Carib Scope

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  • Over $330m disbursed in Hanover under MLSS ROOFS programme

    Over $330m disbursed in Hanover under MLSS ROOFS programme

    The Jamaican government has successfully distributed J$334.2 million in recovery grants to households severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa through its innovative Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) initiative. The substantial financial injection specifically targets residents of Hanover parish, where post-disaster assessments reveal extensive property damage.

    According to Acting Permanent Secretary Dione Jennings of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), damage assessment teams have evaluated 6,585 properties throughout Hanover, with 3,681 homes classified within the Major and Severe damage categories. This represents approximately 6.78% of the total documented destruction across Jamaica following the devastating hurricane.

    Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. announced the disbursement figures during a formal handover ceremony in Lucea, emphasizing that additional qualified beneficiaries who couldn’t attend the event would subsequently receive their grants. The minister highlighted the program’s extensive reach, noting that nationwide assessments have surpassed 96,000 properties to ensure equitable and transparent aid distribution.

    The ROOFS program incorporates cutting-edge digital payment technology, with many beneficiaries receiving WiPAY QR codes during the ceremony enabling immediate, secure, and fully traceable transactions. Households categorized with Major damage receive J$200,000 in digital wallets, while those with Severe damage qualify for J$500,000. Each grant allocates J$75,000 for immediate essential needs, with the remaining balance restricted to construction material purchases at authorized hardware suppliers.

    Minister Charles emphasized the program’s accountability measures, stating that all digital payments feature enhanced security protocols and complete transaction traceability to prevent misuse of public recovery funds.

  • Section of Junction, St Mary main road impassable due to landslides

    Section of Junction, St Mary main road impassable due to landslides

    Authorities in St. Mary, Jamaica, have issued an urgent travel advisory following severe weather conditions that have rendered a critical section of the Junction main road completely impassable. The area near Broadgate is currently experiencing significant flooding and multiple landslides, creating hazardous conditions for travelers.

    In response to the deteriorating road conditions, the Jamaica Constabulary Force has officially recommended that all motorists avoid the affected corridor entirely. Law enforcement officials are strongly advising drivers to seek alternative routes until further notice. The police communication emphasized that the situation poses substantial risks to vehicle safety and personal security.

    The infrastructure disruption comes as Jamaica faces increasingly unpredictable weather patterns that have led to similar incidents across the island nation in recent years. The Junction main road serves as a vital transportation artery for local communities and commercial activity in the region.

    Emergency response teams are currently assessing the damage and coordinating with local authorities to determine the timeline for restoration efforts. The police service has committed to providing regular updates as the situation develops and more information becomes available regarding repair operations and road reopening estimates.

  • BOJ to launch finance-based game for children

    BOJ to launch finance-based game for children

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In an innovative move to advance financial literacy among youth, the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has announced the April launch of ‘Money Quest,’ an online educational game specifically designed for primary school students in grades four through six. The initiative represents a strategic effort to embed essential financial skills early in the national education framework.

    Dr. Andre Murray, Head of the Financial Inclusion Unit at BOJ, unveiled the project during the central bank’s Quarterly Monetary Policy Report press conference held Tuesday at its downtown Kingston auditorium. He detailed that the game integrates core financial principles with existing academic curricula, including the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) syllabus, transforming complex concepts into an engaging adventure-based format.

    ‘Money Quest is engineered to merge financial knowledge with problem-solving in a dynamic, interactive environment, making the acquisition of these vital skills both enjoyable and memorable,’ Dr. Murray stated. The development follows extensive beta testing with a diverse range of schools across Jamaica, leveraging the pedagogical power of play to instill lifelong financial habits and confidence.

    The project is a cornerstone of the central bank’s broader mission to cultivate a financially capable generation. Dr. Murray articulated a vision where Jamaican youth approach money management not as an intimidating academic subject, but as an essential life skill mastered with curiosity and control. This initiative, alongside the televised series ‘Common Cents,’ aims to strengthen public trust in and access to the nation’s financial system.

    Ultimately, the BOJ believes that foundational financial education will empower citizens to make stronger economic choices, contributing to family prosperity, national economic growth, and greater societal resilience. ‘Money Quest’ was developed in collaboration with Database Technologies Limited.

