Carib Scope

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  • Barzini enlists Ding Dong and Qraig Voicemail for ‘Shake’

    Barzini enlists Ding Dong and Qraig Voicemail for ‘Shake’

    A potent musical collaboration has emerged with the release of the new single ‘Shake,’ a vibrant fusion track masterminded by artist Barzini. Released this Friday via Change the Stars Record, the song unites two legendary Jamaican dancehall figures: the dynamic performer Ding Dong, celebrated as the ‘king of dance,’ and the distinctive vocalist Qraig Voicemail, renowned for his work on massive dance hits.

    Barzini, born Jamal McDonnough, conceived the project with the explicit goal of blending dancehall rhythms with hip-hop sensibilities. He revealed the creative genesis to Observer Online, stating that reaching out to Qraig Voicemail was the catalyst that brought the ambitious idea to life. The recording sessions were described as intensely energetic and organic. Barzini recounted the unique experience of Ding Dong dancing and jumping throughout the recording process, transforming it into a live performance. Both featured artists entered the booth to freestyle their verses and the chorus, capturing a raw, high-energy vibe.

    The track is characterized as an upbeat, fun anthem designed to celebrate women in their element on the dance floor. Barzini emphasized its universal appeal, noting it is a song for all women to dance to and for men to appreciate the artistry of the movement.

    This cross-cultural fusion is a hallmark of Barzini’s own musical evolution, deeply rooted in his bi-continental upbringing. Although born in Omaha, Nebraska, he spent his formative first decade in Kingston, Jamaica. After moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at age 10, he maintained a powerful connection to his Jamaican heritage, returning to Kingston every holiday. His artistic influences are a direct reflection of this duality: at 11, he immersed himself in hip-hop, drawing inspiration from Lil Wayne, which ignited his ambition to rap. This passion led him to win rap competitions in 2012 and later earn features on platforms like WorldStarHipHop and in Hip Hop Weekly Magazine by 2016.

    His deep dive into the heart of Jamaican music was facilitated by friend and neighbour, producer DJ Karim. Through this connection to the industry insider, who has worked with greats like Elephant Man and Sean Paul, Barzini was granted unprecedented access. He spent time in studios, at parties, and with top-tier artists such as Vybz Kartel and Dexta Daps, solidifying his passion for reggae and dancehall. His formal entry into music began at just 15, recording a demo with Jamaican producer Richard Bello, and was further cemented during a temporary move back to Kingston in 2009, where collaborations with local rappers like Slo-Mo expanded his artistic reach.

  • Isratech and partners launch national farm tour to help farmers recover after Hurricane Melissa

    Isratech and partners launch national farm tour to help farmers recover after Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In response to the catastrophic damage inflicted by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica’s agricultural sector, Isratech and its collaborative partners are launching an ambitious island-wide Resilience Farm Tour. This comprehensive initiative, scheduled to commence on April 8, 2026, aims to empower local farmers through practical recovery support and the adoption of climate-resilient farming methodologies.

    Benjamin Hodara, CEO of Isratech, emphasized the program’s action-oriented approach in an official statement: “Jamaican farmers require tangible support and accessible solutions beyond mere sympathy following disasters. Our mission is to demonstrate that purposeful recovery is achievable while embedding resilience into the fundamental practices of contemporary agriculture.”

    Operating under the thematic banner “From Recovery to Resilience,” the tour will deliver direct assistance to agricultural communities across multiple parishes including Manchester, St Elizabeth, St James, Trelawny, St Ann, and Westmoreland. The program specifically highlights female agricultural producers in alignment with the designation of 2026 as the Year of the Female Farmer.

    Eligible participants will receive substantial resources including complimentary farm assessments, gravity-fed irrigation infrastructure, seedling trays, specialized growing media, fertilizers, germination mixtures, and essential starter agricultural inputs. Selected farms will additionally function as live demonstration sites, enabling neighboring farmers and stakeholders to observe practical climate-smart solutions operating within authentic agricultural environments.

