Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Fire destroys home, business in Princes Town on Boxing Day

    Fire destroys home, business in Princes Town on Boxing Day

    A devastating fire on December 26th completely destroyed both the residence and business of a Princes Town family, leaving them without home or livelihood just after Christmas. The incident occurred at the St Julien Road property where 49-year-old Brian Chadee lived with his wife and daughter.

    Fortunately, all family members were away from the premises when the blaze ignited, alerted by a neighbor who spotted smoke from a nearby hill. Chadee recounted rushing to the scene only to find his woodworking workshop already engulfed in flames. Despite attempts to control the fire using a garden hose, inadequate water pressure hampered his efforts.

    Neighbors quickly organized a bucket brigade in a collective attempt to contain the spreading fire until professional firefighters arrived. Unfortunately, the flames had already reached the main house by the time emergency services intervened.

    The property held significant sentimental and financial value for the family. Chadee had inherited the home from his grandmother decades earlier and had substantially refurbished the structure over the years. The adjacent workshop represented a $200,000 investment in specialized tools and materials used for the family’s furniture-making business, which served as their primary source of income.

    The complete destruction has left the family facing immense challenges. ‘We have no tools, we have nothing. We have no material, nothing,’ Chadee expressed regarding their business prospects. Currently staying with nearby friends, the family acknowledges the temporary nature of this arrangement.

    While the Princes Town Regional Corporation’s Disaster Management Unit has provided initial assistance including mattresses, and the local councilor has visited, the family remains open to community support as they await the fire service’s official investigation results before beginning rebuilding efforts.

  • Three taken into custody in relation to SSL fraud probe

    Three taken into custody in relation to SSL fraud probe

    Jamaican law enforcement agencies launched a coordinated pre-dawn operation resulting in the detention of three individuals connected to the massive financial fraud case at Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL). The multi-agency raid, executed at approximately 4:30 AM, targeted properties linked to former SSL directors as investigators intensify their probe into the billion-dollar investment scandal.

    The operation involved specialized units including the Financial Investigations Division (FID), Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU), Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC), and the St James Police Division, with additional support from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA). Search warrants were executed at four locations—one in Kempshot district, St James, and three addresses in St Andrew.

    Authorities confirmed the detention of former SSL directors Hugh Croskery and Sarah Meany. Croskery was apprehended at a Wickham Avenue residence where investigators confiscated electronic devices and documentary evidence. He faces potential charges under multiple financial statutes including the Bank of Jamaica Act, Securities Act, Larceny Act, and Banking Services Act.

    Simultaneously, searches at the Meany residence in Kempshot yielded SSL-related documents and electronic equipment. Sarah Meany was taken into custody on suspicion of similar financial regulatory violations during her tenure at SSL. A third individual, Dermot Meany, was arrested for firearms-related offenses after authorities discovered ammunition exceeding legally permitted quantities despite his licensed firearm status.

    In a parallel development, former SSL and Delta Partners CEO Zachary Harding presented himself for questioning at FID and C-TOC facilities accompanied by legal counsel. His interrogation focuses on potential breaches of financial regulations including the Companies Act.

    All seized evidence is undergoing comprehensive forensic analysis as authorities continue to assess additional charges. The investigation remains active with promises of further updates as this complex financial fraud case develops.

  • Divers unable to find any sign of missing rig worker

    Divers unable to find any sign of missing rig worker

    A comprehensive underwater recovery operation continues to search for the remains of Pete Phillip, a 45-year-old Well Services Ltd employee presumed dead following the partial collapse of Rig 110 in the East Soldado Field of the Gulf of Paria in December 2024. Despite four separate diving expeditions conducted last week, search teams have yet to locate any trace of the missing worker.

    The prolonged recovery process has left Phillip’s family in emotional limbo as they approach the one-year anniversary of the tragedy. His widow, Candacy, received official updates from Well Services Petroleum Company Ltd confirming the unsuccessful search efforts. The family recently held a memorial service at their La Romaine residence to commemorate the anniversary while maintaining hope for eventual closure.

