Carib Scope

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  • PM promises no increase to BPL bills despite rising global oil costs

    PM promises no increase to BPL bills despite rising global oil costs

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has moved to reassure Bahamian citizens that electricity costs will remain stable in both the immediate and medium-term future, despite escalating global oil prices triggered by Middle Eastern conflicts. The Prime Minister’s declaration came during his mid-year budget address to the House of Assembly, where he addressed growing economic concerns related to the Israel-Iran conflict.

    The recent military engagements between the United States, Israel, and Iran have caused significant disruptions in global energy markets, with several regional suppliers suspending liquefied natural gas production following damage to facilities from missile interception debris. These developments have raised concerns about potential economic repercussions for fuel-importing nations like The Bahamas.

    Prime Minister Davis acknowledged the nation’s vulnerability to international oil price fluctuations but emphasized that protective mechanisms are actively shielding consumers from market volatility. ‘Rest assured, we are fully committed to working on behalf of every Bahamian to reduce the cost of electricity and fuel prices,’ Davis stated during his parliamentary address.

    Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis indicated the administration is adopting a cautious monitoring approach before considering any adjustments to fiscal strategies. While expressing hope for a rapid resolution to regional hostilities, Halkitis warned that sustained disruptions to oil supplies could eventually impact costs throughout The Bahamas’ import-dependent economy.

    Regarding the government’s electricity sector reforms, Davis presented substantial progress indicators. Approximately 78,000 households (82% of BPL customers) are now experiencing reduced bills due to equity rate adjustments, with 44% of these customers seeing reductions exceeding 15%. More than 63,000 households currently receive monthly electricity bills under $125.

    The administration has also addressed service disconnections, reconnecting 2,811 households between November 2024 and January 2025. Davis highlighted the dual focus on affordability and reliability, noting: ‘Lower bills matter. But reliability matters just as much. Because what good is affordable electricity that is not there when you need it?’

    Substantial improvements in service quality were documented, with power outage frequency decreasing by approximately 45% and outage duration reduced by 35% throughout the previous year.

  • Davis defends the doubling of government unpaid invoices

    Davis defends the doubling of government unpaid invoices

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has characterized the substantial increase in government arrears and unpaid invoices as evidence of vigorous project implementation rather than fiscal mismanagement. His comments came in response to parliamentary documents revealing that outstanding balances to suppliers and service providers nearly doubled from $122.4 million to $241.9 million between December 2024 and December 2025.

    According to the Prime Minister’s breakdown, $60.5 million represents carryover arrears from previous fiscal years, while $181.4 million constitutes current fiscal year invoices typically settled within a 90-day window. The Ministry of Works emerged as the largest debtor with $68.1 million in combined arrears and unpaid capital expenditure invoices, followed by the Water & Sewerage Corporation at $38.1 million and the Ministry of the Public Service at $24.3 million.

    Davis attributed the increased liabilities to accelerated infrastructure activities encompassing roadworks, drainage management, and building maintenance projects across airports, clinics, and educational facilities. He emphasized that the outstanding balances reflect seasonal cash flow pressures combined with support for essential services and active project execution.

    The administration is implementing enhanced fiscal controls including strengthened commitment mechanisms, improved cash forecasting, and structured arrears reduction strategies within a broader framework of fiscal consolidation. Davis noted that excluding obligations to public corporations would reduce the outstanding balance increase to approximately $29 million.

    Beyond immediate arrears, the government is confronting systemic fiscal vulnerabilities through director training programs for state-owned enterprises and a comprehensive guarantee policy framework. The Prime Minister also identified mounting pension obligations—projected to reach $4.1 billion by 2032—as another critical challenge, with current pension and gratuity payments consuming 6.2% of recurrent expenditure.

    A forthcoming pension reform legislation will establish contributory accounts for both employees and the government, featuring protection against negative investment returns and flexible benefit options. Simultaneously, public sector wages have increased from $738.4 million to $937.9 million under the current administration, with adjustments addressing recruitment challenges and cost-of-living pressures for Bahamian workers.

