Carib Scope

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  • JYC’s Christmas Joy delivers hope

    JYC’s Christmas Joy delivers hope

    In a poignant fusion of artistic excellence and social consciousness, the Jamaica Youth Chorale (JYC) reimagined its annual Christmas Joy concert as a powerful vehicle for communal healing. The December 21st performance at The University of the West Indies’ Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts transcended traditional holiday programming by dedicating a substantial segment to addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

    The production, structured in two distinct acts, masterfully balanced international Christmas classics with culturally significant local compositions. The evening commenced with Donald McCullough’s dynamic ‘Angels We Have Heard on High,’ immediately establishing the ensemble’s technical prowess. Act One maintained this celebratory atmosphere through Handel’s iconic ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and Ivo Antognini’s technically demanding ‘The Trinity Service – Magnificat,’ which prompted Director Greg Simms to humorously caution latecomers about the piece’s complexity.

    The emotional pivot occurred dramatically in Act Two as the chorale’s senior ensemble, Kingston 17, transformed the stage into a sanctuary of reflection. Dressed in symbolic white attire contrasting with their earlier formal black, the seventeen performers created a solemn atmosphere with dimmed lighting and spoken word reflections. This specially curated segment featured profoundly moving arrangements including Dr. Kathy Brown’s adaptations of ‘Endless Night/Shadowland’ from The Lion King and ‘Hold on to Your Dreams,’ alongside Nathan Carter’s ‘If I Can Help Somebody’ and Mark Hayes’ ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ which elicited visible emotional responses from attendees.

    Beyond the musical performance, JYC converted artistic expression into tangible support through a toy drive that collected over 50 gifts for children affected by the hurricane. These donations were formally presented to the UWI Mona Guild External Affairs Committee on December 22nd. Additionally, the evening’s proceeds benefited The Caring For Miracles Foundation, supporting their work with preterm infant care in Jamaica.

    The concert ultimately concluded on a hopeful note with Simms’ vibrant arrangement of ‘Silent Night,’ symbolizing the resilience of communities facing adversity. As the chorale looks toward 2026, this performance stands as a testament to art’s capacity to foster healing and unity during challenging times.

  • Artist Dave Cooper – Teaching local culture through ‘fetecraft’

    Artist Dave Cooper – Teaching local culture through ‘fetecraft’

    Visual arts educator Dave Cooper has launched an innovative cultural education program addressing a concerning disconnect in Trinidad’s youth understanding of their Carnival heritage. After nearly twenty years of teaching, Cooper noticed students could identify contemporary Carnival elements but lacked fundamental knowledge about its origins, cultural significance, and how its components interconnect.

    The Wireman Initiative represents a multifaceted approach to cultural preservation, combining wire-bending artistry, recycled materials, music technology, and historical education. During 90-minute immersive sessions, participants construct miniature ‘wireman’ figures that transform into functional steelpan players when completed.

    Each class begins with an educational component featuring a 15-minute lecture and video presentation on Trinidad Carnival’s origins, drawing from Cooper’s master’s degree research in Carnival Studies at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. The curriculum emphasizes historical creativity, highlighting how ancestors utilized available materials like wire and fibers when commercial resources were scarce.

    The program’s technological innovation emerges through QR codes embedded in each wire sculpture. When scanned, these codes activate Cooper’s original composition ‘Adidas: All Day I Dream About Soca,’ specifically produced for the initiative to avoid intellectual property complications while seamlessly integrating music into the educational experience.

    Beyond technical skills, the initiative teaches the anatomy of steel orchestras by having participants create different pan types—tenor, double tenor, double second, double guitar, and triple cello—each producing appropriate melodies that collectively function as a miniature orchestra.

    Cooper views this project as addressing a critical gap in formal education systems, noting the absence of Carnival studies at secondary school levels despite Carnival’s status as a multi-billion dollar global industry exclusively featuring Trinidad-style celebrations. He is developing a secondary-school curriculum called ‘fetecraft’ focused on Trinidad-style fête décor and authoring ‘Carnival Arts Practices for Secondary Schools.’

    The initiative also aims to counterbalance what Cooper perceives as excessive hypersexuality in modern Carnival, seeking to refocus attention on cultural foundations rather than commercial exploitation. He believes educational foundation will protect Trinidad’s cultural distinctiveness from evolving into other Carnival styles like Brazil’s.

