Carib Scope

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  • Venezuela releasing ‘large number’ of prisoners — top lawmaker

    Venezuela releasing ‘large number’ of prisoners — top lawmaker

    CARACAS, Venezuela — In a significant development following the ouster of authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelan authorities have commenced a substantial prisoner release initiative. Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodriguez announced on Thursday that the government is executing the immediate liberation of a “large number” of detainees, comprising both Venezuelan citizens and foreign nationals.

    This action, described by Rodriguez as a “unilateral gesture,” marks the first observable concession from Venezuela’s interim government since U.S. forces removed Maduro from power five days prior. The former leader was apprehended by American forces and transported to New York to stand trial, prompting the Trump administration to declare itself “in charge” of Venezuelan affairs.

    While Rodriguez declined to specify the exact number of prisoners being freed, independent monitoring provides context to the scale of detention. The non-governmental organization Foro Penal documents 806 individuals currently held as political prisoners in Venezuela, including 175 military personnel affected by the nation’s political turmoil.

    The prisoner release coincides with claims from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated on Tuesday that Venezuelan authorities were dismantling a “torture chamber located in central Caracas.” The President provided no additional details regarding this alleged facility, leaving international observers to speculate about its nature and operations.

    This coordinated prisoner release represents a tangible policy shift following the dramatic change in Venezuela’s leadership, suggesting potential moves toward reconciliation and judicial reform in the post-Maduro era.

  • Global economy shows resilience, but risks loom–UN

    Global economy shows resilience, but risks loom–UN

    The United Nations has projected that the global economy will expand by 2.7 percent in 2026, maintaining a pace slightly below 2025 levels and significantly under pre-pandemic performance averages. This outlook, detailed in the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report released Wednesday, points to persistent headwinds from escalating trade conflicts, unsustainable debt burdens, and chronically weak investment.

    While acknowledging that receding inflation and a shift toward accommodative monetary policies provided some support in 2025—even amidst sharp increases in U.S. tariffs—the report underscores deeper structural vulnerabilities. These include severely constrained fiscal space across nations and persistently subdued investment, which threaten to trap the world economy in an extended phase of sluggish expansion.

    Global trade dynamics showed unexpected vigor in 2025, growing at 3.8 percent, fueled by anticipatory shipments and robust services exchange. However, this momentum is forecast to decelerate markedly to 2.2 percent in 2026 as the cumulative effects of protective tariffs and pervasive policy uncertainty intensify.

    Regionally, Latin America and the Caribbean are anticipated to see economic growth of 2.3 percent in 2026, a marginal dip from the previous year. The UN attributes this to tempered consumer demand and only a gradual pickup in investment, with significant risks posed by elevated debt, inflexible fiscal positions, and susceptibility to external disruptions.

    Inflationary pressures are receding on a global scale, with headline inflation expected to decline to 3.1 percent in 2026 from 3.4 percent in 2025. Despite this moderation, the UN emphasized that the high cost of essential goods continues to severely undermine purchasing power, particularly within developing economies where expenses for food, energy, and transport remain disproportionately high.

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the transformative impact of intersecting economic, geopolitical, and technological tensions, which are deepening uncertainty and exacerbating social strains. He noted with concern that numerous developing nations remain off course to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

    The analysis further warned of risks associated with mounting debt obligations and potential financial market instability, including overvalued asset prices in artificial intelligence-linked sectors that may exacerbate both international and domestic inequalities.

    In response, the UN issued a strong call for revitalized multilateral collaboration, urging enhanced government coordination on trade frameworks, comprehensive debt relief initiatives, and scalable climate finance. The report endorsed the Sevilla Commitment—forged at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development—as a vital blueprint for overhauling the international financial architecture and improving access to development and climate funding, a critical need for small and vulnerable economies such as those in the Caribbean.

  • St James police aim for below 50 murders this year

    St James police aim for below 50 murders this year

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — In a landmark announcement following consecutive years of declining homicide rates, the St James Police Division has established an ambitious new internal objective: reducing annual murders below 50 by 2026. The revelation came from Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, divisional commander for the parish, during his monthly address to the St James Municipal Corporation on Thursday.

    Samuels presented compelling data demonstrating extraordinary progress in crime reduction throughout 2025. The division recorded just 58 murders compared to 125 in 2024—representing a dramatic 54 percent decrease. This achievement surpassed their initial target of maintaining murders below 100 for the year.

