Carib Scope

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  • FosRich appoints Marlene Street Forrest to board

    FosRich appoints Marlene Street Forrest to board

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to enhance its corporate governance, FosRich Company Limited has announced the appointment of distinguished capital markets veteran Marlene Street Forrest to its board of directors. The appointment becomes effective January 9, 2026, marking a significant addition to the company’s leadership roster.

    Street Forrest brings an unparalleled legacy in Jamaican finance, having recently concluded her tenure as the longest-serving Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE). Her transformative leadership at the JSE was instrumental in modernizing the nation’s capital markets infrastructure. Key achievements under her guidance include the strategic expansion of the Junior Market, which provided a vital platform for emerging companies, and initiatives designed to democratize shareholder participation throughout the Jamaican economy.

    Her era at the exchange witnessed remarkable growth, characterized by a surge in listed entities and improved equity financing avenues for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These advancements were pivotal in cultivating a more robust and accessible local capital market.

    In recognition of her profound contributions to national financial development, Street Forrest has been decorated with some of Jamaica’s highest honors. These include the prestigious Order of Distinction in the Commander Class and the esteemed Order of Jamaica, both awarded for her exceptional service to the nation.

    FosRich, a key player in Jamaica’s building and lighting solutions sector, anticipates that Street Forrest’s vast experience and strategic acumen will substantially elevate boardroom deliberations and governance efficacy. Her insights are expected to be instrumental in steering the company’s ambitious long-term growth strategy as it seeks to further expand its market presence.

  • Romae Gordon walks Chanel runway in Paris

    Romae Gordon walks Chanel runway in Paris

    In a spectacular return to high fashion, Jamaican modeling pioneer Romae Gordon graced the runway at Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2026 Haute Couture presentation in Paris on Tuesday. The event marked the highly anticipated debut collection of newly appointed chief designer Matthieu Blazy, who transformed the Grand Palais into an immersive psychedelic forest featuring towering mushrooms and pastel-colored weeping willows.

    Gordon showcased an exquisite ensemble featuring a double-breasted jacket with distinctive peak lapels and artistic button appliqués, elegantly paired with sheer skirting accentuated by a delicate feathered hemline. The collection drew direct inspiration from avian aesthetics and natural forms, creating a harmonious blend of structural tailoring and organic elements.

    The Jamaican model’s participation carried historical significance, recalling her groundbreaking achievement as the first Jamaican to appear on the cover of a British magazine (Slimmer). With an international career spanning Europe, Africa, and the United States, Gordon has been represented by prestigious agencies including Elite Premier in London, G3 in South Africa, and Wilhelmina in New York. Her extensive portfolio includes collaborations with Cosmopolitan magazine, Macy’s, Champion sportswear, JCPenny, and Gillette.

    Beyond modeling, Gordon has demonstrated business acumen through her previous role as co-managing director of Pulse Investments, adding a dimension of entrepreneurial accomplishment to her fashion legacy. Her appearance at Blazy’s debut signifies both a personal comeback and Chanel’s commitment to diverse representation in haute couture.

  • Mom pleads – ‘I want to put my son at rest’

    Mom pleads – ‘I want to put my son at rest’

    A Bahamian family remains trapped in an agonizing state of uncertainty weeks after losing their son in a tragic traffic collision, with bureaucratic delays preventing both burial and closure. Llewellyn Forbes, 33, succumbed to injuries on January 8 following a December 24 crash at the intersection of Pioneer’s Way and East Atlantic Drive, yet critical documentation including autopsy results, official police reports, and medical records remain undisclosed to grieving relatives.

    Charlene Forbes, the deceased’s mother, articulated the family’s profound frustration after numerous unsuccessful attempts to obtain essential information from law enforcement authorities. “I want to put my son at rest. I need closure,” she stated, emphasizing that a month has passed without substantive communication from investigators. The emotional toll is particularly devastating for Mrs. Forbes, who previously lost her husband and another son, noting “That’s three men in my life that are gone.”

