Carib Scope

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  • Antigua and Barbuda’s Michael Joseph Named CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year 2025

    Antigua and Barbuda’s Michael Joseph Named CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year 2025

    Michael Joseph, a young farmer from Antigua and Barbuda, has been awarded the prestigious title of CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year 2025. This accolade recognizes his innovative approach to agriculture and his unwavering commitment to the sector. The announcement was made this week, with the Ministry of Agriculture hailing it as a moment of pride for the nation.

    Joseph’s journey in agriculture began modestly, but his ability to merge traditional farming practices with modern techniques has set him apart. He has been a vocal advocate for food security, climate-smart agriculture, and youth empowerment in the agricultural sector. His work emphasizes the importance of sustainability, as he integrates new technologies and environmentally friendly methods into his farming practices.

    The Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Honourable Anthony Smith Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, along with Permanent Secretary Walter Christopher and Director Gregory Bailey, extended their congratulations to Joseph. In a statement, the ministry highlighted that his achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the dedication and creativity of young farmers in Antigua and Barbuda.

    The CARICOM Youth Farmer of the Year award underscores the critical role young people play in shaping the Caribbean’s food systems. Joseph’s success is expected to inspire other youth to view agriculture as a dynamic and rewarding career path. The ministry reiterated its commitment to fostering youth engagement in agriculture, emphasizing that Joseph’s accomplishments will encourage more young men and women to contribute to national and regional food security.

    Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder of the potential of agriculture to build communities, protect the environment, and create opportunities for future generations. His recognition serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young farmers across the Caribbean.

  • Man on bail over unlawful sexual intercourse charge

    Man on bail over unlawful sexual intercourse charge

    A 21-year-old man accused of unlawful sexual intercourse has been granted bail by the St John’s Magistrates’ Court. The defendant, who is self-employed, must meet several stringent conditions, including depositing $3,000, providing two sureties, surrendering his passport, and reporting to the police three times a week. Additionally, he has been ordered not to contact the 18-year-old complainant. Acting Chief Magistrate Dexter Wason highlighted that the accused has no prior record of similar offenses. The committal proceedings are scheduled for December 15, with the defendant being represented by attorney Wendel Alexander. This case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the court’s decision to grant bail under strict conditions.

  • Dominica to host OECS education ministers council meeting; Alfred assumes chair

    Dominica to host OECS education ministers council meeting; Alfred assumes chair

    Hon. Octavia Alfred, Dominica’s Minister of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, is poised to take on the role of Chair of the OECS Council of Ministers: Education. This leadership transition will occur during the 10th Meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Council of Ministers for Education (COM:Edu), set for September 25–26, 2025, at the State House Conference Center in Roseau. The event, as detailed in a Ministry of Education media release, will bring together education ministers and senior officials from OECS member states to discuss and advance the objectives of the OECS Education Sector Strategy (OESS) 2012–2026. The OESS, designed to address the unique challenges of Small Island Developing States, provides a framework for transformative educational reforms across the region. Key agenda items include inclusive education, improving learning outcomes, and comprehensive system reforms. Participants will also collaborate with development partners and regional agencies to strengthen collective efforts on educational initiatives. The meeting aims to modernize primary school curricula, enhance early grade assessments, expand access to quality early childhood education, and promote inclusive teaching practices. Additionally, efforts will focus on accelerating the implementation of the OECS Digital Learning Ecosystem by expanding digital infrastructure, increasing device availability, integrating high-quality digital content, and improving digital literacy among teachers and students. The event will also facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches, enabling member states to learn from each other’s successes and scale effective strategies. Strengthening partnerships with regional and international organizations will be crucial to coordinating expertise, funding, and policies to drive systemic improvements across the OECS. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 8:30 AM.