  • Cuba says working to restore power after big blackout

    Cuba says working to restore power after big blackout

    HAVANA, Cuba — Cuban energy officials announced significant advancements on Thursday in efforts to restore electricity across the nation following a widespread blackout that plunged approximately two-thirds of the country into darkness. The national grid, which experienced a catastrophic failure on Wednesday, has now been successfully reconnected nationwide, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Energy.

    The ministry confirmed that reconnection of the national electrical system was achieved at 5:01 AM local time Thursday, with power generation units being progressively brought back online to facilitate the gradual return of electricity to households and businesses. On-the-ground observations in Havana confirmed that several districts within the capital had already regained electrical service by Thursday morning.

    This incident highlights the profound challenges facing Cuba’s aging power infrastructure, which has deteriorated to a state of chronic dysfunction. Many regions across the island regularly endure daily power interruptions lasting up to 20 hours, exacerbated by severe fuel shortages that cripple power generation capabilities.

    The current energy crisis unfolds during a period of heightened geopolitical tension for the Caribbean nation of 9.6 million people. The situation has deteriorated significantly since January 3, when the United States moved to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who had been supplying approximately half of Cuba’s fuel requirements.

    Following Maduro’s political crisis, Washington initially imposed stringent oil embargo measures against Cuba before subsequently moderating these restrictions. This policy shift came amid concerns raised by neighboring Caribbean nations warning that extreme sanctions could precipitate total economic collapse and inflict disproportionate suffering on civilian populations. Despite these modifications, the Trump administration maintained substantial blockade measures, leaving oil shipments from Caracas to Havana in a state of prolonged uncertainty.

  • Willie Stewart’s Rhythms Of Africa to celebrate Jamaica in most personal edition yet

    Willie Stewart’s Rhythms Of Africa to celebrate Jamaica in most personal edition yet

    South Florida’s cultural landscape prepares for a profoundly personal edition of Rhythms Of Africa, the Afrocentric music event curated by former Third World drummer Willie Stewart. Scheduled for April 18-19 at Miramar Cultural Center, this year’s production titled “Run Di Riddim: Every Beat For Jamaica” stands as both celebration and tribute to Jamaica’s cultural spirit following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October 2025.

    The event transforms into a musical memorial honoring recently departed icons: reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff, legendary guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore (Stewart’s Third World bandmate for 21 years), and revolutionary drummer Sly Dunbar. Their contributions to Jamaican music will be celebrated through performances by renowned artists including Richie Stephens, JC Lodge, and Gem Myers.

    This heartfelt production follows Stewart’s recent philanthropic musical endeavor “Have A Little Faith,” a collaborative single inspired by Jamaica’s post-hurricane recovery. Co-produced with Sean Wedderburn, the track features an all-star ensemble of Jamaican talents who donated their artistry, alongside string arrangements performed by University of Miami students.

    Stewart, a Wolmer’s Boys High School alumnus who joined Third World in 1976, reflects on the project’s significance: “The overwhelming response to ‘Have A Little Faith’ demonstrates music’s power to heal communities. Artists and musicians willingly contributed their talents to support this cause.” The event continues Stewart’s legacy since founding Rhythms Of Africa in 2010, particularly meaningful in South Florida’s vibrant Jamaican community.

  • Education minister, MP visit Ocho Rios High after student’s death

    Education minister, MP visit Ocho Rios High after student’s death

    Jamaica’s Education Minister, Senator Dana Morris-Dixon, has made an urgent visit to Ocho Rios High School in St Ann following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a student. The minister, accompanied by St Ann North Eastern Member of Parliament Matthew Samuda, arrived at the institution to address the devastating aftermath of a physical altercation between students.

    The visit includes scheduled meetings with school administrators and the grieving parents of 16-year-old Devonie Shearer, who tragically lost his life after sustaining severe head injuries during the incident. Preliminary medical reports from St Ann’s Bay Hospital indicate the teenager suffered a fatal blunt trauma fracture to his skull, allegedly caused by being struck with a metal chair during the confrontation with another student on Wednesday.

    Authorities have confirmed that the student allegedly responsible for the assault is currently in police custody as investigations continue. While initial reports suggest the conflict began outside school premises, the violent escalation occurred within the school environment, raising serious concerns about student safety protocols and conflict resolution mechanisms within educational institutions.

