Carib Scope

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  • Europe scrambles to respond to Trump tariff threat

    Europe scrambles to respond to Trump tariff threat

    BRUSSELS — European leaders have launched a coordinated diplomatic offensive against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats targeting eight European nations, escalating tensions over his renewed pursuit of acquiring Greenland. The confrontation has triggered emergency meetings and warnings of transatlantic relationship damage.

    Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, despite maintaining positive relations with Trump, explicitly cautioned the American administration against economic retaliation. During her official visit to Seoul, Meloni revealed she personally conveyed to Trump that imposing new sanctions would constitute a significant miscalculation, while simultaneously attributing the dispute to communication failures between the allies.

    The controversy stems from Trump’s intensified campaign to acquire the autonomous Danish territory since returning to office, with recent weeks witnessing heightened claims that have destabilized NATO partnerships. On Saturday, the president threatened punitive 10% tariffs commencing February 1 on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Finland—potentially rising to 25% by June absent Greenland’s transfer agreement.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans direct discussions with Trump regarding what UK Culture Minister Lisa Nandy termed “deeply unhelpful and counterproductive” measures. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron advocated deploying the EU’s unprecedented trade defense mechanism—the so-called ‘bazooka’ instrument designed to counteract coercive practices through import restrictions.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa jointly warned that such tariffs would precipitate a dangerous downward spiral in transatlantic cooperation. Their statement preceded an emergency assembly of EU ambassadors in Brussels to formulate a coordinated response.

    Civil society has mobilized against potential annexation, with thousands protesting in Nuuk, Copenhagen, and other Danish cities. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen announced imminent diplomatic visits to NATO partners Norway, Britain, and Sweden to reinforce Arctic security consensus.

    Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel condemned Trump’s approach as “inexplicable blackmail,” while French Agricultural Minister Annie Genevard noted reciprocal economic damage would affect American farmers and industrialists. The EU previously secured a July agreement limiting most exports to 15% U.S. levies, now jeopardized by the Greenland dispute.

  • WATCH: Slain cop laid to rest

    WATCH: Slain cop laid to rest

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican law enforcement community and grieving relatives gathered Saturday to honor the life and service of Constable Jemarey Gordon, one of two police officers fatally shot during a violent confrontation last November. The solemn thanksgiving service took place at the Church of the Open Bible on Washington Boulevard, drawing massive attendance from across the nation.

    The emotional ceremony brought together heartbroken family members, fellow officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and residents from Gordon’s hometown of Oakland Road. In a moving written tribute, Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake memorialized Gordon’s nine years of dedicated service to national security. “With heavy hearts we honour the life of our dear colleague, No. 19415 Constable Gordon,” Commissioner Blake stated, extending official condolences to the fallen officer’s father, mother, siblings, and children.

    Significant representation came from Gordon’s assigned unit, the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), alongside delegates from the Police Federation. Superintendent Susan Bruce delivered the formal eulogy, honoring Gordon’s commitment to duty. The ceremony concluded with full police honors during interment at Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St. Catherine, reflecting the department’s deep respect for their fallen comrade.

    The tragic incident occurred on November 13 along 83 Lane, Waltham Park Road, where Gordon and his colleague Constable Charles Stewart lost their lives during an armed confrontation with multiple assailants. Constable Stewart received his final honors during separate funeral proceedings the previous week, marking a devastating period for Jamaica’s law enforcement community.

  • Alliyah McNeil breaks North Texas school record in high jump

    Alliyah McNeil breaks North Texas school record in high jump

    Jamaican track and field athlete Alliyah McNeil achieved a historic milestone at the Arkansas Invitational on Friday, setting a new University of North Texas high jump record with an impressive clearance of 1.80 meters. The competition, held at the Tyson Indoor Facilities, saw McNeil surpass the previous record of 1.79 meters established by Shahaf Bareni back in 2013.

    McNeil, who has previously competed for both Iowa Western and the University of Minnesota, demonstrated her exceptional versatility by also securing second place in the long jump event with a mark of 6.22 meters.

