Carib Scope

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  • King Dice says ‘no-go’ for Calypso monarch competition 2026

    King Dice says ‘no-go’ for Calypso monarch competition 2026

    In a seismic development for Caribbean musical culture, ten-time Calypso Monarch Dennison ‘King Dice’ Joseph has declared his formal withdrawal from the 2026 competition season. The iconic performer made his startling revelation through social media channels this weekend, sending ripples through the calypso community.

    The reigning champion until his dethronement in 2024, Joseph yielded his crown to current titleholder Joy ‘Joy’ Stoute during last year’s finals, where he secured first runner-up position. His departure from competition follows what appears to be growing dissatisfaction with judging protocols within the traditional art form.

    Joseph pointedly questioned the fairness of his 2025 evaluation, asserting: ‘The performance was there, the song was on point, the presentation was on point.’ His rhetorical challenge to followers—’Where did I go wrong?’—preceded his enigmatic observation that ‘Calypso is Carnival, not church,’ suggesting fundamental disagreements about artistic evaluation criteria.

    While withholding specific details about his grievances, the calypsonian issued apologies to his dedicated supporters while firmly closing the door on 2026 participation. He articulated a fundamental principle regarding artistic judgment: performances and compositions should be evaluated on their merits rather than the performers themselves.

    The musical visionary concluded his announcement by hinting at forthcoming creative projects, indicating that his artistic journey will continue through alternative channels beyond competitive platforms. This development marks a significant moment for calypso’s evolving landscape, potentially prompting broader conversations about artistic validation in traditional musical forms.

  • Eerste vuurwerkslachtoffer van het jaar geregistreerd

    Eerste vuurwerkslachtoffer van het jaar geregistreerd

    Suriname has documented its inaugural firework-related incident of the year, prompting urgent safety warnings from emergency services. A 24-year-old male presented at the Academic Hospital Paramaribo’s Emergency Department on Sunday evening at approximately 10:00 PM, sustaining significant incense-related trauma to his right eye. The patient has been scheduled for follow-up consultation with an ophthalmologist today.

    The emergency medical staff and Suriname Fire Brigade Corps have intensified their campaign for stringent safety protocols during firework celebrations. Authorities emphasize that adult supervision of minors remains absolutely critical during these activities. While acknowledging the entertainment value of fireworks, the fire brigade underscores that enjoyment must be balanced with serious responsibility.

    Official guidelines mandate comprehensive eye protection through certified safety goggles and strictly prohibit hand-launched ignition of fireworks. The utilization of extended ignition sticks or incense cones is compulsory to minimize severe injury risks. The fire brigade has specifically advised against purchasing or activating so-called ‘bang fireworks’ known for their explosive properties.

    Dangerous stunts involving pyrotechnics must be avoided at all times, according to the safety directive. Tampering with fireworks or attempting to relight dud devices that failed to ignite constitutes particularly hazardous behavior. Additionally, targeting animals with fireworks constitutes prohibited conduct due to risks of grave physical harm and psychological distress.

    Special precautions apply to rocket-type fireworks, with recommendations to secure all windows and doors when neighborhood displays occur. Age-specific regulations establish that children under 7 years must have zero contact with fireworks, while those aged 7-16 may only participate under direct adult supervision.

    Finally, authorities urge public vigilance regarding surroundings, particularly near vulnerable establishments including places of worship, healthcare facilities, and residential areas.

  • Colombia’s Petro says US bombed suspected cocaine factory in Venezuela

    Colombia’s Petro says US bombed suspected cocaine factory in Venezuela

    BOGOTA, COLOMBIA — Colombian President Gustavo Petro has publicly alleged that the United States military conducted an aerial bombing operation targeting a suspected narcotics production facility in neighboring Venezuela. The controversial claim was made via social media platform X on Tuesday, directly implicating former U.S. President Donald Trump in authorizing the strike.

    President Petro stated that the alleged operation targeted a facility in the strategic port city of Maracaibo, which he characterized as a suspected cocaine processing plant. “We know that Trump bombed a factory, in Maraitaibo, which we fear was mixing coca paste to make cocaine,” Petro declared in his post.

