Carib Scope

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  • Daren Sammy tells players to stake their claim ahead of World Cup

    Daren Sammy tells players to stake their claim ahead of World Cup

    DUBAI – West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has framed the upcoming three-match T20 series against Afghanistan as a critical audition stage for emerging players vying for World Cup selection. The series, commencing January 19 in Dubai, will proceed without several established stars, creating a void that Sammy believes presents a golden opportunity for the squad’s fringe members.

    The 16-member regional squad has assembled in Dubai, with batsman Johnson Charles being the final arrival scheduled for January 17. Notably absent are T20 captain Shai Hope, all-rounder Jason Holder, spinner Akeal Hosein, and power-hitter Rovman Powell. Their absence shifts the spotlight onto a cohort of promising youngsters, including Quentin Sampson, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer, and wicketkeeper Amir Jangoo.

    Speaking on the team’s objectives, Sammy emphasized the dual nature of the series. While victory remains the immediate aim, the broader strategic goal is to build momentum and solidify team roles ahead of the T20 World Cup, which begins next month across India and Sri Lanka. The Caribbean side is pursuing an unprecedented third world title in the shortest format.

    Sammy highlighted the strategic value of facing a strong Afghan side in Dubai, where conditions mirror those expected on the subcontinent during the global tournament. He stated this provides ideal preparation, not just for those securing their World Cup spots, but also for building a foundation for the future of West Indies cricket. The final World Cup squad has not yet been announced, making every performance in this series a potential selection decider.

  • Kobe Lawrence improves on his Oregon shot put record

    Kobe Lawrence improves on his Oregon shot put record

    Jamaican collegiate athletes delivered an extraordinary display of athletic prowess across multiple U.S. indoor track and field meets on Friday, headlined by Kobe Lawrence’s record-shattering performance in the shot put. Competing for the University of Oregon, Lawrence achieved a monumental throw of 19.81 meters at the Thane Baker Invitational in Kansas, establishing new meet, facility, and personal records while posting the third-best NCAA mark of the current season. His achievement surpassed his previous personal best of 19.21m set in Arkansas last year, broke the meet record previously held by fellow Jamaican Yekini Bowen, and eclipsed a 51-year facility record set by Tucker Smith in 1975.

    The exceptional performances extended beyond Lawrence’s historic throw. At the LSU Purple Tiger meet in Baton Rouge, Jordan Turner of LSU leaped to a world-class 7.96 meters in the long jump, momentarily claiming the world lead until Tennessee’s Cade Gray surpassed him later that day. Turner’s remarkable jump represented a significant improvement over his previous best of 7.67m.

    Additional Jamaican successes included Salleci Myles’ victory in the women’s 60m hurdles (8.30s), Skyler Franklin’s win in the women’s 200m (24.19s), and Josh-Ty Brown’s shot put triumph (16.36m) at the same LSU meet. Meanwhile, at the Jimmy Carnes Invitational in Florida, Florida State University’s Shenese Walker clocked 23.15 seconds in the women’s 200m, ranking second in NCAA at the time.

    The dominance continued at other venues: Daniel Beckford of Northern Colorado University won the men’s 60m hurdles (7.90s) at the Graduate Classic in Nebraska, while Brittianie Johnson of Purdue University achieved a massive personal best of 19.68m in the weight throw at the Corky Classic in Texas, moving up to seventh on Purdue’s all-time list.

  • Tami Chin Mitchell announces departure from CVM’s morning show

    Tami Chin Mitchell announces departure from CVM’s morning show

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Prominent television personality and businesswoman Tami Chin Mitchell has officially declared her exit from CVM-TV’s flagship morning program, Sunrise, concluding her two-year tenure as host. The announcement was made through her official Instagram account this past Friday, marking a significant transition in her professional career.

    In a thoughtfully composed social media post, Mitchell expressed profound gratitude for her experiences on the show. She extended appreciation for the early morning commitments, engaging dialogues, and the dedicated team of co-hosts, producers, crew members, and stylists who transformed weekly appearances into a genuinely enjoyable endeavor.

