Carib Scope

分类： society

  • More than just teachers

    More than just teachers

    At the LASCO/Ministry of Education’s 2025 Principal and Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony in New Kingston, three exceptional educators were celebrated for their transformative impact on Jamaica’s educational landscape, demonstrating that true nation-building originates within the classroom.

    Orville Richards, Principal of the Year from St Mary Technical High School, has spearheaded a remarkable institutional transformation. With over 23 years in education and expertise in information technology and accounting, Richards has elevated the school from a ‘satisfactory’ to a ‘good’ rating in the National Education Inspectorate’s 2024 rankings. His vision extends beyond academic metrics, focusing on establishing Jamaica’s premier technical and vocational education institution. Under his leadership, the school has implemented significant infrastructure upgrades, integrated advanced ICT systems, and mandated that all Grade 11 students complete external certifications and skills training before graduation.

    Mathematics educator Dorette Rhoden Henry, Teacher of the Year from DeCarteret College, brings three decades of teaching experience to her innovative methodology. As head of the information technology department, she begins each academic relationship by understanding her students’ backgrounds and individual learning styles. Rhoden Henry demystifies mathematics by demonstrating its practical applications in daily life, using creative examples like illustrating the importance of zeros through lunch money calculations to make abstract concepts tangible and relevant.

    Gavin DeRizzo, TVET Teacher of Year from Vauxhall High School, teaches building technology construction and technical drawing with a focus on Jamaica’s development needs. He connects classroom instruction to the country’s construction boom and climate resilience requirements, emphasizing how these skills enable home ownership—a fundamental Jamaican aspiration. DeRizzo intentionally incorporates practical examples to demonstrate real-world applications of theoretical knowledge.

    The three educators collectively represent a shift toward holistic education that balances academic excellence with practical skills development. Their approaches reflect Jamaica’s growing emphasis on technical and vocational training pathways that address labor market demands and improve school-to-work transitions. Beyond their individual achievements, these teachers embody the philosophy that education serves as both an instructional process and a transformative force for unlocking human potential and national development.

  • Exuma hit-and-run victim dies after hour-long wait

    Exuma hit-and-run victim dies after hour-long wait

    A tragic incident in Exuma has reignited serious concerns about emergency healthcare accessibility after a 29-year-old man succumbed to injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident following a critical delay in ambulance response.

    Deno Rolle, a local boat captain with nearly eleven years of experience, was struck by an unidentified vehicle while riding a borrowed motorcycle along Queen’s Highway near Hooper’s Bay on Tuesday evening. The impact threw him from the vehicle, resulting in severe traumatic injuries to his head and knee.

    Family members who arrived at the scene described finding Rolle unresponsive and bleeding profusely. Bystanders attempted to provide comfort but were unable to move him due to the severity of his injuries. For approximately fifty-eight minutes, relatives maintained a vigil awaiting emergency medical transport.

    Rolle was eventually transported to Exuma Healthcare Facility where medical staff provided treatment, but he deteriorated while awaiting airlift to New Providence and passed away around 11 PM.

    His sister Lakesha Rolle acknowledged the quality of care at the medical facility but questioned whether the extended ambulance response time might have affected her brother’s survival chances. ‘The air ambulance didn’t take long. It’s just that it is what it is,’ she stated, while emphasizing the prolonged ground transport delay.

    The incident has prompted renewed criticism from community advocates including Free National Movement candidate Debra Moxey Rolle, who highlighted that Exuma residents have repeatedly raised concerns about emergency response capabilities. She called for permanent ambulance stationing on the island to address persistent service gaps.

    Meanwhile, the search continues for the hit-and-run driver who fled the scene without rendering assistance. Moxey Rolle appealed for the responsible party to come forward: ‘If it wasn’t intentional, turn yourself in, just face the consequences.’

    Rolle is remembered by family as the youngest of six siblings who recently committed to attending his nephew’s school meeting in his sister’s stead. Relatives also recalled his heroic actions in previously saving a tourist from drowning, underscoring the community’s loss of a valued member.

