Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

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  • S Hotel in MoBay repurposes S Club as media base to aid journalists

    S Hotel in MoBay repurposes S Club as media base to aid journalists

    In a significant move to support regional journalism, the S Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has announced the transformation of its S Club facility into a dedicated operations base for media personnel in western Jamaica. This initiative, unveiled on Friday, aims to address the critical challenges journalists face, including unreliable phone connectivity and intermittent email access, exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

    Christopher Issa, the hotel’s owner, emphasized the importance of a free and independent press in a functioning democracy. ‘We are very happy to be able to do this… especially at a time when journalists are facing significant hurdles in accessing the tools they need to do their work,’ Issa stated. He highlighted the hotel’s commitment to providing a stable environment where journalists can access emails, make phone calls, and produce accurate content for the public.

    Ann-Marie Goffe Pryce, the hotel’s general manager, reinforced this commitment, stating, ‘Ensuring that our regional journalists have a reliable workspace is a responsibility we take seriously. The S Club will offer consistent connectivity and a conducive environment, enabling them to focus on delivering trustworthy news.’ She added that this partnership underscores the hotel’s dedication to community support and the integrity of information, particularly during the recovery phase post-Hurricane Melissa.

    Janet Silvera, President of the Western Jamaica Media Association (WJMA), praised the initiative, describing the extreme conditions journalists have endured, including camping at police stations or pulling over on highways to access the internet. ‘Providing a base with consistent connectivity and workspace is a meaningful intervention that will help reporters deliver timely, accurate stories,’ Silvera explained. She also lauded the collaboration as a model for future emergencies, highlighting the importance of stable information channels in times of crisis.

    The S Hotel, renowned for its community stewardship, will grant journalists access to the S Club during designated hours, ensuring a reliable space for filing stories, conducting interviews, and coordinating dispatches. This initiative not only aids journalists in the immediate recovery period but also establishes a sustainable framework for supporting media operations during future emergencies, reinforcing the critical role of journalism in national resilience.

  • Digicel service disrupted in St Mary, St Ann and Trelawny due to electrical fire on utility lines

    Digicel service disrupted in St Mary, St Ann and Trelawny due to electrical fire on utility lines

    Residents and businesses in St Mary, St Ann, and Trelawny, Jamaica, are currently grappling with significant telecommunications disruptions following an electrical fire that severely damaged utility lines. Digicel, a leading telecommunications provider in the region, confirmed the outage in a statement released early Friday morning. The company attributed the service interruption to the extensive damage caused by the fire, which has compromised its infrastructure.

    Digicel assured customers that its technical teams are on high alert and prepared to commence repairs immediately. However, they emphasized that safety protocols must be strictly followed, and clearance from relevant authorities is required before any restoration work can begin. The company is collaborating closely with the utility provider to expedite the resolution process and minimize the impact on affected users.

    In its statement, Digicel expressed sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused and extended gratitude to its customers for their understanding and patience during this challenging period. The company remains committed to restoring full service as swiftly as possible while prioritizing the safety of its personnel and the public.

  • NEPA calls on public to support wildlife recovery by feeding birds with fruits

    NEPA calls on public to support wildlife recovery by feeding birds with fruits

    KINGSTON, JAMAICA — As Jamaica continues its recovery efforts following the devastating Category Five Hurricane Melissa, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has highlighted the severe impact on the island’s wildlife, particularly its bird population. The agency is calling on citizens to play an active role in aiding the recovery of these vulnerable species.

