Carib Scope

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  • Michelangelo foot sketch sells for record US$27.2 million at auction

    Michelangelo foot sketch sells for record US$27.2 million at auction

    NEW YORK — A remarkable rediscovery in the art world culminated in a historic auction event Thursday when a previously unknown Michelangelo drawing achieved a staggering $27.2 million sale at Christie’s New York. The extraordinary price establishes a new auction record for any work by the Renaissance master.

    The exquisite red-chalk sketch, measuring just several inches, represents one of approximately fifty preparatory studies Michelangelo created for his legendary Sistine Chapel frescoes. These works stand alongside his sculptural masterpieces David and Pieta as defining achievements of Western art.

    Christie’s reported an intense 45-minute bidding competition among multiple international collectors participating both in person and remotely. The final hammer price dramatically exceeded the lower pre-sale estimate by nearly twenty times. The auction house has maintained confidentiality regarding the purchaser’s identity.

    This acquisition represents an exceptionally rare opportunity, as fewer than ten Michelangelo drawings remain in private collections worldwide. The work’s authentication began when its previous owner submitted a photograph through Christie’s digital appraisal portal. Specialists from the auction house’s Old Masters department subsequently confirmed both the attribution and the drawing’s specific purpose—a study of the right foot belonging to the Libyan Sibyl figure positioned at the eastern extremity of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling.

    Andrew Fletcher, Global Head of Old Masters at Christie’s, described the offering as “an exceptional piece with a wonderful story.” He emphasized the competitive bidding reflected the drawing’s unique significance, noting this likely represented “the only chance a collector might have to acquire a study for arguably the greatest work of art ever made.”

    The previous auction record for Michelangelo stood at $24.3 million, established in Paris for a figurative sketch containing a nude male study with secondary background figures.

  • NHT to pay an additional 10,000 contribution refunds by February 9

    NHT to pay an additional 10,000 contribution refunds by February 9

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s National Housing Trust (NHT) is accelerating its refund distribution with an additional 10,000 contributors scheduled to receive their 2018 contribution refunds by Monday. This latest disbursement, valued at approximately $39 million, represents part of an intensive five-week payout initiative that has already processed substantial amounts for eligible citizens.

    Cameo Simmons Thomas, Supervisor of the Contributions, Refunds, Payments and Monitoring Unit, revealed impressive processing statistics during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank session on February 5. “Over the past five weeks, we have received 220,000 applications and successfully processed 131,000 refunds totaling $5.9 billion,” Thomas announced, highlighting the organization’s efficient handling of the massive volume.

    In a significant policy expansion, the NHT has broadened cash refund accessibility to include all mortgage holders in good standing. Previously limited to public-sector mortgage holders, this benefit extension implemented since July 2025 now enables qualified mortgagors from all sectors to claim refunds through online applications without errors.

    The NHT’s operational mechanism involves contributors allocating two percent of their monthly salary, which employers annually remit to the Trust. These funds accumulate over a seven-year period, becoming refundable in the eighth year with accrued interest. “Contributors earn two percent interest annually on their deposits, resulting in approximately 14 percent total interest by the refund period,” Thomas explained.

    While January typically experiences application surges, the NHT emphasizes that refund requests can be submitted throughout the year via their official website (nht.gov.jm) or digital platform (NHT Online), providing convenient access from any location.

  • Cuba willing to talk to US ‘without pressure’ as fuel shortage continues

    Cuba willing to talk to US ‘without pressure’ as fuel shortage continues

    HAVANA, Cuba — In a firm national address broadcast on state media Thursday, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel declared his nation’s readiness to engage in diplomatic talks with the United States, but strictly on condition of mutual respect and without external pressure. This statement comes as a direct response to recent threats from US President Donald Trump, who has aggressively threatened to sever Cuba’s oil access and predicted the collapse of its communist government.

    President Diaz-Canel emphasized that any potential dialogue must be conducted between equals, respecting Cuba’s sovereignty, independence, and right to self-determination without interference in its internal affairs. This position directly counters Trump’s public urgings for Havana to ‘make a deal before it is too late’—a proposition the Cuban government maintains does not constitute genuine negotiation.

    The escalating tension occurs against a backdrop of severe economic and energy distress in Cuba. The nation, already grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, faces acute fuel shortages that have crippled power generation. An electrical grid failure earlier Thursday left hundreds of thousands in eastern Cuba without electricity for hours, highlighting the vulnerability of its infrastructure.

