Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Lighting up in time for Christmas

    Lighting up in time for Christmas

    Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring electricity to the majority of households impacted by Hurricane Melissa before Christmas, despite confronting severe infrastructural damage and logistical hurdles. Corporate Communications Director Winsome Callum confirmed the utility provider remains on schedule to energize most communities across multiple parishes by the holiday, with fewer than 50 customers expected to remain off-grid in regions including St. Catherine, Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Ann, St. Thomas, St. Mary, and Portland due to accessibility constraints.

    Parish-specific restoration targets reveal a varied landscape of progress. Clarendon has already achieved its 95% power restoration goal, while Manchester is projected to meet a similar benchmark. St. Ann and Trelawny are targeted for 80% and 75% restoration rates respectively by Christmas Day. However, the western parishes of St. James, Hanover, St. Elizabeth, and Westmoreland—which sustained catastrophic damage—require specialized recovery strategies focused on commercial centers and critical services rather than percentage-based targets.

    Notable restoration milestones have been reached in key economic zones including St. James’s Elegant Corridor, Hanover’s Lucea Town and Sandy Bay areas, St. Elizabeth’s Black River Hospital and Treasure Beach locations, and Westmoreland’s West End Negril and Savanna-la-Mar districts. Despite these achievements, outage rates remain critically high in the most affected regions: Westmoreland (88% without power), St. Elizabeth (50%), St. James (43%), Trelawny (39%), and Hanover (36%).

    The restoration effort faces multifaceted challenges including extensive damage to transmission infrastructure surpassing typical pole and line repairs, with substations and high-tension towers requiring complete reconstruction. Terrain accessibility issues force crews to employ manual labor techniques in waterlogged areas where heavy equipment becomes immobilized. Compounding these difficulties are incidents of wire theft and vandalism that deliberately undermine progress, alongside recurring outages caused by motor vehicle accidents damaging recently repaired infrastructure.

    To accelerate recovery, JPS is deploying over 200 international line workers who will work throughout the holiday period. This reinforcement aims to achieve 90% island-wide restoration by January 15th, prioritizing both speed and safety in returning electricity to affected communities.

  • ‘Everything blowed up before Christmas time’

    ‘Everything blowed up before Christmas time’

    A catastrophic fire has obliterated a multi-generational family home in Current, Eleuthera, reducing a lifetime of possessions and recently purchased Christmas provisions to ash. The incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon, has thrust into sharp relief the severe inadequacies of emergency infrastructure on the island.

    The Delancy family’s residence, a home standing for over thirty years, was fully engulfed in flames before official help could arrive. Despite the valiant efforts of neighbors using a privately-owned water trailer, the structure was a total loss. The blaze also damaged a nearby garage and an abandoned vehicle. Miraculously, no injuries were reported, though four family members, including three children, were inside at the time and managed to escape.

    For homeowner Danielle Delancy, the tragedy is compounded by its timing. Just one day prior, she had invested in new household items to celebrate the holidays, a symbolic step in her efforts to rebuild her life at the family property after returning several years ago. She recounted the moment of discovery through a panicked phone call, returning to a scene of utter devastation marked by thick black smoke.

    The aftermath has displaced seven family members, forcing them to seek temporary refuge with relatives and at a government-run children’s home. A community-driven fire relief fundraiser has been initiated to provide essential aid, including toiletries, school supplies, and water.

    Beyond the immediate personal loss, the fire has ignited longstanding community outrage over the absence of a local fire truck in north Eleuthera. The nearest emergency response had to travel approximately 50 miles from Palmetto Point. Resident Philip Nielly, who witnessed the event and lost his own home to fire in 2017, labeled the situation ‘almost ridiculous.’ He and other citizens argue that the failure to equip the Family Islands with basic fire services represents a systemic governmental neglect, leaving communities helpless and vulnerable when disaster strikes.

  • JUTC to convert 610Ex Ocho Rios to Kingston service to regular route

    JUTC to convert 610Ex Ocho Rios to Kingston service to regular route

    ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — In a significant public transportation enhancement, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has announced the formal conversion of its 610Ex express service between Ocho Rios and Kingston to a regular route effective December 17, 2025. This strategic operational shift comes as a direct response to passenger feedback and represents the transit authority’s commitment to improving affordability and accessibility across its network.

    Corporate Communications Manager Shantole Thompson emphasized the customer-centric nature of this decision, stating: ‘This adjustment demonstrates our dedication to actively listening to commuters and implementing meaningful changes that address their transportation needs. The conversion to a regular route structure directly fulfills requests from our valued customers.’

