Carib Scope

博客

  • JCC warns: Caricom indispensable to Trinidad and Tobago economy

    JCC warns: Caricom indispensable to Trinidad and Tobago economy

    A significant diplomatic and economic debate has emerged in Trinidad and Tobago regarding the country’s relationship with the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The Joint Consultative Council for the Construction Industry (JCC) has issued a strong warning that the Caricom market remains indispensable for TT’s economic stability and diversification efforts.

    JCC President Fazir Khan emphasized in a December 23 media release that Trinidad and Tobago must reject any notion of prospering without Caricom’s support. This statement came in response to recent criticisms from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who characterized Caricom as fractured and an ‘unreliable partner’ while indicating TT’s pursuit of partnerships beyond the region.

    The Prime Minister had previously asserted that Caricom members had supported Venezuela against the United States in the latter’s anti-drug trafficking initiatives, specifically mentioning that Antiguans were ‘bad-mouthing’ the US, resulting in additional visa restrictions for that country.

    In a counter-argument, Gaston Browne responded via Facebook on December 21, challenging the characterization of Caricom as unreliable. He highlighted that Caricom represents TT’s second-largest export market after the United States, with substantial economic benefits. ‘In 2024 alone,’ Browne noted, ‘TT earned more than US $1.1 billion in foreign exchange from trade with Caricom, comprising approximately US $784.7 million in domestic exports and US $501.3 million in re-exports to Caricom states.’

    Khan supported this perspective, indicating that Caricom accounts for roughly ten percent of all global exports from Trinidad and Tobago and an even more significant portion of non-energy exports. Excluding petroleum and petroleum products, exports to Caricom reached over US$560 million in a recent benchmark year, representing approximately one quarter of all intra-regional exports—the largest share held by any member state.

    For the domestic construction industry, this regional demand translates into critical employment opportunities for technicians, engineers, contractors, and professional consultants who would otherwise face limitations within the local market. Khan warned that any disruption to this relationship could result in hundreds of millions of US dollars in potential annual export losses, particularly affecting non-energy sectors that are still establishing themselves in extra-regional markets.

    When questioned on December 22 about whether withdrawal from Caricom was under consideration by herself or the Cabinet, Persad-Bissessar stated, ‘Withdrawal from Caricom has not been discussed by Cabinet.’ She additionally expressed that she was not concerned about any economic impact resulting from the current Caricom divide.

  • Antiguan gospel-reggae artiste Enoch gets into the Christmas spirit

    Antiguan gospel-reggae artiste Enoch gets into the Christmas spirit

    Enoch, a 12-year-old gospel-reggae artist from Antigua, has declared Christmas his most cherished season, not merely for its festive spirit but for its profound alignment with his personal beliefs and musical mission. Currently performing in Jamaica, the young vocalist delivered powerful performances at two significant events over the weekend, embedding deeper significance into the holiday celebrations.

    The artist, who shares his birthday with Christmas Day, perceives the season as a multifaceted celebration. ‘Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Not only is it the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but I was also born on Christmas Day, so this season is very special and exciting for me,’ Enoch explained. He emphasized that the core principles of Christmas—love, generosity, and sharing with the less fortunate—are the very essence of his musical philosophy.

    His weekend itinerary included a performance in Trench Town on Friday, followed by a standout collaborative performance with esteemed gospel minister Carlene Davis on Saturday. They performed ‘Oh Holy Night’ at the Fun in the Son hurricane relief concert in New Market, St. Elizabeth. Describing the duet as a ‘dream come true,’ Enoch admitted to initial nerves that quickly dissolved once they began singing. He expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to share the stage with Davis, calling the live performance an ‘amazing experience.’

    The relief concert held particular weight for the young artist. The event aimed to raise funds for rebuilding a local church severely damaged by a hurricane. Enoch recounted the challenging conditions: a building without a roof, shattered windows, and no electricity, necessitating a generator. In a moment that epitomized resilience, the generator failed mid-performance. Yet, the show continued uninterrupted. ‘We just kept right on singing,’ Enoch recalled. This experience, witnessing a community smile and support each other amidst adversity, profoundly moved him, revealing the strength of collective human spirit and filling him with pride for his participation.

    Enoch’s musical contributions to the season include his current single, ‘For Christmas, No More Me Me,’ featured on his Christmas EP titled ‘Enoch’s Christmas Songs,’ produced by Noel Howell. Hailing from Jennings Village in St. Mary’s, Antigua, Enoch grew up immersed in the church community and is a student at the St Joseph Academy.

