Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

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  • West Indies skipper says no time to lament loss to S Africa

    West Indies skipper says no time to lament loss to S Africa

    AHMEDABAD, India (CMC) — Facing elimination from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, West Indies captain Shai Hope has emphasized the critical need for improved execution ahead of Sunday’s decisive match against tournament hosts India. The Caribbean squad’s comprehensive nine-wicket defeat to South Africa on Thursday has placed their semi-final aspirations in jeopardy, transforming their upcoming encounter into a must-win scenario.

    The mathematical reality became clear following India’s commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, which secured South Africa’s progression to the final four. The winner of Sunday’s West Indies-India showdown at Eden Gardens will claim the remaining semi-final berth from the group.

    During his post-match assessment, Hope reframed the challenge philosophically: “I wouldn’t characterize this as a difficult road; rather, this is precisely how tournament cricket is meant to unfold. The Super Eight stage exists to separate the elite teams, and we must demonstrate we belong among them.”

    The captain identified execution failures as the primary culprit in Thursday’s defeat, particularly noting the team’s disastrous Powerplay performance that left them reeling at 83 for seven. While eventually recovering to post 176 for eight, Hope estimated the squad fell “40, 50, even 60 runs short” given the favorable batting conditions.

    Despite the collapse, Hope defended his top-order batsmen’s aggressive approach, arguing their strategy remained sound despite questionable shot selection. “There’s no singular correct method in T20 cricket,” he explained. “The ideal scenario would feature openers batting through the innings, but reality often demands adaptation. We must credit the lower order for rallying to a competitive total from dire circumstances.”

    Hope concluded with determination: “We must rapidly rectify our performance gaps and deliver our premium cricket precisely when it matters most. Our destiny remains within our control.”

  • Farmers urged to report cases of praedial larceny

    Farmers urged to report cases of praedial larceny

    Jamaican authorities are implementing an aggressive multi-faceted strategy to combat praedial larceny (agricultural theft) that has already yielded dramatic results, with conviction rates skyrocketing by over 2,000% in recent years. Franklin Witter, State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, revealed these developments during a sensitization session with the Jamaica Constabulary Force in St Catherine.

    The comprehensive approach encompasses five key pillars: enhanced traceability systems, rigorous enforcement and compliance protocols, widespread public education campaigns, strengthened institutional frameworks, and significant legislative reforms. This coordinated effort has produced remarkable outcomes – arrests surged from merely 78 cases in 2023 to 381 in 2025, while convictions exploded from just 9 to 209 during the same period.

    Current statistics indicate 115 documented cases of agricultural crimes year-to-date, with Area 5 (encompassing St Catherine and St Thomas) accounting for 34 incidents. The financial impact has been substantial, with stolen produce valued at approximately $14.5 million. Law enforcement efforts have led to 102 arrests and 36 convictions to date, while recovering stolen goods worth $1.18 million.

    Minister Witter emphasized the critical importance of farmer reporting, noting that underreporting effectively empowers criminals. He encouraged greater community solidarity among agricultural workers, urging them to “be each other’s keepers and supporters” through formal farmer associations.

    The traceability component has been significantly enhanced through multiple systems including standardized receipt books, cattle tagging initiatives, and the Agricultural Business Information System. St Catherine has emerged as the most compliant parish, with farmers purchasing 591 receipt books between April 2025 and January 2026 alone.

    Institutional strengthening includes the establishment of the dedicated Agricultural Protection Branch (APB), which treats praedial larceny as a direct threat to national food security. The APB provides focused attention on both thieves and those who purchase stolen produce.

    Legislative enhancements under the Agricultural Produce (Amendment) Act, 2023 have substantially increased penalties, with fines up to $3 million and prison sentences of up to three years. The government has broadened the definition of agricultural produce, mandated dealer registration, and expanded receipt book accessibility. Strengthened laws now permit victim impact statements, giving farmers formal representation in court proceedings.

    Ongoing public education efforts include targeted sensitization sessions in hotspot areas to promote registration, traceability, and community awareness about combating agricultural theft.

