Carib Scope

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  • PAJ salutes 2025 veterans

    PAJ salutes 2025 veterans

    Six distinguished Jamaican media professionals, whose collective careers span more than two centuries, were celebrated for their enduring contributions to journalism at the 2025 Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) Veterans Luncheon on Wednesday. The prestigious event, graciously hosted by spirits conglomerate J Wray & Nephew at its corporate headquarters in New Kingston, served as a formal recognition of the honorees’ profound impact on the nation’s media landscape.

    The luncheon marks a key highlight of the rescheduled PAJ Journalism Week 2025, which was initially postponed from November due to the disruptive impact of Hurricane Melissa. The week’s agenda continues with a significant professional development event: an annual media workshop conducted in collaboration with UNICEF Jamaica. This year’s workshop is dedicated to the crucial theme of ‘Ethical Reporting on Children,’ aiming to enhance journalistic standards in coverage involving minors.

    The culmination of Journalism Week will be the National Journalism Awards on Saturday, a gala event where the industry’s highest honor—the 2025 Journalist of the Year—will be announced. The midweek veterans’ celebration was enhanced by a musical performance from entertainer Janeel Mills, who serenaded J Wray & Nephew’s Managing Director, Daniel Caroun-Boulard, underscoring the collaborative spirit between the corporate and media sectors in honoring journalistic excellence and longevity.

  • ON THE RISE

    ON THE RISE

    Jamaica’s football landscape is experiencing a historic transformation as its youth teams achieve remarkable success on the international stage, signaling what federation officials describe as the culmination of strategic planning and execution.

    The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is celebrating multiple breakthrough accomplishments across its youth programs. The Under-17 Reggae Boyz have secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while both the Under-20 Boyz and Girlz teams are advancing through their respective Concacaf Championships with World Cup aspirations of their own.

    General Secretary Gregory Daley characterized this multi-team success as “a rising tide across all youth units” that brings both celebration and increased responsibilities. “While these performances are unprecedented and welcoming, they bring the reality of increased responsibilities,” Daley stated in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

    The statistical dominance of Jamaica’s Under-20 squad has been particularly impressive. The team finished Group B qualification with a perfect record, securing maximum 15 points from five matches while demonstrating extraordinary offensive prowess and defensive solidity. Their campaign included decisive victories over Bonaire (3-0), Turks and Caicos (7-0), Cayman Islands (9-0), and St. Kitts and Nevis (8-0), culminating in a 1-0 victory against Puerto Rico that sealed their advancement.

    The team’s aggregate 28-0 goal differential represents what Daley called “a testament to the talent and discipline within these groups.” This performance qualifies Jamaica’s Under-20 squad for the 2026 Concacaf Championship scheduled from July 25 to August 9, where top finishers will advance to the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Uzbekistan.

    Beyond World Cup qualification, Jamaica’s youth teams are positioned for additional international opportunities. The Under-20 squad remains in contention for the 2028 Olympic Games, while their current standing makes them strong candidates for the 2027 Pan American Games as the highest-ranked Caribbean team.

    Simultaneously, Jamaica’s Under-17 Reggae Girlz are competing in their Concacaf Championship round, facing Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama in their pursuit of a historic World Cup qualification later this month.

    Daley emphasized the federation’s commitment to supporting this new generation of talent: “The JFF remains committed to ensuring that these young men and women have every tool necessary to transition from youth stars to senior Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz.”

    The secretary general acknowledged the financial challenges accompanying simultaneous success across multiple teams, noting that “supporting multiple high-performing units requires significant resources.” He issued a plea for expanded corporate and fan support to sustain what he described as football’s new reality in Jamaica: “The future is not just coming, it is already here and that is a reality that we all need to accept.”

  • Groundwater at risk

    Groundwater at risk

    Jamaica’s government is issuing an urgent warning about a growing environmental threat to Kingston’s drinking water, directly linking the capital’s widespread reliance on backyard septic systems to the dangerous contamination of its underground aquifer. Water Minister Matthew Samuda, speaking at a Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange, declared that the traditional soak-away pits and septic tanks used across much of Kingston and St. Andrew are creating a severe hazard to the city’s long-term water security.

