Carib Scope

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  • Shelters across Jamaica to be improved

    Shelters across Jamaica to be improved

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaican government has initiated a comprehensive national program to upgrade emergency shelters and reinforce disaster preparedness infrastructure before the approaching 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. This decisive action follows critical assessments revealing systemic vulnerabilities exposed during Hurricane Melissa in October of last year.

    Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, announced that enhancing the condition, safety, and operational readiness of shelters is now a paramount priority. The minister’s statements came during a site visit to the new infirmary in Falmouth, Trelawny, on January 15, where he emphasized the urgent need for improvements.

    Minister McKenzie revealed plans to convene a high-level strategic meeting within the next fortnight, bringing together key agencies including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Social Development Commission (SDC), and municipal corporations. This collaborative effort will conduct an extensive evaluation of existing shelter infrastructure across the island nation.

    The ministerial agenda will focus on identifying structurally sound facilities, determining necessary repairs, and planning potential replacements. The SDC has already completed a nationwide survey of community centers, many of which are candidates for conversion and remodeling into certified emergency shelters.

    Concurrently, the ministry has finalized a damage assessment of municipal infrastructure—including markets and cemeteries—that suffered impacts during recent extreme weather events. Minister McKenzie indicated that a detailed submission will be presented to the Cabinet, outlining the full scope of required repairs and necessary upgrades. He acknowledged that addressing the widespread damage and fortifying the nation’s infrastructure will demand substantial budgetary allocation.

  • Afghanistan cruise past Windies in 1st T20

    Afghanistan cruise past Windies in 1st T20

    In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan secured a resounding 38-run triumph against West Indies in the inaugural match of their three-game T20 series at Dubai International Stadium on January 19. The victory was anchored by a phenomenal batting partnership and supported by disciplined bowling execution.

    Despite an immediate setback with the dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck on the very first delivery, Afghanistan’s batting lineup demonstrated remarkable resilience. The early departure of Sediqullah Atal in the third over, leaving the team at 19/2, set the stage for an extraordinary 162-run third-wicket stand between Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli. Zadran’s unbeaten 87 from 56 deliveries, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes, combined with Rasooli’s explosive 84 off 59 balls including eight fours and two maximums, propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 181/3. West Indies’ bowling attack struggled for consistency, with Matthew Forde proving particularly expensive at 1/51 while Jayden Seales managed 1/30.

    West Indies’ response began disastrously as stand-in captain Brandon King fell to Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s off-spin in the opening over. Although Johnson Charles attempted to accelerate with 27 from 16 balls, the innings never gained sustainable momentum. The Caribbean team suffered a catastrophic middle-order collapse, plummeting from 38/2 to 50/5 within four overs. Debutant Quentin Sampson provided brief hope with a spirited 30 off 24 deliveries, but the required run rate proved insurmountable. Late resistance from Matthew Forde (25) and Gudakesh Motie (28) was ultimately neutralized by Noor Ahmad’s clever wrist-spin, restricting West Indies to 143/9 from their allotted overs.

    Afghanistan’s bowling unit delivered a comprehensive performance with Ziaur Rahman claiming 3/36 and Rashid Khan contributing 2/19. The emphatic victory gives Afghanistan a crucial 1-0 advantage in the series, with subsequent matches scheduled for January 21 and 22 at the same venue.

  • Nhu Van Nguyen to visit Jamaica, ahead of Miss Global Jamaica coronation show

    Nhu Van Nguyen to visit Jamaica, ahead of Miss Global Jamaica coronation show

    Jamaica’s pageantry scene reaches unprecedented heights as twenty-six contestants prepare to compete for Miss Global Jamaica 2026 this Saturday at the Douglas Orane Auditorium. The national competition coincides with a landmark visit from reigning Miss Global 2025 Nhu Van Nguyen, marking the first official visit by a sitting Miss Global titleholder to the Caribbean nation.

    The Vietnamese beauty queen arrives Wednesday accompanied by Jamaica’s own Keri-Ann Greenwood, who achieved remarkable success as both Miss Global Jamaica 2025 and Miss Global 1st Runner-Up. Their joint itinerary includes high-profile diplomatic engagements with government officials and franchise activities that underscore Jamaica’s growing influence within international beauty competitions.

