Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • PM: No justification for PBR fare increase

    PM: No justification for PBR fare increase

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has suggested potentially opening the Priority Bus Route (PBR) to all commuters, allowing maxi taxi operators to use it without fees. This proposal comes as a response to operators seeking fare increases following recent toll hikes.

    The government recently doubled the quarterly PBR toll from $300 to $600, effectively increasing daily costs from $3 to $6 for drivers. Most traffic fines were similarly doubled, and customs fee increases may drive up vehicle part prices. Some maxi taxi drivers at City Gate had proposed raising short-drop fares from $5 to $8 to offset these increased operational expenses.

    However, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar criticized this proposed fare increase, noting the additional $3 daily cost represents “the price of a small Coca Cola.” She emphasized that taxpayers currently subsidize tens of millions in maintenance costs for road markings, traffic lights, road surfaces, drainage, street lighting, City Gate facilities, security, and the PBR unit itself.

    The Prime Minister stated, “I’m maybe willing to give the association total control of the entire bus route if they are willing to take over all the costs.” She added that opening the route to all vehicles would eliminate fees for maxi taxis entirely.

    In separate remarks, Persad-Bissessar defended her administration’s record, asserting Trinidad and Tobago was “better off under UNC” leadership. She cited progress in public safety and economic revitalization foundations while accusing opponents of seeking “exchange where they become the new beneficiaries of corruption and disorder.” She further criticized the opposing PNM party for insufficiently supporting its core constituents.

  • Psychologist outlines techniques to protect mental health post Melissa

    Psychologist outlines techniques to protect mental health post Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which has left profound emotional scars across Jamaica, mental health experts are advocating for innovative psychological interventions to address widespread trauma. Dr. Marlon Simpson, a licensed clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, has introduced a series of science-based neuropsychological techniques specifically designed to help survivors combat anxiety, trauma, and survivor’s guilt.

    During a recent virtual symposium organized by the JN Foundation, Dr. Simpson presented these methods to JN Circle chapters, emphasizing that conventional approaches are insufficient for what he described as an “outside-the-box” hurricane that has psychologically disempowered countless individuals. “Our bodies may be safe now, but our brains are still telling us we’re in danger,” Dr. Simpson noted. “We need techniques that help recalibrate the brain’s alarm system.”

    The five evidence-based strategies outlined include:

    1. **Brain Reset Exercises**: Simple head movements—slowly turning left, center, and right for 2-5 minutes—signal to the brain that the danger has passed, reducing sleeplessness and stress.

    2. **Therapeutic Journaling**: Writing helps break guilt-based narratives and fosters acceptance of uncontrollable outcomes during the storm.

    3. **Vocalization Techniques**: Humming or soft vocalizing stimulates brain regions associated with safety, countering feelings of loneliness or unworthiness.

    4. **Sensory Grounding**: Wrapping oneself firmly in a light blanket or towel provides physical cues of safety, calming the nervous system.

    5. **Audio Journaling**: Recording private voice notes helps externalize racing thoughts, restoring mental clarity and reducing cognitive exaggeration of problems.

    Dr. Simpson also highlighted the importance of monitoring behavioral changes in children, such as reduced appetite, social withdrawal, or rescue-themed play, urging adults to recognize these as signs of distress.

    Hakeem Atkinson, Member Relations Supervisor at the JN Group, reflected on the session’s significance, stating that the initiative was designed to address the invisible wounds many Jamaicans are enduring. He emphasized that mental health support must become an integral part of disaster recovery, equally prioritized alongside physical reconstruction efforts.

    The JN Circle, a global network of members and customers active in 14 parishes and international cities including Toronto and London, continues to drive community-focused recovery initiatives in the wake of natural disasters.

  • Forex: $159.83 to one US dollar

    Forex: $159.83 to one US dollar

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the final trading session of the year, the Jamaican dollar demonstrated notable strength against major global currencies. According to the latest daily exchange trading summary released by the Bank of Jamaica, the US dollar concluded trading on Tuesday, December 30, at a rate of J$159.83, marking a decrease of nine cents from previous valuations.

    The Caribbean nation’s currency exhibited mixed performance across other currency pairs. The Canadian dollar experienced a slight depreciation, finishing the day’s trading at J$116.36 compared to its previous close of J$116.56. Conversely, the British pound sterling weakened against the Jamaican dollar, settling at J$214.09 after previously trading at J$212.89.