  • Two Face Court Over Alleged Forged Cheque

    Two Face Court Over Alleged Forged Cheque

    A 24-year-old mother from Nut Grove and a man from Gray’s Farm have been brought before the court on charges of attempting to pass a forged cheque. The duo was granted bail set at $10,000 each, with a $1,000 cash deposit and two sureties required as conditions for their release. The woman has been ordered to surrender her passport, while her co-accused is prohibited from applying for one. Both individuals must report to the Gray’s Farm Police Station three times a week as part of their bail terms. The case has been adjourned to December 16 and will be transferred to the High Court for trial. The exact value of the alleged forged cheque remains undisclosed at this time. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of financial fraud and the legal measures in place to address such crimes.

  • Daley urges young Sunshine Girls to leave all on court vs Aussies

    Daley urges young Sunshine Girls to leave all on court vs Aussies

    Jamaica’s Under-21 netball team, led by head coach Annett Daley, is gearing up for a challenging quarter-final clash against Australia in the World Netball Youth Cup (WNYC). The match, set to take place at the Europa Sports Complex in Gibraltar, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams. Australia, having topped Pool B, enters the game as a dominant force, while Jamaica, finishing second in Pool C, aims to showcase their resilience and skill. Daley has urged her players to focus on executing the basics—catching, passing, and driving—while maintaining confidence in their abilities. She emphasized the importance of not being intimidated by Australia’s reputation, reminding her team that self-belief is key to success. Despite a recent 33-64 loss to England, Daley remains optimistic, highlighting moments of potential during the match and encouraging her players to trust their skills. With Australia’s impressive WNYC track record—four titles and three runner-up finishes—the young Sunshine Girls face a tough but not insurmountable challenge. Daley’s message is clear: play hard, execute the fundamentals, and let the results speak for themselves.

  • Reggae North Music Awards set for this weekend

    Reggae North Music Awards set for this weekend

    The second edition of the Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) is set to take place on September 28, 2024, at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. This year’s event features 37 categories, including Top Vocalist (male and female), Top Album/EP of The Year, and Top Entertainer of The Year. The awards were initiated last year by veteran singer Tony Anthony, who recognized the need for a dedicated platform to honor Canadian reggae artists following a brief controversy when the Juno Awards considered eliminating their reggae category in 2025. The RNMA aims to fill a historical gap in recognition for reggae and dancehall music in Canada. Leading the nominations is Juno reggae winner Exco Levi, who has secured 10 nods across various categories. Ammoye follows closely with seven nominations. A new category, Top Club/Party Reggae Dancehall DJ, has been introduced this year, generating significant buzz. Additionally, the event will honor reggae stalwarts Nana McLean and Carl ‘Grandmaster Rosa’ Green with Living Legends Awards, celebrating their contributions to the genre. Tony Anthony emphasized the importance of these awards in preserving the legacy of reggae in Canada, acknowledging the pioneers who paved the way for today’s artists. The event also highlights the rich history of Jamaican musicians who thrived in Canada during the 1970s and 1980s, a story chronicled in the 2024 documentary *Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in A Foreign Land* by Chris Flanagan and Graeme Mathieson.

  • A Taste of Marley Fragrance @ Gap Café

    A Taste of Marley Fragrance @ Gap Café

    The Gap Café, a restored rustic boutique café perched at 4,200 feet above sea level near Hardwar Gap, served as the perfect venue for the Jamaican launch of the Marley Fragrance collection. On September 20, 2022, an exclusive luncheon was hosted by Rohan Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, and Novia McDonald-Whyte, Senior Associate Editor of the Jamaica Observer. The event was catered by renowned chef Alexa Von Strolley, who crafted a menu inspired by the fragrance notes of the Marley collection. Guests were treated to a sensory journey, starting with freshly brewed Marley Coffee and a series of meticulously designed dishes. The menu included Earl Grey Cured Salmon Roulade, Lemon-Sage Crab Tartlets, and a Mandarin & Grapefruit Salad, each dish echoing the aromatic elements of the fragrances. The main course featured Seared Snapper with Mango-Agave Glaze and a vegetarian Cauliflower Steak, both paired with saffron coconut rice. The meal concluded with a Lemon & Ambrette Pavlova, offering a delicate finish to the culinary experience. Chef Von Strolley’s innovative approach allowed guests to ‘taste’ the fragrances, creating a unique and memorable event. The intimate gathering was a celebration of Jamaican culture, gastronomy, and the legacy of Bob Marley.

