Carib Scope

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  • #Champs2026: Clarendon College’s Young seeks to defend girls Class 2 shot put title

    #Champs2026: Clarendon College’s Young seeks to defend girls Class 2 shot put title

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the girls’ Class 2 shot put event at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships. Defending champion Jamelia Young of Clarendon College secured her place in the finals, albeit with a preliminary throw of 12.75 meters that positioned her eighth among the qualifiers at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

    Young faces formidable competition in her title defense bid. The preliminary round was dominated by Holmwood Technical’s Shamanda Wilmott, who launched an impressive 13.80-meter throw to lead the field. Close behind were Excelsior High’s Alyssa Forrster with 13.42m and Immaculate Conception’s Remesha Duxon who recorded 13.38m.

    Adding to the competitive landscape, Edwin Allen High showcased remarkable team depth with two qualifiers—Shandre Brown and Fabiana Perry—both advancing to challenge for the championship title. The results set the scene for an intensely competitive final where Young must significantly improve upon her preliminary performance to retain her crown against these rising athletic talents.

  • Lasco executive moves to AS Bryden

    Lasco executive moves to AS Bryden

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — AS Bryden Sons & Holdings Limited (ASBH) has announced the appointment of John De Silva as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1. This strategic leadership change comes during a period of significant corporate restructuring for the Trinidad-based conglomerate.

    De Silva brings over three decades of executive experience to the role, most recently serving as Managing Director of Lasco Distributors Limited until his resignation on March 13. His extensive background includes a three-year tenure as Managing Director of Unilever Caribbean Limited and previous executive positions with global food giant Nestlé.

    The Trinidadian executive succeeds Richard Pandohie, who has led ASBH since June 2022 when Jamaican manufacturing and distribution company Seprod acquired a 60 percent stake in the Trinidadian firm. Pandohie continues as CEO of Seprod, which recently increased its ownership in ASBH from 50 percent to 80 percent through a share swap transaction completed in July 2025.

    This leadership appointment coincides with both publicly listed companies implementing strategic measures to strengthen their financial positions. ASBH has utilized debt financing to acquire a majority interest in Caribbean Producers (Jamaica) Limited between July 2024 and February 2025, while Seprod has divested International Biscuits Limited to sharpen its operational focus and optimize its regional distribution network.

    The companies are actively working to reduce debt levels on their respective balance sheets while positioning themselves for sustained growth across the Caribbean region.

  • Cops probing man’s death in St Ann

    Cops probing man’s death in St Ann

    A violent altercation in the Draxhall area of St Ann turned fatal on Tuesday afternoon, prompting an active investigation by local law enforcement. The incident, which occurred in a commercial plaza vicinity shortly after 3:00 pm, originated from a physical dispute between two unidentified males.

    Preliminary reports from law enforcement sources indicate the conflict escalated when one individual allegedly struck the other in the head with a stone. The assaulted party temporarily retreated from the scene but returned armed with a machete, launching a brutal counterattack that resulted in severe chop wounds to his initial aggressor.

    Police units responding to emergency calls transported the critically injured victim to a medical facility, where he was subsequently pronounced dead. Crime scene investigators remained on location through the evening hours, meticulously documenting evidence and gathering forensic information. Authorities have not yet established the identity of the deceased individual, nor have they disclosed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the fatal incident.

    The investigation remains ongoing as police work to reconstruct the precise sequence of events and determine potential motives behind the initial altercation that culminated in lethal violence.

  • Air traffic slow in February

    Air traffic slow in February

    Jamaica’s aviation sector continues to navigate post-hurricane challenges as both Sangster International Airport (SIA) and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) reported significant passenger traffic declines in February. According to recent operational data released by concession operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), the combined airports processed approximately 274,500 passengers during the period, representing a substantial 31.4% decrease compared to the 400,100 passengers recorded in February 2025.

    The statistical trend reveals a consistent pattern of reduced travel activity, with January 2026 recording 284,200 passengers and December 2025 seeing 262,600 passengers processed through these facilities. While SIA bore the brunt of the decline, NMIA experienced a more moderate 2.1% reduction, handling 119,400 passengers compared to 121,900 during the same period last year.

    The operational challenges extended beyond Jamaican borders, with GAP reporting reduced air traffic at 12 of its 14 managed airports across Mexico and Jamaica. Particularly affected were Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta International Airports, which faced substantial flight cancellations due to security concerns in Mexico’s Jalisco state. This regional disruption compounded the ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Melissa, creating a complex operational environment for aviation authorities and travelers alike.

  • New Mexico jury finds Meta liable for endangering children

    New Mexico jury finds Meta liable for endangering children

    In a groundbreaking legal decision with far-reaching implications for the tech industry, a New Mexico jury has determined that Meta Platforms Inc. bears significant responsibility for endangering children through its social media platforms. The verdict, reached after intensive six-week proceedings, represents one of the first jury decisions addressing social media companies’ accountability for minor protection.

