Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

牙买加

  • Climate justice clash

    Climate justice clash

    A significant political divergence emerged in Jamaica’s House of Representatives on Tuesday as Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding presented contrasting visions for addressing climate-induced disasters. The debate centered on Jamaica’s recovery strategy following Hurricane Melissa, exposing fundamental differences in approaching climate injustice and economic sovereignty.

    Opposition Leader Golding launched a forceful critique against global climate inequality, characterizing Jamaica as an innocent victim suffering from ecological crises it didn’t create. He emphasized that wealthy, high-emission nations bear historical responsibility for climate disruptions that disproportionately affect small island developing states. Golding warned that Jamaica faces ‘a massive amount of additional debt’ to recover from disasters, creating an unfair burden that should be shouldered by major polluting nations.

    Prime Minister Holness acknowledged the validity of climate injustice arguments but articulated a philosophy of pragmatic self-reliance. While reaffirming his longstanding advocacy for climate justice on international platforms, including his role as co-chair of the Global Committee for Climate Financing, Holness insisted Jamaica cannot depend on external goodwill. He maintained that the nation must ‘stand on its own two feet’ while pursuing international compensation claims.

    The Prime Minister highlighted Jamaica’s transformed fiscal credibility, noting that the country now qualifies for concessional financing from international financial institutions—a scenario he described as ‘unthinkable two decades ago.’ Holness pointed to Jamaica’s dramatically improved debt-to-GDP ratio over the past decade as evidence of strengthened economic management that commands global confidence.

    Crucially, Holness emphasized that borrowing terms matter more than borrowing itself. He detailed how current recovery financing offers more structured, concessionary, and predictable terms than previous arrangements. The Prime Minister stressed that wise deployment of reconstruction funds could expand GDP and facilitate debt repayment, urging parliamentary discipline and long-term strategic thinking as recovery programs accelerate.

    Golding later clarified that he wasn’t advocating for handouts but highlighting the structural injustice that forces vulnerable nations into debt for survival. Both leaders agreed on the reality of climate inequality but diverged significantly on how Jamaica should navigate its consequences while maintaining economic stability and sovereignty.

  • Trinidadian footballer Shaka Hislop reveals he has prostate cancer

    Trinidadian footballer Shaka Hislop reveals he has prostate cancer

    Former Newcastle United and Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has publicly disclosed his ongoing battle with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The football pundit shared his personal health journey in a heartfelt video posted to his Instagram account, detailing his diagnosis and treatment to raise awareness among men worldwide.

    Hislop revealed that the cancer was detected approximately 18 months ago during his routine annual physical examination. ‘I consistently insisted on a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test as part of my check-up,’ Hislop explained. ‘This particular time, my PSA levels were elevated, prompting further investigation through MRI and biopsy procedures which confirmed the presence of an aggressive prostate cancer.’

    The former West Ham player underwent a radical prostatectomy—a surgical procedure for partial or complete removal of the prostate gland—on December 6, 2024. However, Hislop’s medical journey continued when follow-up tests six months post-surgery showed rising PSA levels again. Subsequent scans confirmed the cancer had metastasized to his pelvic bone, requiring immediate medication and an intensive seven-and-a-half week radiation therapy regimen which he recently completed.

    Making a special appeal to Caribbean men who statistically face the highest mortality rates from prostate cancer globally, Hislop emphasized: ‘My community, my people, please go get tested. Understand your PSA numbers and track their historical changes. Prostate cancer becomes survivable when detected early, and various treatment options exist. Testing genuinely saves lives—it certainly saved mine.’

    Hislop’s courageous disclosure follows medical research from institutions like Johns Hopkins Medicine which indicates early detection significantly improves prostate cancer outcomes. His advocacy highlights the critical importance of regular health screenings, particularly for high-risk demographic groups.

  • Overseas haven for dogs

    Overseas haven for dogs

    In a remarkable humanitarian effort following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican authorities successfully rescued more than 50 distressed dogs from severely affected communities in the island’s southwestern parishes. Many of these animals have now been adopted into loving homes overseas.

