Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • 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.

  • Suriname records nearly 150 cases of chikungunya virus cases

    Suriname records nearly 150 cases of chikungunya virus cases

    Suriname’s Health Minister André Misiekaba has issued an urgent public health alert following the confirmation of the nation’s first chikungunya-related fatality and 134 laboratory-confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne virus. Addressing the National Assembly, Minister Misiekaba revealed the epidemiological profile of the outbreak, with confirmed infections spanning ages from 11 months to 85 years. The most affected demographic groups are adults aged 25-44 (27 cases) and 45-64 (38 cases).

    The deceased individual, who had serious underlying health conditions, is currently under investigation by the Public Health Bureau (BOG). The outbreak has been confirmed in three regions including the capital city of Paramaribo, prompting immediate government action.

    Minister Misiekaba emphasized the severity of the situation by noting that internationally, one confirmed death typically indicates at least a thousand actual infections in the community. ‘I’m not saying this to cause panic but to call on society to be vigilant, because Suriname is dealing with a serious outbreak,’ the Minister stated during his address.

    A multidisciplinary task force comprising experts from the Health Ministry, BOG, Medical Mission, and Regional Health Service has been mobilized to implement comprehensive communication strategies and community engagement initiatives.

    The Health Ministry identified high-risk groups including seniors, young children, chronically ill individuals (particularly those with diabetes and heart conditions), and pregnant women in their final trimester.

    Current containment efforts focus on eliminating mosquito breeding grounds in the most affected areas, with plans to expand these operations progressively. Insecticide spraying operations are pending as necessary supplies remain in transit.

    Health authorities have issued specific preventive guidelines urging citizens to eliminate stagnant water sources, cover water storage containers, apply mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing, and use mosquito nets while sleeping.

    Stephanie Cheuk A Lam, Acting Head of the Environmental Inspectorate at BOG, projected the outbreak peak could persist for three to four months, emphasizing that ‘Without the commitment of every citizen, we remain vulnerable.’ Minister Misiekaba reinforced this message, stating unequivocally that ‘The government cannot do this alone. Society must help to control this outbreak.’

  • UN Security Council extends mandate of BINUH in Haiti

    UN Security Council extends mandate of BINUH in Haiti

    The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted to prolong the operational mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) through January 2027. This decision arrives amidst escalating condemnation of Haitian authorities for insufficient advancement in facilitating a stable political transition. The Council issued a forceful denunciation of the severe violence surging across the Caribbean nation, highlighting grave human rights abuses, rampant sexual violence affecting all demographics, child abductions, and extensive criminal operations run by armed factions.

    The resolution, jointly sponsored by the United States and Panama, represents a consolidated international effort to address Haiti’s multifaceted crisis. U.S. Ambassador Jennifer Locetta characterized the move as a decisive step toward national stabilization, reiterating unwavering U.S. support for Prime Minister Fils-Aimé’s leadership as integral to combating terrorist gangs. The Haitian representative welcomed the resolution, acknowledging its reflection of a more integrated understanding of the challenges and the urgent need for concrete outcomes to protect civilians, restore the rule of law, and achieve institutional stability.

    However, significant concerns were voiced during the proceedings. Trinidad and Tobago, speaking for CARICOM, expressed apprehension that internal disputes within Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council—including attempts to oust the prime minister—are complicating an already fragile governance process. China’s delegate raised alarms about the persistent influx of illegal weapons into Haiti, urging source countries to enforce stricter border controls and weapon regulations.

    The enhanced BINUH mandate tasks the mission with six critical objectives, executed in an integrated manner with all UN entities on the ground. These include facilitating national dialogue, supporting the organization of elections by 2026, assisting in community violence reduction and disarmament programs, and strengthening judicial and penitentiary systems. The mission is also directed to monitor and report on gang violence and human rights violations, maintaining dedicated protection advisory capacity.

    This renewal aligns with the upcoming deployment of the new Gang Suppression Force (GSF), with initial contingents expected in April. Authorized last September, the GSF aims to supplant the previous Kenya-led mission, focusing on restoring state authority, securing critical infrastructure, and reducing gang territorial control. BINUH is instructed to work in close coordination with this force and international organizations to help Haitian institutions address prolonged pretrial detention and handle high-risk individuals appropriately.

    The UN’s deep engagement in Haiti traces back to 1986, following the departure of President Jean-Claude Duvalier, and has continued through various peacekeeping and political missions. Established in 2019, BINUH’s core function is to bolster political stability, good governance, the rule of law, and human rights, while coordinating international assistance.

  • Fire forces evacuation at KPH

    Fire forces evacuation at KPH

    A pre-dawn fire emergency triggered the full-scale evacuation of Kingston Public Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department on Friday morning. The incident originated on the facility’s first floor shortly before 5:00 AM, prompting immediate emergency protocols.

  • No stopping Of a Revolution in Eileen Cliggott Memorial

    No stopping Of a Revolution in Eileen Cliggott Memorial

    Caymanas Park prepares for the prestigious Eileen Cliggott Memorial Trophy (GR 1), a $1.75-million graded stakes event taking center stage tomorrow. The 6½-furlong (1,300m) contest for three-year-olds and upward features seven contenders, with American-bred Of A Revolution returning as the anticipated favorite following impressive recent performances.

