Carib Scope

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  • Primetime owner cites uneven playing field and rising overheads as 14-year-old venue closes

    Primetime owner cites uneven playing field and rising overheads as 14-year-old venue closes

    New Providence’s nightlife landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the permanent closure of Primetime Nightclub, a dominant entertainment venue for fourteen years. Owner Lavon Rahming confirmed the establishment’s shutdown resulted from converging factors including evolving consumer preferences, escalating operational expenses, and his own recognition that the business had completed its lifecycle.

    Mr. Rahming described the closure as a difficult but necessary evolution, noting that his core customer base had gradually diminished due to natural life progression. “People change their lives, get married, and assume responsibilities,” he explained, highlighting how demographic shifts influenced his decision to ultimately rebrand.

    Rather than terminating operations entirely, Rahming is orchestrating a strategic pivot. The existing facility is currently undergoing comprehensive renovations to emerge within approximately four months as a sophisticated restaurant and lounge under an entirely new brand identity, completely disassociated from the Primetime legacy.

    Beyond personal business considerations, Rahming identified systemic challenges within Bahamas’ nightlife industry. He cited unsustainable overhead costs, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, and perceived stigmatization of nightclub operations as significant sector-wide pressures. Notably, he referenced unequal enforcement of operating hours that placed his establishment at a competitive disadvantage compared to venues permitted to operate until 4 AM.

    The closure’s impact on staff was reportedly minimized through natural attrition, as many employees had already transitioned to part-time status while pursuing other ventures during the club’s gradual decline. A limited team remains engaged during the renovation phase, with Rahming continuing to provide support where feasible.

    Despite newer venues drawing away portions of his former clientele—many operated by former Primetime promoters—Rahming maintains a philosophical perspective, viewing their success as natural industry evolution rather than direct competition. The nightclub concluded public operations with a final event last Saturday, formally ceasing operations on Monday amid preparations for its next incarnation.

  • Arrest warrant issued for Brittany Harris over libel allegations

    Arrest warrant issued for Brittany Harris over libel allegations

    A Bahamian court has issued an arrest warrant for Brittany Harris, a 34-year-old woman facing charges of intentionally libeling high-profile public figures. The case involves allegations against Energy and Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis and attorney Bjorn Ferguson.

    According to court documents, Harris stands accused of publishing a video targeting Mr. Ferguson on social media platforms in April 2024, which prosecutors claim was deliberately intended to cause public humiliation. Additionally, she allegedly shared defamatory content about Minister Coleby-Davis on Facebook in October 2024, accompanied by audio recordings purportedly meant to shame the government official.

    The legal proceedings took a significant turn when Harris failed to appear before Deputy Chief Magistrate Kara Turnquest Deveaux for a scheduled status hearing. This absence prompted Magistrate Deveaux to rule that Harris had violated her bail conditions, resulting in the immediate revocation of her bail and the issuance of an arrest warrant.

    The court’s decision carries financial implications for Harris’s sureties, who now face potential forfeiture of their $5,000 bond to the Crown. Harris had previously entered a plea of not guilty to both counts of intentional libel during December proceedings.

    The case, prosecuted by Inspector K Wilkinson, remains ongoing with trial dates set for February 24 and 25, 2026, should Harris be apprehended and brought before the court.

  • Kingston East police renew appeal for wanted man Kerrin ‘Bones’ Bailey

    Kingston East police renew appeal for wanted man Kerrin ‘Bones’ Bailey

    Jamaican authorities have escalated efforts to apprehend 30-year-old Kerrin Bailey, alias “Bones,” who remains at large following a deadly November 2025 shooting incident in St. Andrew. The Kingston East Police Division has issued a renewed public appeal for information regarding Bailey’s whereabouts, emphasizing his status as a primary person of interest in the case.

    The violent episode unfolded on November 13th at approximately 8:30 PM in the Jack Vale community of Bull Bay. Local residents reported hearing explosive gunfire originating from a residential property, prompting immediate emergency response. Law enforcement personnel arriving at the scene discovered two gunshot victims—a male and female—both suffering from critical injuries.

