Carib Scope

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  • ‘Powered by Rum-Bar’ initiative launched to support hurricane impacted communities

    ‘Powered by Rum-Bar’ initiative launched to support hurricane impacted communities

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant corporate social responsibility move, Worthy Park Estate Limited has unveiled ‘Powered by Rum-Bar,’ a comprehensive relief program targeting the restoration of essential services in communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa’s recent passage.

    The innovative initiative will distribute 100 electricity generators to neighborhood bars located within the most severely impacted parishes, addressing critical power infrastructure gaps that have paralyzed economic activity and social connectivity.

    Commencing operations on December 17, 2025, the project team initiated the phased distribution across western Jamaican parishes where prolonged blackouts have created substantial challenges for small businesses and residents alike. The strategic rollout will continue throughout subsequent weeks, expanding to additional regions based on need assessment.

    This intervention enables these community establishments to restore refrigeration capabilities, lighting, and operational capacity, facilitating their role as vital social hubs during recovery efforts.

    Tamika West, Marketing Manager at Worthy Park Estate Limited, emphasized the cultural significance of this approach: ‘Neighborhood bars represent more than commercial establishments—they serve as community anchors throughout Jamaican society. Our initiative aims to strengthen these grassroots institutions, enabling them to support broader recovery efforts while maintaining economic viability.’

    The program reflects Rum-Bar and Worthy Park Estate’s deepening commitment to sustainable community development, disaster response preparedness, and ethical corporate citizenship. Priority areas for generator distribution include St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St James, Trelawny, and Hanover—regions where extended power disruptions have most severely compromised daily life and economic stability.

  • Alex Thomas to be assistant coach to Argentine Javier Ainstein at Waterhouse

    Alex Thomas to be assistant coach to Argentine Javier Ainstein at Waterhouse

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Waterhouse FC has strategically strengthened its coaching staff by appointing Alex Thomas as assistant coach to work alongside head coach Javier Ainstein for the remainder of the season. The appointment marks a significant development for the Jamaican football club as it seeks to enhance its technical leadership.

    Thomas brings substantial coaching expertise to his new role, having previously served as head coach at both Arnett Gardens and Molynes United. He replaces Jermaine Miller, who had been serving as interim coach following Marcel Gayle’s dismissal in December. Thomas’s most recent achievement includes leading Hydel High to the quarterfinals of the prestigious ISSA Manning Cup competition.

    The collaboration between Thomas and Ainstein shows immediate promise, with sources indicating the two coaches established strong alignment on strategic direction during their initial meeting this Tuesday. Thomas’s coaching credentials extend beyond Jamaica, having previously managed Slingerz FC in Guyana where he guided the team to an impressive second-place league finish while maintaining an unbeaten record throughout 2024.

    Football excellence runs deep in the Thomas family legacy. The 42-year-old coach follows in the footsteps of his older brothers, including the late Omar Thomas and former Reggae Boyz captain Shavar Thomas, who was recently appointed head coach of Connecticut United in the United States’ second-tier MLS competition.

    Alex Thomas’s football pedigree includes both playing and leadership experience at the highest levels. He represented Wolmer’s Boys in the Manning Cup and achieved the historic distinction of captaining Jamaica’s first youth team to qualify for a World Cup—the 1999 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in New Zealand. Two years later, he contributed to Jamaica’s second youth World Cup qualification for the 2001 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Argentina, which was captained by his brother Shavar.

    Thomas’s international experience extends to the senior national team, having earned one cap for the Reggae Boyz under Serbian coach Bora Milutinović during the Lunar Cup tournament in China.

  • World Athletics reviewing Jamaica’s concerns over athlete poaching — Coe

    World Athletics reviewing Jamaica’s concerns over athlete poaching — Coe

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has confirmed the organization’s national review panel is actively examining concerns regarding athlete allegiance transfers, specifically addressing Jamaica’s formal complaints about wealthier nations recruiting their elite competitors. The announcement comes amid revelations that several prominent Jamaican field athletes are seeking to represent Turkey at the 2028 Olympic Games.

    During a press conference hosted by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) on Wednesday, Coe detailed the established evaluation process implemented in 2018. “I completely altered the process, creating a national review panel that assesses whether transfer applications lack genuine foundation or reflect legitimate circumstances within our global landscape,” Coe stated. “We now maintain a very clear and formal procedure. The specific concerns raised locally are currently under the panel’s purview.”

    The athletics president acknowledged his fundamental position that athletes should ideally complete their careers representing the same nation they started with, while recognizing that exceptional circumstances occasionally justify transfers. “I have consistently maintained that the starting proposition should be that an athlete who begins their career wearing a national vest should essentially finish wearing that same vest,” Coe elaborated. “However, I understand that occasionally exceptional situations arise, reflecting the complex nature of our contemporary world.”

