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.”

  • Neighbour helps rescue woman from house fire

    Neighbour helps rescue woman from house fire

    In a dramatic morning rescue on Porgy Way off East Street South, Nassau, quick-thinking neighbors forcibly entered a burning residence to save Christine Lightbourne after a powerful explosion ripped through her home yesterday. The incident occurred around 9:30 AM as Ms. Lightbourne was preparing for church services.

    According to eyewitness accounts, neighbor Robert Bethell abandoned his usual Sunday routine to remain home, where he detected smoke and heard distress calls emanating from the adjacent property. ‘My mind just told me to stay home,’ Bethell recounted, describing his spontaneous decision that ultimately proved lifesaving.

    Bethell immediately initiated emergency precautions by wetting his roof and shutting off gas supplies while rallying assistance from passing motorists. The rescue team confronted significant obstacles due to multiple deadlocks securing the property. ‘I was afraid,’ Bethell admitted. ‘I said boy this whole area could be imploding and she was in there hollering and we couldn’t get the doors open.’

    Through collective effort, the ad-hoc responders breached the entrance and extracted Ms. Lightbourne, who sustained substantial upper body burns and facial soot injuries. Nassau Fire Services arrived promptly at the scene, transporting the victim to hospital where medical staff reported her in stable condition.

    Family members expressed profound gratitude for the neighbors’ intervention, with sister Denise Mackey specifically acknowledging Bethell’s courageous actions. Daughter Crystal Ingraham confirmed her mother maintained remarkably positive spirits despite the traumatic event and visible injuries.

    Fire investigators continue examining the single-storey structure, where internal damage includes extensive soot deposition and collapsed sheetrock despite the building’s externally intact appearance. The explosion’s origin remains undetermined, though family sources noted Ms. Lightbourne had recently extinguished a candle moments before the blast occurred.

    Notably, the home’s other residents—Lightbourne’s daughter and grandson—were absent during the incident, preventing potential further casualties in what authorities are treating as a potentially catastrophic near-miss event.

  • Kiwanis Club of Downtown Kingston delivers major medical donation to Jamaica’s public hospitals

    Kiwanis Club of Downtown Kingston delivers major medical donation to Jamaica’s public hospitals

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant relief effort following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Kingston has mobilized substantial medical resources for Jamaica’s strained healthcare infrastructure. The catastrophic Category 5 hurricane struck the island on October 28, 2025, leaving widespread destruction that severely impacted medical facilities across the nation.

    The comprehensive aid package, with an estimated value of US$100,000 (approximately J$15 million), arrived via a 40-foot shipping container and has been strategically distributed to three major public healthcare institutions: St Joseph’s Hospital, Kingston Public Hospital, and Victoria Jubilee Hospital. These facilities have been operating under extreme pressure since the hurricane’s landfall, particularly in serving vulnerable patient populations.

    The medical equipment donation encompasses critical care technology including electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, blood pressure monitors, stress testing equipment, and IV poles. The shipment also contained essential medical consumables such as examination gloves (vinyl and nitrile varieties), bandages, gauze, and specialized cleaning products for medical environments. Recognizing the broader healthcare needs, the donation included mobility assistance devices like crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs, alongside practical patient care items including bed socks, adult and infant diapers, and baby wipes.

    Beyond hospital supplies, the initiative incorporated disaster relief components for families in western Jamaica who suffered substantial property losses during catastrophic flooding. These community support items comprised clothing and footwear for adults and children, infant garments and feeding bottles, protective tarpaulins, potable water, multi-purpose towels, and electrical extension leads.

    The complex logistics and procurement operation was coordinated by the Kingston-based service organization in partnership with medical professionals and international collaborators. Club representatives have confirmed that additional donation initiatives are currently in development, forming part of a sustained commitment to reinforce healthcare capabilities and support long-term community rehabilitation efforts throughout Jamaica’s recovery period.

  • Catherine’s Peak waters another successful Sagicor Sigma Run/Walk

    Catherine’s Peak waters another successful Sagicor Sigma Run/Walk

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Catherine’s Peak Pure Spring Water has reaffirmed its commitment to Jamaica’s largest charitable road race by extending its hydration partnership with the Sagicor SIGMA Corporate Run/Walk through 2026. This announcement solidifies a 28-year collaboration that has become integral to the event’s operations.

    The 2026 edition of the annual fundraiser, orchestrated by Sagicor Group Jamaica, continues its tradition of mobilizing massive public participation for national causes. This year’s event saw unprecedented engagement with over 30,000 registered participants. Strategic hydration stations were established along the race route, ensuring athletes remained properly hydrated throughout the physical challenge.

    Beyond hydration services, the GraceKennedy Group subsidiary maintained a significant presence in the event village. Approximately 250 gift packages containing various Grace products were distributed to participants. Grace Foods further enhanced the participant experience by providing samples of their Grace Sardines canned products, offering nourishment alongside hydration.

