Carib Scope

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  • ‘Shop with a Cop’ initiative gets $2 million boost

    ‘Shop with a Cop’ initiative gets $2 million boost

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Corporate entities have significantly bolstered a cherished police-community outreach program with substantial financial contributions aimed at expanding its reach. The Clarendon Police Division has received a generous $2-million Jamaican dollar donation to support the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ initiative, designed to bring holiday joy to children facing adverse circumstances or trauma.

    The funding, comprising contributions from Juici Patties staff and Continental Baking Company, was formally presented during a ceremony on December 15 at the Verandah within Juici Empowerment Park in Clarendon. This community-building program creates unique opportunities for children to select toys and gifts while accompanied by police officers, effectively fostering positive interactions and strengthening trust between law enforcement and citizens.

    Custos of Clarendon and Juici Patties director Edith Chin emphasized the program’s significance, describing it as “a simple but meaningful programme that brings children and police officers together in a positive way during the holiday season.” The substantial donation will dramatically increase the initiative’s capacity, expanding from serving 50 children in the previous year to 200 beneficiaries this holiday season.

    Continental Baking Company director Craig Hendrickson, whose organization contributed $1 million, expressed pride in supporting the initiative, noting it was “awesome to be a part of something that really helps kids, especially at this time right after Melissa. It is for those who are in need, it is something that is really special, and they will really appreciate it.”

    Superintendent Anton-Gur Cardoza, Head of Operations for Clarendon Police, shared poignant insights from previous implementations, revealing that some children prioritized practical needs over toys. “Some of these children opted to go to the supermarket, some opted to get some things that we thought were very basic, but that was something that they really wanted for their Christmas to enjoy,” he recounted. The superintendent particularly recalled one child who requested only a pair of school shoes, which police happily provided along with additional gifts from stakeholders.

    Juici Patties staff members expressed strong support for the program, with Executive Assistant Shelly-Ann Ford stating: “It is my responsibility to give back and support my company in this initiative because it is something that I am passionate about.” Management consultant Daniel Lowe praised the initiative as “a chance to spread a little love and light at this time of year,” while Marketing Manager Kellon Williams noted the importance of providing children with “a little treat outside of the essentials.”

    Originally pioneered by the St Catherine South Police Division, the Shop With a Cop program has been adopted by multiple police divisions across Jamaica, evolving into one of the JCF’s most cherished Christmas traditions that continues to strengthen community bonds.

  • 30-year low murder rate evidence of effective Gov’t policy and partnership with security forces — Fitz-Henley

    30-year low murder rate evidence of effective Gov’t policy and partnership with security forces — Fitz-Henley

    Jamaica is poised to achieve its lowest annual homicide rate in over three decades, marking a watershed moment in the nation’s long-standing battle against violent crime. With just over two weeks remaining in the year, official data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) indicates approximately 600 murders—putting the island on track to record fewer than 700 homicides for the first time since 1994.

    Abka Fitz-Henley, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, attributes this dramatic 43% reduction in murders to the Holness administration’s deliberate policy architecture and strengthened collaboration with security agencies. While acknowledging that any murder remains unacceptable, Fitz-Henley emphasized the significance of this decline within Jamaica’s historical context of violent crime.

    The government’s multifaceted strategy, implemented since 2016, includes ‘Plan Secure Jamaica’—a comprehensive roadmap presented to parliament in 2017/2018. Key components involve substantial enhancements to security forces’ intelligence capabilities, unprecedented investments in border protection technology at Jamaica Customs to intercept illegal firearms, and targeted operations to dismantle criminal networks.

    Legislative reforms have played a crucial role, including the establishment of Zones of Special Operation, amendments to anti-gang legislation, and the DNA Evidence Act. These measures have been complemented by sustained support for security personnel through increased staffing and improved working conditions.

    Despite these achievements, Fitz-Henley confirmed the administration remains focused on sustained progress rather than celebration. Prime Minister Andrew Holness and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang continue to develop additional policies aimed at further securing Jamaican society.

  • US strike on alleged drug boat in Pacific kills four

    US strike on alleged drug boat in Pacific kills four

    WASHINGTON—A recent US military operation in the eastern Pacific Ocean has resulted in the deaths of four individuals identified as suspected drug traffickers, escalating the controversial counter-narcotics campaign’s death toll to 99 since its initiation in September. The US Southern Command confirmed the lethal strike targeted a vessel allegedly operated by a designated terrorist organization engaged in narco-trafficking activities.

