Carib Scope

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  • Rastafarian Elder ‘King Saggi-Fu’ Dies

    Rastafarian Elder ‘King Saggi-Fu’ Dies

    The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of Glasford ‘King Saggi-Fu’ Mack, a revered Rastafarian elder whose influence resonated deeply within the community. Known affectionately as ‘Brother Mack’ or ‘Osagifu,’ his legacy is being celebrated by many, including Education Minister Daryll S. Matthew, who shared a heartfelt tribute to his lifelong friend.

    Minister Matthew reflected on their decades-long bond, recalling cherished memories from his childhood to adulthood. ‘I struggle to find the words to express the depth of our friendship and the sorrow I feel,’ Matthew wrote. He reminisced about playing with Mack’s children, exploring his farm, and sharing meals together, describing Mack as a man of unwavering drive, fearlessness, and loyalty.

    Matthew also highlighted Mack’s intellectual and spiritual contributions, noting his ability to engage in insightful, often provocative discussions. ‘You always had something meaningful to share, even if it challenged the status quo. I will miss you deeply, King Saggi-Fu. Rest well. Your legacy is well-deserved. JAH RASTAFARI!’

    King Saggi-Fu was widely respected within the Rastafarian community for his steadfast principles, wisdom, and dedication to the movement’s spiritual and cultural foundations. Tributes continue to pour in from individuals who knew him as a mentor, friend, and guiding force whose impact transcended generations.

  • Leaders urged to serve with humility and faith

    Leaders urged to serve with humility and faith

    At the 85th Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Annual Conference held at Queen’s Park on Sunday, Bishop Marlon Jones delivered a powerful sermon emphasizing the sacred nature of leadership and the importance of humility, sincerity, and compassion in public service. Addressing party members and delegates, Bishop Jones underscored that leadership is not a pursuit of personal gain but a divine calling rooted in service to the nation. He reflected on the BLP’s 87-year history, reminding attendees of the party’s enduring commitment to care and service. ‘You have a calling; the calling is for labour to serve,’ he declared, urging members to uphold the mandate of their predecessors. The bishop highlighted that responsibility extends beyond top leaders to every individual within the organization, emphasizing unity and collective effort. He likened public service to standing ‘on the battlefields of life,’ where criticism and sacrifice are inevitable. ‘When you enter the public arena, you expose yourself, but you cannot turn back,’ he cautioned. Bishop Jones also acknowledged the loneliness that can accompany leadership, encouraging leaders to draw strength from faith. ‘Lean upon God; sometimes you must stand alone, but God will not leave you,’ he advised. Concluding his sermon, he called for compassion across political and social divides, urging the congregation to support their leaders. He reminded all present that true greatness lies not in power but in serving others with humility and empathy.

  • A new gateway to growth: Celebrating Kingstown Port and the power of partnership

    A new gateway to growth: Celebrating Kingstown Port and the power of partnership

    The United Kingdom and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) have marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship with the inauguration of the newly modernized Kingstown Port. British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Mustard, expressed his pride in the UK’s support for this transformative project, which symbolizes the strength of their partnership rooted in mutual respect. The port’s modernization, funded with over US$35 million in grants from the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), represents a total investment exceeding US$250 million, making it the second-largest infrastructure project in SVG’s history and the most substantial UK-funded initiative in the Eastern Caribbean. The project is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, enhance trade, and bolster the nation’s resilience to climate change. Already, the port has generated over 400 construction jobs, injected US$37 million into the local economy, and facilitated over US$50 million in exports to the UK in 2024. Additionally, the port’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a new mobile scanner, have enhanced border security. Beyond infrastructure, the UK-SVG partnership spans health, energy, environment, culture, security, and trade. Notable initiatives include the SMART hospital project, solar panel installations, and support for creative industries and heritage preservation. The UK remains a staunch advocate for small island developing states, championing their unique vulnerabilities in international forums. As multilateralism faces challenges, the UK and SVG are committed to defending an inclusive, rules-based international system and fostering a future grounded in resilience, equity, and shared prosperity. High Commissioner Mustard emphasized the importance of this partnership, particularly in the face of global fragmentation, and expressed optimism for continued collaboration.

