Carib Scope

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  • Samuda: More money coming to truck water to small rural communities

    Samuda: More money coming to truck water to small rural communities

    Jamaican Minister Matthew Samuda has announced a comprehensive government strategy to address the critical water shortages still plaguing small rural districts following October 2025’s devastating Hurricane Melissa. During a post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House, Minister Samuda revealed that municipal water systems serving approximately 15% of Jamaica’s population suffered catastrophic damage during the Category 5 hurricane.

    The assessment conducted post-Melissa exposed that over 90% of these municipal systems were already in significant disrepair before the hurricane made landfall on October 28, necessitating a complete overhaul rather than simple repairs. This pre-existing vulnerability has dramatically compounded the restoration challenges facing western parishes particularly.

    Minister Samuda outlined immediate relief measures including the allocation of $400 million originally designated for water trucking programs to parish councils serving the most affected areas. “We will be making an allocation to each of the parish councils in the areas most affected by Melissa to deal with these small districts,” Samuda stated, promising published figures later this week.

    The government is pursuing a dual approach involving both immediate relief and long-term systemic reform. A new social water policy addendum to Jamaica’s national water policy will be developed to address the chronic disrepair of small rural water systems nationwide. This will be accompanied by a completely new operational model for municipal water management and significant training programs for system operators outside the National Water Commission’s utility footprint.

    While 93.5% of National Water Commission customers have been restored to service, approximately 33,746 customers remain without reliable water access, primarily in western parishes including St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, and Trelawny. The government promises a full damage assessment presentation to Parliament within two weeks as Jamaica embarks on a multi-year restoration and modernization initiative for its vulnerable water infrastructure.

  • From classrooms to no careers

    From classrooms to no careers

    Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, is spearheading a national initiative to create a more inclusive society by advocating for equal educational access and improved employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Speaking at the handover ceremony for the Jamaica Society for the Blind’s (JSB) refurbished headquarters on Thursday, the minister delivered a powerful address challenging systemic barriers faced by the disabled community.

    The minister criticized the prevailing lack of workplace accommodations that prevents qualified individuals with disabilities from securing employment. “If we truly want to hire the best, we have to make accommodations for persons living with disabilities. Too often those accommodations are not made,” Morris Dixon stated, addressing employers directly. She emphasized that many disabled individuals are “absolutely brilliant people” and “committed workers” whose potential remains untapped due to inadequate inclusive practices.

    Morris Dixon highlighted specific legal provisions available to support employed individuals with disabilities, particularly noting Section 12 of the Income Tax Act which provides exemption on emoluments for those with permanent physical or mental disabilities who are capable of gainful employment. She reminded employers and employees alike that those registered with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities are eligible for this significant benefit.

    In the education sector, the minister outlined comprehensive efforts to strengthen support systems for learners with disabilities through appropriate assessments, learning accommodations, and specialized tools. She specifically mentioned monitoring accommodations provided for Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students, including those requiring Braille materials or special assistance during examinations.

    While acknowledging that Jamaica’s inclusivity systems “are not where I would want them to be,” Morris Dixon committed to daily improvements and welcomed collaboration with organizations like the Jamaica Society for the Blind to “push the envelope even more” in creating accessible classrooms. The refurbishment of the JSB headquarters, completed under the HEART/NSTA Trust’s National Development Project, represents a tangible step toward enhancing facilities used by the blind and visually impaired for personal, commercial, and social activities.

  • Supreme Ventures vows to stand by staff on road to recovery

    Supreme Ventures vows to stand by staff on road to recovery

    In response to the catastrophic impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa that struck last October, Supreme Ventures Corporation has executed a multi-faceted relief initiative focused entirely on employee welfare and long-term recovery. The Jamaican gaming and entertainment company has deployed substantial resources to assist staff members whose homes and livelihoods were severely disrupted by the natural disaster.

    The comprehensive assistance program encompasses two completed phases of care package distributions, benefiting over 45 employees with essential supplies during their most critical time of need. Beyond immediate relief, the company established a formal Staff Disaster Relief Policy that provides structured support through three primary channels: emergency care packages, recovery grants, and low-interest loan options. This policy framework enables affected employees to address pressing expenses, undertake home restoration, and gradually regain financial stability.

    With 28 team members reporting significant property damage, Supreme Ventures has adopted a personalized approach to assistance, tailoring support according to individual circumstances. Employees sustaining severe damage receive dedicated recovery grants, while those with moderate impacts obtain calibrated assistance matching their specific requirements.

