Carib Scope

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  • Imports outstrips exports for Jan-Sept 2025

    Imports outstrips exports for Jan-Sept 2025

    Jamaica’s economic landscape for the first three quarters of 2025 reveals a deepening trade imbalance, with the nation’s import expenditures significantly outpacing its export revenues. Official data released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) paints a clear picture of this challenging trend.

    Import spending surged to US$5.7 billion between January and September, marking a 3.6 percent increase from the US$5.5 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024. This upward trajectory was primarily fueled by a substantial 13.3 percent rise in purchases of raw and intermediate goods, coupled with a 10 percent jump in consumer goods acquisitions.

    In a contrasting development, the nation’s export sector experienced a contraction. Total export earnings fell by two percent, dropping to US$1.3 billion from the previous year’s US$1.4 billion. A sharp 10.7 percent decline in the value of mineral fuel shipments was identified as the principal driver behind this downturn.

    An analysis of Jamaica’s international trade partnerships shows the United States, China, Brazil, Japan, and Nigeria as its top five import sources. Expenditure on goods from these nations reached US$3.5 billion, a 6.8 percent increase from 2024’s US$3.3 billion, largely due to heightened imports in the ‘chemicals’ category.

    Conversely, the primary destinations for Jamaican exports were the United States, the Russian Federation, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Canada. However, revenues from these key markets fell by 3.0 percent to US$946.7 million, a decrease predominantly caused by reduced export values of ‘crude materials’.

  • Eaton Music teams with Patrick Junior on ‘Fools Rush In’

    Eaton Music teams with Patrick Junior on ‘Fools Rush In’

    After a relatively quiet period in 2025, veteran music producer Michael Eaton is launching an ambitious release schedule through his Eaton Music label, aiming to share a wealth of unreleased material with global audiences. The initiative recently commenced with the roots-reggae single ‘Fools Rush In’ by Patrick Junior, an established vocalist from St Vincent and the Grenadines.

    Eaton, who has been producing music for over three decades, emphasized his motivation in a recent interview: ‘We possess an extensive catalog of high-quality music that deserves public attention. My objective is to systematically release these works to showcase our creative output.’

    ‘Fools Rush In’ represents the second collaborative project between Eaton and Patrick Junior, following their 2024 release ‘Zion Gate’. The producer’s expansion continues with forthcoming works from international artists including Sydney Salmon, a Jamaican singer currently based in Ethiopia, and American performer Emil Troy.

    Eaton’s connection with Salmon originated through social media platforms in 2022, culminating in two completed tracks titled ‘Trees’ and ‘Oh Lord’. Similarly, Emil Troy’s contribution ‘Call on Me’ joined the catalog in 2024.

    Raised in Barbican, St Andrew during the 1970s after being born in St Ann, Eaton developed his musical identity through early exposure to roots-reggae and Rastafari culture. These influences have become signature elements throughout his production career.

    While maintaining these foundational sounds, Eaton acknowledges the importance of musical diversity: ‘Our release strategy incorporates both cultural themes and love songs. We aim to create music that resonates across different audiences and preferences.’

  • Djokovic says ‘keep writing me off’ after beating Sinner in late-nighter

    Djokovic says ‘keep writing me off’ after beating Sinner in late-nighter

    MELBOURNE, Australia — In a breathtaking display of resilience and championship pedigree, Novak Djokovic staged a monumental comeback against Jannik Sinner in a semifinal clash that concluded in the early hours of Saturday morning. The Serbian tennis legend, seeded fourth, overturned a deficit to secure a 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory after an intense four-hour, nine-minute battle on Rod Laver Arena.

    The victory, sealed at 1:32 am local time, propels the 38-year-old into a highly anticipated final showdown against top-seeded Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz. A triumph on Sunday would not only deliver Djokovic an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title but also break the all-time record with a 25th Grand Slam singles crown, moving him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court, who was present in the stadium to witness the semifinal epic.

