Carib Scope

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  • EU opens probe into Musk’s Grok over sexual AI deepfakes

    EU opens probe into Musk’s Grok over sexual AI deepfakes

    BRUSSELS, Belgium—The European Union has initiated a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s social media platform X concerning its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok, which has demonstrated the capacity to generate sexually explicit deepfake imagery of women and minors. This regulatory action represents the latest development in a growing international backlash against the controversial AI tool.

    The investigation was prompted by reports that Grok users could manipulate images through simple text commands such as ‘put her in a bikini’ or ‘remove her clothes,’ effectively enabling the creation of non-consensual sexualized content. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a strong statement declaring that such ‘digital undressing’ practices would not be tolerated within EU jurisdictions.

    ‘We will not hand over consent and child protection to tech companies to violate and monetize. The harm caused by illegal images is very real,’ von der Leyen emphasized in her communication with AFP.

    EU Technology Commissioner Henna Virkkunen clarified that the investigation will assess whether X has complied with its legal obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), the bloc’s comprehensive legislation designed to regulate internet giants. She specifically noted that the rights of women and children should not become ‘collateral damage’ in the platform’s service offerings.

    The probe will examine whether X adequately mitigated risks associated with the dissemination of illegal content, including manipulated sexually explicit imagery and potential child sexual abuse material. This regulatory move occurs despite repeated threats of retaliation from the United States, where the Trump administration has characterized such enforcement as curbing free speech and unfairly targeting American companies.

    The investigation follows Grok’s earlier announcement restricting image generation capabilities to paying subscribers, a measure that failed to prevent regulatory scrutiny. According to research published by the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate, Grok generated approximately three million sexualized images of women and children within days of its release.

    The EU is simultaneously expanding an existing investigation into X’s content moderation practices, particularly concerning the platform’s recent integration of Grok into its recommendation algorithm. Brussels had previously imposed a €120 million fine on X in December 2023 for violating DSA transparency obligations, including deceptive design practices surrounding account verification systems.

    EU Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier asserted that enforcement would continue ‘firmly, fairly, objectively’ without targeting companies based on their national origin, amid ongoing transatlantic tensions regarding technology regulation.

  • Top schools gear up for ISSA urban U-16, U-19 basketball semifinals

    Top schools gear up for ISSA urban U-16, U-19 basketball semifinals

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The intensity of the ISSA Urban High School Basketball Championships reaches its zenith this week as the semifinal rounds commence in both the Under-16 and Under-19 divisions. The quest for a place in the finals unfolds through a demanding best-of-three series format, with the U-16 matchups scheduled for Monday and the U-19 clashes set for Tuesday.

    A remarkable display of athletic prowess sees three institutions—Jamaica College (JC), Campion College, and St. George’s College (STGC)—securing positions in the semifinals for both age categories. They are joined by Wolmer’s Boys’ School in the U-16 bracket and Camperdown High School contending in the U-19 semifinals.

    Monday’s U-16 action will feature the defending champions, STGC, hosting Wolmer’s Boys, while Jamaica College travels for an away game against Campion College. Both contests are slated for a 3:00 pm tip-off.

    The narrative deepens in the U-19 division, where Jamaica College aims to achieve a prestigious double by defending its senior title. Their path is blocked by a formidable St. George’s College squad, last year’s U-16 champions, now hungry to claim the U-19 trophy and expand their silverware collection.

    Duane Cunningham, head coach for Jamaica College, expressed profound excitement for his players across both teams. “JC is one of three schools to have made it to both the U-16 and U-19 semi-finals. I’m excited for the boys who have put a lot of work into being where they are at right now,” Cunningham stated in an interview. He highlighted the unwavering confidence of his undefeated U-19 team while acknowledging the immense talent—and zero margin for error—of his U-16 squad, emphasizing the need to execute perfectly and harness JC’s renowned winning energy against well-coached, quality opponents.

    Key players are poised to become decisive factors. Campion College, the defending U-19 champions and also undefeated, are powered by the exceptional talents of Zachary Lawrence, who is coming off a monumental 35-point, 23-rebound performance. JC will counter with a trio of stars: the in-form Oritsematosan Ikolo, who recently scored 21 and 29 points in successive games, alongside Jahlani Jones and Christopher Burgess. For their U-16 ambitions, JC will rely on Jamarie Watson, Siedu Hamm, and Dijon Wallder.

    Meanwhile, Clifford Brown, coach of STGC, adopted a measured perspective, recognizing the monumental challenge ahead. “It’s an uphill task trying to win one of two, much less to contemplate winning both titles,” Brown remarked, committing his team to hard work and accepting whatever outcome may come, while hoping for divine support on their competitive journey.

