Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Student wins school fight lawsuit

    Student wins school fight lawsuit

    In a precedent-setting legal ruling, Jamaica’s Supreme Court has awarded significant damages to a former high school student for injuries sustained due to educator negligence. Justice Sonya Wint-Blair presided over the case involving a Norman Manley High School student who suffered permanent dental injuries when assaulted by a classmate over allegedly stolen shoe polish during March 2017 classes.

    The judicial determination revealed that while the student’s physical assault occurred at the hands of another pupil, the legal responsibility fell upon the state due to the supervising teacher’s failure to intervene. The incident escalated over ten minutes as the accusing student repeatedly pushed and punched the claimant, knocking out a tooth despite protests of innocence.

    Justice Wint-Blair’s ruling provided crucial clarification on jurisdictional matters, dismissing claims against Norman Manley High School and the Ministry of Education as improperly named defendants. The judge determined that pursuant to Jamaica’s Education Act, the school board should have been named alongside the Attorney General, who represents the Crown in such proceedings.

    The court heard distressing details of the injuries: the victim required dental wiring for three months, endured a soft diet for several months, and continues to experience dental instability and pain. Medical evidence indicated need for multiple implants and grafting procedures, with two teeth remaining loose and one permanently missing.

    In her negligence assessment, Justice Wint-Blair established that the teacher, as a Crown employee, breached the standard of care expected of educational professionals. “The teacher’s failure to act to resolve what began as an outburst allowed it to escalate unchecked into an act of violence,” the judgment stated. This omission violated the school’s violence-prevention policies and conflict resolution protocols.

    The court awarded the plaintiff $2.3 million in general damages with 3% interest from January 2019, plus $4,200 in special damages with 3% interest from March 2017. While acknowledging future medical needs, the court declined to award additional amounts due to insufficient evidence supporting medical quotations provided.

    This ruling reinforces educational institutions’ duty of care obligations and establishes important precedent regarding proper parties in lawsuits against Jamaican public schools.

  • One way, One Road Authority

    One way, One Road Authority

    The Jamaican Government, under Prime Minister Andrew Holness, is decisively moving forward with its plan to establish a centralized One Road Authority (ORA), dismissing opposition from various local government entities. Cabinet has officially sanctioned the new agency to function within the Works portfolio of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development.

    Robert Morgan, the Minister with responsibility for Works, provided a detailed update during a post-Cabinet press briefing. He outlined the ORA’s primary mandate: to regulate standards and oversee performance for all roads across the island, with direct implementation responsibilities for national main roads. This initiative is a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to rectify decades of fragmented and inefficient road management.

    A critical component of this overhaul is the simultaneous development of the Jamaica Road Designation Framework and the Jamaica National Road Register. The latter will be hosted on a publicly accessible website, offering citizens unprecedented transparency. Jamaicans will be able to view a comprehensive list of all roads, their condition, the responsible authority, repair schedules, contractor details, and the financial value of any work conducted. The platform will also feature a mechanism for citizens to submit complaints and inquiries directly.

    The ministerial update included a strict 90-day directive for the ministry to commence immediate implementation. This initial phase involves outlining the necessary legislative and regulatory amendments, finalizing the designation criteria, and initiating stakeholder consultations. The ORA’s key functions will include enforcing a single, high standard for all roadworks, strengthening quality assurance to hold contractors accountable, and implementing robust performance reporting for public scrutiny.

    Minister Morgan emphasized that the era of ambiguous jurisdiction is over. The framework will clearly classify roads as national main roads, farm roads, or parish council roads. He cited a poignant example from 2025 where roads critical to port infrastructure required urgent repairs but fell into a bureaucratic void, necessitating the Prime Minister’s personal intervention. “This is the kind of laissez-faire structure we’ve had for 60 years, and we are intent on fixing it,” Morgan stated, addressing critics who view the ORA as a power grab.

    The implementation will follow a two-phase pathway. Phase One (90 days) focuses on establishing the enabling framework and drafting legal instruments. Phase Two (3-24 months) will involve declaring the initial set of national roads, publishing the interim register, harmonizing legislation, and deploying new management and data systems. The government positions this comprehensive reform as a fundamental empowerment of the Jamaican people, ensuring they finally have influence and full knowledge over the management of the nation’s vital road network.

  • Super-Satisfying Experience @Ramen Haus

    Super-Satisfying Experience @Ramen Haus

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A groundbreaking culinary venture is transforming Jamaica’s food scene with the introduction of its first self-service ramen establishment. Ramen Haus Jamaica, launched in September under CEO Janelle Wilkinson’s leadership, has pioneered an innovative DIY dining model that empowers customers to craft personalized Asian-inspired meals.

