Carib Scope

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  • Junior Panorama champs crowned

    Junior Panorama champs crowned

    In a vibrant celebration of musical heritage, Trinidad’s Queen’s Park Savannah witnessed an extraordinary display of youthful talent during the Junior Panorama competition on January 18. The event introduced a groundbreaking under-19 category that captured the nation’s attention, with St Francois Valley Stars claiming the inaugural championship title.

    The newly established division emerged as an innovative solution after numerous secondary school bands withdrew from the National Schools Panorama. This withdrawal occurred when the traditional event relocated to Skinner Park in San Fernando, creating logistical challenges that prevented many schools from participating within the compressed timeframe.

    Ten accomplished youth orchestras competed in the debut under-19 category, showcasing exceptional musical prowess. Bishop Anstey Trinity College East (BATCE) Steel secured second position while Sapphonic Steel earned third place honors, demonstrating the remarkable depth of young pan talent across Trinidad.

    Simultaneously, the under-21 category delivered equally impressive performances. Shell Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra emerged victorious in this division, with BP Renegades Youth Steel Orchestra capturing second place. The competition concluded with an unusual tie for third position between T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps Youth Steel Orchestra and First Citizens Supernovas Youth Steel Orchestra.

    The event represented more than mere competition—it served as a powerful testament to Trinidad’s enduring cultural legacy and the next generation’s commitment to preserving steel pan traditions. Photographs captured by Lincoln Holder documented the joyful intensity of performers, from beaming musicians to dedicated young artists fully immersed in their craft.

  • Primary Schools’ Panorama champs unseated

    Primary Schools’ Panorama champs unseated

    In a stunning upset at the National Primary Schools’ Panorama competition, St Margaret’s Boys’ Anglican School unseated defending champions San Fernando Boys’ RC School with a commanding 14-point victory. The young musicians scored 279 points with their performance of Voice’s “Year for Love,” marking a significant shift in the competitive steelpan landscape.

    The former champions, San Fernando Boys’ RC School’s Sando Boys’ Steel, placed third with 265 points for their rendition of Explainer’s “Lorraine,” narrowly edged out of second position by Febeau Government Primary School, which scored 266 points with Voice’s “Too Own Way.”

    The event, historically held at Queen’s Park Savannah, made its debut at Skinner Park in San Fernando—a move described as historic by officials. San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris endorsed the relocation, calling it a decision that “made sense” and pledging continued support for initiatives benefiting children.

    Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath emphasized during the opening ceremony that participation itself constituted victory for students, tutors, teachers, and parents. “Even though you are competing, you’re making history,” he stated. “Not only by performing in an event in a historic location, but students, you are carrying forward a legacy that belongs to all of us in TT.”

    Gwyneth Morris-Alexander, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, highlighted the cultural significance of the steel pan as “a powerful symbol of the country’s resilience and creativity.” She told participants, “As you perform today, know that you’re not only competing, you are preserving a legacy and shaping our future.”

    Minister Dowlath further articulated the educational value of music, noting its role in strengthening critical thinking, improving literacy, and building discipline and teamwork. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to expanding arts education.

    The complete results showed St Paul’s Anglican Primary (262 points), Guaico Presbyterian School (257 points), and Escallier Anglican Primary (254 points) rounding out the top contenders in the fiercely contested musical celebration.

  • Holness urges vigilance against exploitation of ROOFS programme

    Holness urges vigilance against exploitation of ROOFS programme

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued a stern public warning to citizens applying for the government’s hurricane relief housing program, alerting them to sophisticated scams that seek to exploit vulnerable beneficiaries. The caution was delivered during the official launch of the Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP) at the Office of the Prime Minister on January 15.

    The Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) initiative, a cornerstone of the SRP, offers tiered financial grants of J$75,000, J$200,000, and J$500,000 to homeowners based on the assessed damage from recent hurricanes. With an initial funding pool of J$10 billion, the program is designed to restore safe and habitable living conditions for those affected.

    In his address, Prime Minister Holness highlighted the growing threat of fraudsters using advanced technological means, including artificial intelligence, to create deceptive scenarios. He specifically warned against intermediaries falsely offering to ‘help’ citizens secure the grants for a fee. “We have to be absolutely careful that there is no hijacking of a programme like this,” Holness stated, emphasizing that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is the sole administrator of the grants and does not employ any external agents or intermediaries.