    “Our team in St James demonstrates unwavering commitment to establishing and meeting progressively ambitious targets,” Samuels stated. “We have now set a personal internal benchmark of fewer than 50 murders, and we are determined to maintain this standard.”

    The comprehensive crime statistics revealed improvements across multiple categories. Shooting incidents dropped by 44 percent, with 62 cases reported compared to 111 the previous year. Overall serious crimes decreased by 19 percent division-wide, signaling broad-based improvement in public safety.

    While acknowledging ongoing challenges with robbery offenses, particularly within urban areas, Samuels highlighted significant progress through coordinated law enforcement actions. “We have made substantial headway in addressing robbery concerns, with multiple suspects currently in custody and undergoing judicial proceedings,” he explained. Notably, many individuals involved in criminal activities across Jamaica are now detained not only in St James but throughout various divisions.

    This coordinated approach yielded particularly impressive results during the recent holiday season, traditionally a period of elevated criminal activity. “The Christmas period recorded remarkably low robbery numbers—an unprecedented achievement for our division,” Samuels emphasized.

    The commander extended gratitude to partner agencies whose collaboration contributed to these outcomes. “Our interagency partnerships throughout the year were instrumental in achieving the success we now witness,” he acknowledged, expressing satisfaction with the collective results emerging from these coordinated efforts.

  • Excelsior dismiss STETHS to claim Olivier Shield

    Excelsior dismiss STETHS to claim Olivier Shield

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a spectacular display of high school football prowess, Excelsior High School emerged victorious in the prestigious all-island championship final on Thursday. The Manning Cup champions secured a decisive 2-0 triumph against St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) at Stadium East field, claiming the coveted Olivier Shield in a match that showcased exceptional talent and determination.

    The match’s outcome was determined by two brilliant goals from Terrence Williams and Kivann Salmon. Williams initiated the scoring in the 10th minute with a perfectly executed penalty kick, setting the tone for Excelsior’s dominant performance. Salmon sealed the victory in the 87th minute with a powerful low drive from just inside the 18-yard box, ensuring the title for his team.

    This victory marks a significant milestone for Excelsior High, representing their third Olivier Shield achievement but their first outright claim to the trophy. Previous successes in 2003 (shared with Frome Technical) and 1993 (shared with Rusea’s High) were joint victories, making this standalone win particularly historic for the institution known as the Eagles. The triumph underscores Excelsior’s growing legacy in Jamaican schoolboy football and establishes them as a dominant force in the sport’s development landscape.

  • Spain says Venezuela freed five Spanish prisoners

    Spain says Venezuela freed five Spanish prisoners

    In a significant diplomatic development, Venezuela has granted freedom to five Spanish citizens, including prominent activist Rocio San Miguel who holds dual Venezuelan-Spanish citizenship. The release marks the first major prisoner amnesty since the recent political transition in Caracas.

    Spain’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the liberation, stating the individuals are now preparing to return to Spanish territory. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez revealed through social media platform X that these citizens had endured over twelve months of detention in the South American nation before their release.

    The prisoner release initiative was characterized by Venezuelan parliamentary leader Jorge Rodríguez as an effort to promote ‘peaceful coexistence,’ though specific details regarding the total number or identities of those freed remain undisclosed. This development occurs amidst substantial political reshuffling following last weekend’s dramatic capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces.

    Maduro’s apprehension and subsequent transfer to New York to confront narcotics trafficking charges precipitated the elevation of his former deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, to interim leadership. The new administration has received explicit endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump, contingent upon Venezuela ensuring American access to its substantial petroleum reserves.

    Spanish officials have welcomed the prisoner release as a constructive measure toward facilitating dialogue and national reconciliation among Venezuelan factions. The development signals potential warming in Venezuela’s international relations following recent geopolitical upheavals.

  • WATCH: Scores gather for candlelight vigil in memory of Donald Oliver

    WATCH: Scores gather for candlelight vigil in memory of Donald Oliver

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Stadium’s Statue Park became a place of solemn remembrance on Thursday evening as the Jamaican sports journalism community gathered for a candlelight vigil honoring Donald Oliver, the acclaimed sports journalist who passed away unexpectedly on December 30 at age 40.

    The vigil, organized by colleagues and friends, drew scores of attendees who came to pay their respects to Oliver, who had recently joined the Jamaica Observer Media Group as audiovisual manager following the closure of SportsMax where he previously worked.

    Veteran journalist and presenter George Davis led the emotional proceedings, delivering a heartfelt tribute that highlighted Oliver’s exceptional character and professional dedication. ‘He was a thoroughly decent human being,’ Davis expressed to the gathered mourners. ‘The kind of guy you would love to have as your brother, your uncle; the kind of son you would love to have as a parent.’

