Carib Scope

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  • Gov’t distributes over 30,000 food packages to families impacted by Hurricane Melissa

    Gov’t distributes over 30,000 food packages to families impacted by Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Category Five Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has successfully distributed more than 30,000 food packages to affected households across the island. This extensive relief effort was carried out in collaboration with all 14 parishes and involved key partners such as the Jamaica Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Food for the Poor, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, private sector entities, and various faith-based and community organizations.

    Of the total packages, 22,156 were directly distributed by the ministry, while contributions from the private sector and other partners accounted for an additional 8,500. Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr praised the collective effort, emphasizing the importance of partnership and unity in disaster response. ‘Through partnership, foresight, and unity, we have demonstrated that effective disaster response depends not only on preparedness but on compassion and collaboration,’ he stated.

    The ministry remains committed to coordinating with parish offices and humanitarian partners to ensure that isolated communities are reached and that the most vulnerable populations continue to receive support.

  • Chris Martin, Masicka and Nigy Boy to perform at US$1m fundraising concert series

    Chris Martin, Masicka and Nigy Boy to perform at US$1m fundraising concert series

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bid to bolster national recovery efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, has unveiled the ‘I Love Jamaica’ fundraising concert series. The initiative, targeting an initial $1 million, will feature a star-studded lineup including renowned Jamaican artists Christopher Martin, Masicka, and Nigy Boy. These performers are among the first confirmed acts for the event, which aims to rally both local and international support for relief efforts.

  • Armzhouse Records founder to be released from US prison on Tuesday

    Armzhouse Records founder to be released from US prison on Tuesday

    Everton ‘Rado’ Minott, the influential founder of Armz House Records, is poised to regain his freedom on Tuesday after spending over a decade in a US correctional facility. Minott, renowned for producing chart-topping rhythms like the ‘Forever’ rhythm, which featured prominent artists such as Alkaline and Mavado, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2016. His arrest stemmed from a joint operation between Jamaica’s Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Branch (C-TOC) and US law enforcement agencies, linked to his alleged ties with the One Order gang in Spanish Town. Having served 10 years and six months at the Federal Correctional Institution in Atlanta, Georgia, Minott’s release marks a significant moment in his tumultuous journey, blending his musical legacy with a controversial past.

  • JDA makes impact at SDF sports/games competition

    JDA makes impact at SDF sports/games competition

    The Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA) has once again proven its dedication to fostering strategic thinking and sportsmanship, making a significant impact at the recent Sports Development Foundation (SDF) Heritage Day Sports/Games Competition. The event served as a platform for the JDA to highlight its mission of developing well-rounded athletes and promoting sports development across Jamaica. O’Neil Gordon, a Class 2 Draughts player, stole the spotlight with a stellar performance, clinching a gold medal in darts through his exceptional precision and focus. Gordon’s triumph not only underscores his individual talent but also emphasizes the cognitive advantages of playing draughts, such as enhanced strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities. These skills are not confined to the game but extend to real-life scenarios, empowering individuals to assess challenges, weigh options, and make informed decisions. The JDA’s emphasis on cognitive development through draughts benefits both its members and the broader community. The association was well-represented at the event, with key figures including President Jermaine Delattibudiere, Treasurer Oraine Thompson, and Assistant General Secretary Ronald Taylor in attendance. Notable members such as International Grandmaster Wayne “Shines” Reid and Federation Master Rohan Thomas, also known as FabKid, added to the association’s strong presence. Looking ahead, the JDA is gearing up for its National Championships, scheduled for November 30, 2025, at the Port of Call Hotel in Black River, St Elizabeth. The event promises to be a thrilling display of talent, with top players like Shines, the reigning APCA Champion, and Sergeant Jason Wisdom, a consistent high performer, set to compete for the coveted title. The championships are expected to be fiercely competitive, showcasing the best of Jamaica’s draughts talent.

  • Hurricane Melissa death toll climbs to 32

    Hurricane Melissa death toll climbs to 32

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has announced that the official death toll from Hurricane Melissa has climbed to 32, with eight additional fatalities currently under investigation. The confirmation came during a special media briefing led by Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, at Jamaica House in Kingston on Monday, November 3. Dr. Morris Dixon expressed deep sorrow over the rising number of casualties, stating, ‘We do expect that number to increase. Every additional person added to that list is profoundly felt by all of us.’ She extended prayers and support to the affected families, acknowledging the immense grief they are enduring. Hurricane Melissa, which struck western Jamaica on October 28, caused widespread devastation, prompting the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to deploy helicopters for search and recovery operations. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as recovery efforts progress.

  • IICA launches emergency fund to aid Caribbean agriculture after Hurricane Melissa

    IICA launches emergency fund to aid Caribbean agriculture after Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has established an emergency fund to support the agricultural sectors of four Caribbean nations: The Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. These countries have experienced substantial losses due to the extreme weather event, prompting immediate action from IICA.

  • Educational support outside of school term being considered, says Morris Dixon

    Educational support outside of school term being considered, says Morris Dixon

    In the aftermath of the devastating Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant destruction in western Jamaica, Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon has announced comprehensive measures to address the anticipated learning loss among students. Speaking to Observer Online following a special media briefing on Monday, Minister Dixon revealed that the Ministry of Education is actively considering extending educational support beyond the standard school term. This includes organizing holiday camps and potentially extending programs into the summer to help students regain their academic footing.