    Eligibility for the ROOFS program requires official assessment and verification by the Ministry. To streamline this process, a self-reporting tool has been introduced, allowing citizens to alert the ministry directly and expedite damage assessments. The first grant disbursements are scheduled to begin by the end of January.

    The government urges all applicants to disregard any unsolicited offers of assistance on social media or in person and to report such attempts directly to the authorities.

  • Jamaica Brew Literary and Film Festival serves up stellar lineup on Jan 31

    Jamaica Brew Literary and Film Festival serves up stellar lineup on Jan 31

    The vibrant tapestry of Jamaican culture takes center stage at the third annual Jamaica Brew Literary and Film Festival, orchestrated by the Consulate of Jamaica in Miami. Scheduled for Saturday, January 31, at the Broward South West Regional Library in Pembroke Pines, the event promises a rich exploration of creative expression. The day commences at 9:00 AM with complimentary Blue Mountain coffee, honoring Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day (January 9), alongside a bustling marketplace for book signings by a diverse ensemble of authors and poets. A compelling schedule of special presentations unfolds throughout the day, culminating in a two-hour short film showcase concluding at 5:00 PM.

    Consul General Oliver Mair articulated the festival’s core mission: to platform Jamaica’s creative industries and provide a global stage for its narratives. “It’s an event that’s a platform to tell our stories to the world – about our worth and who we are as a people,” Mair stated. A notable new addition for this year is the ‘Children’s Corner,’ dedicated to the legacy of cultural icon Louise ‘Miss Lou’ Bennett Coverly. This interactive space will feature traditional Ring-Ding games and filmmaking workshops led by writer-director Cleon A. James, set within an area showcasing exhibitions from emerging artists.

    The festival’s thematic anchor is resilience, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This narrative thread will be powerfully woven through video features documenting recovery efforts and a dedicated panel discussion. Acclaimed dub poet Malachi Smith will lead a conversation on this theme, informed by his recent nomadic college tour to schools in hurricane-affected regions. Author and farmer Keith Wedderburn will share his firsthand account from his latest book, ‘Give Thanks For Life – Surviving Hurricane Melissa.’

    Serving as a poignant prelude to Black History Month, the festival will also delve into historical cultural resistance. A special presentation will examine the life of Alexander Bedward and his establishment of the Jamaica Native Free Baptist Church, a movement that challenged colonial religious structures. The Talawah Mento Band and Jamaican Folk Revue will perform selections from their upcoming musical ‘Bedward,’ bringing this history to life. The film segment will further celebrate Jamaican legacy with a highlight on the legendary musician Jimmy Cliff.

    The event boasts an impressive roster of multidisciplinary talent. Attendees can engage with figures like Sharon Gordon, a multifaceted author and media personality whose audiobook ‘Sheribaby’ is the first in Jamaican dialect to receive Grammy consideration. The festival will also feature Kacy Garvey, Richard Blackford, Simone Russell, storyteller Raul ‘Blaze’ Davis, attorney Kaysia Earley, and communications specialist Gail Abrahams, who will present her debut corporate guide for women, ‘Heels, Hustle, HEART.’

    Admission to the Jamaica Brew Festival is free and open to the public, though prior registration is mandatory via jamaicabrew2026.eventbrite.com.

  • Shelters across Jamaica to be improved

    Shelters across Jamaica to be improved

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaican government has initiated a comprehensive national program to upgrade emergency shelters and reinforce disaster preparedness infrastructure before the approaching 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. This decisive action follows critical assessments revealing systemic vulnerabilities exposed during Hurricane Melissa in October of last year.

    Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, announced that enhancing the condition, safety, and operational readiness of shelters is now a paramount priority. The minister’s statements came during a site visit to the new infirmary in Falmouth, Trelawny, on January 15, where he emphasized the urgent need for improvements.

    Minister McKenzie revealed plans to convene a high-level strategic meeting within the next fortnight, bringing together key agencies including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Social Development Commission (SDC), and municipal corporations. This collaborative effort will conduct an extensive evaluation of existing shelter infrastructure across the island nation.

    The ministerial agenda will focus on identifying structurally sound facilities, determining necessary repairs, and planning potential replacements. The SDC has already completed a nationwide survey of community centers, many of which are candidates for conversion and remodeling into certified emergency shelters.

