaces frustration. Education, creativity, and culture must become our instruments of change rather than firearms. We must safeguard young minds with the same vigilance we protect our national borders.”

    The artist emphasized the need for compassionate leadership, community unity, and family stability, noting that “Jamaica possesses too much brilliance to remain trapped in pain. Though our island is small, our spirit remains mighty. By 2026, I hope to see Jamaica standing stronger, rooted in heritage, guided by wisdom, and progressing with love.”

    Regarding his recent professional rebranding, the artist explained the significance behind his new identity: “TuffHeart represents the fusion of divine identity and musical purpose. While RP signified my Real Personality—a Jah-given foundation rooted in truth—TuffHeart embodies strength, focus, healing, resilience, and leadership. This transformation reflects alignment between mind, body, and spirit, expressed through authentically imperfect music with charismatic influence.”

    TuffHeart detailed his artistic evolution from his origins in Kingston’s challenging Sherlock Crescent neighborhood: “My musical journey represents a transformation from survival to purpose, from noise to meaning. Those streets shaped my awareness and resilience but never dictated my artistic direction. I consciously chose to channel pain into power through music that plants seeds of healing and love rather than perpetuating struggle.”

    The artist’s recent creative output includes last year’s EP “The Art of Music,” which he describes as “crafted from deep consciousness with intentional production from Young Lion Production. Every rhythm was designed not merely to sound pleasing but to carry meaningful messages and spiritual vibrations.”

    His current single “Oh Girls” has gained significant airplay across Jamaican radio stations. TuffHeart characterizes the track as “a celebration of feminine energy, love, and appreciation conveyed through smooth, conscious vibrations. The song embodies admiration without exploitation, joy without ego—reminding us that pure appreciation constitutes its own form of healing.”

  • Free entry to Mobay United clash against Waterhouse at Jarrett Park

    Free entry to Mobay United clash against Waterhouse at Jarrett Park

    In a heartfelt gesture of appreciation, Montego Bay United Football Club has announced free general admission for all spectators at their upcoming Jamaica Premier League match against Waterhouse FC this Sunday at Jarrett Park. Club Chairman Yoni Epstein revealed the decision as a special ‘thank you’ to loyal supporters who have stood by the team through recent challenges.

    The match marks a significant homecoming for the club, representing their first game in Montego Bay since Hurricane Melissa struck on October 28th. The severe storm caused substantial damage to their regular home venue, the Montego Bay Sports Complex, forcing the team to temporarily relocate their home games to the historic Jarrett Park facility.

    Epstein expressed gratitude to fans for their ‘continued support throughout everything with Hurricane Melissa,’ acknowledging that ‘we have all been affected in many different ways.’ The club’s decision to ‘fly the gates’ – making entry complimentary – serves as both a reward for dedicated supporters and an invitation to the community to rally behind their local team.

    Jarrett Park carries deep historical significance as Montego Bay’s premier sports venue since the 1950s, when the Kerr-Jarrett family gifted the property to the city. The stadium has hosted numerous St James parish teams in national club football competitions, including former championship sides Violet Kickers, Seba United, and Wadadah FC.

    Since the league’s resumption, Montego Bay United has played three consecutive away matches in Kingston, including Monday’s 1-0 victory over Arnett Gardens at the refurbished Anthony Spaulding Complex. Epstein emphasized the club’s tireless efforts to ‘bring football back to western Jamaica and the iconic giant park’ after several weeks without local matches.

    The chairman concluded with an impassioned appeal to supporters: ‘We just want to say, come out and support the team, support the club, support the city and thank you from the club and the players and the staff.’

  • Caricom urges quick resolution to visa issue with United States

    Caricom urges quick resolution to visa issue with United States

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana—Heads of Government from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have formally expressed deep concern regarding a recent United States proclamation imposing partial entry restrictions on nationals from Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth of Dominica. The Bureau of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government, which includes the prime ministers of Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica, issued a statement late Friday highlighting the disruptive potential of the policy on legitimate travel, regional economic stability, and longstanding people-to-people exchanges.

    While acknowledging the sovereign right of any nation to regulate its borders, the Bureau emphasized its dismay that the significant decision was enacted unilaterally without prior diplomatic consultation. The leaders pointed to the particular vulnerability of small island states, where such policies can disproportionately impact social well-being and economic vitality.