    The minister revealed that the contamination is no longer a theoretical risk but a concrete crisis, with several major wells already decommissioned due to pollution. He specified that eight major wells in the capital region, capable of producing over two million gallons of water daily, are now untappable because of nitrate pollution seeping from these decentralized waste systems. This groundwater has historically been one of Kingston’s most reliable sources of potable water.

    Against this dire backdrop, Minister Samuda is adamant that a massive expansion of the public sewer network is not a matter of choice but an absolute necessity for national survival. He framed the controversial sewerage charges—currently facing public scrutiny—as an indispensable component of this essential infrastructure overhaul. “I can’t guarantee your water supply in 20 and 30 years without the restoration of your water table,” Samuda stated, “and I can’t restore the water table without sewering Kingston.”

    His comments address mounting frustration from homeowners who are being billed for sewerage services even if their properties are not yet connected to the main lines. While acknowledging these concerns, the minister emphasized that the financial model is standard across the Commonwealth and critical for funding the infrastructure that will safeguard the nation’s ‘most valuable water reserve.’ The National Water Commission (NWC) maintains the legal authority to charge homeowners within 300 feet of a sewer line, encouraging them to connect for both public and private benefit, particularly when their own pits fail.

  • GIMIES reveals Top 9 contenders for 2026 People’s Choice Award

    GIMIES reveals Top 9 contenders for 2026 People’s Choice Award

    The Saint Lucia Tourism Awards, known as GIMIES, has unveiled its nine distinguished finalists for the highly anticipated People’s Choice Award as the program enters its fourth consecutive year. These exceptional individuals have been recognized for their remarkable contributions to visitor experiences, innovative approaches, and positive community impact within the island’s tourism sector.

    The selected finalists represent diverse facets of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry, including culinary experts, tour guides, hospitality entrepreneurs, and wellness service providers. The distinguished list features Akim Francis (Chef, Bursting with Flavour), Avelyn Joseph (Owner, Happy Nest), Elver Descartes (Tour Guide, ATV Direct), Heidi St Clair (Owner, St Clair’s Sitting Services), Iva La Toya Lewis (Celebrity Make-Up Artist, Glamour Art by Toya), Kirk Elliot (Community-Based Tourism Entrepreneur), Michel Gaspard (Civil Status Marriage Officer), Ngugi Lucien (Vegan Chef, Grassrootz Vegan Cuisine), and Shervon Charles (Tour Guide, Unique Stables 758).

    Tourism Minister Ernest Hilaire emphasized the awards’ significant role in elevating service standards across the industry. He noted that since the inception of GIMIES, the commitment to ongoing progress has driven remarkable improvements in service quality, with participants consistently enhancing their offerings each year.

    The awards program has demonstrated measurable impact, with judges observing substantial growth among previous nominees who have returned as stronger contenders, reflecting the sector’s resilience and dedication to excellence.

    Public voting is now underway through March 31, 2026, allowing travelers, residents, and industry stakeholders to recognize individuals who have made lasting impressions within tourism. The top three vote-getters will be honored at the upcoming awards ceremony, which will be live-streamed on NTN and various social media platforms, with viewers encouraged to participate in online viewing parties.

    The GIMIES are supported by numerous organizations including the Ministry of Tourism, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, and Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, along with ultra-premium partners such as St Lucia Times, Bank of Saint Lucia, and FLOW.

  • Finance Minister attends PCT Tax and Development Conference in Japan

    Finance Minister attends PCT Tax and Development Conference in Japan

    Grenada’s Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall is leading the nation’s delegation at the prestigious Platform for Collaboration on Tax (PCT) Conference in Tokyo, Japan, from March 2-3, 2026. The high-level gathering at the Tokyo Prince Hotel brings together global tax experts to address critical issues in international taxation systems and development financing.

