Carib Scope

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  • Guyana activates security plan as US bombs Venezuela

    Guyana activates security plan as US bombs Venezuela

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana – In response to recent United States military operations targeting sites within Venezuela, Guyanese President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced the full activation of the nation’s security apparatus on Saturday. The decisive move aims to safeguard national stability and protect citizens amid escalating regional tensions.

    President Ali confirmed that the Guyana Defence Force and allied security services have been placed on high alert, implementing comprehensive monitoring protocols to assess the evolving situation. He assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure their safety and security.

    Diplomatic channels have been vigorously engaged, with President Ali providing detailed briefings to Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Additionally, Brigadier Omar Khan, Chief of Defence Staff, has initiated communications with regional security partners to coordinate a unified response.

    Concurrently, plans are underway to convene an emergency summit of CARICOM leaders to address the crisis collectively. President Ali also disclosed direct consultations with Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, regarding the security of the country’s vital offshore oil operations, which produce nearly one million barrels daily. Both parties confirmed a state of heightened vigilance and close cooperation.

  • Caricom leaders meet on US invasion of Venezuela

    Caricom leaders meet on US invasion of Venezuela

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders convened an emergency session early Saturday following the United States’ military incursion into Venezuelan territory and the reported capture of President Nicolas Maduro along with his spouse. The regional body, representing 15 member states, issued an official communiqué through its Secretariat characterizing the development as a matter of “grave concern” with potential ramifications for neighboring nations.

    The brief two-paragraph statement confirmed that the integration bloc is “actively monitoring the situation” and pledged to keep Caribbean citizens informed as additional intelligence becomes available. This emergency diplomatic mobilization reflects the region’s apprehension about destabilizing effects from foreign military actions within their sphere.

    In a significant regional development, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar explicitly distanced her nation from the operations. Through an official statement disseminated on social media platform X on January 3rd, 2026, the Prime Minister clarified that “Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations” initiated by the United States earlier that morning. This declaration highlights divisions within the hemisphere regarding appropriate responses to the Venezuela situation and demonstrates Caricom members’ cautious approach to the escalating crisis.

  • Peas please

    Peas please

    As the new year unfolds, Caribbean culinary traditions welcome the seasonal arrival of pigeon peas, a legume variety that graces markets from December through March. Food expert Wendy Rahamut highlights the remarkable versatility of these peas, which feature prominently in diverse culinary applications ranging from traditional rice dishes and hearty soups to innovative plant-based burgers and even vegetarian lasagna.

    Selecting quality peas requires discerning observation: optimal specimens appear in plump pods with peas nearly bursting through, while smaller peas or visible worm damage typically indicate less desirable second-crop varieties. Rahamut recommends purchasing fresh or frozen peas to enjoy their distinct flavor profile throughout the year.

    The article presents three meticulously crafted recipes demonstrating the pea’s culinary adaptability. Chicken Pelau incorporates the legumes into a complex layered dish where marinated chicken undergoes caramelization with brown sugar before combining with pumpkin, coconut milk, and parboiled rice. Pigeon Pea Patties blend cooked peas with sautéed aromatics, crushed potato, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, formed into patties for shallow frying. Most innovatively, Pigeon Pea Piononos feature plantain rings stuffed with seasoned pea mixture and baked until achieving a perfect crust.

    Each recipe provides precise measurements, detailed preparation techniques, and serving specifications, embodying the cultural significance of pigeon peas in Caribbean cuisine while offering practical guidance for home cooks seeking to explore this seasonal ingredient.

  • Child’s body found

    Child’s body found

    A multi-agency search operation in Jamaica has concluded with the recovery of one victim while continuing for two others following a devastating drowning incident at Sand Hills beach in Hellshire, St Catherine. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) confirmed late Friday that the body of a child was recovered and transferred to Marine Police custody, though official identification remains pending.

