Carib Scope

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  • #EyeOnMelissa: Flow pauses disconnections as Jamaica braces for Melissa

    #EyeOnMelissa: Flow pauses disconnections as Jamaica braces for Melissa

    In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, telecommunications provider Flow Jamaica has unveiled a series of measures to ensure its customers remain connected and supported during the impending weather event. The company has announced a temporary halt on service disconnections and is offering additional mobile data to prepaid customers as part of its storm-readiness initiative.

    Danielle Savory, Senior Communications Manager at Flow, emphasized the critical role of connectivity during emergencies. ‘In times like these, connectivity becomes more than convenience — it’s a lifeline,’ she stated. ‘We recognize the importance of staying connected to loved ones, accessing emergency updates, and staying informed. That’s why we’re prioritizing our customers’ needs by keeping them connected and supported throughout this period.’

    To further assist customers, Flow is doubling the core mobile data for all prepaid users who activate a seven-day or longer unlimited talk, text, and social plan. This initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted access to vital information during the storm. Additionally, the company has decided to close all its retail stores on Friday to safeguard the safety of both staff and customers. Customers are encouraged to manage their accounts and purchase credit online via topupflow.com or the Topup Flow app.

    Flow has also advised its customers to take precautionary measures, such as charging their devices, topping up in advance, and keeping a list of emergency contacts readily available. The company’s local crisis management team has activated its emergency response protocols to maintain network resilience and service continuity. These measures include site inspections, refueling of generators and storage units, and deploying standby crews across key locations. Notably, approximately 60% of Flow’s cell sites are equipped with backup power systems to sustain connectivity during potential outages.

    For emergency reports or service inquiries, customers can contact Flow at 1-800-804-2994 (residential) or 1-800-744-0222 (business). To report theft or vandalism of Flow’s network assets, individuals are urged to contact the nearest police station or the company’s emergency operations center at 876-929-9834 / 876-929-9837 / 876-920-7935.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Jamaica to be declared disaster area shortly

    #EyeOnMelissa: Jamaica to be declared disaster area shortly

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced that Jamaica will soon be declared a disaster area as the nation braces for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa. The declaration, expected by the end of Friday or early Saturday, will activate the Disaster Risk Management Act, granting authorities enhanced powers to safeguard lives and property. Holness made the announcement during a special press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation once the declaration is formalized, assuring stakeholders of prior consultations and adequate public notice. Additionally, Holness revealed that measures under the Trade Act will be implemented to prevent price gouging, citing concerns over the scarcity of essential goods like bread in supermarkets. Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, will soon sign an order to enforce these measures, ensuring fair pricing during the crisis.

  • Chief Justice Boodoosingh praised by colleagues, legal fraternity

    Chief Justice Boodoosingh praised by colleagues, legal fraternity

    The legal community of Trinidad and Tobago came together on October 24 to honor newly appointed Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh during an impromptu special sitting of the Court of Appeal. Held at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain, the event was attended by prominent members of the bar and senior legal professionals who lauded Boodoosingh’s humility, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice and education. Speakers highlighted his integrity, leadership, and vision, expressing confidence that his tenure would strengthen the judiciary’s independence and efficiency. Justice of Appeal Geoffrey Henderson, a former director of public prosecutions, praised Boodoosingh’s scholarship and mentorship, calling his appointment “a circle in life.” Patricia Dindyal of the Assembly of Southern Lawyers described his elevation as “a monumental achievement,” while Anil Maraj of the Law Association emphasized his role as both a judge and a teacher. Acting DPP Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal and Deputy Registrar Kimberly Prescott echoed these sentiments, underscoring his dedication to justice and leadership. In his response, Chief Justice Boodoosingh acknowledged the weight of his new role, vowing to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, retired Chief Justice Ivor Archie. He reflected on his journey from humble beginnings to the nation’s highest judicial office, crediting his family, teachers, and mentors for shaping his path. Boodoosingh also outlined his plans to collaborate with stakeholders to advance the legal system, emphasizing the importance of a strong bar to support the bench. A formal special sitting of the judiciary is scheduled for January 2026, as Archie is expected to be abroad later this year.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Dedicated Whatsapp line for persons with disabilities

    #EyeOnMelissa: Dedicated Whatsapp line for persons with disabilities

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a proactive move to safeguard vulnerable populations, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has introduced a dedicated WhatsApp line, 876-447-0444, specifically for persons with disabilities to communicate their needs as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. The announcement was made by Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles Jr during a special press briefing held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Friday.