    The unique concept begins with a sanitization protocol before patrons embark on their culinary journey. Customers select from an extensive array of flavored ramen bases including beef, pork, chicken, and seafood varieties. The customization continues with fresh toppings ranging from scallions, corn, and pak choi to premium additions like boiled eggs, steamed wontons, shrimp, and calamari.

    After assembling their ingredients on individual trays, patrons proceed to induction stovetops where they cook their creations for approximately four minutes. The interactive cooking process, guided by knowledgeable staff like team member Shauna Kay Cole, provides both entertainment and culinary education. For those preferring softer noodles, extended cooking times are available.

    The establishment complements its main offerings with house-made kimchi and Asian-inspired beverages. Dining accommodations include indoor high-bar seating and intimate two-seater outdoor tables, catering to various group sizes from solo diners to families.

    Financial accessibility marks another advantage, with four meals and beverages totaling J$6,560 before gratuity. The venue accepts all major debit/credit cards and cash, while providing complimentary parking – a rare convenience in New Kingston’s bustling business district.

    Located at 8 St Lucia Crescent on the ground floor of The Hub Coworking Building, Ramen Haus Jamaica operates Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The establishment can be contacted at 876-227-4777 or ramenhausjamaica@gmail.com, with additional information available on Instagram @ramenhausja.

    The concept has garnered praise from food industry experts including Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Kadean Vendryes, who noted the perfect execution of both meal quality and the novel dining experience.

  • Jamaica, Ghana connection deepens

    Jamaica, Ghana connection deepens

    In a significant move to bolster international relations, Jamaica and Ghana are deepening their bilateral engagement through both economic partnerships and cultural reconciliation. The collaboration was advanced during a series of high-level diplomatic engagements this week.

    Mr. Delano Seiveright, Minister of State in Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, formally received a delegation from Ghana’s National Lottery Authority. The meeting, orchestrated by Jamaican gaming and entertainment conglomerate Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL), focused on strengthening business-to-business relationships, enhancing trade channels, and promoting investment opportunities between the two nations. Minister Seiveright lauded SVL for its strategic expansion into African markets, highlighting the export of Jamaican technical expertise and operational excellence as a testament to Jamaica’s growing role as a trusted global business partner.

    Concurrently, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, concluded a profound three-day official visit to Jamaica. The visit culminated in a major announcement: the Government of Ghana will fully fund the construction of a monument at the Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann. This monument is conceived as a permanent symbol of African solidarity and a recognition of the shared, albeit painful, history between Africa and its diaspora.

    Minister Ablakwa characterized the Seville Great House, a former sugar plantation and site of immense suffering during the transatlantic slave trade, as a place of deep historical and spiritual significance. He emotionally noted that descendants of Africa have now returned to such sites with dignity and ownership, transforming spaces of historical pain into places of reconnection and healing. The project will be a collaborative effort between Ghana’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence and local Jamaican authorities.

    The series of events, including a welcome reception and tour hosted by the Charles Town Maroon community, was described by Minister Ablakwa not as a mere diplomatic formality, but as a powerful spiritual journey that strengthens the bonds between the African continent and its global family.

  • Too little, too late

    Too little, too late

    Jamaica’s parliamentary proceedings witnessed heated debate on Tuesday as Opposition leaders sharply criticized the government’s proposed amendments to the Cybercrimes Act, warning that legislative delays have rendered the updates dangerously outdated in the face of rapidly evolving digital threats. The legislative revisions, intended to modernize the 2015 Act following a Joint Select Committee’s 2023 recommendations, aim to enhance penalties, broaden investigative authorities, and strengthen protections against emerging online criminal activities including digital fraud and unauthorized system access. Opposition Leader Mark Golding expressed profound disappointment that the 2026 amendments remain anchored to recommendations formulated before the explosive advancement of artificial intelligence technologies and sophisticated digital manipulation capabilities. ‘For cybercrime legislation to address recommendations from early 2023 without comprehensively confronting AI-generated threats represents a significant failure,’ Golding asserted, emphasizing that the legislation fails to protect individuals from AI-facilitated image manipulation, voice cloning, and reputation damage. The Opposition acknowledged the government’s modernization efforts but insisted the amendments require immediate further revision to address threats that have emerged within the past three years. Parliament members Julian Robinson (St Andrew South Eastern) and Angela Brown Burke (St Andrew South Western) reinforced these concerns, highlighting the unique challenge of technology legislation where delayed implementation directly undermines effectiveness. Robinson emphasized that cyber legislation demands more frequent reviews than other laws due to technological acceleration, while Brown Burke criticized proposed penalties as insufficient deterrents compared to international standards. Both opposition members called for enhanced investigative capabilities, device seizure authorities, and balanced approaches that protect human rights while combating digital crimes.

