Carib Scope

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  • Sister of slain policewoman using foundation to help other gun violence victims

    Sister of slain policewoman using foundation to help other gun violence victims

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Transforming profound personal tragedy into a force for communal healing, Denise Johnston has established the Pamella Sunrise Foundation to support victims of gun violence and trauma. Her inspiration stems from devastating personal losses that began in 1987 when armed assailants shot her mother in their Fairfield Road home. The violence escalated nine months later when her sister, Constable Pamella Johnston, became the first female police officer in Jamaica killed in the line of duty after being raped and murdered by gunmen who boarded a public bus in Greendale. Another passenger, Fendel Pearson, was fatally shot during the same incident in front of his eight-year-old daughter.

    Johnston describes the enduring nature of such trauma: “It’s not something you just get over. Without knowing the extent of your pain, people keep asking in disbelief if you’ve not gotten over it yet, why haven’t you healed as yet…and why is it taking you so long.” She recalls her sister as “the glue of the family” whose death shattered their family unit, making it painfully difficult for them to even occupy the same room together.

    After carrying this pain for more than two decades, Johnston relocated to California following the parole granted to one of her sister’s murderers, whom she was unexpectedly asked to pardon. This geographical shift eventually led her to seek grief counseling through Christian ministry, which became the catalyst for establishing her faith-based organization.

    The Pamella Sunrise Foundation, launched in December 2024 with operations in both California and Jamaica, provides specialized support through licensed therapists who are also Christians, with particular emphasis on children affected by violence. “One of the reasons why the foundation places an emphasis on children is because that troubled child could want to grow up and be different,” Johnston explained. “We are about changing the mind, changing emotional patterns.”

    The foundation’s programs focus on understanding grief, achieving closure, and navigating the complex terrain of forgiveness. In a remarkable demonstration of this principle, Johnston forgave the daughter of one of her sister’s killers after the woman sought forgiveness through a TikTok video in 2024. They subsequently met, prayed together, and agreed to collaborate through the foundation to address the generational impact of violence.

    “How could I not want to forgive…it is not for me to be hanging on to unforgiveness,” Johnston reflected. “She wants what’s different for her family — and not for them to go the route of her father. It doesn’t have to be that because you have killed someone for me I have to kill someone for you.”

    The organization plans to expand its reach through camps and workshops in selected communities, training advocates for counseling while strengthening collaborations with the private sector, law enforcement, correctional services, educational institutions, and government ministries. Johnston summarizes their mission: “We aim to change the lives and the stories of people who have been disadvantaged by gun crimes from pain and defeat to promise and purpose.”

  • JTA dismisses ‘fake’ media release claiming 50% salary increase for teachers

    JTA dismisses ‘fake’ media release claiming 50% salary increase for teachers

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has issued an official statement vehemently denying the authenticity of a counterfeit communication circulating within public domains. The fraudulent document, which improperly utilized the JTA’s official logo, falsely claimed that educators had secured an immediate 50% salary enhancement alongside incremental payment arrangements.

    In a formal media release, the association explicitly disavowed the fabricated announcement, clarifying that it constitutes neither official communication nor reflects any legitimate stance of the JTA. The organization has strongly condemned the creation and distribution of this misleading correspondence, characterizing it as a deliberate attempt to misinform both educators and the general public.

    The JTA emphasized that authentic negotiations with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service remain ongoing through proper diplomatic channels. The association’s president is expected to provide membership updates regarding compensation discussions at the appropriate time through verified communication platforms.

    Additionally, the JTA reminded stakeholders that all legitimate association communications are disseminated exclusively through authorized channels and will consistently identify responsible officers or authorized correspondence owners. The association noted that official documents may incorporate proper signatures and adhere to established authentication protocols to ensure validity.

  • Valedictorian sets sights on advancing deaf community advocacy

    Valedictorian sets sights on advancing deaf community advocacy

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Zantaye Thomas, recently crowned valedictorian of the University of the West Indies Mona Campus’ Faculty of Humanities and Education, is channeling her academic excellence into transformative advocacy for Jamaica’s deaf community. The 23-year-old graduate, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing and Communication with a minor in Sign Language, has declared her intention to become a professional sign language interpreter to address critical communication barriers.

