Carib Scope

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  • Jamaica fights AI misinformation; courts India and South America in tourism recovery push

    Jamaica fights AI misinformation; courts India and South America in tourism recovery push

    Jamaica’s tourism sector is mounting a sophisticated defense against AI-generated misinformation while aggressively pursuing market diversification in response to Hurricane Melissa’s impact. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett revealed his ministry is allocating substantial resources to combat digitally fabricated content that has damaged the island’s reputation since the October 2025 hurricane.

    Bartlett identified deep fake videos and geolocation-debunked ‘aftermath’ photos as particularly damaging false narratives requiring continuous correction. The ministry’s current $4.5 billion marketing budget includes dedicated allocations of $270 million for airlift support and $163.5 million for cruise shipping assistance. Projections indicate increased spending to $4.8 billion for the 2026/27 fiscal year with an additional $457 million for airline and cruise support.

    The misinformation challenge has complicated airline partnerships, necessitating incentives to maintain routes despite booking fluctuations. Bartlett emphasized partnership-based marketing over direct revenue guarantees, noting early successes with high load factors despite reduced rotations. Initial winter season data shows 45,000 stopover visitors and 65,000 cruise passengers, achieving 94% of 2025 arrival targets.

    Market diversification represents a strategic pillar, with India and South America identified as priority growth markets. The India initiative focuses on Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai through partnerships with Emirates (via Dubai), Air India, and existing European/North American carriers. South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, shows remarkable growth with 77% more visitors in 2025 totaling 31,000 tourists.

    Bartlett credited private sector collaboration with major brands like Sandals and Iberostar as crucial to recovery efforts. Hotel reopening timelines indicate Princess properties returning by early February, Sandals by March/April, while seven Hyatt properties sustained significant damage requiring extended repairs.

    The recovery process has prompted planned revisions to Jamaica’s Tourism Act to address the growing villa and Airbnb subsector, which now comprises over 15% of accommodation stock. The legislative review will establish clearer regulations and tax structures for short-term rentals.

  • WISYNCO’S US$35-M BET

    WISYNCO’S US$35-M BET

    Jamaican manufacturing giant Wisynco Group has initiated regulatory procedures to export beverages from its newly operational Devon Reynolds Brewery into the United States market. This strategic move marks the company’s first major foray into international markets despite exports currently constituting merely 2% of its total revenue.

    Chairman William Mahfood revealed the development during Tuesday’s inauguration of the US$35-million facility at Lakes Pen, St Catherine, identifying the U.S. as a potential cornerstone of the company’s long-term international strategy. “We’re currently navigating the registration process and anticipate commencing exports to both U.S. and Caribbean markets within coming months,” Mahfood stated, acknowledging this represents a “significant breakthrough” for the predominantly domestic-focused company.

    The state-of-the-art brewery, commissioned in June 2025, substantially enhances Wisynco’s production capabilities across beer, stout, malt beverages, ready-to-drink products, and the internationally recognized Stone’s Ginger Wine. CEO Andrew Mahfood emphasized the facility’s design as a flexible manufacturing platform rather than a single-category operation, noting it “significantly expands our capacity, strengthens our ability to meet growing market demand, and provides flexibility to diversify our product portfolio meaningfully.

    A critical component of the export strategy involves advanced packaging solutions. The facility incorporates high-speed canning and glass bottling lines alongside existing PET production, enabling customized output based on international market requirements. Andrew Mahfood highlighted the economic advantage: “A 40-foot container of Bigga in plastic holds approximately 1,500 cases. The same container accommodines nearly 3,000 cases of canned Bigga, significantly improving freight absorption and enhancing price competitiveness in overseas markets.” Cans additionally provide extended shelf life—a crucial factor for export products undergoing extended transit periods.

    While initial production focuses on satisfying robust domestic demand, particularly from Jamaica’s hospitality sector, the company acknowledges exports as a longer-term objective. The annual report identifies export growth as a strategic priority, with new production lines expected to improve shelf life, reduce freight sensitivity, and ensure packaging meets international standards.

