Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

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  • Trinidad PM says Caricom has ‘lost its way’

    Trinidad PM says Caricom has ‘lost its way’

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – In a striking diplomatic rupture, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly denounced the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as an unreliable partner, signaling a profound fracture within the regional bloc. The condemnation emerged amidst a contentious dispute regarding U.S. visa restrictions and the organization’s perceived alignment with Venezuela’s government.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar issued a formal statement distancing her nation from CARICOM’s collective position on recent U.S. immigration measures. She asserted that the 15-member integration grouping ‘will not determine the future’ of Trinidad and Tobago, characterizing the organization as having ‘lost its way’ in its foreign policy orientations.

    The diplomatic schism centers on contrasting responses to the United States government’s December 2025 announcement of enhanced entry restrictions for certain foreign nationals. While the CARICOM Bureau – comprising the prime ministers of Jamaica, Barbados, and Grenada – expressed concern about the visa limitations’ potential adverse effects on regional travel and economic stability, Trinidad’s leadership adopted a distinctly different stance.

    Persad-Bissessar emphasized her government’s recognition of Washington’s sovereign right to implement policies advancing its national security interests. ‘Every sovereign state is responsible for its foreign and domestic policy choices and must be prepared to accept the concomitant consequences,’ she stated, framing the U.S. decision as a ‘measured response’ to international circumstances.

    The Trinidadian leader delivered particularly sharp criticism regarding CARICOM’s approach to Venezuela, accusing the organization of ‘lending support to the Maduro narco-government’ while ‘disparaging our greatest ally the United States.’ She referenced the Venezuelan government’s human rights record and its threats against two CARICOM member states as evidence of the regional body’s misguided trajectory.

    Further exposing internal divisions, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne separately criticized CARICOM’s handling of the situation, referencing ‘inertia and insularity’ within the organization. Browne revealed that despite his advice that the visa matter was resolved, CARICOM proceeded with issuing its critical statement, highlighting coordination failures within the bloc.

    Persad-Bissessar concluded with a stark warning about CARICOM’s institutional viability, citing ‘widening fissures’ beneath ‘the thin mask of unity’ that threaten to cause its ‘implosion.’ She identified poor management, factional divisions, and inappropriate meddling in member states’ domestic politics as existential challenges requiring transparent acknowledgment and reform.

  • From doubt to delicious success

    From doubt to delicious success

    CLAREMONT, ST ANN — What began as a secret fascination with culinary arts during high school has blossomed into a remarkable entrepreneurial success story for Amoy Anthony Whithorn. The Tacky High graduate initially enrolled in woodwork classes like his peers, yet found himself consistently drawn to the home economics department, captivated by the culinary creations unfolding behind those doors.

    Despite graduating without formal culinary training, Whithorn’s passion propelled him into an apprentice chef position at Sheila’s Homemade Pastries in Ocho Rios. This pivotal opportunity ignited his professional journey, providing foundational skills in baking and cake decoration that would shape his future. His culinary education continued at Golden Loaf Bakery, where he mastered traditional Jamaican pastries including bread and bulla.

    Whithorn’s dedication extended beyond workplace hours as he tirelessly refined his techniques at home, experimenting with innovative ingredients and incorporating family feedback to perfect his craft. His commitment to excellence quickly earned him local recognition for both taste and presentation, ultimately leading to an international position aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas cruise liner.

    In 2019, Whithorn and his wife Tavia launched a home-based baking venture that immediately resonated with customers. The overwhelming response prompted their evolution into a brick-and-mortar establishment—Amaze Bakery—which opened during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic in Claremont, St Ann.

    Today, Amaze Bakery has established itself as a culinary destination renowned for its diverse offerings including coconut drops, muffins, bulla, bread, bun, pudding, pizzas, and custom-designed cakes. The bakery’s reputation has transcended national borders, with international clients placing advance orders for authentic Jamaican baked goods before visiting the island.

    Despite temporary setbacks from Hurricane Melissa delaying supermarket distribution plans, Whithorn maintains unwavering confidence in his bakery’s future growth. The humble St Mary native expresses profound gratitude for community support and envisions Amaze Bakery emerging stronger as Jamaica continues its economic recovery.

  • Independence Foreign Song organiser to host Melissathon on Dec 21

    Independence Foreign Song organiser to host Melissathon on Dec 21

    A groundbreaking virtual benefit event dubbed ‘Melissathon’ is scheduled for December 21st, organized by Jamaican entrepreneur Dr. Garfield McCook from his base in Atlanta, Georgia. This innovative musical marathon aims to generate crucial funds for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage through Jamaica in late October.

