Carib Scope

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  • Caribbean Climate & Sustainable Energy Youth Workshop 2026 ongoing in Jamaica

    Caribbean Climate & Sustainable Energy Youth Workshop 2026 ongoing in Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Caribbean youth are positioning themselves at the forefront of the region’s sustainable energy transformation as the Caribbean Youth Climate Council (CYCC) hosts its second major climate conference. The Caribbean Climate & Sustainable Energy Youth Workshop 2026, convened from March 4-6 at the Jamaica Conference Centre, represents a strategic effort to empower young leaders in shaping climate-resilient futures for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

    Under the theme “SUSEnergy: Equity and Inclusion in a Changing Climate,” the gathering brings together youth delegates, policy experts, energy specialists, and community advocates from across the Caribbean Community (Caricom). This collaborative initiative, supported by Youth Action Co: Lab and Youth4Energy, addresses the dual challenges of climate vulnerability and energy security that disproportionately affect island nations.

    The workshop’s programming, developed with backing from the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), features expert-led sessions examining renewable energy deployment strategies, inclusive energy policy frameworks, and youth engagement in climate governance. Through interactive dialogues and solution-oriented workshops, participants are developing practical approaches to advance equitable energy transitions.

    A highlight of the event includes an educational field visit to the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) and the EV Lab at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. This hands-on component provides delegates with direct exposure to cutting-edge research in environmental science, renewable technology, and electric mobility solutions being developed within the region.

    The conference represents a significant evolution from previous youth climate initiatives by focusing specifically on actionable outcomes and measurable impact. By facilitating cross-sector collaboration between emerging leaders and established institutions, the workshop aims to translate dialogue into concrete pathways for youth-led climate action and sustainable energy investment across the Caribbean.

  • Bahamas Aviation Authority probing two American Airlines near-miss incidents

    Bahamas Aviation Authority probing two American Airlines near-miss incidents

    NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority has initiated comprehensive investigations into two alarming near-miss incidents involving American Airlines aircraft at Family Island airports, signaling potential systemic safety concerns at uncontrolled aerodromes. The probe follows formal advisories from US regulators warning of possible catastrophic outcomes.

    The first emergency occurred on February 12 near Exuma International Airport when an approaching American Airlines flight executed abrupt evasive maneuvers to avoid a departing aircraft. The violent maneuver resulted in injuries to two flight attendants who required medical treatment at a local clinic and were subsequently placed on leave.

    A second incident unfolded on February 24 at North Eleuthera Airport where an American Airlines jet awaiting takeoff clearance encountered another aircraft passing overhead while still positioned on the active runway.

    The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority issued a Serious Safety Concern notice indicating preliminary evidence suggests both incidents involved failures in proper radio communication protocols. At uncontrolled airports like these, pilots are required to continuously self-announce their positions on designated frequencies—a critical safety procedure that preliminary findings indicate may not have been followed.

    Political response emerged as Debra Moxey Rolle, Free National Movement candidate for Exuma, highlighted broader infrastructure concerns referencing a recent incident where a medical evacuation flight couldn’t land due to runway lighting failure, resulting in a patient’s death. ‘When it comes to matters of safety and life, silence is not an option,’ Rolle stated, emphasizing the community’s dependence on reliable air access for medical emergencies and commerce.

    The aviation authority maintains strict confidentiality regarding ongoing investigations, noting that premature disclosure could compromise investigative integrity. Officials confirmed that any identified safety breaches will trigger immediate corrective measures aligned with international aviation standards and regulatory mandates.

  • Ocho Rios High victim and alleged attacker were recent transfers to institution — principal

    Ocho Rios High victim and alleged attacker were recent transfers to institution — principal

    A devastating incident at Ocho Rios High School in St Ann, Jamaica has resulted in the death of 16-year-old Devonie Shearer, following a violent confrontation on school premises Wednesday. The tragic event unfolded when another student allegedly struck Shearer in the back of the head with a metal chair, causing fatal injuries.