    The US policy, enacted via an executive order, specifically suspends entry for immigrants and nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas from these nations. The justification centers on concerns over Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, which allow foreign investors to obtain citizenship through financial contributions without mandatory residency. US authorities argue these programs present significant security challenges, potentially enabling individuals to circumvent existing travel restrictions or conceal their identities and assets.

    In a positive development following the Caricom statement, both affected nations announced that Washington had agreed to temporarily suspend the policy’s implementation. Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US confirmed that all existing visas for its nationals would remain valid and not be revoked. Future visa applications submitted after January 1, 2026, will be subject to new, yet-to-be-finalized arrangements focused on enhancing biometric data collection to ensure compatibility with US systems.

    Caricom leaders have called for urgent engagement with US officials to clarify the proclamation’s details and address outstanding concerns, reaffirming their commitment to a partnership built on mutual respect and the rule of law.

  • Joshua knocks out Paul to win Netflix boxing bout

    Joshua knocks out Paul to win Netflix boxing bout

    MIAMI – In a highly anticipated crossover event that polarized the boxing world, former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua decisively ended his contest against social media personality Jake Paul with a sixth-round knockout. The Friday night spectacle, streamed globally on Netflix from Miami’s Kaseya Center, culminated with Joshua connecting a devastating right hand that sent Paul collapsing to the canvas.

    The bout, which guaranteed both participants a share of a monumental $184 million purse, highlighted the dramatic disparity in experience between the two-time world champion and the YouTube creator turned pugilist. Despite concerns from boxing purists about the matchup’s legitimacy, Paul demonstrated unexpected resilience by surviving into the middle rounds before Joshua’s superior power and technique proved overwhelming.

    The contest featured awkward moments that drew criticism from spectators and officials alike. Referee Christopher Young openly expressed frustration during the fourth round, chastising both fighters with audible remarks about the disappointing quality of action. Paul frequently resorted to unorthodox tactics, including dropping to the canvas and attempting to grapple with Joshua’s legs.

    Post-fight medical evaluation confirmed Paul’s suspicion of a double jaw fracture, visible in a radiograph shared on his social media platforms. Joshua acknowledged his own performance fell short of ideal, stating: ‘The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him. It took longer than expected but the right hand finally found its destination.’

    Despite the one-sided outcome, Joshua offered respect for his opponent’s determination: ‘I want to give him his props – he got up time and time again. It takes a real man to do that.’ Paul remained characteristically optimistic despite the loss, vowing to continue his boxing ambitions: ‘I gave it my all. Anthony’s one of the best to ever do it. I’m gonna come back and get a world championship.’

    With this victory, Joshua now looks toward a potential historic showdown with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury in 2026, potentially ending years of failed negotiations between the two champions.

  • Coaches chase maiden glory as Cornwall, Clarendon battle for Ben Francis Cup

    Coaches chase maiden glory as Cornwall, Clarendon battle for Ben Francis Cup

    Two emerging coaching talents in Jamaican high school football are poised for a monumental confrontation in the Ben Francis Cup final this afternoon at the National Stadium. Cornwall College’s Hector Wright and Clarendon College’s Devon Anderson, both in their inaugural seasons leading their respective programs, seek to secure their first major trophy at 3:00 pm kickoff.

    Wright assumed leadership at Cornwall College following Theodore Whitmore’s departure, having previously served as assistant coach for the historically successful program. Meanwhile, Anderson brought substantial experience from successful tenures at Holy Trinity High and Hydel High in urban competitions when he succeeded Lenworth Hyde at Clarendon College.

    The match represents significant opportunity for both institutions. Cornwall College aims to claim their first championship title since making history as the first daCosta Cup team to capture the ISSA Champions Cup in 2018. Their opponents, Clarendon College, pursue their fifth Ben Francis Cup victory after claiming the trophy in 2023 and now appearing in consecutive finals.

    Both coaches acknowledge the transformative potential of a championship victory for their nascent tenures. Wright characterized his squad as ‘resilient,’ emphasizing that maximum effort regardless of fatigue would constitute success. His team rebounded impressively after narrowly missing daCosta Cup semi-final qualification, demonstrating mental fortitude according to Friday’s statements to the Jamaica Observer.

    Anderson described his inaugural season as a ‘roller coaster’ adaptation period involving new competition structures, player personnel, institutional expectations, and administrative dynamics. His extensive experience in high-pressure scenarios includes guiding Holy Trinity to the 2014 ISSA Flow Cup final and achieving Manning Cup finalist status with Hydel.