    Emergency medical services transported both individuals to a nearby medical facility, where 28-year-old truck operator Rai-Ronaldo Fry was declared deceased upon arrival. The female victim received urgent treatment and was admitted in stable condition, subsequently undergoing recovery procedures.

    Following comprehensive investigation, police identified Bailey as a central figure in the shooting incident and officially listed him as a wanted individual. Investigators have disclosed that Bailey’s last confirmed residence was located on Talmania Avenue in the Harbour Heights sector of Kingston 17. Surveillance operations indicate he frequently visits various locations across St. James Parish, alongside regular appearances in Bull Bay and Harbour View districts.

    Law enforcement officials are strongly urging Bailey to voluntarily surrender at the Elletson Road Police Station without further delay. The public assistance hotlines include direct connections to the Elletson Road Police Station (876-928-1261/1262), the National Intelligence Bureau (811), Crime Stop (311), and all local police precincts.

  • CTO reaffirms regional resilience and operational stability

    CTO reaffirms regional resilience and operational stability

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), headquartered in Barbados, has issued a comprehensive statement addressing the regional impact of recent geopolitical turmoil in Venezuela and affirming the resilience of Caribbean travel infrastructure. The organization confirmed it is maintaining vigilant oversight of developments following the U.S. military intervention that resulted in the ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who now faces narcotics charges in a New York federal court.

  • EU countries override France to greenlight Mercosur trade deal

    EU countries override France to greenlight Mercosur trade deal

    BRUSSELS — The European Union has definitively approved a landmark trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc, overcoming significant internal opposition led by France. This decisive move, confirmed by diplomatic sources following a meeting of EU ambassadors, clears the path for formal signing ceremonies in Paraguay next week.

    After more than a quarter-century of complex negotiations, the European Commission champions this agreement as a vital strategic instrument to enhance export opportunities, revitalize struggling economic sectors, and strengthen diplomatic alliances during an era of global instability. Commission spokesperson Olof Gill emphasized the comprehensive importance of the pact, stating it represents “an essential deal, economically, politically, strategically, diplomatically, for the European Union.”

    The approval process revealed deep divisions within the Union. France, where political factions united in opposition to protect its influential agricultural industry, spearheaded resistance efforts alongside Ireland, Poland, and Hungary. Their concerns centered on potential market flooding by cheaper agricultural imports from Mercosur nations. However, these objections proved insufficient to block the agreement, particularly after Italy reversed its previous stance and offered crucial support following last-minute negotiations in December.

    This groundbreaking agreement will establish one of the world’s largest free trade zones, encompassing over 700 million consumers. It eliminates import tariffs on more than 90% of traded goods between the 27-nation EU and Mercosur members Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. EU Trade Chief Maros Sefcovic hailed the “landmark” pact as the Union’s most ambitious trade achievement, projecting annual duty savings exceeding €4 billion for European businesses while boosting exports of automobiles, machinery, and premium beverages.

    Proponents including Germany and Spain argue the agreement provides critical countermeasures against Chinese competitive pressures and U.S. tariff policies. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva previously characterized the deal as a powerful endorsement of multilateralism in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

    To address agricultural concerns, the Commission implemented substantial safeguards, including a €6.3 billion crisis fund and mechanisms to suspend preferential tariffs during import surges. The agreement also establishes robust geographical indication protections, preventing South American producers from marketing imitation products like “Parmesao” cheese that undermine authentic European offerings such as Parmesan, Greek feta, and French champagne.

    Despite these concessions, agricultural protests erupted across Europe, with French farmers mobilizing tractors in Paris and Belgian producers blockading major highways, reflecting persistent industry anxieties about competitive disadvantages.

  • Objection, Your Honour

    Objection, Your Honour

    A significant constitutional debate has erupted within Jamaica’s legal community following controversial remarks by distinguished jurist Patrick Robinson regarding appellate court authority over judicial decisions. The former International Court of Justice judge recently advocated for eliminating what he termed “a legal oddity” – the ability of Jamaica’s Court of Appeal to overturn rulings made by the Chief Justice.

