Three Jamaican councillors, including two currently in office and one former member, are facing legal repercussions for failing to comply with the Integrity Commission (IC) regulations. The individuals—Rohan Hall, Keisha Lewis, and Roogae Kirlew—were found to have violated Section 43 of the Integrity Commission Act (ICA) by not submitting their statutory declarations on time and/or neglecting to pay the mandated $250,000 fixed penalty. The IC’s investigation, triggered by referrals from its Director of Information and Complaints, revealed that Hall, a councillor in the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), failed to file his 2019 declaration. Lewis, representing the St Catherine Municipal Corporation (SCMC), missed filings for 2019, 2020, and 2022, while Kirlew, a former SCMC councillor, also failed to submit declarations for the same years. All three were given opportunities to rectify their violations by paying the penalty and submitting the required documents within 21 days. However, none fully complied, leading the IC to refer their cases to the Director of Corruption Prosecution. Lewis, in a public statement, acknowledged her oversight but claimed she filed the declarations within the IC’s specified timeframe and was unaware of further penalty requirements. Efforts to contact Hall and Kirlew for comment were unsuccessful. The IC emphasized that partial compliance does not absolve liability, underscoring the importance of adherence to transparency and accountability standards for public officials.
分类： politics
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Senior congressmen urge president to justify military strikes in the Caribbean
Senior Democratic members of the United States House of Representatives have formally requested President Donald Trump to disclose the list of designated terrorist organizations (DTOs) and provide substantiated evidence for recent military operations in the Caribbean Sea. In a letter addressed to the President, the lawmakers expressed concerns over the administration’s lack of transparency regarding its designation of certain cartels as ‘non-state armed groups’ and ‘terrorist organizations.’ They emphasized that while the administration has claimed these groups pose an armed threat to the U.S., it has failed to identify specific organizations, outline the criteria for designation, or clarify the legal authority underpinning these decisions. The representatives also highlighted the constitutional necessity for Congress to authorize the use of military force, noting that Trump has bypassed this requirement. Furthermore, they criticized the administration for withholding critical intelligence and legal justifications for the strikes, which targeted vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking organizations. The letter underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the drug crisis, emphasizing that military action alone is insufficient. Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled Senate recently blocked a Democratic-led measure aimed at restricting Trump’s authority to conduct such military strikes in the Caribbean, voting 51-48 against the proposal.
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Young Jamaica dismisses PNP concerns over ‘leaked’ IC reports
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The youth arm of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Young Jamaica, has countered allegations made by the People’s National Party (PNP) regarding the premature release of Integrity Commission (IC) reports to a specific media outlet before their formal presentation in Parliament. The PNP, represented by Zuleika Jess and Nekeisha Burchell, recently voiced concerns over what they described as a recurring pattern of leaks, asserting that such actions undermine parliamentary authority, erode public trust, and suggest a potential breach in the official handling of sensitive documents.
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Israel says ‘all parties’ signed phase one of Gaza deal
In a landmark development, Israel announced on Thursday that all parties have signed the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement, marking a significant step toward ending the prolonged conflict. The deal, brokered in Egypt, follows a 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump last month, aimed at resolving the crisis that began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. The agreement includes the release of all hostages, both living and deceased, within 72 hours, with Israeli officials expressing hope that this will bring an end to the war. US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that President Trump will visit Egypt next week to celebrate the deal’s conclusion, though Trump noted that exact timing is still being finalized. Despite widespread international acclaim, critical issues remain unresolved, including Hamas’s disarmament and the establishment of an interim “Board of Peace” led by Trump to oversee Gaza’s administration. Hamas has already rejected the proposed transitional authority, with senior official Osama Hamdan stating that no Palestinian faction would accept such an arrangement. Trump assured that the disarmament of Hamas would be addressed in the second phase of the peace plan, alongside Israeli military pullbacks. The ceasefire is set to take effect within 24 hours of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet meeting, scheduled for 1400 GMT. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized that the hostage release should signal the war’s end. The deal also includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages. Hamas has submitted a list of 1,950 prisoners it seeks to have freed, including high-profile figures like Marwan Barghouti, though Israel has ruled out his release. The agreement envisions a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where famine has been declared by the UN. However, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges, as evidenced by continued strikes in Gaza even after the deal’s announcement. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged mediators to ensure de-escalation until the agreement is fully implemented. The deal comes amid mounting international pressure to end the war, which has claimed over 67,000 lives in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health ministry figures. The UN has accused Israel of genocide, a charge Israel denies, while Hamas faces allegations of war crimes. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for a permanent cessation of hostilities, echoing global sentiments for peace.