  • Vinicius hits winner as Real Madrid eliminate Benfica after racism row

    Vinicius hits winner as Real Madrid eliminate Benfica after racism row

    Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu, completing a 3-1 aggregate triumph in a match overshadowed by off-pitch controversies.

    Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior emerged as the hero, delivering the decisive 80th-minute winner that ultimately crushed Benfica’s resistance. The match unfolded against the backdrop of racial abuse allegations stemming from the first leg, involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni who denied the accusations and served a suspension for this crucial return fixture.

    The Portuguese visitors initially shocked the home crowd when Rafa Silva capitalized on defensive uncertainty to give Benfica a 14th-minute lead. However, Real Madrid’s response was immediate and emphatic, with French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni restoring parity just two minutes later with a composed finish from the edge of the area.

    The match carried additional narrative weight as it marked José Mourinho’s first return to the Bernabéu since managing Real Madrid from 2010-2013. The iconic Portuguese coach, however, was forced to watch from the stands due to suspension, unable to directly influence his team’s efforts from the technical area.

    Madrid’s defensive concerns mounted when Raúl Asencio required stretcher removal following a collision with teammate Eduardo Camavinga, but the hosts persevered. The defining moment arrived when Federico Valverde’s precise pass released Vinicius, who displayed remarkable composure to slot past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

    The victory ensures Real Madrid’s continuation in their pursuit of a record-extending 16th Champions League title, while Benfica’s European campaign concludes despite their spirited performance.

  • Newell calls for immediate transfer of NEPA to environment ministry

    Newell calls for immediate transfer of NEPA to environment ministry

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition parliamentarian Omar Newell has issued a compelling demand for the immediate reassignment of Jamaica’s National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) from its current placement within the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. The Shadow Minister of Environment and Climate Resilience contends that the existing arrangement creates an inherent structural conflict that compromises regulatory integrity.

    Newell’s Wednesday statement highlighted the fundamental contradiction in having the nation’s primary environmental regulator operate under the same ministerial portfolio responsible for promoting extensive infrastructure development and economic expansion—a portfolio directly overseen by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

    Emphasizing that this concern transcends partisan politics, Newell asserted that environmental oversight requires both actual and perceived independence. “When the authority approving large-scale developments sits within the same portfolio driving those developments, the perception of conflict becomes unavoidable,” he stated.

    The opposition figure pointed to Jamaica’s previous administrative structure under former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, where NEPA operated within the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change. This configuration, according to Newell, provided environmental policy with a distinct institutional identity while formally integrating climate change considerations at the ministerial level.

    International precedents further support Newell’s position. He referenced the United Kingdom’s Environment Agency, which operates under the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs rather than an economic ministry, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which functions as an independent federal entity. These models demonstrate how environmental oversight maintains institutional insulation and public trust.

    While welcoming the recent establishment of a Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Newell cautioned that its effectiveness remains contingent on proper regulatory alignment. “A ministry tasked with climate resilience and environmental protection cannot be fully effective if the country’s principal regulator remains outside its supervision,” he argued, adding that policy without regulatory authority diminishes coherence and accountability.

    With Jamaica confronting intensifying climate challenges—including stronger hurricanes, coastal erosion, and water insecurity—Newell stressed that the current moment demands unambiguous institutional arrangements. Sustainable development, he emphasized, requires structural integrity, transparency, and balanced governance.

    The opposition’s proposal calls for transferring both NEPA and the Natural Resources Conservation Authority to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change while strengthening statutory safeguards to ensure transparency and regulatory independence. “Environmental protection must never appear subordinate to economic expansion,” Newell concluded. “Our governance framework must reflect long-term national interest.”

  • Cannabis industry launch stalled by missing digital platform

    Cannabis industry launch stalled by missing digital platform

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS — More than two years after Parliament enacted the Cannabis Act, pivotal components of the legislation remain unimplemented due to the absence of a crucial digital regulatory platform. Government officials now indicate that the entire cannabis industry’s launch is contingent upon this central online system, which is anticipated to become operational within the next 180 days.

    Dr. Lynwood Brown, Chairman of the Cannabis Authority, confirmed that an agreement has been finalized with a platform provider to develop the comprehensive system. This digital infrastructure will be responsible for processing license applications, monitoring imported cannabis products, and overseeing operator compliance. Dr. Brown emphasized that the platform represents the fundamental administrative mechanism for enforcing cannabis policy, stating unequivocally, ‘Without the platform, there is no industry.’

