Carib Scope

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  • Banks urged to re-evaluate agricultural financing

    Banks urged to re-evaluate agricultural financing

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government is spearheading a transformative initiative to redirect financial resources toward the agricultural sector. Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, has issued a compelling appeal to lending institutions, urging them to fundamentally reconsider their lending strategies by prioritizing agricultural investments over consumer financing.

    Minister Green criticized the prevailing banking preference for consumer loans—such as automobile financing—emphasizing that this approach must evolve to support national food security and economic resilience. He announced concrete measures to facilitate this shift, including directives to the Agro-Investment Corporation (AIC) to collaborate with banks in building analytical capabilities for evaluating agricultural enterprises.

    Historically, Jamaican banks employed trained agricultural specialists to assess farming proposals, but this expertise has diminished over time. To address this gap, the AIC will now provide free services to farmers—including business plan development and financial record-keeping support—while also working with financial institutions to enhance their ability to analyze agricultural loan applications.

    In parallel, the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has revised its lending criteria to simplify farmers’ access to capital. Minister Green revealed ongoing discussions with the DBJ to initiate direct lending programs tailored to agricultural entrepreneurs. He additionally called upon People’s Cooperative (PC) banks to reengage significantly with the farming community by offering expansion capital.

    Further broadening the effort, the Ministry has requested technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to evaluate Jamaica’s agricultural financing ecosystem and develop innovative financial instruments aimed at increasing funding accessibility for farmers.

    These initiatives complement the recently launched Matching Grant Scheme (MGS) under the Southern Plains Agricultural Development Project (SPAD), supported by the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Development Fund (UKCIF) and administered by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The program targets enhanced economic stability for small and medium-scale farmers in St. Catherine and Clarendon through resource provision and infrastructure development managed by the AIC, including irrigation, drainage, and road improvements in key agricultural zones.

  • Scammer forfeits J$12 million, BMW X6 after Supreme Court order

    Scammer forfeits J$12 million, BMW X6 after Supreme Court order

    JAMAICA’S FINANCIAL CRACKDOWN: In a significant legal development, Jamaica’s Financial Investigations Division (FID) has successfully obtained a Supreme Court Consent Order to recover illicit gains from a decade-old lottery scam operation. The civil recovery proceedings, initiated under the nation’s Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), targeted assets acquired by defendant Simnel Mullings between 2009 and 2010.

    Court documents reveal compelling evidence demonstrating Mullings received over US$54,695 through numerous remittances from multiple senders in the United States during the specified period. These transactions were conclusively linked to unlawful activities associated with lottery fraud schemes.

    The January 2026 court mandate requires Mullings to pay J$12 million to the state, with J$4.5 million paid immediately upon settlement. The remaining J$7.5 million will be disbursed through 16 structured monthly installments of J$468,750, commencing February 2026.

    In addition to the financial penalty, the court ordered the forfeiture of a 2012 BMW X6 vehicle registered under an associate’s name but proven through financial investigation to be beneficially owned by Mullings. The luxury vehicle, described as being in excellent condition, now becomes state property.

    Keith Darien, Principal Director of Financial Crime Investigations at FID, emphasized the strategic importance of civil recovery mechanisms: “Civil recovery helps to stop crime from paying. Where evidence supports it, even without criminal conviction, we will employ due process to recover illicit benefits, deter offenders, and protect public interest, particularly when fraud and deception cause substantial harm both locally and internationally.”

    The case exemplifies Jamaica’s strengthened asset-recovery framework, which utilizes court-supervised processes and legal safeguards to remove the financial benefits of criminal activity, representing a sophisticated approach to combating financial crimes.

  • Newly rebuilt flow mobile network awarded ‘Jamaica’s fastest’ by Ookla

    Newly rebuilt flow mobile network awarded ‘Jamaica’s fastest’ by Ookla

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Telecommunications provider Flow has received formal recognition as Jamaica’s fastest mobile network by global connectivity intelligence firm Ookla. This accolade arrives following substantial infrastructure investments made in response to Hurricane Melissa’s widespread impact on the island’s communication systems.

