Carib Scope

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  • Omoda | Jaecoo join ATL

    Omoda | Jaecoo join ATL

    Jamaica’s automotive sector witnessed a significant expansion on February 7 as ATL Automotive Group inaugurated its new Oxford Road showroom exclusively for sister brands Omoda and Jaecoo. The launch event marked the official introduction of these two distinct marques from Chinese automaker Chery Automobile to the Jamaican market.

    Managing Director Mark Dommisse expressed strong confidence in the brands’ potential, stating, “We’re excited about what Omoda | Jaecoo will bring to the Jamaican automotive landscape, and we’re proud to have them in our home at ATL Automotive.” This sentiment was echoed by Courtney Smith, Sales Manager for Omoda | Jaecoo, who emphasized these brands represent “a new direction in mobility” for the company.

    The two brands target distinctly different consumer segments. Omoda, whose name combines ‘oxygen’ and ‘moda’ (Italian for fashion), adopts a contemporary approach targeting young professionals, first-time buyers, and technology-oriented consumers. In contrast, Jaecoo—blending the German word ‘Jaeger’ (hunter) with ‘cool’—focuses on premium sport utility vehicles for customers seeking “presence, capability, but also comfort.”

    The newly established showroom at 5 Oxford Road occupies the property previously dedicated to ATL’s certified pre-owned vehicles division, featuring external vehicle displays on the grounds. Smith will oversee a team of five sales associates dedicated to the brands.

    Initial offerings include five models across both brands. Jaecoo’s lineup comprises the J6 (a pure electric vehicle), J7 (a five-seat plug-in hybrid compact SUV), and the flagship J8—a six-seater premium SUV featuring captain’s chairs in the second row. Omoda introduces the C5 compact SUV, available with either a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine or an electric motor offering a rated range of 501 kilometers.

    Pricing strategy positions the C5 starting at $4.8 million Jamaican dollars, with the top-tier J8 reaching approximately $10 million. The company has confirmed plans to expand the model range later this year.

    Beyond sales, ATL Automotive has committed to robust after-sales support including long warranties and substantial investment in service infrastructure. Dommisse emphasized this represents a firm market commitment rather than mere market testing: “We’re not testing the market, we’re committing to it.” Servicing will initially be handled at ATL’s primary location, with an additional showroom already established in Montego Bay.

    Early marketing efforts have already yielded positive results, with Smith noting customer inquiries and several deliveries completed shortly after the launch. The strategic introduction of these brands signals ATL Automotive’s continued expansion and diversification within Jamaica’s competitive automotive industry.

  • Foster reaches 400 wins

    Foster reaches 400 wins

    Jockey Tevin Foster achieved a monumental career milestone on February 7, 2026, securing his 400th professional victory at Jamaica’s Caymanas Park racetrack. The historic win occurred aboard Tigray Express, a thoroughbred trained by Adrian Prince, during the day’s seventh race—an Optional Claiming event for three-year-olds and upward.

    The race unfolded strategically after Tigray Express started slowly from the gates. Foster expertly positioned the horse in second place behind early leader Golden Loyalty down the backstretch. Demonstrating tactical prowess, Foster urged his mount forward in the final stretch, ultimately claiming victory by a comfortable margin of one and a half lengths in the 1,300-meter contest.

    In an emotional post-race interview with The Supreme Racing Guide, Foster expressed profound gratitude for the achievement. ‘I am grateful for this milestone. The hard work and dedication have finally paid off,’ stated the accomplished jockey. He specifically acknowledged the support system that contributed to his success, including trainers, owners, stable staff, family members, and loyal supporters throughout his career.

    Foster reflected on the inevitable challenges of professional horse racing, noting, ‘There were numerous ups and downs, but obstacles are meant to be overcome.’ The jockey provided context to his achievement timeline, revealing that a seven-month riding engagement overseas had potentially delayed reaching the 400-win marker sooner.

