Carib Scope

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  • PNP WM raises concerns over sexual harassment allegations raised by Julian Chang

    PNP WM raises concerns over sexual harassment allegations raised by Julian Chang

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The People’s National Party Women’s Movement has broken its silence regarding serious sexual misconduct allegations within party ranks. President Patricia Duncan Sutherland addressed growing concerns after Savanna-la-Mar councillor Julian Chang publicly accused Westmoreland Central MP Dwayne Vaz of inappropriate behavior.

    The controversy emerged during a radio interview on January 26th when Councillor Chang first detailed the allegations. According to the claims, Vaz allegedly sent sexually explicit messages via WhatsApp platform. Following Chang’s refusal of these purported advances, the councillor reportedly faced exclusion from crucial constituency executive meetings—a move interpreted by some as retaliatory action.

    Duncan Sutherland emphasized the Women’s Movement’s firm stance against all forms of sexual harassment and abuse. In an official statement released Tuesday, she expressed confidence that the PNP would activate its Independent Complaints Committee pursuant to established party bylaws derived from its Sexual Harassment Policy. The process mandates thorough investigation, transparent examination, and appropriate disciplinary measures if warranted.

    The Women’s Movement leader reiterated their commitment to fostering environments where all citizens, particularly women, feel secure and empowered. She stressed the importance of addressing concerns through proper channels with fairness and appropriateness, noting that institutional change must begin within political organizations themselves.

    This development occurs amid heightened global attention to workplace misconduct and power dynamics within political structures. The case represents a significant test for Jamaica’s opposition party’s internal accountability mechanisms and its adherence to self-established governance protocols regarding gender-based violations.

  • McAlpine to run independent again: “We gon’ be ready this time”

    McAlpine to run independent again: “We gon’ be ready this time”

    Former Pineridge parliamentarian Frederick McAlpine has formally initiated his independent campaign for the constituency seat, months after initially revealing his political intentions. The ex-MP delivered his declaration to supporters through a social media video, surrounded by allies adorned in purple campaign attire identifying his “Mac Pac” team.

    McAlpine’s reemergence establishes him as a potential disruptive force in the upcoming electoral contest, building upon his substantial second-place performance during the previous general election. His 2021 independent campaign yielded 1,175 votes, positioning him narrowly behind Progressive Liberal Party candidate Ginger Moxey, who secured victory with 1,423 votes. The Free National Movement’s contender, Welbourne Bootle, trailed significantly with merely 886 votes in a constituency boasting 5,670 registered voters.

    The political veteran originally entered Parliament representing Pineridge on May 10, 2017, under the FNM banner. His tenure within the party concluded abruptly in June 2018 when then-Prime Minister Hubert Minnis terminated his position as Hotel Corporation Chairman. This dismissal followed McAlpine’s rebellion alongside fellow FNM parliamentarians Travis Robinson, Vaughn Miller, and Reece Chipman, who collectively opposed the government’s proposal to elevate value-added tax from 7.5% to 12%.

    McAlpine’s relationship with the FNM deteriorated consistently due to his frequent critiques of party leadership, culminating in his complete separation from the organization in July 2021. His subsequent independent campaign demonstrated considerable voter support, establishing a foundation for his current electoral challenge.

  • Mom pleads – ‘I want to put my son at rest’

    Mom pleads – ‘I want to put my son at rest’

    A Bahamian family remains trapped in an agonizing state of uncertainty weeks after losing their son in a tragic traffic collision, with bureaucratic delays preventing both burial and closure. Llewellyn Forbes, 33, succumbed to injuries on January 8 following a December 24 crash at the intersection of Pioneer’s Way and East Atlantic Drive, yet critical documentation including autopsy results, official police reports, and medical records remain undisclosed to grieving relatives.

    Charlene Forbes, the deceased’s mother, articulated the family’s profound frustration after numerous unsuccessful attempts to obtain essential information from law enforcement authorities. “I want to put my son at rest. I need closure,” she stated, emphasizing that a month has passed without substantive communication from investigators. The emotional toll is particularly devastating for Mrs. Forbes, who previously lost her husband and another son, noting “That’s three men in my life that are gone.”

    Superintendent Christopher Farquharson, overseeing the Traffic Division, confirmed the investigation remains active with plans to forward findings to the Attorney General’s Office upon completion. While acknowledging two family visits to police stations where condolences were extended and preliminary updates provided, he offered no specific timeline for resolution.