    Company executives revealed this achievement marks a significant milestone in Flow’s network enhancement initiative. Stephen Price, Vice President and General Manager at Flow, emphasized the award validates months of dedicated efforts by technical teams who accelerated restoration work post-hurricane to re-establish and improve mobile connectivity across Jamaica.

    Price outlined ambitious expansion plans set for 2026, including dozens of new mobile sites and acquisition of additional spectrum to increase network capacity. These developments are expected to deliver enhanced service quality and faster speeds to more regions. The expansion strategy specifically targets known coverage gaps through strategic placement of new infrastructure.

    Customer feedback mechanisms are playing a central role in guiding network improvements, with the company implementing advanced satellite backup connectivity to maintain service during future catastrophic events. Flow is simultaneously strengthening backup power capabilities at critical facilities to minimize service interruptions during power outages.

    Recent technological innovations include the December 2025 launch of Wi-Fi calling, enabling high-quality conversations over Wi-Fi connections without requiring additional applications. The company maintains its Flow Essential product, which provides text messaging via satellite in previously inaccessible remote areas.

    To increase accessibility, Flow has introduced new customer incentives and sweeteners designed to make latest-generation smartphones and mobile technology available at more affordable price points across the Jamaican market.

  • Bartlett receives Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award in Nairobi

    Bartlett receives Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award in Nairobi

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has been honored with the Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award during the 4th Global Tourism Resilience Day ceremonies in Nairobi, Kenya. The prestigious recognition was presented on February 17, 2026, at the Safari Park Hotel, acknowledging Bartlett’s transformative contributions to global tourism security and sustainability.

    The award celebrates Minister Bartlett’s pioneering development of comprehensive resilience frameworks that have enhanced crisis preparedness and recovery capabilities across international tourism destinations. His innovative approaches have established resilience as a fundamental component of sustainable tourism development, enabling tourist destinations worldwide to better anticipate, withstand, and recover from various disruptions including natural disasters, pandemics, economic instability, and other global crises.

    Throughout his distinguished career, Bartlett has been instrumental in championing multinational collaboration, policy innovation, and capacity-building programs specifically designed to protect tourism—one of the world’s most critical economic sectors. His visionary leadership has facilitated stronger partnerships between governments, private sector entities, and global institutions, promoting strategies that encourage recovery, sustainability, and inclusive growth within tourism-dependent economies.

    In his acceptance address, Minister Bartlett reaffirmed his dedication to developing resilient tourism systems that empower local communities, safeguard livelihoods, and promote long-term economic stability. He stressed the critical need for ‘continued global cooperation to build adaptive frameworks capable of responding to emerging challenges in our increasingly interconnected world.’

    Bartlett attributed the honor to the collective efforts of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre based in Jamaica, extending gratitude to both public and private partners who recognize the vital importance of building tourism resilience. Professor Waller, executive director of the Centre, praised Bartlett’s achievements, noting that the minister’s work represents ‘a huge win for both the minister and Jamaica’ on the global stage.

    The Global Tourism Resilience Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for exceptional leaders whose contributions have created lasting, transformative impacts on the international tourism industry, setting new standards for excellence and innovation in the field.

  • Jamaican models take New York Fashion Week by storm

    Jamaican models take New York Fashion Week by storm

    NEW YORK — Jamaican modeling powerhouse SAINT International achieved remarkable prominence during New York Fashion Week’s Fall 2026 Ready-To-Wear collections, held from February 11-16. Under the leadership of CEO Deiwght Peters, the agency’s models delivered exceptional performances across numerous prestigious runway shows throughout the city.

