Carib Scope

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  • #EyeOnMelissa: Portmore mayor taking precautionary measures to combat flooding

    #EyeOnMelissa: Portmore mayor taking precautionary measures to combat flooding

    ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Portmore Mayor Leon Thompson has reassured residents that drain cleaning operations, which commenced as early as April, are continuing in full swing as the municipality braces for Tropical Storm Melissa. In a statement to Observer Online on Tuesday, Thompson emphasized that equipment is on standby to address potential major flooding, ensuring swift removal of any blockages if necessary.

    Thompson highlighted that assessments have identified illegal constructions on drain reservations and walls as significant contributors to recurrent severe flooding in certain areas, particularly the Edgewater community. He specifically pointed out Michelle Crescent, where residents have extended their properties beyond legal boundaries, encroaching on critical drainage infrastructure.

    ‘Residents have built beyond their property lines, constructing on drain reservations and even on existing drain walls,’ Thompson explained. ‘This has led to the collapse of many drains, obstructing water flow and causing persistent flooding in Edgewater.’

    To address these issues, the municipal council has initiated corrective measures, including issuing enforcement notices to violators and maintaining routine drain cleaning. ‘We are systematically serving notices in these communities to ensure compliance,’ Thompson stated. The mayor’s proactive approach aims to mitigate flood risks and safeguard residents as the storm season intensifies.

  • Hydel edge KC, Charlie stun George’s as Manning Cup second round kicks off

    Hydel edge KC, Charlie stun George’s as Manning Cup second round kicks off

    The ISSA Wata Manning Cup second round commenced with a series of thrilling matches on Wednesday, delivering unexpected outcomes and shifting the dynamics of the competition. Defending champions Kingston College (KC) faced a shocking 0-1 defeat at the hands of Hydel High, marking their first loss of the season. The decisive moment came from Abraham Joseph, whose goal secured the victory for the St Catherine-based team. This result propelled Hydel to three points in Group 2, level with Calabar High, who dominated Campion College with a 4-1 win, but trailing on goal difference. Meanwhile, Charlie Smith High delivered a stunning performance, overcoming St George’s College 4-2 at Stadium East, catapulting them to the top of Group 3. In the same group, St Catherine High and Vauxhall High settled for a 0-0 draw, each earning a point. Excelsior High demonstrated their prowess with a commanding 3-0 victory over Wolmer’s Boys, taking the lead in Group 1 on goal difference ahead of St Andrew Technical High (STATHS), who narrowly defeated Tivoli Gardens High 1-0. In Group 4, Mona High asserted their dominance with a 4-1 triumph over St Jago High, while Jamaica College and Eltham High shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Mona now leads the group with three points, two ahead of Jamaica College and Eltham High.

  • Delcy: TT economy would collapse without Venezuela gas

    Delcy: TT economy would collapse without Venezuela gas

    Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez issued a stark warning to Trinidad and Tobago, asserting that its economy would face collapse without securing gas agreements with Venezuela. Speaking at the Venezuela Productiva 2030 Business Expo Forum on October 22, Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuelan gas must be paid for and criticized Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for relying on U.S. promises to access Venezuelan resources. Rodríguez accused Persad-Bissessar of being misled by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who allegedly promised free access to Venezuela’s gas. She described such claims as “fantasy” and warned that Trinidad’s business sectors would be left vulnerable if the country continued to pursue this path. Rodríguez underscored that Venezuela’s gas exports, including those to Trinidad and Tobago, are governed by international trade principles and require payment. She also highlighted the historical significance of Venezuela’s energy cooperation with Caribbean nations through initiatives like Petrocaribe, which the U.S. allegedly disrupted. Rodríguez’s remarks come amid renewed negotiations over the Dragon Gas project, a cross-border initiative involving Venezuela’s offshore reserves. Trinidad and Tobago recently secured a U.S. license to resume talks on the project, but Rodríguez insisted that only Venezuela’s government can facilitate the gas trade. Persad-Bissessar has yet to respond to Rodríguez’s comments.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Sandy Gully gets last minute clean-up as NWA prepares for heavy rain

    #EyeOnMelissa: Sandy Gully gets last minute clean-up as NWA prepares for heavy rain

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, the Jamaican government has ramped up efforts to mitigate potential flooding and infrastructure damage. Sandy Gully, a critical drainage channel in Kingston, has been a focal point of these preparations. Teams from the National Works Agency (NWA), alongside the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), have been conducting inspections and initiating cleanup operations in vulnerable areas. Minister Robert Nesta Morgan, responsible for Economic Growth and Job Creation, emphasized the urgency of these measures during a press briefing. He highlighted the accumulation of silt and debris in Sandy Gully, which poses significant risks to nearby infrastructure, including a vital bridge. The government has allocated approximately $4 billion for the rehabilitation of Sandy Gully and other major drainage systems across the Corporate Area and St James. However, immediate remedial actions are being taken to address the most critical threats posed by the approaching storm. Minister Morgan stressed the importance of protecting life and property, particularly in low-lying areas such as Clarendon Southern, St Elizabeth Southern, Manchester Southern, and St Andrew East Rural. The NWA has also partnered with contractors to stockpile materials like river shingle, ensuring swift response to road closures caused by flooding. Major infrastructure projects, including the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) and the SPARK Programme, have enhanced the country’s disaster resilience. Despite these efforts, Minister Morgan acknowledged that flooding is inevitable during heavy rainfall but assured that the government is prepared to provide necessary assistance.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Flow says it is fully prepared for potential storm

    #EyeOnMelissa: Flow says it is fully prepared for potential storm

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Telecommunications provider Flow has announced its comprehensive readiness for Tropical Storm Melissa, which is expected to bring severe weather conditions to the island. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a tropical storm watch, predicting strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding as the storm approaches.