    Robinson’s position, articulated in a January 2026 Sunday Gleaner column, emerged from his analysis of Jamaica’s 2025 appellate court decision to quash a murder conviction originally presided over by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes. The appellate court had determined that Justice Sykes had “descended quite extensively into the arena” during proceedings, improperly eliciting evidence that should have remained the prosecution’s responsibility.

    In response, prominent defense attorney Peter Champagnie, King’s Counsel, has characterized Robinson’s proposal as both “a misstep” and “retrograde,” despite expressing profound respect for Robinson’s legal expertise. Champagnie maintains that appellate review of judicial decisions represents a crucial “peer review” mechanism essential to maintaining judicial integrity within democratic systems.

    The attorney specifically referenced the Judicature (Appellate Jurisdiction) Act, highlighting provisions that ensure the Court of Appeal’s independence from the Chief Justice’s office. Section 3(1)(b) stipulates that while the Chief Justice may participate in appellate panels, this requires invitation from the court president and the presence of at least four other judges.

    The controversy centers on the case of Conroy Stephenson, whose murder conviction was overturned in December 2025. Stephenson had been sentenced to 16 years imprisonment in 2019 for a fatal shooting in Seaview Gardens. The Appeal Court determined that extensive judicial intervention during witness cross-examination had denied Stephenson a fair trial, resulting in both overturned conviction and acquittal without retrial.

    Champagnie clarified that while judicial questioning during trials is permissible for clarification purposes, judges must avoid descending into the adversarial arena by conducting what effectively becomes cross-examination on behalf of either prosecution or defense. This distinction between appropriate judicial inquiry and improper advocacy forms the crux of the current legal discourse surrounding judicial conduct and appellate oversight in Jamaica’s justice system.

  • 5 artistes to watch in 2026

    5 artistes to watch in 2026

    The Jamaican music industry concluded 2025 with remarkable achievements, particularly within the dancehall genre, where both established icons and emerging talents demonstrated exceptional musical prowess. While veteran artists maintained their superstar status, a new generation of performers emerged with groundbreaking impact across digital platforms and live performances, signaling a transformative period for Caribbean music.

    Among the most promising contenders, Skippa emerged as Jamaica’s third-most-streamed artist on YouTube, trailing only behind industry giants Chronic Law and Vybz Kartel. His breakthrough anthem on DJ Mac’s WYFL rhythm achieved simultaneous number-one positions on both YouTube Jamaica Weekly Chart and Apple Music Jamaica. The track astonishingly accumulated over 4 million views within a month of release. Beyond this viral hit, Skippa dominated airwaves with additional singles including ‘Go’, ‘Currency’, ’40 Ball’, and ‘No Budget’, collectively amassing more than 12 million views. His distinctive trap-influenced dancehall style has cultivated a dedicated younger demographic that promises sustained influence throughout 2026.

    Ayetian represents another compelling narrative, blending Jamaican-Haitian heritage with exceptional lyrical craftsmanship and contemporary dancehall aesthetics. His rapid evolution from TikTok viral sensation to legitimate industry force was underscored by high-profile collaborations with established artists including Govana, Shenseea, and Skillibeng. Tracks such as ‘Tip’, ‘Balance’, and ‘Weh Yo Deh Pan’ maintained continuous dominance on local airwaves throughout 2025, establishing his permanent presence within the competitive music landscape.

    Nhance leveraged his musical pedigree as the son of former Gaza Empire member Gaza Sheba to build upon 2024’s momentum. Recognized for authentic storytelling that transforms personal adversity into artistic purpose, he developed profound connections with audiences. His inclusion on DJ Mac’s popular WYFL rhythm and the collaborative single ‘Too Bad’ with Suspense—garnering 100,000 views within days—demonstrates his escalating industry position.

    Suspense prepares for a groundbreaking 2026 following years of artistic refinement. The Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition winner (2017) returns after exploring gospel music and Christianity, describing her current trajectory as a ‘rebirth’. Her reentry into the male-dominated industry signals a potentially transformative presence for female dancehall artists.

