Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • 10 ways to volunteer this Christmas to support Jamaicans impacted by Melissa

    10 ways to volunteer this Christmas to support Jamaicans impacted by Melissa

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage through Jamaica, a nationwide call for volunteerism has emerged as communities enter the Christmas season. The catastrophic weather event has created unprecedented needs across the island, prompting both governmental and non-governmental organizations to coordinate large-scale relief efforts during what is traditionally a period of giving and community solidarity.

    The reconstruction initiative encompasses multiple tiers of engagement, from hyperlocal assistance to nationally coordinated programs. Neighborhood churches and community groups are organizing food distribution campaigns, structural repairs, and emotional support services for affected families. Corporate entities have activated their seasonal volunteer programs, facilitating employee participation in rebuilding projects and donation drives through human resources departments.

    Governmental coordination occurs through Support Jamaica, an official digital platform that connects vetted volunteers with structured opportunities in disaster response, social services, and community development. Simultaneously, international humanitarian organizations have established significant operations on the ground. Food For the Poor Jamaica continues its critical work in housing construction and sustenance distribution, while World Central Kitchen maintains its emergency feeding operations requiring assistance with meal preparation and delivery logistics.

    The American Friends of Jamaica collaborates with local partners to address educational, healthcare, and disaster relief needs, welcoming volunteers for reconstruction projects. Jamaica Red Cross remains instrumental in emergency response, providing shelter support, first aid, and community preparedness training. The Salvation Army continues its tradition of offering emergency provisions including food, clean water, and temporary housing to displaced families.

    For those seeking formal disaster management roles, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management operates the National Disaster Risk Management Volunteer Programme, focusing on preparedness education, damage assessment, and relief coordination. Alternatively, individuals can pursue direct assistance through personalized ‘adopt-a-family’ initiatives, such as that pioneered by Westmoreland Eastern MP Dr. Dayton Campbell, which connects donors with severely affected households for targeted support with groceries, educational materials, and home repairs.

    This comprehensive volunteer mobilization represents a critical component of Jamaica’s recovery strategy, harnessing the collective power of civic engagement to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term reconstruction requirements following natural disaster.

  • Outgoing president of BTVI accused by faculty of funding ‘lavish’ party while staff go unpaid

    Outgoing president of BTVI accused by faculty of funding ‘lavish’ party while staff go unpaid

    Faculty members at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) initiated industrial action on Thursday, leveling serious allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement against outgoing President Dr. Linda Davis. The protest, organized by unionized instructors, demanded Dr. Davis’s immediate removal from office amid claims she has created a toxic administrative environment.

    The Bahamas Union of Auxiliary Professionals in Education presented a detailed list of grievances, including allegations that Dr. Davis deliberately obstructed processes and demonstrated ‘blatant disregard and disrespect’ toward staff members. Among the most significant accusations: the president allegedly questioned faculty credentials in ways that affected benefit eligibility, stalled negotiations on a new industrial agreement, withheld approvals for professional development opportunities, and delayed signing crucial job letters.

    Financial concerns formed a core component of the protest. Faculty representatives claimed that despite being informed for months that no funds were available for salary increases, professional development, or long-service recognition payments, the administration somehow secured resources for what they described as a ‘lavish’ celebration of Dr. Davis’s legacy. This event reportedly featured a DJ, MC, Junkanoo rush-out performance, and covered travel expenses for accreditation guests.

    Bahamas Union of Auxiliary Professionals in Education President Ernesto Williams expressed particular frustration that staff entered the holiday season without approved increments, certification allowances, and degree appreciation payments that were contractually mandated. He noted that the decision to fund a celebration while withholding employee benefits ‘sent the wrong message’ and suggested staff welfare had been deliberately sidelined.

    Williams revealed that multiple meetings with BTVI’s board of directors, including a session as recent as September 11th, yielded no substantive action. He urged Dr. Davis to utilize her remaining 19 days in office to address outstanding financial obligations, emphasizing she still retains authority to release funds and engage government personnel. Failure to resolve these issues, Williams warned, could place staff in financial limbo and further erode confidence in the institution’s leadership.