    Minister Cornwall is accompanied by Sheena Lewis, Comptroller of Grenada’s Inland Revenue Division, forming an expert delegation capable of engaging with complex fiscal policy matters. The exclusive conference focuses on enhancing both international and domestic tax frameworks, promoting cooperative taxation approaches, and advancing sustainable development goals through improved Domestic Revenue Mobilization strategies.

    The event has drawn participation from over 200 senior officials representing finance ministries, tax authorities, international organizations, and development agencies worldwide. Grenada’s inclusion follows a formal invitation from the PCT Secretariat, recognizing the nation’s recent advancements in tax administration, including the February launch of the innovative GTAX Platform by the Inland Revenue Division.

    During the conference, Minister Cornwall and Comptroller Lewis will actively participate in keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, and peer-learning sessions designed to share best practices and strengthen national revenue collection systems. These engagements will provide valuable insights for enhancing Grenada’s fiscal management capabilities.

    The Ministry of Finance emphasized that such international collaborations represent strategic priorities for ensuring Grenada’s fiscal framework maintains robustness, transparency, and alignment with global standards. These efforts directly support the nation’s objectives for sustained economic growth and comprehensive national development, positioning Grenada at the forefront of modern tax administration practices.

  • Teshena Marshall Wins $500 in Flow’s Riddim and Rewards Promotion

    Teshena Marshall Wins $500 in Flow’s Riddim and Rewards Promotion

    Telecommunications provider Flow has announced Teshena Marshall as the latest winner in its ongoing Riddim and Rewards promotional campaign, awarding her a $500 cash prize. The initiative, designed to engage customers through interactive participation, represents Flow’s continued investment in customer appreciation programs across its service regions.

    The Riddim and Rewards promotion incorporates musical elements with traditional reward mechanics, creating a distinctive engagement platform that distinguishes itself in the competitive telecommunications landscape. Participants typically encounter the promotion through various channels including digital platforms, direct marketing communications, and in-store activations.

    Company representatives emphasized that Marshall’s victory demonstrates the accessibility and transparency of their promotional structures. “We congratulate Teshena on her win and remain committed to creating rewarding experiences for our valued customers,” stated a Flow marketing executive during the prize notification process.

    Industry analysts note that such promotions serve dual purposes: enhancing brand loyalty while simultaneously collecting valuable consumer data that informs future marketing strategies and service developments. The $500 prize tier represents a mid-level reward within Flow’s broader promotional ecosystem, which often features both smaller instant wins and substantially larger grand prizes.

    This announcement coincides with increased competitive activity within the telecommunications sector, where customer retention initiatives have gained significance amid market saturation in many regions. Flow’s parent company, Liberty Latin America, has consistently supported such engagement tactics as part of its overarching customer acquisition and retention strategy.

  • Former Senior Fellow Sir Ronald Sanders appointed Chancellor of the University of Guyana

    Former Senior Fellow Sir Ronald Sanders appointed Chancellor of the University of Guyana

    In a landmark decision marking a new chapter for higher education in Guyana, the University Council has formally appointed Sir Ronald Sanders as the 11th Chancellor of the University of Guyana. The appointment, confirmed on January 2, 2026, positions one of the Caribbean’s most esteemed diplomats and intellectuals at the helm of the nation’s premier tertiary institution.

    Sir Ronald Sanders brings an exceptional multidisciplinary career spanning international diplomacy, scholarly achievement, and groundbreaking journalism to his new role. His journey began in Guyana’s media landscape, where he revolutionized radio journalism and became General Manager of the Guyana Broadcasting Service at just 25 years old. This foundation in communication evolved into a distinguished diplomatic career that has shaped regional and global policy.

    Globally recognized for his intellectual leadership, Sir Ronald has served in numerous prestigious capacities including elected member of UNESCO’s Executive Board, Chairman of the Caribbean Action Task Force against money laundering, and three-time chair of the OAS Permanent Council. His diplomatic expertise has been crucial during critical hemispheric challenges, including political crises in Haiti and Guatemala.

    Beyond his international accomplishments, Sir Ronald has been a steadfast defender of Guyana’s democratic institutions and territorial sovereignty. His prolific writings and diplomatic efforts have consistently affirmed the inviolability of Guyana’s borders and the right to self-determination.