    Llewellyn’s sister, Shacoda Forbes, remembered her brother as a quietly impactful jack-of-all-trades—a skilled welder and dedicated member of the GB Bikers’ Association whose helpful nature contrasted with his reserved demeanor. The association’s representative, Chante Wright, confirmed approximately twenty riders were traveling together when a vehicle struck the rearmost motorcycles, highlighting growing road safety concerns.

    The family reports being repeatedly assured of imminent updates and promised access to traffic camera footage that has yet to materialize. This administrative paralysis has forced the postponement of funeral arrangements indefinitely, leaving relatives simultaneously mourning their loss while fighting for accountability and transparency from authorities tasked with delivering justice.

  • Romae Gordon walks Chanel runway in Paris

    Romae Gordon walks Chanel runway in Paris

    In a spectacular return to high fashion, Jamaican modeling pioneer Romae Gordon graced the runway at Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2026 Haute Couture presentation in Paris on Tuesday. The event marked the highly anticipated debut collection of newly appointed chief designer Matthieu Blazy, who transformed the Grand Palais into an immersive psychedelic forest featuring towering mushrooms and pastel-colored weeping willows.

    Gordon showcased an exquisite ensemble featuring a double-breasted jacket with distinctive peak lapels and artistic button appliqués, elegantly paired with sheer skirting accentuated by a delicate feathered hemline. The collection drew direct inspiration from avian aesthetics and natural forms, creating a harmonious blend of structural tailoring and organic elements.

    The Jamaican model’s participation carried historical significance, recalling her groundbreaking achievement as the first Jamaican to appear on the cover of a British magazine (Slimmer). With an international career spanning Europe, Africa, and the United States, Gordon has been represented by prestigious agencies including Elite Premier in London, G3 in South Africa, and Wilhelmina in New York. Her extensive portfolio includes collaborations with Cosmopolitan magazine, Macy’s, Champion sportswear, JCPenny, and Gillette.

    Beyond modeling, Gordon has demonstrated business acumen through her previous role as co-managing director of Pulse Investments, adding a dimension of entrepreneurial accomplishment to her fashion legacy. Her appearance at Blazy’s debut signifies both a personal comeback and Chanel’s commitment to diverse representation in haute couture.

  • FosRich appoints Marlene Street Forrest to board

    FosRich appoints Marlene Street Forrest to board

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to enhance its corporate governance, FosRich Company Limited has announced the appointment of distinguished capital markets veteran Marlene Street Forrest to its board of directors. The appointment becomes effective January 9, 2026, marking a significant addition to the company’s leadership roster.

    Street Forrest brings an unparalleled legacy in Jamaican finance, having recently concluded her tenure as the longest-serving Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE). Her transformative leadership at the JSE was instrumental in modernizing the nation’s capital markets infrastructure. Key achievements under her guidance include the strategic expansion of the Junior Market, which provided a vital platform for emerging companies, and initiatives designed to democratize shareholder participation throughout the Jamaican economy.

    Her era at the exchange witnessed remarkable growth, characterized by a surge in listed entities and improved equity financing avenues for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These advancements were pivotal in cultivating a more robust and accessible local capital market.

    In recognition of her profound contributions to national financial development, Street Forrest has been decorated with some of Jamaica’s highest honors. These include the prestigious Order of Distinction in the Commander Class and the esteemed Order of Jamaica, both awarded for her exceptional service to the nation.

    FosRich, a key player in Jamaica’s building and lighting solutions sector, anticipates that Street Forrest’s vast experience and strategic acumen will substantially elevate boardroom deliberations and governance efficacy. Her insights are expected to be instrumental in steering the company’s ambitious long-term growth strategy as it seeks to further expand its market presence.

  • Trump rebukes armed protesters after Minnesota shooting

    Trump rebukes armed protesters after Minnesota shooting

    WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump has ignited a fierce constitutional debate by declaring that individuals “can’t walk in with guns” at public protests, following the fatal shooting of a legally armed nurse by federal authorities in Minnesota. This position places the administration in direct conflict with its traditional gun rights allies, creating one of the most significant political challenges of Trump’s presidency.

    The controversy stems from the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse who was carrying a handgun legally when border agents subdued, disarmed, and killed him during a Minneapolis protest on Saturday. This incident occurred just days after immigration agents fatally shot unarmed activist Renee Good as she attempted to drive away from a demonstration.

    Trump attempted to navigate the delicate situation by calling the shooting “a very unfortunate incident” while simultaneously maintaining that firearms have no place in protest settings. This stance has drawn immediate condemnation from powerful gun rights organizations, including the National Rifle Association, which labeled administration suggestions that Pretti’s legal firearm possession justified the shooting as “dangerous and wrong.”