  • Connect a child this Christmas: USF donates tablets to students in need

    Connect a child this Christmas: USF donates tablets to students in need

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to combat educational inequality, Jamaica’s Universal Service Fund (USF) has launched a transformative Christmas initiative delivering brand-new tablets to high-achieving students facing economic challenges. The Connect-A-Child program represents a $15 million investment distributing 630 devices across all constituencies throughout December.

    The strategic intervention specifically targets Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students, aligning with Jamaica’s broader digital inclusion objectives and knowledge-based development framework established for the 2023/24 academic year. USF Chief Executive Officer Charlton McFarlane emphasized the program’s heightened significance following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on educational infrastructure and connectivity.

    This technological empowerment initiative arrives at a critical juncture as educational institutions nationwide continue recovery efforts from recent storm damage. The tablet distribution aims to ensure continuity in digital learning, particularly for students relying on technology for PEP examination preparation.

    “This Christmas season, the Universal Service Fund is connecting our children to greater opportunities by ensuring disadvantaged students receive these essential learning tools,” McFarlane stated. “Our Connect-A-Child initiative embodies our organizational commitment to keeping Jamaica digitally connected.”

    The inaugural distribution ceremony occurred December 5 at Moravia Primary School in Clarendon, where Principal Beverly Smith Williams expressed profound gratitude for the timely support. Despite operating without dedicated computer facilities, Moravia Primary has maintained exceptional academic standards through innovative teaching methodologies and community support.

    “We’re absolutely elated by this contribution,” Smith Williams remarked. “Even during the hurricane’s aftermath without electricity or running water, our faculty implemented creative half-day sessions to sustain educational continuity. These tablets will significantly enhance our digital readiness efforts.”

    The school has historically leveraged donations from alumni and political representatives to advance technology integration, while actively encouraging parental investment in educational devices. The principal noted the new resources will particularly benefit students demonstrating academic excellence despite socioeconomic challenges.

    Device distributions will continue through December 31 across all Jamaican constituencies. Operating under the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, the USF maintains a legislative mandate to expand information and communication technology access nationwide, working toward a digitally inclusive society where financial circumstances never impede educational advancement.

  • Bank of Jamaica temporarily waives ACH penalty

    Bank of Jamaica temporarily waives ACH penalty

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to ongoing operational difficulties within the nation’s financial infrastructure, the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has instituted a temporary relief measure for banking institutions. Effective December 15 through December 31, 2025, the central bank will suspend penalty fees for specific high-value Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions.

    The regulatory decision comes as multiple deposit-taking institutions (DTIs) continue experiencing technical complications following Jamaica’s transition to the ISO 20022 (MX) standard payment messaging system. This modernization initiative, which replaced the previous Swift Message Type (MT) framework, has created unforeseen delays in processing Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) payments and account transfers.

    Under the temporary waiver, transactions meeting or exceeding the J$1 million threshold will be exempt from the standard J$5,000 penalty typically imposed by the central bank. This intervention aims to maintain financial fluidity while DTIs address persistent operational hurdles associated with the new payment protocol.

    The BOJ clarified that this exemption applies exclusively to penalties administered by the central bank and does not extend to transaction fees levied by individual financial institutions. DTIs retain autonomy over their respective fee structures throughout the waiver period.

    Central bank officials characterized this measure as a transitional accommodation designed to support financial institutions during their adaptation to the enhanced payment ecosystem. The BOJ emphasized its commitment to maintaining payment system stability while acknowledging the technical complexities inherent in large-scale financial infrastructure upgrades.

  • St Elizabeth police bring Christmas cheer to 200 children

    St Elizabeth police bring Christmas cheer to 200 children

    ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica—The St Elizabeth Police Division celebrated a milestone in community engagement as its annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ Christmas initiative reached a record 200 children from across the parish. This marks the third consecutive year of the program’s successful operation under the leadership of Superintendent Coleridge Minto.

    Superintendent Minto, accompanied by his entire management team and officers from the Community Safety and Security Branch, expressed particular satisfaction with this year’s unprecedented turnout. “We are pleased with the turnout. It is by far the largest number of children that we have seen over the three-year period,” Minto stated on Tuesday, noting that the program continues to grow annually despite challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa.

    The initiative, designed to strengthen police-community relations during the holiday season, provided selected children with gifts and festive experiences. Beyond the shopping component, the event expanded to include celebratory activities at the Santa Cruz police station, where children enjoyed meals and recreational facilities including a bounce-about play area.