    When questioned about future aspirations, Foster remained focused on immediate objectives while acknowledging the ultimate ambition of every professional jockey: ‘Winning a jockeys’ championship would be the icing on the cake. A champion is a champion—it would be a tremendous feeling and a significant enhancement to my racing career.’ The jockey emphasized that continued hard work and dedication would determine what accomplishments follow this significant milestone.

    Documenting the celebratory moment, trackside photographer Garfield Robinson captured Foster sharing the victory with trainer Adrian Prince and commemorating the career-defining achievement in the winner’s circle.

  • Motion refused

    Motion refused

    The Jamaican Court of Appeal has rejected former police constable Oshane Thompson’s application for conditional leave to appeal to the Privy Council in London, effectively blocking his attempt to challenge the court’s previous order for a retrial in a 2017 murder case.

    Thompson’s legal journey began with his November 2021 conviction for the shooting death of Kriston Pearson at a Port Maria, St Mary party in May 2017. Originally sentenced to life imprisonment with parole eligibility after 20 years and eight months by then-Supreme Court Justice Carolyn Tie-Powell, Thompson successfully appealed both his conviction and sentence. On July 31, 2025, the Appeal Court overturned the verdict and ordered a new trial.

    In his motion to the Appeal Court, Thompson, represented by attorneys Jacqueline Samuels Brown, KC, and John Clarke, argued that the appellate court had erred in ordering a retrial without adequately considering evidentiary deficiencies from the original proceedings. The defense contended that the eight-year delay since the incident and associated fairness concerns should have precluded a new trial, asserting that the decision violated Thompson’s constitutional right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time.

    The three-judge panel comprising Justice Frank Williams, Justice Nicole Foster-Pusey, and Justice Georgiana Fraser delivered a comprehensive rejection of Thompson’s application. The court determined that Thompson failed to establish proper grounds for appeal to the Privy Council, noting that the case involved neither novel legal issues nor unresolved constitutional questions.

    In their analysis, the justices emphasized that the Privy Council should not function as a secondary criminal appellate court, particularly when established legal principles have been properly applied. The court found that Thompson’s complaints essentially challenged the Appeal Court’s discretionary judgment rather than raising genuine constitutional interpretation issues.

    The case stems from an altercation at a social gathering where Thompson, then a police constable, allegedly touched Pearson’s partner on her arm or bottom, triggering a physical confrontation. Prosecution witnesses testified that Thompson shot an unarmed Pearson during this altercation. Thompson’s defense maintained he acted in self-defense, claiming Pearson attacked him with a broken drink bottle after initially striking him in the face.

  • Soda tax

    Soda tax

    In a landmark fiscal move, the Jamaican government has introduced its first comprehensive tax package in nearly a decade, anchored by a transformative $1.441 trillion budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year. This strategic financial blueprint responds to multiple pressures: ongoing Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, escalating debt servicing costs, and a widening fiscal deficit that demands immediate attention.

    The centerpiece of this revenue-generation strategy is a novel Special Consumption Tax targeting sugar-sweetened beverages. Scheduled for implementation during the April-June quarter, this levy will impose a $0.02 charge per milliliter, translating to significant consumer price increases: $6 for 300ml drinks, $12 for 600ml bottles, and $40 for two-liter containers. This measure alone is projected to generate approximately $10 billion in revenue during its first full fiscal year.

    Beyond the beverage tax, the government’s revenue enhancement package includes several complementary measures. Digital services supplied from abroad will now fall under the General Consumption Tax (GCT) regime, expected to yield $300 million initially and potentially $4.2 billion upon full implementation. Additional revenue streams will come from increased duties on alcohol ($1.6 billion) and cigarettes ($1.1 billion), while an enhanced Environmental Protection Levy should contribute roughly $3.6 billion. The tourism sector’s return to the standard 15% GCT rate in 2027/28 is projected to add $11.4 billion annually.

    The fiscal context reveals profound challenges. Total government expenditure will reach $1.441 trillion, representing a $50 billion increase over the revised current-year spending of $1.391 trillion. This expansion occurs against a backdrop of economic contraction, with projections indicating a 0.5% decline in 2026/27 following an estimated 4.5% downturn in 2025/26 due to Hurricane Melissa’s impact on agriculture and tourism.