    The complex salvage operation has progressed through multiple phases, with initial stabilization work only commencing in November due to delayed equipment arrival from a U.S.-based contractor and necessary approvals from regulatory bodies including the Environmental Management Agency and the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. Company representatives indicate the search will continue intensively once the damaged rig structure is fully lifted from the water.

    Phillip’s legacy includes his five children, youngest among them Javon, born two months after the accident and given the middle name ‘Pete’ in honor of his father. While the family attempts to move forward with life, including celebrating Christmas together, relatives have expressed profound dissatisfaction with the pace of the recovery process, noting that bureaucratic delays have prolonged their anguish.

  • WATCH: NCB Foundation commends Black River community stalwart

    WATCH: NCB Foundation commends Black River community stalwart

    BLACK RIVER, Jamaica — In a heartening display of community recognition, 89-year-old Marjorie Monteith, a lifelong volunteer from St. Elizabeth parish, was celebrated this Saturday for her decades of unwavering service to the most vulnerable residents, even as she herself recovers from damages inflicted by Hurricane Melissa.

    The National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation honored Monteith during a targeted outreach initiative across the communities of Black River, Lacovia, and Kilmarnock. The event saw numerous residents receiving essential care packages and support, highlighting a symbiotic relationship between institutional aid and grassroots activism.

    NCB CEO Bruce Bowen, present during the house-to-house distribution, praised Monteith’s enduring commitment. ‘For years, both before and during the hurricane, she has been a pillar of support, offering care and shelter to those in need,’ Bowen remarked. ‘Her work embodies the spirit of building a better Jamaica—not through grand projects, but through genuine human connection.’

    Monteith, reflecting on her extensive involvement, recounted her earlier years managing a facility where the homeless could access meals, bathing facilities, and companionship. Although she now operates at a reduced capacity, her dedication remains unshaken. ‘It pains me when I cannot sit with them,’ she confessed. ‘I love the street people. I still visit, talk with them, and provide food, money, and clothes whenever possible.’

    The outreach also drew commendation from Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St. Elizabeth police, who acknowledged the NCB Foundation’s efforts in reaching remote and severely affected areas such as Kilmarnock. Minto emphasized the police force’s role in facilitating aid delivery and ensuring security for volunteer groups.

    Bowen further recognized Superintendent Minto’s leadership in fostering community-police relations, noting the positive impact of collaborative efforts in disaster response and social support.

  • Zachary Harding faces questioning in SSL fraud saga

    Zachary Harding faces questioning in SSL fraud saga

    Zachary Harding, the former Chief Executive Officer of Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL), is now undergoing formal questioning by Jamaican authorities in connection with the island’s largest financial fraud scandal. This development starkly contrasts with his January 2023 public declaration of having “clean hands” when the scandal first emerged.

    On December 27, 2025, Harding presented himself to detectives from the Financial Investigations Division (FID) and the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. According to official statements, the interrogation focuses on “reasonable suspicion of breaches” spanning multiple financial regulations including the Bank of Jamaica Act, Securities Act, Banking Services Act, and Companies Act.

    The investigation intensified with coordinated dawn raids conducted by FID, C-TOC, and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) targeting former SSL directors’ premises in St. James and St. Andrew. These operations resulted in three arrests: former SSL directors Hugh Croskery and Sarah Meany, plus Dermot Meany who faces separate firearms charges.

    During the 2023 interview with Observer Online, Harding had emphatically denied any knowledge of the fraudulent activities, stating: “I have nothing to hide. My heart is clear and my conscience is free.” He specifically claimed unawareness that Olympic champion Usain Bolt maintained an account with SSL during his tenure from September 2019 to June 2022.

    The scandal, which initially revealed the theft of approximately US$12.7 million from Bolt’s account, has expanded to encompass nearly 200 clients with total losses approaching $4 billion Jamaican dollars. To date, only former SSL wealth advisor Jean-Ann Panton has been formally charged, with her case currently progressing through the judicial system.

    Harding maintained that his resignation in June 2022 preceded the scandal’s emergence, and he had no ongoing affiliation with the company. Investigators continue forensic examination of evidence collected during recent operations while assessing potential regulatory violations.

