Carib Scope

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  • Cybercrime crackdown

    Cybercrime crackdown

    In a decisive move to confront the escalating challenges of the digital age, the Jamaican government has introduced comprehensive amendments to its Cybercrimes Act. Minister Andrew Wheatley, spearheading the legislative reform, emphasized that the existing legal framework had become inadequate against sophisticated modern threats including AI-facilitated crimes and cross-border online fraud.

    The proposed legislation specifically criminalizes the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including those generated or manipulated through artificial intelligence. This landmark provision acknowledges that digital harm now extends beyond authentic imagery to include fabricated content designed to damage reputations.

    A significant aspect of the reform involves enhanced protection for minors, with courts authorized to impose severe penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment for offenses involving children. The amendments also target the infrastructure enabling cybercrime, addressing the possession and distribution of hacking tools and malicious software that have become commodified in online markets.

    The legislative overhaul strengthens provisions against phishing, impersonation, and social engineering tactics while updating legal definitions to encompass contemporary digital elements including electronic keys, authentication tools, and encrypted data. Law enforcement capabilities receive substantial boosts through expanded authority to seize digital devices, preserve electronic evidence, and pursue both principal offenders and those facilitating cybercrimes.

    Minister Wheatley articulated the philosophy behind the amendments: ‘This Bill is not anti-technology. It is pro-trust. Digital transformation only works when citizens believe the digital space is not a lawless space.’

    The opposition has expressed broad support for the reforms, with spokesman Christopher Brown describing them as ‘necessary and overdue.’ Brown additionally advocated for Jamaica’s accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime to enhance international cooperation in pursuing offenders operating beyond national borders.

  • VISA TROUBLES

    VISA TROUBLES

    Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant Football Academy faces a potential competitive crisis as visa complications threaten to derail their historic CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign. The Caribbean Cup champions await confirmation of their Round of 16 opponents, with sporting director Paul Christie warning that logistical challenges could severely compromise team strength if paired against LA Galaxy.

    The St Ann-based club earned direct qualification to the tournament’s knockout stage after their December victory over Dominican Republic’s O&M in the Caribbean Cup final. Their upcoming opponents will be determined following a February playoff between Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy and Panama’s Sporting San Miguelito.

    Should Galaxy advance, Mount Pleasant would travel to California for the first leg at Dignity Health Sports Park in mid-March. Christie revealed this scenario presents formidable obstacles, as several key players from Trinidad, Haiti, and other Caribbean nations lack necessary U.S. travel documentation.

    “Our squad composition creates unique challenges,” Christie told local media. “Approximately five Jamaican internationals and several Haitian players—who are absolutely critical to our system—currently don’t possess U.S. visas. We’ve received no substantive support in addressing this pressing matter.”

    The club’s efforts have included multiple appointments at the U.S. Embassy, all unsuccessful thus far. While Jamaica faces no specific visa restrictions, heightened entry requirements for Haitian nationals following the 2025 U.S. presidential election affect midfielders Daniel Saint-Fleur and Johnson Jeudy, plus forwards Rafa Intervil, Clifford Thomas, and Angelo Exilus.

    Christie emphasized the national significance of their participation, stating: “This transcends club football. We’re representing the Jamaican brand on an international stage. Government intervention at the highest levels could determine whether we field a competitive squad.”

    With approximately six weeks remaining before potential travel, time becomes an increasingly critical factor. The sporting director acknowledged assistance from Sports Minister Olivia Grange but stressed that broader diplomatic engagement is urgently needed.

    Mount Pleasant seeks to become the first Jamaican club to advance beyond the Round of 16 in the prestigious continental competition. Their qualification marks the second time in three years a Jamaican team has reached this stage, following Cavalier FC’s previous appearances against MLS opposition.

  • Deed Poll required for alterations to legally registered names

    Deed Poll required for alterations to legally registered names

    The Grenadian Ministry of Health has issued an official advisory clarifying procedural requirements for legal name changes. According to the directive, any adult citizen seeking to modify their legally registered name must present a properly executed Deed Poll document that has been formally registered with the Deeds and Land Registry of Grenada.

    This authenticated documentation must be submitted to the Births and Deaths Department before authorities can process any amendments to official civil records. The Ministry emphasized that this protocol ensures the maintenance of accurate and lawful civil registration databases while upholding administrative integrity.

    The public notice underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining robust civil documentation systems. Officials have requested full public cooperation with these established procedures, which are designed to prevent fraudulent alterations to personal identification records.

    NOW Grenada, the publishing platform that disseminated this announcement, included a standard disclaimer noting they are not responsible for contributor opinions or statements. The notice concluded with instructions for reporting content abuse through their established channels.

