NASSAU, Bahamas – In a significant move to bolster climate resilience, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced that Bahamian organizations and academic institutions can now apply for climate action grants under the latest funding cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP). Dr. Kishan Khoday, UNDP Resident Representative, revealed that this initiative marks the first time the GEF SGP has deepened its global partnership with the UNDP, which now serves as both the executing and implementing agency for the programme worldwide.
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Melissa expected to become hurricane by Friday—Met Service
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a tropical storm watch as Tropical Storm Melissa is projected to intensify into a hurricane by Friday. Evan Thompson, the Director of the Meteorological Service, announced during a special press briefing on Wednesday that the island will begin experiencing the storm’s effects as early as Thursday.
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Governor-General warns public of fraudulent investment scams
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of the Governor-General (OGG) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding a surge in fraudulent online content falsely associating Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen with various investment schemes. In an official statement released on Wednesday, the OGG clarified that Sir Patrick Allen has no involvement whatsoever with these or any other financial products, trading systems, or investment opportunities. The office emphasized that it has no connection to the individuals or groups promoting these schemes.
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![[UPDATED] CJ Ivor Archie retires, PM extends ‘deep gratitude’ for his service](https://wp.caribscopeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/931f73c75d0c3a572a37ab8119972698.jpg)
[UPDATED] CJ Ivor Archie retires, PM extends ‘deep gratitude’ for his service
After nearly two decades at the helm of Trinidad and Tobago’s Judiciary, Chief Justice Ivor Archie has officially announced his retirement, effective October 22. In a statement released on October 21, Archie reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country and optimism for the future of the Judiciary. He emphasized the importance of leadership succession, stating, “The office of chief justice is not private property… It is a sacred baton held in trust for one’s successors and the nation.” Archie, who became the youngest chief justice in 2008, highlighted his deliberate decision to retire at 65, rather than waiting until the mandatory retirement age of 70, to pursue new challenges and opportunities. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended her “deep gratitude” for Archie’s 18 years of distinguished service, acknowledging his significant contributions to the nation’s judicial landscape. During his tenure, Archie spearheaded judicial reforms, including the modernization of the Judiciary and the expansion of information technology use. However, his leadership was not without controversy, including legal challenges and allegations of misconduct. Archie’s successor will be appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. As he steps down, Archie pledged his full support to his successor, vowing to offer no unsolicited advice. He also expressed heartfelt thanks to his colleagues, staff, and family for their unwavering support throughout his career.
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Reflections on the national budget
As the budget debate in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament concludes, the fiscal measures announced by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo have come under scrutiny. While initially perceived as fair to the average citizen, the budget has revealed itself to be largely a continuation of past policies, lacking the bold reforms needed to steer the nation toward economic stability and growth. The government’s revenue projections remain heavily reliant on optimistic assumptions about oil and gas prices, the country’s primary income sources. This approach has drawn criticism for its failure to address systemic issues and its reliance on short-term fixes. Key concerns include rising tax burdens on consumers, ineffective tax collection mechanisms, and the absence of a clear strategy to diversify the economy beyond energy. The proposed reforms to the National Insurance Scheme also face skepticism, given the challenges posed by an ageing population and declining workforce participation. Critics argue that the budget lacks strategic direction, offering little insight into plans for critical sectors such as housing, education, agriculture, and national security. The financial burden, as in previous years, will likely fall on consumers, while escalating public debt threatens to burden future generations. Amid these challenges, the author advocates for the implementation of site value taxation, a system that could distribute the tax burden more equitably, promote economic diversification, and stimulate broad-based prosperity. This approach, phased in over several years, could correct imbalances in land, labor, and capital values, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economy. While the current budget represents a missed opportunity for transformative change, the adoption of innovative fiscal policies could pave the way for a brighter economic future for Trinidad and Tobago.
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Sucre aims for bigger success in 2026
Sucre, the 2025 Youth Soca Champion, is poised to make waves in the soca music industry as he prepares for a monumental year in 2026. Representing the Zig Boi Music Group, this young artiste has already carved out a name for himself and is now gearing up to take on established acts in the upcoming Soca Champions competition. With a new single, *Gimme Wuk Darlin*, set to release soon, Sucre and his team are working tirelessly to ensure its success across diverse audiences.