    Completing this vanguard, Tielo Lanez capitalized on viral TikTok success with his track ‘Greedy’, which surpassed half a million YouTube views since its April 2025 release. The financially-themed anthem targeting female empowerment led to subsequent success with ‘People Change’ featuring Nhance, achieving his first top-ten Jamaican chart hit. An anticipated EP release later this year could solidify his position within dancehall’s competitive hierarchy.

  • 2026 Kia Tasman: The next step

    2026 Kia Tasman: The next step

    Kia Motors has launched a strategic offensive into the highly competitive dual-cab pickup sector with the all-new Tasman, marking a pivotal moment in the brand’s ambitious expansion. This move echoes the brand’s earlier disruption of the premium performance sedan market with the Stinger, now targeting a segment long dominated by established Asian rivals.

    **Design Philosophy: Futuristic Meets Functional**
    The Tasman represents a ground-up design with no direct predecessor, allowing Kia’s designers free rein. The exterior merges sci-fi-inspired SUV aesthetics with a retro, aggressively boxy form. This results in a tough, toy-like appearance complemented by modern elements like vertical lighting and the signature tiger grille. Beyond its bold looks, the Tasman is built for utility. Lower plastic trim protects against off-road abrasions, integrated steps on the rear bumper aid access, and practical features include roof rails, bed mounting points, and a damped tailgate.

    **Interior: Uncompromised Luxury and Technology**
    Stepping inside reveals a cabin that transcends typical pickup truck standards. The interior rivals premium sedans in technology, material quality, and space. Soft-touch surfaces, leather stitching, and subtle ambient lighting create an upscale atmosphere. Practicality remains paramount, featuring a fold-out centre console, hidden storage compartments, and large, tactile buttons operable with work gloves. The panoramic sunroof and generous glass area contribute to an airy environment, ensuring rear passenger comfort.

    The technological centerpiece is the Integrated Panoramic Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with an equally sized infotainment touchscreen. Kia’s intuitive interface operates flawlessly, offering extensive vehicle customization. Nearly all primary functions—wipers, lights, climate control—can be set to automatic. This is supported by Kia’s comprehensive suite of driver-assist and safety features, making operation seamless.

    **Performance: Engineered for Capability**
    Rejecting unibody pretensions, Kia engineered the Tasman with a traditional body-on-frame construction for maximum off-road durability. It boasts 252mm of ground clearance, 800mm wading depth, and impressive approach (32.2°), breakover (25.8°), and departure (26.2°) angles. Payload capacity reaches 1,000kg with a towing capability of 3,500kg.

    Power is delivered by Kia’s proven 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, generating 207bhp and 325lb/ft of torque through a smooth eight-speed transmission. Renowned for its refinement, power, and fuel efficiency, this engine is notably quiet from the driver’s seat. The suspension is calibrated to handle diverse terrains while maintaining on-road composure. The drivetrain offers robust two-wheel drive, automatic four-wheel drive engagement, and a locking rear differential for challenging conditions, making it accessible even for off-road novices.

    **Strategic Market Position**
    The global pickup market traditionally splits between commercial users and lifestyle buyers. The Tasman is meticulously crafted for the latter—individuals who require daily drivability paired with weekend adventure capabilities. It successfully blends the refinement and technology of a premium sedan with the rugged prowess of a true workhorse. For its competitors, the Tasman does not feel like a debut attempt but a polished, fully realized product that arrives poised for market impact.

  • Victorious Links a winner on debut

    Victorious Links a winner on debut

    In a display of sheer determination and resilience, the bay filly Victorious Links, trained by Lawrence Freemantle, secured a dramatic victory in a $1.05-million maiden condition race for native-bred three-year-olds on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The event, held over 5½ furlongs (1,100m), saw the horse make a triumphant return to the track after a postponed debut in October 2025.

    Ridden by jockey Dane Dawkins, Victorious Links overcame a less-than-ideal start to engage in a fierce battle with rival contender Mo Pai, piloted by Tajay Suckoo. The two horses delivered a heart-stopping finish, with Victorious Links clinching the win by a narrow head margin. The official winning time was recorded at 1:09.4.

