Carib Scope

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  • MFS Capital moves to acquire Century Business Machines in expansion push

    MFS Capital moves to acquire Century Business Machines in expansion push

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant strategic expansion move, MFS Capital Partners Limited has entered into a memorandum of understanding to acquire full ownership of Century Business Machines Limited (CBM), a prominent Jamaican office solutions provider. The agreement, finalized on March 18, establishes the foundational framework for what company leadership describes as a transformative acquisition designed to enhance portfolio diversity and drive revenue growth.

    CEO Dino Hinds announced the development during the company’s fourth annual general meeting, highlighting CBM’s robust market presence and well-established commercial clientele as key strategic assets. “This memorandum signing represents an exciting milestone in our growth trajectory,” Hinds stated, emphasizing the alignment with MFS Capital’s focused strategy of investing in profitable, scalable enterprises with strong market positioning.

    Century Business Machines brings decades of experience as a comprehensive provider of office technology solutions, furniture, and supplies, serving Jamaica’s diverse business sector. The acquisition signals MFS Capital’s intentional diversification beyond its core financial services operations. As a private equity firm traded on the Jamaica Junior Stock Exchange, the company views this transaction as instrumental in fortifying its revenue foundations and expanding its market reach.

    The proposed acquisition remains contingent upon satisfactory due diligence procedures, final negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. MFS Capital has committed to providing shareholders with regular updates in compliance with Jamaica Stock Exchange disclosure regulations as the transaction progresses.

  • Four JUTC drivers charged in bus ticket scam

    Four JUTC drivers charged in bus ticket scam

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican authorities have launched a significant crackdown on organized fraud within the nation’s public transportation system, resulting in the arrest of four bus drivers employed by the state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). The individuals face serious charges including embezzlement and systematic failure to issue passenger tickets in an alleged scheme to divert company funds.

    The apprehended drivers have been identified as Keith Reid (47), known alternatively as ‘Miguel’ from Llandewey, St Thomas; Coleen Reynolds (50) of Cumberland, Portmore, St Catherine; Lashon Young (43) from Waterford, Portmore, St Catherine; and Jahvon Hassock (27) of Eltham Park, Spanish Town, St Catherine.

    According to law enforcement officials, the sophisticated scam operated between February and March 2026, during which the accused drivers collected cash fares from passengers but deliberately failed to issue mandatory electronic receipts. This systematic omission created unrecorded transactions that enabled the diversion of collected revenues.

    Police investigations confirmed that upon completing their daily shifts, the drivers consistently neglected to surrender the accumulated cash to JUTC authorities, thereby depriving the public transportation system of legitimate operating funds. The scheme was uncovered following internal audits and subsequent reporting to police authorities.

    The four accused individuals are scheduled for arraignment before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, April 21. Law enforcement officials indicated their investigation remains active, with efforts underway to identify additional participants in the organized criminal operation.

    This case represents one of the most significant incidents of internal fraud within Jamaica’s public transportation network in recent years, highlighting vulnerabilities in revenue collection systems and prompting calls for enhanced oversight mechanisms within state-operated transit services.

  • Alkaline’s new album ‘NPT’, to drop March 21

    Alkaline’s new album ‘NPT’, to drop March 21

    Jamaican dancehall sensation Alkaline has made a significant dual announcement, revealing his forthcoming album ‘NPT’ will debut on March 21st through AutoBamb Records. The release coincides with a landmark performance at Brooklyn’s prestigious Barclays Center, marking the artist’s first-ever United States arena concert.

    The album announcement represents a strategic career milestone for the enigmatic performer, whose artistic journey has been characterized by calculated musical precision and an unwavering artistic identity. ‘NPT’ continues Alkaline’s distinctive trajectory within the dancehall genre, reinforcing the unique position he has cultivated throughout his career.

    This new project builds upon a series of successful releases that have solidified Alkaline’s status as a dominant force in contemporary dancehall culture. His recent single ‘No Emotions’ achieved immediate commercial success, topping both the US Reggae iTunes singles and music video charts while generating substantial engagement across digital platforms. Earlier release ‘Key Man’ similarly established the authoritative tone that defines his musical signature, creating anticipation for the full album presentation.

    Throughout his professional evolution, Alkaline has transitioned from Jamaican breakthrough artist to international phenomenon. His career trajectory—from the impactful debut ‘New Level Unlocked’ to subsequent project ‘Top Prize’—demonstrates both artistic consistency and expanding global influence. His current reach extends across international markets and diaspora communities worldwide.

    The Barclays Center performance constitutes a career-defining moment, placing Alkaline on one of New York’s most iconic stages at a time when audience demand perfectly aligns with his artistic reach. This event, presented by Reggae Fest and New Rules, represents the convergence of commercial success and cultural impact for the dancehall visionary.

  • Toronto mayor seeks to block US immigration agents at city’s World Cup matches

    Toronto mayor seeks to block US immigration agents at city’s World Cup matches

    TORONTO, Canada – In a decisive move highlighting international tensions over immigration enforcement, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has formally proposed banning US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from the city during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The motion, presented on Friday and titled “No ICE in Toronto,” argues that the agency’s recent conduct demonstrates it brings “fear and disorder” rather than security.

