Carib Scope

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  • Man City close to Guehi signing

    Man City close to Guehi signing

    Manchester City are approaching the completion of a significant defensive acquisition, with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirming on Friday that negotiations for England international Marc Guehi have reached their “final stages.” The Premier League champions are prepared to pay approximately £20 million ($27 million) to secure the 25-year-old center-back’s services during the January transfer window.

    The move comes as Pep Guardiola’s squad faces a severe defensive crisis, with first-choice central defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol all sidelined due to injuries. Nathan Ake has also been managing fitness concerns that limit his availability. This personnel shortage has prompted City to accelerate their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.

    Guehi, who captained Crystal Palace to their historic FA Cup victory against Manchester City last May, brings considerable experience despite his relatively young age. With 26 appearances for the English national team and demonstrated leadership qualities, the defender represents both an immediate solution and long-term investment for City. His potential transfer follows City’s recent £65 million acquisition of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

    Several elite European clubs, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich, had expressed interest in Guehi but were reportedly planning approaches for the summer transfer window when his contract was set to expire. Manchester City’s proactive move in the January window has potentially preempted these competing interests.

    Glasner, who simultaneously announced his impending departure from Crystal Palace when his contract concludes at season’s end, praised Guehi’s professionalism and commitment throughout the transfer process. The manager emphasized that while the club would have preferred to retain their captain indefinitely, they respect his decision to advance his career elsewhere.

    Guardiola remained characteristically reserved about the potential signing during his pre-match press conference, offering no specific comments on the transfer while acknowledging his team’s defensive challenges. With City trailing Arsenal by six points in the Premier League title race and maintaining ambitions in three cup competitions, defensive reinforcements could prove crucial to their pursuit of multiple trophies.

  • Bahamas opens globally recognised Category 5 hurricane shelter

    Bahamas opens globally recognised Category 5 hurricane shelter

    NASSAU, Bahamas – A state-of-the-art hurricane shelter engineered to withstand Category 5 storms has been officially activated on the island of Abaco, marking a significant advancement in climate resilience for the Caribbean region. This facility represents a trilateral collaboration between the governments of The Bahamas and India, alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    Designed to endure wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, the shelter can accommodate up to 800 individuals during emergencies. Beyond its primary function as a disaster safe haven, the facility serves as a multi-purpose community center throughout the year. It features comprehensive solar power systems, advanced water harvesting capabilities, and disability-inclusive infrastructure, including accessible entry points and restroom facilities. The complex also contains an industrial kitchen, dedicated office space for emergency personnel, and outdoor areas for sporting activities.

    Financed through a $1 million grant from the India-UN Development Fund, the project was managed by UNDP with The Bahamas’ Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRA) serving as the national implementing partner. The Bahamian government contributed additional co-financing of $3.5 million for the initiative.

    Indian High Commissioner to The Bahamas, Shri Mayank Joshi, highlighted that the Abaco shelter has been recognized as a global best practice by the India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). He emphasized that the project embodies the philosophical principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the concept that the world is one family – and demonstrates India’s solidarity with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing climate vulnerabilities.

    Leon Lundy, Minister of State for Disaster Risk Management, described the facility as a “beacon of hope” that will function as both a community development space during ordinary times and a critical sanctuary during extreme weather events. The Bahamian government plans to expand this shelter model to other vulnerable islands in the archipelago.

    UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Kishan Khoday praised the South-South cooperation model between The Bahamas and India, noting its potential for replication across other Caribbean SIDS. With the 2025 hurricane season setting new records for storm intensity, Khoday stressed the urgent need for scaled-up investments in climate-resilient infrastructure throughout the region.

    The completion of the Abaco shelter concludes UNDP’s post-Hurricane Dorian recovery support to The Bahamas, while the organization’s Multi-Country Office in Jamaica continues to expand climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean in response to increasingly frequent and severe climate disasters.

  • Individuals urged to have contracts in place ahead of home construction

    Individuals urged to have contracts in place ahead of home construction

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) has issued a critical warning to citizens undertaking construction projects, emphasizing the non-negotiable necessity of formal written contracts to mitigate substantial financial and legal exposures. This advisory comes amid growing concerns about unregulated practices within Jamaica’s construction sector.

