Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

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  • Kobe Lawrence improves on his Oregon shot put record

    Kobe Lawrence improves on his Oregon shot put record

    Jamaican collegiate athletes delivered an extraordinary display of athletic prowess across multiple U.S. indoor track and field meets on Friday, headlined by Kobe Lawrence’s record-shattering performance in the shot put. Competing for the University of Oregon, Lawrence achieved a monumental throw of 19.81 meters at the Thane Baker Invitational in Kansas, establishing new meet, facility, and personal records while posting the third-best NCAA mark of the current season. His achievement surpassed his previous personal best of 19.21m set in Arkansas last year, broke the meet record previously held by fellow Jamaican Yekini Bowen, and eclipsed a 51-year facility record set by Tucker Smith in 1975.

    The exceptional performances extended beyond Lawrence’s historic throw. At the LSU Purple Tiger meet in Baton Rouge, Jordan Turner of LSU leaped to a world-class 7.96 meters in the long jump, momentarily claiming the world lead until Tennessee’s Cade Gray surpassed him later that day. Turner’s remarkable jump represented a significant improvement over his previous best of 7.67m.

    Additional Jamaican successes included Salleci Myles’ victory in the women’s 60m hurdles (8.30s), Skyler Franklin’s win in the women’s 200m (24.19s), and Josh-Ty Brown’s shot put triumph (16.36m) at the same LSU meet. Meanwhile, at the Jimmy Carnes Invitational in Florida, Florida State University’s Shenese Walker clocked 23.15 seconds in the women’s 200m, ranking second in NCAA at the time.

    The dominance continued at other venues: Daniel Beckford of Northern Colorado University won the men’s 60m hurdles (7.90s) at the Graduate Classic in Nebraska, while Brittianie Johnson of Purdue University achieved a massive personal best of 19.68m in the weight throw at the Corky Classic in Texas, moving up to seventh on Purdue’s all-time list.

  • For the needy, not the greedy

    For the needy, not the greedy

    The Jamaican Government has officially initiated its comprehensive Hurricane Melissa Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP), a multi-billion-dollar national effort to transition from disaster relief to long-term reconstruction. Announced on Thursday at Jamaica House, this coordinated response encompasses housing restoration, community rehabilitation, and the relocation of residents from vulnerable areas.

    Led by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the SRP incorporates sophisticated digital tracking systems and the use of Taxpayer Registration Numbers (TRN) to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure equitable distribution of aid. Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. emphasized that stringent protocols have been established based on lessons learned from past disasters, including Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which exposed vulnerabilities in benefit disbursement.

    A key feature of the programme is its tiered grant system, providing financial assistance of $75,000, $200,000, or $500,000 based on damage assessments already conducted on over 70,000 households. According to ministry data, 18% of assessed homes sustained severe damage, 40% major damage, and 42% minor damage from the October hurricane.

    Both Minister Charles Jr. and Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued strong warnings against scammers attempting to exploit vulnerable citizens, clarifying that no fees are associated with SRP applications and that the government does not employ intermediaries for grant processing. Artificial intelligence monitoring is being utilized to identify and remove fraudulent social media accounts impersonating government officials.

    The programme includes multiple components: government-led repairs managed by the Jamaica Defence Force, partner-led initiatives through humanitarian organizations, and financial solutions administered by the National Housing Trust. Additionally, the government is expanding its relocation and regularization efforts to move residents from high-risk areas to safer communities.

    International support was underscored by Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, who affirmed the organization’s commitment to community-centered recovery approaches that strengthen long-term resilience.

  • Belize monitoring outbreak of measles in neighbouring Guatemala

    Belize monitoring outbreak of measles in neighbouring Guatemala

    Health authorities in Belize have activated enhanced surveillance protocols in response to confirmed measles outbreaks emerging in neighboring Central American nations. Official epidemiological reports indicate 11 laboratory-confirmed cases in El Salvador and 10 in Guatemala as of Thursday, with most infections traced to the Santiago Atitlán region in Guatemala’s Sololá department.

    The Belize Ministry of Health and Wellness issued a nationwide advisory highlighting that additional cases have been identified across multiple Guatemalan regions including Guatemala City, Petén, and Izabal. The health alert extends beyond immediate neighbors, with health officials noting ongoing measles transmission in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, significantly elevating exposure risks for unvaccinated travelers.

    Measles, characterized as a highly contagious airborne viral disease, presents serious health complications including potential long-term effects. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough or sneeze. Clinical manifestations typically emerge 7-21 days post-exposure, initiating with fever, rhinorrhea, and conjunctivitis, followed by a distinctive descending rash that begins at the hairline and spreads systematically.

