Carib Scope

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  • FOAM president says celebrate your birthday by donating blood

    FOAM president says celebrate your birthday by donating blood

    The Bahamas is confronting a severe blood supply crisis that has prompted urgent public health appeals and innovative community mobilization efforts. Khandi Gibson, president of Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM), has initiated a distinctive campaign challenging citizens to commemorate their birthdays by donating blood rather than seeking material gifts. This initiative emerges against a backdrop of daily circulation of flyers pleading for blood donations for patients across age groups.

    Gibson advocates for transforming birthday celebrations into opportunities for lifesaving contributions, suggesting visits to Princess Margaret Hospital, Doctors Hospital, or the Blood Bank with family and friends. ‘Instead of looking for money or worldly gain, celebrate your birthday by allowing somebody else to celebrate theirs,’ she emphasized, revealing her personal commitment to annual blood donation.

    The urgency of this initiative was highlighted through Gibson’s recollection of a tragic case where despite public appeals, a woman’s mother succumbed to her condition due to insufficient blood availability. This experience underscores the critical nature of sustained donation efforts.

    Health authorities across the archipelago have amplified concerns regarding dangerously low blood reserves. Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama and Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau report struggling to maintain adequate supplies amidst rising demand. In March 2025, Grand Bahama Health Services issued emergency appeals as transfusion requirements increasingly outpaced available donations.

    Adelecia Campbell, administrative manager at Grand Bahama Health Services, confirmed that the hospital’s blood bank has been overwhelmed by request volumes, forcing staff to utilize social media for urgent public appeals during critical patient situations. Claudia Glinton, laboratory manager, revealed that collected blood units are typically utilized within one week—significantly before their 35-day expiration period—due to constant demand from multiple medical departments.

    Patients requiring regular transfusions include those battling kidney disease, cancer, anemia, and women experiencing childbirth complications. Health officials continue stressing that consistent donor participation is essential for maintaining supplies for both emergency situations and routine medical treatments, urging all eligible donors to contribute regularly to this vital community resource.

  • Weekend fire guts family-owned hotel

    Weekend fire guts family-owned hotel

    A devastating fire has completely destroyed the historic All My Children Hotel in Bimini, dealing a crushing blow to the Rolle family during ongoing negotiations to sell the property. The Sunday afternoon inferno gutted all 38 hotel rooms and two suites located on the top floor of the four-story building, while lower levels containing a banquet hall and restaurant escaped damage.

    Co-owner Glennash Rolle, who was in the United States during the incident, described receiving frantic calls about the blaze. “My heart dropped,” she recounted to The Tribune, emphasizing the profound emotional impact of watching her family’s legacy disappear in flames.

    The hotel represented more than just property—it stood as a testament to her late father Glen Rolle’s pioneering spirit. As one of the first Black men to own property in downtown Bimini and the area’s first Black hotel owner, his achievement broke racial barriers in its time. The building, constructed in phases between the 1980s and 1990s, held the distinction of being the second-oldest structure on the island.

    Adding to the tragedy, the fire occurred while the family was fulfilling their father’s final wish by negotiating the property’s sale through a realtor. The uninsured building, though not operational, remained structurally sound before the fire. Preliminary reports suggest electrical work by BPL crews was underway in the area when the blaze started, though official causes remain under investigation.

    The disaster prompted an extraordinary community response, with residents—some still in pajamas—joining firefighters to combat the flames. Ms. Rolle expressed profound gratitude for this outpouring of support and acknowledged Senator Randy Rolle and the Police Commissioner for ensuring firefighting equipment reached the scene.

    Despite millions in damages and the emotional devastation, the family finds solace in preventing further escalation that could have threatened nearby homes, including those of Ms. Rolle and her siblings. Looking forward, she affirmed: “I just trust that God is in control and there’s going to be a path through this.”

  • FNM to ratify eight candidates as election race heats up

    FNM to ratify eight candidates as election race heats up

    The Free National Movement (FNM) is poised to officially endorse a minimum of eight parliamentary candidates during its upcoming ratification assembly, signaling intensified electoral preparations ahead of Bahamas’ general elections. Insider sources reveal the party will strategically position prominent figures in newly established constituencies, with notable shifts involving current St Barnabas representative Shanendon Cartwright transitioning to the St James electoral district and Carlton Bowleg moving from North Andros to contest the Bimini and Berry Islands seat.

    The ratification list demonstrates the party’s balanced approach between experienced legislators and fresh political voices. Newcomers including Jamal Moss (St Barnabas), Janice Oliver (North Andros), and Jay Philippe (Bain and Grants Town) are among those expected to receive official endorsement. Additional constituencies slated for candidate confirmations encompass Pineridge, Centreville, and Long Island, though party officials remain discreet regarding the latter’s nomination, merely acknowledging Dr. Andre Rollins as the probable frontrunner.

