Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

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  • Grenada’s former PM bows out of politics

    Grenada’s former PM bows out of politics

    ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada — In a historic transition marking the end of a political era, former Grenadian Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell formally announced his retirement from public service during a Thursday evening ceremony. The 79-year-old statesman, who has dominated the nation’s political landscape for generations, revealed Dr. Adrian Joseph as his designated successor for the St. George North West constituency—a seat Mitchell has held continuously since 1984.

    Mitchell, the founding leader of the New National Party (NNP) and the longest-serving prime minister in Grenada’s history, delivered an emotional farewell address reflecting on his remarkable tenure. “To the people of St. George North West, you trusted me with the privilege of representing you in the Parliament of this country for over 40 years,” he stated, expressing profound gratitude for the 23 years during which he governed Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique as prime minister.

    The veteran politician explained his decision to step down, noting his conscious choice to avoid overstaying his welcome. “I have seen leadership in this country go on for so long to the point that they are not even able to physically walk,” Mitchell observed, emphasizing his commitment to departing while still physically capable. His reference to seeking “one for the road” in the previous election underscored his long-planned exit strategy from the political arena.

    Mitchell’s legacy includes an unprecedented achievement in Caribbean politics: leading the NNP to complete parliamentary dominance with clean sweeps of all 15 seats in both the 2013 and 2018 elections. However, his final electoral contest resulted in a defeat to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in June 2022, with the NNP securing six seats against the NDC’s nine.

    Dr. Adrian Joseph, the incoming caretaker for the constituency, brings considerable credentials as an experienced diplomat and senior public administrator. Party officials characterize his nomination as representing both continuity with established political traditions and meaningful change, positioning him as a bridge between generations of leadership ready to assume the national spotlight.

  • WRHA expanding psychosocial support services across Westmoreland

    WRHA expanding psychosocial support services across Westmoreland

    Jamaican health authorities have launched an extensive psychosocial support network across Westmoreland parish to address the mental health needs of communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is deploying trained mental health professionals to multiple locations to provide critical emotional support services during the recovery period.

    Gerald Miller, Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, explained that this initiative represents a comprehensive response to the psychological trauma caused by the hurricane’s impact. The program establishes safe spaces where residents can openly discuss emotional challenges and receive professional counseling without stigma or barriers.

    The support network operates during weekend hours from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm across six strategically chosen locations to maximize accessibility. Petersfield Primary School serves the Petersfield community, while Whitehouse Field Clinic accommodates residents from the Whitehouse area. Additional services are available at Salem Primary for Beeston Spring, Darliston Field Clinic for Darliston residents, and Dundee Primary School serving the Berkshire and Dundee communities.

    Miller emphasized that the program extends beyond basic counseling to include specialized mental health assistance for those requiring more comprehensive support. “Trained experts are prepared to address various mental health concerns that may have been exacerbated or triggered by the hurricane’s devastation,” he stated.

    Health officials are actively encouraging community members to utilize these services, stressing that professional guidance can significantly improve coping mechanisms during what they describe as an exceptionally challenging recovery period. The program’s design ensures that psychological support reaches the most affected populations regardless of their location within the parish.

    The expansion of mental health services forms part of Jamaica’s broader disaster response strategy, recognizing that emotional recovery is equally important as physical reconstruction following natural disasters. This approach acknowledges the long-term psychological impact hurricanes can have on vulnerable communities and represents a proactive step toward comprehensive disaster recovery.

  • T&T gov’t to undertake registration of migrants

    T&T gov’t to undertake registration of migrants

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has announced a sweeping immigration regularization initiative requiring all undocumented migrants to register through a newly established digital framework starting next week. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander unveiled the Migration Registration Framework during Thursday’s post-Cabinet news conference, marking a significant policy shift in the nation’s approach to irregular migration.

    The comprehensive program mandates that all undocumented individuals regardless of nationality must complete online registration through the dedicated portal migrantregistration.gov.tt, followed by in-person interviews to obtain official Migration Registration Framework cards. The administration has set a registration fee of TT$700 (approximately US$110), while exempting children from the financial requirement.

