Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Lessons from Dad

    Lessons from Dad

    The music world mourns the passing of Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, the legendary Jamaican musician who reshaped reggae history through his unwavering dedication to cultural authenticity. His daughter Kanna Coore recently shared intimate reflections with the Sunday Observer about her father’s extraordinary journey from classical prodigy to reggae ambassador.

    In a defining moment that would chart his destiny, Coore made the radical choice to decline a prestigious scholarship to New York’s Juilliard School—the pinnacle of classical music education—to pursue his passion for Jamaican rhythms. This decision, made against conventional wisdom, ultimately positioned him as a foundational member of the iconic band Third World and earned him the revered title of ‘Reggae Ambassador’.

    Kanna describes her father as someone who ‘ate, drank, slept, and breathed music,’ with Jamaica representing more than just homeland—it was a spiritual commitment. ‘He believed in Jamaica as if it were a religion,’ she noted, emphasizing how her father’s off-stage persona mirrored his artistic integrity. His performances carried the same technical precision and emotional depth that would have graced the world’s most prestigious concert halls, yet he remained devoted to sharing Jamaica’s musical heritage globally.

    Beyond his musical achievements, Coore’s parenting philosophy reflected his artistic principles. He cultivated an environment of trust and freedom, never pressuring his children to follow specific paths despite their grandfather’s legal career. Two of his sons naturally gravitated toward music—Stephen Jr. on guitar and Shiah on bass—discovering their passions independently. ‘He trusted our decisions and our choices. He trusted us as humans,’ Kanna recounted.

    The most enduring lesson Coore imparted was the courage to pursue one’s authentic path. By witnessing her father fearlessly follow his reggae dream despite societal expectations, Kanna learned that true success emerges from forging uniquely personal journeys. ‘We knew we could take risks because his life showed us that there is always the possibility of things working out,’ she explained.

    Coore’s legacy extends beyond musical innovation to encompass his roles as devoted father, philanthropist, and humanitarian. His sudden passing on January 18 has created a profound void in both Jamaican and international music communities, though his influence continues to resonate through the countless lives he touched and the cultural barriers he broke.

  • Hustlers’ haven

    Hustlers’ haven

    The renowned Bath Fountain mineral spring in St Thomas, Jamaica, faces a growing crisis as aggressive informal tour operators systematically target visitors with pressurized services and questionable pricing practices. An investigative team from the Jamaica Observer documented firsthand how these touts operate kilometers from the attraction, pursuing tourists in vehicles and on motorcycles to offer guiding services, massages, and mineral treatments.

    Multiple unregistered operators congregate at the spring entrance, aggressively marketing services including sulphur clay applications priced at J$1,000, with massage rates varying dramatically between J$3,500-7,000 for locals and US$70-100 for international visitors. The situation has escalated to concerning levels, with one reported incident involving a tourist being charged J$72,000 for services rendered to four individuals.

    Bath Fountain Hotel management confirmed awareness of these practices, noting operators frequently block hotel gates, misinform patrons about facility closures, and provide inaccurate pricing information. The hotel administration revealed ongoing consultations with the Ministry of Tourism regarding the economic impact on legitimate operations and potential reputational damage to Jamaica’s tourism sector.

    The informal guides defend their practices as traditional family heritage operations, claiming proper training through community programs. However, the unregulated nature of these services creates significant consumer protection issues, with reported incidents including confrontations that nearly turned violent when frustrated visitors felt exploited.

    Despite repeated appeals to government authorities, police, and parish councils over several years, the problem persists with fluctuating operator numbers that peak during weekends and holiday periods. The hotel management acknowledges the economic importance of the spring to local communities but emphasizes its inability to absorb unregulated operators while awaiting official policy recommendations from ongoing governmental studies.

  • ‘NOT YOUR ENEMY’

    ‘NOT YOUR ENEMY’

    The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) has undergone a profound institutional metamorphosis, shedding its previous reputation as a controversial enforcement body to emerge as a caring partner in athletic integrity. This remarkable turnaround follows years of public distrust stemming from high-profile operational failures, including testing irregularities in cases involving cricketer Andre Russell and quarter-miler Riker Hylton, plus the 2022 Carifta Games incident where Jamaica’s Under-20 women’s 4x100m relay team was denied a world record due to JADCO’s testing negligence.

