Carib Scope

博客

  • 79-y-o pedestrian dies in Manchester crash

    79-y-o pedestrian dies in Manchester crash

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A fatal traffic incident claimed the life of a senior citizen on Friday evening along the Prospect main road in Manchester. The victim, identified as 79-year-old Trevor Williams, a local resident of Prospect, succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck by a public passenger vehicle.

    According to official police reports, the tragedy occurred at approximately 7:30 PM when Williams was walking along the roadway. A white Toyota Hiace Commuter minibus, traveling northbound, collided with the pedestrian. The vehicle, operating as licensed public transport, was under the operation of a 49-year-old driver at the time of the accident.

    Emergency services transported the critically injured man to a nearby medical facility, where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival. The Manchester police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, though no immediate arrests have been reported. The incident has raised renewed concerns about pedestrian safety and traffic enforcement on Jamaica’s roadways, particularly involving public transportation vehicles and vulnerable road users during evening hours.

  • Grassroots producer Phil Pratt dies at 82

    Grassroots producer Phil Pratt dies at 82

    The music world mourns the passing of George ‘Phil Pratt’ Phillips, an influential reggae producer whose work defined an era of sound system culture. Pratt died in London on February 25 at age 82, as confirmed by his son Garfield ‘Sampalue’ Phillips.

    Born in West Kingston, Jamaica, Pratt’s musical journey began under the mentorship of legendary producers Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd and Ken Lack. Though his initial career as a singer in the mid-1960s proved brief, Pratt discovered his true calling in production. His breakthrough came with Pat Kelly’s emotive ‘How Long,’ establishing his reputation for crafting hits that resonated deeply with Jamaican audiences.

    The 1970s marked Pratt’s most prolific period, producing a string of successful releases for the Sunshot label. His distinctive production style elevated tracks including Pat Kelly’s ‘Talk About Love,’ John Holt’s ‘Strange Things’ and ‘My Heart is Gone,’ and Ken Boothe’s enduring ‘Artibella’—later sampled by Snoop Dogg for his 2013 track ‘La La La.’

    Operating from his Orange Street record shop in West Kingston’s musical epicenter, Pratt belonged to a pioneering generation of independent producers whose work achieved widespread popularity through sound system plays rather than mainstream radio. Contemporary deejay Dennis Alcapone, who recorded several tracks for Pratt including ‘This A Butter,’ remembered him as ‘a very quiet person’ who ‘when him hit, him hit big.’

    After relocating to the United Kingdom over four decades ago, Pratt established a new life in northwest London’s Harlesden district, operating a restaurant within the area’s vibrant West Indian community. His musical legacy continues through his son Sampalue, who has produced works for reggae icons including Dennis Brown, Lady Saw, and Frankie Paul while maintaining his own singing career with two album releases.

    Phil Pratt is survived by multiple children and grandchildren, leaving behind a catalog that continues to influence generations of musicians and producers.

  • Mexico sends more aid to Cuba

    Mexico sends more aid to Cuba

    HAVANA, Cuba — In a significant display of international solidarity, two Mexican naval vessels arrived in Havana harbor on Saturday carrying nearly 1,200 tons of humanitarian supplies for the Cuban population. This marks the second such delivery within a month as the island nation faces mounting economic pressure from the United States.

    The Papaloapan and Huasteco ships, dispatched by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration earlier this week, delivered 1,193 tons of essential aid including 23 tons of food donations contributed by Mexican citizens through a national relief drive. This follows a previous shipment on February 12 that delivered 814 tons of critical supplies including dairy products, meat, grains, and hygiene items.

    The aid arrives amid heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States, where the Trump administration has explicitly pursued policies aimed at restricting Cuba’s access to energy resources. Following the US military intervention that ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro—formerly Cuba’s primary oil supplier—President Trump vowed to ‘starve Cuba of oil.’

    While the US administration recently modified its energy blockade to permit some oil shipments to private Cuban companies, restrictions remain firmly in place against government and military entities. This has created severe shortages across the island, with power plants struggling to maintain electricity and critical shortages affecting medicine, fuel, and food supplies.

    The situation represents an escalation of the long-standing US trade embargo against Cuba, in effect since 1962. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose Cuban heritage informs his policy stance, along with President Trump have openly expressed their objective of precipitating regime change in Havana, with Trump declaring the communist nation ‘ready to fall.’

    With Venezuela’s oil shipments curtailed and Mexican energy exports threatened by US tariff policies, Cuba’s 9.6 million residents face their most severe economic crisis in decades, potentially pushing the nation toward complete energy collapse.