    School Principal Marvin Clowson disclosed during a Thursday briefing that both students involved in the altercation were relatively new transfers to the institution. The accused student had joined the school just last month, while the deceased victim had transferred in September of the previous year. Both teenagers were enrolled in grade 10 at the time of the incident.

    The tragedy prompted an immediate response from education authorities and government representatives. Education Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon, alongside St Ann North Eastern MP Matthew Samuda and other governmental officials, visited the grieving school community Thursday. Minister Dixon personally assured Principal Clowson and staff members of comprehensive support, stating, ‘Whatever you need in the coming weeks, we are here to provide it for you.’ She emphasized the importance of self-care for school leadership during the difficult period.

    Law enforcement authorities have taken the alleged perpetrator into custody as investigations continue into the circumstances that precipitated the violent confrontation. The incident has raised serious concerns about student integration processes and conflict resolution mechanisms within educational institutions.

    The school community remains in mourning as they process the loss of young Devonie Shearer of Buckfield Road, St Ann, while education officials pledge to implement additional support systems and review safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies.

  • Johnson Smith says no concerns over strength of Jamaica-US relationship

    Johnson Smith says no concerns over strength of Jamaica-US relationship

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has reaffirmed confidence in the nation’s strategic partnership with the United States despite criticism from a US Congressman regarding Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s supportive stance on Cuba. The diplomatic reassurances came during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House, where Johnson Smith characterized the Prime Minister’s recent comments on Cuba as “balanced, visionary, and realistic.”

    The minister referenced her recent cordial meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as evidence of continued strong bilateral relations, suggesting that individual congressional opinions don’t reflect official US government positioning. This response followed criticism from Cuban-born Congressman Carlos Giménez, who warned Jamaica would face “consequences” for what he termed as covering up for Cuba’s “moribund dictatorship.”

    The controversy stems from Prime Minister Holness’s February 24 address to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders in Basseterre, where he urged regional nations to address Cuba’s humanitarian crisis “with clarity and courage.” His speech highlighted the complex geopolitical circumstances surrounding US-Cuba relations while acknowledging Jamaica’s fundamental commitment to democratic principles and open markets.

    Holness emphasized that Cuba’s ongoing economic struggles—exacerbated by extended power cuts and shortages of fuel, medicine, and food—could have regional implications affecting migration patterns, security concerns, and economic stability throughout the Caribbean basin. The Prime Minister noted Cuba’s historical role in supporting Caribbean neighbors through medical and educational assistance while maintaining that Jamaica’s position remains grounded in democratic values and political accountability.

    The current crisis in Cuba has intensified following the Trump administration’s oil blockade, which severed the island nation’s primary petroleum supplies from Venezuela. Cuba has operated under a US trade embargo since 1962, creating prolonged economic challenges that have recently reached critical levels.

  • PM promises no increase to BPL bills despite rising global oil costs

    PM promises no increase to BPL bills despite rising global oil costs

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has moved to reassure Bahamian citizens that electricity costs will remain stable in both the immediate and medium-term future, despite escalating global oil prices triggered by Middle Eastern conflicts. The Prime Minister’s declaration came during his mid-year budget address to the House of Assembly, where he addressed growing economic concerns related to the Israel-Iran conflict.

    The recent military engagements between the United States, Israel, and Iran have caused significant disruptions in global energy markets, with several regional suppliers suspending liquefied natural gas production following damage to facilities from missile interception debris. These developments have raised concerns about potential economic repercussions for fuel-importing nations like The Bahamas.

    Prime Minister Davis acknowledged the nation’s vulnerability to international oil price fluctuations but emphasized that protective mechanisms are actively shielding consumers from market volatility. ‘Rest assured, we are fully committed to working on behalf of every Bahamian to reduce the cost of electricity and fuel prices,’ Davis stated during his parliamentary address.

    Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis indicated the administration is adopting a cautious monitoring approach before considering any adjustments to fiscal strategies. While expressing hope for a rapid resolution to regional hostilities, Halkitis warned that sustained disruptions to oil supplies could eventually impact costs throughout The Bahamas’ import-dependent economy.