  • PM praises job recruitment drive – End to Cepep, URP slavery

    PM praises job recruitment drive – End to Cepep, URP slavery

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has likened her government’s decision to replace temporary make-work schemes like Cepep and URP with sustainable employment to ending ‘a kind of slavery.’ Speaking at the National Recruitment Drive held at the National Cycling Centre in Couva on October 23, Persad-Bissessar expressed her satisfaction in providing meaningful jobs for citizens. She emphasized that the overwhelming turnout reflected the public’s eagerness for stable employment opportunities. The Prime Minister addressed criticisms of phasing out Cepep and URP, stating that these programs offered only short-term relief and did not enable citizens to secure mortgages or fund education. She described such schemes as ‘hand-to-mouth feeding’ and vowed to create ‘real jobs for real people.’ The government plans to roll out these opportunities gradually, filling vacancies in ministries and fostering private-sector partnerships. Persad-Bissessar also highlighted the misuse of funds in previous programs, which reportedly drained billions from the Treasury and, in some cases, fueled criminal activity. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, however, urged the government to show compassion toward displaced workers, claiming that over 30,000 people were left jobless due to the shutdown of Cepep, URP, and the reforestation program. The recruitment drive, which concluded on October 24, received over 110,000 online applications. Officials will now review submissions and begin interviews on October 28. The initiative aims to provide employment across various sectors, including skilled and unskilled labor, engineering, and administrative roles. Persad-Bissessar visited multiple booths at the event, where ministry representatives shared application statistics. For instance, the Education Ministry received 56 applications on Thursday, bringing its total to 128. The Prime Minister reiterated her commitment to job creation, acknowledging that while not all 90,000 applicants would secure positions immediately, her administration is working diligently to fulfill its promises. The recruitment drive also extended to Princes Town, where scores of hopeful applicants gathered at the URP office. Nerue Mohammed, a long-time unemployed resident, praised the initiative, likening the previous employment struggles to ‘slavery days.’ Erica Gibbs, a former Cepep worker, welcomed the opportunity to secure a stable job as a cleaner. The drive is open to all citizens, regardless of background, offering a fresh start for recent graduates, skilled workers, and those seeking new opportunities.

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Non-essential gov’t offices to close at 2:00 pm

    #EyeOnMelissa: Non-essential gov’t offices to close at 2:00 pm

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the looming threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, the Jamaican government has announced the early closure of all non-essential government offices at 2:00 pm on Friday. The decision, communicated by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in a Friday media release, aims to ensure public safety as the storm approaches the island. Essential services, however, will continue to operate without interruption, remaining accessible to the public. According to the OPM, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica reported that Tropical Storm Melissa remained stationary overnight, but a tropical storm warning remains in effect. The government has pledged to provide ongoing updates throughout the day. Authorities are urging citizens to stay informed through official channels and to take necessary precautions to safeguard their well-being.

  • Unborn baby’s death not murder under Bahamian law

    Unborn baby’s death not murder under Bahamian law

    The tragic killing of Lauren Saunders, a seven-month pregnant mother-of-two, has ignited a fierce debate over Bahamian law’s treatment of unborn children. While public outrage has surged, with demands for dual murder charges—one for Saunders and another for her unborn baby—National Security Minister Wayne Munroe clarified that Bahamian law does not classify a foetus as a separate life under the murder statute. Consequently, the death of an unborn child cannot be prosecuted as murder. Munroe explained that murder charges apply only to individuals with independent circulation, while the death of a foetus is legally treated as abortion. This distinction has raised questions, given that The Bahamas criminalises abortion in nearly all circumstances yet fails to recognise the violent killing of an unborn child as a distinct offence. Saunders went missing on Sunday after leaving work early, prompting an islandwide search. Her partially decomposed body was discovered in bushes off Munnings Road on Wednesday, with officials awaiting autopsy results to confirm the cause of death. A suspect has been in custody for three days, but no charges have been filed. Munroe noted that legal changes to classify the killing of an unborn child as murder could have far-reaching implications, potentially criminalising medical terminations. He emphasised that such a shift would require charging anyone who terminates a foetus, including doctors, with murder. This stance contrasts with jurisdictions like the United States, where the Unborn Victims of Violence Act allows separate charges for the death of a foetus. Nearly 40 U.S. states have foetal homicide laws, and countries like Australia’s Queensland and El Salvador also criminalise the unlawful killing of unborn children as distinct offences.