    The three-hour streaming event will broadcast live from APAP Media Group Studios in Stone Mountain, Georgia, airing simultaneously on Facebook and YouTube platforms from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST. Dr. McCook, founder of the Jamaica International Independence Foreign Song Competition (JIIFSC), has assembled an impressive roster of musical talent from previous competition years to participate in this humanitarian initiative.

    The conceptual framework emerged from McCook’s desire to leverage his platform for meaningful disaster response. “The vision crystallized as I contemplated how JIIFSC could contribute to hurricane relief efforts,” McCook explained. “We’ve created a format where 47 competition artists will showcase their entries from 2021 through 2025 while encouraging donations for Melissa victims – hence the portmanteau ‘Melissathon.’”

    Notable performers include all five JIIFSC winners: Lavie Lujah, Barrington (GoddySon) Burke-Green, Leon “Letonick” Denton, Lionel Denton, Ernel Earlington/Doxology, and Lee “Preist” Johnson. The event will feature co-hosts Tony Anthony, Paul Abrahams, Mr Mighty, and Richard “Missa B” Blackford alongside McCook.

    The organizer personally witnessed the destruction in Falmouth, Trelawny, and the particularly devastated Black River region of St. Elizabeth following the Category 5 hurricane’s October 28th landfall. All proceeds generated through donations at jiifsc.com will be formally transferred to appropriate Jamaican authorities for targeted disaster recovery efforts.

  • Sandals Christmas magic

    Sandals Christmas magic

    Amidst ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Sandals Foundation orchestrated a special holiday celebration for approximately 400 children in Whitehouse, Westmoreland. The event transformed the Sandals South Coast football field into a winter wonderland where Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a team of vibrant elves brought seasonal magic to young survivors.

    Children from four local educational institutions—Culloden Infant School, Kings Primary School, Petersville Primary School, and Whitehouse Early Childhood Institute—participated in an array of festive activities including musical entertainment, artistic workshops, storytelling sessions, craft creation, and recreational games. The foundation provided delicious treats and distributed toys donated by prominent North American companies including Spin Master, Jazwares, and The Toy Foundation.

    In a significant psychosocial support initiative, Sesame Workshop characters Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby engaged children in emotional processing activities. These specially designed interventions helped children express complex feelings in the aftermath of the hurricane, with families receiving customized workbooks to support ongoing coping and emotional healing.

    Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, emphasized the importance of maintaining childhood normalcy during recovery: ‘While families in Whitehouse have endured tremendous hardship, we believe nothing should diminish the holiday season’s magic. Our focus remains on ensuring children feel supported, safe, and uplifted throughout the recovery process.’

    The event represents one component of a broader Caribbean-wide initiative distributing 45,000 toys across the region. In Jamaica specifically, the foundation will distribute 18,000 toys through partnerships with Food For the Poor, Rainforest Foundation, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, targeting communities most affected by October’s hurricane.

    Mark Khouri, Executive Vice-President of Food For the Poor, confirmed his organization would facilitate distribution of 4,000 toys across Hanover, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and St James parishes, focusing on families who suffered significant losses.

    Since Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has coordinated with local and international partners to provide essential support including shelter, food, clean water, and medical assistance. The organization has additionally worked to maintain hospital functionality and support economic recovery for fishers and small business operators.

    Looking toward long-term recovery, the foundation has committed to rebuilding and renovating damaged schools in coming months to restore educational normalcy for Jamaican children.

  • Haaland sends Man City top, Chelsea fightback frustrates Newcastle

    Haaland sends Man City top, Chelsea fightback frustrates Newcastle

    MANCHESTER, United Kingdom – Manchester City ascended to the Premier League’s apex with a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham United on Saturday, largely powered by a stellar performance from Erling Haaland. The triumph, City’s seventh consecutive across all competitions, intensifies the pressure on rivals Arsenal, who face a later fixture against Everton with the opportunity to reclaim the top spot for Christmas.

    The match’s outcome seemed inevitable from the early moments as Haaland, demonstrating his signature clinical finishing, broke the deadlock after just five minutes. His initial strike was parried by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but the rebound fell fortuitously for the Norwegian striker, who emphatically smashed the ball into the top corner. Haaland then turned provider shortly before halftime, setting up Tijjani Reijnders for his inaugural goal at the Etihad Stadium.

    Despite several opportunities to narrow the deficit in the second half, West Ham’s efforts proved futile, leaving the club mired in the relegation zone. Haaland, in stark contrast, remained ruthlessly efficient, sealing his brace and 38th goal of the season for club and country in the 69th minute after another favorable bounce.