  • Mt Pleasant take 5-1 lead in Caribbean Cup semis

    Mt Pleasant take 5-1 lead in Caribbean Cup semis

    In a commanding display of skill and strategy, Jamaica’s Mt Pleasant FA secured a resounding 5-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force FC in the first leg of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup semi-finals. The match, held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on Wednesday, saw Mt Pleasant FA take a formidable four-goal lead ahead of the return leg next week in Kingston. Raheem Edwards was the standout performer, netting a brace, while Warner Brown, Shaqueil Bradford, and Kimoni Bailey each contributed to the scoreline. Despite a late consolation goal by Kaihim Thomas for Defence Force FC, Mt Pleasant FA maintained their dominance throughout the game. This historic encounter marked the first meeting between the two teams in an international competition, with both making their semi-final debut. The return leg promises to be a thrilling showdown as Defence Force FC seeks to overturn the deficit.

  • Wisdom reclaims title at Jamaica Draughts & Pool Checkers Open Tournament

    Wisdom reclaims title at Jamaica Draughts & Pool Checkers Open Tournament

    The Jamaica Draughts & Pool Checkers Open Tournament, held recently at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay, brought together the island’s finest draughts players in a display of exceptional skill and strategic prowess. Organized by the Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA) in partnership with the Montego Bay Warriors Draughts Club, the event, themed ‘Settle All Arguments,’ drew competitors from across Jamaica, underscoring the growing popularity of the sport.

    In the highly anticipated Top Masters Division, defending champion Jason Wisdom clinched victory in a thrilling finish, narrowly defeating International Grandmaster Wayne ‘Shine’ Reid and Jermaine ‘Tiger’ Delattibudiere by a mere half-point. Reid secured second place, while Delattibudiere took third, following a tie-breaker under the Swiss system.

    The tournament also spotlighted emerging talent in the class two and class three divisions. Everette Kavanaugh emerged as the class two champion, with 16-year-old Justin Angus, Jamaica’s youngest competitor in this category, finishing as runner-up. Godfrey Menzie claimed third place. In class three, Dexton Hudson took the top spot, followed by Jason Case and Alexander Rose.

    The JDA highlighted the broader benefits of draughts, emphasizing its role in enhancing strategic thinking, problem-solving, and mental focus. Research has shown that engaging in mentally stimulating games like draughts can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline, making it both a competitive and health-enhancing activity.

    The association reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing local talent and providing a platform for players to excel at national and international levels, ensuring the continued growth and recognition of draughts as a sport of intellectual and strategic significance.

  • Quarry operator seeks return of seized property

    Quarry operator seeks return of seized property

    Prominent businessman Danny Guerra, along with 14 other individuals, appeared in court for the first time following charges related to the unlawful processing of aggregate without a license from the Ministry of Energy. Guerra, 50, the proprietor of DG Homes and manager of D Guerra Ltd, was among 17 people detained during a significant police operation on October 9. The operation targeted an alleged illegal quarry in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, resulting in the seizure of a multi-million-dollar washplant, trucks, excavators, and other heavy machinery. Guerra’s son, Garvin Guerra, 28, was also among those detained. The group, which includes Carminco Ltd supervisor Hannah Bovell, several truck drivers, and foreign nationals, was granted $50,000 bail on October 11, though three foreign nationals remain in custody due to their inability to access bail. Magistrate Avoinne Gill upheld the existing bail terms. Police informed the court that their investigation remains incomplete, requesting two months for the Director of Public Prosecutions to assign state counsel. Defence attorneys objected to the delay, prompting the court to order interim disclosure by October 24. Volumetric testing of materials from the site is still pending. Attorney Dayadai Harripaul, representing Guerra, indicated her client’s intent to seek High Court relief for the release of seized property, urging the police to return the equipment. The group faces charges under Section 45(1)(a) of the Minerals Act for processing minerals without a license at Lot A, San Carlos Estate, Manuel Congo. The case is set to resume on November 11.

  • PNM, UNC wrangle over ‘new ministry’ being ‘in a mess’

    PNM, UNC wrangle over ‘new ministry’ being ‘in a mess’

    A contentious meeting of the Standing Finance Committee in the House of Representatives unfolded on October 22, as government and opposition members clashed over the approval of a $1.8 billion expenditure for the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training. Minister Prof Prakash Persad defended the ministry’s budget, describing it as a ‘lean, small, and agile’ entity. He acknowledged the challenges of establishing baseline financial figures for the newly reconstituted ministry and hinted at potential mid-year funding adjustments if allocations proved insufficient. However, the meeting quickly devolved into a heated exchange over long-standing vacancies within the ministry. Opposition MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly pressed Persad for clarity on the number of unfilled positions, to which he responded that 126 out of 911 positions had been filled, attributing the disarray to the previous administration. The debate grew increasingly acrimonious, with MPs from both sides interjecting and Speaker Jagdeo Singh repeatedly calling for order. Persad denied evading questions, while Gadsby-Dolly accused him of providing inconsistent answers. The session highlighted the deep political divisions surrounding the ministry’s restructuring and financial management.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Fishers advised to head for land

    #EyeOnMelissa: Fishers advised to head for land

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities in Jamaica have issued urgent warnings to fishers and marine operators to evacuate coastal and offshore waters as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island. Dr. Gavin Bellamy, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), emphasized that safety remains the top priority as the island braces for severe weather conditions.