    Health authorities emphasize the critical protection offered by vaccination, confirming that the measles vaccine demonstrates both safety and efficacy while providing lifelong immunity after two administered doses. The ministry urgently recommends that recent travelers to Santiago Atitlán contact local health facilities immediately. Unvaccinated individuals are advised to seek immunization, while symptomatic persons presenting fever and rash require prompt medical evaluation. Belize’s health system maintains intensified monitoring while urging public vigilance and preventive measures.

  • Antigua to recruit nurses from Ghana, insists it has not ended programme with Cuba

    Antigua to recruit nurses from Ghana, insists it has not ended programme with Cuba

    The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has finalized an agreement to recruit 120 nursing professionals from Ghana, scheduled to arrive in January 2026, while simultaneously maintaining its longstanding healthcare partnership with Cuba despite mounting pressure from the United States to terminate the arrangement.

    Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph confirmed the Ghanaian nurses will be strategically deployed across the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, community health clinics, and educational institutions to strengthen both hospital and community-based healthcare services. This initiative represents a significant expansion of the nation’s healthcare workforce aimed at improving service delivery and alleviating pressure on existing medical staff.

    Communications Director Maurice Merchant clarified that the new recruitment does not signify termination of the Cuban health program, describing the Cuba-Antigua medical collaboration as ‘currently going through a period of transition.’ He emphasized the government’s appreciation for Cuba’s historical contributions to the national healthcare system while dismissing speculation about the program’s discontinuation as politically motivated attempts to ‘muddy the waters’ between Cuba and the United States.

    The government’s dual approach includes both international recruitment and domestic capacity building, with 15 local nurses recently receiving scholarships to pursue master’s degrees at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus. Merchant acknowledged the challenge of retaining highly-trained Antiguan nurses who frequently accept better-compensated positions in North American and European healthcare systems.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of intensified US diplomatic pressure characterizing Cuba’s medical missions as ‘exploitative labour practices.’ The US Embassy in Barbados issued a statement condemning what it described as a ‘modern-day forced labour scheme’ where the Cuban government allegedly retains 80-95% of medical professionals’ salaries while charging recipient nations premium rates. The US government has urged Caribbean nations to terminate these arrangements, asserting they represent financial burdens on local taxpayers and ethical violations of medical workers’ rights.

    The Antiguan government maintains its sovereign right to determine its healthcare partnerships while working toward long-term self-sufficiency in medical staffing, balancing immediate healthcare needs with diplomatic considerations in the complex geopolitics of Caribbean medical cooperation.

  • Man City close to Guehi signing

    Man City close to Guehi signing

    Manchester City are approaching the completion of a significant defensive acquisition, with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirming on Friday that negotiations for England international Marc Guehi have reached their “final stages.” The Premier League champions are prepared to pay approximately £20 million ($27 million) to secure the 25-year-old center-back’s services during the January transfer window.

    The move comes as Pep Guardiola’s squad faces a severe defensive crisis, with first-choice central defenders John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol all sidelined due to injuries. Nathan Ake has also been managing fitness concerns that limit his availability. This personnel shortage has prompted City to accelerate their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.

    Guehi, who captained Crystal Palace to their historic FA Cup victory against Manchester City last May, brings considerable experience despite his relatively young age. With 26 appearances for the English national team and demonstrated leadership qualities, the defender represents both an immediate solution and long-term investment for City. His potential transfer follows City’s recent £65 million acquisition of winger Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

    Several elite European clubs, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich, had expressed interest in Guehi but were reportedly planning approaches for the summer transfer window when his contract was set to expire. Manchester City’s proactive move in the January window has potentially preempted these competing interests.

    Glasner, who simultaneously announced his impending departure from Crystal Palace when his contract concludes at season’s end, praised Guehi’s professionalism and commitment throughout the transfer process. The manager emphasized that while the club would have preferred to retain their captain indefinitely, they respect his decision to advance his career elsewhere.

    Guardiola remained characteristically reserved about the potential signing during his pre-match press conference, offering no specific comments on the transfer while acknowledging his team’s defensive challenges. With City trailing Arsenal by six points in the Premier League title race and maintaining ambitions in three cup competitions, defensive reinforcements could prove crucial to their pursuit of multiple trophies.

  • St Vincent gov’t to boost surveillance and monitoring of La Soufriere volcano

    St Vincent gov’t to boost surveillance and monitoring of La Soufriere volcano

    The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is implementing a major enhancement of its volcanic surveillance capabilities for La Soufrière, the island’s most active volcano. This comprehensive strategy involves the creation of new technical positions, the installation of eight additional monitoring stations across the mountain, and significant technological upgrades to existing infrastructure. The initiative follows the volcano’s devastating explosive eruption in April 2021, an event that commenced with increased activity in December 2020. That eruption blanketed the island in ash, necessitated the evacuation of more than 20,000 residents, and caused extensive disruption over a four-month period of heightened activity, which culminated in its last major explosive event around April 22, 2021.