  • Fair Trading Commission director grilled over delays in pharmaceutical probe

    Fair Trading Commission director grilled over delays in pharmaceutical probe

    In a tense parliamentary hearing on December 2, Fair Trading Commission (FTC) Executive Director Bevan Narinesingh faced rigorous interrogation from Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) Chairman Jagdeo Singh regarding the commission’s perceived inaction on potential anti-competitive practices within the pharmaceutical industry.

    Speaker Singh, visibly frustrated throughout the proceedings, challenged Narinesingh on what he characterized as the FTC’s ‘lethargic’ response to serious allegations of monopolistic behavior in drug supply and distribution. The confrontation centered on the commission’s failure to utilize its statutory powers under the Fair Trading Act despite receiving formal complaints and documentation since September 2024.

    Singh methodically outlined the FTC’s broad investigative authority, particularly emphasizing Section 9 provisions that empower the commission to act on its own initiative without requiring formal complaints. ‘Anti-competitive behavior in a marketplace is among the highest public-interest concerns needing protection,’ Singh asserted, receiving agreement from Narinesingh before pressing further on the commission’s inaction.

    The hearing revealed that despite a September 6, 2024 letter from a private business association raising competition concerns, the FTC’s response consisted primarily of information requests rather than initiating formal investigations. Singh questioned why the commission hadn’t invoked Section 8 powers to compel document production from suspected entities instead of placing the burden on complainants to obtain sensitive corporate records.

    Narinesingh defended the FTC’s approach, citing ongoing evidence gathering through meetings with Health Ministry officials in December 2024 and consultations with the Pharmacy Board. However, when pressed for documentation of these meetings, he could not immediately produce minutes or formal reports.

    The exchange intensified when Singh referenced the FTC’s December 13, 2024 public statement acknowledging that concerns ‘may require further examination.’ The chairman demanded concrete actions beyond letter-writing and meetings, to which Narinesingh cited public notices inviting input through digital channels.

    A critical moment emerged when Narinesingh revealed the FTC had determined ‘sufficient grounds’ for investigation by June 17, 2025 but claimed inability to proceed due to the commission’s board being dissolved since May. Singh challenged this justification, questioning where the Fair Trading Act circumscribes the executive director’s authority based on board availability.

    The session concluded with Singh issuing comprehensive directives for the FTC to provide all relevant documentation, including internal communications, meeting minutes, and task assignments, before adjourning until January 26 for further review.

  • PSA president claims back pay for public servants by December 23

    PSA president claims back pay for public servants by December 23

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s public sector workforce, Public Services Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas has confirmed that union members will receive their long-awaited back payments by December 23rd, just in time for the holiday season.

    The breakthrough follows the formal signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the PSA and the Chief Personnel Officer on December 2nd, which outlines comprehensive compensation improvements for civil service officers. The agreement includes a substantial 10% wage increase, consolidation of Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for both the 2014-2016 and 2017-2019 periods, and the crucial pre-holiday back pay disbursement.

    According to the circular issued by President Thomas, the new salary structure will be implemented starting January 2026, while revised allowances will be retroactively effective from January 1, 2014. This arrangement represents a major victory for the PSA, which had previously rejected a 4% wage offer from the previous administration.

    Thomas emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “Your sacrifice has not been in vain. Today, we are proud to announce that your resilience has delivered meaningful results and this latest development is a testament to the power of unity and solidarity.”

    The agreement fulfills a campaign promise made by current Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar during the United National Congress’s election campaign. The MoA is described as a “significant step forward” for all public officers, with ongoing discussions continuing regarding other employment terms and conditions.

    This settlement contrasts with other public sector groups that accepted lower increases earlier this year. Prison officers, police officers, estate police officers, and airport security personnel had accepted the previous administration’s 4% offer, while the TT Unified Teachers Association negotiated a 5% wage increase for educators.

    Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo had previously instructed the Chief Personnel Officer to advance with the wage proposal during the October 13 budget presentation, setting the stage for the current agreement that brings financial relief and recognition to the nation’s civil servants.

