Carib Scope

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  • Commerce ministry ramps up MSME recovery support

    Commerce ministry ramps up MSME recovery support

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant escalation of its post-hurricane economic rehabilitation strategy, Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) is implementing a multi-faceted support program for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This coordinated response addresses the persistent operational disruptions faced by businesses, particularly in the western regions of the island, despite progress in restoring essential utilities.

    Delano Seiveright, State Minister at the MIIC, emphasized that the recovery drive is being executed under the strategic direction of Minister Senator Aubyn Hill, prioritizing rapid, practical interventions. The core objectives are facilitating business reopenings, preserving employment, and stabilizing local economies. “Our approach is fundamentally centered on delivering tangible solutions with speed and precision,” Seiveright stated, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to removing obstacles for enterprise recovery.

    The ministry’s on-the-ground initiatives showcase a blend of immediate relief and long-term resilience building. Notable projects include the complete reconstruction of a cluster of 44 small shops in Border, St. Elizabeth, now engineered with enhanced hurricane and flood resistance. In Whitehouse, Westmoreland, commercial activity has been revived through the restoration of grocery operations and cold-storage capacity via targeted generator support.

    To date, direct assistance has reached over 600 MSMEs across the parishes of Trelawny, Hanover, St. Elizabeth, and St James. This support is being delivered through a combination of voucher systems and community-based measures designed to ensure the continued availability of essential goods.

    Spearheading the technical response, the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) has amplified its islandwide engagement. Its efforts encompass comprehensive damage assessments, client reconnection services, and an emergency helpdesk, all informed by a national MSME survey to precisely tailor interventions. For medium-term recovery, the JBDC’s “Build Back Stronger” programme offers business coaching, product development, digital transformation support, and resilience planning.

    Concurrently, the National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica (EXIM Bank) has activated a suite of financial relief measures. These include moratoria on existing loans, reductions in associated fees, and expanded credit access for businesses impacted by the hurricane. This financial lifeline is specifically aimed at aiding working capital needs, equipment repairs, and supply-chain rehabilitation.

    Further facilitation has been rolled out across the Ministry’s portfolio agencies. The Jamaica Trade Board Limited has eased specific import permit and certification requirements to assist business retooling, while the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority has offered compliance flexibility and relocation support to sustain operations in manufacturing, logistics, and business process outsourcing.

    The Ministry confirms it is also collaborating with institutional partners, including the Development Bank of Jamaica, to channel recovery financing through dedicated initiatives like the M5 Business Recovery Programme, ensuring a cohesive and robust support ecosystem for Jamaica’s vital MSME sector.

  • Radioactive Nuclear marks 30 years with soundclash reunion at Sound Forge

    Radioactive Nuclear marks 30 years with soundclash reunion at Sound Forge

    Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic Radioactive Nuclear soundsystem is poised to commemorate three decades of profound influence on regional music culture with a landmark anniversary event at Sound Forge, St James, on December 19. The celebration will unite multiple generations of Caribbean sound pioneers, including both local legends and Jamaican stalwarts, in a historic gathering that highlights the enduring legacy of soundsystem culture.

    Founded in December 1995 by lead selector Hypa Hoppa (Kwesi Hopkinson) alongside core members DJ Dane (now Lord Hype), TC (now Jaiga), and John Boy, Radioactive emerged during a transformative period when Caribbean soundsystem culture was establishing its distinct identity. The collective began as an offshoot of rap group Masters of Creativity before discovering inspiration through veteran Jamaican soundsystems Killamanjaro and Stonelove via cassette mixtapes.

    Throughout its thirty-year journey, Radioactive has played an instrumental role in developing Trinidad and Tobago’s soundsystem ecosystem through innovative platforms including Full Loaded, 45 Shop Lock, and 45 Shootout. These events provided crucial spaces for artistic growth and community building within the dubplate and soundclash culture that was then gaining international momentum.

    The anniversary event will feature an impressive lineup of soundsystem royalty, including local contemporaries Mighty Jugglers, Sel Construction, and Matsimela—all homegrown TT sounds that have both collaborated and competed with Radioactive over the decades. Adding international prestige to the celebration, Jamaican powerhouses Bass Odyssey and Renaissance will join the proceedings, bringing their globally respected expertise in soundclash culture and special dubplate productions dating back to the early 1980s.

