Carib Scope

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  • Food price slump pushes Jamaica’s inflation lower in February

    Food price slump pushes Jamaica’s inflation lower in February

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s economy experienced a notable shift in February as the nation recorded a monthly deflationary period, primarily driven by a significant downturn in food prices. Official data from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) revealed a 0.9 percent contraction in the All-Jamaica Consumer Price Index, marking a temporary economic anomaly that provided financial respite to consumers.

    The most substantial price collapse occurred within the food and non-alcoholic beverages sector, which witnessed a 2.5 percent overall decrease. This downturn was overwhelmingly fueled by an extraordinary 11.3 percent plunge in the cost of vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses. STATIN analysts attributed this sharp decline to improved supply conditions in domestic markets, specifically noting dramatically lower prices for cabbage, carrot, cucumber, sweet pepper, and tomato.

    This deflationary trend in food costs effectively counterbalanced modest increases observed in other essential expenditure categories. The housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels segment experienced a 0.2 percent increase, while transport costs rose by an identical margin, partially reflecting elevated electricity and petroleum prices.

    Despite February’s monthly price decline, Jamaica maintained positive annual inflation figures. Year-over-year analysis showed consumer prices advanced by 3.9 percent in February compared to the same period in the previous year. The food and non-alcoholic beverages category led this annual increase with 5.1 percent inflation, followed closely by housing utilities at 5.0 percent, and personal care services at 4.1 percent.

    Critically, Jamaica’s annual inflation rate continues to remain comfortably within the Bank of Jamaica’s target range of 4 to 6 percent, indicating overall economic stability despite monthly fluctuations in specific commodity categories.

  • Trump vows to ‘take’ Cuba as island reels from oil embargo

    Trump vows to ‘take’ Cuba as island reels from oil embargo

    HAVANA, Cuba – In a stark escalation of rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump declared his intention to potentially ‘take’ Cuba, capitalizing on the communist nation’s severe economic and energy crisis. The threat was issued as the island of 9.6 million citizens endured a complete national power grid failure, a direct consequence of a stringent U.S. fuel embargo.

    Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump characterized Cuba as a ‘very weakened nation’ and asserted his capability to do ‘anything I want with it.’ This statement represents one of the most unambiguous threats from his administration, which has intensified pressure on Havana following the U.S.-backed ouster of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, a key Cuban ally and oil supplier.

    The total electrical blackout, confirmed by Cuba’s Unión Nacional Eléctrica (UNE), is symptomatic of a deeper collapse. The nation’s antiquated power generation infrastructure, crippled by an acute shortage of fuel, has led to daily outages lasting up to 20 hours in some regions. This energy deficit has forced the rationing of gasoline and compromised hospital services, while also dealing a severe blow to the vital tourism industry by curtailing airline flights.

    In a significant policy shift aimed at mitigating the economic stranglehold, senior Cuban economic official Oscar Perez-Oliva announced that the government is now open to investment and business ownership by Cuban exiles residing in the United States. This move is seen as both an economic relief measure and a concession to long-standing U.S. demands for market liberalization.

    The compounding crises of blackouts and shortages of food and medicine have ignited public unrest. Recent protests have included the vandalism of a provincial Communist Party office and nightly demonstrations where residents bang pots and pans while chanting ‘Libertad’ (freedom).

    While Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the public’s ‘discontent’ over the blackouts, he condemned the associated violence. Concurrently, Trump framed the U.S. fuel blockade as a response to an ‘extraordinary threat’ from Cuba, suggesting a potential deal could be imminent following the resolution of tensions with Iran.

  • Johnson Smith to lead engagements with foreign envoys for Diplomatic Days 2026

    Johnson Smith to lead engagements with foreign envoys for Diplomatic Days 2026

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is set to host Diplomatic Days 2026 from March 17-19, bringing together resident and non-resident diplomatic corps members for high-level engagements with government leadership. Foreign Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith will convene the three-day event designed to strengthen international cooperation, expand economic opportunities, and enhance climate resilience strategies.

    The gathering takes on particular significance as Jamaica continues reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating landfall on October 28, 2025, which caused extensive damage across the island’s western regions. Minister Johnson Smith emphasized that Jamaica maintains a pragmatic and principled diplomatic approach requiring sustained dialogue with international partners during this rebuilding phase.