    Tanya Smith-Anderson, Chief People Officer at Supreme Ventures, emphasized the company’s human-centric philosophy: “Our business begins and ends with people. Following Hurricane Melissa, our immediate priority was ensuring team members felt visibly supported and reassured they wouldn’t face this challenge alone. These initiatives demonstrate our deep commitment to employee well-being beyond workplace parameters.”

    The company’s proactive outreach has generated appreciative responses from beneficiaries. One supported employee noted: “The hurricane created overwhelming devastation. Company assistance through care packages and relief support was profoundly appreciated, confirming genuine concern for our circumstances beyond work responsibilities.” Another recipient acknowledged: “This disaster relief enabled me to begin reconstruction efforts—I couldn’t have managed independently so rapidly. Employer understanding and intervention made a tangible difference.”

    Supreme Ventures has further reinforced its commitment by physically locating employees who became communicationally isolated post-hurricane, ensuring all staff感受到 organizational presence and protection. The corporation continues monitoring evolving needs as Jamaica’s recovery progresses, preventing employees from being overlooked during the rebuilding phase.

  • Pledges end protest

    Pledges end protest

    Medical personnel at Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department suspended their industrial action on Friday following concrete commitments from health authorities to address critical infrastructure and operational challenges. The protest highlighted severe overcrowding, rodent infestations, and hazardous working conditions that have compromised both staff welfare and patient care.

    Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton acknowledged the crisis, attributing the extreme overcrowding to concurrent factors: ongoing renovation works that have reduced available space, a seasonal surge in respiratory illnesses, and residual impacts from Hurricane Melissa which struck in late October 2025. “The challenge is the overcrowding, primarily, and it is being amplified by the renovation,” Minister Tufton stated, confirming that staff are operating under exceptionally demanding circumstances.

    Clinical staff provided harrowing accounts of the conditions. Nursing representative Lattar Burke described scenes of patients receiving resuscitation care on floors due to bed shortages, with over 100 patients crammed into a space designed for 35. Anonymous medical professionals reported using beach chairs as makeshift beds and detailed dangerous incidents, including a needlestick injury to a pregnant physiotherapist caused by severely constrained working areas.

    Patient Dominic Prince, a resident of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, expressed outrage after signing himself out of the facility, declaring, “I am a human being, not a dog.”

    Following emergency meetings, hospital administrators presented a detailed action plan. Clinical Coordinator Dr. Delroy Fray announced the imminent installation of a temporary dome structure within two weeks to accommodate 100-150 additional beds, aiming to restore total capacity to 350 beds. CEO Charmaine Williams Beckford committed to providing staff with regular progress updates over the coming one to three weeks.

    Simultaneously, St James public health parish manager Lennox Wallace unveiled a comprehensive rodent eradication program. The $50-million initiative includes extensive baiting and a major cleanup operation in the surrounding Mount Salem community on November 23-24 to address waste accumulation fueling the infestation. Wallace emphasized this would be a sustained six-month program, not a temporary measure.

    With these assurances and specific timelines for improvement, medical staff demobilized their protest and returned to their posts, though they maintain vigilance regarding the implementation of promised reforms.

  • Naughty NLA

    Naughty NLA

    A damning revelation from Jamaica’s Auditor General has uncovered severe financial governance failures at the National Land Agency (NLA), where basic accounting safeguards were neglected for nearly eight years. The 2024/25 Annual Report from Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis details how the agency responsible for managing Jamaica’s land administration system failed to perform regular bank account reconciliations, creating conditions where errors and potential fraud could remain undetected for years.

    The audit examination of the NLA’s 2011/2012 financial statements uncovered that reconciliation statements for five bank accounts were delayed by up to 92 months, with three statements completely undated, preventing verification of management review or approval. This critical lapse violated Section 8.7.1 (vi) of the Government’s Financial Instructions, which mandates monthly reconciliations to ensure cash balances match bank records.

    Beyond reconciliation failures, the investigation identified significant weaknesses in physical asset tracking. While the NLA maintained a master inventory valuing assets at $93.4 million, the system failed to incorporate additional acquisitions worth $10.6 million during the review period. This omission breached the Government’s Comprehensive Asset Management Policy, creating vulnerability to loss, theft, or misappropriation of public property.

    The NLA, which holds central responsibility for land titles, surveys, valuation services, and geographic data supporting Jamaica’s property ownership system, now faces heightened scrutiny over its financial controls. These deficiencies potentially undermine public accountability and confidence in the management of government assets.

