Carib Scope

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  • Hasely Crawford Stadium, Jean Pierre Complex added to fete ban

    Hasely Crawford Stadium, Jean Pierre Complex added to fete ban

    In a significant move impacting Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival celebrations, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced stringent restrictions on the use of major venues for fetes during the 2026 Carnival season. The decision, revealed on November 18 via social media, follows an earlier announcement on November 12 that the Brian Lara Cricket Academy would no longer host Carnival fetes. The Prime Minister has now extended this ban to include the Hasely Crawford Stadium and Jean Pierre Complex, two iconic venues that have historically been central to Carnival festivities.

    Persad-Bissessar stated that she has directed the Attorney General, John Jeremie, and the Minister of Sport, Phillip Watts, to enforce an immediate prohibition on all fetes at these locations. However, she noted that exceptions would be made for events occurring between the Thursday before Carnival Monday and the Saturday following. These events must adhere to strict timing guidelines, starting no earlier than 12 noon and concluding by 10 pm.

    The Prime Minister emphasized the need to balance cultural traditions with community well-being, stating, ‘As we move forward, my Government remains committed to balancing culture and community well-being, protecting our traditions while safeguarding the peace of citizens.’ She also highlighted the importance of addressing noise pollution, instructing the National Carnival Commission to design sound systems that minimize disruptions.

    This decision has sparked mixed reactions, as these venues have long been synonymous with Carnival’s vibrant energy and cultural significance. While some applaud the move as a step toward preserving public peace, others express concern over the potential impact on the spirit and economic benefits of the festival.

  • PLP slams Pintard’s ‘phantom’ passport allegations

    PLP slams Pintard’s ‘phantom’ passport allegations

    The Davis Administration has vehemently refuted claims made by Opposition Leader Michael Pintard regarding the alleged discovery of ‘a bag of passports’ on a Bahamasair flight. Senior officials have accused Pintard of disseminating false information that fosters ‘xenophobic attitudes’ and erodes trust in national institutions. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe emphasized that investigations by Bahamasair, the Passport Office, and the police have all confirmed that no such incident occurred. Munroe urged Pintard to retract his statement, labeling it as ‘reprehensible’ and indicative of poor judgment. He further criticized Pintard’s leadership, suggesting that such behavior disqualifies him from holding any significant public office. The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) issued a press statement demanding that Pintard either provide evidence for his claims or admit to fabricating the story. The statement underscored the importance of maintaining public confidence in national institutions and condemned Pintard’s alleged pattern of making unfounded statements. Despite the government’s denials, Pintard remained defiant, accusing the administration of dishonesty and vowing to continue challenging its policies. He alleged widespread corruption and lack of transparency within the government, particularly in areas such as procurement, economic management, and immigration. Pintard insisted that his party would not retreat from its stance, emphasizing the need for accountability and truth in governance.

  • FNM and COI block removal of ballot box claiming breach of agreement on how it should be transported

    FNM and COI block removal of ballot box claiming breach of agreement on how it should be transported

    Tensions flared in Golden Isles following the conclusion of advance polling yesterday, as supporters of the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Coalition of Independents (COI) blocked the removal of ballot boxes. The dispute arose over allegations that election officials violated a prior agreement regarding the transportation of voting materials. FNM candidate Brian Brown asserted that presiding officers failed to honor a Wednesday agreement, which stipulated that party representatives should accompany the boxes to the Parliamentary Registrar. The standoff was resolved only after agents were permitted to escort the boxes, which were reportedly taken to the Parliamentary Registrar instead of police headquarters. FNM leader Michael Pintard expressed broader concerns about the election’s integrity, questioning the impartiality of the returning officer, whom he claimed had ties to the prime minister’s campaign. Pintard also alleged that Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporters interfered with voters entering the polling station, though he emphasized the FNM’s commitment to avoiding confrontation in the interest of maintaining peace. The PLP dismissed the FNM’s accusations, labeling them as an attempt to create ‘organized chaos’ and distract from internal weaknesses. Earlier in the day, the polling station was a hub of activity, with political tents, chanting supporters, and over 200 registered early voters. A minor dispute over FNM campaign music near the polling entrance was quickly resolved. Voters offered mixed reviews of the process, with some praising its efficiency and others expressing frustration over long waits and pressing local issues, such as flooding and healthcare. Bahamas Kidney Association president Tamika Roberts emphasized the need for actionable leadership, citing the country’s high rates of kidney disease as a critical concern.