    A centerpiece of the program will feature a policy briefing led by Johnson Smith alongside Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, who recently assumed presidency of the United Nations Environment Assembly. The event will also welcome newly appointed ambassadors from Greece, Ireland, Malta, Panama, Qatar, and Türkiye, along with high commissioners from Lesotho and Rwanda.

    The diplomatic proceedings will commence with formal credential presentations to Minister Johnson Smith, followed by official ceremonies with Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen at King’s House. Additional activities include bilateral meetings and a cultural visit to the National Gallery of Jamaica, culminating in the annual diplomatic dinner hosted by the Governor-General and Lady Allen.

    This strategic initiative forms part of Jamaica’s broader international engagement strategy to strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnerships while addressing post-disaster recovery challenges through coordinated global cooperation.

  • Lethal yellowing disease confirmed in Dominica

    Lethal yellowing disease confirmed in Dominica

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has officially confirmed an outbreak of lethal yellowing disease, a devastating pathogen that poses a severe threat to the nation’s coconut palm population and agricultural economy. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy announced that laboratory verification from the University of Florida, completed last month, confirmed the presence of the disease following coordinated diagnostic testing with the Plant Protection and Quarantine Unit.

    The disease, transmitted by the plant hopper (Myndus Crudus), causes rapid deterioration and mortality in coconut palms within three to six months. Field investigations initially detected the pathogen in the Woodford Hill area within the North East Agricultural Region, prompting immediate submission of plant samples for analysis.

    This confirmation triggers significant concern as lethal yellowing has previously caused substantial economic damage across multiple Caribbean nations, including Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Cuba, Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, and Guadeloupe. The ministry emphasized the critical importance of coconut cultivation to Dominica’s agricultural framework and rural economy, noting its status as one of the country’s ‘5 C’s’ priority crops that supports diverse economic activities from nut sales to agro-processing and traditional cuisine.

    In response to the emergency, authorities have activated a comprehensive action plan including the establishment of a localized eradication and management protocol specifically for the Woodford Hill area, which has been designated a non-removal red zone. Enhanced surveillance and monitoring measures are being implemented in affected and surrounding communities, alongside targeted crop destruction and sanitation procedures for infected and suspected palms.

    Public awareness campaigns and consultations are underway to ensure national cooperation, with citizens being urged to report any unusual symptoms including premature nut dropping, blackening of inflorescence, or crown loss to their nearest agricultural office. The ministry has also restricted the movement of coconut planting materials from affected areas without official authorization, emphasizing that early detection and rapid response are crucial for controlling and ultimately eradicating the disease from the island nation.

  • Cuba hit by total blackout as US fuel blockade bites

    Cuba hit by total blackout as US fuel blockade bites

    A catastrophic nationwide power outage brought Cuba to a standstill on Monday, marking one of the most severe blackouts in recent memory. The state-owned electric utility, Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE), confirmed a complete collapse of the national grid, triggering immediate emergency efforts to restore electricity across the island nation. This incident represents the apex of a protracted energy crisis, fueled by a crumbling infrastructure and a critical shortage of fuel. Cuba’s antiquated power generation system, already operating at a fraction of its capacity, has been pushed to the brink. Daily power rationing, often extending to 20 hours in some regions, has become a grim reality for the 9.6 million citizens. The current crisis has been dramatically intensified by a de facto oil embargo enforced by the United States. Since January 9, not a single oil shipment has reached Cuban shores, a situation stemming from the Trump administration’s strategic pressure on the communist government. This fuel blockade has crippled not only the energy sector but also vital industries like tourism, forcing airlines to slash flights to the island. The political dimension of the crisis is unmistakable. President Donald Trump has openly expressed his objective of instigating regime change in Havana, citing an ‘extraordinary threat.’ The resulting hardships—prolonged blackouts, alongside severe shortages of food and medicine—are boiling over into public unrest. A new wave of protests has emerged, characterized by nightly pot-banging demonstrations and calls for ‘Libertad’ (freedom), with one recent incident involving the vandalism of a provincial Communist Party office. While President Miguel Diaz-Canel has acknowledged public ‘discontent’ over the blackouts, he has simultaneously condemned acts of violence. His administration, grappling with the need to ration gasoline and hospital services, has confirmed engaging in behind-the-scenes talks with the U.S., hinting at a potential, though uncertain, diplomatic resolution on the horizon.