  • Man shot dead while working on car outside South Beach home

    Man shot dead while working on car outside South Beach home

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A tranquil South Beach neighborhood was violently disrupted on Tuesday evening when a 30-year-old man, locally known as “Meely,” was fatally shot outside his residence. The incident occurred approximately at 8:30 PM near the intersection of Ruthland Avenue and South Beach Drive, marking the nation’s 15th homicide this year.

    According to official statements from Police Press Liaison Chief Superintendent Sheria King, law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire to discover the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Preliminary investigative findings indicate the victim was engaged in automotive repairs outside his home when a Japanese-model vehicle approached the location. Occupants of the vehicle subsequently opened fire before fleeing the scene.

    Local Member of Parliament Bacchus Rolle provided emotional commentary to press representatives, emphasizing the profound community impact. “This area has historically been known as quiet South Beach,” Rolle stated. “For such a brutal incident to occur here leaves us virtually speechless.” The legislator confirmed the victim was a long-term constituency resident who had grown up in the immediate community, describing him as “one of our homeboys” known to virtually everyone in the neighborhood.

    Rolle further committed to organizing community support for the grieving family while acknowledging the psychological trauma inflicted upon residents. The murder investigation remains active with police pursuing multiple investigative avenues regarding motive and perpetrators.

  • Blue Latte Rio by Léo Moço

    Blue Latte Rio by Léo Moço

    Kingston’s culinary landscape has been transformed with the arrival of Rio by Léo Moço, an establishment redefining specialty coffee standards in Jamaica. Far from ordinary cafés, this intimate venue showcases meticulous craftsmanship and disciplined approach to coffee preparation, demonstrating the extraordinary potential of Jamaican coffee when handled by world-class expertise.

    The visionary behind this venture, Léo Moço, brings unparalleled credentials to Kingston’s coffee scene. As a four-time Brazilian Barista Champion, Brewers Cup Champion, and World Barista Championship competitor, Moço’s expertise extends beyond competition titles. His comprehensive background encompasses coffee farming, academic research, industry consultation, and education, covering the entire spectrum from cultivation and fermentation techniques to roasting and precision extraction.

    At Rio, coffee preparation approaches artistic perfection. Each espresso shot utilizes 20 grams of coffee—double the industry standard—with extractions meticulously calibrated to an exact 1:2 ratio. The deliberate distribution and tamping process reflects an unhurried, precision-focused methodology that transforms coffee preparation into a culinary art form.

    The outcome is remarkably clean and expressive coffee that stands confidently without sugar enhancement. Patrons frequently experience revelations, with one guest noting it was their first time enjoying coffee without sweeteners—considered the ultimate compliment in specialty coffee circles.

    The carefully curated menu balances classic espresso beverages with pour-over options including V60, Aeropress, and Origami methods. Additionally, Rio offers innovative wellness beverages such as Matcha, Ginger Beet Latte, Golden Latte, and the visually striking Blue Latte crafted with blue spirulina and coconut condensed milk.

    As an accredited member of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), Rio aligns Kingston with global specialty coffee standards while creating a cultural bridge between Brazil’s Chapada Diamantina and Jamaica’s Blue Mountains—two iconic coffee-growing regions.

    Located at Unit 1, 58 Half-Way-Tree Road, Rio operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and weekends from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The establishment’s innovative approach extends to equipment selection, featuring the Mavam under-counter espresso system that provides baristas with complete visibility, control, and temperature stability while maintaining a streamlined aesthetic.

    In a nation celebrated for Blue Mountain coffee, Rio enables Jamaicans to experience their renowned product at its highest possible expression, establishing new standards for coffee excellence in the Caribbean.

  • Dominican consul honours Antigua-based businessman for cultural leadership

    Dominican consul honours Antigua-based businessman for cultural leadership

    In a significant ceremony recognizing cultural advocacy, the Dominican Republic’s Consul General has bestowed formal recognition upon prominent businessman Alex Martinez and his organization for their exceptional contributions to preserving Spanish Independence traditions and Dominican cultural heritage in Antonia and Barbuda. The prestigious award acknowledges Mr. Martinez’s pivotal role in enhancing bilateral cultural connections within the Caribbean nation while ensuring Dominican traditions remain vibrant among diaspora communities.

