作者: admin

  • G2K lauds historic reduction in murders

    G2K lauds historic reduction in murders

    Jamaica has achieved a landmark victory in its long-standing battle against violent crime, recording just 673 homicides in 2025—the nation’s lowest murder count in over three decades. This figure marks the first time since 1994 that annual murders have fallen below the 700 threshold, signaling a transformative shift in public safety outcomes.

    The youth affiliate of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party, Generation 2000 (G2K), has publicly applauded this achievement, attributing the success to strategic governance, data-informed policies, and robust collaboration between security agencies and communities. In an official statement, G2K highlighted the critical role of Prime Minister Andrew Holness in architecting a revamped security framework that emphasizes innovation, accountability, and partnership.

    Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang also received commendation for implementing evidence-based strategies that coordinated efforts across multiple security divisions. These measures have not only driven down violent crime but also restored public trust, particularly among business leaders and young professionals.

    G2K further recognized the valor and dedication of Jamaica’s security bodies—including the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Jamaica Defence Force, and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency—for their relentless service and professionalism.

    Shayne Kerr, President of G2K, emphasized that these statistics represent more than numerical progress: they signify lives preserved, families protected, and communities revitalized. This milestone reinforces a growing belief that Jamaica can continue on a path toward greater safety and security for all its citizens.

  • EU looking into Musk’s Grok AI over sexual deepfakes of minors

    EU looking into Musk’s Grok AI over sexual deepfakes of minors

    BRUSSELS — The European Commission has initiated a formal examination into serious allegations against Elon Musk’s generative artificial intelligence platform Grok, following reports of the system being exploited to create and distribute sexually explicit imagery depicting childlike figures.

    In a strongly worded statement delivered to press representatives on Monday, EU digital affairs spokesperson Thomas Regnier condemned the platform’s recently introduced ‘spicy mode’ feature, which allegedly facilitates the generation of explicit sexual content. Regnier emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating: ‘What Grok is presenting as merely ‘spicy’ content generation crosses into clearly illegal territory when it involves childlike imagery. This isn’t just inappropriate—it’s appalling and has absolutely no place within European digital spaces.’

    The investigation represents one of the most significant regulatory actions taken against generative AI technology since the implementation of the EU’s landmark Artificial Intelligence Act. Commission officials confirmed they are examining whether Grok’s content moderation systems and safety protocols comply with European digital safety standards and child protection regulations.

    This development occurs amidst growing global concern about the potential misuse of advanced AI systems for generating harmful content. European regulators have increasingly focused on holding technology platforms accountable for implementing robust safeguards against the creation and distribution of illegal material, particularly content that endangers minors.

    The outcome of this investigation could establish important precedents for how generative AI platforms must implement content controls and age-appropriate safeguards across the European Union’s digital single market.

  • Ex-St Vincent PM: Can Maduro get fair trial in US?

    Ex-St Vincent PM: Can Maduro get fair trial in US?

    Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has raised serious concerns regarding the possibility of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro receiving an impartial trial in the United States. His remarks came during a January 5th press conference, merely two days after U.S. military forces conducted a controversial operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife. The intervention reportedly claimed the lives of at least 80 individuals, including members of the presidential security detail.

    Gonsalves drew historical parallels to what he characterized as politically motivated prosecutions, cautioning that President Donald Trump’s administration is actively reviving the Monroe Doctrine’s principles to assert dominance throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Venezuelan leader faces multiple charges in U.S. courts, including narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and illegal weapons possession.

    Highlighting the paradoxical nature of the situation, Gonsalves referenced Trump’s own 2024 claims about being unable to obtain a fair trial in the U.S. regarding classified documents allegations. The former prime minister emphasized that military operations should not be conflated with legitimate law enforcement procedures, stating that the Venezuela intervention represents a systematic undermining of multilateralism in favor of unilateral action—a approach the Trump administration openly acknowledges.

  • Americas ‘do not belong’ to any power — Mexican president

    Americas ‘do not belong’ to any power — Mexican president

    MEXICO CITY, Mexico – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum delivered a sharp diplomatic rebuttal on Monday against remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who invoked the historic Monroe Doctrine to justify a recent military operation in Venezuela. The exchange signals escalating tensions over hemispheric sovereignty and foreign policy approaches in the Americas.

    Trump characterized the weekend raid, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, as a modern application of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine—a policy originally articulated by President James Monroe asserting that the Americas were off-limits to further European colonization and under U.S. influence.

    In a firm response, President Sheinbaum challenged this worldview during a press conference, stating unequivocally, ‘The Americas do not belong to any doctrine or any power. The American continent belongs to the peoples of each of the countries that comprise it.’ Her comments underscore a growing resistance among Latin American nations against external intervention and great-power dominance.

    The incident highlights deepening ideological divisions within the hemisphere, particularly between left-leaning governments in Latin America and U.S. foreign policy strategies. Analysts suggest that Sheinbaum’s statement may rally regional support ahead of key diplomatic meetings, reinforcing calls for non-intervention and mutual respect among American states.