    Leading the contingent was Naki Depass, who secured an impressive nine runway appearances for top-tier designers including Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, Laquan Smith, and Area. Her colleague Dru Campbell joined her at Michael Kors’ landmark 45th anniversary presentation at the Metropolitan Opera House. Campbell, returning for her second NYFW engagement after debuting in September, commenced her schedule with a appearance for Coach before walking for five additional luxury brands including Tory Burch and Calvin Klein.

    Veteran model Tami Williams, who began her career at 15 with Alexander Wang, booked three significant shows: Sergio Hudson’s 10th anniversary celebration, Cucculelli Shaheen, and Jamaican designer Rachel Scotta’s Diotima presentation. For Scotta’s ‘Femme Cheval’ collection inspired by Cuban artist Wifredo Lam, Williams shared the runway with Depass as Looks 8 and 12.

    Male model Romaine Dixon represented SAINT at Cult Gaia’s ‘Shirzan — The Gathering’ show under creative director Jasmine Larian Hekmat, appearing as Look 43 immediately preceding Depass’s Look 44 in the brand’s 55-look collection.

    Peters described the achievement as ‘a banner season’ for what he termed ‘the SAINT model army,’ referencing over 60 runway events and presentations throughout the weeklong fashion extravaganza. He particularly highlighted Depass’s ‘spectacularly fantastic season’ and Campbell’s successful follow-up to her previous NYFW debut.

  • ‘Only one MP’

    ‘Only one MP’

    A ceremonial health center inauguration in St. Mary, Jamaica, descended into political chaos on Thursday after Health Minister Christopher Tufton unexpectedly invited former MP Dr. Norman Dunn to address attendees despite his absence from the official program. The incident triggered heated confrontations between supporters of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and opposition People’s National Party (PNP).

    Outside the newly opened Belfield Health Centre, Dunn’s supporters credited him with driving the project to completion. However, current MP Norman Brown countered these claims by emphasizing the community-led effort initiated by late former MP Dr. Winston Green, a dental surgeon who died suddenly in 2017 while serving his second term under the PNP ticket.

    Brown recounted how Belfield residents had “protested, organised, appealed and consistently raised their voices about the unacceptable condition of the former clinic,” noting that advocacy began under Green’s leadership and continued through sustained community engagement until the vision materialized. “This facility belongs to the people of Belfield. It is their victory,” Brown asserted.

    The tension reached its peak when Minister Tufton invited Dunn to speak toward the end of the program, deviating from the planned agenda that should have proceeded directly to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Brown expressed concern to Observer Online that Dunn’s remarks unexpectedly shifted into political territory, with the presentation taking on a partisan tone as it outlined the project’s ‘history.’

    Brown emphasized democratic principles, noting that residents of St. Mary South East had already exercised their voting rights in last year’s general election. “At any given time, there is one duly elected Member of Parliament. Political contests have their place and when that time comes, we will meet in the political field. But during moments of governance and community development, politics must not overshadow progress,” Brown stated.

    Despite the political theatrics, Brown remained determined to focus on substantive governance matters, stating his commitment to “delivering for the people, protecting the dignity of the office entrusted to me and ensuring that development in South East St Mary continues without unnecessary political distractions.”

  • Montego Bay Boys Club goes after second win

    Montego Bay Boys Club goes after second win

    The St James Football Association/Sandals Resorts International Major League continues this weekend with a series of compelling matches that promise to deliver intense football action. All eyes will be on Montego Bay Boys Club as they seek to maintain their perfect start to the season against newcomers Montego Bay United City FC in Friday’s headline clash at Wespow Park (3:30 pm kickoff).

    The Boys Club squad enters the match with momentum following their convincing 2-0 victory over Bogue FC in Monday’s season opener. Their opponents, MoBay City FC, will be making their highly anticipated season debut, adding an element of unpredictability to this local derby.

    Friday’s schedule features another significant encounter as former champions Granville United Real MoBay AFC face off at the Granville Community Centre. Both teams will be desperate to secure their first victory of the campaign after disappointing opening results. Granville United squandered a winning position through an unfortunate own goal to draw 2-2 with Norwood Strikers, while Real MoBay AFC suffered a 3-1 defeat against Faulkland FC.