    Hypa Hoppa describes the soundsystem phenomenon as a ‘professional hobby’ where artistic passion frequently surpasses financial considerations. ‘Dubplate business is like a professional hobby. You probably spend more than you make on it,’ he notes. ‘It’s a creative art-form using songs, arguments, lyrics, and styles of playing—it’s an art form of deejaying with rivalry.’

    The upcoming celebration represents more than mere nostalgia; it serves as a vital bridge connecting musical generations. Hoppy emphasizes the importance of educating younger audiences about the cultural foundations that shaped contemporary Caribbean music scenes. With multiple heavyweight selectors sharing one stage, the event promises both competitive energy and collaborative excellence, offering attendees a comprehensive journey through three decades of sonic innovation.

  • Probe into touchy teachers: TSC 2024 report reveals 16 sex abuse allegations

    Probe into touchy teachers: TSC 2024 report reveals 16 sex abuse allegations

    A disturbing pattern of educator misconduct has been exposed in the Trinidad and Tobago school system, with the Teaching Service Commission’s (TSC) 2024 Annual Report revealing 16 separate incidents of teachers sexually abusing female students. Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath presented these findings to the House of Representatives on November 21, highlighting systemic failures in addressing professional misconduct within educational institutions.

    The comprehensive document detailed 160 disciplinary matters referred to the TSC throughout the reporting period. Beyond the sexual abuse allegations, the commission investigated 16 cases of physical abuse, five instances of verbal abuse, and 15 matters concerning punctuality and attendance irregularities. The report further identified 42 cases of job abandonment, 36 disciplinary tribunal proceedings, and 14 court matters involving educators.

    Most alarmingly, thirteen sexual abuse allegations involving five teachers remained active before the TSC tribunal. The cases involved both primary and secondary school environments, with two teachers accused of misconduct with secondary school pupils and three primary school educators allegedly targeting young girls. One primary school Teacher I faced five separate allegations, though the report didn’t specify victim counts or potential repeat offenses. Another Teacher I at a different primary school confronted a single allegation, while a third faced two incidents. In secondary education, a Technical Vocational Teacher I and Temporary Teacher III faced one and four allegations respectively.

    The TSC acknowledged significant institutional challenges in promptly resolving disciplinary matters, citing excessive delays in court proceedings and tribunal hearings. Commission Chairman Elizabeth Crouch emphasized particular concern regarding child abuse cases, stating increased attention is being directed toward physical and sexual misconduct involving minors.

    In response to these systemic issues, the commission has proposed establishing a dedicated tribunal specifically for teaching matters, anticipated to become operational in 2025. This specialized judicial body would require additional funding but could potentially accelerate resolution of educator misconduct cases.

    The report also highlighted widespread punctuality problems, identifying 308 teachers with chronic lateness issues—277 in secondary schools and 31 in primary institutions. Secondary school teachers demonstrated significantly worse attendance records, with 10% accumulating between 1,000-3,999 minutes of tardiness. No primary school teachers reached the 4,000-minute threshold.

    Reactions to the findings have been cautious. TT Unified Teachers Association president Crystal Ashe reserved comment pending personal review of the report, while Education Minister Dowlath remained unavailable for immediate response. Chairman Crouch defended the commission’s procedures, emphasizing that all disciplinary matters follow established Public Service Regulations regardless of parallel criminal proceedings.

  • JN rallies volunteers to clean up hurricane-ravaged St James basic school

    JN rallies volunteers to clean up hurricane-ravaged St James basic school

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage, a coalition of civic organizations has mobilized to support the recovery of a vital early childhood education center in St. James, Jamaica. The DRB Grant Demonstration Basic School, a cornerstone institution established in 1988, sustained near-total destruction, losing approximately 95% of its infrastructure according to Principal Heather Wiggan.

    The hurricane’s impact rendered the physical plant inoperable, stripping roofs, submerging classrooms in mud and silt, and destroying all educational furniture and equipment. This forced an immediate transition to remote learning modalities—a strategy previously developed during COVID-19 disruptions—though connectivity challenges persist. Teachers now distribute digital activities and conduct limited in-person reviews weekly.