    Lenworth Kelly, former IMAJ president, articulated these concerns during a recent JIS Think Tank session, highlighting the alarming absence of regulatory legislation governing contractors. “The industry faces significant challenges due to the lack of formal oversight,” Kelly stated. “Many individuals operate as contractors based solely on self-proclamation, without verified credentials or regulatory compliance.”

    Kelly emphasized that a formal contract represents the fundamental first step upon completion of building plans and drawings. He characterized the undertaking of major construction without contractual protection as “ridiculous,” particularly given that home construction or expansion typically constitutes the largest financial investment in an individual’s lifetime.

    Beyond contract formalization, the IMAJ recommends engaging qualified professionals—architects, engineers, or designers—to administer projects on the homeowner’s behalf. These professionals can conduct monthly milestone verifications and authorize payment disbursements, ensuring accountability and quality control throughout the construction process.

    Common issues reported to the IMAJ frequently involve homeowners who neglected basic due diligence. Kelly posed essential questions homeowners should address: “Have you verified the contractor’s background? What is their professional track record? Are they properly registered with the Company’s Office of Jamaica? How extensive is their business experience?”

    Notably, the association stresses that even minor projects require documented agreements. Kelly illustrated this point stating, “Even for constructing something as simple as a chicken coop, document the terms on paper—specify payment amounts, schedules, and timelines. Such documentation still constitutes a legally recognizable contract.”

    To support public awareness and protection, the IMAJ offers complimentary consulting services through its in-house expert, available to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Homeowners can schedule in-person consultations, Zoom calls, or telephone advice at no cost, receiving professional guidance for various construction endeavors, from small home expansions to new builds.

  • Kranium’s Nobody Has to Know is now gold in the United Kingdom

    Kranium’s Nobody Has to Know is now gold in the United Kingdom

    Jamaican dancehall sensation Kranium has secured another major international milestone as his breakthrough single ‘Nobody Has to Know’ has been officially certified Gold in the United Kingdom. The British Phonographic Institute (BPI) formally awarded this prestigious certification on January 16, recognizing the track’s exceptional performance in exceeding 400,000 combined unit sales and streams.

    Originally released in 2013, the Havendale-produced track gradually built international momentum, previously achieving Platinum status in Canada (2021) and Gold certification in the United States (2019). The song’s remarkable journey included climbing Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in 2015, where it peaked at position #44.

    In exclusive interviews, Kranium (born Kemar Donaldson) revealed his unwavering confidence in the track’s potential from its inception. “I was 100 percent sure that it would’ve been a hit,” the artist stated, emphasizing his mission to represent dancehall music on global platforms. The St James-born artist approaches his craft with purposeful intention, noting: “I do music for a cause. I’m representing dancehall music overseas.”

    The success story carries a family legacy—Kranium is the nephew of renowned 1980s singjay Screwdriver, who achieved fame with the hit ‘Sharon.’ This latest certification reinforces the enduring appeal of properly executed dancehall music and demonstrates the genre’s capacity for cross-border success when supported by both artists and audiences.

  • Spanish singer Julio Iglesias says abuse allegations ‘absolutely false’

    Spanish singer Julio Iglesias says abuse allegations ‘absolutely false’

    MADRID, Spain—Global music icon Julio Iglesias has publicly refuted serious allegations of misconduct brought forward by two former employees. The 82-year-old recording artist, recognized as one of Latin music’s most accomplished performers, took to Instagram to address the claims that have captivated Spanish media.

    In a formal statement, Iglesias asserted: “I categorically deny having abused, coerced, or disrespected any woman. These accusations are not only completely untrue but have caused me profound distress.” The singer, whose career has spanned decades with over 300 million records sold worldwide, expressed his dismay at the allegations.

    The complaints originated from a domestic worker and physiotherapist who alleged they experienced various forms of abuse while employed at Iglesias’s residences in the Dominican Republic and Bahamas during 2021. Their accounts, compiled by advocacy organizations Women’s Link Worldwide and Amnesty International, were formally presented to Spanish prosecutors on January 5.