    The Devon Reynolds Brewery, named in honor of the Production Director’s 43-year tenure and leadership in the facility’s development, boasts an initial annual capacity of 150,000 hectolitres with designed scalability. Production Director Devon Reynolds confirmed the facility’s expansion-ready design: “We are built to expand. The can line operates at 30,000 cans hourly, and we’ve allocated space for additional larger glass lines.”

    Currently employing approximately 85 manufacturing personnel with total operation-related employment estimated between 350-400, the brewery represents Wisynco’s first large-scale entry into brewed and alcoholic categories. Andrew Mahfood grounded this strategic pivot in long-term consumption trends, noting Jamaica’s per capita beer consumption of 20 liters significantly trails Trinidad’s 40 liters and North America’s 65-70 liters, indicating substantial market growth potential.

  • Darkness vs data

    Darkness vs data

    Jamaica’s Energy Minister Daryl Vaz presented a robust justification for the Government’s contentious US$150-million loan to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) during a parliamentary session on Tuesday. Vaz asserted that post-Hurricane Melissa restoration statistics demonstrate the wisdom of this financial decision, revealing that 491,000 of the original 542,000 affected customers have regained electricity—representing approximately 92-93% national restoration.

    Minister Vaz elaborated that the remaining 51,000 disconnected customers include approximately 21,000 households unable to safely receive power due to severe infrastructure damage. He outlined a comprehensive multi-agency strategy involving the Jamaica Social Investment Fund and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to address these cases through electrical rewiring, housing support, and social assistance programs.

    The Minister projected that 96% restoration would be achieved by January’s end, with February dedicated to addressing the most severely impacted communities. Vaz emphasized that Jamaica’s recovery pace outperforms regional counterparts and approaches ‘best in class’ status.

    Opposition representatives delivered scathing critiques of both the restoration progress and loan transparency. MP Dayton Campbell of Westmoreland Eastern contradicted official statistics, stating unequivocally that ‘not one single, solitary’ JPS customer in his constituency currently has electricity. He described devastating impacts on families and businesses, with over 10,000 of his constituents among the disconnected.

    Opposition energy spokesman Phillip Paulwell challenged the loan’s adequacy, noting previous grid restoration estimates of US$350 million and demanding full parliamentary access to the loan agreement terms. Despite heated exchanges, Minister Vaz maintained his commitment to factual accuracy, pledging to correct any verified misinformation while emphasizing results over political point-scoring.

  • ‘DISAPPOINTED!’

    ‘DISAPPOINTED!’

    The sporting world is confronting a profound ethical dilemma following Jamaican sprinter Shockoria Wallace’s decision to compete in the controversial Enhanced Games, an event explicitly permitting performance-enhancing substances. This development has drawn sharp criticism from Dr. Warren Blake, former president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and respected team physician.

    Wallace confirmed her participation Monday, becoming the first Jamaican athlete to join the Las Vegas-based competition scheduled for late May. The games explicitly welcome athletes currently serving doping bans and will feature track and field, swimming, and weightlifting competitions without drug testing protocols. Organizers promote the event as celebrating “human potential through safe, transparent enhancement” while offering substantial financial incentives, including a $1 million prize for world record performances.

    The 100-meter specialist, who recorded her personal best of 11.09 seconds in 2023, expressed enthusiasm in a social media video: “They provide a lot for athletes, and I am grateful for the opportunity. I will be racing down that track to break the world record and win the grand prize.”

    Dr. Blake voiced profound disappointment, suggesting Wallace’s motivation appears primarily financial given her inability to break into track and field’s elite ranks. “I’m a bit disappointed that a Jamaican has chosen to enter the Enhanced Games,” Blake stated. “She saw an opportunity to make some money.”

    The orthopaedic specialist expressed particular concern that Wallace’s Jamaican affiliation lends credibility to what he considers a dangerous experiment. Blake questioned the organizers’ safety claims, suggesting the event might actually serve as a testing ground for experimental performance-enhancing substances under the guise of scientific study.

    “I think this is just a guise to study doping in individuals,” Blake argued. “They will be giving athletes designer drugs and testing effects in real time. I don’t think this should be encouraged or supported.”

