Carib Scope

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  • Several PLP nomination races are heating up

    Several PLP nomination races are heating up

    The Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate selection process entered a vigorous phase yesterday as eleven aspirants presented their cases before the party’s Candidates Committee, signaling intense internal competition ahead of the upcoming general election. The PLP headquarters transformed into a vibrant political arena with dozens of supporters creating a festive atmosphere through music, Junkanoo rushes, and enthusiastic chanting while adorned in party regalia.

    In the Freetown constituency, a notable contest emerged between incumbent MP Wayne Munroe and long-time party member Ormanique Bowe, who arrived with substantial supporter presence. Ms. Bowe, a local business owner, emphasized her role as a maternal figure for the constituency, expressing strong confidence in her nomination prospects. Mr. Munroe responded to the challenge with philosophical acceptance, acknowledging competition as a sign of party strength while maintaining his belief in being the optimal candidate.

    The St. Anne’s constituency witnessed three contenders—Keno Wong, Latorna McPhee, and Chris Saunders—vying for nomination. Mr. Wong, former chairman of the National Neighbourhood Watch Council, cited community encouragement as his motivation, while Mr. Saunders, a veteran journalist, referenced the unexpected political shift in Georgia as inspiration for potential change despite previous electoral setbacks.

    Former Senator Robyn Lynes adopted a strategic approach by expressing openness to any available constituency rather than challenging sitting MPs, emphasizing her decision emerged from financial stability, family preparedness, and spiritual guidance rather than personal ambition. Meanwhile, Tasha Bullard-Hamilton presented her vision for Bimini and The Berry Islands, highlighting ancestral connections and presenting comprehensive development plans addressing healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

    Several incumbent MPs including Wayde Watson (Bain and Grants Town), Zane Lightbourne (Yamacraw), Patricia Deveaux (Bamboo Town), and Lisa Rahming (Marathon) also underwent the committee review process. The party announced intentions to ratify its second candidate batch on Thursday, expected to include Sylvanus Petty, Kirk Cornish, Clay Sweeting, and Bradley Fox Jr.

  • Grenada must reapply fiscal discipline by 2027, IMF says after hurricane relief

    Grenada must reapply fiscal discipline by 2027, IMF says after hurricane relief

    The International Monetary Fund has advised Grenada to restore its core fiscal rule by 2027 to maintain debt sustainability, following the country’s temporary suspension of the measure this year to finance recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl. In its annual Article IV economic assessment concluded Wednesday, the IMF justified the temporary pause as necessary for post-disaster reconstruction, which resulted in an estimated 2025 primary deficit of 3.2% of GDP.

    The IMF’s Executive Board supported staff recommendations that returning to fiscal rules is crucial for preserving fiscal discipline and ensuring sustainable debt management. Grenada’s fiscal framework requires a central government primary balance floor of 1.5% of GDP—a surplus level the IMF anticipates will be achieved in 2027. This return to fiscal rigor is projected to establish a firm downward trajectory for public debt, with a key debt target of 60% of GDP now expected by 2033.

    Alongside its call for fiscal consolidation, the IMF commended Grenada’s economic resilience, noting real GDP growth accelerated to 4.4% for 2025 driven by robust investment and construction activity, while inflation eased to 0.3%. The report acknowledged that prudent savings from substantial revenues generated through Grenada’s Citizenship-by-Investment program provided a critical financial buffer during the crisis period.

    Looking forward, the IMF projects growth will gradually moderate from current levels to an estimated potential rate of 2.7% by 2029 as the stimulus from large-scale public investment diminishes. The assessment identified significant external sector challenges, with Grenada’s 2024 position assessed as “weaker than the level implied by medium-term fundamentals.” A substantial current account deficit, estimated at 17.5% of GDP for 2025, is expected to persist due to high construction-related imports.

    The report highlighted Grenada’s heightened vulnerability to natural disasters and its dependence on tourism and imports as principal downside risks. The IMF recommended careful management of ambitious public investment projects to prevent cost overruns and emphasized the need for close monitoring of vulnerabilities within the non-bank financial sector.

