分类： politics

In a bold move to address long-standing issues of absenteeism and tardiness, Jamaican parliamentary leaders Robert Morgan and Phillip Paulwell have issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament (MPs) as the new legislative year begins. Morgan, the deputy leader of government business, and Paulwell, the leader of Opposition business, emphasized their shared commitment to punctuality and consistent attendance during a press briefing following the Opening Ceremony for the Orientation of MPs at Gordon House on Tuesday.

The White House has firmly defended President Donald Trump’s stringent migration policies following sharp criticism from Pope Leo XIV, who condemned the treatment of migrants in the United States as ‘inhumane.’ Speaking to reporters at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday, the Pope, the first U.S.-born head of the Catholic Church, questioned the moral consistency of those who oppose abortion but support harsh immigration measures or the death penalty. ‘Someone who says “I’m against abortion, but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants,” I don’t know if that’s pro-life,’ he stated. Pope Leo, born in Chicago and elected in May after the passing of Pope Francis, has been vocal about social justice issues since his days as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, often criticizing Trump and Vice President JD Vance on migration policies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, a Catholic herself, rebutted the Pope’s remarks during a Wednesday briefing, asserting that the current administration treats immigrants humanely while enforcing the law. She accused the previous administration under President Joe Biden of allowing ‘significant, inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants’ amid record border crossings. The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration’s immigration stance and the Catholic Church’s advocacy for migrant rights.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) has strongly criticized the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) for suspending Dr Aujae Dixon following his candidacy in the September 3, 2025, general elections. The SRHA cited violations of Public Service Staff Order 4.2.6(1), which bars public officers from partisan political activities, as the reason for the interdiction.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bid to enhance legislative efficiency and governance, Members of Parliament (MPs) in Jamaica are set to participate in a comprehensive post-election training programme. This initiative, organized by the Houses of Parliament in collaboration with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), aims to equip both newly elected and returning MPs with essential skills and knowledge to fulfill their constitutional and parliamentary roles effectively.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Constituted Authority has dismissed a petition by Paul Buchanan, the defeated candidate in the St Andrew West Central constituency, seeking to nullify the results of the September 3 general election. Buchanan, representing the People’s National Party (PNP), lost to Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader and Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, who secured 7,054 votes compared to Buchanan’s 4,953.

The United States government shutdown intensified on Wednesday as congressional Democrats departed without resolving a funding impasse with President Donald Trump, while the White House hinted at potential mass layoffs in the public sector. The stalemate began after federal funding expired at midnight, forcing agencies to scale back operations. The White House issued warnings of “imminent” job cuts, heightening tensions. Senate Democrats, advocating for extended health care subsidies for low-income families, rejected a House-approved bill that would have temporarily reopened the government. With Senate voting adjourned until Friday, hopes for a swift resolution have dwindled. Approximately 750,000 federal employees face furloughs, a form of unpaid leave, while essential workers like military personnel and border agents may work without pay. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association raised concerns over air safety as over 2,300 members were sent home. This shutdown carries higher stakes than previous ones, as Trump pushes for hard-right policies, including significant government cuts and potential mass firings. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration is identifying areas for layoffs. House Republicans passed a stop-gap funding measure to sustain federal operations through late November, but Senate Democrats refuse to support it without compromises on spending cuts, particularly in health care. Senate Republican leaders, needing eight Democratic votes to pass the bill, managed to sway three moderates in an initial vote but failed to secure additional support. Congress will not vote on Thursday due to the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday, but the Senate will reconvene on Friday, potentially working through the weekend. The House is not scheduled to return until next week.

A group of enthusiastic 10- and 11-year-old students from Georgia faced disappointment on Wednesday as their much-anticipated tour of the US Congress was abruptly canceled due to a government shutdown. The shutdown, which began at midnight, has led to the closure of numerous federal departments and agencies, leaving thousands of public sector workers furloughed. This occurred after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on a funding deal to sustain government operations.

Cami Hamlin, the principal of Springdale Elementary School, expressed her frustration, noting the irony of the situation. ‘It’s unfortunate as we’ve been teaching the kids they’ve got to manage their own budget,’ she remarked, standing in front of the Congress building with dozens of other tourists. The shutdown, triggered by a political deadlock between President Donald Trump’s Republicans and opposing Democrats, has particularly impacted Washington, D.C., where the federal government is the largest employer and operates many popular tourist attractions.

Key landmarks such as the Washington Monument were closed to visitors on Wednesday due to staff shortages. However, institutions like the Smithsonian, which manages museums and the National Zoo, will remain open until Monday using prior-year funds. Tourists like Martine Ruaud from Bordeaux, France, expressed their disappointment. ‘There is so much to see and it’s annoying if tourists can’t come because there’s no staff,’ she said, adding, ‘It would be a shame if the country closed itself off.’

This shutdown marks the first since a record 35-day stalemate in 2019 during Trump’s first term. It comes as the president seeks to advance a hard-right agenda opposed by Democrats, particularly focusing on expiring healthcare subsidies that Democrats want reinstated in the federal budget. Visitors like Terese Johnston from California voiced their frustration with the political impasse. ‘I think our government needs to learn how to work together for the people,’ she said. ‘This should have been resolved a long time ago, and we should never come to this position.’