    Concurrently, the ministry has finalized a damage assessment of municipal infrastructure—including markets and cemeteries—that suffered impacts during recent extreme weather events. Minister McKenzie indicated that a detailed submission will be presented to the Cabinet, outlining the full scope of required repairs and necessary upgrades. He acknowledged that addressing the widespread damage and fortifying the nation’s infrastructure will demand substantial budgetary allocation.

  • Afghanistan cruise past Windies in 1st T20

    Afghanistan cruise past Windies in 1st T20

    In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan secured a resounding 38-run triumph against West Indies in the inaugural match of their three-game T20 series at Dubai International Stadium on January 19. The victory was anchored by a phenomenal batting partnership and supported by disciplined bowling execution.

    Despite an immediate setback with the dismissal of Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck on the very first delivery, Afghanistan’s batting lineup demonstrated remarkable resilience. The early departure of Sediqullah Atal in the third over, leaving the team at 19/2, set the stage for an extraordinary 162-run third-wicket stand between Ibrahim Zadran and Darwish Rasooli. Zadran’s unbeaten 87 from 56 deliveries, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes, combined with Rasooli’s explosive 84 off 59 balls including eight fours and two maximums, propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 181/3. West Indies’ bowling attack struggled for consistency, with Matthew Forde proving particularly expensive at 1/51 while Jayden Seales managed 1/30.

    West Indies’ response began disastrously as stand-in captain Brandon King fell to Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s off-spin in the opening over. Although Johnson Charles attempted to accelerate with 27 from 16 balls, the innings never gained sustainable momentum. The Caribbean team suffered a catastrophic middle-order collapse, plummeting from 38/2 to 50/5 within four overs. Debutant Quentin Sampson provided brief hope with a spirited 30 off 24 deliveries, but the required run rate proved insurmountable. Late resistance from Matthew Forde (25) and Gudakesh Motie (28) was ultimately neutralized by Noor Ahmad’s clever wrist-spin, restricting West Indies to 143/9 from their allotted overs.

    Afghanistan’s bowling unit delivered a comprehensive performance with Ziaur Rahman claiming 3/36 and Rashid Khan contributing 2/19. The emphatic victory gives Afghanistan a crucial 1-0 advantage in the series, with subsequent matches scheduled for January 21 and 22 at the same venue.

  • Nhu Van Nguyen to visit Jamaica, ahead of Miss Global Jamaica coronation show

    Nhu Van Nguyen to visit Jamaica, ahead of Miss Global Jamaica coronation show

    Jamaica’s pageantry scene reaches unprecedented heights as twenty-six contestants prepare to compete for Miss Global Jamaica 2026 this Saturday at the Douglas Orane Auditorium. The national competition coincides with a landmark visit from reigning Miss Global 2025 Nhu Van Nguyen, marking the first official visit by a sitting Miss Global titleholder to the Caribbean nation.

    The Vietnamese beauty queen arrives Wednesday accompanied by Jamaica’s own Keri-Ann Greenwood, who achieved remarkable success as both Miss Global Jamaica 2025 and Miss Global 1st Runner-Up. Their joint itinerary includes high-profile diplomatic engagements with government officials and franchise activities that underscore Jamaica’s growing influence within international beauty competitions.

    Greenwood expressed profound enthusiasm about hosting her fellow titleholder, stating: ‘Welcoming my sister-queen to Jamaican soil represents more than ceremonial pageantry—it signifies a movement. Our shared commitment extends beyond crowns to creating tangible impact for women locally and globally.’

    Jermane Blair, National Director of Miss Global Jamaica, characterized the event as transformational for the nation’s profile. ‘This historic convergence demonstrates how preparation meeting opportunity can reshape international perceptions. Jamaica is no longer merely participating in global pageantry but actively influencing its evolution,’ Blair noted in comments to Observer Online.

    The Saturday coronation event at Wolmer’s Boys’ School will not only crown Jamaica’s next representative but also showcase the country’s emerging leadership within the Miss Global Organization framework.

  • Flow launches voice over Wi-Fi calling to customers nationwide

    Flow launches voice over Wi-Fi calling to customers nationwide

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Flow Jamaica has significantly expanded its telecommunications offerings by enabling Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) capabilities for a majority of its mobile subscribers. This innovative feature allows customers to place and receive calls utilizing any secure Wi-Fi network without incurring additional charges.

    The service, initially deployed in December, represents a strategic advancement in Flow’s ongoing commitment to technological innovation and enhanced user connectivity. By leveraging Wi-Fi networks to supplement traditional mobile coverage, the company addresses common connectivity challenges while improving call reliability.