    Agriculture Minister Floyd Green, speaking at a special post-hurricane media briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday, emphasized that while the primary focus remained on saving human lives and delivering essential aid to devastated communities, the government maintained significant concern for animal welfare during the catastrophic event.

    Minister Green detailed how personnel from the Veterinary Services Unit collaborated with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in specialized rescue operations targeting stranded pets, particularly dogs isolated by flooding. The teams conducted aerial reconnaissance missions to identify locations where animals were trapped and required emergency assistance.

    “The ministry facilitated the export of 58 dogs rescued through these coordinated missions,” Green announced. “Some have found new homes in the United States, while others have been relocated to Canada.”

    The Veterinary Services Division has demonstrated exceptional commitment in the aftermath of the Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica on October 28. The ministry has established free veterinary clinics across multiple parishes, including St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Westmoreland, with additional services planned for Clark’s Town in Trelawny. These clinics provide critical support including medical treatment, medication, wound care, vaccinations, and nutritional assistance for both farm animals and pets.

    While no official estimate exists for pet fatalities during Hurricane Melissa, the human toll continues to mount. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has confirmed 45 storm-related fatalities with 18 individuals still missing.

    The agricultural sector suffered catastrophic losses, with Minister Green reporting to Parliament on November 11 that farmers lost 5,600 pigs, 3,560 small ruminants (goats and sheep), and 2,850 cattle. The poultry industry was particularly devastated, losing 458,000 laying hens (representing over 40% of the national layer population) and 780,000 broiler chickens.

    The preliminary damage assessment for the agricultural sector initially estimated losses at $30 billion, but according to World Bank rapid assessment data, this figure has now doubled to approximately $60 billion, highlighting the unprecedented scale of destruction wrought by Hurricane Melissa.

  • ‘God is so good to me’

    ‘God is so good to me’

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage through St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, the profound human toll extends far beyond physical destruction. For Janet Chambers, a resident of Middle Quarters, the Category 5 storm in October didn’t merely demolish her home but unleashed an overwhelming tide of desperation and powerlessness.

    Absent during the hurricane’s fury, Chambers received the devastating news through a frantic call from her sister warning about her home’s precarious state. Returning to her property, she confronted unimaginable devastation: her kitchen vanished, veranda destroyed, and entire roof structure stripped away, leaving nothing but vulnerability to the elements.

    Facing this catastrophe without immediate resources or familial support—being husbandless and childless—Chambers turned to divine intervention in her deepest despair. ‘Lord, you see God, mi no have nobody but you,’ she pleaded, confronting the impossibility of financing repairs with her limited means.

    Her salvation emerged through the Middle Quarters New Testament Church of God, where Reverend Leslie Pinnock transformed sympathy into substantive action. Witnessing Chambers washing outdoors in pouring rain because her interior was equally exposed, Pinnock and congregants immediately covered her home with tarpaulin before mobilizing a comprehensive repair initiative.

    The church’s Mission Rise 3.0 project identified three most vulnerable households, including Chambers’ and sixty-nine-year-old pensioner Wilbert Peart’s residence. Peart, surviving on a mere $14,000 monthly pension, described the assistance as fundamentally ‘needed, not wanted’ after the hurricane cracked his walls, destroyed belongings, and compromised his roof.

    During a recent weekend, congregants from Escarpment Road, Middle Quarters and surrounding districts volunteered to reconstruct Chambers’ home. As she witnessed this collective effort, Chambers expressed transcendent gratitude: ‘If God never show up for me, I don’t know how I would manage… In everything, God stand by me and don’t leave me.’

    While these repairs mark significant progress, both survivors acknowledge the long recovery ahead. Peart emphasized that despite profound gratitude, ongoing support remains essential for those living on the brink of poverty. The church’s intervention illustrates how faith communities provide not just spiritual comfort but tangible solutions when natural disasters exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.