    The proposed system will serve as a digital gateway for all license submissions—including cultivation, distribution, and retail operations—though it will not automatically grant approvals. Instead, it will function as a sophisticated tracking and compliance mechanism, integrating with electronic prescription systems as mandated by law.

    Concurrently, another significant reform measure—the provision allowing police officers to issue tickets rather than make arrests for small-scale cannabis possession—remains inactive. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe explained that certain sections of the law cannot be safely implemented without the proper regulatory frameworks. ‘You have to put the infrastructure into place before you bring some parts of it,’ Munroe stated, highlighting concerns about tracking cannabis movement without adequate technological controls.

    Minister Munroe acknowledged that reduced penalties might lead to a slight increase in usage, noting that some individuals abstain from cannabis due to legal consequences. The legislation specifically preserves officer discretion regarding ticketing once the provision is enacted.

    The ongoing delays have generated uncertainty among potential investors. Glenwood Ferguson, a cannabis advocate with international market experience, revealed that prospective entrants have already invested thousands of dollars in preparatory work, including soil testing and consultancy services. Despite these investments, clarity regarding license categories and associated fees remains limited.

    Implemented in May 2024, the cannabis reform package aimed to legalize cannabis for medical and religious purposes, decriminalize small possession amounts, and establish a regulated industry under the Cannabis Authority. While the Authority was formally established on September 2, 2024, multiple operational provisions remain dormant pending the necessary supporting infrastructure.

  • Burn victim needs blood; sister released from custody

    Burn victim needs blood; sister released from custody

    A critical medical milestone was reached Tuesday night as Dacia Forrester, the Westmoreland entrepreneur severely injured in a gasoline attack, successfully underwent surgical removal of burned skin cells at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay. The 42-year-old victim now faces an urgent need for blood donations while her family continues racing against time to secure $55,000 for specialized burn care in the United States.

    Despite the grave circumstances, family spokesperson Carol Blackwood Hewitt maintains cautious optimism regarding public support for her sister’s medical fund. “The doctor called me this morning and confirmed they successfully removed all burned skin during surgery. Now she primarily needs blood,” Hewitt stated, emphasizing the ongoing medical requirements.

    In a parallel development, judicial authorities released another Forrester sister without charges after nearly a week in detention. The sibling had been arrested February 19 following the violent incident at a Whithorn gas station last Thursday, where a pump attendant allegedly doused Forrester with gasoline and set her ablaze after a physical altercation.

    Hewitt attributed the release to security footage evidence that exonerated her sister. “The police reviewed the complete video surveillance and found no grounds for charges,” she explained, noting that a judge had ordered release if no charges were filed by Tuesday morning.

    The family now actively campaigns for public release of the security footage to counter damaging rumors suggesting Forrester instigated the violence over a romantic dispute. Hewitt vehemently denies these allegations, stating: “At no point was my sister involved in any argument concerning a man. These false narratives are directly impeding our fundraising efforts for her medical evacuation.”

    Financial contributions for Forrester’s air ambulance and stateside treatment can be directed through the Burn Foundation of Jamaica at 876-344-7028, via crisissupportcharity.org, or through the dedicated GoFundMe platform at gofund.me/ccdabce42.

  • Centenarian Storytelling series targets students in St Ann

    Centenarian Storytelling series targets students in St Ann

    A groundbreaking intergenerational program launches Thursday in St. Ann, Jamaica, creating meaningful connections between students and centenarians through the power of storytelling. The Centenarian Storytelling Initiative, hosted at Bamboo Blu in Mammee Bay, represents a innovative approach to preserving living history while fostering cross-generational understanding.

    Under the broader Custos Commando community development program led by Joseph Issa, Custos of St. Ann, this project strategically pairs students with individuals aged 100 years and older. Participants will engage directly with these remarkable elders through both in-person and virtual interactions, capturing their life experiences through various documentation methods including essays, multimedia presentations, video recordings, and creative storytelling formats.

    The initiative serves multiple purposes: preserving invaluable oral histories that might otherwise be lost, developing students’ communication and documentation abilities, promoting empathy across generations, and recognizing the contributions of senior community members. Custos Issa emphasizes that the program highlights “the many legends within the parish or linked with the parish of St. Ann, to learn from their experience and to award them.”