    The proposal contends that the visible presence of ICE agents would undermine the city’s objective of creating a welcoming and secure environment for global visitors. This initiative emerges as Toronto, alongside Vancouver, prepares to host matches for the first-ever World Cup co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    Background information reveals that ICE maintains a permanent presence in five major Canadian cities, including Toronto, as listed on its official website. The mayor’s motion specifically references two recent incidents to justify the ban: a large-scale operation in Minnesota where federal immigration agents shot and killed two US citizen protesters, and prior protests during the Milan Winter Olympics against the inclusion of ICE agents in the US delegation’s security detail.

    Organizers have previously anticipated that Toronto might see an influx of international fans who could be hesitant to travel to US host cities due to President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies. Mayor Chow’s motion explicitly states, “Unfortunately, the actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement have cast doubt on the ability of many to visit or live in the United States and beyond safely.” The proposal is now set for deliberation by the city council, placing a spotlight on cross-border law enforcement cooperation and public safety perceptions.

  • Popcaan earns his 8th silver certification in the UK

    Popcaan earns his 8th silver certification in the UK

    The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has awarded a prestigious silver certification to ‘Saturnz Barz,’ the collaborative track between virtual band Gorillaz and Jamaican dancehall artist Popcaan. This official recognition, granted on March 20, marks a significant commercial milestone for the experimental track, representing the equivalent of 200,000 units in combined streaming numbers and sales.

    This achievement represents the eighth silver certification for Popcaan, further solidifying his status as an internationally recognized artist. The track originally debuted in March 2017 through Parlophone Records as part of Gorillaz’s critically acclaimed fifth studio album, ‘Humanz.’ The recording sessions took place in Jamaica, marking Popcaan’s second creative partnership with the virtual musical collective.

    ‘Saturnz Barz’ demonstrated remarkable global performance across various music charts, achieving its highest placement at number 5 on both the US Hot Rock Tracks and New Zealand music charts. The track additionally secured positions within the top 100 in multiple international markets, including the United Kingdom (#87), Portugal (#81), Mexico (#48), Hungary (#33), and Canada (#75).

    Popcaan’s previous silver-certified works include several notable collaborations: ‘My Type,’ ‘Can’t Hold We Down’ featuring Kano, ‘2 Cups’ with Lizzy/Tory Lanez and Fredro, Drake and Partynextdoor’s ‘Twist and Turn,’ ‘Kisses for Breakfast’ with Melissa Steel, ‘Should’ve Been Me’ featuring Naughty Boy and Kyla, and ‘I’m in Control’ with Alunageorge.

  • Kishane Thompson takes silver in 60m final at World Indoors

    Kishane Thompson takes silver in 60m final at World Indoors

    TORUŃ, Poland – The opening day of the World Athletics Indoor Championships at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena witnessed a spectacular display of sprinting prowess, headlined by Jamaican athlete Kishane Thompson’s remarkable consistency on the global stage. Thompson blazed through the men’s 60-meter final, clocking a personal best of 6.45 seconds to claim the silver medal. This performance marks his third consecutive silver medal in as many global championships, solidifying his status as a perennial contender in world sprinting. His previous second-place finishes came in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The race, however, belonged to American Jordan Anthony, who delivered a stunning upset by capturing the gold medal in a world-leading time of 6.41 seconds. The podium was completed by another American, Trayvon Bromell, who tied Thompson’s time of 6.45 seconds but was awarded the bronze medal based on thousandths of a second. The event proved challenging for other Jamaican contenders, as Bryan Levell experienced a significant deceleration after approximately 30 meters, eventually finishing in seventh place with a time of 7.69 seconds.

  • Historic triple jump silver for Scott at World Indoors

    Historic triple jump silver for Scott at World Indoors

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican athlete Jordan Scott carved his name into the annals of track and field history on Friday by securing the first-ever men’s triple jump medal for Jamaica at the World Athletics Indoor Championships. His extraordinary performance at Toruń’s Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena in Poland culminated in a silver medal-winning leap of 17.33 meters, marking a season’s best achievement.

    This historic accomplishment represents a significant progression for Scott, who improved upon his fourth-place finish at last year’s championships in Nanjing, China. Demonstrating remarkable consistency and competitive prowess in just his second appearance this competitive season, Scott delivered a spectacular series of jumps that cemented his legacy in Jamaican athletics.

    The University of Virginia alumnus displayed technical mastery and strategic progression throughout the competition. He began with an impressive 17.29-meter attempt, followed by incremental improvements to 17.30m and then his medal-clinching 17.33m effort in the third round. After fouling his fourth attempt, Scott rebounded powerfully with a 17.31m jump in the fifth round before concluding with a 16.88m final attempt.