    The enduring partnership was celebrated by key representatives from both organizations. Catherine’s Peak Brand Manager Rochell Samuels-Black and Senior Beverages Brand Manager Allawney Bromley joined forces with Sagicor’s VP of Communications, Social Media and CSR, Nicole Campbell Robinson, to commemorate nearly three decades of collaborative community service.

    Samuels-Black emphasized the philosophical alignment between the organizations: “Our alliance with SIGMA at Sagicor Group Jamaica is fundamentally built upon mutual dedication to health, wellness and societal contribution. For 28 years, we’ve had the honor of supporting countless participants while backing an initiative that creates measurable impact throughout Jamaican communities. Observing multiple generations uniting for a common purpose holds profound significance for our team.”

    Event organizers acknowledged the indispensable role played by the hydration partner. Nicole Campbell Robinson noted: “Catherine’s Peak has served as a foundational partner since Sigma’s inception. Their consistent reliability, vibrant energy, and genuine commitment to community betterment have consistently enhanced the participant experience annually. Proper hydration is crucial for any athletic event, and Catherine’s Peak consistently delivers superior quality while embodying the event’s core ethos.”

    Samuels-Black added: “SIGMA exemplifies corporate Jamaica’s collective power to elevate communities. As part of the GraceKennedy family, we take pride in having both Catherine’s Peak and Grace Foods support participants through both hydration and nutrition, strengthening our dedication to healthy living and national progress.”

  • Crime plummets, communities strengthen as Project STAR takes root in May Pen

    Crime plummets, communities strengthen as Project STAR takes root in May Pen

    CLARENDON, Jamaica — The Jamaican parish of Clarendon is witnessing a remarkable transformation from violence-plagued communities to models of social regeneration, with murder rates plummeting by 75% over an eight-year period through targeted interventions.

    According to data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Clarendon recorded 169 homicides in 2017. This number dropped progressively to 104 in 2023 before reaching a milestone low of 41 murders in 2025—representing a dramatic 59.4% reduction from the previous year and a 75% decrease from 2017 levels.

    Sergeant Leroy Chambers of the JCF described the achievement as “significant and encouraging” during a recent town hall meeting organized by Project STAR, emphasizing that the crime reduction strategy was meticulously planned rather than accidental. “These communities were not selected out of a hat,” Chambers stated. “They were selected based on data showing urgent need for change.”

    The turnaround strategy employed sophisticated crime mapping to identify hotspots requiring immediate intervention, particularly areas where youth-related crimes were prevalent. Initial focus communities included Treadlight, Racetrack, and Havana Heights, with Cherry Tree Lane added later as assessments revealed interconnected violence patterns.

    Project STAR’s multifaceted approach extends beyond policing to address root causes of social instability. Community Hubs have provided vital documentation services, assisting residents in obtaining birth certificates—many for the first time—enabling access to education, employment, and government services. In one notable case, a four-year-old previously unable to attend school due to documentation issues is now enrolled.

    The program’s Male Mentorship Initiative identifies respected community figures and equips them to guide at-risk youth. “These men already have influence,” explained Romel Gordon, Project STAR’s community services coordinator, “and now they’re using that influence positively.” Early outcomes show increased participation in behavior change sessions and strengthened peer support networks.

    Another flagship program, Kicking Forward Football, uses sports engagement for boys aged 8-16 as an entry point for leadership development, conflict resolution training, and reproductive health education. While acknowledging challenges in fully engaging participants in personal development components, organizers are refining their approach for deeper impact.

    Economic empowerment initiatives have trained over 170 individuals in job readiness skills, with more than 70 participants securing employment through partnerships with major call centers and production firms. Additional training programs in customer service, administrative support, and entrepreneurial skills are currently in development.

    Sergeant Chambers urged continued community support, emphasizing that sustained collaboration and data-driven interventions are proving essential not only for crime reduction but for restoring hope and opportunity across Clarendon, bringing Jamaica closer to its Vision 2030 goals of creating safe communities for living, working, and raising families.

  • ‘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.

  • 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.

  • Man killed by cop ‘was known to him’

    Man killed by cop ‘was known to him’

    New evidence has surfaced contradicting official police narratives regarding last week’s fatal shooting of a 28-year-old man by an off-duty officer in Kemp Road. While Police Press Liaison Chief Superintendent Sheria King initially described the deceased as an “unknown” male encountered at the officer’s Margaret Street residence, community sources have identified him as Makaveli Tinker, a local father known to the officer.

    According to residents who spoke anonymously due to safety concerns, the two men had engaged in a prior argument days before Thursday’s fatal confrontation. Witnesses reported hearing heated exchanges immediately preceding the gunshots that claimed Tinker’s life, directly challenging police accounts that described a sudden encounter with an unidentified intruder.

    Chief Superintendent King has since acknowledged that her initial statements reflected preliminary information, confirming the investigation has now been referred to the Coroner’s Court for formal inquiry. The officer involved, described as having served “for a while,” remains subject to the Police Commissioner’s determination regarding active duty status.