    Blake emphasized that substances are banned not merely for competitive fairness but because they cause demonstrable physical harm. He expressed concern that athletes seeking “quick glory and quick money” often overlook the long-term health consequences of doping.

    The Enhanced Games has drawn opposition from major sporting bodies, with World Athletics and World Aquatics publicly condemning the concept. World Aquatics has enacted a 2025 bylaw banning participants in such events from its competitions. The JAAA president declined to comment on Wallace’s participation despite requests from media outlets.

    Wallace joins American sprinters Fred Kerley and Marvin Bracey-Williams, along with Britain’s Reece Prescod, in committing to the controversial competition that challenges fundamental principles of athletic integrity and safety.

  • Augustine: TPP sweep no threat to democracy

    Augustine: TPP sweep no threat to democracy

    In a landmark political shift, Tobago has witnessed an unprecedented electoral outcome as the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) secured all 15 seats in the Tobago House of Assembly elections held on January 12. This decisive victory marks the second consecutive electoral domination by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine’s political movement, following their 14-1 triumph in the 2021 elections under the Progressive Democratic Patriots banner.

    The TPP’s formation emerged from significant internal political restructuring after 13 assembly members resigned from the PDP following a public dispute between Augustine and former leader Watson Duke. This strategic reorganization has proven remarkably successful, with the party previously capturing both Tobago parliamentary seats in the April 2025 general election before achieving this complete assembly sweep.

    Addressing euphoric supporters at Scarborough Esplanade, Augustine delivered a conciliatory victory speech emphasizing inclusive governance and institutional accountability. “While we celebrate winning all 15 seats, I want us to be clear that we must be gracious in victory,” Augustine declared. “Our campaign said that Tobago is we. That means that the Tobago we represent includes those that did not vote for us.”

    The Chief Secretary outlined concrete measures for governmental transparency, promising to establish robust oversight mechanisms once formally sworn into office. He highlighted the party’s tolerance for internal dissent as evidence of their democratic commitment, noting how critics during nomination processes remained engaged participants in the movement.

    Augustine extended particular reconciliation to PNM candidate Sterlan ‘Big Dawg’ Timothy after heated campaign exchanges, asserting: “This THA will help to build your capacity and will help you to grow and develop into your truest potential because this assembly is for all of Tobago and not some of Tobago.”

    The leader framed this victory as historic validation, noting this represents the first 15-seat capture in 45 years and a firm rejection of PNM leadership under Pennelope Beckles. “Today the young people have said, ‘Penny, your pennies are powerless in Tobago,’” Augustine stated, interpreting the result as Tobago’s endorsement of indigenous political leadership.

    Grounding his political philosophy in spiritual foundations, Augustine opened his address quoting Psalm 91, emphasizing the party’s commitment to faith-based governance. He characterized the victory as divine validation of their perseverance through “many trials, a lot of our own doing,” concluding that “when you sow in tears, you reap in joy.”

  • Mottley a sane,consistent voice

    Mottley a sane,consistent voice

    Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has established herself as a principled advocate for social justice throughout the Caribbean region, distinguishing herself from previous regional leaders through her unwavering stance against foreign intervention and democratic backsliding.

    Prime Minister Mottley has recently condemned two significant regional developments: the controversial kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US military forces and the delayed election results declaration following Guyana’s March 2020 general election. This assertive diplomatic posture marks a dramatic departure from the historical approach of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, who frequently remained silent during decades of democratic erosion throughout the region.

    The editorial commentary highlights how previous generations of Caribbean leaders remained passive observers while the United States implemented aggressive foreign policies that undermined elected governments. Guyana specifically suffered devastating consequences from such interventions, with US actions based on unsubstantiated fears of communist takeover leading to widespread violence that particularly targeted Indo-Guyanese communities.

    The analysis draws historical parallels between contemporary US foreign policy under President Donald Trump and ancient expansionist models dating back to Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire. This continuity of Western imperialistic mentality, the argument suggests, manifests today through America’s ruthless removal of foreign regimes that resist resource exploitation demands.

