Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Former US Ambassador Nick Perry rings in new year in Jamaica

    Former US Ambassador Nick Perry rings in new year in Jamaica

    The prestigious Couples Tower Isle resort hosted an illustrious New Year’s Eve celebration that attracted distinguished guests, including former US Ambassador to Jamaica Noah ‘Nick’ Perry. The December 31, 2025, event featured gourmet dining, vibrant entertainment, and a spectacular midnight fireworks display that captivated attendees.

    Ambassador Perry, who was born in Jamaica and attended Kingston College before immigrating to the United States in 1971, expressed his particular affection for celebrating the holiday season on his home island. “The Jamaican spirit during Christmas and New Year’s is truly exceptional,” Perry remarked. “Starting the new year here holds special significance for me. With my residence located conveniently nearby, I preferred a tranquil beginning to the year that gradually gains momentum.”

    Perry specifically commended the Issa family, owners of Couples Resorts, recognizing them as “exceptional Jamaicans who demonstrate genuine care for their staff and consistently remember those in need.”

    Paul Issa, a director of Couples Resorts, confirmed the event’s success, noting that many guests from Kingston and across the island traditionally choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve at their properties. The gathering included prominent figures such as financier Donovan Lewis alongside Ambassador Perry and numerous returning guests.

    The celebration also served as an occasion to reflect on community support efforts. Issa acknowledged contributions through the Issa Trust Foundation toward rebuilding and repairing homes of employees affected by Hurricane Melissa. All staff reporting damage received assessments and vouchers for building supplies from Hardware & Lumber, with particular recognition given to Diane Pollard, Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards, Alex Ghisays, and resort guests who supported recovery initiatives.

    Ambassador Perry’s distinguished career includes his service as US Ambassador to Jamaica from 2022 to 2025 and his lengthy tenure in the New York State Assembly representing Brooklyn’s 58th district from 1993 to 2022. The Brooklyn College graduate holds degrees in political science and public policy administration, and is the grandfather of Roc-Nation signed artist Justine Skye.

  • Beauties at Brunch Vision Board Party aims to empower women after Melissa

    Beauties at Brunch Vision Board Party aims to empower women after Melissa

    In response to the profound emotional aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican women are mobilizing to address the psychological toll of the disaster through community support and forward-looking initiatives. The upcoming Beauties at Brunch Vision Board Party, scheduled for January 25, 2026, at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, represents a strategic approach to collective healing and resilience-building among women across the island.

    Organizers recognize that while physical reconstruction efforts continue, the less visible scars of grief, uncertainty, and survivor’s guilt require dedicated attention. This gathering transforms the traditional brunch format into a therapeutic experience centered on vision-setting, mutual support, and psychological recovery.

    Sophia Walcott, the event’s coordinator, emphasizes the dual purpose of the occasion: ‘Our initiative champions the courageous decision to advance despite adversity. It creates a balanced space where participants can acknowledge their blessings while simultaneously honoring the collective pain within our communities. This synthesis of dreaming, strategic planning, and joyful expression alongside compassionate action forms our core philosophy.’

    Attendees will experience an intentionally curated environment designed to foster authenticity, empowerment, and meaningful connection. The five-hour program (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM) encourages women to present their authentic selves while engaging in goal-setting activities surrounded by supportive peers.

    Complementing the psychological focus, the event incorporates tangible humanitarian action through a donation drive for hurricane victims. Participants are requested to contribute non-perishable items that organizers will distribute to registered charities assisting those most affected by the disaster.

    This initiative transcends conventional social gatherings by establishing a framework for intentional personal development and community solidarity. It represents a nuanced understanding of post-disaster recovery that addresses both immediate physical needs and longer-term emotional well-being through collective care and empowerment.

  • Port of Spain businessman first murder for 2026

    Port of Spain businessman first murder for 2026

    The new year in Trinidad and Tobago commenced with tragedy as Ricardo “Fish” Taylor, a local shop proprietor, became the nation’s inaugural homicide victim on January 1st. The shooting occurred in broad daylight at the intersection of George and Prince Streets in Port of Spain, marking a violent start to 2026.

