Carib Scope

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  • JCPD continues to support persons with disabilities impacted by hurricane

    JCPD continues to support persons with disabilities impacted by hurricane

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – During the Christmas period, the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering ongoing assistance to individuals with disabilities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Executive Director Dr. Christine Hendricks emphasized the organization’s dedication to both immediate relief and long-term recovery, while also addressing the psychological toll of the disaster.

    Dr. Hendricks called on the public to help identify vulnerable individuals who might not be registered with the council, stating, “We encourage anyone involved in relief efforts to notify us if they encounter persons with disabilities requiring support.”

    The council has implemented psychosocial programs for both staff and affected individuals, including prayer sessions and trauma counseling, to address the widespread emotional distress caused by the unprecedented hurricane—which brought winds reaching 185 miles per hour. “Many have endured severe trauma,” Dr. Hendricks noted. “These sessions provide essential tools for recovery.”

    In December, the JCPD also distributed funds through its Economic Empowerment Grant (EEG) program, which offers up to $200,000 for individual applicants and $400,000 for groups to start or expand businesses. However, Dr. Hendricks clarified that current grant funds are depleted, and new applications from hurricane-affected individuals cannot be processed until the new financial year begins in April or May.

    For those in agriculture, the council is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining to ensure farmers with disabilities receive necessary aid to rebuild their livelihoods. Additionally, UNESCO is assisting in procuring assistive devices for those in need.

    The JCPD encourages registration through its “I Am Able – My JCPD” app, WhatsApp, social media, or website. Dr. Hendricks stressed that registration is essential for accessing financial benefits and grants, urging community and church leaders to help spread awareness.

  • Clarendon cop, unlicensed to drive, in hot water after crashing police vehicle

    Clarendon cop, unlicensed to drive, in hot water after crashing police vehicle

    A Jamaican law enforcement officer from the May Pen Police Station is facing serious disciplinary proceedings following an unauthorized operation of a police vehicle that resulted in a dramatic early-morning collision. The incident, which occurred in Clarendon, has raised questions about protocol adherence within the force.

    Investigations reveal the constable, who lacked proper driving credentials, appropriated the service vehicle without obtaining mandatory authorization from the assigned officer. The illicit joyride commenced in the pre-dawn hours Thursday, shortly after 3:00 AM local time.

    According to preliminary reports, the officer lost control of the vehicle while navigating a section of road in May Pen. The subsequent collision with a roadside wall propelled the car into a gully, where it overturned. While no injuries were reported in the single-vehicle accident, the police cruiser sustained extensive damage in the crash.

    The incident has prompted internal reviews regarding vehicle management protocols and officer compliance with regulations. Police authorities have confirmed the constable is currently undergoing intensive questioning as part of standard investigative procedures following misuse of departmental resources.

  • Massy Group’s after tax profit rises 14%

    Massy Group’s after tax profit rises 14%

    Massy Group has announced exceptional financial performance for fiscal year 2025, achieving a record-breaking profit after tax of $766.3 million. The Trinidad-based conglomerate demonstrated robust growth with third-party revenue reaching $15.8 billion and net cash value climbing to $1.67 billion, signaling strong financial health across its diversified portfolio.

    The 14% year-over-year profit increase from $674 million in 2024 reflects enhanced operational efficiency and strategic portfolio management. According to the December 18 financial disclosure, the company’s success stemmed from significant advancements across multiple sectors including retail, gas production, automotive machinery, and financial services.

    Integrated retail emerged as the dominant revenue generator, contributing over $9 billion—a 4% increase from previous periods. The motors and machines division achieved $3.73 billion in revenue despite an 18% decline in pre-tax profits to $186 million. Notably, gas products demonstrated remarkable profitability with an 8% profit surge to $385 million, even as revenue decreased by 6% to $2.03 billion.

    Shareholders benefited substantially from the company’s performance, with total dividends per share rising 5% to $17.70. Earnings per share jumped 9% to $36.49, representing a 9.8% earnings yield. The company’s share price appreciated by 5%, delivering investors a total return of 12.18%.

    These financial milestones coincide with significant leadership changes as James McLetchie assumed the role of Group President and CEO on October 1, succeeding David Affonso after his three-decade tenure. The organization also welcomed Ivette Zuniga as Chief Financial Officer and Ryan Latchu as CEO of the motors and machines portfolio.