    Regarding the government’s electricity sector reforms, Davis presented substantial progress indicators. Approximately 78,000 households (82% of BPL customers) are now experiencing reduced bills due to equity rate adjustments, with 44% of these customers seeing reductions exceeding 15%. More than 63,000 households currently receive monthly electricity bills under $125.

    The administration has also addressed service disconnections, reconnecting 2,811 households between November 2024 and January 2025. Davis highlighted the dual focus on affordability and reliability, noting: ‘Lower bills matter. But reliability matters just as much. Because what good is affordable electricity that is not there when you need it?’

    Substantial improvements in service quality were documented, with power outage frequency decreasing by approximately 45% and outage duration reduced by 35% throughout the previous year.

  • Davis defends the doubling of government unpaid invoices

    Davis defends the doubling of government unpaid invoices

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis has characterized the substantial increase in government arrears and unpaid invoices as evidence of vigorous project implementation rather than fiscal mismanagement. His comments came in response to parliamentary documents revealing that outstanding balances to suppliers and service providers nearly doubled from $122.4 million to $241.9 million between December 2024 and December 2025.

    According to the Prime Minister’s breakdown, $60.5 million represents carryover arrears from previous fiscal years, while $181.4 million constitutes current fiscal year invoices typically settled within a 90-day window. The Ministry of Works emerged as the largest debtor with $68.1 million in combined arrears and unpaid capital expenditure invoices, followed by the Water & Sewerage Corporation at $38.1 million and the Ministry of the Public Service at $24.3 million.

    Davis attributed the increased liabilities to accelerated infrastructure activities encompassing roadworks, drainage management, and building maintenance projects across airports, clinics, and educational facilities. He emphasized that the outstanding balances reflect seasonal cash flow pressures combined with support for essential services and active project execution.

    The administration is implementing enhanced fiscal controls including strengthened commitment mechanisms, improved cash forecasting, and structured arrears reduction strategies within a broader framework of fiscal consolidation. Davis noted that excluding obligations to public corporations would reduce the outstanding balance increase to approximately $29 million.

    Beyond immediate arrears, the government is confronting systemic fiscal vulnerabilities through director training programs for state-owned enterprises and a comprehensive guarantee policy framework. The Prime Minister also identified mounting pension obligations—projected to reach $4.1 billion by 2032—as another critical challenge, with current pension and gratuity payments consuming 6.2% of recurrent expenditure.

    A forthcoming pension reform legislation will establish contributory accounts for both employees and the government, featuring protection against negative investment returns and flexible benefit options. Simultaneously, public sector wages have increased from $738.4 million to $937.9 million under the current administration, with adjustments addressing recruitment challenges and cost-of-living pressures for Bahamian workers.

  • Cuba says working to restore power after big blackout

    Cuba says working to restore power after big blackout

    HAVANA, Cuba — Cuban energy officials announced significant advancements on Thursday in efforts to restore electricity across the nation following a widespread blackout that plunged approximately two-thirds of the country into darkness. The national grid, which experienced a catastrophic failure on Wednesday, has now been successfully reconnected nationwide, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Energy.

    The ministry confirmed that reconnection of the national electrical system was achieved at 5:01 AM local time Thursday, with power generation units being progressively brought back online to facilitate the gradual return of electricity to households and businesses. On-the-ground observations in Havana confirmed that several districts within the capital had already regained electrical service by Thursday morning.

    This incident highlights the profound challenges facing Cuba’s aging power infrastructure, which has deteriorated to a state of chronic dysfunction. Many regions across the island regularly endure daily power interruptions lasting up to 20 hours, exacerbated by severe fuel shortages that cripple power generation capabilities.

    The current energy crisis unfolds during a period of heightened geopolitical tension for the Caribbean nation of 9.6 million people. The situation has deteriorated significantly since January 3, when the United States moved to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who had been supplying approximately half of Cuba’s fuel requirements.

    Following Maduro’s political crisis, Washington initially imposed stringent oil embargo measures against Cuba before subsequently moderating these restrictions. This policy shift came amid concerns raised by neighboring Caribbean nations warning that extreme sanctions could precipitate total economic collapse and inflict disproportionate suffering on civilian populations. Despite these modifications, the Trump administration maintained substantial blockade measures, leaving oil shipments from Caracas to Havana in a state of prolonged uncertainty.