    The weekend witnessed several other outstanding performances from Caribbean athletes across various collegiate meets. At the University of Tennessee, former Holmwood Technical ISSA girls’ athletics champion Cedricka Williams achieved a personal best of 19.39 meters in the women’s weight throw, ranking seventh all-time in the university’s history and claiming victory in her event.

    Meanwhile, at the HBCU Showcase in New York’s Armory, Hampton University athletes delivered strong performances. Rochele Solmon captured the women’s shot put title with a season’s best throw of 15.05 meters, while her teammate Damali Williams secured second place in the weight throw with a personal best of 16.92 meters.

    At the Corky Classic hosted by Texas Tech, Brandon Lloyd of Arizona State earned second place in the men’s shot put with a throw of 18.85 meters. University of Texas athlete Shaiquan Dunn finished sixth in the same event with a mark of 17.78 meters.

    Adding to the weekend’s achievements, Malaika Cunningham of Villanova University won the women’s high jump at the Quaker Invitational held at the University of Pennsylvania, clearing 1.73 meters.

  • Young doctors expanding access to compression care through Uniflo

    Young doctors expanding access to compression care through Uniflo

    Two Jamaican physicians, Dr. Mickhail Benjamin and Dr. Duhaney Johnson, are revolutionizing accessibility to essential medical compression therapy through their homegrown enterprise, Uniflo Compression Wear. Recognizing a critical gap in national healthcare provision for circulatory conditions, the longtime friends have established a direct-supply model that bypasses traditional intermediaries to offer medically graded compression garments at unprecedented affordability.

    The medical practitioners identified venous insufficiency as a widespread yet underserved health crisis disproportionately affecting occupational groups requiring prolonged standing or sitting—including security personnel, educators, transportation operators, and office workers. Women experience particularly heightened vulnerability due to hormonal influences, with approximately 40% developing circulation complications during pregnancy that frequently persist postpartum.

    Compression therapy represents the medical standard for managing poor circulation, employing graduated pressure to facilitate venous return and prevent complications ranging from edema and discomfort to chronic ulceration. Despite demonstrated efficacy, accessibility barriers have historically placed these interventions beyond reach for average Jamaicans due to prohibitive pricing and limited availability.

    Uniflo’s operational framework addresses these systemic challenges through strategic international sourcing that eliminates markup from conventional distribution channels. The company’s nomenclature derives from the medical principle of ‘unidirectional flow’—the physiological mechanism whereby veins transport blood toward the heart.

    Beyond compression garments, the venture has expanded its portfolio to include ripple mattress toppers that mitigate pressure injury risks for bedbound patients, demonstrating responsiveness to broader caregiver and patient needs.

    The doctors’ parallel journeys from modest beginnings—Dr. Benjamin from Spanish Town and Dr. Johnson from Portmore—inform their commitment to equitable healthcare access. Both recipients of prestigious Government of Jamaica scholarships covering 80% of medical school tuition, they represent the top 3% of academic achievers admitted to The University of the West Indies medical program. Their combined decade of clinical experience reinforces a patient-centered approach grounded in practical healthcare solutions.

    Their shared philosophy emphasizes transformative innovation through service: “Coming from humble beginnings, we are deeply aware of the social and economic challenges faced by many Jamaicans. Our journey reflects a determination not to become statistics of our environments, but to give back through accessible healthcare.”

  • Image Plus names Steven Lewis as new chairman

    Image Plus names Steven Lewis as new chairman

    Jamaica’s premier diagnostic imaging provider, Image Plus Consultants Limited operating as Apex Radiology, has commenced a meticulously planned leadership transition after three decades under its founding leadership. This strategic move aims to ensure operational continuity while propelling the publicly-traded healthcare enterprise into its next growth chapter.

    Dr. Karlene McDonnough, the visionary founder and longstanding Chairperson, will step down from her executive leadership position effective February 28, 2026. Her remarkable tenure witnessed the company’s evolution from a private startup to a Jamaica Stock Exchange-listed healthcare powerhouse currently generating annual revenues surpassing $1 billion. While relinquishing her chairmanship, Dr. McDonnough will maintain her board presence as an executive director and continue providing specialized expertise as lead consultant radiologist for nuclear medicine services.

