Carib Scope

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  • Gov’t distributes over 30,000 food packages to families impacted by Hurricane Melissa

    Gov’t distributes over 30,000 food packages to families impacted by Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Category Five Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has successfully distributed more than 30,000 food packages to affected households across the island. This extensive relief effort was carried out in collaboration with all 14 parishes and involved key partners such as the Jamaica Defence Force, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Food for the Poor, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, private sector entities, and various faith-based and community organizations.

    Of the total packages, 22,156 were directly distributed by the ministry, while contributions from the private sector and other partners accounted for an additional 8,500. Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr praised the collective effort, emphasizing the importance of partnership and unity in disaster response. ‘Through partnership, foresight, and unity, we have demonstrated that effective disaster response depends not only on preparedness but on compassion and collaboration,’ he stated.

    The ministry remains committed to coordinating with parish offices and humanitarian partners to ensure that isolated communities are reached and that the most vulnerable populations continue to receive support.

  • A myth about the old

    A myth about the old

    The adage ‘once a man, twice a child’ often surfaces in discussions about aging, but the reality of caring for an elderly adult is far more complex than tending to a child. Dr. Taureef Mohammed, a physician from Trinidad and Tobago now practicing in Canada, shares his personal experiences and challenges in caring for his elderly father, shedding light on the often-overlooked difficulties of elder care.

  • ‘It was a disaster’: Westmoreland residents struggle with Melissa’s aftermath

    ‘It was a disaster’: Westmoreland residents struggle with Melissa’s aftermath

    The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path through western Jamaica has left the residents of Westmoreland grappling with profound devastation. The storm, which struck last Tuesday, has reduced homes to rubble, wiped out livestock, and left many communities, such as McAlpine, in dire straits. Families have endured days without adequate meals, and the scarcity of essential supplies in nearby Whitehouse has exacerbated the crisis. In the face of these overwhelming challenges, the community has banded together, relying on mutual support and resilience to navigate this harrowing period. The full extent of the damage and the ongoing struggles of the affected population can be seen in the accompanying video.

  • Defence Minister confirms operation to verify migrants’ legal status

    Defence Minister confirms operation to verify migrants’ legal status

    Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has confirmed an ongoing operation to assess the legal status of Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). While Sturge refrained from divulging specifics, he acknowledged reports of police detaining individuals resembling Venezuelans and verifying their documentation. In a WhatsApp response, Sturge stated, “I am aware, I will address this question raised by you at the appropriate time,” adding that further details would be provided toward the end of the operation. This development follows Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ recent reaffirmation of Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s pledge for “mass deportations” of Venezuelan nationals residing illegally in TT. Sobers emphasized that illegal entry into TT constitutes an offense, regardless of criminal activity. The government’s stance coincides with a significant reduction in work permits issued to Venezuelans. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne expressed concern over the potential for xenophobic undertones in the deportation process. Browne highlighted the previous administration’s collaborative efforts with Caracas to deport Venezuelan migrants involved in criminal activities, emphasizing a smooth and non-provocative approach. He cautioned against mimicking actions from other nations or adopting measures that could inflame tensions with Venezuela, TT’s nearest neighbor. The Opposition has pledged to monitor the government’s deportation strategies, ensuring adherence to constitutional responsibilities and international law.

  • Deal with fireworks terror now

    Deal with fireworks terror now

    The tragic death of a three-day-old baby following Divali celebrations has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stricter regulations on fireworks. Fireworks Use Sufferers (FUS), an advocacy group, has expressed profound sympathy for the grieving family, who reportedly endured relentless noise from fireworks despite pleas for restraint. While the exact cause of the infant’s death remains unclear—whether due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or the stress induced by the fireworks—the incident has highlighted the government’s perceived negligence in addressing the issue. Critics argue that the administration’s decision to ban fireworks for Independence Day but not for Divali reflects a reckless and biased approach. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been urged to issue guidelines promoting the use of silent fireworks and enforce stricter permitting processes. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the government’s alleged favoritism toward Fireone Fireworks, a major importer of these devices, despite their non-essential nature and the strain they place on foreign exchange reserves. The incident has also exposed the inadequacies of law enforcement, with reports of police failing to respond effectively to noise complaints. As the year-end celebrations approach, activists and stakeholders are demanding immediate action to prevent further harm to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and animals. Public protests and calls for accountability from the Prime Minister and Attorney General are being organized to address this pressing issue.