    Beyond immediate recovery objectives, the initiative seeks to foster a robust national framework for climate resilience in Jamaica’s agricultural sector. Partner organizations emphasize the critical importance of collaborative action in addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges.

    The official launch event will convene key stakeholders, agricultural partners, and community representatives in a unified commitment to restoring livelihoods and reinforcing the nation’s food production capabilities. Corporate entities and development organizations are actively encouraged to contribute through product donations, technical expertise, and direct operational participation.

    Farmers throughout Jamaica are currently being invited to submit applications for inclusion in the tour and access to its support systems, marking a significant step toward sustainable agricultural restoration.

  • Norway crown princess says she was ‘manipulated’ by Jeffrey Epstein

    Norway crown princess says she was ‘manipulated’ by Jeffrey Epstein

    In a candid television interview broadcast Friday, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit revealed she was “manipulated and deceived” by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking her first public comments since court documents revealed their unexpected friendship earlier this year.

    The 52-year-old royal, who married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001, addressed the growing controversy surrounding her association with the disgraced financier during a 20-minute conversation with Norway’s public broadcaster NRK. Seated beside her supportive husband, the princess occasionally fought back tears as she discussed the relationship that has raised questions about her fitness to eventually become queen.

    “Of course I wish I had never met him,” Mette-Marit stated emphatically, acknowledging her failure to properly investigate Epstein’s background. “It is extremely important for me to acknowledge that I did not look into his past more carefully, and also to acknowledge that I was manipulated and deceived to such an extent.”

    The crown princess specifically addressed speculation about the nature of their relationship, characterizing Epstein primarily as “a friend to me” while firmly denying any romantic involvement. She described published email exchanges containing lighthearted banter and smiley emojis as “embarrassing” and attributed their tone to “camaraderie” rather than intimacy.

    Mette-Marit disclosed that she ultimately terminated the friendship after several concerning incidents, including one in Palm Beach where she felt “a little unsafe.” She revealed gaining firsthand knowledge of Epstein’s extortion tactics against others, stating, “I had come to understand that this was a bad person, whom people should not be in contact with.”

    The interview occurred against a backdrop of multiple personal challenges for the princess, including her son’s ongoing legal troubles and her battle with an incurable lung disease that may eventually require a risky transplant. She cited these health concerns as contributing to her delayed response to the Epstein revelations.

    Despite the controversy, both the crown princess and prince expressed mutual support and commitment to their royal roles. “Mette is caring, wise and really strong,” Haakon affirmed. “That’s why I would always want her by my side.”

    Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store welcomed the princess’s accountability, while royal commentators noted some questions remained unanswered regarding the extent of her knowledge about Epstein’s criminal past.

  • The Voicebox expands presence on African continent to cover live events

    The Voicebox expands presence on African continent to cover live events

    Jamaican media production powerhouse The Voicebox has launched a strategic expansion into West Africa, establishing operational bases in Nigeria and Ghana to deepen its coverage of the burgeoning Afrobeats scene. Founded in 2010 by CEO Ramona Samuels, the company is leveraging on-the-ground correspondents and production talent to capture major live events and intimate cultural moments from within the continent.

    The initiative has already yielded significant success with its immersive coverage of Ghanaian superstar Stonebwoy’s ‘The Torture Experience’ concert on March 5th. According to Samuels, the production successfully captured the event’s energy, audience engagement, and cultural significance from inside the venue. The company has deployed trusted representatives in both Nigeria and Ghana, including DJ Murphy Dread of Raypower FM Nigeria and cinematographer Frederick Ekon from Ekon Concepts, ensuring authentic and high-quality coverage.

    This expansion represents more than mere geographical growth—it establishes a cultural bridge between Jamaica and West Africa, two regions with deep historical connections through rhythm, resistance, and musical evolution. The Voicebox’s approach maintains its signature production polish while ensuring stories remain locally grounded and culturally textured.

