Carib Scope

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  • Jamaican appointed as chancellor of New York City public education system

    Jamaican appointed as chancellor of New York City public education system

    NEW YORK — In a significant development for American education, Jamaican-born educator Kamar Samuels has been appointed as the new chancellor of New York City’s public school system, the nation’s largest school district. The appointment, effective January 1, was announced by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and has received enthusiastic endorsement from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

    Samuels brings over two decades of educational leadership experience to the role, having previously served as superintendent for Manhattan’s District 3 and Brooklyn’s District 13. His professional journey within the NYC public school system began through the NYC Teaching Fellows program as an elementary school teacher in the Bronx, followed by leadership positions including principal of the Bronx Writing Academy (MS 323) and executive roles in NYCPS central offices.

    Bronx Borough President Gibson, herself of Caribbean heritage with a Trinidadian father, expressed strong support for the appointment. ‘With decades of experience as a veteran educator, school leader and public school parent, Chancellor Samuels brings a deep understanding of the public education system to this role,’ Gibson stated. She emphasized that his dedication to academic excellence, culturally responsive learning, and student achievement aligns with the fundamental belief that every child in New York City deserves access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality education.

    The NYC Public Schools system highlighted Samuels’ educational philosophy, noting his focus on creating ‘schools that are safe, academically rigorous and truly integrated.’ According to the district, Samuels believes schools should reflect New York City’s unique diversity through learning experiences grounded in cultural understanding and respect. His approach emphasizes high expectations, meaningful support, and family partnership as essential components of student success.

    Samuels’ educational background includes attendance at Jamaica College in St. Andrew, Jamaica, before continuing his studies at Baruch College, City University of New York (CUNY). His appointment comes as the city administration continues significant investment in educational infrastructure, with Gibson noting over $85 million in capital funding allocated for Bronx schools alone.

    Gibson emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the chancellor’s office to ensure students have the resources and opportunities needed to excel academically. She expressed commitment to advancing partnerships that will further invest in schools, eliminate barriers to academic success, bridge the digital divide, and equip youth with resources for successful futures.

  • Historic Manning’s School to benefit from 2026 National Leadership Prayer Breakfast

    Historic Manning’s School to benefit from 2026 National Leadership Prayer Breakfast

    The Manning’s School in Westmoreland, a historic Jamaican institution severely damaged by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, will receive substantial reconstruction support for its wellness center through this year’s National Leadership Prayer Breakfast (NLPB) initiative.

    The 46th annual NLPB has designated western Jamaica as its primary focus area, specifically targeting the Thomas Manning Building structure – believed to be the earliest surviving section of the educational facility dating back to the early 1900s.

    Reverend Wayneford McFarlane, secretary of the NLPB Committee, confirmed during a Wednesday media briefing that both the VM Group and NLPB had jointly identified Manning’s School as this year’s charitable beneficiary. “We are concentrating our efforts on the sick bay facility which demands considerable rehabilitation,” McFarlane stated.

    Reverend Sam McCook, former NLPB Committee chairman, revealed the project carries an estimated value of $2.8 million Jamaican dollars. The undertaking will be executed in partnership with the Manning’s School Past Students Association. McCook elaborated: “The initiative allocates approximately $2.5 million for a modular structure with an additional $300,000 designated for ancillary components. This substantially exceeds our traditional fundraising scope, but the alumni association has welcomed our supportive participation.”

    VM Group President and CEO Courtney Campbell emphasized his organization’s commitment to the NLPB’s core principles: “We affirm the power of faith, the effectiveness of prayer, the necessity of unity, and share the conviction that righteousness elevates a nation.”

    In recognition of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on western parishes, the NLPB Committee additionally announced the 2025 National Week of Prayer will commence in that region. The inaugural service is scheduled at Montego Bay’s First Church of the Open Bible in St. James, culminating with the January 15th NLPB event under the thematic banner ‘Caring for our neighbour’.

  • Gonzales: Constituents being harassed

    Gonzales: Constituents being harassed

    Opposition MP Marvin Gonzales has raised serious concerns about aggressive law enforcement tactics targeting his Lopinot/Bon Air West constituents, linking the alleged harassment to recently intensified penalties for traffic violations. The PNM chairman and Opposition Chief Whip detailed numerous complaints from community members who endured extensive transportation delays and widespread inconvenience during January 7 enforcement operations.

    In a formal Facebook statement dated January 8, Gonzales described how vulnerable demographics—including elderly citizens, students, young women, and children—faced hours-long waits for transportation due to the stringent enforcement measures. He characterized the situation as creating an atmosphere of ‘great fear and anxiety’ within the community, further exacerbating social tensions.