    Addressing potential perceptions of her departure, Mitchell reframed the narrative, characterizing her decision not as resignation but as a conscious response to an internal directive. She described it as heeding a ‘quiet inner nudge’ signaling the existence of uncharted territories and new professional dimensions awaiting exploration. This move follows her initial recruitment to the program alongside other notable personalities, including Miss Kitty, as part of a strategic refresh of the morning show’s lineup.

    The departure raises questions about Mitchell’s forthcoming projects, potentially spanning her entrepreneurial interests or new media ventures, though specific details remain undisclosed. Her exit represents a notable shift for Sunrise, which now faces the task of filling a void left by a host recognized for her articulate presence and connection with viewers.

  • Cops kill 2, injure 1 in Facebook sting

    Cops kill 2, injure 1 in Facebook sting

    In a dramatic confrontation highlighting the dangers of online marketplace transactions, Trinidad and Tobago police eliminated two suspected bandits and apprehended two others during an intelligence-driven sting operation in St. Joseph on January 16.

    The operation, conducted by the North Central Division with support from a specialist unit, targeted criminals exploiting Facebook Marketplace to lure victims through fraudulent vehicle sales. Undercover officers arranged a meeting along Mt Hope Road posing as potential buyers, responding to advertisements investigators believed were designed to orchestrate robberies.

    According to official TT Police Service (TTPS) statements, four men approached the officers at the designated location and declared a robbery. The situation escalated when suspects opened fire on plainclothes officers, triggering an immediate armed response. Police returned fire, striking three suspects while the fourth accomplice fled the scene.

    Two wounded suspects succumbed to their injuries after being transported to Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. The third injured suspect remains hospitalized under police surveillance, while one suspect was apprehended at the scene without injuries. Law enforcement recovered two firearms as evidence from the confrontation.

    Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro issued stern warnings to criminals exploiting digital platforms, stating: ‘Expect to meet officers who are trained, prepared and ready to act decisively and within the law. We will continue to confront criminality with lawful, measured and decisive action.’

    The TTPS has intensified public advisories regarding online transaction safety, urging citizens to verify identities, insist on secure meeting locations, avoid attending transactions alone, and report suspicious activity immediately. Commissioner Guevarro added that anyone harboring the escaped suspect would ‘feel the full brunt of the law.’

    Investigations continue as authorities work to dismantle criminal networks operating through digital marketplaces.

  • Jamaicans encouraged to report building code breaches

    Jamaicans encouraged to report building code breaches

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Municipal authorities in Kingston and St. Andrew have intensified efforts to enhance construction safety through expanded public engagement. The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is actively encouraging citizens to utilize its formal complaint mechanism to report potential violations of national building standards.

    Duane Allison, Senior Building Officer at KSAMC, elaborated on the dual approach during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank session. While confirming that dedicated officers conduct regular zone patrols to identify unauthorized construction activities, Allison emphasized the critical role of community involvement through the corporation’s complementary complaint platform.

    “Our surveillance system operates through specialized officers monitoring construction zones to detect regulatory breaches,” Allison stated. “Simultaneously, we’ve established a responsive public reporting channel where residents can alert us to violations, particularly after-hours construction or development in environmentally sensitive areas.”

    The reporting process offers multiple access points: citizens can visit ksamc.gov.jm and navigate to the ‘report breaches’ section for digital submissions, or contact hotlines at (876) 967-0585/4195. Effective reports should include specific details such as property location and violation characteristics. Allison noted that complainants frequently report construction on gully reservations – protected natural drainage areas – prompting official investigations into project authorization status.

    To facilitate evidence-based investigations, the system accepts photographic documentation and supplementary materials from reporters. Notably, KSAMC guarantees anonymity for individuals submitting concerns, though those seeking follow-up communication may provide contact information.

