Carib Scope

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  • Perugorria’s film with first class cast at Havana Film Festival?

    Perugorria’s film with first class cast at Havana Film Festival?

    A significant new Cuban cinematic work, ‘Anonymous Neurotic or Without Fear of Life,’ is generating attention as a featured entry in the Latin American Competition section of a major film event. The 2025 production stars acclaimed veterans Mirtha Ibarra and Roberto Perdomo, bringing to screen a narrative originally crafted as a theatrical piece by Ibarra herself.

    In exclusive dialogue with Prensa Latina, Ibarra—renowned for her roles in iconic films like ‘Adorable Lies’ (1991) and the internationally celebrated ‘Strawberry and Chocolate’ (1993)—disclosed that the film tackles two profound themes: systemic mistreatment of women and the cultural resurgence of cinema as a vital social space.

    The project serves as a tribute to the late Cuban director Juan Carlos Tabío (1943–2021), best known for his groundbreaking work ‘Plaff or Too Much Fear of Life’ (1988). Ibarra emphasized that the title itself acknowledges this artistic homage, reflecting a shared spirit of fearless storytelling.

    Cinephiles will recognize numerous cinematic references woven throughout the film, drawing from both Cuban and international traditions. These elements emerge organically through the perspective of Iluminada, Ibarra’s character, who exists in a liminal space between reality and the imagined world of film.

    The narrative follows Iluminada, a rural young woman who relocates to pursue her aspiration of becoming an actress. When her ambitions are unrealized, she redirects her passion toward training as an art instructor—yet destiny ultimately positions her as an usherette in a historic movie theater. Her marriage to Osvaldo (portrayed by Perdomo) and the tensions of her daily existence gradually precipitate a psychological crisis, exploring themes of identity, ambition, and resilience within a changing society.

  • Cuba’s Failde Orchestra concerts raises excitement in Colombia

    Cuba’s Failde Orchestra concerts raises excitement in Colombia

    The acclaimed Failde Orchestra, a three-time Latin Grammy nominee celebrated for its revitalization of classic Cuban genres, is set to deliver two electrifying performances at Cartagena’s legendary Cafe Havana on January 30th and 31st. This engagement represents a significant cultural event, merging historical musical preservation with contemporary artistic expression.

    Founded in 2012 to honor the legacy of Miguel Failde—the pioneering composer credited with creating the first danzon piece, ‘Las Alturas de Simpson’—the orchestra has established itself as a guardian of Cuba’s rich sonic heritage. While danzon serves as the foundational element of their repertoire, the ensemble masterfully navigates through danzonete, bolero, son, timba, mambo, and cha-cha-cha, occasionally weaving in modern influences to create a dynamic auditory experience.

    The group’s instrumentation pays homage to the traditional Cuban charanga format popular throughout the 20th century, yet distinguishes itself with an augmented brass section. This innovative arrangement features alto saxophone/clarinet, trombone, and dual trumpets, creating a powerful and distinctive sound that honors tradition while pushing artistic boundaries.

    Cafe Havana, located in the vibrant Getsemani district, provides the perfect backdrop for these performances. The iconic venue has built its reputation on promoting authentic Cuban salsa and other traditional rhythms through high-caliber live shows featuring virtuoso musicians and exceptionally talented dancers, making it a cultural hub for music aficionados.

    The orchestra’s upcoming performances follow their recent professional milestone: a nomination for the 2025 Latin Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Tropical Album category for their critically acclaimed work ‘Caminando Piango Piango.’ This marks their third nomination from the Latin Recording Academy, significantly bolstering their international profile and validating their ongoing mission to preserve and innovate within the framework of traditional Cuban music.