  • WATCH: US, Israel launch major attack on Iran

    WATCH: US, Israel launch major attack on Iran

    WEST PALM BEACH, United States — President Donald Trump declared a comprehensive military assault against Iran in a surprise video address early Saturday, threatening to completely dismantle the nation’s naval capabilities and missile infrastructure while explicitly calling for the overthrow of Iran’s government.

    The unprecedented announcement, delivered from Trump’s Florida residence and broadcast via his Truth Social platform, followed initial U.S.-Israel coordinated strikes against Iranian targets. The president outlined two primary objectives: the complete destruction of Iran’s military assets and the removal of the political leadership that has governed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

    “We are systematically targeting their missile facilities and will eradicate their entire missile production capability. Their naval forces face total annihilation,” Trump stated in his characteristically blunt rhetoric. He directly addressed Iranian citizens opposed to their government, proclaiming, “Your moment of liberation has arrived. Seize control of your government when our operations conclude—this may represent your sole opportunity for generations.”

    Trump acknowledged potential American casualties in the operation, designated “Operation Epic Fury” by the Pentagon. “We may suffer losses among our courageous military personnel,” he cautioned, recognizing the political vulnerability this creates given his bypassing of Congressional authorization for military action.

    This large-scale offensive contrasts sharply with previous limited engagements under Trump’s administration, including the bloodless Venezuelan intervention attempt and precision strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year. The current operation represents a significant escalation both militarily and diplomatically.

    The president justified the assault as necessary to counter imminent threats from Iran’s nuclear program and advancing missile technology, which he claimed endangered U.S. troops, European allies, and potentially the American homeland. He issued an ultimatum to Iranian military forces, particularly the Revolutionary Guards, offering “complete immunity” for surrender or “certain death” for resistance.

    Trump advised Iranian civilians to remain sheltered due to widespread bombing operations, contradicting his administration’s diplomatic efforts just days earlier when U.S. and Iranian officials conducted negotiations in Geneva regarding Tehran’s nuclear program through Omani mediation.

  • Malachi Smith is 2026 Jamaica Brew Literary and Film Festival honoree

    Malachi Smith is 2026 Jamaica Brew Literary and Film Festival honoree

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Celebrated dub poet Malachi Smith has been selected as the 2026 honoree for the prestigious Jamaica Brew Literary and Film Festival. The artist accepted the distinction with characteristic humility, describing himself as merely “a messenger” in service of his craft and community.

    “I approach my work with complete dedication, constantly striving for improvement,” Smith remarked. “When recognition or accolades come my way, I simply express gratitude for each occasion.”

    The poet attributes his creative direction to his spiritual heritage, noting that his maternal grandmother, Mamma Lee, traveled across Jamaica as a “warner woman” advocating for transformation, while his father Hambert served as a steadfast preacher. This foundation informs Smith’s current artistic mission: “I pursue my ministry in real time to advocate unapologetically for the oppressed, dispossessed, and disadvantaged worldwide. The cruelty I witness disturbs me profoundly, and I remain committed to speaking truth to power.”

    Dr. Aza Weir Soley, the festival’s 2025 honoree who attended this year’s events, enthusiastically endorsed the selection. “Malachi’s recognition brings me particular joy given his esteemed standing within both Jamaican and diaspora communities,” she noted. “His contributions extend beyond his exceptional poetry and performances to include significant work with civic and charitable organizations in Jamaica and South Florida.”

    Weir Soley further emphasized the festival’s democratic impact on South Florida’s Jamaican diaspora: “It creates meaningful opportunities for Jamaicans across ethnic and class divisions to showcase their talents, amplify their voices, and claim cultural space.”

    While acknowledging the festival’s value as a platform, Smith highlighted ongoing struggles with cultural representation: “My poem ‘My Jamaican Tongue’ addresses this exact issue. Our authentic voices still don’t receive the hearing or showcasing they deserve, forcing many Caribbean writers to abandon their linguistic heritage for international acceptance—a compromise I firmly reject.” He called for strengthened collaboration among Caribbean professionals and writers’ groups to nurture genuine diasporic voices.

