Carib Scope

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  • Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act over Minnesota protests

    Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act over Minnesota protests

    MINNEAPOLIS, United States – Escalating tensions between federal authorities and Minnesota protesters have prompted President Donald Trump to threaten deployment of military forces under the 19th-century Insurrection Act. The unprecedented warning follows two separate incidents where federal immigration agents discharged their weapons in Minneapolis, resulting in one fatality and one injury this week.

    The political confrontation intensified Thursday as Trump utilized his social media platform to accuse Minnesota’s Democratic leadership of permitting ‘professional agitators and insurrectionists’ to target Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. The President explicitly warned that failure to restore order would trigger implementation of the rarely used statute, last invoked during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

    Minnesota Governor Tim Walz countered with vehement criticism, describing federal operations as ‘a campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota.’ In a video address Wednesday night, Walz detailed numerous violent incidents including broken windows, dragged pregnant women, and the January 7 killing of 37-year-old Renee Good. The governor urged peaceful protests while demanding the immediate cessation of what he termed federal ‘occupation.’

    The crisis deepened Wednesday evening when an ICE agent shot and injured a Venezuelan immigrant during an apprehension attempt. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the shooting occurred during a physical struggle, with two additional individuals subsequently attacking the federal agent with household implements. All three individuals are now in custody, with the shooting victim hospitalized for non-life-threatening leg injuries.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declined to speculate on Trump’s potential invocation of the Insurrection Act when questioned outside the White House Thursday, stating merely that ‘It’s his constitutional right’ to utilize such measures.

    The controversy extends beyond street-level confrontations. Newly released data reveals ICE recorded 30 detention fatalities in 2025, setting a tragic agency record. A Washington Post investigation indicates the forthcoming homicide declaration regarding 55-year-old Cuban immigrant Lunas Campos, whose preliminary cause of death was identified as asphyxia due to neck and chest compression.

    White House officials remained defiant amid mounting criticism. Senior adviser Stephen Miller accused Minnesota authorities of deliberately inciting ‘violent insurrection,’ while press secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted media complicity in the escalating violence. The administration continues to pursue its aggressive immigration agenda despite numerous court challenges and mass protests organized under the anti-authoritarian mantra ‘No Kings.’

  • JN Money Services expands to nine new markets amid core group restructuring

    JN Money Services expands to nine new markets amid core group restructuring

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica National Group (JN Group) is executing a dramatic strategic pivot, divesting non-core overseas financial assets while simultaneously accelerating the global expansion of its remittance division, JN Money Services (JNMS). This two-pronged approach signals a decisive refocusing on its most promising business line as the conglomerate battles to return to profitability following three consecutive years of financial losses.

    The contrast in strategy is stark. While the group sells off international subsidiaries like JN Bank UK, JN Money Services is aggressively extending its geographical reach. The company confirmed in an official statement that it has launched operations in nine new markets: Gambia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kenya, Philippines, Senegal, and Uganda. This move represents a significant fulfillment of expansion plans previously forecasted in a December 2025 CariCRIS credit report, which noted the company’s intent to enter Ghana and Nepal.

    This physical network expansion is being complemented by a robust digital transformation initiative. JN Group is currently piloting the JN Money app with customers in the United Kingdom, with a full commercial rollout anticipated by January 16. This digital thrust is designed to bolster the company’s competitiveness in the international remittance arena by enhancing operational efficiency and improving customer accessibility.

    The strategic rationale behind these moves is clear. JN Group is under significant pressure to dramatically reduce its cost-to-income ratio, which currently stands at a burdensome 105.6 percent. Investments in technology, including deployments at its JN Bank subsidiary, are projected to enhance operating efficiency over the next 12 to 15 months. The overarching strategy involves cauterizing financial losses from non-core overseas assets while channeling renewed investment into the high-potential remittance sector.