  • UDP Stages Protest Outside BTL Over Speednet/SMART Deal

    UDP Stages Protest Outside BTL Over Speednet/SMART Deal

    BELIZE CITY – A significant demonstration organized by the United Democratic Party (UDP) unfolded outside Belize Telemedia Limited’s headquarters on St. Thomas Street this Tuesday morning. Dozens of activists gathered to voice strong opposition to the telecommunications giant’s proposed acquisition of competitor Speednet/SMART, raising concerns about transparency and corporate governance.

    The protest, characterized by its peaceful nature, featured participants displaying banners with messages including “Our future matters,” “BTL Board do the right thing,” and “No secret deals.” Chants of “Bacon must go!” echoed through the streets, reflecting growing public discontent with the proposed merger arrangement.

    Opposition Leader Tracy Panton confirmed the demonstration yesterday, stating the party felt compelled to take direct action as BTL’s board convened today to reportedly seek provisional approval for the controversial deal. This development follows Monday’s joint statement from the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, both urging a complete halt to any binding decisions until comprehensive public consultations are conducted.

    Adding to the chorus of concern, NGO Senator Janelle Chanona issued remarks addressing the delicate balance between meaningful public consultation and national decision-making processes. Although not directly referencing the BTL acquisition, her statement emerged amid ongoing discussions surrounding the telecommunications merger.

    The protest, which commenced at approximately 8:00 AM local time, continued through the morning with participants pledging to enter the BTL compound at 10:00 AM to further amplify their demands for transparency and proper democratic process in the significant telecommunications sector decision.

  • Message from DNO: Likes and dislikes are back. Here is why they were temporarily disabled

    Message from DNO: Likes and dislikes are back. Here is why they were temporarily disabled

    Dominica News Online (DNO) has confronted a sophisticated manipulation campaign targeting its comment section engagement metrics, forcing the media outlet to temporarily disable and then reinstate its reaction features while investigating the source of anomalous activity.

    The publication, which has maintained operational integrity for nearly two decades, identified a disturbing pattern where comments would receive massive volumes of likes or dislikes immediately upon publication, bypassing normal organic engagement patterns. This coordinated activity showed no incremental buildup characteristic of genuine reader interaction, instead demonstrating instant, artificial amplification.

    In an open letter to readers, DNO’s editorial team explained their initial decision to disable reaction buttons stemmed from concerns about algorithmic manipulation distorting public discourse. The extreme and consistent pattern of engagement manipulation represented a departure from nearly twenty years of normal community interaction on the platform.

    The media organization emphasized its commitment to preserving authentic democratic discourse while protecting readers from artificially manipulated sentiment indicators. Despite ongoing investigation into the source and methodology of the manipulation, DNO has temporarily reactivated engagement features while continuing to monitor for suspicious activity.

    The incident highlights growing challenges digital media platforms face in maintaining integrity of public forums amid increasingly sophisticated disinformation tactics. DNO has committed to developing more robust systems to detect and prevent future manipulation attempts while preserving genuine community engagement.

  • One Year Since Orden Passo David Was Last Seen

    One Year Since Orden Passo David Was Last Seen

    A full year has elapsed since Orden was last seen, marking a somber anniversary for family members and community advocates who persist in their quest for closure. Despite the passage of time, investigative efforts remain actively underway, with both law enforcement and civil society organizations amplifying their appeals for public cooperation.

    The Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality has reaffirmed its commitment to the case, characterizing the search as ongoing and urgent. The organization emphasizes that even seemingly insignificant details could prove crucial to the investigation and is imploring individuals with any relevant information to step forward immediately.

    This milestone has evoked complex emotions among supporters, serving simultaneously as a painful reminder of the prolonged uncertainty and as a catalyst for renewed determination. The collective resolve has strengthened rather than diminished, transforming grief into persistent advocacy.

    Authorities have reiterated their request for the public to share only verified information through official channels to ensure the integrity of the investigation. The collaboration between advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies demonstrates a multifaceted approach to resolving missing persons cases, highlighting the critical role community engagement plays in such investigations.

  • Greene Says Barbuda’s Development Targets High-End Tourism, Not Mass Market

    Greene Says Barbuda’s Development Targets High-End Tourism, Not Mass Market

    In a strategic move to redefine its economic future, the government of Barbuda is deliberately steering its development trajectory towards an exclusive, high-value tourism model. This approach, as articulated by officials, explicitly rejects the conventional mass-market tourism strategy embraced by many Caribbean destinations. The vision centers on creating a sustainable and luxurious niche, targeting discerning travelers seeking privacy, exclusivity, and premium experiences rather than high-volume, low-margin visitor traffic.