  • WATCH: US, Israel launch major attack on Iran

    WATCH: US, Israel launch major attack on Iran

    WEST PALM BEACH, United States — President Donald Trump declared a comprehensive military assault against Iran in a surprise video address early Saturday, threatening to completely dismantle the nation’s naval capabilities and missile infrastructure while explicitly calling for the overthrow of Iran’s government.

    The unprecedented announcement, delivered from Trump’s Florida residence and broadcast via his Truth Social platform, followed initial U.S.-Israel coordinated strikes against Iranian targets. The president outlined two primary objectives: the complete destruction of Iran’s military assets and the removal of the political leadership that has governed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

    “We are systematically targeting their missile facilities and will eradicate their entire missile production capability. Their naval forces face total annihilation,” Trump stated in his characteristically blunt rhetoric. He directly addressed Iranian citizens opposed to their government, proclaiming, “Your moment of liberation has arrived. Seize control of your government when our operations conclude—this may represent your sole opportunity for generations.”

    Trump acknowledged potential American casualties in the operation, designated “Operation Epic Fury” by the Pentagon. “We may suffer losses among our courageous military personnel,” he cautioned, recognizing the political vulnerability this creates given his bypassing of Congressional authorization for military action.

    This large-scale offensive contrasts sharply with previous limited engagements under Trump’s administration, including the bloodless Venezuelan intervention attempt and precision strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year. The current operation represents a significant escalation both militarily and diplomatically.

    The president justified the assault as necessary to counter imminent threats from Iran’s nuclear program and advancing missile technology, which he claimed endangered U.S. troops, European allies, and potentially the American homeland. He issued an ultimatum to Iranian military forces, particularly the Revolutionary Guards, offering “complete immunity” for surrender or “certain death” for resistance.

    Trump advised Iranian civilians to remain sheltered due to widespread bombing operations, contradicting his administration’s diplomatic efforts just days earlier when U.S. and Iranian officials conducted negotiations in Geneva regarding Tehran’s nuclear program through Omani mediation.

  • West Indies skipper says no time to lament loss to S Africa

    West Indies skipper says no time to lament loss to S Africa

    AHMEDABAD, India (CMC) — Facing elimination from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, West Indies captain Shai Hope has emphasized the critical need for improved execution ahead of Sunday’s decisive match against tournament hosts India. The Caribbean squad’s comprehensive nine-wicket defeat to South Africa on Thursday has placed their semi-final aspirations in jeopardy, transforming their upcoming encounter into a must-win scenario.

    The mathematical reality became clear following India’s commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, which secured South Africa’s progression to the final four. The winner of Sunday’s West Indies-India showdown at Eden Gardens will claim the remaining semi-final berth from the group.

    During his post-match assessment, Hope reframed the challenge philosophically: “I wouldn’t characterize this as a difficult road; rather, this is precisely how tournament cricket is meant to unfold. The Super Eight stage exists to separate the elite teams, and we must demonstrate we belong among them.”

    The captain identified execution failures as the primary culprit in Thursday’s defeat, particularly noting the team’s disastrous Powerplay performance that left them reeling at 83 for seven. While eventually recovering to post 176 for eight, Hope estimated the squad fell “40, 50, even 60 runs short” given the favorable batting conditions.

    Despite the collapse, Hope defended his top-order batsmen’s aggressive approach, arguing their strategy remained sound despite questionable shot selection. “There’s no singular correct method in T20 cricket,” he explained. “The ideal scenario would feature openers batting through the innings, but reality often demands adaptation. We must credit the lower order for rallying to a competitive total from dire circumstances.”

    Hope concluded with determination: “We must rapidly rectify our performance gaps and deliver our premium cricket precisely when it matters most. Our destiny remains within our control.”

  • Grace underlines commitment to grass roots sport with All-Star Football

    Grace underlines commitment to grass roots sport with All-Star Football

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Grace Kennedy Limited has reinforced its commitment to nurturing athletic excellence at the foundational level through its sponsorship of the 2026 All-Star Jamaica Youth Football Event. The tournament, orchestrated by Football Society at the American International School of Kingston (AISK), featured the nation’s most promising under-12 football talents from leading preparatory and primary schools.

    This elite exhibition, designed to identify and develop future stars, assembled Form A and B All-Star teams in both educational divisions. Selection was merit-based, drawing from the top performers of the competitive season, to provide a superior platform for skill enhancement, mentorship, and increased visibility within the sport.