    The education ministry’s direct involvement underscores the gravity of the incident and the government’s commitment to addressing school violence. This tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about safety measures in Jamaican schools and appropriate interventions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

  • Ocho Rios High student succumbs to injuries; accused in police custody

    Ocho Rios High student succumbs to injuries; accused in police custody

    A tragic incident at Ocho Rios High School in St. Ann, Jamaica, has culminated in the death of a 16-year-old student, Devonie Shearer, following an alleged physical confrontation with a fellow pupil on Wednesday afternoon. The young victim, residing on Buckfield Road, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during the altercation, despite being rushed to a medical facility for treatment.

    According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the incident involved a violent exchange between the two male students. During the confrontation, the accused individual reportedly utilized a metal chair as a weapon, striking Shearer in the back of his head. The force of the impact caused critical injuries that ultimately proved fatal.

    In a subsequent development, the family of the alleged perpetrator facilitated his surrender to law enforcement officials. The accused student is currently in police custody as investigations into the precise circumstances surrounding the altercation continue. This case has reignited discussions concerning youth violence and safety protocols within educational institutions across Jamaica, prompting calls for renewed preventive measures and conflict resolution strategies in school environments.

  • We have options

    We have options

    Jamaica’s Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has articulated a deliberate strategy of maintaining multiple options as the government enters pivotal negotiations with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) for a new comprehensive electricity license. With the current JPS license set to expire in July 2027, the administration is pursuing a reformed licensing framework that prioritizes consumer benefits and investment attractiveness.

    Minister Vaz, addressing journalists at a post-Cabinet media briefing, revealed that a specialized negotiation team led by former ministry permanent secretary Carol Palmer and guided by UK-based consultancy Francis Maude Associates has already presented draft heads of terms to Cabinet. This document, which outlines the fundamental principles of the proposed license framework, received Cabinet approval on Monday.

    The negotiation process will formally commence in April, initiating a comprehensive 16-month sector reform program. This ambitious initiative includes drafting new electricity legislation, amending the Office of Utilities Regulation Act, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, renegotiating power purchase agreements, and developing updated policies addressing system losses and grid resilience. A draft white paper outlining the full scope of reforms will subsequently be published.

    Significantly, Minister Vaz emphasized that the government has prepared contingency plans should negotiations with JPS prove unsuccessful. ‘We’re not putting all our eggs in one basket,’ Vaz stated. ‘If negotiations with JPS do not prove fruitful, we have alternatives to ensure a new license is in place by 2027.’

    The minister also addressed JPS’s recent request for a 10-year license extension following substantial grid damage from Hurricane Melissa last October. While this request received support from multilateral organizations, the government maintained its commitment to the 2027 licensing timeline, separating hurricane recovery efforts—to be addressed through loan mechanisms—from the license negotiation process.

    Vaz concluded that this structured, reform-driven approach will deliver a modern, transparent electricity framework that protects consumers, strengthens regulation, attracts investment, and aligns with Jamaica’s long-term development objectives.

  • Motorists turn out in numbers for Traffic Ticket Public Day initiative

    Motorists turn out in numbers for Traffic Ticket Public Day initiative

    Hundreds of Jamaican motorists converged on St Catherine Parish Court Wednesday for a special Traffic Ticket Public Day initiative, experiencing dramatically different outcomes in their attempts to resolve longstanding violations. The Court Administration Division (CAD) launched this unprecedented event to tackle a staggering backlog of approximately 200,000 outstanding traffic tickets dating back to 2018.

    According to Kadiesh Jarrett-Fletcher, CAD’s director of client services, communications and information, the massive accumulation resulted partly from systemic technical failures. “There was a period where the system malfunctioned, causing paid tickets to remain visible in the system,” Jarrett-Fletcher explained. “This technical glitch made courts cautious about issuing warrants, recognizing that many motorists had indeed settled their fines despite system errors.”

    The initiative employed a time-slot system to manage crowds, with officials anticipating resolution of over 10,000 tickets serving approximately 4,000 individuals. By 5:00 PM, the court had processed 4,571 tickets, with another 5,346 scheduled for night court proceedings.