    Eyewitness accounts indicate Taylor was socializing with companions approximately at 1:30 pm when he briefly visited his commercial establishment to purchase beverages. Surveillance evidence reveals a masked assailant approaching unexpectedly and discharging three rounds at close range before fleeing the scene. Emergency medical personnel pronounced Taylor deceased at the location.

    Law enforcement personnel conducted forensic investigations while grieving family members and curious onlookers observed the proceedings. In a particularly poignant detail, currency for the intended beverage purchase slipped from the victim’s hand during evidence collection, scattering across the pavement near his remains.

    Community members expressed profound shock regarding the incident. An anonymous bystander recounted: “I initially mistook the gunfire for festive fireworks before realizing the horrifying truth.” Another resident disclosed an ominous prelude to the shooting – moments before the attack, an individual had jokingly accused Taylor of collaborating with law enforcement through surveillance monitoring.

    Lennox Smith, political leader of the Love party and eyewitness to the events, revealed Taylor had been preparing culinary offerings for a New Year’s gathering. Smith emphasized the victim’s clean legal record and advocated for non-violent conflict resolution, stating: “Had there been any disputes, mediation could have prevented this tragedy. We recently distributed holiday hampers to community families, making this violence particularly senseless.”
    This incident occurs against a backdrop of improving security statistics, with official reports indicating 369 homicides throughout 2025 – representing a 43% reduction compared to previous annual figures.

  • Kevin Downswell shares his wish for Jamaica in 2026

    Kevin Downswell shares his wish for Jamaica in 2026

    Renowned Jamaican gospel artist and ordained minister Kevin Downswell has articulated a profound vision for his nation’s future, advocating for a collective spiritual refocus among citizens. The acclaimed musician, best known for his inspirational anthem ‘You Make Me Stronger,’ shared his aspirations during a recent public appearance at the Funfest event held at Hope Gardens.

    In an exclusive dialogue with Observer Online following his spiritually charged performance, Downswell emphasized the transient nature of worldly pursuits. “My heartfelt desire for Jamaicans is to recenter their priorities on divine principles,” the artist stated. “The scriptures remind us to prioritize heavenly matters above all else, promising that other necessities will follow accordingly. Many chase temporary satisfactions that ultimately fade, but maintaining focus on eternal values yields lasting fulfillment.”

    Downswell’s spiritual counsel extends beyond his musical ministry. His 2024 publication, ‘Midnight to Victory: 90 Days of Faith, Hope, Prayer and Breakthrough,’ achieved remarkable success, topping Amazon’s bestseller lists and providing readers with a structured path toward personal transformation through daily devotional practice.

    The artist’s contributions to Jamaican culture and spiritual life received formal recognition in October 2025, when he was honored with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer during the National Honours and Awards ceremony at King’s House. This prestigious decoration acknowledges his significant impact through both artistic expression and spiritual leadership.

  • Holness calls for strong public education campaign on proper waste disposal

    Holness calls for strong public education campaign on proper waste disposal

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued a compelling call for the immediate launch of an extensive public education initiative focused on proper waste management and personal environmental accountability. The announcement came during high-level discussions with executives from the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).

    Holness emphasized the critical gap between municipal collection services and citizen participation, noting that while garbage trucks maintain regular schedules, widespread public noncompliance undermines sanitation efforts. He highlighted problematic behaviors including improper waste separation, inadequate container use, and disregard for collection timelines.

    “The educational component of NSWMA’s mandate must become paramount,” Holness stated. “We must initiate serious dialogue with citizens regarding household and commercial waste management responsibilities.”

    The Prime Minister expressed particular concern about roadside litter exposed during routine debushing operations, describing the proliferation of discarded beverage containers, food packaging, and plastic waste as “shameful.” He attributed this pollution to pedestrians and vehicle passengers indiscriminately disposing waste.

    Holness advocated for comprehensive awareness programs targeting all age demographics—from children who lack environmental consciousness to adults who either weren’t properly educated or knowingly disregard protocols. “As we advance toward 2026, these issues require immediate attention beginning with public education,” he affirmed.

    In a significant policy development, the Prime Minister revealed advanced discussions regarding implementing a digital ticketing system for sanitation violations. This technological upgrade would mirror traffic enforcement mechanisms, enabling streamlined prosecution of improper waste disposal offenses through judicial channels.