    The produced content airs on Ramona Samuels TV on YouTube, the digital broadcast arm of The Voicebox, which has already generated impressive viewership numbers. Future coverage will include interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, crowd reactions, and cultural commentary surrounding major events. Additionally, The Voicebox is powering coverage for emerging fusion pop artist Samuel K. Golden’s debut album ‘Therapy For The Heart’, aligning with its mission of meaningful storytelling and cross-continental creative exchange.

    This strategic move transforms The Voicebox from Jamaica’s first registered voice-over production house into an international media entity connecting the African diaspora through music, culture, and narrative.

  • Human rights groups take Holness to task for ‘man a man and woman a woman’ comment

    Human rights groups take Holness to task for ‘man a man and woman a woman’ comment

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has ignited controversy with his unequivocal declaration on gender identity during parliamentary proceedings, prompting strong rebukes from human rights organizations across Jamaica. While addressing the 2026/2027 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives, the leader articulated his administration’s unwavering stance on traditional gender concepts, asserting that fundamental Jamaican values would not be subject to alteration.

    “When it comes to our values, there are things that define us as Jamaicans that we not going to change on those. A man is a man and a woman is a woman. We are not going to change on that,” Holness stated during his Thursday parliamentary address.

    The comments have drawn immediate criticism from advocacy groups who argue such rhetoric exacerbates discrimination against gender minorities. Equality for All Foundation Jamaica and TransWave Jamaica have jointly expressed profound disappointment with the Prime Minister’s position, warning that it institutionalizes exclusion and undermines human rights protections.

    Glenroy Murray, Executive Director of Equality for All Foundation, characterized the statement as a dangerous oversimplification that ignores the complex realities of many citizens. “When national leadership reduces identity to a rigid binary, it not only dismisses the lived realities of many Jamaicans but also risks deepening the marginalisation of communities who already face significant barriers,” Murray stated in an official media release.

    Murray further challenged the government to address substantive policy issues rather than employing LGBTQ+ matters as diplomatic distractions. The commentary specifically referenced Jamaica’s foreign policy positions, suggesting the administration was using identity politics to deflect from other governance matters.

    Lamar Grant, interim executive director of TransWave Jamaica, emphasized the tangible consequences of such political rhetoric. “Words from leadership matter and they must not come at the expense of our lives,” Grant noted, adding that these declarations contribute to heightened stigma and violence against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.

    Both organizations have renewed their appeal for governance approaches that prioritize comprehensive inclusion and unequivocal respect for the human rights of all Jamaican citizens, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

  • ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris has died

    ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris has died

    LOS ANGELES—The entertainment world mourns the loss of martial arts icon and Hollywood action star Chuck Norris, who passed away Thursday morning at age 86. The Norris family confirmed his sudden death through an emotional statement posted on Instagram Friday.

    Family members remembered Norris not only as a global symbol of strength and discipline but as ‘the heart of our family’—a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and incredible brother. The statement highlighted how he lived with profound faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved, inspiring millions worldwide through his work and kindness.

    The legendary fighter turned actor reportedly fell ill on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where he had been residing. Remarkably, just last week, Norris celebrated his 86th birthday by sharing a video of himself boxing on social media with the caption: ‘I don’t age. I level up.’

    Norris’s extraordinary career spanned decades, beginning with his uncredited debut in the 1968 Dean Martin film ‘The Wrecking Crew.’ His breakthrough came four years later in an epic big-screen battle with kung-fu superstar Bruce Lee in ‘The Way of The Dragon,’ cementing his status as a martial arts film icon. This launched him into a successful acting career that peaked with his starring role in the long-running television series ‘Walker, Texas Ranger.’

    His cultural impact extended far beyond cinema, generating countless memes and jokes about his seemingly superhuman abilities, making him one of America’s most enduring pop culture figures.

