Carib Scope

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  • Agostini opens hybrid Superpharm/Presto in South Park

    Agostini opens hybrid Superpharm/Presto in South Park

    Agostini Ltd, the parent company of both SuperPharm and Presto, has unveiled a groundbreaking retail concept with the inauguration of its 11th SuperPharm branch at South Park on January 15. This innovative establishment represents Trinidad’s first hybrid store merging pharmaceutical services with fresh food retail under one roof.

    The grand opening ceremony featured distinguished attendees including San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris, Presto’s Business Development Director Jean-Luc Moutte, Store Manager Jolene Wallace, Senior Pharmacist Mathew Ragoonanan, SuperPharm CEO Glenn Maharaj, and event host Michelle Perryman.

    CEO Glenn Maharaj characterized the SuperPharm-Presto Hybrid Experience as a strategically designed ‘store within a store’ concept that seamlessly integrates pharmacy services, convenience shopping, and fresh food offerings. “This innovative format reflects our conviction that wellness encompasses medication, professional advice, nutrition, life balance, and convenience—all supported by advanced technology, robust systems, and genuine human care,” Maharaj stated.

    The executive emphasized that Presto’s emphasis on quick, accessible, fresh local produce perfectly complements SuperPharm’s healthcare mission. This hybrid model positions the company for future growth while maintaining adaptability to evolving consumer needs without compromising established trust and quality standards.

    Celebrating over two decades of operation since its 2005 founding, SuperPharm has consistently prioritized healthcare accessibility, affordability, and convenience. Maharaj recalled the company’s pioneering approach: “From our inception, we implemented extended hours and drive-thru services as deliberate commitments to convenience—not as afterthoughts. We designed our services for shift workers, families, seniors, and anyone requiring prompt, safe, and efficient healthcare solutions.”

    The company maintains its dedication to affordability through initiatives like Seniors Day, offering 10% discounts to customers over 60, and the My Day Super Cards program providing similar discounts every Friday for individuals managing chronic conditions. While embracing technological advancements including e-commerce platforms and sophisticated operating systems, Maharaj affirmed that the company’s fundamental standards of excellence remain unchanged throughout its evolution.

  • Lincoln Center show a huge success: Kes appears on Pix 11

    Lincoln Center show a huge success: Kes appears on Pix 11

    Caribbean music achieved an unprecedented milestone at New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts as Kes the Band delivered a groundbreaking, sold-out two-night performance during the Unity Jazz Festival on January 8-9. This historic engagement marked the first time soca music headlined the festival’s prestigious program.

    Against the dazzling panoramic backdrop of Columbus Circle in Manhattan, the Trinidadian band transformed the Frederick P. Rose Hall and Appel Room into a vibrant celebration of Caribbean musical heritage. Frontman Kees Dieffenthaller described the experience as “opening an entire new book of possibilities” for the band’s artistic expression and their mission to spread musical love globally.

    The performances featured intimate, reimagined interpretations of Kes the Band’s celebrated catalog, blending soca, calypso, soul, rock, and jazz elements. This innovative approach bridged traditional Caribbean musical expression with jazz traditions, simultaneously honoring ancestral foundations while expanding contemporary sound boundaries.

    Notable musical moments included creative interpolations of hits like “Hello,” “Fallin,” and “Savannah Grass” alongside homages to Caribbean legends Lord Invader and The Mighty Sparrow. The collaboration with acclaimed Trinidadian jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles underscored the deep cultural connections between jazz and Caribbean music, adding magical depth and nuance to the festival’s celebration of heritage.

    The event also featured emerging talents including young US saxophonists Abdias Armenteros and Chris Lewis from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, highlighting the organization’s commitment to musical mentorship across generations.

    This landmark achievement comes amid Kes the Band’s growing international momentum, following the global success of their hit single “Rum and Coca Cola” with Tano, which recently charted on Apple Music’s Top 100 in over 20 countries. The performances demonstrated the band’s ability to command world-class stages while maintaining their authentic Caribbean identity.

  • Congrats toAugustineand TPP

    Congrats toAugustineand TPP

    In a formal communication addressed to the editorial board, the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) has officially extended its congratulations to Political Leader Farley Augustine and the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) for their decisive victory in the recent Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections.

    The TTCSI, representing the nation’s services sector, commended the TPP’s dedication and persistent efforts over its previous four-year term. The coalition attributed the electoral success to the party’s unwavering commitment to serving the people of Tobago and engaging with all relevant stakeholders, characterizing the win as a ‘well-deserved’ outcome that reflects public confidence.