    The tragedy marks the first police-involved fatality of the year and reveals a complex personal history for the victim. Tinker had previously been convicted as a minor in the 2015 killing of Queen’s College teacher Joyelle McIntosh, though his conviction was later overturned with a retrial pending at the time of his death.

    Tinker’s life had been marked by profound trauma, having witnessed the double murder of his mother and brother in 2022. Friends described how these losses left him emotionally devastated until the birth of his son redirected his purpose. Those close to him emphasized his recent efforts toward rehabilitation, including car cleaning and handyman work while under curfew, with aspirations to establish his own business after losing regular employment last year.

    Community members remembered Tinker as a helpful presence in Kemp Road, particularly known for assisting elderly residents. The shooting has left both his one-year-old son and the broader community seeking answers and closure as the judicial process moves forward.

  • Symonette: ‘Inhumane’ to deport child killer after serving sentence

    Symonette: ‘Inhumane’ to deport child killer after serving sentence

    A complex legal and humanitarian debate has surfaced in The Bahamas regarding the future of convicted murderer Chris Ferguson, a Haitian national who recently received a 40-year prison sentence for the 2024 killing of 12-year-old Adriel Moxey. The case has drawn attention to immigration policy gaps and moral questions surrounding deportation of long-term inmates.

    Ferguson, 39, accepted a plea deal last week in the strangulation death of the young victim, whose body was discovered in vegetation near Faith Avenue. During court proceedings, the defendant expressed remorse and offered an apology for his actions.

    The immigration status of Ferguson has become a central point of controversy. Officials confirmed that while the Haitian national had applied for Bahamian citizenship in 2010 with Cabinet granting preliminary approval, he never completed the mandatory requirements. These included submitting necessary documentation and taking the oath of allegiance, meaning he never formally obtained citizenship despite widespread speculation to the contrary.

    Former Immigration Minister Brent Symonette has characterized the potential deportation of Ferguson after his prison term as ‘inhumane,’ noting the convict would be approximately 70 years old upon release. Symonette highlighted systemic issues within immigration processing, explaining that historical application tracking deficiencies have left thousands in legal limbo with incomplete files that were often lost or neglected.

    Symonette described the situation as a ‘big problem’ that creates significant legal gray areas. He argued that deporting someone after decades of incarceration serves little practical purpose, suggesting that allowing such individuals to remain in the country for their remaining years might be the more humane approach.

    The Department of Immigration has not disclosed what specific actions will be taken regarding Ferguson’s status upon completion of his sentence, leaving questions about the resolution of this legal and ethical dilemma unanswered.

  • PIOJ launches Vision 2030 ‘Love Jamaica’ essay competition

    PIOJ launches Vision 2030 ‘Love Jamaica’ essay competition

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to harness collective national wisdom, Jamaica’s Planning Institute (PIOJ) has inaugurated the ‘Vision 2030 Jamaica Love Jamaica National Essay Competition.’ This initiative centers on the critical theme of ‘Building a Shockproof Jamaica: My Role in a Resilient Future,’ aiming to actively engage citizens in shaping the nation’s developmental trajectory.

    Samantha Wilmot-Whilby, Localisation and Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator at the Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat, announced the competition’s launch during the ‘Love Jamaica Fest’ event at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. The competition is expressly designed to be inclusive, inviting participation from all Jamaican nationals aged 15 and above. It is structured into three distinct demographic categories: Youth (15–29 years), Adults (30–59 years), and Senior Citizens (60 years and over).

    Ms. Wilmot-Whilby emphasized that this tripartite structure is a deliberate strategy to capture a rich tapestry of intergenerational viewpoints. She contextualized the initiative against a backdrop of significant challenges, noting that Jamaica, akin to many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), has recently endured a series of profound shocks. These encompass global financial instability, the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, assorted health crises, and the escalating threats posed by climate change and environmental fragility. The recent experience of Hurricane Melissa was cited as a stark reminder of the nation’s vulnerability to external risks and its concurrent, remarkable capacity for endurance and recovery.

    Framing the essay competition as far more than an academic exercise, Wilmot-Whilby described it as a vital ‘national conversation.’ This platform invites Jamaicans from every walk of life and generation to introspect, contemplate, and articulate their visions concerning national identity, historical endurance, sources of hope, and actionable strategies for constructing a more robust and resilient Jamaica for posterity.

    The competition’s theme was meticulously selected to motivate each demographic group to contribute their unique ideas, perspectives, and innovative solutions. The overarching goals are to foster a sense of hopefulness and to ensure that these grassroots contributions are in direct alignment with the broader objectives outlined in the national Vision 2030 Jamaica Development Plan.

    Prospective participants are advised to monitor the official social media channels of Vision 2030 Jamaica for forthcoming details regarding the official submission opening date. The process will entail a submission period, followed by a structured judging phase, and will culminate in a formal awards ceremony to recognize the most insightful and impactful entries.