Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • 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.

  • JPS contractor dies after falling from ladder

    JPS contractor dies after falling from ladder

    A tragic workplace incident in rural Jamaica has claimed the life of a veteran utility contractor. Courtney Robinson, a 66-year-old resident of Mandeville, Manchester, died on Monday afternoon following a fatal fall from a ladder while performing electrical maintenance operations. The accident occurred approximately at 4:00 PM in the Butt Up Town area near Albert Town, located in the southern Trelawny parish. Preliminary reports indicate Robinson sustained severe cranial trauma from the fall, which ultimately proved fatal. Local residents who witnessed the aftermath reported the contractor was engaged in routine service work for Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) when the accident transpired. While the exact circumstances leading to the fall remain under investigation, Jamaica’s Constabulary Communications Network (CCN) has officially confirmed the incident without releasing specific operational details. The energy provider has not yet issued an official statement regarding the tragedy or the deceased contractor’s employment status.

  • Johan Smythe, Shanoya Douglas smash national junior indoor records

    Johan Smythe, Shanoya Douglas smash national junior indoor records

    Jamaican teenage sprinters Johan-Ramaldo Smythe and Shanoya Douglas from Holland High School delivered extraordinary performances at the Puma New York International Showcase 2026 on Saturday, setting new national junior indoor records in their respective events.

    Smythe demonstrated exceptional speed in the 200-meter invitational, clocking an impressive 21.18 seconds to claim victory in his heat. Despite his remarkable time, he secured second place overall as American athlete Brady Pineo from Wesley Chapel High School edged ahead with a winning time of 21.02 seconds in the final standings. Smythe also showcased his versatility by dominating his 60-meter heat with a swift 6.91 seconds, though he faced disqualification in the final where Pineo again triumphed with 6.82 seconds.

    Douglas emerged victorious in the 300-meter event, establishing her new national record with a blistering time of 36.98 seconds. She finished well ahead of her closest competitor, Rhia Randolph of West Orange High School, who completed the race in 38.16 seconds. The victory carried additional significance as Douglas responded decisively to pre-race challenges from competitors.

    Coach Garth Smythe expressed immense pride in his athletes’ accomplishments, particularly given the travel challenges they faced. ‘We are grateful that the athletes got to compete at this elite level despite arriving in New York late morning without adequate rest due to jet lag,’ he stated. ‘Their performances truly spoke for themselves under these circumstances.’

    The coach revealed that Douglas’s victory contained an extra layer of satisfaction as she had received competitive threats during a press conference approximately two weeks prior. ‘We took it personally,’ Smythe acknowledged, ‘and she addressed it emphatically by defeating that competitor by nearly two seconds.’

    Regarding his son’s performance, Coach Smythe explained that Johan-Ramaldo’s indoor time of 21.18 seconds translates to approximately 20.7 seconds outdoors, suggesting even greater potential. The young sprinter reportedly could have achieved faster results but was unfamiliar with indoor track conditions, essentially jogging through significant portions of his race.

    The athletes, who followed Coach Smythe from Muschett High to Holland High, maintain their established training regimen. The team now focuses on fine-tuning techniques and preparing for upcoming competitions including the Carifta Trials, Carifta Games, and championship events.

  • Broadcaster Walter ‘Bob’ Clarke has died

    Broadcaster Walter ‘Bob’ Clarke has died

    JAMAICA MOURNS LOSS OF BROADCASTING LEGEND

    Kingston, Jamaica – The Jamaican media landscape has lost one of its most distinguished voices with the passing of veteran broadcaster Walter Charles “Bob” Clarke. The renowned media personality, whose career spanned an impressive five decades, departed early Tuesday morning at Port Maria Hospital in St. Mary.

    Clarke, celebrated for his immensely popular Sunday program “Memories” on IRIE FM, had been receiving medical treatment at the facility for an undisclosed condition. His contributions to Jamaican culture and broadcasting were formally recognized when he was honored with the prestigious Order of Distinction, one of the nation’s highest civic awards.