    Thomas identified a severe shortage of qualified interpreters throughout Jamaica as a primary motivation for her career path. “I want to become one of those qualified interpreters to help bridge that language gap,” she stated, emphasizing the urgent need for improved accessibility between deaf and hearing communities.

    Her commitment extends beyond theoretical studies. Thomas established and currently serves as executive director of Sign Clubs of Jamaica, an organization that mobilizes high school and university students to promote sign language literacy and cultural awareness through community outreach programs.

    Securing the valedictorian honor represented the culmination of deliberate effort, having placed this ambitious objective on her 2023 vision board. The announcement triggered an emotional response. “I cried a lot because it was just a sense of relief that the hard work paid off,” Thomas recalled.

    Her university journey included significant leadership roles, beginning with a guild position campaign in her first year and evolving into her service as the Faculty of Humanities and Education Guild representative during the 2023–2024 academic year. Thomas openly acknowledged encountering academic challenges, including one semester where she missed the dean’s list, requiring strategic refocusing to regain her trajectory.

    Professionally, Thomas is currently developing her expertise as a management trainee at First Global Bank, a GraceKennedy Group subsidiary. She simultaneously nurtures aspirations in media, with long-term ambitions of hosting on Jamaican television. Expressing profound national pride, she aims to enhance Jamaica’s global reputation through her multifaceted work.

    “I just really want to build brand Jamaica,” Thomas affirmed.

    She offers pragmatic advice to current students, encouraging maximal engagement with university life through involvement in activities, developing resilience, and cultivating strong support networks.

  • Mica Moore qualifies for fourth round of monobob

    Mica Moore qualifies for fourth round of monobob

    Jamaican athlete Mica Moore has successfully qualified for the decisive fourth round in the women’s monobob competition at the XXV Winter Olympics. Competing at the prestigious Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Moore secured her position among the top 20 athletes who will advance to Monday’s final round after placing 15th overall following Monday’s third heat.

    The qualification comes after two initial rounds held on Sunday, with the top performers earning their spot in the medal-determining run. Despite experiencing a technically challenging third run, Moore achieved her personal best time of the competition with 1:00.41 seconds, ranking 17th for the day. Her previous times stood at 1:00.55 seconds and 1:00.43 seconds on Sunday, resulting in a cumulative three-round total of 3:01.39 seconds.

    While Moore remains significantly behind the current medal leaders with a gap of 3.09 seconds, her progression to the final round marks a notable achievement. The competition is currently dominated by Germany’s Laura Nolte, who leads with an impressive combined time of 2:58.27 seconds. She is closely followed by American contenders Elana Meyers Taylor (2:58.42 seconds) and Kaillie Armbruster Humphries (2:58.51 seconds), setting the stage for a highly competitive final round.

  • ‘Godfather’ and ‘Apocalypse Now’ actor Robert Duvall dead at 95

    ‘Godfather’ and ‘Apocalypse Now’ actor Robert Duvall dead at 95

    LOS ANGELES — The film industry mourns the loss of Robert Duvall, the iconic American actor celebrated for his transformative performances in cinematic masterpieces such as “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” who passed away peacefully at home on Sunday at the age of 95. The news was confirmed by his wife, Luciana Duvall, who described him as her “beloved husband” and “one of the greatest actors of our time.

    Duvall’s extraordinary career spanned over six decades, during which he established himself as a formidable presence in both leading and supporting roles. Known for his blunt demeanor, prolific output, and aversion to Hollywood glamour, Duvall received seven Academy Award nominations throughout his lifetime, securing the Oscar for Best Actor in 1983 for his poignant portrayal of a faded country singer in “Tender Mercies.”

    Among his most unforgettable characters was Tom Hagen, the composed and loyal mafia consigliere in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” series. Equally legendary was his role as the surfing-obsessed Lieutenant Colonel William Kilgore in “Apocalypse Now,” which featured one of cinema’s most quoted lines: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” Duvall’s meticulous preparation and nuanced approach allowed him to embody a vast range of personalities, from corporate antagonists to hardened military figures.

    Despite being a late bloomer—his breakthrough role came at age 31 as Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird”—Duvall’s dedication to authenticity made him a critic’s darling. Film historian Elaine Mancini once hailed him as “the most technically proficient, versatile, and convincing actor on the screen in the United States.”

