Carib Scope

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  • Police capture wanted man ‘Bones’ for murder

    Police capture wanted man ‘Bones’ for murder

    Jamaican law enforcement authorities have successfully apprehended a homicide suspect following an intelligence-led operation in St Mary. Kerrin Bailey, a 32-year-old office administrator also known as ‘Bones’, was captured during coordinated raids conducted between 4:00 am and 7:00 am on Monday, February 2nd, in the Islington area.

    The suspect, who maintained residences in both Liguanea, Kingston 6 and Sport Road, Islington, had been actively sought by Kingston East police in connection with a violent incident that occurred months earlier. On November 13, 2025, approximately at 8:30 pm, residents of Jack Vale district in Bull Bay, St Andrew reported hearing explosive gunfire at a local residence.

    Police responding to the emergency call discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were immediately transported to medical facilities where 28-year-old truck driver Rai-Ronaldo Fry was pronounced deceased. A female victim was admitted to hospital in stable condition following emergency treatment.

    The operation represents a significant breakthrough in a case that has concerned local communities. Police utilized targeted intelligence gathering to track the suspect’s movements across parish lines before executing the precise dawn operation. This apprehension demonstrates the continued efforts of Jamaican law enforcement to address violent crime through coordinated inter-parish operations and community policing strategies.

  • Percy Junor Hospital get US$30,000 in supplies

    Percy Junor Hospital get US$30,000 in supplies

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant healthcare enhancement initiative has been launched at Percy Junor Hospital (PJH) in Manchester through a substantial donation from the newly established US-based diaspora foundation Right Now For Jamaica (RNFJ). The contribution, valued at approximately US$30,000, represents the first phase of a comprehensive support program designed to strengthen medical infrastructure in hurricane-affected regions.

    The donation encompasses both medical essentials and technological equipment, including specialized medical instruments such as forceps, syringes with needles, and skin preparation gel. The foundation also supplied patient care items ranging from antifungal creams to adult incontinence pads and baby diapers. Beyond medical supplies, the contribution included 15 computers, multiple tablets, administrative furniture, refrigeration units, and filing systems to modernize hospital operations.

    Founded by Manchester natives Dr. Maurice Miles and his wife Trudy Hall Miles, RNFJ emerged specifically to address reconstruction needs following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. The handover ceremony held on January 30 featured remarks from Ambassador Audrey Marks, Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, who also serves as Manchester North Eastern Member of Parliament where PJH is located.

    Ambassador Marks revealed that the initial donation represents merely the beginning of sustained support, with an additional US$24 million worth of supplies already being mobilized. Critical medical equipment including adult and pediatric ventilators, electrocardiogram machines, and dialysis units are currently being sourced by the foundation in direct response to identified hospital needs.

    Hall Miles, speaking for RNFJ, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to enabling quality healthcare delivery. ‘Providing medical teams with proper tools is fundamental to delivering compassionate care,’ she stated, noting plans to acquire intravenous poles and patient transport ventilators. The foundation has announced an upcoming fundraising gala in March featuring reggae artist Etana, with proceeds dedicated to health and education projects within Manchester North Eastern.

  • Tourism minister says Jamaica on track to achieve good winter season

    Tourism minister says Jamaica on track to achieve good winter season

    Jamaica’s tourism industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience as it rebounds from Hurricane Melissa’s impact, with officials projecting a strong winter season performance. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett unveiled the nation’s recovery strategy during a keynote address to nearly 100 travel advisors and industry stakeholders at Apple Leisure Group Vacations’ welcome dinner at RIU Montego Bay Resort on January 31.

    The minister revealed that Jamaica’s approach mirrors its successful COVID-19 pandemic response, emphasizing consistent messaging and strategic coordination. Bartlett recalled how the creation of ‘resilient corridors’ during the pandemic enabled controlled reopening from Negril to Port Antonio, providing the template for current recovery efforts.