    The tragedy unfolded Thursday afternoon approximately at 3:00 PM when three individuals encountered difficulties while swimming in prohibited waters. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Leighton Gray, commanding officer for St Catherine South Police Division, the sequence began when 13-year-old Aaron Russell experienced distress in the water. Family member Aliyah Dawkins attempted rescue, followed by Constable Shamar Grant who responded as both Dawkins and Russell struggled against strong currents.

    Despite rescue efforts, Dawkins was retrieved unresponsive by Marine Police and Coast Guard units. Although CPR was administered during emergency transport to Spanish Town Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. The search for Constable Grant and young Russell continued through Thursday night and resumed Friday at 6:00 AM with expanded resources.

    The incident has highlighted significant safety concerns as the beach area features prominent signage indicating swimming prohibitions. The property is privately owned and unlicensed for public recreational use, yet according to SSP Gray, local residents frequently utilize the area to escape crowded public beaches.

    Search efforts have incorporated assets from the JDF’s Maritime Air and Cyber Command, Marine Police, Coast Guard, and approximately a dozen local fishermen who volunteered assistance. Authorities have emphasized the dangers of swimming in unauthorized areas and urged heightened supervision of children during holiday periods, particularly as the incident occurred during festive celebrations.

  • Sweet relief

    Sweet relief

    NEW YORK — Members of the Jamaican diaspora in the United States have expressed widespread approval of their government’s decision to extend customs duty exemptions on hurricane relief shipments for a second time. The move facilitates continued humanitarian support for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa’s October 2025 impact.

    Finance Minister Fayval Williams announced the extension this week, pushing the deadline from December 31, 2025, to January 15, 2026. The waiver covers both import duties and General Consumption Tax (GCT) for designated relief items, originally implemented to encourage donations following the hurricane’s widespread destruction.

    Michelle Tulloch-Neil, Northeast US representative for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, praised the government’s responsiveness to diaspora concerns. ‘This decision demonstrates clear understanding of the needs of Jamaicans both at home and abroad,’ she stated, while suggesting a March deadline would have better accommodated ongoing shipment preparations.

    The government acknowledged logistical challenges during the holiday season that hampered shipping capacity. Minister Williams noted, however, that the January 15 extension would represent a ‘hard stop’ due to significant revenue losses exceeding approximately $12 billion in customs collections.

    Diaspora leaders across the United States uniformly welcomed the development. Pennsylvania-based Stafford Grant of the Jamaica Ex-Servicemen and Women Foundation noted the extension provides ‘breathing space’ for tons of supplies awaiting clearance. California representative Dr. Roy Davidson described the news as ‘welcome’ for ongoing relief efforts, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the extended window.

    Former GJDC representative Dr. Karen Dunkley highlighted the decision’s symbolic importance, stating it ‘reflects meaningful recognition of the vital partnership between the Government of Jamaica and Global Jamaica Diaspora Council’ in expediting humanitarian aid delivery.

  • Help Coming

    Help Coming

    World Athletics President Sebastian Coe is cutting short his Caribbean vacation to undertake a critical four-day mission to Jamaica, focusing on hurricane recovery efforts for the nation’s track and field infrastructure. The visit, prompted by the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa in late October, aims to formulate a concrete support plan for the sport’s rebuilding process.

    Lord Coe, accompanied by World Athletics’ Director of International Relations and Development Helen Delaney, is scheduled for high-level discussions with the Jamaican government, the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), and the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA). The itinerary includes a firsthand inspection of the severely damaged Montego Bay Sports Complex, a key regional athletic hub that hosted the 2011 Carifta Games. The hurricane flooded the stadium, depositing thick layers of clay on its football field and synthetic track, while also causing extensive damage to floodlight towers and electrical systems. Preliminary estimates by local officials place the repair costs at over $300 million.

    The impact extends beyond the stadium, affecting numerous schools across western parishes including Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Hanover, St James, and Trelawny. These institutions have lost vital sports equipment, crippling athletic programs and forcing teams to undertake costly weekly travel to Kingston for competitions. JAAA President Garth Gayle expressed optimism about the visit, indicating that World Athletics support would ‘come in various forms’ and is expected to significantly bolster track and field development throughout the region.