    The transformation began with leadership changes starting in March 2018 when June Spence Jarrett assumed the executive director role following an internal review. The evolution continued with attorney Debby-Ann Brown Salmon becoming chairperson in March 2024. Together, they implemented a dual strategy addressing both procedural deficiencies and perceptual problems.

    Under the new philosophy, JADCO has expanded its mission beyond mere regulatory compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code. Executive Director Spence Jarrett emphasizes a human-centered approach: “We must care for the people we have under our supervision. Yes, we must test them, but how we do it is important. We must have a human and personal approach to the athletes.”

    Central to this new identity is the concept of “protecting Brand Jamaica” through shared responsibility and national pride. The organization now operates an open-door policy that encourages proactive athlete engagement rather than fear-based compliance. This shift is evidenced by athletes voluntarily emailing JADCO for supplement guidance and increased cooperation with early morning testing protocols.

    Beyond competitive arenas, JADCO has launched extensive community outreach initiatives including health fairs, free dental check-ups for junior athletes, annual road shows distributing school supplies, and disaster relief efforts like their adoption of Siloah New Testament Church after Hurricane Melissa. These efforts demonstrate a nurturing dimension rarely associated with anti-doping agencies.

    Ian Forbes, First Vice-President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, confirms the dramatic perceptual shift: “Back then, JADCO was perceived as the police—a nuisance harassing athletes. That perception has totally changed.” He notes the organization now embodies a broader vision of sporting integrity encompassing education, culture, and leadership.

    The commission’s challenge remains maintaining consistency in its reformed approach, but through persistent relationship-building, communicative transparency, and balancing regulation with humanity, JADCO continues reshaping its identity one interaction at a time.

  • Few make the cut

    Few make the cut

    Jamaica’s premier law enforcement agencies are confronting a significant recruitment challenge as their exhaustive vetting procedures eliminate the vast majority of applicants seeking to join their ranks. The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and Financial Investigations Division (FID) have disclosed that their stringent integrity assessments, including polygraph examinations and comprehensive background checks, result in exceptionally high rejection rates.

    Colonel Desmond Edwards, Director General of MOCA, elaborated during a recent Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange that approximately 20% of candidates immediately fail polygraph testing. Among those who initially pass, many are subsequently disqualified during meticulous background investigations and additional screening phases, despite possessing adequate academic credentials.

    The screening protocol represents one of the most rigorous in Jamaican law enforcement. All MOCA personnel undergo ‘positive vetting’—a multilayered process involving initial polygraph tests, thorough background assessments, and annual polygraph re-evaluations for every agency member. The organization maintains a specialized polygraph unit with 16 certified examiners who provide integrity assurance services for MOCA personnel and other government entities including the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

    Edwards emphasized the necessity of these measures given MOCA’s sensitive mandate investigating organized crime, financial offenses, and corruption. “We suffer significantly with our capacity to onboard people quickly because sometimes they don’t make it through the process,” he acknowledged, noting that the agency typically must evaluate six to seven applicants before identifying one suitable candidate who meets both academic and integrity standards.

    The FID reports parallel challenges. Chief Technical Director Dennis Chung revealed that background investigations frequently uncover disqualifying factors such as previous involvement in financial irregularities or scam-related activities. Chung indicated that despite strong applicant interest, only approximately 20% ultimately satisfy the comprehensive requirements for financial investigation roles.

    Garth Williams, FID Brand Communications Specialist, clarified that the high attrition rate reflects the specialized nature of financial crime investigation rather than applicant quality or motivation. The agencies maintain that their exacting standards, while slowing recruitment, are indispensable for maintaining investigative credibility and public trust as financial crimes grow increasingly sophisticated and technology-dependent.

  • Cinderella according to The Beatles at Kolkata Film Festival

    Cinderella according to The Beatles at Kolkata Film Festival

    A vibrant Cuban theatrical production featuring musical adaptations of The Beatles’ greatest hits has made its international debut at the Kolkata International Children’s Film Festival. The performance, titled after the legendary band’s iconic anthology album ‘1,’ represents a unique cultural fusion that merges British musical heritage with distinct Cuban artistic expression.