    Political observers note that the final number of ratifications remains fluid, with intense deliberations continuing throughout Monday evening. This development occurs alongside the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) completion of its own candidate roster on Sunday, setting the stage for heightened political competition.

    The FNM’s latest endorsements supplement its existing slate of 28 previously ratified candidates, including party chairman Dr. Duane Sands (Bamboo Town), Kwasi Thompson (East Grand Bahama), Michael Foulkes (Golden Gates), Marvin Dames (Mount Moriah), Elsworth Johnson (Yamacraw), Rickey Mackey (North Eleuthera), Senator Darren Henfield (South Beach), and Adrian White (St Anne’s). These strategic movements reflect both parties’ concerted efforts to optimize electoral advantages through careful candidate placement and constituency-specific considerations.

  • Silvera seen smiling as prosecutors mull manslaughter plea

    Silvera seen smiling as prosecutors mull manslaughter plea

    In a stunning legal development at Kingston’s Supreme Court, former People’s National Party legislator Jolyan Silvera entered a surprise guilty plea for manslaughter and firearm-related felonies in connection with the November 2023 death of his wife, Melissa Silvera. The former parliament member, who had initially faced murder charges, reversed his previous claims of innocence during Tuesday’s closed-door proceedings.

    Eyewitnesses observed Silvera displaying apparent satisfaction as he was escorted from the courtroom by Jamaica Constabulary Force officers, his hands restrained behind his back. This cheerful demeanor contrasted sharply with his emotional display at his wife’s funeral months earlier, where he had wept openly.

    The case took a dramatic turn from its initial investigation, when Melissa Silvera’s death was originally attributed to natural causes during sleep. Her January 2024 funeral at St. Andrew Parish Church proceeded under this assumption, though investigators had already upgraded the case to murder weeks prior after autopsy results revealed bullet fragments within her body.

    Forensic evidence proved decisive in the investigation. According to law enforcement sources, ballistic analysis utilizing Jamaica’s Firearm Licensing Authority database conclusively matched the lethal bullet to Silvera’s registered firearm. This finding contradicted earlier ballistic tests that had shown no evidence of the weapon being discharged.

    Prosecutors are now evaluating whether to accept the manslaughter plea arrangement, with Justice Vinette Graham-Allen expected to deliver her final judgment on Thursday. The courtroom proceedings remained inaccessible to media representatives due to the private nature of the hearing.

  • E-Dee returns to rapping with ‘Pretty Girl’

    E-Dee returns to rapping with ‘Pretty Girl’

    Los Angeles-based Jamaican artist E-Dee is making a strategic return to his hip-hop origins with the December release of his new single ‘Pretty Girl,’ marking a significant shift from his recent focus on dancehall-reggae recordings. Despite previous collaborations with prominent American rappers Cam’ron and Jim Jones, E-Dee’s hip-hop credentials have often been overshadowed by his Caribbean-inspired work.

    The up-tempo track, produced by Jahsee, emerges from Clarendon Records—E-Dee’s own Los Angeles-based production company. The artist explained this deliberate artistic pivot comes after an extensive series of dancehall releases, signaling his desire for creative evolution.

    ‘My signature approach has consistently involved blending dancehall and hip-hop elements, tracing back to my debut album Ja 2 La 2 The World,’ E-Dee revealed in an exclusive interview with Observer Online. ‘Currently, I’m incorporating Afrobeats influences into this fusion to revitalize the sound and ensure continuous artistic development.’

    ‘Pretty Girl’ follows the emotionally charged single ‘We A Rebuild,’ which was inspired by the remarkable resilience demonstrated by Jamaicans following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on October 28. Both releases are products of Clarendon Records, the label E-Dee established just over a year ago as he transitioned into greater production autonomy. To date, the label has generated an impressive catalog including over twenty singles, one EP, and a compilation album.

    Originally from Toll Gate in Clarendon, Jamaica, E-Dee has maintained his Los Angeles residence for numerous years. Beyond his musical achievements encompassing multiple albums, EPs, and numerous singles, he has concurrently built an acting career in independent films. His filmography includes notable appearances in biographical projects such as ‘Out The Gate,’ ‘Temperature Rising,’ and ‘Mother In Law.’

  • FNM demands answers after BGC ‘denied access’ during blackout

    FNM demands answers after BGC ‘denied access’ during blackout

    A significant political confrontation has erupted in the Bahamas following allegations that the Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) was barred from accessing critical infrastructure during a major power crisis. Free National Movement Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis, serving as Shadow Minister for Energy, has formally demanded explanations from the Davis administration regarding these claims.