  • Categorie 4 orkaan Melissa: Jamaica bereidt zich voor op ramp

    Categorie 4 orkaan Melissa: Jamaica bereidt zich voor op ramp

    Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 4 storm, posing a severe threat to Jamaica with destructive winds, torrential rains, flooding, and landslides. Currently, the storm’s unofficial center is located approximately 120 to 130 miles southeast of Kingston, moving slowly westward, escalating the danger to the island. Meteorologists warn that Melissa could potentially strengthen further into a Category 5 hurricane. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued alerts for rainfall amounts reaching up to 760 mm across Jamaica, with localized areas potentially experiencing up to 1,010 mm. Additionally, storm surges of up to 4 meters are expected along the southern coastline. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged residents to take all warnings seriously and prepare for prolonged impacts, stating, ‘All of Jamaica will be affected in the coming days.’ Over 650 shelters have been activated, the Norman Manley International Airport has been closed, and emergency supplies have been distributed across the island. The storm is also expected to impact Haiti and parts of Cuba, further extending its reach across the Caribbean region.

  • Afreximbank celebrates outgoing president and chairman

    Afreximbank celebrates outgoing president and chairman

    In a grand farewell conference held in Cairo, Egypt, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) celebrated the remarkable tenure of Professor Benedict Okey Oramah as its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. The event, attended by over 2,000 dignitaries including heads of state, business leaders, and former Afreximbank presidents, highlighted Oramah’s transformative leadership and his unwavering commitment to fostering intra-African trade and economic development. Oramah, who assumed office in September 2015, emphasized that his strategy was rooted in reversing the colonial legacy of division and dependency, advocating for Africa’s self-reliance and internal economic integration. Under his leadership, Afreximbank’s balance sheet grew from US$6 billion to nearly US$44 billion, while the bank introduced groundbreaking initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), the AfCFTA Adjustment Funds, and the Intra-African Trade Fair. These efforts have significantly advanced the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and strengthened Africa’s industrial and trade capabilities. Oramah’s successor, George Elombi, praised his visionary leadership, noting that Afreximbank has become a cornerstone of Africa’s development under Oramah’s guidance. The conference also showcased the bank’s contributions to healthcare, industrial parks, and COVID-19 relief efforts, cementing Oramah’s legacy as a champion of African economic emancipation.

  • Hurricane Melissa Leaves Four Dead in Haiti and the Dominican Republic

    Hurricane Melissa Leaves Four Dead in Haiti and the Dominican Republic

    Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 4 storm, has wreaked havoc across Haiti and the Dominican Republic, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive destruction. The hurricane triggered deadly floods and landslides, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. In Haiti, at least three individuals lost their lives due to landslides and falling trees, while in the Dominican Republic, one fatality has been confirmed, and another person remains missing. Additionally, five people sustained injuries when a wall collapsed under the force of relentless rains and powerful winds. The Dominican Republic has placed four provinces under red alert, with 13 in yellow and 13 in green, as torrential rains continue to inundate the northern and southwestern regions. President Luis Abinader conducted an inspection of several dams on Sunday, expressing concerns over potential overflow due to the heavy rainfall. The Centre for Emergency Operations (COE) in the Dominican Republic reported that over 2,900 people are without electricity following the failure of 18 power circuits. Furthermore, more than 625,000 residents are without access to clean water after 60 aqueducts were shut down. In response, the COE has deployed drones to deliver food and essential supplies to remote communities isolated by flooding and landslides. Haiti has also reported collapsed bridges and destroyed homes as river levels surged dramatically.

  • US warship docks in Trinidad amid fears of military aggression in the Caribbean

    US warship docks in Trinidad amid fears of military aggression in the Caribbean

    The arrival of the USS Gravely, a United States warship, in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday has ignited a heated debate across the Caribbean region. While Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized the importance of safety and security in combating drug trafficking, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley raised concerns over the “menacing military” presence of US vessels in the Caribbean Sea, urging dialogue to prevent potential conflicts. Mottley, speaking at the 86th annual conference of her ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP), highlighted the region’s vulnerability to external threats, including the looming Hurricane Melissa and the escalating US military build-up. The Trump administration recently announced the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean as part of its counter-drug initiative. However, critics argue that this move could be a pretext for a potential land invasion of Venezuela. The US Southern Command claims the enhanced military presence aims to disrupt illicit activities threatening regional security. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Ministry stated that the USS Gravely’s visit includes joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), focusing on tactical proficiency and mutual trust. Persad-Bissessar defended the collaboration, citing the country’s high crime rates and proximity to drug trafficking routes. In contrast, Mottley and former Caribbean leaders, including PJ Patterson and Bruce Golding, reiterated the need to maintain the Caribbean as a “zone of peace,” warning against the destabilizing effects of military escalation. Mottley emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and resolving disputes through peaceful means at the United Nations. The contrasting perspectives underscore the region’s complex challenges as it navigates security concerns and the preservation of peace.