  • Cuban ambassador says US policies are ‘starving’ Cuba

    Cuban ambassador says US policies are ‘starving’ Cuba

    Cuba’s ambassador to The Bahamas, Juan Carlos Marcof Sánchez, has delivered a stark assessment of the island nation’s deteriorating conditions, attributing severe fuel shortages, prolonged blackouts, and widespread societal disruption directly to United States policies. In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, the diplomat detailed how American measures have created cascading effects across all sectors of Cuban society.

    The healthcare system faces particularly critical challenges, with tens of thousands of patients—including significant numbers of children—unable to receive necessary surgeries due to persistent electricity shortages. Ambassador Marcof Sánchez identified a January executive order signed by President Donald Trump as significantly intensifying the decades-long economic blockade. This order, which declares a national emergency and enables tariffs on countries supplying fuel to Cuba, represents a strategic effort to cut off the island’s vital energy imports.

    According to the ambassador, Cuba has endured more than three months without fuel shipments, creating what he described as ‘very adverse conditions’ affecting the entire population. The energy crisis has resulted in power outages exceeding 30 hours in some communities, disrupting water supply systems, halting industrial production, and crippling essential services. The communications infrastructure suffers when radio base stations lose power, while medical services, education, and transportation systems struggle to maintain normal operations.

    Despite these challenges, Marcof Sánchez emphasized Cuba’s resilience, noting that schools remain open, hospitals continue providing care, and essential services persist through government crisis management. He reported expanded domestic oil production that has exceeded early-year targets, though he acknowledged this covers only approximately 30 percent of national needs.

    The ambassador condemned US pressure on third countries regarding trade with Cuba as coercive and dismissed claims that Cuba poses a national security threat as unfounded. He simultaneously pointed to ongoing diplomatic engagement between Cuban and US officials aimed at addressing bilateral differences, while highlighting international support from governments and organizations across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

    In response to these allegations, the US Embassy in Nassau directed attention to comments by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who asserted that Cuba’s economic troubles stem from systemic failures rather than US policy, claiming the regime has historically depended on foreign subsidies that are no longer available.

  • Passengers recount scary belly landing at Eleuthera airport

    Passengers recount scary belly landing at Eleuthera airport

    A routine flight turned into a harrowing ordeal yesterday when a Pineapple Air Beech 1900 aircraft was forced to execute a belly landing at Governor’s Harbour Airport in Eleuthera. The incident, which occurred after the plane experienced a critical failure of its landing gear upon touchdown, sent passengers scrambling to safety as smoke billowed from the metal propellers scraping violently against the runway.

    The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority confirmed that the aircraft became disabled on the runway, prompting an immediate temporary shutdown of the airport. This closure resulted in significant delays for other flights, as the disabled plane blocked the only available runway. Miraculously, all nineteen passengers and crew members aboard escaped without any physical injuries.

    Eyewitness accounts from passengers detail the moments of panic and confusion. Heather Carey, a frequent flyer between Eleuthera and New Providence, described the sequence of events. “There was a loud pop, followed by an incredible scraping and loud noise,” she recounted. Initial assumptions of a blown tire quickly gave way to terror as the aircraft began to serpentine and smoke became visible, revealing the true severity of the situation. “That’s the point where we were like, oh s**t, the landing gear is not there, we’re on our belly,” Ms. Carey stated.

    The emergency response was swift, with fire trucks rushing to the scene. However, passengers have raised serious concerns about the lack of communication and post-incident support from the airline’s staff. Ms. Carey, who took it upon herself to assist others off the aircraft, reported that there were no immediate checks for injuries and no clear instructions from the cockpit crew before or after the landing. The intercom system, she noted, is often difficult to understand, highlighting a broader safety issue.

