Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Tips turn tide on crime

    Tips turn tide on crime

    Jamaica’s forensic investigative agencies are experiencing a remarkable surge in public cooperation, with citizens proactively delivering crucial intelligence through diverse channels ranging from anonymous letters to direct office visits. This unprecedented flow of information has become instrumental in building legally sound cases against financial and organized criminals.

    Dennis Chung, Chief Technical Director of the Financial Investigations Division (FID), revealed that tips frequently arrive during active investigations, with motivations ranging from genuine civic concern to preemptive self-protection. “Many individuals operate under the false assumption that their clandestine activities remain secret,” Chung noted during the Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange. “In reality, people consistently approach us with information about these activities across all cases.”

    The high-profile investigation into Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) particularly catalyzed public participation, triggering a substantial increase in informational leads. While acknowledging that some tips stem from personal agendas without merit, Chung emphasized that most contributions undergo rigorous evaluation. “We conduct thorough interviews and assess each tip’s validity,” he explained. “Those without substance are redirected to legal counsel, while credible information initiates formal investigations.”

    Supplementing public tips, financial institutions provide monthly suspicious transaction reports that frequently reveal unusual monetary activities, often unbeknownst to subjects under investigation. Chung stressed the FID’s meticulous approach to preserving its 90% conviction rate and avoiding reputational damage or litigation through methodical evidence collection.

    Colonel Desmond Edwards, Director General of the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), attributed his agency’s effectiveness to substantial public trust. Significant operations consistently generate increased information flow, enhanced since their 2022 partnership with Crime Stop. Edwards receives approximately 2-3 anonymous letters monthly alongside digital submissions and in-person information sharing.

    Nigel Parke, MOCA’s Senior Director of Legal and Prosecutorial Services, emphasized the agency’s robust evidence testing process aligned with the Director of Public Prosecutions’ requirements for “sound, cogent, strong evidence” before initiating proceedings.

    Both agencies report minimal challenges in witness cooperation, with most informants providing witness statements once assured of security through comprehensive witness protection programs. Between 2018-2025, MOCA conducted 245 operations resulting in 256 arrests, 240 charges, and 200 convictions. The FID’s 2025 efforts seized $164.1 million cash plus substantial assets, with courts ordering confiscations exceeding $33 million and US$35,000.

  • Chuck pauses Jury Act amendment after Golding flags key issues

    Chuck pauses Jury Act amendment after Golding flags key issues

    The Jamaican government has abruptly suspended legislative proceedings on the contentious Jury (Amendment) Bill 2026 following substantive objections raised by Opposition Leader Mark Golding in the House of Representatives. Justice Minister Delroy Chuck announced the unexpected pause after acknowledging the validity of multiple constitutional and procedural concerns regarding the proposed amendments.

    The legislative delay marks a significant development in Jamaica’s judicial reform process. Minister Chuck, who initially tabled the bill on January 13 with intentions to fast-track its approval, conceded that the opposition’s critique necessitated comprehensive reconsideration of several provisions.

    Opposition Leader Golding, drawing upon his experience as former justice minister, identified multiple problematic areas within the proposed legislation. Chief among these was a clause mandating judges to consider specific factors—including disclosure status, witness availability, and party readiness—when confirming trial dates. Golding contended this provision fundamentally misaligned with the Jury Act’s purpose, noting its complete absence of jury-specific references.

    ‘This constitutes an inappropriate insertion into jury legislation,’ Golding asserted. ‘Trial readiness hearings belong within the Criminal Justice Administration Act or Civil Procedure Rules, not within legislation specifically governing jury trials.’

    The opposition leader raised particular alarm regarding payment protocol amendments for civil jury trials. The proposed clause would require the party requesting jury trial to bear financial responsibility for juror compensation. Golding warned this could create perceived conflicts of interest, noting jurors might feel indebted to the financing party—potentially compromising judicial impartiality through what he characterized as a ‘whoever pays the piper calls the tune’ scenario.

    Further objections targeted provisions addressing jury tampering. Golding highlighted an imbalance in the proposed measure that would grant prosecution—but not defense—the right to apply for trial without jury. This departure from existing law, which requires mutual consent for judge-only trials in non-capital cases, raised fundamental fairness concerns.

