Carib Scope

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  • Vani Maharaj’s world of warmth – where Xmas is a way of life

    Vani Maharaj’s world of warmth – where Xmas is a way of life

    For interior designer Vani Maharaj, Christmas represents far more than seasonal decoration—it embodies profound emotional resonance, childhood nostalgia, and the very essence of her design philosophy. The creative force behind Trinidad-based luxury design firm Divine Living has transformed her lifelong fascination with the holiday into both professional inspiration and a personal mission to spread joy through intentional design.

    Maharaj’s journey into design began unconventionally. With academic credentials including a BBA in finance and a master’s in marketing from the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, she initially approached decorating as a hobby in 2010 before formally establishing Divine Living in 2019. The company now operates from two locations: a showroom on Stone Street, Port of Spain, and a design studio in Lange Park, Chaguanas, serving clients throughout Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, and the United States.

    The designer credits her childhood environment—characterized by what she describes as ‘warmth, discipline, and quiet beauty’—for shaping her aesthetic sensibilities. ‘Our space was always warm, intentional and well cared for,’ Maharaj recalled. ‘It wasn’t about luxury, it was about the feeling a home could evoke.’ This early exposure to thoughtfully curated spaces nurtured an instinctive appreciation for beauty that would later define her career.

    Beyond aesthetic considerations, Maharaj emphasizes the importance of work ethic learned from her parents. ‘Through school, university, and my early career, I learned one consistent truth: the more effort I put in, the more I achieved.’ This philosophy continues to guide her approach to both business and creative endeavors.

    For Maharaj, the most rewarding aspect of her work lies in client reactions. ‘Handing over a completed home and seeing a client’s joy—sometimes tears, excitement and relief—is something indescribable,’ she shared. Particularly meaningful are messages received years later, especially during Christmas, showing homes maintained exactly as designed. ‘Knowing something I created continues to bring peace and happiness long after the project is finished makes every bit of effort worthwhile.’

    Her personal Christmas traditions reflect this same intentionality. Maharaj has developed elaborate family rituals, including theatrical Santa Claus experiences for her teenage son featuring handwritten North Pole scrolls and custom-made Santa sacks. ‘I would tell him Santa saved him for last because he was such a special boy,’ she laughed. These carefully crafted moments extend to an annual Gratitude Letter tradition, where family members document their thankfulness each Christmas season, preserving these letters in a keepsake box that has become ‘a beautiful archive of appreciation, growth and love.’

    Professionally, Maharaj approaches Christmas décor by focusing on mood creation through layered textures, neutral color palettes accented with festive sparkle, and strategic lighting. She incorporates signature elements like pearls and orchids while insisting decorations should be ‘playful, imaginative and full of little surprises.’ Even scent plays a role, with her favorite Fraser Fir candle from the Divine Living collection evoking immediate Christmas associations.

    Looking beyond seasonal design, Maharaj remains committed to mentorship and supporting women entrepreneurs through talks, forums, and informal guidance. She actively participates in charitable initiatives year-round, particularly during Christmas, believing that ‘giving back is one of the most powerful ways to use my skills, time, resources, connections and experiences to uplift others.’

    Future plans include expanding educational offerings through interior design classes and opening additional studio space in Port of Spain with certified in-house designers. For those seeking to build authentic, beautiful lives aligned with their passions, Maharaj advises beginning with self-understanding: ‘Begin with understanding yourself—your passions, values and the things that genuinely bring you joy. Don’t shy away from taking bold steps toward what excites you, even if it feels unfamiliar or unconventional.’

    Ultimately, Maharaj sees Christmas spirit as a year-round approach to living. ‘That feeling people get at Christmas—the warmth, the beauty, the sense of being cared for—that’s something I try to bring into everything I do, every single day. Christmas isn’t limited to one season—it is a way of living and expressing love throughout the year.’

  • No storm can stop Jamaica, declares Sandals boss Adam Stewart

    No storm can stop Jamaica, declares Sandals boss Adam Stewart

    Jamaica’s tourism sector is demonstrating remarkable resilience as industry leaders unite for a powerful post-hurricane recovery initiative. The movement gained momentum during Sandals Resorts International’s ‘Back to Jamaica’ town hall event, where executive chairman Adam Stewart received thunderous applause from over 350 travel advisors and industry professionals for his unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s recovery.