  • Dre Skull banks on Cholita

    Dre Skull banks on Cholita

    Grammy-nominated producer Dre Skull, founder of Mixpak Records, is channeling his expertise into developing Cholita, a promising Jamaican-Peruvian vocalist poised for international stardom. Their collaborative single “Without You,” featuring dancehall sensation Skillibeng, has garnered immediate radio traction across Kingston, London, Nairobi, Zurich, and Mexico City.

    Skull discovered Cholita through social media after encountering her vocal performance online. Despite having written only one song previously, her innate musicality convinced the producer to initiate collaboration. “She’s a born star who consistently rises to the occasion,” Skull told the Jamaica Observer, emphasizing her rapid artistic development despite being relatively new to professional music.

    The Brooklyn-based producer brings substantial credibility to the partnership, having produced Popcaan’s Billboard-charting albums “Where We Come From” and “Forever,” Vybz Kartel’s “Kingston Story,” and earning Grammy recognition for work with Burna Boy. His catalog includes collaborations with PartyNextDoor and Wizkid.

    Cholita’s musical foundation runs deep, with her father working as a sound engineer and producer, and multiple relatives on her Peruvian mother’s side being professional musicians. “Music wasn’t something I had to search for; it always surrounded me,” she explained, noting that songwriting ultimately compelled her professional pursuit.

    Her debut single “Next Time” already achieved international reach, receiving airplay on major stations from Zip FM in Kingston to BBC Radio1 in London and Hot 97 in New York, plus placement in H&M’s global retail playlist. As of early December, both “Without You” and “Next Time” ranked prominently on Jamaica’s YouTube Trending chart.

    Regarding their creative process, Cholita praised Skull’s flexible approach: “He teaches there are no strict rules—only what feels right in the moment.” The artist describes “Without You” as capturing that rare, overwhelming sensation of profound love where “everything flows effortlessly.”

    Skull remains optimistic about their ongoing collaboration: “Cholita is building an amazing artistic world. The response to her first releases has been incredible, with much more amazing music to come.”

  • Flippa Moggela and Chronic Law release collaboration

    Flippa Moggela and Chronic Law release collaboration

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant musical partnership, Jamaican dancehall artist Flippa Moggela (professionally known as Flippa Mafia) has joined forces with acclaimed lyricist Chronic Law to deliver a powerful new single titled ‘Like This.’ The track is rapidly gaining traction across both domestic and international airwaves, establishing itself as a potential anthem within the genre.

    The collaboration finds both artists adopting a contemplative stance, using their verses to articulate the personal challenges posed by envy and negativity from others. Flippa Moggela emphasized the song’s universal appeal, noting that its theme resonates with a broad audience facing similar interpersonal struggles. ‘My music is always rooted in authenticity, which is why my fanbase remains so dedicated. This song addresses the universal challenge of overcoming envious individuals and the pitfalls they create,’ he stated, also praising Chronic Law’s significant contribution to the project.

    Produced under the collaborative banner of Flip Money Records and VX Records, the single is featured on the ‘Mix Feelings’ riddim, a rhythm that also hosts works from other prominent artists like Jahmiel, Nhance, and Tishaine.

    Explaining his decision to release his own juggling—a classic dancehall practice of featuring multiple artists on a shared rhythm—Flippa Moggela cited a deep-seated commitment to cultural preservation and artistic entrepreneurship. ‘Growing up, I listened to jugglings; they are an integral part of our dancehall heritage. I am dedicated to upholding the rich legacy established by my predecessors, which includes providing a platform for other talented artists. From a business perspective, producing your own music is also a strategic move,’ he explained.

    The alliance between the two artists was facilitated by none other than dancehall superstar Popcaan. Flippa Moggela revealed that Popcaan initiated the connection, which was originally intended for a live performance at his Evolution concert. Although scheduling conflicts prevented that appearance, the introduced link between the artists flourished, resulting in a seamless and impactful studio collaboration that Flippa described as perfectly synergistic.