    The Light Blues of STGC will pin their U-16 hopes on captain Joshua Thombs, Jesehf McKenzie, and Rico-Hylton Junior. Their U-19 campaign will be spearheaded by captain Rusaughn Bent, Barrington Dennis, and Alexander Bailey, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the semifinal round.

  • Steel Pulse’s Hinds hails Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore as a ‘walking music machine’

    Steel Pulse’s Hinds hails Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore as a ‘walking music machine’

    The global music community is paying tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, the revered Jamaican guitarist and co-founder of the iconic band Third World, who passed away on January 18 at the age of 69. Renowned for his technical precision and innovative style, Coore is being celebrated as a monumental figure in reggae history.

    David Hinds, frontman for the British reggae band Steel Pulse, offered a profound eulogy, describing Coore as a ‘walking music machine.’ Hinds highlighted Coore’s unparalleled skill, noting he ‘never heard him ever play a bum note’ during their shared performances. He specifically praised the guitarist’s ‘quick and nimble’ solos on tracks like ’96 Degrees in The Shade’ and the rock-blues infusion in ‘Cold Sweat,’ which encapsulated his unique artistic identity.

    The mutual admiration between these reggae pioneers was deep-rooted. Coore himself had once recalled the moment he first heard Steel Pulse’s ‘Handsworth Revolution’ at the London office of Island Records, a track that ‘blew his mind’ and signaled the arrival of a ‘special’ new act. Both Third World’s self-titled debut and Steel Pulse’s ‘Handsworth Revolution’ album were released under the same label, Island Records, cementing a shared chapter in music history.

    Coore’s genius extended beyond pure reggae. His incorporation of rock-influenced riffs in anthems such as ‘Try Jah Love’ and ‘Always Around’ was instrumental in broadening Third World’s international appeal and transcending genre boundaries. This eclectic mastery earned him a prestigious place on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 2023 list of the ‘250 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time,’ ranking at number 91.

    Hinds further marveled at Coore’s versatility, noting his proficiency in vocals, harmonica, bass, and cello, calling him a ‘human kaleidoscope’ of talent. This musical foundation was laid in his youth in Kingston. Born into a distinguished family, he was the son of David Coore, a former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Jamaica, and Rita Coore, a respected Trinidadian music teacher who personally instructed him in cello. Coore’s journey culminated in forming Third World with keyboardist Ibo Cooper after both departed from the Inner Circle band. The music world now mourns the loss of both legends, following Cooper’s own passing in 2023.

  • Gov’t allocates $165m towards energy poverty reduction project in Westmoreland

    Gov’t allocates $165m towards energy poverty reduction project in Westmoreland

    The Jamaican Government has initiated a targeted financial intervention to address energy poverty in communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz confirmed the allocation of J$165 million specifically for relief efforts in Westmoreland, representing a strategic reallocation within the broader national energy project budget of J$1.1 billion.

    Minister Vaz, speaking at the launch of Jamaica Public Service’s emergency mobile power generation unit in Westmoreland, explained the government’s prioritization strategy: “We have temporarily suspended projects in less affected parishes including Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary, St. Catherine, and Kingston-St. Andrew to redirect resources toward the five western parishes most severely impacted.”

    The allocated funds will facilitate critical support services including electrical house wiring, infrastructure remedial work, and government certification through electrical regulators. The specialized project timeline extends from December 2025 through March 2026.

    In parallel developments, JPS CEO Hugh Grant reported significant progress in power restoration, with 60% of Westmoreland customers now reconnected to the electricity grid. The newly launched emergency mobile generation unit will provide interim power to affected communities while permanent network infrastructure undergoes reconstruction.

    According to Minister Vaz, the Bethel Town power plant is scheduled for commissioning by the end of next week. Local MP Dr. Dayton Campbell welcomed these initiatives, stating: “I appreciate the innovative solutions being implemented to benefit our residents and anticipate the successful activation of the Bethel Town generator.”

  • Amber Group and Beharry Group launch IT joint venture to power Guyana’s digital future

    Amber Group and Beharry Group launch IT joint venture to power Guyana’s digital future

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to accelerate digital transformation in the Caribbean region, Amber Group and Guyana’s Beharry Group have officially launched a joint venture named Beharry-Amber Technologies Inc. This newly established entity will specialize in delivering comprehensive IT and cybersecurity solutions, addressing critical technological gaps in Guyana’s rapidly evolving economy.

    The collaboration emerges as Guyana experiences unprecedented economic growth, creating an urgent need for robust digital infrastructure and enhanced cybersecurity measures. Both companies recognize that technological advancement is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for sustainable development and economic resilience.

