Carib Scope

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  • Saudi team tours St Jude’s Hospital

    Saudi team tours St Jude’s Hospital

    After sixteen years of protracted delays and political complications, Saint Lucia’s long-awaited St. Jude Hospital is progressing toward full operational status. The facility was formally transferred from the contractor to the government on November 16, 2025, marking a pivotal milestone in this protracted project.

    Paul Hilaire, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Economic Development, emphasized during the handover ceremony that while this transfer does not constitute an official opening, it initiates the critical phase of operational readiness. This process encompasses commissioning, equipment installation, staffing, and regulatory compliance. Hilaire highlighted that the revitalized hospital will feature advanced diagnostic capabilities, enhanced patient safety protocols, energy-efficient infrastructure, and optimized clinical workflows designed to serve future generations.

    Significant progress is already evident with five key departments—Administrative Centre, Laundry, Kitchen, Physiotherapy, and Dialysis—now fully commissioned and functional. The project’s financial backing received international recognition through a high-level delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development, which visited the facility starting January 19. This visit included strategic meetings with the Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition, and project contractors. The Saudi involvement stems from a substantial $75 million loan agreement established in 2023 to support reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

    Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre expressed optimism about the project’s trajectory, noting that several departments are already operational. He reflected on the journey toward delivering a fully functional medical institution for southern Saint Lucia residents. Despite these advancements, health authorities have not yet provided an official timeline for the hospital’s complete commissioning, leaving the public awaiting definitive operational dates.

  • PPP opposes Azruddin Mohamed becoming Opposition Leader- Nandlall

    PPP opposes Azruddin Mohamed becoming Opposition Leader- Nandlall

    A significant political confrontation is unfolding in Guyana’s National Assembly regarding the potential appointment of a sanctioned individual to the nation’s second-highest constitutional position. Attorney General Anil Nandlall, a prominent executive member of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has publicly declared opposition to Azruddin Mohamed’s anticipated election as Opposition Leader. Nandlall’s position aligns with that of National Assembly Speaker Manzoor Nadir, who has reluctantly scheduled a meeting of opposition parliamentarians for Monday to formalize the appointment. The controversy stems from United States sanctions against Mohamed and his father for alleged gold smuggling operations involving over 10,000 kilograms of gold valued at approximately US$50 million, resulting in significant tax evasion from the Guyanese government. Additionally, a U.S. Federal Grand Jury has unsealed an 11-count indictment charging the Mohameds with wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering, with extradition proceedings currently underway in Guyanese courts. Nandlall characterized the Opposition Leader role as the “alternative president” and warned that those supporting Mohamed’s elevation would face historical judgment for their decision. The political standoff has drawn international attention, with Western nations joining domestic voices in expressing concern about the potential appointment of an internationally sanctioned figure to this crucial governmental position.

  • Prison superintendent reports a drop in inmate population; states commitment to rehabilitation

    Prison superintendent reports a drop in inmate population; states commitment to rehabilitation

    Dominica’s correctional system is demonstrating measurable progress as prison authorities report a substantial decrease in inmate numbers alongside significant security upgrades. Superintendent Jeffrey Edmond of the Dominica State Prison disclosed these developments during a recent press conference where he presented the institution’s annual performance review.

    Statistical data reveals a consistent downward trend in the prison population, with figures declining from 261 inmates in 2023 to 254 in 2024, and further dropping to 226 by the end of 2025. The current demographic breakdown shows 208 male and 2 female inmates residing in the facility. Superintendent Edmond particularly highlighted the reduction in remand prisoners as a noteworthy achievement.

    This positive development reflects the government’s strengthened commitment to implementing effective rehabilitation strategies and creating better outcomes for individuals within the correctional system. Simultaneously, authorities are enhancing security infrastructure with substantial financial investments totaling $170,000 for advanced screening technology. The procurement includes a state-of-the-art walk-through scanner, baggage screening equipment, and a comprehensive CCTV surveillance network currently nearing 95% completion.

    Superintendent Edmond confirmed that operational training for these new security systems will commence imminently. These technological enhancements are expected to significantly bolster prison security protocols while supporting the institution’s broader rehabilitative mission.

    The prison administration remains dedicated to developing innovative programs that effectively reduce recidivism rates and promote successful societal reintegration. Edmond acknowledged the crucial support from governmental partners, community stakeholders, and prison staff whose collective efforts contribute to transforming lives and building a safer, more inclusive society.

