作者: admin

  • Brazil’s STF upholds imprisonment of Bolsonaro and coup plotters

    Brazil’s STF upholds imprisonment of Bolsonaro and coup plotters

    In a landmark development for Brazil’s judicial system, former President Jair Bolsonaro and five of his closest associates commenced their prison sentences this Tuesday following the finalization of their convictions. The high-profile detainees include former Civil House Minister Walter Braga Netto, ex-Institutional Security Cabinet chief Augusto Heleno, former Defense Minister Paulo Sergio Nogueira, previous Justice and Public Security Minister Anderson Torres, and former Navy commander Almir Garnier.

    The detention hearings conducted represent standard judicial protocol designed exclusively to examine potential procedural irregularities or law enforcement abuses during the arrest process, without addressing the substantive merits of the convictions. Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes issued specific guidelines for the executions of the arrest warrants, mandating that authorities conduct the apprehensions “with full respect for the dignity of the convicted individuals, prohibiting the use of handcuffs and avoiding any media spectacle.”

    Minister de Moraes further clarified that operational decisions regarding the use of institutional uniforms and necessary weaponry during the arrest procedures would remain at the discretion of the executing police authorities. The Attorney General’s Office has identified all six individuals as central figures within what it characterizes as a criminal organization, resulting in their convictions for multiple grave offenses including attempted coup d’état, violent efforts to abolish the democratic rule of law, leadership of an armed criminal organization, aggravated damage to state property through serious threats or violence, and destruction of historical heritage.

    Bolsonaro, who had been under preventive detention since Saturday after violating the terms of his electronic monitoring device, has now begun serving his extensive 27-year and three-month sentence at the Federal Police headquarters in Brasília. This case represents one of the most significant political and judicial developments in contemporary Brazilian history, signaling the judiciary’s firm stance against threats to democratic institutions.

  • Solid Waste Authority to Redraw Cleanup Zones as Illegal Dumping Surges Nationwide

    Solid Waste Authority to Redraw Cleanup Zones as Illegal Dumping Surges Nationwide

    In response to a mounting crisis of illegal dumping that has severely hampered national cleanup efforts, the Antigua and Barbuda Solid Waste Management Authority is undertaking a major operational restructuring. Cabinet officials confirmed on Thursday that the country’s bulk waste collection zones will be completely rezoned to address systemic inefficiencies.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, detailed the challenges faced by cleanup crews, who are encountering rapidly re-accumulating waste piles in areas cleared merely days prior. This cycle of rapid recontamination has rendered the existing zoning framework ineffective, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul of operational protocols and geographical assignments for waste management teams.

    The rezoning initiative will be implemented alongside an expansion of roadside cleaning operations, particularly crucial after recent heavy rainfall triggered substantial overgrowth along roadways, drainage systems, and public areas. Merchant confirmed that additional personnel are already being contracted to manage the increased workload resulting from both the rezoning and vegetation management demands.

    Concurrently, a newly implemented fee structure for derelict vehicle removal is showing positive results. The $150 service charge has gained increasing resident participation, with growing numbers requesting the removal of abandoned automobiles from roadsides and vacant properties. Dedicated teams are now operating throughout daylight hours to transport these vehicles to appropriate landfill facilities.

    These operational adjustments occur within the broader context of the government’s ongoing national beautification and waste-control campaign, which aims to mitigate public health hazards, enhance sanitary conditions, and rehabilitate communal spaces. Merchant reaffirmed the Cabinet’s commitment to bolstering the operational capabilities of the Solid Waste Authority, expressing confidence that the strategic rezoning will significantly improve operational efficiency as the national initiative progresses.

  • Portugal asks to stop violence following military coup in G. B.

    Portugal asks to stop violence following military coup in G. B.

    The Portuguese government has issued a formal appeal for calm in Guinea-Bissau following a military assault that has plunged the West African nation into renewed political turmoil. In an official statement, Portugal’s Foreign Ministry called on all factions to “refrain from acts of institutional or civil violence” and resume normal governmental operations to complete the electoral process.

    The recent crisis emerged when a faction identifying as the “Superior Military Command to Restore National Security” seized control, implementing severe measures including border closures, media blackouts, and nighttime curfews. This development underscores the profound systemic instability that has plagued the country for decades.

    African affairs specialists contextualize this latest upheaval within broader historical patterns. They identify Western neocolonial practices as a fundamental driver of recurring violence, arguing that continuous external interference in democratic mechanisms perpetuates cycles of instability across sovereign African nations.

    Guinea-Bissau presents a particularly stark case study in persistent political fragility. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, the country has experienced nine successful or attempted coups. Experts emphasize that this pattern demonstrates how former colonial powers maintain sophisticated systems of domination that continue to impede meaningful self-determination and development across the continent.

  • Laos and the UN deepen collaboration on sustainable development

    Laos and the UN deepen collaboration on sustainable development

    Vientiane hosted a high-level strategic dialogue this week, convening national leaders and international development partners to mark a significant milestone in their collaborative efforts. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone presided over the assembly, which brought together senior government ministers, diplomatic corps representatives, key development partners, and youth delegates.

