Carib Scope

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  • Western schools to defy odds at Champs

    Western schools to defy odds at Champs

    Against a backdrop of unprecedented natural disaster, western Jamaica’s athletic community demonstrates extraordinary resilience as the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships commence today at Kingston’s National Stadium. The five-day championship, known locally as ‘Champs,’ features numerous athletes from hurricane-ravaged regions who have overcome immense personal and infrastructural challenges to compete at Jamaica’s premier high school athletic event.

    Coaches and athletes from western Jamaica describe their participation as miraculous given that Hurricane Melissa devastated the region just five months earlier in October 2025. The catastrophic storm ripped roofs from homes, schools, and businesses, with some communities completely flattened and isolated. In the immediate aftermath, survival took absolute priority over athletic preparation.

    Despite these overwhelming obstacles, western Jamaica fields several standout contenders including Shanoya Douglas of Holland High, alongside William Knibb Memorial’s Sanjay Seymore and Jabari Matheson. Green Island High’s Head Coach and Vice-Principal Michael McIntosh characterizes the regional participation as the ultimate testament to resilience, noting that the collective effort reflects the dedication of coaches, school administrations, and students themselves.

    Coaching staff acknowledge ongoing challenges, with William Knibb’s Rodrick Myles noting persistent disparities between affected and unaffected schools. Yet athletes from severely damaged institutions like Sydney Pagon High School in St. Elizabeth—which still lacks full electrical restoration—have demonstrated remarkable perseverance. Coach Kirk Beckford highlighted emerging talents Kamoya Graham, Alexia Palmer, and Annataseca Blackwood as examples of athletes whose dedication is yielding competitive results.

    The athletic competition serves as both personal catharsis and regional inspiration, with coaches managing expectations while celebrating the mere presence of their athletes as victory enough. While top-five finishes may remain elusive, western Jamaica’s athletes are poised to deliver moments of brilliance throughout the championship, transforming personal adversity into athletic achievement.

  • Price eager to get started at George’s

    Price eager to get started at George’s

    In a significant homecoming appointment, Andrew Price has been named Technical Director of St George’s College, tasked with revitalizing the school’s football program. The former defensive stalwart, who anchored the team that secured the prestigious triple crown (Manning Cup, Walker Cup, and Olivier Shield) in 1983, expressed profound honor at returning to his alma mater after 42 years.

    Price’s appointment follows the December 2025 resignation of long-time coach Neville Bell and comes amid a prolonged trophy drought for the ‘Knights,’ who haven’t claimed the Manning Cup since 2012. The newly appointed director brings extensive coaching credentials from Boys’ Town, Humble Lion, Calabar High, UWI Women, Mico University College, and served as assistant coach for the Reggae Girlz during their historic 2019 World Cup qualification.

    In his first statements, Price emphasized creating a cultural transformation focused on developing student-athletes holistically. ‘I want to create a culture and paradigm shift where student athletes participate with pride,’ Price told journalists. ‘The main emphasis is on the students—they must work both on and off the field. I measure success through holistic player development.’

    His technical mandate includes overseeing all academy teams (U-14, U-16, and U-19) while implementing a unified football philosophy centered on attacking possession play with disciplined defense. Price stressed the importance of establishing consistent playing styles across all teams and maintaining academic priorities, noting that athletes are ‘students first.’

    Regarding staffing, Price expressed openness to collaborating with long-time assistant coach Marcel Gayle, who was previously considered a potential successor to Bell. ‘I am open, but it depends on if he wants to continue,’ Price stated.

    The appointment signals a strategic move by St George’s College to leverage Price’s deep institutional knowledge and professional experience to restore its football legacy while developing well-rounded citizens, with professional opportunities available for the most talented graduates.

  • Jongwe Hillel’s sole flag-bearer at Champs

    Jongwe Hillel’s sole flag-bearer at Champs

    In an unprecedented development for Jamaican scholastic sports, Hillel Academy has shattered its athletic tradition by qualifying its first competitor for the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. The institution, historically celebrated for academic distinction, now enters the competitive arena through 13-year-old sprint sensation Damian Jongwe.

