Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Entrepreneurs operating informally urged to get regularised

    Entrepreneurs operating informally urged to get regularised

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government is intensifying its campaign to integrate informal entrepreneurs into the formal economy, emphasizing the substantial advantages of business regularization. Delano Seiveright, State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, is leading this initiative, urging informal business operators to formalize their ventures to unlock comprehensive government support mechanisms.

    Minister Seiveright articulated a critical shift in mindset that the government is advocating: a transition from a ‘hustle mentality’ to structured, long-term business operations. He highlighted that while many Jamaicans are actively engaged in commercial activities, the lack of formal structure limits their growth potential and access to vital resources. Formal registration, he insists, is the gateway to a broader spectrum of opportunities and a more sustainable business model.

    To facilitate this transition, the government has undertaken a significant digital transformation of its business services. The central hub for this effort is the official ministry website (miic.gov.jm), which integrates all key support agencies into a single, seamless digital ecosystem. This portal provides entrepreneurs with direct access to:
    – The Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) for business registration.
    – Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) for trade and investment facilitation.
    – Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) for specialized economic zone activities.
    – Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) for micro and small enterprise support.

    Beyond this, the government offers a suite of sophisticated digital platforms designed to simplify regulatory compliance and market expansion. The Jamaica Business Gateway (JBG) streamlines business-to-government services, offering guidance on starting a business, accessing incentives, and securing permits and licenses. For international trade, the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) portal centralizes applications for import/export licenses, while the Jamaica Trade Information Portal demystifies export-import regulations.

    A cornerstone of the capacity-building effort is the Export Academy, a collaborative digital platform run by JAMPRO and the Trade Board. This academy equips Jamaican entrepreneurs with the essential tools, knowledge, and international connections required to successfully navigate and compete in global markets.

    Minister Seiveright reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining relevant, fit-for-purpose online platforms, ensuring that all entrepreneurs have the necessary information and mechanisms to build structured, resilient, and expanding businesses.

  • NHT to commence 10,675 new housing solutions in 2026/2027

    NHT to commence 10,675 new housing solutions in 2026/2027

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to address housing needs, Jamaica’s National Housing Trust (NHT) has unveiled an ambitious plan to commence construction on 10,675 new housing units during the 2026/2027 fiscal period. This initiative, detailed in the recently tabled Jamaica Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the Year Ending March 2027, represents a major investment in the nation’s residential infrastructure.

    The comprehensive housing strategy includes the delivery of 5,673 completed housing solutions to the market, comprising a diverse mix of residential lots and constructed homes. These developments will be executed through multiple NHT programs, with project distribution including 2,851 units under direct NHT projects, 1,624 through the Joint Venture Programme, 345 via the Guaranteed Purchase Programme, 260 through Community Renewal initiatives, and 550 units facilitated through individual loan arrangements.

    Financial backing for this expansive housing endeavor includes a substantial capital expenditure allocation of $50.3 billion Jamaican dollars dedicated to both initiating and finalizing these residential solutions. Beyond construction, the NHT will process 5,424 mortgage loans to ensure accessibility for prospective homeowners.

    The Trust has additionally budgeted $189.95 million for enhancements to existing housing schemes, with improvement works scheduled for Hellshire Phase 2 in St. Catherine, Industry Pen in St. Mary, Longville Phase 3 in Clarendon, and Ruthven communal facilities in Kingston.

    In a complementary community development effort, the NHT has allocated $1.77 billion for upgrades to critical infrastructure including police stations, health centers, and community facilities across various regions.

    Concurrently, the NHT plans to strengthen operational efficiency through improved cost management strategies and technological optimization throughout its core agency functions. The organization will continue collaborating with stakeholders to streamline housing development approval processes and reduce regulatory delays, ensuring timely delivery of housing solutions to Jamaican citizens.

  • Security guard robbed on Harbour Street

    Security guard robbed on Harbour Street

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A brazen daylight robbery occurred on Thursday in the commercial district of downtown Kingston, targeting a security guard in close proximity to the corporate headquarters of GraceKennedy Limited on Harbour Street. The assailant made off with the employee’s cellular phone, an undisclosed sum of cash, and several other personal belongings during the confrontation.

    The incident was formally verified by GraceKennedy, a major Caribbean conglomerate, through an official corporate communication. The company moved swiftly to assure the public that despite the violation, no physical injuries were sustained during the event. Furthermore, the corporation confirmed that all staff members and contracted personnel have been accounted for and are secure.

    In its statement, the company emphasized its commitment to welfare, stating, ‘The safety and well-being of our team remain our highest priority, and we are providing the necessary support to the individual who was present at the time the robbery occurred.’ This includes offering counseling and support services to the affected employee.