    The accomplished poet, whose works have been translated into Mandarin and published in Taiwan, found particular resonance in the festival’s BREW acronym—representing bravery, resilience, excellence, and will. He connected these qualities to Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

    Through his Jamaica Poets Nomadic College and School Tour initiative, Smith led rescheduled visits in December to parishes hardest hit by the hurricane, including St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Alongside team members Judith Falloon Reid and Professor Opal Palmer Adisa, he delivered books, supplies, and poetry sessions to affected schools, with Palmer Adisa and Falloon Reid adopting two basic schools.

    “We witnessed confusion and sadness in community members’ eyes—from infants to high school students,” Smith recounted. “Beyond providing reading materials, coloring books, and groceries, we witnessed collective joy and resilience following our visits. At Mannings High, where buildings sustained severe damage, outdoor sessions captivated fully engaged students and teachers. Godfrey Stewart High generated a celebratory concert atmosphere. Bethlehem College’s principal Albert Corcho described our timing as perfect, thanking us for bringing hope and promising readiness for next year’s visit.”

    Smith is scheduled to return to the Jamaica Brew Festival in 2027.

  • Mexico sends more aid to Cuba

    Mexico sends more aid to Cuba

    HAVANA, Cuba — In a significant display of international solidarity, two Mexican naval vessels arrived in Havana harbor on Saturday carrying nearly 1,200 tons of humanitarian supplies for the Cuban population. This marks the second such delivery within a month as the island nation faces mounting economic pressure from the United States.

    The Papaloapan and Huasteco ships, dispatched by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration earlier this week, delivered 1,193 tons of essential aid including 23 tons of food donations contributed by Mexican citizens through a national relief drive. This follows a previous shipment on February 12 that delivered 814 tons of critical supplies including dairy products, meat, grains, and hygiene items.

    The aid arrives amid heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States, where the Trump administration has explicitly pursued policies aimed at restricting Cuba’s access to energy resources. Following the US military intervention that ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro—formerly Cuba’s primary oil supplier—President Trump vowed to ‘starve Cuba of oil.’

    While the US administration recently modified its energy blockade to permit some oil shipments to private Cuban companies, restrictions remain firmly in place against government and military entities. This has created severe shortages across the island, with power plants struggling to maintain electricity and critical shortages affecting medicine, fuel, and food supplies.

    The situation represents an escalation of the long-standing US trade embargo against Cuba, in effect since 1962. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose Cuban heritage informs his policy stance, along with President Trump have openly expressed their objective of precipitating regime change in Havana, with Trump declaring the communist nation ‘ready to fall.’

    With Venezuela’s oil shipments curtailed and Mexican energy exports threatened by US tariff policies, Cuba’s 9.6 million residents face their most severe economic crisis in decades, potentially pushing the nation toward complete energy collapse.

  • Jonielle Smith edges Tina Clayton, Kishane Thompson runs PB in 60m at Gibson

    Jonielle Smith edges Tina Clayton, Kishane Thompson runs PB in 60m at Gibson

    The 49th edition of the Gibson/McCook Relays, held at the National Stadium on Saturday, transformed into a spectacular showcase of athletic excellence, featuring a cascade of broken records and world-leading performances. The event solidified its status as a critical early-season indicator of track and field prowess, with both established stars and emerging talents delivering extraordinary results.

    In a highly anticipated sprint showdown, Jonielle Smith continued her dominance over Jamaican rival Tina Clayton, securing a razor-thin victory in the women’s 60m with a time of 7.07 seconds. Smith, who had previously bested both Clayton twins at a Stockholm indoor meet in January, demonstrated remarkable composure by recovering from a sluggish start to clinch the win on the line. Clayton followed closely at 7.08 seconds, with Levanya Williams earning third place and a personal best of 7.13 seconds.

    The men’s 60m witnessed an explosive performance from Kishane Thompson, who blazed to a lifetime best of 6.46 seconds—the world’s second-fastest time this year—despite a false start interruption. Thompson outpaced Bryan Levell, who also achieved a personal best of 6.47 seconds, while Ackeem Blake claimed third with a season’s best of 6.48 seconds after being reinstated following a disqualification.

    Five meet records were shattered and one was equalled, highlighting the event’s exceptionally competitive nature. A formidable women’s 4x100m quartet comprising Shericka Jackson, Jodean Williams, Tina Clayton, and Jonielle Smith demolished the previous record with a blistering 42.92 seconds, surpassing both the former meet record of 43.05 and the existing world lead of 43.40 set by an Australian squad just a week prior.