    With revenues and grants projected at just over $1 trillion, the fiscal deficit is expected to widen to nearly 5% of GDP. Simultaneously, the primary surplus—critical for debt servicing and reduction—is projected to narrow from 1.3% to approximately 0.5% of GDP. This contraction reflects how reconstruction spending is diverting resources that would otherwise strengthen Jamaica’s debt trajectory.

    The arithmetic presents sobering realities: debt servicing will consume more than a quarter of the entire budget, with interest payments reaching $210.96 billion and principal repayments totaling $167.59 billion. Combined with employee compensation of $555 billion, these obligations will absorb nearly 65% of total government spending.

    Opposition Finance Spokesman Julian Robinson acknowledged the structural pressures driving these measures but questioned their design and effectiveness. He noted that previous governments relied on one-off transactions—including the $75 billion Norman Manley International Airport revenue sale in 2023 and the $61 billion Sangster International Airport securitization—that provided temporary relief without permanently strengthening the revenue base. Robinson also expressed skepticism about whether the soda tax’s pricing structure would significantly alter consumption patterns, suggesting the projected revenue indicates limited behavioral impact.

    The budget’s formulation marks several procedural firsts: revenue measures and expenditure estimates were presented simultaneously, following recommendations from the Independent Fiscal Commission, and revenue projections span two fiscal years rather than one, signaling a structured, multi-year adjustment approach.

    As Jamaica transitions from emergency relief to sustained reconstruction, capital spending remains elevated with significant allocations directed toward rebuilding roads, schools, hospitals, and other public assets damaged by Hurricane Melissa’s October 2025 impact on western Jamaica. While catastrophe insurance payouts, contingent credit facilities, and multilateral financing have provided immediate liquidity, they haven’t eliminated the structural revenue-expenditure gap.

    The government has temporarily suspended fiscal rules to maintain recovery flexibility but reaffirmed its commitment to reducing public debt to 60% of GDP by 2030—a target dependent on steady growth and disciplined fiscal management once reconstruction stabilizes. The budget now undergoes review by the Independent Fiscal Commission before parliamentary scrutiny, but the numbers themselves signal a turning point: disaster recovery, rising debt service, and trillion-dollar expenditures have compelled Jamaica’s return to active revenue mobilization after nearly a decade of avoidance.

  • High-Resolution Data training at PRAIS 4 Workshop in Grenada

    High-Resolution Data training at PRAIS 4 Workshop in Grenada

    Environmental specialists and Geographic Information System (GIS) professionals from Caribbean Small Island Developing States (CSIDS) have completed an intensive capacity-building program focused on advanced data methodologies for land degradation assessment. The specialized training, conducted in Grenada, equipped participants with cutting-edge tools for the 2026 Reporting on Performance Review and Assessment of Implementation System (PRAIS 4).

    The week-long workshop, concluding on February 6, 2026, in St. George’s, was orchestrated by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM) with multilateral support from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Secretariat, financial backing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implementation through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and technical delivery collaboration with APACHETA.

    Suriname’s PRAIS Reporting Officer Zylenna Darson emphasized the transformative impact of moving beyond generic global datasets. “This initiative enabled crucial validation of our national environmental data,” Darson noted. “Previously dependent on default information that frequently misrepresented actual conditions, we can now achieve substantially more accurate depictions of land degradation.”

    The training facilitated cross-border knowledge exchange, allowing professionals from multiple Caribbean nations to develop collaborative strategies for sustainable land management. St. Kitts and Nevis GIS Officer Ayodele DeCosta highlighted how the workshop addressed the historical generalization of small island reporting, enabling more precise monitoring of environmental challenges.

    Haiti’s UNCCD Focal Point Eder Audate connected the training to recent national advancements, stating that the recently completed soil survey combined with these new capabilities would significantly enhance land degradation combat efforts.