    The controversy stems from a since-deleted Facebook post by BGC, published during Sunday’s island-wide blackout, which stated that their team had been denied entry to the New Providence Control Center since January 27th. According to the company, this restriction violated their contractual right to jointly manage the facility alongside Bahamas Power and Light (BPL).

    Senator Barnett-Ellis characterized these allegations as raising ‘serious and troubling questions about the management of our national electricity system.’ She emphasized that if verified, this decision would have left BPL personnel exclusively overseeing the control center during a critical emergency period, potentially hampering efforts to assess, mitigate, or shorten the widespread outage that affected thousands of residents.

    The opposition senator presented a series of pointed inquiries to the government, including: who authorized the denial of access, whether the Minister of Energy and Prime Minister were informed of this decision, and what safeguards exist to ensure contractual partners can perform their designated roles during emergencies.

    In response, BPL issued an official statement denying any strain in their partnership with BGC, affirming their commitment to ‘a seamless working relationship.’ The power company disclosed that both organizations held a productive meeting to address the social media post and ‘chart the way forward in unity.’ BPL also emphasized maintaining strict security protocols governing access to secured spaces, applicable to all employees, partners, and visitors.

    The extensive power outage began late Saturday, with a complete island-wide blackout occurring around 1 AM Sunday. BPL attributed the crisis to high winds causing multiple areas to trip offline, with several other islands also experiencing weather-related disruptions. Notably, BGC’s responsibilities are limited to New Providence’s network under a public-private partnership established between the government and US-based Pike Corporation.

    This incident has brought renewed attention to the 25-year agreement between BPL and BGC, whose specific details remain undisclosed despite repeated requests from opposition parties and media outlets. Questions persist regarding staffing arrangements, equipment control, and operational responsibilities between the two entities.

  • Bermuda records increase in volume of retail sales index last August

    Bermuda records increase in volume of retail sales index last August

    HAMILTON, Bermuda — Bermuda’s retail sector demonstrated notable economic resilience with a 2.6 percent increase in the volume of retail sales index for August 2025 compared to the same period the previous year, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Economy and Labour. The report also indicated a moderate rise in consumer expenses, with shoppers paying 1.9 percent more for the standard basket of goods and services than they did twelve months prior.

    In monetary terms, retail sales surged to an estimated $117.3 million, reflecting robust consumer activity across multiple sectors. The performance was unevenly distributed, however, with four out of seven sectors achieving year-over-year growth. Leading the expansion, motor vehicle stores recorded a substantial 20.2 percent volume increase. The ‘all other store types’ category—encompassing household items, furniture, appliances, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and tourist-related goods—also posted impressive gains of 15.3 percent. More modest growth was observed in food stores (up 1.1 percent) and apparel stores (up 0.6 percent).

    Conversely, several sectors experienced significant declines. Building material stores suffered the most severe contraction with a 21.5 percent drop in sales volume. Liquor stores saw a decrease of 7.9 percent, while service stations recorded a 1.6 percent reduction in volume.

    On the inflation front, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a slight improvement as the annual inflation rate edged downward by 0.1 percentage points from July 2025 levels, suggesting a minor easing of price pressures in the Bermudian economy.

  • Tony Bates, Michael Leitner appointed to Digicel board

    Tony Bates, Michael Leitner appointed to Digicel board

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Caribbean telecommunications leader Digicel has significantly bolstered its corporate governance with the strategic appointment of two industry veterans to its board of directors, effective February 1, 2026. The company announced the addition of Tony Bates and Michael Leitner, bringing decades of specialized expertise to guide its long-term strategic objectives.

    The appointments are a calculated move to enhance oversight as Digicel executes its multi-faceted strategy centered on achieving operational resilience, enforcing disciplined capital allocation, and ensuring sustainable performance across its core Caribbean markets. These regions are characterized by their capital-intensive nature and stringent regulatory frameworks, demanding expert navigation.

    Tony Bates contributes over thirty years of senior financial and operational leadership within global telecommunications and media corporations. His most notable tenure was as Group Chief Financial Officer at satellite communications giant Inmarsat. In this role, Bates was instrumental in steering business performance, optimizing capital structures, and leading major corporate transactions. His portfolio includes overseeing complex refinancing initiatives and playing a key role in the company’s landmark sale to Viasat, showcasing his proficiency in managing high-stakes financial transformations in regulated industries.

    Michael Leitner joins as a Partner and Senior Managing Director at Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm. He currently holds board positions across several of Stonepeak’s communications and digital infrastructure portfolio companies. Leitner’s extensive career encompasses growth, restructuring, and turnaround projects spanning the entire digital ecosystem, including fibre optics, wireless technology, satellite services, data centers, and cloud computing. His executive experience includes significant roles at financial and tech powerhouses such as BlackRock, Tennenbaum Capital Partners, and Microsoft. With a seat on more than 25 public and private company boards, Leitner offers unparalleled governance and investment insight.