    Additionally, Golding challenged an overly broad clause permitting judges to terminate trials and order retrials based solely on judicial determination of ‘interest of justice.’ He argued this required clearer parameters to prevent arbitrary application across Jamaica’s judicial system.

    Minister Chuck’s decision to postpone further debate reflects the government’s recognition that the bill requires substantial refinement to address these constitutional, procedural, and ethical concerns before progressing through legislative channels.

  • Trump launches ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos

    Trump launches ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos

    DAVOS, Switzerland — U.S. President Donald Trump formally inaugurated the “Board of Peace” during a high-profile signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum on Thursday. The newly established international body, which requires a $1 billion fee for permanent membership, has already drawn significant criticism over its funding model and controversial list of participant nations.

    Leaders and senior officials from 19 countries joined Trump on stage for the charter signing, including staunch allies such as Argentina’s Javier Milei and Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Trump, who serves as the board’s chairman, remarked that the assembled leaders were “in most cases very popular leaders, some cases not so popular,” acknowledging the divisive nature of some invitations.

    Originally conceived to oversee post-war peace efforts in Gaza following the Hamas-Israel conflict, the board’s charter now envisions a broader mandate in international conflict resolution. This expansion has raised concerns among diplomatic circles that Trump intends to position the organization as a potential rival to the United Nations, though Trump emphasized the board would operate “in conjunction” with the UN.

    The membership criteria have proven particularly contentious. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the invasion of Ukraine four years ago, has received an invitation to join. Trump confirmed Putin’s agreement to participate, while the Kremlin stated the invitation remains under consideration. The $1 billion membership requirement has prompted accusations that the board could become a “pay-to-play” version of the UN Security Council.

    Notable absences marked the ceremony, with key U.S. allies including the United Kingdom and France declining to attend. British officials confirmed their non-participation earlier Thursday, reflecting widespread skepticism among traditional Western partners.

    The signing nations predominantly represented governments with close ties to Trump or those seeking to demonstrate allegiance to the U.S. administration. Participants included officials from Bahrain, Morocco, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to the Gaza conflict, affirmed his intention to join despite not attending the ceremony. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the board’s initial focus would be “first and foremost on making sure that this peace deal in Gaza becomes enduring.” Trump delivered a stern warning that Hamas must disarm under the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire accord or face elimination.

    The board’s launch coincides with Trump’s expressed frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his claims of having ended eight conflicts during his presidency.

    In related diplomatic developments, Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos following the ceremony to discuss ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that talks with Moscow have made “a lot of progress” and have been narrowed to “one issue,” though he declined to specify the nature of this remaining obstacle. Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Moscow for further discussions before proceeding to Abu Dhabi for military-to-military talks.

    Zelensky has expressed concerns that Trump’s highly publicized effort to acquire Greenland—which has dominated Davos discussions and strained transatlantic relations—might divert attention from Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. In a significant development, Trump announced Wednesday evening that he had reached a “framework of a future deal” with NATO chief Mark Rutte, resulting in the waiver of tariffs scheduled to hit European allies on February 1. Although details remain scarce, sources indicate the agreement will involve renegotiation of a 1951 Greenland defense pact.

  • NATO chief cannot negotiate for Denmark on Greenland — Danish gov’t

    NATO chief cannot negotiate for Denmark on Greenland — Danish gov’t

    COPENHAGEN (AFP)—The Danish government issued a firm rebuttal on Thursday regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of a negotiated ‘framework’ concerning Greenland, explicitly stating that NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte possesses no authority to negotiate on Denmark’s behalf. This declaration came just one day after Trump announced he had abandoned earlier threats to forcibly acquire the autonomous Danish territory and instead reached a preliminary agreement following discussions with Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

    Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized the nation’s position in a televised statement, clarifying, ‘The position of Denmark and that of Greenland are the same, and no negotiations were held yesterday with NATO about our sovereignty.’ She reiterated that sovereignty is non-negotiable, asserting that only the governments of Denmark and Greenland itself are empowered to make decisions concerning their territory.

