Carib Scope

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  • UN General Assembly vote to recognise transatlantic African slave trade as ‘the gravest crime against humanity’

    UN General Assembly vote to recognise transatlantic African slave trade as ‘the gravest crime against humanity’

    In a historic move with profound implications for global justice, the United Nations General Assembly has formally designated the transatlantic African slave trade as the most severe crime against humanity in recorded history. The resolution, adopted on Wednesday at UN headquarters, received overwhelming support with 123 nations voting in favor, while only three countries—the United States, Israel, and Argentina—opposed the measure. Fifty-two member states, including Britain and several European Union nations, chose to abstain from the vote.

    The resolution represents more than symbolic recognition, explicitly calling upon nations historically involved in the slave trade to engage in comprehensive restorative justice measures. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres characterized the transatlantic slave trade as a fundamental assault on human dignity that systematically destroyed families and communities while generating a pseudoscientific racist ideology to justify its atrocities.

    The presence of Ghanaian President John Mahama, a prominent advocate for slavery reparations within the African Union, underscored the resolution’s significance. President Mahama described the adoption as both a safeguard against historical amnesia and a critical step toward healing and reparative justice for centuries of systematic oppression.

    The resolution further highlighted the enduring legacy of slavery through contemporary manifestations of racial discrimination and neo-colonial structures that continue to affect societies worldwide. This declaration establishes an important framework for future discussions regarding accountability, reconciliation, and substantive reparations for one of history’s most devastating chapters in human rights violations.

  • #Champs2026: Stage set for epic Boys Class 1, 100m final

    #Champs2026: Stage set for epic Boys Class 1, 100m final

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s future track stars delivered electrifying performances in Wednesday’s semi-finals at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic series of 100-meter finals at the national stadium.

    The Boys’ Class 1 event emerged as the headline attraction, with qualifying times reaching unprecedented competitive levels. Riquelme Reid of Excelsior High established himself as the athlete to beat, posting the fastest qualifying time of 10.19 seconds despite facing a modest headwind of 1.1 meters per second. He narrowly edged out St. George’s College’s Tyreece Foreman, who clocked an impressive 10.21 seconds.

    Holland High’s Johan-Ramaldo Smythe, who finished sixth in last year’s championship, demonstrated remarkable improvement by winning his heat in 10.29 seconds. The competition intensified as Edwin Allen’s Kenrick Austin (10.27 seconds) barely outperformed William Knibb’s Sanjay Seymore (10.28 seconds) in one of the day’s most thrilling photo finishes.

    The qualification standard reached new heights with Malike Nugent of Excelsior High securing the final spot with 10.33 seconds – a time that would have earned him bronze medal honors in last year’s competition.

    In Class 2 action, Jamaica College’s Kai Kelly delivered a wind-assisted performance of 10.29 seconds (3.1m/s) to claim his semi-final, while Marquies Page of St. Jago triumphed in his heat with 10.55 seconds against more favorable conditions.

    The Class 3 category witnessed Wolmer’s Boys’ School establishing themselves as strong contenders for a potential gold-silver finish. Ajani Lumley (10.85 seconds) and Joshua McWilliams (11.00 seconds) both won their respective semi-finals in commanding fashion against negative wind conditions, suggesting they could dominate Thursday’s final proceedings.

    The championship continues to serve as Jamaica’s premier platform for emerging athletic talent, with these semi-final performances indicating that multiple records could fall during Thursday’s highly anticipated finals.

  • #Champs2026: Holland’s Douglas leads qualifiers for Class 1 100m final

    #Champs2026: Holland’s Douglas leads qualifiers for Class 1 100m final

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Holland High School’s sprint sensation Shanoya Douglas delivered a commanding performance at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, clocking a spectacular 11.17 seconds to lead all qualifiers for the Girls Class 1 100m finals. Competing under favorable conditions with a 1.0m/s tailwind at the National Stadium on Wednesday, Douglas demonstrated exceptional form and control throughout her race.

    Following a deliberately conservative performance in Tuesday’s preliminary round where she eased up prematurely, Douglas left no doubt about her championship intentions this time. She maintained composure under pressure while holding off a strong challenge from Edwin Allen High’s Alexxe Henry, who finished second with a time of 11.37 seconds under identical wind conditions.

