Carib Scope

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  • ‘Weak enforcement’ fuels stray dog crisis

    ‘Weak enforcement’ fuels stray dog crisis

    Across the Bahamas, from bustling New Providence to the tranquil Family Islands, an escalating stray dog crisis paints a stark contrast to the nation’s tourist-friendly image. Unlike wealthy nations where stray animals are rare, the archipelago struggles with pervasive packs of roaming canines that inhabit school zones, scavenge near resorts, and create public nuisance through noise, bites, and garbage disruption.

    Animal welfare organizations point to a solvable problem exacerbated by systemic failures. The Bahamas Alliance for Animal Rights and Kindness (BAARK!) and the Bahamas Humane Society report unprecedented public engagement with their spay-and-neuter initiatives, having performed over 10,000 free surgeries in 2024-2025. Yet these efforts are consistently undermined by weak enforcement of existing animal welfare laws and uncontrolled backyard breeding.

    According to Lisse McCombe of BAARK!, the core issue isn’t operational capability but leadership failure within the Department of Agriculture. “NGOs are funding and delivering the bulk of animal control outcomes without regulatory backing to stop irresponsible ownership and abandonment,” she stated, emphasizing that without consistent enforcement, stray populations multiply faster than charities can respond.

    Kim Aranha, president of the Bahamas Humane Society, presented a viable solution: a sustained national strategy could humanely resolve the crisis within five years through expanded sterilization programs. She highlighted the mathematical urgency—spaying one female today prevents up to 2,000 dogs within three years, given reproduction rates.

    On Grand Bahama, Elizabeth Burrows of the Humane Society described enforcement challenges, noting that police rarely follow up on animal welfare complaints despite existing laws against roaming dogs, uncontrolled breeding, and neglect. She additionally warned against profit-driven breeding operations that sell puppies without proper medical care.

    Advocates unanimously agree that the blueprint for success exists—combining expanded sterilization services, stringent breeder licensing, and financial disincentives for unaltered pets—but requires political will and consistent leadership to implement.

  • Young Jamaica criticises Golding, Dawes over dialysis machine controversy

    Young Jamaica criticises Golding, Dawes over dialysis machine controversy

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The youth division of Jamaica’s ruling Jamaica Labour Party has launched a severe critique against Opposition Leader Mark Golding and Health Spokesman Alfred Dawes regarding their handling of inquiries into improperly imported dialysis machines connected to the University Hospital of the West Indies.

    In an official statement released Thursday, Young Jamaica characterized the opposition figures’ responses during a recent press conference as ‘unacceptable and disgraceful,’ accusing them of evading critical questions about whether twelve dialysis machines—deemed unlawfully imported using UHWI’s tax exemption status—are currently housed at a facility owned by a prominent People’s National Party MP.

    The organization referenced ongoing investigations by Jamaica’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch, emphasizing that Golding’s ambiguous answers during the media engagement had seriously compromised his credibility. Young Jamaica suggested his reluctance to address corruption allegations involving party affiliates demonstrates questionable leadership and ethical consistency.

    Additionally, the group highlighted Dawes’ problematic association with the company implicated in the scandal, noting his recent listing as a consultant on the company’s website despite his attempts to distance himself from the controversy. Young Jamaica argued that Dawes’ focus on criticizing Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton rather than providing clear answers further weakened his position.

    Citing internal discontent within the PNP, the statement suggested that Golding’s handling of the situation has spurred discussions about a potential leadership challenge. While acknowledging the essential role of a robust opposition in a functioning democracy, Young Jamaica called for Dawes’ removal from the health spokesperson role, citing a history of unreliable public statements and unconvincing attempts to dissociate from the scandal.

    The group concluded that Jamaica deserves opposition representatives who communicate with transparency and credibility, particularly on matters of public health and governance.

  • Alyssa James exits Australian Open with quarter-finals doubles loss

    Alyssa James exits Australian Open with quarter-finals doubles loss

    Jamaican tennis professional Alyssa James concluded her inaugural Grand Slam appearance at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday, exiting the tournament in the doubles quarter-finals. Partnering with Poland’s Maja Pawelska, the duo engaged in a fiercely contested match that culminated in a nail-biting third-set tiebreaker, ultimately falling 10-5 after a three-set battle.

    The Jamaican-Polish pairing initially demonstrated formidable synergy, seizing control early to secure the opening set with a decisive 6-2 victory. However, their opponents mounted a strong comeback in the second set, claiming it 6-3 to level the match. The final set saw both teams fighting point-for-point until the match was pushed into a tiebreaker, where James and Pawelska ultimately succumbed 10-5.

    This doubles performance followed James’ earlier exit from the singles competition, where she faced a tough first-round match against second-ranked Czech player Jana Kovakova. Despite a valiant effort, James was eliminated in three sets during her singles debut at the tournament.