    While details of the discussed arrangement remain undisclosed, a source familiar with the Trump-Rutte dialogue revealed that the United States and Denmark are set to renegotiate a longstanding 1951 defense pact pertaining to Greenland. The same source confirmed that the highly sensitive topic of placing U.S. military bases on the island under American sovereignty was not part of the discussions.

    Echoing the Prime Minister’s sentiments, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen took to social media to affirm that Rutte ‘cannot negotiate an agreement on behalf of Denmark or Greenland.’ Despite this, Poulsen acknowledged Rutte’s ‘loyal work to maintain unity within NATO’ and described it as ‘very positive’ that the alliance is seeking to enhance Arctic security measures. He concluded with a definitive national stance: ‘We have a clear red line. We will not cede sovereignty over parts of the kingdom.’

  • Japan suspends restart of world’s biggest nuclear plant

    Japan suspends restart of world’s biggest nuclear plant

    TOKYO — Japan’s ambitious plan to recommission the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear facility, the world’s largest atomic power station by capacity, encountered a significant setback Thursday when technical complications forced an indefinite suspension of reactor operations.

    The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which operates the Niigata prefecture-based plant, confirmed that an alarm from the monitoring system activated during reactor startup procedures, prompting immediate suspension of the restart process. This development comes just one day after operations commenced following final regulatory approval from Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority.

    Site superintendent Takeyuki Inagaki acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “We don’t anticipate resolution within a day or two. The timeline for identifying and addressing the underlying cause remains uncertain at present.” The company has prioritized comprehensive investigation into the malfunctioning electrical equipment that triggered the alarm.

    According to TEPCO spokesman Takashi Kobayashi, control rods were systematically reinserted into the reactor core once it became apparent that resolving the technical issue would require substantial time. Kobayashi emphasized that “the reactor maintains stable conditions with no detectable radioactive emissions beyond facility boundaries.”

    This incident represents the second technical delay in the plant’s planned reactivation. The initial restart scheduled for Tuesday was postponed due to complications with control rod removal detected last weekend, though those issues were reportedly resolved by Sunday.

    The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility, boasting seven reactors with combined capacity of 8.2 gigawatts, has remained inactive since Japan’s nationwide nuclear shutdown following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi catastrophe. The current restart effort involves bringing just one reactor back online initially.

    Japan’s push to revive nuclear energy stems from multiple factors: the nation’s resource scarcity, carbon neutrality objectives by 2050, and escalating energy demands driven partly by artificial intelligence infrastructure requirements. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa restart marks TEPCO’s first nuclear reactivation since the Fukushima disaster, which the company also operated.

    Public sentiment in Niigata remains sharply divided regarding the plant’s reactivation. A September survey revealed approximately 60% of local residents oppose the restart, while 37% support it. Opposition groups have highlighted seismic concerns, noting the facility’s location on an active fault zone and referencing damage sustained during a 2007 earthquake. Earlier this month, seven activist organizations submitted a petition with nearly 40,000 signatures to regulatory authorities questioning the plant’s safety preparedness.

  • Leroy Major hints at possible run as indpendent – ‘Nothing is off the table’

    Leroy Major hints at possible run as indpendent – ‘Nothing is off the table’

    Member of Parliament for Southern Shores Leroy Major has publicly suggested the possibility of running as an independent candidate in Bahamas’ upcoming general election, creating uncertainty about his future with the ruling Progressive Liberal Party. When pressed about rumors regarding an independent bid, Major remained deliberately ambiguous, stating only that “nothing is off the table” and that “time will tell,” while repeatedly urging observers to “watch the road.”

    The political speculation intensified following Major’s conspicuous absence from recent PLP candidate interviews for Southern Shores aspirants at the party headquarters. When questioned about whether he had been advised to step aside, the MP again declined to provide clear answers, maintaining his cryptic “watch the road” response.

    Major first garnered national attention last year after publicly criticizing what he characterized as unequal resource distribution and expressing frustration with the treatment of backbenchers in an interview with The Tribune. Although he subsequently attempted to retract these statements in the House of Assembly, claiming his comments had been misrepresented, the newspaper maintained the accuracy of its reporting.

