Carib Scope

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  • US air authority warns of ‘military activities’ over Mexico, Central America

    US air authority warns of ‘military activities’ over Mexico, Central America

    NEW YORK, United States — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a significant advisory urging airlines to exercise heightened caution when traversing airspace over Mexico, Central America, and specific oceanic regions. The notices, published on Friday, cite ongoing ‘military activities’ as the primary cause for concern, highlighting a ‘potentially hazardous situation’ that could lead to disruptions in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, which are critical for modern flight navigation.

    The advisory encompasses vast areas, including the airspace over Mexico, Central American nations, Panama, and the Bogota and Guayaquil flight information regions, as well as the Mazatlan Oceanic Flight Region and parts of the eastern Pacific Ocean. An FAA spokesperson confirmed that these notices to airmen (NOTAMs) are set to remain active for a period of 60 days, indicating a sustained period of potential risk.

    This development occurs against a backdrop of escalating regional military tensions. The context includes the recent January 3rd operation by U.S. special forces, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They are now facing trial on serious charges, including drug trafficking. Furthermore, statements from President Donald Trump have intensified concerns. In a recent Fox News interview, President Trump explicitly suggested plans to initiate ‘land strikes’ against powerful drug cartels operating within Mexico, a move that would constitute an unprecedented military intervention on the territory of a neighboring nation and a key U.S. trading partner. These factors collectively contribute to a volatile security environment, prompting the FAA’s precautionary measures to ensure aviation safety.

  • JPS hosts pop-up energy hubs to support residents of Westmoreland , St Elizabeth

    JPS hosts pop-up energy hubs to support residents of Westmoreland , St Elizabeth

    In a significant relief initiative, Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has successfully operated mobile energy hubs across eight communities in Westmoreland and St Elizabeth parishes over the past fortnight. These temporary facilities provide critical support to residents still awaiting full electricity restoration after Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic Category 5 impact.

    The strategic deployment targeted severely affected areas including Bethel Town, Ashton, Grange Hill, and Petersfield in Westmoreland, alongside Braes River, Southampton, Brighton, and Springfield in St Elizabeth. These locations represent what utility officials term the ‘last mile’ of restoration efforts—communities where extensive infrastructure damage and difficult terrain have considerably delayed power recovery.

    JPS’s innovative hubs offer multifaceted assistance: residents can charge mobile devices, access high-speed internet through SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service, obtain personalized customer support, and enjoy recreational activities including music and games. This comprehensive approach addresses both practical needs and psychological wellbeing during the prolonged recovery period.

    Company representatives confirm these pop-up hubs will rotate through additional affected parishes in coming weeks. Current restoration statistics indicate JPS has successfully reconnected approximately 93% of its total customer base, with ongoing work across all hurricane-impacted regions.

    The initiative reflects JPS’s dual strategy of simultaneously rebuilding physical infrastructure while maintaining community engagement during extended recovery operations. The unprecedented hurricane severity necessitated this innovative approach to customer support beyond traditional utility services.

  • Jamaicans encouraged to report building code breaches

    Jamaicans encouraged to report building code breaches

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Municipal authorities in Kingston and St. Andrew have intensified efforts to enhance construction safety through expanded public engagement. The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is actively encouraging citizens to utilize its formal complaint mechanism to report potential violations of national building standards.

    Duane Allison, Senior Building Officer at KSAMC, elaborated on the dual approach during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank session. While confirming that dedicated officers conduct regular zone patrols to identify unauthorized construction activities, Allison emphasized the critical role of community involvement through the corporation’s complementary complaint platform.

    “Our surveillance system operates through specialized officers monitoring construction zones to detect regulatory breaches,” Allison stated. “Simultaneously, we’ve established a responsive public reporting channel where residents can alert us to violations, particularly after-hours construction or development in environmentally sensitive areas.”

    The reporting process offers multiple access points: citizens can visit ksamc.gov.jm and navigate to the ‘report breaches’ section for digital submissions, or contact hotlines at (876) 967-0585/4195. Effective reports should include specific details such as property location and violation characteristics. Allison noted that complainants frequently report construction on gully reservations – protected natural drainage areas – prompting official investigations into project authorization status.