    With this renewed electoral mandate, the TTCSI expressed optimism about the opportunity to build upon existing achievements and accelerate progress toward realizing Tobago’s full economic potential. As the primary umbrella organization for service industries, the coalition announced its intention to strengthen collaborative efforts with the THA throughout 2026 and subsequent years.

    The organization envisions a partnership focused on enhancing the competitiveness of service sectors across Trinidad and Tobago. This collaboration aims to empower citizens by facilitating the export of their talents and professional expertise to international markets, ultimately contributing to sustainable national economic growth and prosperity.

    The communication was formally submitted via electronic mail and signed by the TTCSI organization.

  • RAY OF SUNSHINE

    RAY OF SUNSHINE

    As Jamaica’s national netball team, the Sunshine Girls, finalizes preparations for their upcoming three-Test series against world champions Australia, Head Coach Sasher-Gaye Henry-Wright is projecting an optimistic outlook. The series, scheduled for February 5-11 in Australia, represents one of the most challenging fixtures on the international netball calendar.

    The squad receives a significant boost with the return of seasoned players Nicole Dixon-Rochester, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, and Latanya Wilson, who are rejoining the team directly in Australia following their club commitments. Their experience is expected to be crucial against the world’s top-ranked team.

    Coach Henry-Wright acknowledges the absence of familiar shooting personnel but views this as a valuable development opportunity for emerging talents. While statistical performance from shooters during the England series showed promise, the team identified ball delivery into the shooting circle as a key area requiring improvement.

    The technical focus for the Australian tour emphasizes reducing turnover rates, enhancing through-court transitional play, and significantly improving center pass conversion percentages. “Converting our center passes is fundamental to competing against elite opposition,” Henry-Wright stated in her interview with the Jamaica Observer.

    To bridge the competitive gap, Jamaica will arrive early in Australia for preparatory matches against local teams. The coaching staff has been analyzing game tapes to identify strategic advantages and potential pairing opportunities against the Australian side.

    Domestically, the team has been training against male netball squads to simulate the intensity and physicality expected from the world champions. Although acknowledging the difference in playing styles, Henry-Wright emphasized these sessions provide essential match practice and competitive readiness.

    This series serves as critical preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Jamaica aiming to upgrade their silver medal performance from the 2022 Birmingham Games. The Australian tests will provide the ultimate benchmark against netball’s dominant force.

  • COURSE CORRECTION

    COURSE CORRECTION

    Facing a pivotal 2027 lease review with the state-owned Urban Development Corporation (UDC), the Caymanas Acquisition Group (CAG) is fundamentally restructuring its business model for the Caymanas Golf & Country Club. The operator is increasingly pinning the property’s long-term viability on the surrounding commercial and residential development blossoming at Caymanas Estates in St. Catherine.

    CAG assumed operational control of the UDC-owned facility in 2017 under a long-term lease featuring a critical 10-year review clause. An initial capital injection of approximately $30 million was deployed to stabilize and reposition the asset, funding significant enhancements beyond the golf course itself. This investment spearheaded the creation of Villa Vista, a dedicated private events venue that has since become the cornerstone of a thriving weddings and premium functions business, alongside comprehensive upgrades to the course and its supporting infrastructure.

    Despite these improvements, management acknowledges that golf participation has failed to meet initial projections. General Manager Peter Lindo identified demographic challenges as a core issue, noting an aging membership base and the significant time commitment acting as a barrier for younger professionals. In response, CAG has introduced a revamped ‘Flex Play’ membership structure designed to lower the financial barrier to entry through a reduced base fee coupled with heavily discounted green fees per round, aiming to bolster engagement without eroding the revenue base.

    This strategic pivot is part of a broader evolution since the 2017 takeover. Early initiatives focused on monetizing underutilized midweek capacity by marketing the property for corporate retreats and conferences. A 2019 program offering free weekday golf lessons for women sought to broaden local participation. Throughout these efforts, the events business has proven remarkably resilient, now hosting over 100 weddings annually, though it faced a temporary setback from hurricane-related cancellations in late 2023.

    Lindo emphasizes that course quality is not the constraint, citing its consistent standards and role in hosting major tournaments. The future, he contends, is inextricably linked to external development. The advancing Raintree Commercial Complex, Caymanas Special Economic Zone, and related projects are expected to generate the density needed to overcome the location’s accessibility challenge. This development momentum along the Mandela Highway corridor, exemplified by the bustling Kingston 876 commercial district nearby, signals a growing investor appetite for areas outside traditional urban cores.

    While optimistic, Lindo cited ongoing infrastructure constraints—water, electricity, and road conditions—as issues requiring continued dialogue with the UDC. Concurrently, CAG is investing in the sport’s long-term future through youth programs with InSports, recognizing that cultivating interest from a young age is essential for sustaining the player pipeline. All factors will be on the table when CAG and the UDC convene for their decisive lease review in 2027.