    Minister Alexander emphasized the inclusive nature of the current framework, contrasting it with the 2019 program implemented by the previous administration that exclusively targeted Venezuelan nationals. “This Government intends to do things differently,” Alexander stated, highlighting the digital-first approach that leverages government facilities nationwide.

    Registration necessitates presentation of valid identification, proof of address, and employment details when applicable. However, the minister clarified that individuals with criminal records may face registration challenges, emphasizing the government’s stance against admitting those who might “add to the nation’s problems.”

    Despite the warning, authorities encourage all undocumented migrants—including those who entered illegally—to participate without fear of immediate reprisal. The program aims to create a structured immigration system while identifying productive contributors to Trinidad and Tobago’s development. Those failing to register risk potential deportation proceedings as the government seeks to balance humanitarian concerns with national security priorities.

  • Parents urged to reinforce peaceful conflict resolution and healthy behaviours among students

    Parents urged to reinforce peaceful conflict resolution and healthy behaviours among students

    Jamaican health authorities are issuing a compelling call to parents and guardians, urging them to actively foster peaceful conflict-resolution techniques and advocate for healthy habits among students to safeguard a secure and effective academic environment. Gerald Miller, Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, emphasized in an interview with JIS News that although disagreements are a natural part of school life, resorting to violence as a solution is unacceptable and carries significant public health risks. He stressed the critical importance of children seeking adult intervention, particularly from teachers, when conflicts emerge, rather than attempting to handle disputes independently. Miller warned that student-initiated resolutions can rapidly intensify, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities, which subsequently burden the healthcare system with preventable medical cases. Beyond conflict, Miller reiterated the necessity of sustained vigilance against communicable diseases in educational settings. He highlighted fundamental hygiene practices—such as covering coughs and sneezes and maintaining thorough handwashing with soap and water—as vital measures to curb virus transmission. Miller also cautioned against touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands to prevent direct germ transfer. Adherence to these protocols, he noted, is key to minimizing avoidable visits to medical facilities, thereby alleviating pressure on Jamaica’s health infrastructure and ensuring student safety throughout the school term.

  • Freelance journalist shot and killed in Trinidad

    Freelance journalist shot and killed in Trinidad

    TRINIDAD — A brutal assassination has shocked the community of Rio Claro, southeastern Trinidad, after freelance journalist Kellyann Lemessy was murdered in a targeted attack outside her home on Thursday. The 38-year-old mother of three was ambushed by two masked assailants as she arrived at her residence with her two young daughters in the vehicle.

    According to police reports, Lemessy was shot multiple times in the head and body while seated in her car. Investigators believe she heroically shielded her nearly two-year-old child, who was on her lap at the time of the attack. Remarkably, both her toddler and nine-year-old daughter emerged physically unharmed from the horrific incident.

    Lemessy had worked as a correspondent for CNC3 television, building a career in freelance journalism. The killing has raised serious concerns about journalist safety and organized violence in the region.

    This tragedy marks the second violent death in Lemessy’s family within a year. In June 2023, her sister Cassieann was similarly shot and killed in her vehicle near their Mayaro home, with one suspect currently facing charges for that murder.

    Adding to the family’s complex history, Lemessy and another sister were previously charged with causing grievous bodily harm to their brother after an alleged boiling water attack. They had been released on bail of TT$200,000 (approximately US$32,000) pending trial.

    Authorities are actively investigating possible motives behind the killing, including potential connections to her journalistic work, the previous family violence case, or her sister’s unsolved murder. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has vowed to prioritize the investigation amid growing public concern about violence against women and media professionals.

  • France probes deaths of two babies after powdered milk recall

    France probes deaths of two babies after powdered milk recall

    BORDEAUX, France — A major health scare is unfolding across Europe’s infant nutrition sector, prompting widespread product recalls and triggering multiple investigations following the tragic deaths of two newborns. French health authorities have launched a probe to determine if contaminated powdered milk is responsible for the fatalities, which occurred in late December and early January.

    Health Minister Stephanie Rist moved to reassure the public on Friday, confirming that all suspicious infant formula batches had been removed from circulation. The crisis centers on potential contamination with cereulide, a dangerous toxin known to cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea.

