Carib Scope

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  • Police, JPs get child justice refresher training

    Police, JPs get child justice refresher training

    Jamaica’s Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA), in collaboration with UNICEF, has conducted a comprehensive two-day training initiative focused on enhancing child justice protocols within the nation’s law enforcement and judicial systems. The specialized seminar, held at Moon Palace hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann, brought together 76 police officers and numerous justices of the peace from across the island to reinforce proper procedures for handling cases involving minors.

    Acting Commissioner of Police McArthur Sutherland, overseeing the Area Two police division, emphasized the critical timing of this refresher course for Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) members. He noted that while officers previously received training on children’s issues, daily policing priorities often shift focus toward severe crimes like murders and shootings. “This training will help to pull on some of the minor crimes against children and ensure we have some reductions there,” Sutherland explained, highlighting how the program would rebalance enforcement attention toward protecting vulnerable youth.

    Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison articulated the seminar’s broader societal mission, stating, “No child was born a criminal or murderer—it is the environment that creates the monster.” She stressed the importance of early intervention to redirect children from criminal pathways, warning that without proper guidance, neglected youth could evolve into serious offenders. The training specifically addressed methods to reduce criminogenic behavior and attitudes among young people, aiming to prevent the development of senior criminals.

    Justices of the peace participating in the event expressed strong support for the initiative. Trudy-Ann Philp from Highgate, St Mary, described the seminar as “very beneficial” for enhancing her competency in legal procedures when serving at police stations. Omar Bourne from Kingston applauded the OCA’s efforts and advocated for ongoing educational opportunities to expand expertise among law enforcement and judicial officials.

    The partnership between OCA and UNICEF represents a significant investment in Jamaica’s future social stability. Gordon Harrison concluded by emphasizing collective responsibility: “The OCA alone cannot do it—we see it as a participatory effort that all stakeholders in the justice sector must play a part in.” This training initiative marks a proactive approach to child justice reform, recognizing that proper handling of youth cases requires specialized knowledge and coordinated effort across multiple disciplines within the justice system.

  • Crime-fighting mandates outpace MOCA, FID manpower

    Crime-fighting mandates outpace MOCA, FID manpower

    Jamaica’s premier law enforcement agencies responsible for combating organized crime and financial offenses are grappling with severe staffing deficiencies while confronting increasingly sophisticated criminal networks. The Financial Investigations Division (FID) and Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) have disclosed alarming personnel gaps that threaten their operational effectiveness despite expanding mandates.

    At a recent Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange forum, FID Chief Technical Director Dennis Chung revealed his agency operates at merely 35% of authorized capacity. Despite ongoing recruitment efforts for financial investigators and legal professionals, the division functions with just over 20 investigators against a requirement of approximately 50 specialized personnel. This shortage proves particularly challenging given the highly technical nature of financial crime investigations, which demand specialized skills in transaction analysis, evidence gathering, and forensic accounting.

    Garth Williams, FID’s brand communications specialist, confirmed the agency has ‘punched above its weight’ by achieving substantial results with only 70 staff members compared to an established complement of 191 positions. This achievement comes despite growing complexities in financial crimes, including cyber fraud, digital scams, and advanced money laundering schemes that transcend traditional law enforcement methodologies.

    Parallel challenges affect MOCA, operating at 61% staffing capacity according to Director General Colonel Desmond Edwards. The agency has confronted fundamental shifts in criminal patterns since its inception, particularly the explosion of cyber-enabled offenses requiring specialized investigative capabilities. In response, MOCA has established dedicated cyber investigation units through internal resource reallocation, though technical expertise development remains prioritized over mere numerical expansion.

    Both agencies emphasize that modern criminal investigations necessitate advanced capabilities in digital analysis, forensic accounting, and intelligence-driven operations beyond conventional policing skills. Technology integration, particularly artificial intelligence and analytical tools, has become essential for supplementing human resources and managing escalating case volumes and complexities.

    While inter-agency collaborations with the Jamaica Constabulary Force provide operational support during major interventions, both organizations stress that sustainable effectiveness requires strategic investments in both technological infrastructure and specialized human capital to combat Jamaica’s evolving criminal landscape effectively.

  • ‘You will bite rock stone’

    ‘You will bite rock stone’

    In an extraordinary fusion of spiritual fervor and law enforcement resolve, Inspector Junior Roswess—a police officer who also serves as a pastor—issued a stark warning to criminals during a powerful sermon at God Family Ministries International Church in St Andrew. Addressing members of the St Andrew North Police Division at a special unity service, Roswess declared that those who refuse to surrender their weapons must be prepared to “bite rock stone,” a Jamaican proverb meaning to face severe consequences.