    This initiative coincides with Jamaica’s Earthquake Awareness Week (January 11-17), organized under the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). With the thematic focus ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’, the campaign highlights the importance of code-compliant construction in mitigating seismic risks and ensuring structural integrity during natural disasters.

  • JPS hosts pop-up energy hubs to support residents of Westmoreland , St Elizabeth

    JPS hosts pop-up energy hubs to support residents of Westmoreland , St Elizabeth

    In a significant relief initiative, Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has successfully operated mobile energy hubs across eight communities in Westmoreland and St Elizabeth parishes over the past fortnight. These temporary facilities provide critical support to residents still awaiting full electricity restoration after Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic Category 5 impact.

    The strategic deployment targeted severely affected areas including Bethel Town, Ashton, Grange Hill, and Petersfield in Westmoreland, alongside Braes River, Southampton, Brighton, and Springfield in St Elizabeth. These locations represent what utility officials term the ‘last mile’ of restoration efforts—communities where extensive infrastructure damage and difficult terrain have considerably delayed power recovery.

    JPS’s innovative hubs offer multifaceted assistance: residents can charge mobile devices, access high-speed internet through SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service, obtain personalized customer support, and enjoy recreational activities including music and games. This comprehensive approach addresses both practical needs and psychological wellbeing during the prolonged recovery period.

    Company representatives confirm these pop-up hubs will rotate through additional affected parishes in coming weeks. Current restoration statistics indicate JPS has successfully reconnected approximately 93% of its total customer base, with ongoing work across all hurricane-impacted regions.

    The initiative reflects JPS’s dual strategy of simultaneously rebuilding physical infrastructure while maintaining community engagement during extended recovery operations. The unprecedented hurricane severity necessitated this innovative approach to customer support beyond traditional utility services.

  • US air authority warns of ‘military activities’ over Mexico, Central America

    US air authority warns of ‘military activities’ over Mexico, Central America

    NEW YORK, United States — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a significant advisory urging airlines to exercise heightened caution when traversing airspace over Mexico, Central America, and specific oceanic regions. The notices, published on Friday, cite ongoing ‘military activities’ as the primary cause for concern, highlighting a ‘potentially hazardous situation’ that could lead to disruptions in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, which are critical for modern flight navigation.

    The advisory encompasses vast areas, including the airspace over Mexico, Central American nations, Panama, and the Bogota and Guayaquil flight information regions, as well as the Mazatlan Oceanic Flight Region and parts of the eastern Pacific Ocean. An FAA spokesperson confirmed that these notices to airmen (NOTAMs) are set to remain active for a period of 60 days, indicating a sustained period of potential risk.

    This development occurs against a backdrop of escalating regional military tensions. The context includes the recent January 3rd operation by U.S. special forces, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They are now facing trial on serious charges, including drug trafficking. Furthermore, statements from President Donald Trump have intensified concerns. In a recent Fox News interview, President Trump explicitly suggested plans to initiate ‘land strikes’ against powerful drug cartels operating within Mexico, a move that would constitute an unprecedented military intervention on the territory of a neighboring nation and a key U.S. trading partner. These factors collectively contribute to a volatile security environment, prompting the FAA’s precautionary measures to ensure aviation safety.

  • Market Bag: Mixed basket for food prices in Linstead

    Market Bag: Mixed basket for food prices in Linstead

    The Linstead Market in St. Catherine, Jamaica, presented consumers with contrasting price movements this weekend, creating a complex shopping landscape for household staples. A detailed market analysis reveals significant price reductions for several key vegetables, while other produce items experienced notable increases.

    Tomatoes emerged as the most dramatically reduced item, selling at approximately $400 per pound—a substantial decrease from the $600 per pound recorded at Kingston’s Coronation Market just one week prior. Carrots also saw a favorable dip in price, available for as low as $100 per pound, marking a $50 reduction from the previous week. Cabbage completed the trio of declining prices, now fetching $150 per pound, which represents a $100 savings for consumers compared to last weekend’s rates in Kingston.