    Volunteers from the JN Foundation and the National Helmet Wearing Coalition conducted intensive cleanup operations, removing debris and cleansing mud-filled spaces to enable damage assessment and future reconstruction. Laurie Radlin-Walker, a coalition volunteer, emphasized the humanitarian imperative: ‘This is for the children… once they can return to a clean environment, that makes it worth it.’

    Sydoney Preddie, JN Foundation’s youth and education lead, characterized the cleaning as a critical first phase before structural repairs can commence. The initiative aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to educational development, particularly recognizing the foundational importance of early childhood learning.

    Despite progress, Principal Wiggan underscores substantial unmet needs: major reconstruction, building supplies, classroom resources, and cafeteria equipment. The institution, serving 165 students and functioning as a training model for early childhood educators, seeks further corporate and public support to restore a safe, nurturing learning environment.

  • Guyana announces $100,000 cash grant to citizens 18 and over

    Guyana announces $100,000 cash grant to citizens 18 and over

    The Guyanese government has announced a sweeping economic initiative package, headlined by direct cash grants to citizens and significant tax reforms. President Irfaan Ali disclosed in a nationwide broadcast that all citizens aged 18 and above will receive a GUY$100,000 (approximately US$400) cash grant, with additional payments promised throughout his five-year term.

    The comprehensive economic plan includes creating tax-free special development zones aimed at boosting employment in non-oil sectors and reducing import dependency. The government will abolish net property tax for individuals to increase disposable income and establish a revitalized Guyana Development Bank with US$200 million in initial funding to provide up to GUY$10 million loans to small and medium enterprises.

    Additional measures include raising the minimum monthly salary for government workers to GUY$50,000 starting next year and implementing flat taxes on double cab pickup trucks based on engine capacity. The administration also pledged prioritized support for youth, women, and persons with disabilities, along with financing programs to improve housing quality in Amerindian communities.

    However, the announcement sparked immediate criticism from opposition parties who condemned the president’s decision to unveil his five-year policy agenda outside of parliamentary proceedings. APNU legislator Sherod Duncan labeled the move a ‘democratic red flag,’ while Forward Guyana Movement leader Amanza Walton-Desir questioned the diplomatic community’s silence on what opposition figures characterize as a bypassing of democratic institutions.

    The controversy occurs amid ongoing speculation about President Ali’s avoidance of parliamentary sittings that would involve opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed, who along with his father faces extradition proceedings to the United States for alleged financial crimes.

  • ‘Shop with a Cop’ initiative gets $2 million boost

    ‘Shop with a Cop’ initiative gets $2 million boost

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Corporate entities have significantly bolstered a cherished police-community outreach program with substantial financial contributions aimed at expanding its reach. The Clarendon Police Division has received a generous $2-million Jamaican dollar donation to support the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ initiative, designed to bring holiday joy to children facing adverse circumstances or trauma.

    The funding, comprising contributions from Juici Patties staff and Continental Baking Company, was formally presented during a ceremony on December 15 at the Verandah within Juici Empowerment Park in Clarendon. This community-building program creates unique opportunities for children to select toys and gifts while accompanied by police officers, effectively fostering positive interactions and strengthening trust between law enforcement and citizens.

    Custos of Clarendon and Juici Patties director Edith Chin emphasized the program’s significance, describing it as “a simple but meaningful programme that brings children and police officers together in a positive way during the holiday season.” The substantial donation will dramatically increase the initiative’s capacity, expanding from serving 50 children in the previous year to 200 beneficiaries this holiday season.

    Continental Baking Company director Craig Hendrickson, whose organization contributed $1 million, expressed pride in supporting the initiative, noting it was “awesome to be a part of something that really helps kids, especially at this time right after Melissa. It is for those who are in need, it is something that is really special, and they will really appreciate it.”

    Superintendent Anton-Gur Cardoza, Head of Operations for Clarendon Police, shared poignant insights from previous implementations, revealing that some children prioritized practical needs over toys. “Some of these children opted to go to the supermarket, some opted to get some things that we thought were very basic, but that was something that they really wanted for their Christmas to enjoy,” he recounted. The superintendent particularly recalled one child who requested only a pair of school shoes, which police happily provided along with additional gifts from stakeholders.