    Superintendent Christopher Farquharson, overseeing the Traffic Division, confirmed the investigation remains active with plans to forward findings to the Attorney General’s Office upon completion. While acknowledging two family visits to police stations where condolences were extended and preliminary updates provided, he offered no specific timeline for resolution.

    Llewellyn’s sister, Shacoda Forbes, remembered her brother as a quietly impactful jack-of-all-trades—a skilled welder and dedicated member of the GB Bikers’ Association whose helpful nature contrasted with his reserved demeanor. The association’s representative, Chante Wright, confirmed approximately twenty riders were traveling together when a vehicle struck the rearmost motorcycles, highlighting growing road safety concerns.

    The family reports being repeatedly assured of imminent updates and promised access to traffic camera footage that has yet to materialize. This administrative paralysis has forced the postponement of funeral arrangements indefinitely, leaving relatives simultaneously mourning their loss while fighting for accountability and transparency from authorities tasked with delivering justice.

  • McAlpine to run independent again: “We gon’ be ready this time”

    McAlpine to run independent again: “We gon’ be ready this time”

    Former Pineridge parliamentarian Frederick McAlpine has formally initiated his independent campaign for the constituency seat, months after initially revealing his political intentions. The ex-MP delivered his declaration to supporters through a social media video, surrounded by allies adorned in purple campaign attire identifying his “Mac Pac” team.

    McAlpine’s reemergence establishes him as a potential disruptive force in the upcoming electoral contest, building upon his substantial second-place performance during the previous general election. His 2021 independent campaign yielded 1,175 votes, positioning him narrowly behind Progressive Liberal Party candidate Ginger Moxey, who secured victory with 1,423 votes. The Free National Movement’s contender, Welbourne Bootle, trailed significantly with merely 886 votes in a constituency boasting 5,670 registered voters.

    The political veteran originally entered Parliament representing Pineridge on May 10, 2017, under the FNM banner. His tenure within the party concluded abruptly in June 2018 when then-Prime Minister Hubert Minnis terminated his position as Hotel Corporation Chairman. This dismissal followed McAlpine’s rebellion alongside fellow FNM parliamentarians Travis Robinson, Vaughn Miller, and Reece Chipman, who collectively opposed the government’s proposal to elevate value-added tax from 7.5% to 12%.

    McAlpine’s relationship with the FNM deteriorated consistently due to his frequent critiques of party leadership, culminating in his complete separation from the organization in July 2021. His subsequent independent campaign demonstrated considerable voter support, establishing a foundation for his current electoral challenge.

  • PNP WM raises concerns over sexual harassment allegations raised by Julian Chang

    PNP WM raises concerns over sexual harassment allegations raised by Julian Chang

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The People’s National Party Women’s Movement has broken its silence regarding serious sexual misconduct allegations within party ranks. President Patricia Duncan Sutherland addressed growing concerns after Savanna-la-Mar councillor Julian Chang publicly accused Westmoreland Central MP Dwayne Vaz of inappropriate behavior.

    The controversy emerged during a radio interview on January 26th when Councillor Chang first detailed the allegations. According to the claims, Vaz allegedly sent sexually explicit messages via WhatsApp platform. Following Chang’s refusal of these purported advances, the councillor reportedly faced exclusion from crucial constituency executive meetings—a move interpreted by some as retaliatory action.

    Duncan Sutherland emphasized the Women’s Movement’s firm stance against all forms of sexual harassment and abuse. In an official statement released Tuesday, she expressed confidence that the PNP would activate its Independent Complaints Committee pursuant to established party bylaws derived from its Sexual Harassment Policy. The process mandates thorough investigation, transparent examination, and appropriate disciplinary measures if warranted.

    The Women’s Movement leader reiterated their commitment to fostering environments where all citizens, particularly women, feel secure and empowered. She stressed the importance of addressing concerns through proper channels with fairness and appropriateness, noting that institutional change must begin within political organizations themselves.

