Carib Scope

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  • 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.

  • Sound selector killed in St Elizabeth ‘gun fight’ with cops

    Sound selector killed in St Elizabeth ‘gun fight’ with cops

    A fatal encounter between law enforcement and a local music figure in St Elizabeth has resulted in the year’s fourteenth police-involved shooting death. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has officially identified the deceased as 44-year-old Leighton Nembhard, also known by the alias “Bigga Don,” a sound system selector from the Peacock Heights community in Black River.

    The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in the Hodges district near Black River, where authorities report an armed confrontation occurred between Nembhard and police personnel. The situation escalated sufficiently to require additional support from multiple units across the St Elizabeth police division, indicating a significant standoff between the suspect and security forces.

    Following the altercation, law enforcement officials confirmed the seizure of a Browning 9mm pistol containing a magazine loaded with two live rounds of ammunition. The recovery of the weapon suggests armed resistance during the encounter, though full details of the exchange remain under official investigation.

    This event marks a concerning continuation of deadly confrontations between Jamaican citizens and security forces, with official statistics now recording fourteen such fatalities since the beginning of the current calendar year. The pattern of violence raises ongoing questions about conflict resolution and armed engagements in community policing operations.

  • HDC commercial tenants: Poor management affecting revenue

    HDC commercial tenants: Poor management affecting revenue

    Tenants at Pleasantville Village Plaza are demanding urgent management reforms as the state-owned Housing Development Corporation (HDC) reveals staggering financial losses across its commercial portfolio. HDC Chairman Feeroz Khan disclosed that seven commercial properties, including the Pleasantville facility, generate merely $1 million annually while accumulating $10 million in maintenance costs—a tenfold deficit he called economically indefensible.

    Opened in November 2006, the Pleasantville plaza contains approximately 50 retail units (225-500 sq ft) renting from $1,300 monthly, plus a 175-seat amphitheater available for $2,500 bookings. Theoretical maximum revenue would approach $780,000 annually at full occupancy, but during a January 5 site visit, Newsday observed at least a dozen vacant units despite apparent tenant demand.

    Collin Douglas, owner of Cappadonna’s Ice Cream and an original tenant, described deteriorating conditions since the plaza’s inception two decades ago. ‘The red-tape is excessive—they demand excessive personal documentation yet fail to lease long-vacant units,’ he stated, criticizing HDC’s inadequate marketing and bureaucratic hurdles.

    Newer tenant Dale Haynes of Abalaye Spiritual and Cultural Shop revealed systemic administrative failures: management records falsely showed occupied units as vacant, while rent receipts arrived months after payment. ‘They accused us of unpaid rent until we provided proof—their internal systems need complete overhaul,’ Haynes noted, though he acknowledged strong foot traffic and community support.

    Multiple anonymous tenants reported severe infrastructural neglect, with pigeons and stray animals now dominating common areas. Community member Roxanne Cruickshank, a 50-year Pleasantville resident, emphasized the plaza’s vital role providing food, banking, and medical services, preventing travel to San Fernando.

    The financial crisis extends beyond Pleasantville. Chairman Khan, speaking at a January 4 media conference, accused the previous administration of leaving $600 million in unpaid contractor bills, a $300 million pension fund deficit, and $150 million in maintenance contracts allegedly awarded to political affiliates. Construction costs per unit reportedly surged from $500,000 to $2 million over the past decade.

    Neither former Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis nor Khan responded to follow-up interview requests. As HDC’s commercial operations face intensified scrutiny, longtime tenants like Douglas fear an uncertain future: ‘I depend on this plaza entirely—I have no other employment.’

  • High Court settles Erin land battle, dismisses lawsuits against landowner

    High Court settles Erin land battle, dismisses lawsuits against landowner

    In a significant ruling addressing fraudulent land transactions, High Court Justice Karen Reid has delivered a decisive verdict favoring a landowner’s estate while ordering substantial financial restitution from unauthorized developers. The January 6 judgment dismissed all claims seeking specific performance of sale agreements against Joseph Dhanoosingh’s estate, simultaneously awarding over $4.85 million in refunds against Glenn Thomas and Mass Contracting Company Ltd for collecting payments without proper authorization.

    The consolidated legal proceedings originated from residential lot sales at Jackson Trace, Buenos Ayres, Erin, where approximately 63 purchasers alleged they were defrauded by a real estate agent and development company. The claimants, represented by Fitzroy Williams and Neil Bishop, contended that Thomas operated as a real estate agent selling properties on Dhanoosingh’s behalf through Mass Contracting, which purportedly held an exclusive agency agreement dated February 10, 2016.

    Justice Reid’s meticulous examination revealed critical limitations in the agency agreement. While permitting advertising and site visits, the contract explicitly required all payments to be directed to the landowner and did not authorize written sale agreements or collection of deposits by the agent or developer. The court found no evidence that Dhanoosingh attended meetings, provided assurances, or ratified transactions conducted by Thomas and Mass Contracting.

    ‘There is absolutely no evidence proving or corroborating any involvement by the third defendant (Dhanoosingh) in the claimants’ transactions,’ Justice Reid stated in her ruling. She further determined that Thomas and Mass Contracting operated as independent contractors without actual or ostensible authority to represent themselves as landowners or enter into binding agreements.

    The judgment emphasized that none of the agreements were executed as Dhanoosingh’s agents, and all documents expressly required payments to be made directly to the landowner. Accepting payments while presenting themselves as vendors constituted a clear violation of the limited authority granted in the 2016 agreement.

    With Thomas and Mass Contracting failing to defend themselves in proceedings, the court entered judgment against them for damages totaling $4,854,500—representing proven payments from dozens of purchasers. Specific performance was denied since the developers lacked ownership rights to the property. The court additionally dismissed all claims against Ronald Singh as administrator ad litem of Dhanoosingh’s estate, ordering claimants to pay 50% of the estate’s prescribed costs.

    The ruling serves as a robust reinforcement of property rights and contractual boundaries, establishing important precedents regarding agency relationships in real estate transactions. Legal representation included Gilbert Peterson, SC, and Amerelle Francis for the claimants, with Chanka Persadsingh and Kiran Lutchmedial representing Dhanoosingh’s estate.

  • MOWT corrects ‘error’: Late permit fees actually higher

    MOWT corrects ‘error’: Late permit fees actually higher

    The Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) in Trinidad has addressed mounting public dissatisfaction regarding recent fee increases for late permit renewals, revealing that an administrative miscalculation resulted in some drivers being undercharged during processing on December 6.

    The discrepancy came to light during an internal review conducted on the evening of January 5, prompting immediate corrective measures. Ministry officials confirmed that the updated fee structure has been properly implemented on the MOWT’s official portal to ensure transparency and accuracy moving forward.

    According to the revised fee schedule, motorists with permits expired for periods not exceeding six months will now incur a late penalty of $650, representing a $50 increase from the previously charged amount. For more significant delays involving permits that have lapsed for over six months but remain within a three-year threshold, the financial penalty has been substantially elevated to $1,750—a dramatic 75% surge from the former $1,000 charge.

    The ministry’s announcement follows widespread digital protests from drivers across the nation who expressed frustration through various online platforms regarding the increased financial burden. Despite the public discontent, transportation authorities maintain that the corrected fees reflect the actual costs associated with administrative processing of delinquent permit renewals.

    Officials emphasize that the updated fee structure aims to encourage timely renewal compliance while ensuring the proper allocation of resources within the transportation regulatory system. The ministry has encouraged all drivers to verify their permit status and review the updated fee schedule available through official channels to avoid unexpected charges during renewal procedures.