    Beyond the accolades, Duvall was also a director and a storyteller who cherished his craft, his family, and the art of conversation. As his wife Luciana beautifully expressed, “His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.”

  • Senior journalist praises Lacovia police for going beyond the call of duty

    Senior journalist praises Lacovia police for going beyond the call of duty

    In an inspiring display of community spirit and police dedication, senior Jamaica Information Service journalist Garfield Agnus has publicly commended officers from the Lacovia Police Station for their exceptional assistance during a distressing situation in November 2025. The incident occurred while Agnus was covering hurricane relief efforts in St Elizabeth parish following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa the previous month.

    While traveling through a remote area to document a relief initiative led by Clarendon’s Custos Rotulorum Edith Chin, Agnus’s vehicle experienced critical electrical failure, leaving him stranded with valuable equipment in an isolated location. Despite the frightening circumstances and suggestions to abandon his assignment, the journalist persevered, emphasizing the vital importance of informing the public about available post-hurricane support programs.

    After completing his coverage with help from a Good Samaritan, Agnus sought assistance at the Lacovia Police Station. Corporal Donna Roberson demonstrated remarkable initiative by making numerous calls to locate towing resources, eventually finding community member Junior Pusey who provided rope for the operation. Corporal Patrick Simpson then towed the vehicle with Pusey’s additional help in pushing the car to secure parking at the station.

    The officers’ compassion extended further when Corporal Roberson personally sourced and paid a technician from her own funds without consulting Agnus, recognizing the repair job exceeded the journalist’s immediate capabilities. This selfless act drew praise from local community members who witnessed the exceptional service.

    In recognition of their outstanding dedication beyond normal duties, Agnus coordinated with Caribbean/African diaspora organization The Pollyanna Project to provide gift packages to the officers and Pusey. Executive Director Donna Moore Stewart emphasized the organization’s commitment to recognizing emergency workers who demonstrate selflessness and dedication to their fellow citizens, highlighting this incident as exemplary of such service.

    The officers expressed appreciation for the recognition, while Agnus reflected on the rarity of such comprehensive kindness in everyday life, noting how the collective effort restored his faith in community-police relationships during challenging times.

  • Police release composite sketches of Portland shooting suspects

    Police release composite sketches of Portland shooting suspects

    PORTLAND, Jamaica — Law enforcement authorities in Portland have publicly circulated composite sketches depicting two individuals sought for questioning in a serious firearms incident. The event occurred in the Mount Hermon vicinity of Swift River on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 4.

    According to official reports, the incident unfolded at approximately 3:00 p.m. when an unidentified male pedestrian was ambushed. A grey Suzuki Swift motor vehicle abruptly halted near the victim, from which an armed assailant disembarked and discharged multiple rounds. The victim sustained gunshot wounds before the perpetrator swiftly fled the scene in the awaiting vehicle.

    Following the formal reporting of the assault to local authorities, detectives from the Portland police division collaborated with the victim to generate detailed composite illustrations of two potential suspects. The police have initiated a public appeal, directly urging the implicated individuals to voluntarily surrender themselves at the Port Antonio Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) or any nearby police facility without delay.

    Concurrently, investigators are soliciting assistance from the broader community, encouraging any persons possessing relevant information to step forward. Confidential tips can be directed to the Port Antonio CIB at 876-715-0013, the national Crime Stop hotline at 311, the emergency police line 119, or any local law enforcement outpost.

  • X briefly hit by ‘international outages’ monitors

    X briefly hit by ‘international outages’ monitors

    PARIS—The social media platform X, owned by entrepreneur Elon Musk, experienced a significant global service disruption on Monday, leaving users across multiple countries unable to view or interact with content for approximately two hours. Service was fully restored by 15:30 GMT, according to real-time performance metrics.

    Connectivity monitor Netblocks confirmed the incident was an international outage unrelated to government-imposed internet restrictions or filtering. The disruption marked the third such technical failure in February alone, following similar outages on February 1 and February 9—the latter occurring the day after the Super Bowl.

    AFP journalists in France, Thailand, and other regions verified the service interruption firsthand, reporting complete inability to access the platform’s core features during the outage window. Company representatives from X did not respond to requests for comment regarding the technical causes behind the disruption.