    The field analysis reveals distinct contenders and longshots:

    Inspire Force (USA) and Intrestntimesahead are not considered serious threats for the winner’s circle according to racing experts.

    Of A Revolution (USA) emerges as the standout competitor after demonstrating exceptional form. The seven-year-old finished a strong second to Girvano in the January 1 Miracle Man Cup over 7 furlongs, preceded by a victorious debut on Jamaican soil in the Bruceontheloose Sprint on December 6, 2025—covering the identical distance of tomorrow’s race. With excellent training sessions leading to this event, Of A Revolution is positioned for success with a clean break from the gates.

    Digital One (USA), who trailed in the Miracle Man Cup, is expected to deliver a significantly improved performance this outing.

    Girvano (USA), the January 1 victor over Of A Revolution, has maintained reasonable training form but faces challenging conditions to replicate that upset victory. Racing analysts suggest Girvano’s most realistic expectation is competing for second place.

    Supremasi represents a consistent performer likely to secure placement earnings, while Pack Plays (USA) brings notable speed that could influence the race dynamics and establish his presence among contenders.

  • Wage pressures strain budget

    Wage pressures strain budget

    Jamaica’s fiscal stability faces mounting pressure as public sector wage demands intensify, creating significant budgetary challenges during the nation’s critical post-hurricane recovery phase. The Independent Fiscal Commission (IFC) has issued a stark warning about compensation costs that have already surpassed allocated amounts in the first half of the fiscal year, with further increases anticipated as pending wage negotiations reach conclusion.

    The financial strain emerges at a particularly vulnerable moment, with the Caribbean nation grappling with the extensive aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact last October. The catastrophic weather event inflicted an estimated US$8.8 billion in damages, compelling the government to suspend existing fiscal regulations through disaster clauses while seeking a two-year extension for its legislated debt reduction targets.

    According to the IFC’s January assessment presented to Parliament, employee compensation reached $255.1 billion between April and September, exceeding original budgetary projections by $3.2 billion. Wage and salary expenditures alone surpassed expectations by $2.3 billion, even before the resolution of ongoing negotiations. These compensation costs constituted nearly half of the central government’s recurrent expenditure during this period, highlighting their substantial role as one of the budget’s most inflexible components.

    The commission emphasized that Jamaica currently operates without active fiscal rules governing wage and salary expenditures, and the government has not committed to reinstating such frameworks despite repeated recommendations. This regulatory gap has created fiscal uncertainty, as wage settlements frequently occur outside the standard budget cycle, forcing post-approval revisions to spending plans already authorized by Parliament.

    While the national accounts rebasing in 2025 placed the wage bill at approximately 12.1% of GDP—lower than previous estimates but still elevated by regional standards—the absence of a structured compensation negotiation cycle continues to pose substantial fiscal risks. The IFC reiterated that implementing Section 48H of the Financial Administration and Audit Act, which provides for a formalized negotiation process aligned with budget preparation, would enhance predictability and mitigate financial vulnerabilities.

    As the government prepares to outline its reconstruction financing strategy, concerns mount that increased wage costs may necessitate reductions in capital expenditure, which already experienced a $16.3 billion (46%) under-execution during the same six-month period. Public debt is projected to rise to 68.2% of GDP by year-end, up from 60.3% in September, further complicating Jamaica’s financial landscape as it enters a demanding reconstruction phase.

  • Skillibeng talks success

    Skillibeng talks success

    Jamaican dancehall sensation Skillibeng is experiencing a remarkable surge in international recognition, propelled by a series of platinum-certified collaborations and his own hit records. The artist’s feature on Tyla’s 2024 viral track “Jump” (alongside American rapper Gunna) has achieved gold certification across multiple major markets including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Brazil, while also securing platinum status in South Africa and silver in the United Kingdom.

    This success follows another major career milestone: his collaboration with Shenseea on the Moliy and Silent Addy remix “Shake it to the Max (Fly).” This global phenomenon penetrated numerous international charts, including the prestigious US Billboard and UK charts, earning gold certifications in New Zealand, Greece, and the UK, plus platinum recognition in France.

    In an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer’s Splash, Skillibeng identified the overwhelming response to “Shake it to the Max” as a definitive highlight of his past year. He revealed prior familiarity with Moliy’s work before joining the remix, crediting both her promotional efforts and his manager’s recommendation for his involvement. A particularly memorable moment was performing the hit at the MTV Video Music Awards, which he described as “a big deal for us.”

    Beyond collaborations, Skillibeng’s solo project, the summer 2023 album “International,” represents another significant achievement. The 11-track collection features an impressive roster of artists including Vybz Kartel, Ty Dolla $ign, Major Lazer, and Tokischa. Skillibeng described working with dancehall icon Vybz Kartel as a “dream come true,” a collaboration he still finds unbelievable. The album’s creation involved both in-person studio sessions, like those with Moliy, and virtual recordings with other featured artists.

    Now carrying this momentum into the new year, Skillibeng has released a fresh single titled “So Phenomenal.” Produced by his long-time collaborator Gutty Bling Music (the producer behind his first hit “Brick Pon Brick”), the track was inspired by life itself and crafted with the intention of creating an irresistible dance track for female audiences. The artist emphasized the authentic and organic creative dynamic he shares with his producer, underscoring their successful long-term partnership.