    This crisis has been exacerbated by the US’s recent actions in Venezuela, Cuba’s primary historical oil supplier. Following a US military operation that ousted Venezuelan leadership, Trump claimed control over the nation’s oil reserves and vowed to starve Cuba of fuel, threatening tariffs on any third country attempting to supply the sanctioned island.

    While the White House, through spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, asserted that diplomacy is ongoing and that the Cuban government is ‘on its last leg,’ Havana continues to deny the existence of formal negotiations. International support appears limited; Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated her country is pursuing diplomatic channels to resume oil shipments to Cuba but will not risk triggering punitive US tariffs.

    President Diaz-Canel acknowledged the gravity of the fuel situation, noting that energy production from traditional generators has been ‘zero for weeks,’ but insisted that ‘Cuba is not alone.’ He pointed to the current pressure as validation of Cuba’s efforts to transition toward renewable energy and reduce foreign dependence. While Cuban officials squarely blame decades of US sanctions for the crisis, independent observers also cite poor economic management and a pandemic-induced tourism collapse as contributing factors to the nation’s dire situation.

  • Lower pollution during Covid boosted methane — study

    Lower pollution during Covid boosted methane — study

    PARIS — Scientific research published Thursday in the journal Science reveals an unexpected climate consequence of pandemic-era lockdowns: improved air quality inadvertently triggered the largest recorded surge in atmospheric methane levels during the early 2020s.

    The study demonstrates that reduced pollution during COVID-19 restrictions weakened Earth’s natural atmospheric cleansing mechanism, allowing methane concentrations to accelerate at unprecedented rates. This paradoxical outcome resulted from diminished nitrogen oxide emissions—primarily from transportation and industrial sources—which are essential for producing hydroxyl radicals (OH), the atmosphere’s primary methane-scrubbing agents.

    Lead author Philippe Ciais, associate director at France’s Laboratory of Climate and Environment Sciences, explained the counterintuitive finding: “We observe a clear paradox where reduced pollution unexpectedly harmed methane mitigation efforts. With less nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere, we essentially disabled the planet’s natural methane removal system.”

    The research attributes approximately 80% of methane’s dramatic accumulation during 2020-2021 to this hydroxyl radical reduction. Additional contributing factors included increased emissions from wetlands and agricultural activities driven by unusually wet conditions in tropical regions.

    Methane’s climate significance cannot be overstated. While shorter-lived than carbon dioxide, this potent greenhouse gas possesses 80 times the warming potential over a 20-year period, making it a critical focus for climate mitigation strategies.

    The study documents how methane growth rates peaked at 16.2 parts per billion annually in 2020—the highest recorded increase—before declining by approximately half by 2023 as economic activities resumed.

    Co-author Marielle Saunois characterized the phenomenon as “collateral damage” in environmental policy, emphasizing that “this research underscores the necessity of simultaneously improving air quality while aggressively mitigating greenhouse gas emissions to counterbalance these complex chemical-climate interactions.”

    The findings present policymakers with a formidable challenge: designing environmental regulations that reduce conventional pollution without compromising the atmosphere’s capacity to regulate potent greenhouse gases.

  • Jamaican Josh Minott traded to Nets in NBA deal

    Jamaican Josh Minott traded to Nets in NBA deal

    Jamaican basketball talent Josh Minott has been acquired by the Brooklyn Nets from the Boston Celtics in a strategic trade finalized during the NBA’s transaction deadline on Thursday. Multiple American sports media outlets confirmed the move involving the 23-year-old forward, who saw action in 10 starting games for the Celtics.

    The trade represents one of several roster adjustments executed by the Celtics organization during a notably active trade period. Minott, who previously represented Jamaica in international junior basketball competitions, joined the Celtics franchise following their historic 2024-25 championship season where they secured a record-breaking 18th NBA title.

    This transaction marks a significant career development for the young athlete as he transitions to the Nets’ lineup, potentially offering fresh opportunities for professional growth and increased playing time. The move also reflects the dynamic nature of NBA team management strategies during trade windows, where franchises continuously optimize their rosters for competitive advantage.

  • In ‘most boring’ feat, Brazilian runs record 24h on treadmill

    In ‘most boring’ feat, Brazilian runs record 24h on treadmill

    RIO DE JANEIRO—In an extraordinary display of mental fortitude and physical endurance, Brazilian athlete Pepe Fiamonini has successfully completed a 24-hour treadmill run, covering an astonishing 188 kilometers (116 miles) along Ipanema beach. The grueling challenge, which equates to more than four consecutive marathons, was monitored via live stream by Guinness World Records officials for validation.

