Carib Scope

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  • Leslie Harrow named chairman of new SDF board

    Leslie Harrow named chairman of new SDF board

    In a significant move for Jamaica’s sporting infrastructure, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has announced a comprehensive restructuring of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) board. Portfolio Minister Olivia Grange confirmed the cabinet-approved appointments on Wednesday, naming seasoned administrator Leslie Harrow as the new chairman.

    Harrow ascends to the leadership role with an extensive background in sports management and public administration. His professional portfolio includes previous service as general manager of the SDF itself, executive director of the Institute of Jamaica, and director general of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. This diverse experience positions him to guide the foundation’s strategic direction.

    Minister Grange outlined the revitalized board’s primary objectives, which will center on fortifying the organization’s technical capabilities and operational effectiveness. Key priorities include achieving full staffing levels, enhancing organizational efficiency, and elevating the public profile of the SDF’s initiatives. These developments were formally communicated through the Minister’s official social media channels.

    The newly constituted board features several prominent figures in Jamaican sports administration, including former Institute of Sport chairman Newton Amos. Harrow succeeds outgoing chairman Lelsie Campbell in leading the nine-member governing body.

    Established as an independent entity in 1995, the Sports Development Foundation has played a pivotal role in national development through athletic programs and infrastructure projects. This board transformation signals a renewed governmental commitment to sports as a catalyst for national progress.

  • DCS officer charged after allegedly rupturing Horizon inmate’s eardrum

    DCS officer charged after allegedly rupturing Horizon inmate’s eardrum

    A Jamaican correctional officer is undergoing judicial proceedings following allegations of physically assaulting an inmate during a contraband search operation last year. Romel Wilkie, an officer with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday facing serious criminal charges.

    The court documents indicate Wilkie has been formally charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, a serious offense under section 20 (1) of Jamaica’s Offences Against the Person Act. The alleged incident occurred on February 26, 2025, at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre where Wilkie was conducting routine cell inspections.

    According to the prosecution’s case, the correctional officer reportedly struck the inmate in the facial area near the ear during the search operation. Medical examinations subsequently confirmed the victim suffered a ruptured left eardrum as a direct result of the alleged assault.

    The case progressed to trial following a comprehensive investigation by Jamaica’s Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM). The evidence gathered was reviewed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which subsequently authorized criminal charges against Officer Wilkie.

    The judicial process is scheduled to commence on April 14, 2026, when the trial is set to begin. This case forms part of a broader pattern of legal actions against law enforcement personnel in Jamaica. INDECOM statistics reveal that since January 2024, 56 law enforcement officers have been charged following commission investigations, with six of these defendants coming from the Department of Correctional Services.

  • WATCH: Police federation head criticises Indecom at cop’s funeral

    WATCH: Police federation head criticises Indecom at cop’s funeral

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s law enforcement community is confronting a dual crisis of rising violence against officers and perceived institutional bias, according to powerful testimony from Police Federation Chairman Sergeant Arleen McBean. Speaking at a memorial service for slain Constable Charles Stewart, McBean delivered a blistering critique of the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), demanding truly impartial probes into police-related incidents.

    The emotional address came during Wednesday’s thanksgiving service at New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church, honoring Constable Stewart who was among two off-duty officers fatally shot during a November 13, 2025 altercation at a Waltham Park Road establishment. McBean framed these deaths within a broader pattern of violence, noting that approximately 40 officers had died from various causes in the preceding year, with five-six specifically killed by criminals.

    ‘Last year represented an extraordinarily difficult period for Jamaican law enforcement,’ McBean stated. ‘The scale of losses demands national unity against criminal elements rather than sympathy for offenders.’

    Her most pointed criticism targeted Indecom’s perceived imbalance: ‘Have you ever witnessed Indecom issuing press statements condemning the killings of state agents? We require this body to conduct investigations that are genuinely independent, thorough, objective, and properly contextualized while maintaining public transparency.’

    Despite her criticisms, McBean cautioned against public fearmongering and explicitly instructed officers to comply fully with Indecom investigations, emphasizing: ‘When Indecom requests statements, do not consider yourselves above legal obligations. Provide them.’

    The Federation chairman highlighted significant crime reduction achievements—reportedly unmatched in three decades—as evidence of officers’ dedication despite confronting inadequate working conditions, morale challenges, unresolved welfare concerns, and compensation uncertainties. ‘These security improvements demonstrate the commitment of every JCF member working in extremely challenging circumstances to protect Jamaican citizens,’ McBean asserted.

