Carib Scope

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  • 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.

  • JFJ alarmed at fatal shootings on first day of 2026

    JFJ alarmed at fatal shootings on first day of 2026

    A stark contrast in Jamaica’s law enforcement outcomes emerged as the nation entered 2026, with human rights advocates acknowledging historic crime reduction while raising urgent concerns about police-related fatalities. The January 1st security operations resulted in seven fatalities, including four-year-old Romain Bowman of St. James and Delano Leslie, a wanted individual from Westmoreland known as ‘Crazy’ who had been featured on the police force’s Wanted Wednesdays initiative.

    Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) Executive Director Mickel Jackson characterized the situation as ‘untenable’ despite welcoming the police performance in reducing murders through various initiatives. Official data revealed that 2025 recorded 666 murders between January 1 and December 27, representing a dramatic 41% reduction (487 fewer deaths) compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

    However, this achievement was severely undermined by a concurrent 65% surge in police-involved fatalities, with 311 recorded deaths marking the highest number since the 2010 Tivoli Gardens incursion. Jackson emphasized that this alarming trend demands immediate scrutiny, noting that conflicting accounts between law enforcement and citizens frequently emerge in these cases, raising fundamental questions about transparency, proportionality, and accountability.

    The organization cited several concerning incidents, including the September 2025 killing of 22-year-old Jahmar Farquharson in Clarendon and the March 2024 shooting of 27-year-old Romario Sterling in St. Catherine. In both cases, CCTV footage allegedly showed the individuals in postures of compliance moments before being fatally shot. Another incident on Windward Road in Kingston resulted in murder charges against officers accused of planting evidence.

    JFJ reiterated its call for accelerated implementation of body-worn cameras, referencing Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake’s September 2025 announcement that procurement was nearing completion. Jackson pressed for clarity on the status of additional cameras approved by Cabinet and questioned why procurement issues continued to hinder implementation given the existing storage and IT infrastructure.

    Hugh Faulkner, commissioner of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), cautioned against premature speculation while acknowledging the regrettable nature of the fatalities. He emphasized INDECOM’s mandate to thoroughly investigate all incidents and produce comprehensive reports, noting that establishing trends required more than single-day data analysis despite the concerning numbers.

  • Dwight Smith on rescue mission at struggling Spanish Town Police

    Dwight Smith on rescue mission at struggling Spanish Town Police

    In a significant managerial shift within the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), Dwight Smith has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the beleaguered Spanish Town Police FC. This appointment follows the acquisition of the club by his former employers, Old Harbour United, prompting a strategic leadership change that sees Smith replacing Brian Spencer. The club is currently entrenched at the very bottom of the 14-team league table, having secured a mere eight points from 14 matches with a record of just two victories and ten defeats, making the avoidance of relegation the paramount objective.

    Smith, who celebrates his 40th birthday this Saturday, confronts the formidable challenge with a blend of realism and resolve. In a recent statement, he acknowledged the precariousness of the situation, emphasizing the immediate need to ‘get points on the board.’ However, his assessment of the squad’s inherent quality remains optimistic. Smith has indicated that reinforcements are anticipated, with players from the successful Old Harbour United squad, last season’s St Catherine title winners, expected to bolster the roster.

    Highlighting the competitive nature of the JPL, Smith argued that the disparity in quality across the league is not insurmountable. ‘The gap is not that wide. If you win three games, you are up the table,’ he noted, framing the task as one of effective man-management and motivation. His strategy will focus on rallying the existing talent and extracting peak performance from the players.

    The incoming coach brings a wealth of experience to this critical role. His coaching pedigree includes a stint as assistant coach at Vere United (Jamalco) and a period as head coach of their women’s team. Smith rose to prominence as the assistant to Vassell Reynolds during Kingston College’s triumphant 2024 campaign, where they secured both the Manning Cup and the prestigious all-island Olivier Shield titles. His academic qualifications are robust, holding Concacaf B and C licences and being on the cusp of completing his UEFA C Licence.

    Smith’s first test in this new chapter will be a crucial match against Dunbeholden FC this Sunday, marking the JPL’s return to action for the new year. This fixture represents the starting point for Spanish Town Police’s urgent quest to climb away from the bottom of the table and secure their Premier League status.

