Carib Scope

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  • Manning Cup resumes with champions KC in danger

    Manning Cup resumes with champions KC in danger

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA Manning Cup football competition reignites this Friday following a one-month suspension due to Hurricane Melissa, setting the stage for a dramatic series of matches with quarterfinal implications hanging in the balance.

    All eyes are fixed on Group 2, where defending champions Kingston College (KC) confront a precarious must-win scenario against Campion College. After suffering an unexpected 0-1 defeat to Hydel High in their opener, KC languishes in third place. Simultaneously, a pivotal clash between group co-leaders Calabar High and Hydel High—both holding three points—will unfold at Calabar High School. A victory for either team in this encounter would secure their advancement, while a draw coupled with a KC win would intensify the standings.

    KC’s head coach, Vassell Reynolds, acknowledged the pressure while expressing confidence in his squad’s preparedness. “This is an extremely vital game at a difficult time, coming off a long layoff,” Reynolds stated. “However, we understand the situation and are well aware of what is required of us as defending champions. We expect the team to execute well.”

    The intrigue extends across other groups. In Group 4, perennial contenders Jamaica College (JC), holding just a single point, face St Jago in a critical bid to keep their championship aspirations alive. They trail Mona High, who sit comfortably atop the group with three points.

    Elsewhere, Group 3 features former champions St. George’s College, who are desperate for a victory against Vauxhall High after a loss in their initial match. The group is led by Charlie Smith High, who can clinch a quarterfinal berth with a win over St. Catherine High on Saturday.

    A top-of-the-table showdown in Group 1 will see Excelsior High and St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), both on three points, battle for an immediate spot in the next round.

    **Friday’s Fixtures:**
    * **Group 1:** Tivoli Gardens vs Wolmer’s Boys (Waterhouse Mini-Stadium, 2:00 pm); STATHS vs Excelsior (Waterhouse Mini-Stadium, 4:15 pm)
    * **Group 2:** Campion College vs Kingston College (Jamaica College, 2:00 pm); Calabar High vs Hydel High (Calabar High School, 3:00 pm)
    * **Group 3:** St. George’s College vs Vauxhall High (St. George’s College, 3:00 pm)
    * **Group 4:** Eltham High vs Mona High (Spanish Town Prison Oval, 3:00 pm); Jamaica College vs St Jago (Jamaica College, 4:15 pm)

  • Sickle cell patient left ‘lying in urine’ overnight after surgery at PMH

    Sickle cell patient left ‘lying in urine’ overnight after surgery at PMH

    A severe case of patient neglect at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) has ignited public outrage and raised urgent questions about healthcare standards in The Bahamas’ primary public medical facility. Branyiell Hall, a 28-year-old sickle cell patient and mother, endured an agonizing night lying in soiled bedding without assistance following surgical procedures, according to her family’s account.

    The incident occurred in the Female Medical-Surgical Ward East where Hall, weakened and immobilized post-operation, remained completely dependent on nursing staff. Her sister, Branae Russell, reported leaving the hospital after visiting hours concluded, confident that medical professionals would provide adequate overnight care.

    Instead, Hall spent approximately twelve hours unattended in urine-soaked conditions, unable to secure assistance despite repeated calls for help. A distressing 57-minute voice message captured the patient’s emotional and physical distress as she described her ordeal of being left unchanged since immediately after surgery.

    This case highlights systemic challenges within PMH, which faces a documented shortage of approximately 500 registered nurses according to recent institutional disclosures. While Hall eventually received attention from morning shift staff who administered pain relief and cleaning assistance, the psychological impact of the neglect has been profound.

    The family emphasizes this represents not an isolated incident but rather a pattern of concerning care deficiencies, particularly during night shifts when patient vulnerability increases. Russell’s social media appeal for ministerial intervention has garnered significant public support, with hundreds sharing her post demanding accountability and improved patient dignity standards.

    Public Hospitals Authority Managing Director Aubynette Rolle has acknowledged the complaint and initiated an internal review process. Meanwhile, Hall continues her hospitalization while battling multiple sickle cell complications that previously required transfer from Rand Memorial Hospital in August.

    The case underscores the critical intersection of healthcare staffing shortages, institutional accountability, and patient rights, raising fundamental questions about systemic safeguards for vulnerable patients during non-visiting hours.