    The broadcaster’s distinctive voice and curated musical selections on his long-running program made him a household name across the island. His Sunday broadcasts became an institution for generations of Jamaicans, blending nostalgic music with cultural commentary that preserved the nation’s audio heritage.

    At 75 years old, Clarke leaves behind a legacy that transcends mere broadcasting. Colleagues and listeners remember him not just as a media practitioner but as a cultural archivist who understood the power of radio to unite communities through shared memories and musical traditions.

    The Jamaican media community has begun paying tribute to Clarke’s remarkable career, noting his unwavering commitment to quality programming and his role in shaping the island’s radio landscape over half a century.

  • Austria orders Microsoft to stop tracking school children — privacy campaigners

    Austria orders Microsoft to stop tracking school children — privacy campaigners

    Austria’s Data Protection Authority (DSB) has issued a landmark ruling against Microsoft Corporation, mandating the immediate cessation of non-essential tracking cookie usage within its educational software platforms. This decisive action follows comprehensive investigations into the tech giant’s data processing practices in academic environments.

    The legal challenge was initiated by NOYB (None of Your Business), Europe’s prominent digital rights advocacy organization, which filed two formal complaints against Microsoft in early 2024. The complaints alleged systematic violations of children’s data protection rights through Microsoft’s widely deployed education software used in Austrian schools.

    In its January 21 ruling, the DSB determined that Microsoft operated without proper legal justification for processing students’ personal information. The authority issued a compliance directive requiring the removal of all non-essential tracking cookies within a four-week implementation period. These digital tracking mechanisms, typically employed for behavioral analysis and advertising purposes, were found to have been deployed on student devices without obtaining proper consent.

    Felix Mikolasch, NOYB’s data protection attorney, emphasized that “tracking minors clearly isn’t privacy-friendly,” highlighting the particular vulnerability of children in digital environments. Microsoft representatives acknowledged the ruling while maintaining that their educational products comply with all data protection requirements under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

    This decision represents another significant victory for NOYB, which has pursued hundreds of legal actions against technology corporations since the implementation of GDPR in 2018. The case demonstrates the continuing tension between technological innovation in education and fundamental privacy rights, particularly concerning minor students.

  • US monster storm kills 30

    US monster storm kills 30

    A catastrophic winter storm continues to wreak havoc across the United States, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and leaving more than 540,000 residents without electricity as of Tuesday morning. The severe weather system, characterized by an unprecedented Arctic air mass, has created life-threatening conditions from the southern states to the northeastern regions.

    The National Weather Service issued warnings indicating that much of the northern United States will experience continuously subfreezing temperatures through February 1st. Southern states, typically unaccustomed to such extreme winter conditions, faced record low temperatures that crippled infrastructure and emergency response systems.

    While some areas began to see clearing skies, northeastern states including Connecticut and Massachusetts received substantial snowfall accumulations exceeding 22 inches and 16 inches respectively. The storm’s impact extended beyond simple precipitation, generating a dangerous combination of heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, and powerful winds that complicated recovery efforts.

    The human toll continues to mount with deaths attributed to various causes including hypothermia, traffic accidents, and incidents involving snow removal equipment. Tragedy struck particularly hard in Bangor, Maine, where seven individuals perished in a small plane crash during takeoff amid blinding snow conditions. New York City authorities reported eight additional fatalities under investigation amid plummeting temperatures.

    Critical infrastructure suffered severe disruptions with over 9,000 flight cancellations nationwide and transportation systems paralyzed across multiple states. Emergency warming shelters have been established in numerous municipalities including Nashville, where Mayor Freddie O’Connell reported continuing challenges with falling trees and ice-related power outages.

    Meteorologists note the particular severity of this event stems from its widespread geographic impact, preventing better-prepared northern states from assisting southern regions that lack adequate winter response resources. The storm’s unusual characteristics, including exceptionally dry and fluffy snow, have created additional complications for visibility and road clearance operations.

    Scientific analysis suggests the stretched polar vortex phenomenon behind this extreme weather event may be increasingly influenced by climate change factors, though research continues regarding the precise mechanisms and frequency of such disruptions.

  • ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners’ top BAFTA nominations

    ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners’ top BAFTA nominations

    LONDON, United Kingdom — The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) unveiled its highly anticipated shortlist, revealing a commanding lead for two distinct cinematic works. The unconventional thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ and the musical horror period piece ‘Sinners’ emerged as the frontrunners, setting the stage for a dramatic awards season climax.

    ‘One Battle After Another,’ a film that navigates the turbulent landscape of radical violence, immigration enforcement, and white supremacist ideologies, secured an impressive 14 nominations. This total includes a coveted spot in the Best Film category, cementing its status as a critical favorite. The film’s gritty narrative and provocative themes have resonated strongly with the academy’s voting members.

    Trailing closely is ‘Sinners,’ a vampire tale interwoven with a haunting musical score, which garnered 13 BAFTA nominations and will also compete for the top prize of Best Film. This recognition comes on the heels of its historic achievement at the Academy Awards, where it shattered records by securing 16 Oscar nominations just days prior.

    The announcement positions the upcoming BAFTA ceremony, scheduled for next month, as a crucial indicator for the subsequent Oscars in mid-March. The strong showing for both films at the UK’s premier film awards suggests a highly competitive international awards landscape, with these two works poised for a potential sweep of major accolades.

  • Trump attempts to pivot in face of Minneapolis killing backlash

    Trump attempts to pivot in face of Minneapolis killing backlash

    MINNEAPOLIS (AFP) — Facing mounting political pressure, the Trump administration initiated a strategic recalibration of its immigration enforcement tactics on Monday. President Trump deployed his senior border security official, Tom Homan, to Minneapolis with instructions to report directly to the White House, signaling heightened concern over escalating violence during immigration raids.

    The administration’s conciliatory shift emerged as viral videos of federal agents shooting protesters sparked nationwide demonstrations and elicited rare criticism from within Trump’s Republican Party. The President held uncharacteristically diplomatic conversations with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats whom he had previously accused of corruption.

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed regret over the death of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse fatally shot at point-blank range by immigration officers during protests on Saturday. This marked a stark contrast to earlier administration characterizations of Pretti as a ‘domestic terrorist.’

    Despite these tactical adjustments, the administration maintained its commitment to aggressive immigration enforcement. Leavitt emphasized that ‘hundreds of thousands’ of undocumented immigrants remained targets for deportation, and there was no indication of a broader policy retreat.

    The political fallout intensified as Republican Congressman James Comer, typically a Trump loyalist, called for withdrawing federal agents from Minneapolis. The crisis deepened when Republican Chris Madel abandoned his gubernatorial campaign, citing inability to remain in a party inflicting ‘retribution on citizens.’

    Legal challenges advanced simultaneously, with federal judges considering whether the deployment violated state sovereignty and ordering preservation of evidence in Pretti’s killing. Congressional Democrats threatened government funding legislation unless immigration enforcement agencies undergo substantial reforms.

  • Not drilling for oil yet

    Not drilling for oil yet

    Jamaica has embarked on a critical scientific data-gathering initiative to evaluate its offshore hydrocarbon prospects, with energy officials emphasizing this represents a preliminary research phase rather than active oil drilling operations. United Oil and Gas, a UK-based energy company, is preparing to launch a comprehensive surface geochemical exploration program in Jamaican waters under a production-sharing agreement with the government.

    The multi-week survey will utilize the specialized research vessel RV Gyre to conduct seabed mapping, heat flow measurements, and sediment sample collection at approximately 41 carefully selected locations in deep waters exceeding 450 meters. Company CEO Brian Larkin clarified that the operation focuses exclusively on gathering scientific evidence to determine whether geological conditions conducive to petroleum formation exist beneath Jamaica’s maritime territory.

    “This is data collection, arguably the final piece of the jigsaw before moving towards potential exploration drilling,” Larkin stated during a media tour of the research vessel at Port Royal Cruise Terminal. “We are not drilling a well. The purpose is to help us understand whether there’s an active petroleum system offshore Jamaica.”