    Positioned not for retrenchment but as a primary engine for future growth, JN Money Services is leveraging its established 16 percent share of Jamaica’s domestic remittance market to capture a larger portion of vital diaspora money flows worldwide. This strategic consolidation around a core business line aims to secure the group’s future stability and return it to a sustainable financial path.

  • Jamaican doctors launch ‘affordable’ compression wear to tackle poor circulation

    Jamaican doctors launch ‘affordable’ compression wear to tackle poor circulation

    Two Jamaican physicians have transformed their clinical observations into a groundbreaking healthcare initiative, tackling the critical issue of circulatory health through innovative compression therapy solutions. Dr. Mickhail Benjamin and Dr. Duhaney Johnson, both 29-year-old medical practitioners and longtime friends from their St. George’s College days, established Uniflo Compression Wear in 2023 to address systemic barriers in accessible healthcare.

    The venture emerged from repeated instances where patients couldn’t obtain medically necessary compression garments due to excessive costs or supply chain limitations. ‘During my clinical practice, I consistently witnessed patients enduring preventable suffering because compression therapy remained either prohibitively expensive or virtually unavailable through conventional channels,’ explained Dr. Benjamin. The situation became so dire that the physician personally imported garments from overseas to alleviate patients’ debilitating symptoms.

    Market analysis revealed compression socks retailing for approximately $9,000 Jamaican dollars in local pharmacies—a price point placing them beyond reach for many patients. Uniflo’s disruptive pricing model now offers the same medical-grade compression hosiery for $4,000, representing a 55% reduction in cost while maintaining clinical efficacy.

    The medical significance of compression therapy extends beyond comfort management. Poor circulation constitutes a serious public health concern that can escalate into dermatitis, chronic ulcerations, and potentially fatal thrombotic events. ‘Venous stasis creates ideal conditions for deep vein thrombosis development,’ Dr. Benjamin emphasized. ‘These clots can migrate pulmonary circulation, causing embolic events that compromise respiratory function and may prove fatal without immediate intervention.’

    Particularly vulnerable populations include pregnant patients and individuals with limited mobility, where hemodynamic changes increase coagulation risks. Uniflo’s dual approach combines affordable product distribution with direct medical consultation through social media channels, enabling patients to receive professional guidance from the physician-founders regarding appropriate compression levels and usage protocols.

    Early response from both medical communities and patients has demonstrated strong validation of the model, indicating substantial improvement in treatment adherence and symptomatic relief. This physician-led initiative represents a paradigm shift in making essential medical devices accessible while maintaining clinical standards and patient education.

  • Inflation picks up in December — Statin

    Inflation picks up in December — Statin

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Inflationary pressures in Jamaica experienced a significant resurgence at the close of 2025, reversing previous months of moderation as Hurricane Melissa’s enduring impact triggered sharp increases in food prices and electricity costs. The nation’s consumer inflation accelerated markedly in December, underscoring the vulnerability of small island economies to climate-related disruptions.

    According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin), the All-Jamaica Consumer Price Index (CPI) climbed by 1.3% during December, building upon November’s 2.4% advance. This consecutive monthly acceleration represents one of the most substantial back-to-back inflation movements recorded throughout the year. Director General Leesha Delatie-Budair emphasized that the December data provides the first comprehensive reflection of post-hurricane economic conditions, unlike earlier economic indicators that captured pre-storm activity.

    The primary driver behind this inflationary spike was a 2.0% monthly increase in food prices, with particularly severe impacts on agricultural commodities. Vegetable, tuber, plantain, and pulse categories surged by 4.5%, while fruits and nuts jumped by 5.6%. These increases directly resulted from Hurricane Melissa’s disruption to agricultural production and supply chains, with the full effect taking several weeks to manifest in consumer markets.

    Concurrently, housing and utility expenses exerted additional upward pressure, with the corresponding index rising 2.6% for the month. Electricity costs alone escalated by 5.4%, compounded by rising rental charges. The combination of food and housing expenditures accounted for the majority of December’s inflation outcome, intensifying concerns about household affordability and living standards.

