Carib Scope

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  • Kiprich and Kizzy’s baby, Miracle, airlifted to different Colombian hospital

    Kiprich and Kizzy’s baby, Miracle, airlifted to different Colombian hospital

    Jamaican dancehall performers Kiprich and Kizzy Don have achieved a critical milestone in their medical journey as their prematurely born daughter, Miracle, has been successfully transported to an advanced medical facility in Colombia. The infant, who arrived unexpectedly early while her parents were on a professional engagement in South America, had been receiving intensive care since birth.

    The couple documented this medical transfer through social media, sharing footage of medical professionals carefully coordinating Miracle’s movement via specialized ambulance and aircraft transport. Kiprich expressed profound gratitude to supporters in his video caption, stating: ‘You are worthy, give thanks for all support coming in, keep the prayers up for baby Miracle.’

    The situation developed when Kizzy, who had received medical clearance for travel, accompanied her partner to a performance in Colombia. The premature delivery created significant complications, leaving the family facing substantial healthcare challenges abroad. Medical authorities determined that Miracle required specialized neonatal care only available through medical evacuation to the United States, with estimated transfer costs reaching approximately J$40 million (US$250,000).

    In response to these financial pressures, the artists initiated a GoFundMe campaign that has currently gathered over US$27,000 toward their target amount. The online fundraising effort has generated widespread community support, with numerous well-wishers contributing both financially and emotionally through prayer messages and encouraging comments.

    Those interested in supporting the family’s medical mission can contribute through the official fundraising platform at: https://gofund.me/1f5236235.

  • Families of Trinidadian fishermen killed in US missile strike sue US government

    Families of Trinidadian fishermen killed in US missile strike sue US government

    In a significant legal challenge against US military operations, the families of two Trinidadian men killed in a missile strike have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the US government. The complaint, lodged in the US District Court for Massachusetts on January 27, alleges extrajudicial killing and seeks accountability for what plaintiffs describe as unlawful lethal force.

    The case centers on the deaths of Chad Joseph, 26, and Rishi Samaroo, 41, who were among six civilians killed when a US missile struck their small boat traveling from Venezuela to Trinidad and Tobago on October 14, 2025. According to court documents, the victims were returning to their homes in Las Cuevas when the attack occurred.

    Legal representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and Seton Hall Law School argue the strike was part of a broader pattern of military actions targeting civilian vessels in Caribbean and Pacific waters. The lawsuit claims at least 36 similar strikes have occurred since September 2025, resulting in approximately 125 fatalities.

    Lenore Burnley, Joseph’s mother, and Sallycar Korasingh, Samaroo’s sister, filed the action on behalf of all surviving family members. Burnley described her son as a devoted family man who frequently traveled to Venezuela for fishing and agricultural work to support his wife and three children. Korasingh remembered her brother as a hardworking individual rebuilding his life after completing a 15-year prison sentence.

    The legal action invokes two jurisdictional foundations: the Death on the High Seas Act, which permits lawsuits for deaths occurring in international waters, and the Alien Tort Statute, which allows foreign nationals to seek redress in US courts for severe violations of international human rights law.

    The complaint systematically challenges the legal basis for the strikes, arguing they lack proper congressional authorization and violate both international humanitarian law and US constitutional principles. Legal director Baher Azmy of the Center for Constitutional Rights characterized the killings as ‘absurd and dangerous,’ warning against unilateral state declarations of war to justify lethal force.

    The case has drawn attention to the Trump administration’s maritime security operations, with President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth having publicly acknowledged the strikes and released footage of the operations. Notably, US authorities have not publicly identified any of the victims.

    Trinidad’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers previously stated the government had no information linking either man to illegal activities, while Attorney General John Jeremie asserted the strikes were consistent with international law based on advice from an unidentified external expert.

    The lawsuit seeks to establish judicial oversight of military actions that plaintiffs argue constitute ‘manifestly unlawful’ killings ordered by highest levels of government. Professor Jonathan Hafetz of Seton Hall Law School warned the case carries profound implications for international legal norms and US standing in the global community.

  • TCL warns: Price hike coming

    TCL warns: Price hike coming

    Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL) has issued a formal notification to its customers regarding impending price adjustments for cement products, directly linking the potential increase to the proposed natural gas price hike currently under consideration. The company’s general manager, Gonzalo Rueda Castillo, emphasized in a January 26 statement that natural gas serves as a fundamental component in cement manufacturing processes, making the proposed energy cost increase particularly impactful.