  • Chronic Law rules YouTube… again

    Chronic Law rules YouTube… again

    For the second consecutive year, Jamaican dancehall sensation Chronic Law has decisively secured his position as YouTube’s most-viewed artist, accumulating a staggering 154 million views throughout 2025. According to official platform statistics, Chronic Law’s viewership nearly doubled that of his closest competitor, incarcerated artist Vybz Kartel, who maintained the second position with 85.7 million views.

    The YouTube Music Charts, which remain the primary streaming platform for many Jamaican audiences, revealed the complete rankings for the period spanning December 28, 2024, to December 28, 2025. Emerging artist Skippa captured third place with 79.9 million views, while established stars Masicka (74.5 million) and Squash (64.1 million) completed the top five. The list continued with Alkaline, Jamal, Malie Donn, Popcaan, and producer DJ Mac rounding out the top ten.

    Geographic data analysis indicates Chronic Law’s strongest viewership originated from Kingston, Jamaica; New York, USA; Port of Spain, Trinidad; and London, England. His most-streamed tracks included ‘New York Girls,’ ‘Empty,’ ‘Higher Life’ (a collaboration with Kranium), ‘Kick It Wid Myself’ (with Popcaan), and ‘Don’t Fall.’

    Vybz Kartel demonstrated remarkable international appeal with his primary audiences located in Nairobi, Kenya; Paris, France; and Accra, Ghana. His top-performing songs were ‘God is the Greatest,’ ‘Ignite the World,’ ‘Fever,’ ‘Unstoppable,’ and ‘Whine to the Top.’

    Despite the overall artist dominance by male performers, the year’s most-streamed individual track was the ‘Shake It To The Max’ remix featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng, which has amassed nearly 220 billion views since its March 2025 premiere. This was followed by ‘Beloved and Blessed’ by Jaame.sss featuring Inner Circle’s Skatta Lopa and Armanii’s ‘8:00 PM’ in third place.

    Notably, for the second consecutive year, no female dancehall artists appeared in the top 15 most-viewed artists ranking, nor were any solo female tracks represented in the year’s top songs list, highlighting an ongoing gender disparity within the genre’s digital landscape.

  • US/Venezuela impasse tops the headlines

    US/Venezuela impasse tops the headlines

    The year 2025 marked a profound political transformation for Trinidad and Tobago, characterized by unprecedented female leadership and critical foreign policy decisions that defined the nation’s geopolitical stance. The year commenced with the anticipated departure of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and the subsequent installation of Stuart Young as his hand-picked successor. Young’s tenure proved historically brief as the nation overwhelmingly voted for change on April 28, resulting in the United National Congress (UNC) returning to power and making Kamla Persad-Bissessar the country’s first and only female prime minister—reclaiming her previous position.

    The political revolution extended beyond the executive branch as the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) appointed its first female Opposition Leader after dismissing their previous leader following a mere 42-day tenure. This development created a remarkable historical moment with women simultaneously occupying the nation’s presidency, prime ministership, and opposition leadership.

    Despite domestic developments including the extension of a state of emergency, the arrest of a sitting police commissioner, and alleged assassination plots against government officials, the dominant headline of 2025 emerged from the international arena. The escalating diplomatic impasse between the United States and Venezuela positioned Trinidad and Tobago at a critical juncture, requiring careful navigation of complex geopolitical tensions.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s unequivocal alignment with the United States in its ongoing conflict with Venezuela generated significant discourse. This strategic positioning prevented severe deterioration of bilateral relations with the United States, as evidenced by comparative analysis with other Caribbean nations like Dominica and Antigua that faced diplomatic consequences for different approaches.

    Historical analysis suggests alternative leadership under either Rowley or Young would have likely resulted in overt support for Nicolás Maduro’s Venezuelan regime under the guise of sovereignty and independence. Such alignment would have placed Trinidad and Tobago in an untenable position with the United States, potentially resulting in substantial national detriment driven by what the author characterizes as masculine pride and arrogance.