    Digicel’s Chairman, Rajeev Suri, emphasized the strategic fit of the new members, stating, ‘The perspectives Tony and Michael bring are directly aligned with Digicel’s current priorities. Tony’s profound experience in financial leadership and execution, combined with Michael’s deep background in digital infrastructure and capital stewardship, will significantly enhance the board’s strategic oversight.’

    Echoing this sentiment, Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer, Marcelo Cataldo, commented, ‘Operating in our markets requires impeccable execution and financial discipline. Both Tony and Michael have built their careers mastering these complex environments. Their seasoned judgment will be invaluable as we continue to build a resilient business focused on delivering sustainable, long-term performance for our customers and stakeholders.’

  • ‘It looked like he was begging for his life’

    ‘It looked like he was begging for his life’

    GRAND BAHAMA – The island community is reeling from its first homicide of 2026 after 37-year-old Deangelo ‘Ducky’ Burrows was fatally shot multiple times on a Saturday night. The incident occurred near the intersection of Adventurer’s Way and East Atlantic Drive around 10 PM, with Burrows succumbing to his injuries at a local medical facility shortly thereafter.

    According to hospital officials who briefed the family, Burrows sustained seven gunshot wounds—five to his lower extremities, one to his torso, and another to his hand. The pattern of injuries led his sister, Desiree Wilson, to a heartbreaking conclusion: “Based on the description of his wounds, it appeared he was begging for his life.”

    Local authorities have yet to determine a motive or identify suspects, publicly urging anyone with relevant information to assist in the ongoing investigation.

    Wilson learned of her brother’s death Sunday morning through community members. Overwhelmed by grief, she delegated the grim task of identifying the body to two other siblings. While acknowledging her brother’s imperfections, Wilson emphasized that nothing justified the violent nature of his death. “My brother wasn’t a saint, but he didn’t deserve to die like this,” she stated.

    Burrows, a father of two sons—one nearing high school graduation—was remembered as a hardworking jack-of-all-trades who took on fishing, carpentry, and car washing to provide for his family. Known for his humor and vibrant presence in the ‘Back of the Town’ neighborhood, he was described as someone who “always cracked jokes, even during disagreements.”

    The family is now grappling with both emotional and practical hardships, including planning a birthday memorial for Burrows, whose March celebration will now remain unseen. Wilson expressed fragile hope in the judicial process, noting that although police lack concrete leads, they promised a thorough investigation. “I will leave it in the cops’ hands,” she said.

  • Disney names theme parks boss chief Josh D’Amaro as next CEO

    Disney names theme parks boss chief Josh D’Amaro as next CEO

    The Walt Disney Company has initiated a landmark leadership transition, appointing theme parks division head Josh D’Amaro as successor to longtime Chief Executive Bob Iger. The 54-year-old executive will assume the CEO role effective March 18 following unanimous board approval, marking the culmination of a meticulously planned succession strategy.

    D’Amaro brings 28 years of institutional knowledge and operational expertise to the position, having most recently overseen Disney’s most profitable business segment. Under his leadership, the parks, experiences, and products division generated $36 billion in fiscal 2025 while managing 185,000 employees across global operations spanning 12 theme parks and 57 resort properties.

    Board Chairman James Gorman emphasized D’Amaro’s unique qualifications, noting his ‘inspiring leadership and innovation, strategic growth vision, and profound connection to the Disney brand.’ The incoming CEO has spearheaded major expansion initiatives including the groundbreaking ‘Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’ development, plans for Abu Dhabi’s upcoming theme park, and Disney’s transformative partnership with Epic Games for Fortnite integration.

    In a concurrent executive restructuring, Dana Walden assumes the newly created position of President and Chief Creative Officer. As co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, Walden will report directly to D’Amaro while overseeing creative direction across the company’s extensive portfolio.

    Iger will remain engaged through December 2026 as senior advisor, providing transitional support following his transformative tenure. His legacy includes landmark acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, alongside the successful launch of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney’s streaming services expansion.

    The leadership change occurs during a period of significant industry disruption, with traditional media models facing unprecedented challenges. Disney+ continues its path toward profitability after launching in 2019 to compete with streaming giant Netflix, while the company explores emerging technologies including generative AI through recently signed licensing agreements.

    This transition represents Disney’s third CEO change in four years, following Iger’s brief 2020 retirement and subsequent return after successor Bob Chapek’s pandemic-era dismissal. Iger’s recent restructuring efforts addressed streaming losses and operational challenges, positioning the company for its next chapter under D’Amaro’s leadership.