    Authorities from the Kingston Central Criminal Investigation Branch (CCIB) have launched a full-scale investigation into the armed robbery. Law enforcement officials are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the area and pursuing active leads to apprehend the suspect. This event has sparked renewed discussions regarding security protocols for businesses operating within the urban core of Kingston.

  • Rare trifecta of Chinese New Year, Lent and Ramadan recognised this week

    Rare trifecta of Chinese New Year, Lent and Ramadan recognised this week

    In an extraordinary celestial alignment of cultural and religious calendars, three major global observances—Christian Lent, Muslim Ramadan, and Chinese New Year—converged simultaneously in February, creating a unique period of worldwide spiritual reflection. This rare chronological intersection, governed by distinct lunar and solar calculations, last occurred over a century ago according to historical records.

    The 40-day Christian period of Lent commenced on Ash Wednesday (February 18), initiating a tradition of abstinence and spiritual preparation leading to Easter. Concurrently, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began between February 17-19, marked by daily fasting from dawn to sunset alongside intensified worship and self-reflection. The Lunar New Year celebration, falling on February 17, ushered in the Year of the Sheep with traditional festivities focused on renewal and future prosperity.

    This remarkable synchronization stems from the complex interplay between the Gregorian calendar (used internationally), the Islamic Hijri calendar (a purely lunar system), and the Chinese lunisolar calendar. While each observance maintains distinct traditions and theological significance, they collectively emphasize themes of purification, family unity, and spiritual rejuvenation. The simultaneous occurrence provided a unique opportunity for interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange across global communities.

    The convergence particularly resonated in multicultural societies where these traditions coexist, with many families incorporating elements from multiple celebrations. Religious scholars noted the alignment as a symbolic moment of shared human values despite differing belief systems, while astronomers confirmed such precise alignment won’t recur for several decades due to the mathematical disparities between calendar systems.

  • Chelsea boss Rosenior says no place in football for racists

    Chelsea boss Rosenior says no place in football for racists

    LONDON, United Kingdom — Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has issued a powerful condemnation of racism in football, declaring that any individual within the sport found guilty of such abuse “should not be in the game.” His comments follow a distressing incident involving Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior during a Champions League playoff match against Benfica in Lisbon.

    The match was abruptly halted for ten minutes after Vinicius reported to the referee that he was subjected to a racial slur by Benfica’s Argentine midfielder, Gianluca Prestianni, during an on-pitch confrontation. The alleged abuse occurred after Vinicius celebrated a goal by dancing in front of the home supporters. Prestianni has since denied the allegations, notably covering his mouth during the argument.

    In response, UEFA, European football’s governing body, has initiated a formal investigation into “allegations of discriminatory behaviour.” This event is the latest in a series of racist attacks targeting Vinicius since his arrival at Real Madrid in 2018.

    While careful not to comment directly on the ongoing investigation, Rosenior expressed his profound dismay. “It’s upsetting,” he stated. “There’s context that needs to be had in terms of this situation. What I will say is any form of racism in society is unacceptable… When you see a player upset how Vinicius Junior was upset, normally they’re upset for a reason.”

    Drawing from his own personal experience as a mixed-heritage individual who has endured racial abuse, Rosenior delivered an unequivocal ultimatum to the football world. His stance calls for the most severe consequences for perpetrators.

    Rosenior’s activism extends beyond the pitch. In June 2020, he penned an open letter to then-U.S. President Donald Trump following the murder of George Floyd, criticizing what he described as “an unjust, corrupt and fundamentally prejudiced society” and its deep-rooted legacy of racism.

    The manager also broadened the discussion to address other forms of discrimination plaguing the sport and society at large. He referenced recent homophobic chants directed at Chelsea supporters during an FA Cup tie against Hull City. Rosenior lamented the pervasive prejudice based on sexual orientation, nationality, religion, and skin colour, stating, “It sickens me, to be honest. People need to be held a lot more accountable… in terms of social media, in terms of the press, to make sure these things are stamped out.”

  • 14 vie for Mr and Miss Law (UWI) titles

    14 vie for Mr and Miss Law (UWI) titles

    The University of the West Indies at Mona is set to host its annual Mr. and Miss Law pageant on March 7th, featuring an unprecedented gender-balanced competition with seven male and seven female contenders from the Faculty of Law. The rooftop ceremony marks the culmination of an intensive selection process organized by the Mona Law Society.

    Diamonque Brown, first vice president of the Mona Law Society and pageant organizer, revealed to Observer Online that contestants must excel through multiple fast-track events before the final coronation. These preliminary competitions include debate, athletics, talent showcases, fundraising initiatives, cooking challenges, and online voting components.