    “Everyone desires a cleaner Jamaica, but collective action remains elusive,” Holness observed. “These negligent practices ultimately clog drainage systems and exacerbate flooding. NSWMA will play pivotal roles in elevating national standards for environmental stewardship and public sanitation management.”

  • Bowleg says era of 12-hour Junkanoo parade must end

    Bowleg says era of 12-hour Junkanoo parade must end

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg has declared an end to the era of 12-hour Junkanoo parades following widespread public frustration over extensive delays during this season’s celebrations. The minister’s statements come in response to mounting complaints from spectators who endured overnight waits for major performances during the traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s Day events.

    The cultural minister emphasized that Junkanoo exists primarily for Bahamian citizens, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in creating parades that respect audience time and expectations. ‘It has to be a collaboration effort to come together and understand,’ Minister Bowleg stated. ‘We must improve how we smoothly transit and execute these parades so that the Bahamian people can see what they want to see in a timely manner.’

    Addressing the historical duration of the celebrations, Bowleg asserted: ‘I think gone are the days where these parades should take 12 to 13 hours to finish. I believe it can be done in a shorter time, where it can be most impactful and effective.’

    The current parade management falls under the National Junkanoo Committee, which took over organizational responsibilities following the government’s public dispute with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence. This season marked the committee’s inaugural management of both major parades, with the Boxing Day event particularly drawing criticism for extended intermissions between group performances.

    Minister Bowleg revealed that the proposed National Junkanoo Authority of The Bahamas – a statutory body the government plans to establish – would enable a more coordinated approach to nationwide Junkanoo management. This authority would facilitate strategic partnerships and closer collaboration between the new governing body, the existing National Junkanoo Committee, and participating performance groups.

    Despite the initial challenges, the New Year’s Day parade demonstrated noticeable improvements with reduced gaps between performances. The strategic deployment of B groups to maintain entertainment continuity while major groups prepared for their appearances helped sustain momentum along Bay Street. While acknowledging that further refinements will require time, Bowleg expressed satisfaction with the progress made and emphasized that systematic improvements are essential to preserving Junkanoo’s status as the nation’s premier cultural celebration.

  • FEEL to launch new wave of donor engagement in 2026

    FEEL to launch new wave of donor engagement in 2026

    The Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) is embarking on an ambitious donor engagement strategy for 2026 with the establishment of the FEEL 1000 Club, a collaborative network uniting individual philanthropists and corporate entities to bolster the organization’s humanitarian mission.

    In a year-end statement released December 30, the Trinidad and Tobago-based nonprofit issued an open invitation to both public and private sector stakeholders to participate in what it described as an “impactful initiative” designed to strengthen community support systems nationwide.

    Reflecting on a remarkably productive 2025, FEEL characterized the past year as a period of disciplined leadership, strategic expansion, and steadfast dedication to public service. The organization reported substantial scaling of operations, with monthly distributions of food provisions and cleaning supplies reaching 130 registered nonprofit organizations—support valued at exceeding $1.1 million monthly.

    Educational institutions also benefited from FEEL’s outreach, with quarterly deliveries of stationery and sanitation materials provided to 50 schools, ensuring essential resources for thousands of students. Through strengthened international partnerships, the organization received 55 forty-foot containers of staple food items, medical supplies, and household goods—totaling over 300,000 individual items with an estimated value surpassing $45 million.

    The foundation’s 2025 achievements were further amplified by two successful fundraising events: the Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament and a traditional Chinese dinner. These gatherings united cross-sector supporters from corporate, civil society, and philanthropic circles, reinforcing FEEL’s reputation as a trusted agent of national development.

    Chairman Dr. Sterling Frost acknowledged the board of directors for maintaining FEEL’s operational efficiency, transparency, and high-impact delivery standards. As the organization marks its 33rd year of service, Frost extended gratitude to numerous contributors including Fernandes Industrial Centre, Food for the Poor, United Way TT, Republic Bank Ltd, and multiple partners from energy, finance, and manufacturing sectors.

    Frost concluded with appreciation for warehouse staff, distribution assistants, transport providers, and national agencies, emphasizing that continued donor support enables FEEL to serve vulnerable populations with “compassion, consistency, and care.”