  • These looters ‘have no shame’

    These looters ‘have no shame’

    In the aftermath of a devastating fire that engulfed six stalls at Arawak Cay, one of the Bahamas’ most bustling tourist hubs, looters seized the opportunity to plunder what little remained of the victims’ livelihoods. The blaze, which occurred on Sunday, left vendors in ruins, only to be further victimized by thieves who ransacked the damaged stalls early Monday morning. Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable and Food Vendors Association and owner of Red Snapper, recounted the distressing scene. After salvaging what he could, he secured his belongings in a designated area, only to find them stolen the next day. Among the stolen items were a microwave, alcohol, air fryers, a water heater, and various utensils. Despite his calls for police assistance, no officers arrived to investigate. Kenya Mitchell, manager of Goldie’s Conch House, also witnessed the looting, describing it as a heartless act of exploitation. She initially mistook the looters for cleanup crew members but soon realized their true intentions and alerted an Arawak Cay association official to remove them. The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of vendors who lack insurance due to non-compliance with building codes. Trudy Johnson, owner of Trudy’s Bar and Grill, acknowledged the challenges of obtaining insurance but emphasized the need for collective action to address safety standards. Meanwhile, Dario Williams, owner of Joey’s Restaurant and Lounge, expressed his devastation at the fire’s destruction and called for intervention to provide vendors with some form of financial protection. Despite the setbacks, progress has been made in clearing the site and preparing for reconstruction, with BPL crews working to restore power. The tragedy has underscored the urgent need for improved infrastructure and insurance solutions to safeguard the livelihoods of Arawak Cay’s vendors.

  • Social media users report challenges accessing X and other platforms

    Social media users report challenges accessing X and other platforms

    A significant disruption in internet services has left users worldwide struggling to access popular platforms such as X, Canva, ChatGPT, and several multiplayer games. The outage, traced back to Cloudflare, a leading internet infrastructure company, has raised concerns about the fragility of global digital ecosystems. On Tuesday, Cloudflare acknowledged the issue, stating, ‘Cloudflare is experiencing an internal service degradation. Some services may be intermittently impacted. We are focused on restoring service.’ The company, which provides critical network services to businesses globally, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the security, performance, and reliability of internet properties. The outage has sparked widespread discussions online, with users expressing frustration and disbelief. ‘Your things aren’t broken; Cloudflare is down. This is basically a global internet outage,’ one Reddit user commented. Another questioned, ‘Cloudflare went down today, and half the internet broke, including X. How does one company have that much impact?’ The incident underscores the interconnected nature of modern internet infrastructure and the far-reaching consequences of disruptions in key services.

  • UDC announces the reopening of Turtle River Park

    UDC announces the reopening of Turtle River Park

    ST ANN, Jamaica — The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has officially reopened Turtle River Park in Ocho Rios, St Ann, following extensive cleanup and restoration efforts. In a media statement released on Tuesday, the UDC confirmed that the park is now fully prepared to welcome families, residents, and tourists alike. The corporation emphasized that Turtle River Park remains a cherished public space, offering a serene and accessible environment for relaxation, reflection, and quality family time. Visitors are encouraged to explore the park’s natural beauty, including its expansive lawns, scenic walking paths, and tranquil ambiance in the heart of Ocho Rios. The UDC expressed its enthusiasm for welcoming guests back to this beloved destination, which continues to be a cornerstone of community life and tourism in the region.

  • US delivers HIV prevention drug to two African states

    US delivers HIV prevention drug to two African states

    In a significant move to combat HIV in Africa, the United States has initiated the delivery of Lenacapavir, a revolutionary injectable treatment, to Eswatini and Zambia. This development comes despite President Donald Trump’s substantial reductions in global aid earlier this year. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and Gilead Sciences, the pharmaceutical company behind the drug. Approximately 1,000 doses have already been dispatched, with administration set to commence this week, according to Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund. Jeremy Lewin, a State Department aid coordinator, revealed plans to fund two million doses for low- and middle-income African nations, aiming for completion by 2028, potentially as early as mid-2027. Lenacapavir, requiring only biannual administration, marks a significant advancement over daily pill regimens, offering a promising reduction in new HIV infections, particularly among pregnant and breastfeeding women. Despite the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to foreign aid and HIV/AIDS prevention programs, this initiative underscores a targeted approach to health assistance. Gilead Sciences’ Chairman and CEO, Daniel O’Day, highlighted the historic nature of this rollout, noting it as the first instance of a medication being introduced in Africa the same year it was approved in the US. However, this effort is shadowed by grim forecasts regarding the impact of reduced global aid, with experts predicting an additional 22.6 million preventable deaths by 2030 due to aid cuts by the US and European countries.