    To facilitate evidence-based investigations, the system accepts photographic documentation and supplementary materials from reporters. Notably, KSAMC guarantees anonymity for individuals submitting concerns, though those seeking follow-up communication may provide contact information.

    This initiative coincides with Jamaica’s Earthquake Awareness Week (January 11-17), organized under the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). With the thematic focus ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’, the campaign highlights the importance of code-compliant construction in mitigating seismic risks and ensuring structural integrity during natural disasters.

  • Cops kill 2, injure 1 in Facebook sting

    Cops kill 2, injure 1 in Facebook sting

    In a dramatic confrontation highlighting the dangers of online marketplace transactions, Trinidad and Tobago police eliminated two suspected bandits and apprehended two others during an intelligence-driven sting operation in St. Joseph on January 16.

    The operation, conducted by the North Central Division with support from a specialist unit, targeted criminals exploiting Facebook Marketplace to lure victims through fraudulent vehicle sales. Undercover officers arranged a meeting along Mt Hope Road posing as potential buyers, responding to advertisements investigators believed were designed to orchestrate robberies.

    According to official TT Police Service (TTPS) statements, four men approached the officers at the designated location and declared a robbery. The situation escalated when suspects opened fire on plainclothes officers, triggering an immediate armed response. Police returned fire, striking three suspects while the fourth accomplice fled the scene.

    Two wounded suspects succumbed to their injuries after being transported to Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. The third injured suspect remains hospitalized under police surveillance, while one suspect was apprehended at the scene without injuries. Law enforcement recovered two firearms as evidence from the confrontation.

    Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro issued stern warnings to criminals exploiting digital platforms, stating: ‘Expect to meet officers who are trained, prepared and ready to act decisively and within the law. We will continue to confront criminality with lawful, measured and decisive action.’

    The TTPS has intensified public advisories regarding online transaction safety, urging citizens to verify identities, insist on secure meeting locations, avoid attending transactions alone, and report suspicious activity immediately. Commissioner Guevarro added that anyone harboring the escaped suspect would ‘feel the full brunt of the law.’

    Investigations continue as authorities work to dismantle criminal networks operating through digital marketplaces.

  • Tami Chin Mitchell announces departure from CVM’s morning show

    Tami Chin Mitchell announces departure from CVM’s morning show

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Prominent television personality and businesswoman Tami Chin Mitchell has officially declared her exit from CVM-TV’s flagship morning program, Sunrise, concluding her two-year tenure as host. The announcement was made through her official Instagram account this past Friday, marking a significant transition in her professional career.

    In a thoughtfully composed social media post, Mitchell expressed profound gratitude for her experiences on the show. She extended appreciation for the early morning commitments, engaging dialogues, and the dedicated team of co-hosts, producers, crew members, and stylists who transformed weekly appearances into a genuinely enjoyable endeavor.

    Addressing potential perceptions of her departure, Mitchell reframed the narrative, characterizing her decision not as resignation but as a conscious response to an internal directive. She described it as heeding a ‘quiet inner nudge’ signaling the existence of uncharted territories and new professional dimensions awaiting exploration. This move follows her initial recruitment to the program alongside other notable personalities, including Miss Kitty, as part of a strategic refresh of the morning show’s lineup.

    The departure raises questions about Mitchell’s forthcoming projects, potentially spanning her entrepreneurial interests or new media ventures, though specific details remain undisclosed. Her exit represents a notable shift for Sunrise, which now faces the task of filling a void left by a host recognized for her articulate presence and connection with viewers.

  • Kobe Lawrence improves on his Oregon shot put record

    Kobe Lawrence improves on his Oregon shot put record

    Jamaican collegiate athletes delivered an extraordinary display of athletic prowess across multiple U.S. indoor track and field meets on Friday, headlined by Kobe Lawrence’s record-shattering performance in the shot put. Competing for the University of Oregon, Lawrence achieved a monumental throw of 19.81 meters at the Thane Baker Invitational in Kansas, establishing new meet, facility, and personal records while posting the third-best NCAA mark of the current season. His achievement surpassed his previous personal best of 19.21m set in Arkansas last year, broke the meet record previously held by fellow Jamaican Yekini Bowen, and eclipsed a 51-year facility record set by Tucker Smith in 1975.