  • Communities urged to take collective action to fight rising STIs

    Communities urged to take collective action to fight rising STIs

    During a thought-provoking evening at Sky Mall on Saturday, Dr. Corey Forde posed a critical question to a small but attentive audience: “What has truly changed in our communities, and how can we prevent ourselves from heading down a destructive path?” This moment of introspection marked a pivotal point in the Ammar Empowerment Network’s (AEN) Family Empowerment Meeting, themed ‘Rise in STIs and the Impact on Youth.’ The event came in response to recent health reports revealing a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis, particularly among individuals in their twenties.

  • Catastrophic Impact Feared as Hurricane Melissa Bears Down on Jamaica

    Catastrophic Impact Feared as Hurricane Melissa Bears Down on Jamaica

    Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 4 storm, continues its slow advance towards the island. The hurricane, currently positioned south of Jamaica, has already unleashed heavy rains and fierce winds across eastern parishes, including Portland, St Thomas, and parts of Kingston. Forecasters predict that conditions will deteriorate further as the storm edges closer, with the worst expected between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

    The Jamaican Meteorological Service has issued dire warnings, anticipating rainfall totals of 15–30 inches, which could trigger flash floods, landslides, and a storm surge of 9 to 13 feet along the south coast. In a press conference, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, emphasized the severity of the situation, urging citizens to take evacuation orders seriously. ‘We did not get a direct hit from Beryl, and we are due to get a direct hit from a Category 4, possibly a Category 5,’ Vaz stated. ‘This may be the one.’

    Meanwhile, Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration has reassured the public that Belizean students in Jamaica are being cared for. The ministry confirmed that no foreign students have been asked to evacuate, as their safety remains the top priority. The Government of Jamaica has pledged to continue accommodating all regional and international students residing in UWI Halls of Residence.

    As Hurricane Melissa looms, the potential for catastrophic damage is immense, with authorities urging residents to prepare for the worst and heed all safety advisories.

  • The ladies changing the game in football

    The ladies changing the game in football

    Two Saint Lucian women, Examin Philbert and Dr. Natasha Innocent-Thomas, are making history as trailblazers in football administration. Their recent appointments to FIFA Standing Committees, alongside Lyndon Cooper, President of the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA), mark a significant milestone for gender representation in global sports governance. The trio will serve from 2025 to 2029, following the FIFA Council Meeting in Zurich, Switzerland. While all three appointments are noteworthy, the inclusion of women in these decision-making roles is particularly groundbreaking, given the historical underrepresentation of women in sports administration. This development is expected to inspire greater professional growth in Saint Lucian sports and beyond. Philbert, currently the women’s football coordinator for the SLFA and president of the Vieux Fort Football League, has been appointed to the FIFA Women’s National Team Competition Standing Committee. This body plays a pivotal role in shaping women’s football globally, overseeing events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Dr. Innocent-Thomas, a respected medical professional with extensive experience in sports medicine, will serve on the FIFA Medical Committee. Her role is critical as the committee addresses health, medical, and player welfare issues in an era of increasing global football demands. Both women emphasized the transformative potential of their appointments. Philbert highlighted the opportunity to strengthen Saint Lucia’s global football network and enhance women’s football programs. Innocent-Thomas underscored the importance of improved health management for athletes, focusing on injury prevention and rehabilitation. Their achievements serve as a powerful inspiration for young women and girls, demonstrating that careers in football extend beyond the pitch. Philbert and Innocent-Thomas encourage aspiring professionals to pursue diverse opportunities in the sport, from media and marketing to governance and medicine. Their journey to FIFA leadership exemplifies the rewards of perseverance, preparation, and passion for the beautiful game.