    Italy’s Andy Diaz Hernandez captured the gold medal with a world-leading jump of 17.47 meters, while Algeria’s Yasser Mohammed Triki claimed bronze with a best effort of 17.30 meters. Scott’s podium finish not only establishes him as Jamaica’s premier triple jumper but also signals his emergence as a formidable contender on the global athletics stage ahead of future international competitions.

  • Netanyahu denies denigrating Jesus by comparing him to Genghis Khan

    Netanyahu denies denigrating Jesus by comparing him to Genghis Khan

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently denied allegations of disrespecting Christian beliefs following his controversial comparison between Jesus Christ and Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan. The remarks, made during a Thursday evening press conference with foreign journalists, triggered immediate backlash across social media platforms.

    Netanyahu took to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday to clarify his position in English, stating: ‘More fake news about my attitude towards Christians, who are protected and flourish in Israel. Let me be clear: I did not denigrate Jesus Christ at my news conference.’ The Prime Minister attributed the historical reference to American historian Will Durant, describing him as ‘a fervent admirer of Jesus Christ.’

    The original controversial statement saw Netanyahu asserting that ‘history proves that, unfortunately and unhappily, Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan because if you are strong enough, ruthless enough, powerful enough, evil will overcome good.’ This philosophical argument was deployed to justify Israel’s recent military actions against Iran, characterizing the February 28 joint Israeli-US strike as necessary defense against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

    Christian leaders, particularly from the Holy Land, expressed profound offense at the comparison. Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Lutheran pastor from Bethlehem—recognized as Jesus’s birthplace—denounced the statement as ‘offensive on multiple levels’ via social media. Pastor Isaac criticized the underlying implication that ‘the way of Jesus is naive, while a ruthless, might makes right approach… is what ultimately allows good to overcome evil.’

    The incident highlights the delicate intersection of religious sensitivity and geopolitical justification as Netanyahu continues to navigate international relations amid ongoing regional conflicts.

  • Agricultural Protection Branch to step up patrols in southern Trelawny amid yam theft concerns

    Agricultural Protection Branch to step up patrols in southern Trelawny amid yam theft concerns

    Jamaican authorities are launching a reinforced security initiative to combat agricultural theft in Trelawny, the nation’s primary yam-producing region. Inspector Orville Bushay, head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Agricultural Protection Branch for Area One, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy involving increased police patrols and collaborative farmer watch groups.

    Commencing next week, specialized teams will conduct daily 12-hour patrols (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM) in the hilly farming communities of southern Trelawny. The operation will include systematic vehicle checks on all routes entering and exiting these agricultural zones.

    The security plan further involves establishing three organized farmer watch groups in Albert Town, Warsop, and Troy. These groups will work in coordination with police units for nighttime patrols, creating a joint security framework. Initial meetings with the Warsop community are scheduled for the second Tuesday of next month, followed by engagements with the other communities.

    This security enhancement comes as yam farmers struggle to recover from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on crops. The hurricane-induced scarcity has driven market prices to unprecedented levels, with reports of yam tubers reaching $50,000 per hundred pounds. Unfortunately, this price surge has correspondingly increased theft incidents, as criminals target valuable yam heads from freshly planted fields.

    Farmers report that theft patterns directly correlate with market prices, with criminals systematically digging up planted yam heads shortly after planting. The new security measures aim to break this cycle of agricultural crime while supporting the community’s recovery efforts.

  • Costa Rican ex-security minister extradited to US for drug trafficking

    Costa Rican ex-security minister extradited to US for drug trafficking

    In an unprecedented judicial development, former Costa Rican Security Minister Celso Gamboa has been extradited to the United States to confront serious narcotics trafficking allegations. The 49-year-old former official, whose extensive government tenure included roles as deputy attorney general and Supreme Court justice, was transferred to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration custody alongside alleged accomplice Edwin Lopez Vega, known by the alias “Pecho de Rata” (Rat’s Chest).

    The extradition operation unfolded under stringent security protocols at Juan Santamaria International Airport outside San Jose, marking the first application of Costa Rica’s 2025 constitutional reforms permitting extradition of nationals. Gamboa, who previously headed national intelligence operations between 2013-2014, represents the highest-ranking former official in Costa Rican history to face drug trafficking charges.

    Attorney General Carlo Diaz characterized the transfer as “a historic day” during press remarks, emphasizing the defendants’ “high-profile” status. The former security minister, who served during President Luis Guillermo Solis’ administration (2014-2018), boarded a Texas-bound flight handcuffed and wearing civilian attire despite last-minute legal challenges to block his transfer.

    U.S. prosecutors allege Gamboa facilitated international drug cartels in “manufacturing, distributing, and transporting significant quantities of cocaine” through Costa Rican territory en route to American markets. While denying allegations of money laundering through a second-division soccer team, Gamboa has threatened to implicate current government officials in his forthcoming testimony.

    In early March television appearances, the former minister cryptically referenced individuals within the executive branch who “should be in jail…with me,” though he provided no specific names or alleged crimes. This development occurs against a troubling backdrop of Costa Rica’s evolving role in regional narcotics flows, having transitioned from transit point to operational hub while experiencing record homicide rates of 17.2 per 100,000 inhabitants.