    The qualifying rounds revealed remarkable depth in Jamaican high school sprinting talent across multiple age categories. Hydel High’s Shemonique Hazle, who had led Tuesday’s preliminary rounds, registered the third-fastest time of 11.48 seconds in Class 1. Meanwhile, Edwin Allen High’s Renecia Edwards and Wolmer’s Girls’ Tiana Marshall both recorded identical times of 11.61 seconds to secure their advancement.

    In the Class 2 division, Kerelle Etienne of Edwin Allen High emerged as the top qualifier with an impressive 11.42 seconds performance aided by a 1.3m/s tailwind. She finished ahead of Wolmer’s Natrece East, who clocked 11.47 seconds against a -1.1m/s headwind, demonstrating exceptional technique in challenging conditions. St Jago High’s Shannia Campbell won her heat convincingly with 11.69 seconds.

    The younger divisions showcased emerging talents with Alpha Academy’s Azaria Harris leading Class 3 qualifiers at 11.79 seconds. Edwin Allen’s Danelia Clarke followed closely at 11.82 seconds, while Mt Alvernia High’s Veneisha Pottinger completed the top three with 11.96 seconds. In Class 4, Excelsior’s Brianna Gray established herself as the athlete to watch with a dominant 12.20 seconds performance, well ahead of Edwin Allen teammates Monique Bogle (12.40s) and Shantwae Green (12.45s).

    The championships continue to serve as Jamaica’s premier platform for identifying and nurturing track and field prodigies, many of whom progress to represent the nation at international competitions.

  • Trump says Iran ‘afraid’ to admit it wants a deal

    Trump says Iran ‘afraid’ to admit it wants a deal

    WASHINGTON, United States – President Donald Trump made striking claims at a Republican congressional dinner Wednesday, asserting that Iranian officials are secretly participating in peace negotiations despite their public denials. The President suggested Tehran’s contradictory statements stem from negotiators’ fears of retaliation from both their own government and potential U.S. action.

    “They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly. But they’re afraid to say it,” Trump stated, “because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people. They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us.”

    These comments directly contradicted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent declaration that “we do not intend to negotiate.” Trump maintained his position that Iran is being “decimated” in the ongoing conflict, now entering its fourth week, despite Tehran maintaining control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz oil route.

    The White House reinforced Trump’s aggressive stance, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warning that the President would “unleash hell” if Iran fails to acknowledge military defeat. “President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again,” Leavitt told reporters.

    When questioned about negotiation status, Leavitt confirmed that “talks continue” and described them as “productive,” though she declined to identify current U.S. interlocutors following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Reports suggest Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, has emerged as a key figure in discussions.

    The administration maintained its four to six-week timeline for military operations, with Trump postponing his scheduled visit to China until mid-May to manage the ongoing conflict. The White House also declined to confirm reports of planned high-level talks between U.S. officials and Iranian representatives in Pakistan, which has positioned itself as a mediation hub.

    Amid escalating tensions, the U.S. continues military buildup in the Gulf region, deploying additional airborne troops and marines amid speculation of potential ground operations targeting Iranian oil assets or securing the Strait of Hormuz.

  • #Champs2026: Clarendon College’s Jamelia Young retains Girls Class 2 shot put

    #Champs2026: Clarendon College’s Jamelia Young retains Girls Class 2 shot put

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Clarendon College’s Jamelia Young mounted a spectacular comeback to successfully defend her Girls’ Class 2 shot put championship on Wednesday at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. Young’s winning throw of 14.71 meters marked a dramatic improvement from her qualifying performance and secured her position as Jamaica’s premier junior shot putter.

    The victory unfolded as a narrative of persistence overcoming early adversity. Entering the finals ranked a distant eighth after Tuesday’s qualifying rounds with a modest 12.75m effort, Young faced formidable competition from Holmwood Technical’s Shamanda Wilmot, who had dominated the preliminaries. Wilmot initially continued her strong form by setting the pace with her best throw in the opening round.

    However, the competition dynamics shifted dramatically in the fourth round when Young unleashed her championship-winning throw, surpassing Wilmot’s leading mark. Wilmot ultimately secured the silver medal with a solid throw of 14.39m, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the event.

    Excelsior High’s Alyssa Forrester claimed the bronze medal with a throw of 14.22m, improving significantly from her qualifying distance of 13.42m achieved on Tuesday. The podium finishes highlighted the competitive depth in Jamaican junior athletics.