  • NEED FOR SPEED

    NEED FOR SPEED

    Jamaican sprint sensation Oblique Seville, fresh off his historic 100m gold medal win at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, is gearing up for a strong comeback. The 24-year-old, who clocked a personal best of 9.77 seconds to claim his first individual global medal, is now focused on building greater strength as he sets his sights on competing in both the 100m and 200m events next season. Seville’s victory ended Jamaica’s eight-year gold medal drought in the 100m and marked a significant milestone in his career after previous near-misses at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships and the 2024 Olympics. Upon returning to Jamaica on September 24, Seville underwent a minor procedure to remove toenails on his big toes, which required at least a month of recovery. He has since reported a smooth recovery and is eager to resume training at the Glen Mills-led Racers Track Club. Seville attributes his recent success to a revamped strength training regimen tailored to his compact 5 ft 7-inch frame. While he acknowledges significant progress, he believes there is still room for improvement. ‘I’m 50 per cent stronger, but I still need a lot of improvement,’ he stated during an interview on Leighton Levy’s Mr Analyst podcast. Seville’s ambition extends beyond the 100m, as he aims to make a mark in the 200m, an event he has long aspired to dominate. ‘I want to be as good as the top three athletes in the world that run the 200m,’ he declared. With a personal best of 20.13 seconds in the 200m, Seville is determined to break the 20-second barrier and join the elite ranks of Jamaican sprinters who have achieved this feat, including legends like Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Warren Weir. Seville’s journey is a testament to his resilience and dedication, as he continues to push the boundaries of his potential in the world of sprinting.

  • ODPEM head pledges modern, efficient disaster-relief system

    ODPEM head pledges modern, efficient disaster-relief system

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Commander Alvin Gayle, the newly appointed Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to bolster Jamaica’s disaster response capabilities. The initiative centers on the implementation of a cutting-edge logistics system designed to streamline the tracking, management, and distribution of relief supplies across the island, particularly as the nation continues its recovery from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.

  • Reynolds looks to return Harbour View to JPL summit

    Reynolds looks to return Harbour View to JPL summit

    Vassell Reynolds has stepped into a pivotal role as the head coach of Harbour View FC, tasked with steering the club back to the pinnacle of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL). Since Ludlow Bernard’s departure in 2023, shortly after securing the JPL title, the club has faced a turbulent period, cycling through four head coaches in quick succession. Bernard’s unexpected replacement, Jason ‘Buju’ Henry, lasted only three months before being dismissed due to poor performances. Sydney McFarlane and Byjeon Thomas followed, but neither could stabilize the team, leading to Reynolds’ appointment in August 2025. Currently, Harbour View languishes in 12th place with just eight points from eight matches, including only two wins and four defeats. Reynolds, a seasoned coach with a distinguished career at institutions like Montego Bay United and Kingston College, acknowledges the monumental task ahead. He emphasizes the need for holistic development, not just at the senior level but across the club’s youth programs. Reynolds expressed his honor in leading such a historic club, highlighting Harbour View’s rich legacy, including five JPL titles and multiple cup victories. He remains optimistic, citing the club’s resources and player potential as key factors in their revival. Reynolds’ vision extends beyond immediate results, aiming to restore Harbour View’s status as a dominant force in Jamaican football through strategic planning and sustained development.

  • Rapid recovery

    Rapid recovery

    Flow Jamaica has successfully restored 80% of its mobile network traffic and over 40% of fixed-line services following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, according to Liberty Latin America CEO Balan Nair. In major metropolitan areas, fixed-line recovery has surged to more than 80%. However, the pace of restoration remains heavily reliant on the Jamaica Public Service Company’s efforts to restore power, which has so far reached over half of its customers. Emergency connectivity via Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology has reconnected over 140,000 users in severely affected regions as the company continues to repair infrastructure and services. Nair expressed confidence in the resilience of Flow Jamaica’s employees and their commitment to restoring critical communications for customers. Despite the progress, the company anticipates negative impacts on its Caribbean financial metrics for the remainder of 2025, including reduced revenue, fewer active customers, and increased costs for equipment and property repairs. Flow Jamaica’s recovery is bolstered by a parametric weather insurance contract, which enables faster payouts compared to traditional policies, facilitating quicker funding for repairs. Nair confirmed that the hurricane triggered the insurance coverage, with a payout expected soon. While the exact amount remains undisclosed, LILA received $44 million from similar contracts in 2024. Weather derivatives, which pay out based on specific measurements like wind speed, have proven instrumental in accelerating recovery efforts. Flow Jamaica’s 2024 annual report revealed $5.545 billion in net proceeds from weather derivatives, offsetting $1.273 billion in costs from Hurricane Beryl. Additionally, the company recorded $207 million in asset impairments due to hurricane damage. Phoenix Tower International (PTI), responsible for repairing mobile tower sites under a 2023 agreement, has deployed teams to rebuild infrastructure. Nair emphasized that network recovery will align with power restoration efforts. Despite the challenges, Flow Jamaica reported a 5% revenue growth in Q3 2024, reaching $17.17 billion, with mobile services contributing 59% of total revenue. LILA’s consolidated revenue grew by 2% to $1.11 billion in Q3, though it reported a net loss of $525.9 million for the first nine months of 2024.

