Carib Scope

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  • US Senate vote to curb Trump’s military powers in Venezuela

    US Senate vote to curb Trump’s military powers in Venezuela

    In an extraordinary bipartisan move, the US Senate has advanced legislation challenging President Donald Trump’s military actions in Venezuela. The resolution, which cleared a critical procedural hurdle on Thursday, prohibits further US hostilities against Venezuela without explicit congressional authorization.

    The measure gained momentum following heightened concerns over the secretive capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, an operation that involved air and naval strikes in Caracas. Lawmakers from both parties characterized the mission as exceeding limited law-enforcement parameters and constituting an act of war.

    Five Republican senators joined Democrats in supporting the resolution, prompting fierce criticism from President Trump on his Truth Social platform. He denounced the dissenting Republicans for their ‘stupidity’ and suggested they ‘should never be elected to office again.’

    Despite the procedural success, the resolution faces significant obstacles. It must still pass the full Senate and House of Representatives, and would likely encounter a presidential veto. The administration defends its actions as legally justified under counter-narcotics operations against designated terrorist organizations.

    Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), who co-sponsored the measure, argued that ‘bombing another nation’s capital and removing their leader is an act of war, plain and simple,’ emphasizing that no constitutional provision grants such power to the presidency.

    The development represents one of Congress’s most substantial assertions of war-making authority in decades, echoing the historic War Powers Resolution of 1973 enacted over President Nixon’s veto.

  • Kes’ and Etienne Charles’ Unity Jazz Festival at NY Lincoln Center sold out

    Kes’ and Etienne Charles’ Unity Jazz Festival at NY Lincoln Center sold out

    Caribbean music has achieved a monumental milestone as Kes the Band, in collaboration with renowned Trinidadian trumpeter Etienne Charles, has completely sold out their two-night Unity Jazz Festival at New York’s prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center on January 8-9. This extraordinary achievement underscores the growing global appreciation for Afro-Caribbean musical traditions.

    The festival represents a watershed moment for Caribbean artists, marking their ascendancy onto one of the world’s most iconic cultural stages. The event forms an integral part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 38th season programming, which celebrates ‘Mother Africa’ and honors the profound influence of Afro-diasporic music across jazz and related musical traditions.

    Adding to their acclaim, the band received prominent feature coverage in the January 7 edition of The New York Times, further validating their artistic significance. The performances will showcase specially reimagined arrangements from Kes the Band’s extensive catalog, creatively blending soca, calypso, jazz, and soul genres into intimate musical storytelling experiences.

    Trumpeter Etienne Charles, celebrated for his mastery of Afro-Caribbean musical language, will serve as special guest collaborator, enhancing the festival’s core message of cultural unity and artistic exchange. This landmark event follows the massive international success of the band’s latest single, ‘Rum And Coca Cola,’ which achieved record-breaking chart debuts on Apple Music’s Top 100 in over twenty countries and accumulated hundreds of thousands of streams and YouTube views.

  • Fernander: Step aside as MP if you cannot see a better Bahamas

    Fernander: Step aside as MP if you cannot see a better Bahamas

    In a powerful address marking the commencement of the legislative year, Bishop Delton Fernander delivered a stirring challenge to Bahamian lawmakers during the annual Parliamentary Church Service at the Church of God on East Street. The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Philip Davis, cabinet members, parliamentarians, and opposition figures, traditionally sets the tone for the upcoming parliamentary session.

    Bishop Fernander issued a direct ultimatum to elected officials, stating that those incapable of envisioning an improved Bahamas should reconsider their positions. ‘If you cannot see a better Bahamas, maybe this should be your last run,’ he declared before the assembled leadership. The clergyman emphasized that public office demands clear vision and accountability, reminding attendees that they operate within a parliamentary tradition spanning nearly three centuries with profound moral responsibilities.

    Reflecting on historical leadership, the Bishop contrasted distinguished predecessors with those who faded into obscurity despite holding similar positions of power. He described the nation’s forefathers as architects of change who demonstrated courage, strategy, character, and purpose in transforming the Bahamas from a fishing community to a premier tourism destination. ‘What will we do with our time?’ he challenged current leaders.

    Amid global uncertainties, economic pressures, and conflicts, Bishop Fernander stressed that citizens rely on their representatives to prioritize national interests over personal gain. ‘The Bahamian people are counting on you to have their best interest at heart and not your own,’ he emphasized, calling for decisions that benefit all citizens and create opportunities for future generations.