  • COMMENTARY: Sometimes Good Is Unacceptable

    COMMENTARY: Sometimes Good Is Unacceptable

    A profound national conversation is unfolding in Antigua and Barbuda, challenging the very definition of progress. Drawing parallels to the biblical narrative of Cain—whose sincere offering was rejected not for its lack of effort but for its misalignment with divine standards—commentator Yves Ephraim critiques the current government’s trajectory. The central argument posits that while the administration may showcase a list of accomplishments, these achievements hold little relevance if they fail to prioritize the economic empowerment and ownership opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans themselves.

    The core issue is identified as a fundamental misalignment between government priorities and the people’s interests. Citizens are increasingly relegated to the role of perpetual low-wage workers and mendicants, with little prospect of owning homes, building substantive careers, or securing their economic future. This model, where citizens “own nothing but be happy,” is deemed unacceptable for a nation aspiring to become a sustainable ‘Economic Powerhouse’.

    Historical and contemporary evidence is marshaled to support the thesis that national wealth is intrinsically linked to citizen ownership. China’s remarkable transformation from poverty to global powerhouse is cited as a prime example, achieved by empowering its citizens to build and own export-oriented industries. Conversely, the author finds no historical precedent for a nation achieving wealth by selling prime assets to foreign interests or ceding economic control.

    The collapse of the nation’s Gaming Industry serves as a cautionary tale. When the U.S. government threatened its citizens involved in offshore gaming, the entire sector in Antigua and Barbuda crumbled. The author speculates that a different outcome might have emerged had local citizens held a 50% ownership stake, underscoring the vulnerability of foreign-dominated sectors.

    Specific policy barriers are highlighted, particularly in the telecommunications sector, where licensing regimes allegedly prevent private Antiguan and Barbudan entrepreneurs from profiting. The article argues that liberalizing this sector could unleash a wave of young, intelligent, and entrepreneurial talent to launch international ventures, earn foreign exchange, and reverse the crippling brain drain, especially in the high-demand IT field.

    Finally, the nation’s investment in education is called into question. Without a parallel focus on cultivating an entrepreneurial class, the author contends that expensive education, like that provided at the University of the West Indies campus, merely prepares young people to flee to first-world countries for meaningful employment. The article concludes that the ‘good’ achieved by the government is ultimately irrelevant without a significant advance in Antiguan and Barbudan ownership of their land and economy.

  • FCCA Christmas Gift Project for underserved children continues in Dominica

    FCCA Christmas Gift Project for underserved children continues in Dominica

    For over twenty years, the island nation of Dominica has maintained its cherished participation in the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association’s annual Christmas Gift Project, a humanitarian initiative that delivers holiday cheer to underprivileged children throughout the Caribbean region. According to an official release from the Discover Dominica Authority, this longstanding partnership exemplifies the island’s enduring dedication to community welfare.

    The philanthropic program specifically targets children residing in foster homes and care facilities who might otherwise experience the holiday season without receiving gifts. This year’s edition will see the MV Celebrity Ascent cruise ship arriving on December 8, 2025, carrying donations destined for two hundred Dominican children. Crew members from the vessel will collaborate with representatives from Dominica’s Ministry of Tourism, the Discover Dominica Authority, and the West Dominica Children’s Federation to facilitate the special gift distribution ceremony.

    Discover Dominica Authority CEO Marva Williams emphasized the profound impact of the initiative, stating: ‘The FCCA Christmas Gift Project continues to make a real difference in the lives of our children. Every year, it reminds us of the power of kindness and partnership. We are grateful to the FCCA and the crew of the Celebrity Ascent for bringing smiles to our young ones and helping to make the season a little brighter for families across Dominica.’

    The Discover Dominica Authority reaffirmed its ongoing coordination with the FCCA to ensure the project’s seamless execution and to create meaningful experiences for participating children. Both the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority expressed profound gratitude for the FCCA’s sustained generosity and commitment to improving the lives of Caribbean youth. Dominica has further pledged its continued support for this program and future initiatives that promote community wellbeing and enhance quality of life across the nation.