    The exceptional performances extended beyond Lawrence’s historic throw. At the LSU Purple Tiger meet in Baton Rouge, Jordan Turner of LSU leaped to a world-class 7.96 meters in the long jump, momentarily claiming the world lead until Tennessee’s Cade Gray surpassed him later that day. Turner’s remarkable jump represented a significant improvement over his previous best of 7.67m.

    Additional Jamaican successes included Salleci Myles’ victory in the women’s 60m hurdles (8.30s), Skyler Franklin’s win in the women’s 200m (24.19s), and Josh-Ty Brown’s shot put triumph (16.36m) at the same LSU meet. Meanwhile, at the Jimmy Carnes Invitational in Florida, Florida State University’s Shenese Walker clocked 23.15 seconds in the women’s 200m, ranking second in NCAA at the time.

    The dominance continued at other venues: Daniel Beckford of Northern Colorado University won the men’s 60m hurdles (7.90s) at the Graduate Classic in Nebraska, while Brittianie Johnson of Purdue University achieved a massive personal best of 19.68m in the weight throw at the Corky Classic in Texas, moving up to seventh on Purdue’s all-time list.

  • Daren Sammy tells players to stake their claim ahead of World Cup

    Daren Sammy tells players to stake their claim ahead of World Cup

    DUBAI – West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has framed the upcoming three-match T20 series against Afghanistan as a critical audition stage for emerging players vying for World Cup selection. The series, commencing January 19 in Dubai, will proceed without several established stars, creating a void that Sammy believes presents a golden opportunity for the squad’s fringe members.

    The 16-member regional squad has assembled in Dubai, with batsman Johnson Charles being the final arrival scheduled for January 17. Notably absent are T20 captain Shai Hope, all-rounder Jason Holder, spinner Akeal Hosein, and power-hitter Rovman Powell. Their absence shifts the spotlight onto a cohort of promising youngsters, including Quentin Sampson, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer, and wicketkeeper Amir Jangoo.

    Speaking on the team’s objectives, Sammy emphasized the dual nature of the series. While victory remains the immediate aim, the broader strategic goal is to build momentum and solidify team roles ahead of the T20 World Cup, which begins next month across India and Sri Lanka. The Caribbean side is pursuing an unprecedented third world title in the shortest format.

    Sammy highlighted the strategic value of facing a strong Afghan side in Dubai, where conditions mirror those expected on the subcontinent during the global tournament. He stated this provides ideal preparation, not just for those securing their World Cup spots, but also for building a foundation for the future of West Indies cricket. The final World Cup squad has not yet been announced, making every performance in this series a potential selection decider.

  • AG falls short onUS boat strikes

    AG falls short onUS boat strikes

    A prominent legal scholar from St Augustine has issued a forceful critique of Attorney General John Jeremy’s defense of recent US military operations targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking from Venezuela. In a sharply worded editorial published by Newsday, Fazir Khan questions the legal foundation and transparency of the government’s position regarding these controversial strikes.

    The criticism centers on the Attorney General’s public assurance that the military operations are “consistent with international law” despite providing no factual basis or legal justification for this conclusion. Fundamental questions remain unanswered: the precise location of the vessels at the time of engagement (whether in international waters, Venezuelan territorial waters, or another nation’s maritime zone), the nature of evidence demonstrating drug-trafficking activities, whether proper warnings were issued prior to engagement, and the exact number and nationalities of casualties.

    Particularly troubling is the AG’s reliance on an anonymous “international legal expert” whose opinion he cites but refuses to disclose or summarize. This approach, Khan argues, fails to meet basic transparency standards expected for decisions that potentially engage Trinidad and Tobago’s international responsibilities, bilateral relations, and fundamental human rights considerations.

    The editorial highlights a striking contradiction in the government’s position: while reports indicate two Trinidad and Tobago nationals may have been killed in one strike, the AG simultaneously claims ignorance about whether any citizens were casualties while still certifying the overall legality of the operations. This raises serious questions about how the lawfulness of lethal force can be properly assessed without clarity on targeting criteria, rules of engagement, and civilian protection measures.