  • Winning season!

    Winning season!

    Jamaican entertainer Deno Crazy has officially launched his latest musical endeavor with the release of the “Winning Season” EP on January 16th. The seven-track collection represents a significant milestone in the artist’s creative journey from comedy content creation to serious musical artistry.

    Produced through a collaborative effort between Crazy Way Entertainment and Weekday of Tru Ambassador Ent., the project showcases Deno Crazy’s artistic evolution. “I would characterize this project as boundary-pushing; it’s a fusion of genres and styles designed for universal appeal,” the artist revealed in an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer’s Splash.

    The EP culminates from an intensive five-month creative process, resulting in a diverse auditory experience that promises to engage music enthusiasts across genres. Featuring two collaborative tracks with artist 450, including the previously released single “Thunda,” the project demonstrates Deno Crazy’s growing musical sophistication.

    This release builds upon previous successful collaborations with producer Week.Day, including tracks like “Shot Caller,” “Love Language,” and “Polo Fi Days.” The established creative synergy between artist and producer has contributed significantly to the EP’s cohesive quality and artistic direction.

    “The creative process of music genuinely invigorates me. Collaborating with Week.Day provided an exceptional experience; our chemistry generated unique vibrations and positive energy. With this EP, I simply want the global audience to experience my artistic voice,” Deno Crazy expressed, identifying the title track “Winning Season” as his personal favorite.

    Having spent five years developing his musical craft while maintaining his presence as a popular social media content creator known for comedic flair, Deno Crazy has successfully transitioned into the music industry. “Winning Season” signifies a new professional chapter, with the artist hinting at additional musical projects and collaborations currently in development.

    “I have numerous new works in progress, so anticipate what’s coming next. I’m prepared to let the work speak for itself,” Deno Crazy shared enthusiastically.

    The “Winning Season” EP is now available worldwide through major digital music platforms including Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, and iTunes for both streaming and purchase.

  • 2025 Audi A5: Audi 2.0

    2025 Audi A5: Audi 2.0

    Audi has executed a strategic overhaul of its naming conventions, effectively retiring the iconic A4 sedan badge after three decades. The 2025 model year introduces a fundamental shift: the vehicle historically known as the A4 will now be marketed as the A5, while the former A5 coupé is discontinued. This nomenclature revolution aligns with Audi’s electric future, reserving even numbers for its forthcoming EV lineup and assigning odd numbers to internal combustion engine (ICE) models.

    The redesigned A5 (previously A4) makes a dramatic visual statement with a deeply sculpted honeycomb grille, flanked by sophisticated thin-line LED headlights featuring adaptive nighttime behavior and customizable lighting signatures. The rear integrates second-generation OLED technology into a continuous light strip, enhancing its muscular and dynamic profile. While not explicitly labeled a ‘Sportback,’ the sedan’s sweeping roofline arc past the B-pillar creates a distinctly sporty, low-slung silhouette.

    Inside, the cabin represents a technological leap built on Audi’s E3 electronic architecture. The centerpiece is the Audi Panoramic Display, comprising an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch central infotainment touchscreen, and an optional 10.9-inch front passenger display. The latest MMI interface delivers razor-sharp responsiveness with intuitive touch and voice control, capable of identifying the speaker for contextual response. Premium touches abound, including capacitive touch buttons, ambient lighting with functional warnings, and an innovative polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) panoramic sunroof that transitions from transparent to opaque instantly.

    Performance remains a cornerstone, powered by a responsive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Despite being front-wheel drive in base configuration, the A5 delivers sharp handling with direct turn-in and Audi’s signature suspension tuning that balances comfort over imperfections with sporty tautness in corners. Advanced driver assistance systems, including cruise control that functions down to zero mph, alleviate stop-and-go traffic stress.

    This comprehensive redesign demonstrates Audi’s continued commitment to the premium compact executive sedan segment despite market shifts toward SUVs. By incorporating design and technology elements from both its SUV and electric portfolios, the new A5 successfully bridges traditional craftsmanship and forward-looking innovation.

  • Churches take up Gov’t aid offer

    Churches take up Gov’t aid offer

    FALMOUTH, Trelawny — The Jamaican Government is maintaining its contentious commitment to allocate $75 million (JMD) in assistance to places of worship severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, despite facing significant political opposition. Local Government and Community Development Minister Desmond McKenzie unequivocally stated that the administration will not reverse its decision, emphasizing the critical role churches play in community recovery and mental health support following the Category 5 storm.