    Suresh Beharry, Chairman and CEO of Beharry Group, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership during the announcement. “Guyana stands at a pivotal juncture in its development trajectory,” Beharry stated. “Our vision extends beyond mere commercial interests—we aim to build future-ready technological capabilities that will support the nation’s modernization efforts and long-term prosperity.”

    Dushyant Savadia, Founder and CEO of Amber Group, echoed this sentiment, describing the venture as a shared commitment to Guyana’s growth and technological sovereignty. “This partnership transcends conventional business arrangements,” Savadia noted. “By combining our technical expertise with Beharry Group’s deep understanding of the local landscape, we can create meaningful impact through strengthened digital infrastructure and improved cybersecurity readiness.”

    The joint venture will function as a comprehensive technology platform serving both government agencies and private sector organizations. It will provide end-to-end IT and cybersecurity services designed to meet growing domestic and regional demands, positioning Guyana as an emerging digital hub in the Caribbean region.

  • PM and Minister of Energy and Transport tour progress at Blue Hills Solar Project

    PM and Minister of Energy and Transport tour progress at Blue Hills Solar Project

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis conducted an inspection tour of the Blue Hills Solar Project, a significant renewable energy initiative developed by Madeleine Solar Power Limited. The high-profile visit underscored the government’s commitment to transitioning from theoretical energy planning to tangible implementation of sustainable power solutions.

    During the site visit, Minister Coleby-Davis emphasized the project’s transformative potential, stating: ‘The Blue Hills Solar plant demonstrates how renewable energy concepts are materializing into physical infrastructure—effectively converting abundant sunlight into sustainable electricity generation while creating enduring economic opportunities for Bahamian communities.’

    The Energy and Transport Ministry reaffirmed its strategic approach to advancing The Bahamas’ energy transformation through collaborative partnerships and measured policy implementation. This operational framework prioritizes the development of a more environmentally conscious and structurally robust energy grid capable of meeting the nation’s future power requirements while reducing dependency on traditional fossil fuels.

  • Barrackpore West stamp authority in boys’ U-17 volleyball

    Barrackpore West stamp authority in boys’ U-17 volleyball

    Barrackpore West Secondary School demonstrated remarkable volleyball prowess on January 23rd, securing three consecutive victories in the Secondary Schools Volleyball League’s Under-17 boys’ division at Pleasantville Indoor Sporting Arena. The reigning Under-15 champions from last season transitioned seamlessly to the higher age bracket, overwhelming opponents with strategic precision and athletic excellence.

    The team’s commanding performance began with a hard-fought triumph against ASJA Boys’ College San Fernando. After dropping a tightly contested opening set 23-25, Barrackpore mounted a spectacular comeback, taking the subsequent sets 25-15 and 15-6. Their momentum continued with identical 25-19, 25-14 scorelines against both Fatima College and Naparima College, showcasing consistent dominance across multiple matches.

    Fatima College recovered impressively from their defeat to Barrackpore, securing two victories of their own. They overcame ASJA in a competitive encounter with scores of 25-23 and 25-20, followed by another solid performance against Naparima College, prevailing 25-17 and 25-21.

    Naparima College avoided a complete shutout by claiming a dramatic three-set victory against ASJA. After splitting the first two sets (25-15, 22-25), the Lewis Street squad from San Fernando clinched the decisive third set 15-13 in a nail-biting finish.

    The SSVL competition was scheduled to resume at Aranguez North Secondary School on January 25th, featuring matches in the girls’ Under-17 and boys’ open categories.

  • Gunmen kill 11 in attack at Mexican football match

    Gunmen kill 11 in attack at Mexican football match

    SALAMANCA, Mexico — A community football match in central Mexico descended into horrific violence Sunday when armed assailants stormed the pitch and opened fire on spectators, leaving 11 dead and 12 wounded in a region increasingly paralyzed by organized crime. The attack occurred in Salamanca, a modest industrial city of 160,000 in Guanajuato state, immediately following a local game.

    According to municipal authorities, ten victims died at the scene while another succumbed to injuries at a medical facility. Among the wounded were a woman and a child, highlighting the attack’s indiscriminate nature. Salamanca Mayor Cesar Prieto issued an urgent plea to federal authorities for intervention, stating his community faces a ‘grave moment’ and ‘serious social breakdown’ as criminal organizations challenge governmental authority.

    The football pitch shooting represents merely the latest episode in a brutal weekend for the region. Just one day prior, authorities discovered four bags containing human remains in Salamanca. Simultaneously, six individuals were killed in two neighboring communities. These incidents follow a bomb threat last week at a local refinery operated by state oil giant Pemex.

    Despite being a prosperous industrial zone and popular tourist destination, Guanajuato consistently ranks as Mexico’s deadliest state due to relentless turf wars between criminal syndicates. Official homicide statistics attribute much of the violence to conflicts between the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, known for oil theft operations, and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations.