    The gathering served as a platform to evaluate past accomplishments and chart future cooperative endeavors. Deputy Foreign Minister Anouparb Vongnorkeo addressed attendees, highlighting how the commemoration provided crucial momentum for assessing joint achievements while reinvigorating strategic alliances. He specifically acknowledged the substantial contributions of UN agencies across multiple development sectors, noting their instrumental role in enhancing living standards, poverty reduction initiatives, environmental conservation measures, and national preparation for sustainable transition.

    Following extensive deliberations, both parties established a reinforced framework for deepened cooperation. The new agreement specifically targets enhanced collaboration in climate resilience infrastructure, access to emerging technologies, and sustainable financing mechanisms. Additionally, the pact emphasizes strengthened support mechanisms for nations facing particular vulnerability to economic and environmental challenges.

    United Nations Resident Coordinator Bakhodir Burkhanov outlined the partnership’s renewed priorities, emphasizing that the revitalized collaboration would concentrate on human capital development through educational and capacity-building programs. The initiative further commits to expanding accessible basic services including healthcare, clean water, and sanitation infrastructure across Lao communities.

  • Palestinian party calls on the world to support Gaza and its people

    Palestinian party calls on the world to support Gaza and its people

    A prominent left-wing political organization has issued a forceful appeal for the reactivation of international solidarity movements in support of Palestinian civilians. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) called for intensified global pressure to compel Israeli authorities to immediately cease military operations, unconditionally open all border crossings, and ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip.

    The faction’s statement highlighted the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation throughout Palestinian territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The group attributed this crisis to what it described as persistent violations by Israeli forces, creating increasingly perilous conditions for the civilian population.

    Furthermore, the PFLP strongly condemned what it characterized as escalating human rights abuses and the worsening circumstances faced by Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. The organization emphasized the urgent need to expand worldwide grassroots campaigns aimed at stopping arms transfers to Israel and pressuring defense contractors involved in weapons sales to the country.

    The statement serves as both a condemnation of current conditions and a strategic call to action for international organizations, governments, and civil society groups to intervene through diplomatic pressure and arms embargo initiatives.

  • More steelbands lose state sponsors

    More steelbands lose state sponsors

    Trinidad’s cultural landscape faces significant challenges as state-owned enterprises continue withdrawing financial support from traditional steelpan orchestras. Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd has formally terminated its sponsorship of San Fernando’s renowned Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra, following similar actions by other government entities.

    In an official correspondence dated November 27 and signed by acting CEO Kerry Rampersad, Heritage Petroleum announced the discontinuation of its sponsorship effective December 27. The company expressed genuine appreciation for the long-standing partnership and acknowledged the orchestra’s substantial contributions to Trinidad’s cultural heritage. The letter specifically recognized the positive community impact and national cultural enhancement achieved through the collaboration.

    This development represents part of a broader pattern of reduced institutional support for traditional arts. Just two months prior, the National Gas Company terminated sponsorships for three additional steelpan groups: Couva Joylanders, La Brea Nightingales, and Tobago’s Steel Xplosion. Heritage Petroleum had previously supported both Skiffle Bunch and Siparia Deltones throughout 2023.

    The withdrawal notice includes a formal request for the orchestra to cease using Heritage Petroleum’s branding materials and logos in future activities. Despite the sponsorship termination, the company emphasized its continued respect for the cultural value these musical ensembles provide to communities across Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Red Force into Super50 Cup final with Pride

    Red Force into Super50 Cup final with Pride

    The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force delivered a commanding performance on November 27th at Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair, securing their place in the 2025/26 CG United Super50 Cup final with a decisive eight-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes. This triumph marks their fourth finals appearance in the past five seasons, setting up a championship clash against traditional rivals Barbados Pride on November 29th at Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

    The foundation for victory was laid by an exceptional bowling display from seam bowler Terrance Hinds and spinner Ricky Jaipaul, who claimed three wickets each to restrict the Hurricanes to a modest 214 runs in 49 overs. Hinds made early breakthroughs by dismissing Kofi James (8), Carlon Bowen-Tuckett (5), and clean bowling Mikyle Louis (13) within the first 39 deliveries, leaving the visitors reeling at 31-3.

    Despite resistance from Karima Gore (39) and a spirited 71-run knock from Jahmar Hamilton—who famously eliminated T&T from the 2019 semifinal—the Hurricanes’ innings never gained sustained momentum. The Red Force bowling attack maintained consistent pressure, with Joshua James, Jyd Goolie, and Abdul-Raheem Toppin contributing crucial wickets during the final overs.

    The chase became a showcase of batting prowess as Tion Webster shattered his tournament slump with a magnificent 83 runs from 117 deliveries. Partnering with returning West Indies player Amir Jangoo, Webster demonstrated exceptional form on his home ground, systematically dismantling the Leeward Islands’ bowling attack. Their 88-run partnership off 141 balls effectively decided the contest.

    Though Webster fell with victory in sight, Jangoo remained unbeaten on 72 from 85 balls, accompanied by Jyd Goolie’s rapid 23 not out from 23 deliveries. The Red Force achieved their target with 41 balls to spare, joining Barbados Pride with an unassailable 31 points in the standings.