  • Ranfurly: Lack of donations may force us to close doors

    Ranfurly: Lack of donations may force us to close doors

    Nassau’s longstanding Ranfurly Home orphanage faces potential closure due to a catastrophic financial shortfall, with administrators revealing that dwindling donations and insufficient governmental support have pushed the institution toward collapse. The facility, which provides care for 25 children aged 12 to 17, requires several hundred thousand dollars to achieve stability, according to President Joey Premock.

    Premock emphasized that government funding constitutes merely 25 percent of their operational budget, describing it as insufficient given their monthly expenses of approximately $55,000. While the home receives occasional gifts and clothing donations, these do not address critical cash needs for food, utilities, medical care, counseling, and staff salaries. Currently operating with fewer than five consistent donors, Premock warned that without immediate financial intervention, the institution cannot sustain operations.

    The crisis extends beyond orphanages to broader social services. Khandi Gibson, President of Families of All Murdered Victims (FOAM), reported her private six-bedroom shelter now houses 22 individuals—including women, children, and men—many fleeing eviction or dangerous living conditions. Gibson noted rising demand for basic survival assistance, from diapers for young fathers to support for employed Bahamians unable to cope with soaring living costs.

    Both leaders highlighted the growing gap between need and resources, particularly during the holiday season. Gibson’s shelter requires $2,500 monthly for operational costs alone, excluding substantial food and financial assistance provided to those outside the facility. She reported frequent instances of individuals contemplating suicide due to extreme financial pressure, noting that many Bahamians now rely on NGOs for survival.

    Administrators urge collective public action, emphasizing that while government resources are limited, community support could prevent institutional collapse. Premock specifically called for Bahamians to contribute time or donations to protect the nation’s most vulnerable children, countering public assumptions about the home’s financial stability.

  • ‘Zero intention of stepping down’

    ‘Zero intention of stepping down’

    Bahamian Ambassador-at-Large Rick Fox has publicly declared his intention to retain his diplomatic position despite Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell’s directive for unsupportive diplomats to step down. The confrontation emerged following Fox’s revelation of his political ambitions while serving in his official role.

    In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, Fox redirected attention toward what he identifies as the nation’s paramount challenge: pervasive voter apathy. He invoked the perspective of respected PLP Leader Sean McWeeney KC, emphasizing that The Bahamas now operates under a ‘minority state of mind’ rather than majority rule. Fox argued that electoral disengagement has effectively decided the past three elections and poses a critical threat to the 2026 General Election.

    Foreign Minister Mitchell had previously intensified his stance on ambassadorial conduct, suggesting that diplomats unable to fully endorse the government’s mandate should recognize ‘what must be done.’ Although Mitchell abstained from naming Fox specifically, the remarks clearly responded to the former NBA star’s simultaneous diplomatic service and political campaigning.

    Fox confirmed he remains undecided regarding his political trajectory, currently evaluating potential constituencies and weighing whether to run as an independent candidate or align with an established party. He expressed his commitment to assembling a coalition of like-minded Bahamians dedicated to national progress, emphasizing forward-looking strategies rather than retrospective analysis.

  • McKenzie vows greater enforcement of National Building Code next year

    McKenzie vows greater enforcement of National Building Code next year

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path last month, Jamaican Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has issued a stern mandate for nationwide reconstruction efforts to strictly comply with the country’s National Building Code. Speaking during a Thursday address in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, McKenzie emphasized that rebuilding must prioritize structural integrity and disaster preparedness above all other considerations.

    Minister McKenzie highlighted the critical need for enhanced enforcement mechanisms, announcing that strengthened compliance measures will be implemented by 2026. He expressed particular concern about informal construction practices, specifically referencing the dangerous trend of erecting makeshift dwellings in flood-prone areas using inadequate materials like zinc sheets and plywood.

    The Minister delivered a blunt message regarding socioeconomic status and disaster vulnerability: “The time has come when we must forget about whether you poor or rich, because disaster don’t know nobody.” He observed that those claiming poverty often suffer most from natural disasters due to substandard building practices.

    McKenzie issued a grave warning about Jamaica’s preparedness, contemplating the catastrophic potential had Hurricane Melissa struck the densely populated Corporate Area instead of the southwestern region. He recalled a citizen’s sobering observation that “country can’t manage town,” underscoring the disproportionate impact a direct hit on the capital would have on national infrastructure and government operations.

    The government plans to initiate a comprehensive rollout of new building compliance measures in the coming year, signaling a transformative approach to urban planning and disaster resilience throughout Jamaica.