  • More Than $4 Million Set Aside to Train Police Recruits and Equip Officers, PM Announces

    More Than $4 Million Set Aside to Train Police Recruits and Equip Officers, PM Announces

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – In a decisive move to reinforce national security, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has unveiled a comprehensive $4 million investment package targeting crime prevention and border protection initiatives. The announcement came during Thursday’s parliamentary budget presentation for the 2026 fiscal year, representing one of the largest dedicated security allocations in recent history.

    Addressing lawmakers, Browne emphasized the critical connection between public safety and national prosperity. “Our economic achievements remain meaningless if citizens live in fear,” stated the Prime Minister, acknowledging ongoing concerns about violent crime and border vulnerabilities despite the nation’s status as one of the Caribbean’s safest jurisdictions.

    The substantial funding will facilitate expanded police recruitment programs, enhanced training protocols, and advanced equipment provisioning for law enforcement personnel. The investment specifically encompasses cutting-edge crime-fighting technologies, sophisticated surveillance systems, and improved operational resources designed to outpace criminal networks.

    Browne delivered an unequivocal message to potential offenders: “We’re coming for you. We’ll find you. We’ll prosecute you.” This stern warning accompanied details of a broader security strategy that includes maritime defense enhancements. Recent upgrades feature a high-speed 30-foot interceptor vessel capable of 75-mile-per-hour pursuits, complemented by a $1 million allocation for advanced communications and radar infrastructure. Future plans involve acquiring additional patrol vessels to monitor the country’s economic exclusion zone.

    The Prime Minister affirmed that even single homicide incidents remain unacceptable, pledging intensified policing measures and reinforced border controls. Parliamentary debates on the full 2026 budget are scheduled to continue throughout the coming week.

  • COMMENTARY: Amazing historical find (with documents) – correspondence between British governor Hesketh Bell and Andrew Carnegie that birthed the Roseau Public Library

    COMMENTARY: Amazing historical find (with documents) – correspondence between British governor Hesketh Bell and Andrew Carnegie that birthed the Roseau Public Library

    In an extraordinary historical discovery, correspondence between British Governor Sir Hesketh Bell and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie has revealed the origins of one of Dominica’s most transformative institutions—the Roseau Public Library. This early 20th century exchange, occurring during Carnegie’s global library-building campaign, resulted in one of the few Caribbean libraries funded by the steel magnate turned philanthropist.

    The library, originally named the Roseau Free Library, emerged as an architectural gem—a wooden Caribbean bungalow perched above the Caribbean Sea with wide verandas and jalousie windows designed to capture cooling breezes. But beyond its physical beauty, it became an intellectual sanctuary that would fundamentally shape Dominican society.

    During the 1950s-70s, the library served as an unparalleled gateway to global knowledge for Dominican youth. Its collections surpassed school libraries with encyclopedias, international literature, and periodicals like The Economist, Newsweek, and Time. This access cultivated critical thinking and intellectual independence during Dominica’s transition from colonial rule to self-governance.

    The library’s most profound impact manifested through two particular visitors: Gabriel J. Christian and Irving W. André, who met in the research room around 1975. Both came from households filled with books and intellectual discussion—Christian’s father, a British Army veteran, maintained collections on Churchill and world affairs, while André’s father, a customs officer, returned from Curaçao with extensive libraries and jazz collections.

    Their meeting sparked a friendship forged through shared Saturdays spent pursuing knowledge beyond the colonial curriculum. They studied African liberation movements, Caribbean history, and Marxist theory, using the library as their “university before university.” This intellectual partnership eventually evolved into Pont Casse Press, established in 1992, which has since published 44 books documenting Dominican history and culture.

    The library’s current state tells a different story. Hurricane Maria’s devastation in 2017 left the institution in ruins, prompting calls for national mobilization. Authors Christian and André are leading efforts to form a bipartisan steering committee to rebuild the library, emphasizing that this must be a non-partisan national cause supported by Dominicans at home and throughout the diaspora.