    The National Gas Company’s anticipated decision on January 31 regarding natural gas pricing will determine the extent of necessary adjustments. Castillo clarified that should the gas price increase receive approval, TCL would be compelled to implement corresponding price revisions to maintain operational sustainability. The company highlighted that recent months have witnessed substantial cost escalations across multiple production aspects, including raw materials, packaging, and general inflationary pressures.

    Despite expressing opposition to the proposed energy cost increase and ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders, TCL acknowledges the unavoidable financial implications. The cement manufacturer emphasized its commitment to maintaining reliable supply chains and supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s construction sector while navigating these economic challenges.

    In response to the announcement, former Energy Minister Stuart Young launched criticism against the current administration, characterizing the situation as evidence of governmental incompetence. Young’s social media statements warned citizens to anticipate broader economic repercussions, including potential increases in food prices and negative impacts on employment and foreign exchange stability.

  • TikTok star Khaby Lame sells company in US$900m deal

    TikTok star Khaby Lame sells company in US$900m deal

    In a groundbreaking business transaction reshaping the digital influencer economy, TikTok’s most-followed creator Khaby Lame has finalized a monumental all-stock agreement valued at over $900 million with Hong Kong-based financial firm Rich Sparkle Holdings. The deal, formally announced Tuesday through corporate filings and industry reports, involves the sale of a significant stake in Lame’s corporate entity, Step Distinctive Limited.

    Under the meticulously structured 36-month arrangement, Rich Sparkle Holdings obtains exclusive global licensing rights to commercially leverage Lame’s personal brand across key markets including the United States, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The partnership’s most innovative aspect involves developing an artificial intelligence replica of Lame—meticulously capturing his facial expressions, vocal patterns, and behavioral mannerisms—to generate automated social content and enable simultaneous multi-timezone engagement.

    The strategic acquisition extends beyond digital presence to encompass comprehensive commercial rights including Lame’s TikTok Shop operations, livestream commerce programming, brand endorsement management, and short-video monetization strategies. The Senegalese-Italian content creator, born Khabane Serigne Lame in 2000, achieved global recognition through his signature reaction videos and life-hack content, amassing 160 million TikTok followers and 77 million Instagram devotees.

    Corporate projections indicate anticipated sales exceeding $4 billion during the partnership term, leveraging Lame’s combined social media reach of 360 million followers worldwide. The agreement establishes region-specific pricing models aligned with local consumer purchasing power, with independent profit accounting mechanisms for each operational zone. Notably, Lame transitions into a controlling shareholder position within the newly structured corporate framework.

  • Parish council employees to return to court next Thursday

    Parish council employees to return to court next Thursday

    Two Jamaican municipal corporation employees remain embroiled in a significant cocaine trafficking case following their court appearance in St James Parish Court on January 27. Trevon Clayton of St Ann Municipal Corporation and Latoya Hemmings, a senior managing accountant at Trelawny Municipal Council, face multiple charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act after authorities discovered cocaine in their possession at an airport security screening.

    The incident unfolded when narcotics division officers intercepted the two individuals as they attempted to board a flight to New York. During routine security procedures, screening personnel detected suspicious packages subsequently identified as cocaine within both travelers’ luggage. The situation escalated when Clayton reportedly confessed to having ingested additional cocaine pellets, leading to his immediate hospitalization where medical staff documented the expulsion of 82 drug-filled pellets.

    While both defendants were initially detained, their legal circumstances have diverged. Hemmings secured conditional release last week on humanitarian grounds related to a medical condition, posting $750,000 bail with requirements to surrender travel documents and report weekly to Duncans Police Station. Clayton remains in custody pending a bail application scheduled for the next hearing on February 4. The case continues to develop as Jamaican authorities pursue serious drug trafficking allegations against the municipal employees.

  • Winter Storm Fern strands Bahamians across the US

    Winter Storm Fern strands Bahamians across the US

    A catastrophic winter storm identified as Fern has unleashed unprecedented disruption across the United States, resulting in numerous fatalities and bringing transportation networks to a complete standstill. The severe weather system has generated massive flight cancellations, widespread power outages, and dangerous road conditions, creating a crisis for both residents and international travelers.

    According to flight tracking data from FlightAware, the aviation sector continues to struggle with massive disruptions, with approximately 5,300 flights canceled and over 4,300 delayed by Tuesday afternoon. This follows Sunday’s staggering cancellation of more than 11,400 flights, marking one of the most severe travel disruptions in recent history.