    This surge in violence creates a stark contrast to claims by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who recently asserted that homicides have dropped to their lowest level in a decade under her security strategy. Many security experts remain skeptical of these official figures.

    Mexico’s prolonged security crisis, predominantly linked to drug trafficking, has resulted in over 480,000 deaths since the government initiated its military crackdown on cartels in 2006. An additional 120,000 persons remain missing, with many presumably forced into cartel service or abducted. The discovery of mass graves and dismembered remains has become tragically routine across the nation.

  • SAINT Int’l models star in new Casablanca and Level Shoes campaigns

    SAINT Int’l models star in new Casablanca and Level Shoes campaigns

    Jamaican modeling agency SAINT International continues to demonstrate its global influence as two of its signed models, representing Jamaican and Nigerian heritage respectively, have secured prominent positions in international fashion campaigns. The achievements highlight the agency’s enduring impact on the fashion industry a quarter-century after its establishment.

    Nigerian model Aworo Mayowa, discovered through Instagram and signed in 2018, features prominently in Casablanca’s newly released Beach and Resort 2026 collection. The Paris-based luxury brand, celebrated by Town and Country Magazine as the preferred label for the Gen Z elite and endorsed by celebrities including tennis star Coco Gauff and supermodel Bella Hadid, showcases Mayowa in an array of sophisticated resort wear. The collection includes monogram sleeve silk shirts, elegant dresses, workwear jackets, and swimwear, drawing inspiration from Los Angeles where Casablanca recently inaugurated its first American retail location on Santa Monica Boulevard.

    Mayowa, who holds an English literature degree from Lagos State University, expressed enthusiasm about representing the innovative brand. Currently represented by Why Not Models in Milan and Wilhelmina in London, she praised Casablanca’s fresh vision and trend-setting womenswear pieces. Her international career launched with Balenciaga’s Fall/Winter 2019 show and has since included runway presentations for Alberta Ferretti, Roksanda, and Emilia Wickstead, alongside editorial work for Margaret Howell and ME + EM.

    Simultaneously, Jamaican model Romaine Dixon, originally from Sligoville, St. Catherine, has embarked on a new campaign with Dubai-based luxury footwear retailer Level Shoes. Now residing in New York and represented by Society Management, Dixon participated in a Manhattan-based photoshoot that combined studio sessions at the WSA Building with exterior shots along Water Street near the harbor. Level Shoes has gained recognition for its curated selection spanning accessible, luxury, and emerging brands including Brunello Cucinelli, Chloe, Dolce and Gabbana, and New Balance, with recent expansion beyond the Middle East through a new Florida logistics center.

    SAINT International CEO Deiwght Peters emphasized the significance of these bookings, noting they validate the agency’s lasting appeal and the professional dedication of its models. Both Mayowa and Dixon, scouted and signed in 2018, have developed substantial portfolios working with prestigious fashion houses including Dior, Fendi, and Hermes. Peters highlighted their focus and hard work as foundational to their continued success in the competitive global fashion market.

  • Energy Chamber chair promises review of STOW, governance

    Energy Chamber chair promises review of STOW, governance

    In a significant address at the 2026 TT Energy Conference held at Hyatt Regency on January 26, Energy Chamber chairperson Mala Baliraj announced comprehensive reviews of both the controversial Safe To Work (STOW) program and the organization’s governance framework. Baliraj committed to substantive changes following mounting criticism from both members and government officials.

    “We have committed to reflect, review and make changes as needed,” Baliraj stated during her opening remarks, acknowledging the STOW program had effectively created barriers for certain companies rather than enhancing safety standards as intended. She noted this concern had been consistently raised by membership and echoed in previous chamber addresses throughout 2025.

    The chairperson emphasized the chamber’s dedication to collaborative engagement with all stakeholders, particularly government entities. “Our intention is always to work towards a collaborative approach with all of our stakeholders,” she explained. “We hope to be able to reposition and create a space for open and structured engagement with the government that supports the best outcomes for the sector.”

    Regarding governance reforms, Baliraj highlighted the diverse composition of the chamber’s approximately 400 members, which range from global corporations to micro enterprises. She stressed the necessity of maintaining a transparent governance framework that prevents dominance by any particular interest group while reflecting the membership’s breadth.

    These announcements follow intense government criticism of the chamber’s operations. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recently declared plans to boycott the conference, while Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal opted to attend the India Energy Conference instead. Minister Moonilal had previously condemned the STOW program at a January 22 post-Cabinet media conference, alleging the chamber was “holding businesses to ransom by having a monopoly on who can conduct business in the energy sector using health and safety as a strangling tool.”

    The TT Energy Conference continues through January 28, with these proposed reforms expected to dominate discussions among energy sector stakeholders.