Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • No parking permitted on Palisadoes Road to view fireworks — police

    No parking permitted on Palisadoes Road to view fireworks — police

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican law enforcement officials have issued a stringent parking prohibition along the critical Palisadoes thoroughfare in Kingston during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The comprehensive ban, specifically targeting Wednesday, December 31st, expressly forbids all vehicular parking for fireworks viewing purposes along this strategic roadway.

    Police authorities have clarified that absolutely no vehicles will receive authorization to park on the main roadway under any circumstances. The regulatory measures extend further to prohibit parking on the right-hand side of the road leading toward Norman Manley International Airport during a designated timeframe from 5:00 PM on Wednesday through 12:30 AM on Thursday.

    Motorists who disregard these officially mandated restrictions will face immediate legal consequences, including criminal prosecution and compulsory vehicle towing. The Jamaica Constabulary Force emphasizes that these measures constitute essential public safety protocols rather than mere traffic suggestions, designed to ensure uninterrupted emergency access and prevent potentially dangerous congestion during high-density holiday celebrations.

  • CDB providing grant funding for region’s cultural and creative industries

    CDB providing grant funding for region’s cultural and creative industries

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has announced a significant funding initiative of US$190,000 through its Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF) to support regional events and conferences. This strategic investment aims to enhance the growth and global competitiveness of the Caribbean’s cultural and creative sectors.

    Established in 2017, the CIIF program focuses on fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability within the creative industries across CDB’s 19 borrowing member countries. The current grant call targets events scheduled between March 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027, that address critical development priorities for the region’s creative economy.

    Eligible activities must concentrate on policy dialogue facilitation, capacity building for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), sector data enhancement, market intelligence development, trade promotion, and cultural heritage preservation. The bank will award six grants ranging from US$20,000 to US$50,000 to qualified applicants.

    CIIF Coordinator Malene Joseph emphasized the initiative’s significance: ‘This grant call supports home-grown activities that unlock pathways for creative Caribbean talent and businesses. Beyond facilitating policy dialogue and building data-driven insights, CIIF enables creative MSMEs through targeted financial support.’

    Application eligibility requires formal registration as business support organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities, community-based organizations, or government agencies serving the creative sector. Applicants must demonstrate at least three years of experience in hosting industry events and provide co-financing covering minimum 10% of the total project budget. The submission deadline is January 31 of the upcoming year.

  • Jada Kingdom announces highly anticipated new EP

    Jada Kingdom announces highly anticipated new EP

    Jamaican recording artist Jada Kingdom has officially revealed plans to launch her newest extended play collection, titled ‘Just A Girl In A Money Man’s World,’ with a scheduled release date of January 21, 2026. This announcement arrives following an exceptionally productive year that has significantly elevated her standing within the global music landscape.

    The upcoming project promises to further demonstrate Kingdom’s distinctive artistic vision, which seamlessly merges contemporary dancehall rhythms with pop sensibilities and R&B influences. Her unique approach to music creation has established her as an innovative force while simultaneously preserving strong connections to her cultural roots.

    Throughout 2025, Kingdom maintained an extensive presence across multiple platforms, delivering several successful singles that captured audience attention worldwide. Her tracks ‘Can’t Tell Me That,’ ‘Only You,’ and particularly the viral phenomenon ‘GAD’ generated substantial momentum. The latter’s studio performance feature on On The Radar achieved viral status, accumulating over one million combined views on Instagram and TikTok within mere days of its release.

    Originally launched on March 21, 2025, ‘GAD’ achieved remarkable commercial performance throughout Jamaica and broader Caribbean markets. The single reached number three on Apple Music’s Top 25 Kingston Chart, representing the highest chart position secured by any female artist during that period. Additionally, it secured Top 5 placements on Shazam’s recognition platform across numerous countries, underscoring its widespread cultural resonance.

    Critical reception matched the commercial success, with Billboard applauding Kingdom’s innovative approach to local vernacular combined with feminist thematic elements, describing the work as ‘terrific.’ Stereogum characterized the production as both nostalgically evocative and progressively innovative, labeling it a ‘2000s pop revival.’ Further acclaim originated from respected publications including HNHH, Kaboom Mag, The Star, Caribbean National Weekly, and MusicxClusives.

    Kingdom’s international touring schedule throughout 2025 provided additional evidence of her expanding global influence. Her performance calendar included a commanding appearance at New York’s UBS Arena in May, followed by a London engagement during the Soak’d Pineapple x SANDZ Ultra Weekend in August. The year concluded with her headline performance at Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street Europe concert event in Malta during September.