    The event, streamed live to 11,000 travel professionals across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, served as both a showcase of the newly unveiled Sandals Dunn’s River resort and a strategic recovery summit. Stewart emphatically declared that ‘no storm or weather event will stop Jamaica,’ setting the tone for a collaborative industry-wide approach that prioritizes national recovery over corporate profits.

    This display of solidarity featured influential supporters including ASTA President Zane Kerby, American Airlines Commercial Director Alexander Cavalcanti, Jamaican Director of Tourism Donovan White, and MBJ Airports head Shane Munroe. Together, they presented compelling evidence of Jamaica’s rapid restoration progress and operational readiness.

    Critical recovery metrics reveal substantial progress: 80% power restoration across the island, 80% water service restoration, and 55% of hotel rooms already operational—projected to reach 68% by December’s end and 80% by January. Transportation infrastructure remains fully functional with Sangster International Airport maintaining all 29 airlines and 48 routes, while American Airlines has actually increased flight capacity post-hurricane.

    The industry’s unified message—’charity helps, tourism sustains’—emphasizes that continued visitor support is crucial for long-term recovery. Travel advisors were urged to become ‘demand creators’ and communicate Jamaica’s readiness to clients worldwide, counterbalancing international media coverage of hurricane damage with stories of resilience and rapid rebuilding.

  • JBA launches final Wray & Nephew Fight Night of 2025

    JBA launches final Wray & Nephew Fight Night of 2025

    Jamaica’s boxing scene makes a powerful comeback this Saturday with the final Wray & Nephew Fight Night of the year, marking the first major sporting event since Hurricane Melissa devastated the island. The Jamaica Boxing Association (JBA) unveiled an explosive 10-bout card during a festive media briefing at Tracks & Records on Thursday, featuring three professional contests and seven amateur matches at Constant Spring Sports Complex.

    The event carries significance beyond sporting competition, serving as a fundraising platform for boxers affected by the hurricane’s destruction. JBA President Stephen Jones expressed initial doubts about hosting another event post-Melissa but acknowledged the overwhelming community demand for both entertainment and hurricane relief efforts.

    Professional fighter Jermaine Bowen set the tone with fiery predictions for his light heavyweight clash against Dominican Republic’s Julio “Dom Rep Bomber” Guerrero. “Straight knockout fi him,” Bowen declared. “Two place him can end up, flat pan him back or flat pan him face. Come out come see pure demolition at this fight.”

    The card also showcases unbeaten prospect Juzier “IronMan” Heron against Dominican Republic’s Jonaury Moreta in a super welterweight contest, while debutant Daniel Hylton faces Demar Haslam in another light heavyweight bout.

    Western Jamaica coach Jasmine Graham revealed the hurricane’s traumatic impact on boxers, noting many lost homes, clothing, and food security. “The gym is a safe haven for them,” Graham explained, emphasizing the psychological toll and her efforts to foster resilience. Two amateur boxers from her Montego Bay gym will compete on Saturday’s card, symbolizing the sport’s role in community recovery.

  • Picking up the Pelican Bar pieces

    Picking up the Pelican Bar pieces

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating path through Jamaica, a story of resilience emerges from the coastal community of Parottee, St. Elizabeth. Denever ‘Floyd’ Forbes, proprietor of the world-renowned Pelican Bar, is spearheading a determined reconstruction effort after the Category 5 hurricane obliterated his establishment with a monumental 16-foot wave on October 28.

    The unique beach bar, situated approximately one mile offshore on a natural sandbar, was completely uprooted from its foundations during the storm. Rather than being dismantled piecemeal, the entire structure was lifted and scattered across the shoreline. Forbes has been meticulously gathering the salvageable materials, including wooden boards bearing sentimental inscriptions from past visitors, to rebuild the beloved institution.

    This marks the second reconstruction for Forbes, who initially built the structure as a personal retreat in 2001 before transforming it into a commercial bar following popular demand. The first iteration was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, with the rebuilt version surviving Hurricane Beryl in 2023 before succumbing to Melissa’s unprecedented force.

    The Pelican Bar’s significance extends far beyond tourism, serving as the economic lifeline for the entire Parottee community. With local fisheries decimated by the hurricane—fishing traps were entirely lost—the bar provided crucial secondary income for residents who operated tour boats and supported operations. Typically hosting 100-150 visitors daily, the establishment attracted international celebrities including Chris Brown and Chris Gayle, offering fresh seafood and cold drinks in a unique oceanic setting.