    Following Hurricane Melissa, authorities implemented a targeted assessment and recovery plan involving property visits and a unified communication strategy centered on the message: ‘Jamaica is open for business.’ This coordinated approach has yielded significant results, with the majority of hotels and attractions now operational and over 500,000 visitors recorded in January alone.

    Bartlett confirmed that only eight hotels remain temporarily closed while repairs continue, including at the Princess Grand Jamaica Resort. The minister expressed confidence in achieving winter season targets running from December 15, 2025, through April 2026, noting that 71% of tourism assets were restored by December 15.

    Jacki Marks, Global Head of Trade Brands at ALG Vacations, emphasized the importance of firsthand experience for travel advisors, describing the four-day visit as a confidence-building initiative. She acknowledged the emotional impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, which represents a crucial market for ALG, and praised the island’s generosity and resilience.

    The ‘Advisors in Action: Come Back to Give Back’ event highlighted tourism’s rebuilding momentum and the essential role travel partners play in sustaining Jamaica’s economy during recovery efforts.

  • Jolyan Silvera pleads guilty to manslaughter in wife’s death

    Jolyan Silvera pleads guilty to manslaughter in wife’s death

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a dramatic courtroom development, ex-Parliament member Jolyan Silvera has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter charges concerning the fatal shooting of his spouse Melissa Silvera in 2023. The case has drawn significant public attention, unraveling a narrative that initially pointed to natural causes.

    The tragic incident dates back to November 10, 2023, when Melissa Silvera, a respected land developer and mother of four, was discovered deceased at the couple’s residence in Stony Hill, St Andrew. While early reports suggested the 42-year-old had succumbed to natural causes during sleep, a subsequent police investigation revealed three bullet fragments within her body, prompting a murder probe.

    Authorities took Silvera into custody in January 2024, where he has remained detained throughout judicial proceedings. The couple had been married since 2015, with their family tragedy compounded by the previous loss of one of their four sons.

    The legal representation includes defense attorneys Peter Champagnie King’s Counsel and Patrice Riley advocating for Silvera, while prosecutors Dwayne Green and Latoya Bernard are presenting the case for the Crown. The guilty plea represents a significant turning point in a case that has captivated Jamaican society, highlighting issues of domestic violence and judicial accountability.

  • St Kitts and Nevis implements new initiative to safeguard CBI programme

    St Kitts and Nevis implements new initiative to safeguard CBI programme

    The Federation of St Kitts and Nevis has announced the implementation of mandatory biometric data collection for its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, marking a significant enhancement to its national security infrastructure. This strategic initiative, scheduled for rollout before the conclusion of the first quarter, will apply to both new applicants and existing economic citizens, positioning the Caribbean nation alongside international security standards observed by the European Union, United States, and United Kingdom.

    Executive Chairman of the Citizenship Unit Calvin St Juste emphasized that the biometric measures reinforce the nation’s dedication to preserving the integrity of its citizenship programme while functioning as a responsible participant in global security efforts. The enhanced protocols will require all new CBI applicants to submit biometric identifiers during the application process. Existing economic citizens will be granted an extended compliance period to facilitate a seamless transition to the new requirements.

    Notably, the biometric mandate exclusively targets individuals who have obtained or are seeking citizenship through investment channels, with no implications for native-born citizens of St Kitts and Nevis. Detailed implementation guidelines and timelines for existing programme participants will be disseminated in the coming weeks.

    The government asserts that this advancement demonstrates its proactive stance toward evolving global security challenges and reinforces the international credibility of its travel documents. The Citizenship Unit has committed to providing comprehensive assistance throughout the transition period, ensuring both applicants and current citizens receive necessary support.

  • France set for first NFL regular-season game in 2026

    France set for first NFL regular-season game in 2026

    PARIS — The National Football League (NFL) has confirmed its strategic international expansion will include France as a new host nation for regular-season games starting in the 2026 season. This landmark decision positions Paris among the elite global cities selected to showcase American football at its highest level.