    The 35-year-old endurance specialist, who began his athletic journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, permitted himself only minimal breaks for essential needs such as footwear changes and restroom visits. Fiamonini described his motivation to AFP reporters as stemming from profound curiosity about human capabilities: ‘I define myself with one word: curious. I’m curious about my abilities.’

    This achievement marks what is expected to be Fiamonini’s third Guinness World Record. His previous accomplishments include a remarkable 170-kilometer crossing of Bolivia’s Uyuni salt flats in May 2023—completed in just over 33 hours at 3,600 meters altitude with temperature extremes from 30°C to -10°C—shattering the previous record by 22 hours. In October, he additionally set a 12-hour treadmill record of 110 kilometers as preparation for this ultimate test.

    Fiamonini’s athletic evolution began with an Iron Man triathlon, which he considered the ‘pinnacle of human capacity,’ before progressing to an Ultraman competition more than double the distance. His latest endeavor was specifically designed to conquer mental barriers by embracing what he found most tedious: ‘Running non-stop in the same place.’

  • Doping chiefs vow to look into Olympic ski jumping ‘penis injection’ claims

    Doping chiefs vow to look into Olympic ski jumping ‘penis injection’ claims

    MILAN, Italy – Olympic anti-doping authorities have launched an investigation into extraordinary allegations that competitive ski jumpers are utilizing unconventional methods to gain aerodynamic advantages. The claims, which originated in German media reports, suggest athletes may be injecting hyaluronic acid into genital tissue to create enhanced body suit aerodynamics.

    The controversial practice allegedly aims to manipulate the fit of competition suits around the groin area, theoretically creating a sail-like effect that could add significant distance to jumps. This investigation emerges following previous sanctions against Norwegian athletes for suit manipulation violations.

    At a Milan press conference, World Anti-Doping Agency President Witold Banka acknowledged the unusual nature of the allegations while committing to thorough examination. “Ski jumping is very popular in Poland,” Banka remarked with visible amusement, “so I promise you I’m going to look at it.”

    WADA Director General Olivier Niggli adopted a more measured approach, stating: “I’m not aware of the details of ski jumping—and how this can improve performance—but if anything was to come to the surface we would look at anything if it is actually doping-related. Our list committee would certainly look into whether this would fall into this category.”

    The allegations follow previous competitive violations involving Norwegian jumpers Marius Lindvik, the defending Large Hill Olympic champion, and fellow medalist Johann Andre Forfang. Both received three-month suspensions after their team was found to have illegally adjusted suit seams around the crotch area during the 2025 World Ski Championships, though both athletes maintained the alterations occurred without their knowledge.

    Medical experts have expressed serious concerns about the alleged practice. Dr. Kamran Karim, a senior physician at Maria-Hilf Hospital in Krefeld, Germany, noted that while injections could create “temporary, visual thickening of the penis through injections of paraffin or hyaluronic acid,” he emphasized that “lengthening is not possible in this way” and warned that “such injections are not medically indicated and are associated with risks.”

  • School administrators urged to safeguard well-being of students during cold weather

    School administrators urged to safeguard well-being of students during cold weather

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In response to unusually cold temperatures sweeping across the island, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MoESYI) has issued comprehensive guidance to school administrators to protect student welfare during this period of adverse weather conditions.

    An unseasonably strong cold front has brought significantly cooler temperatures and persistent gusty winds to Jamaica, creating potential health and comfort challenges within educational environments. The ministry emphasizes that these conditions could negatively impact students’ ability to concentrate and maintain overall well-being during school hours.

    Central to the ministry’s advisory is the immediate relaxation of uniform policies. School leaders are instructed to permit students to wear appropriate jackets and outerwear regardless of whether these items conform to standard uniform specifications. This flexibility ensures all children, including those without access to branded school apparel, can remain adequately protected from the cold.

    The guidance specifically highlights the vulnerability of students with pre-existing health conditions that might be aggravated by the temperature drop. Administrators are directed to maintain heightened awareness and provide necessary accommodations to support these at-risk individuals.

    Beyond clothing adjustments, the ministry recommends nutritional interventions to combat the chill. Schools are encouraged to incorporate warm beverages and soups into meal programs, served at safe temperatures to provide both nourishment and thermal comfort. Additionally, administrators are advised to permit more frequent bathroom breaks in recognition of increased physiological needs during colder weather.

    The ministry frames these measures within the broader context of institutional responsibility, referencing the legal obligations outlined in Jamaica’s Child Care and Protection Act. This weather event is characterized as both a challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate the education system’s commitment to creating nurturing environments where every child receives care comparable to what they would experience in a family setting.