    The operations, conducted primarily in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, have intensified legal and ethical debates regarding their authorization and transparency. Despite military assertions of targeting narcoterrorist networks, the Trump administration has yet to provide substantive evidence linking the intercepted vessels to drug trafficking operations.

    Congressional scrutiny intensified as the Senate passed a defense policy bill demanding greater transparency, including the threat of reducing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget by 25% unless unedited videos of the campaign’s initial September 2 strike are submitted to armed services committees. During that incident, survivors of an initial attack were reportedly killed in a subsequent strike, raising allegations of potential war crimes.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Hegseth defended the operations before Congress, characterizing the September mission as ‘highly successful.’ Both officials committed to allowing congressional committees to review the strike footage under the supervision of Admiral Frank Bradley by week’s end.

    Simultaneously, the Trump administration has expanded military operations near Venezuela, declaring a blockade on oil vessels bound for Caracas. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemns these actions as attempts to force regime change under the pretext of anti-drug operations. The House of Representatives recently rejected two Democratic resolutions seeking to halt unauthorized military engagements in Venezuelan territories.

  • US has become a lawless bully

    US has become a lawless bully

    A scathing critique of the Trump administration’s foreign and domestic policies has emerged through a recent editorial correspondence, painting a picture of a nation straying from its foundational principles. The author contends that recent military actions—including the bombing of vessels and seizure of an oil tanker conducted without public evidence—constitute acts of piracy that undermine America’s moral authority to criticize other nations for illegal behaviors.

    The piece further argues that the United States has undergone a dramatic transformation from a global leader in rule of law to what the author characterizes as a ‘lawless bully’ that has eroded international trust. This assessment comes amid examination of President Trump’s domestic political challenges.

    Despite campaign promises to immediately address inflation upon taking office, the administration’s perceived lack of success in economic matters appears to be reflected in recent polling and electoral outcomes. Political analysts anticipate significant losses for the Republican party in upcoming mid-term elections, potentially resulting in Democratic control of both the House of Representatives and Senate. Such an outcome could trigger investigations into what the author describes as the president’s ‘many questionable actions.’

    The editorial suggests these political vulnerabilities may be driving a need for distraction, specifically referencing the Jeffrey Epstein affair and ongoing affordability concerns. The author questions whether Republican lawmakers who recently opposed the administration regarding Epstein documents would similarly resist potential escalation with Venezuela—a move characterized as potentially serving both diversionary purposes and expanding presidential powers during wartime.

  • Procurement expert says profession must be people-centred, value-driven

    Procurement expert says profession must be people-centred, value-driven

    The procurement profession stands at a pivotal crossroads, according to industry veteran John Dickson, who delivered a compelling keynote address at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s (CIPS) Caribbean Conference and Awards 2025. Speaking before regional supply chain leaders at Port of Spain’s Hyatt Regency on December 10, Dickson argued that procurement must fundamentally transform from its traditional cost-cutting role into a strategic driver of organizational value, resilience, and competitive advantage.

    Dickson employed a powerful iceberg analogy to illustrate how most organizations perceive procurement: “The one-ninth that a business sees is typically about cost reduction and cash generation,” he noted, emphasizing that the profession’s true depth and strategic importance remain largely submerged from executive view.

    The conference, hailed as the Caribbean’s premier gathering of procurement specialists, convened professionals across government, energy, telecommunications, logistics, and finance sectors. Sessions explored cutting-edge topics including artificial intelligence implementation, data analytics applications, and supply chain risk management.

    Drawing from four decades of industry experience, Dickson outlined procurement’s evolutionary trajectory: from 1990s cost control mechanisms through 2000s process efficiency reforms to 2010s digital transformation. The current era, he suggested, represents “true intelligent integration” powered by AI, automation, and machine learning technologies.

    However, Dickson cautioned against technological determinism, stating: “Procurement needs to align intelligence with purpose. It’s not enough to say technology will do everything for us.” He challenged delegates to consider whether their function merely influences spending patterns or actually shapes business strategy at the highest levels.

    His address resonated with broader regional concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities. Earlier panels had examined Caribbean-specific challenges including hurricane exposure, fuel price volatility, and global trade disruptions, proposing mitigation strategies such as redundancy planning and predictive analytics.

    Dickson emphasized that procurement must evolve from reactive problem-solving to predictive scenario planning. While acknowledging that not all risks can be anticipated, he insisted the profession bears responsibility for organizational protection in increasingly volatile operating environments.