    She further addressed systemic issues, citing a recent incident where an injured uniformed officer allegedly failed to receive priority medical attention at Kingston Public Hospital. McBean called for established protocols ensuring officers receive appropriate emergency care.

    Concluding with a stark warning about targeted attacks against law enforcement, McBean urged continued professionalism: ‘Criminal elements are systematically planning surgical strikes against officers. Maintaining discipline and integrity remains our strongest defense while we call upon the public to unequivocally reject criminality.’

    Senior police officials including SP Randy Sweeney and ACP Christopher Phillips attended the service alongside Constable Stewart’s parents, siblings, and numerous family members, underscoring the depth of institutional and personal loss.

  • Woman, 61, dies in Besson Street house fire

    Woman, 61, dies in Besson Street house fire

    A devastating fire erupted in Port of Spain on January 14th, resulting in the tragic death of 61-year-old Vernie Rigault and the complete destruction of two adjacent residential properties. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 AM on Besson Street, where rapidly spreading flames engulfed two single-story concrete-and-metal structures before emergency services could contain the blaze.

    According to official police reports, officers on routine patrol responded to emergency calls around 12:15 PM, arriving to find both properties already suffering extensive fire damage. Firefighting teams from both Wrightson Road and Belmont Fire Stations were promptly deployed to the scene, though the intensity of the inferno presented significant challenges during suppression efforts.

    During subsequent recovery operations, firefighters discovered Rigault’s charred remains in the bathroom area of her home. Her husband, 75-year-old McDonald Cabrera, who was not present during the incident, later formally identified the body. The adjacent property suffered severe structural damage, though fortunately no additional casualties were reported as the residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

    While authorities have confirmed the absence of suspicious circumstances, the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined. Investigators from Homicide Region One have initiated a comprehensive investigation to establish the origin and circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

    In response to the emergency, Housing Minister David Lee extended official condolences to the affected families, having been notified of the incident through Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle. The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) immediately activated emergency protocols, providing temporary accommodation solutions for displaced residents.

    Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing Phillip Alexander personally visited the disaster site on January 14th to assess damage and coordinate relief efforts. During his visit, Alexander formally presented temporary housing keys to affected families, including McDonald Cabrera, ensuring immediate shelter arrangements. The Ministry has committed to ongoing monitoring of the situation with additional support measures to be implemented as necessary.

  • Three cousins, all officers, die in span of three months

    Three cousins, all officers, die in span of three months

    The tight-knit community of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, is grappling with an unimaginable triple tragedy after revelations that three young male cousins serving in different branches of The Bahamas’ armed forces have died in separate incidents within a three-month period.

    Relatives confirmed the familial connection between the deceased: Police Constable Jonathan Johnson, 27, killed in a vehicular accident on East Bay Street this past Sunday; Ashantio Clevorn Johnson, 23, a trainee corrections officer fatally stabbed at Blu Ice Restaurant and Bar in November; and Marine Seaman Demeris Armbrister, a Defence Force officer who died in a December traffic collision.

    William Johnson, a family member, expressed the profound grief overwhelming the community, noting that Jonathan had recently attended funerals for both cousins before meeting his own tragic fate. “He attended the two cousins’ funeral and now it’s his funeral,” Mr. Johnson stated emotionally.

    Despite serving in different security branches, all three men shared deep roots in Lower Bogue. While Jonathan and Ashantio were raised on the island, Demeris regularly spent summers there visiting relatives.

    The death of Jonathan Johnson has created particularly severe hardship for his immediate family. As the primary breadwinner stationed in New Providence, he provided financial support for his mother, sister, brother, and niece back in Eleuthera. “The community is devastated by it, and the family is also devastated, especially him being the youngest sibling in his family. It really hurts,” William Johnson added.

    Francina Johnson-Sweeting, Jonathan’s aunt, described her nephew as a warm, humble, and family-oriented individual whose passing has left his sister inconsolable. Beyond his familial commitments, Jonathan maintained strong connections with religious leaders on the island, having been mentored by Pastor David Armbrister of International Prayer and Deliverance Ministries and assisted by Father John Johnson in obtaining a scholarship to St. Augustine’s College.