    The policy underscores a commitment to environmental preservation and cultural integrity. By limiting the scale of development, Barbuda aims to protect its pristine natural assets—including its famous pink sand beaches and fragile coral reefs—which are the very foundation of its appeal. This selective development model is positioned not merely as an economic decision but as a holistic strategy for sustainable growth. It seeks to ensure that the benefits of tourism directly support local community development and infrastructure projects, fostering a more resilient and self-determined economy for the island’s residents.

    This pivot to high-end tourism represents a significant differentiation from its sister island, Antigua, and signals Barbuda’s intent to carve out a unique and prestigious identity within the competitive Caribbean tourism market. The long-term goal is to build a globally recognized brand synonymous with unrivaled quality and responsible stewardship.

  • Young At Art 3.0 exhibition opens Saturday, 31 January

    Young At Art 3.0 exhibition opens Saturday, 31 January

    Art Bar Grenada’s ABG Gallery is set to host its third annual youth art showcase, Young At Art 3.0, on January 31, 2026. The event will unfold from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM at the gallery’s premises within the Woodlands Commercial Complex in St. George, with a strict 10:00 PM conclusion.

    This year’s exhibition features nine emerging artists aged 13 to 19, each presenting works that interpret the compelling theme “Unmasked: Revealing What’s Within.” The collection delves into profound aspects of personal identity, emotional vulnerability, and authentic self-expression, offering a window into the perspectives of Grenada’s youth.

    The competitive dimension of the event includes prestigious awards for first, second, and third place winners, with distinctions made across two age brackets. Additionally, a People’s Choice Award will be determined through public voting conducted on the gallery’s Instagram platform, encouraging community participation in celebrating young artistic talent.

    By providing a professional venue for exhibition, ABG Gallery reinforces its commitment to nurturing the next generation of Caribbean artists and amplifying their creative voices within the broader cultural conversation.

  • Pedestrian Struck by Transport Board Bus on South Street

    Pedestrian Struck by Transport Board Bus on South Street

    A municipal transport bus collided with a pedestrian on South Street this Monday, triggering a swift emergency response that temporarily disrupted normal traffic flow in the vicinity. According to official reports, the female pedestrian experienced noticeable discomfort following the impact, prompting immediate medical assessment at the scene. Emergency Medical Services personnel conducted a thorough examination and determined the injuries were non-life-threatening, allowing for on-site treatment without hospital transportation. Multiple bystanders intervened proactively to provide assistance and emotional support to the affected individual until professional medical help arrived. The incident concluded without escalating into a more severe medical emergency, though transportation officials have initiated standard protocol reviews. The precise circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation by relevant authorities, who will examine potential contributing factors including road conditions, visibility, and operational procedures. This event highlights ongoing public safety considerations in urban transportation systems and the importance of community responsiveness during emergency situations.

  • New Airport Upgrades will feature e-gates, a first for Antigua and Barbuda

    New Airport Upgrades will feature e-gates, a first for Antigua and Barbuda

    The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has embarked on a transformative digital overhaul of its immigration infrastructure following cabinet approval for automated electronic gates (e-gates) at all aerial and maritime ports. This strategic modernization initiative represents a fundamental shift from manual processing to a fully automated border management ecosystem.

    Communications Director General Maurice Merchant characterized the technological upgrade as a necessary response to evolving efficiency demands at ports of entry. The new infrastructure will enable travelers to self-process arrivals through electronic passport scanning at high-speed kiosks, effectively eliminating traditional manual checkpoints.

    The sophisticated system incorporates enhanced passenger screening mechanisms with automated data processing capabilities, creating operational consistency across both air and sea ports. Merchant emphasized that beyond processing efficiency, the government is implementing advanced biometric integration to strengthen national security protocols.

    Critical security enhancements include expanded fingerprint databases, real-time watchlist synchronization with international law enforcement networks, and upgraded reporting tools. The system maintains full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards while accommodating future technological developments including next-generation e-passports.

    Merchant underscored the dual-purpose nature of the initiative: “This transcends mere processing acceleration—it concerns border integrity. Through real-time biometric verification, we’re establishing a hostile environment for unlawful entry while maintaining welcoming access for legitimate travelers.”

    The technology deployment ensures uniform security protocols whether arriving at V.C. Bird International Airport or through maritime heritage quays. Designed with future-proof capabilities, the system positions Antigua and Barbuda at the forefront of global travel innovation while providing comprehensive coverage across both islands.

    Implementation is scheduled to commence imminently, with government officials anticipating a seamless transition that minimizes disruption to existing travel schedules.