Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

牙买加

  • Campari, Valiant turn up the heat with Win Your Passion Moment

    Campari, Valiant turn up the heat with Win Your Passion Moment

    Campari Group is extending its celebration of self-expression through its ‘Win Your Passion Moment’ promotional campaign, which will continue through March 29th. The initiative offers participants opportunities to win premium experiences and products while embracing the brand’s core values of individuality and bold living.

    Central to this marketing effort is Jamaican artist Valiant, described by Campari as the embodiment of contemporary passion and fearless self-expression. The company’s communications manager, Dominic Bell, emphasized the natural alignment between Valiant’s public persona and Campari’s brand identity: “Valiant represents what Campari stands for – that sensual individual who effortlessly commands attention. He embodies our rough-yet-sensual character who expresses himself authentically during passionate moments.”

    The campaign features bi-weekly prize drawings throughout its duration, offering multiple opportunities for consumers to win. The premium prizes include: an all-expenses-paid four-night romantic getaway for two to the Dominican Republic; a luxurious four-night staycation at Sandals Jamaica resort; a complete bedroom makeover package; an exclusive Xodus Carnival costume; and a state-of-the-art 55-inch television.

    Valiant expressed enthusiasm about his role as campaign ambassador: “Being the face of Campari’s Win Your Passion Moment feels incredibly natural. Passion defines everything I value—music, personal growth, and life’s journey. Campari genuinely understands this energy and celebrates those bold moments when people pursue what they believe in.”

    The promotion encourages repeated participation, with consumers having multiple entry opportunities during the campaign period. Campari positions this initiative as more than a typical marketing campaign, framing it as a movement that rewards authentic living and unapologetic self-expression—values the brand has championed throughout its history.

  • Portland Health Department rolls out blood pressure screenings for Heart Month

    Portland Health Department rolls out blood pressure screenings for Heart Month

    PORTLAND, Jamaica – The Portland Health Department has initiated an extensive parish-wide blood pressure screening campaign throughout February in recognition of Heart Month, marking a significant push to enhance cardiovascular wellness among local residents.

    This collaborative endeavor with the National Health Fund (NHF) operates under the thematic banner ‘Love Your Heart, Check Your Blood Pressure,’ emphasizing preventive healthcare measures. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sharon Lewis announced that the program commenced on February 11 during a specialized clinic for barbers and hairdressers, conducted within the Portland Health Department’s conference facilities.

    Addressing the Portland Municipal Corporation’s monthly assembly on February 12, Dr. Lewis detailed the comprehensive schedule of upcoming screening events. Additional blood pressure assessments will be conducted at food handlers’ clinics across all three health districts within the parish. Specific community locations include Buff Bay Methodist Church yard and Fairy Hill Health Centre on Thursday, February 19, followed by participation in a health fair at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) on February 26.

    Dr. Lewis indicated that further venues are currently being finalized, with complete details to be publicly communicated once arrangements are confirmed. She actively encouraged residents to utilize these complimentary services, advising community members to watch for community health aides conducting screenings near major township centers throughout the parish.

    The initiative has established an ambitious target of screening 2,000 individuals during the awareness period. Dr. Lewis delivered these updates while presenting Portland’s January 2026 health status report, noting the parish maintained generally favorable health conditions throughout the month.

    Regarding syndromic surveillance, authorities recorded 32 cases of undifferentiated fever, all presenting at designated sentinel sites across Portland. This represents a significant reduction from the 63 cases documented in December 2025 and aligns closely with the 34 cases observed in November 2025.

    A parallel downward trend was observed in fever and respiratory cases, with only six instances reported – a 73% decrease from December’s 208 cases during the seasonal influenza-like illness surge. This figure corresponds with the 51 cases documented in November 2025. Dr. Lewis confirmed both undifferentiated fever and influenza-like illnesses are returning to endemic levels of approximately 10 cases weekly, indicating stabilization of community health trends.