    The storm’s impact extended beyond transportation, with poweroutage.com reporting over 670,000 customers without electricity as freezing temperatures overwhelmed electrical infrastructure. Major metropolitan areas including New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and Dallas experienced complete operational shutdowns at key airport hubs due to freezing precipitation and blizzard conditions.

    Among those most severely affected were Bahamian travelers who found themselves trapped in the travel chaos. Kaylee Roberts, a 22-year-old from New Providence, described her ordeal after traveling to Dallas for a college visit and concert. Her return plans descended into chaos as multiple flight cancellations and inadequate communication from airlines left her stranded at the airport for extended periods without accommodation options or clear information.

    Earl Thompson, another Bahamian national, encountered similar disruptions while traveling to New York for a funeral. His Delta flight was canceled after passengers had already boarded, resulting in hours-long waits to retrieve luggage amid snow-blocked airport access points. Thompson noted that many travelers were forced to sleep at airports while others faced growing panic and frustration.

    The human impact of the storm revealed systemic vulnerabilities in airline emergency response protocols, with travelers reporting insufficient customer support, conflicting information from staff, and inadequate accommodation provisions during weather-related emergencies. While some passengers eventually received compensation such as hotel vouchers for non-weather related delays, the overall response highlighted significant gaps in crisis management procedures.

    Meteorological experts indicate that Winter Storm Fern represents one of the most extensive winter weather events of the season, affecting regions from the Northeast through the Midwest and into southern states typically unaccustomed to such severe winter conditions. The event has prompted questions about infrastructure preparedness and emergency response coordination for extreme weather events affecting international travel corridors.

  • PLPs divided over timing of pre-election convention

    PLPs divided over timing of pre-election convention

    The Progressive Liberal Party faces significant internal discord regarding the potential staging of a pre-election voting convention, revealing deep fractures within the Bahamian political organization. Senior figures and supporters remain sharply divided on whether such an event would demonstrate party strength or create unnecessary division mere months before the nation heads to the polls.

    Prominent voices within the PLP have expressed serious reservations about the convention’s strategic value. Former MP Shane Gibson questioned the fundamental purpose of holding internal elections at this critical juncture, suggesting it might primarily serve to highlight government achievements rather than address substantive organizational needs. His skepticism echoes concerns raised by PLP Deputy National Coordinator for Elections Valentine Grimes, who warned about the potentially divisive nature of internal contests so close to a general election.

    The opposition to the convention finds its most vocal proponent in former MP Leslie Miller, who dismissed the entire exercise as “a trivial exercise in futility” that would have minimal impact on voter behavior. Miller emphasized that Bahamian voters typically don’t seriously engage with election decisions until March, suggesting the convention would amount to wasted effort.

    Amidst this debate, attention has turned to potential leadership contenders. Current Party Chairman Fred Mitchell has indicated he will not seek re-election, focusing instead on retaining his Fox Hill constituency. Communications Director Latrae Rahming, frequently mentioned as a potential successor, has remained publicly circumspect about his intentions while expressing humility at being considered.

    Senator D’Asante Small has emerged as another potential candidate, refusing to rule out a leadership bid while emphasizing her commitment to strengthening the party through modernization, expanded membership, and support for emerging leaders. She specifically encouraged other young PLP members to step forward, noting the party’s openness to new leadership.

    Despite the substantial opposition, some party members advocate strongly for the convention. Joe Johnson, chairman of the PLP’s Men’s Branch, characterized the event as a crucial launch mechanism that could generate momentum and energy ahead of the general election. He emphasized the historical significance of potentially securing consecutive electoral victories, something not achieved in decades.

    The PLP’s last pre-election convention in 2017 resulted in a decisive victory for then-Prime Minister Perry Christie over challenger Alfred Sears, though the party subsequently suffered a sweeping defeat in the general election—a historical precedent that continues to inform current deliberations.

  • European and Jamaican musicians band together to support children post-Hurricane Melissa

    European and Jamaican musicians band together to support children post-Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a harmonious blend of cultural diplomacy and humanitarian aid, European Union Ambassador Dr. Erja Askola and UNICEF Jamaica recently orchestrated a special jazz concert to support students continuing to suffer the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The charitable event showcased an international collaboration between European saxophonist Pekka Pylkkänen and Jamaican pianist Orville Hammond, with rhythmic support from bassist Leon ‘Mandela’ Duncan and drummer Clayon Samuels.