  • GraceKennedy mourns passing of business leader Mable Tenn

    GraceKennedy mourns passing of business leader Mable Tenn

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — GraceKennedy, the prominent Caribbean conglomerate, has announced with profound sorrow the passing of Mable Tenn, celebrated business pioneer and the company’s inaugural female board director. Tenn’s remarkable career spanned decades of transformative leadership and barrier-breaking achievements within Jamaica’s corporate landscape.

    Her professional association with GraceKennedy commenced in 1952 when she assumed the role of secretary to Carlton Alexander, then serving as director. Demonstrating exceptional business acumen and determination, Tenn subsequently established multiple thriving entrepreneurial ventures that would eventually be incorporated into the GraceKennedy portfolio through acquisition.

    In a historic corporate milestone, Tenn shattered the glass ceiling in 1972 by becoming the first woman appointed to GraceKennedy’s board of directors. This groundbreaking appointment established new precedents for gender diversity in Jamaican business leadership and created pathways for subsequent generations of female executives.

    Beyond her corporate legacy, Tenn made substantial contributions to Jamaica’s agricultural development initiatives and emerged as an inspirational figure for women pursuing leadership roles. Her career exemplified resilience, innovative vision, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence that transcended conventional expectations of her era.

    The GraceKennedy organization has extended heartfelt condolences to Tenn’s family, friends, and the countless individuals influenced by her extraordinary journey. The company emphasized that Tenn’s enduring impact on both corporate governance and broader Jamaican society will be perpetually honored with profound respect and appreciation.

  • Logos Hope docks in Tobago

    Logos Hope docks in Tobago

    The MV Logos Hope, renowned as the globe’s largest floating book exhibition, has made its seasonal berth at Scarborough Harbour, Tobago, marking a significant cultural event for the Caribbean region. The vessel, which commenced its stay on December 19, will remain accessible to the public until January 2 before transitioning to Port of Spain for a month-long engagement from January 3 through February 3.

    Operated through a collaborative initiative between international charitable organization GBA Ships and Operation Mobilisation, this unique maritime bookstore boasts an extensive collection exceeding 5,000 literary works. The inventory encompasses diverse genres including children’s literature, fiction, non-fiction, academic references, and educational materials, with a notable representation of publications featuring Christian themes.

    The floating cultural center is maintained by an international volunteer crew representing approximately 60 nationalities, creating a multicultural environment for visitors. During its Tobago deployment, the ship welcomes guests daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with final admissions concluding at 9:00 PM. The facility will observe temporary closures on December 25 and January 1 in recognition of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day celebrations.

    Admission pricing is structured at $5 for general entry, while complimentary access is granted to children under twelve years of age and senior citizens aged sixty-five and above. All visitors must present valid tickets for entry, with minors requiring adult supervision. The vessel accommodates both cash and electronic payment methods, and prospective visitors have the option to reserve specific time slots through advanced online booking systems.

    This visit marks a continuation of the ship’s engagement with the region, following its previous port call in Tobago during 2024. The Logos Hope has established itself as a recurring educational and cultural attraction throughout Trinidad and Tobago, offering unique literary access before proceeding with its international voyage itinerary.

  • Secretary General: Caricom preparing for future challenges

    Secretary General: Caricom preparing for future challenges

    In her annual year-end message delivered on December 22, CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett provided a comprehensive assessment of the Caribbean Community’s journey through a period of significant challenges and achievements. The address highlighted both the adversities faced by member states and the collective resilience demonstrated throughout the year.

    The region endured devastating natural disasters, including Hurricane Beryl in 2024 and Hurricane Melissa this year, which caused substantial loss of life and infrastructure damage across Jamaica and Haiti. Dr. Barnett emphasized that recovery efforts would demand considerable resources and extended timeframes. Simultaneously, the Caribbean faced unprecedented geopolitical pressures that threatened export revenues, regional stability, and sovereignty.

