Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

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  • Suriname records nearly 150 cases of chikungunya virus cases

    Suriname records nearly 150 cases of chikungunya virus cases

    Suriname’s Health Minister André Misiekaba has issued an urgent public health alert following the confirmation of the nation’s first chikungunya-related fatality and 134 laboratory-confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne virus. Addressing the National Assembly, Minister Misiekaba revealed the epidemiological profile of the outbreak, with confirmed infections spanning ages from 11 months to 85 years. The most affected demographic groups are adults aged 25-44 (27 cases) and 45-64 (38 cases).

    The deceased individual, who had serious underlying health conditions, is currently under investigation by the Public Health Bureau (BOG). The outbreak has been confirmed in three regions including the capital city of Paramaribo, prompting immediate government action.

    Minister Misiekaba emphasized the severity of the situation by noting that internationally, one confirmed death typically indicates at least a thousand actual infections in the community. ‘I’m not saying this to cause panic but to call on society to be vigilant, because Suriname is dealing with a serious outbreak,’ the Minister stated during his address.

    A multidisciplinary task force comprising experts from the Health Ministry, BOG, Medical Mission, and Regional Health Service has been mobilized to implement comprehensive communication strategies and community engagement initiatives.

    The Health Ministry identified high-risk groups including seniors, young children, chronically ill individuals (particularly those with diabetes and heart conditions), and pregnant women in their final trimester.

    Current containment efforts focus on eliminating mosquito breeding grounds in the most affected areas, with plans to expand these operations progressively. Insecticide spraying operations are pending as necessary supplies remain in transit.

    Health authorities have issued specific preventive guidelines urging citizens to eliminate stagnant water sources, cover water storage containers, apply mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing, and use mosquito nets while sleeping.

    Stephanie Cheuk A Lam, Acting Head of the Environmental Inspectorate at BOG, projected the outbreak peak could persist for three to four months, emphasizing that ‘Without the commitment of every citizen, we remain vulnerable.’ Minister Misiekaba reinforced this message, stating unequivocally that ‘The government cannot do this alone. Society must help to control this outbreak.’

  • Cubans queue for fuel as Trump issues energy ultimatum

    Cubans queue for fuel as Trump issues energy ultimatum

    HAVANA, Cuba – Long queues formed at gasoline stations across the Cuban capital Friday as citizens confronted an escalating fuel shortage following President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing punitive tariffs on nations supplying oil to the island nation. The move has been characterized by Cuban authorities as an economic stranglehold designed to destabilize the country.

    The directive, which effectively forces international partners to choose between trading with the United States or Cuba, arrives amid the Caribbean nation’s most severe economic crisis since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. Current conditions include power blackouts extending up to 20 hours daily and critical shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies.

    Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the measures as “fascist, criminal and genocidal” tactics employed by what he described as a US cabal intent on suffocating Cuba’s economy. The sentiment was echoed by citizens like Jorge Rodriguez, a 60-year-old IT specialist, who noted that ordinary Cubans would bear the brunt of these policies.

    This development follows the complete cessation of Venezuelan oil shipments after US special forces deposed Nicolás Maduro’s government in January. According to analyzed official statistics, Cuba generated merely half of its required electricity in 2025.

    The Trump administration, featuring several officials with strong ties to Florida politics including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has openly advocated for regime change in Havana. Trump himself declared “NO MORE OIL OR MONEY FOR CUBA: ZERO!” while labeling the nation an “extraordinary threat” to US national security—a designation that raises concerns about potential military escalation.

    Mexico faces particular complications as both a remaining oil supplier to Cuba and a nation deeply integrated with US trade networks. President Claudia Sheinbaum warned of impending humanitarian consequences while attempting to navigate the diplomatic challenge. Although China voiced opposition to the measures, neither it nor Cuba’s traditional allies have announced concrete support plans.

    Diaz-Canel confirmed no ongoing negotiations with Washington, vowing that Cuban citizens stand “ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood.”

  • Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested after church protest

    Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested after church protest

    Federal authorities took former CNN anchor Don Lemon into custody on Thursday following an investigation into a protest at a Minnesota church. The arrest, executed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations, stems from an incident at Cities Church in St. Paul where demonstrators confronted church leadership over an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official serving as one of its pastors.

    The development follows a recent federal appeals court decision that declined to compel a lower court judge to authorize arrest warrants for Lemon and four other individuals connected to the protest. While one judge identified probable cause for the arrests based on court documents, the specific charges against Lemon remain undisclosed at this time.

    This case emerges from a broader pattern of activism targeting ICE operations and personnel. Multiple individuals have already faced charges related to the church demonstration, which involved protesters entering the facility after learning about the pastor’s dual role as a federal immigration officer. The involvement of a grand jury indicates the complexity and escalated nature of the federal investigation.