    The revised fare structure introduces substantial savings for passengers, with cash adult fares set at J$550 and discounted card adult fares at J$500. Concessionary rates will be available for seniors at J$250 using smart cards, with the same reduced rate extending to children, students, and persons with disabilities who utilize the SmartFare card system.

    JUTC officials are encouraging commuters to adopt the electronic payment system to maximize savings and convenience. The SmartFare card initiative not only provides immediate financial benefits but also streamlines the boarding process, potentially reducing journey times across the popular transit corridor.

  • Morning errand turns to disaster as fire tears through GB man’s home

    Morning errand turns to disaster as fire tears through GB man’s home

    A routine morning departure for a Grand Bahama resident culminated in a devastating household tragedy just days before the Christmas holiday. Dion Brown, a long-term occupant of a Columbus Drive residence, returned on Tuesday to find his three-bedroom home severely damaged by an intense fire, rendering the property completely uninhabitable.

    Brown had departed his residence at approximately 7:10 a.m. to provide transportation for a friend. Mere moments later, he received an urgent telephone call from a nephew alerting him to the emerging crisis. Initially dismissive of the report, Brown promptly contacted a neighboring resident, who confirmed the alarming situation via a live video feed that showed emergency responders gathered outside the property.

    Fire suppression teams subsequently gained entry through the home’s rear entrance to combat the rapidly spreading flames. Preliminary assessments indicate the blaze originated within the kitchen area before extending to the ceiling structure. The conflagration resulted in extensive damage to the kitchen alongside significant smoke and water infiltration throughout the living room and bedroom areas.

    Brown revealed the household had experienced persistent electrical irregularities preceding the incident, particularly noticeable delays in light switch activation. Although an electrician had previously conducted a preliminary evaluation, a comprehensive electrical assessment remained incomplete at the time of the fire. Utility services were disconnected to facilitate official investigation into the fire’s causation.

    Having resided independently in the home for a decade, Brown now confronts immediate housing insecurity, contemplating temporary accommodation in hotel facilities while assessing long-term recovery options.

  • Newport West police urges vigilance against motor-vehicle scams

    Newport West police urges vigilance against motor-vehicle scams

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities in Newport West have launched a public awareness campaign targeting an elaborate vehicle fraud scheme exploiting holiday shoppers during the peak Christmas season. Superintendent Rochelle McGibbon-Scott, commanding officer of the Newport West Police Formation, revealed criminals are leveraging social media platforms to advertise luxury vehicles at artificially depressed prices.

    Law enforcement officials have documented a disturbing pattern emerging over the past half-decade where scammers post professionally produced videos of high-end vehicles near wharf areas on platforms like TikTok. These advertisements feature vehicles priced approximately 50% below market value—a deliberate tactic to lure bargain-seeking consumers during the festive spending period.

    “When a vehicle normally valued at $5 million appears advertised for $2.5 million, that immediate price discrepancy should trigger public skepticism,” McGibbon-Scott emphasized during a security briefing. The sophisticated operation pressures potential buyers to rapidly commit to deposits through unverified digital transactions or risky cash meetings in port areas.

    Police data indicates victims have lost between $250,000 to $500,000 Jamaican dollars in single transactions, with many being hard-working individuals losing their entire savings. The scammers’ methodology involves creating artificial urgency, discouraging proper verification procedures, and insisting on secluded meeting locations.

    As protective measures, authorities recommend: refusing below-market offers without third-party validation, avoiding digital payments to unverified accounts, and rejecting meetings in isolated areas. Instead, the police encourage conducting transactions at the Newport West Police Station and utilizing official verification channels.

    The Newport West Police have established dedicated communication lines (876-412-9210 via call or WhatsApp) for citizens to submit social media screenshots and transaction details for immediate legitimacy checks. Superintendent McGibbon-Scott reaffirmed the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s commitment to seasonal security while urging heightened public vigilance against financially devastating scams.

  • AMMC says it is not liable for stolen vendor merchandise

    AMMC says it is not liable for stolen vendor merchandise

    Straw vendors in Nassau are confronting severe operational challenges and significant financial losses following their relocation to Fort Charlotte, where a recent burglary resulted in the theft of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. The vendors report inadequate security and poor infrastructure at the temporary site, amplifying frustrations over the prolonged displacement from their original location at Fort Fincastle.

    According to affected vendors, the break-in last week led to substantial inventory losses. Margarette Rahming-Jones, a veteran vendor with over 35 years in the industry, reported approximately $30,000 in stolen goods, including jewelry, handcrafted bags, and customized souvenirs. Another vendor, Sonia Murphy, estimated losses around $2,700. The incident has caused considerable distress among the vendor community, with some too upset to open their stalls following the theft.