    Reflecting on what he described as one of his finest performances in the last decade, an emotional Djokovic expressed surreal feelings after ending a five-match losing streak against the 24-year-old Italian. ‘I have tremendous respect for him. He’s an incredible player who pushes you to the very limit, which is exactly what he did tonight,’ Djokovic stated during his on-court interview.

    The match represented a dramatic shift in momentum, with Sinner initially dominating through precise serving and powerful groundstrokes to claim the first set. Djokovic responded by elevating his game in the second set, showcasing his trademark defensive skills and tactical intelligence. The contest took another turn in the third set as Djokovic appeared to struggle physically, briefly clutching his chest before Sinner capitalized to move ahead.

    Undeterred by the mounting pressure and his advancing years, Djokovic demonstrated why he remains the most successful player in Melbourne Park history. He broke early in the fourth set as the clock passed midnight and ultimately proved more clinical in the decisive fifth set, converting his third match point after Sinner had saved two previous opportunities.

    The victory carried special significance for Djokovic, who acknowledged that doubts about his longevity had provided additional motivation. ‘I never stopped believing in myself despite many experts attempting to retire me in recent years,’ he remarked. ‘Their skepticism gave me strength to prove them wrong.’

    Djokovic now faces the ultimate test against Alcaraz, a player 16 years his junior who has dominated men’s tennis alongside Sinner since Djokovic’s last Grand Slam victory at the 2023 US Open. The final presents what may be Djokovic’s most favorable opportunity to claim that historic 25th major, though his performance against Sinner suggests the Serbian champion remains firmly in his competitive prime.

  • Hill highlights Caribbean investment opportunities at CAF International Economic Forum

    Hill highlights Caribbean investment opportunities at CAF International Economic Forum

    Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, has positioned the Caribbean as an increasingly attractive hub for sustainable capital, championing the nation’s economic discipline as a model for regional growth. The declaration was made during a high-level panel at the CAF International Economic Forum: Latin America and the Caribbean 2026 in Panama City.

    Participating in the ‘Economic Development Opportunities for the Caribbean’ discussion, Minister Hill detailed the strategic pillars making Jamaica a premier investment destination. He underscored the country’s internationally recognized fiscal management, which has successfully maintained manageable debt levels. ‘Government spending is strategically channeled into investments that build future resilience and fuel long-term economic expansion,’ Hill stated.

    Highlighting institutional strengths, the Minister pointed to Jamaica’s independent central bank, absence of currency controls, and robust legal frameworks. He emphasized a national commitment to advancing education, information technology, and skills development as critical components for sustainable development.

    The ministerial delegation, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Finance Minister Fayval Williams, engaged in pivotal talks with CAF President Sergio Diaz-Granados. These discussions yielded substantial progress on near-term and long-range financial collaboration, signaling deepened ties with the Development Bank of Latin America and The Caribbean.

    Beyond multilateral negotiations, Minister Hill conducted numerous bilateral meetings with financial and infrastructure firms from Panama, Europe, and the Middle East. The forum also facilitated business-to-business networking sessions, connecting Jamaican ICT and manufacturing executives with potential partners across Latin America to expand their commercial footprint.

  • WATCH: 9-year-old Amoya Moore’s funeral underway

    WATCH: 9-year-old Amoya Moore’s funeral underway

    The community of south Manchester, Jamaica gathered in profound sorrow on Friday, January 30, 2026, to honor the memory of Amoya Moore, a nine-year-old student whose life was tragically cut short in a December traffic incident. The funeral service at Cross Keys Church of God of Prophecy brought together grieving family members, friends, and local residents to bid their final farewells to the young Villa Road Primary student.

    The emotional ceremony featured a pink casket adorned with photographs of the vibrant fourth-grader, accompanied by the poignant inscription: “rest peacefully our angel.” The tragic event occurred on the morning of December 9 at approximately 7:00 am in the Bonitto Heights area off Bonitto Crescent in Mandeville. According to reports, the young girl had just exchanged morning greetings with the sanitation crew moments before being struck by the vehicle mere meters from her family home.