    Young’s winning mark of 14.71m represents a substantial improvement over her previous championship-winning performance of 13.65m from last year, demonstrating significant athletic development and technical refinement. The event, which was the first girls’ final decided at the national stadium during the championships, set a high standard for competition excellence for the remainder of the tournament.

  • Dominica to implement measures to cushion impact of Middle East war on local economy

    Dominica to implement measures to cushion impact of Middle East war on local economy

    ROSEAU, Dominica – The Dominican government has unveiled a comprehensive economic stabilization plan to protect its citizens and economy from the global reverberations of the Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, addressing a press conference on Wednesday, delineated the multifaceted risks posed by the distant war, emphasizing its potential to trigger a surge in fuel prices, inflate food costs, destabilize employment, and weaken the national economy.

    While assuring the nation is not under direct military threat, Skerrit warned of significant ‘economic aftershocks,’ noting the conflict has already precipitated the most substantial supply disruption in global oil market history. The island’s complete reliance on imported fuel places it at immediate risk, with projected spikes in electricity, transportation, and general consumer goods prices.

    Confronting these challenges proactively, the government is rolling out a series of targeted interventions. The strategy includes temporary reductions on import duties and taxes for essential goods and an expansion of support for vulnerable households through existing social protection frameworks. A key focus will be managing energy costs through close collaboration with the Dominica Electricity Services (DOMLEC).

    In a positive development, Skerrit highlighted the timely advancement of the nation’s geothermal energy project in Laudat, which is currently in an advanced testing phase. This domestic energy source is poised to provide crucial long-term relief from fossil fuel volatility.

    Furthermore, the administration plans to engage with stakeholders in tourism, agriculture, and the private sector to safeguard jobs and ensure economic continuity. Fiscal management will be strengthened through the careful prioritization of government spending, maintaining critical services while deferring discretionary expenditures.

    Prime Minister Skerrit concluded with a call for national unity and calm, drawing on the nation’s resilience in overcoming past hardships like hurricanes and pandemics, expressing confidence in Dominica’s ability to navigate the impending economic challenges.

  • ‘No negotiations’ says Iran foreign minister as US touts peace plan

    ‘No negotiations’ says Iran foreign minister as US touts peace plan

    The White House issued a stark warning to Iran on Wednesday, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declaring President Donald Trump prepared to ‘unleash hell’ if Tehran refuses to accept a proposed peace agreement to end the escalating Middle East conflict. The ultimatum came amid reports that Iran had already rebuffed a comprehensive 15-point US peace plan conveyed through Pakistani intermediaries.

    Leavitt emphasized the administration’s seriousness, stating, ‘President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again,’ while noting that diplomatic channels remained open. The proposed American plan, according to sources cited by The New York Times, addresses Iran’s nuclear and missile programs alongside maritime security concerns.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered a defiant response, asserting that Tehran ‘does not intend to negotiate’ and interpreting US diplomatic overtures as ‘an admission of defeat.’ Araghchi confirmed Iran’s commitment to continued resistance, outlining five non-negotiable conditions for ending hostilities. These include ironclad guarantees against future US-Israeli attacks, war reparations, cessation of hostilities across all regional fronts, recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and cessation of operations against Tehran-backed resistance groups.

    The diplomatic stalemate unfolded against continued military escalation. Iran’s military claimed its cruise missiles had forced the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group to reposition, while Israel conducted strikes on targets in Tehran and a submarine facility in Isfahan. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as ‘out of control,’ with fighting reported across multiple countries including Lebanon, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

    Iran raised the stakes further by threatening to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a critical Red Sea shipping lane—in response to any potential US ground invasion. This followed Iran’s existing restrictions on enemy vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which have already driven global oil prices above $100 per barrel and disrupted approximately 20% of the world’s oil transit.

    Regional mediators indicated behind-the-scenes efforts continued despite public posturing, though prospects for immediate de-escalation appeared dim as both sides hardened their positions and military preparations intensified.

  • PNP Patriots demand full investigation into allegations against JLP’s Donovan Williams

    PNP Patriots demand full investigation into allegations against JLP’s Donovan Williams

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s political landscape has been jolted by serious corruption allegations as the People’s National Party Patriots (PNP Patriots) has formally requested two independent agencies to investigate claims against Central Kingston Member of Parliament Donovan Williams of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

    The controversy emerged after Rosalee Hamilton, a JLP Councillor for the Rae Town Division, publicly accused Williams of financial misconduct and alleged abuse of political authority through various social media platforms. The allegations have sparked intense political debate and raised concerns about governance standards.