    Greenwood expressed profound enthusiasm about hosting her fellow titleholder, stating: ‘Welcoming my sister-queen to Jamaican soil represents more than ceremonial pageantry—it signifies a movement. Our shared commitment extends beyond crowns to creating tangible impact for women locally and globally.’

    Jermane Blair, National Director of Miss Global Jamaica, characterized the event as transformational for the nation’s profile. ‘This historic convergence demonstrates how preparation meeting opportunity can reshape international perceptions. Jamaica is no longer merely participating in global pageantry but actively influencing its evolution,’ Blair noted in comments to Observer Online.

    The Saturday coronation event at Wolmer’s Boys’ School will not only crown Jamaica’s next representative but also showcase the country’s emerging leadership within the Miss Global Organization framework.

  • Flow launches voice over Wi-Fi calling to customers nationwide

    Flow launches voice over Wi-Fi calling to customers nationwide

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Flow Jamaica has significantly expanded its telecommunications offerings by enabling Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) capabilities for a majority of its mobile subscribers. This innovative feature allows customers to place and receive calls utilizing any secure Wi-Fi network without incurring additional charges.

    The service, initially deployed in December, represents a strategic advancement in Flow’s ongoing commitment to technological innovation and enhanced user connectivity. By leveraging Wi-Fi networks to supplement traditional mobile coverage, the company addresses common connectivity challenges while improving call reliability.

    Danielle Savory, Senior Communications Manager at Flow, emphasized the transformative potential: “VoWiFi provides our customers with superior reliability and expanded connectivity options. As Jamaica continues its digital transformation journey, Flow is dedicated to deploying technologies that empower individuals and facilitate seamless communication.”

    This technology offers particular benefits in areas with limited mobile reception, including structures with dense building materials, remote geographical locations, and underground facilities. The service operates transparently, automatically switching between mobile and Wi-Fi networks to maintain optimal call quality without user intervention.

    Internationally, the service enables subscribers to make and receive calls from global locations using Wi-Fi connections, with all calls billed as standard domestic calls when using Jamaican numbers.

    Activation requires three components: a VoWiFi-compatible device, an active Flow LTE SIM card, and access to a secure Wi-Fi network. Android users can enable the feature through Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Wi-Fi Calling, while iPhone users navigate to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling. Successful activation is indicated by a VoWiFi or Wi-Fi Call icon in the device’s status bar.

  • Toni Ann Singh mines gold in Canada for Burna Boy and Popcaan

    Toni Ann Singh mines gold in Canada for Burna Boy and Popcaan

    The collaborative track ‘Toni Ann Singh’ by Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy and Jamaican dancehall artist Popcaan has received official gold certification in Canada. Music Canada, the nation’s leading music industry association, granted this prestigious recognition on Monday, acknowledging the song’s commercial performance equivalent to 40,000 units through combined sales and streaming figures.

    Released as part of Burna Boy’s critically acclaimed album ‘Love, Damini’ through Atlantic Records, the track pays homage to its namesake – Toni-Ann Singh, the St. Thomas-born former Miss World titleholder. The song demonstrated remarkable chart performance upon its 2022 release, climbing to the #11 position on Billboard’s US Afrobeats Songs chart during its peak popularity period in July 2022.

    The parent album ‘Love, Damini’ has achieved substantial international success, featuring 19 tracks including the hit singles ‘Last Last’ and ‘It’s Plenty’. The project reached impressive chart positions globally, securing the #14 spot on the prestigious Billboard 200 albums chart and achieving #2 on Billboard’s World Albums chart. The album entered the top ten in five countries, including the United Kingdom’s official charts.

    International certification achievements for ‘Love, Damini’ include an impressive 5x platinum status in Nigeria, platinum certifications in Canada, Denmark and New Zealand, alongside gold recognitions in Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France. The certified track ‘Toni-Ann Singh’ was produced by Anju Blaxx, contributing to the album’s diverse musical landscape that blends Afrobeats with dancehall influences.

  • Guyana strengthens border defences following US invasion of Venezuela

    Guyana strengthens border defences following US invasion of Venezuela

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana – In response to escalating political instability in neighboring Venezuela, the Guyanese government has announced a significant reinforcement of its border defense systems. Prime Minister Mark Phillips, a retired Brigadier, confirmed that national security forces have elevated their operational readiness and intensified surveillance activities along the western territorial boundaries.