  • Treasure Beach rally to beat Harbour View

    Treasure Beach rally to beat Harbour View

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a stunning reversal of fortune that will be remembered as one of the most remarkable comebacks in Jamaican football history, Treasure Beach FC engineered a spectacular second-half recovery to defeat Harbour View 4-3 in their Jamaica Premier League encounter on Thursday. The match, staged at Harbour View’s home ground, witnessed an unprecedented turnaround after the hosts established what appeared to be an insurmountable three-goal advantage by halftime.

    Harbour View’s dominance in the opening half was unmistakable, with Omar Thompson initiating the scoring in the fourth minute. Trayvone Reid extended the lead from the penalty spot in the 13th minute, followed by Rohan Brown’s ninth seasonal goal during added time, solidifying what seemed certain victory.

    The narrative shifted dramatically in the second half as Treasure Beach mounted an extraordinary resurgence. Chandol Anderson ignited the comeback with a 55th-minute penalty conversion, followed by Daniel Hardy narrowing the deficit to a single goal by the 65th minute. An own goal committed by Harbour View in the 83rd minute leveled the scoreline, setting the stage for Omari Brown’s decisive 86th-minute winner that completed the historic turnaround.

    This victory marks Treasure Beach’s second win in three matches, propelling them to 12th position with 18 points while demoting Harbour View to 13th place with 15 points. The result carries significant implications for both clubs’ relegation prospects as the season progresses.

    In concurrent Thursday fixtures, Mount Pleasant FA secured fourth position with 27 points after defeating Arnett Gardens 1-0 through Raheem Edwards’ first-half penalty conversion. Waterhouse climbed to ninth place following Denardo Thomas’ 17th-minute strike against Chapelton Maroons, while Portmore United and Molynes United settled for a 1-1 draw after Peter McGregor’s late equalizer canceled out Nicholas Nelson’s fourth goal in two matches. Racing United remained five points behind Montego Bay United after a scoreless draw with Tivoli Gardens.

  • Baggage handler rescued after getting stuck in Air Canada cargo bay at takeoff

    Baggage handler rescued after getting stuck in Air Canada cargo bay at takeoff

    A routine departure from an Air Canada Rouge flight transformed into a harrowing rescue operation on December 13th after passengers aboard Flight 1502 heard desperate cries for help emanating from beneath their seats. The source of the distress was a baggage handler who had become trapped inside the aircraft’s cargo hold as the plane began its journey towards the runway.

    According to passenger accounts provided to CBC News, individuals seated near the rear of the plane first detected unusual noises during the initial stages of takeoff. Stephanie Cure, a traveler on the flight, described the sounds as ‘muffled cries,’ noting that the atmosphere in the cabin grew tense as fellow passengers became aware of the alarming situation. ‘You can hear some muffled, like someone yelling for help,’ Cure recounted.

    The alert was raised with the flight crew, prompting an immediate halt to the departure procedures. Passengers observed crew members gathering around the exterior of the aircraft to investigate the source of the commotion, initially unaware of the grave circumstances. Emergency protocols were swiftly enacted, leading to the successful extraction of the ground crew employee from the cargo compartment.

    In a gesture of transparency and reassurance, the rescued worker was escorted into the passenger cabin to demonstrate that he had emerged from the incident without physical injury. Following the emergency, the aircraft returned to the terminal gate where all passengers disembarked. After a delay of several hours, the airline ultimately made the decision to cancel the flight entirely.

    Air Canada has officially confirmed the incident in a released statement, identifying the individual as a member of their ground crew and confirming that a comprehensive investigation into the safety breach is currently underway. The event has raised significant questions regarding airport safety protocols and communication procedures between flight decks and ground operations teams.

  • Chinese community donates $1m to hurricane-hit St Mary’s Prep

    Chinese community donates $1m to hurricane-hit St Mary’s Prep

    MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Demonstrating remarkable solidarity, the Chinese community in Montego Bay has contributed a substantial $1 million donation to St Mary’s Preparatory and Kindergarten School to support recovery initiatives after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. This philanthropic gesture represents a significant component of broader island-wide humanitarian efforts organized by the Chinese community, which has been actively providing financial aid, essential supplies, and various forms of assistance to educational institutions, organizations, and vulnerable populations throughout St James and western Jamaica following the catastrophic storm.

    Situated in Montpelier, St James, St Mary’s Preparatory and Kindergarten endured some of the most severe damage from Hurricane Melissa, sustaining extensive structural harm to its facilities, including destroyed classrooms, educational materials, and critical equipment. The institution faced additional setbacks due to post-hurricane looting, further exacerbating its already dire circumstances.

    The allocated funds will facilitate crucial restoration projects, encompassing repairs to compromised buildings, replacement of educational resources, and the rehabilitation of a secure and conducive learning atmosphere for students.