    Organizations like Rebuild Dominica Inc. have already demonstrated commitment through recent donations of $5,000 worth of books to Dominica State College. The reconstruction effort represents not just physical rebuilding but the reclamation of a vital space for future generations and honoring the legacy of Bell and Carnegie’s visionary investment in Dominican intellectual development.

    The Roseau Public Library’s enduring legacy continues through every Dominican it educated and through the published works of Pont Casse Press that now contribute to the global archive of human knowledge. It stands as testament to how philanthropic vision and local advocacy can permanently shape a nation’s intellectual destiny.

  • Brown treble leads Harbour View over Spanish Town Police as JPL resumes

    Brown treble leads Harbour View over Spanish Town Police as JPL resumes

    The Jamaica Premier League made a dynamic return to action this Sunday following a weather-enforced hiatus caused by Hurricane Melissa in late October. The weekend’s fixtures delivered thrilling performances and significant shifts in the league standings.

    At the Harbour View Stadium, Rohan Brown delivered a masterclass performance, netting an impressive hat-trick to propel his team to a dominant 5-2 victory against newly-promoted Spanish Town Police. Brown found the net in the 4th, 27th, and 90th minutes, demonstrating remarkable precision throughout the match. His efforts were complemented by goals from teammates Roshawn Oldfield (34th minute) and Trayvone Reid (42nd minute), creating an overwhelming offensive display.

    Despite the lopsided scoreline, Spanish Town Police showed resilience in the closing stages, with substitute Roja Layne (81st minute) and Chevon Walters (88th minute) scoring consolation goals that provided some respectability to the final result.

    In other league action, second-placed Portmore United narrowed the gap on table-toppers Montego Bay United to a single point following a narrow 1-0 triumph over Arnett Gardens. The decisive moment came early when Joel Jones inadvertently scored an own goal in the 4th minute. With this victory, Portmore United now sit on 21 points from 10 matches, maintaining pressure on the leaders who face defending champions Cavalier on Monday.

    Racing United delivered one of the most dramatic performances of the weekend, overcoming Molynes United 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Tajay Ajani Grant emerged as the hero with a crucial double, including the game-winning goal in the 46th minute. The match witnessed an explosive 13-minute period in the first half that produced four goals, with Marlon Pennicooke scoring twice for Molynes United before Racing United mounted their successful comeback.

    In a surprising result, Caribbean Cup champions Mount Pleasant FA were held to a goalless draw against Dunbeholden, failing to capitalize on their championship pedigree as the league resumed competition.

  • WATCH: Woman narrowly escapes serious injury in Manchester crash

    WATCH: Woman narrowly escapes serious injury in Manchester crash

    A routine Sunday drive turned perilous for a female motorist in Williamsfield, Manchester, when her vehicle was involved in a dramatic collision that resulted in a complete rollover. The incident, occurring approximately at 5:00 p.m., unfolded on a bustling stretch of road adjacent to a popular vending area.

    According to preliminary investigative reports, the chain of events began when a minivan traveling eastward made an abrupt stop on the roadway. This sudden maneuver effectively obstructed the flow of traffic. A motor car proceeding in the same direction was unable to stop in time and consequently collided with the rear of the stationary minivan. The impact of the crash precipitated a violent overturn of the smaller vehicle.

    Miraculously, the sole occupant of the overturned car, identified as the female driver, managed to extricate herself from the wreckage unaided. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, she crawled to safety without sustaining serious injuries. Occupants of the minivan emerged from the incident entirely unharmed, having been shielded from the primary impact.

    The aftermath of the two-vehicle collision triggered significant traffic disruptions throughout the evening. A substantial pileup rapidly developed, congesting the critical junction of the Williamsfield Highway and the local roundabout. Emergency services and traffic management personnel were dispatched to the scene to assist with vehicle recovery and restore normal traffic flow, though delays persisted for several hours. Local authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the precise cause of the minivan’s stop and the contributing factors to the subsequent collision.