    The submitted documentation outlines alleged behaviors that could potentially constitute “human trafficking for forced labor” and “crimes against sexual freedom” under Spanish law. Specific claims include allegations of sexual harassment, communication monitoring through phone checks, movement restrictions, and demanding work schedules extending to 16-hour days without time off.

    Iglesias responded emotionally to the allegations, stating: “It is with deep sorrow that I address these accusations from individuals previously in my employ. While I’ve never encountered such malice before, I retain sufficient resolve to reveal the complete truth and protect my reputation against these grave charges.” He additionally acknowledged receiving numerous supportive messages during this period.

    The allegations against the renowned crooner have generated significant political and social reactions throughout Spain. Left-leaning government representatives have expressed support for the complainants and called for thorough investigation. Meanwhile, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the conservative Popular Party and personal acquaintance of Iglesias, described himself as “exceptionally surprised” while cautioning against premature speculation.

    Adding perspective to the character assessment, Iglesias’s former manager Fernan Martinez acknowledged the artist’s affectionate nature and comfort with physical contact but emphasized he never witnessed aggressive behavior from the music legend.

  • Court rules punishment of cop over viral TikTok video was excessive

    Court rules punishment of cop over viral TikTok video was excessive

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling against the nation’s police leadership, declaring that senior commanders exceeded their legal jurisdiction when disciplining an officer over a controversial TikTok video. Justice Tania Mott Tulloch-Reid determined that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) leadership violated established Police Service Regulations in their handling of the case involving Constable Miskha Sterling-Gibson.

    The judicial review centered on a January 2024 social media post featuring three uniformed officers participating in a viral trend. The video contained satirical commentary about police privileges, including skipping fast-food queues and using sirens to avoid traffic. While the JCF High Command initially deemed the content damaging to the force’s reputation, the court found the disciplinary response legally unsound.

    Specifically, the court invalidated actions taken by Deputy Commissioner Richard Stewart, who ordered the constable to undergo six months of confinement training at the National Police College of Jamaica—far exceeding the three-day maximum permitted under regulations. The ruling also condemned then-Senior Superintendent Michael Phipps for imposing duplicate punishment during an orderly room hearing in March, after the officer had already received sanctions for the same incident.

    In her decisive judgment, Justice Tulloch-Reid declared that all illegitimate sanctions were quashed and that the officer had already fulfilled all legitimate penalties related to the video. The court further ordered each party to bear their own legal costs, establishing an important precedent regarding police disciplinary procedures and officers’ social media rights.

  • Police federation appeals for blood for cop mowed down by taxi driver

    Police federation appeals for blood for cop mowed down by taxi driver

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—An urgent nationwide appeal for blood donations has been issued by the Jamaica Police Federation following a critical incident involving one of their officers. Constable Kwasian Kirlew, a dedicated member of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), sustained severe injuries after being struck by a taxi operator last Friday afternoon at the Hope Road and Lady Musgrave Road intersection in St. Andrew.

    The injured officer is currently undergoing intensive medical treatment at the University Hospital of the West Indies, where medical professionals have emphasized the critical need for immediate blood donations to support her recovery. The hospital’s medical team has formally declared an emergency requirement for blood supplies to facilitate Constable Kirlew’s urgent care needs.

    Authorities are encouraging compassionate citizens to visit any of the island’s blood collection facilities, including the National Blood Bank or the University Hospital of the West Indies’ dedicated blood collection center. Donors are specifically requested to present their donation receipts to the University Hospital’s blood collection center to ensure proper tracking and allocation of resources toward Constable Kirlew’s medical treatment. This collective effort demonstrates community solidarity with law enforcement personnel during times of crisis.

  • different secures realtor license, aims to unlock investment properties across Caribbean

    different secures realtor license, aims to unlock investment properties across Caribbean

    KINGSTON, JAMAICA – different Capital, an innovative real estate brokerage firm headquartered in Kingston, has achieved a significant regulatory milestone by obtaining its official realtor license. This authorization enables the company to advance its pioneering business model designed to democratize access to premium commercial real estate investments across the Caribbean region.

    The announcement was formally made through a video statement by Gary Matalon, Deputy CEO of different Capital, who declared, “We’ve got it, it’s different, it’s official. Our mission is to curate and present the most compelling real estate investment opportunities throughout the Caribbean to our investors.”