    A dedicated team including Cieanna Smith, Courtney McIntosh, LeVar Allen, Jodi-Ann Pryce, and Antonia Armstrong leads the project implementation. The program welcomes invited guests, educators, students, and community members to participate in this unique cultural preservation effort.

    This storytelling initiative forms part of a comprehensive community development strategy that includes additional programs such as Jacob’s Ladder, Mammee Bay Fish Sanctuary, Squatter Regularisation, and a Justice of the Peace Mentorship Initiative. According to Issa, these collaborative efforts aim to “effectively enhance the parish and its development, adding value to the lives of the citizens” while demonstrating “amazing progress” in improving living standards throughout St. Ann.

  • Cuba coastguard kills four on Florida-registered boat

    Cuba coastguard kills four on Florida-registered boat

    A deadly maritime confrontation has intensified the strained relations between the United States and Cuba. Cuban authorities reported that their coastguard personnel engaged in a firefight with a US-registered speedboat on Wednesday, resulting in four fatalities and six injuries.

    According to an official statement from Havana’s Interior Ministry, the incident occurred approximately one nautical mile from Falcones Cay in Villa Clara province. The ministry identified the vessel as an ‘illegal’ Florida-registered boat that had entered Cuban territorial waters.

    The confrontation escalated when Cuban coastguard vessels approached the speedboat for identification purposes. ‘Shots were fired from the boat,’ the ministry stated, resulting in injuries to the commander of the Cuban vessel. The coastguard returned fire in what the ministry described as a defensive response.

    Preliminary reports indicate four individuals aboard the speedboat were killed during the exchange, with six others sustaining injuries. Cuban authorities confirmed that the wounded received immediate medical evacuation and assistance. The Interior Ministry reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to ‘protecting its territorial waters’ against unauthorized incursions.

    This maritime incident occurs against a backdrop of significantly heightened tensions between the two nations, separated by just 100 miles of ocean. The clash coincides with recent developments in US policy toward Cuba’s energy supplies. The Biden administration has recently softened the stringent oil embargo imposed by former President Donald Trump in January, which had targeted Cuba’s primary energy relationship with Venezuela.

    Prior to the US-led capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3rd, Cuba had depended on Venezuela for approximately half of its fuel requirements. The Trump administration’s restrictions had drawn criticism from Caribbean leaders who expressed concern about potential economic collapse in Cuba. In response to these concerns, Washington has now permitted limited Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba for ‘commercial and humanitarian purposes.’

    The circumstances surrounding the speedboat’s mission and the events leading to the exchange of fire remain under investigation by Cuban authorities.

  • Ex-US Treasury chief Larry Summers quits Harvard over Epstein ties

    Ex-US Treasury chief Larry Summers quits Harvard over Epstein ties

    Harvard University has formally accepted the resignation of former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers from his academic positions following revelations about his extensive communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Ivy League institution announced on Wednesday that Summers would step down from his role as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government and retire from all faculty appointments at the conclusion of the current academic year.

    The development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of prominent figures connected to Epstein, with former President Bill Clinton scheduled to testify before a congressional committee on Friday regarding the financier, while former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to appear on Thursday.

    University officials confirmed Summers’ departure was directly linked to the Epstein case, noting the economist had been on leave since the revelations emerged. In a previously circulated video statement, Summers expressed profound regret to his students, stating: “You will have seen my statement of regret expressing my shame with respect to what I did in communication with Mr. Epstein.”

    The former Treasury secretary had initially stepped back from public commitments in November 2025 following congressional release of emails demonstrating his close communication with Epstein. At that time, Summers acknowledged his “misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein” and accepted full responsibility for the association. This scandal previously led to his resignation from the board of the OpenAI foundation.

    While mere mention in the Epstein files does not automatically imply wrongdoing, the disclosed documents reveal numerous connections between Epstein’s circle and public figures who frequently minimized or denied such relationships. Epstein cultivated an extensive network of influential politicians, business leaders, academics, and celebrities, many of whom have faced reputational damage through their associations with him.

    Harvard University disclosed that Epstein had donated $9.1 million to the institution between 1998 and 2008. The case continues to reverberate through elite circles, with numerous prominent Americans—including the Clintons and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates—experiencing reputational harm from their Epstein connections. To date, only Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell has faced legal consequences in the United States related to the case.