    Highlighting his experience during AstraZeneca’s unprecedented eight-month COVID-19 vaccine development, Dickson demonstrated how crisis collaboration transcended traditional supplier negotiations. “That whole concept of having a common goal was critical for that ecosystem to come together,” he recalled, underscoring how shared purpose accelerated innovation.

    This informed his perspective on sustainability, which he framed not as competitive advantage but as essential risk mitigation: “I do see sustainability as a competitive disadvantage if you don’t engage with it.” He advocated for collective action within industries sharing supplier networks.

    Addressing emerging threats, Dickson highlighted cybersecurity as a critical procurement concern, referencing major attacks that have cost organizations hundreds of millions. He positioned procurement as central to resilience-building through supplier vetting, market analysis, and risk anticipation.

    Despite technological advancements, Dickson firmly rejected the notion of human obsolescence: “Human-centric talent isn’t going away. It’s going to shift. It’s going to be different.” He encouraged leaders to embrace reverse mentorship from digitally-native junior colleagues.

    Concluding with an agricultural metaphor, Dickson urged organizations to focus on foundational elements: “Looking after the soil. Cultivating the soil, look after your people. Care for your people. Know your people.” For a profession historically defined by savings metrics, he envisioned a future prioritizing strategic integration, purposeful collaboration, and the translation of intelligence into consequential business decisions.

  • Win for winemakers: Drinkers turn to homemade brews as alcohol costs soar

    Win for winemakers: Drinkers turn to homemade brews as alcohol costs soar

    Trinidad and Tobago’s recent alcohol duty increases have unexpectedly created a competitive advantage for the nation’s artisanal wine producers, transforming economic challenges into opportunities for growth. The substantial tax hikes implemented in October 2025—which doubled excise duties on spirits from $79.25 to $158.50 per litre of pure alcohol—have dramatically elevated prices of commercial liquors, effectively leveling the pricing field for small-batch local producers.

    This fiscal shift has catalyzed a notable consumer migration toward locally crafted wines, as reported by several family-run enterprises. Jabari Mayers of Wine and Whimsy observed that previously hesitant customers are now embracing local products: “The price increases for shelf drinks are forcing even those not originally inclined to support local in that direction.” His wife Shantelle noted that their specialized production methods using wine yeast rather than conventional yeast previously positioned their products at premium prices, but the tax adjustments have narrowed this gap significantly.

    The movement extends beyond mere price considerations. Jenissa Williams of Williams Wines identifies a cultural transformation: “People have developed a genuine appreciation for local wine across all age demographics. Younger consumers are increasingly participating in wine culture through tastings and sip-and-paint events.” Her business, sustained for over eleven years, utilizes indigenous fruits including sorrel, guava, passion fruit, and lay lay cherries, offering both full-size and sample-size bottles to accommodate consumer preferences.

    Retail expansion is simultaneously accelerating. Sisters Lynissa and Lyndi Jordan of Aurora Bitayson Ltd reported unprecedented interest from chain-store retailers at the 2025 Trade and Investment Convention, necessitating production scale-ups to meet distributor demands. They attribute this growth to both market trends and institutional support through government-sponsored wine-making courses, with one virtual program attracting over 300 participants.

    These enterprises represent more than commercial ventures—they embody cultural preservation. Williams traces her winemaking expertise to childhood observations of her great-grandmother’s techniques, while Aurora Bitayson honors their grandmother through eponymous branding while diversifying into fruit syrups, concentrates, and skincare products.

    The industry’s vitality reflects broader global patterns. PriceWaterhouseCoopers’ 2025 Global Family Business Survey revealed that 25% of family enterprises achieved double-digit sales growth despite economic contractions, underscoring the resilience of purpose-driven, family-rooted businesses that leverage long-term investment strategies and community reputation.

  • Intangible skills Caribbean professionals need to succeed in 2026

    Intangible skills Caribbean professionals need to succeed in 2026

    A profound transformation is reshaping career advancement pathways across the Caribbean region, where traditional markers of professional success are rapidly losing relevance. According to digital strategist Keron Rose, the established formula of academic credentials, job titles, and seniority no longer guarantees career progression or financial growth in the contemporary Caribbean business landscape.

    Many professionals throughout the islands report increasing frustration despite following conventional paths to success. Despite obtaining qualifications and demonstrating workplace commitment, numerous individuals find themselves constrained by stagnant compensation structures and limited advancement opportunities within often sluggish institutional frameworks. This widespread sentiment has prompted many to consider whether regional departure represents the only viable route to meaningful career development.