    This final appearance renews one of the region’s most storied rivalries, marking the tenth championship meeting between the teams since the tournament’s inception in 1973. Red Force supporters now anticipate their team potentially securing a record-extending 15th overall title and their seventh victory against Barbados in regional 50-over finals.

  • Mixed fortunes for Carapichaima in Central intercol finals

    Mixed fortunes for Carapichaima in Central intercol finals

    In a dramatic turnaround of fortunes, Carapichaima East Secondary’s boys’ football team claimed the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) central zone intercol championship with a commanding 4-0 victory over Chaguanas North Secondary. The match, held at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on November 26, marked a stunning reversal for a team that had endured a winless premier division season, losing all 15 of their previous matches.

    The championship showdown saw Carapichaima East demonstrate remarkable resilience as they established a decisive 3-0 lead by halftime before adding a fourth goal in the second half. The scoring was distributed among four players: Mikhel Aberdeen, Damarion Boswell, Tarik Langton, and Zion Thompson, whose collective effort secured the comprehensive victory.

    This triumph sets the stage for a national intercol quarterfinal clash against east zone champions St Augustine Secondary on December 2. St Augustine earned their place in the next round with a dramatic victory over San Juan North Secondary at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.

    While the boys celebrated their championship, Carapichaima East’s girls’ team experienced disappointment in their concurrent intercol final. Holy Faith Convent Couva dominated the match with a decisive 3-0 victory, preventing Carapichaima from achieving a zonal double. Holy Faith now advances to face Five Rivers Secondary, the east zone winners, in the girls’ national intercol quarterfinals on December 1.

  • PM happy with passage of stand-your-ground bill

    PM happy with passage of stand-your-ground bill

    In a decisive legislative move, Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives has approved the Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill 2025, marking a significant escalation in the nation’s criminal justice policies. Following an extensive nine-hour parliamentary session, the government secured passage with 23 votes in favor, overcoming unified opposition from ten dissenting MPs.

    Spearheaded by Attorney General John Jeremie, the legislation establishes home invasion as a distinct criminal offense carrying severe consequences. Standard convictions now mandate penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and fines reaching $500,000 TT dollars. The framework incorporates aggravated provisions that elevate punishments to 25 years incarceration and $750,000 fines for perpetrators identified as gang members, organized crime participants, or those committing offenses in the presence of children, seniors, or vulnerable individuals.

    A cornerstone of the legislation eliminates the duty to retreat for homeowners, explicitly authorizing residents to use or threaten force against intruders. The statute further recognizes justified deadly force when residents demonstrate honest belief in imminent threat of death, severe bodily harm, or sexual assault.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar celebrated the passage on social media platform X, asserting the legislation prioritizes law-abiding citizens’ rights while delivering an unequivocal message that residential violations will not be tolerated. The Prime Minister expressed disappointment that opposition members voted against what she characterized as critical public safety legislation.

    Attorney General Jeremie framed the bill as part of a comprehensive crime reduction strategy, citing alarming statistics showing homicides increased from 420 in 2015 to 624 in 2024, with serious crimes rising from 825 to nearly 1,000 per 100,000 residents. Defense Minister Wayne Sturge emphasized the psychological dimension during debates, stating the legislation aims to instill fear in criminals while empowering homeowners with enhanced self-defense rights.

    The bill now proceeds to the Senate for final legislative approval before becoming law.

  • PM: TT’s future now in laptops in bookbags

    PM: TT’s future now in laptops in bookbags

    In a significant advancement for digital education, Trinidad and Tobago has launched a comprehensive laptop distribution program for Form One secondary students, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar declaring these devices fundamental to the nation’s future. The initiative, unveiled during a ceremony at Penal Secondary School on November 27, represents a substantial investment in the country’s educational infrastructure.

    Drawing parallels to former Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams’ famous assertion that the nation’s future resided in students’ bookbags, Persad-Bissessar contemporized the vision by stating, ‘I say to you, the future of our country is in the laptops in the bookbags.’ She reflected on her early encounters with massive mainframe computers, expressing astonishment at technological evolution and emphasizing that these laptops serve as digital portals to global knowledge.

    The technological initiative, managed by the Education Ministry, involves the procurement of 18,000 laptops equipped with specialized accessories at an approximate total cost of $135 million TT dollars—approximately $7,500 per unit. Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath revealed that these devices incorporate artificial intelligence capabilities specifically designed for educational purposes. Initial deliveries have already brought 2,500 units, with an additional 8,500 expected imminently.

    Minister Dowlath characterized the program as a revival of the technological revolution initiated during Persad-Bissessar’s first administration (2010-2015), which he claimed experienced a decade-long interruption under the previous PNM government. The ceremony also featured demonstrations of the AI components, with ministry officials assuring stringent protocols restrict the technology exclusively to teaching Mathematics and English Language.

    Concurrently, the government is enhancing school infrastructure through Cabinet-approved improvements to Wi-Fi capabilities across primary and secondary institutions. In a related health initiative, the Prime Minister acknowledged Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe for advancing sugar reduction measures in school beverages, continuing efforts begun by his predecessor Terrence Deyalsingh.