    These currency fluctuations occurred during typically subdued year-end trading activity, reflecting both local economic conditions and broader global market influences. The Bank of Jamaica’s comprehensive monitoring of foreign exchange movements provides crucial data for economists, investors, and businesses engaged in international trade and financial planning.

  • CAL flights maxed as TT Spirit repairs strain inter-island travel

    CAL flights maxed as TT Spirit repairs strain inter-island travel

    Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has announced that its domestic flight service connecting Trinidad and Tobago is currently operating at maximum capacity due to unprecedented demand. The airline issued a formal statement on December 30 clarifying that only passengers holding confirmed tickets would be guaranteed travel, with standby seating limited strictly to circumstances where space becomes available.

    This surge in air travel demand follows the complete suspension of TT Spirit ferry services, which was unexpectedly withdrawn from operation on December 29. The Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company Ltd (TTIT) confirmed the vessel required urgent mechanical repairs, creating a significant transportation gap in the seabridge connection between the islands.

    Compounding the transportation crisis, the APT James ferry remains non-operational, leaving only two vessels—Buccoo Reef and Galleons Passage—to handle the entire inter-island ferry demand. Both operating ferries have implemented revised sailing schedules to accommodate the increased passenger load.

    TTIT has established a refund protocol for passengers affected by cancelled sailings, directing them to email ttitrefundquery@gmail.com for fare difference reimbursements. The company specifically noted that Premium Class seating remains unavailable on both the TT Spirit and Galleons Passage vessels, with refund processing dependent on submission of travel documentation.

    The adjusted schedules have seen Buccoo Reef undertaking additional sailings from both Port of Spain and Scarborough, while Galleons Passage has modified its morning and evening departure times. TTIT emphasized that sailing times and vessel assignments remain subject to change without advance notice, urging passengers to regularly consult the company’s official website and social media channels for real-time updates.

    Customer service representatives continue to be available at 467-5072 (Port of Spain) and 467-5330/467-5117 for passenger assistance. Caribbean Airlines confirmed that its operational teams are actively exploring feasible options to address the transportation crisis while maintaining that confirmed ticket holders will receive priority treatment.

  • NCB Foundation spreads Christmas cheer, aids hurricane relief with Christine Haber Ministries

    NCB Foundation spreads Christmas cheer, aids hurricane relief with Christine Haber Ministries

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant boost to post-hurricane recovery efforts, the NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish initiative has allocated JMD $250,000 to Christine Haber Ministries International. The donation will specifically aid seniors and infants across communities severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

    Bishop Christine Haber, leading the relief operations, emphasized the critical needs of elderly residents who suffered extensive property damage. “Many seniors are unemployed and faced catastrophic roof losses during the hurricane,” Haber stated. “Roofing repairs represent a substantial financial burden that most cannot shoulder independently.”

    The remaining funds will address urgent requirements for infants, encompassing nutritional supplies, clothing, and diapers. Haber highlighted the immediate nature of this support, noting, “Numerous infants are currently lacking essentials. We will procure and distribute these items directly within the communities we serve.”

    Christine Haber Ministries International possesses extensive experience in disaster response, with outreach programs spanning church missions, community development, and international humanitarian aid. Haber referenced previous disaster engagements, including ground operations in Haiti post-Hurricane Matthew and recent psychosocial support and supply distributions across Jamaican parishes following Hurricane Melissa.

    Sheree Martin, Director of NCB Foundation, described the selection of Haber’s organization as both strategically timed and personally significant. “When evaluating trusted, organized partners capable of rapid and effective response, Christine Haber was the immediate choice,” Martin explained. “Having known Christine since we were 18, I recognize this work as her life’s mission. Their operational structure and community reach perfectly align with Grant a Wish’s objectives during this critical period.”

    Current relief activities are concentrated in multiple parishes including Middle Quarters (St. Elizabeth), Mile Gully (Manchester), Liverpool (Trelawny), and rural St. James. The NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish program remains accessible to all Jamaican residents until December 31, 2025, with nominations accepted online at www.jncb.com/grantawish or at NCB branches nationwide.

  • Campari signs partnership with Sandz; Skippa headlines Jan 1 staging

    Campari signs partnership with Sandz; Skippa headlines Jan 1 staging

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move within the entertainment industry, global spirits giant Campari has entered into an exclusive year-long title sponsorship agreement with Jamaica’s acclaimed Sandz Music Festival. The newly branded ‘Campari Sandz’ initiative officially commences with its inaugural event on January 1st at Stadium East, featuring chart-topping dancehall sensation Skippa as the headline performer.