    The devastating incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting concerns about road safety and child protection in residential areas. The funeral program, specially designed to commemorate Amoya’s brief but meaningful life, served as a testament to the impact her passing has had on this close-knit Jamaican community. The gathering represented both a celebration of her young life and a collective mourning of a tragedy that has left permanent scars on all who knew the cheerful elementary student.

  • Learning from the source

    Learning from the source

    In an era of escalating climate crises, environmental educator Faraaz Abdool proposes a radical shift in how we approach learning—by turning to nature itself as the ultimate classroom. Despite global efforts to implement environmental education, humanity continues its trajectory toward ecological catastrophe, suggesting fundamental flaws in our current educational paradigms.

    The prevailing extractive mindset cultivated by modern education systems treats nature as a commodity to be harvested and exploited rather than a complex system to be understood and preserved. This approach produces professionals who value timber over forests, economic gain over ecological balance, and resource extraction over sustainability.

    Abdool identifies our profound disconnection from natural systems as the core issue, manifested not just physically but cognitively—through diminished patience, avoidance of uncertainty, and manufactured fears of wild creatures. This separation has been carefully engineered through comfort-oriented lifestyles and sensationalized media portrayals of nature.

    The solution proposed is both simple and revolutionary: begin reconnecting with nature through bird observation. Birds serve as ideal entry points to natural education due to their accessibility, diversity, captivating behaviors, and ability to command attention in an increasingly distracted world. They require no prior knowledge or equipment to appreciate, making them perfect ambassadors for the natural world.

    Through observing species like Trinidad and Tobago’s distinctive yellow-rumped caciques (locally known as ‘cornbirds’), students of nature can uncover complex ecological relationships. These birds flock to swamp immortelle trees during flowering season, attracting smaller birds like tanagers and hummingbirds. Later, parrots arrive to feed on seed pods, inadvertently assisting in seed dispersal. These observations reveal seasonal patterns, habitat preferences, and ecosystem functions that formal education often overlooks.

    This nature-based learning generates practical wisdom that informs responsible decision-making—recognizing that swamp immortelle populations indicate seasonal flooding patterns and aquifer recharge zones, knowledge crucial for sustainable land use planning. Such insights surpass what conventional degrees offer and cannot be replaced by recycling initiatives or corporate sustainability rhetoric.

    Abdool concludes that rekindling our connection to nature through simple observation represents our best hope for developing the ecological literacy necessary to navigate impending environmental challenges. This approach benefits not just children but lifelong learners seeking wisdom from nature’s infinite classroom.

  • Construction buried alive in hillside collapse

    Construction buried alive in hillside collapse

    Recovery operations persisted through Thursday night and into Friday morning following a devastating hillside collapse at a construction site adjacent to the Tonique Williams-Darling Highway. The incident resulted in the death of a 51-year-old construction worker who became trapped beneath massive boulders and debris while operating excavating machinery.

    According to eyewitness accounts from the scene, the catastrophic event occurred approximately at 3pm on Thursday when a significant portion of the hillside suddenly gave way. Independent contractor Mark Turnquest, who was working at the site, revealed that the victim had been working alone at the time of the collapse, with both the operator and his heavy equipment becoming completely buried under the landslide.

    Police authorities confirmed they were alerted to the industrial accident shortly after 6pm Thursday. Upon arrival, officers consulted with two construction workers who reported the excavator and its operator missing following the slope failure. Initial rescue attempts proved unsuccessful in locating or reaching the trapped operator due to the substantial amount of debris and safety concerns.

    The recovery effort mobilized multiple agencies including Police Fire Services and corporate volunteers equipped with heavy machinery. During debris-removal operations, responders managed to locate the victim’s torso, but deteriorating light conditions and ongoing safety risks forced the suspension of operations late Thursday evening.

    The victim’s brother joined recovery teams who returned to the site Friday morning to continue the painstaking process of removing rubble and recovering the remaining remains. Official investigations into the precise circumstances surrounding the fatal incident remain ongoing as authorities work to determine the factors that contributed to the hillside collapse.