  • Masicka, Tommy Lee throw lyrical jabs

    Masicka, Tommy Lee throw lyrical jabs

    The dancehall scene has been electrified by an escalating lyrical confrontation between two of its prominent figures, Masicka and Tommy Lee Sparta, marking what enthusiasts are calling the official commencement of ‘war season’ within the genre. This artistic clash has captivated the music community, generating intense anticipation for each subsequent musical round in what promises to be a dramatic showdown.

    The conflict ignited when Tommy Lee Sparta released ‘Control,’ a track perceived as targeting Masicka for what appeared to be subtle disrespect toward Vybz Kartel, the incarcerated ‘World Boss’ of dancehall. While neither Masicka nor Kartel have openly acknowledged any brewing tension, industry insiders report simmering discord since July’s Reggae Sumfest, where Masicka’s self-proclamation as the ‘GOAT’ (Greatest of All Time) coincided with Kartel’s official coronation as King of Dancehall.

    Tommy Lee’s initial diss track garnered immediate traction among dedicated Gaza supporters, who applauded his assertive defense of his mentor. However, this opening salvo provoked a formidable response from Masicka, who counterattacked with ‘Vain.’ In his retaliation, Masicka reinforced his GOAT status while dismissing Tommy Lee as an unworthy challenger, accusing him of riding Kartel’s coattails amid a declining solo career.

    The battle intensified with Tommy Lee’s ‘Destroyer,’ which accused Masicka of ‘crown-chasing’ and questioned his legitimacy for dancehall’s throne. Masicka promptly answered with ‘Tears,’ asserting that raw talent alone would never have propelled Tommy Lee to prominence within the industry.

    This verbal duel has generated remarkable engagement from music enthusiasts, with both artists receiving praise for their lyrical prowess from their respective fan bases. The consensus among listeners is that this confrontation benefits the dancehall landscape, provided it remains confined to musical expression without escalating into physical altercations.

    Veteran selector Boom Boom attested to the positive reception on the streets, noting that both tracks received enthusiastic responses during his sets. ‘As someone raised on clash culture, we recognize this as the traditional season for artistic warfare, and it revitalizes the scene,’ he commented, emphasizing the importance of maintaining lyrical rather than physical combat.

    Industry insider Heavy D, an artist manager with extensive experience, echoed these sentiments, highlighting how clashes and wars form the foundational fabric of dancehall culture. ‘This confrontation showcases our culture in its purest form and will undoubtedly benefit both artists at this stage of their careers,’ he observed, refraining from declaring an early victor.

    Adding to the spectacle, Sting promoters have extended an invitation for both artists to continue their lyrical battle on stage during the December 26th event. Historically, Sting served as the ultimate proving ground for feuding artists, having launched several careers into legendary status through its platform for musical combat. Memorable historical clashes include Merciless versus Bounty Killer, Beenie Man against Vybz Kartel in 2000, and the iconic Vybz Kartel versus Mavado confrontation in 2008. However, with the event struggling to reclaim its former glory, a physical showdown between the current contenders appears improbable.

  • Foreign hurricane relief workers subject to strict health screening protocol – MOHW

    Foreign hurricane relief workers subject to strict health screening protocol – MOHW

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has implemented comprehensive health screening protocols for all international relief personnel entering the country following Hurricane Melissa. This decisive action addresses concerns about potential disease importation while maintaining critical disaster response operations.

    The ministry’s response comes after Opposition Health Spokesperson Dr. Alfred Dawes raised alarms about possible disease transmission through relief workers, referencing cholera outbreaks following the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Dr. Dawes emphasized the need for vigilant screening measures to prevent similar public health emergencies.

    Officials have established a multi-layered defense system against disease transmission. All relief workers undergo pre-arrival verification requiring deploying agencies to certify personnel are medically fit and free from communicable illnesses. Upon arrival, public health inspectors conduct thorough assessments including temperature checks, symptom reviews, and vaccination status verification, with particular attention to countries visited within the previous six weeks.