  • Nipdec, PSA settle on 5% salary increase

    Nipdec, PSA settle on 5% salary increase

    In a significant development for labor relations in Trinidad and Tobago, the National Insurance Property Development Company Ltd (Nipdec) has successfully concluded negotiations with the Public Services Association (PSA), resolving a longstanding collective agreement for permanent monthly paid workers. The settlement, finalized between PSA president Felisha Thomas and Nipdec chairman Vijay Gosyne, addresses compensation dating back to the period spanning January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2016.

    The breakthrough agreement implements a five per cent wage increase and provides accumulated back pay totaling $5,613,535.69. This financial package will benefit 57 individuals comprising both current and former personnel—specifically 28 existing employees and 29 who have since departed the organization.

    Nipdec’s leadership emphasized the agreement’s broader significance beyond financial compensation, characterizing it as a testament to the workforce’s dedication and a reinforcement of collaborative industrial relations. The company acknowledged the PSA’s constructive engagement throughout negotiation proceedings, highlighting the settlement as a milestone in strengthening institutional relationships with both employees and their union representation.

    The resolution aligns with government commitments to workforce welfare while supporting Nipdec’s strategic vision to position itself as the region’s premier project and procurement management agency. Company officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining principles of fairness, transparency, and respect in all employee-related matters, suggesting this agreement establishes a positive framework for future labor relations.

  • ‘2,500 voters are missing,’ says AG

    ‘2,500 voters are missing,’ says AG

    Bahamian Attorney General Ryan Pinder has publicly acknowledged significant voter registration discrepancies in the recent Golden Isles by-election, contradicting earlier assurances from Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson about the accuracy of the electoral register. The admission came during Senate deliberations on the Data Protection Bill, 2025, amid growing concerns from opposition parties about the integrity of electoral processes.

    Pinder revealed that both major political parties could only verify approximately 5,500 registered voters in the Golden Isles constituency through aggressive ground operations, despite official records showing 7,926 registered voters. This discrepancy of nearly 2,500 unverified registrations resulted in a notably low voter turnout of just 49%, with only 3,884 ballots cast in the recent election.

    The Attorney General attributed these inaccuracies to multiple systemic factors, including the suspension of active voter transfer exercises since the implementation of the permanent register nine years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation, halting all transfer activities for two years due to curfews and movement restrictions. Additionally, the early election called by the previous Minnis administration interrupted routine scrutiny exercises designed to update voter information and confirm residency statuses.

    Parliamentary Commissioner Thompson had previously dismissed opposition claims, maintaining that his department received no formal complaints regarding missing names or outdated entries. However, Pinder’s statements confirm longstanding concerns about register accuracy that have undermined public confidence in electoral outcomes.

    The Parliamentary Registration Department has reportedly resumed verification exercises, temporarily paused only for the by-election. Both Pinder and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper have urged Bahamian citizens to update their voter information promptly. The government emphasizes that recent amendments to the Parliamentary Elections Act, particularly regarding biometric registration implementation, will significantly streamline future register updates and enhance electoral integrity moving forward.

  • JDF engineers to assist with rebuilding in Accompong

    JDF engineers to assist with rebuilding in Accompong

    A multinational reconstruction initiative is underway to restore the historic Maroon settlement of Accompong in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, following extensive damage from an October hurricane that devastated approximately 80% of the community’s structures. Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced during his Sunday visit that engineering corps from the Jamaica Defence Force will lead repair operations, with additional support expected from several African nations including Ethiopia, Ghana, and Rwanda.

    The rebuilding effort holds particular significance as authorities work against the clock to prepare the community for its annual January festival commemorating the 1739 peace treaty between Maroons and British forces. Holness emphasized the cultural importance of Maroon communities within Jamaica’s heritage, acknowledging historical undersupport while characterizing the reconstruction as an opportunity for ‘a reset’ in governmental relations with indigenous communities.

    Accompanied by Culture Minister Olivia Grange and Agriculture Minister Floyd Green, Holness received a firsthand assessment of the damage from Maroon Chief Richard Currie, who expressed gratitude for the assistance while highlighting the need for both housing and agricultural restoration. The Prime Minister concluded the visit by presenting a generator to the Accompong Primary and Infant School, symbolizing the beginning of coordinated recovery efforts between government agencies and the indigenous community.