    In response to the findings, the Auditor General recommended immediate strengthening of internal controls and full compliance with financial regulations. The NLA has indicated plans to address identified issues through process automation targeted for March 2027, though auditors caution that existing obstacles including unresolved reconciling items must first be resolved for successful implementation.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Saturday January 17th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Saturday January 17th 2026

    A comprehensive scientific review has cast significant doubt on the efficacy of many widely consumed dietary supplements, urging both consumers and healthcare providers to adopt a more evidence-based approach to their use. The analysis, which synthesizes findings from numerous clinical trials and meta-studies, reveals that a substantial portion of the multi-billion dollar supplement industry operates on claims that are not robustly supported by scientific data.

    The review meticulously examined popular categories including multivitamins, probiotics, omega-3s, and various herbal extracts. Findings indicate that while certain supplements like folic acid for prenatal health or vitamin D for specific deficiency cases are well-supported, many others show negligible benefits for the general population. For instance, the widespread use of multivitamins was found to offer no significant protection against major chronic diseases such as heart disease or cognitive decline in healthy adults.

    Experts cited in the report emphasize a ‘food-first’ philosophy, arguing that nutrients are most effectively absorbed and utilized by the body when consumed through a balanced and varied diet rather than in isolated, high-dose formulations. The research also highlights potential risks, including the possibility of adverse interactions with prescription medications and the toxicity associated with megadoses of certain fat-soluble vitamins.

    The timing of this review is critical, as the global supplement market continues to experience exponential growth, often fueled by aggressive marketing and anecdotal success stories rather than conclusive research. The authors call for more stringent regulatory oversight and higher-quality, large-scale clinical trials to definitively establish the benefits and risks of these widely available products. They conclude that for the average healthy individual, financial resources are better invested in whole foods rather than an array of pills with unproven returns.

  • President waarschuwt: olie-inkomsten vragen strikte discipline en transparant beheer

    President waarschuwt: olie-inkomsten vragen strikte discipline en transparant beheer

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has issued a stern warning against premature expenditure of anticipated oil and gas revenues, emphasizing that future energy earnings must not lead to fiscal complacency or irresponsible policymaking. Speaking at the New Year’s reception of the Association of Economists in Suriname on Thursday evening, the head of state positioned the oil revenue discussion within a broader macroeconomic context, noting that the country remains in a phase of fragile stability requiring continued focus on inflation control, purchasing power protection, and confidence restoration.

    President Simons highlighted that international experience demonstrates nations rarely fail due to resource scarcity but frequently collapse through weak governance, inadequate accountability, and premature spending of future income streams. With structural oil revenues not expected until 2028, she cautioned against the dangers of anticipatory expenditure, stressing that hydrocarbon earnings actually increase governmental responsibility to maintain discipline, transparency, and sound management.

    Central to the administration’s strategy is the establishment of a savings and stabilization fund, with legislation required to be finalized and operational by mid-2026. This fund will feature clear deposit and withdrawal rules, independent governance structures, and mandatory public reporting to government, parliament, and civil society. According to Simons, the mechanism must serve multiple functions: cushioning economic shocks, preventing overheating, and enabling long-term investments that enhance Suriname’s productive capacity.

    The address also addressed the recent settlement of Value Recovery Instrument (VRI) obligations, which the government executed to prevent future oil revenues from being disproportionately taxed. Simons clarified this decision only remains justified if accompanied by sustained fiscal discipline and maximum transparency, with the breathing space obtained through refinancing dedicated to structural reforms rather than additional expenditure.

    Crucially, the president emphasized that oil and gas revenues should not replace economic diversification efforts but rather facilitate reduced dependency on limited economic pillars. The government explicitly links hydrocarbon policy to investments in agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, industry, education, and healthcare. Local content policies will be legally embedded with clear participation targets and transparency requirements for contracts and decision-making.

    Notably, Simons connected resource management directly to integrity and moral leadership, referencing recent concerns regarding state-owned enterprises and emphasizing that rules must apply universally without exceptions. She characterized economic choices as fundamentally moral decisions that determine family prosperity and intergenerational opportunity.

    Looking toward 2028, the president designated 2026 as a critical preparatory year, with current choices determining whether oil revenues become a blessing for broad prosperity or a source of renewed vulnerability. The administration’s approach prioritizes saving where possible, investing where necessary, and assuming responsibility for future generations’ welfare.

  • IDB Invest, IPED partner to expand access to financing for micro and small businesses in Guyana

    IDB Invest, IPED partner to expand access to financing for micro and small businesses in Guyana

    In a strategic move to bolster Guyana’s burgeoning private sector, IDB Invest has entered a landmark $5 million financing partnership with the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED). Announced on January 16, 2026, this collaboration aims to dramatically expand financial access for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) across the South American nation, with particular emphasis on supporting women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs.