  • PM distancing himself from escalating Junkanoo dispute

    PM distancing himself from escalating Junkanoo dispute

    Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has firmly distanced himself from the escalating Junkanoo dispute, emphasizing, “Don’t bring me into it,” as the government races to finalize parade plans just weeks before the season kicks off. During a meeting with Junkanoo Corporation New Providence (JCNP) chairman Dion Miller last Friday, Mr. Davis clarified that he has delegated the matter to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC). “I’m not involved in that at all because they accuse the matter of being political, and so don’t bring me into it. I’ve directed the Minister of Youth and Sports and the NJC, they are dealing with it, and I’m leaving it to them,” he stated. Despite his efforts to remain neutral, critics argue that the government is sidelining the JCNP due to its unfavorable stance toward the Prime Minister’s brother, Trevor Davis, in a dispute over the rightful claim to the Valley Boys group. The controversy deepened as JCNP officials convened Wednesday night to discuss the Prime Minister’s meeting and chart a path forward. JCNP public relations officer John Williams revealed that while Mr. Davis expressed a desire for resolution, he offered no direct intervention. “It’s very late,” Mr. Williams lamented. “It’s November, essentially, and we had to come up with a plan and a course of action. It’s action time. So we just have to do what we have to do.” He added that member groups were dissatisfied with the meeting’s outcome and expressed exhaustion over the prolonged feud. “I think everybody is just tired at this point. Just tired of the back and forth and going through all of this. We’ve never been through this sort of thing before,” he said. Ten major Junkanoo groups, including One Family, Saxons, Roots, The Valley Boys, and The Mighty Eagles, have rallied behind the JCNP. Roots chairman Duane Ellis voiced his frustration, stating that his group would only participate in a parade managed by the JCNP. “My frustration as a junkanooer is that by now, I thought both sides would come to some mutual agreement for the betterment of Junkanoo and not personalities,” he said. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Perry Christie expressed hope for a timely resolution, emphasizing the unifying power of Junkanoo. “It is always a regret when Junkanoo and culture are subjected to division because it’s the one area in the country which should unite people,” he said. “I’m hopeful, therefore, that the minister and all that he’s doing will be successful in ensuring that Junkanoo reigns supreme.”

  • #EyeOnMelissa: Tourism stakeholders reinforce safety as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches

    #EyeOnMelissa: Tourism stakeholders reinforce safety as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches

    As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, the island’s tourism industry is intensifying its preparations to ensure the safety of staff, guests, and infrastructure. Stakeholders across the sector are implementing robust safety protocols and collaborating closely with local authorities to mitigate potential risks. Lowell Spence, owner of Smokeez Seafood Restaurant in Rose Hall, St James, emphasized the importance of reinforcing staff training and briefing guests on emergency procedures. Similarly, Sanju Chatani, Senior Director of Taj Mahal Plaza in Ocho Rios, highlighted the need for clear and timely communication with both patrons and employees. Marc Melville, CEO of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, stressed the value of readiness and collaboration with government agencies to protect visitors during the storm. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has urged all industry players to prioritize safety, describing preparedness as the cornerstone of recovery. He revealed that the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre has been activated at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston to coordinate a unified response. The centre will facilitate communication between the Ministry of Tourism, emergency agencies, and industry partners, ensuring a cohesive approach as updates from the Meteorological Service are received. Bartlett also underscored Jamaica’s history of rapid crisis response as a testament to the destination’s resilience. He called for calm, vigilance, and unity, reiterating the mantra: ‘Preparation, not panic.’

  • Fireworks, scratch bombs blamed for infant’s death

    Fireworks, scratch bombs blamed for infant’s death

    A heart-wrenching tragedy has struck a Chase Village couple, Nicholas Badal and his wife, who are attributing the death of their three-day-old son, Kemani Gordon, to the deafening explosions of fireworks and the failure of law enforcement to intervene. The incident occurred during the Divali celebrations on October 19, when loud fireworks began disrupting their Bholai Street East home as early as 7 am. Badal recounted how the incessant noise caused his newborn to cry uncontrollably throughout the night, describing the ordeal as unbearable. By the early hours of October 21, Kemani had become unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. An autopsy on October 23 revealed that the infant succumbed to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, Dr. Marlon Timmothy, president of the Paediatric Society of TT, suggested that the adrenaline surge triggered by the loud noises could have contributed to a fatal cardiac event. Badal expressed his frustration with the police, stating that multiple calls to the Freeport station and the 999 emergency line went unanswered. He now seeks justice for his son, calling for stricter regulations on fireworks and accountability from law enforcement. The grieving father also appealed for counselling and financial assistance to help the family cope with their devastating loss.