Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • JN Bank appoints interim managing director

    JN Bank appoints interim managing director

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—JN Bank Limited announced a significant leadership transition as Managing Director Leesa Kow concludes her 22-year tenure with the institution on March 31. Keith Levy, the current chairman, will assume the role of interim managing director while the mutual-owned society conducts a search for a permanent successor.

    Kow’s departure marks the end of a distinguished career that began in 2003 and culminated in her appointment to lead JN Bank in July 2022. Her exit coincides with the bank’s remarkable financial performance, having reported $1.2 billion in pre-tax profits for the nine-month period ending December 2025—more than double the $581.93 million recorded for the full fiscal year ending March 2025.

    In an official statement, Kow reflected on her journey: “Working at JN has been the privilege of my professional life. I came here in 2003 and was given opportunities I could not have imagined by people who believed in me before I had earned it. I am proud of what we built together.”

    Levy brings substantial banking expertise to his interim role, with over 25 years of international banking experience including positions at Bank of America and Credit Suisse. He has served as a director of JN Financial Group since July 2022 and as chairman of JN Bank since December 2024. JN Group CEO Earl Jarrett expressed confidence in Levy’s capabilities, noting his “sound perspective on key financial initiatives” and deep understanding of the bank’s mission.

    This leadership change occurs amid broader restructuring within JN Group, which has included divesting interests in JN General Insurance and JN Fund Managers while reducing exposure to its UK banking operations. The group is implementing a turnaround strategy focused on capital strength, sustainable profitability, and disciplined cost management, with projections indicating an 80% reduction in consolidated net losses for the March 2026 fiscal year.

    Kow’s departure represents the latest in a series of C-suite changes across Jamaica’s commercial banking sector, following recent leadership transitions at National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited and CIBC Caribbean Bank (Jamaica) Limited.

  • LAC advances in eradicating hunger for the fourth consecutive year

    LAC advances in eradicating hunger for the fourth consecutive year

    A landmark collaborative report reveals that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has achieved a notable reduction in undernourishment for the fourth consecutive year. According to the 2025 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, the prevalence of hunger has declined to 5.1% of the regional population in 2024, marking a substantial improvement from the 6.1% peak recorded in 2020. This progress translates to 6.2 million fewer individuals experiencing food deprivation across the region.

    The comprehensive assessment, jointly produced by five United Nations agencies including FAO, IFAD, PAHO/WHO, WFP, and UNICEF, highlights particularly impressive advancements in South America. This subregion has achieved an average hunger prevalence of just 3.8%, reflecting a reduction of nearly one percentage point between 2022 and 2024. Several nations including Brazil, Costa Rica, Guyana, and Uruguay have emerged as regional leaders with hunger rates falling below 2.5%, while Chile and Mexico approach this benchmark.

    Despite these encouraging developments, the report underscores persistent disparities. The Caribbean subregion continues to face severe challenges, with hunger affecting 17.5% of its population, largely driven by Haiti’s alarming 54.2% undernourishment rate. Moderate or severe food insecurity impacted 25.2% of LAC’s population in 2024, showing improvement from the 2020 peak of 33.7% yet remaining concerning. A significant gender gap persists, with food insecurity rates 5.3 percentage points higher among women compared to men.

    The analysis further reveals a complex nutritional landscape where progress coexists with serious public health challenges. While stunting among children under five has decreased to 12.4%, adult obesity rates have doubled since 2000, now affecting nearly 30% of the population. The region faces the highest global cost for a healthy diet at $5.16 per day, though affordability has improved slightly with 15.4 million more people able to access nutritious food compared to 2021.

    UN officials emphasize that despite measurable progress, profound inequalities continue to affect vulnerable populations. Rocío Medina Bolívar of IFAD noted that ‘women and rural communities experience higher levels of food insecurity,’ urging targeted investments in rural development. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa highlighted the need to transform food environments dominated by ultra-processed products, while UNICEF’s Roberto Benes called for strengthened multisectoral systems to address the region’s complex nutrition challenges.