    The financing structure comprises two equal tranches: $2.5 million from IDB Invest’s own resources matched by an identical amount from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Trust Fund Achieving Development of Latin America and the Caribbean (TADAC Fund), which IDB administers. This blended financing approach represents a innovative model for development funding in the region.

    Beyond capital injection, the partnership includes comprehensive technical assistance. IDB Invest will support IPED in conducting detailed market studies, refining its strategic approach to micro and small business financing, and enhancing its capabilities in sustainability-focused lending practices. This multifaceted support is designed to create lasting institutional capacity rather than merely providing temporary funding.

    The timing of this intervention is particularly significant given Guyana’s extraordinary economic trajectory. With projections indicating 14% annual growth over the next five years—among the highest globally—microfinance institutions like IPED play a crucial role in ensuring broad-based participation in the nation’s economic transformation. By enabling MSEs to integrate into emerging supply chains and access growing markets, this initiative addresses critical gaps in the financial ecosystem.

    IPED brings substantial credibility to this partnership as Guyana’s leading non-bank financial institution. Established in 1986, the organization maintains an extensive nationwide presence with particular strength in rural and hinterland communities often excluded from traditional banking services. Through its four decades of operation, IPED has disbursed over 140,000 loans to entrepreneurs while sustaining approximately 10,000 jobs annually, demonstrating tangible impact on inclusive economic growth.

    This transaction underscores IDB Invest’s deepening commitment to sustainable private sector development throughout Guyana and the broader Caribbean region. As a member of the IDB Group, IDB Invest manages a substantial $22 billion portfolio across 25 countries, specializing in innovative financial solutions that generate both commercial returns and developmental impact.

    The involvement of JICA’s TADAC Fund—a $1 billion initiative representing Japan’s largest private sector-focused fund in the region—adds significant international dimension to this partnership. This collaboration marks a sophisticated approach to development finance, blending multilateral resources with bilateral cooperation to maximize impact in one of the world’s most dynamic emerging economies.

  • Syrian-Turkish agreement to boost shipbuilding in Syria

    Syrian-Turkish agreement to boost shipbuilding in Syria

    In a significant development for Syria’s maritime infrastructure, Syrian Ports and Customs Authority Director Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi has formalized a landmark agreement with Turkish firm Kuzey Star Shipyard. The partnership mandates the construction of an advanced shipyard facility within the strategic port of Tartus, designed to comply with rigorous international technical specifications and elevate Syria’s standing in the competitive regional maritime sector.

    The project will operate under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) framework, granting Kuzey Star Shipyard comprehensive responsibility for construction, equipment provisioning, operational management, and maintenance activities. The Turkish company will also undertake shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance operations throughout the contract duration.

    Notably, the investment arrangement stipulates a 30-year term from contract signing, with Kuzey Star committing to inject no less than $190 million during the initial five-year phase. These funds will dedicated to developing docks, warehousing complexes, and operational infrastructure—all without imposing financial liabilities on Syrian authorities.

    A pivotal clause provides Syrian state vessels with preferential access to shipyard services, guaranteeing a 20% reduction on construction, repair, and maintenance charges to bolster expansion of the national naval fleet.

    Government officials emphasized the project’s transformative socioeconomic potential, projecting approximately 1,700 direct employment opportunities and an additional 3,500 indirect jobs. The agreement further mandates that Syrian nationals constitute at least 95% of the workforce, accompanied by substantial knowledge transfer initiatives focusing on technical skill development and technological expertise acquisition.

  • China: military ties between nations should not affect third parties

    China: military ties between nations should not affect third parties

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry has issued a stern warning regarding Japan’s evolving security posture, expressing grave concerns over its potential impact on regional stability. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun articulated Beijing’s position that international cooperation must not compromise peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Citing historical precedents, Guo invoked Japan’s wartime atrocities during World War II, specifically referencing the invasion of the Philippines, crimes committed against civilian populations and Allied forces, and the assassination of Chinese diplomatic personnel. The spokesperson emphasized the critical importance of remembering this history to prevent the repetition of such transgressions.

    Guo further noted that Japan’s current security policies have drawn consistent criticism from Southeast Asian nations and the broader international community. Contrary to exercising restraint, Tokyo is actively pursuing military expansion and engaging in lethal weapons exports, actions that Beijing interprets as clear indicators of remilitarization efforts.

    The Chinese spokesperson called upon peace-loving nations to collectively oppose the resurgence of Japanese militarism, positioning this stance as essential for maintaining regional stability and upholding the post-war international order. The statement reflects growing tensions in East Asia as Japan continues to reinterpret its security constraints amid increasing geopolitical challenges.