    Co-established by Matalon and seasoned financier Christopher Williams, different Capital operates on a fractional ownership principle. This model permits retail investors to acquire shares in individual commercial properties rather than requiring full asset purchases. The recently secured brokerage license was a crucial prerequisite for the company’s planned US$6 million capital raise. These funds are earmarked for the acquisition of a commercial plaza, which the firm intends to transform into a standalone public entity. This structure will enable fractionalization of the property into affordable shares for small-scale investors.

    A central component of different Capital’s strategy involves targeting the Caribbean diaspora, with ambitions to allocate up to 50% of its investment inventory to this demographic. Matalon outlined expansion plans, stating, “We are strategically building our realtor network in key international hubs including Broward County, Dade County, Atlanta, New York, London, Birmingham, and Canadian cities like Toronto. Investors should prepare for exceptional opportunities.”

    Christopher Williams recently addressed investment prospects at a Miami conference, advocating for real estate as a superior inflation hedge with attractive returns. He emphasized that real estate exhibits the lowest price volatility among asset classes when measured by standard deviation. “Our comprehensive analysis across asset categories consistently identifies real estate as the most compelling sector for serious investment consideration,” Williams asserted.

    He further elaborated that contemporary real estate participation extends beyond traditional property ownership, noting that consortium-based investments enable portfolio diversification without leveraging personal capital. This approach provides exposure to multiple properties while mitigating individual risk, making institutional-grade investments accessible to retail participants.

  • Westmoreland man charged with arson

    Westmoreland man charged with arson

    A 39-year-old Westmoreland resident is confronting serious legal consequences following an alleged arson incident that occurred in the Smithfield district of Savanna-la-Mar on Tuesday, January 13. Jason Hinds has been formally charged with arson after authorities investigated a disturbing neighborhood altercation that escalated into property damage.

    According to official reports from the Savanna-la-Mar Police Department, the incident unfolded at approximately 10:00 AM when Hinds allegedly entered a neighbor’s property while carrying a container filled with what investigators believe was gasoline. Law enforcement authorities report that the suspect proceeded to pour the flammable liquid beneath a window of the residential dwelling before intentionally igniting it.

    The resulting fire caused significant damage to the window structure, surrounding wooden boards, and interior curtains before being extinguished by responders. Quick intervention prevented the blaze from spreading further through the property, potentially averting a more severe tragedy.

    Following a comprehensive investigation and crime scene processing by forensic specialists, Hinds was apprehended during a targeted police operation conducted along Barracks Road in Westmoreland later that same day. The efficient police response led to his arrest within hours of the reported incident.

    The case highlights ongoing concerns about community disputes escalating into dangerous criminal behavior in residential areas. Legal proceedings are expected to move forward as the judicial system evaluates the evidence against the accused individual.

  • Market Bag: Mixed basket for food prices in Linstead

    Market Bag: Mixed basket for food prices in Linstead

    The Linstead Market in St. Catherine, Jamaica, presented consumers with contrasting price movements this weekend, creating a complex shopping landscape for household staples. A detailed market analysis reveals significant price reductions for several key vegetables, while other produce items experienced notable increases.

    Tomatoes emerged as the most dramatically reduced item, selling at approximately $400 per pound—a substantial decrease from the $600 per pound recorded at Kingston’s Coronation Market just one week prior. Carrots also saw a favorable dip in price, available for as low as $100 per pound, marking a $50 reduction from the previous week. Cabbage completed the trio of declining prices, now fetching $150 per pound, which represents a $100 savings for consumers compared to last weekend’s rates in Kingston.

    Conversely, the market witnessed upward price pressure on other essential ingredients. Escallion prices rose to $300 per pound, while lettuce reached $1,000 per pound. Scotch bonnet peppers, a staple in Jamaican cuisine, climbed to $800 per pound, presenting budgetary challenges for consumers seeking these particular items.

    The latest episode of ‘Market Bag,’ hosted by Carlysia Ramdeen, featured special guest Cleo Jones, a young poultry farmer, potentially offering insights into broader agricultural trends affecting market prices across the region. The program promises to deliver valuable perspectives on Jamaica’s food distribution networks and pricing mechanisms.