    Conversely, the market witnessed upward price pressure on other essential ingredients. Escallion prices rose to $300 per pound, while lettuce reached $1,000 per pound. Scotch bonnet peppers, a staple in Jamaican cuisine, climbed to $800 per pound, presenting budgetary challenges for consumers seeking these particular items.

    The latest episode of ‘Market Bag,’ hosted by Carlysia Ramdeen, featured special guest Cleo Jones, a young poultry farmer, potentially offering insights into broader agricultural trends affecting market prices across the region. The program promises to deliver valuable perspectives on Jamaica’s food distribution networks and pricing mechanisms.

  • Westmoreland man charged with arson

    Westmoreland man charged with arson

    A 39-year-old Westmoreland resident is confronting serious legal consequences following an alleged arson incident that occurred in the Smithfield district of Savanna-la-Mar on Tuesday, January 13. Jason Hinds has been formally charged with arson after authorities investigated a disturbing neighborhood altercation that escalated into property damage.

    According to official reports from the Savanna-la-Mar Police Department, the incident unfolded at approximately 10:00 AM when Hinds allegedly entered a neighbor’s property while carrying a container filled with what investigators believe was gasoline. Law enforcement authorities report that the suspect proceeded to pour the flammable liquid beneath a window of the residential dwelling before intentionally igniting it.

    The resulting fire caused significant damage to the window structure, surrounding wooden boards, and interior curtains before being extinguished by responders. Quick intervention prevented the blaze from spreading further through the property, potentially averting a more severe tragedy.

    Following a comprehensive investigation and crime scene processing by forensic specialists, Hinds was apprehended during a targeted police operation conducted along Barracks Road in Westmoreland later that same day. The efficient police response led to his arrest within hours of the reported incident.

    The case highlights ongoing concerns about community disputes escalating into dangerous criminal behavior in residential areas. Legal proceedings are expected to move forward as the judicial system evaluates the evidence against the accused individual.

  • different secures realtor license, aims to unlock investment properties across Caribbean

    different secures realtor license, aims to unlock investment properties across Caribbean

    KINGSTON, JAMAICA – different Capital, an innovative real estate brokerage firm headquartered in Kingston, has achieved a significant regulatory milestone by obtaining its official realtor license. This authorization enables the company to advance its pioneering business model designed to democratize access to premium commercial real estate investments across the Caribbean region.

    The announcement was formally made through a video statement by Gary Matalon, Deputy CEO of different Capital, who declared, “We’ve got it, it’s different, it’s official. Our mission is to curate and present the most compelling real estate investment opportunities throughout the Caribbean to our investors.”

    Co-established by Matalon and seasoned financier Christopher Williams, different Capital operates on a fractional ownership principle. This model permits retail investors to acquire shares in individual commercial properties rather than requiring full asset purchases. The recently secured brokerage license was a crucial prerequisite for the company’s planned US$6 million capital raise. These funds are earmarked for the acquisition of a commercial plaza, which the firm intends to transform into a standalone public entity. This structure will enable fractionalization of the property into affordable shares for small-scale investors.

    A central component of different Capital’s strategy involves targeting the Caribbean diaspora, with ambitions to allocate up to 50% of its investment inventory to this demographic. Matalon outlined expansion plans, stating, “We are strategically building our realtor network in key international hubs including Broward County, Dade County, Atlanta, New York, London, Birmingham, and Canadian cities like Toronto. Investors should prepare for exceptional opportunities.”

    Christopher Williams recently addressed investment prospects at a Miami conference, advocating for real estate as a superior inflation hedge with attractive returns. He emphasized that real estate exhibits the lowest price volatility among asset classes when measured by standard deviation. “Our comprehensive analysis across asset categories consistently identifies real estate as the most compelling sector for serious investment consideration,” Williams asserted.

    He further elaborated that contemporary real estate participation extends beyond traditional property ownership, noting that consortium-based investments enable portfolio diversification without leveraging personal capital. This approach provides exposure to multiple properties while mitigating individual risk, making institutional-grade investments accessible to retail participants.