    The final judging criteria will evaluate contestants across three distinct categories: evening wear, legal attire, and sports attire. Additional assessment factors include poise demonstration and question-response capabilities, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of participants’ abilities beyond academic performance.

    Brown detailed the inclusive selection process, noting that applications were open to first-year, second-year, direct-entrant, and part-time law students. The organizing committee reviewed submissions collectively to determine finalists. Notably, this year witnessed an exceptional male applicant turnout, contrasting with previous years’ participation patterns.

    The male contenders competing for Mr. Law are Javier Sellars (Mr. Legal Eagle), Victor Stuart (Mr. Rule of Law), Jaleel Smith (Mr. Legal Reform), Calbert LaBeach (Mr. Human Rights), Akheil Foster (Mr. Legacy in Motion), Jailon Bailey (Mr. Natural Justice), and Keneil Bernard (Mr. Due Process).

    The female candidates vying for Miss Law include Anselena Boothe (Miss Constitutional Law), Lorian Lawrence (Miss Integrity), Leomoy Lawrence (Miss Data Protection), Zhuri Martin (Miss Equity’s Darling), Shanna Kay Willis (Miss Natural Justice), Janeiia Hemmings (Miss Thrive Foundation Company Limited), and Kaylia Powell (Miss Fiduciary Duty).

    The event represents a significant tradition within the law faculty, blending academic symbolism with extracurricular development opportunities for future legal professionals.

  • US threatens to leave IEA if net zero focus remains

    US threatens to leave IEA if net zero focus remains

    PARIS — The United States escalated its confrontation with the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Thursday, issuing an ultimatum for the organization to abandon its net zero emissions agenda within one year or face American withdrawal. The dramatic declaration came during the closing sessions of the IEA ministerial meeting in Paris, marking a significant rupture in global energy governance.

    U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a former fracking executive, delivered the stern warning during a press conference, characterizing net zero targets as a ‘destructive illusion’ with ‘0.0 per cent chance’ of achievement. He demanded the 52-year-old agency revert exclusively to its original mandate of ensuring global energy security, established after the 1973 oil crisis.

    The Paris-based IEA has substantially expanded its focus under Executive Director Fatih Birol to include renewable energy transition pathways and climate-aligned scenarios. The net zero framework represents a cornerstone of the Paris Agreement’s ambition to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

    The ministerial conclave concluded without issuing a formal communiqué for the first time since 2017, instead releasing a diluted ‘Chair’s Summary’ that acknowledged climate concerns while significantly reducing references to renewables and net zero compared to previous declarations. Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans, who chaired the proceedings, emphasized the IEA’s role in providing governments with comprehensive scenario analyses, including net zero pathways, to inform policy decisions.

    Secretary Wright specifically praised Director Birol for reinstating the ‘Current Policies Scenario’ in November’s annual outlook—a model projecting continued growth in oil and gas demand over coming decades that had been absent for five years. However, the report maintained its net zero by mid-century scenario alongside this traditional forecast.

    Birol confirmed the IEA’s intention to continue developing multiple energy scenarios while acknowledging that planning for the next annual outlook remains in preliminary stages. With Birol’s term concluding next year, Secretary Wright declined to endorse any leadership candidates, stating the U.S. remains ‘neutral on who the leadership is’ while prioritizing institutional mission over individual leadership.

  • Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore funeral underway

    Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore funeral underway

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s political leadership and music royalty gathered today to honor the life and legacy of Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, the visionary co-founder of pioneering reggae band Third World, in a solemn state-attended funeral service. The ceremony, currently underway, brings together the nation’s most influential figures from both government and entertainment spheres in a powerful demonstration of cross-sector respect for the late musician.

    Among the distinguished attendees are dancehall superstar Sean Paul, Culture Minister Olivia Grange, Finance Minister Fayval Williams, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, and Grammy-winning artists Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley and Maxi Priest. This convergence of political and cultural leadership underscores Coore’s monumental status as one of Jamaica’s most revered musical architects.

    The music world was stunned on January 18 when news broke of the iconic guitarist’s sudden passing, triggering an outpouring of tributes from government officials and entertainment professionals alike. Coore’s musical journey began with Inner Circle before he embarked on his revolutionary path by establishing Third World with keyboardist Ibo Cooper.

    Third World’s groundbreaking artistry transformed the global music landscape through their innovative fusion of reggae with soul, funk, pop, and rock elements. This distinctive sound catapulted Jamaican music to international prominence, with timeless hits including ‘Now That We’ve Found Love,’ ’96 Degrees in the Shade,’ and ‘Try Jah Love’ securing their position as one of Jamaica’s most enduring and successful musical exports.