  • Opposition wants clarity on digital services tax plan

    Opposition wants clarity on digital services tax plan

    Jamaica’s proposed extension of General Consumption Tax (GCT) to overseas digital services has prompted cautious analysis from the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), with spokesperson Christopher Brown emphasizing the need for detailed clarification on implementation mechanisms and potential effects on digital service exporters.

    The revenue measure, introduced in the 2026/27 budget by Finance Minister Fayval Williams, targets foreign digital providers without physical presence in Jamaica—including streaming platforms, cloud computing services, and other digital intangibles—subjecting them to the standard 15% GCT rate. The government projects approximately $300 million in revenue for the upcoming fiscal year, with significant increases anticipated in subsequent years.

    Minister Williams justified the policy shift using the internationally recognized ‘destination principle,’ which applies consumption taxes based on where services are consumed rather than where providers are headquartered. This approach aims to eliminate differential treatment between local and foreign digital services while modernizing Jamaica’s tax framework for the digital economy.

    Opposition spokesman Brown acknowledged the global trend toward digital service taxation but highlighted unresolved operational questions regarding enforcement methodologies and collection mechanisms. The government has yet to specify whether foreign companies will register directly or if collection will occur through intermediaries like financial institutions or telecommunications providers.

    Brown expressed broader concerns about the cumulative burden of new tax measures on households, particularly affecting lower-income groups and an already strained middle class. He warned that additional levies on essential digital services—increasingly used for education, business, and communication—could create ripple effects during Jamaica’s ongoing economic recovery from recent shocks and climate-related disruptions.

    While recognizing the government’s objective to broaden the tax base and ensure equitable treatment between local and foreign providers, the opposition emphasized that consumer protection and implementation clarity will be central to their evaluation. Critics anticipate that companies may pass tax costs to consumers through higher subscription fees, potentially undermining digital accessibility.

    The PNP continues to analyze the full suite of budgetary tax measures and will articulate its definitive position after comprehensive assessment of the proposal’s design and socioeconomic implications.

  • Guyana to distribute mining lands to small scale gold miners

    Guyana to distribute mining lands to small scale gold miners

    The Guyanese government has announced a substantial expansion of mining land access for local small-scale gold miners, with a major distribution initiative scheduled within the next quarter. Through its Ministry of Natural Resources, the administration revealed plans to allocate approximately 225 parcels of land across multiple regions, with each miner receiving an increased allocation of 50 acres—a significant upgrade from the previous standard of 27 acres.

    This new ‘Troy-like’ allocation model, inspired by the successful framework implemented in the Issano 14 Mile area following Troy Resources’ departure, allows miners to relinquish exhausted parcels and apply for new 50-acre tracts. The program currently supports nearly 100 small miners in regions seven and eight, demonstrating the model’s viability.

    Complementing the land distribution, the government has partnered with U.S.-based Global Venturing to conduct comprehensive aerial surveys across mining districts. These nearly completed surveys will generate high-quality geological data to inform smarter land allocations, reducing prospecting costs and environmental impact while boosting sector efficiency.

    The Guyana Gold Board (GGB) will enhance market access through mobile purchasing units for remote miners, while maintaining the legal requirement that all gold must be sold to GGB or licensed buyers.

    Concurrently, authorities have intensified enforcement against illegal mining, seizing over 400 pieces of equipment and prosecuting nearly 100 individuals through joint operations between the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and police forces. The ministry emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward non-compliance, aiming to protect industry integrity and ensure fair returns for the nation while supporting small and medium-scale miners as the backbone of Guyana’s gold industry.

  • ‘I have more to accomplish’

    ‘I have more to accomplish’

    In an emotional return that captivated the athletics world, Olympic sprint legend Elaine Thompson-Herah made her competitive comeback at Saturday’s Camperdown Classic, marking her first race in 620 days following a debilitating Achilles injury. The five-time Olympic gold medalist chose Jamaica College’s Ashenheim Stadium as the venue for her long-awaited return to the sport that made her a global icon.