    Despite public concerns over the swift reopening of 136 schools less than a week after the hurricane, Minister Dixon emphasized that the process was carefully managed, prioritizing the well-being of students and staff. Many schools reopened primarily for staff to attend counseling sessions and discuss their experiences post-hurricane. For schools that welcomed students, the focus was on providing psychosocial support.

    To assist affected students, the ministry is assembling kits in collaboration with guidance counselors and schools for distribution. Additionally, the ministry is exploring various solutions to rebuild and maintain learning in areas where schools were destroyed. Options under consideration include setting up temporary tents, relocating students to other schools, and providing learning materials for home use on specific days.

    Minister Dixon also highlighted the ministry’s partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to develop effective recovery strategies. Drawing on UNICEF’s global experience in disaster recovery and education system rehabilitation, the collaboration aims to ensure the welfare of children and their access to essential education.

    ‘We’re going to figure it out. We’re going to have to be flexible because the key thing is the welfare of our children and getting our children to get the education that they desperately need so that they can take off in this world,’ Minister Dixon concluded.

  • Former Prince Andrew to lose his last military rank

    Former Prince Andrew to lose his last military rank

    The United Kingdom government announced on Sunday its intention to revoke Prince Andrew’s honorary title of vice-admiral, marking the final step in stripping him of all military ranks. This decision follows King Charles III’s recent removal of Andrew’s remaining royal titles and honors, a move that underscores the monarchy’s response to public outrage over Andrew’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Defence Minister John Healey confirmed the government’s actions during an interview with the BBC, stating that the process is being guided by the king. Healey also indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding whether Andrew should forfeit his military medals. Once celebrated for his service as a Royal Navy helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War, Andrew retired in 2001 after 22 years of military service. The latest developments come in the wake of Andrew’s 2022 loss of honorary military titles, which were rescinded by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, after he faced a lawsuit from Virginia Giuffre, Epstein’s primary accuser. The ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal continues to cast a shadow over Andrew’s legacy and the British monarchy.

  • The U.S. military has now carried out at least 15 strikes across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing 64 people

    The U.S. military has now carried out at least 15 strikes across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing 64 people

    The U.S. military has intensified its campaign against drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea, executing yet another lethal strike on Saturday, as confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This marks at least the 15th such operation since early September, targeting vessels allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking. Hegseth emphasized that the targeted vessel was identified through intelligence as part of illicit drug smuggling activities, navigating a known trafficking route while carrying narcotics. To date, these strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 64 individuals. President Trump has defended these actions as a necessary escalation to curb the flow of drugs into the United States, framing the operations as part of an ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels. This justification draws parallels to the legal authority invoked by the Bush administration during the post-9/11 war on terrorism. However, the administration faces mounting scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, who have repeatedly demanded greater transparency regarding the legal basis for the strikes, the specific cartels targeted, and the identities of those killed. Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sens. Jack Reed, Jeanne Shaheen, Mark Warner, Chris Coons, Patty Murray, and Brian Schatz, have renewed their call for detailed information in a letter to key officials. They criticized the administration for selectively sharing inconsistent information with some lawmakers while excluding others. Earlier on Friday, bipartisan leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee also sought clarity on the legal rationale and the list of cartels designated as terrorist organizations. Hegseth, in his announcement, likened the threat posed by ‘narco-terrorists’ to that of Al-Qaeda, vowing to treat them with equal severity.

  • Celebration of Kwéyòl Heritage Month ends on a high

    Celebration of Kwéyòl Heritage Month ends on a high

    The vibrant sounds of bamboo bursting, traditional Kwéyòl, and Zouk music echoed across Saint Lucia over the weekend, marking the culmination of Kwéyòl Heritage Month. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of local delicacies cooked in earthen pots and over wood fires, as Saint Lucians and visitors alike gathered in various communities, many dressed in traditional Madras attire or shirts adorned with Kwéyòl phrases. This celebration of the island’s native language and culture was a testament to the deep-rooted pride in Saint Lucian heritage. The festivities, held on October 26, featured a lively mix of music, traditional dance, games, and an abundance of food and drinks, bringing the month-long celebrations to a joyous close. The Monsignor Patrick Anthony Plas Wiches Folklo (Folk Research Centre) concluded its major activities on October 28 with “Fèt Lanng Kwéyòl,” an event highlighting the progress of the Kwéyòl language. October 29, celebrated as Jounen Kwéyòl Entennasyonnal, saw major events in communities like Belle Vue, Vieux Fort, and Babonneau, with smaller gatherings across the island. Melchior Henry, Executive Director of the Folk Research Centre, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and participation, noting that Jounen Kwéyòl has become a widely embraced event. He emphasized the cultural focus in host communities, where traditional acts and exhibitions were showcased, contrasting with other locations where the emphasis was more on food and drink sales. The theme ‘Kwéyol Sé Fòs Nou’ (Creole is our strength) resonated throughout the celebrations, with presentations, performances, and a Kwéyòl spelling masterclass by Jason C Joseph. The event also featured contributions from Grenada and Cayenne, adding an international flair. With its success, the festivities are likely to become a permanent fixture in the FRC’s calendar, with plans to expand and enhance next year’s celebrations.