  • Dominica to finalise US agreement on third country migrants this week

    Dominica to finalise US agreement on third country migrants this week

    ROSEAU, Dominica – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced on Monday that the Dominican government is finalizing a bilateral agreement with the United States to accept a limited number of third-country refugees. This arrangement would apply specifically to cases where the U.S. is unable to repatriate individuals to their countries of origin.

    The proposed draft, expected to be signed this week, outlines a structured resettlement quota. Under the terms, Dominica would receive no more than seven migrants every four months, amounting to a maximum of 28 individuals annually. This figure stands in stark contrast to local speculation about large-scale arrivals, which the Prime Minister explicitly dismissed.

    Skerrit emphasized the nation’s underlying need for skilled labor and population growth to bolster socio-economic development. He stated, ‘The truth is Dominica needs thousands of people more, if you were to ask me. We need some more people in there.’ He framed the agreement as a pragmatic solution to both a regional humanitarian challenge and a domestic labor shortage.

    Operational management of the program will be handled by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on behalf of the Dominican government. Final logistical details, including housing arrangements—whether in individual rentals or a centralized facility—and financial provisions to ensure the government incurs no extra costs, are still being ironed out. Skerrit noted that the refugees may not remain in Dominica permanently and could eventually return to their home countries.

    The Prime Minister positioned this cooperation as a strategic move to deepen the ‘longstanding relationship’ with the United States, signaling Dominica’s role as a ‘willing and reliable partner’ in the region. He concluded by urging a forward-looking perspective, warning against xenophobia and highlighting the potential benefits of integrating skilled individuals into Dominican society.

  • UN chief calls for Israel to re-open Gaza crossings

    UN chief calls for Israel to re-open Gaza crossings

    UNITED NATIONS—UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued an urgent appeal on Monday demanding Israel immediately reopen critical border crossings into Gaza that were sealed following military operations against Iran conducted jointly with the United States.

    The closure, implemented Saturday as a security precaution, includes the strategically vital Rafah crossing—Gazans’ sole access point to the external world that bypasses Israeli territory. This passage had only resumed operations for civilian movement on February 2, ending a nearly two-year suspension after Israeli forces assumed control during conflicts with Hamas.

    UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric detailed the severity of the situation, stating: ‘Israeli authorities have sealed all transit points, including Rafah, and halted all humanitarian operations in zones where Israeli military personnel remain stationed within Gaza.’

    Dujarric emphasized the critical nature of resumed access: ‘The immediate reopening of all crossings is imperative. Our humanitarian partners have already begun rationing fuel supplies and prioritizing only the most critical life-saving operations due to rapidly diminishing local reserves.’

    The spokesperson further explained the compounding challenges, noting that while some supplies remain within Gaza, the complete blockade forces aid organizations to meticulously stretch existing resources. This development significantly hampers the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s civilian population, creating potentially severe consequences for those dependent on international aid.

  • JPS Foundation donates $500,000 to support Christel House Jamaica’s IDEA Lab

    JPS Foundation donates $500,000 to support Christel House Jamaica’s IDEA Lab

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant boost for educational innovation, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Foundation has contributed $500,000 to Christel House Jamaica (CHJ) to procure seven advanced robotics STEM kits. This strategic investment was formally announced through an official press release issued this Monday.

    The contribution represents a foundational enhancement for the school’s pioneering IDEA Lab initiative, creating transformative pathways for hands-on technological education. These state-of-the-art kits are designed to serve as catalytic tools in democratizing access to innovation-driven learning experiences for young Jamaicans.

    JPS elaborated on the lab’s mission, describing it as a dynamic, fully-equipped studio environment where students engage deeply with STEM disciplines through experimental exploration and collaborative projects. The integration of robotics technology is expected to significantly elevate interactive curriculum delivery while fostering essential capabilities in technical proficiency, analytical reasoning, and creative problem-solving.

    Christel House Jamaica, operating from Spanish Town as a donor-supported nonprofit institution, maintains a core mission of disrupting intergenerational poverty through tuition-free education spanning primary and secondary levels. Beyond academic instruction, the organization delivers holistic student support encompassing nutritional services, healthcare provisions, leadership training, character development, and career preparedness programs. Community engagement remains integral to the school’s operational philosophy, reinforcing its commitment to societal advancement.