  • Death Knell?

    Death Knell?

    The future of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track (GST) appears increasingly bleak as newly uncovered bankruptcy documents reveal substantially worse financial troubles than initially reported. The league, which launched with considerable fanfare, now faces over $40 million in debt—$10 million more than previously disclosed—while generating a meager $1.8 million revenue across its three inaugural events in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia.

    The financial collapse has left numerous elite athletes in significant financial distress. Olympic sprint hurdles finalist Ackera Nugent, a headline performer who competed in all three events, remains owed an astonishing $21.5 million. World 100m champion Oblique Seville is due nearly $10 million, while two-time world 100m hurdles champion Danielle Williams awaits $9.1 million in unpaid fees. Additional Jamaican stars including Andrenette Knight ($8.6 million), Nickisha Price ($7.6 million), and Roshawn Clarke ($6 million) collectively represent millions in unmet financial obligations. American track stars Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Kenny Bednarek, and Gabby Thomas each face outstanding payments exceeding $28 million.

    Noted economist Keenan Falconer expressed profound skepticism about GST’s viability, emphasizing that credibility—once lost—proves nearly impossible to regain. ‘Investor confidence will naturally be more skittish in the aftermath of its financial troubles,’ Falconer told the Jamaica Observer. ‘Perception often matters more than reality in the financial world, so even if these developments were not as negative in actuality, just the mere appearance of damage to the brand is enough to steer investors in another direction.’

    Falconer identified multiple strategic missteps that contributed to GST’s downfall, including broadcasting miscalculations, problematic scheduling, logistical challenges, and the absence of field events. The economist also noted that track and field’s inherently limited commercial appeal compared to sports like tennis or golf created additional headwinds, compounded by an overreliance on a small number of investors.

    Despite GST’s failure, Falconer maintains that the concept of alternative track leagues remains viable, particularly if future ventures incorporate competition elements and long-term planning. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe echoed this sentiment during a recent Jamaica visit, characterizing GST as ‘a footnote in the history of our sport’ while encouraging continued innovation—provided it’s ‘suffused in reality and credibility.’ Coe emphasized that athlete welfare and sustainable business models must form the foundation of any new athletic venture.

  • Health summary reveals chronic diseases account for 80% of deaths

    Health summary reveals chronic diseases account for 80% of deaths

    The Saint Lucian Ministry of Health has released its comprehensive 2025 Health Summary Update, providing a detailed epidemiological portrait of the nation’s public health landscape. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar George presented the findings, which reveal both significant improvements in infectious disease control and ongoing challenges related to chronic illnesses and healthcare infrastructure.

    The report indicates notable demographic shifts, with life expectancy reaching 70.2 years for men and 77.8 years for women. The nation recorded a continued decline in birth rates, with 1,326 live births in 2025 representing a 6.1% decrease from the previous year and a crude birth rate of 7.7 per 1,000 women of childbearing age.

    Infectious disease surveillance showed substantial progress: COVID-19 cases declined from 3.4 to 2.0 per 10,000 population, dengue fever cases plummeted by 91% compared to 2024, and gastroenteritis cases decreased by 85%. However, health officials noted the continued circulation of respiratory viruses including new variants of COVID-19, Influenza A and B, and RSV. The report also documented concerning increases in leprosy cases (16 new cases, eight times higher than 2024) and six cases of leptospirosis.

    The HIV epidemic shows gradual improvement with a 2.6% decrease in new cases, though 1,003 individuals continue to live with the virus, 58% of whom are male.

    Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) remain the dominant health challenge, accounting for over 80% of all deaths. Cancers, cerebrovascular disease/stroke, heart disease, and diabetes mellitus have constituted the top four causes of mortality for the past decade. Behavioral risk factors including low health screening rates, rising obesity, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity continue to drive NCD prevalence.

    The report highlighted concerning gender-specific health impacts: males face higher mortality from violence, transportation accidents, and smoking-related respiratory diseases, while females experience greater losses from breast/cervical cancers and perinatal conditions.

    Healthcare infrastructure challenges persisted throughout 2025, with facility closures and care diversions due to maintenance issues and mold contamination. However, the CMO noted reductions in environmental air quality-related closures compared to previous years.