Under the mentorship of Zig Boi Music Group CEO, Mr. Spine, Sucre has undergone a rigorous two-year development program. This initiative included exposure to live events, studio sessions, and networking opportunities, all while crafting unreleased music. In his second year, Sucre joined the legendary band Traffik, gaining invaluable experience in band dynamics and soundscapes. This led to the formation of the Evolution Band, a youth-centric group aimed at engaging younger audiences in soca music.
Spine reflects on the unexpected announcement of the Soca Champions competition, which provided a much-needed platform for young talent in Trinidad and Tobago. Sucre’s victory in the competition marked a significant milestone in his career, followed by a performance in St. Maarten, where he opened for the Morgan Heritage Family.
At just 24 years old, Sucre is not only focused on his own growth but also on inspiring the next generation of soca artists. With a music degree from the University of the West Indies and a Road March win in Guyana under his belt, Sucre is determined to create a community for young creatives and redefine the sound of soca music.
As he prepares to compete against top acts like Blaka Dan in the 2026 Soca Champions competition, Sucre remains committed to showcasing his talent and proving his worth on the grand stage. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential of youth in shaping the future of soca music.
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Time for parents to stop beating their children?
A groundbreaking study from the University of The Bahamas has uncovered the profound psychological toll of corporal punishment on Bahamian youth, linking childhood physical discipline to heightened anxiety, depression, and impaired self-control. The research, led by Professor William Fielding in collaboration with Dartmouth College and the US Veterans Hospital System, was published in the International Journal of Bahamian Studies and is poised to reignite debates in a nation where such practices remain culturally entrenched and often justified on religious grounds.
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By-election for Golden Isles set for November 24
The Golden Isles constituency is set to witness a pivotal by-election on November 24, 2025, as confirmed by Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe. This announcement comes in the wake of Prime Minister Philip Davis’s recent declaration at the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) headquarters, where the party ratified 14 candidates for the upcoming general election. Notably, among these candidates are businessman Sebas Bastian and Senator Darron Pickstock, the latter of whom has been officially endorsed as the PLP’s representative for the Golden Isles seat. The Free National Movement (FNM) has also named Brian Brown as their candidate for the constituency. This by-election marks the second such event under the Davis administration, which assumed office in 2021. The first by-election occurred in West Grand Bahama and Bimini in 2023, following the untimely demise of MP Obie Wilchcombe. The upcoming vote is expected to be a significant political event, reflecting the ongoing dynamics within Bahamian politics.
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WATCH: ‘I’m not going to be bullied,’ says McKenzie amid claims that funds are being withheld from councillors
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has vehemently refuted claims that funds intended for councillors to execute projects in their divisions are being withheld. Speaking at an indigent house handover ceremony in Gayle, St Mary, on October 16, McKenzie dismissed the allegations as ‘a lie from the pit of hell’ and asserted that he would not succumb to pressure from individuals seeking to stir controversy.
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162-lb marlin on ‘Crystal’ takes canoe tournament
PORTLAND, Jamaica — The 41st Port Antonio Canoe Tournament concluded triumphantly at the Ole Marina in Port Antonio on Tuesday, with Anthony East and Devontae Brown emerging as champions. The duo, aboard the canoe ‘Crystal,’ reeled in a marlin weighing an impressive 162 pounds, securing their victory. As part of their prize, they were awarded a Yamaha boat engine, generously sponsored by Yamaja.
Marvin Brown, fishing on ‘King Fish,’ claimed second place with a 108-pound marlin, while ‘Rabbit of the Sea’ took third place with a 103-pound catch. Both winners expressed their exhilaration over the challenging yet rewarding experience.
“It was an exciting and wonderful catch. We faced some challenges when we hooked the marlin, but it was all worth it,” said Devontae Brown. Anthony East echoed his sentiments, describing the marlin’s fight as intense but manageable.
Despite initial concerns about adverse weather conditions, the tournament proceeded smoothly. East noted, “We thought the event might be canceled due to the weather, but we were fortunate to get a bite on our way up from Annotto Bay. We knew we were in for a good day.”
Max Rochester, director of the Sir Henry Morgan Anglin Association, which co-organized the event with the Portland Chamber of Commerce, expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s outcome. “At the start of the day, I was worried as only one marlin had been caught. But by the end, we had four marlins, making it a successful event,” he remarked.
Andrew Alexander of Yamaja, the sponsor of the Yamaha engine, praised the participants, stating, “We are proud of the fishermen and grateful for their continued support. They are our main customers, and we are delighted to sponsor this prize again.”
The tournament saw 68 boats registered, showcasing the enduring popularity of this annual event.