  • Junkanoo Grand Marshal fired following Boxing Day parade delays

    Junkanoo Grand Marshal fired following Boxing Day parade delays

    The National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) has publicly admitted to significant operational failures during the recent Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade, culminating in the removal of longtime Grand Marshal Dwight Rolle from his position. In an official statement responding to mounting criticism, the committee cited ‘operational performance and adherence to established parade management protocols’ as the basis for their decision, emphasizing that the move was not personal.

    The NJC acknowledged that spectators experienced considerable discomfort due to prolonged gaps along Bay Street, where empty seats disrupted the festive atmosphere. The committee revealed that instructions were issued to the parade management team to allow Fun Groups and B Groups to perform during delays, but claimed these directives were not implemented by Mr. Rolle.

    In response to circulating rumors, the NJC confirmed that penalty frameworks for rule violations remain active. Deputy Grand Marshal Vincent Johnson, assisted by Calvin Greene, will assume leadership responsibilities for the upcoming New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade.

    Mr. Rolle, who had served as Grand Marshal for six consecutive years, expressed surprise at his dismissal during what he believed was a routine planning meeting with NJC chairman Douglas Hanna. He maintained that his management approach prioritized strict adherence to rules and regulations rather than accommodating informal directives.

    ‘The role demands enforcement without favoritism,’ Rolle stated. ‘I operate by rules, regulations, and facts—not as a conventional team player when it compromises established procedures.’

    Rolle attributed many parade delays to the absence of enforceable penalties, noting that the NJC’s replacement of the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence eliminated disqualification as a consequence for rule violations. This gap, according to Rolle, enabled participating groups to act without accountability.

    Additional operational challenges emerged during the event, including the problematic implementation of digital costume scanning technology. scanners introduced over two hours into the parade malfunctioned and lacked clear operational guidelines, further complicating logistics.

    Rolle also highlighted organizational lapses such as incorrect group name displays on screens and dismissed concerns in the tally room. Despite these challenges, he emphasized his commitment to preserving Junkanoo culture and performing his duties under difficult circumstances that predated the Boxing Day event.

  • Mysterday as Bank exec quits

    Mysterday as Bank exec quits

    The Bahamas’ diplomatic and financial sectors are grappling with the abrupt departure of Taran Mackey, who has simultaneously resigned from his dual roles as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain and as a director of the Bank of The Bahamas after a brief eight-month tenure. The unexpected move was announced through a concise statement in which Mackey attributed his decision solely to the need to address a private personal matter, offering no further elaboration.

    Mackey’s appointment in April had marked a significant milestone, as he became the youngest individual ever to join the board of directors at the Bank of The Bahamas. His professional background, as detailed in an official bank biography, paints a picture of a highly specialized financial expert. He serves as the managing director of IPG Family Office Limited, a multi-family office overseeing more than $2 billion in assets, with a focus on sophisticated trust and estate planning services.

    His expertise extended to advising financial institutions and ultra-high-net-worth individuals on complex international matters, including cross-border tax planning, succession strategies, and pre-immigration structuring. Mackey possessed particular specialization in crafting bespoke fiduciary vehicles—such as private trust companies, limited partnerships, and foundations—primarily for affluent families across Latin America and the Middle East.

    A graduate with an Honors LLB from the University of Nottingham, Mackey is a qualified member of both the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the International Tax Planning Association. Beyond his now-former roles, he maintained a directorship at the Bahamas Financial Services Board and had served as co-chairman of its Immigration Sub-Committee since 2020. His simultaneous exit from both a high-profile ambassadorship and a key position in the nation’s banking system has created a notable void, sparking speculation within government and financial circles regarding the undisclosed reasons behind his sudden departure.

  • PM pays tribute to Walkine after a ‘life of service’

    PM pays tribute to Walkine after a ‘life of service’

    The Bahamas mourns the loss of distinguished physician and former parliamentarian Dr. Franklyn Walkine, who passed away at age 73. The prominent figure served as Member of Parliament for Acklins and Crooked Island from 1989 to 1997, leaving an indelible mark on both healthcare and political landscapes.

    Dr. Walkine’s political career began amidst controversy when he entered a 1989 by-election following the resignation of predecessor Wilbert Moss, who was convicted for attempting to bribe a magistrate. Despite initial internal party disagreements within the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) regarding his nomination, Dr. Walkine secured victory and maintained his parliamentary seat through subsequent elections.

    Beyond politics, Dr. Walkine established himself as a medical pioneer and successful entrepreneur. He founded Air Ambulance Service Ltd in the 1990s, creating the first wholly Bahamian-owned air ambulance service that provided critical emergency medical flights to the Family Islands. The service conducted over 30 flights weekly between Nassau, Freeport, South Florida, and throughout the Bahamas, dramatically improving emergency healthcare access for remote communities.

    Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis led tributes, describing Dr. Walkine as having “lived a life of service” that combined medical expertise with political dedication. “He was a doctor who cared for people in their most difficult moments, and he was a former Member of Parliament who carried his community’s hopes into the nation’s Parliament,” Davis stated.

    Dr. Walkine’s academic credentials were equally impressive, with a chemistry degree from the University of Detroit, a medical degree from the University of the West Indies, and postgraduate specialty training at Canada’s McMaster University. He was a diplomate of the Canadian College of Family Medicine and served as head of the medical council.

    His contributions to public health were recognized in 2024 when he was honored as a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. PLP chairman Fred Mitchell remembered him as “forthright and matter-of-fact” in his approach to public service and as a cherished personal friend.

    The nation remembers Dr. Walkine as both a medical innovator who transformed emergency healthcare accessibility and a dedicated public servant who consistently advocated for his constituents’ interests throughout his political career.

  • Guyana to launch national consultation on children’s screen time and social media misuse

    Guyana to launch national consultation on children’s screen time and social media misuse

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Guyanese government has announced plans to initiate a comprehensive national consultation in January focusing on the escalating challenges of social media misuse and its profound effects on youth development and family dynamics. President Irfaan Ali revealed this initiative during a recent dialogue with students, emphasizing that the process aims to develop nuanced solutions rather than impose restrictive measures.

    President Ali clarified that the government’s objective isn’t to limit digital platforms but to cultivate informed strategies through inclusive public participation. “I intentionally avoid the term ‘restricting’ social media,” Ali stated. “We want this consultation to guide our approach.” A specialized task force is currently being formed, with the President personally examining international regulatory frameworks from Australia, Germany, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to identify policy options compatible with Guyana’s unique socio-cultural landscape.

    The President highlighted the global recognition of misinformation and digital overconsumption as critical issues, referencing the United Nations’ declaration of a “misinformation and disinformation pandemic.” He stressed that social media platforms themselves aren’t inherently problematic, but their misuse requires urgent attention.

    Ali shared compelling anecdotes from parents concerned about children’s excessive screen time, including one instance where a child stealthily retrieved a confiscated device in the middle of the night. “As parents, we universally struggle with managing digital engagement,” the President acknowledged, recounting conversations with technology executives in Silicon Valley who reportedly limit their own children’s device usage despite working in the industry.

    The consultation process will actively involve families, youth organizations, religious institutions, and community groups to develop collaborative solutions. President Ali emphasized that effective policy must rest on education, shared responsibility, and consensus rather than mere enforcement. The government intends to use these consultations to shape balanced, inclusive measures that protect children while enhancing societal well-being in an increasingly digital era.

  • Guyana exporting locally produced processed goods to Caricom markets

    Guyana exporting locally produced processed goods to Caricom markets

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana – In a significant stride toward economic transformation, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali has announced the finalization of a landmark export agreement, with two containers of locally produced agro-processed goods now destined for Caribbean markets. This initiative, presented during a comprehensive year-end dialogue with students, marks a tangible move to convert agricultural output into sustainable export revenue for local households and communities.

    President Ali articulated a cohesive economic and social framework designed to alleviate poverty, amplify household wealth, and construct a resilient, diversified economy accessible to all citizens. He emphasized that the upcoming shipment is not merely symbolic but a direct outcome of strategic policies positioning families, farmers, youth, and small enterprises at the core of national development.

    This agro-processing milestone results from deliberate government efforts to incentivize agriculture, empower small-scale producers—especially women—and connect village-level production with regional and international supply chains. With Guyana rapidly emerging as a crucial food supplier in the Caribbean, high-level discussions are underway to establish a commercial division within the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), aimed at integrating national food production with the CARICOM market.

    Citing a recent dialogue with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, President Ali highlighted growing regional interest, noting that young entrepreneurs from Antigua are investing in transportation infrastructure and viewing Guyana as a primary food source.

    To further institutionalize this progress, the Guyana Development Bank will introduce entrepreneurship education in schools, equipping students with skills to form consortia and develop viable business concepts from an early age. “Wealth creation is not accidental,” Ali stated. “It is planned at the national level through policies and programs and felt at the community level.”

    On food security, Ali acknowledged that regional targets have been hampered by hurricanes, climate disruptions, and post-pandemic demand surges. However, Guyana has achieved substantial expansion in poultry, livestock, egg production, aquaculture, corn, and soya. Exports to the broader Caribbean are anticipated within two years, with international investors actively exploring opportunities in large-scale livestock, swine production, sugar refining, ethanol, mega-farms, and hydroponics—a testament to growing confidence in Guyana’s policy landscape.