    Year-end analysis revealed that point-to-point inflation between December 2024 and December 2025 reached 4.5%, substantially higher than earlier annual lows. Food inflation emerged as the dominant contributor at 7.1% year-on-year, while housing and utilities increased by 3.5%. The restaurant and accommodation sector also experienced notable inflation at 3.9%, reflecting higher costs for meals consumed away from home.

    Statin officials detailed the methodological adaptations employed to maintain data accuracy despite widespread operational challenges including damaged infrastructure, power outages, and business closures. The institution extended fieldwork periods and implemented international statistical techniques such as class-mean imputation for temporarily unavailable items, ensuring the CPI’s reliability amid difficult post-disaster conditions.

    Geographic analysis indicated broadly consistent inflation patterns across regions, with the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area recording 1.4% inflation, compared to 1.1% in other urban centers and 1.3% in rural areas. While headline inflation remains within the Bank of Jamaica’s target range, the December figures suggest mounting persistence in price pressures, particularly for essential commodities, potentially necessitating policy responses in coming months.

  • Internal reset

    Internal reset

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—A profound transformation in leadership and corporate governance is underway at the Jamaica National Group (JN Group), forming the crucial human element behind its comprehensive strategic restructuring. This internal revolution serves as the driving force for the financial conglomerate’s pursuit of stability following three consecutive years of operational losses and a damaging negative credit outlook assessment.

    The most significant leadership transition occurred in July 2025 with the retirement of Curtis Martin as Managing Director of JN Financial Group (JNFG), the organization’s pivotal subsidiary. Succeeding him in an acting capacity is Hugh Miller, whose extensive background as former Chief Treasury & Investment Officer and Head of Asset Management signals a strategic emphasis on placing financial expertise at the forefront of recovery operations.

    In an official statement, JN Group openly acknowledged that previous ‘managerial shortcomings’ contributed to recent challenges, confirming that subsequent organizational changes represent core components of their remedial strategy. Beyond individual appointments, the group has implemented substantial structural reforms, including comprehensive reorganization of group boards and management architecture.

    According to the CariCRIS rating report, these changes have formally redefined power dynamics and oversight mechanisms. The restructured governance framework establishes a clarified chain of command where the board of directors and its sub-committees retain ultimate responsibility. Within this new structure, the finance committee assumes primary authority for group-wide risk management, supported by specialized risk and audit units—creating a robust system of checks and balances during this precarious financial period.

    The revitalized leadership team now faces a definitive twofold mandate: ensuring that billions generated from recent asset sales effectively stabilize the weakened balance sheet, while simultaneously guaranteeing that the group’s substantial $1-billion digital transformation investment dramatically reduces its unsustainable 105.6% cost-to-income ratio. Ultimately, success will be measured not by organizational charts but by achieving specific financial targets: sustained profitability, reducing the cost-to-income ratio below 65%, and more than doubling critical capital reserves to regain a stable credit outlook.

  • Cruise line suspends visits to Haiti

    Cruise line suspends visits to Haiti

    MIAMI – Royal Caribbean International, the sole cruise operator with scheduled service to Haiti, has announced a significant extension of its suspension of voyages to its private destination in the Caribbean nation. The company confirmed it will halt all port calls to Labadee through the end of 2026, citing ongoing security concerns and escalating gang violence that has destabilized the country.

    The decision represents a substantial extension of previous operational pauses, which had been set through April 2026. A corporate spokesperson characterized the move as “an abundance of caution” given the deteriorating security environment in Haiti, where criminal organizations continue to challenge the provisional government’s authority.

    This security assessment aligns with the United States State Department’s Level 4 travel advisory – its most severe classification – which explicitly warns against all travel to Haiti. The advisory highlights prevalent armed criminal activities including kidnapping for ransom, carjackings, sexual assault, and robbery.

    Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s privately leased peninsula on Haiti’s northern coast, typically offers passengers exclusive access to five secluded beaches, an 800-meter zipline course, aquatic attractions, and premium amenities. The resort maintains its own dedicated security force, though this has proven insufficient to mitigate broader regional risks that affect cruise operations.

    The extended suspension through December 2026 reflects the cruise industry’s mounting concerns about passenger safety in destinations experiencing political instability and widespread violence. This operational decision will necessitate itinerary redesigns affecting numerous scheduled voyages and represents a significant economic impact to both the cruise line and local vendors who depend on tourism revenue.

  • Dunbeholden FC executive management leads beyond JPL

    Dunbeholden FC executive management leads beyond JPL

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Dunbeholden Football Club is demonstrating that its organizational mission transcends athletic competition through comprehensive humanitarian initiatives in hurricane-ravaged communities. Under the strategic direction of Chief Commercial Officer Aubyn Henry and Vice President Vivian Matthews, the club has mobilized substantial recovery efforts in Russia, Westmoreland, where residents continue to grapple with Hurricane Melissa’s devastating aftermath.

    The club’s multifaceted relief program focuses on two critical areas: economic rehabilitation through small business reconstruction and direct housing assistance for displaced families. Rather than merely providing temporary aid, Dunbeholden FC’s approach emphasizes sustainable recovery through livelihood restoration and infrastructure repair, distributing essential building materials while facilitating commercial revitalization.

    Henry, who combines his commercial role with philanthropic leadership, articulated the club’s philosophy: “Football provided our platform, but compassion defined our purpose. Witnessing the struggles in Russia made inaction impossible. Our mission centers on hope restoration and demonstrating solidarity throughout their recovery journey.”

    Matthews, who personally oversaw ground operations, described the emotional impact: “Face-to-face engagement with affected families proved profoundly humbling. Each restored home and reopened business generates transformative smiles that validate our efforts. This work transcends material support—it’s about spiritual upliftment and collective resilience.”

    The executive management team has strategically aligned the club’s corporate social responsibility objectives with hands-on humanitarian action, creating a model for sports organizations seeking meaningful community engagement. Their coordinated response highlights how athletic institutions can leverage their platform for societal benefit beyond mere sporting success.

    Dunbeholden FC continues to reinforce its commitment to community elevation through ongoing projects that address both immediate needs and long-term recovery, establishing new paradigms for sports franchises in social responsibility and disaster response engagement.

  • Homeowners urged to ensure dwellings are designed and built to code

    Homeowners urged to ensure dwellings are designed and built to code

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a concerted effort to bolster national resilience, Jamaican authorities and construction experts are issuing urgent calls for stringent compliance with building codes as the cornerstone of earthquake preparedness. With the island nation situated in a seismically active zone, the absence of seasonal patterns or reliable warnings for earthquakes makes structural integrity a critical public safety priority.

    Lenworth Kelly, former president of the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ), emphasizes that natural phenomena only become disasters through inadequate preparation. “I encourage homeowners to verify whether structures—whether rented, purchased, or public buildings—were designed and maintained according to current codes,” Kelly stated during a recent JIS Think Tank session. He highlighted that proper engineering analysis, design construction, and maintenance aligned with the National Building Codes significantly mitigate earthquake impacts.

    The campaign gains added urgency following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation last October, which compromised numerous commercial and residential structures. Duane Allison, Senior Building Officer at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), underscores the legal imperative of the Building Act (2018). “Building codes ensure occupancy safety. Jamaica’s geographical location makes us highly prone to earthquakes, and unapproved, poorly maintained buildings are most vulnerable to severe damage or collapse,” he explained, urging citizens to seek KSAMC approval before construction.

    Collaborative enforcement involves the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), which conducts pre-construction and phased inspections to ensure code adherence. Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, Public Education Officer at JFB, notes that while Jamaica has world-class building codes, their effectiveness hinges on compliance.