    The surveillance continues throughout workers’ deployments with mandatory reporting requirements for any illness cases. Emergency medical teams’ temporary housing facilities undergo rigorous inspections to ensure proper sanitation, waste management, and hygiene infrastructure. All monitoring activities integrate with Jamaica’s enhanced post-disaster surveillance system for comprehensive coverage.

    The Health Ministry maintains that no communicable diseases have been detected among relief workers to date, affirming the effectiveness of these protective measures while ensuring continued international support for hurricane recovery efforts.

  • ‘We don’t have the capacity’

    ‘We don’t have the capacity’

    Jamaica’s Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has publicly acknowledged its insufficient staffing capacity to conduct independent verification of restoration data submitted by utility providers following Hurricane Melissa. This revelation emerged during a tense session of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee, where lawmakers expressed deep concerns about the reliability of self-reported recovery statistics.

    Committee members confronted the regulatory body regarding its continued dependence on unverified restoration figures from major service providers including Flow, Digicel, National Water Commission, and Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). The disclosure comes amid persistent complaints from numerous communities still lacking essential services despite official claims of widespread restoration.

    St James Southern MP Nekeisha Burchell challenged the OUR’s methodology, questioning how the regulator could credibly assess national recovery efforts without ground-level verification capabilities. “Data coming from self-reporting can sound as good as you want them to sound,” Burchell noted, emphasizing the particular challenges faced by rural constituencies where satellite data proves inadequate.

    OUR Director General Ansord Hewitt conceded the organization’s limitations, explaining that while occasional spot checks are conducted and company-reported information is posted online for public scrutiny, these measures remain insufficient for comprehensive verification. Hewitt revealed that the OUR has occasionally questioned discrepancies in sequential reports but lacks resources for universal validation.

    The regulatory head acknowledged that the suggestion to seek additional resources from the Office of the Prime Minister or the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management had not been previously considered but would now be examined.

    Manchester North Western MP Mikael Phillips challenged the OUR’s previous declarations of credible recovery after Hurricane Beryl, given the current admission of inadequate audit capabilities. Hewitt clarified that while post-restoration audits remain possible, real-time assessment during active disaster response exceeds current capacity.

    St Andrew East Rural MP Juliet Holness reinforced these concerns by recounting her experience with fabricated restoration schedules after Hurricane Beryl. She advocated for a more coordinated long-term approach involving community representatives, parish councils, and political leaders who possess direct knowledge of affected areas.

    The committee session highlighted systemic challenges in disaster response verification and raised fundamental questions about accountability mechanisms during national emergencies affecting utility infrastructure.

  • 14-y-o charged after alleged housebreaking

    14-y-o charged after alleged housebreaking

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A sophisticated burglary operation involving a 14-year-old suspect from Gordon Pen, St. Catherine, has been dismantled by local authorities following an audacious rooftop break-in at a Greater Portmore residence. The incident, which occurred on November 24, reveals concerning trends in juvenile criminal activity and residential security vulnerabilities.

    According to police reports, the homeowner had meticulously secured her property before departing for work at approximately 8:00 AM. Upon returning, she discovered her residence had been systematically ransacked. The investigation took a decisive turn when reviewing security footage, which captured the teenage suspect and multiple accomplices executing a coordinated entry through the roof structure.

    The surveillance evidence detailed how the group navigated the rooftop, gained interior access, and removed numerous valuables before exiting through their original point of entry. The comprehensive video documentation proved instrumental in identifying the perpetrators.

    Following formal police reporting, a breakthrough emerged when a family member of the primary suspect voluntarily surrendered the teenager to authorities this Tuesday. The 14-year-old now faces formal charges of house-breaking and larceny, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend the remaining participants in the criminal enterprise.

    This case has prompted renewed discussions about juvenile delinquency patterns and the importance of advanced security measures in residential communities. Law enforcement officials emphasize that such bold criminal methodologies, particularly involving minors, represent a growing challenge for suburban neighborhoods across the region.