    Bahamian representatives Latonya Williams and Jenny Morris expressed confidence that the high-resolution data methodologies would directly inform future environmental policies and project development.

    PISLM leadership encouraged participants to extend the application of these tools beyond immediate reporting requirements, emphasizing their potential to strengthen regional environmental policies, accurately document national achievements, and promote sustainable development resilience throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Commonwealth and UK provide investment support to Grenadian businesses

    Commonwealth and UK provide investment support to Grenadian businesses

    A groundbreaking initiative to drive sustainable investment in vulnerable island nations has been launched during the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) represents a strategic partnership framework designed to identify and fund climate-positive projects across Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the Commonwealth.

    The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) has been appointed by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the UK Government to lead the implementation of this ambitious program. From February 2-6, 2024, a joint delegation comprising representatives from CCAF, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the UK Commonwealth Unit conducted a working visit to Grenada to launch a three-month accelerator program for selected local enterprises.

    Three Grenadian companies emerged victorious from a highly competitive selection process to join the inaugural cohort: Belmont Estate (agribusiness), SarGas (renewable energy), and Green Feeds (sustainable agriculture). Each enterprise is receiving comprehensive support including customized advisory services, growth-focused mentorship, strategic stakeholder connections, and direct investor pitch opportunities.

    The program specifically aims to enhance project bankability while strengthening the broader investment ecosystem through knowledge transfer, capacity building, and targeted technical assistance. Beyond individual company support, the CIN initiative seeks to develop systemic solutions that address critical financing bottlenecks and unlock large-scale climate finance.

    During their Grenada visit, the delegation engaged extensively with government officials, private sector representatives, development agencies, and participating companies to identify key investment barriers and opportunities. British Commissioner to Grenada Victor Clark emphasized the nation’s innovative potential, stating: ‘Grenada is not short of innovation. I hope this technical support will help these companies realize their ambitious plans through accelerated investment and growth.’

    The initiative represents a significant step toward building climate resilience and sustainable economic development in vulnerable island nations facing disproportionate climate change impacts.

  • VIDEO: DFC final press conference for Carnival 2026

    VIDEO: DFC final press conference for Carnival 2026

    Groundbreaking findings from NASA’s Perseverance rover have provided definitive evidence confirming the existence of ancient lake sediments within Mars’ Jezero Crater. The robotic explorer’s sophisticated radar instrument has penetrated beneath the Martian surface, revealing geological layers that unmistakably formed through water deposition.

    The research, published in Science Advances, demonstrates how subsurface radar imaging (RIMFAX) captured detailed cross-sectional views of sediment deposits resembling those found in Earth’s dried lakebeds. These sedimentary formations were transported by water and accumulated within the crater environment billions of years ago, during a period when Mars possessed a substantially warmer and wetter climate capable of sustaining liquid water on its surface.

    UCLA planetary scientist David Paige, the study’s lead author, emphasized the significance of these discoveries: ‘The radar images provide unequivocal evidence that Jezero Crater once hosted a substantial lake. We can now observe the geological history written in the rock layers beneath the surface.’

    The findings validate scientists’ initial hypothesis in selecting Jezero as Perseverance’s landing site – that the clearly visible geological features including an inflow channel and delta formation indicated ancient aquatic activity. The rover’s ongoing mission has now physically confirmed these theories through direct subsurface observation.

    This discovery substantially enhances the potential that microbial life may have developed within these ancient waters, making the collected sediment samples prime candidates for detecting potential biosignatures when eventually returned to Earth through the Mars Sample Return campaign.

  • St. Joseph’s Academy Interact Club Continues Season of Giving with Donation to Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross

    St. Joseph’s Academy Interact Club Continues Season of Giving with Donation to Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross

    The Interact Club of St. Joseph’s Academy has demonstrated exceptional community leadership through its comprehensive “Season of Giving” campaign, executing multiple philanthropic projects that address diverse local needs. Their humanitarian efforts culminated on February 11th with a significant clothing donation to the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross, providing essential support for the organization’s thrift store operations that serve vulnerable populations throughout the island. The student-led initiative involved meticulous organization as Interactors mobilized their peers and school community to contribute pre-owned garments.