    Addressing the approaching election cycle, the religious leader cautioned against treating this period as the ‘silly season,’ insisting instead on its seriousness. He urged the nation to attract its best talent, noting that many skilled Bahamians abroad contribute to other countries’ development due to feeling unwelcomed at home.

    The Bishop also delivered a remarkable apology on behalf of religious institutions for their historical silence driven by desires for political contracts and board appointments. ‘I want to apologise for the silence,’ he stated, encouraging faith leaders to speak truth even at personal cost. He concluded by reminding lawmakers of their roots in faith and sacrifice, emphasizing that ultimate guidance comes from divine rather than human sources.

  • Deadly crash in Eleuthera claims the lives of two men

    Deadly crash in Eleuthera claims the lives of two men

    A devastating head-on collision on Queen’s Highway in Eleuthera has resulted in the deaths of two young men, marking another tragic chapter in The Bahamas’ road safety record. The fatal incident occurred in the Palmetto Point area shortly before 7am yesterday morning, involving vehicles traveling in opposite directions.

    According to police reports, the collision involved a white Ford Transit van and a Nissan Bluebird sedan. The impact caused extensive front-end damage to both vehicles, requiring emergency responders to use specialized extraction equipment to reach the victims.

    The Nissan Bluebird, driven by a 28-year-old man with a 21-year-old male passenger, proved fatal for both occupants. Despite rescue efforts utilizing the Jaws of Life apparatus, both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene by attending medical personnel.

    The Ford Transit van, operated by a male driver carrying two male passengers, sustained significant damage but resulted in less severe outcomes. Both passengers were transported to medical facilities in New Providence for advanced treatment, while the driver received care at a local clinic and was subsequently discharged.

    Sources have identified the deceased as Sanvano Francis and the father of Zearan Forbes, a resident originally from Grand Bahama. Preliminary information indicates both men were employed by El Greco energy company, operating within the island community.

    This incident represents the latest addition to The Bahamas’ road fatality statistics, raising continued concerns about traffic safety and infrastructure measures on the nation’s highways.

  • St James showdown

    St James showdown

    A significant political confrontation is emerging in the Bahamas as both major parties position themselves to contest the newly established St James constituency in western New Providence. The electoral battleground, formally recommended by the Constituency Boundaries Commission and presented to the House of Assembly, has already attracted attention from prominent political figures.

    On the governing Progressive Liberal Party side, legal professional Owen Wells has emerged as a potential candidate. The accomplished attorney, partner at McKinney, Turner & Co and chairman of Bahamix Limited, resides within the proposed constituency boundaries and recently participated in the PLP’s aspirants’ training module. Wells brings substantial legal credentials, having earned his LLB with Upper Second Class honours from England’s University of Buckingham and subsequent qualifications from the College of Law in Bloomsbury.

    Opposing him will likely be Free National Movement deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, the current MP for St Barnabas. Notably, Cartwright served on the very Boundaries Commission that recommended creating the St James seat. Tribune sources indicate the FNM is expected to ratify Cartwright for this new constituency.

    The political maneuvering occurs amid background concerns from some St Barnabas constituents who have expressed dissatisfaction with Cartwright’s perceived reduced visibility following his elevation within the FNM leadership. Critics have cited decreased constituency meetings and difficulties in securing appointments, though Cartwright has vigorously denied allegations of neglect, pointing to ongoing community initiatives including feeding programs, agricultural projects, and seasonal outreach events.

    This early jockeying for position signals both parties recognize the strategic importance of the newly drawn constituency as the next general election approaches.

  • Bahamian researcher: Obesity drugs may prevent colorectal cancer

    Bahamian researcher: Obesity drugs may prevent colorectal cancer

    A groundbreaking international study led by Bahamian researcher Dr. Colton Jones has revealed that medications commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight management may significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. The research, which represents the first large-scale comparative analysis of its kind, demonstrates that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) outperform aspirin in preventive efficacy while presenting a more favorable safety profile.

    The comprehensive investigation, scheduled for presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in San Francisco, examined health records of over 281,000 participants sourced from TriNetX, a commercial database encompassing 150 million patients across 106 healthcare organizations. The cohort, with an average age of 58 and comprising nearly 70% women, was divided between GLP-1 users and aspirin recipients.