    Kelly further advises prospective homeowners to secure structural engineer reports—even if not required by lenders—to assess building safety. He also cautions against construction in no-build zones, unstable slopes, or watersheds, recommending soil tests via trial pits to determine suitable foundation designs. “Clay soil necessitates different designs than standard strip footings. Contractors must alert clients and professionals if soil is unsuitable,” he added, warning that shortcuts lead to catastrophic failures as evidenced by Hurricane Melissa.

    With a magnitude 3.1 earthquake already recorded in 2026, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) observes Earthquake Awareness Week (January 11–17) under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’. Kelly concludes that while earthquake drills are vital, true preparedness lies in conscientious construction and maintenance practices: “Be vigilant, be safe.”

  • West Indies win opening game at ICC Cricket World Cup

    West Indies win opening game at ICC Cricket World Cup

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The West Indies Under-19 cricket squad launched their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign with a decisive five-wicket triumph against Tanzania in Namibia on Thursday. The Caribbean team demonstrated formidable bowling prowess and confident batting to secure their first victory in the tournament.

    West Indies’ bowling attack proved instrumental in containing Tanzania’s innings after winning the toss and electing to field. Seamer Shaquan Belle delivered an exceptional all-round performance, earning Man-of-the-match honors with figures of 2-33, complemented by a crucial catch and a direct-hit runout that disrupted Tanzania’s middle order.

    Despite a promising 53-run opening partnership between Dylan Thakrar (26) and Darpan Jobanputra (19), Tanzania’s batting lineup collapsed spectacularly, bowled out for a modest 122 runs in just 34 overs. The Caribbean bowling unit maintained relentless pressure, with Vitel Lawes claiming impressive figures of 3-23 and Micah McKenzie contributing 2-15.

    In response, West Indies approached their run chase with calculated aggression. Opener Tanez Francis dominated the innings with a tournament-first half-century, scoring 52 runs off 55 deliveries including five boundaries and one six. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew provided strong support with 44 runs from 44 balls as the team reached their target of 124-5 in just 21 overs.

    In other tournament action, India secured a six-wicket victory against the United States, while the scheduled match between Scotland and Zimbabwe was abandoned due to rain without a ball bowled.

    The West Indies team continues their World Cup journey with a highly anticipated match against Afghanistan on Sunday, scheduled for 2:20 AM Jamaican time.

  • Jamaica’s unemployment rate now 3.3 per cent, says STATIN

    Jamaica’s unemployment rate now 3.3 per cent, says STATIN

    Jamaica’s labor market demonstrated resilience with unemployment declining to 3.3% in October 2025, showing improvement from the 3.5% rate recorded during the same period in 2024. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) disclosed these findings in its latest Labour Force Survey released Thursday, providing crucial insights into the nation’s employment landscape.

    The report indicates relative stability in employment levels with 1,413,200 persons employed in October 2025, representing a marginal decrease of 3,800 individuals compared to the previous year. Concurrently, the number of unemployed persons decreased from 51,300 to 48,800, contributing to the improved unemployment rate.

    Notably, Jamaica’s labor force experienced a contraction, falling by 6,300 individuals to reach 1,462,000. This decline manifested differently across genders, with the male labor force decreasing by 11,900 to 777,200, while the female labor force expanded by 5,600 to 684,800. The overall labor force participation rate consequently edged down to 67.8% from 68.1% in October 2024.

    The survey also recorded 693,800 individuals outside the labor force, marking an increase of 6,300 persons year-over-year.

    STATIN emphasized that these statistics capture Jamaica’s labor market conditions immediately preceding Hurricane Melissa’s landfall on October 28, 2025. The catastrophic weather event significantly disrupted data collection operations, particularly in western parishes including St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Hanover, and Trelawny.

    In response to these challenges, STATIN implemented modified methodologies, deploying an abbreviated version of its standard questionnaire to maintain data continuity while capturing essential labor market indicators. The institution extended both data collection and processing timelines by two weeks beyond the typical six-week period due to the hurricane’s extensive impact on field operations.