    Rose identifies 2026 as a pivotal juncture where intangible capabilities will outweigh formal credentials in determining professional achievement. The emerging success paradigm emphasizes personal leverage within imperfect systems rather than reliance on traditional institutional pathways. This shift demands fundamentally new approaches to professional development and value proposition articulation.

    Five transformative skills have emerged as critical differentiators for Caribbean professionals seeking advancement:

    1. Value Communication Mastery: Moving beyond job descriptions to articulate concrete problem-solving capabilities, risk mitigation, and revenue impact represents the foundation of modern professional positioning. Professionals must learn to express outcomes rather than responsibilities.

    2. Adaptive Learning Agility: With technological acceleration shortening skill relevance cycles, the capacity for rapid knowledge acquisition surpasses static expertise. Professionals must embrace continuous learning through global digital platforms rather than relying solely on formal education systems.

    3. Strategic Personal Branding: Visibility has become professional currency in the digital age. Building a discernible professional identity through platforms like LinkedIn enables Caribbean talent to transcend geographical limitations and connect with global opportunities.

    4. Systemic Efficiency Cultivation: Success increasingly belongs to those who maintain high performance standards despite working within inefficient systems. Professionals must resist normalizing mediocrity and instead champion excellence regardless of institutional constraints.

    5. Strategic Positioning: Conscious career navigation that anticipates market shifts and aligns skill development with emerging opportunities separates advancing professionals from stagnant counterparts.

    Rose emphasizes that these competencies collectively create leverage—the critical factor separating thriving professionals from those experiencing stagnation. The Caribbean region possesses abundant talent but requires new frameworks for channeling that potential effectively within evolving global economic structures.

    The digital strategist concludes that while institutional transformation may progress slowly, individual professionals can immediately begin repositioning themselves for success through deliberate skill development and strategic visibility enhancement.

  • Deepening trade relationships in Latin America

    Deepening trade relationships in Latin America

    In a significant development for Caribbean-Latin American economic relations, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) has established a formal trade partnership with Mexico’s Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE). The landmark memorandum of understanding was signed on October 30 during the 31st Mexican Foreign Trade Congress in Querétaro, facilitated by the Mexican Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.

    This institutional framework creates a structured collaboration mechanism between the private sectors of both nations, focusing on sustainable growth, innovation, and regional economic integration. The agreement establishes concrete cooperation protocols for joint project development, information exchange, business missions, and mutual support in trade and investment promotion.

    The signing ceremony occurred within the context of a comprehensive TT trade mission to Mexico from October 25-31, led by TT Chamber president Sonji Pierre-Chase. During high-level working sessions, Pierre-Chase presented substantial collaboration opportunities to Mexican business leaders, emphasizing her organization’s role as Trinidad and Tobago’s primary economic representative and the largest business association within the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

    A particularly strategic dimension emerged through the TT Chamber’s participation in the COMCE Mesoamerican Foreign Trade Council, which convened public and private sector representatives across Central America and the Caribbean. Mexican Ambassador Víctor Hugo Morales highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s crucial position within Caribbean markets and Mexico’s opportunity to diversify exports while integrating more deeply into regional value chains. The diplomat specifically noted TT’s potential role in maritime transport initiatives due to its extensive infrastructure and connectivity throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

    Pierre-Chase stated, ‘Our participation in COMCE provides significant leverage for TT businesses to explore opportunities beyond Caricom markets. Given how global politics directly impact trade, we consider it prudent to seek new market opportunities within the Pan Caribbean region. This engagement positions Trinidad and Tobago to potentially become the first English-speaking country invited to join Mesoamerica.’

    The Congress featured thematic panels on global logistics trends, disruptive trade strategies, corporate responsibility, and artificial intelligence’s impact on business management. The TT delegation actively engaged in the Made in Mexico with Quality B2B program, demonstrating strong interest in developing strategic supply chains and joint manufacturing partnerships.

    The mission included substantive meetings with Querétaro government officials to explore initiatives promoting trade, investment, and cultural-educational exchanges. Business representatives Sarah Gangadeen and Clint Groves of Firestone Bread Co Ltd conducted successful negotiations with San Luis Potosí officials and local producers, establishing food sector procurement agreements and arranging acquisition of additional industrial baking equipment with Mexican embassy support.

    Flavio González, the embassy’s head of trade and cooperation, outlined Mexico’s trade promotion strategies in TT while highlighting opportunities to strengthen regional presence and engage Caribbean partners for internationalizing the ‘Plan Mexico’ initiative.