    This development occurs amid heightened global attention to workplace misconduct and power dynamics within political structures. The case represents a significant test for Jamaica’s opposition party’s internal accountability mechanisms and its adherence to self-established governance protocols regarding gender-based violations.

  • ‘General Orders don’t require ZNS chief to tender resignation’

    ‘General Orders don’t require ZNS chief to tender resignation’

    The Bahamas government has firmly rejected opposition calls for the resignation of ZNS General Manager Clint Watson, who continues to lead the state-owned broadcaster while pursuing political candidacy. Public Services Minister Pia Glover-Rolle has invoked General Order 949 to defend Mr. Watson’s position, stating that public officers are not required to resign during political activities until formally ratified as candidates.

    The controversy centers on Mr. Watson’s dual role as head of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas and his aspirations to represent the Progressive Liberal Party in Southern Shores. The opposition Free National Movement (FNM) contends this arrangement compromises the impartiality of the national broadcaster and undermines public trust.

    The debate intensified following the resignation of ZNS sports reporter Jay Phillipe, who stepped down from his position at the organization’s Grand Bahama station to pursue nomination for the FNM in Bain and Grants Town. Mr. Phillipe stated his resignation was necessary to avoid any perceived conflict of interest while seeking political office.

    FNM chairman Dr. Duane Sands has challenged the government’s position, arguing that Mr. Watson’s continued leadership creates legitimate concerns about institutional neutrality. Dr. Sands maintains that the appearance of impartiality is essential for a national broadcaster, and that public confidence diminishes when its chief executive engages in partisan political activities.

    Mr. Watson has previously committed to resigning if formally nominated as a PLP candidate, but opposition leaders consider this position inadequate to address immediate concerns about neutrality and the integrity of public broadcasting.

  • Reggae Boyz goalkeeper Amal Knight joins Greenville Triumph SC

    Reggae Boyz goalkeeper Amal Knight joins Greenville Triumph SC

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant career development, Jamaican national team goalkeeper Amal Knight has secured a multi-year contract with American professional soccer club Greenville Triumph SC of USL League One. The South Carolina-based organization formally announced the acquisition on Tuesday, pending standard league and federation approvals.

    The signing represents a strategic enhancement to Greenville’s defensive lineup, adding a seasoned veteran with extensive professional experience. Knight most recently competed with Charlotte Independence during the latter half of the 2025 season, where he demonstrated his capabilities across seven matches and 630 minutes of play.

    His professional trajectory includes two standout seasons with Lexington SC, where he established himself as a formidable presence in both USL League One and the USL Jägermeister Cup competitions. Statistical analysis reveals Knight’s exceptional performance, ranking among the league’s top save specialists with 178 career saves—placing him seventh in USL League One history—while simultaneously recording four clean sheets during his tenure.

    Beyond domestic competition, Knight’s career has included international experience with FC Chitwan in Nepal’s Super League during 2025. His international credentials are equally impressive, having debuted for the Jamaican National Team in 2018 and accumulated 14 caps, including 13 FIFA-sanctioned appearances. His most recent international match was a January 18th friendly against Grenada.

    Domestically in Jamaica, Knight has made over 140 appearances in the Jamaican Premier League, further solidifying his reputation as a consistent and reliable professional. The Jamaica Football Federation has publicly congratulated Knight on this new professional achievement, recognizing his continued contribution to Jamaican soccer excellence.

    Greenville Triumph SC officials emphasized that Knight’s acquisition brings valuable depth, consistency, and leadership qualities to their roster development strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.

  • WATCH: Armed thieves steal seven goats from Sydney Pagon STEM Academy

    WATCH: Armed thieves steal seven goats from Sydney Pagon STEM Academy

    The Sydney Pagon STEM Academy in Elim, St Elizabeth, has become the target of a violent agricultural theft, compounding existing challenges from recent natural disasters. On Monday night, armed assailants executed a brazen raid on the school’s premises, making off with seven valuable goats estimated at $500,000 Jamaican dollars.