    Vendors have repeatedly raised concerns about the site’s security, noting that only a single security officer guards Fort Charlotte. Additionally, they cite persistent environmental issues such as ankle-deep flooding during rainfall and mold formation within the temporary tents, creating unsuitable conditions for both merchandise and commerce.

    The Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC), which manages the site, has denied responsibility for safeguarding vendor goods. Don Cornish, Director of AMMC, stated that vendors were explicitly informed that storing merchandise on-site would be at their own risk. He revealed that a proposed inventory verification system—requiring daily check-ins by vendors, the Straw Market Authority, and AMMC—was rejected by stakeholders as overly burdensome.

    Cornish also indicated that some vendors did not fully cooperate with the subsequent police investigation, complicating efforts to verify the reported losses. He emphasized that the AMMC responded to the incident and notified law enforcement, but police have not yet issued a final report.

    The vendors were moved to Fort Charlotte in March when Fort Fincastle closed for a restoration project initially projected to last four months. The $3 million restoration, focusing on the historic Bennett’s Hill water tower—a nearly century-old structure and key Caribbean heritage attraction—has required extensive work including structural remediation, replastering, and the installation of a modern elevator. The project has exceeded its original timeline due to technical and safety requirements.

    AMMC now anticipates reopening Fort Fincastle in January, following the completion of internal work such as drywall installation, painting, and the reinstallation of restored historical doors. Cornish acknowledged the vendors’ anxiety but emphasized that construction timelines are governed by safety and regulatory standards that cannot be expedited. He also noted that AMMC has undertaken improvements to the vendor facilities at Bennett’s Hill to ensure a safer and upgraded environment upon their return.

  • Hunt for US college mass shooter drags into fifth day

    Hunt for US college mass shooter drags into fifth day

    PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The investigation into Saturday’s deadly mass shooting at Brown University has entered its fifth day with no identified suspect or established motive, leaving authorities to pursue a critical witness who may hold vital clues.

    Providence Police Department intensified their public appeal Wednesday, releasing surveillance images of an individual clad in a grey hoodie and dark overcoat who was reportedly ‘in proximity’ to the suspected gunman during the attack. Chief Oscar Perez emphasized this unidentified person likely possesses ‘relevant information’ crucial to advancing the case, noting they were ‘close enough’ to the suspect to warrant immediate questioning.

    The tragic incident unfolded when an armed assailant stormed an examination hall at the Ivy League institution, fatally shooting two students before escaping. The victims have been identified as Ella Cook, vice president of Brown’s Republican Party association, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an aspiring neurosurgeon from Uzbekistan. Medical officials confirmed one survivor remains in critical but stable condition, while five others are stable and two have been released from hospitalization.

    Complicating the investigation, the university’s security infrastructure has come under intense scrutiny. It was revealed that none of Brown’s 1,200 security cameras were integrated with police surveillance systems, prompting sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump and others regarding campus safety protocols. University administrators issued a detailed response acknowledging that camera coverage doesn’t extend to all areas of their 250-building campus.

    This shooting marks one of more than 300 mass shootings recorded in the United States this year by the Gun Violence Archive, occurring against a backdrop of continued political gridlock regarding firearm access restrictions. Authorities have warned the public against circulating AI-generated images related to the case, which could potentially hinder investigative efforts.

  • Lucia Cabrera Jones wins 2025 Colin Robinson Hard Head Award

    Lucia Cabrera Jones wins 2025 Colin Robinson Hard Head Award

    In a ceremony held at ThinkArtWorkStudio in Port of Spain on December 6, women’s empowerment activist Lucia Cabrera Jones was declared the recipient of the fifth annual Colin Robinson Hard Head Award. The 52-year-old founder and CEO of Women Owned Media and Education Network (Women), herself a survivor of domestic violence, received recognition for her transformative work in underserved communities.

    Cabrera Jones’s innovative approach combines artistic expression, creativity, non-traditional training methodologies, and therapeutic storytelling to facilitate healing and empowerment. The award, organized by Caiso: Sex and Gender Justice, serves as a memorial to the organization’s late co-founder and director of imagination, Colin Robinson, who passed away following a brief battle with cancer in 2022.

    The selection process featured four additional distinguished finalists: community archivist and cultural heritage activist Avah Atherton; climate justice advocate and workers’ rights activist Princess Avianne Charles; feminist activist Jade Trim; and disability rights activist Kenneth Suratt, who serves as executive officer of the Blind Welfare Association. Among these exceptional candidates, Atherton and Suratt received special honorable mentions from the judging panel.

    This year’s nomination period, which ran from October 25 to November 12, yielded ten nominations spanning diverse areas of human rights and social justice advocacy. The submitted nominations represented fields including cultural activism, health policy and advocacy, LGBTQ+ rights, social media activism, and visual and performing arts-based activism.