  • Man chopped to death during dispute over $1,000 in East Kingston

    Man chopped to death during dispute over $1,000 in East Kingston

    A violent altercation over a mere $1,000 culminated in a fatal machete attack in East Kingston on Sunday, leaving 36-year-old Donandrew Campbell dead. The incident occurred at Hippolyte Road, where Campbell, also known as ‘Don’, resided. Police have identified Derrick Shaw, alias ‘Fighter’, as a person of interest in the case, urging him to report to the Elletson Road CIB by 6 pm on Tuesday. According to reports, the deadly confrontation erupted around noon between Campbell and Shaw, who shared the same living premises. Authorities revealed that Shaw allegedly used a machete to inflict severe chop wounds on Campbell’s neck, left hand, and both wrists, with one hand reportedly severed. Campbell was rushed to Kingston Public Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Investigations uncovered that the dispute originated from a $1,000 bill that fell from Shaw’s pocket, which Campbell claimed as his own. Further inquiries revealed that the two men had a long-standing feud spanning several years, adding a layer of complexity to the tragic incident.

  • Hurricane Melissa death toll climbs to 32

    Hurricane Melissa death toll climbs to 32

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has announced that the official death toll from Hurricane Melissa has climbed to 32, with eight additional fatalities currently under investigation. The confirmation came during a special media briefing led by Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, at Jamaica House in Kingston on Monday, November 3. Dr. Morris Dixon expressed deep sorrow over the rising number of casualties, stating, ‘We do expect that number to increase. Every additional person added to that list is profoundly felt by all of us.’ She extended prayers and support to the affected families, acknowledging the immense grief they are enduring. Hurricane Melissa, which struck western Jamaica on October 28, caused widespread devastation, prompting the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to deploy helicopters for search and recovery operations. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as recovery efforts progress.

  • Deal with fireworksterror now

    Deal with fireworksterror now

    The Fireworks Use Sufferers (FUS) organization has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of a three-day-old infant who tragically passed away the morning after Divali celebrations. Reports indicate that the family was subjected to relentless noise from fireworks throughout the night, despite their desperate pleas for the disturbances to cease. While the exact cause of the infant’s death remains uncertain—potentially linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or the stress induced by the fireworks—the incident has sparked widespread outrage. Critics argue that the government’s decision to ban fireworks for Independence Day while permitting them for Divali reflects a reckless and biased approach. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been urged to address the issue, particularly given the adverse effects of fireworks on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and animals. FUS President Nalini Dial has called for immediate government action, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations, including permits for silent fireworks and enforcement against lawbreakers. The organization also criticized the police for their lack of responsiveness and the government’s apparent favoritism toward fireworks importers. With Old Year’s Night approaching, activists are demanding public protests or official statements from the Prime Minister and Attorney General to outline concrete measures to prevent further harm.

  • #MelissaAftermath: JPS restores power to 95% of Kingston, Portmore and St Thomas

    #MelissaAftermath: JPS restores power to 95% of Kingston, Portmore and St Thomas

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company has announced that it has surpassed its initial power restoration targets in several key parishes and cities following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. CEO Hugh Grant shared this update during a special media briefing on Monday, highlighting significant advancements in the recovery efforts.

  • Educational support outside of school term being considered, says Morris Dixon

    Educational support outside of school term being considered, says Morris Dixon

    In the aftermath of the devastating Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant destruction in western Jamaica, Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon has announced comprehensive measures to address the anticipated learning loss among students. Speaking to Observer Online following a special media briefing on Monday, Minister Dixon revealed that the Ministry of Education is actively considering extending educational support beyond the standard school term. This includes organizing holiday camps and potentially extending programs into the summer to help students regain their academic footing.

    Despite public concerns over the swift reopening of 136 schools less than a week after the hurricane, Minister Dixon emphasized that the process was carefully managed, prioritizing the well-being of students and staff. Many schools reopened primarily for staff to attend counseling sessions and discuss their experiences post-hurricane. For schools that welcomed students, the focus was on providing psychosocial support.

    To assist affected students, the ministry is assembling kits in collaboration with guidance counselors and schools for distribution. Additionally, the ministry is exploring various solutions to rebuild and maintain learning in areas where schools were destroyed. Options under consideration include setting up temporary tents, relocating students to other schools, and providing learning materials for home use on specific days.

    Minister Dixon also highlighted the ministry’s partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to develop effective recovery strategies. Drawing on UNICEF’s global experience in disaster recovery and education system rehabilitation, the collaboration aims to ensure the welfare of children and their access to essential education.

    ‘We’re going to figure it out. We’re going to have to be flexible because the key thing is the welfare of our children and getting our children to get the education that they desperately need so that they can take off in this world,’ Minister Dixon concluded.