    The commentary calls for more regional leaders and citizens to emulate Mottley’s courage in confronting social injustice. While elected officials should naturally lead this charge, ordinary citizens also bear moral responsibility to voice opposition to oppression. Unfortunately, many Caribbean residents remain enamored with US military power, with some even embracing Trump-like behavior patterns.

    Mottley demonstrates that moral authority doesn’t require military or economic supremacy, offering an alternative model of leadership based on principle rather than power. Had such leadership emerged earlier in Caribbean history, the editorial contends, authoritarian figures like Dési Bouterse, François Duvalier, Eric Gairy, Forbes Burnham, and Rafael Trujillo might never have risen to power, potentially creating a more prosperous and stable region that retained rather than lost its population to migration.

  • Marubeni funding helps Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organisation

    Marubeni funding helps Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organisation

    A vibrant new therapeutic facility on Ramsaran Street in Chaguanas represents a significant advancement in specialized care for children with disabilities across Central and South Trinidad. The Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organisation (CKFTO) has inaugurated its second satellite clinic, strategically positioned to eliminate extensive travel burdens for families previously commuting weekly from distant regions like Mayaro and Moruga to access services in St James.

    This meticulously designed clinical environment features brightly colored therapy rooms equipped with soft mats, organized play materials, and specialized pediatric rehabilitation equipment. Beyond its cheerful appearance lies a professionally configured therapeutic space where children pursue developmental milestones through occupational, speech, and physiotherapy interventions, complemented by art therapy and psychoeducational assessments.

    The clinic’s operational capacity received substantial enhancement through a $10,000 USD contribution from Marubeni Power International Inc, presented during a December 2025 facility walkthrough. Mo Majeed, COO and Managing Director of Caribbean Operations at Marubeni, emphasized the company’s commitment to equitable healthcare access: “Our support reflects Marubeni’s dedication to meaningful, long-term community partnerships that create tangible impact for families. We’re helping ensure children across Trinidad receive international-standard therapeutic care.”

    CKFTO General Manager Krista Hamel-Smith detailed how the funding enabled procurement of specialized Cuevas Medek Exercises equipment, traditional physiotherapy tools, and sensory-friendly resources. “Our team maximizes each child’s progress within an enjoyable, evidence-based environment,” Hamel-Smith explained. “We simultaneously support the broader network through family support groups and training sessions for parents, caregivers, and educators.”

    The organization’s holistic approach extends beyond clinical walls through community outreach initiatives serving migrant children and abandoned children with disabilities at Mt Hope hospital. Additional support from Price Club director Shamshad Ali and the Digicel Foundation of TT facilitated the clinic’s establishment, with CKFTO actively seeking ongoing public and corporate partnerships to sustain its mission of delivering essential care closer to patients’ homes.

  • Niherst, Shell launch pilot season of First Tech Challenge

    Niherst, Shell launch pilot season of First Tech Challenge

    Trinidad and Tobago has embarked on an ambitious educational initiative with the official launch of the First Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics program, marking a significant advancement in STEM education for the nation’s youth. The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (Niherst), in partnership with Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, unveiled the pilot season under the 2025-2026 global theme ‘Decode’ during a ceremony that brought together government officials, educators, and industry leaders.

    The FTC program represents an international robotics competition designed specifically for students aged 12-18, challenging participants to design, build, and program robots capable of completing themed missions. This initiative builds upon Niherst’s successful implementation of the First Lego League, offering students a natural progression into more advanced robotics, Java programming, and sophisticated engineering design principles.

    Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath emphasized the program’s comprehensive educational value, stating, ‘The First Tech Challenge transcends technical education—it fundamentally teaches life skills, teamwork, and the ability to think globally while acting locally to address immediate challenges.’ His sentiment was echoed by Professor Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, who highlighted the critical importance of mathematical foundations in coding and programming.

    The launch event featured compelling keynote addresses from prominent figures including Julie David, Niherst’s acting president, and Ryssa Brathwaite, Shell’s social performance and investment advisor. Brathwaite articulated Shell’s commitment: ‘Our investment in this program demonstrates our dedication to youth development. Together with Niherst, we’re creating an ecosystem where students can experiment courageously, learn from failures, and achieve success beyond their expectations.’