  • Venezuela slams US ‘punitive’ measures against ally Cuba

    Venezuela slams US ‘punitive’ measures against ally Cuba

    CARACAS, Venezuela — The Venezuelan government has issued a forceful condemnation of the United States’ latest economic measures targeting nations that engage in energy trade with Cuba. This diplomatic rebuke follows President Donald Trump’s signing of a new tariff order on Thursday, which Caracas characterizes as an aggressive act of economic coercion.

    In an official statement released Friday, Venezuela’s foreign ministry decried the US policy as a set of ‘punitive measures’ designed to penalize sovereign states for maintaining ‘legitimate trade relations with the Republic of Cuba.’ The declaration comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, following recent political upheavals that saw a change in Venezuela’s leadership through US military involvement.

    The South American nation, itself struggling under severe economic sanctions, pledged unwavering ‘solidarity with the Cuban people’ who face potential energy shortages due to the restrictions. Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba, a longstanding economic lifeline for the island nation, now fall under US regulatory control following recent geopolitical shifts.

    Venezuela’s foreign ministry called for ‘collective action by the international community’ to address what it described as the ‘humanitarian consequences’ resulting from such economic aggressions. The statement emphasizes the need for global cooperation to mitigate the impact of unilateral sanctions on civilian populations, positioning the conflict within broader debates about economic sovereignty and international law.

  • Bermuda on campaign to deal with housing shortage

    Bermuda on campaign to deal with housing shortage

    The Bermuda government has acknowledged mounting pressures on its housing system as official data reveals a significant increase in households awaiting public housing assistance. According to recent statistics from the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC), the waiting list expanded from 333 to 357 households between November and December 2025, highlighting growing challenges for vulnerable community members.

    Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing and Municipalities Zane Desilva presented concerning trends during a press briefing, noting that while urgent cases continue to dominate applications, the most rapid growth now occurs among regular applicants. This category predominantly includes working individuals and families increasingly unable to afford market-rate rentals. Nearly 60% of applicants sought studio or one-bedroom units, reflecting particular pressures on seniors with fixed incomes, single-person households, and smaller family units.

    The government is responding with a comprehensive Affordable Housing Strategy for 2025-2035, designed as a long-term framework to address Bermuda’s housing gap. The multipronged approach focuses on expanding and diversifying housing supply, rehabilitating derelict properties, improving affordability, modernizing regulations, and strengthening governance across the housing system.

    Desilva emphasized that housing represents a whole-of-government responsibility requiring inter-ministerial collaboration. Initial consultations with government ministries have concluded, with technical departments now engaged in the process. A public consultation draft is anticipated for release in February 2026.

    A technical advisory team comprising representatives from BHC and Bermuda Land Management Corporation is exploring alternative construction methods including precast concrete, modular, and prefabricated systems. These innovations aim to reduce construction costs, accelerate delivery timelines, and maintain local contractor involvement.

    Looking toward the 2026-27 financial year, officials have identified over 30 sites across the island for potential development, all already under government ownership. Current projects in progress promise 37 new affordable housing units, with most expected to become available within coming months.

  • Florida couple suing IVF clinic after DNA test reveals baby isn’t theirs

    Florida couple suing IVF clinic after DNA test reveals baby isn’t theirs

    A Florida couple has initiated legal proceedings against a prominent fertility clinic after genetic testing confirmed their daughter, conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), shares no biological connection with either parent. The case, filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court, names IVF, Inc., operating as the Fertility Center of Orlando, and medical director Dr. Milton McNichol as defendants.

    According to court documents, John and Jane Doe underwent fertility treatment at the clinic where three embryos were created using their own genetic material. In March 2025, one embryo was successfully implanted in Jane Doe, resulting in a full-term pregnancy and the birth of their daughter on December 11, 2025.

    The situation came to light when the newborn displayed physical characteristics inconsistent with her Caucasian parents’ ethnicity. Subsequent DNA analysis revealed the shocking truth: the child was not their biological offspring, indicating a catastrophic laboratory error during the IVF process.

    The lawsuit demands comprehensive corrective measures, including immediate notification of all patients with embryos stored prior to the Does’ implantation procedure. The couple further seeks court-ordered genetic testing at the clinic’s expense for all patients and children born from the clinic’s services over the past five years, plus full disclosure of any discovered parentage discrepancies.

    This case highlights critical concerns regarding oversight and protocol adherence within the rapidly expanding fertility industry, potentially affecting numerous families who trusted the clinic with their genetic material.

  • Belize hoping to strengthen relations with Guyana during visit of President Ali

    Belize hoping to strengthen relations with Guyana during visit of President Ali

    BELMOPAN, Belize – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño announced ambitious plans to expand bilateral cooperation with Guyana across multiple sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and education. The announcement coincided with the commencement of a three-day state visit by Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, who arrived in Belize on February 1st.

    President Ali’s itinerary includes a keynote address at the opening of Belize’s new parliamentary session, alongside high-level meetings with Governor General Dame Froyla T’zalam and Prime Minister Briceño. The Belize Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the longstanding relationship between the two nations, noting their shared commitment to ‘regional solidarity, development and integration.’