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Palestinian president meets Israeli peace activists as Gaza deal announced
In a significant development following the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas convened with Israeli peace activists in Ramallah on Thursday. The meeting, held at the presidential palace in the occupied West Bank, focused on fostering long-term peace between the two sides. Abbas expressed his approval of the ceasefire and the subsequent release of hostages, stating, “I welcome the agreement signed today, the end of the war, and the release of the hostages.” He also reiterated the Palestinian commitment to establishing a state encompassing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, despite past challenges, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposals. The gathering included prominent figures such as Arab-Israeli Knesset member Ayman Odeh and Palestinian Authority Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh. Abbas engaged warmly with the audience, sharing light-hearted moments and jokes. However, the event was briefly interrupted by two power outages, as reported by an AFP journalist. Among the attendees was Iddo Ilam, an activist who declined to serve in the Israeli army, receiving a thumbs-up from Abbas. Rula Daoud, co-director of the Israeli grassroots movement Standing Together, emphasized the need for a peaceful future between Jews and Palestinians. Notably, the specifics of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which is expected to facilitate the release of remaining hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, were not discussed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the possibility of the Palestinian Authority governing post-war Gaza, despite al-Sheikh’s assertion on X that the PA is fully prepared to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction.
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Pintard met with North Abaco generals due to unrest over Terrece Bootle’s selection
In a bid to quell rising tensions within the Free National Movement (FNM), party leader Michael Pintard visited North Abaco on Tuesday to address discontent among key party figures. The unrest stems from the recent ratification of Terrece Bootle as the FNM’s candidate for the constituency, a decision that has sparked accusations of sidelining local voices and undue influence from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
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Adhin: Wet Staatsschuld basis voor striktere begrotingsdiscipline
The National Assembly has taken a significant step toward enhancing the financial governance of the state by approving amendments to the State Debt Law, according to Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin. The amendments, passed unanimously with 36 votes, aim to consolidate and professionalize the legal framework governing state debt. Adhin expressed gratitude to all members for their contributions, emphasizing their collaborative efforts in achieving a balanced approach. The revised law establishes strict conditions for exceeding the debt ceiling, requiring a debt strategy aligned with Article 15a. Additionally, the Minister of Finance & Planning must now submit an annual state debt plan alongside the state budget presentation. This provision links the budgetary cycle with debt management, reinforcing the Assembly’s oversight of the state’s macro-financial stability. Adhin highlighted the inclusion of a limited transition period in Article 28, which he described as a clear signal of budgetary discipline and timely debt normalization. The introduction of a Deputy Administrator-General at the State Debt Bureau was also noted as a crucial measure to ensure operational continuity and strengthen institutional capacity. Adhin stated that the law transforms debt management into a sustainable financial policy tool, guided by principles of transparency, parliamentary approval, and systematic debt reduction. However, he cautioned that the law addresses only the symptoms, not the root causes, of financial challenges. ‘The real solution lies in boosting production, exports, and revenue streams,’ Adhin asserted. ‘Only through the real economy can we achieve lasting financial sovereignty.’