  • ‘Buffy’ reboot cancelled, says Sarah Michelle Gellar

    ‘Buffy’ reboot cancelled, says Sarah Michelle Gellar

    LOS ANGELES — In a significant development for television revival projects, Hulu has officially terminated production on the highly anticipated “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” reboot. The streaming platform’s decision to cancel “Buffy: New Sunnydale” was confirmed through social media channels by original series star Sarah Michelle Gellar, who was set to reprise her iconic role as the demon-slaying protagonist.

    The project, which had garnered substantial fan anticipation since its announcement last year, would have marked a creative collaboration between Gellar and Academy Award-winning director Chloe Zhao. The reboot was conceptualized as a contemporary continuation of the supernatural drama that originally aired from 1997-2003, following Buffy Summers’ evolution from teenage vampire hunter to adult guardian against supernatural threats.

    Gellar expressed profound disappointment in her Instagram announcement, stating: “I am really sad to have to share this, but I wanted you all to hear it from me first.” The 48-year-old actress-producer extended particular gratitude toward Zhao, noting the director’s unique ability to reconnect her with the character’s enduring legacy. “Thanks to Chloe, I was reminded how much I love her and how much she means not only to me but to all of you,” Gellar remarked.

    The cancellation news emerged concurrently with Zhao’s attendance at the Academy Awards, where her historical drama “Hamnet” was in contention for Best Picture. When questioned by Variety regarding the project’s termination, Zhao demonstrated philosophical acceptance, noting: “Things happen for a reason.” The director emphasized the production team’s primary commitment to honoring the original series’ legacy, stating they viewed themselves as “guardians of the original show” whose priority remained “being truthful to the show and our fans.”

    Industry analysts suggest this development reflects growing caution among streaming services regarding nostalgia-driven reboots, particularly those dependent on specific creative attachments. The decision leaves unanswered questions regarding potential future iterations of the Buffy franchise and demonstrates the evolving calculus behind content development in the competitive streaming landscape.

  • RBDF marines return from Haiti mission

    RBDF marines return from Haiti mission

    A contingent of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) marines has concluded their deployment in Haiti, returning home after months of participation in the multinational Regional Intelligence and Deployment Exercise (RIDE). The operation represents a significant regional effort to stabilize the nation and combat escalating gang violence.

    The specialized marine unit operated in coordination with international partners and the Haitian National Police, undertaking multifaceted roles that included operational coordination, maritime advisory support, administration, and discipline enforcement. Their mission focused primarily on reinforcing security infrastructure in Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions that have been severely impacted by criminal activities.

    Upon their return, the marines received an official welcome ceremony attended by high-ranking officials including Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna-Martin, and RBDF Commodore Floyd Moxey. The delegation also included US Deputy Chief of Mission Kimberly Furnish and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jerusa Ali, alongside diplomatic corps representatives and family members of the deployed personnel.

    Senior officials commended the contingent for their professional representation of The Bahamas and their substantial contribution to regional security initiatives. While this deployment cycle has concluded, the mission remains active with additional RBDF personnel currently undergoing advanced training for potential future deployment rotations in support of ongoing stabilization efforts.

  • Iran, at UN, insists it will not submit to ‘lawless aggression’

    Iran, at UN, insists it will not submit to ‘lawless aggression’

    GENEVA — In a defiant address to the UN Human Rights Council, Iran’s ambassador Ali Bahreini declared his nation would not yield to what he termed ‘lawless aggression’ from the United States and Israel, asserting that 90 million Iranians face ‘immediate and grave danger’ from military strikes.

    The session, intended to examine Iran’s human rights record, transformed into a platform for geopolitical confrontation as Bahreini redirected focus toward external threats. He characterized the US and Israeli offensive launched February 28 as reckless militarism that endangered regional stability and civilian lives.

    UN experts meanwhile warned that Tehran’s domestic repression, particularly its deadly crackdown on protests beginning December 28, would likely intensify amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Special Rapporteur Mai Sato noted reports of over 7,000 protest-related deaths and expressed concern that ‘a very big crackdown’ could follow if the Islamic Republic emerges weakened from the war.