  • USDA Showcases US Beef & Lamb in Montego Bay

    USDA Showcases US Beef & Lamb in Montego Bay

    The Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort in Jamaica became the epicenter of culinary innovation on September 16, as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) hosted an enlightening Beef & Lamb Showcase. The event, designed to highlight the exceptional quality and versatility of USDA-certified meats, attracted a diverse audience of industry professionals, including chefs, hoteliers, and food-and-beverage executives, all eager to explore the potential of these premium products in Jamaica’s dynamic food scene. The evening commenced with insightful presentations and live demonstrations by USDA experts, who detailed the rigorous standards, cutting-edge practices, and nutritional advantages that position USDA beef and lamb as global market leaders. These sessions not only emphasized the superior quality of the meats but also underscored the opportunities they offer for elevating menus in Jamaica’s hospitality sector. The second half of the event featured a curated tasting session, where guests savored an array of dishes that showcased the adaptability of USDA beef and lamb. From internationally inspired tender cuts to innovative fusions with traditional Jamaican flavors, the culinary creations sparked vibrant discussions among attendees. Cecil Jagdath, Executive Chef at Marguerites, praised the initiative, noting its value in providing fresh perspectives and enhancing the dining experiences expected by guests. For the USDA, the event was more than a promotional effort; it was a strategic move to strengthen ties with Jamaica’s hospitality industry and bolster the island’s reputation as a global culinary destination. Liz Wunderlich, Caribbean Representative for US Meats, highlighted Jamaica’s significance as a key market and announced plans for local distribution of USDA premium products through supermarket channels. The showcase concluded with toasts to its success, marking a significant step in fostering collaboration between the USDA and Jamaica’s culinary leaders.

  • Silver Stunners From South America

    Silver Stunners From South America

    The 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) showcased South America’s vinicultural excellence, with 381 silver-medalled wines highlighting the continent’s diverse terroirs, innovative winemaking techniques, and indigenous varietals. These awards, far from being mere consolation, underscore the narrative, promise, and regional identity of these wines, guiding enthusiasts and travelers to new flavor frontiers. Argentina led the region with 192 silver medals, followed by Chile with 133, Brazil with 48, and Uruguay with eight. This distribution reflects the continent’s viticultural depth, extending beyond its gold and platinum accolades. In Argentina, Mendoza’s Uco Valley stood out with its Malbecs, Bonardas, and Torrontés, while Chile’s Maipó Valley and Atacama showcased Syrah, Chardonnay, and Carmenère. Brazil’s cooler southern zones, such as Planalto Catarinense, produced fresh reds and altitude-enhanced whites, while Uruguay’s coastal influence elevated its Tannat and white vintages. These awards signify South America’s evolution from occasional brilliance to consistent mid-to-upper-tier wine production, enhancing brand credibility and export potential. For wine travelers, the DWWA results offer a curated guide to South America’s finest, including Uruguay’s Cerro Negro Open Barrel, Chile’s Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Brazil’s Salton Prosecco Glera, and Argentina’s The President’s Blend and El Interminable Blend Malbec. These wines, with their unique profiles and high scores, invite exploration of South America’s wine regions, blending value and place in every sip.

  • Barbados to host CPL final in 2026

    Barbados to host CPL final in 2026

    In a landmark announcement, the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final will be held at Kensington Oval in Barbados, marking the first time the prestigious event will take place at this iconic venue. The decision was confirmed by Pete Russell, the tournament’s Chief Executive Officer, who expressed optimism about the event’s success.