    Gun Owners of America reinforced the constitutional argument that Americans do not forfeit their Second Amendment rights when exercising their First Amendment right to peaceful assembly. The debate has exposed significant fractures within Trump’s political coalition, with libertarian-leaning Republicans like Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie arguing that “carrying a firearm is not a death sentence.”

    The administration itself displayed internal divisions, as Trump distanced himself from Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller’s baseless characterization of Pretti as an “assassin,” while still supporting the broader premise that armed protesters inherently threaten law enforcement.

    This position has revived accusations of hypocrisy from Trump critics, who note the stark contrast with the administration’s defense of armed conservatives like Kyle Rittenhouse, acquitted after killing two people with an AR-15 rifle at a 2020 protest. Further damaging testimony emerged from the January 6th committee, revealing Trump knew some supporters at his rally were armed but demanded reduced security checks before urging them to march on the Capitol.

    The escalating controversy has sharpened Democratic attacks and created unease within Trump’s base, potentially threatening one of his most reliable political alliances as the nation grapples with balancing gun rights and public safety.

  • Senior judge urges motorists to educate themselves about traffic laws

    Senior judge urges motorists to educate themselves about traffic laws

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaican judiciary has issued a compelling call for motorists to proactively educate themselves on national traffic legislation, emphasizing that legal literacy enables better decision-making and courtroom preparedness. Senior Judge Mitsy Beaumont-Daley of the Corporate Area Traffic Court delivered this message during a recent traffic symposium at the St Mary Parish Court, highlighting widespread ignorance of road laws among defendants. Judge Beaumont-Daley revealed that numerous individuals appearing before her court demonstrate unfamiliarity with basic traffic regulations, necessitating judicial explanations of statutes before defendants can enter informed pleas. She stressed personal responsibility in studying the Road Traffic Act, Transport Authority Act, and Road Traffic Regulations to confidently assert guilt or innocence when charged. The address identified frequently misunderstood offenses, including improper fog lamp usage—often confused with daytime running lights—and permissible hands-free device operation while driving. Judge Beaumont-Daley clarified that fog lamps are legally restricted to specific weather conditions, and electronic device use constitutes an offense only when not in hands-free mode. She articulated that comprehending penalties promotes compliance through wisdom and respect for others’ safety rather than mere fear of punishment. The senior judge concluded with a stern reminder that driving constitutes a privilege subject to revocation for abuse, affirming the court’s commitment to firm yet fair enforcement of traffic laws.

  • Kamella Carmino unleashes Sōk-D’M, a fusion of soca, EDM

    Kamella Carmino unleashes Sōk-D’M, a fusion of soca, EDM

    Trinidadian entrepreneur and cultural innovator Kamella Carmino has pioneered a groundbreaking musical genre titled Sōk-D’M (pronounced Soak Dem), representing an intentional fusion of Caribbean soca rhythms and electronic dance music (EDM). This innovative soundscape bridges traditional Carnival energy with global festival appeal, creating what industry observers are calling a transformative moment for Caribbean music on the world stage.

    The genesis of Sōk-D’M emerged from a strategic conversation between Carmino and ABM of Platinum Trini Hot 97FM Internet Radio, based in Los Angeles. During their discussion, ABM—who holds promotional licensing rights in Las Vegas—revealed the challenging reality that while EDM dominated the Vegas entertainment market, virtually no platform existed for traditional soca music. This market gap inspired Carmino’s immediate creative response: “So why don’t we fuse soca and EDM and call it Sōk-D’M?”

    Within hours of this conceptual breakthrough, Carmino collaborated with her son Jesus Carmino-Garraway to produce the inaugural Sōk-D’M single “Cross De Stage,” released through JuJu Multimedia. This pioneering track established the genre’s technical parameters and artistic vision, blending soca’s characteristic drum patterns, call-and-response vocal arrangements, and steelpan heritage with EDM’s synthesizer textures, powerful basslines, and dramatic build-and-drop structures.

    Carmino has since expanded the Sōk-D’M catalog with additional compositions including “High on Love” and “Jump Up on Down,” further refining the genre’s sonic identity and emotional resonance. Operating within a tempo range of 125-132 BPM, Sōk-D’M occupies a unique musical space that merges the visceral energy of Trinidad’s J’Ouvert celebrations with the spectacular production values of international festivals like Tomorrowland.

    The term “Sōk-D’M” itself carries profound cultural meaning, with Carmino explaining: “To Soak Dem is to be drenched in rhythm, culture and spirit.” Beyond its musical innovations, the genre represents a philosophical movement advocating for borderless Carnival expression and electronic music with authentic Caribbean soul. This creative initiative invites global producers, DJs, and music enthusiasts to engage with Caribbean culture through rhythm-based connection and collective celebration.