    MoESYI concludes by calling for collaborative efforts among all educational stakeholders to ensure learning spaces remain warm, safe, and conducive to student development despite the challenging meteorological conditions.

  • UK supports opening of new Essex Valley agro-processing facility in Jamaica

    UK supports opening of new Essex Valley agro-processing facility in Jamaica

    JAMAICA — A transformative agricultural initiative has been launched in Essex Valley, St Elizabeth, with the United Kingdom providing critical funding of $7.57 billion for a cutting-edge agro-processing complex. This state-of-the-art facility, officially inaugurated on Wednesday, represents a strategic investment in Jamaica’s food security infrastructure and climate adaptation capabilities.

    The project, developed through a tripartite partnership between the UK Government, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and Jamaican authorities, has already demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on the region, the newly constructed infrastructure with its reinforced solar panels remained fully operational.

    Andrew Bowden, development representative for Jamaica at the British High Commission, emphasized the critical importance of durable infrastructure: “When storms intensify due to climate change, robust facilities become part of the solution rather than adding to the damage. This infrastructure safeguards lives, sustains livelihoods, and provides communities with renewed hope.”

    The comprehensive program extends beyond physical construction, having trained over 600 farmers including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. This initiative fosters a more inclusive and skilled agricultural workforce while strengthening the UK-Jamaica-CDB collaboration that has delivered measurable benefits to the region.

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledged the strategic significance of the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Facility (UKCIF), implemented by CDB, which aligns Britain’s international aid priorities with its historical ties to the Caribbean. The Essex Valley project exemplifies this targeted support that has made transformative agricultural investments possible.

    Dr. Martin Baptiste, Division Chief of the Social Sector Division at CDB, highlighted the project’s visionary approach: “This facility embodies one of the most ambitious agricultural investments in recent Jamaican history. At its core is the powerful concept that climate-resilient agriculture can serve as the foundation for rural prosperity.”

    The Essex Valley Agricultural Development Project encompasses 810 hectares of irrigated farmland, 62km of enhanced agricultural roads, and innovative solar power systems that provide renewable energy for irrigation and operations. Thirty dedicated facilities across the valley now ensure improved compliance with international food safety standards.

    This investment enables farmers in St Elizabeth—known as Jamaica’s breadbasket—to store, process, and market produce more efficiently, thereby improving market access and strengthening resilience against increasingly severe climate impacts. The project forms part of the broader $74.68 billion UKCIF program supporting critical infrastructure throughout the Caribbean region.

  • Washington Post announces ‘painful’ job cuts

    Washington Post announces ‘painful’ job cuts

    The Washington Post, the renowned American newspaper owned by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, has initiated substantial workforce reductions as part of a comprehensive organizational restructuring. Executive Editor Matt Murray characterized the move as a “painful but necessary” response to fundamental shifts in the news media economy.

    The historic publication, which achieved legendary status through its Watergate scandal coverage that led to President Nixon’s resignation, now faces significant operational challenges. While the exact number of layoffs remains undisclosed, industry reports indicate approximately 300 positions were eliminated from the 800-strong journalism staff.

    The cuts have particularly impacted international coverage, with the entire Middle East bureau and the Kyiv-based Ukraine correspondent among those dismissed. Domestic operations also faced severe reductions, with sports, graphics, and local news departments sharply scaled back. The newspaper’s daily podcast, ‘Post Reports,’ has been suspended indefinitely.

    Murray outlined a new strategic focus concentrating on politics, national security, technology, investigations, and business coverage. Paradoxically, despite this renewed emphasis on business reporting, the journalist covering Amazon—Bezos’s $2.6 trillion corporation—was among those laid off.

    The restructuring occurs amidst a complex political landscape. President Donald Trump has maintained consistent pressure on traditional media outlets, frequently denigrating journalists as “fake news” and initiating multiple lawsuits over presidential coverage. Bezos, despite previous tensions with Trump, has recently developed closer ties with the administration during its second term.

    Financial challenges have plagued the publication, with reports indicating approximately $100 million in losses during 2024 as advertising and subscription revenues declined. Publisher Will Lewis revealed in May 2024 that the Post had lost $77 million over the preceding year and half its audience since 2020.

    The newspaper’s labor union condemned the layoffs, stating that “a newsroom cannot be hollowed out without consequences for its credibility, its reach and its future.” Former executive editor Marty Baron, who led the Post until 2021, described the development as “among the darkest days” in the organization’s history.