    Jongwe embodies global citizenship—born in France, recently relocated from Bangkok, Thailand, with prior residency in Kenya and Zimbabwean heritage through his father. His arrival in Jamaica just last August marked the beginning of this remarkable athletic journey. Despite minimal prior knowledge of Jamaica’s premier track event, Jongwe recognized the nation’s formidable reputation in track and field culture, which influenced his family’s decision to settle there.

    Coach Devon Grant, who concurrently heads Papine High’s track program and previously guided Mavis Bank High, has achieved what he describes as a breakthrough after unsuccessful attempts with other athletes in prior seasons. “This represents a wonderful opportunity to establish Hillel’s presence at Champs,” Grant stated, emphasizing the significance of Jongwe’s qualification for the 2026 championships.

    The young athlete will contest the Class 3 Boys’ sprint double, competing in both the 100m and 200m events. While Grant maintains realistic expectations for Jongwe’s inaugural championship appearance, he projects potential advancement to the 200m finals, acknowledging the 100m presents greater challenges. More importantly, Grant identifies this milestone as catalyzing broader athletic development at Hillel, noting two additional students have already joined training sessions.

    Jongwe approaches his historic participation with emotional complexity—describing himself as simultaneously nervous, excited, and prepared. “This experience pushes me to achieve my best,” he reflected. “I believe I belong alongside these competitors and anticipate this will be a foundational experience for future success.” His championship campaign commences Tuesday afternoon with the 100m heats, followed by Thursday morning’s 200m competition.

  • Dancehall Glam takes over Mouttet Mile race day

    Dancehall Glam takes over Mouttet Mile race day

    Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has announced a significant expansion of its flagship event, the Mouttet Mile, transforming it into a two-day racing spectacle for 2026. Executive Chairman Solomon Sharpe revealed the enhanced format during a press conference at Caymanas Park on March 21, emphasizing the organization’s comprehensive commitment to horse racing development.

    The racing extravaganza will commence on Friday, December 4 with the revival of the She’s A Maneater Sprint, an exclusive competition for Jamaican-bred thoroughbreds honoring the legendary filly whose remarkable career captivated racing enthusiasts. This special tribute race returns after being temporarily displaced by calendar restructuring and the reintroduction of the Diamond Mile.

    Saturday, December 5 will feature the main Mouttet Mile event, which has consistently demonstrated exceptional popularity and attendance according to SVREL’s assessment. The expansion to two days represents a strategic response to the event’s growing prestige within the racing community.

    In a significant move toward inclusivity, SVREL will enhance opportunities for smaller stables through revamped claiming races. The Friday card will feature three specially designed claiming events: a $1.5-million race with an increased purse from last year’s $1.25 million, alongside $350,000 and $700,000 claiming races both carrying substantial $1.5-million purses. This initiative specifically addresses previous limitations that excluded smaller participants from Mouttet Mile day activities.

    The 2026 edition will embrace Jamaica’s vibrant cultural heritage through its ‘Dancehall Glam’ theme, reflecting both local traditions and the sport’s international reach. Sharpe emphasized that this thematic approach celebrates horse racing as an integral component of Jamaican culture alongside its sporting significance.

    The event restructuring demonstrates SVREL’s holistic approach to racing development, balancing competitive excellence with broader participant inclusion while integrating cultural elements that resonate with both local and international audiences.

  • LETTER: I am an ABLP supporter but Dr. Philmore Benjamin Cannot Get My Vote

    LETTER: I am an ABLP supporter but Dr. Philmore Benjamin Cannot Get My Vote

    A committed Labour supporter from St. Mary’s North has publicly declared their refusal to vote for the party’s candidate, Mr. Philmore Benjamin, citing profound concerns over democratic integrity and political opportunism.

    The core of the objection centers on the candidate’s controversial political history and the manner of his selection. Benjamin, a former member of the Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement (ACLM)—a known communist organization—actively opposed the Labour Party and its foundational figure, Sir Vere Bird. The writer highlights the stark contradiction in his current representation of the party he once fought against.

    A primary grievance is the undemocratic process behind his candidacy. Unlike other aspirants, including the respected Sir Molwyn Joseph who underwent a formal primary upon returning from the United States to serve the constituency, Benjamin was reportedly imposed upon the constituency by the Prime Minister. This top-down appointment is characterized as a profound disrespect to both the democratic process and to long-serving, loyal party stalwarts like Sir Molwyn Joseph, who is praised for his unwavering commitment to Labour’s core values.