    World Indoor Championships bronze medalist Raymond Richards elevated the men’s high jump standard by clearing 2.26m, a season’s best that narrowly exceeded the previous record of 2.25m. In middle-distance action, St Jago High’s Kenyan-born runner Ryan Achau delivered a stunning performance in the Men’s 1500m Open, obliterating the previous record with a personal best of 3:49.73—a significant improvement over his prior benchmark of 3:59.40 set earlier this month.

    Kingston College and Edwin Allen emerged as dominant forces in the high school relays. Kingston College’s Class 1 4x200m team set a new record of 1:23.30, while Wolmer’s Boys’ Class 3 squad also rewrote the record books with 1:30.26 seconds. Edwin Allen High captured five relay titles, including three of the four 4x100m events.

    Additional standout performances included Deandre Watkins matching the meet record in the men’s 400m Open with 45.50 seconds, and UTech’s Shana Kaye Anderson stunning spectators by winning the women’s 400m in a personal best of 51.40 seconds—the fastest outdoor time by a Jamaican woman this year. The men’s 4x100m was won by SprinTech in 38.39 seconds, eclipsing the previous world lead, while Racers TC secured victory in the men’s 4x400m relay anchored by 2023 World Champion Antonio Watson.

  • Grassroots producer Phil Pratt dies at 82

    Grassroots producer Phil Pratt dies at 82

    The music world mourns the passing of George ‘Phil Pratt’ Phillips, an influential reggae producer whose work defined an era of sound system culture. Pratt died in London on February 25 at age 82, as confirmed by his son Garfield ‘Sampalue’ Phillips.

    Born in West Kingston, Jamaica, Pratt’s musical journey began under the mentorship of legendary producers Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd and Ken Lack. Though his initial career as a singer in the mid-1960s proved brief, Pratt discovered his true calling in production. His breakthrough came with Pat Kelly’s emotive ‘How Long,’ establishing his reputation for crafting hits that resonated deeply with Jamaican audiences.

    The 1970s marked Pratt’s most prolific period, producing a string of successful releases for the Sunshot label. His distinctive production style elevated tracks including Pat Kelly’s ‘Talk About Love,’ John Holt’s ‘Strange Things’ and ‘My Heart is Gone,’ and Ken Boothe’s enduring ‘Artibella’—later sampled by Snoop Dogg for his 2013 track ‘La La La.’

    Operating from his Orange Street record shop in West Kingston’s musical epicenter, Pratt belonged to a pioneering generation of independent producers whose work achieved widespread popularity through sound system plays rather than mainstream radio. Contemporary deejay Dennis Alcapone, who recorded several tracks for Pratt including ‘This A Butter,’ remembered him as ‘a very quiet person’ who ‘when him hit, him hit big.’

    After relocating to the United Kingdom over four decades ago, Pratt established a new life in northwest London’s Harlesden district, operating a restaurant within the area’s vibrant West Indian community. His musical legacy continues through his son Sampalue, who has produced works for reggae icons including Dennis Brown, Lady Saw, and Frankie Paul while maintaining his own singing career with two album releases.

    Phil Pratt is survived by multiple children and grandchildren, leaving behind a catalog that continues to influence generations of musicians and producers.

  • 79-y-o pedestrian dies in Manchester crash

    79-y-o pedestrian dies in Manchester crash

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A fatal traffic incident claimed the life of a senior citizen on Friday evening along the Prospect main road in Manchester. The victim, identified as 79-year-old Trevor Williams, a local resident of Prospect, succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck by a public passenger vehicle.

    According to official police reports, the tragedy occurred at approximately 7:30 PM when Williams was walking along the roadway. A white Toyota Hiace Commuter minibus, traveling northbound, collided with the pedestrian. The vehicle, operating as licensed public transport, was under the operation of a 49-year-old driver at the time of the accident.

    Emergency services transported the critically injured man to a nearby medical facility, where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival. The Manchester police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, though no immediate arrests have been reported. The incident has raised renewed concerns about pedestrian safety and traffic enforcement on Jamaica’s roadways, particularly involving public transportation vehicles and vulnerable road users during evening hours.