  • Willie Stewart’s Rhythms Of Africa to celebrate Jamaica in most personal edition yet

    Willie Stewart’s Rhythms Of Africa to celebrate Jamaica in most personal edition yet

    South Florida’s cultural landscape prepares for a profoundly personal edition of Rhythms Of Africa, the Afrocentric music event curated by former Third World drummer Willie Stewart. Scheduled for April 18-19 at Miramar Cultural Center, this year’s production titled “Run Di Riddim: Every Beat For Jamaica” stands as both celebration and tribute to Jamaica’s cultural spirit following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October 2025.

    The event transforms into a musical memorial honoring recently departed icons: reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff, legendary guitarist Stephen “Cat” Coore (Stewart’s Third World bandmate for 21 years), and revolutionary drummer Sly Dunbar. Their contributions to Jamaican music will be celebrated through performances by renowned artists including Richie Stephens, JC Lodge, and Gem Myers.

    This heartfelt production follows Stewart’s recent philanthropic musical endeavor “Have A Little Faith,” a collaborative single inspired by Jamaica’s post-hurricane recovery. Co-produced with Sean Wedderburn, the track features an all-star ensemble of Jamaican talents who donated their artistry, alongside string arrangements performed by University of Miami students.

    Stewart, a Wolmer’s Boys High School alumnus who joined Third World in 1976, reflects on the project’s significance: “The overwhelming response to ‘Have A Little Faith’ demonstrates music’s power to heal communities. Artists and musicians willingly contributed their talents to support this cause.” The event continues Stewart’s legacy since founding Rhythms Of Africa in 2010, particularly meaningful in South Florida’s vibrant Jamaican community.

  • Education minister, MP visit Ocho Rios High after student’s death

    Education minister, MP visit Ocho Rios High after student’s death

    Jamaica’s Education Minister, Senator Dana Morris-Dixon, has made an urgent visit to Ocho Rios High School in St Ann following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of a student. The minister, accompanied by St Ann North Eastern Member of Parliament Matthew Samuda, arrived at the institution to address the devastating aftermath of a physical altercation between students.

    The visit includes scheduled meetings with school administrators and the grieving parents of 16-year-old Devonie Shearer, who tragically lost his life after sustaining severe head injuries during the incident. Preliminary medical reports from St Ann’s Bay Hospital indicate the teenager suffered a fatal blunt trauma fracture to his skull, allegedly caused by being struck with a metal chair during the confrontation with another student on Wednesday.

    Authorities have confirmed that the student allegedly responsible for the assault is currently in police custody as investigations continue. While initial reports suggest the conflict began outside school premises, the violent escalation occurred within the school environment, raising serious concerns about student safety protocols and conflict resolution mechanisms within educational institutions.

    The education ministry’s direct involvement underscores the gravity of the incident and the government’s commitment to addressing school violence. This tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about safety measures in Jamaican schools and appropriate interventions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

  • Ocho Rios High student succumbs to injuries; accused in police custody

    Ocho Rios High student succumbs to injuries; accused in police custody

    A tragic incident at Ocho Rios High School in St. Ann, Jamaica, has culminated in the death of a 16-year-old student, Devonie Shearer, following an alleged physical confrontation with a fellow pupil on Wednesday afternoon. The young victim, residing on Buckfield Road, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during the altercation, despite being rushed to a medical facility for treatment.

    According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the incident involved a violent exchange between the two male students. During the confrontation, the accused individual reportedly utilized a metal chair as a weapon, striking Shearer in the back of his head. The force of the impact caused critical injuries that ultimately proved fatal.

    In a subsequent development, the family of the alleged perpetrator facilitated his surrender to law enforcement officials. The accused student is currently in police custody as investigations into the precise circumstances surrounding the altercation continue. This case has reignited discussions concerning youth violence and safety protocols within educational institutions across Jamaica, prompting calls for renewed preventive measures and conflict resolution strategies in school environments.