    The diplomatic agenda includes meetings with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, and JOA President Christopher Samuda, underscoring the collaborative national effort toward recovery. The visit concludes with a press conference on Wednesday, where specific aid packages and long-term development strategies are anticipated to be announced.

  • TTUTA: BoAs, some teachers unpaid in December

    TTUTA: BoAs, some teachers unpaid in December

    A significant payroll crisis is jeopardizing the smooth reopening of schools in Trinidad and Tobago, with hundreds of education professionals facing financial uncertainty days before the new semester. TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) President Crystal Ashe revealed that over 100 Business Operations Assistants (BoAs) haven’t received salaries since their contracts lapsed in late November.

    These essential administrative staff, who serve as critical support personnel for school principals, worked through December without compensation and face January without employment security. Ashe emphasized the severe operational implications, noting that without BoAs handling administrative burdens, principals must assume additional responsibilities that compromise school management effectiveness.

    The situation extends beyond BoAs, with at least 20 teachers reporting missing December paychecks due to alleged administrative discrepancies within the education ministry’s accounts department. Despite these financial hardships, affected staff demonstrate remarkable dedication by preparing to return to classrooms without payment assurances.

    Education Ministry officials acknowledged the concerns, stating the matter is “under active consideration” pending Cabinet approvals for contract renewals. The ministry committed to providing “clearer guidance” once bureaucratic processes conclude but offered no specific timeline for resolution.

    Compounding the payroll crisis, several schools face infrastructural challenges that threaten Monday’s reopening. Richmond Street Boys Anglican School remains closed due to rodent infestation issues that forced premature closure last semester, with no confirmation regarding remediation progress.

    TTUTA leadership characterizes the situation as profoundly concerning, emphasizing that the absence of financial security for education professionals undermines both institutional stability and individual welfare. The association urges immediate governmental intervention to ensure timely payments and contract resolutions before the academic term commences.

  • Gaston Browne aims to meet Kamla to discuss Clico

    Gaston Browne aims to meet Kamla to discuss Clico

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced his intention to seek bilateral discussions with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar regarding outstanding compensation commitments for victims of the CLICO and BAICO insurance collapses. The meeting is anticipated to occur during the upcoming CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for February in St. Kitts and Nevis.

    The insurance crisis originated in 2009 when Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO), a Trinidad-based financial conglomerate with diversified interests across energy, beverages, and construction, experienced severe liquidity problems following the global financial crisis. The subsequent collapse affected thousands of policyholders throughout the Eastern Caribbean region, with many investors losing substantial portions of their life savings and investments.

    According to Prime Minister Browne, the Trinidad and Tobago government had previously pledged US$100 million toward a regional relief initiative but has only disbursed approximately 40% of this commitment to date. “With the commitment that was made, we still have a significant amount outstanding,” Browne stated, emphasizing the ongoing financial hardship faced by hundreds of affected residents in his nation and thousands more throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

    Browne expressed optimism about the prospects for resolution, noting that Persad-Bissessar’s previous administration had demonstrated serious intent to address the matter. “I am very thankful that her administration had shown seriousness about the issue in the past,” he remarked. “From this standpoint, I hope she remains consistent and we can bring further relief to the CLICO-BAICO situation.”

    While some regional governments have negotiated partial settlements and implemented restructuring measures over the past decade, many policyholders continue to await full recovery of their funds. Browne has vowed to continue advocating for affected citizens and expects Trinidad and Tobago, as the home jurisdiction of the failed insurance conglomerate, to honor its financial commitments in full.

  • Government eyes placing parts of electricy grid underground

    Government eyes placing parts of electricy grid underground

    In a significant address at the JPS Hunt’s Bay Power Plant, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the initiation of high-level Cabinet discussions with Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to underground critical portions of the nation’s electricity infrastructure. This strategic move forms the cornerstone of a comprehensive effort to transform Jamaica’s power grid into a storm-resilient system capable of withstanding future climate challenges.