    In a parallel dramatic encounter, Chelsea orchestrated a remarkable second-half resurgence to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United. The Magpies dominated the first half, establishing a 2-0 lead through a double from Nick Woltemade. However, Chelsea’s fortunes shifted post-interval with a spectacular Reece James free-kick reigniting their hopes. An equalizer materialized when Joao Pedro capitalized on a defensive error by Malick Thiaw. The match concluded amidst controversy as Newcastle’s vehement appeals for two late penalties and a potential red card for James were dismissed by the officials.

    Elsewhere in the league, Liverpool prepared for a crucial clash against Tottenham Hotspur without the services of Mohamed Salah, who has departed for the Africa Cup of Nations. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ struggles deepened with a 2-0 home defeat to Brentford, while Burnley snapped a seven-game losing streak with a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, courtesy of a 90th-minute goal from Armando Broja.

  • Shuga shares new single Montego Bay

    Shuga shares new single Montego Bay

    Jamaican vocalist Shuga delivers a soulful reinterpretation of Bobby Bloom’s 1970 hit “Montego Bay” through VP Records, transforming the classic tune into a contemporary reggae masterpiece. Produced by the acclaimed Donovan Germain, this reimagined version features exquisite saxophone artistry by Dean Fraser, creating a fresh auditory experience while honoring the song’s legacy.

    The release, initially scheduled for November 7th, faced postponement due to Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on the region. The single now emerges on November 28th as Montego Bay gradually restores normalcy, making the song’s message of hometown pride particularly resonant.

    This musical project holds deep personal significance for Shuga, who was born and raised in Montego Bay. Her interpretation serves as both a homecoming celebration and artistic homage to the coastal city that shaped her musical journey. The recording reflects her formative years performing along Jamaica’s north coast hotel circuit, connecting her current artistic evolution with her professional origins.

    “Montego Bay” stands as the lead single from her anticipated album “Girl From Montego Bay,” slated for release in late spring 2026. The track follows her previous successful singles “What If” and “Love Doctor,” the latter having earned recognition on Billboard charts.

    A companion music video, produced in collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board and featuring cameos from Montego Bay musicians, was filmed during late summer but will now debut in late January. The visual production showcases iconic locations throughout the city, further emphasizing the deep connection between artist and hometown.

    Shuga’s current year has included notable collaborations with reggae and dancehall icons including Sean Paul, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, and Christopher Martin, plus a memorable appearance at the Freddie McGregor & Friends concert.

  • Consumers face delays in major money transfers after system overhaul

    Consumers face delays in major money transfers after system overhaul

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Significant processing delays for substantial monetary transfers have emerged across Jamaica’s banking sector following a comprehensive upgrade to the nation’s core payment infrastructure, according to an official confirmation from the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ).

    The operational disruptions originate from the banking system’s transition to a sophisticated international messaging framework designed specifically for high-value transactions, including commercial payments and real estate acquisitions. This strategic modernization initiative, which became operational on December 15, represents Jamaica’s participation in a worldwide movement toward enhancing the speed and reliability of cross-border and large-scale financial operations.

    Despite long-term advantages, the immediate consequence has been substantial system interruptions. Multiple financial institutions have encountered technical challenges in promptly allocating funds to client accounts, creating considerable difficulties for both individual customers and business entities awaiting crucial financial settlements.

    The central banking authority emphasized in an official communication that the national payment infrastructure itself remains fully functional, attributing current processing delays to internal system adaptations required at commercial banking institutions. The BOJ has directed affected customers to address specific concerns directly with their respective financial providers.

    This technological transition was previously rescheduled from its initial November implementation target after several banking organizations cited operational preparedness challenges, compounded by disruptions from Hurricane Melissa. The extended December 15 deadline was established to ensure comprehensive participant readiness.

    Central bank officials are currently collaborating with financial institutions to address the accumulated transaction backlog. “BOJ is maintaining active surveillance of the situation and continues direct coordination with payment system participants to facilitate expedited resolution,” the statement noted, while recognizing the substantial inconveniences created by deferred fund accessibility.

    The Bank of Jamaica reiterated its dedication to maintaining a robust and efficient national payments ecosystem and confirmed ongoing cooperation with all relevant stakeholders to resolve outstanding operational challenges. Customers experiencing delays are recommended to obtain transaction-specific timelines directly from their banking institutions.

  • Frisco Kid co-headlines Saturday Night Live

    Frisco Kid co-headlines Saturday Night Live

    While the fashion trends of the 1990s—stonewash jeans and high-top hairstyles—have faded into history, the vibrant dancehall music from that decade continues to resonate with fans. Artist Frisco Kid, a seminal figure from that era, remains a passionate performer of his classic hits, including ‘Little And Cute,’ ‘Bashment Time,’ ‘Big Speech,’ and ‘Rubbers.’