    The atmosphere reached fever pitch as spectators filled every available seat, creating an electric environment befitting one of track and field’s most anticipated returns. Thompson-Herah, widely regarded as the fastest woman alive, demonstrated remarkable perspective by prioritizing health and enjoyment over immediate results. Her third-place finish in 7.24 seconds behind winner Levanya Williams (7.17) and Shaniqua Bascombe (7.23) represented far more than mere statistics—it symbolized victory over adversity.

    Speaking with visible emotion post-race, Thompson-Herah expressed profound gratitude: “I have to give God thanks for carrying me through that race healthy. This was essentially part of my training regimen—an opportunity to implement techniques we’ve been developing while simply rediscovering the joy of competition.”

    The 33-year-old champion revealed her philosophical approach to this new chapter, emphasizing silent determination over public declarations. “I maintain specific targets but prefer working discreetly toward them. My focus remains on gradual progression, with September representing a potential breakthrough point if health permits.”

    Beyond physical recovery, Thompson-Herah’s journey has been emotionally transformative. She acknowledged the challenges of extended absence from her passion while expressing deep appreciation for her support network—coach, management team, and dedicated fans who maintained faith during her rehabilitation.

    “The patience and positivity from genuine supporters has been overwhelming,” she noted. “This process requires balancing hunger with humility, recognizing that rebuilding physical capacity demands time and perseverance more than immediate results.”

    While stopwatches will eventually measure her competitive progress, Thompson-Herah’s current metrics revolve around resilience, dedication, and the pure satisfaction of returning to what she loves. Her comeback story continues evolving, with future chapters potentially adding to her already legendary status in athletic history.

  • Kiwanis Club of Downtown Kingston delivers major medical donation to Jamaica’s public hospitals

    Kiwanis Club of Downtown Kingston delivers major medical donation to Jamaica’s public hospitals

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant relief effort following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Kingston has mobilized substantial medical resources for Jamaica’s strained healthcare infrastructure. The catastrophic Category 5 hurricane struck the island on October 28, 2025, leaving widespread destruction that severely impacted medical facilities across the nation.

    The comprehensive aid package, with an estimated value of US$100,000 (approximately J$15 million), arrived via a 40-foot shipping container and has been strategically distributed to three major public healthcare institutions: St Joseph’s Hospital, Kingston Public Hospital, and Victoria Jubilee Hospital. These facilities have been operating under extreme pressure since the hurricane’s landfall, particularly in serving vulnerable patient populations.

    The medical equipment donation encompasses critical care technology including electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, blood pressure monitors, stress testing equipment, and IV poles. The shipment also contained essential medical consumables such as examination gloves (vinyl and nitrile varieties), bandages, gauze, and specialized cleaning products for medical environments. Recognizing the broader healthcare needs, the donation included mobility assistance devices like crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs, alongside practical patient care items including bed socks, adult and infant diapers, and baby wipes.

    Beyond hospital supplies, the initiative incorporated disaster relief components for families in western Jamaica who suffered substantial property losses during catastrophic flooding. These community support items comprised clothing and footwear for adults and children, infant garments and feeding bottles, protective tarpaulins, potable water, multi-purpose towels, and electrical extension leads.

    The complex logistics and procurement operation was coordinated by the Kingston-based service organization in partnership with medical professionals and international collaborators. Club representatives have confirmed that additional donation initiatives are currently in development, forming part of a sustained commitment to reinforce healthcare capabilities and support long-term community rehabilitation efforts throughout Jamaica’s recovery period.

  • Montego Bay edge Cavalier, Mt Pleasant hammer Dunbeholden

    Montego Bay edge Cavalier, Mt Pleasant hammer Dunbeholden

    In a pivotal Sunday fixture for the Jamaica Premier League, Montego Bay United solidified their commanding position at the summit by securing a narrow 1-0 victory against the defending champions, Cavalier SC. This crucial win avenged their prior 3-0 defeat and maintained a formidable seven-point gap at the top of the standings.

