KINGSTON, Jamaica—After a three-year investigation into Market Me Consulting Limited, the company behind the ‘Jamaica Moves’ initiative, the Integrity Commission (IC) has found no evidence of misconduct by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton. However, the IC’s report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, highlighted significant governance lapses, particularly regarding undisclosed personal relationships and potential conflicts of interest. The probe focused on allegations of procurement irregularities and conflicts of interest in contracts awarded between 2016 and 2021. During this period, Market Me Consulting secured 15 contracts worth $78.5 million, primarily from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which Tufton has led since March 2016. The IC emphasized that neither Tufton nor Lyndsey McDonnough, co-managing director of Market Me, disclosed their friendship before the company was awarded these contracts. Kevon Stephenson, the IC’s Director of Investigation, noted that while Tufton was not directly involved in the $15.8 million contract for the Jamaica Moves program, he failed to formally declare his relationship with McDonnough. This omission, according to the report, contravened principles of transparency and good governance. Although breaches were identified, the matter was not referred for prosecution due to evidentiary gaps. Instead, the IC recommended that the Speaker of the House of Representatives address the conflict-of-interest concerns and urged the ministry to strengthen its procurement systems and ensure compliance with public integrity laws.
分类： politics
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Cameroon president, 92, makes first appearance of election campaign
MAROUA, Cameroon — In a significant move marking the start of his re-election campaign, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, made his first major public appearance on Monday. The 92-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1982, addressed a gathering of supporters in Maroua, a city in the Far North region, just five days before the upcoming election. This marked his first public appearance since May of this year. Speaking to a crowd of several hundred supporters from the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), Biya reaffirmed his commitment to serving the nation. “My determination to serve you remains intact,” he declared, urging the audience for their continued support. His 25-minute speech emphasized key issues such as youth employment, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure development. “My goal is for every young person, whether a graduate or not, to easily find a job or start a business. No young person will be left behind,” he assured. Despite organizers’ expectations of nearly 25,000 attendees, only a few hundred supporters were present, according to AFP correspondents. Maroua, a strategic electoral battleground bordering Nigeria and Chad, is home to 1.22 million registered voters but has been frequently targeted by the jihadist group Boko Haram. Meanwhile, opposition leader Maurice Kamto, whose candidacy was rejected in August, has urged voters to “vote freely” following the collapse of efforts to form a unified opposition front.
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Government May Vacate High-Rent Buildings, PM Browne Says
In a strategic move to curb public expenditure and enhance financial efficiency, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to vacate high-cost privately leased buildings and relocate government ministries to state-owned facilities. The decision, unveiled during an episode of the ‘Browne and Browne Show’ on Pointe FM, is part of a broader cost-saving initiative aimed at reducing recurrent expenses and optimizing the use of public resources. Browne emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate enriching landlords at the expense of the state. A review of existing leases revealed that several departments occupy expensive office spaces, which could be replaced by underutilized government-owned properties. The relocation process will be implemented in phases, ensuring a smooth transition for ministries and departments. Browne highlighted that this measure is one of several fiscal strategies being adopted to maintain essential public services while containing costs. The move is expected to not only save significant funds but also consolidate operations, fostering greater efficiency across government functions.
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Yet another clear case of political victimisation
In a striking revelation, Kenrick Quashie has brought to light what he describes as a glaring case of political victimization within the St. Vincent and the Grenadines police force under the current ULP administration. His brother, Desrick Quashie, a seasoned police officer with 19 years of distinguished service, has been repeatedly overlooked for promotion, allegedly due to Kenrick’s political affiliations.
Desrick Quashie, who holds a Master’s Degree in security and intelligence, has an exemplary service record, including commendations from numerous high-level dignitaries for his close protection services. Despite his qualifications and dedication, he has remained at the rank of corporal for over seven years since returning from studies in the UK.
Kenrick Quashie asserts that senior police officers, including commissioners, have the authority to promote up to the rank of sergeant but have failed to act, fearing political repercussions. This inaction, he argues, is a clear indication of the politicization of the promotion process within the police force.
The situation raises serious concerns about the integrity of the promotion system and the broader implications for democracy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Kenrick Quashie calls for an end to such victimization, emphasizing that it has no place in a democratic society.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of iWitness News.
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Skerrit presses Electoral Commission to meet October 15 voter confirmation deadline
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica has expressed confidence in the Electoral Commission’s readiness to launch the national voter confirmation campaign by the revised deadline of October 15, 2025. The campaign, initially slated for September 2025, faced delays due to regulatory finalization issues, prompting Parliament to amend the Registration of Electors Act on August 30, 2025, granting a one-month extension. This adjustment was described as a technical necessity to ensure the Commission’s operational preparedness. However, the delay has drawn criticism from opponents who allege that the process is being manipulated to favor overseas-based voters. During a recent press briefing, PM Skerrit emphasized that the government has provided the Electoral Commission with all necessary legislative and financial resources to execute the campaign. He clarified that while the government does not interfere in the Commission’s daily operations, it remains available to offer support, such as legal advice from the Attorney General. Skerrit further asserted that the Commission has no grounds to miss the October 15 deadline, as Parliament was explicit in granting the additional time. He anticipates an official announcement regarding the campaign’s readiness soon.