    This security enhancement follows the January 3rd United States military intervention in Venezuela that resulted in the extraction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife to New York, where they now face narcotics trafficking charges in federal court. The US government, despite previous denials of pursuing regime change, has subsequently declared its intention to administer Venezuelan affairs indefinitely.

    The historical territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela centers on the Essequibo region, a substantial territory comprising approximately two-thirds of Guyana’s national territory along South America’s northeastern coastline. Prime Minister Phillips emphasized that while routine cross-border movements continue unchanged, defense personnel maintain permanent deployment along all international borders, including those with Suriname and Brazil.

    Phillips conducted personal assessments in Region One, consulting with defense board representatives, regional officials, law enforcement agencies, and local communities. He noted that improved internet connectivity in hinterland regions has kept border populations well-informed about developing situations.

    The Prime Minister articulated Guyana’s dual approach of maintaining diplomatic balance while prioritizing national security interests. Although Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states may adopt varying stances regarding Venezuela, Phillips affirmed Guyana’s commitment to independent decision-making aligned with sovereign national interests.

    “We maintain vigilant observation protocols to prevent border instability spillover,” Phillips stated during his podcast appearance. “Our administration rejects complacency and remains dedicated to preserving territorial integrity while ensuring border residents’ continued security.”.

  • Manchester City sign Palace defender Guehi

    Manchester City sign Palace defender Guehi

    LONDON, United Kingdom — In a strategic move to address a critical defensive shortage, Manchester City Football Club has finalized the acquisition of English international Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The transfer, confirmed on Monday, involves a reported fee of £20 million (approximately $27 million) and commits the 26-cap England defender to a five-and-a-half-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.

    The signing arrives as a direct response to an ongoing injury crisis within City’s defensive lineup, which saw key center-backs John Stones, Rúben Dias, and Joško Gvardiol all absent during a recent 2-0 defeat to Manchester United. This marks the club’s second major signing of the January transfer window, following the £65 million procurement of Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

    Guehi, a product of Chelsea’s academy who captained Palace to their historic FA Cup victory against City last May, expressed profound enthusiasm regarding the transfer. ‘I am really happy and incredibly proud to be a Manchester City player,’ he stated. ‘This move feels like the culmination of all the hard work I have put into my career. I am now at the best club in England and part of an unbelievable squad of players.’

    Manager Pep Guardiola lauded the club’s swift action in securing the highly sought-after defender, who was also a target for Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Guardiola emphasized the perfect timing of the acquisition, noting Guehi’s versatility and impending free-agent status at the season’s end. ‘A top central defender, playing for the national team… with the problems that we have in the back in the next few months it’s really, really important he’s here,’ Guardiola remarked.

    The transfer effectively preempts a potential summer bidding war, as other suitors were reportedly planning approaches for Guehi upon the expiration of his Crystal Palace contract. This acquisition forms part of a broader, expensive squad rebuild overseen by Guardiola, following the departures of long-serving players like Kevin De Bruyne and İlkay Gündoğan. Currently positioned second in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, City remains active in pursuit of silverware across the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup.

  • Energy Chamber: V’zuelan oil could be viable option

    Energy Chamber: V’zuelan oil could be viable option

    Amidst Venezuela’s political transformation with Nicolás Maduro’s imprisonment and US-backed interim president Delcy Rodríguez assuming power, Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Chamber has highlighted the historical foundation for renewed energy cooperation between the neighboring nations.

    While recent discussions have centered on natural gas imports from Venezuela’s Dragon field, the Chamber emphasizes that the energy relationship historically extended beyond gas to significant crude oil transactions. In 2000, Trinidad imported over 18 million barrels of Venezuelan crude, representing more than half of its total imports at approximately 50,000 barrels daily—a volume equivalent to Trinidad’s current domestic production.

    The imported Venezuelan crude primarily supplemented declining domestic production for the Point-a-Pierre refinery, which had a processing capacity of 175,000 barrels per day. Beyond refinery feedstock, some Venezuelan crude was stored and re-exported through Point Fortin terminal, while other volumes were processed into specialized lubricant oils for export markets.

    Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA maintained active membership in the Energy Chamber (then South Trinidad Chamber) during the early 2000s, regularly participating in Trinidad’s energy conferences. This relationship gradually deteriorated, with Venezuelan crude imports ceasing entirely by 2009.