    The Colombian leader’s statement came just one day after Trump himself confirmed that U.S. forces had conducted military operations against suspected drug trafficking targets in Venezuelan territory. While Trump specifically mentioned striking “a docking area for alleged drug boats,” the exact location and timing of these operations remain unclear, leaving open the possibility that these represent separate incidents or different descriptions of the same event.

    The allegations raise significant questions about cross-border military operations and national sovereignty, potentially escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela amid already strained diplomatic relations. Neither U.S. nor Venezuelan authorities have officially confirmed Petro’s specific claims regarding the Maracaibo facility bombing at this time.

  • Body of abducted Trinidad fireman found

    Body of abducted Trinidad fireman found

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Trinidadian authorities have confirmed the tragic discovery of a murdered firefighter whose abduction from his residence was captured on surveillance footage. The victim, identified as 46-year-old Bruce Lezama, was reported missing after failing to report for duty on December 27. His last confirmed sighting dates back to Christmas Day.

    According to official police reports, closed-circuit television evidence reveals a harrowing sequence of events in which two unidentified males intruded into Lezama’s property. The footage shows the assailants physically assaulting the fireman, restraining him with bindings, covering his head with a hood, and forcibly transporting him in his own vehicle, which was later recovered abandoned.

    Financial investigations uncovered that TT$2,500 had been illegally withdrawn from Lezama’s bank account following his disappearance. After an extensive overnight search operation conducted by fellow firefighters, Lezama’s body was ultimately located at the three-mile mark on Tuesday, culminating a multiday investigation that has shaken the community.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has launched a comprehensive homicide investigation but has not yet disclosed potential motives or suspects in the case. This incident has prompted widespread concern regarding violent crime targeting public servants in the region.

  • Squatters move into family’s HDC home

    Squatters move into family’s HDC home

    A Trinidadian family’s four-year wait for their government-subsidized home culminated in a shocking discovery on December 29 when they found strangers decorating and preparing to occupy their Housing Development Corporation (HDC) property in Riverside South, Corinth. The couple, who requested anonymity, immediately contacted law enforcement after being alerted by concerned neighbors about unauthorized activity at their townhouse unit.

    Upon arrival with police, the family discovered their allocated home had been altered with installed curtains and wall modifications. Officers encountered three women occupying not only their unit but two adjacent properties as well. Law enforcement directed the unauthorized occupants to vacate immediately and secured the premises, though official charges remain unconfirmed.

    This incident occurred amidst controversial public statements from HDC Chairman Feeroz Khan regarding potential regularization of squatters in vacant state housing. Housing Minister David Lee subsequently distanced himself from these remarks, claiming no knowledge of such initiatives.

    The affected family had initially paid their down payment in November 2020, enduring a protracted administrative process that required repeated document submissions and valuation updates. During this period, their unit’s cost escalated from $600,000 to $750,000 TT dollars. Their perseverance included significant personal sacrifice, including the loss of their vehicle during flood conditions while attending a mandatory HDC meeting.

    Following the break-in, the family urgently visited HDC offices with police documentation. After tense negotiations, officials provided keys under a rent-to-own arrangement despite outstanding paperwork. The unit transferred with existing utility debts totaling approximately $595 TT dollars, which the family accepted to secure immediate occupancy.

    The emotional toll was profound, with the husband experiencing uncharacteristic rage and the wife describing overwhelming heartbreak. They emphasize their decision to publicize this ordeal aims to highlight vulnerabilities faced by legally allocated homeowners amid ambiguous housing policies. The family now occupies the property continuously as a preventive measure against further occupation attempts.

  • PM: No justification for PBR fare increase

    PM: No justification for PBR fare increase

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has suggested potentially opening the Priority Bus Route (PBR) to all commuters, allowing maxi taxi operators to use it without fees. This proposal comes as a response to operators seeking fare increases following recent toll hikes.