    Dominic Bell, Communications Manager at Campari, emphasized the strategic alignment between the brand and the festival during an exclusive interview. “Campari strategically positions itself at the convergence of lifestyle, culture, and entertainment—spaces where our consumers naturally congregate,” Bell stated. “Sandz generates exceptional moments of social connection for enthusiasts of premium dancehall entertainment. Our presence in these cultural environments is paramount, and through serving our signature cocktails at Campari Sandz, we’re enhancing experiences where communities unite to forge enduring memories.”

    The partnership will see multiple festival editions across Jamaica throughout 2026, including productions in Kingston, Ocho Rios, St. Elizabeth, and a debut staging in Montego Bay. Bell revealed exclusive patron benefits: “The first 100 customers purchasing a 750ml bottle of Campari at Ready Stock Wholesale will receive complimentary event tickets. Attendees can anticipate specially curated cocktail bars featuring favorites like Campari Grapefruit, Campari Orange, and Rumpari.”

    Notably, the collaboration carries substantial economic implications. Bell highlighted Campari’s commitment to Jamaica’s orange-economy recovery, which constitutes approximately 5% of the nation’s GDP. “With many communities still rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa, it’s crucial for international brands to invest in Jamaica’s entrepreneurial class who employ, entertain, and elevate local communities,” Bell explained. “This investment simultaneously strengthens the global appeal of Brand Jamaica’s entertainment exports.”

    Carlton Davy, Director of Twenty14 Jamaica Limited, expressed profound enthusiasm for the partnership’s potential. “This year-long contract signifies a powerful commitment toward building sustainable, impactful entertainment experiences,” Davy noted. “We’re particularly excited to introduce the premium J Wray & Nephew portfolio to our audience, elevating the Sandz experience through superior taste offerings.”

    Davy characterized the agreement as a transformative milestone for the Sandz brand, stating: “Securing a global partnership with Campari validates our evolution into a premier Caribbean lifestyle festival. This endorsement reflects confidence in our vision and execution capabilities, establishing foundations for enhanced productions and deeper patron engagement across all international stagings.”

    Since its inception at Sugarman’s Beach in Portmore during May 2014, Sandz has expanded from a local celebration to an international phenomenon with editions in Florida, Atlanta, New York, Canada, and England. The festival has progressively evolved from traditional VIP/general divisions toward inclusive, premium-oriented experiences featuring table sections and cabanas.

    The January 1st event will feature musical orchestration by DJs Ricky Platinum, Prince Royal, DJ Dwayne, Di Unit, Fyahman, and Vinchi, promising an immersive journey through dancehall excellence.

  • Fire brigade urges parents to discourage children from making prank calls

    Fire brigade urges parents to discourage children from making prank calls

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaican emergency authorities have launched a critical public awareness campaign urging parents and guardians to actively prevent children from placing prank calls to emergency services during holiday periods. Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, Public Education Officer at the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), revealed through a JIS Think Tank session that deceptive emergency calls consistently surge during seasonal breaks, creating substantial operational challenges for all response services.

    Ebanks emphasized the severe consequences of these false alarms, noting that emergency vehicle deployments under false pretenses present inherent dangers to both firefighters and civilians. ‘Fire apparatus operating under emergency protocols creates hazardous road conditions for responders and public motorists alike,’ Ebanks stated. ‘Each unnecessary deployment needlessly jeopardizes multiple lives.’

    The official further explained how prank calls create critical response delays by diverting resources from their stations. When crews respond to fraudulent emergencies, legitimate calls may experience prolonged wait times as trucks must return from distant locations. Ebanks presented compelling statistics showing a concerning 24.4% year-over-year increase in malicious false alarms, with the JFB recording 1,759 deceptive calls in 2024 compared to 1,413 in 2023.

    In a sobering warning, Ebanks highlighted the potential for tragic irony: ‘Should an actual emergency affect the prank caller’s family while crews are dispatched elsewhere due to their false report, the consequences could be devastating. These actions serve no beneficial purpose and ultimately undermine community safety.’ The JFB continues to advocate for responsible emergency service usage through ongoing public education initiatives.

  • Augustine denies sale of No Man’s Land to Trini developer

    Augustine denies sale of No Man’s Land to Trini developer

    TOBAGO – Chief Secretary Farley Augustine of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has issued a firm denial regarding allegations of privatizing No Man’s Land, a contentious coastal area. Speaking at a December 29 public meeting in the Signal Hill/Patience Hill electoral district, Augustine categorically refuted claims that his administration had transferred public lands to private developers.