    The issue gained urgency following confirmation that Olympic discus throw champion Roje Stona, long jump silver medalist Wayne Pinnock, shot put bronze medalist Rajindra Campbell, and triple jumper Jaydon Hibbert are all pursuing eligibility to compete for Turkey in the upcoming 2028 Games. This development has sparked intense discussion within international athletics circles regarding competitive balance and athlete recruitment practices.

  • NFA accepting applications for 2026 conch season

    NFA accepting applications for 2026 conch season

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has officially announced the commencement of application procedures for conch fishing licenses and individual catch quota allocations ahead of the 2026 fishing season. The upcoming conch harvesting period is scheduled to begin on March 1, 2026, marking an important timeline for the nation’s marine resource management.

    The regulatory body has established a firm submission deadline of 4:00 pm on Friday, January 30, 2026, for all license applicants. This cutoff applies equally to both Industrial fishers (focused on export markets) and Artisanal fishers (serving local trade channels). The NFA emphasized that applications received after this precise deadline will be automatically disqualified from consideration.

    Prospective fishers must obtain application packages, available at the NFA Head Office information desk for a fee of JMD $500 per package. These documents contain comprehensive information and necessary forms for the licensing process. All completed applications require supporting documentation and must be physically delivered to the Authority’s headquarters at 2C Newport East, Kingston 11.

    The NFA has designated specific contact channels for additional inquiries. Interested parties may contact the Principal Director of Capture Fisheries directly or utilize telephone numbers 876-579-5910, 876-967-2081, or 876-948-9014. Alternatively, queries can be directed via email to fisheries@nfa.gov.jm for further clarification on application requirements and procedures.

  • Grenada friendly for Reggae Boyz

    Grenada friendly for Reggae Boyz

    In a strategic move to bolster player development, Jamaica’s national football team is set to clash with Grenada in an international friendly match on January 18th at St. George’s. With the fixture scheduled outside FIFA’s official international window, interim head coach Rudolph Speid has assembled a 24-player training squad predominantly featuring domestic talents and North American-based professionals, as many regular starters remain committed to club obligations.

    Coach Speid clarified that while this encounter aligns with the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) enduring commitment to nurturing local talent, it does not directly form part of the preparatory agenda for March’s critical FIFA Intercontinental play-offs in Mexico. The Reggae Boyz are slated to confront New Caledonia in the semi-finals, with victorious progression potentially securing a showdown against DR Congo for a coveted spot in this summer’s FIFA World Cup finals.

    Nevertheless, Speid emphasized the match’s significance as a proving ground for athletes aspiring to secure positions in the upcoming Mexico training camp. “We’ve consistently organized this developmental fixture over the past three to four years,” Speid stated during a Wednesday press briefing. “Our involvement in World Cup qualifiers hasn’t altered that tradition. However, the stakes are undoubtedly elevated now, as exceptional performances could earn players consideration for playoff squad selection.”

    The current training initiative commenced on Wednesday and will conclude Friday, followed by another intensive session next week preceding the team’s departure. The definitive roster for the Grenada encounter will be finalized thereafter.

    Speid highlighted the match’s particular importance for homegrown players seeking international experience. Simultaneously, the JFF is actively negotiating additional friendly matches in February to optimize preparations for the Intercontinental play-offs. The interim coach revealed ambitions to compose a 60-player squad for next month’s training camp, having already identified 52 candidates while continuing scouting operations to complete the remaining eight positions.

    Squad Composition for Grenada Friendly:

    Goalkeepers: Kemar Foster (Mount Pleasant), Tafari Chambers (Mount Pleasant), Daniel Russell (Portmore United)

    Defenders: Christopher Ainsworth (Cavalier), Javain Brown (Real Salt Lake), Damion Lowe (Houston Dynamo), Ronaldo Webster (Shkendija), Stephen Young (Portmore United), Kyle Ming (Mount Pleasant), Fitzroy Cummings (Mount Pleasant), Robino Gordon (Phoenix Chapelton)

    Midfielders: Adrian Reid Jr (Cavalier), Shamar Watson (Cavalier), Dwayne Atkinson (Rhode Island), Andre Lewis (Spokane Velocity), Tyreek Magee (Mount Pleasant), Jahshaun Anglin (Mount Pleasant), Jaheim Thomas (Arnett Gardens), Nickyle Ellis (Racing FC)

    Forwards: Romario Williams (Indy Eleven), Trayvon Reid (Harbour View), Daniel Green (Mount Pleasant), Jourdain Fletcher (Montego Bay United), Warner Brown (Mount Pleasant)

  • Treasure Beach and Dunbeholden seek elusive win

    Treasure Beach and Dunbeholden seek elusive win

    A pivotal rescheduled Jamaica Premier League fixture is set to unfold on Wednesday at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex, where Treasure Beach FC will square off against Dunbeholden FC in a 3:00 pm kickoff. This encounter, originally slated for November 12th, was postponed due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which necessitated additional recovery and preparation time for the Treasure Beach community.