    Despite the communication failures, the pilot’s skill in handling the crippled aircraft was widely praised by those on board, who credited the aviator for preventing a catastrophe. In the aftermath, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority has launched a full-scale probe into the mechanical failure, coordinating with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Bahamas and the Airport Authority. A preliminary report detailing the cause of the landing gear malfunction is anticipated within the next 30 days.

  • Ferguson rejects apology, sues govt over Grand Lucayan payout claims

    Ferguson rejects apology, sues govt over Grand Lucayan payout claims

    Obie Ferguson, President of the Trade Union Congress, has declared that an apology would be insufficient to resolve a escalating conflict stemming from allegations that he collaborated with government officials to authorize severance packages for Grand Lucayan employees. Mr. Ferguson has initiated legal proceedings, asserting that the reports have severely tarnished his longstanding reputation.

    He vehemently denied any participation in a meeting with Labour Director Howard Thompson and chief labour negotiator Bernard Evans to deliberate on redundancy terms for 94 middle managers. “My reputation and my good name are all I possess, and I cannot afford to have them compromised,” Ferguson stated, emphasizing the personal and professional stakes involved.

    The controversy originated in February when Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of Investments, publicly announced that Thompson and Evans had consulted with Mr. Ferguson to finalize appropriate settlement figures for union members. This account was later adjusted by Mr. Thompson, who clarified that while telephone discussions had occurred, no in-person meeting took place and no definitive agreement was established.

    Mr. Ferguson contends that the initial statement was not an innocent error but a calculated effort to discredit his integrity. “They are fully aware of their actions,” he asserted. “They know no such meeting with me ever occurred. I first learned of these claims through a television news broadcast.”

    In addition to suing government officials, including Woods-Hanna, for drafting and disseminating the document to the press, Ferguson also criticized media outlets for publishing the claims without adequate verification. While not currently pursuing action against the press, he warned that their involvement exposes them to potential legal repercussions.

    The widespread publication of the reports triggered a flood of reactions, causing confusion among workers who were led to believe their union representative had consented to the severance terms. Ferguson further scrutinized the proposed payouts, suggesting they may not align with the full entitlements guaranteed to workers under Bahamian law.

  • KSAMC moves to enforcement phase of signage regularisation campaign

    KSAMC moves to enforcement phase of signage regularisation campaign

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Municipal authorities in Kingston are preparing to implement stringent enforcement measures against non-compliant business signage after a voluntary regularization campaign yielded minimal participation. The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) announced it will transition to Phase Two of its signage compliance initiative beginning April 1, following disappointing results from its incentive-based approach.

    Initiated in January 2026, the campaign initially offered businesses a 20 percent discount to encourage voluntary adherence to municipal signage regulations. Despite comprehensive outreach efforts and stakeholder engagement, only 16 percent of businesses have complied with the requirements, prompting authorities to adopt a more assertive enforcement strategy.

    Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby recently convened a strategic meeting with senior officials from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Areas 4 and 5 to coordinate enforcement capabilities. The collaboration aims to ensure consistent application of signage regulations across the Corporate Area while maintaining public order during compliance operations.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Michael Phipps, Head of Area 4, pledged full operational support to the municipal corporation, stating: ‘The KSAMC is a very significant stakeholder, and as such, the KSAMC has our full support in ensuring that their duties are carried out in a safe and peaceful manner.’

    Mayor Swaby emphasized the transitional nature of the campaign, noting: ‘This campaign has always been about partnership and progress. We provided ample opportunity for voluntary compliance through incentives and public education. As we now move into enforcement starting April 1, our goal is to ensure fairness, order, and a level playing field for all businesses.’

    During the initial phase, KSAMC engaged extensively with various stakeholders, including business operators, umbrella organizations such as the Small Business Association of Jamaica and the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), and the general public through targeted radio advertisements and awareness initiatives.

    The forthcoming enforcement phase will involve intensified monitoring, systematic inspections, and corrective actions against non-compliant entities. Municipal authorities are urging remaining business operators to promptly regularize their signage before the enforcement measures take effect.