    With domestic production now at approximately 53,000 barrels daily and continued decline, the Chamber suggests that refinery restart plans would necessitate new crude sources. A revitalized Venezuelan oil industry under interim leadership could potentially emerge as a strategic supplier, rebuilding the energy partnership that once flourished between the two nations.

  • Garbage crisis in Maloney Gardens a public health risk

    Garbage crisis in Maloney Gardens a public health risk

    The Maloney Gardens residential area in Trinidad is confronting a severe public health emergency as mounting piles of uncollected garbage continue to accumulate, creating hazardous living conditions for local residents. Camille Robinson-Regis, Member of Parliament for Trincity/Maloney, has characterized the situation as “serious, unacceptable and a growing public health risk” in an official statement released on January 19.

    The crisis has reached critical levels particularly in the parking areas serving Apartment 21, where decomposing waste has generated unsanitary conditions and pervasive foul odors. Robinson-Regis has formally escalated the matter to ministerial levels, demanding immediate cleanup operations and proper sanitation measures. She emphasized that waste removal constitutes a non-negotiable obligation of the responsible agencies.

    According to the MP, the accumulating waste presents particular dangers to vulnerable populations including children, elderly residents, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. She has vehemently asserted that no community should be expected to endure such environmental hazards.

    Robinson-Regis acknowledged collaborative efforts with Councillor Stephan Wattley in engaging relevant authorities, while clarifying that the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation—whose sanitation workers have provided interim assistance—does not bear ultimate responsibility for resolution. The MP has requested a definitive timeline for remediation and committed to providing residents with ongoing updates.

    Expressing solidarity with frustrated constituents, Robinson-Regis has established reporting mechanisms through her constituency office to identify specific problem areas for immediate escalation. She reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to advocating for the community until the health and wellbeing of Maloney Gardens residents are fully safeguarded.

  • Cops’ coastline clean-up clears over 12 tonnes of garbage

    Cops’ coastline clean-up clears over 12 tonnes of garbage

    In a significant environmental initiative, Trinidad and Tobago’s Coastal and Air Support Unit (TTPS) spearheaded a comprehensive beach clean-up operation across the Carenage District on January 18. The five-hour endeavor, conducted from 7 AM to noon, targeted multiple coastal areas including Tembladora Coastline, Williams Bay, and St Peter’s Bay.

    The operation marked the inaugural event in a series of twelve community and public safety programs planned by the TTPS for 2026. This strategic initiative emphasizes three core pillars: enhanced public safety, proactive crime prevention, and substantive community engagement through collaborative action.

    Through coordinated efforts between law enforcement and community participants, volunteers successfully removed more than 140 bags of accumulated waste from the coastline. The collected debris comprised diverse materials including discarded wood, metal fragments, abandoned tires, single-use plastic containers, and Styrofoam materials, collectively weighing over 12 volumetric tonnes.

    The clean-up operation featured an impressive coalition of stakeholders, including diplomatic representation from the British High Commission through Jennifer Aoo Rogers, alongside the Island Property Owners Association, Marine Services Association, and the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism. Additional participation came from the yachting community, Chaguaramas Development Authority, and the Diego Martin Borough Corporation.

    Critical logistical support was provided by several sponsors including Northern Outdoor and Tactical, Ocean Imports Caribbean, Henry’s Mini Mart and Transportation, with additional support from Assistant Superintendent Surendra Sagramsingh and Gregory Reece of Trinidad Dental.

    Police officials emphasized the intrinsic connection between environmental protection and public safety, noting that well-maintained coastal areas reduce potential hazards, deter illegal dumping activities, and contribute to enhanced maritime security. The TTPS reaffirmed its commitment to holistic policing approaches that combine enforcement measures with preventive strategies and community partnerships.

    The operation was conducted under the directive of Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, with strategic coordination managed by Deputy Commissioner of Operations Suzette Martin and Assistant Commissioner of Tactical Support Collis Hazel. Field execution was overseen by ASP Ag Rawle Ramharack alongside Inspectors Ronny Rampallard (Air Support Unit) and Ricardo Matas (Coastal Support Unit), with senior officers actively participating in the hands-on clean-up efforts.