    Principal Dr. Anthony Taylor, speaking on behalf of the school community, conveyed profound gratitude for the timely support. ‘This extraordinary generosity arrived at precisely the moment when our school and families most needed hope,’ Dr. Taylor stated in an official school release. ‘The Chinese community has demonstrated that recovery transcends physical reconstruction—it involves restoring dignity, opportunity, and our children’s future.’

    Dr. Taylor further detailed the school’s commitment to transparent fund allocation, ensuring accountability and optimal utilization throughout the rebuilding process.

    Ziping Chen, representing the Chinese community, emphasized that the contribution reflects their organization’s dedication to reciprocating the support of their host community. ‘The Chinese community remains steadfast in its commitment to serving, rebuilding, and supporting Jamaica with compassion, dignity, and resilience,’ Chen affirmed.

    Dr. Taylor also acknowledged Javin Baker, councillor for the Cambridge Division, for his ongoing support during recovery operations and encouraged additional corporate and civic entities to join the reconstruction initiative.

    The Chinese community in Montego Bay has established a longstanding reputation for its active participation in national development and disaster response efforts. Their hurricane relief activities have included monetary donations, construction materials, food provisions, and other vital supplies to educational institutions, community organizations, and charitable entities across St James and other affected regions.

    Community leaders have praised this latest donation as an exemplary model of unity and collective responsibility. As St Mary’s Preparatory and Kindergarten progresses toward complete restoration, this contribution stands as a symbol of hope and a powerful testament to the efficacy of goodwill, collaboration, and community solidarity.

  • 287 new constables to strengthen JCF’s operations

    287 new constables to strengthen JCF’s operations

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant boost to national security capabilities, Jamaica is deploying 287 newly graduated police constables to operational duty. The officers, comprising Batches 161 and 162, were formally recognized during a passing out parade and awards ceremony at the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park on Wednesday.

    Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness addressed the graduating class, emphasizing their critical role as ambassadors of law, order, and public trust during a challenging security landscape. “You have chosen a path that demands courage, discipline, integrity, and service above self,” Holness stated, acknowledging the nation’s ongoing struggles with violence, organized crime, cybercrime, and post-disaster recovery demands.

    The Prime Minister highlighted that this cohort represents the second group trained under Jamaica’s revolutionary competency-based curriculum—a fundamental reform transitioning policing from a technical craft to a fully professionalized discipline. This educational shift focuses on student-centered learning tailored to the competencies required for modern democratic policing.

    Holness issued a compelling charge to the new constables, urging them to build effective community relationships, wear their uniforms with pride, and embody the values instilled during training. He specifically emphasized respecting the law they enforce, modeling expected disciplines, rejecting all forms of corruption, and leading by consistent example rather than following crowds.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Merrick Watson, NPCJ Director, reinforced these messages, advising the graduates to exercise authority wisely while serving with discipline and integrity. The ceremony concluded with pledges from valedictorians Constables Julia Khani and Bryce Gay, who committed to serving with pride, integrity, and unwavering dedication to their nation.

  • ‘I Love Hip Hop’ connects with music fans in Kingston party scene

    ‘I Love Hip Hop’ connects with music fans in Kingston party scene

    Kingston’s music scene has enthusiastically embraced ‘I Love Hip Hop,’ a groundbreaking weekly celebration that honors the rich tapestry and enduring legacy of hip hop culture. Every Thursday evening, Jangas Soundbar in New Kingston transforms into a vibrant hub where enthusiasts gather to immerse themselves in the genre’s evolutionary journey.

    The event showcases an eclectic mix of musical eras, from the golden age of 1990s emcees to contemporary rap innovations. Attendees enthusiastically recreate iconic dance moves including ‘Crank That (Soulja Boy),’ ‘Walk It Out,’ and ‘The Wobble’ from the 2000s alongside synchronized line dances like the ‘Cha Cha Slide.’ The atmosphere buzzes with energy as participants demonstrate classic techniques such as the ‘Stanky Legg’ and ‘Lean Back.’

    Founded on December 4, 2025, by visionary organizer Tricia Stone in partnership with Starcore Productions, the series has rapidly evolved into a cultural institution. Stone describes the initiative as emerging from ‘a deep-rooted passion for hip-hop and its lasting cultural impact.’ She emphasizes, ‘My love for hip-hop runs deep, and it felt only fitting to create a space where that passion could be shared. I Love Hip Hop is more than an event—it’s a movement rooted in culture, connection, and evolution.’