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PM Browne: Roads Now Cost $2M Per Mile, Down From $10M Under UPP
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has announced a significant reduction in the cost of road construction under his administration. Speaking on the *Browne and Browne Show* on Pointe FM, Browne revealed that the current cost per mile for roadworks has been slashed to approximately EC $2 million, a stark contrast to the EC $10 million per mile incurred during the previous United Progressive Party (UPP) government. Browne attributed this dramatic cost reduction to enhanced efficiency, rigorous oversight, and improved value for taxpayers. He emphasized that the quality of work has not been compromised, stating, ‘We are doing it for about two million dollars a mile — and with better quality work.’ The Prime Minister credited the Ministry of Works, engineers, and local contractors for achieving these savings while maintaining high construction standards. He highlighted the ongoing national road rehabilitation programme, which includes upgrades to All Saints Road, Valley Road North, Anchorage Road, and the Sir Sydney Walling Highway, as evidence of the government’s cost-effective approach. Browne also announced an upcoming $100 million road improvement project, beginning with a $10 million allocation for All Saints Road, which will continue to apply the same principles of fiscal responsibility. ‘Our goal is to deliver better roads for less,’ Browne declared. ‘That’s what good management looks like.’
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Thompson questions government’s fiscal revisions, says Bahamians still facing hardship
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Kwasi Thompson, Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, has leveled serious allegations against the Davis Administration, accusing it of distorting year-end fiscal data to project a misleading image of financial stability. Thompson contends that the government’s recent fiscal report includes a questionable $30 million reduction in reported expenditures, a move he believes was orchestrated to align with budget targets and mask the true economic hardships faced by Bahamians.
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Sanctioned Guyanese politician and father indicted in the United States
A grand jury in the Southern District of Florida has indicted Azruddin Mohamed, a prominent Guyanese politician and businessman, and his father, Nazar Mohamed, on charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering. The duo, already under U.S. sanctions, allegedly conspired to defraud both the United States and the government of Guyana for personal enrichment. The indictment, comprising 11 counts, was unsealed this week, revealing their involvement in fraudulent activities, including the illegal shipment of gold through Miami. Prosecutors claim the Mohameds reused customs declarations and official seals to evade taxes and circumvent Guyanese export laws. Earlier this year, U.S. authorities seized a multimillion-dollar shipment of untaxed gold linked to the Mohameds. Azruddin Mohamed, who founded the WIN Party and secured significant opposition seats in Guyana’s September general elections, has garnered substantial support among the country’s impoverished population. The case highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to combat international financial crimes.
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US government shutdown after lack of funding plan
The United States government entered a shutdown on Wednesday, October 1, following a failure by Senate Democrats and Republicans to reach an agreement on a short-term funding plan. The shutdown commenced at 4:01 GMT, coinciding with the start of the new fiscal year, as the previous year’s funding expired. Despite Republican control of both chambers of Congress, they were unable to secure consensus to pass a bill that would fund government operations until November 21. Democrats withheld their support, demanding that Republicans reverse recent Medicaid cuts enacted under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill in July. While Democrats proposed alternative solutions, these were rejected, leaving Congress in a stalemate.
As a result of the shutdown, federal agencies are required to furlough non-essential employees, who will not receive pay during the shutdown. However, most furloughed workers are expected to receive back pay once the government resumes operations, thanks to a 2019 law. Contract workers, such as cleaning staff, are not covered by this law and will only be paid if their contracting firms have allocated funds for such scenarios. Each agency has already submitted staffing plans in anticipation of the shutdown.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that approximately 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed daily, resulting in a daily wage loss of around $400 million. Unlike previous shutdowns, the White House has instructed agencies to prepare for large-scale layoffs, as indicated in a September 24 memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This unprecedented move raises concerns about the long-term impact on federal employment and government operations.
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US government shutdown enters second week
The United States government shutdown has now entered its second week, with no resolution in sight as President Donald Trump’s Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked. The impasse centers on Democrats’ refusal to support a temporary funding bill unless Republicans agree to extend expiring health care subsidies. This standoff has left federal departments without funding since last Wednesday, forcing non-critical services to be suspended and hundreds of thousands of public sector employees to face delayed paychecks. Military personnel could also miss their first paychecks on October 15 if the shutdown persists. President Trump has escalated the crisis by threatening to fire government employees rather than furlough them, a departure from previous shutdown protocols. Republicans, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, have accused Democrats of stalling negotiations, while Democrats argue that Republicans are obstructing progress. The Environmental Protection Agency, along with the Education, Housing, Commerce, and Labor departments, have been particularly affected by the shutdown, with staff placed on enforced leave. Meanwhile, a CBS News poll indicates that the public narrowly blames Republicans for the gridlock. Democrats warn that 24 million Americans could see their Obamacare premiums double next year, while 4 million may lose health coverage entirely if no action is taken. Republicans maintain that health care subsidies should be addressed separately from the shutdown. As the stalemate continues, the White House has hinted at potential layoffs if negotiations fail to progress.