Carib Scope

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  • Pinder defends record as he announces his intention to exit frontline politics

    Pinder defends record as he announces his intention to exit frontline politics

    In a significant political development from The Bahamas, John Pinder, the Member of Parliament for Central and South Abaco, has formally declared he will not seek re-election. Pinder stated his decision stems from a belief that he can contribute more effectively “behind the front lines” rather than building a long-term political career.

    Pinder’s announcement occurs against a backdrop of reported dissatisfaction among senior members of his ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in Abaco. Concerns were allegedly raised during a branch meeting attended by Prime Minister Philip Davis, where constituents criticized the MP’s perceived lack of visibility and a dismissive attitude toward local issues. Questions were also directed at the pace of post-disaster recovery efforts on the island.

    In defense of his tenure, Pinder pointed to substantial achievements in revitalizing Abaco’s economy and tourism sector. He emphasized that his primary focus upon entering office was to restore economic activity and reinstate Abaco as a key destination on the tourism map, a status he claimed was neglected by the previous Free National Movement (FNM) government.

    His international advocacy, he reported, successfully rebuilt global confidence, catapulting Abaco to become the nation’s second-largest stopover visitor destination after Nassau. On the infrastructure front, Pinder highlighted the completion or near-completion of critical Public Works projects, including road paving in Pelican Road and Central Pines, and the finalization of contracts for Sweeting’s Tract Water and Road works.

    A particular focus was placed on Moore’s Island, which received long-awaited investments such as rebuilt and extended fishing docks, a completed front street seawall, and an imminent start on a new clinic.

    Pinder confirmed that three individuals are vying for the party nomination to succeed him, and he expressed support for one candidate, whose identity he will disclose after the candidate selection committee concludes its meetings. Reflecting on his service, Pinder expressed “absolutely no regrets,” stating it was a “profound honor” to represent his constituency and reaffirming his unwavering dedication to Abaco’s advancement, albeit from a non-electoral role.

  • Outages costing Abaco thousands

    Outages costing Abaco thousands

    ABACO, THE BAHAMAS – Communities across Abaco face mounting economic losses and operational paralysis as an extended power crisis entered its second consecutive day, triggering widespread concerns about holiday tourism viability and long-term infrastructure stability.

    Residents throughout Central and South Abaco, Hope Town, and Sweeting Village reported enduring over 24 hours of intermittent electricity failures, resulting in substantial inventory spoilage, appliance damage, and minimal communication from Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) regarding restoration timelines.

    Hope Town restaurateur Junior Menard, 54, disclosed approximately $4,000 in refrigerated inventory losses after power fluctuations commenced Tuesday afternoon. ‘This isn’t a minor operational glitch but a systemic failure,’ Menard emphasized, noting the critical timing for tourism-dependent businesses preparing for peak holiday revenue. The crisis stems from BPL’s reliance on redirected power from North Abaco through rotational load-shedding protocols.

    In Sweeting Village, homeowner Deedee Russell, 70, sustained nearly $4,800 in losses after two refrigerators failed across separate properties. Russell condemned the utility’s communication breakdown despite regular bill payments, noting outages occur ‘almost daily’ without advance notice.

    BPL officials attributed the island-wide collapse to a critical compressor failure at the Wilson City Power Plant, which regulates essential airflow within the station. When primary and backup systems malfunctioned simultaneously, engineering teams attempted emergency repairs using locally sourced parts and portable compressors—all operating below required pressure thresholds.

    Northern Family Island Regional Manager Marvin Green confirmed a replacement compressor originally scheduled for December 8 has been delayed until January 2026, exacerbating the infrastructure emergency. Hope Town’s power stability was further compromised by land constraints preventing simultaneous operation of multiple new-generation units installed in August.

    Central and South Abaco MP John Pinder acknowledged the Wilson City facility’s historical operational challenges in Parliament, advocating for customer bill credits given the ‘enormous outage frequency’ during the critical holiday period. While residents recognize line crews’ efforts in sweltering conditions, businesses urgently seek reliable power before Christmas tourism surges intensify economic pressures.

  • Symbol of hope

    Symbol of hope

    In a poignant display of community resilience, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) hosted a deliberately scaled-back Christmas tree lighting ceremony at St William Grant Park on Tuesday evening. The event, traditionally marked by grand celebrations, instead carried a profound message of solidarity with communities still recovering from Hurricane Melissa’s recent devastation.

    While attendance numbers showed a noticeable decrease from previous years, the atmosphere remained charged with genuine holiday spirit. The program featured heartfelt performances from local talent, including the LAUD Dance Ministry and Denham Town Dance Academy. The evening’s standout moment emerged unexpectedly when Ardenne High School student Jovanni Richards delivered a soul-stirring rendition of Jimmy Cliff’s ‘Many Rivers to Cross,’ prompting thunderous applause and multiple encores.

    Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby addressed the gathered crowd with a sobering yet hopeful message. ‘We cannot pretend that things are normal everywhere,’ Swaby stated, explaining the decision to scale back festivities. ‘Families are rebuilding and some communities are still trying to get back on their feet. This year’s event was scaled down because we stand in full solidarity with every parish and household still recovering.’

    The mayor emphasized that despite the modified celebrations, the Christmas tree would ‘shine with purpose as a symbol of hope to every Jamaican.’ The ceremony culminated in the collective countdown and lighting of the central tree, followed by musical performances featuring reggae, ska, and gospel selections from artists Dwight Richards and Nazzle Man.

    Organizers expressed particular satisfaction with the community turnout given minimal publicity efforts, viewing the attendance as testament to Jamaica’s unwavering resilience during challenging times. The event successfully balanced holiday cheer with appropriate sensitivity, demonstrating how public celebrations can adapt to reflect community needs during periods of recovery.

  • Deal with garbage collector seeking doubles

    Deal with garbage collector seeking doubles

    A troubling pattern of solicitation by garbage collection personnel has emerged in Mount Hope, Trinidad, prompting serious community concerns about professional conduct in municipal services. The issue gained attention following a resident’s detailed account published in Newsday’s Letters to Editor section.

    The situation presents a stark contrast to the traditional appreciation for sanitation workers, recently celebrated in Scrunter’s 2025 parang musical tribute honoring garbage collectors’ contributions to community welfare.

    According to Linus F Didier, a local resident, incidents of improper solicitation have occurred multiple times. On the Sunday preceding Divali celebrations, while garbage collection was rescheduled due to the holiday, a collector allegedly approached residents requesting money “to buy a doubles” while visibly holding a half-consumed beer bottle. When ignored, the individual proceeded to make similar requests to female neighbors.

    This was not an isolated occurrence. Several months earlier, around 5:15 AM, the same individual reportedly solicited funds “to buy some tea” from residents. These incidents stand in sharp contrast to the previously excellent service record maintained by retired crew members who served the Mt Hope area for years without such complaints.

    The community has expressed particular concern about the safety implications, especially for female residents approached by sanitation workers during collection hours. The incidents have raised questions about worker supervision and professional standards within the contracted services.

    Residents are calling for intervention from the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation, urging officials to address these issues with their contractors while still acknowledging the valuable service provided by ethical garbage collectors throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

  • PM urges luxury segment to also provide low-income housing

    PM urges luxury segment to also provide low-income housing

    In Montego Bay, Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a compelling appeal to high-end property developers during a ceremony marking the completion of the 28th-floor tower at The Pinnacle luxury residences. Addressing the severe housing shortage exacerbated by Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Holness directly challenged luxury construction firms to apply their expertise toward low-income housing solutions.

    The Prime Minister specifically recognized LCH Developments and Brothers Concepts Solution Limited for their construction capabilities, noting their achievement of erecting a luxury tower in under a year. “If you can do this, you can build thousands of low-income houses as well,” Holness stated, emphasizing the government’s willingness to form partnerships with private developers addressing the housing crisis.

    Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica on October 28, caused significant damage to approximately 215,000 buildings across the island. Holness stressed the urgency of reconstruction, calling for contractors capable of operating “at scale and at pace” to accelerate recovery efforts. He framed this collaboration as essential for national unity, asserting that “luxury is going to help to bring people out of poverty” through the intersection of interests.

    Acknowledging the apparent contradiction between celebrating luxury construction while thousands remain homeless, Holness assured affected citizens that recovery remains his administration’s priority. “Every hour of my day is spent trying to figure out how to get to those roofs quickly, effectively, in an affordable way, and in a sustainable way,” he committed.

    The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing initiatives in the tourism sector where new developments must include housing components for workers, either through acquisition opportunities or rental facilities. This policy demonstrates the government’s deliberate approach to addressing housing needs across different economic sectors through integrated development strategies.

  • $200,000 income tax break

    $200,000 income tax break

    In a groundbreaking legislative move, the Jamaican Cabinet has sanctioned amendments to the Income Tax Act, enabling employers to provide tax-exempt honorarium payments of up to $200,000 to employees impacted by Hurricane Melissa. This initiative, the first of its kind in the nation’s history, establishes a permanent policy framework for future natural disasters.

    Finance Minister Fayval Williams announced the policy during a House of Representatives session, explaining that the amendment creates “a relief support regime that allows for non-taxable treatment of disaster relief honorarium” during officially declared disaster periods. The payments can be distributed in single or multiple installments until March 31, 2026.