    Consul General Julio Cesar Mateo Baez, during the official presentation, commended Martinez’s visionary leadership and his remarkable ability to inspire collective action toward cultural preservation. The diplomat emphasized how Martinez’s initiatives have cultivated unprecedented levels of unity and cultural pride within the Dominican community residing in the twin-island nation, creating meaningful bridges between Dominican heritage and local Caribbean culture.

    In his acceptance remarks, Martinez characterized cultural support as both a profound personal passion and a civic responsibility. The honored businessman articulated his commitment to sustaining these efforts, vowing to continue developing programs that would ensure Dominican cultural traditions endure for future generations. His work has particularly focused on maintaining cultural visibility through organized celebrations, educational initiatives, and community engagement programs that highlight Dominican history and customs.

  • Housing reconstruction sweeps across Carriacou

    Housing reconstruction sweeps across Carriacou

    A comprehensive reconstruction effort is sweeping across Grenada as the government intensifies its Build Back Better housing initiative in response to Hurricane Beryl’s devastation. From northern Windward to eastern Mt Pleasant and southern L’Esterre, local contractors have been officially engaged to drive the rebuilding program forward.

    The Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government has implemented a strategic approach to accelerate recovery efforts. By securing bulk purchases of construction materials and dispatching dedicated shipments to affected areas like Petite Martinique, the ministry is streamlining the reconstruction process while stimulating local economic activity.

    This dual-faceted recovery program combines large-scale construction projects with individual assistance measures. While the Build Back Better initiative focuses on major construction, the complementary Materials Assistance Programme enables residents to repair their own properties. Homeowners seeking building supplies must complete application forms subject to ministry assessment and approval.

    The reconstruction surge has generated substantial employment opportunities, particularly benefiting young and middle-aged residents. Multiple active construction sites currently employ teams exceeding ten workers each, creating a positive economic ripple effect throughout communities devastated by the hurricane.

    The government’s approach emphasizes resilient home construction designed to withstand future climate challenges, representing a significant shift from mere recovery to sustainable development in hurricane-prone regions.

  • IsraAID and UNDP deliver disaster management equipment to Kalinago Disaster Committee

    IsraAID and UNDP deliver disaster management equipment to Kalinago Disaster Committee

    In a significant boost to disaster preparedness, the Kalinago Territory has received critical emergency management equipment through a collaborative initiative between IsraAID and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The handover to the Kalinago Disaster Committee marks a concrete step toward enhancing community resilience in the indigenous territory.

    During the ceremonial transfer, Parliamentary Representative for Salybia Constituency Cozier Frederick commended the partnership as both valuable and enduring. “I want to celebrate this collaboration. I want to cement it as something that we will continue to do,” Frederick stated, acknowledging the strategic importance of sustained cooperation in disaster readiness.

    Frederick utilized the platform to highlight the historically overlooked contributions of the Kalinago people to national development and resilience building. He reflected on the foundational role of indigenous warriors in creating the bedrock of contemporary society, emphasizing that discussions about national resilience and empowerment must include Kalinago perspectives.

    Connecting local preparedness to global challenges, Frederick noted: “In our own time, we are still fighting a serious battle… countries are in crisis.” He advocated for drawing upon cultural strength as a source of resilience, asserting that “when we look within ourselves and extract the Kalinago spirit, we can fight this thing.” This conviction is rooted in historical perseverance through wars, genocide, and diseases, providing a template for confronting modern challenges through consolidated efforts.

    The newly provided equipment represents a practical advancement in community readiness. Frederick described the handover as fundamentally important, recognizing both the work ahead and the partnerships required while acknowledging the legacy upon which current efforts build.

    UNDP project analyst Sawana Fabien detailed the comprehensive nature of the initiative, explaining that months of preparatory work preceded the equipment transfer. This included close coordination with the Forestry Division, site evaluations, watershed assessments, and procurement of materials to support plant propagation and nursery development.

    Fabien characterized the equipment provision as “part of that proprietary investment” designed to enable structured and sustainable scaling of propagation and planting activities. The effort falls within a broader forest watershed management framework aimed at reinforcing forest systems and policy development.

    Tangible outcomes expected from the project include implemented forest management policies for the Kalinago territory, established watershed and forest management committees, and support for committee-based livelihoods connected to reforestation efforts. Notably, the reforestration approach incorporates cash crops alongside native species, ensuring both ecological and community benefits.