    Jason Edwards, Jonathan’s former basketball coach at St. Augustine’s College, remembered him as initially reserved but remarkably developed: “He may not have said much back then, but he had a spark and man, did he grow! He became the best high school shooter I ever coached, but more importantly, he became a fearless, kind-hearted young man who took on every challenge.”

    As the Johnson and Armbrister families prepare to bury their third relative in as many months, the entire Lower Bogue community continues to mourn these devastating losses.

  • T&T gov’t seeking to borrow US$1 billion on foreign market

    T&T gov’t seeking to borrow US$1 billion on foreign market

    The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has formally announced its intention to secure up to US$1 billion in financing through the international capital markets. This strategic move will be facilitated by two prominent global financial institutions, JP Morgan Securities LLC and Bank of America Securities Inc, which have been appointed as joint lead managers and arrangers for the upcoming bond issuance.

    Proceeds from this significant international borrowing initiative are earmarked for two primary objectives: funding a portfolio of general national development projects and refinancing existing government debt. By accessing the international capital market, the administration aims to engage with large-scale global investors through the issuance of sovereign bonds or notes.

    A crucial legal framework for this transaction was established through the External Loans (Tax and Exchange Control Exemption) Order, 2026, which received official authorization on Monday from Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo. This legislative instrument provides comprehensive tax exemptions and exchange control waivers for all financial obligations associated with the notes, encompassing principal repayments, interest accruals, and associated debt servicing charges.

    The bond offering will be structured to comply with international securities regulations, targeting qualified institutional buyers within the United States under Rule 144A of the US Securities Act. Simultaneously, the issuance will be available to international investors outside the United States through Regulation S provisions, ensuring broad global market participation in Trinidad and Tobago’s debt instrument.

  • Vybz Kartel, Masicka and Shenseea vie for MOBO Best Caribbean Act award

    Vybz Kartel, Masicka and Shenseea vie for MOBO Best Caribbean Act award

    The prestigious 2026 MOBO Awards has officially announced its nominees for the fiercely competitive Best Caribbean Music Act category, setting the stage for a grand celebration of Black musical excellence. The distinguished shortlist features an impressive array of talent, including dancehall titan Vybz Kartel, chart-topping artists Masicka and Shenseea, acclaimed singer Lila Ike, emerging sensation Ayetian, and Trinidad’s soca powerhouse Yung Bredda.

    Marking its monumental 30th anniversary, the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards continues its enduring legacy of honoring and elevating Black music and culture across a diverse spectrum of genres. The upcoming ceremony is scheduled to be held at Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-op Live Arena in the United Kingdom on March 26.

    In a remarkable showcase of artistic prowess, British artists Olivia Dean and Little Simz, alongside Jim Legxacy and KWN, have emerged as this year’s frontrunners, each securing an impressive four nominations across various genre categories.

    The nomination holds particular significance for Vybz Kartel, who was the recipient of the esteemed MOBO Impact Award at last year’s ceremony. This marks his return to the MOBO nominations list after previous recognitions in the Best Reggae Act category in 2004, 2009, and 2010. Notably, the category itself underwent a significant rebranding in 2022, evolving from Best Reggae Act to its current designation as Best Caribbean Music Act, reflecting the awards’ commitment to broader regional representation.

    Adding to his accolades, Vybz Kartel has also garnered a nomination in the highly coveted Best International Act category.

    For dancehall superstar Shenseea, this nomination represents her fifth MOBO recognition, further cementing her status as a consistent force in the industry. Her previous triumphs include winning Best Reggae Act in 2021 and Best Caribbean Act in 2025, alongside a Best International Act nomination in 2020.

    This year’s shortlist also highlights several pivotal career milestones: Masicka celebrates his inaugural MOBO nomination, while Grammy-nominated artist Lila Ike secures her third nomination following previous nods in 2020 and 2021. The nomination marks a significant breakthrough for newcomer Ayetian, who is poised to release a new EP in February. Similarly, Trinidad’s Yung Bredda earns his first MOBO recognition following the massive regional success of his hit soca single ‘The Greatest Bend Ova,’ which dominated airwaves throughout the past year.

  • US says it has seized another oil tanker in Caribbean

    US says it has seized another oil tanker in Caribbean

    WASHINGTON, United States — In a significant escalation of its sanctions enforcement strategy, United States military forces have conducted another successful maritime interception targeting Venezuelan oil exports. According to a statement released Thursday by US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the Tanker Veronica was apprehended in Caribbean waters during a pre-dawn operation.