    Further criticism is directed at Benjamin’s political methodology, which is described as ‘old school,’ suggesting an outdated campaign style out of touch with contemporary needs. The letter concludes with a powerful affirmation that the constituents of St. Mary’s North deserve leadership earned through transparent democratic engagement, trust, and respect for the party’s history, not through opportunism. Consequently, the supporter pledges their vote instead to the ‘Level Up’ movement, signaling a significant internal rift within the party’s base.

  • OECS expresses condolences after passing of its Chief Financial Officer

    OECS expresses condolences after passing of its Chief Financial Officer

    The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission is mourning the profound loss of its Chief Financial Officer, Rojer Inglis, who passed away on March 22, 2026. The regional institution confirmed the death of its esteemed financial leader in an official communiqué released from its Castries headquarters.

    Mr. Inglis, whose career spanned several decades across media and regional institutions, joined the OECS Commission in 2023 following an impressive tenure in Caribbean financial management. His professional journey began at the Grenada Broadcasting Network, where he initially served as Finance Manager before rapidly ascending to the position of General Manager during the early 2000s.

    The OECS Commission’s statement emphasized Inglis’s significant contributions to the organization’s financial stability and development, noting his “professionalism and unwavering commitment to excellence” in overseeing the institution’s fiscal operations. Beyond his technical expertise, colleagues and associates will remember him for his collegial nature and generous sharing of knowledge throughout the regional community.

    His transition into regional leadership marked a significant chapter in Caribbean institutional development, where he applied his extensive financial acumen to enhance the operational integrity of multiple organizations across the Eastern Caribbean region.

    The Commission extended heartfelt condolences to Inglis’s family, friends, and loved ones, acknowledging that his legacy of service and leadership would remain permanently etched in the organization’s historical narrative. The statement concluded with a tribute: “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

  • MP urges no retaliation after St Lucy killing, backs death penalty

    MP urges no retaliation after St Lucy killing, backs death penalty

    In the wake of a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a young man in Fryers Well, St. Lucy parliamentarian Peter Phillips has made a fervent appeal for community restraint while simultaneously renewing his political campaign for the reinstatement of capital punishment in Barbados.

    The tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening during a karaoke social gathering in the Checker Hall area, resulting in the death of 28-year-old Romario Archer. Phillips, who represents the constituency, visited the grieving family on Monday to offer condolences and address the escalating tensions within the community.

    Emphasizing the personal nature of the loss, Phillips revealed his long-standing acquaintance with Archer and his family. “He was a good, decent guy… very cheerful, very independent, always looking for work,” the MP stated, adding that Archer had frequently assisted with community events and could be relied upon even at short notice.

    The parliamentarian explicitly cautioned against vigilante justice, urging residents: “Let there be no retaliation… put down the guns. We must not take matters into our own hands. The law will do what it has to do.” He characterized the shooting as particularly disruptive to the normally peaceful parish of St. Lucy, noting the community has been profoundly shaken by this outbreak of violence.

    Parallel to his calls for calm, Phillips articulated his firm stance on implementing stricter judicial measures. “I support capital punishment… we have to begin to take stronger action against this kind of behaviour,” he asserted, framing the death penalty as a necessary deterrent to Barbados’s growing violence problem.

    Phillips concluded with a broader vision for his constituency and nation: “This is not the kind of thing we are accustomed to in St. Lucy. We want peace in this community, and across Barbados.”

  • Air Peace Chairman Says He Has Not Been Served Any Papers in Reported Tax Lawsuit

    Air Peace Chairman Says He Has Not Been Served Any Papers in Reported Tax Lawsuit

    Air Peace management has issued a formal response to circulating media reports alleging that its Chairman/CEO, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, and Vice Chairman, Mrs. Alice Ojochide Onyema, face tax litigation from the Lagos State Government.

    The airline categorically states that neither the executives nor the corporation has received any official court summons or formal notification regarding the alleged legal proceedings. The organization expressed astonishment at claims that such proceedings have been ongoing since February without proper service or communication.

    In a statement released on March 23, 2026, Air Peace emphasized its commitment to full tax compliance, asserting that all personal and corporate tax obligations have been consistently met in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements. The company nevertheless expressed willingness to engage with Lagos State authorities should any computational discrepancies exist, pledging to review and reconcile any potential shortfalls in the spirit of transparency and due process.