    Chairman Robert Riley characterized 2025 as “a year of progress and renewal,” emphasizing the company’s investments in technology, innovation, and talent development. Despite these achievements, the Consumer Affairs Division’s December 18 supermarket price evaluation identified Massy as having some of the highest prices nationally, particularly in meat, fruits, and dry goods categories across over 40 assessed supermarkets.

  • Man dies in police custody at Fox Hill police station

    Man dies in police custody at Fox Hill police station

    A 35-year-old man in police custody awaiting burglary charges died Thursday morning at the Fox Hill Police Station after becoming unresponsive during a physical altercation with officers attempting to escort him to court.

    According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Anton Rahming, the detainee had been held for two days prior to his scheduled court appearance when he resisted officers’ attempts to remove him from his cell. The confrontation escalated when the man allegedly became aggressive toward personnel.

    “Initial attempts by two officers to handcuff the individual were met with physical resistance,” ACP Rahming stated during a press briefing outside the station. “The detainee grasped onto one officer, requiring additional personnel to intervene. During the subduing process, they observed he had become unresponsive.”

    Emergency Medical Services were immediately summoned to the facility. Upon arrival, EMS personnel conducted an examination and confirmed the man had succumbed at the station. ACP Rahming noted that no visible injuries, signs of vomiting, or prior known medical conditions were documented for the deceased individual.

    The coroner has been notified and a comprehensive investigation has been launched, including a post-mortem examination to establish the precise cause of death. Authorities are also working to notify the man’s next of kin.

    In response to questions regarding station protocols, ACP Rahming confirmed that no medical personnel are permanently stationed at the Fox Hill facility. When questioned about a recent unrelated escape incident from police custody, he emphasized that the matters were distinct and declined to comment on broader security concerns pending the outcome of the current investigation.

  • Dominica’s opposition leader warns of deepening crisis in country

    Dominica’s opposition leader warns of deepening crisis in country

    ROSEAU, Dominica – In a stark assessment of national affairs, United Workers Party (UWP) leader Dr. Thompson Fontaine has declared Dominica to be facing a multidimensional governance crisis characterized by escalating violence, environmental degradation, electoral integrity concerns, and increasing international isolation.

    During his Christmas address to citizens both domestically and overseas, Fontaine asserted that the festive season provides little comfort for a nation grappling with profound challenges. He highlighted the tragic loss of 22 young lives through violent incidents within the past year, creating widespread despair among families nationwide.

    A particularly urgent concern raised involves the United States’ decision to implement partial travel restrictions for Dominican immigrants and non-immigrants starting January 2026. Fontaine attributed this development directly to the government’s management of the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, warning that thousands of citizens could face entry denials affecting students, families, and medical travelers. He further cautioned that without substantive reforms within six months, partial restrictions could escalate to a comprehensive ban.

    The opposition leader revealed he had expressed apprehensions about the CBI program as early as 2009, citing inadequate due diligence procedures and allegations of passport sales to individuals with criminal backgrounds. A significant legal challenge filed by the UWP demanding accountability and transparency in the program is scheduled for judicial review on January 26, 2026.

    Environmental protection emerged as another critical issue, with Fontaine condemning the alleged destruction of rainforest areas at Deux Branches. He accused the administration of bypassing environmental regulations and proceeding with development activities without conducting proper impact assessments. The opposition leader challenged governmental claims that the location represents the only viable source of construction materials for the proposed international airport and demanded immediate cessation of quarrying operations.

    Addressing public safety concerns, Fontaine criticized the government’s response to rising firearm violence, alleging failures in intercepting illegal weapons imports. He called for comprehensive strategies to combat criminal activity and address mounting mental health challenges, particularly among youth demographics. The UWP has proposed establishing a bipartisan committee to collaboratively address these pressing issues.

    Electoral reform discussions featured prominently in Fontaine’s address, with accusations that the Electoral Office’s voter confirmation process potentially disenfranchises thousands of citizens. Specific objections included the elimination of birth certificates as valid identification, problematic placement of confirmation centers, and staffing arrangements that allegedly favor the ruling Dominica Labour Party. The opposition leader demanded reinstatement of photo-identified birth certificates, expanded confirmation facilities in underserved communities, and enhanced procedural transparency to safeguard democratic integrity.

    Despite the grave criticisms, Fontaine concluded with a message of determination, urging citizens to harness their inner strength and pursue change through democratic mechanisms. He outlined the UWP’s development framework titled ‘Ten Pillars with Shared Prosperity for All,’ emphasizing youth empowerment, agricultural renewal, environmental conservation, wage improvements, and support systems for elderly and vulnerable populations.

