Carib Scope

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  • United States withdrawal from WHO makes US, world ‘unsafe’—WHO chief

    United States withdrawal from WHO makes US, world ‘unsafe’—WHO chief

    GENEVA—The Director-General of the World Health Organization issued a grave warning on Tuesday regarding the imminent U.S. departure from the UN health agency, characterizing the move as detrimental to both American and global health security. The caution came as the one-year withdrawal process, initiated by former President Donald Trump’s executive order on January 20, 2025, approaches its finalization.

    WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed profound regret during a press briefing from the agency’s Geneva headquarters, stating that the withdrawal represents a significant loss for international public health cooperation. ‘This decision compromises safety not only within the United States but across the globe,’ Tedros emphasized. ‘It ultimately represents an ill-advised course of action.’

    The WHO leader highlighted the critical benefits that the United States derives from its participation in the organization, particularly regarding health security initiatives. ‘There are numerous WHO-coordinated activities that substantially benefit the U.S., especially in the realm of health security preparedness,’ Tedros noted. ‘This is precisely why I maintain that American safety cannot be guaranteed without collaborative engagement with WHO.’

    Legal complexities surrounding the withdrawal process emerged during the briefing. WHO Chief Legal Officer Steve Solomon clarified that while the organization’s constitution lacks explicit withdrawal provisions, the United States had established specific conditions for departure in 1948. These conditions include providing one year’s advance notice and fulfilling all financial obligations for the current fiscal year.

    Solomon revealed that the United States currently maintains outstanding payments for both 2024 and 2025, though specific figures were not disclosed. This financial delinquency raises questions about whether the technical conditions for withdrawal have been satisfactorily met, a determination that ultimately rests with WHO member states.

    The timing of the American exit proves particularly challenging as international health aid budgets face substantial reductions worldwide. Tedros acknowledged that ‘adequate funding remains crucial for our organization’s operational capacity,’ but stressed that the appeal for U.S. reconsideration ‘transcends financial considerations.’

    The Director-General concluded with a powerful message about global health solidarity: ‘What truly matters is our collective cooperation and worldwide preparedness against common threats such as viral pathogens. In facing adversaries like COVID-19, our strongest defense remains unity. The most effective immunity is indeed solidarity.’

  • Families of murdered taxi driver and mechanic believe both men were lured to their deaths

    Families of murdered taxi driver and mechanic believe both men were lured to their deaths

    The Bahamas has been shaken by its first two homicides of the new year, resulting in the tragic deaths of two fathers during the holiday weekend. The victims, identified as 51-year-old taxi driver Rockling Boodle and 35-year-old mechanic Ricardo Jean, were killed in separate incidents that their grieving families believe were deliberate ambushes.

    Mr. Boodle, originally from Abaco, was discovered fatally stabbed at a motel off East Street South on Friday. His family had reported him missing after he failed to return home Thursday evening, contrary to his usual patterns. Meanwhile, Mr. Jean was shot and killed outside his Adelaide residence on Sunday under circumstances suggesting a planned attack. Preliminary investigations indicate both victims may have known their assailants.

    The personal tragedies extend beyond the immediate violence, as both men were anticipating significant life milestones. Jean had been planning a spring wedding following the recent birth of his son, while Boodle was preparing to celebrate his 30th wedding anniversary and an upcoming trip to Cuba with his son.

    Tashana Jean, the sister of Ricardo Jean, provided disturbing details suggesting premeditation. Security footage reportedly shows three individuals outside the family home, with one allegedly luring Jean outside while another lay concealed in nearby vegetation. The family suspects jealousy as a potential motive, noting that one of the alleged perpetrators had previous acquaintance with the victim.

    The emotional impact has been devastating for both families. Jean’s family, still recovering from multiple previous losses to violence, described him as a reformed individual who had overcome past challenges. Boodle’s family, who relocated to New Providence after Hurricane Dorian, expressed frustration with initial police response and are demanding justice for their father, remembered as a peaceful man who brought joy to others.

    Local authorities have not disclosed any arrests or suspects in custody regarding either investigation, leaving families awaiting answers while confronting unimaginable loss.