  • Bignall Law dedicates tree-lighting to hurricane victims, calls for better housing solutions

    Bignall Law dedicates tree-lighting to hurricane victims, calls for better housing solutions

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid the festive glow of Christmas lights, a powerful call for systemic housing reform echoed through the Bignall Law Commercial Centre in Half-Way-Tree on Saturday evening. The commercial firm hosted its third annual tree-lighting ceremony, transforming the event into both a memorial for Hurricane Melissa’s victims and a platform for social advocacy.

    The ceremony, produced through a special partnership with Hillel Academy students, drew substantial attendance despite the nation’s somber mood following the devastating Category 5 hurricane. Proprietor Vaughan Bignall defended the decision to proceed with the celebration, emphasizing that ‘life is about continuity’ and asserting the importance of maintaining hope during challenging periods.

    Bignall delivered a comprehensive critique of Jamaica’s housing vulnerabilities, urging government bodies and landholding institutions to address what he termed ‘historical injustices’ in land distribution. He highlighted the disproportionate impact of hurricanes on impoverished communities, where substandard housing leads to concentrated casualties and severe property damage.

    ‘While immediate relief provisions are essential,’ Bignall stated, ‘we must prioritize permanent housing solutions.’ He specifically criticized the prevalence of temporary zinc and board structures in disaster-prone regions, advocating for concrete homes capable of withstanding major hurricanes.

    The business leader identified particular urgency in Westmoreland and other parishes experiencing widespread landlessness among poor residents. He challenged churches, government agencies, and other institutional landowners to consider outright land donations to vulnerable families as a long-term solution.

    Bignall also addressed the government’s plan to vacate school shelters by December’s end, acknowledging the need for educational normalcy while insisting that displaced residents require viable relocation options. ‘Removing people without ensuring proper alternatives is unacceptable,’ he remarked.

    Despite the evening’s serious undertones, the ceremony maintained its focus on seasonal joy and community solidarity. Bignall emphasized the importance of providing children with Christmas happiness despite national hardships, describing the event as ultimately about ‘hope, continuity, and light.’

  • Guyana Defence Force soldiers to assist Jamaica with post-hurricane reconstruction

    Guyana Defence Force soldiers to assist Jamaica with post-hurricane reconstruction

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana — In a significant demonstration of regional solidarity, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has deployed a specialized contingent of 41 military engineers to assist Jamaica’s recovery from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. The team, consisting of one officer and 40 additional ranks from the GDF’s Engineer Battalion, departed for the Caribbean neighbor on Friday, comprising both regular and reserve personnel.

    This strategic deployment highlights Guyana’s evolving role as a key responder to regional emergencies, with the engineering corps bringing substantial experience from previous disaster relief missions. According to official statements, these skilled personnel will collaborate directly with Jamaican authorities to reconstruct critical infrastructure, rehabilitate damaged communities, and bolster ongoing humanitarian operations across affected regions.

    The mission was formally commissioned by Acting Chief of Defence Staff Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, who personally briefed the contingent before their departure. Colonel Roberts emphasized the critical importance of maintaining professional standards while representing both their military unit and the nation of Guyana on foreign soil. “Expectations are high, but I am confident you will deliver and represent the commander-in-chief with pride,” he stated, acknowledging Guyana’s emerging leadership in regional disaster response initiatives.

    Notably, the deployment occurs during the traditional Christmas holiday period, with Colonel Roberts recognizing the personal sacrifices made by personnel who reported for duty despite the seasonal emphasis on family gatherings and celebrations. The GDF’s statement further emphasized that this mobilization underscores the force’s operational flexibility and depth of regional commitment, reflecting a strong sense of Caribbean responsibility as neighboring nations continue to grapple with Hurricane Melissa’s severe aftermath.