  • Enrique Iglesias’ Bailando featuring Sean Paul is platinum in Germany

    Enrique Iglesias’ Bailando featuring Sean Paul is platinum in Germany

    Enrique Iglesias’ global hit ‘Bailando’ has secured another international milestone, receiving platinum certification in Germany for exceptional commercial performance. The Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI), Germany’s official music industry association, formally granted this recognition in their latest monthly report, acknowledging the track’s combined sales and streaming figures equivalent to 600,000 units.

    The multinational collaboration, which features Jamaican artist Sean Paul and Cuban duo Gente De Zona alongside co-writer Descemer Bueno, originally debuted in 2014 as part of Iglesias’ ‘Sex and Love’ album released through Republic Records. The Spanglish-language track demonstrates remarkable cross-cultural appeal, blending rhythmic Latin pop with dancehall influences.

    This German certification adds to an impressive collection of international accolades for the viral sensation. Previous honors include quadruple platinum status in the United States, platinum recognition in the United Kingdom, and octuple platinum certification in Spain, reflecting its massive popularity across diverse markets.

    The song’s chart dominance extended across multiple continents, appearing on official music charts in over fifteen countries including Mexico, Brazil, France, Poland, Russia, and Romania. In the United States, ‘Bailando’ achieved significant commercial success across multiple Billboard charts, notably ranking on the prestigious Hot 100, Hot Latin Songs, and Latin Airplay charts.

    Beyond its commercial performance, the track received critical acclaim through numerous industry awards, including two Latin Grammy Awards, an ASCAP Award, and six Billboard Latin Music Awards. These achievements underscore both the artistic merit and cultural impact of this cross-over hit that continues to resonate with global audiences years after its initial release.

  • Bank of Jamaica wins 2025 Best Central Bank award

    Bank of Jamaica wins 2025 Best Central Bank award

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has been distinguished with the prestigious Best Bank Award 2025 by the renowned international financial publication Global Finance. This accolade was formally presented to BOJ Governor Richard Byles during an awards ceremony in Washington DC, conducted alongside the annual gatherings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

    In a parallel recognition of exemplary leadership, Governor Byles was awarded an ‘A’ grade in Global Finance’s 2025 Central Banker Report Card. This annual evaluation scrutinizes the performance of nearly 100 central bank governors across the globe. The top-tier grade solidifies the BOJ’s position at the apex of central banking leadership within the Caribbean and Latin American regions, marking a notable improvement from the ‘A-‘ rating received in 2024.

    Governor Byles, in an official statement, attributed this success to the dedicated efforts of the bank’s entire staff. He emphasized that the award acknowledges their unwavering commitment to fulfilling the BOJ’s core mandates, which encompass stringent inflation control, ensuring the stability of the financial system, and the effective supervision of deposit-taking institutions.

    The recognition arrives at a critical juncture as the central bank intensifies its efforts to facilitate national recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which inflicted substantial damage to Jamaica’s economic and social infrastructure. Byles underscored that the bank’s primary focus on maintaining price stability is a fundamental pillar in supporting the country’s broader rehabilitation efforts.

    Global Finance’s rankings are derived from a meticulous analysis incorporating insights from the financial industry and a set of rigorous metrics. These criteria include the effectiveness of monetary policy, the rigor of financial system supervision, operational transparency, and the degree of independence from political influence.

    The publication specifically commended the BOJ for its consistent and strategic monetary policy actions aimed at curbing inflation, particularly following the hurricane disasters experienced in 2024. It highlighted that despite the severe economic disruptions caused by Hurricanes Beryl and Rafael, the bank, in concert with the government, successfully maintained a steady macroeconomic trajectory. Demonstrating this adaptability, the BOJ held its policy rate steady at 7% until August 2024, subsequently implementing a series of reductions to lower it to 5.75% by September 2025 as inflationary pressures subsided.

  • France charges fourth suspected member of Louvre heist gang

    France charges fourth suspected member of Louvre heist gang

    French authorities have formally charged the fourth and final alleged member of an organized criminal group responsible for the spectacular October jewel theft at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The sophisticated heist, which occurred in broad daylight, resulted in the disappearance of valuable jewelry estimated at approximately $102 million.

    The recently charged suspect, identified as a 39-year-old male from the Seine-Saint-Denis suburb of Paris, brings a significant criminal history to the investigation. According to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the individual has six prior convictions including offenses related to pimping, driving without a license, and handling stolen goods.