    As Sōk-D’M gains traction across international markets, Carmino envisions the genre transforming how Caribbean music is perceived and consumed worldwide, creating new pathways for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration across continents.

  • US lawsuit alleges Trinidadian men were unlawfully killed

    US lawsuit alleges Trinidadian men were unlawfully killed

    In a landmark legal action, the families of two Trinidad and Tobago citizens killed in a US military strike have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the United States government. The case, lodged in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts on January 27, challenges the legality of America’s maritime security operations in the Caribbean region.

    The plaintiffs allege that a October 14, 2025 missile attack destroyed a civilian vessel traveling from Venezuela toward Trinidad, resulting in the deaths of all six persons aboard. Among the victims were Chad Joseph, 26, and Rishi Samaroo, 41, both residents of Las Cuevas who their families maintain were returning from legitimate fishing and agricultural work in Venezuela.

    Legal representatives for the families are pursuing compensation under the Death on the High Seas Act and the Alien Tort Statute, contending the strike constituted both wrongful death and extrajudicial killing under international law. The suit invokes the Suits in Admiralty Act to overcome sovereign immunity protections typically afforded to the US government.

    According to court documents, the incident formed part of what plaintiffs describe as an ‘unprecedented’ military campaign initiated in September 2025, involving approximately 36 armed attacks on maritime vessels in Caribbean and eastern Pacific international waters. The lawsuit estimates these operations resulted in roughly 125 casualties.

    The complaint references former President Donald Trump’s public acknowledgment of authorizing the October 14 strike via social media, including shared footage showing a stationary boat being destroyed by munitions. Families maintain neither Joseph nor Samaroo presented any imminent threat, and their vessel was unequivocally civilian in nature.

    US officials have previously defended such strikes as lawful operations within a non-international armed conflict against regional drug cartels. Government representatives have cited a classified Office of Legal Counsel memorandum purportedly supporting this legal position.

    The families’ lawsuit systematically dismantles this justification, arguing drug trafficking does not constitute armed conflict under international humanitarian law. The filing emphasizes that neither victim had documented connections to criminal organizations, noting Trinidadian authorities have publicly stated they possess ‘no information linking Joseph or Samaroo to illegal activities.’

    The legal action seeks not only financial compensation but also accountability for senior officials who authorized the strikes. It represents a significant challenge to the legal frameworks governing maritime security operations and the boundaries of lethal force in counter-narcotics missions.

  • GHN’s ‘Beyond the Book Bag’ initiative reaches 135 students

    GHN’s ‘Beyond the Book Bag’ initiative reaches 135 students

    Jamaican-American philanthropist Dr. Laxley Stephenson is spearheading a significant educational recovery effort across hurricane-affected regions of Jamaica through his organization, Global Humanity Network Incorporated (GHN). The nonprofit’s ‘Beyond the Book Bag’ initiative has now reached 135 students islandwide, with recent distributions serving 85 additional students across Westmoreland and St Elizabeth parishes.

    The expansion follows GHN’s initial December deployment in Trelawny, where 50 students received comprehensive educational support after Hurricane Melissa destroyed critical learning materials. The latest phase provided complete textbook sets and essential supplies to 60 Westmoreland students and 25 in St Elizabeth, representing 20 educational institutions across both parishes.

    Dr. Stephenson, GHN’s President and CEO, emphasized the strategic nature of the intervention. ‘Our response transcends conventional charity,’ he stated. ‘While addressing immediate textbook shortages through approximately $1 million in distributed materials, we’re simultaneously launching a three-year mentorship framework designed to create sustainable educational pathways.’

    The initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from educational leaders. Nerissa Stevens, Principal of Little London Primary School, reported that GHN exceeded initial commitments by providing materials for 19 students instead of the planned nine. ‘This intervention directly addresses classroom instructional gaps,’ Stevens noted. ‘Recipients span our entire educational spectrum, from early childhood through sixth grade.’

    Concurrently, GHN is undergoing a strategic transformation from charity-focused operations to capacity-building development. The organization unveiled a 2026-2029 roadmap establishing a structured pipeline beginning with immediate relief (‘Helping Hands’), progressing through mentorship programs (‘Mentoring Matters’), and culminating in long-term educational investments (‘Beyond the Backpack’).

    The phased implementation will establish student cohorts and tracking systems in 2026, expand partnerships in 2027, and scale the model regionally through 2029. Professor Stephenson characterized this evolution as ‘elevating charity into a strategy for building futures,’ anticipating outcomes including strengthened youth leadership, reduced aid dependency, and self-sustaining community development.