    Grace’s support was channeled through its non-alcoholic energy malt drink, Mighty Malt, via a combination of financial backing and in-kind contributions. The brand’s presence allowed young athletes and attendees to sample the product, a premium beverage enriched with Vitamins B6, B12, and biotin, nutrients scientifically recognized for supporting energy metabolism and overall wellness.

    Kristina Hill, Beverage Brand Manager at Grace Foods and Services, articulated the company’s overarching mission. ‘Our investment in grassroots sports is a strategic pillar of our Good Moves philosophy. It extends far beyond the pitch, aiming to build discipline, teamwork, and confidence in young people, thereby creating tangible pathways for holistic development,’ Hill stated. She emphasized that such events allow the brand to contribute substantively to the athletic and personal journey of youth.

    Now in its third iteration, the All-Star event is a key component of Grace’s expanding ecosystem of youth football initiatives. This includes the brand’s title sponsorship of the Victory Cup, the Caribbean’s largest youth football tournament, which provides critical funding for coaching, mentorship, and competitive structures over the past two years.

    The on-field action at the 2026 showcase delivered thrilling competition. The day commenced with the Prep B team clinching a narrow 3-2 win over the Primary B squad in a high-energy opener. The subsequent match featured a tightly contested battle where the Primary A team secured a 2-1 victory against the Prep A side, demonstrating the remarkable depth of emerging talent across age groups.

    Event creator Leighton Davis highlighted the indispensable role of corporate partnerships. ‘Private sector support from entities like Grace is fundamental to the sustainability and quality of our youth programs. It empowers us to offer these exceptional young athletes the high-caliber experiences and developmental pathways they deserve,’ Davis remarked.

    With significant attendance from athletes, coaches, and spectators, the event underscored the critical importance of structured investment in Jamaica’s sporting grassroots—a domain where Grace Mighty Malt is steadily amplifying its influential and active role.

  • Domino boss says Global Thinkers Academy helping to drive youth education

    Domino boss says Global Thinkers Academy helping to drive youth education

    Under the leadership of its president, Humbert Davis, the National Association of Domino Bodies (NADB) is spearheading a transformative movement to revolutionize Jamaica’s educational landscape. The organization is implementing groundbreaking initiatives designed not merely to educate, but to fundamentally inspire the nation’s youth.

    Davis articulated a vision that moves beyond traditional pedagogy, emphasizing that the NADB’s core mission is to ignite an enduring passion for knowledge. This vision is being realized through strategic programs like the Global Thinkers Academy, which the NADB actively supports. This academy represents the vanguard of educational innovation, with a specialized curriculum centered on cultivating critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and practical application skills.

    “Our approach is about empowerment, not just instruction,” Davis stated. “We are demonstrating to young Jamaicans that possessing the right mindset, coupled with robust support systems, is the key to unlocking their immense potential for greatness.”

    The academy’s methodology is notably hands-on, compelling students to engage with academic concepts, particularly in mathematics, by applying them to tangible, real-world challenges. This experiential learning model aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical utility, making education both dynamic and relevant.

    While celebrating the tangible successes and markedly improved student performances already achieved, Davis confirmed the NADB’s commitment is unwavering. The association pledges to continue pushing the boundaries of educational excellence, creating expansive opportunities, and ensuring that learning remains an engaging, accessible, and empowering journey for every young mind in Jamaica. The ultimate goal is a sustained investment in shaping the country’s future leaders, innovators, and thinkers.

  • AGONISING LOSS

    AGONISING LOSS

    Jamaica’s national basketball team suffered a devastating collapse in their historic home FIBA World Cup qualifier, surrendering a nine-point lead in the final quarter to fall 96-99 to The Bahamas on Thursday. The electrifying match at a packed National Indoor Sports Centre marked Jamaica’s first-ever hosting of major international basketball, making the last-minute defeat particularly painful for players and fans alike.

    Head Coach Rick Turner expressed profound disappointment following the dramatic reversal, characterizing the loss as ‘an incredible missed opportunity’ for Jamaican basketball. Despite strong performances from Chase Audige (27 points) and Kofi Cockburn (18 points, 12 rebounds), Jamaica couldn’t maintain their 80-71 advantage with under 12 minutes remaining. The Bahamas mounted a stunning comeback led by Franco Miller’s 32-point performance, seizing control in the final three minutes.

    The defeat carries significant implications for Group B standings in the Americas qualifiers. Jamaica now sits second with five points, requiring a victory against group leaders Canada (6 points) on Sunday to secure automatic advancement to the final round. The Bahamas improved to four points and could potentially overtake Jamaica with a strong performance against Puerto Rico.