    Khan emphasizes that principles of distinction, proportionality, and necessity are not abstract legal concepts but directly determine whether human lives were taken arbitrarily. The AG’s reported refusal to explain how summary destruction of vessels and loss of life reconcile with Trinidad and Tobago’s normal rule of law paradigm for addressing crime creates deep dissatisfaction with the official narrative.

    The legal scholar concludes that the Attorney General’s job cannot be considered complete without three critical components: a thorough evidence-based assessment of the facts, a reasoned explanation grounded in international law demonstrating how these facts meet relevant legal tests, and appropriate disclosure to Parliament and the public—with exceptions only for genuinely sensitive operational details. If the legal opinion supporting the AG’s conclusion is sound, Khan argues, it should withstand public scrutiny.

  • Champs Barrackpore West start Under-15 volleyball campaign with a bang

    Champs Barrackpore West start Under-15 volleyball campaign with a bang

    Defending champions Barrackpore West Secondary School launched their 2026 Secondary Schools Volleyball League (SSVL) campaign with commanding performances on their home court in Barrackpore on January 14, securing two decisive victories in the boys’ Under-15 division.

    The team demonstrated exceptional form against San Juan South Secondary, last year’s Under-17 and open champions, delivering a dominant straight-sets victory with scores of 25-5 and 25-12. Continuing their impressive run, Barrackpore subsequently overcame Naparima College with equally convincing results of 25-13 and 25-8.

    In related action, Naparima College managed to rebound against San Juan South in a comparatively closer contest, securing their own straight-sets win at 25-11 and 25-15.

    The 2026 SSVL season commenced on January 12 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sport Arena in Tacarigua and will continue through February 8. The competition resumes on January 18 with six boys’ open matches scheduled at Aranguez North Secondary School, promising continued excitement in the tournament.

  • Trinidad and Tobago U-17s pick 23-man squad for Peru friendlies

    Trinidad and Tobago U-17s pick 23-man squad for Peru friendlies

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-17 men’s national football team is set to embark on a critical preparatory phase as head coach Randolph Boyce unveils a 23-player roster for two international friendlies against Peru’s U-17 squad. The matches, scheduled for January 28 and 30 in Lima, serve as the final testing ground before the team competes in the 2026 Concacaf Under-17 Qualifiers from February 3-12.

    The qualifiers hold immense significance as Trinidad and Tobago prepares to host Group A at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, facing regional opponents Barbados, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, and tournament favorites Mexico. The competitive format features eight groups across the region, with only the group winners securing automatic qualification for the FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar this November.

    Coach Boyce has assembled a squad blending international talent and domestic standouts, featuring two overseas-based players: Inter Miami goalkeeper Levi Williams and Jamaican-based defender Akel Vesprey. The selection heavily draws from the Secondary Schools Football League’s top performers, including Fatima College’s Jeremai Nanton and Reagan Rowe, St Mary’s College playmaker Finn De Freitas, and St Anthony’s College center back Adriel Faure. The roster also includes San Juan North Secondary’s Daniel Lewis, Queen’s Royal College winger Jasai Theophilus, and Naparima College quartet Mikhail Clement, Adasa Richardson, Antonio Hills, and Sebastian James.

    In exclusive comments to TT Football Association media, Boyce expressed cautious optimism about the team’s development. “The boys have been putting in the work and they’re listening to detail,” the St Benedict’s College coach noted. “We still want them to be more meticulous in application, but we believe in three weeks’ time we will get it done.”

    Boyce emphasized the educational aspect of working with developing athletes, describing his squad as “a learning bunch” that “soaks up information like sponge.” While acknowledging the need for greater maturity in execution, the coach believes repeated training repetitions will yield the desired improvements before the Barbados opener on February 3.

    The Peru friendlies represent a strategic opportunity to evaluate the team against same-age competition after primarily facing older opponents during training. Boyce specifically intends to assess his players’ aggression, patience, and discipline across “the four moments of the game” against international opposition, thanking the TTFA for facilitating the valuable preparatory matches.