    To foster durable growth, the fund proposed policies strengthening domestic economic foundations beyond foreign investment-driven tourism. These include enhancing local business linkages to the tourism sector, reducing trade friction, and investing in human capital development. The assessment also identified significant data deficiencies in key economic statistics as an impediment to effective policy-making, urging Grenada to prioritize improvements in its statistical capacity.

  • Suriname monitoring increase in cases of chikungunya

    Suriname monitoring increase in cases of chikungunya

    Health authorities in Suriname have officially declared an outbreak of the chikungunya virus following confirmation of multiple locally transmitted cases. The Ministry of Health verified through comprehensive testing at both the Central Laboratory of the Bureau for Public Health (BOG) and the Academic Hospital Paramaribo laboratory that eight individuals have tested positive without any recent international travel history.

    The public health response has been immediately activated with epidemiological investigations underway, including contact tracing protocols and enhanced surveillance measures to contain potential spread. Chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes—the same species responsible for dengue and Zika viruses—presents with symptoms including abrupt high fever, debilitating joint pain and swelling, headaches, extreme fatigue, and occasional skin rashes.

    Unlike communicable diseases, chikungunya cannot spread directly between humans. Previous infection provides lifelong immunity to the virus. Health officials specifically advise affected individuals to avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, recommending instead paracetamol for pain and fever management alongside increased fluid intake and rest. Medical attention is urged if symptoms intensify.

    This outbreak marks the nation’s first significant recurrence since the initial 2014 epidemic when chikungunya emerged regionally throughout the Caribbean. The ministry has committed to maintaining transparent public communication as developments occur. Citizens are urged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by removing stagnant water from containers, tires, and flowerpots around residential and recreational areas, supplemented by protective clothing and EPA-approved repellents.

  • Antigua defends decision to recruit nurses from Ghana

    Antigua defends decision to recruit nurses from Ghana

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has vigorously defended its controversial decision to recruit nursing professionals from Ghana, characterizing the move as an essential strategy to address critical staffing shortages within the nation’s healthcare system. Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph emphasized that the recruitment initiative directly responds to longstanding challenges in maintaining adequate nursing staff levels, which have resulted in widespread burnout and compromised patient care standards.

    Speaking at a press conference alongside senior health officials, Minister Joseph articulated the government’s position: “The reality of overworked and exhausted nursing professionals inevitably compromises the quality of patient care. This recruitment program represents a strategic opportunity to comprehensively address this systemic issue.” The minister extended formal gratitude to the technical teams and permanent secretary for their instrumental roles in facilitating the international recruitment process.

    This development follows last week’s announcement that the Gaston Browne administration has formalized agreements to contract over 100 Ghanaian nurses. Government officials have been careful to note that this new arrangement with Ghana does not signify termination of existing healthcare partnerships with Cuba, despite increasing diplomatic pressure from the United States urging Caribbean nations to discontinue collaborations with Cuban healthcare programs.

    According to an official Cabinet communiqué, approximately 120 Ghanaian nurses are scheduled to arrive during the January 23, 2026 weekend. These healthcare professionals will be strategically deployed across multiple medical facilities, with primary placements at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre supplemented by assignments at community health clinics and educational institutions.

    Permanent Secretary for Health Stacey Gregg-Paige provided detailed insights into the recruitment methodology, revealing that the selection process occurred in Accra during September 16-22, 2023 under the framework of Ghana’s Labour Exchange Program. The recruitment drive received 190 applications, with 32 candidates eliminated due to documentation deficiencies or eligibility concerns. The remaining 158 applicants underwent rigorous competency-based evaluations, resulting in 127 candidates being identified as suitable for subsequent vetting by the Antigua & Barbuda Nursing Council.