    Davis particularly emphasized Oliver’s distinctive approach to sports commentary, noting his meticulous preparation and commitment to elevating athletic achievements. ‘While some commentators simply show up and call games, Donald prepared meticulously to make athletes feel special when describing their moments of genius,’ Davis explained. ‘He wanted his narration to ensure both performers and audiences felt the significance of every great moment, creating timeless memories through his crafted descriptions.’

    Oliver’s sudden passing came after he reportedly experienced chest pains, sending shockwaves through Jamaica’s media and sports communities. His transition from SportsMax to the Jamaica Observer Media Group in August 2025 had marked a new chapter in his career, cut tragically short just months later.

    The vigil served as both a mourning ceremony and a celebration of a journalist whose work transcended typical sports reporting, leaving an indelible mark on Jamaican sports media.

  • Coffee farmers bat for climate resilient industry on Blue Mountain Coffee Day

    Coffee farmers bat for climate resilient industry on Blue Mountain Coffee Day

    The misty highlands of Guava Ridge in St. Andrew will serve as the backdrop for the eighth annual Blue Mountain Coffee Day celebration this Friday, centered on the critical theme of constructing a climate-resilient coffee industry. This significant event commemorates the historic January 9, 1967 shipment that saw 60% of Jamaica’s annual coffee harvest dispatched to Japan from Kingston’s port—a pioneering commercial endeavor executed by the late Keble Munn, founder of Mavis Bank Coffee Factory established in March 1953.

    Norman Grant, Chairman of the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association and CEO of Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, emphasized in his anniversary address that this year’s observance occurs during a pivotal recovery period for the industry. Coffee growers are confronting multiple climate-induced challenges, most recently Hurricane Melissa, highlighting the urgent necessity for developing robust adaptive strategies within local coffee cultivation.

    The event will feature keynote addresses from Floyd Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, and Yasuhiro Atsumi, Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, underscoring the bilateral importance of this agricultural partnership. The celebration is collaboratively organized by the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association, 5,000 local coffee farmers, the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority, Jampro, and multiple government ministries alongside the All Japanese Importers of Jamaican Coffee.

    Renowned for its exceptional quality, Blue Mountain coffee thrives exclusively in the elevated regions of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 5,500 feet. The unique terroir—characterized by cool misty conditions and mineral-rich volcanic soil—produces beans with distinctive mild flavor, minimal acidity, and exceptionally smooth characteristics. This premium coffee commands global recognition as one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive varieties, with over 80% of exports destined for the discerning Japanese market where it holds revered status.

    The Blue Mountain Coffee Day tradition was originally established in Japan in 2018 by the All Japanese Importers of Jamaican Coffee under the thematic banner “Jamaica Blue Mountain, the King of Coffees and the Winning Bean,” celebrating both the product’s excellence and the enduring trade relationship between the nations.

  • Take Trump seriously on Greenland, Vance warns Europe

    Take Trump seriously on Greenland, Vance warns Europe

    WASHINGTON—US Vice President JD Vance issued a stark warning to European allies on Thursday, emphasizing the need to treat President Donald Trump’s concerns regarding Greenland with utmost seriousness. The statement comes amid escalating tensions over US interests in the strategically vital Arctic territory currently under Danish administration.

    Speaking at a White House briefing, Vance criticized NATO partners, particularly Denmark, for what he characterized as insufficient efforts to safeguard Greenland against expanding Russian and Chinese military activities. The Vice President’s remarks follow recent White House confirmations that the administration is exploring options regarding Greenland, including potential acquisition, while not dismissing military contingencies.

    Vance specifically highlighted the growing importance of Greenland for US missile defense infrastructure, citing increased foreign military presence in the Arctic region and the strategic implications of receding polar ice due to climate change. “We’re asking our European friends to take the security of that land mass more seriously,” Vance stated, adding that the United States would “have to do something about it” if allies failed to respond adequately.

    The diplomatic friction has triggered urgent consultations across European capitals. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly discussed the Greenland situation twice with President Trump this week, emphasizing enhanced cooperation for Arctic security. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Danish and Greenlandic representatives next week for direct negotiations.

    European leaders have responded with firm opposition to US assertions. France’s President Emmanuel Macron delivered unusually strong criticism, suggesting the United States was “turning away” from traditional alliances. Multiple European governments have issued joint statements affirming that Greenland’s sovereignty remains exclusively a matter for Denmark and the territory’s local government.