    The carefully curated experience merges classic hip-hop sounds with contemporary nightlife aesthetics, attracting a diverse and dedicated audience. The event features an impressive rotation of talented DJs including Marc Chin of CopperShot, DJ Narity, and DJ Delano, each contributing their distinctive auditory signature. January’s lineup has particularly impressed attendees with standout performances from Sanjay and Delano, who made a memorable return alongside his son, DJ 3D. The month concludes with emerging talent Kevi Kinetic and resident DJ Bishop from Starcore Productions.

    Audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, with patrons consistently praising the event’s energetic atmosphere, musical selection, and communal vibe. The series has developed a loyal following, with many attendees incorporating it into their weekly routines. Stone notes the encouraging mix of regular enthusiasts and new participants each week, indicating the event’s growing appeal within Kingston’s nightlife landscape. While currently hosted at Jangas Soundbar, organizers envision expanding the movement to reflect hip-hop’s continuously evolving nature.

  • Vusi Thembekwayo sets the tone at Sagicor’s annual ‘Blast Off’ event

    Vusi Thembekwayo sets the tone at Sagicor’s annual ‘Blast Off’ event

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Sagicor Group Jamaica convened its largest corporate assembly since 2018, drawing more than 2,500 employees to the National Indoor Sports Centre on January 14 for its annual “Blast Off” event. The gathering, orchestrated under the unifying banner “One Sagicor: One Team, One Future,” served as a powerful demonstration of the financial conglomerate’s expansive growth and deepening internal cohesion across its diverse business divisions, establishing a resolutely ambitious trajectory for the year 2026.

    Christopher Zacca, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sagicor Group Jamaica, addressed the assembled workforce, emphasizing the critical importance of organizational alignment and shared accountability in driving future success. “Blast Off 2026 fundamentally serves to reinforce that our collective strength is rooted in our unity,” Zacca stated. He elaborated that while the specific challenges of the coming year remain uncertain, the company’s fortified collaborative spirit, disciplined execution, and mutual support would be the definitive factors navigating the organization forward.

    Zacca further outlined Sagicor’s dual-focused mandate for the year, which integrates robust commercial performance with sustained humanitarian efforts directed at communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa in October of the previous year. This commitment, he affirmed, is guided by the company’s core philosophical principles and its enduring dedication to fostering national and regional development throughout Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

    The event featured a keynote presentation by Vusi Thembekwayo, the internationally recognized entrepreneur and business strategist, who galvanized attendees with a call to embrace bold thinking and decisive action. Thembekwayo posited that truly successful enterprises are built by individuals who hold themselves accountable for concrete results, not merely their exertion of effort. He expressed strong confidence in the Sagicor team’s appetite for growth and their inherent capability to emerge as a regional leader.

    Andre Mousseau, President and CEO of parent company Sagicor Financial Company, utilized the platform to underscore the strategic significance of the recently announced merger consolidating the firm’s Caribbean operations. This transformative corporate restructuring, first disclosed on December 16, will amalgamate Sagicor Life Inc. and Sagicor Group Jamaica under a new singular holding architecture named Sagicor Group Caribbean (SGC). Pending necessary regulatory consents, this new entity—envisioned as a diversified financial services powerhouse offering integrated insurance, banking, and wealth management products—is slated for listing on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Company leadership anticipates the merger will catalyze enhanced collaboration, accelerate professional development, and facilitate greater mobility for talent across the region.

  • World Cup winner Hernandez faces human trafficking probe

    World Cup winner Hernandez faces human trafficking probe

    French judicial authorities have launched a formal investigation into World Cup-winning footballer Lucas Hernandez following serious allegations of human trafficking and illegal employment practices involving domestic staff from Colombia. The Paris Saint-Germain defender and his wife are at the center of a case that alleges exploitation of workers within their household.

    According to Versailles prosecutors, the investigation stems from claims made by members of a Colombian family employed by the Hernandez household. The employees assert they were subjected to excessively long working hours without proper rest periods or vacation time, all while lacking the legally required documentation for their employment in France.

    Legal representative Lola Dubois, representing the Colombian family, characterized the situation as a case of “modern slavery,” emphasizing the economic vulnerability of her clients. Dubois revealed that formal work contracts were only established approximately one year after the family commenced their employment, raising significant legal concerns regarding backdated documentation.

    The 29-year-old athlete and his spouse, Victoria Triay, have responded to the allegations with claims of being manipulated and betrayed by the very family they employed. In an official statement, the couple expressed shock and disappointment, stating: “These people shared our life with us with respect and dignity. We feel our trust has been profoundly violated in this matter, which is now being handled through the appropriate legal channels.”

    Hernandez, who played a crucial role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, now faces potential legal consequences as the investigation progresses. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of domestic workers in high-profile households and the responsibilities of employers regarding legal employment practices.