    Gregg-Paige emphasized the procedural integrity of the initiative: “This recruitment process operates under a formally established memorandum of understanding and service agreement that underwent comprehensive legal review. The Ministry of Legal Affairs has confirmed full compliance with national legal frameworks, ensuring this initiative maintains transparency and adherence to all regulatory requirements.”

    Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, outlined the orientation protocol designed to facilitate the integration of incoming nursing staff. The three-week onboarding program will provide comprehensive system familiarization for both international recruits and local healthcare professionals joining the institution.

    The nation’s healthcare system currently employs 260 local nurses supplemented by 33 Cuban healthcare professionals. With the addition of 120 Ghanaian nurses, the total nursing complement will reach 413—slightly exceeding the government’s stated requirement of 400 nurses for optimal healthcare delivery.

  • Jamaican-American legislator first to officially endorse NY governor for re-election

    Jamaican-American legislator first to officially endorse NY governor for re-election

    NEW YORK — In a significant political development, Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, a Jamaican-American representative from Brooklyn’s 43rd District, has officially declared his support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s re-election campaign. This endorsement marks the first from a state legislator in the upcoming race.

    Cunningham, who entered the Assembly in March 2022, emphasized the productive working relationship he has cultivated with the Governor. He highlighted that their collaboration is fundamentally rooted in achieving tangible outcomes for Brooklyn residents, noting that Hochul has consistently demonstrated her commitment through decisive action rather than mere rhetoric.

    The Assemblyman pointed to substantial state investments exceeding US$1.3 billion allocated to his district under Hochul’s administration. These funds have been strategically directed toward critical areas including affordable housing initiatives, transportation infrastructure, educational programs, public safety enhancements, economic development projects, and community infrastructure improvements.

    Addressing rumors about potentially joining the ticket as Hochul’s running mate, Cunningham described these investments as transformative for Central Brooklyn communities. He praised the Governor’s approach to equity, emphasizing her understanding that genuine progress requires meeting communities at their point of need and allocating resources where they are most essential.

    Cunningham, who grew up in a working-class household with Jamaican immigrant parents, commended Hochul’s leadership style as being characterized by compassion, competence, and a profound dedication to working-class New Yorkers. He expressed anticipation toward continuing their partnership in building a stronger, safer, and more affordable New York for all residents.

    Prior to his legislative role, Cunningham built an extensive career in public service through positions in government operations, community development, and nonprofit leadership. His experience includes serving as Chief of Staff in the New York City Council and later as a Special Assistant in the New York State Senate. Currently, he holds the position of First Vice Chair at the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators, Inc.

  • Prince Harry accuses tabloids of making wife’s life ‘absolute misery’

    Prince Harry accuses tabloids of making wife’s life ‘absolute misery’

    In a dramatic conclusion to his testimony at London’s High Court, Prince Harry delivered an emotionally charged condemnation of Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL), accusing the publisher of creating unbearable conditions for his wife Meghan Markle. The Duke of Sussex, visibly fighting back tears, characterized his legal battle against the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday publisher as “a horrible experience” during Wednesday’s proceedings.

    The nine-week trial represents the culmination of Harry’s sustained campaign against certain British media outlets, marking his third and final legal action against newspaper publishers. He stands alongside six co-claimants—including music legend Elton John and actors Liz Hurley and Sadie Frost—in alleging systematic privacy violations and unlawful information gathering by the tabloids.

    “Having to sit here and go through this all over again while they claim I don’t have any right to privacy is disgusting,” Harry stated from the witness box after several hours of testimony. “The worst part is that by taking a stand against them, they continue to come after me. They’ve made my wife’s life an absolute misery.”

    The case revisits the prince’s long-standing grievances with media intrusion, which he has directly linked to the 1997 death of his mother, Princess Diana, who perished in a Paris car crash while evading paparazzi. Harry and Meghan’s 2020 departure from royal duties and subsequent relocation to California occurred amid what they described as relentless negative coverage and family tensions exacerbated by media scrutiny.