    The New Orleans Saints have been designated as the home team for this historic contest, which will take place at the renowned Stade de France. This venue, celebrated for hosting major international sporting events, will provide the backdrop for the NFL’s inaugural regular-season matchup in French territory. The specific date and opposing team will be formally announced during the league’s full schedule release in spring 2026.

    NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the significance of this move: “Introducing a regular-season game to Paris in 2026 represents a pivotal advancement in our ongoing global expansion efforts. As one of the world’s premier destinations for both sport and culture, Paris exemplifies the type of vibrant international market where we believe American football can thrive.”

    The selection of New Orleans stems from the NFL’s Global Markets Program, which grants exclusive international marketing rights to specific teams. The Saints maintain established promotional privileges throughout France, enabling them to cultivate local fan engagement through targeted events and commercial initiatives.

    This Parisian game will contribute to the growing tally of NFL contests held outside United States borders. Since the international series launched in 2005, 62 regular-season games have been staged across numerous global destinations including London, Munich, Madrid, Mexico City, and São Paulo.

    The league’s global ambitions extend beyond European markets. The 2026 season will also feature the NFL’s inaugural Australian game at Melbourne Cricket Ground, while Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracanã Stadium is scheduled to host another international contest, further solidifying the league’s commitment to worldwide growth.

  • Clarien Bank to acquire NCB’s Cayman unit in internal reorganisation

    Clarien Bank to acquire NCB’s Cayman unit in internal reorganisation

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant strategic consolidation of its offshore financial services, NCB Financial Group Limited (NCBFG) has announced the acquisition of NCB (Cayman) Limited by Clarien Bank Limited, its majority-owned subsidiary. This internal reorganization, pending regulatory approvals, will integrate the group’s Cayman Islands-based wealth management and banking operations under a unified platform.

    The transaction involves the structured transfer of select wealth and investment management client relationships from NCB’s Cayman operations to Clarien Bank, in which NCBFG currently maintains a 50.10 percent controlling interest. According to Group Chief Executive Officer Robert Almeida, this realignment represents a deliberate strategy to enhance operational coherence and strengthen focus across the financial group’s regional businesses.

    Following completion of the transaction, NCB (Cayman) Limited will undergo rebranding under the Clarien name. NCBFG emphasized that the reorganization is not anticipated to materially affect capital adequacy, liquidity, or ownership structure.

    Clarien CEO Ian Truran characterized the acquisition as supporting the bank’s strategic expansion into selective offshore markets, calling it “an exciting new chapter” for the institution. The bank has committed to ensuring a seamless transition for both clients and staff from NCB (Cayman) Limited and NCB Capital Markets (Cayman) Ltd.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of NCBFG’s evolving ownership strategy regarding Clarien. Earlier efforts to reduce exposure through a partial divestment expired in May 2025 without extension. Conversely, a separate disclosure from June 2025 indicated NCBFG’s potential acquisition of an additional 17.92 percent stake in Clarien, which would elevate its ownership to 68.02 percent if finalized. The group has stated that neither transaction is expected to significantly impact financial performance.

    Throughout the transition, clients will continue to be served by their existing relationship teams with no anticipated disruption to daily operations.

  • Cool, windy weather to continue through Tuesday as cold front affects Jamaica

    Cool, windy weather to continue through Tuesday as cold front affects Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A persistent cold front stationed west of Jamaica continues to influence the island’s weather patterns, according to the latest advisory from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. Residents should anticipate sustained cool conditions accompanied by powerful winds through the coming days.

    The weather system is projected to maintain its influence islandwide until Tuesday, with particularly intense winds targeting northern and southwestern parishes. Elevated and hilly regions across the island are also expected to experience heightened wind activity, especially during Monday.

    Monday’s forecast indicates predominantly cloudy skies with a probability of early morning showers in northern parishes and certain hilly zones. Notably cool temperatures will persist, reinforced by robust wind gusts approaching near-gale force intensities throughout Jamaica. Urban temperature projections show maximums of 22°C in Kingston and 20°C in Montego Bay.