    Scheduled to operate as cultural field trips with three daily sessions four days weekly at Port of Spain’s Carnival Museum, the program has garnered support from the Port of Spain City Corporation and Bermudez as sponsor, with hopes for additional ministerial and corporate backing.

    The project represents a personal full-circle moment for Cooper, whose childhood fascination with Carnival began with creating wire figures at age six using his patented ‘Cooper’s Twist’ technique. His professional journey encompasses visual arts education, industrial design training in Brazil, and extensive experience designing Carnival events worldwide through his company Hybrid Theory.

    Cooper intends to pursue doctoral studies based on his fetecraft concept, aspiring to become an authority on cultural education within Carnival studies while inspiring youth to channel their creativity toward positive cultural development.

  • US to work with current Venezuela leaders if they make ‘right decision’ — Rubio

    US to work with current Venezuela leaders if they make ‘right decision’ — Rubio

    WASHINGTON, United States — In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has indicated its willingness to engage with Venezuela’s governing authorities under specific conditions following the dramatic removal of President Nicolas Maduro. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated this position during a Sunday appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” program, emphasizing that future relations would be contingent on Caracas’ political decisions.

    Rubio stated that American officials would carefully evaluate actions rather than rhetoric from Venezuela’s remaining leadership, suggesting that Washington maintains substantial influence mechanisms regardless of Caracas’ choices. The Secretary’s comments represent the first explicit framework for potential normalization of relations between the two nations after what he characterized as a “necessary intervention” in the oil-rich South American country.

    The diplomatic overture comes amid regional uncertainty about Venezuela’s political future and the potential restructuring of its energy sector, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Rubio’s conditional approach indicates the Biden administration’s strategy of maintaining pressure while offering cooperation pathways, reflecting the complex geopolitical calculations surrounding Venezuela’s transition period.

    Analysts suggest this represents a calibrated attempt to encourage democratic reforms while protecting American interests in a region where Chinese and Russian influence has grown during Maduro’s controversial presidency. The Secretary’s remarks did not specify which Venezuelan officials might qualify as acceptable partners, leaving open questions about the practical implementation of this new diplomatic position.

  • Former PNM MP Eddie Hart dies

    Former PNM MP Eddie Hart dies

    The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is mourning the loss of Edward “Eddie” Hart, former Member of Parliament for Tunapuna and distinguished public servant, who passed away recently. The People’s National Movement (PNM) confirmed his death in an official statement dated December 4, expressing profound sorrow at the departure of what they characterized as a lifelong champion of community development and youth empowerment.

    Hart’s political career spanned approximately 16 years, during which he secured electoral victory in the Tunapuna constituency on four separate occasions. His parliamentary service included representation in the 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th Republican Parliaments, where he held multiple ministerial positions. His portfolio encompassed significant responsibilities as parliamentary secretary and minister of state across various ministries including Health, Sport and Youth Affairs, Community Development, Culture, Gender Affairs, and Tourism.

    Beyond his legislative accomplishments, Hart established an enduring legacy through grassroots initiatives. He founded both the Hart Connection and the Eddie Hart Football League, organizations that provided critical support structures and developmental opportunities for young residents of Tunapuna for over forty years. These institutions became cornerstones of community engagement and youth sports development.

    Hart’s exemplary service received formal recognition through prestigious honors, including the PNM’s Dr. Eric Williams Medal of Honour in 2019 and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of Trinidad and Tobago in 2020.

    PNM General Secretary Foster Cummings extended official condolences to Hart’s family, friends, and constituents, emphasizing that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations. The tribute was echoed by former Prime Minister Stuart Young, SC, who honored Hart as both a “PNM stalwart and patriot” whose life’s work remained consistently dedicated to national betterment, with particular focus on the development of his beloved Tunapuna community.

  • Barbados PM calls for de-escalation of conflict in Venezuela

    Barbados PM calls for de-escalation of conflict in Venezuela

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Caribbean leaders have adopted a position of cautious deliberation as Venezuela faces unprecedented political turmoil following the dramatic detainment of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by United States authorities. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley characterized the rapidly evolving situation as “uncharted territory” during an emergency press conference on Saturday.