    An independent award committee meticulously evaluated all nominations, ultimately shortlisting five finalists for adjudication. The distinguished judging panel comprised human rights advocate and political affairs professional André Blackburn, temporary Independent Senator and gender development specialist Dr. Deborah McFee, and Caiso director Omar Mohammed. The judges reached their final decision on December 2.

    In delivering the official citation, Blackburn and McFee praised the remarkable diversity and richness of civil society engagement demonstrated by all nominees. They particularly highlighted Atherton’s dedication to revitalizing the ancestral tradition of the griot and her philosophical conviction that memory constitutes a form of activism. Suratt received recognition for his purposeful determination and his unique ability to identify opportunities where others perceive only limitations.

    The judging panel ultimately selected Cabrera Jones for her “unwavering determination to create change even when resources are scarce, systems are resistant and the odds even.” The judges noted that her particular brand of “hard-headedness” has evolved into a comprehensive mission to establish access, equity, healing, and positive transformation for both local and migrant women and girls.

  • Tourism minister launches THARP for workers affected by Hurricane Melissa

    Tourism minister launches THARP for workers affected by Hurricane Melissa

    Jamaica’s tourism sector has initiated a major housing recovery effort to support workers devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett officially unveiled the Tourism Housing Assistance Recovery Programme (THARP) during a ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday, attended by sector stakeholders and the first group of beneficiaries.

    The program’s immediate intervention involves distributing housing vouchers worth $100,000 each, funded by a $70 million allocation from the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF). These vouchers are structured into three targeted packages: Package A addresses roofing and minor repairs for quick home stabilization; Package B tackles significant structural damage including foundation issues; and Package C focuses on comprehensive building and interior repairs to restore full living conditions.

    Minister Bartlett emphasized that THARP represents both immediate relief and long-term housing solutions. Following island-wide consultations, authorities have identified 100 initial beneficiaries, with approximately 700 workers expected to benefit from the first funding allocation. The minister reported strong early interest, with over 60 applications already submitted.

    The program’s broader vision includes constructing fifteen permanent block and steel homes—five initially followed by ten additional units—for workers who lost everything in the hurricane. This initiative forms part of a larger $500 million social housing program announced in the national budget, with additional support coming from the Tourism Workers Pension Fund for workers lacking employer coverage.

    THARP features a transparent digital application system through tef.gov.jm, allowing workers to apply online, select appropriate repair packages, and track their applications in real time. Eligibility extends to tourism workers aged 18-59, including permanent, contract, and self-employed individuals across all sectors—from hotels to craft vending, tour operations, and transportation services.

    While covering all parishes, the program will prioritize areas most severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude during the launch ceremony, sharing stories of destroyed roofs, flooded homes, and lost furniture. The initiative operates as a public-private partnership separate from national housing programs, with expectations to eventually assist up to 20,000 tourism workers nationwide.

  • High Court shuts down concrete plant in Chase Village

    High Court shuts down concrete plant in Chase Village

    In a landmark environmental ruling, High Court Justice Nadia Kangaloo has delivered a decisive verdict against Trinidad’s Environmental Management Authority (EMA) for permitting unlawful operations at a concrete batching facility in Chase Village. The December 15 judgment found the regulatory body acted illegally, irrationally, and in breach of procedural fairness by allowing Central Concrete and Pumps Ltd to operate without proper environmental clearance.

    The court nullified all EMA decisions pertaining to the Derrick Road facility, including the certificate of environmental clearance issued April 15, 2024. Justice Kangaloo mandated immediate enforcement action to cease all plant operations until the company properly applies for and obtains valid authorization under Section 35 of the Environmental Management Act.

    The case was initiated by Everton Phillip, a local pensioner whose two-decade struggle against the plant’s environmental impacts culminated in this legal victory. Phillip documented years of unresolved complaints regarding excessive noise and dust pollution from the facility operating in a residential-commercial zoned area.

    Justice Kangaloo’s ruling highlighted systemic regulatory failure, noting that despite a 2014 EMA investigation recommending legal action and issuing violation notices, the authority subsequently entered into a consent agreement that improperly exempted the company from standard environmental compliance requirements.

    The court awarded Phillip damages for losses sustained due to the unlawful operations, with quantum to be assessed by a master in chambers. The EMA was additionally ordered to cover the claimant’s legal costs. While the judgment takes immediate effect, operations may continue until January 26, 2026, under a temporary stay provision.

    Legal representatives for both parties included Kingsley Walesby and Stephanie Rajkumar (claimant), Ian Benjamin SC with Tekiyah Jorsling and Rachel Ramoodith (EMA), and Shiv Sharma representing the interested party, Central Concrete and Pumps Ltd.