  • Fire Service responds to 13 000 emergency calls in 2025

    Fire Service responds to 13 000 emergency calls in 2025

    The Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) experienced a significant escalation in operational demand throughout 2025, responding to a total of 13,480 emergency and assistance calls according to its year-end operational report. This volume represents a notable five percent increase compared to the 12,839 incidents handled in the previous year, underscoring growing public reliance on the agency’s services.

    An in-depth breakdown of response data reveals a fundamental shift in the nature of emergencies confronting the fire service. Medical emergencies constituted the predominant category, accounting for 6,723 responses. These interventions addressed critical health crises including cardiac arrests, acute respiratory distress, and various life-threatening medical situations requiring immediate pre-hospital care.

    Trauma-related incidents formed the second largest category with 2,194 responses, encompassing accidents, falls, and injuries resulting from violent encounters. Meanwhile, traditional fire emergencies accounted for 679 responses, involving structural fires across residential, commercial, and industrial settings, alongside vegetation fires, vehicle blazes, electrical fires, and smoke-related incidents.

    The service also dedicated substantial resources to 3,884 non-emergency calls, providing essential public assistance, conducting minor investigations, and performing safety inspections throughout communities across the island.

    This operational data illustrates the SLFS’s evolution beyond conventional firefighting into a comprehensive emergency response organization. The statistics highlight the service’s critical function as a primary first responder for medical and trauma emergencies, in addition to its traditional fire suppression role.

    SLFS Press Officer Sherise John reaffirmed the organization’s commitment, stating: ‘The Saint Lucia Fire Service remains dedicated to serving our community and ensuring safety for all residents,’ emphasizing the agency’s preparedness to meet diverse public safety needs.

  • School term to begin on January 6

    School term to begin on January 6

    The Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation has officially confirmed the academic calendar for the upcoming school term in a December 31 announcement. According to the ministerial release, educational institutions across the nation will resume operations with students returning to classrooms on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, marking the commencement of the second academic term.

    The ministry has outlined specific reporting protocols for educational staff to ensure a seamless transition into the new term. School administrators, teaching faculty, and support personnel are required to resume their duties on Monday, January 5, 2026 – one day prior to student arrival. This strategic scheduling allows educational professionals to complete essential preparatory work, including classroom organization, administrative planning, and curricular alignment before welcoming students back to academic institutions.

    The coordinated approach emphasizes the government’s commitment to maintaining educational continuity and operational efficiency within the national school system. By establishing clear timelines for both staff and students, the ministry aims to facilitate an organized restart of academic activities following the term break, ensuring minimal disruption to the educational calendar while maximizing instructional effectiveness from the first day of term.

  • NUPW reflects on gains, eyes stronger advocacy in 2026

    NUPW reflects on gains, eyes stronger advocacy in 2026

    The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) of Barbados has declared its unwavering commitment to aggressively champion improved wages, enhanced job security, and better working conditions for public servants throughout 2026. President Kimberley Agard delivered this firm pledge in her New Year’s address, highlighting the critical timing of upcoming salary negotiations amid escalating living expenses and economic pressures facing workers.

    Reflecting on the achievements of 2025, Agard acknowledged significant progress in regularizing positions for officers who had been acting in various roles for over three years, ending prolonged periods of professional uncertainty. This development marked a substantial victory for job security within the public sector.

    The union leader emphasized that the NUPW would maintain vigilant oversight of national priorities affecting public workers, particularly the ongoing Job Evaluation Exercise, which serves as a crucial mechanism for ensuring equitable and transparent compensation structures. Agard also addressed the transition of government departments into State-Owned Enterprises, asserting that such organizational changes must not compromise workers’ rights or conditions.

    With salary negotiations imminent, the NUPW’s approach will extend beyond mere monetary increases to encompass comprehensive improvements in employment terms and conditions. The union intends to ensure that compensation packages accurately reflect the substantial contribution of public servants to national development while addressing the realities of current economic challenges.

    Additionally, the organization plans to strengthen industrial relations frameworks, enhance the capabilities of shop stewards, and guarantee that workers’ perspectives are integral to all decision-making processes affecting their livelihoods. Agard concluded by expressing gratitude for members’ resilience and reaffirming the union’s dedication to professionalism, progress, and people-centered development throughout Barbados’s public sector.