    The appointment comes during a transformative period for the University of Guyana as it expands its academic programs, research capabilities, and international partnerships. Sir Ronald’s extensive global network and diplomatic experience position him uniquely to enhance the university’s international standing.

    Education Minister Sonia Parag, along with Pro-Chancellor Professor Randolph Persaud and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, expressed unanimous enthusiasm for the appointment, recognizing Sir Ronald’s potential to significantly contribute to both the university’s development and Guyana’s broader societal transformation.

  • Laluna Art Project: Risanne Martin for March 2026 exhibition

    Laluna Art Project: Risanne Martin for March 2026 exhibition

    Laluna Art Project announces the forthcoming immersive exhibition “Bricolage: Reimagining Home, The Story of Iris” by Caribbean wearable art visionary Risanne Martin, scheduled to debut on March 13, 2026. This multisensory ancestral showcase presents a deeply personal narrative through twelve sculptural wearable art pieces that chronicle the life of Martin’s late mother, Iris.

    Martin, who grew up in a Trinidad and Tobago fishing village and now operates from Grenada, employs an innovative approach to sustainable artistry. Utilizing upcycled materials, natural fibers, dried fruits, shells, and discarded textiles, she transforms waste into profound artistic statements that bridge memory preservation and environmental consciousness. With over fifteen years of expertise in costume design and production, Martin’s work exists at the intersection of fashion, therapeutic practice, and ecological awareness.

    The exhibition unfolds across three thematic chapters that guide visitors through Iris’s life journey. Chapter One, “Country Gyal Come to Town,” explores rural origins and migration through raffia weaving and natural textures complemented by countryside soundscapes. Chapter Two, “Boundless Love,” celebrates carnival culture and romance using denim and patchwork designs enhanced by ancestral storytelling. The final chapter, “Iris’ Renaissance,” symbolizes rebirth and legacy through avant-garde repurposed garments featuring shells and fruit prints.

    Beyond visual displays, Bricolage offers a fully immersive experience incorporating sound installations, seasonal fruit tastings, ancestral photography, and tactile environments designed to foster reflection and reconnection. The exhibition aligns with Laluna Art Project’s commitment to sustainable practices and transformative art experiences.

    Following its Grenada premiere, Bricolage is scheduled for an international tour throughout the Caribbean, United States, Canada, and United Kingdom in 2026. The works serve as cultural artifacts rather than commercial items, emphasizing their significance as calls to sustainable practice and ancestral remembrance.

    Laluna Art Project continues its mission to showcase Grenada-based artists through innovative exhibitions that blend traditional techniques with contemporary environmental consciousness.

  • UNICEF Regional Director Concludes Official Visit to Belize

    UNICEF Regional Director Concludes Official Visit to Belize

    Belize City, March 4, 2026 – UNICEF’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Roberto Benes, has completed a significant two-day diplomatic mission to Belize, marking a pivotal moment in regional child welfare collaboration. The high-level visit, embedded within an extensive regional itinerary, focused on reinforcing institutional frameworks for children’s rights and well-being throughout the Caribbean basin.

    This strategic engagement served as a critical preparatory phase for the forthcoming Caribbean Multi-Country Programme 2027–2031, designed to enhance cooperative mechanisms between governmental authorities and international development partners. During intensive consultations, Director Benes convened with Prime Minister John Briceño, Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca, and Colin Young, Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre.

    The multilateral dialogue addressed pressing and emerging challenges affecting youth populations across Belize and the wider Caribbean region. Key discussion points included innovative approaches to strengthen policy frameworks, optimize financial architectures for child-focused initiatives, and amplify adolescent participation in regional decision-making processes. Particular emphasis was placed on customizing technical assistance strategies for middle-income nations like Belize to maximize developmental impact.

    In his concluding remarks, Benes highlighted the synergistic partnership between UNICEF and the Belizean government, noting their mutual dedication to creating environments where every child can thrive in safety, receive quality education, and achieve their full potential. He formally recognized Belize’s considerable advancements in children’s rights implementation while reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to maintaining dynamically responsive cooperation aligned with national development objectives.