    Earlier this academic term, the club initiated its charitable programming by honoring medical professionals at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre with doughnut donations, recognizing their tireless service within the national healthcare framework. Expanding this healthcare support, the organization collaborated with Christ the King School’s Interact Club to enhance pediatric care facilities. Their joint contribution included practical items such as bedding sets, window curtains, timekeeping devices, and electric kettles specifically designated for the Pediatric Ward, directly improving the comfort experience for young patients and their families during treatment.

    These coordinated endeavors reflect the Interact Club’s deep commitment to operationalizing the principle of service above self. Through strategic partnerships and targeted outreach, the student members have exhibited remarkable organizational capabilities while developing genuine compassion for community welfare. Their multifaceted approach to social support demonstrates how youth-led initiatives can create tangible positive impact across various sectors of society, from healthcare support to essential goods distribution for economically disadvantaged communities.

  • Hon. Dennis Cornwall to attend 112th ECCB Monetary Council Meeting

    Hon. Dennis Cornwall to attend 112th ECCB Monetary Council Meeting

    Grenada’s Finance Minister, Honourable Dennis Cornwall, is set to participate in the 112th Monetary Council gathering of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) on February 13, 2026. The high-level meeting will be hosted at the ECCB headquarters in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, bringing together finance ministers from across the currency union.

    The council session represents a fundamental component of the ECCB’s governance framework, tasked with conducting comprehensive assessments of monetary and credit conditions throughout the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). Minister Cornwall will be accompanied by Mike Sylvester, Permanent Secretary within Grenada’s Ministry of Finance, forming the island’s official delegation.

    These biannual meetings serve as critical policy-making platforms where council members examine the ECCB Governor’s detailed report on regional economic performance. The agenda typically encompasses deliberations on financial stability mechanisms, credit market evolution, and strategic policy initiatives designed to foster sustainable economic development across member nations.

    The Grenadian government has reaffirmed its dedication to active engagement in regional financial governance structures, emphasizing its commitment to policies that enhance economic resilience and promote developmental objectives within the Eastern Caribbean framework.

    The ECCB Monetary Council operates as the supreme decision-making body for the currency union, maintaining oversight of monetary policy and financial sector stability across its eight member territories.

  • Machel’s back for big Color Me Red encore

    Machel’s back for big Color Me Red encore

    Saint Lucian Carnival preparations have reached a fever pitch with the announcement that soca megastar Machel Montano will serve as the headline performer for the prestigious Color Me Red (CMR) event. The landmark 20th anniversary celebration will unfold on Carnival Friday, July 17th, at the Beausejour Grounds in Gros Islet, solidifying its status as the season’s premier live concert and fete.

    Event organizers from Red Carnival unveiled their ambitious plans during a media launch at M Motors, signaling a triumphant return to grand-scale production. Thaddeus Antoine, co-founder and director, emphasized the significance of securing Montano, who previously dominated the CMR stage for five consecutive years from 2011 to 2015. This booking represents a strategic move to recapture the event’s legendary atmosphere.

    With a history of attracting top-tier regional soca talent while simultaneously providing a crucial platform for local artists, CMR has consistently set the standard for carnival experiences. This year’s theme, ‘Encore,’ draws inspiration directly from Montano’s 2026 hit single, promising a nostalgic yet fresh musical journey.

    Addressing previous logistical shortcomings, organizers have committed to significant enhancements, particularly in VIP patron services. Learning from competitor events, the plan includes deploying multiple food stations and caterers to improve guest satisfaction. Notably, the upgraded experience will extend beyond VIP areas, with general admission attendees receiving branded glasses to foster inclusive participation in the curated ambiance.

    Bank of Saint Lucia has been confirmed as the platinum sponsor for this milestone event, with additional performer announcements expected in the coming weeks.