    Directed by acclaimed Cuban theater director Carlos Alberto Cremata of La Colmenita company, the production creatively reimagines Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tales through the lens of The Beatles’ timeless music. Cremata explained to press members that the songs of the famous English group serve as ‘a key element of the entertaining plot,’ providing both narrative structure and emotional depth to the performance.

    The production distinguishes itself through its incorporation of authentically Cuban linguistic elements and traditional rhythms, creating a distinctive cultural hybrid that celebrates both British and Cuban artistic traditions. This innovative approach to children’s theater demonstrates how cross-cultural artistic collaborations can create fresh theatrical experiences that resonate with international audiences.

    The festival, which will continue through January 29, 2026, features an impressive lineup of 180 films from 32 countries, providing a global platform for children’s entertainment and educational content. The event was attended by diplomatic representatives including Cuban Ambassador Juan Marsan and First Secretary Maiky Diaz, who participated in the inauguration of a thematic exhibition alongside Indranil Sen, Minister of State for Information and Culture of West Bengal.

  • Traffic accident in Belle Fille Castle Bruce

    Traffic accident in Belle Fille Castle Bruce

    Emergency services responded to a vehicular incident in the Belle Fille area of Castle Bruce on January 24, 2026, according to initial reports received by Dominica News Online. While specific details remain scarce, authorities have confirmed that at least one vehicle was involved in the accident.

    The driver of one vehicle was transported to the Castle Bruce Health Centre for medical treatment following the collision. The current condition of the driver and whether there were additional injuries or vehicles involved has not been officially disclosed by authorities at this time.

    Visual evidence from the scene, including photographs and video footage, indicates emergency personnel were actively managing the situation. The images show vehicle damage consistent with a traffic collision, though the precise cause and circumstances leading to the accident remain under investigation.

    Local authorities have not released further information regarding potential road closures, weather conditions at the time of the incident, or whether any citations have been issued. The investigation into the contributing factors of the accident is ongoing as officials work to determine the sequence of events.

    This developing story represents another incident on Dominica’s roadways, highlighting ongoing transportation safety concerns. The community awaits further updates from official sources regarding the severity of injuries and the complete findings of the investigation.

  • Former German Chancellor advocates for resuming ties with Russia

    Former German Chancellor advocates for resuming ties with Russia

    In a controversial stance that challenges current German policy, former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder has publicly endorsed the revival of energy cooperation with Russia. The ex-Social Democratic leader asserted that accessing affordable Russian energy supplies while implementing German extraction technologies would yield significant environmental benefits.

    Schroder characterized criticisms of such cooperation as fundamentally absurd, emphasizing instead the necessity of maintaining collaborative channels with Moscow. The former chancellor further challenged prevailing geopolitical narratives by rejecting the characterization of Russia as ‘an eternal enemy,’ instead highlighting the two nations’ deep historical connections and cultural ties.

    Energy geopolitics analysts within Germany note that despite the official government position distancing from Moscow, substantive debate continues regarding the future of German-Russian relations. This discourse reflects Germany’s historical energy dependence on Russian supplies and the complex economic calculations involved in severing these ties.

    Schroder’s intervention has reignited discussions concerning the substantial economic consequences of complete separation from Russian energy markets. Simultaneously, it has prompted renewed examination of potential pathways toward political normalization between European powers and Russia, suggesting that pragmatic economic considerations may eventually influence diplomatic re-engagement.

  • Turkiye follows talks on Ukrainian conflict in UAE

    Turkiye follows talks on Ukrainian conflict in UAE

    High-level diplomatic negotiations commenced in Abu Dhabi this Friday, marking a significant development in international efforts to address Black Sea security concerns. The talks feature a trilateral working group comprising representatives from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine.

    Turkish diplomatic sources, citing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s guiding principle, emphasized the nation’s commitment to a peace process where “there should be no losing side.” This philosophy underpins Turkey’s active mediation role and reflects its strategic interest in fostering negotiated stability throughout the Black Sea region, according to regional political experts.