    The Clarendon coach noted several players returned from last year’s squad that fell to St Elizabeth Technical in the Ben Francis final, creating heightened motivation despite physical exhaustion from an intense schedule. Their path to the final included a narrow quarter-final defeat to Christiana High in daCosta Cup play, followed by victories over Garvey Maceo High and a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout triumph against Manning’s School after a 1-1 regulation draw.

  • EAGLES RISE!

    EAGLES RISE!

    Excelsior High School triumphed over Jamaica College (JC) with a decisive 2-0 victory in the ISSA Wata Manning Cup final at the National Stadium on Friday, ending a two-decade championship drought. The long-awaited win marks their eighth Manning Cup title, with their previous victories dating back to 1953 and 2004.

    The breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Kimarley Scott demonstrated clinical precision, capitalizing on a turnover forced by Excelsior’s relentless pressure. JC’s commitment to playing out from the back proved costly as their midfield was dispossessed, allowing Scott to strike decisively from inside the penalty area.

    As regulation time expired, Shamarie Chambers—whose long throws had threatened throughout the contest—delivered another spectacular service that Kivann Salmon converted in the 96th minute, securing the victory beyond any doubt.

    The match began as a tactical battle between two impeccably coached sides. JC, undefeated throughout the season until this final, created several promising opportunities. Jamone Lyles fired over the crossbar in the 10th minute, while Duwayne Burgher missed narrowly from close range nine minutes later. JC’s Dontae Logan and Malique Bucknor also orchestrated dangerous attacks that ultimately failed to produce goals.

    Excelsior’s strategy leveraged long balls and set pieces to exploit Scott’s speed and technical ability, consistently testing JC’s defensive resolve. Meanwhile, Chambers’ prodigious throw-ins created persistent problems for Jamaica College’s backline.

    The victory carries particular significance for Excelsior, who suffered defeats in last year’s Walker Cup and Under-16 finals. For Jamaica College, the loss represents their first and only defeat of the season, despite having beaten Excelsior 2-1 in quarterfinal action earlier this month.

  • BIG BOYS RUMBLE!

    BIG BOYS RUMBLE!

    The National Stadium prepares to host a monumental clash in Jamaican schoolboy football as undefeated St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) confronts Glenmuir High in the ISSA daCosta Cup final this evening at 6:00 pm. This championship duel represents a classic showdown between STETHS’s impeccable defensive record and Glenmuir’s proven resilience, setting the stage for a tactical battle between two battle-hardened squads.

    STETHS enters this final pursuing a historic achievement: becoming the sixth team in recent history to complete an entire season undefeated while simultaneously chasing their sixth hold on the prestigious daCosta Cup trophy. Their campaign has been characterized by defensive mastery, conceding merely six goals across 19 matches while keeping 13 clean sheets. Coach Omar ‘Rambo’ Wedderburn emphasizes that statistical dominance means little unless players “follow instructions” and “carry out their responsibilities” effectively in the championship decider.

    Standing opposite them is Glenmuir High, a three-time champion program that has established itself as the most consistent rural area school over the past three seasons. Despite winning back-to-back ISSA Champions Cup titles, Glenmuir seeks redemption after suffering heartbreak in last year’s daCosta Cup final and semifinal exits in previous campaigns. Their journey to this final demonstrated remarkable character, rallying from a goal deficit to defeat Dinthill Technical 2-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal clash.

    The narrative extends beyond the pitch, with both teams overcoming adversity beyond athletic competition. Their seasons were extended by several weeks due to Hurricane Melissa’s late October passage, which left trails of destruction across Jamaica, adding emotional weight to their championship pursuits.

    Glenmuir’s evolution under Coach Andrew Peart, who now prepares for his second final in three seasons, reveals a team transformed since their humbling 2-6 defeat to Clarendon College three years ago. Peart notes their semifinal comeback exemplifies newfound resilience: “We can win in more ways than one — whether we lead from the start or we have to come from behind.” His tactical emphasis focuses on starting stronger, controlling game tempo, and converting opportunities clinically.

    The match also represents a regional power shift challenge. Clarendon-based schools have dominated the past six daCosta Cup titles, with Clarendon College claiming four and Garvey Maceo securing two. STETHS, as the only St Elizabeth school to win since 1964, last raised the trophy in 2015, making this final an opportunity to break Clarendon’s stronghold on rural schoolboy football supremacy.