    The trade mission successfully enhanced bilateral economic cooperation, established new business collaboration channels, and positioned both nations as dynamic, reliable partners in the region. The TT Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional economic growth through continued engagement with business chambers, relevant organizations, and governments.

  • Safety must be priority amid season’s hustle and bustle

    Safety must be priority amid season’s hustle and bustle

    As Trinidad and Tobago enters its extended Christmas season spanning late November through early January, the nation’s Safety Council has issued comprehensive safety guidelines addressing multiple household hazards amplified during festive celebrations. Council President Junior Peters emphasized that reduced safety vigilance during this busy period significantly elevates risks of accidents, property damage, and potential tragedies.

    Electrical safety emerges as a primary concern with surging demand for lighting and decorations. Faulty wiring, damaged appliances, overloaded circuits, and amateur electrical work constitute major risk factors. The Council specifically warns against defective cords that can ignite household combustibles and highlights increased electrocution dangers in damp environments. Recommendations include using only properly rated extension cords, employing three-pin grounded plugs for all applicable appliances, and avoiding circuit overloads.

    Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) safety requires heightened attention during increased cooking activities. The National Petroleum Marketing Company mandates cylinders be positioned at least 1.5 meters from heat sources with secure, leak-free connections regularly inspected. Critical emergency procedures outline immediate responses to gas leaks: ventilate areas, shut off gas supplies, avoid all electrical operations, refrain from using open flames or phones near leaks, and relocate cylinders outdoors with damp cloth coverage.

    Chemical cleaning products present additional hazards as households intensify cleaning efforts. The advisory strongly discourages mixing chemicals and emphasizes using single products with proper ventilation and protective equipment. All chemicals should remain in original containers securely stored away from children’s reach.

    The comprehensive guidelines further address slip, trip, and fall prevention through proper ladder usage during decoration activities, alcohol consumption moderation during hazardous tasks, and special protections for vulnerable populations including infants, elderly individuals, and those with health conditions. Noise exposure concerns complete the safety recommendations aimed at preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s festive spirit while prioritizing citizen welfare.

  • 12 reasons for birding

    12 reasons for birding

    In an era dominated by digital screens and fast-paced living, renowned naturalist Faraaz Abdool presents a compelling case for embracing birdwatching as a transformative practice that offers profound benefits beyond mere hobbyism. This ancient human fascination with avian life now emerges as a vital antidote to modern stressors, combining ecological awareness with personal wellness.

    Birdwatching stands as one of the most accessible gateways to environmental connection, requiring no special qualifications or equipment to begin. As Abdool demonstrates through striking photographic evidence from Trinidad’s ecosystems, even urban backyards host diverse species like the spectacled thrush with its distinctive eye-ring and complex songs. The practice democratizes nature appreciation, where smiling at a morning wren’s melody holds equal validity to trekking through flooded forests seeking rare potoos.

    The psychological benefits are scientifically substantiated: birdsong actively reduces human stress and anxiety by triggering evolutionary responses that interpret melodic calls as signals of safety. Beyond mental health, birdwatching organically promotes physical activity—from gentle backyard observation to strenuous hikes seeking high-altitude species like the orange-billed nightingale-thrush found above 700 meters.

    Crucially, birds serve as environmental indicators whose presence reveals ecosystem health. Piscivorous ospreys, for instance, function as living water quality monitors—their survival depends on aquatic ecosystems thriving with fish populations. This interconnectedness means birders become frontline observers of ecological changes, contributing to citizen science through platforms like eBird that compile global data on migration patterns and species distribution.

    The practice cultivates patience and presence in our accelerated world, offering natural meditation through focused observation. Unlike screen-based entertainment, birdwatching exercises eyesight on distant objects and engages cognitive functions through identification challenges. It fosters humility amid continuous learning, especially as genetic research constantly redefines species classification—as occurred recently with Caribbean house wrens now recognized as distinct species including the St Lucia wren.

    Remarkably, this pursuit requires no financial investment while offering infinite discovery possibilities across all continents and habitats. From dawn choruses to nocturnal hoots, avian activity patterns ensure rewarding observations at any hour. The journey inevitably expands to appreciate unfeathered fauna too—from unexpected southern tamandua anteaters to tegus that share these ecosystems.

    Ultimately, birdwatching represents both a personal pilgrimage and scientific contribution, connecting practitioners to the planet’s last living dinosaurs while grounding them in nature’s timeless rhythms. This convergence of ecological stewardship, wellness practice, and citizen science makes bird appreciation not just pleasurable but essential for contemporary living.