    The match carries significant weight in the league’s tightly contested standings. A mere four points separate sixth from twelfth place, meaning a victory for either side promises a substantial climb up the table. Dunbeholden FC currently occupies 11th place with 14 points from 11 matches, while Treasure Beach sits just below with 12 points from 12 games played. This will be their first meeting since the previous season, which saw both encounters conclude in draws.

    Dunbeholden enters the match with a record of resilience in recent outings, suffering only one defeat in their last eight games. However, a pronounced offensive struggle has been their Achilles’ heel, managing a mere three goals during that span with an astonishing five matches ending in goalless stalemates. The team from St Catherine has netted only five goals all season.

    Conversely, Treasure Beach looks to halt a three-game losing streak, with each defeat coming by a narrow one-goal margin. A significant boost is anticipated for the squad, which is expected to welcome back several players after fielding a depleted roster of only 15 members in their recent 1-2 loss to Montego Bay United. Both clubs will be fiercely competing for a win that would provide crucial momentum and elevate their position in the league hierarchy.

  • NPICTT, TSTT partner for digital payments

    NPICTT, TSTT partner for digital payments

    In a landmark development for digital infrastructure, Trinidad and Tobago has activated its national payments platform with Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) serving as the inaugural operational partner. The National Payment and Innovation Company of TT (NPICTT) confirmed on January 7 that this partnership signifies the transition from theoretical planning to practical implementation of digital services for citizens.

    The collaboration achieves two significant milestones simultaneously: TSTT has become the first organization to process live transactions through the NPICTT national payments platform while simultaneously adopting Nobis as its official electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) solution. This dual implementation represents a concrete step toward modernizing service delivery across the nation.

    Dr. Nigel Fulchan, Chairman of NPICTT, emphasized the significance of this development: “TSTT’s onboarding as the first live payment-processing client demonstrates that our platform is fully operational and production-ready, capable of supporting high-volume, public-facing services. This illustrates how shared national infrastructure can strategically modernize service delivery across the state.”

    Acting TSTT CEO Keino Cox highlighted the partnership’s alignment with the company’s digital transformation strategy: “This allows us to accelerate our transition to digital services in a structured and secure manner. By implementing the national payments platform and adopting NOBIS through the Innovation Centre, we enhance customer experience while maintaining robust governance and compliance protocols.”

    Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh welcomed the announcement, noting that NPICTT’s establishment in August 2025 supports the government’s mission to reach every citizen in every community for government transactions. “TSTT positioning itself as the first state-owned entity to adopt this platform represents a milestone in creating a unified gateway for all public-sector financial interactions,” Swaratsingh stated.

    The partnership establishes a replicable model for government digital transformation that reduces duplication, improves efficiency, and accelerates the rollout of digital public services. NPICTT will function as the national payments infrastructure provider, while its Innovation Centre serves as the entry point for certified digital solutions across the public sector. Importantly, the arrangement maintains existing statutory and regulatory responsibilities, with TSTT continuing to deliver services directly to customers while NPICTT provides the underlying technological framework.

  • Marabella Mile returns with relays, expanded age groups, equal prize money

    Marabella Mile returns with relays, expanded age groups, equal prize money

    The historic Marabella Mile returns for its 2026 edition with significant enhancements, transforming into the Marabella Mile and Relay Festival with expanded categories and increased financial rewards for athletes. Scheduled for January 18 from 2 PM, the event marks a crucial early-season competition on Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic calendar.

    San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris and Sports Committee Chairman Daniel Dookie joined National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA TT) president Ephraim Serrette in endorsing the event’s expansion during its official launch at San Fernando City Hall on January 6. The festival now incorporates relay competitions alongside the traditional one-mile race while extending age-group categories and implementing equal prize money for male and female competitors across all divisions.

    The prize structure demonstrates substantial investment in athlete development. Top-tier mile race winners will receive $1,200, with descending awards of $900, $700, $500, $400, and $300 for subsequent placements. Youth categories (U15, U17, U20) offer $300, $200, and $100 prizes, while masters divisions have been expanded to include 40-49, 50-59, and 60-plus age groups with $400, $300, and $200 rewards respectively.