    In an official statement released Wednesday, the PNP Patriots emphasized the critical need for transparent investigation by both the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and the Integrity Commission. Davalle Grant, General Secretary of the PNP Patriots, asserted that these claims transcend typical political rivalry and touch upon fundamental principles of democratic accountability.

    “The Jamaican public, particularly constituents of Central Kingston, are entitled to unequivocal clarity and accountability from those elected to serve them,” Grant stated. “These disturbing allegations threaten to undermine institutional credibility if not addressed through proper investigative channels with utmost urgency.”

    Grant further emphasized that the seriousness of these accusations warrants objective examination regardless of their eventual veracity. “This matter cannot be dismissed as mere political theater. Authenticated claims would indicate severe breach of public trust, while false allegations would equally require definitive exposure through transparent processes.”

    The PNP Patriots reiterated that no public official should be exempt from scrutiny and emphasized the implications for Jamaica’s governance framework, accountability mechanisms, and rule of law principles.

    In a developing countermove, legal representatives for MP Williams have issued a cease and desist notice to Councillor Hamilton, demanding full retraction of the allegations and a public apology. This legal response sets the stage for a potentially protracted political and legal confrontation that could significantly impact Jamaica’s political dynamics.

  • #Champs2026: Jamaica College’s Salmon on course to retain Boys Class 1 discus title

    #Champs2026: Jamaica College’s Salmon on course to retain Boys Class 1 discus title

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Reigning champion Joseph Salmon from Jamaica College positioned himself as the athlete to beat in the Class 1 boys discus throw, delivering a commanding performance on Wednesday during the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. Salmon launched the discus 57.38 meters on his first attempt, instantly securing his place in the final and sending a clear message of his intent to retain his title.

    The competition at the national stadium saw several standout performers who matched Salmon’s efficiency. Kamari Kennedy of Calabar High also achieved automatic qualification with a single powerful throw of 55.41m, surpassing the required 55.00m mark. They will be joined by last year’s bronze medalist, Rajeem Streete of Munro College, who advanced with a strong performance.

    The final field was rounded out by a group of talented throwers. De-Andre Henry (Calabar High) secured his spot with a throw of 53.48m, followed closely by Munro College’s Javontae Smith at 53.43m. Kingston College will be represented by two athletes in the final, with Nkosana Johnson (53.18m) and Daijon Budhai (53.05m) both earning their places through consistent performances. The stage is now set for a highly competitive final showdown.

  • Bus drivers demand $2 fare as rising fuel costs squeeze earnings

    Bus drivers demand $2 fare as rising fuel costs squeeze earnings

    Bus operators across the Bahamas are intensifying their campaign for substantial fare increases amid escalating operational expenses, with union representatives declaring the current pricing model economically unviable. Rudolph Taylor, President of the Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Union, characterized the recent 25-cent fare adjustment implemented in 2024 as grossly inadequate, describing it as merely “a drop in the bucket” compared to the financial pressures facing drivers.

    The sector has consistently advocated for a comprehensive fare increase to $2 per ride, a request that has reportedly been disregarded through multiple governmental administrations. Mr. Taylor revealed that daily operational expenses now routinely exceed $100 per vehicle, primarily driven by diesel prices that have surged beyond the $5 per gallon threshold.

    This financial strain has been exacerbated by global market disruptions following Middle Eastern conflicts, which pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel and prompted warnings from local fuel retailers about further cost increases. Prime Minister Philip Davis acknowledged the situation, indicating government monitoring of developments while emphasizing existing reform measures designed to mitigate impacts.

    Beyond fuel expenditures, bus operators face mounting costs across all operational aspects. Mr. Taylor detailed significant price increases for brake components, dealer parts, and tires—with quality tires now costing approximately $150 each. Despite these challenges, some passengers have voluntarily offered payments above the standard $1.50 fare in recognition of the service provided.

    The union leader emphasized the public service commitment of bus drivers while challenging public perceptions about transportation necessities. “Persons feel as if the buses are not needed,” he noted. “Some persons are very judgmental about the buses…but they need to have their facts and see what bus drivers do on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis for the public.”