    As the nation progresses into 2026, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar demonstrates leadership qualities deemed appropriate for this complex historical period. The outlook includes hopes for peaceful conflict resolution, enhanced dialogue with CARICOM leaders, and cautious optimism for navigating forthcoming challenges while achieving meaningful successes for the Trinidad and Tobago populace.

  • Keshorn Walcott, Leah Bertrand tipped for more honours at NAAA awards

    Keshorn Walcott, Leah Bertrand tipped for more honours at NAAA awards

    Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic excellence will be celebrated on January 3rd as the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAA) prepares to host its prestigious annual awards ceremony at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua. The event promises to recognize outstanding achievements across multiple track and field disciplines following a remarkable competitive season.

    Heading the list of anticipated honorees are two-time Olympic medalist Keshorn Walcott and rising sprint sensation Leah Bertrand, both fresh from receiving top accolades from the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC). Walcott, coming off a spectacular 2025 season that saw him claim gold in the men’s javelin at the World Athletics Championships, was recently named TTOC’s Sportsman of the Year. His championship-winning throw of 88.16 meters marked a triumphant return to the pinnacle of his sport.

    Bertrand, who dramatically lowered her personal bests to 10.92 seconds in the 100-meter and 22.54 seconds in the 200-meter events, captured the TTOC Sportswoman of the Year title. The 23-year-old sprinter, who also won the same honor in 2024, appears poised to complete a remarkable double by securing the NAAA’s top prize for the second consecutive year after previously claiming both the Senior Female Athlete of the Year and Women’s Track Athlete of the Year awards.

    The ceremony will also spotlight emerging talent, including 22-year-old sprinter Shaniqua Bascombe who enjoyed a successful comeback season culminating in gold medal performance in the women’s 100-meter final at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay. Bascombe clocked an impressive 11.19 seconds before contributing to Team TTO’s silver medal finish in the women’s 4×100-meter relay.

    On the junior circuit, 19-year-old jumper Janae De Gannes is expected to receive recognition following her bronze medal in the long jump at the Junior Pan Am Games and her role in the silver-winning relay team. De Gannes previously secured silver in the girls’ Under-20 long jump at the CARIFTA Games, where compatriot Gianna Paul completed a dominant one-two finish for Trinidad and Tobago with gold.

    The comprehensive awards program will distribute 62 prizes spanning categories from Under-9 to open divisions, acknowledging not only athletes but also coaches and other key contributors to the development of track and field in Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Veteran commentator ‘Reds’ Perreira lays bare West Indies cricket’s failures

    Veteran commentator ‘Reds’ Perreira lays bare West Indies cricket’s failures

    West Indies cricket endured its most devastating year in modern history during 2025, according to veteran commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira, who delivered a scathing assessment of the structural collapse within Caribbean cricket’s foundation.

    The symbolic nadir occurred at Sabina Park, Jamaica, where Australia’s demolition of the West Indies for a mere 27 runs represented what Perreira called “the unhappiest day since I started watching the West Indies in 1953.” In an exclusive interview with Newsday, the seasoned analyst rejected the notion that this humiliation was an anomaly, instead identifying it as the inevitable consequence of deeply entrenched systemic failures.

    Perreira highlighted the alarming absence of West Indies batsmen from the ICC Test rankings’ top 50—with Shai Hope languishing at 60th—as evidence of the regional first-class championship’s inadequacy. “Most of our batsmen just don’t have the fundamentals,” he stated, explaining that bowlers in domestic competitions fail to apply sustained pressure, leaving technically deficient batters unprepared for Test cricket’s demands.

    The commentator dismissed Cricket West Indies’ emergency consultations with legends Brian Lara, Vivian Richards, and Clive Lloyd as “cosmetic exercises” designed for public consumption rather than meaningful reform. He instead advocated for fundamental changes: reintroducing English county teams to regional tournaments to elevate competition quality, revitalizing secondary school and club cricket infrastructures, and implementing specialized coaching from under-17 levels upward.

    Perreira particularly criticized the coaching structure that burdens Daren Sammy with triple responsibilities across white-ball, red-ball, and selection duties. “It’s just too much for one coach,” he argued, pointing to inconsistent performances—breaking a 34-year ODI series drought in Pakistan followed by a 5-0 T20 whitewash against Australia—as proof that specialized coaching staff are essential.