    Forbes acknowledges the impossibility of fortifying against Melissa’s intensity, describing how the hurricane’s power extracted the bar’s foundational poles ‘like pencils from fingers.’ Despite lacking a definitive timeline, he estimates a two-month reconstruction based on previous experience, promising a larger yet similarly designed structure that maintains the authentic experience visitors cherished.

    The community eagerly anticipates the bar’s return, which represents not just economic revival but the restoration of a cultural landmark that transformed from personal hideaway to global destination, embodying Jamaica’s resilient spirit in the face of natural disaster.

  • DJ Noi upbeat at Sterling win

    DJ Noi upbeat at Sterling win

    A decade after embarking on his professional musical journey, Jamaican gospel DJ Jade Francis, professionally known as DJ Noi, has achieved a significant milestone by winning the Best Event DJ of the Year award at the 9th annual Sterling Gospel Music Awards. The 28-year-old civil servant, who received his first nomination and subsequent win last month, described the experience as genuinely surprising, with observers noting his astonished reaction on stage.

    Reflecting on his challenging beginnings, DJ Noi identified access to professional equipment as his primary obstacle due to its substantial cost. His commitment to music eventually convinced his Christian parents to provide both encouragement and practical support after recognizing his serious dedication to the craft. The artist’s musical evolution began with minimal resources—a Compaq computer with 2 GB RAM using Virtual DJ software, initially playing CDs without a formal music library. Today, he boasts an expanded skill set and comprehensive music collection, expressing profound gratitude for his developmental journey.

    Hailing from Comma Pen, St. Elizabeth, DJ Noi grew up as an only child in a Christian household, immersed in church culture where he learned drumming at an early age. His educational path included Munro College followed by The University of the West Indies. As an event DJ, he has performed at numerous gospel gatherings including Reset in Mandeville, Genesis, Realignment, and CeCe Winans’ More Than This tour in Kingston.

    Despite describing his career path as fluctuating between highs and lows, DJ Noi maintains focus on his dual objectives: inspiring youth and spreading gospel messages through music. He currently worships at two locations: Comma Pen Church of God of Prophecy in St. Elizabeth and the Church of God of Prophecy on Old Hope Road in Kingston.

  • Trading blame

    Trading blame

    A fierce dispute has erupted across Jamaica’s agricultural sector following Hurricane Melissa’s October devastation, with farmers and vendors engaging in mutual blame over escalating food prices that are straining consumer budgets.

    In St. Elizabeth parish, frustration among growers has reached critical levels. Dale Williams, a corn and cassava farmer from Hope River Lane, asserts that intermediaries known locally as ‘higglers’ are disproportionately inflating prices after purchasing produce at reasonable farm gate rates. “They triple their money because they know demand is high,” Williams explained, noting that this practice unfairly damages farmers’ reputations while making essential goods unaffordable for hurricane-affected communities.

    The conflict reveals deeper structural issues within Jamaica’s food distribution network. Anthony Smith, a potato and watermelon cultivator from Ridge Pen, reported selling sweet potatoes at $100 per pound to higglers who subsequently retailed them in urban markets like Kingston for $400-500 per pound. Similar markups affect yam ($600/lb) and scallion ($1,000/lb), creating disincentives for agricultural production as farmers increasingly abandon cultivation for more profitable trading roles.

    Coronation Market in Kingston, the island’s primary produce bazaar, reflects these tensions through volatile pricing. While most vegetables have increased by approximately $50 over two weeks, Scotch bonnet peppers dramatically jumped from $3,000 to $4,000 per pound, highlighting the extreme post-hurricane supply constraints.

    Vendors vigorously dispute farmers’ allegations, citing their own operational challenges. Iesha, a Coronation Market trader, emphasized that transportation costs, hurricane-related scarcity, and necessary markups prevent selling at farm prices. “If the farmer sells for $10, we can’t sell for $10,” she stated, referencing increased dependence on expensive imports due to damaged local supplies.

    Agricultural entrepreneur Sheldon Dockery provided broader context, noting that rising fertilizer, fuel, and transportation expenses—exacerbated by Jamaica’s infrastructure challenges—contribute significantly to end prices. Meanwhile, vendor Mark reported barely breaking even on scallions due to customer resistance, indicating complex market forces beyond simple profiteering.