    Roswess framed the police’s mission through a theological lens, quoting Romans 13:4 to emphasize that law enforcement officers are “ministers of God” tasked with executing justice against evildoers. He outlined a four-part strategy—Engage, Educate, Empower, and Enforce—as the division’s guiding principle. “We will educate you when we see you doing wrong. We will educate the gangs to turn in their weapons of mass destruction,” he stated. “If you don’t take heed, we have the responsibility to take required actions.”

    The inspector highlighted dramatic crime reduction achievements: a 50% drop in murders, 25% reduction in shootings, 35% decrease in rapes, and a significant decline in car thefts in 2025 compared to 2024. He attributed these successes to divine intervention and unwavering faith, revealing that mid-2025 saw crime trending negatively before a remarkable turnaround. Between January 1–17 this year, the division recorded zero murders versus two during the same period in 2025, while national murders fell by 18 year-over-year.

    Roswess praised Superintendent Randy Sweeney for acknowledging God’s role in their efforts and urged fellow officers to view their badges not as mere plastic but as sacred commitments to place country above self. “You are ministers of order, justice, and peace,” he proclaimed, describing police as bridges between life and death, good and evil. The service culminated in officers raising hands in worship, embodying the unique integration of spiritual faith and civic duty driving their crime-fighting mission.

  • Agriculture ministry launches initiatives to address crop surplus

    Agriculture ministry launches initiatives to address crop surplus

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to a significant surplus of key agricultural products, Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to stabilize markets and support local farmers. Portfolio Minister Floyd Green announced the initiative during a press briefing at the ministry’s Hope Gardens headquarters, highlighting exceptional yields of sweet potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, Pak Choy, yellow squash, cauliflower, zucchini, and string beans that have created market imbalances.

    The ministry’s approach centers on three primary interventions: expanded market access, value-added processing, and enhanced storage infrastructure. Weekly farmers’ markets are being established across the island with organizational support from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS). The inaugural market took place on January 23, with transportation assistance provided to ensure farmer participation.

    Concurrently, the ministry is engaging agro-processors to transform excess produce into juices, concentrates, and other value-added products. A buy-back program reminiscent of COVID-19 pandemic measures is in final development stages, where the government will purchase directly from farmers for redistribution.

    Critical infrastructure developments include three cold-storage facilities scheduled for operational rollout. The Flagaman facility in St Elizabeth, featuring two renewable-powered 20-foot containers, becomes operational within three weeks. The Essex Valley facility launches in early February with capacity for 22 containers of fresh produce, while the Kirkvine facility in Manchester will be completed in the next financial quarter.

  • Project START launches initiative to help entrepreneurs recover after Hurricane Melissa

    Project START launches initiative to help entrepreneurs recover after Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a strategic pivot from emergency relief to sustainable recovery, Project STAR has launched its comprehensive Business Re-start Initiative to assist micro and small entrepreneurs in rebuilding their livelihoods across Jamaica’s most hurricane-devastated communities. The program represents a significant shift toward long-term economic stabilization following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.

    The initiative has commenced by distributing grants to nine businesses spanning critical sectors including poultry farming (encompassing both egg and chicken production), beauty services (barbers, hairstylists, nail technicians, and eyelash technicians), and a cleaning supplies manufacturing enterprise. These funds are specifically allocated for replacing damaged equipment, replenishing destroyed inventory, and resuming daily operations.

    According to Saffrey Brown, Director of Project STAR, the organization has consciously transitioned from immediate disaster response to addressing sustainable economic recovery. “Our relief efforts have now evolved toward revitalizing livelihoods and reactivating entrepreneurial activities,” Brown stated. “The hurricane completely obliterated equipment and stock for most business owners in these vulnerable communities.”

    The program is initially targeting the western parishes of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and St James—regions that suffered the most severe hurricane impacts. These areas have experienced substantial micro-enterprise losses, exacerbating economic fragility in already disadvantaged communities. Brown emphasized the program’s adaptive approach, noting that strategies will evolve based on emerging needs.