  • Melissa triggers 100% payout of US$150 million World Bank catastrophe bond for Jamaica

    Melissa triggers 100% payout of US$150 million World Bank catastrophe bond for Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is poised to receive a full payout of US$150 million under its catastrophe insurance coverage, facilitated by a World Bank-backed catastrophe bond issued in 2024. This financial support underscores the effectiveness of Jamaica’s disaster risk management strategy and the critical role of catastrophe bonds in mitigating the economic impact of natural disasters.

  • Morgan assures Trelawny Southern residents of road restoration efforts post hurricane

    Morgan assures Trelawny Southern residents of road restoration efforts post hurricane

    TRELAWNY, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Robert Nesta Morgan, Minister with Responsibility for Works in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, has pledged unwavering support to the residents of Trelawny Southern. The hurricane left a trail of destruction, severely damaging road infrastructure, homes, and destabilizing the soil across the constituency. Minister Morgan, accompanied by Member of Parliament Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert and representatives from the National Works Agency (NWA), conducted an extensive tour of the hardest-hit communities on Friday to evaluate the devastation firsthand.

    During the visit, Minister Morgan highlighted the extensive damage caused by the hurricane, emphasizing the urgent need for recovery efforts. ‘We have seen houses damaged, road infrastructure compromised, and the soil rendered unstable,’ he stated. The NWA has been fully mobilized to restore critical road access and facilitate emergency operations. ‘The NWA is working tirelessly to create pathways for emergency services and enable residents to resume their daily activities,’ Morgan explained. He cautioned residents about the reduced safety of certain roads, which are now single-lane with breakaways, urging them to exercise caution.

    Despite the challenges, recovery efforts are progressing steadily. Minister Morgan assured residents that relief supplies are being prioritized, though road damage has hindered delivery. ‘Help is on the way; we just want you to bear with us,’ Dalrymple-Philibert reassured the community. The government remains committed to restoring normalcy and providing essential support to those affected by the hurricane.

  • Jeanel Bowla: The woman behind the brand

    Jeanel Bowla: The woman behind the brand

    Since the ATL Automotive Group acquired the BMW brand in Jamaica in 2016, BMW has emerged as the country’s top-selling premium car brand, achieving record-breaking sales for five out of the past seven years. At the forefront of this remarkable success is Jeanel Bowla, the sales manager at BMW Jamaica in Kingston, whose leadership and passion have been pivotal in steering the brand to new heights.

    Bowla’s connection to BMW runs deep. Growing up in a family where the brand was a constant presence, she developed an early appreciation for BMW’s driver-centric philosophy and distinctive road feel. Her father’s 1972 BMW 2002 and his hands-on involvement with the brand left an indelible mark on her. For Bowla, BMW is more than just a car—it’s an experience, a feeling that transforms driving into a joy.

    Despite her family’s automotive legacy, Bowla initially didn’t see herself in car sales. However, her career trajectory changed when she joined ATL Automotive in February 2018. Within seven months, she was promoted to sales manager for BMW Jamaica, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. Balancing her new responsibilities with pursuing an MBA at the Mona School of Business and Management was challenging, but Bowla’s discipline and time management skills enabled her to excel in both areas.

    Now, over seven years into her journey with ATL Autobahn and a new mother, Bowla attributes much of her growth to her team. She has led the BMW Jamaica sales team through several high-profile vehicle launches, including the BMW M2, BMW X3 M, and BMW X4 M. One standout experience was a road trip organized exclusively for BMW M and M Performance customers, which turned into a celebration of the passion that unites the M community.

    Bowla’s success is rooted in her discipline, mindset, and love for her work. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she emphasizes the importance of learning, building confidence, and showing up consistently. She believes in humility and the willingness to ask for help as key drivers of growth.

    For young women aspiring to enter the automotive industry, Bowla offers sage advice: let your work speak for itself, protect your peace, and stay grounded in what matters to you. Her leadership ensures that every customer encounter reflects both BMW’s legacy and her own dedication, leaving customers satisfied and her team proud.