    This Belizean leg constitutes an integral component of Benes’ comprehensive regional tour, systematically designed to deepen collaborative networks with governments, development agencies, and UNICEF country teams to accelerate transformative outcomes for children across Latin America and the Caribbean.

  • CANTO HR Conference urges people-centred leadership for competitiveness

    CANTO HR Conference urges people-centred leadership for competitiveness

    PORT OF SPAIN – Caribbean telecommunications executives, regulators, and human resources leaders have issued a compelling call for a fundamental rethinking of regional competitiveness, arguing that technological infrastructure alone is insufficient without parallel advancements in human capital systems, governance, and leadership culture.

    The consensus emerged during the inaugural CANTO HR Leadership Conference, hosted February 4-5, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain. Titled “Elevating People, Power and Purpose — HR Leadership for a Globally Competitive Caribbean,” the event represented a strategic expansion of the annual CANTO Connect gathering, specifically addressing human capital challenges in the digital transformation era.

    Cavelle Joseph-St Omer, President of the Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago (HRMATT), delivered a keynote address positioning HR leadership as the critical nexus between technological capability and economic resilience. “Digital transformation has advanced across the Caribbean, with adoption rising significantly in recent years,” Joseph-St Omer noted. “Yet nearly 60% of regional companies still struggle to implement new technologies because they lack the skilled people to support them.”

    She identified several priority areas where HR leadership must drive organizational change: developing AI-augmented workforces, fostering data-literate decision-making, building cyber-resilient cultures, implementing project governance aligned to digital delivery, and creating fluency in cloud and automation technologies. Most significantly, she drew a direct connection between governance quality and competitive advantage: “The Caribbean cannot achieve regional competitiveness without strong governance. Competitiveness is built on trust — and trust is built on people and systems.”

    Liberty Caribbean executives provided concrete examples of people-first strategies in action. Dominic Boon, VP of People, revealed that 85% of the company’s leadership team comprises Caribbean talent, with half being women, demonstrating their commitment to equitable representation. “Diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and help us build organizations that better reflect and serve our communities,” Boon emphasized.

    The company’s approach includes trust-based flexibility, inclusive benefits, and replacing traditional performance reviews with Agile Performance Development (APD) that emphasizes growth conversations rather than numerical scoring. Valerie Brunken, People Experience Director, highlighted their flexible PTO policy as particularly impactful: “It’s one of the policies that can bring engagement, trust, collaboration to an organization,” especially valuable for enabling shared caregiving responsibilities.

    A featured session on multi-generational workforce management, led by Debra Thomas, Chief Human Resources Officer at TSTT, addressed the unprecedented demographic complexity in Caribbean workplaces. “We now have 4 generations in the workplace, some say even 5,” Thomas observed. She challenged leaders to move beyond outdated policies designed for a different era and instead focus on understanding diverse communication styles, aspirations, and needs across age groups.

    A CEO panel moderated by Richard Solomon of the Development Consulting Centre Ltd. explored how telecommunications leaders are shifting from infrastructure-centric narratives to people-centered outcomes. Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager at FLOW, articulated this transformation: “We’re moving away from talking about tech and infrastructure, and becoming truly customer-obsessed. Our message isn’t ‘bigger, better, faster’ anymore — it’s about the real benefits in people’s lives.”

    Charles Douglas, Vice Chairman of CANTO, framed HR strategy as a regional imperative, particularly for small, open Caribbean economies where talent mobility is high and competition is global. “As an industry, we are investing heavily in networks, digital platforms and emerging technologies such as AI,” Douglas stated. “But none of this delivers value without a workforce that is skilled, adaptable and engaged.”

    The conference concluded with broad agreement that technology investments must be matched by equally sophisticated human capital strategies. Participants affirmed that future competitiveness will depend on people-centered governance, resilient leadership cultures, and HR strategies specifically aligned to digital transformation goals across the Caribbean region.