    As the PLP moves closer to selecting its candidate for Southern Shores, interest in the constituency has significantly intensified. Deputy chairman Obie Roberts and ZNS General Manager Clint Watson have both expressed interest in the nomination and were recently interviewed by the party’s Candidates Committee.

    When asked about his preferred candidate for the nomination, Major avoided direct engagement, instead questioning whether he had ever made formal public statements regarding Southern Shores. Regarding growing tensions between supporters of Roberts and Watson, Major dismissed the issue as being “beyond my pay grade,” emphasizing that his focus remains on serving his constituents.

    The MP concluded by stating his intention to meet with constituents to inform them “what time it is,” adding a challenge to any potential candidate: “Whoever they put in Southern Shores, tell them go bring their boss.”

  • ‘How much will Bahamians save from VAT cut on food?’

    ‘How much will Bahamians save from VAT cut on food?’

    The House of Assembly witnessed escalating tensions as opposition lawmakers confronted the Davis administration regarding its recently implemented VAT reduction policy. Shanendon Cartwright, deputy leader of the FREE National Movement, spearheaded the challenge by demanding precise clarification on the actual financial benefits Bahamian households should anticipate from the value-added tax removal on unprepared food items.

    During heated parliamentary debates, Cartwright emphasized the government’s apparent failure to communicate concrete details about the policy’s practical implications for citizens experiencing economic pressures. The discourse centered on whether the measure would generate substantial relief for families grappling with persistent financial constraints.

    Cartwright referenced a Nassau Guardian analysis projecting approximate monthly savings of $11 per household, translating to roughly $127 annually. This calculation derived from distributing the government’s estimated $15 million revenue shortfall across the national household count—a methodology subsequently disputed by the Office of the Prime Minister.

    The St. Barnabas representative characterized these projected savings as ‘shameful,’ particularly questioning the significance of such an amount for a typical four-person family unit.

    Government MP Zane Lightbourne countered these assertions, arguing that quantifying savings with a universal figure fundamentally misrepresents the VAT relief mechanism. Lightbourne stressed that individual savings would inherently vary based on income disparities and distinct consumption patterns, making standardized estimates impractical.

    Prime Minister Philip Davis defended the policy’s timing, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and asserting that international financial institutions had previously advised against premature tax reductions. Davis indicated that current economic conditions finally permitted the implementation of this relief measure.

    Opposition members, including East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson, maintained that the policy lacked transparency, thorough analysis, and accountability. Thompson noted that despite growing dependence on non-profit assistance organizations, the government’s approach seemed more focused on headline-driven announcements than evidence-based policy-making.

  • Spanish hotel group commits to helping Jamaica recover stronger from Melissa

    Spanish hotel group commits to helping Jamaica recover stronger from Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s tourism sector has initiated a strategic partnership with Spanish hospitality conglomerate Inverotel to accelerate post-hurricane recovery and enhance global market competitiveness. The landmark discussions occurred during the FITUR international tourism fair in Spain on Wednesday, marking a significant development in cross-continental tourism collaboration.

    Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett characterized the alliance as essential for rebuilding traveler confidence and stimulating demand across key source markets. “This recovery requires all available resources,” Bartlett stated. “We particularly welcome Inverotel’s support in highlighting Jamaica’s diverse offerings spanning resort tourism, cultural experiences, and gastronomic excellence.”

    The negotiations centered on developing integrated promotional strategies, facilitating knowledge exchange, and implementing coordinated marketing initiatives. These efforts are designed to reinforce Jamaica’s status as a premier Caribbean destination amid ongoing recovery challenges.

    Bartlett emphasized the partnership’s significance, noting: “Genuine partnerships reveal themselves during difficult periods. Inverotel has demonstrated unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s tourism sector, for which we extend our heartfelt appreciation.”

    Inverotel, which operates approximately 100,000 hotel rooms across the Americas and Caribbean, reaffirmed its substantial commitment to Jamaica’s tourism resilience. The group emphasized that collaborative marketing between public and private entities remains crucial for achieving sustainable industry recovery.