    Research findings indicate that individuals administered GLP-1 medications experienced a 36% reduction in colorectal cancer incidence compared to those using aspirin. This protective effect proved even more pronounced among high-risk populations with personal or family history of the disease, reaching nearly 42% risk reduction.

    Dr. Jones, a cancer fellow and researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center, emphasized the clinical significance of these findings: ‘While aspirin has demonstrated modest preventive benefits, its associated bleeding risks have limited widespread adoption for cancer prevention. GLP-1 receptor agonists, already extensively utilized for metabolic conditions, may offer a dual therapeutic advantage by addressing both metabolic control and oncological risk mitigation.’

    The study further revealed superior safety outcomes for GLP-1 medications, with users experiencing fewer instances of acute kidney injury, gastric ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding compared to aspirin recipients. However, gastrointestinal side effects including diarrhea and abdominal pain were more frequently reported among GLP-1 users.

    Notably, the protective benefits were most substantial among participants who initiated treatment before age 45 and were observed irrespective of obesity or diabetes status. Tobacco users and individuals with atherosclerotic disease did not demonstrate significant risk reduction. Among the specific medications analyzed, semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide showed considerable efficacy, while tirzepatide did not demonstrate comparable benefits.

    Despite the modest individual benefit requiring approximately 2,000 person-treatments to prevent one cancer case, researchers highlighted the substantial public health implications given that approximately 6% of adults currently use GLP-1 medications. Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States, with approximately 150,000 diagnoses and over 50,000 fatalities recorded in 2025.

    Dr. Jones characterized the research as a milestone achievement for Bahamian science, noting that clinical trials will be necessary to further validate these observational findings and establish definitive clinical guidelines.

  • Jamaican appointed as chancellor of New York City public education system

    Jamaican appointed as chancellor of New York City public education system

    NEW YORK — In a significant development for American education, Jamaican-born educator Kamar Samuels has been appointed as the new chancellor of New York City’s public school system, the nation’s largest school district. The appointment, effective January 1, was announced by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and has received enthusiastic endorsement from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

    Samuels brings over two decades of educational leadership experience to the role, having previously served as superintendent for Manhattan’s District 3 and Brooklyn’s District 13. His professional journey within the NYC public school system began through the NYC Teaching Fellows program as an elementary school teacher in the Bronx, followed by leadership positions including principal of the Bronx Writing Academy (MS 323) and executive roles in NYCPS central offices.

    Bronx Borough President Gibson, herself of Caribbean heritage with a Trinidadian father, expressed strong support for the appointment. ‘With decades of experience as a veteran educator, school leader and public school parent, Chancellor Samuels brings a deep understanding of the public education system to this role,’ Gibson stated. She emphasized that his dedication to academic excellence, culturally responsive learning, and student achievement aligns with the fundamental belief that every child in New York City deserves access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality education.

    The NYC Public Schools system highlighted Samuels’ educational philosophy, noting his focus on creating ‘schools that are safe, academically rigorous and truly integrated.’ According to the district, Samuels believes schools should reflect New York City’s unique diversity through learning experiences grounded in cultural understanding and respect. His approach emphasizes high expectations, meaningful support, and family partnership as essential components of student success.

    Samuels’ educational background includes attendance at Jamaica College in St. Andrew, Jamaica, before continuing his studies at Baruch College, City University of New York (CUNY). His appointment comes as the city administration continues significant investment in educational infrastructure, with Gibson noting over $85 million in capital funding allocated for Bronx schools alone.

    Gibson emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the chancellor’s office to ensure students have the resources and opportunities needed to excel academically. She expressed commitment to advancing partnerships that will further invest in schools, eliminate barriers to academic success, bridge the digital divide, and equip youth with resources for successful futures.

  • Ardenne Prep/Extension PTA executive resigns over school fee dispute

    Ardenne Prep/Extension PTA executive resigns over school fee dispute

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a dramatic demonstration of institutional discord, the entire executive committee of Ardenne Preparatory and Extension High School’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) has tendered its immediate resignation. The mass departure stems from profound disagreements with the school’s governing board regarding financial transparency, administrative communication, and overall governance practices.