    Minto extended heartfelt appreciation to the initiative’s sponsors and partners, acknowledging their crucial role in making the event possible. “I want to say thanks to all our partners who assisted us to ensure that this day will be a reality to the police, to the parents, to the stakeholders, to all those who contributed in one way or another,” he emphasized.

    The growing success of the program demonstrates the St Elizabeth Police Division’s commitment to community-oriented policing strategies and positive relationship building with the communities they serve.

  • Venus Williams ties the knot with Andrea Predi

    Venus Williams ties the knot with Andrea Predi

    Tennis legend Venus Williams has formally entered matrimony with her partner Andrea Predi, culminating their relationship with a unique dual-wedding celebration. The athletic icon and her longtime beau exchanged vows in two distinct ceremonies across different continents, blending international romance with personal celebration.

    The couple’s initial wedding ceremony occurred on September 18th in the picturesque setting of Ischia, Italy, fulfilling Williams’ dream of an Italian wedding. However, due to complex international marriage documentation requirements that typically require approximately eight months for processing for foreign nationals, the Italian ceremony served as a symbolic celebration rather than a legally binding event.

    A subsequent official ceremony was conducted in Palm Beach, Florida, where the couple established their marital status according to American legal standards. The Florida celebration extended beyond a single day, featuring a full week of pre-wedding festivities that reflected the couple’s welcoming nature and love for entertaining guests in their home environment.

    Williams revealed to Vogue magazine that their engagement commenced on January 31, 2025, marking the beginning of their journey toward marital commitment. The dual-wedding approach allowed the couple to honor both their personal dreams and practical necessities, creating memorable experiences in both their preferred Italian setting and their local Florida community.

  • New life for Christmas Oye

    New life for Christmas Oye

    A Trinidadian musical collaboration has experienced an extraordinary revival as the rapso parang track ‘Christmas Oye’ surges in popularity nearly a decade after its initial creation. The festive composition, born from the creative alliance of Jason ‘Fridge’ Seecharan (formerly of H2O Phlo) and Wade ‘Tim Starr’ Christian (ex-Spotrushaz), with production by Jayron ‘Rawkus’ Remy, has found renewed relevance through a recently launched music video.

    The project originated when Remy shared unfinished Christmas rhythms with Tim Starr, who immediately recognized their potential. Seecharan, then frequently requested for Christmas cover performances, collaborated with Starr to develop authentic lyrics that resonated with Trinidadian holiday traditions. The resulting composition blended contemporary rapso elements with classic parang influences, creating a uniquely local soundscape.

    Despite limited radio play upon its 2016 release, the track maintained underground popularity through live performances. The breakthrough came in October 2024 when Tim Starr orchestrated an impromptu video shoot at Adam Smith Square in Woodbrook. Utilizing only his smartphone, Starr captured authentic moments of community celebration, supplemented by contributed footage from various artists and personalities including Roland ‘RemBunction’ Yearwood, Marcus Braveboy, and radio icon Allan Diaz.

    The video’s organic production approach perfectly complemented the song’s themes of familial bonding and culinary traditions referenced in lyrics describing sorrel, fruitcake, pastelles, and homemade wine. This authenticity has struck a chord with audiences, generating unexpected viral engagement across social platforms.

    For the creators, this belated success demonstrates music’s timeless quality. Remy reflects: ‘Music doesn’t expire. Sometimes it simply awaits the right moment for audience reception.’ The resurgence has prompted the artists to reconsider their archive of unreleased material, recognizing that digital platforms enable perpetual discovery beyond traditional radio cycles.

    The phenomenon underscores how cultural artifacts can find their audience through persistent curation and adapted presentation methods, proving that artistic merit sometimes requires patience before receiving its deserved recognition.

  • Couva police spread Christmas cheer

    Couva police spread Christmas cheer

    The Inshan Ali Promenade in Couva became a vibrant hub of seasonal joy on December 19th as the Couva Police Station Community Council (CPSCC) hosted its Christmas on the Promenade celebration. This heartwarming event successfully united approximately 300 residents from Couva and surrounding neighborhoods for an evening dedicated to festive harmony, cultural performances, and community bonding.

    Embracing the council’s foundational theme of ‘one district, one family,’ the festivities featured an array of engaging activities. Approximately 130 children experienced the magic of Christmas firsthand, receiving personalized gifts that sparked widespread delight. The program showcased inspirational addresses from police leadership, including Council Chairman Inspector Khan of the Couva Police Station.