    The statement highlighted the Onyemas’ and Air Peace’s longstanding dedication to advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector, citing their demonstrated integrity, resilience, and patriotic commitment. The management reaffirmed its focus on maintaining the highest professional standards while continuing to serve the flying public without distraction.

  • Family mourns St Lucy shooting victim, calls for end to gun violence

    Family mourns St Lucy shooting victim, calls for end to gun violence

    A wave of grief has swept through the Checker Hall community in St Lucy following a fatal shooting incident that claimed the life of 28-year-old Romario Archer. The tragedy unfolded late Sunday evening when unidentified assailants opened fire from a dark-colored vehicle outside a local bar, leaving multiple casualties in what authorities are treating as a targeted attack.

    According to eyewitness accounts, the violence erupted approximately at 10:50 p.m. during a karaoke social gathering at Fryers Well establishment. The shooting resulted in nine individuals sustaining various injuries, all of whom were promptly transported to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment. Despite receiving urgent care at Sandy Crest Medical Centre, Archer succumbed to his wounds, marking the incident’s sole fatality.

    In an emotional interview with Barbados TODAY, Sherwood Archer remembered his son as a devoted family man known for his compassionate nature and strong work ethic. ‘Romario was the embodiment of joy and kindness—a young man who cherished his relationships and approached life with unwavering enthusiasm,’ the grieving father stated, vehemently denying any involvement in criminal activities by his son.

    The bereaved family has issued a heartfelt plea to Barbados’ youth, urging them to reject firearm violence and embrace peaceful conflict resolution methods. This appeal coincides with growing concerns about escalating violence across the island nation.

    Political representatives have responded with calls for immediate action. Peter Phillips, Member of Parliament for St Lucy, visited the Archer family residence in Broomfield to offer condolences while emphasizing the necessity for strengthened legal measures. Phillips advocated for the reinstatement of capital punishment as a deterrent against what he termed ‘lawless acts threatening community safety.’

    Democratic Labour Party representative Ian Griffith joined the mourning family, offering support and solidarity during their time of loss. Archer, who resided in Pie Corner with his partner, is remembered by community members as a vibrant individual whose potential was tragically cut short by senseless violence.

  • OPINION: Your Vote Is Not a Waste: Why Young People Must Show Up Even When Politics Feels Repetitive

    OPINION: Your Vote Is Not a Waste: Why Young People Must Show Up Even When Politics Feels Repetitive

    A concerning trend is emerging among younger demographics nationwide: the disillusioned belief that political participation holds negligible value due to perceived similarities between major parties. This sentiment, while understandable given cyclical election patterns and delayed policy implementations, threatens to undermine the very democratic mechanisms that empower generational change.

    Electoral participation transcends mere party selection—it represents a fundamental tool for directing national development trajectories and ensuring youth concerns remain central to policy agendas. Within polling stations, democracy manifests its most equalizing power: a first-time voter wields identical influence to established politicians, corporate leaders, and veteran constituents. This rare parity deserves recognition rather than dismissal.

    While political parties may share superficial similarities in messaging, profound differences emerge in leadership approaches, policy implementation methodologies, and developmental priorities. Public engagement directly shapes governmental responsiveness—when youth constituencies actively participate, they create imperative pressures that demand earned representation rather than assumed support.

    Governance constitutes an evolutionary process rather than a static institution. Administrations operate within constraints including economic limitations and global pressures, yet voter engagement directly influences how leadership navigates these challenges. Youth visibility at polls encourages more adaptive and forward-thinking governance models.

    Beyond policy considerations, voting embodies collective ownership of national futures. Each ballot represents an active declaration that societal direction belongs equally to younger generations rather than remaining exclusively within established political elites. This participatory ownership fosters societal connectivity and investment in long-term outcomes.

    Democratic progress often manifests incrementally rather than through immediate transformation. Consistent electoral pressure across multiple cycles gradually shifts priorities, elevates new leaders, and redefines governmental expectations. Even skeptical voters should recognize participation not as endorsement of perfection, but as foundational engagement within an imperfect system.

    The fundamental reality remains unambiguous: absent youth participation, future-shaping decisions will proceed without generational representation. Leadership evolution continues regardless—the critical variable remains whether young voices will help direct that evolution through active involvement rather than passive observation.