  • Switzerland to freeze any Maduro assets ‘with immediate effect’

    Switzerland to freeze any Maduro assets ‘with immediate effect’

    GENEVA, Switzerland—In a significant financial move, the Swiss government announced on Monday the immediate freezing of all assets held within its jurisdiction by former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his close associates. This decisive action follows the dramatic capture of Maduro in Caracas through a U.S. military operation and his subsequent extradition to New York to face narcotrafficking charges.

    The Federal Council characterized Venezuela’s political climate as ‘volatile’ and justified the asset seizure as a precautionary measure to prevent the potential transfer of illicitly acquired funds from Swiss financial institutions. The freeze, enacted under Switzerland’s Federal Act on the Freezing and Restitution of Illicit Assets Held by Foreign Politically Exposed Persons, will remain in effect for an initial period of four years, pending further evaluation.

    Official statements clarified that the measure specifically targets individuals not previously covered by existing Venezuelan sanctions implemented since 2018. Crucially, the freeze does not apply to members of Venezuela’s current government administration.

    The Swiss government emphasized that the legal circumstances surrounding Maduro’s removal from power—whether constitutional or contrary to international law—do not factor into the asset freezing decision. Rather, the determining consideration is the factual change in power status and the increased likelihood of future legal proceedings by Venezuela regarding allegedly illicit assets.

    Bern concurrently expressed concern over Venezuela’s unstable situation, advocating for de-escalation, restraint, and adherence to international law principles including the prohibition of force and respect for territorial integrity. Switzerland has repeatedly offered its diplomatic services to facilitate peaceful conflict resolution.

    The government further committed that should future legal proceedings confirm the illicit nature of the frozen assets, Switzerland would work to ensure these resources ultimately benefit the Venezuelan population.

  • Caribbean community activists denounce US military strikes, capture of Maduro

    Caribbean community activists denounce US military strikes, capture of Maduro

    NEW YORK — A significant political controversy has erupted following United States military operations in Venezuela, resulting in the capture and extradition of President Nicolás Maduro to face narcotics trafficking charges in New York. The action has drawn sharp criticism from Caribbean community leaders and U.S. congressional representatives who allege constitutional overreach and dangerous foreign policy implications.

    Caribbean-born activists in New York voiced profound concerns regarding regional stability. Grenadian Martin Felix characterized the operation as a manifestation of the “Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine,” prioritizing oil interests over people and normalizing military confrontation in the Caribbean. He emphasized that these actions directly challenge the region’s longstanding aspiration to remain a zone of peace and undermine international legal norms.

    Jamaican activist Delroy Wright linked the vulnerability of Caribbean nations to the failure of the 1960s Caribbean Federation proposal, suggesting that a unified regional body would have provided stronger resistance against foreign intervention. He specifically criticized Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for allegedly enabling Trump’s actions, making every Caribbean nation susceptible to invasion.

    The response from U.S. lawmakers was equally forceful. Caribbean-American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) condemned the unauthorized military strikes as a “brazen affront to the rule of law,” conducted without congressional authorization. The Congressional Black Caucus, which Clarke chairs, labeled the operation a “grave and illegal abuse of power” that prioritizes oil interests over domestic needs like healthcare.

    Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer demanded immediate congressional briefings, stressing that while Maduro is an illegitimate leader, bypassing constitutional processes sets a dangerous precedent. They emphasized that the framers vested war-declaring powers solely in Congress as the branch closest to the people.

    In defense of the administration, Republican Senator Tom Cotton, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, argued that congressional notification isn’t required for criminal arrests, whether domestic or international, comparing Maduro’s capture to routine FBI operations against indicted criminals.

    The unfolding situation highlights a critical tension between executive action and congressional oversight, with significant implications for U.S.-Caribbean relations and international legal norms.

  • ‘That’s enough’: Greenland PM urges Trump to drop annex threats

    ‘That’s enough’: Greenland PM urges Trump to drop annex threats

    COPENHAGEN, Denmark — International leaders have united in condemnation following President Donald Trump’s renewed assertions regarding United States territorial ambitions toward Greenland. The autonomous Danish territory’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a forceful rebuke via social media, stating: “That’s enough now. No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation.”

    The controversy emerged during President Trump’s comments to journalists aboard Air Force One on Sunday, where he articulated strategic motivations behind potential acquisition of the mineral-rich Arctic territory. “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it,” Trump stated, referencing the island’s geopolitical significance amid changing Arctic conditions.

    Greenland possesses substantial untapped reserves of rare earth minerals and occupies a critical position along emerging shipping routes as polar ice recedes. Additionally, the territory lies along the shortest missile trajectory between Russia and the United States, hosting an existing American military installation at Thule Air Base.

    Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen joined the growing diplomatic pushback, urging the United States to cease threatening rhetoric toward its traditional ally. By Monday, multiple European nations and the European Union had expressed solidarity with Copenhagen’s position.

    Prime Minister Nielsen emphasized Greenland’s openness to diplomatic engagement while insisting on proper channels: “We are open to dialogue. We are open to discussions. But this must happen through the proper channels and with respect for international law.”