    The incident occurs amid ongoing structural changes within Musk’s digital ecosystem. Since acquiring the platform formerly known as Twitter in 2022, Musk has implemented drastic staffing reductions and rebranding efforts. More recently, he has merged X with his artificial intelligence venture xAI—developer of the Grok chatbot—with plans to further consolidate both entities under SpaceX ahead of a potential public listing as early as summer 2024.

  • Abaco volunteers grapple with ‘recurring hazard’ as shanty demolition site and junkyards burn

    Abaco volunteers grapple with ‘recurring hazard’ as shanty demolition site and junkyards burn

    A persistent bush fire originating from the former Gaza shanty town site has enveloped north Abaco in dense smoke, highlighting a prolonged environmental and public safety crisis. Volunteer firefighters battled relentlessly against flames that have become a recurring menace since the area’s demolition nearly two years ago.

    The blaze ignited on Friday along SC Bootle Highway, advancing northward toward Kipco Road and encroaching upon Little Al and Bodie’s Junkyard. Powerful winds carried thick grey smoke across adjacent communities, compromising air quality and visibility. Circulating online footage captured volunteers navigating smoldering wreckage and abandoned vehicles amidst challenging conditions.

    Despite the clearance of over 60 structures in February 2024, the site remains clogged with demolition debris and hundreds of derelict cars. Local residents report enduring continuous flare-ups and toxic fumes, transforming what was once a seasonal dry season hazard into a perpetual threat.

    Roscoe Thompson, Chairman of the Marsh Harbour/Spring City Township, emphasized the operational challenges faced by responders due to inadequate service roads and lack of heavy machinery. He criticized central government authorities for failing to complete cleanup operations post-demolition, stating, ‘The minister responsible just doesn’t want to address that.’

    Thompson further revealed that repeated requests for equipment support to local government have gone unanswered. He cited illegal dumping and deliberate ignition of garbage as exacerbating factors, despite ongoing community warnings about maintaining fire breaks of 60-80 feet in width.

    Central Abaco Fire Chief Danny Sawyer confirmed the fire had burned for four days, spreading into compounds containing abandoned vehicles. He echoed concerns about the site evolving into a ‘regular dump site,’ underscoring the unresolved safety issues. The situation illustrates how inadequate post-demolition management has converted a controlled intervention into an ongoing public health and environmental emergency.

  • ‘Rather give it away than throw it away’: Restaurant feeds needy families

    ‘Rather give it away than throw it away’: Restaurant feeds needy families

    A family-owned Bahamian restaurant has transformed its daily surplus into a lifeline for vulnerable families, demonstrating how small businesses can address food insecurity through community collaboration. People’s Best Grill, operated by cousins Tazmia Cunningham, Lance Swain, and Neko Hield, has established a regular donation program distributing approximately 20 meals multiple times weekly to residents struggling with rising living costs.

    The restaurant, which recently relocated from Abaco to New Providence, has partnered with Khandi Gibson, president of community organization FOAM, to identify and reach those most in need. This initiative stems from the owners’ longstanding commitment to social responsibility, previously demonstrated during their operations in Abaco where they regularly assisted families experiencing food hardship.

    Ms. Cunningham explained the evolution of their philanthropic efforts: ‘After observing Ms. Gibson’s outreach work through social media, I felt compelled to contribute. What began as occasional donations has matured into a structured program where we provide surplus meals several times weekly.’ The restaurant maintains strict food safety standards, preparing fresh meals daily and distributing unused portions rather than discarding them.

    The timing of this initiative proves particularly significant as Bahamian families face mounting economic pressures. Soaring food prices and increased living expenses have created genuine hardship for many households. Ms. Cunningham acknowledges these challenges, noting that while financial assistance isn’t always feasible, ensuring families have nutritious meals represents a meaningful contribution.

    Beyond their charitable work, People’s Best Grill has successfully established itself in New Providence through positive word-of-mouth and social media exposure. Content creators have highlighted their specialty grilled items including pork, chicken, and ribs, noting both quality and generous portions. Despite their growth, the owners emphasize that commercial success remains intertwined with community support.

    Ms. Gibson expressed appreciation for the partnership, characterizing the restaurant’s involvement as both genuine and impactful. She emphasized the importance of local businesses and community members uniting to provide assistance during economically challenging periods.