    Coach Turner identified concerning psychological factors behind the collapse, noting his team lacked the ‘bunker mentality’ and communication that characterized their previous successful outings. ‘We played with a togetherness that allows us to overcome mistakes,’ Turner reflected, ‘and that just wasn’t there tonight.’

    Bahamas Head Coach Moses Johnson acknowledged the historic significance of the event for Jamaican basketball while praising his team’s resilience in a ‘tough environment.’ Johnson noted the game featured 15 lead changes and could have gone either way, ultimately crediting his players for making crucial plays down the stretch.

    The result sets up a critical final group stage match against world No. 5 Canada, with Jamaica’s World Cup aspirations hanging in the balance. Coach Turner emphasized the need to rediscover their underdog identity before facing one of international basketball’s powerhouse programs.

  • Westmoreland welcomes JPS emergency generator in Bethel Town

    Westmoreland welcomes JPS emergency generator in Bethel Town

    The Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce has applauded the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) for deploying an emergency mobile power generation unit in Bethel Town, a critical intervention following the devastating Hurricane Melissa in October. This temporary installation will supply electricity to approximately 850 customers while JPS crews complete extensive repairs to the primary infrastructure, which sustained severe damage during the storm.

    Moses Chybar, President of the Chamber, emphasized the unit’s vital role in revitalizing local commerce. He identified micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as the nation’s economic backbone, crucial for employment and community stability. With commercial power now returning, Chybar issued a challenge to local business operators: to act responsibly by rolling back the inflated prices that were necessitated by the high cost of fuel and generator usage post-hurricane. He framed this moment as an opportunity for a resilient reset, urging entrepreneurs to integrate stronger preparedness into their future planning.

    This initiative represents the third such emergency unit deployed by JPS in its ongoing restoration efforts across western Jamaica. At the official commissioning on February 20, 2026, JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant addressed residents, thanking them for their patience and reaffirming an unwavering commitment. “No community is forgotten,” Grant stated, pledging round-the-clock work until every eligible customer is reconnected.

    The emergency generator will power essential services including the Bethel Town Health Centre, the local police station, and the primary school, while also enabling small businesses to resume operations. Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Eastern, Dr. Dayton Campbell, detailed the scale of destruction in the constituency, where nearly 5,000 homes were destroyed. Campbell urged homeowners to have their properties professionally assessed by licensed electricians to ensure they can safely receive the restored power. He also highlighted available government support, including grants from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and rewiring assistance from the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, underscoring the imperative to build back stronger and safer.

  • Cancer gave my life purpose, says advocate Yvonne Dunkley

    Cancer gave my life purpose, says advocate Yvonne Dunkley

    FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Sixteen years after receiving a stage three breast cancer diagnosis with a five-year life expectancy, Yvonne Dunkley has not only surpassed medical predictions but has fundamentally transformed her relationship with the disease. As founder of Feed the Fight Breast Cancer Foundation, she now views her cancer journey as divinely purposeful rather than merely tragic.

    Addressing attendees at the first anniversary celebration of the Trelawny Cancer Support Group, Dunkley reframed her identity: “I am not a survivor. I am a striver. I am going to live every day as if I’m dying tomorrow.” Her foundation, established in 2013, now operates support networks across the United States, Africa, Thailand, and the Caribbean with particular focus on her native Jamaica.

    Dunkley spoke with raw honesty about the psychological impact of her double mastectomy, describing the moment she removed her bandages as mentally devastating. “As women, we see our identity through our breasts. Mentally, I wasn’t ready,” she confessed. Yet she balanced this vulnerability with humorous anecdotes, including prosthetic breasts slipping from her blouse in a crowded airport.

    Her advocacy extends beyond emotional support. The foundation recently purchased 20 chemotherapy needles for patients unable to afford them, highlighting systemic healthcare gaps. Dunkley emphasized preventive care for all genders: “Check your breasts. Do your annual check-ups. Men, go and do your PSA. Don’t wait until there’s a problem.”

    Medical professionals praised Dunkley’s transformative impact. Dr. Marcia Johnson Campbell, regional non-communicable disease coordinator for WRHA, described her as “a mover and a shaker” driven by profound purpose. Dr. Latrecia Blake from the Trelawny Health Department noted that since 2023, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health has actively promoted cancer support groups to address the comprehensive needs of patients beyond medical treatment alone.

    Through her foundation’s work at institutions like Cornwall Regional Hospital, where they’ve provided support for four years, Dunkley embodies what she calls “living with gratitude”—finding purpose in pain and transforming personal struggle into collective strength.