    James’ participation marks a significant milestone for Jamaican tennis, representing the nation’s growing presence in international tennis competitions and signaling promising development for Caribbean athletes in the global tennis arena.

  • 20-year sentence for US deputy who killed Black woman in her home

    20-year sentence for US deputy who killed Black woman in her home

    In a landmark case that has reignited national conversations about police accountability, former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson received a 20-year prison sentence for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother of two. The sentencing on Thursday marked the culmination of a case that drew widespread attention to issues of racial justice and law enforcement conduct.

    Grayson, 31, who is white, was convicted in October of second-degree murder following a jury deliberation that lasted two days. The original first-degree murder charge, which carried a potential life sentence, was reduced to the lesser charge despite evidence presented during the week-long trial.

    The July 2024 incident began when Massey, who had previously received treatment for mental health concerns, contacted emergency services to report a possible intruder at her residence. Body camera footage from the responding officers showed Massey cooperating with deputies before the situation escalated dramatically.

    Video evidence revealed that after Grayson instructed Massey to check on a pot of boiling water, she responded with a religious reference, stating, ‘I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.’ This prompted the deputy to draw his weapon and issue profanity-laden threats before firing three shots as Massey crouched behind a counter. One bullet struck her in the face, resulting in her death.

    During testimony, Grayson claimed he felt threatened by the pot of boiling water Massey was holding. The sentencing hearing was attended by members of Massey’s family, including her children, as Judge Ryan Cadigan imposed the maximum penalty allowable for the second-degree murder conviction.

    The case echoes earlier national movements for police reform, particularly the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd. Last year, Sangamon County Board approved a $10 million settlement with Massey’s estate, though the financial resolution does little to alleviate the ongoing concerns about racial disparities in police interactions.

  • ROOFS handover begins Friday under $10b Shelter Recovery Programme

    ROOFS handover begins Friday under $10b Shelter Recovery Programme

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government is initiating a major phase in its post-hurricane reconstruction efforts with the formal commencement of the Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP) this Friday. The official handover ceremony, taking place at the St Elizabeth parish office in Santa Cruz, signifies the transition from damage assessment to active implementation of housing assistance for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

    Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr will preside over the ceremony that launches the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) initiative. This critical component provides grant-based support to households whose residences suffered damage during the hurricane, with allocations determined by rigorous damage verification processes.

    Minister Charles Jr emphasized the program’s foundation in accountability and evidence-based need assessment. “The Government of Jamaica is committed to a disciplined, people-centred approach to post-disaster recovery,” he stated. “We’ve established a data-driven recovery system guided by the principle of ‘one household, one coordinated recovery pathway’ where support is determined by verified need rather than discretion.”

    The comprehensive SRP framework represents a nationally coordinated effort to restore safe living conditions while eliminating duplication across recovery initiatives. Managed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the program integrates multiple approaches including cash-based recovery, government-directed repairs, partner-led reconstruction, relocation solutions, and pathways to long-term housing support.

    Financial assistance under ROOFS is tiered according to damage severity: $75,000 for minor damage, $200,000 for major damage, and $500,000 for severely affected properties. With a substantial $10 billion allocation, the program prioritizes vulnerable groups including seniors, persons with disabilities, and households that endured the most severe impacts.

    Minister Charles Jr characterized the handover as a pivotal moment in the government’s recovery operations, noting that “households begin to visibly receive assistance following months of assessments and close coordination with Members of Parliament, municipal corporations, and our implementing partners.”

  • ECC reports significant recovery in early childhood sector after Hurricane Melissa

    ECC reports significant recovery in early childhood sector after Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s early childhood development sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, with approximately 99.1% of institutions resuming operations despite significant hurricane-related damage, according to the Early Childhood Commission (ECC).

    Official assessments reveal that 466 out of Jamaica’s 2,420 early childhood facilities suffered various degrees of impact from the natural disaster. The damage spectrum included 175 institutions with minor impairments, 159 with moderate destruction, and 132 experiencing severe devastation. Among the affected were 55 certified facilities, while 28 locations became temporarily inaccessible due to flooding, debris accumulation, or critical infrastructure damage.

    The hurricane’s impact extended to an estimated 24,058 infants and 2,305 early childhood professionals, with regions three, four, and five experiencing the most substantial disruptions to services.

    ECC Executive Director Dr. Karlene DeGrasse-Deslandes emphasized that the hurricane fundamentally tested the sector’s resilience while simultaneously highlighting the strength of existing systems and the extraordinary dedication of practitioners. “Our unwavering priority remains ensuring every child returns to a safe, nurturing, and emotionally supportive environment while we deliberately rebuild and strengthen services across affected communities,” DeGrasse-Deslandes stated.

    Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, articulated that the recovery initiative transcends physical infrastructure restoration. “This recovery process encompasses safeguarding continuity of care, learning, and emotional wellbeing for our youngest and most vulnerable learners,” Troupe explained.

    The comprehensive recovery strategy has implemented phased clean-up operations, enhanced safety monitoring protocols, and provided extensive guidance to ensure all reopened facilities comply with national health and safety standards. Psychosocial support sessions reached over 1,616 stakeholders through collaborations with Early Starters International, UNICEF Jamaica, and ministry technical officers.

    Resource distribution included 32 play kits funded by the ECC and CHASE Fund, alongside 26 UNICEF Jamaica “School-in-a-Box” kits allocated to severely affected parishes. Damage assessment reports have been circulated among partners including the National Education Trust and private sector stakeholders.

    The Ministry of Education is currently processing approximately $29.8 million in clean-up grants designated for the early childhood sector, with disbursement managed through the ECC. Recovery efforts proceed concurrently with the implementation of the Jamaica Brain Builder Programme, the national zero-to-three strategy aligned with the Nurturing Care Model, currently serving 3,230 children across 138 centers staffed by 588 trained professionals.

    Numerous centers have maintained operations through temporary safety arrangements and modified routines despite ongoing repairs. The ECC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting institutions in meeting operational standards while enhancing sector-wide resilience against future challenges.

  • Kintyre Holdings takes full ownership of Kulcha Rum

    Kintyre Holdings takes full ownership of Kulcha Rum

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaican investment firm Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited announced Tuesday its complete acquisition of Kulcha Rum, obtaining the remaining shares to secure full ownership of the domestic spirits producer. The financial details of the transaction, including the purchase value and prior stake, remain undisclosed.

    With 100% control, Kintyre aims to streamline management and accelerate the brand’s expansion in both local and international markets. The company is currently negotiating with a distribution partner to enhance retail availability and on-premise presence within Jamaica while exploring export opportunities. A selective rebranding initiative and market-sensitisation campaign are also underway in preparation for a wider product rollout.

    In parallel, Kintyre Holdings is engaging in discussions with potential strategic investors from Jamaica and abroad to secure additional capital and market access, though no formal agreements have been finalized. Operational changes include the strengthening of Kulcha Rum’s management team and the appointment of a new President and CEO, scheduled to assume the role on March 1, 2026. A board of directors with industry expertise is also being formed.

    Adding a cultural dimension to the commercial strategy, the company has provisionally secured a commitment from a prominent Jamaican dancehall artist to serve as brand ambassador, pending final contractual agreements.

    Tyrone Wilson, Chairman, President, and CEO of Kintyre Holdings, emphasized the cultural significance of the venture: “Rum is more than a product in Jamaica—it’s culture, history, celebration, and identity.”

    Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited is an investment holding company focused on acquiring and developing businesses in selected sectors.

  • Remaining FNM candidates to be ratified before Valentine’s Day, says Pintard

    Remaining FNM candidates to be ratified before Valentine’s Day, says Pintard

    The Free National Movement (FNM), Bahamas’ primary opposition party, is intensifying its electoral preparations with an accelerated candidate ratification schedule. Party leader Michael Pintard confirmed the imminent completion of their selection process, indicating one ratification round will occur before Valentine’s Day followed by up to three additional approval cycles.

    With 13 prospective candidates still under review, the FNM anticipates resolving most pending approvals in the upcoming ratification session. This strategic acceleration positions the party to finalize its electoral roster efficiently amidst growing political competition.

    The opposition has already officially endorsed 28 candidates through previous ratification rounds, creating a balanced slate combining experienced legislators from the former Minnis administration with fresh political talent. Notable ratified candidates include Party Chairman Dr. Duane Sands (Bamboo Town), Kwasi Thompson (East Grand Bahama), Michael Foulkes (Golden Gates), Marvin Dames (Mount Moriah), and Carlton Bowleg (North Andros and Berry Islands).

    The political landscape grows increasingly competitive as the ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) simultaneously advances its own candidate preparations. The PLP recently confirmed 15 additional candidates, bringing their total ratified representatives to 28. Their selections include 12 incumbent parliamentarians and three newcomers, among them Darron Pickstock who secured the Golden Isles seat in a November 2025 by-election following the passing of Vaughn Miller.

    Political activity intensifies across the islands with PLP hopefuls in Grand Bahama constituencies actively mobilizing support at party headquarters, signaling heightened engagement as both major parties approach the upcoming electoral period with strategic urgency.

  • Tourism records “unprecedented” 12.5 million visitors for 2025

    Tourism records “unprecedented” 12.5 million visitors for 2025

    The Bahamas has achieved unprecedented tourism success in 2025, with Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper announcing a record-breaking 12.5 million visitor arrivals—the highest in the nation’s history. This represents an 11.4% year-over-year increase, significantly surpassing both 2024 numbers and pre-pandemic levels by more than 72%. The remarkable growth was driven primarily by sea arrivals, which exceeded 10.6 million visitors, marking a 14% annual increase and nearly double 2019 figures.