    The corporate transition announcement expressed profound gratitude: “The entire IPCL family wishes to convey our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. McDonnough for her vision, unwavering support, and selfless leadership over the years. We extend our warmest wishes for God’s abundant blessings as she begins her well-earned semi-retirement.”

    Assuming the chairman role effective March 1, 2026 will be Dr. Steven Lewis, currently serving as deputy chairman since November 2024. With over two decades of institutional knowledge dating back to his initial joining as consultant radiologist in 2003 and board membership since 2010, Dr. Lewis brings extensive operational and governance expertise to the leadership position.

    This leadership evolution occurs amidst both operational challenges and strategic expansion initiatives. Recent quarterly results reveal resilient performance with Q3 FY2026 revenues reaching $277.2 million—the strongest quarterly achievement thus far in the financial year—despite operational disruptions from Hurricane Melissa that reduced patient volumes, particularly in regions outside Kingston.

    Nine-month financials show revenues of $803.3 million, reflecting a 3.9% year-over-year decrease, while pre-tax profits declined to $33.1 million from $41.6 million in the comparable prior period. Management attributed these contractions to reduced scan volumes and hurricane-related impacts, though strategic cost containment measures helped maintain stable gross margins and modestly reduced administrative expenses.

    Concurrently, the company has advanced its expansion strategy through the $69.8 million acquisition of The Woman’s Place diagnostic imaging operations. This transaction, comprising 75% cash payment with remainder deferred until October 2026, establishes Apex Radiology’s specialized mammography services platform. The acquired unit already contributed over 8% of total scan volume within its first operational month, with intangible assets valued at $49.4 million recognized through this acquisition.

    Future growth remains prioritized, with management indicating advanced negotiations for a second acquisition anticipated to be finalized in Q4 FY2026. Concurrently, the ongoing construction of the 33 LMR facility promises enhanced operational capacity and improved patient throughput upon completion in 2026.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Sunday January 18th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Sunday January 18th 2026

    A groundbreaking scientific investigation has revealed significant health hazards associated with widely consumed dietary supplements, challenging long-held assumptions about their safety and efficacy. The comprehensive study, conducted by an international consortium of researchers, identified potentially dangerous contaminants and inaccurate dosage labeling across numerous products available in the global market.

    The research team employed advanced spectroscopic analysis and biochemical screening methods to examine over 300 popular supplement formulations. Their findings demonstrated that approximately 23% of tested products contained undeclared pharmaceutical compounds, while nearly 35% showed substantial discrepancies between labeled and actual ingredient concentrations. Several products were found to contain heavy metal contaminants exceeding safety thresholds established by regulatory agencies.

    Medical experts have expressed particular concern about supplements marketed for weight loss and athletic performance enhancement, which showed the highest incidence of problematic formulations. The study also identified potential interactions between supplement ingredients and prescription medications that could lead to serious adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular complications and hepatic toxicity.

    Regulatory authorities are reviewing the findings to determine appropriate policy responses, while consumer advocacy groups are calling for stricter manufacturing standards and more transparent labeling requirements. The research team recommends that consumers consult healthcare professionals before incorporating any dietary supplements into their wellness routines and purchase products only from reputable manufacturers that undergo third-party quality verification.

  • Ziadie, McMaster on top at Jackson Bay Sporting Clays Tournament

    Ziadie, McMaster on top at Jackson Bay Sporting Clays Tournament

    In a display of remarkable marksmanship, Geoffrey Ziadie and Aliana McMaster emerged victorious at the Jackson Bay Sporting Clay Tournament, securing the Highest Overall and Ladies titles respectively. The event, which marked the inaugural competition on the Jamaica Skeet Club’s annual calendar, drew over 100 participants to the Portland Cottage facility in Clarendon last Sunday.