    The administration’s renewed interest in Greenland follows heightened military involvement in Venezuela, raising concerns about expanded territorial ambitions. President Trump indicated forthcoming attention to the matter, noting “We’ll worry about Greenland in about two months” and suggesting more immediate discussion within “20 days.”

  • ‘Tuna King’ pays record $3.2 m for bluefin at Tokyo auction

    ‘Tuna King’ pays record $3.2 m for bluefin at Tokyo auction

    TOKYO, Japan — In a spectacular display of culinary prestige and economic optimism, Japanese sushi magnate Kiyoshi Kimura shattered records on Monday by purchasing a 243-kilogram bluefin tuna for ¥510.3 million ($3.2 million) at Tokyo’s annual New Year auction. The unprecedented bid at Toyosu fish market surpassed the previous 2019 record of ¥333.6 million, marking the highest price paid since tracking began in 1999.

    The colossal specimen, caught off Japan’s northern coast, was swiftly processed into sushi at Kimura’s Sushizanmai restaurant chain, where customers paid approximately ¥500 ($3) per roll. Diners described the experience as transcendent, with 19-year-old Minami Sugiyama calling it an “auspicious” start to the year and Shinto priest Kiyoshi Nishimura praising its natural sweetness and rich texture without needing soy sauce.

    This record-breaking transaction signals a dramatic recovery from pandemic-era slumps when auction prices plummeted due to restaurant restrictions. Dave Gershman of Pew Charitable Trusts’ international fisheries team noted the sale coincides with improving Pacific bluefin stocks that were once “near collapse.” He attributed this progress to a 2017 recovery plan and called for international fisheries managers to establish a long-term sustainable management strategy in 2026 to ensure continued population health.

    The auction not only reflects market dynamics but also cultural traditions, as the first tuna of the year is considered a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in Japanese culinary culture.

  • St Vincent gov’t says situation in Venezuela of ‘grave concern’ to region

    St Vincent gov’t says situation in Venezuela of ‘grave concern’ to region

    KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent (CMC) – The newly installed government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has declared it is vigilantly observing the escalating political and military crisis in Venezuela after United States forces reportedly captured the nation’s President, Nicolas Maduro, and his spouse. Foreign Affairs Minister Fitz Bramble characterized the situation as one of ‘grave concern’ for both the small island developing state and the wider Caribbean region. Minister Bramble, a former diplomat, emphasized that the nation’s allegiance lies with the collective diplomatic stance of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which has consistently advocated for peaceful dialogue and the strict adherence to international law. He confirmed that Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday’s administration, barely a month into its term, is assessing the potential far-reaching economic and political ramifications for its own nation. The SVG government remains in constant communication with its embassy in Caracas, where Ambassador Gareth Bynoe has reported that all diplomatic personnel are safe and no Vincentian nationals in Venezuela have yet sought consular assistance. While acknowledging friendships with both Venezuela and the United States, the government has pledged to keep its citizens informed as the volatile situation continues to develop.

  • Assaulted Vincentian grandmother agrees with jail sentence for grandson

    Assaulted Vincentian grandmother agrees with jail sentence for grandson

    KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent — A 38-year-old man has received an 11-month prison sentence for physically assaulting his 80-year-old grandmother in a disturbing case that highlights elder abuse and family violence. The sentencing proceeded despite the prosecution’s recommendation for a suspended sentence, after the elderly victim expressed resignation to the court’s decision while characterizing her grandson as “rough and rude.”

    The incident occurred on December 26, 2025, when Jamel Douglas arrived at his grandmother’s residence while she was conversing with a friend on her porch. Despite Jacobs’ request for privacy, Douglas became aggressive, jumping on a table and ultimately physically assaulting his grandmother. During the altercation, he seized her cellular phone, squeezing her finger painfully and smashing the device valued at EC$270.

    In court, Douglas pleaded guilty to both assault causing actual bodily harm and property damage charges. Prosecutor Shamrack Pierre initially advocated for a suspended sentence, but Chief Magistrate Colin John sought the victim’s perspective before sentencing.

    The elderly victim, Kerhen Jacobs, expressed pragmatic acceptance of whatever sentence the court deemed appropriate, noting her grandson’s unpredictable behavior and history of aggression toward her. “Whatever the court decides, I can’t go against it, and I won’t go against it,” Jacobs stated during the proceedings.

    Douglas attempted to mitigate his sentence by citing a history of mental illness, though he acknowledged his last episode occurred over five years prior. He also claimed unfair treatment from family members. The magistrate noted Douglas’s missed opportunity to offer a genuine apology during proceedings, though he eventually apologized while still making excuses for his actions.

    Chief Magistrate John emphasized the sanctity of home and an elderly person’s right to peace and security: “Your grandmother should be allowed to enjoy her home in comfort without disturbance by you. You are a big man; you are 38 years old, and you should not be going there to harass your grandmother.”

    In addition to the prison term, Douglas was ordered to compensate his grandmother EC$270 for the destroyed phone within two months of his release, facing an additional six-month imprisonment if he fails to make restitution.