    The cornerstone of this effort is the recently renovated and retrofitted Volcano Observatory, a project financed by a concessional loan from the World Bank totaling EC$4.6 million (approximately US$1.7 million). During the facility’s handover ceremony, Disaster Management Minister St. Clair Leacock outlined the government’s commitment. Key roles, including a geoscientist and a seismic technician, are slated to be filled this year. The revitalized observatory is designed to facilitate advanced volcanic research, support community-based early warning systems, and host international academic studies. Furthermore, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has been allocated an additional EC$1 million grant specifically for the procurement of seismic stations and state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.

    Minister Leacock highlighted the technical sophistication of the new systems and issued a public appeal against vandalism or theft of the critical equipment. He emphasized that the devices are essential for national safety, stating, ‘My Government will continue to ensure that the La Soufriere Monitoring Unit of NEMO continues to receive the support to ensure that La Soufriere volcano is constantly monitored.’ He also acknowledged and praised the foundational work in disaster preparedness and monitoring established by the previous administration, framing the new upgrades as a continuation of that vital legacy.

  • Bahamas opens globally recognised Category 5 hurricane shelter

    Bahamas opens globally recognised Category 5 hurricane shelter

    NASSAU, Bahamas – A state-of-the-art hurricane shelter engineered to withstand Category 5 storms has been officially activated on the island of Abaco, marking a significant advancement in climate resilience for the Caribbean region. This facility represents a trilateral collaboration between the governments of The Bahamas and India, alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    Designed to endure wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour, the shelter can accommodate up to 800 individuals during emergencies. Beyond its primary function as a disaster safe haven, the facility serves as a multi-purpose community center throughout the year. It features comprehensive solar power systems, advanced water harvesting capabilities, and disability-inclusive infrastructure, including accessible entry points and restroom facilities. The complex also contains an industrial kitchen, dedicated office space for emergency personnel, and outdoor areas for sporting activities.

    Financed through a $1 million grant from the India-UN Development Fund, the project was managed by UNDP with The Bahamas’ Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRA) serving as the national implementing partner. The Bahamian government contributed additional co-financing of $3.5 million for the initiative.

    Indian High Commissioner to The Bahamas, Shri Mayank Joshi, highlighted that the Abaco shelter has been recognized as a global best practice by the India-led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). He emphasized that the project embodies the philosophical principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the concept that the world is one family – and demonstrates India’s solidarity with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) facing climate vulnerabilities.

    Leon Lundy, Minister of State for Disaster Risk Management, described the facility as a “beacon of hope” that will function as both a community development space during ordinary times and a critical sanctuary during extreme weather events. The Bahamian government plans to expand this shelter model to other vulnerable islands in the archipelago.

    UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Kishan Khoday praised the South-South cooperation model between The Bahamas and India, noting its potential for replication across other Caribbean SIDS. With the 2025 hurricane season setting new records for storm intensity, Khoday stressed the urgent need for scaled-up investments in climate-resilient infrastructure throughout the region.

    The completion of the Abaco shelter concludes UNDP’s post-Hurricane Dorian recovery support to The Bahamas, while the organization’s Multi-Country Office in Jamaica continues to expand climate resilience initiatives across the Caribbean in response to increasingly frequent and severe climate disasters.

  • China, Canada reach ‘landmark’ deal on tariffs, visas

    China, Canada reach ‘landmark’ deal on tariffs, visas

    BEIJING — In a historic diplomatic breakthrough, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a comprehensive bilateral agreement on Friday, marking the first top-level meeting between the nations in eight years. The accord signals a definitive thaw in relations following years of retaliatory measures and trade disputes.

    The leaders unveiled what Prime Minister Carney characterized as a ‘landmark deal’ establishing a ‘new strategic partnership’ between Canada and China. This framework encompasses significant trade concessions and tourism facilitation measures designed to rebuild economic bridges between the two countries.

    Central to the agreement is China’s commitment to dramatically reduce tariffs on Canadian canola products, slashing rates from the current 84% to approximately 15% by March 1. This reversal is particularly significant as China was previously Canada’s largest market for canola seed before recent trade frictions.

    In a major tourism development, China will implement visa-free entry for Canadian visitors, while Canada will import 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles under preferential tariff rates of 6.1%. Prime Minister Carney noted this brings EV tariffs ‘back to levels that existed prior to recent trade frictions.’

    President Xi, welcoming his counterpart in the Great Hall of the People, emphasized that bilateral relations had reached a critical turning point during their October meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit. ‘Our meeting last year opened a new chapter in turning China-Canada relations toward improvement,’ Xi stated, adding that stable bilateral development ‘serves the common interests of our two countries.’