    Despite these challenges, CARICOM made significant strides in regional integration. Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines initiated full free movement of citizens among their territories, facilitating enhanced economic activity and interpersonal connections. The community also advanced the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and developed frameworks for a comprehensive Industrial Policy and Strategy, laying groundwork for strengthened productive capacity and economic diversification.

    Agricultural initiatives under the 25 by 2025+ strategy showed production growth despite climate-related setbacks. The region celebrated cultural achievements during Carifesta XV in Barbados and maintained democratic traditions through peaceful elections in seven member states and five associate members.

    Looking forward, CARICOM is prioritizing human capital development, particularly focusing on youth and women’s participation in economic and regional affairs. The community is examining artificial intelligence’s impact on regional business practices while expanding physical and digital connectivity. Disaster resilience and food security programs remain paramount objectives.

    Dr. Barnett expressed gratitude to regional citizens, CARICOM Secretariat staff, international partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector for their contributions. She affirmed confidence in the community’s ability to address future challenges with strategic focus and collective determination, urging all stakeholders to work toward a resilient, prosperous, and united Caribbean community.

  • Jackson welcomes security operations in SSL fraud case

    Jackson welcomes security operations in SSL fraud case

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican security forces have initiated investigative operations regarding the massive Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) fraud case, a development that has garnered approval from opposition figures who nonetheless criticize its timing as significantly delayed.

    Fitz Jackson, Opposition Spokesman on National Security and Member of Parliament, publicly commended the security agencies for their determination in advancing the protracted investigation. In an official release, Jackson characterized the operation as a necessary step toward addressing what he described as a multi-billion-dollar financial fraud that has deeply affected the nation.

    “The announcement of operations today by the various security agencies in the SSL fraud matter is welcomed, though long overdue in coming,” Jackson stated. He emphasized that the Jamaican public now anticipates tangible results, including prompt arrests and thorough prosecution of all individuals implicated in the scheme.

    The MP highlighted the severe impact of the alleged fraud, noting that ordinary citizens have suffered substantial financial losses, including the depletion of life savings, leading to considerable deterioration in their living standards.

    Jackson also recognized the role of persistent public advocacy, both from Jamaicans domestically and those within the diaspora, in maintaining attention on the case. Their continued demands for accountability, he noted, have been instrumental in keeping the investigation active in the public eye.

    He concluded by stressing that ongoing societal pressure remains essential to ensuring that justice is served impartially and that the rule of law is applied equitably, regardless of the power or status of those involved.

  • SLB to further enhance digital portal as part of ongoing transformation

    SLB to further enhance digital portal as part of ongoing transformation

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) is accelerating its digital transformation journey with significant upgrades to its online portal, positioning technology as the cornerstone of its operational evolution. Debt Recovery Manager Owin Watson emphasized the Bureau’s dynamic approach to adapting services for modern client needs during an interview with JIS News.

    ‘Technology serves as the central pillar of our strategic objectives. We’re implementing advanced solutions including AI-powered chatbots and integrated digital tools to elevate customer experience at every interaction point,’ Watson explained. The organization’s primary goal is to provide borrowers with seamless, efficient, and user-friendly digital resources.

    Recent enhancements include the introduction of a comprehensive financial glossary feature, designed to demystify loan terminology and technical jargon for improved client comprehension. This initiative reflects SLB’s broader commitment to transparency and financial literacy.

    The Bureau has simultaneously deployed sophisticated social media analytics and digital engagement platforms to monitor customer satisfaction metrics in real-time. Watson revealed that the marketing department actively tracks feedback through social media reporting features, particularly monitoring responses to the debt reset initiative across platforms like Instagram.

    ‘We prioritize rapid response protocols based on digital feedback. Recently, we identified a customer experiencing onboarding difficulties through social media engagement and immediately initiated direct telephone assistance,’ Watson noted, illustrating how digital monitoring translates into concrete support actions.

    The debt recovery manager confirmed that customer relationship strengthening remains fundamental to SLB’s strategic vision. ‘Client satisfaction metrics guide our operational planning. We utilize diverse analytical tools to measure our performance and continuously improve our service delivery scores,’ Watson concluded.