    The weekend action continues on Saturday with four additional fixtures that could reshape the early league standings. Zone A joint-leaders Faulkland FC and Reggae Youths will both pursue consecutive victories against Norwood Strikers and Wadada FC respectively. Faulkland FC’s match against Norwood Strikers will take place at Albion, while Reggae Youths host Wadada FC in the opening game of a Jarrett Park double-header commencing at 1:30 pm.

    Saturday’s other matches see Lilliput Rovers entertaining Cambridge United at Spot Valley High, followed by the second Jarrett Park encounter between Bogue FC and Heights FC at 3:30 pm.

    Full Weekend Fixture Schedule:

    Friday:
    • Granville United vs Real MoBay AFC (Granville Community Centre, 3:30 pm)
    • MoBay City FC vs MBBC (Wespow Park, 3:30 pm)

    Saturday:
    • Norwood Strikers vs Faulkland FC (Albion, 3:30 pm)
    • Lilliput Rovers vs Cambridge United (Spot Valley High, 3:30 pm)
    • Reggae Youths vs Wadada FC (Jarrett Park, 1:30 pm)
    • Bogue FC vs Heights FC (Jarrett Park, 3:30 pm)

  • DPM slams ‘completely false’ Epstein e-mails

    DPM slams ‘completely false’ Epstein e-mails

    Bahamian Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper has issued a forceful denial against fabricated emails circulating on social media that falsely allege his association with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. The minister, who also oversees tourism, investments and aviation portfolios, condemned the documents as digitally manipulated forgeries containing fundamental chronological inaccuracies that undermine their credibility.

    The disputed correspondence, which surfaced during ongoing election campaigning, purports to show Epstein offering $200,000 to Cooper’s political campaign in 2016. However, investigative verification revealed the dates referenced in the emails correspond incorrectly to actual calendar days—March 14, 2016 was a Monday, not Tuesday as claimed, while March 20, 2016 fell on a Sunday rather than Monday.

    Further undermining the documents’ authenticity, Tribune Business reported that exhaustive searches through three million pages of released U.S. Justice Department Epstein files yielded no matching communications. The deputy prime minister characterized the dissemination as potentially criminal libel, warning citizens about AI-generated forgeries and manipulated media increasingly deployed during election cycles.

    Cooper stated unequivocally: “I have never met Jeffrey Epstein or anyone claiming association with him. No campaign contributions—direct or indirect—were ever received from him or his representatives.” He emphasized full transparency in his campaign disclosures and public record.

    The controversy emerges alongside separate allegations against Bahamian gaming moguls Sebas Bastian and Adrian Fox, named in an FBI document alleging Epstein’s influence over Bahamian and U.S. governments. Both entrepreneurs denied any association with Epstein or involvement in firearms/human trafficking activities referenced in the report.

    Also mentioned in the FBI documentation was former National Security Minister Marvin Dames, currently a parliamentary candidate, who confirmed facilitating an informant’s meeting with U.S. embassy officials while challenging the overall report’s authenticity. The informant—a wealthy U.S. expatriate residing in Paradise Island’s exclusive Ocean Club Estates—alleged Epstein’s control over governments but remains unnamed in media reports for legal considerations.

  • FNM claims ‘political skullduggery’ over voter drive at ILTV Studios

    FNM claims ‘political skullduggery’ over voter drive at ILTV Studios

    The political landscape in The Bahamas was charged with controversy as opposition leaders leveled serious accusations against the Parliamentary Registration Department, alleging partisan conduct in electoral preparations. The dispute ignited when a voter registration drive was hosted at ILTV Studios, a facility opponents claim has direct links to Progressive Liberal Party candidate Sebas Bastian.