    A live robotics demonstration provided attendees with tangible insights into the practical applications of the program, showcasing the innovative potential that participants will develop. The event attracted widespread participation from schools, educators, and youth organizations across Trinidad and Tobago, all eager to engage with this transformative educational opportunity.

    Looking forward, the FTC pilot season will continue throughout 2026, culminating in a National Robotics Championship where student teams will showcase their technological creations and compete for the opportunity to represent Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage. Minister Dowlath further announced plans to integrate robotics clubs across all educational levels, including primary and early childhood education institutions, ensuring comprehensive STEM exposure from the earliest educational stages.

  • Tobago rejects Beckles and PNM

    Tobago rejects Beckles and PNM

    In a seismic political shift, Tobago’s electorate has delivered an unprecedented verdict against the People’s National Movement (PNM), stripping the party of all fifteen seats in the Tobago House of Assembly elections. This historic 15-0 defeat represents not merely an electoral loss but a comprehensive rejection of the party’s decade-long governance approach.

    Political leader Pennelope Beckles’ post-election declaration that the PNM would “put Tobago first again” has been met with widespread skepticism. Critics point to the party’s ten uninterrupted years in national office, during which Tobago experienced persistent neglect despite numerous promises. The island suffered from undelivered timelines, substance-deficient speeches, and perpetually incomplete projects.

    The PNM’s governance record reveals a pattern of systematic neglect across both Tobago and Trinidad. Economic diversification remained theoretical while infrastructure development languished, driving young Tobagonians to seek opportunities elsewhere. Concurrently, Trinidad witnessed collapsing public confidence, weakened institutions, spiraling crime rates, and increasingly reactive governance.

    Political analysts view this electoral outcome as voters seeing through recycled slogans and empty rhetoric. The complete sweep demonstrates the electorate’s ability to distinguish between political posturing and tangible outcomes. Beckles’ leadership has been fundamentally undermined by her inability to secure even a single seat, inspire confidence, or defend her party’s governing record.

    This political demolition serves as a stark reminder that leadership is measured by outcomes rather than post-defeat press statements. The Tobago electorate has rendered its verdict with unmistakable clarity, leaving the PNM’s future relevance in question and demonstrating that populations ultimately reject leaders lacking moral authority and proven results.

  • San Fernando Hospital gets PAHO’s ‘Baby Friendly’ status

    San Fernando Hospital gets PAHO’s ‘Baby Friendly’ status

    The San Fernando General and Teaching Hospital has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the coveted Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative accreditation from the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). This designation makes the South West Regional Health Authority’s flagship institution the first regional health authority to have all its major facilities certified under the international program.

    The accreditation ceremony on January 13 featured PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Gabriel Vivas Francesconi and Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe, who unveiled a commemorative plaque at the facility. The hospital joins other recently accredited institutions including Point Fortin Hospital, Mt Hope Women’s Hospital, Sangre Grande, and Scarborough Hospital, with plans underway to extend the accreditation to Port of Spain General Hospital in the near future.

    The WHO/UNICEF initiative establishes rigorous standards for optimal infant feeding practices and mother-baby bonding in maternity facilities. The program aims to protect and promote breastfeeding by transforming hospital protocols to support successful breastfeeding while shielding families from commercial influences.

    SWRHA Deputy Chairperson Natasha Moonilal emphasized the transformative nature of the accreditation, noting that the hospital underwent comprehensive changes in care delivery and staff training over recent months. ‘This represents a transformation at every level,’ Moonilal stated. ‘Our medical teams have fully embraced the ten steps to successful breastfeeding, ensuring immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth, early initiation of breastfeeding, and continuous support throughout the mother’s stay.’

    Dr. Vivas Francesconi highlighted the need for concerted efforts to discourage milk substitutes, advocating for national legislation to protect against aggressive marketing by formula manufacturers. While acknowledging there is a role for milk substitutes in certain circumstances, Health Minister Bodoe confirmed the ministry is developing regulations for the industry, including front-of-package labeling requirements.

    The accreditation coincides with recent government reforms expanding parental protections, including paid breastfeeding breaks and strengthened workplace safeguards against discrimination—measures Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar promoted while encouraging young couples to consider parenthood.