    Mayor Parris emphasized the event’s alignment with the city’s developmental policies, stating: ‘We continue on the trajectory of our developmental policy as a city where we contribute towards sports, tourism, culture, arts, and education.’ He specifically acknowledged TECU Credit Union’s sponsorship role in reviving the staple event after its successful 2025 return.

    NAAA TT president Serrette recognized the event’s importance in launching the competitive season, noting: ‘We commend TECU for this initiative. There are many road events on the calendar, and we are pleased to see the TECU Marabella Mile included.’

    Elite athletes including national distance-runner Nicholas Romany and rising sensation Aniqah Bailey endorsed the event’s competitive value as an early-season benchmark. Romany observed that ‘sports are evolving and bringing people together,’ while double World Championships medalist Machel Cedenio praised the inclusion of relay events.

    The masters community welcomed the expanded categories, with National Masters Association president Sheldon Mason promising strong participation: ‘Masters is in full support of the Marabella Mile and we will come out in our numbers.’

    Boxer Tianna Guy, who attended the launch, confirmed her participation, noting that ‘running is part of boxing preparation. Initiatives like this support athlete development and promote health and well-being.’

    TECU Credit Union president Sandra Matthews-Noel reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to youth development and gender equality, highlighting equal prize money as a fundamental principle. The sponsorship coincides with TECU’s 80th anniversary of operations, adding significance to their community investment.

  • Fire truck donation honours two North Abaco boys

    Fire truck donation honours two North Abaco boys

    A bittersweet milestone has been reached in North Abaco as the community receives a critically needed fire truck, a donation catalyzed by the tragic deaths of two local teenagers. The Eagles’ Wings Foundation and its Pathfinders taskforce provided the emergency vehicle, which will serve the underserved Little Abaco communities. The truck bears the names of 12-year-old Montana Ferguson, who perished in a house fire in August 2025, and 13-year-old Terrance Williams, who died in a November car accident.

    The Ferguson family expressed profound mixed emotions, acknowledging the necessity of the donation while lamenting that it required unimaginable loss to prompt action. Jacqueline Duncombe, Montana’s aunt, stated in an interview with The Tribune that while grateful for the enhanced community safety, the pain remains acute. She revealed residents had petitioned for additional fire resources for years, highlighting systemic preparedness failures.

    The fatal incident unfolded when a fire erupted at a friend’s home where Montana was staying. Despite desperate rescue attempts by neighbors, the single-storey wooden structure was fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived from Cooper’s Town—nearly an hour away. The home’s owner, Ocianna Scott, and her three children escaped physically unharmed but lost all possessions.

    Local political candidate Terrece Bootle detailed the rapid mobilization following the tragedy, citing a decisive conversation with Scott P Lewis of Eagles’ Wings that activated collaborations with local administrators, the North Abaco Pastors Association, and volunteer firefighter expertise. The newly acquired truck, currently awaiting shipment from Florida, represents the organization’s second such donation to North Abaco, following a previously established fire station in Cooper’s Town.

    Gary Smith, Deputy Chief of the North Abaco Volunteer Fire Department, confirmed the new engine is fully equipped with bunker gear, hoses, and external pumps, promising significantly improved response capabilities. Meanwhile, the community continues to honor the departed youths, with Sherlin C Bootle Secondary School creating memorial tributes symbolizing the enduring impact of their presence and laughter.

  • Redevelopment work for National Stadium to commence July 2027

    Redevelopment work for National Stadium to commence July 2027

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A comprehensive redevelopment plan for Jamaica’s National Stadium has been officially announced, with construction scheduled to commence in July 2027. Sports Minister Olivia Grange revealed the ambitious project during a press conference organized by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) this Wednesday.

    The extensive renovation will significantly enhance the stadium’s capacity and facilities. According to Minister Grange, the project will add approximately 10,000 new seats, bringing total concert capacity to nearly 50,000 spectators. The design incorporates multiple new stands at varying elevations, with most areas receiving coverage under an expansive sweeping roof structure.

    Notably, the historic grandstand will retain its original architectural integrity as it holds heritage status. Minister Grange emphasized that the iconic overhanging arch structure, which remains structurally sound since its initial construction, will be preserved unchanged due to its protected heritage designation.

    During the construction phase, Stadium East will undergo refurbishment to serve as a temporary venue for smaller events typically hosted at the National Stadium. The upgraded facility will also provide enhanced warm-up areas for athletes, officials, and improved amenities for patrons.

    The redevelopment will introduce state-of-the-art facilities including modernized changing rooms, dedicated medical areas for both athletes and spectators, specialized anti-doping testing facilities, concession areas, restrooms, throwing areas, and a new running track. This comprehensive upgrade aims to position Jamaica’s sporting infrastructure at international standards while preserving its historical significance.