    The match’s defining moment arrived in the 55th minute at Jarrett Park. Following a foul on Deonjay Brown within the penalty area, Dwight Merrick exhibited composure from the spot, converting the penalty to notch his tenth goal of the campaign. Despite controlling much of the match’s tempo, Montego Bay relied on this decisive play to clinch the three points, a result that plunges Cavalier to a disappointing eighth place.

    Simultaneously, former titleholders Mount Pleasant FA unleashed an offensive masterclass, demolishing Dunbeholden FC with an emphatic 4-0 triumph at Drax Hall. The squad broke free from a recent scoring drought with Raheen Edwards initiating the rout in the 21st minute. Daniel Green swiftly doubled the advantage just seven minutes later. Second-half substitutes Shaquille Bradford and Alex Marshall then entered the fray, each contributing a goal to seal a comprehensive victory and reaffirm their team’s championship credentials.

    Elsewhere in the league, Racing United clung to second position courtesy of a dramatic 1-0 win against Molynes United, secured by a late strike from substitute Dwight Gentles. The match was influenced by an early red card shown to Molynes’ Sergeni Frankson in the 18th minute. Waterhouse FC’s impressive four-match winning streak was halted following a 1-1 draw with Tivoli Gardens, while Chapelton Maroons continued their ascent up the table with a 2-0 victory over Treasure Beach FC. At the bottom, Spanish Town Police FC enhanced their survival prospects with a 1-0 win over Harbour View, narrowing the gap between the two clubs to a single point.

  • Catherine’s Peak waters another successful Sagicor Sigma Run/Walk

    Catherine’s Peak waters another successful Sagicor Sigma Run/Walk

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Catherine’s Peak Pure Spring Water has reaffirmed its commitment to Jamaica’s largest charitable road race by extending its hydration partnership with the Sagicor SIGMA Corporate Run/Walk through 2026. This announcement solidifies a 28-year collaboration that has become integral to the event’s operations.

    The 2026 edition of the annual fundraiser, orchestrated by Sagicor Group Jamaica, continues its tradition of mobilizing massive public participation for national causes. This year’s event saw unprecedented engagement with over 30,000 registered participants. Strategic hydration stations were established along the race route, ensuring athletes remained properly hydrated throughout the physical challenge.

    Beyond hydration services, the GraceKennedy Group subsidiary maintained a significant presence in the event village. Approximately 250 gift packages containing various Grace products were distributed to participants. Grace Foods further enhanced the participant experience by providing samples of their Grace Sardines canned products, offering nourishment alongside hydration.

    The enduring partnership was celebrated by key representatives from both organizations. Catherine’s Peak Brand Manager Rochell Samuels-Black and Senior Beverages Brand Manager Allawney Bromley joined forces with Sagicor’s VP of Communications, Social Media and CSR, Nicole Campbell Robinson, to commemorate nearly three decades of collaborative community service.

    Samuels-Black emphasized the philosophical alignment between the organizations: “Our alliance with SIGMA at Sagicor Group Jamaica is fundamentally built upon mutual dedication to health, wellness and societal contribution. For 28 years, we’ve had the honor of supporting countless participants while backing an initiative that creates measurable impact throughout Jamaican communities. Observing multiple generations uniting for a common purpose holds profound significance for our team.”

    Event organizers acknowledged the indispensable role played by the hydration partner. Nicole Campbell Robinson noted: “Catherine’s Peak has served as a foundational partner since Sigma’s inception. Their consistent reliability, vibrant energy, and genuine commitment to community betterment have consistently enhanced the participant experience annually. Proper hydration is crucial for any athletic event, and Catherine’s Peak consistently delivers superior quality while embodying the event’s core ethos.”

    Samuels-Black added: “SIGMA exemplifies corporate Jamaica’s collective power to elevate communities. As part of the GraceKennedy family, we take pride in having both Catherine’s Peak and Grace Foods support participants through both hydration and nutrition, strengthening our dedication to healthy living and national progress.”