    The emergency response was coordinated through the Caribbean Community (Caricom), with Mottley confirming she had been in contact with fellow regional leaders and Caricom Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett since early morning. An urgent pre-dawn meeting of Caricom heads yielded a consensus to withhold definitive commentary until more information emerges about the extraordinary developments.

    Mottley emphasized Barbados’s fundamental foreign policy principle: “Small states can only survive in the international rules-based order.” This foundational position informs Bridgetown’s grave concern about any actions that undermine established international norms. The Prime Minister noted that both Venezuela and the United States maintain friendly relations with Barbados, creating a delicate diplomatic balancing act.

    The crisis escalated when former U.S. President Donald Trump announced American intentions to administer Venezuela temporarily while facilitating a “safe, proper and judicious transition.” Trump further pledged that U.S. oil companies would rehabilitate Venezuela’s infrastructure. These statements contrasted sharply with Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez’s assertion that Maduro remains the country’s legitimate president, despite photographic evidence circulated by Trump showing Maduro blindfolded aboard the USS Iwo Jima.

    Maduro faces serious indictments in New York federal court on narcotics and weapons charges, with the U.S. having previously offered a $50 million bounty for information leading to his capture. Venezuela has responded by declaring a national emergency and condemning what it terms “extremely serious military aggression.”

    Mottley urged patience as the situation continues to develop hourly, describing any premature statement as mere “conjecture.” She expressed hope for de-escalation and dialogue rather than continued conflict, emphasizing that war serves no nation’s interests. The Prime Minister anticipates United Nations involvement to properly address the escalating international crisis.

  • Flash flood watch issued for several parishes as unstable weather continues

    Flash flood watch issued for several parishes as unstable weather continues

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican authorities have escalated weather warnings as a major Caribbean weather system threatens widespread disruption. The Meteorological Service has activated a flash flood watch covering multiple parishes including St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, and Manchester. This alert remains in effect until 7:00 am Monday.

    The emergency measures respond to a developing meteorological crisis originating from a broad trough currently dominating the central Caribbean. This system has generated significant atmospheric instability across the island nation since Saturday evening, with weather radar and satellite data confirming sustained precipitation patterns.

    Current meteorological assessments indicate moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, primarily affecting eastern and south-central regions during the early hours of Sunday. Weather experts predict these conditions will intensify and expand geographically throughout Sunday afternoon and evening, eventually covering the entire island.

    The Met Service’s extended forecast indicates that residual showers will persist through Monday afternoon across most parishes, prolonging flood risks. Marine safety authorities have simultaneously issued navigational warnings for fishing vessels and commercial maritime operations, particularly along the south coastline where sea conditions are rapidly deteriorating near storm activity zones.

  • Over 30 killed, several kidnapped in central Nigeria

    Over 30 killed, several kidnapped in central Nigeria

    LAGOS, Nigeria — In a brutal assault underscoring Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, armed militias locally termed ‘bandits’ conducted a deadly raid on Kasuwan Daji village in Niger State’s Kabe district, leaving over 30 civilians dead and multiple hostages captured. The attack occurred mere kilometers from where hundreds of students were abducted months earlier.

    According to Niger State police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, the assailants torched local markets and systematically looted food supplies during their hours-long occupation on Saturday. Disturbing visual evidence obtained by international media shows executed victims with hands bound behind their backs, indicating execution-style killings.

    This incident represents the latest escalation in northwestern and north-central Nigeria’s banditry epidemic, where criminal gangs regularly orchestrate mass kidnappings for ransom and village pillaging. The Catholic Church in Kontagora reported security forces were conspicuously absent during the assault and placed the death toll above 40—significantly higher than official figures.

    The violence occurs against a complex security backdrop where Africa’s most populous nation contends with overlapping conflicts including jihadist insurgencies, separatist movements, and intercommunal violence. Recent months have seen increased international scrutiny, with U.S. officials criticizing Nigeria’s security approach despite Abuja’s coordination with American counterterrorism operations.

    President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritized defense spending in its latest budget allocation, appointing a new defense minister and promising security overhauls. However, the persistence of attacks near previous mass abduction sites demonstrates the formidable challenges facing Nigeria’s stretched security apparatus.