    The path to victory proved exceptionally challenging as Ziadie, McMaster, and Peter Mahfood found themselves deadlocked in a three-way tie after each registering impressive scores of 92 out of 100 targets during the main round. This extraordinary parity necessitated a tense shoot-off to determine the ultimate champion. Mahfood secured the runner-up position by hitting four of eight targets, followed closely by McMaster with three successful hits. Ziadie ultimately claimed the top honors by demonstrating exceptional precision with six successful hits.

    Reflecting on his victory, the 57-year-old Ziadie attributed his success to mental preparation rather than extensive physical practice. ‘I’ve been doing some mental training and visualization with my coach, Kaleel Azan, and it just worked out great,’ Ziadie explained. ‘Not much practice, but understanding what targets are doing and mentally focusing to shoot, and today was my day.’

    McMaster achieved an exceptional triple victory, successfully defending her titles in Ladies, Juniors, and A Class categories. ‘I’m so grateful for all of the titles that I’ve been able to defend and maintain,’ McMaster stated. ‘I’m very grateful for just the opportunity to come out here and compete and then just being able to come out on top.’

    The tournament witnessed additional dramatic shoot-offs in other classifications. Rory Wilson secured the B Class championship by breaking five of eight targets against Brian Kong after both competitors finished with 87 points. Similarly, Denzil Dixon claimed the D Class title with four successful hits against Rheis McMaster following an initial tie at 83 points.

    Jamaica Skeet Club President Sean Clacken expressed immense satisfaction with the event’s success and emphasized the organization’s commitment to community engagement. ‘We’re extremely happy. Couldn’t ask for anything better,’ Clacken remarked. ‘Every year we try to raise funds towards the Portland Cottage Primary School. We live in a community and operate in a community and we must be part of the community.’

    The tournament results showcased exceptional performances across multiple categories, with notable achievements in A Class (Aliana McMaster 92), B Class (Rory Wilson 87), C Class (Max Williams 86), D Class (Denzil Dixon 83), and E Class (Stephen Silvera 79). The event also recognized outstanding performances in Hunters/Beginners, Ladies, Juniors, and Sub-Juniors categories, demonstrating the depth of talent within Jamaica’s shooting sports community.

  • Walls won’t stop the law

    Walls won’t stop the law

    Jamaican law enforcement authorities have delivered an unequivocal message to criminal elements seeking refuge behind guarded gates: fortified communities provide no immunity from justice. The warning comes following the successful apprehension of one of the nation’s most sought-after fugitives from within a secured residential complex.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Wayne Josephs, head of the Criminal Investigation Branch, emphasized that criminals harboring illusions of safety within gated environments maintain a “false sense of security.” His statements follow the January 12th capture of 43-year-old Courtney Ashley, alias ‘Bloodstain,’ during a precision operation in Phoenix Park Village II, Portmore, St Catherine. Ashley, alleged leader of the Bottom Maverley Gang, faced multiple charges including a 2017 murder and firearms offenses after years as a prime subject in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Wanted Wednesdays campaign.

    The operation resulted in two additional arrests, demonstrating police capability to penetrate secured environments. Commissioner Josephs articulated a broader strategy: “We are going to be continuing to do our best to rid the country of criminals wherever they are, whether they are in gated communities or otherwise, to create safe havens everywhere for decent, law-abiding persons.”

    While celebrating operational successes, Josephs identified critical security vulnerabilities within gated communities. He highlighted insufficient vetting procedures where security personnel often only record driver information while ignoring multiple vehicle occupants. The commissioner urged residents’ associations to enhance vigilance and report unusual activities, emphasizing that community awareness remains essential nationwide.

    Community leadership responses revealed mixed perspectives. The president of Phoenix Park Village II Citizens’ Association declined commentary, while Andre Brown, president of Phoenix Park Village I Citizens’ Association, acknowledged resident concerns but defended community safety. Brown cited comprehensive security protocols including 24-hour surveillance while acknowledging specific challenges: “We have inherited guard issues; guards being too familiar with persons.”

    Brown detailed ongoing security enhancements including intercom system upgrades to minimize personal interaction, barrier repairs, and camera network expansion. He highlighted successful community-police collaboration citing a December incident where resident reporting enabled police interception of armed robbers, resulting in one suspect being shot during apprehension.