    The investigation involves two separate cases: a two-week-old infant who died January 8 in Bordeaux after consuming formula from subsequently recalled batches, and a 27-day-old who died December 23 in Angers. According to local prosecutors, the second infant’s mother recently came forward to report her child had consumed Nestle products from the affected lots.

    While French authorities emphasize that no causal link has been established between the formula and the deaths, the situation has triggered a domino effect of recalls across the industry. Nestle initiated withdrawals across several European markets on January 6, with the company stating it would fully cooperate with investigations while maintaining there is currently “no evidence” connecting their products to the infant fatalities.

    The recall wave has expanded to include other major manufacturers. Danone announced precautionary withdrawals of limited batches in specific markets on Friday, citing updated guidance from food safety authorities. Similarly, French conglomerate Lactalis recalled numerous batches on Wednesday over cereulide contamination concerns across multiple international markets including Australia, China, Spain, Mexico, and several other countries.

    The international scope of the recalls highlights the globalized nature of the infant formula supply chain, with affected products reaching consumers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas as manufacturers scramble to contain the potential health risk.

  • Condemnation for US decision to terminate TPS for Haitians

    Condemnation for US decision to terminate TPS for Haitians

    NEW YORK — The Commissioner of New York City’s Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), Manuel Castro, has issued a strong condemnation of former President Donald Trump’s administration for terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals residing in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an official notice in the Federal Register confirming the termination, set to take effect on February 3, 2026.

    Castro characterized the move as a direct threat to the stability of tens of thousands of families across New York, warning of potential family separations and severe economic distress. He emphasized that TPS is a critical humanitarian provision enabling Haitian immigrants to reside and work legally in the U.S. amid persistently dangerous conditions in their home country. The Commissioner called on federal authorities to reverse the decision, redesignate TPS for Haiti, and issue clear guidance to allow affected families to plan their futures without fear.

    Highlighting their substantial economic contributions, Castro noted that Haitian TPS holders inject over $3.4 billion annually into the U.S. economy. He praised the Haitian community in New York—one of the largest globally—as neighbors, entrepreneurs, caregivers, essential workers, and faith leaders who significantly enrich the city’s economic and cultural fabric.

    In a similar vein, the Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), based in San Diego, California, denounced the termination as a deeply troubling policy. HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef pointed to ongoing assessments confirming that Haiti remains critically unstable due to rampant gang violence, mass displacement, political chaos, and the breakdown of state institutions. She reported that over 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, is under gang control, and more than 1.4 million people have been displaced due to violence.

    Jozef argued that ending TPS would immediately jeopardize the legal status of over 500,000 Haitian nationals, many of whom have built lives in the U.S. for more than ten years and are essential workers in sectors like healthcare, construction, and services. She condemned the decision as an ‘act of violence’ and ‘state-sponsored cruelty,’ noting that it would also severely impact millions in Haiti who rely on remittances from relatives abroad.

    Both Castro and Jozef reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for the rights and protections of Haitian immigrants, urging a reversal of the termination and a renewed commitment to humanitarian principles.

  • Ports under pressure as industry urges cargo owners to clear goods

    Ports under pressure as industry urges cargo owners to clear goods

    Jamaica’s maritime infrastructure continues to operate under severe pressure as unprecedented volumes of unclaimed shipments overwhelm port facilities and storage warehouses nationwide. The Shipping Association of Jamaica has issued urgent appeals to importers and cargo owners to expedite the collection of goods that have already been processed for release.

    Industry leaders report that operational challenges have persisted well beyond the typical holiday season congestion period. Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, emphasized the escalating nature of the crisis: “The accumulation of uncollected cargo creates compounding logistical complications. All maritime institutions, including government agencies, are implementing coordinated measures to address this situation, with some facilities extending operating hours to facilitate clearance.”

    The current gridlock stems from a perfect storm of operational disruptions. Hurricane Melissa’s impact on western Jamaica in October significantly hampered port operations just as seasonal import volumes began rising. This convergence was further exacerbated by substantial inflows of international relief supplies and diaspora contributions following the hurricane.