    The controversy emerged from within the ruling Jamaica Labour Party itself, with St Catherine South Western MP Everald Warmington leading criticism against the funding initiative. Nevertheless, Minister McKenzie defended the policy during a community outreach event hosted by Kingston’s Transform Life Church in Trelawny, highlighting that 176 religious institutions across the five most devastated parishes have already submitted applications for assistance.

    Minister McKenzie clarified that the funding is not intended for full reconstruction of damaged churches but rather for cleanup operations and minor repairs. He emphasized the non-political role of religious organizations in providing emotional counseling and practical support to distressed communities, recounting an encounter with an emotionally unstable woman in Santa Cruz who specifically requested non-political counseling.

    Social Development Commission Executive Director Omar Frith provided detailed application statistics: 46 from Westmoreland, 41 from St James, 40 from St Elizabeth, 30 from Trelawny, and 19 from Hanover. Verification processes for these applications are commencing immediately before funds are disbursed.

    The minister personally commended Transform Life Church for their ongoing community support efforts, noting their proximity to his ministry’s headquarters in Kingston and their collaborative approach to public assistance despite physical separation by a fence.

  • For the needy, not the greedy

    For the needy, not the greedy

    The Jamaican Government has officially initiated its comprehensive Hurricane Melissa Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP), a multi-billion-dollar national effort to transition from disaster relief to long-term reconstruction. Announced on Thursday at Jamaica House, this coordinated response encompasses housing restoration, community rehabilitation, and the relocation of residents from vulnerable areas.

    Led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the SRP incorporates sophisticated digital tracking systems and the use of Taxpayer Registration Numbers (TRN) to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure equitable distribution of aid. Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. emphasized that stringent protocols have been established based on lessons learned from past disasters, including Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which exposed vulnerabilities in benefit disbursement.

    A key feature of the programme is its tiered grant system, providing financial assistance of $75,000, $200,000, or $500,000 based on damage assessments already conducted on over 70,000 households. According to ministry data, 18% of assessed homes sustained severe damage, 40% major damage, and 42% minor damage from the October hurricane.

    Both Minister Charles Jr. and Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued strong warnings against scammers attempting to exploit vulnerable citizens, clarifying that no fees are associated with SRP applications and that the government does not employ intermediaries for grant processing. Artificial intelligence monitoring is being utilized to identify and remove fraudulent social media accounts impersonating government officials.

    The programme includes multiple components: government-led repairs managed by the Jamaica Defence Force, partner-led initiatives through humanitarian organizations, and financial solutions administered by the National Housing Trust. Additionally, the government is expanding its relocation and regularization efforts to move residents from high-risk areas to safer communities.

    International support was underscored by Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, who affirmed the organization’s commitment to community-centered recovery approaches that strengthen long-term resilience.

  • PM: Autonomy on front burner for Tobago

    PM: Autonomy on front burner for Tobago

    In a landmark political development, Tobago has ushered in a new era of governance following the Tobago People’s Party’s (TPP) unprecedented electoral sweep. On January 12, 2026, the TPP achieved a historic 15-0 victory in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections, marking only the second time in 45 years that a single party has captured all legislative seats.

    The political transformation culminated on January 15th with the inauguration ceremony in Scarborough, where newly appointed Chief Secretary Farley Augustine took his oath of office alongside President Christine Kangaloo. The event drew massive crowds of TPP supporters who gathered at James Park to witness the proceedings broadcast on large screens.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar attended the ceremony and committed to collaborative governance, pledging immediate action on Tobago’s long-awaited autonomy legislation. “Once the Parliament reopens tomorrow,” stated Persad-Bissessar, “we begin on Friday to give you greater autonomy based on Farley’s direction and guidance.”

    The autonomy movement gained momentum after the previous Tobago Self Government Bill, introduced by the former PNM administration, failed to secure opposition support in December 2024. Augustine criticized the previous legislation as not reflecting Tobago’s genuine aspirations.

    Significant structural reforms are now underway, including amendments to the THA Act that will expand governmental capabilities. The changes will increase the number of secretarial positions and elevate the quorum requirements for conducting official assembly business. The quorum will rise from 9 to 12 members, ensuring more representative decision-making in the expanded 19-member house.

    Augustine explained that the reforms would establish a Division of Legal Affairs and Inter-governmental Affairs, creating an equivalent to the Attorney General’s office. This granular approach to governance will allow for more efficient administration of Tobago’s unique developmental needs, particularly in managing the 33 items from the Fifth Schedule that previously had to be distributed among limited divisions.

    The political alignment between the national government and Tobago’s leadership signals a renewed commitment to addressing the island’s distinctive requirements through enhanced legislative framework and administrative efficiency.