    The diplomatic reconciliation follows a particularly strained period beginning in 2018, when Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. warrant, prompting China’s retaliatory detention of two Canadian citizens on espionage charges. Subsequent years saw both nations impose reciprocal tariffs on exports, with additional allegations of Chinese election interference in Canada.

    Prime Minister Carney’s outreach forms part of a broader strategy to diversify Canada’s economic partnerships amid turbulent relations with the United States. Former President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies on Canadian steel, aluminum, vehicles, and lumber have compelled Ottawa to seek alternative markets. While the U.S. remains Canada’s dominant trading partner—purchasing approximately 75% of Canadian exports in 2024—China currently accounts for less than 4% of Canadian exports, though Ottawa emphasizes it remains Canada’s second-largest market.

    During his Beijing visit, which included meetings with Premier Li Qiang and scheduled discussions with business leaders, Carney continues to advance his stated goal of doubling Canada’s non-U.S. exports by 2035.

  • Individuals urged to have contracts in place ahead of home construction

    Individuals urged to have contracts in place ahead of home construction

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) has issued a critical warning to citizens undertaking construction projects, emphasizing the non-negotiable necessity of formal written contracts to mitigate substantial financial and legal exposures. This advisory comes amid growing concerns about unregulated practices within Jamaica’s construction sector.

    Lenworth Kelly, former IMAJ president, articulated these concerns during a recent JIS Think Tank session, highlighting the alarming absence of regulatory legislation governing contractors. “The industry faces significant challenges due to the lack of formal oversight,” Kelly stated. “Many individuals operate as contractors based solely on self-proclamation, without verified credentials or regulatory compliance.”

    Kelly emphasized that a formal contract represents the fundamental first step upon completion of building plans and drawings. He characterized the undertaking of major construction without contractual protection as “ridiculous,” particularly given that home construction or expansion typically constitutes the largest financial investment in an individual’s lifetime.

    Beyond contract formalization, the IMAJ recommends engaging qualified professionals—architects, engineers, or designers—to administer projects on the homeowner’s behalf. These professionals can conduct monthly milestone verifications and authorize payment disbursements, ensuring accountability and quality control throughout the construction process.

    Common issues reported to the IMAJ frequently involve homeowners who neglected basic due diligence. Kelly posed essential questions homeowners should address: “Have you verified the contractor’s background? What is their professional track record? Are they properly registered with the Company’s Office of Jamaica? How extensive is their business experience?”

    Notably, the association stresses that even minor projects require documented agreements. Kelly illustrated this point stating, “Even for constructing something as simple as a chicken coop, document the terms on paper—specify payment amounts, schedules, and timelines. Such documentation still constitutes a legally recognizable contract.”

    To support public awareness and protection, the IMAJ offers complimentary consulting services through its in-house expert, available to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Homeowners can schedule in-person consultations, Zoom calls, or telephone advice at no cost, receiving professional guidance for various construction endeavors, from small home expansions to new builds.

  • PM backs call for a kinder Jamaica

    PM backs call for a kinder Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A powerful appeal for national unity and compassionate discourse has emerged from Jamaica’s highest leadership levels following the 46th annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has publicly endorsed Senior Pastor Reverend Peter Garth’s urgent message advocating for an end to destructive criticism and malicious character attacks within Jamaican society.

    During his keynote sermon at Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Andrew, Reverend Garth challenged Jamaicans to abandon vulgar criticisms and embrace mutual respect. “We are all in this together and we need all persons on deck if we are going to rebuild Jamaica,” Garth emphasized, framing national progress as dependent on collective goodwill rather than divisive rhetoric.

    Prime Minister Holness, in subsequent remarks to Observer Online, characterized the pastor’s message as both timely and transformative. “I am particularly heartened by the message today,” Holness stated. “There are those who will stand on the sideline and criticise unnecessarily, unreasonably and unjustly—that is not serving the interest of the nation.”

    The event, which adopted the theme “Caring for our Neighbour,” served as a platform for examining the social risks associated with helping others. Both leaders addressed the growing cynicism that discourages civic engagement, with Garth specifically referencing Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October as a case where criticism overshadowed relief efforts.

    Holness highlighted the historical significance of the prayer breakfast, established in 1981 following Jamaica’s divisive 1980 general election, as a stabilizing force in national life. “It reaffirms that Jamaica is a Christian society,” he noted, “and gives us an opportunity to hear words directly transmitted to leaders to guide us.”

    Reverend Garth concluded with a call to action: “Let us continue our efforts to restore lives and rebuild homes. Let us respond to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Jamaica. Let us care for our neighbors.” This dual endorsement from religious and governmental leadership signals a coordinated effort to address Jamaica’s social discourse challenges.