    The gathering served as both an artistic celebration and a call to action, uniting partners and stakeholders in solidarity with children whose education remains disrupted months after the Category 5 hurricane devastated the island. Current reports indicate thousands of Jamaican students persist in suboptimal learning conditions—studying in temporary tents, damaged classrooms, and facing critical shortages of educational resources.

    Ambassador Askola highlighted the profound connection between cultural expression and developmental diplomacy during her address. ‘Throughout history, jazz has connected people across continents. This evening is about music, but it is also about solidarity,’ she stated, acknowledging UNICEF’s instrumental role in implementing tangible improvements for children nationwide.

    UNICEF Representative Olga Isaza echoed these sentiments, praising the resilience of affected children while outlining ongoing recovery efforts. ‘We have supported psychosocial care for over 1,500 children and are working to repair and climate-proof schools and WASH facilities,’ Isaza noted. She emphasized that despite progress, many communities still struggle with damaged infrastructure, intermittent utilities, and economic barriers preventing educational normalcy.

    Proceeds from the concert will directly fund UNICEF programs addressing the most pressing needs of hurricane-affected children across Jamaica. The initiative reflects the EU’s enduring commitment to fostering people-to-connections and cross-cultural exchange while providing substantive support for post-disaster recovery efforts.

  • SAINT models dominate Parisian runways

    SAINT models dominate Parisian runways

    The global fashion scene is currently illuminated by the remarkable achievements of two Jamaican models from SAINT International, who are making significant strides on prestigious international platforms.

    Dru Campbell, having recently completed a powerful appearance at Paris’s co-ed collections during the Fall/Winter Men’s 2026 Ready-to-Wear show season, further solidified her status by walking in Dior’s Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 show this Sunday. Her presence at such exclusive events highlights her growing influence within haute couture circles.

    Simultaneously, fellow SAINT International star Jessie Craig is capturing attention in New York’s luxury market. The Spanish Town native, rapidly ascending as a fashion industry darling, has been announced as the new face for Agmes, a celebrated fine jewelry brand based in New York. Founded a decade ago by Morgan Lang, Agmes has selected Craig to front their latest campaign celebrating the brand’s 10th anniversary.

    The newly released editorial features Craig showcasing pieces from Agmes’ Echo Collection, including the elegant Fredrika bracelet paired with the brand’s signature small Celia hoops. The collection emphasizes sustainable luxury, featuring pieces like the Nadia pendant crafted from recycled precious metals and the statement-making Jean cuffs released for the anniversary celebration. Each piece, from the sterling silver Frederika necklace to the distinctive Hilda earrings, is presented with Craig’s distinctive elegance, reflecting both the model’s rising star power and Agmes’ commitment to artistic design and environmental consciousness.

  • Zed Airlines planes hit by bullets in Haiti

    Zed Airlines planes hit by bullets in Haiti

    A severe escalation of violence has directly targeted Haiti’s critical aviation infrastructure, plunging the nation’s air travel into deeper crisis. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince became the scene of a dangerous attack on Sunday when two commercial aircraft operated by Zed Airlines SA were struck by bullets during their final approach for landing.

    The National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC) and the National Airport Authority (AAN) issued a joint statement vehemently condemning the act, highlighting its grave implications for both passenger safety and the integrity of Haitian airspace. In immediate response to what it termed a ‘force majeure event,’ Zed Airlines announced an indefinite suspension of all its flight operations into Haiti. The carrier stated this decisive action was mandated by international safety protocols and its legal duty to protect passengers and crew.

    The airline, a key operator on the Haiti-Brazil route, clarified that any future resumption of services is entirely contingent upon comprehensive technical and safety evaluations, directives from aviation authorities, and the findings of ongoing investigations. This incident has starkly revived security concerns surrounding the airport, echoing a similar episode in 2024 that prompted U.S. aviation regulators to suspend carrier flights after multiple gun attacks.

    This attack underscores the extreme volatility and powerful grip of armed gangs that have overwhelmed Haiti’s capital since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The United Nations reports that relentless gang warfare has resulted in thousands of fatalities and displaced countless more, with significant portions of Port-au-Prince under their control. The targeting of international aviation marks a alarming expansion of the violence, further isolating the embattled Caribbean nation. No casualties have been reported from Sunday’s shooting.