  • Belize hoping to strengthen relations with Guyana during visit of President Ali

    Belize hoping to strengthen relations with Guyana during visit of President Ali

    BELMOPAN, Belize – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño announced ambitious plans to expand bilateral cooperation with Guyana across multiple sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and education. The announcement coincided with the commencement of a three-day state visit by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, who arrived in Belize on February 1st.

    President Ali’s itinerary includes a keynote address at the opening of Belize’s new parliamentary session, alongside high-level meetings with Governor General Dame Froyla T’zalam and Prime Minister Briceño. The Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the longstanding relationship between the two nations, noting their shared commitment to ‘regional solidarity, development and integration.’

    Prime Minister Briceño characterized Guyana as an increasingly influential regional partner within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), acknowledging its rapidly evolving economic landscape driven by substantial oil discoveries. ‘It’s kind of ironic because at one time nobody wanted to go to Guyana; now everybody wants to go,’ Briceño remarked, highlighting the country’s transformation.

    While energy cooperation emerged as a topic of discussion, Briceño indicated that any potential arrangements for Belize to access discounted Guyanese oil would likely require regional-level negotiations rather than bilateral agreements. He expressed skepticism about reviving initiatives similar to the Petrocaribe program, which Venezuela established in 2005 to provide preferential oil financing to Caribbean and Central American nations.

    With President Ali holding the agriculture portfolio in CARICOM’s quasi-cabinet structure, both leaders identified agricultural collaboration as a priority area. The bilateral talks are expected to yield formal agreements facilitating knowledge exchange, investment, and joint initiatives across targeted sectors, potentially establishing a new framework for South-South cooperation within the Caribbean region.

  • Bermuda on campaign to deal with housing shortage

    Bermuda on campaign to deal with housing shortage

    The Bermuda government has acknowledged mounting pressures on its housing system as official data reveals a significant increase in households awaiting public housing assistance. According to recent statistics from the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC), the waiting list expanded from 333 to 357 households between November and December 2025, highlighting growing challenges for vulnerable community members.

    Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing and Municipalities Zane Desilva presented concerning trends during a press briefing, noting that while urgent cases continue to dominate applications, the most rapid growth now occurs among regular applicants. This category predominantly includes working individuals and families increasingly unable to afford market-rate rentals. Nearly 60% of applicants sought studio or one-bedroom units, reflecting particular pressures on seniors with fixed incomes, single-person households, and smaller family units.

    The government is responding with a comprehensive Affordable Housing Strategy for 2025-2035, designed as a long-term framework to address Bermuda’s housing gap. The multipronged approach focuses on expanding and diversifying housing supply, rehabilitating derelict properties, improving affordability, modernizing regulations, and strengthening governance across the housing system.

    Desilva emphasized that housing represents a whole-of-government responsibility requiring inter-ministerial collaboration. Initial consultations with government ministries have concluded, with technical departments now engaged in the process. A public consultation draft is anticipated for release in February 2026.

    A technical advisory team comprising representatives from BHC and Bermuda Land Management Corporation is exploring alternative construction methods including precast concrete, modular, and prefabricated systems. These innovations aim to reduce construction costs, accelerate delivery timelines, and maintain local contractor involvement.

    Looking toward the 2026-27 financial year, officials have identified over 30 sites across the island for potential development, all already under government ownership. Current projects in progress promise 37 new affordable housing units, with most expected to become available within coming months.

  • Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested after church protest

    Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested after church protest

    Federal authorities took former CNN anchor Don Lemon into custody on Thursday following an investigation into a protest at a Minnesota church. The arrest, executed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations, stems from an incident at Cities Church in St. Paul where demonstrators confronted church leadership over an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official serving as one of its pastors.

    The development follows a recent federal appeals court decision that declined to compel a lower court judge to authorize arrest warrants for Lemon and four other individuals connected to the protest. While one judge identified probable cause for the arrests based on court documents, the specific charges against Lemon remain undisclosed at this time.

    This case emerges from a broader pattern of activism targeting ICE operations and personnel. Multiple individuals have already faced charges related to the church demonstration, which involved protesters entering the facility after learning about the pastor’s dual role as a federal immigration officer. The involvement of a grand jury indicates the complexity and escalated nature of the federal investigation.