    This supply chain discord emerges as Jamaican consumers face painful choices between nutritional needs and economic reality, with farmers and vendors each defending their positions in a strained post-disaster economy.

  • Success-bound

    Success-bound

    In a strategic move set to reshape the international music landscape, New York-based Reservoir Media, Inc.—an award-winning independent music company—has announced a transformative alliance with renowned Jamaican music producer Cordel “Skatta” Burrell and the esteemed reggae and dancehall publisher Abood Music.

    This pioneering joint venture is designed to aggressively acquire catalogs within Jamaica’s vibrant local genres while simultaneously identifying, signing, and nurturing a new generation of entertainers and songwriters. The primary objective is to amplify the global footprint of Jamaica’s rich musical heritage while ensuring its future evolution through dedicated development of emerging talent.

    In an exclusive discussion with the Jamaica Observer, an enthusiastic Skatta Burrell highlighted the critical need for such an initiative. He pointed to a longstanding issue where industry gatekeepers have historically limited access for new artists to major international entities. “We’re trying to break that cycle with this partnership,” Burrell stated, emphasizing the undeniable worldwide influence of dancehall and reggae. He expressed deep honor that Reservoir and Abood Music recognized his success and sought to collaborate on solidifying the genres’ global impact.

    The viability of this model is already proven. Burrell cited the remarkable international resurgence of his 2003 “Coolie Dance” rhythm, which was acquired by Abood Music in 2020 and published in the U.S. by Reservoir. This rhythm, featuring iconic tracks from artists like Elephant Man and Vybz Kartel, has recently enjoyed a renaissance. It has been sampled in Grammy-nominated, gold-selling global hits like Kehlani’s “After Hours” and has been licensed for over 45 major films and television shows, generating millions of streams and significant sales in territories from Turkey to Asia.

    Othman Mukhlis, founder of Abood Music, underscored his profound respect for Jamaica’s cultural output. “For such a small island, Jamaica has always had an extraordinarily large pool of talent. And for such a small territory, Jamaica’s influence on the rest of the world socially and culturally is totally unrivalled,” he remarked. With the financial backing and industry clout of Reservoir—a billion-dollar company—Mukhlis believes the partnership possesses the ultimate vehicle for success. This includes discovering talent at “ground zero,” building their presence in local and global markets, and ultimately securing placements on major labels and in film and television.

    Echoing this sentiment, Reservoir President and COO Rell Lafargue confirmed the company’s commitment to this mission. Reservoir is poised to support both established and developing Jamaican creators, working diligently to amplify their artistry, expand their international reach, and persistently elevate Jamaican music on the world stage.

  • AFTER THE RAIN

    AFTER THE RAIN

    As the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) prepares to resume operations this Sunday following a six-week suspension due to Hurricane Melissa, Molynes United Football Club exemplifies the broader challenges facing Jamaican football beyond physical infrastructure damage. While the club escaped the catastrophic destruction that devastated western and southern clubs like Montego Bay United and Treasure Beach FC, Head Coach Jermaine Thomas reveals they are confronting severe financial strain and psychological distress among players and staff.

    The hurricane’s passage on October 20 caused widespread devastation across the island, particularly in western and southern parishes, leading the league to suspend matches until December 3. Though urban-based clubs like Molynes United avoided direct stadium damage, the extended hiatus created cascading financial difficulties as teams struggled to meet player salaries without matchday revenues.

    Thomas emphasized the pre-existing financial vulnerabilities within Jamaican football, noting that the hurricane exacerbated an already precarious situation. “Most clubs were having financial difficulties before the hurricane,” Thomas told the Sunday Observer. “With the hurricane come and gone, it would have gotten worse because you’re not playing and still have to find salaries for your players.”

    The coach highlighted the particular challenge of securing financial assistance during national recovery efforts, explaining that resources are primarily directed toward the hardest-hit regions. This has created additional hardship for clubs attempting to maintain operations while the country focuses on rehabilitation priorities.

    Beyond financial concerns, Thomas has been addressing significant psychological impacts on his team. The extended uncertainty about the league’s resumption date created anxiety among players who depend on club salaries as their primary income. The announcement of December 3 as the restart date provided crucial psychological relief and renewed motivation during training sessions.