    Cultural enrichment formed the cornerstone of the evening with captivating performances by Levantamientos Parang Group, the Couva Anglican Primary School Steel Orchestra, and the Dow Village Dance Group. Young talents including Ella Isaac, Siarah Mohammed, and Brandon Khan delivered memorable musical presentations, while DJ Zion Child provided rhythmic entertainment. The event was skillfully hosted by CPSCC President Bishop Ezekiel Clarke, who also debuted his original community anthem titled ‘Peace and Love.’

    This successful initiative originated from Bishop Clarke’s visionary leadership and was executed by the council’s event planning committee under Vice President Miguel Charles. The celebration represented a significant expansion of the CPSCC’s ongoing outreach programs throughout the central region.

    The council extended profound gratitude to its sponsors and community partners whose support was instrumental to the event’s success, including R&R Trading, Couva Glass, Kayvanic Logistics, NB Environmental Services, and the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation.

  • Laventille family’s Christmas hope ends in tragedy

    Laventille family’s Christmas hope ends in tragedy

    A Laventille family’s hopes for a Christmas reunion were shattered when search teams recovered the body of 25-year-old MTS Security officer Jamal Brandon Jessop from a swampy area near the WASA facility at Beetham Gardens on December 22. The discovery concluded an intensive two-day search operation involving multiple law enforcement and rescue organizations.

    Jessop, described as a muscular black male standing approximately six feet tall with a bald head and distinctive goatee, was reported missing by his mother Sherry-Ann Jessop on December 20. According to police reports, the young security officer had last been seen at the family home in Eastern Quarry, Laventille, where he shared lunch before departing unexpectedly—behavior his mother noted was highly uncharacteristic.

    The search gained urgency when Sherry-Ann received disturbing information on December 21 suggesting her son had been fatally shot during an altercation in Beetham Gardens. The tipsters, whose identities she protected citing safety concerns, indicated the incident occurred between 2 am and 6 am, with Jessop’s body allegedly discarded in either the Sea Lots swamp or near the WASA pump station along the Beetham Highway.

    Vallence Rambharat of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team coordinated with police to comb the challenging terrain, though initial efforts were suspended due to poor lighting and dense vegetation. The operation resumed at dawn on December 22 with support from the Police K9 Unit, Air Support, and multiple divisions, ultimately leading to the grim discovery beneath a bridge where spent shell casings were reportedly found nearby.

    Social media footage captured the heartrending scene as Jessop’s mother and relatives gathered while recovery teams worked. The deceased, who had been receiving outpatient mental health treatment at St Ann’s Hospital, was identified by his chest tattoo bearing the surname “Jessop.”

    The Anti-Kidnapping and Homicide Bureau has assumed investigation into the case. In separate but geographically proximate incidents, police are investigating another suspected homicide in Beetham Gardens where an unidentified African male was found shot execution-style, plus a shooting in Morvant that left a 21-year-old man wounded but stable at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex.

  • Beckles: PM behaving like a dictator

    Beckles: PM behaving like a dictator

    Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape is embroiled in a heated controversy surrounding the undisclosed establishment of US military infrastructure on sovereign soil. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has launched scathing criticisms against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, accusing her of exhibiting dictatorial tendencies through evasive responses regarding American military presence in Tobago.

    The core of the dispute centers on a sophisticated G/ATOR radar system developed by Northrop Grumman, a prominent US defense contractor specializing in advanced military technology including stealth aircraft and unmanned drones. This multi-role detection system, capable of identifying aerial threats from missiles to drones, became operational at the ANR Robinson International Airport in November alongside supporting US Marine facilities.

    Beckles, who also serves as Political Leader of the People’s National Movement, condemned the Prime Minister’s dismissive attitude toward legitimate public inquiries. During a December 21 press engagement, Persad-Bissessar exhibited visible irritation when questioned about the military infrastructure, characterizing these national security concerns as ‘nonsense’ and a waste of her time.

    The Opposition Leader highlighted concerning inconsistencies in the government’s narrative, noting that Tobagonian leadership including Chief Secretary Farley Augustine maintained no prior knowledge or consultation regarding the military installation. This lack of transparency extends to the National Security Council, where key regional representatives claim exclusion from critical decision-making processes.

    Beckles, drawing from her diplomatic experience as Trinidad’s former UN ambassador, emphasized the fundamental principles of international law and CARICOM solidarity that previous administrations had consistently upheld. She expressed grave concerns about the Prime Minister’s simultaneous defense of US military actions while criticizing regional partners for questioning these developments.

    The escalating confrontation underscores deeper tensions regarding national sovereignty, governmental accountability, and the proper channels for democratic oversight. Beckles reiterated that no elected leader stands above public scrutiny, emphasizing that transparency remains non-negotiable when concerning matters of national security and international military cooperation.