    Early beneficiaries have reported transformative impacts. Levario White, a barber from Salt Spring, St James, described receiving his second grant as “critical to recovery,” expressing excitement about business improvement prospects. Beauty service providers like hairdresser Amisha Wright highlighted how the support arrived at a crucial juncture, enabling her to upgrade equipment and attract more customers. Wright revealed aspirations to pursue professional certification and eventually establish a salon chain.

    For poultry farmer Nickoy Brady, also from Salt Spring, the storm destroyed his coop and killed numerous chickens, paralyzing his livelihood. Project STAR’s intervention provided what he called “a lifeline,” allowing him to restart operations and restore family income. “This support means everything—it’s how I provide for my family,” Brady shared.

    Project STAR is prioritizing entrepreneurs who previously completed the organization’s entrepreneurship training, particularly those involved in food security sectors. “Accelerating community self-sufficiency in food production is absolutely essential,” Brown explained regarding this strategic focus.

    The organization plans to progressively expand the initiative over coming weeks and months, with ambitions to directly support at least 300 micro and small entrepreneurs through grants, tools, materials, and mentorship. Broader objectives include reactivating local value chains across food, craft, services, and manufacturing sectors while promoting disaster-resilient business models and strengthening local economic networks.

    As Jamaica progresses beyond the immediate emergency phase, Project STAR maintains its commitment to income generation and long-term community resilience. Brown confirmed the organization’s sustained focus on “revitalizing existing enterprises and supporting new entrepreneurs requiring alternative income sources” through the Livelihood Re-start Initiative, ultimately aiming to rebuild economic security and enhance community resilience in Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath.

  • International Congress on Thousand Cities sccessfully ends in Havana

    International Congress on Thousand Cities sccessfully ends in Havana

    An international congress focused on building happier, more sustainable cities through artificial intelligence and strategic communication concluded successfully in Havana. Hosted by the National Institute of Economic Research (INIE), the event brought together global experts to address urban development challenges in the digital age.

    The conference, jointly sponsored by Plaza de la Revolucion Cultural District, the University of Sao Paulo’s International Center for Innovation and Development of Thousand Cities (CIIDCMIL-USP), and the Center for Studies in Evaluation and Measurement of Communication and Marketing, achieved its primary objective of disseminating innovative approaches to urban happiness. According to Felipe Chibas-Ortiz, executive coordinator of CIIDCMIL-USP, the gathering specifically targeted overcoming cultural barriers and countering hate narratives through effective communication strategies.

    The comprehensive program featured expert panels examining media literacy, creative economy models, institutional ethics, and family dynamics. Additional sessions explored gender equality considerations, public health promotion, robotics integration, and practical guidance for developing AI-enhanced urban projects. The congress attracted participation from nine countries through both physical attendance and virtual engagement platforms.

    Distinguished participants included Cuban intellectual Miguel Barnet, Cuban Association of Social Communicators President Rosa Maria Gutierrez, INIE Director Maile Yiser, and University of Zaragoza Vice-Rector Carmen Marta-Lazo from Spain. UNESCO representation featured several high-level officials, including Paris Office Director Alton Grizzle and Media Literacy Network Director Manuel Perez Tornero.

    The event culminated in two significant cultural contributions: the presentation of the book ‘Thousand Cities: Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’ and a special cartoon exhibition titled ‘Thanks to the Thousand Cities’ by renowned Brazilian artist Dorinho Bastos.

  • Bendals Primary School Classes Suspended After Fire

    Bendals Primary School Classes Suspended After Fire

    Educational operations at Bendals Primary School faced significant disruption following a destructive fire that engulfed the institution’s administrative wing during the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident prompted immediate suspension of all academic activities scheduled for Monday as authorities assess structural integrity and coordinate recovery efforts.

    Director of Education Clare Browne confirmed to local media that the blaze resulted in substantial damage to the facility’s central administrative infrastructure. While the precise origin of the fire remains undetermined, law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation to establish causation factors and eliminate potential hazards.

    Education officials have outlined a phased resumption plan, anticipating teaching staff will return to campus by Tuesday. Preliminary assessments suggest normal educational operations could potentially restart by Wednesday, contingent upon successful completion of safety evaluations and infrastructure evaluations. School administrators emphasize that this timeline remains subject to change based on ongoing structural assessments.

    Authorities have committed to providing regular updates to parents and stakeholders as investigation milestones are achieved and recovery plans are formalized. The education department is simultaneously exploring temporary administrative solutions to minimize disruption to student learning outcomes during the reconstruction period.