  • VAT to be axed on all groceries

    VAT to be axed on all groceries

    In a significant policy shift aimed at alleviating economic pressures on citizens, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis declared the complete removal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on all food products sold in grocery stores during a national address on Monday evening. The sweeping tax exemption, effective April 1, will apply to fresh produce, infant nutrition products, frozen goods, and packaged food items, though prepared hot meals remain subject to taxation.

    This landmark decision represents the culmination of a series of VAT reductions implemented by the Davis administration since assuming power in 2021. The government initially reversed a 2018 tax hike by lowering the standard VAT rate from 12% to 10%, followed by a reduction of food-specific VAT from 10% to 5% last year before this complete elimination.

    Prime Davis framed the tax relief within broader affordability initiatives, citing persistently high costs of living including food prices, electricity expenses, and housing burdens. The VAT elimination forms part of a comprehensive strategy that includes energy sector reforms, expansion of domestic agricultural production, and revised trade agreements designed to lower import expenses.

    Concurrently, the government announced expanded property tax concessions, extending residential exemptions to owner-occupied duplex and triplex properties. Additional measures include enhanced concessions for first-time homebuyers, representing the administration’s concerted effort to reduce housing costs and promote asset ownership among citizens.

    Reflecting on economic challenges, Davis criticized the 2018 VAT increase as ill-timed ahead of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, which collectively constrained consumer spending. His administration’s approach has emphasized targeted fiscal relief while maintaining financial stability, evidenced by improved credit ratings, removal from international financial blacklists, and over $10 billion in private sector investments since 2021.

    The address also highlighted previous cost-of-living measures including reduced customs duties on select food imports and the School Breakfast Programme, which has provided more than 1.4 million meals to students.

  • JPS rebuilding 10 miles of power lines to restore water to 50,000 Westmoreland residents

    JPS rebuilding 10 miles of power lines to restore water to 50,000 Westmoreland residents

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has initiated a comprehensive reconstruction project to reactivate electricity transmission to the National Water Commission’s (NWC) Roaring River Pump, a critical facility providing water to approximately 50,000 residents in Westmoreland. The initiative, described as part of the ‘last mile’ restoration phase, also aims to reinstate power to over 1,700 local customers.

    JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant emphasized the project’s prioritization of essential services despite the disproportionate effort required. ‘We recognize the significant inconvenience and health implications caused by water shortages. Although this extensive work will restore power to a relatively small number of JPS customers, the primary benefit is restoring water supply to tens of thousands. This aligns with our strategy to prioritize critical infrastructure including water systems, hospitals, and telecommunications,’ Grant stated in a Tuesday media release.

    The reconstruction effort involves rebuilding over 10 miles of electrical infrastructure from the JPS Paradise Substation to the Roaring River pump. Hurricane Melissa’s Category 5 impact caused catastrophic damage, washing away roadways and flooding entire areas. The utility company has had to redesign routes, relocate infrastructure, and reconstruct entire line sections to establish a more resilient network.

    Canadian contracting firm Holland Power Services, assisted by digger derricks and specialized equipment, is replanting more than 300 uprooted electricity poles along the corridor. Over 100 line workers comprising international contractors and local JPS teams have been deployed to complete the challenging terrain work.

    JPS Operations Area Manager Kenyatta Campbell detailed the extraordinary challenges: ‘This represents some of the most difficult work our teams have faced during restoration. We’re relocating poles from swamp-created areas to stable ground, encountering rocky soil conditions that require specialized rock-digging equipment in newly identified locations.’

    Upon completion, the project will restore electricity to Petersfield, Shrewsbury, Carawina, Waterworks, Dean’s Valley, Petersfield High School, and surrounding communities while reactivating the crucial water pump. Similar ‘last mile’ restoration efforts continue in St. Elizabeth, Hanover, St. James, and Trelawny.

    JPS advises affected customers to employ licensed electricians for premises inspection to ensure internal wiring systems are safe before power restoration.

  • At least 100 children killed in Gaza since ceasefire—UN

    At least 100 children killed in Gaza since ceasefire—UN

    GENEVA—United Nations officials revealed on Tuesday that a minimum of 100 children have perished in Gaza during what has been described as a tenuous ceasefire period over the past three months. According to UNICEF spokesperson James Elder, who addressed reporters from Gaza City, the casualties include approximately 60 boys and 40 girls killed by various military actions including airstrikes, drone attacks, tank shelling, and live ammunition.