    The rupture follows months of strained relations between the PTA and school administration, culminating in a contentious proposal to raise term fees to $150,000 for preparatory students and $130,000 for extension division attendees starting January 2026. School authorities justified the increases as necessary measures to address rising operational costs, including teacher compensation, technological resources, and facility maintenance, which they stated have created a growing budgetary deficit.

    According to the resignation letter disseminated to the school community on Thursday, the PTA executive accused the board of exhibiting ‘complete disregard’ for collaborative dialogue during fee adjustment negotiations. Particularly galling to the resigning members was the board’s decision to communicate the fee changes directly to parents via email, effectively bypassing a prearranged meeting between the board chair and PTA leadership.

    The departing executive highlighted critical concerns regarding financial accountability, noting the absence of a clear strategic plan demonstrating how the increased revenue would enhance the institution’s long-term financial sustainability. Parents remain uncertain about potential future increases as the school provided no transparency regarding the scale or timing of additional fee adjustments.

    Despite their resignation, the outgoing committee reaffirmed strong support for teaching and administrative staff, emphasizing the need for competitive salary structures to attract and retain qualified professionals. In a gesture of continued commitment to school improvement, the executive confirmed the transfer of $304,913 in net proceeds from the December 2025 Christmas Concert to their successors. These funds, originally designated for the Resource Centre project transformation, will support the ongoing redevelopment of the former school library facilities.

  • London police failed to vet thousands of recruits — report

    London police failed to vet thousands of recruits — report

    An internal investigation has uncovered systemic failures within London’s Metropolitan Police Service regarding officer recruitment vetting procedures, prompting a government-announced independent inquiry into the force’s hiring practices. The review revealed that inadequate background checks during the 2019-2023 recruitment drive resulted in dozens of officers with concerning histories being hired, many of whom subsequently committed criminal offenses or engaged in serious misconduct.

    The damning report identified two particularly egregious cases: David Carrick, who became one of Britain’s most notorious serial sex offenders, was hired in 2017 without proper vetting that would have uncovered prior domestic abuse allegations. Similarly, Cliff Mitchell, later convicted of multiple rapes, joined the force in 2020 after a special diversity-focused vetting panel overturned his initial rejection despite previous child rape allegations.

    Metropolitan Police leadership attributed these critical lapses to intense pressure to meet government-mandated recruitment targets. The now-disbanded vetting panel, originally established to enhance diversity within the force, ultimately approved 114 previously rejected applicants—25 of whom subsequently faced misconduct allegations or criminal charges.

    This revelation compounds existing institutional challenges for the Met, which a landmark 2023 report found to be fundamentally racist, sexist, and homophobic in its structures and practices. The force has been rocked by multiple scandals involving serving officers convicted of sexual offenses in recent years.

    In response to the findings, the UK Home Office announced an urgent independent inspection of the Metropolitan Police’s recruitment and vetting standards. Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood condemned the failures as “a dereliction of the Met’s duty to keep London safe,” while Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams characterized the report as part of the force’s commitment to transparency regarding past practices that allowed “unsuitable people” to join the police service.

  • St James and Bimini seats created in boundaries report

    St James and Bimini seats created in boundaries report

    The Constituency Boundaries Commission has unveiled a comprehensive proposal to reshape the electoral landscape of The Bahamas, responding to significant demographic changes and aiming to ensure voter parity across the nation. Central to these recommendations is the establishment of a new parliamentary constituency in western New Providence, to be designated as St James, which will incorporate communities spanning Golden Isles, Killarney, and Southern Shores. A separate, standalone constituency for Bimini and the Berry Islands is also proposed, addressing long-standing calls for dedicated representation for these island communities. The commission’s report, formally presented in the House of Assembly by Speaker Patricia Deveaux, maintains the national total of 501 polling divisions while realigning boundaries and reassigning voter bases to reflect population data from the latest census and recent election results. The proposed adjustments impact numerous constituencies, including Bain and Grants Town, Centreville, and several in Grand Bahama and Abaco. The restructuring involves the transfer of specific polling divisions between constituencies to balance voter numbers, with the new St James constituency projected to host 5,149 registered voters. The commission’s methodology relied on historical boundaries reports, electoral data, and the 2022 census. The governing Progressive Liberal Party has endorsed the report, characterizing the redistribution as a normal and essential process for a healthy democracy that strengthens local representation.