    Energy Minister Daryl Vaz characterized the initiative as part of Jamaica’s broader strategy to strengthen energy security while maintaining environmental responsibility. He stressed that the current authorization only permits data gathering and does not allow for drilling or production activities.

    The operation has received all required approvals from Jamaica’s National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the National Fisheries Authority. Environmental safeguards include having agency representatives and marine observers onboard throughout the operation to ensure compliance with standards. Larkin noted the company has engaged with fishing communities and implemented soft-start procedures to minimize disturbance, with piston coring causing only temporary, minimal seabed impact.

    Minister Vaz tempered expectations about immediate oil discovery, stating: “The survey represents due diligence, not destiny. People get excited and basically think that we have struck the magic oil. We have not.” He emphasized that while Jamaica continues investing in renewable energy, the country has a responsibility to examine all potential domestic energy resources transparently.

    Preliminary results from the survey are expected within one to two months, with comprehensive analysis anticipated by mid-year after laboratory examination of samples. The initiative represents Jamaica’s measured approach to energy exploration as it seeks to follow other Caribbean nations that have successfully developed hydrocarbon resources.

  • Sly Dunbar ‘lived for the music’

    Sly Dunbar ‘lived for the music’

    The Jamaican music community has been plunged into a second wave of mourning within a week following the sudden passing of legendary drummer Lowell Fillmore ‘Sly’ Dunbar on Monday morning. This devastating news comes just days after the death of Third World’s Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, creating a profound sense of loss within the industry.

    Dunbar, celebrated as a pioneering force who helped shape the soundtrack of both the 20th and 21st centuries, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that extends far beyond Jamaica’s shores. As one half of the iconic production duo Sly & Robbie, his innovative drumming patterns became the rhythmic foundation for generations of reggae and dancehall music.

    Producer Rorey Baker of Sly & Robbie’s Taxi Records camp expressed the collective grief, stating: ‘Jamaica has lost a true visionary. Sly and Robbie were more than musicians—they were pioneers of this great genre. With Robbie’s passing in 2021 and now Sly’s departure, the industry is heartbroken. This marks the final chapter in the foundation of reggae as we know it.’

    Baker emphasized Dunbar’s role as both innovator and mentor: ‘Sly lived for the music. He was a role model, father figure, and humble creative who generously shared his knowledge. He never hesitated to teach others or step into the spotlight.’

    The official family statement confirmed Dunbar’s passing on January 26, 2026, describing him as a ‘beloved husband, father, and legendary musician’ whose ‘extraordinary talent, innovation, and lasting contributions will never be forgotten.’

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness led national tributes, honoring Dunbar as a ‘titan of music’ and ‘architect of sound’ who, alongside Robbie Shakespeare, ‘established a foundation that defined the era of reggae and dancehall.’ The PM highlighted their global influence, from their Taxi label to collaborations with international superstars including Grace Jones and The Rolling Stones.

    Culture Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange described the loss as ‘devastating for music,’ recognizing Dunbar as ‘one of the greatest drummers ever’ who backed legendary artists from Bunny Wailer and Black Uhuru to Beenie Man and Jimmy Cliff.

    Dancehall veteran Bounty Killer paid emotional tribute to Dunbar’s role in creating his career-defining hit ‘Hey Baby,’ while artist Patra recalled working with the legendary duo on her remake of Grace Jones’s ‘Pull Up To My Bumper.’

    For over four decades, Dunbar’s musical partnership with bassist Robbie Shakespeare formed the legendary ‘Riddim Twins’—more than a professional collaboration, they served as the backbone for thousands of recordings and launched careers of giants like Gregory Isaacs through their Taxi label.

    Dunbar’s contributions earned Jamaica’s highest honors, including the Order of Distinction and the Musgrave Gold Medal for ‘distinguished eminence’ in music. His recent Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota in May 2025 recognized his role in establishing reggae as a global brand.

    The legendary duo made Grammy history by winning the first-ever reggae category award in 1985 as producers of Black Uhuru’s ‘Anthem,’ earning another Grammy in 1999 and accumulating 13 nominations throughout their groundbreaking career.