    The government recently doubled the quarterly PBR toll from $300 to $600, effectively increasing daily costs from $3 to $6 for drivers. Most traffic fines were similarly doubled, and customs fee increases may drive up vehicle part prices. Some maxi taxi drivers at City Gate had proposed raising short-drop fares from $5 to $8 to offset these increased operational expenses.

    However, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar criticized this proposed fare increase, noting the additional $3 daily cost represents “the price of a small Coca Cola.” She emphasized that taxpayers currently subsidize tens of millions in maintenance costs for road markings, traffic lights, road surfaces, drainage, street lighting, City Gate facilities, security, and the PBR unit itself.

    The Prime Minister stated, “I’m maybe willing to give the association total control of the entire bus route if they are willing to take over all the costs.” She added that opening the route to all vehicles would eliminate fees for maxi taxis entirely.

    In separate remarks, Persad-Bissessar defended her administration’s record, asserting Trinidad and Tobago was “better off under UNC” leadership. She cited progress in public safety and economic revitalization foundations while accusing opponents of seeking “exchange where they become the new beneficiaries of corruption and disorder.” She further criticized the opposing PNM party for insufficiently supporting its core constituents.

  • Psychologist outlines techniques to protect mental health post Melissa

    Psychologist outlines techniques to protect mental health post Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which has left profound emotional scars across Jamaica, mental health experts are advocating for innovative psychological interventions to address widespread trauma. Dr. Marlon Simpson, a licensed clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, has introduced a series of science-based neuropsychological techniques specifically designed to help survivors combat anxiety, trauma, and survivor’s guilt.

    During a recent virtual symposium organized by the JN Foundation, Dr. Simpson presented these methods to JN Circle chapters, emphasizing that conventional approaches are insufficient for what he described as an “outside-the-box” hurricane that has psychologically disempowered countless individuals. “Our bodies may be safe now, but our brains are still telling us we’re in danger,” Dr. Simpson noted. “We need techniques that help recalibrate the brain’s alarm system.”

    The five evidence-based strategies outlined include:

    1. **Brain Reset Exercises**: Simple head movements—slowly turning left, center, and right for 2-5 minutes—signal to the brain that the danger has passed, reducing sleeplessness and stress.

    2. **Therapeutic Journaling**: Writing helps break guilt-based narratives and fosters acceptance of uncontrollable outcomes during the storm.

    3. **Vocalization Techniques**: Humming or soft vocalizing stimulates brain regions associated with safety, countering feelings of loneliness or unworthiness.

    4. **Sensory Grounding**: Wrapping oneself firmly in a light blanket or towel provides physical cues of safety, calming the nervous system.

    5. **Audio Journaling**: Recording private voice notes helps externalize racing thoughts, restoring mental clarity and reducing cognitive exaggeration of problems.

    Dr. Simpson also highlighted the importance of monitoring behavioral changes in children, such as reduced appetite, social withdrawal, or rescue-themed play, urging adults to recognize these as signs of distress.

    Hakeem Atkinson, Member Relations Supervisor at the JN Group, reflected on the session’s significance, stating that the initiative was designed to address the invisible wounds many Jamaicans are enduring. He emphasized that mental health support must become an integral part of disaster recovery, equally prioritized alongside physical reconstruction efforts.

    The JN Circle, a global network of members and customers active in 14 parishes and international cities including Toronto and London, continues to drive community-focused recovery initiatives in the wake of natural disasters.

  • Forex: $159.83 to one US dollar

    Forex: $159.83 to one US dollar

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the final trading session of the year, the Jamaican dollar demonstrated notable strength against major global currencies. According to the latest daily exchange trading summary released by the Bank of Jamaica, the US dollar concluded trading on Tuesday, December 30, at a rate of J$159.83, marking a decrease of nine cents from previous valuations.

    The Caribbean nation’s currency exhibited mixed performance across other currency pairs. The Canadian dollar experienced a slight depreciation, finishing the day’s trading at J$116.36 compared to its previous close of J$116.56. Conversely, the British pound sterling weakened against the Jamaican dollar, settling at J$214.09 after previously trading at J$212.89.