    Juici Patties staff members expressed strong support for the program, with Executive Assistant Shelly-Ann Ford stating: “It is my responsibility to give back and support my company in this initiative because it is something that I am passionate about.” Management consultant Daniel Lowe praised the initiative as “a chance to spread a little love and light at this time of year,” while Marketing Manager Kellon Williams noted the importance of providing children with “a little treat outside of the essentials.”

    Originally pioneered by the St Catherine South Police Division, the Shop With a Cop program has been adopted by multiple police divisions across Jamaica, evolving into one of the JCF’s most cherished Christmas traditions that continues to strengthen community bonds.

  • 30-year low murder rate evidence of effective Gov’t policy and partnership with security forces — Fitz-Henley

    30-year low murder rate evidence of effective Gov’t policy and partnership with security forces — Fitz-Henley

    Jamaica is poised to achieve its lowest annual homicide rate in over three decades, marking a watershed moment in the nation’s long-standing battle against violent crime. With just over two weeks remaining in the year, official data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) indicates approximately 600 murders—putting the island on track to record fewer than 700 homicides for the first time since 1994.

    Abka Fitz-Henley, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, attributes this dramatic 43% reduction in murders to the Holness administration’s deliberate policy architecture and strengthened collaboration with security agencies. While acknowledging that any murder remains unacceptable, Fitz-Henley emphasized the significance of this decline within Jamaica’s historical context of violent crime.

    The government’s multifaceted strategy, implemented since 2016, includes ‘Plan Secure Jamaica’—a comprehensive roadmap presented to parliament in 2017/2018. Key components involve substantial enhancements to security forces’ intelligence capabilities, unprecedented investments in border protection technology at Jamaica Customs to intercept illegal firearms, and targeted operations to dismantle criminal networks.

    Legislative reforms have played a crucial role, including the establishment of Zones of Special Operation, amendments to anti-gang legislation, and the DNA Evidence Act. These measures have been complemented by sustained support for security personnel through increased staffing and improved working conditions.

    Despite these achievements, Fitz-Henley confirmed the administration remains focused on sustained progress rather than celebration. Prime Minister Andrew Holness and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang continue to develop additional policies aimed at further securing Jamaican society.

  • US strike on alleged drug boat in Pacific kills four

    US strike on alleged drug boat in Pacific kills four

    WASHINGTON—A recent US military operation in the eastern Pacific Ocean has resulted in the deaths of four individuals identified as suspected drug traffickers, escalating the controversial counter-narcotics campaign’s death toll to 99 since its initiation in September. The US Southern Command confirmed the lethal strike targeted a vessel allegedly operated by a designated terrorist organization engaged in narco-trafficking activities.

    The operations, conducted primarily in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, have intensified legal and ethical debates regarding their authorization and transparency. Despite military assertions of targeting narcoterrorist networks, the Trump administration has yet to provide substantive evidence linking the intercepted vessels to drug trafficking operations.

    Congressional scrutiny intensified as the Senate passed a defense policy bill demanding greater transparency, including the threat of reducing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget by 25% unless unedited videos of the campaign’s initial September 2 strike are submitted to armed services committees. During that incident, survivors of an initial attack were reportedly killed in a subsequent strike, raising allegations of potential war crimes.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Hegseth defended the operations before Congress, characterizing the September mission as ‘highly successful.’ Both officials committed to allowing congressional committees to review the strike footage under the supervision of Admiral Frank Bradley by week’s end.

    Simultaneously, the Trump administration has expanded military operations near Venezuela, declaring a blockade on oil vessels bound for Caracas. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro condemns these actions as attempts to force regime change under the pretext of anti-drug operations. The House of Representatives recently rejected two Democratic resolutions seeking to halt unauthorized military engagements in Venezuelan territories.

  • US has become a lawless bully

    US has become a lawless bully

    A scathing critique of the Trump administration’s foreign and domestic policies has emerged through a recent editorial correspondence, painting a picture of a nation straying from its foundational principles. The author contends that recent military actions—including the bombing of vessels and seizure of an oil tanker conducted without public evidence—constitute acts of piracy that undermine America’s moral authority to criticize other nations for illegal behaviors.