    The Prime Minister’s declaration came during a ceremony marking the deployment of 175 specialized utility vehicles—including bucket trucks, diggers, and pole trailers—to accelerate restoration efforts in communities still without power since Hurricane Melissa struck on October 28, 2025. This latest addition brings the total fleet of recovery vehicles to 247, substantially enhancing operational capacity during the critical final phase of restoration.

    Holness framed the crisis as an opportunity for transformative change, emphasizing that mere restoration would be insufficient. “The opportunity comes when we look at the poles we are putting up and say: How do we put up stronger poles? How do we introduce microgrids? How do we put some of our lines underground?” he stated, revealing that preliminary cost assessments have already been presented to the government.

    While acknowledging the substantial financial investment required, the Prime Minister presented a compelling economic argument for resilience, questioning: “What is it that we lose by not having resilience in the grid?” He detailed how prolonged outages cripple hospitals, security services, businesses, and overall economic activity, justifying the government’s approach to treating electricity as an essential public good.

    This perspective underpinned the administration’s controversial decision to facilitate a US$150-million loan to the privately-owned JPS, which Holness defended as necessary for protecting public interest. He explicitly separated this emergency financing from ongoing license renegotiations with the utility company, assuring citizens that their interests would be safeguarded in both processes.

    Current restoration statistics indicate approximately 90% of the island has regained power, with the hardest-hit parishes reaching nearly 70% recovery—a pace Holness described as creditable compared to international benchmarks following major storms.

    The Prime Minister linked these recovery efforts to broader economic resilience, citing recent Planning Institute of Jamaica data showing over 5% growth in the last quarter. He characterized resilience as the product of deliberate policy choices rather than chance, stating: “It requires planning, and therefore, the reason why you are seeing the economy displaying resilience is because the government that you elected took decisions that contributed to that outcome.”

    As restoration enters its final phase, Holness committed to prioritizing citizenship over cost-benefit calculations, envisioning a rebuilt Jamaica that emerges stronger than before. The strategy specifically targets strengthening critical corridors in western Jamaica and Kingston to ensure faster recovery when future storms inevitably strike.

  • Kyle Butler embraces leadership role at Phoenix Chapelton

    Kyle Butler embraces leadership role at Phoenix Chapelton

    In a significant organizational shift, Phoenix Chapelton Maroons of the Jamaica Premier League have appointed former player Kyle Butler as their new Director of Football. The promotion marks a strategic transition for Butler from on-field contributor to executive leadership, a move he believes will fundamentally strengthen club dynamics rather than create division.

    Butler, whose sister Kaycie Butler heads the Phoenix Group that owns the club, brings unique insight from his recent experience as an active player. He emphasizes that his existing relationships with teammates—built on mutual respect and shared competitive experience—provide a foundation for effective leadership rather than presenting obstacles.

    “The transition from teammate to leader is one I am very conscious of,” Butler told the Jamaica Observer. “The foundation we already share actually strengthens my position rather than weakens it.”

    His appointment represents both an honor and profound responsibility toward the institution that shaped his career. Butler describes his new role as stewardship—protecting the club’s culture while elevating its structural professionalism and long-term vision. While acknowledging that clear boundaries will be established, he intends to manage the transition through open communication and consistent standards.

    Operationally, Butler will collaborate directly with Head Coach Donovan Duckie, overseeing recruitment and player development while additionally serving as attacking coach for midfielders and strikers. His leadership philosophy centers on empathy, credibility, and performance-driven decisions, informed by his recent presence in the dressing room and understanding of player psychology.

    The timing is critical for Phoenix Chapelton, which currently sits ninth in the standings with 15 points from 13 matches—just three points shy of playoff qualification. Butler’s recent success coaching Vauxhall High School to historic quarter-final qualification in the Manning Cup demonstrated his capacity for building culture-driven programs, experience that will now be applied to the Maroons’ relegation avoidance campaign and push for top-six contention.

    Butler’s approach prioritizes sustainable development over short-term results, emphasizing that “culture and standards come before results” and that discipline and structure are non-negotiable for lasting success.