    The developments underscore evolving dynamics between law enforcement, community security, and criminal adaptation in Jamaica’s residential landscapes.

  • Local government lapse

    Local government lapse

    A comprehensive audit of Jamaica’s local government entities has uncovered systemic financial reporting failures across all 14 municipal corporations, with nearly 100 financial statements remaining undelivered for the current fiscal year. The Auditor General’s Department (AGD), in its recently tabled 2025 Annual Report, documents severe non-compliance with the Local Government (Financing and Financial Management) Act, revealing financial disarray that extends far beyond hurricane-affected regions.

    While Hurricane Melissa impacted seven western parishes—St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, Trelawny, Manchester, and St Ann—the financial reporting deficiencies proved universal. The audit identified 95 missing financial statements across municipal corporations and a Parochial Revenue Fund, with some documentation gaps tracing back over a decade.

    The St Ann Municipal Corporation emerged as the most delinquent entity with 15 outstanding financial statements dating to the 2010/2011 period. Westmoreland followed with 11 missing reports since 2014/2015, while St Thomas lacked 10 statements from 2015/2016. Clarendon and Kingston and St Andrew municipalities each showed nine missing reports, with St Mary documenting eight gaps since 2017/2018.

    More alarmingly, the audit uncovered complete absences of accounting records in multiple municipalities. St Thomas Municipal Corporation could not provide documentation to verify $66 million in receivables, $54 million in liabilities, $287 million in expenditures, and $98 million in equity for 2012/2013. Similar discrepancies emerged in St Mary, where $73 million in cash equivalents, $32 million in receivables, and $98 million in liabilities lacked supporting documentation for 2015/2016.

    Hanover Municipal Corporation attributed its missing 2017-2019 records to both time lapse and a December 2022 IT system failure, while Portmore Municipality cited a September security breach that damaged accounting servers and backup systems.

    The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, through its permanent secretary, is now implementing scheduled completion plans with targeted oversight in information technology and financial management. Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis emphasized the critical need for strengthened controls, particularly regarding cash management, receivables, liabilities, and revenue expenditure verification across all municipal entities.

  • ‘You won’t recognise Jamaica’

    ‘You won’t recognise Jamaica’

    Jamaica’s economic landscape is undergoing a radical transformation as significant investments shift beyond traditional commercial hubs, with KFC’s new $350-million restaurant in Morant Bay, St Thomas, signaling this strategic decentralization. Industry Minister Aubyn Hill declared during Saturday’s opening ceremony that this development represents a broader national shift that will make Jamaica “unrecognizable” within three years.

    The Morant Bay location—KFC’s 43rd islandwide and the inaugural business at the newly constructed Morant Bay Urban Centre—has created over 50 local jobs. Minister Hill emphasized that this investment demonstrates deliberate economic decentralization, spreading opportunity beyond Kingston to position communities like Morant Bay as new commercial centers. “This is a kind of development that suggests to others that this place is changing,” Hill stated, predicting accelerated development as banks and other businesses follow KFC’s lead.

    Mark Myers, Managing Director of Restaurants of Jamaica, revealed the strategic thinking behind selecting Morant Bay: “This opening reflects a deliberate decision to invest in communities beyond Kingston where opportunity continues to emerge. We saw an opportunity to be part of something transformational.” Myers announced additional locations already planned for Salem (St Ann) and Negril (Westmoreland), reinforcing the company’s commitment to rural expansion.

    Beyond physical infrastructure, Myers highlighted KFC’s human impact—the brand now employs over 2,000 Jamaicans nationwide, with many building long-term careers. The company’s 50-year presence in Jamaica has grown alongside the nation’s development, creating what Myers described as “a culture, opportunity, and sense of belonging our people have helped to build.”

    Minister Hill, drawing on his international experience, concluded with an optimistic forecast: “There’s an opportunity here. In three years you will not recognise this Jamaica… with the kind of investment that we have, you won’t recognise this place, including you won’t recognise St Thomas.”