    ‘Dominica’s financial resources belong to its people,’ Fontaine asserted. ‘When we ensure these resources reach citizens’ pockets, the inevitable outcome is reduced poverty and enhanced prosperity for all.’

  • ‘It’s time to go solar’: Businesses urged to switch energy source after JPS increase

    ‘It’s time to go solar’: Businesses urged to switch energy source after JPS increase

    In the wake of a sanctioned 7% electricity rate increase, Jamaican enterprises are facing intensified financial strain, prompting urgent calls from industry leaders to transition to solar energy solutions. Garnett Reid, President of the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ), has publicly advocated for this shift, citing the devastating economic aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa and the compounding pressure of rising operational costs.

    The hurricane, which struck the island’s southwestern region on October 28, has precipitated a severe decline in sales, with reports indicating a 20-30% reduction in revenue for small and medium-sized businesses. Reid emphasized that this downturn, coupled with the newly approved utility hike, threatens the viability of numerous enterprises during the critical holiday season. ‘Many businesses will not experience a Merry Christmas,’ he stated. ‘They will either operate at a loss or barely break even.’

    Electricity represents one of the most substantial input costs for Jamaican businesses, powering essential equipment from refrigeration and manufacturing machinery to computing systems. The increase, approved by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), is attributed to JPS’s heightened reliance on costlier fuel alternatives after Hurricane Melissa disrupted natural gas supplies. The storm also caused an estimated 30% reduction in JPS’s sales, further driving up the fuel and Independent Power Producer (IPP) rates.

    Reid expressed particular disappointment with the management of JPS and the perceived lack of transparency regarding a $150 million loan allocated to the utility for restoration efforts. He has called upon Energy Minister Daryl Vaz to provide clarity on the loan’s utilization, questioning whether it was intended to aid consumers directly.

    To mitigate future vulnerability, the SBAJ president strongly recommends that businesses invest in solar power to achieve greater energy independence and cost predictability. Furthermore, Reid advocates for structural reform in Jamaica’s energy sector, urging the government not to renew the JPS contract under current terms and to encourage market competition to improve service quality and pricing.

  • Trump health chief seeks to bar trans youth from gender-affirming care

    Trump health chief seeks to bar trans youth from gender-affirming care

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has unveiled a comprehensive proposal that would severely restrict gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth nationwide. Announced on Thursday by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the measures would withdraw critical federal funding from healthcare facilities providing transition-related services to minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgical interventions.

    The proposed regulations, which must undergo formal review and public commentary before implementation, would prohibit Medicaid reimbursements for gender-affirming care provided to minors. More significantly, the policy would revoke all Medicare and Medicaid funding from any hospital offering such services—a move that would create substantial financial pressure on medical institutions to cease providing these treatments.

    Secretary Kennedy characterized gender-affirming care as ‘malpractice’ grounded in ‘junk science driven by ideological pursuits,’ echoing the conclusions of a departmental report compiled earlier this year by critics of gender transition therapies. The report emphasized potential risks associated with these treatments and recommended psychological counseling prior to medical interventions.

    Medical and legal experts have raised alarms about the implications of these proposals. Michael Ulrich, Professor of Public Health and Law at Boston University, warned that the measures place healthcare providers in an ‘extremely precarious position,’ noting that virtually no medical institution could operate without substantial federal funding.

    The announcement has triggered strong opposition from medical associations and civil rights organizations. The American Academy of Pediatrics condemned the proposals as ‘harmful,’ stating they ‘help no one, do nothing to address healthcare costs, and unfairly stigmatize a vulnerable population.’ The American Civil Liberties Union pledged legal challenges, calling the measures ‘cruel’ and ‘unconstitutional.’

    Medical professionals who provide gender-affirming care emphasized its critical importance. Dr. Zoe Taylor, a family physician in Washington state, described these treatments as ‘life-saving,’ noting that in her practice she has witnessed ‘youth thrive once their gender dysphoria is treated.’

    The proposal represents a significant escalation of the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict transgender rights and marks a potentially precedent-setting expansion of federal authority over medical decision-making. Legal experts warn that such intervention could establish dangerous precedents for government control over healthcare practices beyond transgender medicine.