  • Retired DSP Clarence Bailey laid to rest

    Retired DSP Clarence Bailey laid to rest

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican law enforcement community gathered in solemn tribute on Saturday to honor the life and service of retired Deputy Superintendent Clarence Stephenson Bailey. Boulevard Baptist Church in St Andrew hosted the homegoing service attended by active and retired members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, alongside family members and close friends.

    Mr. Bailey, who passed away on December 1, 2025, just short of his 66th birthday, dedicated forty years of exemplary service to the force since enrolling in 1980. His distinguished career spanned multiple critical divisions within the police service.

    Senior Superintendent Damion Manderson delivered the official tribute from the Police Commissioner, expressing profound condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the St Andrew South Division. He detailed Bailey’s extensive service across specialized units including the Intelligence Branch (Narcotics), Criminal Investigation Branch, Mobile Reserve Branch, Security Flying Squad, Organised Crime and Investigation Division, and Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime branch.

    “Throughout his tenure, Mr. Bailey demonstrated unwavering integrity, exceptional courage, and professional excellence,” Manderson stated. “His contributions significantly enhanced national security and public safety protocols. In recognition of his distinguished service and impeccable conduct, he was awarded the Medal of Honour for Long Service and Good Conduct on December 31, 2005.”

    Additional personal reflections were shared by Dennis Hickey, Bailey’s former batchmate, highlighting their shared experiences and Bailey’s personal character. Deputy Superintendent Coralee Brown-Fowler delivered the formal eulogy, capturing both the professional dedication and personal virtues of the deceased.

    The service concluded with interment at Meadowrest Memorial Gardens. Mr. Bailey is survived by his wife Lorraine, five children—Hakeem, Anita, Lotoya, Jermaine, and Scereisa—as well as his sister and three brothers.

  • Body found on Half Way Tree Road

    Body found on Half Way Tree Road

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation following the grim discovery of a deceased male on Half Way Tree Road in the early hours of Sunday morning. Law enforcement personnel swiftly established a security perimeter around the affected section of the roadway as forensic examinations commenced.

    Preliminary reports indicate the discovery occurred approximately at 8:30 a.m. when an alert pedestrian noticed the remains and immediately notified local law enforcement. The prompt response resulted in multiple police units converging on the location to secure the area and initiate investigative protocols.

    The Kingston Central Police Division has assumed control of the ongoing operation, though officials have yet to release formal identification of the deceased or speculate on potential circumstances surrounding the incident. Crime scene technicians continue to process evidence while detectives conduct preliminary interviews with potential witnesses in the vicinity.

    This development has generated significant attention in the Half Way Tree area, with local residents expressing concern over the incident. Police commissioners have assured the public that all necessary resources are being deployed to determine the facts surrounding this case, with additional updates expected as the investigation progresses.

  • Two shot dead in St Elizabeth amid curfew

    Two shot dead in St Elizabeth amid curfew

    The Jamaican parish of St Elizabeth has been plunged into a state of heightened security following two separate fatal shootings over the weekend, prompting authorities to declare an immediate 48-hour curfew in the affected Crawford district.

    The violence commenced on Friday evening at approximately 9:00 PM when Albert Smith was fatally shot by armed assailants while attending a social gathering in the Crawford district. In response to this homicide, local law enforcement moved swiftly to implement a curfew, effective from 6:00 PM Saturday, January 3rd, through 6:00 PM Monday, January 5th.

    Despite these security measures, a second murder occurred on Saturday night at around 10:00 PM in the parish capital of Black River. Forty-seven-year-old Basil Bruce was reportedly at a residence in the New Town area with a family member when two armed gunmen opened fire, resulting in his death.

    The curfew boundaries encompass a defined perimeter: extending south along the coastline from Galleon Beach to a cul-de-sac, east along Crawford Main Road from the Primary School to another cul-de-sac at Galleon Beach, north from a cul-de-sac to the Crawford main road near the primary school, and west along an imaginary line back to the starting point.

    These incidents mark the parish’s first two homicide cases of the new year, raising significant concerns about community safety and the effectiveness of security protocols in the region. Local authorities continue their investigations into both shootings while maintaining heightened police presence throughout the curfew period.