    The figures, while alarming, are believed to be conservative estimates. Gaza’s health ministry officials have reported an even higher toll of 165 children among 442 total fatalities during the same period. Additionally, seven children have died from exposure to cold weather conditions since the beginning of the year, according to Zaher Al-Wahidi, Director of the Computer Department at the Ministry of Health.

    Elder emphasized that these deaths occurred against a backdrop of more than two years of conflict that has created unimaginable hardships for Gaza’s youth. ‘They still live in fear,’ he stated. ‘The psychological damage remains untreated, and it’s becoming deeper and harder to heal the longer this goes on.’

    The situation has been further exacerbated by Israel’s recent suspension of 37 international aid agencies from accessing Gaza—a move previously described by the UN as ‘outrageous.’ Elder stressed that blocking humanitarian organizations effectively means blocking life-saving assistance for vulnerable populations.

    Despite UNICEF’s efforts to increase aid delivery to the densely populated territory since October, the spokesperson noted that current levels remain insufficient to meet overwhelming needs. The destruction of nearly 80 percent of Gaza’s buildings, as recorded by UN data, has created a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions.

    Elder raised concerns about the restrictions on international NGOs and foreign journalists, questioning whether these measures aim to limit scrutiny of the suffering endured by Gaza’s children.

  • Reputed gang leader ‘Bloodstain’ nabbed by St Catherine police

    Reputed gang leader ‘Bloodstain’ nabbed by St Catherine police

    Jamaican law enforcement authorities have apprehended a high-profile criminal suspect during a targeted operation in St. Catherine on Monday. Courtney Ashley, widely known by his alias “Bloodstain,” was taken into custody by the St. Catherine South police division in the gated community of Phoenix Park, Portmore.

    Ashley, identified as the alleged leader of the Bottom Marverly Gang, had been the subject of an extensive manhunt for multiple violent crimes. The suspect also maintains reported affiliations with the Yacca Avenue and 440 Drive criminal networks, according to police intelligence.

    The capture concludes a prolonged search for Ashley, who had been prominently featured in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s “Wanted Wednesdays” public awareness campaign. Law enforcement officials had sought Ashley in connection with the 2017 homicide of Andrew Foster and the non-fatal shooting of another individual on Fenbrook Avenue in St. Andrew.

    Police authorities have additionally named Ashley as a person of interest in several ongoing investigations, including a recent double homicide case within the St. Andrew South Division. The operation represents a significant achievement for Jamaican law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and gang-related violence in the region.

  • UN demands independent probe into woman’s killing by US immigration officer

    UN demands independent probe into woman’s killing by US immigration officer

    GENEVA—The United Nations human rights office has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the fatal shooting of a protester by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis, expressing profound concern over the incident that occurred last Wednesday. UN spokesperson Jeremy Laurence emphasized during a Geneva briefing that international human rights standards permit the intentional use of lethal force solely as a last resort when an individual poses an imminent threat to life. The remarks followed the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent while in her vehicle. While acknowledging the ongoing FBI-led investigation, Laurence stressed the necessity for independence and promptness in the procedural review. He further urged authorities to implement measures aimed at deescalating rising tensions and avoiding rhetoric that could incite violence. The shooting has ignited national outrage and protests, with critics condemning the Trump administration’s characterization of Good as a ‘domestic terrorist’ and challenging the official narrative of self-defense. Local officials contend that video evidence contradicts claims that Good posed a threat, showing her vehicle turning away from the agent. The case has also drawn political criticism, particularly from Democratic officials, over the exclusion of local authorities from the investigation process.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Tuesday January 13th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Tuesday January 13th 2026

    The global dietary supplement industry, valued at over $150 billion, presents consumers with a complex landscape of health promises and scientific uncertainty. A recent surge in public scrutiny is challenging long-held beliefs about the efficacy of these widely available products, prompting a critical examination of their role in modern wellness practices.

    Healthcare professionals are increasingly voicing concerns about the regulatory gap that allows supplements to reach the market without undergoing the rigorous clinical testing required for pharmaceutical drugs. This regulatory environment, primarily governed by the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in the United States, places the burden of safety proof on the Food and Drug Administration after products are already available to consumers.