    Augustine, who also leads the Tobago People’s Party (TPP), addressed residents with unambiguous clarity: ‘Let me be pellucidly clear: this chief secretary, this government, and this executive have not given any lands to any private developer at No Man’s Land. These rumors circulating are complete fabrications.’

    The controversy emerged after a Trinidadian businessman approached the THA with unsolicited proposals to upgrade vendor facilities at the site. According to Augustine, the developer offered to provide infrastructure improvements—including water access, restroom facilities, and health safety upgrades—at no cost to the government or taxpayers. The only request was that the THA would assume maintenance responsibilities after completion.

    Augustine revealed he instructed the businessman to first consult directly with local vendors and submit a formal proposal before any consideration could occur. ‘The gentleman has not even provided us with a proposal for evaluation, making the current allegations entirely premature,’ he emphasized.

    The Chief Secretary drew parallels to previous controversial land proposals, notably the former PNM government’s Sandals resort initiative, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to preserving public access to Tobago’s natural resources. He assured that any legitimate relocation of vendors would follow proper legal procedures, which have not been initiated.

  • Supreme Ventures in talks to sell Evolve loan portfolio to Dolla Financial

    Supreme Ventures in talks to sell Evolve loan portfolio to Dolla Financial

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant development within Jamaica’s financial sector, Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) has confirmed preliminary negotiations regarding the strategic divestiture of its subsidiary Evolve Loan Co’s loan portfolio and select assets to microcredit specialist Dolla Financial Services Limited.

    The proposed transaction remains contingent upon securing regulatory consent from the Bank of Jamaica, the nation’s central banking authority, alongside the definitive settlement of contractual terms between the involved entities.

    SVL’s corporate communications characterize this maneuver as a sophisticated capital management strategy aimed at portfolio optimization and mitigation of concentrated credit exposure. Post-transaction execution, Evolve Loan Co is poised to transition toward an asset-light operational paradigm, centering its business model on digital service provision and loan origination capabilities rather than portfolio retention.

    Conversely, Dolla Financial Services anticipates substantial strategic benefits from this acquisition, projecting significant expansion of its microcredit market penetration and enhancement of its comprehensive lending infrastructure.

    Kenroy Kerr, Group Chief Executive Officer of Dolla Financial, emphasized the transaction’s transformative potential: “This acquisition stands to positively recalibrate our loan book through improved compositional balance, accelerated scaling opportunities, and amplified growth trajectory.”

    Notably, the arrangement includes SVL maintaining a 15% equity participation in Dolla Financial, thereby retaining financial exposure to the portfolio’s prospective performance while simultaneously realizing immediate capital reallocation benefits.

    Gary Peart, Executive Chairman of Supreme Ventures, framed the transaction within broader corporate strategy: “This disciplined capital reallocation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to shareholder value enhancement. We simultaneously fortify the group’s financial stability while preserving strategic positioning for long-term value appreciation.”

  • Fitz-Henley pays tribute to late journalist Donald Oliver

    Fitz-Henley pays tribute to late journalist Donald Oliver

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican media community mourns the unexpected loss of journalist Donald Oliver, who passed away Tuesday morning at age 40 after experiencing chest pains. The tragic news prompted an emotional tribute from Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, who expressed profound shock and sadness at Oliver’s sudden demise.

    In an official statement, Senator Fitz-Henley celebrated Oliver as both an exceptional journalist and morally upright individual, emphasizing that his professional approach was consistently devoid of malicious intent. The minister particularly highlighted Oliver’s extraordinary vocal abilities, noting his mastery of cadence and modulation to vividly transport audiences to the events he covered.

    While Oliver demonstrated particular excellence in sports broadcasting, Fitz-Henley stressed that his talents transcended any single genre, describing him as a remarkably versatile media professional. Just weeks before his passing, Oliver had traveled to St. Elizabeth to report on the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, conducting interviews with government officials including MP Floyd Green to highlight the plight of affected communities.

    Beyond his technical skills, Oliver was remembered for his exceptional collegiality and absence of professional jealousy—a trait the minister noted as uncommon in competitive fields. Oliver consistently offered constructive advice and encouragement to colleagues seeking to improve their craft.

    Senator Fitz-Henley extended heartfelt condolences to Oliver’s family, friends, and colleagues, honoring him as “a Jamaican of substance who was excellent at his craft.” The minister concluded his tribute with a cricket metaphor: “An innings well-played, my friend,” acknowledging a life and career completed with distinction despite being cut short.