    The Ukrainian delegation demonstrated substantial commitment to the proceedings, with day one participation from National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Presidential Administration chief Kyrylo Budanov, legislator David Arakhamia, and Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya. The delegation further strengthened on Saturday with the addition of Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov and Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate.

    Russia’s representation includes high-ranking officials from its Defense Ministry alongside Admiral Igor Kostiukov, head of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. The United States contingent features White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, accompanied by prominent entrepreneur and presidential advisor Jared Kushner, and Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum.

    The formation of this multilateral dialogue framework represents a critical diplomatic initiative aimed at de-escalating regional tensions through structured negotiation channels.

  • Xi Jinping congrats Ugandan president on his re-election

    Xi Jinping congrats Ugandan president on his re-election

    In a significant diplomatic communication, Chinese President Xi Jinping has reinforced the strategic partnership between China and Uganda through a personal letter to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The message highlights the deepening bilateral relationship that has evolved substantially since the two nations first established diplomatic relations in 1962.

    President Xi emphasized the historical foundation of Sino-Ugandan relations, noting that both countries have consistently demonstrated mutual support regarding matters of core national interests and critical concerns in recent years. This reciprocal backing has created a robust framework for cooperation that extends across multiple domains.

    The Chinese leader specifically acknowledged President Museveni’s longstanding commitment to strengthening ties between the nations, referring to him as an ‘old friend of the Chinese people’—a designation reflecting the Ugandan leader’s persistent efforts in fostering bilateral relations over many years.

    Practical cooperation between Beijing and Kampala has yielded substantial results across various sectors, including infrastructure development, trade, and investment. Additionally, the two countries have maintained effective coordination on international and regional matters, demonstrating aligned perspectives on global governance issues.

    President Xi expressed his commitment to working closely with President Museveni to further enhance political trust and perpetuate the historic friendship between their nations. This includes comprehensive implementation of agreements established during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which serves as a crucial framework for Sino-African relations.

    The relationship between China and Uganda was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024, marking a significant milestone in their diplomatic engagement. This development occurs within the broader context of expanding South-South cooperation, representing a model of collaborative partnership between developing nations.

  • OECS Commission Celebrates International Day of Education 2026: Empowering Youth as Co-Creators of the Future of Education

    OECS Commission Celebrates International Day of Education 2026: Empowering Youth as Co-Creators of the Future of Education

    The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has marked the 2026 International Day of Education by launching a comprehensive initiative to position youth as central architects of educational transformation. Under the theme ‘The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,’ the regional body is implementing groundbreaking strategies to institutionalize youth participation in shaping future learning ecosystems.

    The Commission’s Education Development Management Unit (EDMU) is spearheading multiple digital innovation projects designed to modernize education across member states. These include the development of the OECS Regional Education Sector Strategy (2027–2037) and the creation of a sophisticated Digital Learning Ecosystem featuring harmonized primary curricula. A particularly significant advancement is the upcoming Skills and Innovation Project (SKIP) platform, which will incorporate Knowledge Technology Information systems, a Virtual Campus, and advanced Education Management Information Systems aligned with international data standards.

    In a historic governance shift, the OECS Council of Ministers: Education and the Council of Youth and Sports have formally integrated youth representatives into high-level education policy meetings. This structural change is reinforced by the established Youth Advisory Network (YAN), which provides a permanent channel for young leaders to influence regional decision-making processes.

    The cornerstone of this youth engagement strategy is the ongoing OECS Student Census, which has already captured input from over 50,000 students across kindergarten to secondary levels. This anonymous survey gathers critical data on learning experiences, digital access, wellbeing, and educational challenges, directly informing policy development.

    Dr. Didacus Jules, OECS Director General, emphasized that ‘Young people are not only the future of the OECS, they are also the architects of that future.’ Mrs. Sisera Simon, Head of Human and Social Division, further reinforced this vision by calling for continued youth participation in shaping ‘inclusive, relevant, and future-ready education systems’ that address contemporary social, economic, and technological realities.

    The Commission concluded its International Day of Education observations by acknowledging the collaborative efforts of students, parents, educators, youth leaders, and Ministries of Education in advancing this transformative educational agenda.