    Tourism Director Donovan White welcomed the development as strategically timed. “By synchronizing marketing approaches and utilizing international networks,” White explained, “we can accelerate recovery while establishing foundations for prolonged growth. This collaboration becomes particularly vital as we intensify destination marketing efforts.”

    White highlighted Jamaica’s continued importance to Spanish hotel investors, noting billions of dollars in committed investments encompassing new hotel infrastructure, worker welfare programs, housing initiatives, training schemes, and strategies to increase local procurement that will bolster both economic and tourism sustainability.

  • Scotia Insurance returns as gold sponsor of Swim for the Sanctuary

    Scotia Insurance returns as gold sponsor of Swim for the Sanctuary

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Scotia Insurance has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation and community wellness by returning as gold sponsor for the fifth annual Swim for the Sanctuary event, scheduled for this Saturday at White River House, Shaw Park Beach in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

    The open-water swimming event, which serves as a critical fundraiser for the White River Fish Sanctuary, will commence at 7:00 am after being rescheduled from its original November 1 date due to Hurricane Melissa. Scotia Insurance President Debra Lopez Spence will be in attendance to present awards to the largest participating swim club, while volunteers from Scotia Insurance, Scotiabank, and the Scotia Foundation will provide operational support including marshalling duties.

    In an official statement, Lopez Spence emphasized the strategic alignment between the insurer’s health philosophy and the event’s objectives. ‘At Scotia Insurance, we fundamentally believe that good health stems from intentional choices—maintaining physical activity, managing stress, and establishing balance,’ she stated. ‘This swim event powerfully demonstrates the interconnection between physical exertion, mental well-being, and aquatic environments, all of which contribute substantively to overall wellness.’

    Lopez Spence further highlighted the dual significance of the initiative, noting that ‘protecting marine resources remains essential for livelihoods, food security, and sustainable development in coastal communities.’

    Belinda Collier-Morrow, board member of the White River Fish Sanctuary, acknowledged the indispensability of corporate partnerships, stating: ‘Ongoing support from organizations like Scotia Insurance proves vital to the event’s continued success and sustainability. Their involvement not only advances protection efforts for the sanctuary but also reinforces the values of healthy living, community engagement, and responsible environmental stewardship.’

    Now firmly established on Jamaica’s open-water swimming calendar, Swim for the Sanctuary attracts both competitive athletes and recreational participants united in their support for marine conservation and the development of Jamaica’s blue economy. The initiative has consistently raised public awareness about coastal ecosystem preservation while simultaneously promoting active lifestyles.

    All generated proceeds will be directed exclusively toward conservation and management operations at the White River Fish Sanctuary, which plays a crucial role in rehabilitating fish populations and supporting sustainable practices within coastal communities.

  • WATCH: Gov’t will provide the necessary budget for body-worn cameras, says Holness

    WATCH: Gov’t will provide the necessary budget for body-worn cameras, says Holness

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move toward police modernization and accountability, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has pledged complete governmental funding for body-worn cameras across all necessary units of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The announcement was delivered during his keynote address at the passing-out ceremony for batches 161 and 167 at the National Police College of Jamaica in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine.

    Prime Minister Holness confirmed that approximately 1,000 cameras have already been secured, with additional units currently in the procurement pipeline. He unequivocally stated, “The Government will supply the necessary budget to ensure that all formations that require the use of body-worn cameras are so equipped.” This initiative is a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to foster transparent policing and establish a reliable process for data capture during police operations.

    Emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the government’s investment, Holness highlighted that advancements in technology are being pursued alongside rigorous training and administrative overhauls. “We are investing heavily in technology to make sure that we have a 21st-century policing force,” he asserted. While acknowledging the JCF’s proactive efforts in seeking the best technological platforms, the Prime Minister also noted that the force must navigate standard public procurement regulations.

    Alongside the technological pledge, Holness issued a direct charge to the 287 new constables graduating that day, demanding they treat every citizen with utmost dignity and respect for their rights, regardless of socioeconomic status. This call for reform aligns with mounting pressure from human rights advocacy groups, including Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), which has been vocally demanding the implementation of body cameras amid a troubling rise in fatal shootings by security forces.