  • Cruise tourism resumes sailing in Falmouth

    Cruise tourism resumes sailing in Falmouth

    FALMOUTH, Jamaica — In a significant milestone for regional economic recovery, Jamaica’s historic Falmouth Cruise Port resumed operations Tuesday with the simultaneous docking of Caribbean Princess and Norwegian Star. This event marks the port’s first cruise activity since Hurricane Melissa disrupted operations over a month ago.

    The return of maritime tourism has been hailed as critical to revitalizing the local economy. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, during a preparatory visit last Saturday, emphasized the strategic importance of restoring cruise operations to Falmouth’s economic ecosystem.

    Minister McKenzie revealed the extensive multi-agency collaboration behind the reopening: “A coordinated effort between all stakeholders has been mobilized to prepare Falmouth for these vessels. The municipal corporation has been working intensively with the Port Authority, Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCO), and other agencies to restore essential infrastructure and services.”

    While acknowledging the long-term nature of full restoration, McKenzie stressed the immediate importance of resuming operations: “The return of cruise tourism represents vital economic support for the community during this recovery phase. These initial steps, though partial, are fundamental to the town’s commercial survival.”

    Falmouth becomes the third Jamaican port to restore cruise operations following earlier reopenings in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, signaling a broader normalization of Jamaica’s crucial tourism infrastructure after recent weather disruptions.

  • WATCH: KFC opens first restaurant in St Thomas

    WATCH: KFC opens first restaurant in St Thomas

    ST THOMAS, Jamaica — Amid ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Melissa, Restaurant of Jamaica (ROJ) has inaugurated its new KFC establishment in Morant Bay, marking a significant milestone for local economic revitalization. The facility commenced operations on Tuesday under the leadership of ROJ Brand Manager Andrei Roper, who characterized the launch as both a symbolic and practical step toward regional recovery.

    Roper acknowledged the profound challenges faced by communities across Jamaica, particularly in western regions and St Thomas parish, where hurricane impacts have been most severe over the past month. “This opening represents our commitment to normalcy and progress despite recent adversities,” he stated during the inauguration ceremony.

    The executive emphasized ROJ’s long-term investment strategy, noting the immediate positive public response with customers arriving early and maintaining steady patronage throughout opening day. Beyond immediate commerce, Roper highlighted the restaurant’s role in job creation, community partnerships, and broader economic development throughout the St Thomas region.

    This expansion forms part of ROJ’s strategic growth initiative, demonstrating corporate resilience while contributing to post-disaster economic stabilization. The operation expects to establish enduring community ties while generating sustained employment opportunities and commercial partnerships across the parish.

  • Farley announces January 12 THA elections

    Farley announces January 12 THA elections

    The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) will hold its pivotal elections on January 12, 2026, as formally announced by Chief Secretary and Tobago People’s Party (TPP) leader Farley Augustine. The declaration came during the party’s candidate unveiling ceremony at Scarborough’s Calypso Rose Boulevard on December 1, where Augustine addressed an assembly of enthusiastic supporters.

    Augustine revealed he has formally notified Prime Minister Keith Rowley of the election date, with both leaders subsequently advising the President of Trinidad and Tobago. The presidential election writ is anticipated to be officially issued around December 5, 2025, initiating the formal electoral process.

    Despite the energized crowd at the campaign event, Augustine delivered a pragmatic message about electoral realities. He emphatically stated that large gatherings do not automatically translate to electoral success, emphasizing that ‘votes win elections, not crowds.’ The TPP leader outlined an intensive grassroots strategy, committing to door-to-door outreach and direct voter engagement across Tobago’s constituencies.

    Augustine expressed confidence in securing all 15 contested seats in the legislative body, underscoring his party’s dedication to mobilizing substantial voter turnout through personalized engagement with every Tobagonian household. The upcoming election represents a critical political event for Tobago’s autonomous governance structure, with potential implications for the island’s developmental trajectory and relationship with the central Trinidadian government.