  • The Uruguayan brigade “Fidel Castro” traveled to Cuba with aid

    The Uruguayan brigade “Fidel Castro” traveled to Cuba with aid

    A contingent of Uruguayan citizens representing diverse segments of society has embarked on a humanitarian mission to Cuba, carrying both medical resources and a profound message of international solidarity. The group, formally designated as the ‘Fidel Castro’ brigade, departed from Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo with a cargo of essential medical supplies and pharmaceuticals meticulously packed in their luggage.

    Complementing the tangible aid, the delegation transported a financial contribution of approximately $17,000. This sum was accumulated through a nationwide fundraising campaign orchestrated by the Coordinating Committee in Support of the Cuban Revolution, which saw active participation from ordinary citizens, political groups, and various social organizations. These funds are expressly destined to bolster the Caribbean nation’s public health infrastructure.

    The brigade comprises a cross-section of Uruguayan society, including students, active workers, and retirees, all united by a common purpose. For many, like Lucia Moderneli, a sociology student at the University of the Republic, the journey represents the fulfillment of a deeply personal and political ambition. “I am fulfilling a political dream of expressing my support for the Cuban people, and a family dream, since my father always wanted to make this journey but couldn’t,” Moderneli explained in an interview with Prensa Latina.

    The mission is widely perceived by its participants as a reciprocal act of gratitude. For nearly two decades, Cuba’s Operation Miracle program has provided free ophthalmologic surgeries across South America, notably in Uruguay. Moderneli highlighted this legacy, expressing profound thanks on behalf of the estimated 130,000 Uruguayans—including her own grandfather—who have regained their eyesight through the skill and generosity of Cuban medical professionals. This initiative, she stated, is a modest effort to ‘return Cuba’s internationalism and cooperation with the world.’

  • Two Horses Stolen from Spring Hill Riding Club

    Two Horses Stolen from Spring Hill Riding Club

    Authorities at Spring Hill Riding Club have launched a public appeal following the overnight theft of two prized horses from their facilities. The incident, which occurred under cover of darkness, has sent shockwaves through the local equestrian community and triggered an extensive search operation.

    The missing horses, identified as Mars and Fizz, possess distinctive physical characteristics that authorities hope will aid in their recovery. Mars presents as a dark brown equine with a uniquely groomed pattern on his hindquarters—a carefully clipped design featuring both a heart and crescent moon. His companion Fizz displays a solid chestnut coloration without additional markings.

    Law enforcement officials have issued guidelines for public assistance, requesting heightened vigilance regarding any unusual equine transportation activities or sightings of unfamiliar horses in the region. The appeal extends particularly to rural property owners, trail riders, and transportation workers who might observe suspicious equine movement.

    Equestrian organizations throughout the region have been formally notified and asked to circulate descriptions of the stolen animals. Veterinary clinics, feed suppliers, and competition venues have additionally been placed on alert to prevent potential resale or concealment attempts.

    The emotional impact on stable staff and riders who developed bonds with these animals has been significant, with club representatives emphasizing the horses’ value extends beyond monetary worth to encompass deep emotional connections. Investigators continue pursuing multiple leads while analyzing forensic evidence recovered from the scene.

  • Macron says France to fast-track social media ban for under-15s

    Macron says France to fast-track social media ban for under-15s

    In a landmark policy announcement, French President Emmanuel Macron has declared his administration’s intention to accelerate the implementation of stringent social media access restrictions targeting children under the age of 15. This decisive move represents one of Europe’s most aggressive regulatory approaches to protecting youth in the digital sphere.

    The proposed framework, which would require parental authorization for social media platform access, stems from growing concerns about the psychological impact of unrestricted digital exposure on developing minds. Macron’s administration cites mounting evidence linking excessive social media usage to increased anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying among adolescents.

    This initiative forms part of a broader European digital sovereignty strategy that seeks to establish comprehensive safeguards for vulnerable populations online. The French government is reportedly collaborating with major technology firms to develop verifiable age-verification mechanisms that would enforce the proposed restrictions without compromising user privacy.

    Educational experts and child development specialists have largely welcomed the announcement, though some digital rights advocates have raised concerns about implementation challenges and potential unintended consequences. The policy is expected to undergo parliamentary review in the coming months, with potential implications for similar legislation across the European Union.

    The accelerated timeline reflects the administration’s commitment to addressing what it characterizes as a public health priority, positioning France at the forefront of global efforts to create safer digital environments for children.