    Motorists reported sharply contrasting experiences. Prince, attending to resolve a 2021 violation, described “pure rigmarole and foolishness” as he was shuffled between courtrooms. Dyonnelle, attempting to settle a 2019 speeding ticket, found the back-and-forth between courtrooms “exhausting” despite pre-registration.

    However, Andre Miller from Old Harbour reported a “seamless” process that resulted in a $9,000 fine for failure to keep left. Taxi operator Cowando Nodle praised the “smooth transition” and reasonable fines for his uniform violation summons, calling the initiative “encouraging” for motorists.

    CAD officials deemed the event successful enough to consider expanding the initiative to other parishes. “We’re analyzing data to determine where we implement this next,” Jarrett-Fletcher stated, highlighting the program’s potential to address Jamaica’s nationwide traffic ticket backlog.

  • Allen’s record ton powers New Zealand into T20 World Cup final

    Allen’s record ton powers New Zealand into T20 World Cup final

    In a spectacular display of power hitting at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, New Zealand’s Finn Allen rewrote the record books on Wednesday, smashing the fastest century in T20 World Cup history to demolish South Africa by nine wickets and secure a place in the tournament final.

    The explosive opener reached his unbeaten 100 from just 33 deliveries, obliterating Chris Gayle’s previous record of 47 balls, as New Zealand chased down South Africa’s total of 169-8 with a staggering 7.1 overs remaining. Allen’s breathtaking innings featured 10 fours and 8 sixes in a demonstration of controlled aggression that left the Proteas bowling attack in disarray.

    Allen found perfect synergy with opening partner Tim Seifert, who contributed 58 runs in their devastating 117-run partnership that spanned just 9.1 overs. The collaboration effectively decided the contest within the first half of the chase, with Seifert providing stability while Allen unleashed his destructive capabilities.

    Reflecting on his record-breaking performance, Allen acknowledged his partner’s role: “It’s easy for me when Timmy’s going like that. I can just watch and then hit it when it’s in my area and try to give him the strike.”

    Earlier, New Zealand’s spin duo of Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie had applied significant pressure, each claiming two wickets to restrict South Africa to 169-8 after captain Mitchell Santner elected to field first. The previously unbeaten South Africans collapsed to 77-5 before Marco Jansen’s unbeaten 55 provided some respectability to their total.

    New Zealand, who had qualified for the semi-finals on net run rate, now advance to Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad where they will face either India or England as they pursue their first T20 World Cup title.

  • KC, JC juggernauts to clash in ISSA urban U-14 and U-16 finals

    KC, JC juggernauts to clash in ISSA urban U-14 and U-16 finals

    Jamaica’s urban schoolboy football landscape is set for a monumental clash as powerhouse institutions Kingston College (KC) and Jamaica College (JC) secured their places in both the Under-14 and Under-16 championship finals following impressive semi-final performances.

    The road to the finals showcased both schools’ footballing prowess across different age groups. Jamaica College’s Under-14 squad delivered a commanding 2-0 victory against Wolmer’s Boys on Monday, while their Under-16 team demonstrated remarkable composure by defeating St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) 4-3 on penalties after a tense goalless draw in regular time.

    Kingston College responded with equally impressive showings on Tuesday. Their Under-14 team, maintaining an exceptional defensive record throughout the season, secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Campion College thanks to a 62nd-minute goal from standout striker Owayne Feautado. The Under-16 KC squad delivered a more decisive performance, overwhelming Mona High with a 4-0 triumph highlighted by Juvaun Buckeridge’s remarkable hat-trick. The prolific scorer, who netted over 30 goals last season at the Under-14 level, found the net in the 27th, 37th, and 51st minutes, following Rasheed Payne’s opening goal in the 19th minute.

    The stage is now set for Thursday’s championship finals where both schools will compete for dual titles. The Under-14 final promises to be particularly intriguing as both teams previously battled to a 0-0 draw in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the Under-16 final will see KC entering with psychological advantage having recently defeated JC 1-0 in their quarter-final encounter via an own goal. Despite previous results, both finals are expected to showcase intensely competitive football between these two historically dominant programs.