    Danielle Savory, Senior Communications Manager at Flow, emphasized the transformative potential: “VoWiFi provides our customers with superior reliability and expanded connectivity options. As Jamaica continues its digital transformation journey, Flow is dedicated to deploying technologies that empower individuals and facilitate seamless communication.”

    This technology offers particular benefits in areas with limited mobile reception, including structures with dense building materials, remote geographical locations, and underground facilities. The service operates transparently, automatically switching between mobile and Wi-Fi networks to maintain optimal call quality without user intervention.

    Internationally, the service enables subscribers to make and receive calls from global locations using Wi-Fi connections, with all calls billed as standard domestic calls when using Jamaican numbers.

    Activation requires three components: a VoWiFi-compatible device, an active Flow LTE SIM card, and access to a secure Wi-Fi network. Android users can enable the feature through Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Wi-Fi Calling, while iPhone users navigate to Settings > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling. Successful activation is indicated by a VoWiFi or Wi-Fi Call icon in the device’s status bar.

  • Toni Ann Singh mines gold in Canada for Burna Boy and Popcaan

    Toni Ann Singh mines gold in Canada for Burna Boy and Popcaan

    The collaborative track ‘Toni Ann Singh’ by Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy and Jamaican dancehall artist Popcaan has received official gold certification in Canada. Music Canada, the nation’s leading music industry association, granted this prestigious recognition on Monday, acknowledging the song’s commercial performance equivalent to 40,000 units through combined sales and streaming figures.

    Released as part of Burna Boy’s critically acclaimed album ‘Love, Damini’ through Atlantic Records, the track pays homage to its namesake – Toni-Ann Singh, the St. Thomas-born former Miss World titleholder. The song demonstrated remarkable chart performance upon its 2022 release, climbing to the #11 position on Billboard’s US Afrobeats Songs chart during its peak popularity period in July 2022.

    The parent album ‘Love, Damini’ has achieved substantial international success, featuring 19 tracks including the hit singles ‘Last Last’ and ‘It’s Plenty’. The project reached impressive chart positions globally, securing the #14 spot on the prestigious Billboard 200 albums chart and achieving #2 on Billboard’s World Albums chart. The album entered the top ten in five countries, including the United Kingdom’s official charts.

    International certification achievements for ‘Love, Damini’ include an impressive 5x platinum status in Nigeria, platinum certifications in Canada, Denmark and New Zealand, alongside gold recognitions in Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France. The certified track ‘Toni-Ann Singh’ was produced by Anju Blaxx, contributing to the album’s diverse musical landscape that blends Afrobeats with dancehall influences.

  • Guyana strengthens border defences following US invasion of Venezuela

    Guyana strengthens border defences following US invasion of Venezuela

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana – In response to escalating political instability in neighboring Venezuela, the Guyanese government has announced a significant reinforcement of its border defense systems. Prime Minister Mark Phillips, a retired Brigadier, confirmed that national security forces have elevated their operational readiness and intensified surveillance activities along the western territorial boundaries.

    This security enhancement follows the January 3rd United States military intervention in Venezuela that resulted in the extraction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife to New York, where they now face narcotics trafficking charges in federal court. The US government, despite previous denials of pursuing regime change, has subsequently declared its intention to administer Venezuelan affairs indefinitely.

    The historical territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela centers on the Essequibo region, a substantial territory comprising approximately two-thirds of Guyana’s national territory along South America’s northeastern coastline. Prime Minister Phillips emphasized that while routine cross-border movements continue unchanged, defense personnel maintain permanent deployment along all international borders, including those with Suriname and Brazil.

    Phillips conducted personal assessments in Region One, consulting with defense board representatives, regional officials, law enforcement agencies, and local communities. He noted that improved internet connectivity in hinterland regions has kept border populations well-informed about developing situations.

    The Prime Minister articulated Guyana’s dual approach of maintaining diplomatic balance while prioritizing national security interests. Although Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states may adopt varying stances regarding Venezuela, Phillips affirmed Guyana’s commitment to independent decision-making aligned with sovereign national interests.

    “We maintain vigilant observation protocols to prevent border instability spillover,” Phillips stated during his podcast appearance. “Our administration rejects complacency and remains dedicated to preserving territorial integrity while ensuring border residents’ continued security.”.