    All four primary suspects in the meticulously planned robbery have now been detained and face charges of organized theft and criminal conspiracy. Investigators believe the team executed their operation with remarkable precision, completing the entire theft in just seven minutes before escaping on scooters.

    The investigation reveals that two members of the group entered the museum’s Apollo Gallery while their accomplices remained outside as lookouts. Additionally, a 38-year-old woman described as the partner of one suspects has been implicated for alleged complicity but has been released pending further investigation under judicial supervision.

    Despite the arrests, the stolen jewelry remains missing, raising questions about the distribution network and potential international connections of the criminal organization. The case continues to develop as French authorities pursue leads regarding the whereabouts of the valuable items.

  • US National Guard shooting suspect to be charged with murder

    US National Guard shooting suspect to be charged with murder

    WASHINGTON, United States – Federal prosecutors have elevated charges against an Afghan national to first-degree murder following a shooting incident that resulted in the death of one National Guard member and critical injury to another near the White House precincts.

    US Attorney for Washington DC, Jeanine Pirro, confirmed the upgraded charges against 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, identified by US media as a former member of the CIA-supported ‘Zero Units’ counterterrorism force. The initial assault charges have been superseded by first-degree murder counts, with prosecutors indicating additional charges will follow.

    ‘This constitutes premeditated murder through ambush tactics against unsuspecting personnel,’ Pirro stated during an appearance on Fox News, characterizing the Wednesday attack as a calculated assault.

    The victims have been identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom from the West Virginia National Guard, who succumbed to her injuries, and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, who remains in critical condition. Both were deployed in the capital as part of heightened security operations.

    According to investigative findings, Lakanwal utilized a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver to open fire on guardsmen during patrol duties. The assailant, previously residing in Washington state, had undertaken a cross-country journey to reach the capital.

    The incident has ignited intense political discourse surrounding multiple contentious issues: the domestic deployment of military personnel, immigration policy, and the enduring consequences of US engagement in Afghanistan.

    In response to the shooting, former President Donald Trump announced intentions to suspend migration from what he termed ‘third world countries’ and reconsider admissions processed during the Biden administration. This stance has been reinforced by current FBI, CIA, and Homeland Security leadership, who attribute the suspect’s entry to perceived inadequacies in asylum protocols following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    Contrasting this perspective, AfghanEvac—an organization facilitating Afghan resettlement—maintains that evacuated individuals underwent exceptionally rigorous security vetting procedures. The organization emphasizes the comprehensive screening protocols applied to Afghan migrants following the military withdrawal.

  • Rajiv Coosal takes TT Contractors Association helm unopposed

    Rajiv Coosal takes TT Contractors Association helm unopposed

    Rajiv Coosal, Operations Director at Coosal’s Group of Companies, has ascended to the presidency of the Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association (TTCA) with a resolute commitment to address systemic challenges plaguing the construction sector. His uncontested election during the November 27 annual general meeting coincided with a constitutional amendment extending leadership terms from one to two years.

    Assuming leadership with what he described as “humility, enthusiasm and a sense of duty,” Coosal immediately identified delayed state payments as the most destabilizing factor confronting contractors. He emphasized that outstanding government debts represent more than accounting entries—they directly impact livelihoods, project continuity, and industry trust.

    The newly inaugurated president outlined an ambitious agenda focused on strengthening partnerships with government ministries and agencies, particularly as Trinidad and Tobago advances its development transformation agenda. Coosal specifically referenced the Housing Ministry’s 20,000-unit affordable housing initiative and 12 proposed development hubs as critical opportunities requiring local contractor readiness.

    Despite these opportunities, former TTCA president Mikey Joseph sounded a cautionary note during open proceedings, highlighting persistent financial pressures from delayed state payments and contractual breaches. Joseph advocated for more vigorous public advocacy, warning that excessive diplomacy had historically yielded disappointing results. He further cautioned about increasing foreign competition potentially marginalizing local contractors without stronger industry protections.

    In response, Coosal acknowledged the validity of these concerns while emphasizing balanced advocacy. “We are here to represent all TTCA members,” he stated, affirming that public communication would be employed when necessary while maintaining diplomatic engagement with government entities.

    The newly ratified executive team for 2025-2027 includes Vice-President Deborah Costelloe of Lifetime Roofing and eight directors representing major construction firms. Coosal concluded the assembly by urging collective action, emphasizing that “the true power of construction extends far beyond its direct economic contribution,” stimulating manufacturing, quarrying, logistics, engineering, and small business services throughout the national economy.