  • New EMA board gives approval to 2 EOG wells

    New EMA board gives approval to 2 EOG wells

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has formally issued a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) to Houston-based EOG Resources for offshore gas exploration activities. The authorization permits the company to proceed with drilling operations at two designated gas wells, TG1 and TG2, situated within the NCMA 4(a) Unlimited Block off the nation’s North Coast.

    The approval marks the first CEC issued by the EMA under its newly appointed board of directors. Chairman Doolar Ramlal emphasized that the decision was rendered well within the statutory timeframe, highlighting the agency’s dedication to efficient, transparent, and timely regulatory processes. The application, initially submitted on March 5, underwent a comprehensive technical review. This rigorous assessment included advanced hydrocarbon spill modeling, drill cuttings dispersion analysis based on comparable offshore projects, and evaluation of a detailed emergency response plan for potential accidents and natural disasters.

    EOG Resources, which has maintained operations in Trinidad and Tobago since the 1990s, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country’s upstream energy sector. This sentiment was echoed during a November meeting between EOG Chairman Ezra Yacob and Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal. Both parties expressed mutual interest in strengthening collaboration to boost oil and gas production, advance the nation’s hydrocarbon development agenda, and support broader energy objectives. The UNC government acknowledged EOG’s consistent contributions to local production and emphasized its commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with industry stakeholders.

    The EMA’s approval demonstrates a balanced approach to facilitating energy development while upholding stringent environmental safeguards, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for sustainable national development.

  • Towards a better Christmas

    Towards a better Christmas

    In a poignant seasonal reflection, commentator Steve Alvarez contemplates the universal human experience of navigating life’s inevitable challenges alongside moments of profound joy. Writing during the Christmas period, Alvarez observes how both personal hardships—from financial instability and housing struggles to illness and loss—and collective crises like wars and famines test human resilience.

    The central thesis examines the fundamental role of governance in managing these challenges. Alvarez argues that citizens delegate crucial responsibilities—education, healthcare, public safety, and community maintenance—to elected officials precisely because these services exceed individual capabilities. This delegation, however, carries immense responsibility that should never translate into exploitation or self-aggrandizement.

    With Christmas symbolism as backdrop, the commentary calls for a renewed commitment to servant leadership. Alvarez invokes the Christmas narrative’s emphasis on love and sharing as foundational principles that should guide political representation. The piece advocates for recognizing human diversity as strength rather than division, drawing parallels to the natural world’s varied beauty.

    The reflection culminates in an impassioned appeal for national unity in Trinidad and Tobago. Alvarez emphasizes that overcoming life’s ‘storms’ depends not on their cessation but on collective management through political will and mutual appreciation. The commentary closes with a seasonal hope that elected representatives might prioritize service over self-interest, working toward realizing TT’s potential as a ‘perfect paradise’ where citizens unite to improve life for all.

  • ‘It’s a scam’: Charles Jr warns of fraudulent social media accounts using his image

    ‘It’s a scam’: Charles Jr warns of fraudulent social media accounts using his image

    Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr has issued an urgent public alert regarding sophisticated fraudulent schemes exploiting his identity and official ministry branding to deceive citizens. The minister revealed that scammers are utilizing fabricated social media content featuring his likeness, voice, and official logos to solicit payments under false pretenses of securing placements in overseas employment programs.

    During a press engagement at the Jamaica Observer’s headquarters, Minister Charles Jr explicitly stated that criminal actors are operating multiple fraudulent pages across TikTok and Instagram platforms. These pages feature manipulated video content and counterfeit ministry communications to create the illusion of legitimacy, ultimately convincing victims to transfer funds for non-existent opportunities in agricultural work programs abroad.

    This warning follows earlier alerts issued by the Ministry regarding unauthorized use of the minister’s image, particularly highlighting the TikTok account @ramondlewis0. However, the minister confirmed that new fraudulent pages continue to emerge weekly, indicating an escalating pattern of digital impersonation crimes.

    The minister emphasized that legitimate government programs never require upfront payments for participation consideration. The only authorized fees are visa-related costs, and these are exclusively processed after applicants have successfully completed interviews and received formal acceptance. Minister Charles Jr disclosed that he has personally encountered victims of these scams, including one individual who reported losing $40,000 to the fraudulent scheme.

    Official participation in overseas employment programs occurs exclusively through formal Government of Jamaica channels. Citizens are advised to verify all program information through official ministry communications and report suspicious social media accounts to authorities immediately.