    Significant achievements included the implementation of free antenatal care, cervical/prostate cancer screening, and snake bite management through the Universal Health Care initiative. The health sector also celebrated the opening of the Dr. Betty Wells Urban Polyclinic and the official handover of the St. Jude Hospital site in November 2025, with plans to commission dialysis and other clinical units at the facility.

    For 2026, the Ministry prioritizes strengthening primary care and NCD programs with enhanced focus on nutrition, wellness promotion, and expanded universal health coverage.

  • CARICOM Chair meets with T&T leader this week

    CARICOM Chair meets with T&T leader this week

    In a significant diplomatic move underscoring regional solidarity, CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew is embarking on an official visit to Trinidad and Tobago this week. The distinguished leader, accompanied by CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, will engage in high-level discussions with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her cabinet members.

    This strategic visit forms part of Chairman Drew’s concerted initiative to foster direct, in-person dialogue with Caribbean leaders—a cornerstone of his current leadership agenda. The meetings aim to address pressing regional challenges, enhance cooperation frameworks, and strengthen collaborative governance mechanisms across CARICOM member states.

    The diplomatic mission follows immediately after similar high-level engagements in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where Dr. Drew and Dr. Barnett met with newly appointed Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday in Kingstown last week. This consecutive scheduling demonstrates CARICOM’s proactive approach to maintaining continuous diplomatic momentum throughout the region.

    Observers note that such face-to-face consultations are particularly valuable for coordinating policy responses to shared challenges including climate resilience, economic security, and regional health initiatives. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to influence upcoming CARICOM summit agendas and potentially shape new collaborative initiatives across the Caribbean community.

  • Bench Warrant Issued After Man Misses Court on Cannabis Charges

    Bench Warrant Issued After Man Misses Court on Cannabis Charges

    A Trinidad and Tobago national is now the subject of an active arrest warrant after failing to appear in Antigua’s High Court for proceedings concerning significant cannabis-related offenses. The bench warrant was formally issued by the magistrate this Tuesday when defendant Andre Solomon and his legal representative were both absent from the scheduled hearing.

    The charges stem from coordinated police operations conducted earlier this year at multiple locations including Pares and Parham. Law enforcement officials reported substantial seizures during these raids, including 192 grams of cannabis, over two pounds of processed marijuana, and approximately 790 cannabis plants. The investigation expanded one week later with an additional search at a Hodges Bay residence, where authorities allegedly discovered another four-and-a-half pounds of cannabis, leading to further criminal charges.

    Despite being granted conditional release on a $50,000 bail package with a $5,000 cash requirement, Solomon violated his bail conditions which mandated regular reporting to both police and Immigration authorities. Records indicate Solomon had been residing in the country under a visitor’s permit that expired in July of the previous year, adding immigration complications to his existing legal challenges.

  • Discover Dominica Authority launches service excellence training for 2026

    Discover Dominica Authority launches service excellence training for 2026

    In a strategic move to elevate its tourism sector, the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has partnered with Dominica State College (DSC) to launch the 2026 National Standards of Excellence (NISE) certification program. This comprehensive training series is designed to professionally equip key tourism service providers in anticipation of a significant surge in visitor arrivals, driven by upcoming infrastructure developments including a new Cable Car system and an International Airport.

    The initiative targets three critical segments of the tourism workforce: tour guides, taxi service providers, and craft and souvenir vendors. According to DDA representatives, the program’s core objectives are to enhance overall service quality, enforce regulatory compliance, and instill a culture of professionalism across the industry. The training is a cornerstone of the DDA’s broader strategy for workforce development, quality assurance, and capacity building, ensuring that every visitor receives a consistently high-caliber experience that meets established national standards.

    A detailed schedule has been released for the certification workshops. Taxi operators will undergo training during evening sessions (5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) on February 23-March 2, May 11-18, and July 13-20, 2026. Craft and souvenir vendors will have day-long sessions (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) from March 9-11. Tour guides are scheduled for day-long training on April 13-20 and September 14-21. All sessions will be conducted at the Dominica State College campus in Stock Farm, Roseau.

    Marva Williams, CEO and Director of Tourism, emphasized the program’s importance, stating, ‘As Dominica prepares for increased visitor arrivals, it is essential that our tourism service providers are properly trained, certified, and aligned with national standards. These programs place service excellence, safety, and professionalism at the center of the visitor experience.’

    Registration is now open with a fee of EC$500 for tour guides and taxi providers, and EC$300 for craft and souvenir vendors. The fee encompasses all training materials, instruction, evaluation, and the certification itself. Interested participants can obtain registration forms from the Discover Dominica Authority Office on Great Marlborough Street in Roseau. For additional information, the authority can be contacted at 255 8221 or via email at [email protected].