    According to Principal Milbert Miller, the perpetrators discharged firearm rounds to intimidate security personnel during the operation. The stolen livestock included five bucks and two does, among which were breeding animals critically important to the academy’s agricultural program. Miller specifically noted that one buck and one doe had been recently donated by the Ministry of Agriculture to enhance the institution’s breeding stock.

    This criminal incident represents a significant setback for the educational facility, which continues to recover from substantial damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa just three months prior. The hurricane had previously devastated several campus structures, including poultry houses that were essential to the institution’s hands-on STEM curriculum.

    The theft not only represents a financial loss but also undermines the academy’s educational mission, particularly affecting students engaged in agricultural science programs. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, though no suspects have been apprehended at this time.

  • Shaggy’s ‘Boom Body’ featuring Aidonia and Akon hits Billboard

    Shaggy’s ‘Boom Body’ featuring Aidonia and Akon hits Billboard

    Reggae-dancehall icon Shaggy has unveiled the lead single from his highly anticipated twelfth studio album, titled ‘Lottery.’ The new track, ‘Boom Body,’ marks a significant collaborative effort, featuring the distinct talents of R&B superstar Akon and Jamaican dancehall artist Aidonia.

    The release has already made a notable impact on the music charts. ‘Boom Body’ has debuted impressively at number 36 on Billboard’s prestigious Rhythmic Airplay chart. This achievement extends Shaggy’s long-standing presence on the chart, representing his twelfth career entry. For collaborator Aidonia, the milestone is even more profound, as it signifies his first-ever appearance on any Billboard chart, heralding a major breakthrough in his international career.

    This release follows Shaggy’s previous chart activity, which saw his collaborative single ‘Til a Mawnin’ with Sting spend a total of four weeks on the same Rhythmic Airplay chart in the summer of the previous year. That track ultimately peaked at number 35, setting a high bar for the new release. The forthcoming album ‘Lottery’ is poised to be a major event in the 2024 music calendar, showcasing Shaggy’s enduring ability to fuse genres and collaborate across musical landscapes.

  • Animal traceability system to be expanded to goats

    Animal traceability system to be expanded to goats

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is preparing to significantly expand its National Animal Identification and Traceability System (NAITS) to include goats in the upcoming financial year. Currently focused exclusively on cattle, this strategic expansion addresses growing concerns about small ruminant theft across the island nation.

    Dr. Sophia Ramlal, Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, revealed that while cattle theft remains problematic, anecdotal evidence from farmers indicates even higher rates of goat theft. “Our experience on the ground is that there is a lot of cattle theft, but if you speak to farmers there is more goat theft,” Dr. Ramlal stated, acknowledging the ministry’s awareness of the issue.

    The expansion will be implemented through the ministry’s small ruminant program and will require new legislation, which officials are currently reviewing. NAITS, administered by the Veterinary Services Division, represents a comprehensive identification and registration system for Jamaica’s livestock population. The system electronically records detailed information including animal identity, ownership records, geographical location, and movement activity throughout an animal’s lifespan.

    Since its inception a decade ago, the system has successfully tagged over 100,000 cattle using visual ear tags accompanied by bovine passports that must travel with animals between establishments. This existing infrastructure has already contributed to reduced theft rates and enhanced food safety and security measures.

    Dr. Ramlal emphasized that the system aligns with international best practices, serving five critical functions: establishing proof of ownership, enabling traceability, enhancing biosecurity controls, guarding against theft, and facilitating market access. “If we want to access international markets, a very strong traceability system where there is confidence in what we’re doing locally is that benchmark by which we are measured,” she explained regarding the program’s importance for global trade compliance.

    The NAITS program operates under the National Animal and Identification System 2015 Regulations, which currently mandate the marking of bovine animals. The forthcoming expansion to include goats represents Jamaica’s continued commitment to modernizing its agricultural sector and addressing the persistent challenge of praedial larceny that affects farmers nationwide.