    The mission, executed by US Marines and sailors, culminated without incident as evidenced by accompanying footage distributed by the military command. The video documentation depicted special operations soldiers employing rappelling techniques to descend onto the vessel’s deck from aircraft, demonstrating tactical precision.

    This seizure represents the sixth such enforcement action undertaken in recent weeks as part of Washington’s comprehensive campaign to restrict the flow of Venezuelan petroleum products to international markets. SOUTHCOM’s social media announcement explicitly reaffirmed the operational objective, stating: ‘The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully.’

    The ongoing operations reflect the continued implementation of US economic sanctions against the government of Nicolás Maduro, aiming to curtail the South American nation’s primary revenue source through systematic maritime interdictions in strategic Caribbean shipping lanes.

  • Vaz pays tribute to Chris Bovell

    Vaz pays tribute to Chris Bovell

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prominent Jamaican legislator Daryl Vaz has publicly commemorated the life and legacy of former Senator Chris Bovell, the late Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) treasurer, in an official statement released Thursday. Vaz, who represents Portland Western in Parliament, characterized Bovell as an exceptional patriot, distinguished legislator, and consummate gentleman whose contributions to Jamaican politics left an indelible mark.

    Reflecting on their professional collaboration during their tenure as senior JLP officials, Vaz revealed their close working relationship when he served as deputy treasurer alongside Bovell as treasurer. The MP emphasized Bovell’s unwavering principles in public service, noting his unique combination of reliability, decency, and efficiency in all governmental matters. These qualities, Vaz asserted, would form the foundational elements of Bovell’s enduring political legacy.

    Beyond his professional attributes, Vaz highlighted Bovell’s profound dedication to both nation and family, placing these interests above all else. The late senator demonstrated particular aversion to injustice and emerged as a resilient voice during Jamaica’s politically turbulent eras decades ago. Vaz credited Bovell’s steadfast leadership with helping guide the nation toward its most viable and righteous developmental path.

    In his emotional tribute, Vaz extended heartfelt condolences to Bovell’s family, friends, and political associates, portraying the departed statesman as an individual of extraordinary character and humility. He memorialized Bovell as a ‘gentle giant’ consistently inclined toward assisting others while maintaining an exceptionally positive perspective toward all individuals—a quality Vaz described as remarkably rare in political circles.

    The MP concluded with spiritual consolation, expressing confidence that Bovell’s legacy of exemplary service would endure for generations. He offered prayers for the bereaved family and affirmed his belief that the late senator rests eternally in divine embrace, leaving behind a nation grateful for his distinguished service.

  • Upkeep pilot scores high marks from corporations

    Upkeep pilot scores high marks from corporations

    All fourteen municipal corporations participating in Trinidad and Tobago’s government-initiated Public Spaces Maintenance Program have reported exceptionally positive outcomes, with many requesting additional workforce allocations. Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen confirmed the widespread approval following a January 14 stakeholder meeting, indicating strong productivity metrics across all regions.

    The innovative pilot scheme, approved by the Cabinet, employs workers directly through the Ministry of Local Government rather than traditional contractors. These workers have been deployed to regional corporations to execute maintenance operations encompassing recreation facilities, educational institutions, roadside verges, and cemetery grounds. Although school maintenance typically falls outside the ministry’s jurisdiction, corporations strategically utilized these resources to address pressing infrastructural needs.

    Minister Ameen revealed that municipal authorities provided detailed progress reports quantifying cleared acreage and square meters, demonstrating measurable achievements. Beyond workforce expansion requests, corporations submitted minor requisitions for tools and protective equipment, while proposing administrative process refinements.

    A significant recommendation emerged regarding flood mitigation strategies. Corporations proposed deploying manual labor during dry seasons to clear watercourses and drainage systems, potentially reducing seasonal flooding impacts. This proactive approach would complement existing flood-mitigation equipment programs.

    The ministry maintains continuous communication with participating corporations and will compile a comprehensive report for Cabinet review. With approximately 200 workers currently engaged, the program represents a governmental shift from transient “make-work” initiatives toward sustainable employment models that provide decent wages while eliminating intermediary contractors.

    Minister Ameen emphasized the dual benefit of cost efficiency and direct worker compensation achieved by removing political intermediaries and contractor layers. Program expansion remains contingent upon Cabinet approval and funding availability following the successful pilot evaluation.