    The decision comes in response to Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica’s southwestern parishes on October 28, where the Category 5 storm caused approximately US$8.8 billion in damage, destroyed homes and businesses, and claimed at least 45 lives.

    Minister Williams highlighted critical gaps in the existing tax framework, noting that current legislation lacks “a structured mechanism through which temporary disaster relief payments from employers to employees are exempt from income tax” and contains no “statutory provision where disaster relief payments may be accorded non-taxable status on a consistent or system-wide basis.”

    The new provisions specifically require that qualifying payments must be strictly for personal recovery and household welfare needs, completely disconnected from employment services, performance metrics, or compensation arrangements. This narrowly targeted approach ensures the exemption supports only those facing abrupt income loss or essential needs deprivation.

    To maintain fiscal integrity, the program includes several safeguards: payments are limited to cash disbursements (excluding in-kind benefits that might be construed as taxable emoluments), subject to ministerial caps, and restricted to active disaster declaration periods. Employers must report all payments through monthly payroll submissions to Tax Administration Jamaica and maintain detailed documentation justifying each disbursement.

    Interestingly, the government anticipates positive secondary economic effects from the measure. By increasing disposable income and short-term purchasing power for affected individuals, the policy is expected to stimulate demand within the formal economy, potentially offsetting revenue losses through increased consumption tax (GCT) collections.

    The legislation represents a significant shift from previous temporary measures toward a structured, statutory approach for disaster response, balancing worker support with maintenance of Jamaica’s income tax system principles.

  • Cipriani Bellini: The Luxury in Simplicity

    Cipriani Bellini: The Luxury in Simplicity

    The legendary Bellini cocktail, an enduring symbol of Italian elegance since its 1948 creation at Venice’s Harry’s Bar, has officially arrived in Jamaica through a strategic partnership between Cipriani Drinks and Harbour Wines & Spirits. Founded by Giuseppe Cipriani and inspired by the soft pink hues of Renaissance artist Giovanni Bellini’s paintings, the cocktail has transcended its Venetian origins to become a globally recognized aperitif.

    The official launch event, held on December 6th at the luxurious Opulenz Villa in St. Ann, marked the Caribbean introduction of both the ready-to-drink bottled Bellini and Cipriani’s proprietary Prosecco. Francesco Portello, National Sales Director for the Americas at Cipriani Drinks, traveled from Miami to personally oversee the introduction, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to global expansion while maintaining its century-old legacy of impeccable service and Italian charm.

    Dr. Debbian Spence-Minott, Commercial Manager at Harbour Wines & Spirits, detailed how the partnership emerged from Wine Paris, an international trade show where the brand’s unique combination of heritage and modern presentation captured their attention. ‘One sip of the Bellini and the Prosecco and we knew we had a hit on our hands,’ Spence-Minott enthused, noting the products’ alignment with evolving Jamaican consumer preferences and their exposure to international flavor profiles through travel.

    The event itself embodied the Cipriani experience, with brand ambassadors in blue and white tulle creations reminiscent of the brand’s iconic Majolica print, smooth Prosecco pours, and culinary creations from award-winning Chef Trevanne Donegal that incorporated the Bellini into dessert offerings. Against a backdrop of sunset and blue-illuminated pool decks, guests toasted with miniature 200ml bottles of the ready-to-serve cocktail, celebrating what both companies anticipate will be a successful market penetration.

    The convenience of the bottled format maintains the cocktail’s essential character: a precise blend of high-quality Prosecco and Mediterranean white peach purée with only 5.5% alcohol content, offering subtle sweetness without overwhelming potency. This presentation strategy acknowledges modern consumer preferences for both quality and convenience while preserving the drink’s artisanal origins.

  • Who qualifies?

    Who qualifies?

    Jamaican legislators are demanding transparency in the distribution framework for containerized housing units destined for hurricane victims, as the nation grapples with complex land ownership issues that threaten to delay critical relief efforts. With 1,061 citizens still occupying emergency shelters following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, parliamentary members expressed urgent concerns during a Public Administration and Appropriations Committee session regarding how informal settlers without legal land titles will qualify for government-assisted housing.

    The core dilemma emerged during intense questioning of Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) officials, particularly regarding historical land tenure challenges pervasive in Westmoreland and St Elizabeth parishes. St Mary Central MP Omar Newell raised alarms about whether the anticipated January delivery of rapid-build container units would genuinely reach the most vulnerable populations, given widespread informal land occupation patterns.