    The confrontation represents the latest manifestation of the Trump administration’s assertive national security approach, which has previously criticized European defense capabilities and migration policies. The administration’s December national security strategy document notably described Europe as facing “civilizational erasure” and advocated supporting right-wing political movements across the continent.

  • KTHS students triumph at Project STAR Business Pitch Competition

    KTHS students triumph at Project STAR Business Pitch Competition

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a remarkable demonstration of youth innovation, two fifth-form students from Kingston Technical High School have claimed victory in Project STAR’s inaugural Business Pitch Competition. Jason Campbell and Nakeida Williamson captivated judges with their visionary proposal for EduConnect Centre, a comprehensive digital hub designed to bridge the technology gap for students.

    The winning concept addresses critical educational barriers by providing reliable internet connectivity, access to computing devices, printing services, and academic support for School Based Assessments. The initiative directly responds to the digital divide that frequently impedes academic achievement among Jamaican youth.

    Campbell revealed the project’s origins in personal experience: ‘Our proposal emerged from daily academic struggles. Many students lack basic technological resources—some don’t even own phones—and must depend on unreliable assistance. We’re creating a sustainable solution to improve educational outcomes.’

    Williamson emphasized the broader transformative potential: ‘Technical schools often face negative stereotypes. Through EduConnect Centre, we aim to enhance our institution’s reputation while helping students excel in Caribbean Secondary Education exams and vocational certifications. This victory validates our commitment to educational improvement.’

    The achievement proved particularly impressive given competition-day challenges, including technical difficulties and the unexpected withdrawal of a team member. Despite these obstacles, the duo’s compelling presentation and strategic vision secured top honors.

    As champions, each student received $25,000 in prize money, while the school was awarded a $100,000 implementation grant from Project STAR. The total startup costs are estimated at $48,000, with existing school infrastructure providing additional support.

    Both students view the experience as career-defining. Campbell anticipates pursuing real estate with renewed confidence, while Williamson aims to become a serial entrepreneur. Both intend to invest their winnings in future aspirations.

    Project STAR organizers celebrated the students’ innovative thinking and perseverance. Education Coordinator Myshka Allen noted: ‘We designed this initiative to provide practical, enduring skills aligned with business curriculum principles. These students demonstrated exceptional creativity in translating classroom knowledge into actionable solutions.’

    The competition culminated weeks of intensive training through business simulation bootcamps that equipped 75 participants with entrepreneurship skills, career readiness strategies, and professional development tools. Project STAR remains committed to supporting the actual implementation of EduConnect Centre as a sustainable school resource.

  • AC Milan scrape a point with Genoa after late penalty howler

    AC Milan scrape a point with Genoa after late penalty howler

    In a heart-stopping Serie A finale at San Siro, AC Milan narrowly avoided a shocking defeat against Genoa on Thursday, securing a 1-1 draw after surviving extraordinary penalty drama in stoppage time. The result grants local rivals Inter Milan a crucial three-point advantage atop the league standings.

    The match reached its climax when Romanian midfielder Nicolae Stanciu sent a potential winning penalty soaring over the crossbar in the dying moments, squandering Genoa’s golden opportunity for a monumental upset. The penalty was awarded after Milan defender Davide Bartesaghi fouled Mikael Ellertsson, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion.

    Milan’s equalizer came through Portuguese forward Rafael Leão, who powered home a decisive header during second-half added time, finally breaking Genoa’s resilient defense. The visitors had taken a surprise lead just before the half-hour mark through Lorenzo Colombo, a Milan academy product currently on loan to Genoa, who capitalized against his parent club.

    Despite extending their unbeaten league run to 17 matches, Milan’s dropped points proved particularly costly following Inter’s 2-0 victory over Parma the previous day. Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri emphasized the need for tactical maturity, stating his team should have created additional opportunities after their late equalizer without exposing themselves to counter-attacks.

    In parallel Serie A action, veteran striker Jamie Vardy contributed both a goal and an assist for Cremonese, yet his efforts weren’t enough to secure victory as the team surrendered a two-goal halftime advantage to draw 2-2 with Cagliari. The former England international now boasts five goals in Italian football since his transfer.

    The single point leaves Genoa just three points above the relegation zone as they prepare for critical matches against fellow strugglers Cagliari and Parma. For Colombo, the performance against his childhood club represented a positive step despite the heartbreaking conclusion, noting his team demonstrated character and competitive quality against one of Italy’s elite sides.