    The former national security minister condemned what he termed the ‘weaponization of law enforcement,’ emphasizing that successful policing requires citizen cooperation and community engagement. Gonzales advocated for educational initiatives and collaborative approaches rather than punitive measures, warning that oppressive tactics would ultimately undermine social order and stability.

    In response to inquiries about his planned course of action, Gonzales committed to leveraging his parliamentary position to address these concerns, stating: ‘I will use my voice as an MP.’

    The developments occur against the backdrop of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s announced parliamentary reforms regarding traffic enforcement. Through social media channels on January 7, the Prime Minister revealed plans to implement mandatory grace periods allowing drivers to rectify vehicle defects before fines are imposed. Persad-Bissessar simultaneously defended the strengthened enforcement measures, citing rampant traffic infractions and deliberate lawlessness as justification for the crackdown.

  • VIDEO: Even more serious charges for kidnapping accused

    VIDEO: Even more serious charges for kidnapping accused

    In a significant development within St. Vincent’s judicial system, 21-year-old Kyle Providence of Ottley Hall now confronts murder charges alongside previous kidnapping allegations. Providence and his accomplice, Joel Williams, also 21, appeared before Chief Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown this Tuesday, where both were formally charged with murder and attempted murder.

    The murder charges stem from the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Carl Quow of Chauncey and the attempted killing of Jolani Thompson, a 17-year-old student, in Edinboro on February 6, 2025. The violent incident occurred near the Catholic Pastoral Centre property during peak afternoon hours while numerous students awaited transportation nearby.

    Simultaneously, Providence faces separate charges related to the December 28, 2025 kidnapping of 31-year-old Jolisha Tash and 17-year-old Omari Millington in Arnos Vale. Court documents indicate the abduction involved an unlicensed firearm and the theft of an iPhone 16 Pro-max valued at approximately 2,000 British pounds. During this criminal episode, Millington sustained injuries according to police reports.

    Law enforcement authorities detailed how masked assailants forcibly transported the victims from Arnos Vale to Belair without consent around 1:30 a.m. on December 29. The investigation intensified when police identified a suspect vehicle parked along Belair Public Road, resulting in an exchange of gunfire as officers approached. One occupant fled with what appeared to be a rifle while three others were apprehended at the scene.

    The judicial proceedings have resulted in denied bail for both Providence and Williams, who remain in custody pending their next court appearance scheduled for January 26. Providence’s bail review hearing for the kidnapping and firearms charges occurred Thursday alongside co-accused Jamal McMaster, who surrendered to authorities on December 31 accompanied by legal counsel Ronald Marks.

  • Man charged with firearm, ammunition offences

    Man charged with firearm, ammunition offences

    In a targeted operation conducted by the Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Barbados Police Service, law enforcement officials have apprehended and formally charged a 22-year-old individual from St Michael. The suspect, identified as Jerimiah Sellassie Bartlett of Block 3A Furnihurst, Deacons Road, now faces serious criminal allegations related to illegal weapon possession. The charges specifically include one count of firearm possession and an additional count for possession of seven rounds of ammunition. According to police reports, these offenses are believed to have occurred on January 3, 2026. The Barbados judicial system is now processing the case, with Bartlett scheduled to make his initial appearance before the District ‘A’ Criminal Court on January 7. This operation demonstrates the ongoing efforts by Barbadian authorities to combat organized crime and remove illegal weapons from communities through specialized police units focused on serious criminal activity.

  • Antigua government receives EC$1m building materials shipment for low-income housing programme

    Antigua government receives EC$1m building materials shipment for low-income housing programme

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a substantial expansion of its housing assistance program with the arrival of building materials exceeding EC$1 million in value. This shipment, comprising lumber and galvanized steel, reached the islands on Tuesday as part of the Home Advancement Programme for the Poor and Indigent (HAPPI).

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne characterized this delivery as unprecedented in scale, marking the largest single importation of construction materials specifically dedicated to housing support in the nation’s history. The materials have been transported to secure facilities awaiting distribution to qualified households across the country.

    This initiative represents merely the initial phase of a sustained governmental commitment to address housing inadequacies. The administration has pledged to continue annual investments until substantial improvements are achieved in both new home construction and existing structure repairs for vulnerable populations.

    Social and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner affirmed the comprehensive nature of the program, emphasizing its non-partisan eligibility criteria. Minister Turner reiterated the government’s directive to assist all qualifying citizens irrespective of political affiliation, with the ultimate objective of transforming living conditions for families in need.