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UPP Caretaker Peters Reconnects with Lower Ottos Residents
Emanuel Peters, the United Progressive Party (UPP) caretaker for St. John’s Rural South, dedicated his weekend to engaging with residents of Lower Ottos, a community he regards as the cornerstone of his public service career. Peters, who has been actively meeting constituents across the district, used this visit to highlight his dedication to community development, environmental sustainability, and collective advancement. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the residents and reiterated his commitment to addressing their concerns. Expressing gratitude for their unwavering support, Peters vowed to expand his grassroots outreach efforts throughout St. John’s Rural South. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and reaffirm the UPP’s pledge to people-centered representation. Peters’ visit underscores his ongoing efforts to foster a collaborative and inclusive approach to governance.
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CARICOM Secretariat Hosts Advisory Group Meeting to Advance Regional Migration Policy Framework
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), recently convened a two-day advisory group meeting in Bridgetown to refine the CARICOM Regional Migration Policy Framework (CRMPF). Held on October 8, 2025, the meeting brought together representatives from CARICOM Member States, development partners, civil society, and the United Nations to establish clear priorities and streamline actions for effective migration management. Sherwin Toyne-Stephenson, Programme Manager for Crime and Security at CARICOM, emphasized the historical significance of migration in the Caribbean, stating that ‘migration has always been a part of our story.’ He highlighted the importance of Member States’ involvement in shaping the policy to achieve strategic development outcomes. The CARICOM Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, orderly, and regular migration, particularly for vulnerable populations. Patrice Quesada, IOM’s Coordinator for the Caribbean, stressed the urgency of a regional approach, noting that sustainable development in CARICOM is inseparable from migration. Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, underscored the Framework’s role in aligning migration with sustainable development goals. The workshop was funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and supported by the European Union and the United Nations Network on Migration. The next steps include reviewing the draft policy framework with CARICOM Member States, marking a pivotal milestone in regional migration policy development.
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CTUSAB warns of ‘dangerous precedent’ as joint police-military training begins
The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has reiterated its opposition to granting arrest powers to soldiers, labeling the move as a ‘dangerous precedent.’ This comes as joint training sessions commence for members of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) and the Police Service, part of the government’s implementation of the controversial Police (Amendment) Act 2025. The Act permits BDF personnel to assist police in maintaining law and order, a measure CTUSAB General Secretary Dennis de Peiza strongly criticizes. Speaking to Barbados TODAY, de Peiza emphasized that the union’s stance remains unchanged since it first raised concerns earlier this year. He argued that empowering the military with policing responsibilities fundamentally alters the nature of law enforcement. ‘Any time you empower the Defence [Force] in policing, you change the whole idea of what policing is about,’ he stated. ‘You are giving soldiers now the powers to arrest people. That, to my mind, is creating a dangerous precedent in any state.’ De Peiza warned that blurring the lines between military and police duties could have severe consequences, citing global examples where such practices led to negative outcomes. He stressed that the existing law clearly delineates the separate roles of the BDF and the Police Service, with the latter solely responsible for maintaining law and order. ‘Police are trained to police, with the powers to arrest and investigate. Soldiers are trained to kill; they’re trained to secure the country and in that, they have a power to shoot for a purpose,’ he explained. ‘Therefore, let them do what they’re supposed to do and let the police do what they’re supposed to do. There’s no compromising on that.’ De Peiza also challenged the government’s rationale for involving soldiers in law enforcement, particularly amid rising concerns about violent crime. ‘If you are short on policemen, go and get policemen,’ he urged. ‘We are talking about opening doors to Caribbean nationals, freedom of movement: seek policemen. But don’t ever try to compromise the whole process by trying to justify a means to an end… and that’s what we’re doing.’ Over the past year, Barbados has experienced a surge in serious crimes, including armed robberies, murders, and gang-related incidents involving young men. Public anxiety over national security has led to calls for stronger measures, with government officials defending the involvement of soldiers as necessary. However, de Peiza cautioned that short-term security gains should not come at the expense of democratic norms.