    In parallel, President Ali revealed plans for a full assessment of the gold mining sector on January 5, as part of a government crackdown on illegal activities. The evaluation will enforce stricter accountability, linking mercury purchases to production declarations. Mining lands with registered dredges but no declared output will be repossessed to prevent environmental degradation without economic benefit.

    Addressing challenges in national infrastructure, Ali recognized ongoing difficulties at Guyana Power and Light (GPL), which has struggled with blackouts due to surging demand from new housing and business development, compounded by an aging distribution network. His administration is committed to reinvesting in and modernizing the power grid, particularly the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System, which suffered from underinvestment between 2015 and 2020.

  • A voice in sport lost

    A voice in sport lost

    The Jamaican media landscape was plunged into profound mourning on Tuesday following the sudden passing of acclaimed sports broadcaster and filmmaker Donald Oliver at age 40. Oliver, who served as the Jamaica Observer’s audiovisual manager, died unexpectedly at the University Hospital of the West Indies, sending shockwaves through the nation’s sporting community.

    Renowned for his distinctive vocal delivery and exceptional storytelling prowess, Oliver built a distinguished career spanning multiple prestigious media organizations including Television Jamaica, CVM TV, SportsMax, and ultimately the Jamaica Observer. His exceptional football commentary drew frequent comparisons to English Premier League legend Peter Drury for its passionate articulation and linguistic sophistication.

    Oliver’s professional excellence was recognized through numerous accolades including the Press Association of Jamaica’s Sports Journalist of the Year (2015), the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence in Journalism (2009), and the PAJ Best Television Feature or Documentary award (2022).

    Observer Managing Director Dominic Beaubrun described the loss as devastating, noting Oliver had made immediate impact since joining the organization in August. “We have lost a valued and extremely talented member of the team, a man who, beyond his professional skills, was a warm individual and decent human being,” Beaubrun stated.

    Tributes poured in from across Jamaica’s sporting and political spheres. Sport Minister Olivia Grange highlighted Oliver’s two decades of exemplary journalism, while Jamaica Football Federation Acting General Secretary Roy Simpson declared him “Jamaica’s Peter Drury” whose commentary brought pride to the nation.

    Colleagues remembered Oliver’s multifaceted talents beyond sports broadcasting. Long-time collaborator Leighton Levy emphasized his documentary work, particularly a powerful feature on Olympian Alia Atkinson, noting “he didn’t just record history, he shaped how we understood it.”

    Observer Sports Content Manager Andre Lowe praised Oliver as “an excellent professional and first-class human being,” while Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda hailed his balanced reporting and enduring commitment to journalistic principles.

    Oliver’s legacy includes iconic sporting moments such as his passionate narration of Kingston College’s 2018 Manning Cup victory after a 30-year drought. His voice became synonymous with Jamaica Premier League broadcasts, cementing his status as one of the Caribbean’s most accomplished sports media professionals.

  • New location, no problem!

    New location, no problem!

    Despite a last-minute venue change, the I Love Soca 2025 Boxing Day finale attracted an enormous turnout of enthusiastic patrons to National Heroes’ Circle on Friday night. The event’s new location proved overwhelmingly successful as soca enthusiasts transformed the massive space into a vibrant celebration of Caribbean music and culture.

    The atmosphere reached electrifying levels as veteran DJs Richie Ras and Patrick Anthony the Hype Man delivered an impeccable performance, masterfully blending classic soca anthems with contemporary hits. The crowd responded ecstatically to Problem Child’s popular track ‘Holiday,’ raising their cups in festive celebration. The energy intensified when the selectors transitioned into Skinny Fabulous’ ‘Famalay’ and Bunji Garlin’s ‘Hard Fete,’ creating an unforgettable musical experience.

    Brush1 The Road Marshal subsequently took control of the consoles, initially surprising attendees with dancehall selections from Masicka and Vybz Kartel before returning to soca favorites. His special dedication to female attendees with Lady Lava’s tracks prompted enthusiastic responses as women waved rags and danced with infectious energy. The Chromatic Crew concluded the spectacular night with their early morning set.

    Andrew Bellamy, managing director of I Love Soca, expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support despite the venue relocation. In post-event comments, Bellamy emphasized the brand’s established reputation and meticulous planning that ensured patron safety and enjoyment. He credited the successful turnout to strategic coordination with city officials and law enforcement, confirming the new venue’s central location and security measures met with public approval.

    While acknowledging areas for improvement, Bellamy confirmed the Heroes’ Circle location provided ample space for the growing event and demonstrated potential for future installations. The event’s seamless execution and massive attendance reinforced I Love Soca’s position as Jamaica’s premier soca celebration.