  • Ten Panamanians held in Cuba over ‘subversive’ signs

    Ten Panamanians held in Cuba over ‘subversive’ signs

    Cuban authorities have apprehended ten Panamanian nationals on charges of creating anti-government propaganda materials, according to an official statement released Monday by the nation’s Interior Ministry. The individuals, detained Saturday morning in Havana, reportedly confessed to entering the country specifically to produce what officials characterized as ‘subversive content’ displayed on signs.

    Investigators revealed the suspects received financial incentives ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 per person to participate in the alleged operation. While the government withheld specific operational details, the announcement comes during a period of intensified security measures across the communist island.

    The arrests follow recent maritime tensions between Cuba and the United States. Last week, Cuban coast guard personnel engaged a US-flagged speedboat approaching within one nautical mile of Cuban shores, resulting in four fatalities. Havana authorities described the incident as a thwarted terrorist incursion attempt by US-based Cubans seeking to destabilize the government.

    According to Cuban reports, six additional passengers sustained injuries during the maritime confrontation, while the commander of the Cuban intercept vessel was also wounded. At least two American citizens were among those aboard the speedboat, with one confirmed among the fatalities and another injured.

    The Cuban government maintains these events occur against a backdrop of repeated threats from the Trump administration, prompting the nation to remain on high alert for potential attacks targeting its political infrastructure.

  • United Oil & Gas completes seabed survey offshore Jamaica

    United Oil & Gas completes seabed survey offshore Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — United Oil & Gas Plc (AIM: UOG) has successfully concluded an extensive three-phase seabed geochemical exploration initiative within its Walton-Morant licence area, located offshore Jamaica. This strategic operation represents a critical step in the company’s ongoing efforts to de-risk the asset and bolster its technical portfolio ahead of advanced partnership discussions.

    The comprehensive programme was executed without safety incidents and included three core components: a multibeam echosounder survey covering 1,189 line kilometres of seabed, heat flow probe measurements across both the Walton and Morant geological basins, and a targeted piston coring campaign. Samples were successfully retrieved from all 42 pre-selected locations on the ocean floor.

    The collected sediment cores are now scheduled for shipment to TDI-Brooks International laboratories in the United States. There, they will undergo detailed geochemical analysis to detect the presence of thermally derived hydrocarbons—key indicators of potential petroleum systems. Initial findings from the laboratory are anticipated within the next several weeks.

    Upon receipt, these new geochemical datasets will be integrated with the company’s existing seismic and geological information. This synthesis is expected to significantly enhance the technical evaluation of the licence’s prospectivity. Positive outcomes could substantially strengthen the data package presented to potential partners, as United Oil & Gas advances negotiations regarding a future offshore drilling campaign.

    Brian Larkin, Chief Executive Officer of United Oil & Gas, described the completion of the survey as a pivotal operational milestone. He emphasized that the forthcoming laboratory results will be instrumental in refining the company’s subsurface understanding and strategic planning for the high-potential Jamaican asset.

    United Oil & Gas maintains a diversified portfolio, including a development asset in the United Kingdom and this high-impact exploration licence in Jamaica. The company is publicly traded on the AIM, a sub-market of the London Stock Exchange.

  • CIBC Caribbean to end GBP cheques and bank drafts from March 31

    CIBC Caribbean to end GBP cheques and bank drafts from March 31

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — CIBC Caribbean has announced the discontinuation of all British pound-denominated cheque and bank draft services effective March 31, marking a significant transition toward digital banking solutions. This strategic decision comes in response to both the declining use of paper-based instruments and the withdrawal of correspondent banking support for GBP cheque processing.

    The financial institution urges clients holding GBP cheques or drafts to present these instruments at any branch before the deadline to ensure proper encasement or deposit processing. After March 31, these paper-based payment methods will no longer be accepted or processed by the bank.

    Deepa Boucaud, Executive Director of Personal and Business Banking, emphasized that electronic payments have emerged as the global benchmark for financial transactions, offering superior security protocols, accelerated processing speeds, and enhanced reliability. This operational shift aligns CIBC Caribbean with international banking standards and contemporary financial practices.

    Customers will maintain full capability to send and receive British pound payments through wire transfers via the bank’s digital platforms, including online banking services and mobile applications. These electronic alternatives provide strengthened security measures, real-time transaction tracking, and considerably faster settlement times compared to traditional paper instruments.