    The piece further argues that the United States has undergone a dramatic transformation from a global leader in rule of law to what the author characterizes as a ‘lawless bully’ that has eroded international trust. This assessment comes amid examination of President Trump’s domestic political challenges.

    Despite campaign promises to immediately address inflation upon taking office, the administration’s perceived lack of success in economic matters appears to be reflected in recent polling and electoral outcomes. Political analysts anticipate significant losses for the Republican party in upcoming mid-term elections, potentially resulting in Democratic control of both the House of Representatives and Senate. Such an outcome could trigger investigations into what the author describes as the president’s ‘many questionable actions.’

    The editorial suggests these political vulnerabilities may be driving a need for distraction, specifically referencing the Jeffrey Epstein affair and ongoing affordability concerns. The author questions whether Republican lawmakers who recently opposed the administration regarding Epstein documents would similarly resist potential escalation with Venezuela—a move characterized as potentially serving both diversionary purposes and expanding presidential powers during wartime.

  • Procurement expert says profession must be people-centred, value-driven

    Procurement expert says profession must be people-centred, value-driven

    The procurement profession stands at a pivotal crossroads, according to industry veteran John Dickson, who delivered a compelling keynote address at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s (CIPS) Caribbean Conference and Awards 2025. Speaking before regional supply chain leaders at Port of Spain’s Hyatt Regency on December 10, Dickson argued that procurement must fundamentally transform from its traditional cost-cutting role into a strategic driver of organizational value, resilience, and competitive advantage.

    Dickson employed a powerful iceberg analogy to illustrate how most organizations perceive procurement: “The one-ninth that a business sees is typically about cost reduction and cash generation,” he noted, emphasizing that the profession’s true depth and strategic importance remain largely submerged from executive view.

    The conference, hailed as the Caribbean’s premier gathering of procurement specialists, convened professionals across government, energy, telecommunications, logistics, and finance sectors. Sessions explored cutting-edge topics including artificial intelligence implementation, data analytics applications, and supply chain risk management.

    Drawing from four decades of industry experience, Dickson outlined procurement’s evolutionary trajectory: from 1990s cost control mechanisms through 2000s process efficiency reforms to 2010s digital transformation. The current era, he suggested, represents “true intelligent integration” powered by AI, automation, and machine learning technologies.

    However, Dickson cautioned against technological determinism, stating: “Procurement needs to align intelligence with purpose. It’s not enough to say technology will do everything for us.” He challenged delegates to consider whether their function merely influences spending patterns or actually shapes business strategy at the highest levels.

    His address resonated with broader regional concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities. Earlier panels had examined Caribbean-specific challenges including hurricane exposure, fuel price volatility, and global trade disruptions, proposing mitigation strategies such as redundancy planning and predictive analytics.

    Dickson emphasized that procurement must evolve from reactive problem-solving to predictive scenario planning. While acknowledging that not all risks can be anticipated, he insisted the profession bears responsibility for organizational protection in increasingly volatile operating environments.

    Highlighting his experience during AstraZeneca’s unprecedented eight-month COVID-19 vaccine development, Dickson demonstrated how crisis collaboration transcended traditional supplier negotiations. “That whole concept of having a common goal was critical for that ecosystem to come together,” he recalled, underscoring how shared purpose accelerated innovation.

    This informed his perspective on sustainability, which he framed not as competitive advantage but as essential risk mitigation: “I do see sustainability as a competitive disadvantage if you don’t engage with it.” He advocated for collective action within industries sharing supplier networks.

    Addressing emerging threats, Dickson highlighted cybersecurity as a critical procurement concern, referencing major attacks that have cost organizations hundreds of millions. He positioned procurement as central to resilience-building through supplier vetting, market analysis, and risk anticipation.

    Despite technological advancements, Dickson firmly rejected the notion of human obsolescence: “Human-centric talent isn’t going away. It’s going to shift. It’s going to be different.” He encouraged leaders to embrace reverse mentorship from digitally-native junior colleagues.

    Concluding with an agricultural metaphor, Dickson urged organizations to focus on foundational elements: “Looking after the soil. Cultivating the soil, look after your people. Care for your people. Know your people.” For a profession historically defined by savings metrics, he envisioned a future prioritizing strategic integration, purposeful collaboration, and the translation of intelligence into consequential business decisions.