    Prospective beneficiaries must complete formal applications through the Social Protection Board, followed by site evaluations to determine specific requirements. Approved applicants will receive direct material delivery, with supplementary estimates prepared when necessary to ensure effective implementation.

    The HAPPI initiative underscores the government’s enhanced focus on social protection frameworks and its dedication to improving living standards for economically disadvantaged citizens through practical infrastructure support.

  • Man, 41, on drug charges after police discover cannabis plots

    Man, 41, on drug charges after police discover cannabis plots

    Law enforcement authorities in Saint Lucia have dismantled a significant cannabis cultivation operation in the Choiseul region, resulting in multiple charges against a local resident. The coordinated operation, conducted on December 29, 2025, involved specialized units from the Gangs, Narcotics and Firearms Unit (GNFU) Southern Detachment working in conjunction with Choiseul Police Station personnel.

    During the executed search warrant in Martin, Choiseul, officers discovered and uprooted an extensive cannabis plantation containing 5,580 plants. Additionally, authorities seized 7.3 kilograms of processed cannabis from the residence of 41-year-old Delecus Alphonse, who was subsequently taken into custody.

    The suspect faced three distinct drug-related charges: possession of a controlled drug (cannabis), possession with intent to supply, and cultivation of a controlled plant. Alphonse appeared before the Second District Court in Vieux Fort on December 30, where judicial officials granted bail under specific conditions.

    The bail arrangement requires $3,000 cash or suitable surety backed by land documents for the possession charges, while the cultivation charge carries a $3,600 bail under similar terms. Beyond financial obligations, the court imposed stringent non-monetary conditions including mandatory weekly reporting to Choiseul Police Station every Saturday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

    Furthermore, Alphonse must surrender all travel documents and is expressly prohibited from leaving Saint Lucia without obtaining formal authorization from the Court. The case represents ongoing efforts by Saint Lucia authorities to combat drug cultivation and distribution networks within the country.

  • Wilkie Cumberbatch juniors begin new term at Luther Thorne amid campus repairs

    Wilkie Cumberbatch juniors begin new term at Luther Thorne amid campus repairs

    Over 120 students from Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary School commenced their Hilary term studies at Luther Thorne Memorial Primary on Tuesday, marking a significant temporary relocation while essential repair works progress at their original Pine campus. The educational transition unfolded smoothly as children passed through the gates of the Wildey Road institution, exchanging farewells with parents before beginning their academic day.

    The Ministry of Education’s operational decision received broadly positive feedback from parental circles, demonstrating community resilience during necessary infrastructure improvements. One mother of a Class Three student conveyed pragmatic acceptance: ‘The ministry has demonstrated competent handling of the situation. Given the circumstances, we appreciate that instructional continuity remains unaffected.’

    Another parent emphasized the psychological aspect of educational displacement: ‘While transitions naturally present adjustment challenges for children, we maintain optimistic expectations for his swift adaptation to the new environment.’ The temporary arrangement showcases Barbados’s educational system’s adaptability in maintaining uninterrupted learning despite facility constraints, with both administrative coordination and community cooperation ensuring minimal disruption to students’ academic progression.

  • Agricultural sector recorded tangible gains in 2025, Ministry says

    Agricultural sector recorded tangible gains in 2025, Ministry says

    In a comprehensive push toward agricultural sustainability, Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development implemented a multi-faceted support program throughout 2025 that yielded significant improvements across the agricultural sector. The initiative addressed critical challenges from disease management to climate adaptation through practical interventions and technological innovation.

    Disease management achieved a major breakthrough with the distribution of 66,000 gallons of complimentary spraying oil to banana and plantain growers combating Black Sigatoka disease. This intervention stabilized production levels and restored farmer confidence, complemented by the introduction of crop insurance providing financial protection against climate-related disruptions. The widespread distribution of ground cover materials further enhanced climate-smart practices while reducing cultivation costs and suppressing weed growth.

    The fisheries sector witnessed substantial upgrades through the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) project, which modernized post-harvest handling, cold storage infrastructure, and market access channels. Maritime safety received significant attention with licensed fishers in Dennery receiving comprehensive safety equipment, emergency grab bags, and specialized hurricane-preparedness training. The Independent Seafood Festival highlighted these advancements while promoting domestic catch consumption to reduce import dependency.