    Administrative concerns extended to CWI president Dr. Kishore Shallow, whom Perreira believed should have resigned after being elected to parliament in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to properly serve his constituency.

    Despite the overwhelming gloom, Perreira identified a silver lining in the emerging fast-bowling trio of Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph—though he expressed frustration about the latter’s unexplained fitness delays. He also sounded alarms about the women’s game stagnating due to inadequate grassroots investment, warning that the region falls further behind the “Big Three” nations annually.

    Perreira’s ultimate prescription involves abandoning short-term fixes and dramatically expanding cricket’s base at school levels, cautioning that without such fundamental changes, 2026 may replicate 2025’s disappointments.

  • Norman’s Windball Cricket knockout resumes on January 3

    Norman’s Windball Cricket knockout resumes on January 3

    Cricket enthusiasts in Tacarigua are set for an exhilarating weekend as the Norman’s Windball Cricket League recommences its competitive action on January 3rd. The Buggy Haynes Recreation Ground will serve as the battleground for both best of the rest and premier division knockout matches, marking a pivotal phase in the tournament’s progression.

    The day’s schedule commences at 12:30 PM with Allegiance squaring off against D Crushers in a round-of-16 encounter within the best of the rest category. The victorious team will advance directly to quarter-final competition against Tacarigua Recruits at 2:00 PM. The afternoon’s proceedings will culminate with a premier division round-of-16 showdown between Moondogs and More Fire International.

    January 4th will witness the continuation of premier division knockout battles beginning at 9:30 AM as Poison Sports confront Savannah Boys. Subsequent matches feature CSK versus Cheers Anthrax at 11:30 AM, followed by Supersonic taking on Hit & Run at 1:15 PM. The day’s final encounter at 3:00 PM will see defending champions Acono Sauce Team testing their mettle against Caparo Warriors in what promises to be a gripping contest.

    The tournament structure extends beyond the current weekend with Over-40 quarter-finals scheduled for the following weekend. With over $100,000 in total prize money distributed across all divisions, the competition maintains significant financial incentives for participating teams. The league championship is projected to reach its conclusion by the end of January, maintaining intense anticipation among players and spectators alike.

  • UK-based Under-17 footballers ready to fight for Trinidad and Tobago badge

    UK-based Under-17 footballers ready to fight for Trinidad and Tobago badge

    With the 2026 CONCACAF Under-17 Men’s Qualifiers approaching, Trinidad and Tobago’s coaching staff faces formidable selection challenges as they evaluate over 40 prospects for the final squad. Head coach Randolph Boyce must finalize his roster before TT’s opening match against Barbados in February.

    Among the standout candidates are three England-based talents: Reading FC’s Kayden Bancey, Crystal Palace U-15 player Jashaun Christmas, and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Tate Ormonde. The trio has been training alongside domestic prospects at a intensive residential camp at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium over the past fortnight.

    Bancey, qualifying through his Trinidadian mother and grandmother, brings creative attacking midfield capabilities. “Playing as a central attacking midfielder, I believe I can contribute more goals or create different scoring opportunities,” the 15-year-old stated in a TTFA media release. “Representing your country is an honor—that alone constitutes a significant achievement.”

    TT finds itself in Group A alongside Barbados, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, and tournament favorites Mexico. The stakes are exceptionally high: only the group winner will advance to the 2026 U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

    Christmas draws inspiration from Crystal Palace teammate Rio Cardines, who progressed through TT’s youth system to become a senior national team regular. “Watching him excel for his country motivates me to improve,” Christmas remarked. “Making my family proud and representing at higher levels would undoubtedly enhance my development upon returning to academy football.”

    Ormonde, primarily a right-back with midfield versatility, described the camp as “tough and really intense” but invaluable for his development. “The players push me to my limits, and I believe this daily challenge is making me a better athlete,” he noted, while acknowledging the competitive yet welcoming environment among local players.

    TT’s qualification campaign runs from February 3-12 at Mucurapo’s Hasely Crawford Stadium, culminating with a decisive match against Mexico on February 12.