    Weather patterns are expected to transition beginning Tuesday, with predictions suggesting predominantly fair yet cool conditions across the island. However, meteorological officials note that strong winds will likely continue affecting northern parishes and elevated terrains.

    Midweek brings a change in precipitation patterns. Wednesday may see isolated morning showers in northern regions while other areas experience mostly cloudy conditions. Meteorological models indicate expanding cloud coverage during afternoon hours with widely scattered showers anticipated across central and western parishes.

    By Thursday, weather developments point to increased cloud cover during afternoon and evening periods, accompanied by scattered showers and thunderstorm activity across most parishes.

    The Meteorological Service maintains active surveillance of the evolving weather system and pledges to provide timely updates as conditions develop.

  • Kendrick Lamar becomes most awarded rapper in Grammy history

    Kendrick Lamar becomes most awarded rapper in Grammy history

    In a historic moment for the music industry, Kendrick Lamar has officially become the most-awarded rapper in Grammy Awards history, eclipsing the previous record long held by hip-hop mogul Jay-Z. The groundbreaking achievement was confirmed during the 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, where Lamar’s artistic dominance was prominently displayed throughout the evening.

    Entering Sunday’s festivities with 26 Grammy wins already to his name, Lamar immediately surpassed Jay-Z’s benchmark of 25 victories by capturing the Best Rap Album honor for ‘GNX’ during the pre-telecast ceremony. His triumph continued unabated as the night progressed, ultimately concluding with an impressive total of 27 Grammy awards.

    Lamar’s extraordinary evening was highlighted by multiple major category victories. Beyond the Best Rap Album recognition, the Compton-native artist secured Record of the Year and Best Melodic Rap Performance for his work ‘Luther’, Best Rap Song for ‘TV Off’, and Best Rap Performance for the critically acclaimed ‘Clipse’s Chains & Whips’. His dominance was further emphasized by leading all nominees with nine nominations this year.

    The ‘Luther’ victory carried additional historical significance, making Lamar the first rapper ever to claim the Record of the Year honor twice. Furthermore, he became both the first male artist and first rapper to win this prestigious category in consecutive years, solidifying his unprecedented creative streak.

    This Grammy milestone caps a remarkable period for Lamar, who began 2025 by headlining the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show—making history as the first rapper to perform solo on the NFL’s grandest stage. The artist continues to build upon his previous Grammy success, having performed his diss track ‘Not Like Us’ at last year’s ceremony, which ultimately earned five awards including both Record and Song of the Year.

  • US Embassy invites Jamaicans to apply for visas ahead of World Cup 2026

    US Embassy invites Jamaicans to apply for visas ahead of World Cup 2026

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States Embassy located in Jamaica has initiated a campaign encouraging local residents to submit visa applications for attendance at the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup. Utilizing the social media platform X, the diplomatic mission announced that the United States stands ready to host international visitors for what it describes as potentially the greatest World Cup in history. The embassy’s statement emphasized, “Be a part of history and apply for your US visa today!” while also underscoring the necessity for all applicants to fulfill eligibility criteria as mandated by U.S. immigration laws.

    The 2026 tournament is set to be an unprecedented cross-continental event, jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Official reports indicate that the event has already spurred record-breaking ticket demand, highlighting immense global anticipation.

    However, this promotional effort unfolds against a backdrop of significant apprehension among potential attendees. On various social media channels, users have voiced hesitancy about traveling to the U.S., specifically referencing the nation’s current stringent immigration policies and heightened enforcement measures. Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, prominent football figures, including ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter, have endorsed discussions surrounding a potential fan boycott of matches held in the United States.

    Further intensifying the diplomatic atmosphere are recurrent remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential annexation of Greenland, which have contributed to international tensions. Conversely, Trump has separately and publicly voiced strong confidence that the 2026 World Cup will set a new benchmark for excellence in the tournament’s history.