    The Santa Fe courtroom witnessed a comprehensive presentation of evidence, including testimony from approximately 40 witnesses—among them former Meta employees turned whistleblowers—and examination of hundreds of internal documents, reports, and corporate communications. The state’s legal team successfully demonstrated that Meta’s platforms made children vulnerable to sexual predators, online solicitation, and human trafficking risks.

    New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, who initiated the litigation in 2023, characterized the outcome as “a historic victory for every child and family who has paid the price for Meta’s choice to put profits over kids’ safety.” The prosecution presented compelling evidence suggesting company executives were aware of platform dangers yet disregarded internal warnings and publicly misrepresented their knowledge.

    While the state sought maximum damages of $2.2 billion, the jury awarded $375 million after finding Meta violated New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act through misleading representations about product safety for young users. During closing arguments, prosecutors demonstrated how Meta’s algorithmic systems allegedly directed adult users toward content created by teenage users while concealing internal risk assessments.

    The company has announced its intention to appeal the verdict, with a spokesperson stating: “We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and are clear about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors or harmful content.”

    This case initiates a broader legal confrontation, with a second phase scheduled for May 4th where a judge will consider additional penalties and potential operational mandates for Meta. Simultaneously, a California jury is evaluating similar allegations regarding platform-related harms to children, including addiction concerns, in what legal experts consider a bellwether case for thousands of pending lawsuits against social media corporations nationwide.

  • #Champs2026: Vere Tech’s Freemantle into girls Class 1 discus final

    #Champs2026: Vere Tech’s Freemantle into girls Class 1 discus final

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening day of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships witnessed outstanding performances in field events at the National Stadium. Ramona Freemantle of Vere Technical High School emerged as a standout athlete by qualifying for her second final of the competition in the girls Class 1 discus throw discipline.

    Freemantle, who placed fifth in last year’s discus final with a throw of 48.21 meters, demonstrated remarkable composure after an initial foul attempt. The athlete rebounded impressively with a second throw measuring 48.32 meters, securing her position in the upcoming final. This achievement adds to her previously confirmed placement in the girls Open Javelin throw competition, positioning her as a formidable multi-event contender.

    The qualification round saw several other athletes advance with exceptional single-attempt performances. Abigail Bennett from Merl Grove High School recorded a throw of 46.39 meters, while Marla-Kay Lampart of Clarendon College achieved 46.24 meters. Gabriel Merchant, another Vere Technical athlete, joined the qualifiers with a mark of 46.06 meters.

    Additional athletes progressing to the next round included Dionjah Shaw from Edwin Allen High (45.42m), Jada Francis of Immaculate Conception High (44.75m), and Rehanna Biggs representing St. Jago High (43.19m). The competition showcased the depth of talent in Jamaican high school athletics, setting the stage for an exciting finals series in the discus throw event.

  • Abortion pill prescriptions surge in US states with bans — study

    Abortion pill prescriptions surge in US states with bans — study

    A significant shift in abortion access patterns is underway across the United States, according to new research from the Guttmacher Institute. The latest data indicates that women in states with abortion bans are increasingly turning to telehealth services for medication abortions rather than undertaking interstate travel for the procedure.

    The comprehensive report, published Tuesday, reveals that approximately 91,000 women residing in the 13 states with near-total abortion bans received abortion pill prescriptions through telehealth channels in 2025. This figure represents a striking increase of more than 25% compared to the 72,000 prescriptions documented in 2024.

    Concurrently, the research demonstrates a corresponding decline in cross-state travel for abortion services. The number of women journeying from restrictive states to those with more permissive laws dropped from 74,000 in 2024 to approximately 62,000 in 2025. Nationwide, the total number of individuals traveling for abortions decreased to 142,000 last year, down from 170,000 in 2024 and continuing a downward trend from 154,000 in 2023.

    Research authors Isaac Maddow-Zimet and Kimya Forouzan emphasized that these combined statistics indicate a fundamental transformation in how individuals access abortion care in states with complete bans. The dramatic rise in telehealth utilization coincides with the implementation of protective “shield laws” in eight states—California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington—which safeguard healthcare providers from prosecution by states where abortion remains illegal.

    Despite the patchwork of state-level restrictions implemented following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn federal abortion protections, the national abortion rate remains remarkably stable. The report notes that recorded abortions in 2025 exceeded 1.12 million, maintaining levels consistent with 2024 and representing the highest rate documented since 2009.

  • Shena Carty, a beloved champion for the needy, dies in Florida crash

    Shena Carty, a beloved champion for the needy, dies in Florida crash

    Shena Carty, a prominent Jamaican-American community advocate and philanthropist, tragically lost her life in a vehicular accident on Sunday in Winter Haven, Florida. The fatal incident occurred when a 2013 Mercedes attempted to make a turn and entered the path of her 2006 Suzuki motorcycle, according to witness accounts reported by Tampa Bay 8 media.