  • CCJ rejects claim by Trinidadian against the State

    CCJ rejects claim by Trinidadian against the State

    In a definitive ruling with significant implications for regional financial regulation, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has formally dismissed an application from Trinidadian citizen Mike Daniel Bhagwansingh seeking to challenge his nation’s banking licensing requirements. The court’s detailed written judgment, released Thursday, follows its initial oral decision rendered on October 7, 2025, after conducting contested proceedings via video-conference.

    Bhagwansingh’s legal action contested the mandate under Trinidad and Tobago’s Financial Institutions Act (FIA), which requires individuals to secure a license from the Central Bank prior to conducting any banking business. He contended that this regulatory framework constituted a discriminatory practice, fundamentally violating his right to offer financial services as purportedly guaranteed under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC)—the foundational agreement governing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy.

    The CCJ’s adjudication panel anchored its decision on a core principle of regional law: the RTC permits member states themselves, and only in narrowly defined circumstances their private nationals, to initiate claims against another member state. The court determined that Bhagwansingh’s application critically lacked the necessary ‘cross-border element,’ a fundamental threshold for such a challenge. His proposed claim concerned a purely domestic regulatory matter within Trinidad and Tobago, with no demonstrable impact on or connection to trade between CARICOM member states.

    Furthermore, the judgment provided crucial clarification on the scope of the RTC, explicitly stating that the treaty does not confer upon individual citizens of a member state an automatic right to provide financial or other services within their own country’s borders. The Court reaffirmed that such internal economic activities remain squarely under the jurisdiction and governance of national laws and domestic regulatory bodies.

    Consequently, the CCJ not only dismissed the application for special leave to commence proceedings but also awarded legal costs to the State of Trinidad and Tobago, reinforcing the strength of its dismissal and setting a notable precedent for future interpretations of the RTC concerning national sovereignty over domestic financial regulation.

  • Winston Jones High marks Jamaica Day with youth talent showcase and police partnership

    Winston Jones High marks Jamaica Day with youth talent showcase and police partnership

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Winston Jones High School transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration during its annual Jamaica Day observance last Friday. The event, orchestrated under the thematic banner “Celebrating Jamaica: Championing Kindness, Courage and Community,” seamlessly merged educational enrichment with artistic expression, drawing participation from students, faculty, and key community figures including representatives from the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

    The school campus radiated with the national colors—black, green, and gold—as attendees adorned traditional Jamaican attire. The day’s agenda was meticulously designed to immerse students in the nation’s heritage, aligning with both Jamaica Day and Reggae Month. A centerpiece of the festivities was a music and performing arts competition, where roughly 20 students showcased talents in reggae, gospel, dance, and poetry. The event was adjudicated by Inspector S Steers, Zone 3 Commander of the Manchester Division, alongside Sergeants Leisha Rose and Sunlin Morgan, and Constable Sanasha Brown-Wilson.

    Rhythmic drumbeats filled the fifth form block, underscoring performances that transcended entertainment to serve as reflections of cultural identity and historical awareness. Twelve students received trophies for their exemplary contributions, with judges urging them to pursue broader platforms such as the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDС) competitions.

    Inspector Steers applauded the participants’ creativity and self-assurance, remarking, “The talent displayed here today is remarkable. Winston Jones High has some truly gifted students.” She highlighted the role of such events in building trust between youth and law enforcement, noting that engagement strengthens community partnerships and bridges societal gaps.

    Beyond the stage, students engaged in a “Know Your Heritage” quiz, testing historical knowledge across all grade levels. Teachers joined performances, reinforcing a culture of inclusivity and collective pride. Special recognition was accorded to culture agent Diana Plummer and her team for their meticulous coordination and dedication.

    Acting Principal Shane Henry encapsulated the day’s ethos, stating, “Jamaica Day is more than a celebration of colors and culture. It is an opportunity for our students to understand who they are and the responsibility they carry to contribute positively to Jamaica’s future.” The event concluded as a testament to the power of cultural education in shaping engaged, civic-minded scholars and citizens.