    Ambassador Rocky Meade, Permanent Secretary at OPM, articulated the government’s delicate balancing act between humanitarian urgency and legal responsibility. “We have a legal obligation to ensure we are not encouraging citizens to occupy land without rights,” Meade stated, acknowledging potential litigation risks if housing is placed on contested property. While committed to expediting relief, the administration must conduct due diligence to avoid legal complications.

    The government is now pursuing alternative strategies, including identifying state-owned parcels where container homes can be legally deployed. This approach would allow families previously residing in high-risk zones to relocate securely while obtaining formal land tenure. Meade emphasized that despite procedural delays caused by ownership verification, the priority remains rapidly transitioning shelter occupants into permanent housing solutions, especially as educational authorities seek to reclaim school buildings currently serving as emergency shelters.

    The National Housing Trust is procuring 5,000 pre-fabricated container homes under Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s rapid deployment initiative, with an initial batch of 2,500 units scheduled for early-year distribution to address the island’s most pressing housing emergencies.

  • STRONGER TOGETHER

    STRONGER TOGETHER

    The Jamaica Premier League (JPL) faces potential disruption as newly-promoted Treasure Beach FC struggles with severe hurricane aftermath, though league organizers express confidence in the club’s eventual return. Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) CEO Owen Hill confirmed that while contingency plans exist for a possible withdrawal, the St. Elizabeth-based club remains integral to the competition’s value and geographic diversity.

    The league resumed on Sunday following a six-week suspension caused by Hurricane Melissa, with 13 of 14 teams having completed eight matches over a four-day period. Treasure Beach, however, received special permission for additional preparation time due to the catastrophic impact on their community and financial infrastructure.

    Hill explained the exceptional circumstances: “The community served as the financial lifeblood of the football organization. Businesses that offset operational expenditures, sponsors, and supporters all suffered severe damage. This created an unusually constrained financial position requiring additional weeks to mobilize support.”

    The club has been granted until December 21st to resume competition, with Hill confirming written assurances from management regarding their readiness. “They’re back in camp now,” Hill stated, “with three additional match days for preparation.”

    Despite these assurances, withdrawal possibilities were reportedly discussed during league meetings last month. Head Coach Kemar Ricketts acknowledged intensified efforts to overcome challenges, but Hill emphasized the PFJL and Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) would proceed without them if necessary.

    “As a risk-mitigating strategy,” Hill detailed, “we maintain weekly dialogue leading to the December 21 deadline. Should participation prove impossible, we have protocol-based alternatives regarding league structure with 13 teams and point allocation.”

    The CEO highlighted Treasure Beach’s significance beyond competitive balance: “Partners want products placed in these communities, sponsors seek island-wide brand exposure, and players deserve opportunities across different regions. Teams like Montego Bay United, Mount Pleasant, and Treasure Beach provide crucial geographic diversity for talent development and commercial expansion.”

    The last JPL withdrawal occurred in 2021 when UWI FC left due to financial difficulties, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing Jamaica’s premier football competition.

  • NO CONSULTATION!

    NO CONSULTATION!

    A significant dispute has emerged between the Jamaican Government and its civil service representatives following a Cabinet directive canceling all official Christmas celebrations for government entities this year. Techa Clarke-Griffiths, President of the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA), has expressed strong objections to the unilateral nature of this decision and is demanding full transparency regarding the redistribution of budgeted party funds.

    The controversy stems from an announcement made by Education, Skills, Youth, and Information Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris-Dixon during a post-Hurricane Melissa briefing. While prohibiting external venue rentals for holiday events, the government encouraged small in-office morale-building activities and outreach initiatives for staff affected by the recent natural disaster.

    Clarke-Griffiths contends that the complete lack of consultation with the JCSA—representing over 30,000 public servants—demonstrates the government’s disregard for proper dialogue. Her primary concern centers on the destination of reallocated funds originally designated for holiday festivities. She insists that these resources should be directly channeled toward welfare support for civil servants grappling with Hurricane Melissa’s devastation rather than returned to the consolidated fund.

    The JCSA president revealed that many public servants face severe hardships, including complete home losses and psychological trauma. She emphasized that workers would more readily accept the cancellation if assured that funds would support colleagues in distress. The association has already identified 805 severely impacted members through needs assessment forms and distributed over 4,200 care packages in affected western regions.

    This situation mirrors previous concerns regarding unaccounted funds from canceled Civil Service Week activities, which had an allocated budget of approximately $8 million. Clarke-Griffiths has engaged in discussions with Finance Minister Fayval Williams, advocating for special allocations to address the urgent needs of traumatized and displaced government employees.

    Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28 with devastating 185 mph winds, causing unprecedented flooding across the island’s southern and western regions. The catastrophe has created pressing humanitarian needs that the civil service union believes should be prioritized through redirected celebration budgets.