  • Swiss train derails, injuring five

    Swiss train derails, injuring five

    GOppenstein, Switzerland — A regional commuter train derailed in southern Switzerland on Monday morning amid extreme weather conditions, leaving five passengers injured and prompting a major emergency response. The incident occurred as the mountainous region remained under a Level 4 avalanche alert—the second-highest danger rating.

    According to local police, preliminary investigations suggest an avalanche crossed the railway tracks moments before the train’s passage. The public prosecutor’s office has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the derailment.

    The train, carrying 29 passengers at approximately 7:00 AM local time, was exiting the critical Lotschberg rail tunnel—a major transportation artery—when the accident occurred. While one injured passenger required hospitalization, the remaining travelers were successfully evacuated to safety despite continuing avalanche threats and heavy snowfall in the area.

    Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) confirmed the immediate suspension of all rail services between Goppenstein and Brig stations due to avalanche risks. The village of Goppenstein, situated at 1,216 meters elevation, serves as a vital logistics hub for both road and rail transport through the Alpine region.

    This incident follows another avalanche event last Thursday that buried portions of the main roadway connecting the Lotschental valley to Goppenstein, though that earlier incident resulted in no injuries.

    Separately, Swiss authorities issued evacuation orders for multiple areas within the Orsières municipality due to severe weather patterns, including strong winds and forecasted heavy rainfall.

    Switzerland’s rail network, celebrated globally for its precision and extensive coverage through challenging terrain, has seen declining accident rates despite increasing usage. Government statistics confirm the Swiss remain Europe’s most frequent rail users per capita. This incident marks the most significant rail disruption since a 2023 storm caused dual derailments near Bern, injuring fifteen people.

  • Benfica’s Mourinho plays down Real Madrid return rumour before rematch

    Benfica’s Mourinho plays down Real Madrid return rumour before rematch

    LISBON, Portugal — On the eve of a critical Champions League play-off confrontation, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho publicly addressed mounting speculation regarding a potential return to Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach, who previously helmed the Spanish giants from 2010 to 2013, emphatically stated his capacity to decline any approach from Madrid president Florentino Perez.

    The two European powerhouses are set for a high-stakes showdown at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz on Tuesday, with the second leg scheduled at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu the following week. This encounter marks a swift reunion after Mourinho’s Benfica secured a 4-2 victory against Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad during the Champions League group phase in January.

    When questioned by journalists about his willingness to reject potential overtures from Perez, Mourinho responded with unequivocal clarity: “Can you say no? Yes. Yes you can.” The 63-year-old tactician acknowledged his “great friendship” with the Madrid president and enduring connections with the club, but swiftly redirected focus to his current contractual obligations.

    Mourinho revealed his unique contract with Benfica contains a mutual break clause specifically designed during the club’s presidential election period in November 2025. “The only thing that exists is that I have another year on my contract with Benfica,” Mourinho emphasized. “It’s a special contract because it was signed in an electoral period to protect a hypothetical new president.”

    Despite his evident affection for Real Madrid, Mourinho expressed strong competitive intentions for the upcoming match. “I would very much like to eliminate Real Madrid from the Champions League,” he stated, while simultaneously offering praise for opposing coach Arbeloa: “I would like Alvaro to win La Liga and for Alvaro to stay at Madrid for many years. He’s a coach with a lot of capability.”

    Real Madrid’s squad approaches the contest with heightened determination, according to midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. “We want to play a great game with the spirit of revenge,” he declared, referencing their previous defeat. “Losing a game like that was tough for our fans.”

    Manager Arbeloa maintained tactical ambiguity regarding star forward Kylian Mbappe’s availability, noting: “Kylian came with us, he will train and tomorrow you will see if he plays or doesn’t.” The French international has been managing knee discomfort that limited his participation in Madrid’s recent victory over Real Sociedad.