    These currency fluctuations occurred during typically subdued year-end trading activity, reflecting both local economic conditions and broader global market influences. The Bank of Jamaica’s comprehensive monitoring of foreign exchange movements provides crucial data for economists, investors, and businesses engaged in international trade and financial planning.

  • CAL flights maxed as TT Spirit repairs strain inter-island travel

    CAL flights maxed as TT Spirit repairs strain inter-island travel

    Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has announced that its domestic flight service connecting Trinidad and Tobago is currently operating at maximum capacity due to unprecedented demand. The airline issued a formal statement on December 30 clarifying that only passengers holding confirmed tickets would be guaranteed travel, with standby seating limited strictly to circumstances where space becomes available.

    This surge in air travel demand follows the complete suspension of TT Spirit ferry services, which was unexpectedly withdrawn from operation on December 29. The Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company Ltd (TTIT) confirmed the vessel required urgent mechanical repairs, creating a significant transportation gap in the seabridge connection between the islands.

    Compounding the transportation crisis, the APT James ferry remains non-operational, leaving only two vessels—Buccoo Reef and Galleons Passage—to handle the entire inter-island ferry demand. Both operating ferries have implemented revised sailing schedules to accommodate the increased passenger load.

    TTIT has established a refund protocol for passengers affected by cancelled sailings, directing them to email ttitrefundquery@gmail.com for fare difference reimbursements. The company specifically noted that Premium Class seating remains unavailable on both the TT Spirit and Galleons Passage vessels, with refund processing dependent on submission of travel documentation.

    The adjusted schedules have seen Buccoo Reef undertaking additional sailings from both Port of Spain and Scarborough, while Galleons Passage has modified its morning and evening departure times. TTIT emphasized that sailing times and vessel assignments remain subject to change without advance notice, urging passengers to regularly consult the company’s official website and social media channels for real-time updates.

    Customer service representatives continue to be available at 467-5072 (Port of Spain) and 467-5330/467-5117 for passenger assistance. Caribbean Airlines confirmed that its operational teams are actively exploring feasible options to address the transportation crisis while maintaining that confirmed ticket holders will receive priority treatment.

  • NCB Foundation spreads Christmas cheer, aids hurricane relief with Christine Haber Ministries

    NCB Foundation spreads Christmas cheer, aids hurricane relief with Christine Haber Ministries

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant boost to post-hurricane recovery efforts, the NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish initiative has allocated JMD $250,000 to Christine Haber Ministries International. The donation will specifically aid seniors and infants across communities severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

    Bishop Christine Haber, leading the relief operations, emphasized the critical needs of elderly residents who suffered extensive property damage. “Many seniors are unemployed and faced catastrophic roof losses during the hurricane,” Haber stated. “Roofing repairs represent a substantial financial burden that most cannot shoulder independently.”

    The remaining funds will address urgent requirements for infants, encompassing nutritional supplies, clothing, and diapers. Haber highlighted the immediate nature of this support, noting, “Numerous infants are currently lacking essentials. We will procure and distribute these items directly within the communities we serve.”

    Christine Haber Ministries International possesses extensive experience in disaster response, with outreach programs spanning church missions, community development, and international humanitarian aid. Haber referenced previous disaster engagements, including ground operations in Haiti post-Hurricane Matthew and recent psychosocial support and supply distributions across Jamaican parishes following Hurricane Melissa.

    Sheree Martin, Director of NCB Foundation, described the selection of Haber’s organization as both strategically timed and personally significant. “When evaluating trusted, organized partners capable of rapid and effective response, Christine Haber was the immediate choice,” Martin explained. “Having known Christine since we were 18, I recognize this work as her life’s mission. Their operational structure and community reach perfectly align with Grant a Wish’s objectives during this critical period.”

    Current relief activities are concentrated in multiple parishes including Middle Quarters (St. Elizabeth), Mile Gully (Manchester), Liverpool (Trelawny), and rural St. James. The NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish program remains accessible to all Jamaican residents until December 31, 2025, with nominations accepted online at www.jncb.com/grantawish or at NCB branches nationwide.