    Celebrated for his exceptional instrumental mastery, compositional genius, and profound musical intellect, Coore received Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the nation’s cultural and creative heritage. He is survived by his wife Lisa, children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, grandchildren, extended family, bandmates, colleagues, and a global community of devoted admirers.

  • Sergeant saves family of four from burning car

    Sergeant saves family of four from burning car

    A dramatic rescue unfolded on Gladstone Road last Saturday evening when an alert police sergeant saved four lives moments before their vehicle became engulfed in flames and exploded. Sergeant Michael Farrow (badge number 2543) was en route to the Nassau Street Police Station in his marked patrol car at approximately 6:55 PM when he spotted a white BMW X3 emitting thick smoke from its hood in the northbound lane. Recognizing the imminent danger, Sergeant Farrow immediately sprang into action. After pulling alongside the distressed vehicle, he instructed the driver to shut off the ignition as visible flames began emerging from the front compartment. The officer promptly parked his police vehicle ahead of the SUV and rushed back to assist. The driver, later identified as correctional officer Romani Campbell, alerted Sergeant Farrow that additional family members remained inside the smoking car. As they moved to the passenger side, doors flew open and occupants began evacuating. Mrs. Esthel Campbell emerged holding an infant while a young girl scrambled from the back seat. With flames rapidly spreading through the vehicle’s interior and intense heat radiating from the chassis, Sergeant Farrow shepherded the family across the road to a vacant lot. He then urged them to move further to safety mere seconds before the vehicle erupted in multiple explosions, sending sparks flying and igniting nearby vegetation. Sergeant Farrow radioed for emergency backup, with additional police units arriving by 7:15 PM to manage traffic diversion. Nassau firefighters reached the scene at 7:26 PM and successfully extinguished both the vehicle blaze and surrounding brush fires by approximately 7:50 PM. The area was fully cleared by 8:45 PM. According to Sergeant Farrow’s account, the Campbell family had been driving when their dashboard alert system warned them to reduce speed. Though Mr. Campbell complied by slowing down, smoke began billowing from beneath the hood shortly thereafter. Mrs. Campbell subsequently expressed profound gratitude for their narrow escape, despite the complete destruction of her wallet and identification documents in the fire. Sergeant Farrow comforted her by emphasizing that material possessions could be replaced while their family’s safety was paramount. The humble officer later stated he would have performed the same lifesaving actions for anyone in distress, regardless of his law enforcement capacity. The Campbell family credited Sergeant Farrow’s decisive intervention with saving all their lives.

  • WATCH: Parade Gardens, Rose Gardens celebrate new normal with inaugural Peace Cup

    WATCH: Parade Gardens, Rose Gardens celebrate new normal with inaugural Peace Cup

    In a powerful demonstration of social transformation, the historically divided communities of Parade Gardens (Southside) and Rose Gardens (Spoilers) in central Kingston set aside decades of conflict to compete in the inaugural Jamaica Peace Cup football tournament on Ash Wednesday. The event, held at Breezy Castle Sports Complex, culminated in Parade Gardens claiming a 1-0 victory to secure the championship trophy.

    The tournament represented a landmark achievement in community reconciliation, expanding beyond the two rival neighborhoods to include six-a-side matches featuring teams from Allman Town, Rae Town, Fletcher’s Land, Kingston Central, the Kingston Central Police, and a female contingent from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

    Damion Hylton, project manager for the Council of Voluntary Social Services’ Rise and Thrive initiative and key organizer, emphasized the event’s significance: “These communities share a history of political violence and other conflicts. Witnessing these young men unite on the football field represents a substantial stride toward sustaining peace within these neighborhoods.”

    The initiative emerged directly from the relative stability achieved through the government’s Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) security measures implemented in recent years. Rather than merely celebrating the cessation of violence, the Peace Cup actively works to build social cohesion and strengthen community bonds.

    This collaborative effort brought together numerous stakeholders including Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO, Y.A.R. D Empire, the Social Development Commission, Junior Chamber International Jamaica, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

    Esther Adwoa, representing international peace NGO HWPL, explained the vision behind the initiative: “Our consultations identified sports, particularly football, as an effective mechanism for uniting communities and addressing violence. The Peace Cup represents our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening community relationships through athletic engagement.”

    Organizers envision the tournament evolving into a comprehensive long-term development program incorporating sports, life-skills training, and personal development initiatives. Future plans include annual peace walks, educational seminars addressing social issues like gender-based violence, and expanded opportunities for youth engagement through cultural exchange programs.