    Human capacity development formed a cornerstone of the agricultural transformation with 22 farmers completing intensive training programs covering advanced agricultural practices, post-harvest management, marketing strategies, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence applications. Innovation flourished through hands-on training in cost-effective dragon fruit production utilizing galvanized support systems and the successful introduction of seedless watermelon varieties under the Seven Crops Project. Tissue culture technology expanded yam cultivation options, supporting agricultural diversification and long-term sustainability.

    Policy frameworks and institutional capabilities were strengthened through a memorandum of understanding with the Taiwan Technical Mission and the Climate Impact Data Enhancement Project, which upgraded national climate data systems. Collaborative efforts with the Caribbean Cooperative Measurement, Reporting and Verification Hub advanced greenhouse gas accounting methodologies and mitigation measures, including hoop greenhouses and solar-powered irrigation systems. Specialized training for forestry officers enhanced Saint Lucia’s climate reporting capabilities under Paris Agreement commitments.

    Food safety standards were elevated through Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification training at the GLACE Supermarket bakery, ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting public health. The Seven Crops Project further supported farmers through subsidized imports of essential agricultural inputs, reducing production constraints and financial pressures.

    Sustainability initiatives included the establishment of a compost facility at the Bordelais Correctional Facility that converted organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, simultaneously addressing waste management challenges while supporting food production. Community engagement programs such as backyard gardening workshops and the inaugural Agriculture Care Day stimulated household and youth participation in agricultural activities. The Tree Crops Expansion and Rehabilitation Project boosted production of breadfruit, coconut, avocado, and soursop varieties.

    Environmental protection efforts advanced with the deployment of sargassum management equipment donated through UNDP with Japanese funding, mitigating the environmental and economic impacts of seaweed influxes on coastal communities.

    The agricultural year concluded with celebratory events including the Banana and Plantain Festival, which highlighted culinary innovation and nutritional benefits, and a high-level October dialogue that charted the future trajectory of Saint Lucia’s food system transformation toward greater resilience, inclusivity, and nutritional security.

  • PM Browne Pays Tribute to AT&LU Veteran Harold Carter, to Be Given Official Funeral

    PM Browne Pays Tribute to AT&LU Veteran Harold Carter, to Be Given Official Funeral

    The nation of Antigua and Barbuda stands united in recognizing the profoundly transformative impact of the Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) in shaping the country’s modern development. Founded on January 16, 1939, the union became the vehicle through which the population forged a new destiny.

    Harold Carter, who passed away at age 98 on December 26, 2025, emerged as a pivotal figure during one of the union’s most critical periods. Born into an era when sugarcane dominated the agricultural landscape and defined the economic existence of Caribbean nations, Carter witnessed firsthand the brutal legacy of colonial exploitation. Despite the formal abolition of slavery in 1834, workers faced persistently low wages, barbarous working conditions, physical punishments, wage deprivation, inadequate housing, poor nutrition, and widespread illiteracy.

    At age 21, Carter immersed himself in the struggle for meaningful change, joining the AT&LU in 1949 and rapidly assuming leadership responsibilities. His commitment coincided with the union’s preparation for a historic confrontation that would redefine labor relations in the country.

    In May 1951, the AT&LU initiated a pivotal struggle to liberate workers from oppressive conditions, calling for the first-ever Labor Day celebration without legal sanction. The British-descended management of the Antigua Sugar Factory responded with determination to ‘starve the black workers into submission,’ setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.

    Carter played a crucial role in strengthening resolve among workers facing threats from descendants of slave-masters. When the union called a general strike on May 5, 1951, the establishment responded with mass arrests of section leaders. Carter and twelve courageous compatriots were arrested on charges of using threatening language toward workers.

    Tried before a magistrate favored by the overlords, twelve of the men received one-month jail sentences, while Kelso Frederick received two months for evading capture. These thirteen activists—Harold Carter, James Drew, Wills Emanuel, Renford Payne, Steven Payne, Ervin Samuel, Jessey Silcott, Alvin Tanner, Alfred Thomas, Charles Williams, Mash-um-up Simon, Kelso Frederick, and Clovell Williams—challenged the legitimacy of oppressive laws that had maintained Antigua and Barbuda in a state of perpetual underdevelopment.

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne, speaking on behalf of the government and people, has declared that Carter will receive an official funeral in recognition of his contributions. The Prime Minister extended condolences to Carter’s wife Olga, his family, friends, and the broader union fraternity, noting that these courageous figures remain eternally present in the nation’s collective memory and historical annals, much like Prince Klaas and the 88 freedom seekers executed in 1736-1737.