    In his witness statement, Harry emphasized that the lawsuit extends beyond personal grievances, describing it as a mission “for the greater good” that addresses “thousands of people whose lives were invaded because of greed.” He detailed how press coverage of his former girlfriend Chelsy Davy constituted “full blown stalking” and created an atmosphere of “distrust” among his circle.

    The claimants’ legal team opened proceedings by promising to demonstrate “clear and systematic use of unlawful gathering of information” at ANL, alleging the publisher employed private investigators implicated in previous phone-hacking scandals. These accusations span a 25-year period from 1993 to 2018 in some instances.

    ANL has vigorously denied all allegations, dismissing them as “lurid” and “preposterous” in court filings. The publisher’s lead attorney contends that evidence will prove legitimate sourcing of stories and characterized the claims regarding private investigators as “clutching at straws in the wind.”

    The trial continues as one of the most significant media privacy cases in recent British legal history, with potential implications for press regulation and celebrity privacy rights in the digital age.

  • Suspected serial rapist arrested and charged by C-TOC while on bail

    Suspected serial rapist arrested and charged by C-TOC while on bail

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican law enforcement authorities have apprehended a suspected serial sexual predator who continued his alleged criminal activities while released on bail for previous rape charges. Ackiel Davis, a 25-year-old resident of Cornwall Barracks in Moore Town, Portland, faces renewed criminal prosecution following his arrest on January 15th and subsequent formal charging on January 20th.

    According to official police reports, detectives from the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) identified Davis as the prime suspect in a new rape case involving a 16-year-old minor. The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of digital exploitation where the accused allegedly recorded sexual acts with victims and subsequently used explicit material to extort further compliance through threats of public dissemination on social media platforms.

    Police investigations indicate Davis operated across multiple Jamaican parishes between 2023 and 2026, systematically targeting vulnerable females including minors. The suspect’s modus operandi involved obtaining compromising materials and employing them as leverage for continued sexual exploitation and blackmail schemes.

    Superintendent Victor Barrett of C-TOC characterized Davis’s actions as demonstrating complete disregard for community safety. “Davis exploited the digital space to target and terrorize vulnerable individuals, including minors, through a calculated pattern of blackmail and sexual violence,” Barrett stated. “The fact that these offences were committed while the accused was already on bail for similar crimes represents a blatant disregard for the safety of our citizens.”

    Law enforcement officials are urging potential victims not to comply with online blackmail demands and to preserve all digital evidence including messages, images, and call logs that might assist forensic investigations. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to monitor children’s digital activities and educate them about the permanent risks associated with sharing sensitive content online.

    The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on February 10th for previous charges while authorities finalize proceedings for the new allegations. Investigators believe additional victims may exist and have encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the police emergency number 119, or their nearest police station.

  • UWI aims to position itself at forefront of e-mobility

    UWI aims to position itself at forefront of e-mobility

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) has inaugurated a cutting-edge electric mobility research facility at its Mona campus in Jamaica, positioning the institution as a regional leader in sustainable transportation innovation. This strategic initiative represents a significant advancement in the Caribbean’s transition toward carbon-free transportation systems.

    The newly established laboratory will serve as a hub for developing electrification solutions across various transportation modes while simultaneously supporting specialized training programs and research initiatives. Dr. Louis Harris, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics at UWI Mona, emphasized that the facility will provide hands-on experiential learning not only for students within relevant departments but also for faculty members and the broader campus community.

    This ambitious project transcends conventional undergraduate education, with the university actively pursuing external partnerships to maximize societal impact. The laboratory emerged through a multilateral collaboration involving UWI’s Department of Physics, the JPS Foundation, and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, with funding administered through the International Climate Initiative (IKI).

    The JPS Foundation contributed $75,000 in funding through its partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank’s eDrive program. Lisandra Rickards, Senior Private Sector Development Consultant at IDB Lab, characterized the facility as a natural extension of Project e-Drive’s vision, providing dedicated space for experimentation, skill development, and collaborative innovation.

    Professor Michael Taylor, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, highlighted that the laboratory represents structured capacity-building across the entire regional science ecosystem. He noted that this infrastructure is essential for supporting the Caribbean’s transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient transportation and energy systems.