    Travis Robinson, the Free National Movement candidate for Fort Charlotte, publicly denounced the department’s actions, demanding an immediate cessation of what he characterized as politically motivated activities. Robinson asserted that Bastian maintains significant ownership stakes in the studio complex, which simultaneously serves as an operational base for campaign activities with political materials stored on-site. He emphasized that the proximity of campaign vehicles to the registration venue created an unacceptable appearance of partiality that could undermine public trust in the electoral process.

    Verizon Media Group Ltd, which operates ILTV Studios, issued a formal rebuttal to these allegations. The company clarified that the registration event was conducted under official authorization with strict adherence to established guidelines. Their statement emphasized the non-partisan nature of the initiative, which was openly accessible to both employees and the general public while being broadcast live. The organization maintained clear separation between the registration activities and any political operations occurring in other sections of the building.

    The confrontation escalated during a press conference outside the Government Building, where opposition figures expanded their criticisms to encompass broader concerns about voter registration integrity. Deputy Opposition leader Shannendon Cartwright highlighted multiple systemic issues, including the improper rejection of young voters based on passport expiration dates. He clarified that no legal requirement mandates passport validity beyond the registration date, noting that even expired Bahamian passports don’t negate citizenship rights.

    Further concerns were raised regarding administrative deficiencies in the electronic voter registration system. Cartwright questioned the prolonged delays in updating records, the adequacy of quality control measures, and the mysterious disappearance of registered names from the system. The opposition also identified instances of voters appearing in multiple constituencies and the persistent inclusion of deceased individuals on registration lists despite repeated notifications to authorities.

    Michael Foulkes, FNM candidate for Golden Gates, confirmed that outdated records remained active in the system, with deceased voters still appearing on the most recent registers. The opposition collectively called for intervention from the Ministry of National Security to standardize registration procedures across polling divisions and address the inconsistencies in voter transfer processes.

  • Moore: Govt failing to tackle crisis of mothers prostituting daughters

    Moore: Govt failing to tackle crisis of mothers prostituting daughters

    A year after Bahamian Social Services Minister Myles Laroda alerted Parliament to an alarming surge in maternal-facilitated child prostitution, advocates report a complete absence of government-funded national measures to combat this deeply entrenched crisis. The Bahamas Urban Youth Development Centre (BUYDC) reveals that vulnerable minors continue to be commercially sexually exploited, primarily driven by severe economic deprivation that forces desperate mothers into unthinkable choices.

    Prodesta Moore, BUYDC’s founder and president, characterizes this not as a sudden epidemic but as a decades-old systemic failure stemming from intergenerational poverty, housing insecurity, and profound trauma. While public awareness has increased since Minister Laroda’s 2025 disclosure that girls as young as 14 were being exploited to pay household bills, Moore confirms that concrete governmental response remains conspicuously absent.

    Critical gaps persist across multiple fronts: emergency housing for at-risk youth, economic stabilization programs for struggling families, trauma-informed counseling, and rehabilitation services remain underdeveloped. Prevention education in high-risk communities and sustainable funding partnerships with frontline NGOs have similarly failed to materialize despite repeated advocacy efforts.

    BUYDC, established in 2010 by Moore, has pioneered trauma-informed care, mentorship programs, housing referrals, and life-skills training specifically targeting youth coerced into transactional sex due to economic desperation. The organization emphasizes that the crisis transcends criminal justice matters, representing instead a catastrophic failure of social protection systems when families resort to exploitation for basic subsistence.

    Minister Laroda, when contacted by The Tribune, maintained that the government continues working to mitigate the issue and eliminate instances of child exploitation, though he acknowledged the challenges of complete eradication. This stands in stark contrast to advocates’ assertions that the government has failed to implement targeted interventions despite its public acknowledgments.

    Moore stresses that meaningful change requires immediate political commitment, coordinated leadership, and substantial financial investment—elements that have yet to materialize in any comprehensive national strategy. The organization remains prepared to collaborate on immediate solutions, emphasizing that the window for effective intervention is rapidly closing for countless vulnerable youth.