    Trainer Lawrence Freemantle attributed the success to a carefully managed recovery and preparation period. The filly had previously been scratched from her intended debut after becoming fractious and injuring herself in the box. ‘I had to give her some time to recover and re-programme her,’ Freemantle explained. ‘Her preparation coming into this race was fairly well, giving me all the confidence.’

    Despite the victory, Freemantle noted there is room for improvement. ‘I thought she would have won a little easier than she did,’ he commented to the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide. ‘She didn’t get a brilliant start, and so I still have to give thanks for the victory. The performance was good, and she can only improve from here on.’

    Bred by Western Warrior out of the Handsome Mike mare Victory Turn, Victorious Links demonstrated significant grit during the race. After matching strides with Dark Authority (ridden by Raddesh Roman) approaching the half-mile mark, she took the lead a furlong out, only to be challenged by a late surge from Mo Pai in the final stretch.

    With this win marking a positive start to the 2026 racing season, Freemantle expressed optimism for the year ahead. Reflecting on his previous season’s record of six wins from 32 starts, he stated, ‘My expectations have always been high; once I have the quality horses, I can get the job. I am expecting to do well this year.’

    The winner’s enclosure celebration included trainer Lawrence Freemantle, owner Ian Lodge, jockey Dane Dawkins, and other connections, captured in a photo by Karl Mclarty.

  • $4-B PRICE TAG

    $4-B PRICE TAG

    PriceSmart Inc. (NASDAQ: PSMT) is accelerating its Caribbean growth strategy with a significant $27.6 million investment to establish a new warehouse club on South Camp Road in Kingston, Jamaica, while simultaneously expanding its high-volume Portmore location in St. Catherine. The expansion initiative was detailed in the company’s recent Q1 FY2026 earnings report and subsequent executive commentary.

    CEO David N. Price confirmed adjusted opening timelines for upcoming Jamaican locations due to operational disruptions from Hurricane Melissa. Despite these challenges, existing Kingston and Portmore facilities demonstrated resilience, resuming operations rapidly post-storm. The company anticipates no further delays in its expansion schedule.

    The new Kingston location represents a strategic real estate move through PriceSmart Realty (Jamaica) Limited, which secured a 30-year lease agreement with South Camp Fourteen Limited, featuring two 10-year renewal options. This three-acre property, situated near Sabina Park and The Convent of Mercy Academy, will become PriceSmart’s 60th global location upon completion.

    Concurrently, the company has acquired five acres in Ironshore, Montego Bay, for its third Jamaican warehouse club. This North Coast development will significantly enhance service accessibility beyond the existing PriceSmart Fresh Bakery in Bogue City Centre.

    Jamaican operations have demonstrated robust performance with net merchandise sales growing 13.1% in FY2025, building upon 12.2% growth in the previous period. This consistent performance justifies continued investment, including the Portmore location’s 15-20% expansion in November 2024 and upcoming parking infrastructure enhancements.

    CEO Price emphasized the strategic importance of physical expansions: ‘When we expand warehouses or parking facilities, we address the positive challenge of high customer traffic. These improvements enhance member experience through faster ingress and egress while optimizing space turnover.’

    The Caribbean segment reported $365.31 million in revenue (6% growth) with membership accounts reaching 510,819 (5% increase). Despite higher operating expenses slightly reducing profitability, the region saw $20.60 million in capital expenditures during the quarter.

    Globally, PriceSmart achieved $1.38 billion in consolidated revenue (10% growth) with 56 operational warehouse clubs. The company posted $40.17 million net profit (7% increase) and reached a record stock price of $133.03, maintaining a $4.06 billion market capitalization.

    Future expansion plans include a tenth Costa Rican location in Ciudad Quesada (Fall 2026) and market entry into Chile, where the company has secured two prospective sites and appointed country leadership.

    Photographic documentation shows ongoing development at both the South Camp Road construction site and the expanding Portmore location, visually confirming the company’s substantial capital investment in Jamaican infrastructure.