    The initiative reflects deepening international cooperation, particularly between Jamaica and Germany. Ambassador Jan Hendrik van Thiel of the Federal Republic of Germany emphasized the importance of combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, noting that UWI has become a vital partner in academic and professional training collaborations.

    This project operates within the framework of a grant agreement signed with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in July 2023, supported by funding exceeding €1 million from the International Climate Initiative. Since 2023, the university has executed several related initiatives, including developing specialized university courses, creating e-mobility curricula for teacher training, and conducting electric vehicle technology training programs across multiple Caribbean nations.

  • Section of roadway in Bayside, Portmore to be reduced to single lane access

    Section of roadway in Bayside, Portmore to be reduced to single lane access

    ST. CATHERINE, Jamaica — Significant traffic disruptions are anticipated along Port Henderson Road at its intersection with George Lee Boulevard as critical infrastructure repairs commence on January 22, 2026. The National Works Agency (NWA) has announced a seven-day project to replace a severely damaged culvert pipe that has compromised this vital transportation corridor.

    The $3.7 million infrastructure rehabilitation will begin promptly at 9:00 AM on Thursday, with the roadway reduced to single-lane access near Bayside throughout the project duration. According to NWA Communications Officer Natalee Bloomfield, the failed culvert has created urgent safety concerns necessitating immediate replacement.

    Active construction operations will occur between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily, with crews executing excavation, culvert replacement, and backfilling procedures over two concentrated work days. Despite the limited access, vehicle passage will remain possible via carefully managed single-lane traffic throughout the repair period.

    Motorists are strongly encouraged to exercise heightened caution when traversing the construction zone or consider utilizing alternative routes including Germaine Road connecting to Bridgeport Road before reaching George Lee Boulevard. The NWA anticipates full roadway restoration with fresh asphalt surfacing within one week of project commencement.

  • Dawes calls for full accounting on use of J$75m raised for UHWI Paediatric Unit

    Dawes calls for full accounting on use of J$75m raised for UHWI Paediatric Unit

    Jamaica’s healthcare sector faces serious accountability questions as Shadow Health Minister Dr. Alfred Dawes raises alarms over the alleged misdirection of approximately J$75 million in charitable donations intended for the University Hospital of the West Indies’ paediatric ward.

    The substantial sum was generated through the widely-publicized 2023 Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run, explicitly promoted as funding the long-awaited construction of a permanent paediatric facility at UHWI. Initial reports indicated the event raised J$91 million total, with the majority specifically designated for the children’s hospital building project—a critical initiative for enhancing medical care for Jamaica’s most vulnerable young patients.

    Dr. Dawes characterized these developments as “troubling and deeply concerning” in an official statement, emphasizing that “funds raised in the name of sick children, with the goodwill of thousands of Jamaicans, athletes and corporate partners, must be used strictly for the purpose promised.” The opposition health spokesperson stressed that any deviation from this commitment requires immediate and comprehensive explanation from hospital authorities.

    The controversy emerges against a backdrop of recent Auditor General findings that identified significant weaknesses in Jamaica’s public financial management systems. Dr. Dawes highlighted that transparency isn’t optional but essential, particularly given UHWI Paediatric Unit’s vital national role in delivering specialist care and life-saving treatments for children with complex and chronic illnesses.

    Funding delays or uncertainties directly impact patient outcomes and exacerbate the strain on healthcare professionals working within already overstretched resources, Dr. Dawes noted. He has formally called upon UHWI administration to provide detailed public accounting of the charitable funds—including expenditure specifics, remaining balances, and clarification regarding any reallocation decisions.

    The opposition’s demand for accountability underscores broader concerns about financial governance in Jamaica’s public health system. “Our children cannot afford silence or ambiguity,” Dr. Dawes asserted. “Accountability in healthcare financing is fundamental to trust, integrity, and the future of Jamaica’s public health system.”