    Molynes United enters the resumed competition positioned 13th in the league table with five points from eight matches, still seeking their first victory this season. The team will face additional challenges without captain Jason Wright, who transferred to Chapelton Maroons following the expiration of his contract.

    The league’s return represents not just sporting competition but economic stabilization for players and staff who depend on football for their livelihoods, demonstrating sport’s role in national recovery beyond mere entertainment.

  • Business Training Center introduces BTC Trade school

    Business Training Center introduces BTC Trade school

    In a significant development for workforce development, Business Training Center Inc. (BTC) has partnered with UK-based Training Express to establish BTC Trade School, a vocational training initiative targeting Dominican youth. This program aims to address the critical shortage of skilled tradespeople across the island nation through comprehensive technical education programs.

    The newly launched institution will offer both online evening classes and in-person sessions that emphasize practical, on-the-job training. The curriculum spans multiple high-demand sectors including construction trades (plumbing, electrical work, welding, land surveying), mechanical trades (HVAC, automotive repair, solar energy systems), healthcare (nursing, phlebotomy, medical administration), and financial security (anti-money laundering, compliance).

    Lucia Stedman, Director of BTC, highlighted the program’s national significance: “Dominica’s development depends on having a skilled workforce. Too many of our young people leave school without marketable skills. BTC Trade School changes that by creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship within Dominica.”

    The program’s credibility is enhanced through its partnership with Training Express, which provides internationally recognized course content and certification. BTC holds accreditation from the International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary and Higher Education (QAHE) and operates as an authorized Pearson VUE testing center.

    BTC demonstrates a proven track record through previous initiatives like the Canadian Government-funded Local Engagement Action Fund (LEAF) project, which successfully trained over 100 young Dominicans aged 18-30.

    With classes commencing January 5, 2026, prospective students can explore course offerings at btcdominica.com/trade-school-courses/.

  • Analysts: SLP’s ‘personal touch’ won the election

    Analysts: SLP’s ‘personal touch’ won the election

    Political analysts have characterized Saint Lucia’s 2025 general election as a historic turning point in Caribbean politics, marked by a rare second-term government actually gaining popular support. Regional consultant Peter Wickham, Director of Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES), highlighted the exceptional nature of this outcome, noting a five percentage point swing favoring the incumbent government—a phenomenon contrary to typical Caribbean political patterns where first-term incumbents usually lose ground.

    Wickham attributed this unprecedented result to fundamentally contrasting leadership approaches. He described former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet’s United Workers Party (UWP) as focusing primarily on large-scale infrastructure projects, while Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s Saint Lucia Labour Party successfully connected with voters through direct attention to social needs. According to Wickham, Pierre’s emphasis on education, pension reforms, and personal welfare created stronger voter allegiance, making citizens feel their leader was genuinely concerned with individual wellbeing rather than institutional development alone.

    Complementing this analysis, political professional Ajani Lebourne identified three critical factors determining the election outcome: leadership perception, voter connection, and organizational strength. Lebourne noted the UWP’s struggle to mobilize its base due to internal divisions and a diminished grassroots identity, observing that the party had transitioned from its historical roots as Sir John Compton’s people-centered institution to a personality-driven organization that failed to inspire loyalty.

    Lebourne highlighted how Labour’s tangible policies—including pension increases, small business support, and public sector commitments—resonated across diverse demographic segments, from youth to seniors and independent voters. The party’s effective messaging focused on practical, visible improvements in citizens’ daily lives, creating broad-based appeal.

    Both analysts expressed concerns about voter turnout issues, attributing declining participation to outdated voter rolls containing deceased or overseas individuals. They warned that persistent low engagement could eventually spur new political movements if existing parties fail to address structural challenges including crime, employment, economic diversification, and sustainable development.

    Regarding political futures, Wickham suggested Chastanet should initiate leadership transition while fulfilling his parliamentary duties as opposition watchdog, though he expressed skepticism about Chastanet’s long-term political viability. Meanwhile, Pierre’s successful formula of party unity and personal connection positions him potentially for continued leadership, though analysts caution against overextending his tenure.

    The election has also revived conversations about constitutional reform and campaign financing legislation, with experts emphasizing the need for greater accountability, integrity, and policy-focused discourse in Saint Lucia’s evolving democracy.