    The bank has committed to providing comprehensive support for elderly customers and others requiring assistance with the transition to electronic transfer systems. Branch personnel will offer personalized guidance to help clients adapt to wire transfer procedures as the primary alternative to discontinued draft services.

    CIBC Caribbean maintains operations across ten Caribbean nations with approximately 2,700 employees staffing 41 branches and offices. The institution reported substantial assets totaling US$13 billion alongside a market capitalization of US$1.7 billion, underscoring its significant presence in the regional banking sector.

  • Shab Don found not guilty of breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act

    Shab Don found not guilty of breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant courtroom development, prominent music producer Linval ‘Shab Don’ Thompson Jr. has been acquitted of all charges under the Corruption Prevention Act. The verdict, delivered on Monday by Presiding Judge Alwayne Smith, concluded a legal proceeding that commenced on February 19, 2026.

    The court’s decision stemmed from substantial inconsistencies identified within the prosecution’s evidentiary presentation. Throughout the trial, the credibility of key witnesses was successfully challenged by the defense, ultimately undermining the case against Thompson.

    The allegations centered on an October 2021 incident in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, where prosecutors claimed Thompson attempted to bribe a police officer with $2 million Jamaican dollars. The purported offer was made to persuade the officer to remove an illegal firearm from Thompson’s Mercedes-Benz vehicle prior to an official search by members of the specialized police SWAT team.

    Defense attorney Donahue Martin, representing Thompson, confirmed the acquittal following the ruling. “I can confirm that my client Mr. Linval Thompson was found not guilty for breaches of the Corruption Prevention Act. In relation to this matter, he’s a free man,” Martin stated.

    While Thompson resolves this corruption case, he remains involved in separate legal proceedings. He and co-accused Tajay Clark are currently remanded in custody awaiting trial in the St. James Circuit Court concerning a triple homicide. That case involves the fatal shooting of three individuals at a Rose Heights birthday party on May 25, 2022.

  • Young film-maker JP Williams captures Jamaica’s quiet strength in new short film

    Young film-maker JP Williams captures Jamaica’s quiet strength in new short film

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Emerging filmmaker JP Williams is revolutionizing how Jamaica perceives itself through his visually striking short film ‘I Love Jamaica’. Rather than presenting conventional tourism imagery, Williams transforms the Caribbean nation into a profound symbol of healing, cultural resilience, and environmental appreciation.

    Produced by Archival Eight Studios, this cinematic achievement represents six years of artistic development, culminating in a visual meditation captured during an unprecedented moment in history. The film originated in 2020 when global travel restrictions created unique conditions for documentation. With attractions deserted and natural sites undisturbed, Williams captured Jamaica’s landscapes in their purest form—recording the serene emptiness of the Rio Grande, YS Falls, Blue Lagoon, Bamboo Avenue, Pelican Bar, and Negril’s cliffs without human interference.

    Williams revealed the project emerged organically rather than through traditional planning. ‘I wasn’t planning on making this a film. I didn’t even write a script,’ he confessed. The director’s unconventional approach involved capturing footage first, then collaborating with writer Natasha Griffith to develop narrative structure—a method that challenged conventional filmmaking protocols.

    The filmmaker’s personal journey forms the emotional core of the project. ‘When the pandemic hit, it gave me this opportunity to reflect on why I started using a camera,’ Williams shared. His international travels reinforced his appreciation for Jamaica’s unique qualities: ‘I have been blessed to travel worldwide, and there is nothing like Jamaica.’

    Beyond aesthetic achievement, the film carries purposeful messaging about environmental stewardship and national pride. Williams advocates for deeper connection with natural resources: ‘Cherish the rivers, cherish the beaches. Spend time there and let it heal you. God provided this to us for our use.’

    The director also addresses the challenge of authentic representation, noting Jamaicans’ desire for locally-produced content that reflects true identity while remaining accessible to international audiences. ‘I Love Jamaica’ strives to bridge cultural gaps, conveying universal themes of gratitude and resilience that transcend geographical boundaries while maintaining authentic Jamaican spirit.