    This initiative represents a holistic approach to disaster resilience that integrates environmental management, cultural heritage, and sustainable development within the Kalinago Territory.

  • MBS Continues Transition to EFT as Cheque Reimbursements Are Phased Out

    MBS Continues Transition to EFT as Cheque Reimbursements Are Phased Out

    The Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) is advancing its digital modernization initiative by systematically eliminating paper cheque reimbursements in favor of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments. This strategic shift represents a fundamental restructuring of how beneficiary claims are processed and disbursed.

    Authorities have announced the progressive phase-out of traditional cheque payments, mandating all scheme participants to transition to electronic payment methods. Beneficiaries must now submit their banking details through official channels to ensure uninterrupted claim processing.

    To facilitate this technological migration, the MBS has established multiple enrollment pathways. Participants can initiate the process through dedicated Customer Service representatives or independently by accessing the official EFT enrollment form available at www.mbs.gov.ag/v2/forms/. The completed form, accompanied by verified banking information, must be formally submitted to the administration for processing.

    This operational transformation is designed to enhance multiple aspects of the reimbursement experience. Officials emphasize that EFT payments will significantly accelerate fund disbursement, eliminate mail delays and physical cheque clearance periods, and provide greater transaction security. The digital framework also offers improved convenience through direct bank deposits, reducing administrative burdens for both beneficiaries and scheme administrators.

    The transition aligns with broader governmental digital infrastructure development goals and represents a significant step toward financial modernization within public health benefit programs.

  • Pedestrian killed in St Lucy collision

    Pedestrian killed in St Lucy collision

    A tragic traffic incident resulted in the death of a pedestrian on Alleynedale Road in the parish of St. Lucy on Tuesday evening. According to official reports from the Royal Barbados Police Force, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m. local time. Preliminary investigations indicate that a motor vehicle, traveling in the direction of the nearby community known as Mile and a Quarter, struck the individual. Emergency services and medical personnel were dispatched to the location; however, the victim sustained injuries of such severity that they were pronounced deceased at the scene by an attending physician. Law enforcement authorities have cordoned off the area for a comprehensive forensic examination as part of their ongoing investigation into the precise circumstances leading to the accident. Police are actively appealing to the public for assistance, urging anyone who may have witnessed the event or possesses relevant information to immediately contact the District ‘E’ Police Station at the provided telephone number, 419-1730, to aid the investigative process.

  • President Simons: certificaat is begin, niet het eind voor jonge ondernemers

    President Simons: certificaat is begin, niet het eind voor jonge ondernemers

    Surinamese President Jennifer Simons has delivered a powerful address to emerging young entrepreneurs, urging them to persevere and maintain mutual support as they embark on their business ventures. The head of state emphasized that “the real work begins now” during Tuesday’s certificate ceremony held at the Congreshal, marking the completion of the “Van Droom Naar Doel” (From Dream to Goal) initiative.

    The groundbreaking project, administered by Stichting RUMAS, specifically targets youth requiring additional support to achieve economic independence. From the initial cohort of 18 participants, an impressive 15 successfully reached the program’s completion. President Simons commended the graduates for their remarkable determination while stressing the collective nature of achievement. “We must help each other because alone we cannot succeed,” she stated, adding that setbacks naturally form part of the learning process and should not deter progress.

    In significant policy developments, the President revealed governmental efforts to establish financial support mechanisms for startup entrepreneurs through specialized funds and banking partnerships. According to the Suriname Communication Service, these initiatives will provide young business owners with essential mentorship and access to low-interest loans.

    Project coordinator Lydia Griffith confirmed the program had achieved its primary objective of preparing youth for independent entrepreneurship. Graduates spanning various trades—including landscapers, hairstylists, dressmakers, and bakers—are now fully equipped to commence operations immediately while receiving ongoing support from RUMAS and program trainers.

    RUMAS Director Emmy Hart disclosed that the presidential office originally conceived the project to expand opportunities for young citizens. The training program initially launched in October of last year.

    Diroy Juriaans, one of the successful graduates, described the accomplishment as a critical milestone. “I’ve learned to persist through challenges. This certificate opens doors to establishing my own business,” he affirmed, capturing the transformative impact of the initiative.