    Scientific research continues to reveal contradictory evidence regarding supplement benefits. While certain supplements like folic acid for pregnant women and vitamin D for deficient populations show clear benefits, many popular products lack conclusive evidence supporting their advertised health claims. Emerging studies suggest that some supplements may even pose health risks when taken in excessive quantities or in combination with prescription medications.

    Consumer advocacy groups are calling for enhanced transparency in labeling requirements and manufacturing standards. The current patchwork of international regulations creates significant variations in quality control, with some independent studies finding discrepancies between labeled ingredients and actual supplement contents.

    Medical experts emphasize that supplements should complement, not replace, a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. They recommend consulting healthcare providers before beginning any supplement regimen, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking prescription medications. The scientific community continues to advocate for more comprehensive long-term studies to better understand the true benefits and risks associated with dietary supplementation.

  • Trapped remake

    Trapped remake

    Reggae artist Richie Stephens has transformed his poignant live tribute into a permanent studio recording, releasing an official cover of Jimmy Cliff’s iconic anthem “Trapped.” The recording, which dropped January 9, 2026, through Stephens’ independent label Pot Of Gold Production, serves as both a personal homage and a professional milestone for the vocalist.

    Stephens revealed that the song held profound personal significance throughout his career, frequently serving as a cornerstone of his early performances and a continuous source of creative motivation. His decision to produce a studio version was a natural progression following his widely praised live rendition at the official state funeral for the late reggae legend.

    The new recording showcases Stephens’ powerful vocal delivery, masterfully encapsulating the song’s core themes of resilience and entrapment while faithfully honoring the emotional depth of Cliff’s original composition. Critics note the studio version retains the raw intensity that made his funeral performance at the National Indoor Sport Centre a memorable event, while achieving a new level of polished artistry.

    The release also recontextualizes the track’s storied history. Originally penned and recorded by Jimmy Cliff, “Trapped” achieved global recognition through Bruce Springsteen’s renowned 1985 cover, which introduced the song to international rock audiences. Stephens’ interpretation now adds a new chapter to this legacy, bridging reggae’s roots with contemporary execution.

    The tribute single is now available for streaming and purchase across all major digital platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Tidal.

  • Jolyan Silvera murder trial remains private

    Jolyan Silvera murder trial remains private

    The high-profile murder trial of former Jamaican opposition party parliamentarian Jolyan Silvera will commence on February 2nd under strict privacy provisions that will exclude both media and public from proceedings. Silvera faces charges for the 2023 firearm-related murder of his wife, Melissa Silvera, with the case falling under specialized Gun Court jurisdiction that mandates in-camera hearings.

    Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, presiding over the case, clarified that while he personally doesn’t object to journalistic presence, the final decision rests with legal representatives from both sides. “If the lawyers agree, then we can come to some accommodation,” Justice Sykes stated during Monday’s proceedings, “but for the time being it is what it is.”

    The privacy measures derive from Sections 13(1) and 13(2) of Jamaica’s Gun Court Act of 1974, which permits exclusion of the public and restricts trial reporting in interests of public safety and order. These provisions have governed firearm-related cases for five decades, allowing only court personnel, legal representatives, and specifically authorized individuals to attend proceedings.

    The case involves grim details surrounding the November 2023 death of Melissa Silvera, initially reported as natural causes until autopsy revealed three bullet fragments inside the body of the 42-year-old chemical engineering graduate and petroleum company CEO. The mother of four boys—one deceased before her—was found dead in the couple’s Stony Hill residence.

    Silvera, appearing noticeably slimmer and well-groomed in tailored clothing during Monday’s hearing, has been in custody since his January 2024 arrest. The former People’s National Party representative is defended by attorneys Peter Champagnie King’s Counsel and Patrice Riley, while prosecutors Dwayne Green and Latoya Bernard represent the state.

    Jamaica’s Gun Court operates through three specialized divisions: the High Court Division for most firearm offenses (judge-only trials), Circuit Court Division for serious crimes like murder with firearms (jury trials), and Resident Magistrate’s Division for preliminary inquiries—all typically conducted privately.