    Bahreini presented counter-allegations, accusing the US and Israel of attacking Iranian cultural heritage and massacring ‘innocent children at their school desks’ in Minab. He claimed 1,300 fatalities and 7,000 injuries in Iran since the strikes began.

    The diplomatic clash revealed deep international divisions. The Gulf Cooperation Council nations plus Jordan condemned Iran’s attacks on their territories as unjustifiable threats to regional security. Russia accused the US and Israel of seeking to ‘destroy this dissenting country,’ while China expressed grave concern and called for immediate ceasefire and dialogue. Western nations including Britain and France urged diplomatic solutions and warned against exploiting conflict to inflict violence on citizens.

    The session highlighted how geopolitical tensions have complicated human rights oversight, with both Iran and its accusers leveraging the platform to advance competing narratives of aggression and victimhood.

  • BVI’s Hodge returns to competition after serving doping ban

    BVI’s Hodge returns to competition after serving doping ban

    The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has imposed a significant competitive ban on British Virgin Islands sprinter Adaejah Hodge, a promising talent in track and field. Announced on Monday, the ruling suspends the athlete for a period of two years, effective from August 30, 2024. However, a portion of this sanction—seven months—has been suspended, which ultimately sets her eligibility for return to competition on January 28, 2026.

    The suspension stems from anti-doping rule violations after Hodge’s samples tested positive for the presence of GW501516 sulfone and GW501516 sulfoxide, substances explicitly prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Following a thorough investigation, the AIU concluded that the ingestion of these substances was not deliberate on the part of the athlete, indicating an unintentional violation.

    As a direct consequence of the ruling, all competitive results achieved by Hodge since August 28, 2024, have been nullified. This includes the notable revocation of her gold medal in the 200m and her silver medal in the 100m, both earned at the 2024 World Junior Championships. This development casts a shadow over what had been a breakout year for the young sprinter.

    The timing of the announcement is particularly poignant, arriving just days after Hodge, now a freshman at the University of Georgia, showcased her formidable talent on a national stage. Over the past weekend, she secured a gold medal in the 200m and a silver in the 60m at the NCAA Indoor Championships, results that are not affected by the ban as they fall outside the disqualification period.

  • SheLeads second staging to spotlight entrepreneurship and innovation

    SheLeads second staging to spotlight entrepreneurship and innovation

    MANDEVILLE, Manchester — The Northern Caribbean University (NCU) is preparing to host its second annual SheLeads forum on Tuesday, March 17, with this year’s theme focusing on ‘Empowering Her Odyssey Through Entrepreneurship.’ The event will showcase innovation and business development as pathways to female empowerment.

    The evening will feature a distinguished panel of successful young entrepreneurs including Jénine Shepherd, Letesha Whyte, Amanda Samuels, and Nyoka Manning, all of whom have established thriving business ventures. The discussion will be moderated by Patrice Kissoon, who will leverage her professional expertise to facilitate the conversation. The forum is scheduled for 5:00 PM at Robinson Hall’s Lecture Theatre on the NCU main campus.

    SheLeads represents one of three flagship initiatives operated by The Roundtable Foundation, which is supported by NCU’s Careers and Employment Services department. The program series aims to foster youth engagement in civic matters through structured programming:

    – SheLeads: Dedicated to women’s empowerment through mentorship and leadership development
    – HeLeads: Concentrates on promoting positive masculinity and responsible leadership among men
    – WeLead: Provides a collaborative platform for students and change-makers to develop solutions and enhance skills

    Building upon the achievements of last year’s inaugural forum, which featured panelists sharing valuable insights on leadership development and barrier-breaking strategies, this year’s event promises to revitalize discussions surrounding entrepreneurial innovation. The initiative seeks to establish an environment conducive to mutual mentoring, meaningful dialogue, and comprehensive empowerment among emerging leaders.

    The event receives substantial support from multiple sponsors including DBC Creative Co, The PR Dude, Monica’s Expressions, The Short One Productions (TSO), NICHE Media, The Rentorama, Morris Entrepreneurship Center, and Prestige Phone Accessories.