    As an emergency response, authorities diverted some cargo traffic from Montego Bay to Kingston terminals. However, these alternative facilities are now operating substantially beyond their designed capacity. Additional complications have emerged from expired Unaccompanied Baggage Allowance documentation, commonly known as “yellow forms,” which has delayed clearance for both personal and relief shipments.

    Industry stakeholders emphasize that resolving the backlog is critical for maintaining Jamaica’s economic stability. Prompt cargo clearance would reduce substantial demurrage and storage fees for businesses, protect supply chains essential to the tourism and retail sectors, and prevent inflationary pressure on consumer prices.

    Authorities are urging all parties with outstanding shipments—including importers, family members, brokers, and registered charitable organizations—to immediately regularize documentation and collect their goods. The maritime association recommends contacting shipping agents or warehouse authorities directly to arrange expedited clearance.

  • Jamaica and TUI Group to explore expansion into Latin America and Eastern Europe

    Jamaica and TUI Group to explore expansion into Latin America and Eastern Europe

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to diversify its tourism economy, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has announced the initiation of high-level talks with global tourism giant TUI Group. The discussions, held during the FITUR tourism fair, focus on a comprehensive partnership to amplify Jamaica’s visibility and attractiveness within Latin America and Eastern Europe.

    Minister Bartlett emphasized that this collaboration is a cornerstone of Jamaica’s plan to build economic resilience by reducing its historical dependency on North American and Western European source markets. By leveraging TUI’s vast marketing infrastructure and operational expertise in emerging regions, Jamaica aims to secure a formidable presence in markets demonstrating a rapidly growing appetite for Caribbean travel.

    The proposed alliance will explore multifaceted initiatives, including enhancing air connectivity through new and expanded flight routes, developing culturally tailored vacation packages, and executing targeted marketing campaigns designed to resonate with Latin American and Eastern European travelers.

    This initiative is already gaining traction. Jamaica is currently witnessing a notable surge in arrivals from Latin America, complemented by strategic growth in European traffic fueled by new airlift from carriers like World2Fly from Portugal and Edelweiss from Switzerland. Current projections, based on escalating demand, indicate this growth trajectory is set to accelerate throughout the year.

    “This partnership with TUI is poised to be a transformative opportunity for Jamaica’s tourism sector,” stated Minister Bartlett. “We are future-proofing our industry through value-driven strategic partnerships. The global outpouring of support for the Jamaican brand provides a powerful foundation for this expansion.”

    The minister is currently leading a delegation at FITUR 2024, a premier global tourism forum featuring representatives from 156 countries and over 100,000 visitors, which serves as a key nexus for tourism professionals across Latin America’s inbound and outbound markets.

  • Dancehall artiste Lybran opens restaurant in Antigua

    Dancehall artiste Lybran opens restaurant in Antigua

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican dancehall performer Lybran, also known as Rum Boss, has successfully established a culinary landmark in Antigua with the opening of his Reggae Village restaurant. Located in the scenic village of Willikies en route to Long Beach, the establishment caters primarily to the expanding Jamaican diaspora while simultaneously attracting local Antiguan patrons.

    The artist-turned-entrepreneur revealed that the venture was born from necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with the birth of his youngest child in Antigua. ‘I asked God for a way to provide, and the restaurant concept emerged as the answer,’ Lybran confessed, emphasizing the tremendous sacrifice and determined mindset required to transform his vision into reality.

    Reggae Village has rapidly gained recognition for its authentic Jamaican cuisine, drawing both local residents and international celebrities. The restaurant’s clientele includes members of the West Indies cricket team and various football squads, while its catering services constitute a significant portion of business operations.

    Simultaneously maintaining his musical career, Lybran recently delivered a notable performance at Antigua’s One Nation Music Festival in early January. The event featured prominent artists including Capleton, Gramps Morgan, Mr Vegas, and Masicka. In a career highlight, Lybran joined Gramps Morgan onstage for an impromptu rendition of ‘Rum Talk Part 3,’ marking their first live collaboration despite previously recording the Grammy-nominated track ‘Rumnesia’ together in 2021.

    The performance reportedly astonished many Antiguan residents who were previously unaware of Lybran’s artistic background, generating significant local recognition for the multi-talented entertainer originally from St. Thomas, whose given name is Lamon Morvin Cousins.