    Prime Minister Briceño characterized Guyana as an increasingly influential regional partner within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), acknowledging its rapidly evolving economic landscape driven by substantial oil discoveries. ‘It’s kind of ironic because at one time nobody wanted to go to Guyana; now everybody wants to go,’ Briceño remarked, highlighting the country’s transformation.

    While energy cooperation emerged as a topic of discussion, Briceño indicated that any potential arrangements for Belize to access discounted Guyanese oil would likely require regional-level negotiations rather than bilateral agreements. He expressed skepticism about reviving initiatives similar to the Petrocaribe program, which Venezuela established in 2005 to provide preferential oil financing to Caribbean and Central American nations.

    With President Ali holding the agriculture portfolio in CARICOM’s quasi-cabinet structure, both leaders identified agricultural collaboration as a priority area. The bilateral talks are expected to yield formal agreements facilitating knowledge exchange, investment, and joint initiatives across targeted sectors, potentially establishing a new framework for South-South cooperation within the Caribbean region.

  • J Capri and Charly Black mine silver in the UK with Whine and Kotch

    J Capri and Charly Black mine silver in the UK with Whine and Kotch

    The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has awarded silver certification to the 2012 dancehall anthem ‘Whine and Kotch,’ a landmark achievement for the late artist J Capri and her collaborator Charly Black. Produced by hitmaker Rvssian, the track received this prestigious accolade on January 30, recognizing its commercial milestone of 200,000 equivalent units through combined sales and streaming figures.

    Originally released in late 2012, ‘Whine and Kotch’ quickly dominated iTunes Reggae charts across multiple European markets, establishing itself as a cross-continental phenomenon. The certification arrives nearly a decade after the tragic passing of J Capri, who died in a 2015 automobile accident, making this recognition a bittersweet tribute to her musical legacy.

    For Charly Black, this marks his second BPI certification, following the gold status awarded to his international breakthrough single ‘Gyal Yuh a Party Animal.’ The visual component of ‘Whine and Kotch,’ directed by Dennis Brown, continues to demonstrate enduring popularity with over 78 million views on YouTube, underscoring the track’s lasting impact on global dancehall culture.

  • WATCH: 9-year-old Amoya Moore’s funeral underway

    WATCH: 9-year-old Amoya Moore’s funeral underway

    The community of south Manchester, Jamaica gathered in profound sorrow on Friday, January 30, 2026, to honor the memory of Amoya Moore, a nine-year-old student whose life was tragically cut short in a December traffic incident. The funeral service at Cross Keys Church of God of Prophecy brought together grieving family members, friends, and local residents to bid their final farewells to the young Villa Road Primary student.

    The emotional ceremony featured a pink casket adorned with photographs of the vibrant fourth-grader, accompanied by the poignant inscription: “rest peacefully our angel.” The tragic event occurred on the morning of December 9 at approximately 7:00 am in the Bonitto Heights area off Bonitto Crescent in Mandeville. According to reports, the young girl had just exchanged morning greetings with the sanitation crew moments before being struck by the vehicle mere meters from her family home.

    The devastating incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting concerns about road safety and child protection in residential areas. The funeral program, specially designed to commemorate Amoya’s brief but meaningful life, served as a testament to the impact her passing has had on this close-knit Jamaican community. The gathering represented both a celebration of her young life and a collective mourning of a tragedy that has left permanent scars on all who knew the cheerful elementary student.

  • Fitz-Henley urges Jamaicans to use opportunities provided by amended expungement law

    Fitz-Henley urges Jamaicans to use opportunities provided by amended expungement law

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark legislative move, Jamaica’s Parliament has passed the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) (Amendment) Act 2026, significantly expanding opportunities for criminal record expungement. State Minister Senator Abka Fitz-Henley delivered a powerful address during Friday’s Senate debate, urging eligible citizens not to squander their ‘second chance’ at societal reintegration.

    The amended legislation represents a substantial modernization of Jamaica’s justice framework, aligning the nation with progressive commonwealth countries and developed nations across North America and Oceania. Key reforms include extending eligibility to sentences up to 10 years (previously capped at five years) and introducing automatic expungement for minor, non-custodial convictions predating January 1, 2005.

    Minister Fitz-Henley emphasized the transformative potential of the legislation: ‘This provides genuine opportunity for those whose progress has been hindered by past convictions to become positive contributors to their families and society.’ The minister clarified that the reform shouldn’t be misinterpreted as governmental softness on crime, highlighting simultaneous 54% reduction in murders as evidence of the administration’s comprehensive crime reduction strategy.

    The rehabilitation mechanism requires applicants to have completed their sentences and maintained clean records for specified periods (typically 3-10 years depending on offense severity). Serious crimes including murder, rape, and drug trafficking remain ineligible for expungement. All applications will undergo rigorous review by the specialized Criminal Records Rehabilitation Board.

    This legislative overhaul reflects Jamaica’s commitment to holistic social transformation through balanced approaches that combine punitive measures with rehabilitation opportunities, creating pathways for reformed individuals to contribute productively to national development.