    Minister Cooper, who oversees Tourism and Investments, credited this achievement to strategic relationship-building, enhanced port operations, and substantial infrastructure developments. He emphasized that these numbers translate directly into economic benefits: “They represent jobs and salaries, shifts being filled, inventory purchased, tours booked, taxis running, and restaurants with busy marinas.”

    While foreign air arrivals experienced a slight decline of 1.6% to 1.7 million visitors due to global aviation disruptions and weather challenges, stopover visitor numbers remained strong at 1.8 million—still above pre-pandemic benchmarks.

    Grand Bahama emerged as a standout success story, recording over 1.1 million arrivals—the first time exceeding one million visitors in 22 years. The island saw air arrivals surge by 20% compared to 2024 and more than 30% above pre-pandemic levels. The opening of Celebration Cay contributed significantly to a 90% year-over-year increase in sea arrivals, more than doubling 2019 numbers.

    Abaco also celebrated record-breaking performance with nearly 520,000 visitors, driven by both air and sea arrivals. The destination achieved a 5.2% increase in air arrivals, ranking as the nation’s second-fastest growing destination by air traffic.

    Despite these achievements, opposition leader Michael Pintard of the Free National Movement questioned whether these tourism gains are benefiting ordinary citizens. He argued that many Bahamians “don’t feel” the economic impact despite government claims of record growth.

    In response, Cooper expressed disappointment that some political figures appear to be “rooting for the failure” of the country’s tourism sector for political gain. He maintained that the tourism success reflects “sustained global demand, a strong brand, and a tourism strategy that’s delivering economic impact across the country.”

  • Storm shock reveals Jamaica’s narrow and fragile tax base

    Storm shock reveals Jamaica’s narrow and fragile tax base

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A devastating hurricane has laid bare fundamental structural weaknesses within Jamaica’s taxation framework, compelling severe downward revisions to fiscal revenue projections despite years of superficially strong tax performance. According to a comprehensive assessment by the Independent Fiscal Commission (IFC), Hurricane Melissa has triggered a dramatic reassessment of the nation’s fiscal stability.

    The Jamaican government has been forced to slash its tax revenue forecast for the 2025/26 fiscal year by a substantial $80.5 billion. This adjustment signals a notable decline in the tax-to-GDP ratio, which is now anticipated to drop to 24.9 percent, effectively erasing previous fiscal gains.

    Prior to the hurricane’s impact in October, tax collections demonstrated steady expansion, recording a 6.9 percent year-on-year growth during the first half of the fiscal year. This performance was primarily fueled by vigorous domestic economic activity and robust tourism-related revenue streams.

    However, the IFC’s analysis reveals that this apparent strength was both highly concentrated and cyclical in nature, creating significant vulnerability to sudden economic disruptions. The commission identified that pre-hurricane revenue outperformance was driven predominantly by volatile sources including contractors’ levies and stamp duties—both closely tied to construction and property market fluctuations.

    Conversely, more structurally stable revenue sources consistently underperformed expectations. Taxes derived from bauxite mining operations, dividend income, and self-employed individuals all fell substantially below projections, highlighting the system’s inherent instability.

    When Hurricane Melissa severely disrupted Jamaica’s crucial tourism sector, construction industry, and general business operations, these underlying weaknesses were abruptly exposed. The immediate consequence was markedly reduced tax collections, compelling the government to undertake a comprehensive reassessment of its revenue outlook.

    The IFC further highlighted complications arising from Jamaica’s significant dependence on one-off and non-tax revenue inflows. These include proceeds from airport securitization arrangements and various disaster-related financial payouts. While providing temporary fiscal support, such sources cannot replace the need for a genuinely diversified and resilient taxation base, the commission emphasized.

    “Revenue performance prior to the hurricane effectively masked deep-seated concentration risks,” the IFC stated, particularly noting that economic shocks affecting tourism and construction disproportionately impact fiscal outcomes.

    The hurricane inflicted an estimated US$8.8 billion in damages, equivalent to approximately 41 percent of Jamaica’s GDP. This catastrophic event has simultaneously intensified spending pressures related to nationwide reconstruction efforts and essential social support programs.

    The IFC cautioned that rebuilding activities will likely stimulate import growth, thereby straining the country’s external balance. This dynamic suggests that revenue recovery may substantially lag behind expenditure requirements throughout the medium term, creating additional challenges for effective fiscal management.

    Jamaica’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the unique challenges confronting small, open economies, where periods of strong economic growth can generate revenue increases that prove unsustainable when economic conditions inevitably deteriorate.