    Despite being an experienced motorcyclist with nearly two decades of riding experience, Carty was ejected from her vehicle upon impact. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the 47-year-old was not wearing protective headgear at the time of the collision, which contributed to the fatal outcome.

    Carty’s social media presence revealed her longstanding passion for motorcycling, with her final Facebook post showcasing a nostalgic throwback to her second motorcycle acquired in 2007. ‘I had a 600 Ninja for two years before this and I have no pictures of it anywhere. #Crazy I ain’t new to this,’ she wrote, demonstrating her extensive experience with two-wheel vehicles.

    The Jamaican native, who had emigrated from Hanover to the United States, regularly shared video content of her riding adventures. Her social media channels have since been flooded with emotional tributes and condolences from friends, family, and community members worldwide.

    Beyond her motorcycling enthusiasm, Carty was best known for her extraordinary humanitarian work. As the founder of the Facebook community ‘Jamaican Madhouse,’ she dedicated her life to supporting vulnerable individuals. Through this platform, she organized fundraising initiatives that provided critical assistance to seriously ill Jamaicans and distributed food to hundreds of local community members in need.

    Her 2017 interview with the Jamaica Gleaner revealed the depth of her commitment to charitable causes, positioning her as a beloved figure within both Jamaican and expatriate communities. The sudden loss has created a significant void in the philanthropic circles she actively supported.

  • Rygin King faces ‘Tuff’ challenges with ICE

    Rygin King faces ‘Tuff’ challenges with ICE

    Jamaican dancehall performer Rygin King, legally named Matthew Smith, faced a dramatic turn of events when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers apprehended him at his residence mere hours before his scheduled green card interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The arrest occurred yesterday, with Smith’s detention now formally documented on the official ICE website.

    No official explanation has been provided regarding the grounds for his detention, and neither the artist nor his representatives have released any formal statement. This incident marks the second time in recent months that a dancehall artist has been taken into ICE custody, following the detention of fellow musician Chronic Law.

    The situation presents additional complications due to Smith’s medical condition. The artist became paraplegic following a 2020 shooting incident in Westmoreland, Jamaica, that claimed the life of his manager’s wife and left him with three gunshot wounds that damaged his spinal cord. His condition necessitates specialized medical attention.

    Legal complexities surround the arrest, particularly concerning an ongoing New York gun case from 2024. Smith, his wife Ileene Parker-Smith, and four others were arrested in Queens after police discovered a loaded firearm during a traffic stop. Smith pleaded not guilty to six charges, including criminal possession of a loaded firearm in the second degree, which carries a potential 15-year sentence for first-time offenders.

    Despite sources claiming another individual had claimed ownership of the firearm, the case remains active with the next court hearing scheduled for March 27, 2026. Smith’s previous attorney, Marc B Laykind, confirmed he no longer represents the artist and was unaware of the ICE detention.

    Since the 2020 shooting, Smith relocated to the United States for orthopedic treatment and rehabilitation. During this period, he released two critically acclaimed albums, ‘Therapy’ and ‘Recovery,’ which documented his personal journey through physical healing, depression, and resilience. The artist gained prominence with his hit single ‘Tuff’ and solidified his status with a performance at Reggae Sumfest 2018.

  • #Champs2026: Calabar’s Edwards leaps into Class 2 long jump final with single jump

    #Champs2026: Calabar’s Edwards leaps into Class 2 long jump final with single jump

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Stadium witnessed spectacular athletic performances during Tuesday’s qualifying rounds for the Class 2 boys long jump event at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. Three standout jumpers secured their places in Wednesday’s final with impressive first-attempt clearances that demonstrated both technical prowess and competitive efficiency.

    Talshawn Edwards of Calabar High emerged as the top qualifier, launching himself to a wind-assisted 6.90 meters (with a tailwind of 2.1m/s) that immediately established him as the athlete to beat in the upcoming final. Close behind, Cornwall College’s Zhi-Hew Whitter, who previously claimed gold at the COCAA Western Championships, recorded a solid jump of 6.68 meters (0.5m/s wind) to automatically advance.

    The qualification round saw intense competition as Kingston College’s Odane Noble secured his final berth with a 6.55-meter leap, comfortably exceeding the automatic qualifying standard of 6.50 meters. However, Noble’s performance placed him fourth overall after St Jago High’s Winaldo Faulknor delivered a clutch third-attempt jump of 6.58 meters (0.9m/s wind), demonstrating the dramatic nature of the competition.

    Additional athletes earning spots in Wednesday’s championship final included Shamar Shaw (Calabar High) with 6.47m, Omari Gordon (Wolmer’s Boys) at 6.44m, alongside Akeem Freeman (Manchester High) and Leonardo Green (St Jago High), both recording identical marks of 6.36 meters. The diverse representation from multiple Jamaican high schools sets the stage for an electrifying final showdown that will crown the nation’s top junior long jump talent.