  • New York AG urges temporary protected status for Jamaicans after Hurricane Melissa

    New York AG urges temporary protected status for Jamaicans after Hurricane Melissa

    In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, New York Attorney General Letitia James has called on the federal government to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Jamaicans currently residing in the United States. The hurricane, the most intense to ever hit the island, has resulted in at least 45 fatalities and caused over $2 billion in property damage, displacing approximately 30,000 households and severely disrupting access to essential services such as electricity, clean water, and medical care.

    In a formal letter addressed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), James emphasized the urgent need for TPS, a designation that allows individuals from countries experiencing severe crises to live and work legally in the U.S. without fear of deportation. ‘Hurricane Melissa has inflicted unimaginable devastation on our Jamaican neighbors, destroying vital infrastructure and leaving tens of thousands homeless,’ James stated. ‘Forcing Jamaicans in the U.S. to return to a shattered homeland would be both dangerous and inhumane. TPS was designed precisely for such situations, and the federal government must act swiftly to protect those affected.’

    James’s appeal has garnered widespread support from political leaders, including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who highlighted the U.S.’s moral and diplomatic obligations to Jamaica. ‘Jamaica has been a steadfast ally to the United States since its founding,’ Clarke remarked. ‘We must honor our humanitarian commitments by ensuring that Jamaicans are not forced to return to unsafe conditions while their nation rebuilds.’

    Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., whose family has Jamaican roots, echoed these sentiments, urging the Trump administration to ‘set politics aside’ and extend TPS without delay. ‘The heart-wrenching images of devastation in Jamaica compel us to act,’ Richards said. ‘The U.S. must stand with our Caribbean brothers and sisters during this critical time.’

    New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers, representing one of the largest Caribbean communities in the city, also voiced her support. ‘Extending TPS is not only the right thing to do but also a testament to the deep cultural and historical ties between New York City and Jamaica,’ she asserted. ‘It is our shared responsibility to provide safety and stability to those in need.’

    The call for TPS follows a precedent set by the U.S. government, which has previously granted the designation to nationals of Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal following natural disasters. As Jamaica begins the arduous process of recovery, the extension of TPS would offer critical relief to those affected by the hurricane’s unprecedented destruction.

  • What about removal of online tax?

    What about removal of online tax?

    In a heartfelt letter to the editor published in Newsday, Barry S. Bissessar, a self-proclaimed ‘Fyzo boy’ and former schoolmate of Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, extended his congratulations on Tancoo’s recent appointment to public office. However, Bissessar also took the opportunity to remind the minister of a significant campaign promise: the removal of the seven per cent Online Purchase Tax (OPT).

    Bissessar recalled that the current Prime Minister, during his time as opposition leader, had repeatedly criticized the OPT as a ‘nuisance tax’ and vowed to eliminate it. The tax was introduced during the 2016-2017 budget by the then finance minister, placing an additional burden on an already heavily taxed population.

    While acknowledging that the removal of the OPT might have been overlooked in the preparation of the 2025-2026 budget, Bissessar expressed confidence that the issue would be addressed during the mid-year review or, at the latest, in the next budget cycle. The letter serves as both a congratulatory message and a gentle nudge to the finance minister to fulfill a key electoral promise.

  • Financing government projects danger

    Financing government projects danger

    In a recent letter to the editor, concerns were raised regarding the chairman’s announcement that FCB is prepared to finance government projects. While supporting national infrastructure is undeniably important, the strong stance taken by the bank could jeopardize its financial stability if these projects fail to yield sufficient returns. This could result in diminished profitability, potential impairments, and a subsequent decline in share prices. Shareholders are likely to be cautious about investments that seem to prioritize political or strategic goals over sound financial management. A decline in profits could prompt investors to withdraw their funds and seek safer alternatives, potentially leading to a shift of investments to more stable, profit-driven institutions. This is especially concerning given the potential for increased government influence, such as the appointment of board members in institutions like Republic Financial Holdings Ltd, possibly in December. The pattern of government influence risks creating a cycle where financial institutions become less driven by commercial prudence and more by political directives, potentially leading to a loss of investor confidence and a reduction in the overall stability of the banking sector. While supporting government initiatives is crucial for national development, it is equally important to maintain the financial integrity and independence of banks and other financial institutions. Proper governance, transparent project selection, and adherence to sound banking principles must be prioritized to protect shareholder interests and ensure long-term economic stability.