    Reflecting on the 1990s, Frisco Kid describes it as a period defined by ‘joy, love, an’ happiness.’ He was an integral part of producer Dave Kelly’s influential Mad House Records, alongside renowned acts like Wayne Wonder, (Baby) Cham, Bounty Killer, and Mr Easy. According to Frisco Kid, the music created then was driven by genuine emotion and artistic integrity rather than financial motives. ‘Back inna dem time deh, everything come from di heart, it a come wid love. It wasn’t from what yuh can gain or what yuh can achieve [financially],’ he recalled.

    The veteran deejay is set to co-headline the ‘Saturday Night Live’ event at Sky Ultra Lounge in St Andrew on December 27. He will share the stage with Louie Culture, another celebrated artist who dominated the charts during the 1990s. This event marks the second installment of a monthly concert series organized by Global Grove Saturday Night Live, following a successful November showcase featuring reggae icon Marcia Griffiths.

    Hailing from West Kingston, Frisco Kid built his reputation through performances on sound systems in Portmore, St Catherine. His career skyrocketed thirty years ago with a string of hit singles, many produced by Dave Kelly. Now in his mid-50s, Frisco Kid attributes his enduring relevance to the timeless quality of his music. ‘Wi always busy, ‘cause di chune dem weh wi do nuh have nuh limit pon dem. Our song dem, all di next hundred years people still waan hear wi sing dem an’ perform dem,’ he stated.

    Despite his deep connection to his classic repertoire, Frisco Kid emphasizes the importance of creating new music. His latest single, ‘King of The Street,’ is part of an ambitious double EP project that will feature both reggae and dancehall tracks, scheduled for release in 2026.

  • ‘Does JFJ understand the realities on the ground?’

    ‘Does JFJ understand the realities on the ground?’

    A contentious debate has erupted in Jamaica following a controversial proposal from human rights organization Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) that would establish legal defenses for sexual relationships between minors and adults. The group’s 42-page report, ‘A Civil Society Review of the Diversion and Alternative Measures for Children in Conflict with the Law in Jamaica,’ argues against prosecuting consenting minors in court, claiming current approaches misallocate resources and unnecessarily burden the justice system.

    JFJ’s recommendations include two primary defenses: a ‘statutory defense’ for partners both under 16 with less than two years age difference, and a more controversial ‘further defense’ that would apply to age differences up to five years when the younger party is 12-14 years old, the activity is consensual, and no position of authority exists. This latter provision has drawn significant criticism as it could potentially legalize sexual relationships between 14-year-olds and 19-year-olds.

    Prominent voices including criminologist Dr. Jason McKay have raised serious concerns about the proposal. McKay questioned whether JFJ understands community realities, noting that ‘the 19-year-old could be a gunman’ pressuring vulnerable minors. He warned that case-by-case approaches would ‘open a floodgate, enabling and empowering predators’ rather than protecting children.

    Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon-Harrison expressed partial alignment with JFJ’s goals, having herself recommended decriminalizing consensual sex among minors seven years ago. However, she sharply distinguished her position, emphasizing that her proposed ‘close-in-age exception’ was strictly limited to relationships between minors, not between adults and minors. Gordon-Harrison stressed that any exemption would require both parties to be minors of very similar ages in completely consensual circumstances without coercion.

    The proposal has ignited a broader discussion about balancing adolescent sexual development with child protection frameworks, pitting judicial efficiency concerns against safeguarding vulnerabilities in Jamaica’s complex social landscape.

  • Retro meets Christmas at Footloose tonight

    Retro meets Christmas at Footloose tonight

    The Mas Camp at Stadium North is set to host a vibrant fusion of retro music and Christmas festivities tonight with the staging of Stone’s Ginger Wine Footloose. Event organizers promise an evening where patrons can dance through the decades, featuring non-stop musical entertainment curated by expert selectors dedicated to keeping the energy high and the dance floor active.

    Tyrone Dixon of Broadway Productions, the organizing body behind the event, described the night as a convergence of retro nostalgia and seasonal celebration. “This is where retro meets Christmas,” Dixon stated. “Patrons can expect the same beloved old-school Footloose energy and music, now amplified by a festive atmosphere. It’s designed as a high-energy Christmas party that celebrates the sheer joy of the season—dancing to iconic hits from the past while enjoying special offers throughout the night.”

    A staple on Jamaica’s entertainment calendar for nearly two decades, Footloose has established itself as a premier retro-themed party. Since its inception in 2006, the event has experienced substantial growth in popularity and scale. It is now held a minimum of three times each year, consistently drawing crowds eager to relive the musical magic of past eras in a dynamic, communal setting.