A heated debate unfolded in Jamaica’s House of Representatives on Tuesday as Government and Opposition legislators clashed over the appointment of chairs for Parliament’s sessional committees. The controversy stemmed from a motion introduced by Leader of Government Business Floyd Green to name committee members, reigniting a long-standing dispute over the separation of powers and transparency in governance.
分类： politics
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US Air Force employee sentenced for sharing defense info on dating app
In a significant breach of national security, a former civilian employee of the US Air Force has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for sharing classified information on an online dating platform. David Slater, 64, a retired US Army lieutenant colonel, admitted in July to transmitting sensitive documents to an individual posing as a woman from Ukraine. At the time of the offense, Slater was stationed at the US Strategic Command in Nebraska, an entity responsible for nuclear deterrence. The leaked materials, some classified as ‘top secret,’ included critical details about the Ukraine conflict, such as military targets and Russian capabilities. On Wednesday, a federal judge in Nebraska imposed a 70-month prison term and a $25,000 fine on Slater, underscoring the gravity of his actions.
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PM promises payments by Christmas as workers march on Parliament
Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas has vowed to disburse overdue payments to public sector workers before Christmas, following a protest led by union leaders outside the House of Assembly. The demonstration, organized by the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) and the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT), saw workers demanding their long-awaited wage increases. Union presidents Kimsley Ferguson and Belinda Wilson spearheaded the rally, with chants of ‘pay us our money’ echoing through the streets. The delay in implementing government wage hikes has been a persistent issue, with union officials accusing the administration of sidelining key worker groups and failing to engage in proper consultations. Addressing the crowd, PM Davis emphasized his personal commitment to resolving the matter, stating, ‘The decision to give y’all some money came from me, from my heart. I understood that y’all need that. It was nothing negotiated, I’m trying to help all of you, y’all will be paid and the payment will be before Christmas.’ Last month, the government announced that public servants who missed earlier pay raises would receive their increments in December, retroactive to September. Each employee is expected to receive at least two salary increases, though the exact amounts will vary by category.
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Walker confirmed
Former NFL star Herschel Walker has been officially confirmed by the United States Senate as the next US ambassador to The Bahamas, marking the end of a 13-year vacancy in the position. Walker, a 63-year-old Georgia native, becomes the first individual to hold the role since Nicole Avant’s departure in 2011. The US Embassy in Nassau confirmed the Senate’s decision, expressing eagerness to welcome Walker after he receives his presidential commission and is sworn in. His exact arrival date in New Providence remains uncertain but is expected to occur after the end of the month, causing him to miss the upcoming wedding of US Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish, who has led the embassy since 2024. The official ambassador’s residence, Liberty Overlook, will be prepared for his arrival after sitting unused for over a decade. Walker was nominated in December 2024 by President Donald Trump, who returned to office following his election victory that year. During his Senate confirmation hearing in September, Walker outlined his priorities, including countering China’s influence in the region, enhancing anti-drug trafficking efforts with the DEA and regional partners, and promoting US investment to foster local prosperity. His confirmation was secured by a 51 to 47 vote, making him one of over 100 nominees approved by the Senate. Walker’s illustrious career spans college football, the NFL, Olympic bobsledding, and mixed martial arts. He has also been a national spokesperson for the Patriot Support Programme, advocating for mental health awareness among military personnel. From 2017 to 2021, he co-chaired the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and for over 18 years, he led National Health Through Fitness Day, connecting fitness advocates with lawmakers to promote physical education. Walker entered politics in 2022 as a Republican candidate for the US Senate in Georgia but faced defeat amid controversy over allegations of domestic abuse and claims of hypocrisy regarding his anti-abortion stance. His appointment concludes a prolonged period of delays in filling the US ambassador post, with nominees across three administrations failing to secure confirmation. The Bahamas was one of only five countries, including Bolivia and Cuba, without a US ambassador for over a decade. A US State Department spokesperson praised Walker’s appointment, stating he would champion the ‘America First’ foreign policy agenda and advance US interests in the Bahamas, located less than 60 miles from Florida.
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DLP’s Rosie Douglas lecture to host speaker Dr Ralph Gonsalves on 25th anniversary of his death
The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) is preparing to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the passing of Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Douglas, the late Prime Minister of Dominica, with the annual Rosie Douglas Memorial Lecture. Scheduled for October 9, 2025, at the State House Conference Room, the event will feature Hon. Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Gonsalves, a close associate of Douglas, is expected to address pivotal themes that defined Douglas’s political career, such as regional unity, people-centered development, and strengthening ties between the Caribbean, Africa, and the global community. The DLP emphasized that the event is open to all who wish to honor Douglas’s enduring legacy, describing him as a visionary leader whose dedication to social justice and Caribbean unity left a profound impact on Dominica and the region. Douglas, who passed away on October 1, 2000, served as Prime Minister for only eight months following his election on January 31 of that year. The Memorial Lecture provides a platform to reflect on his contributions to nation-building and the empowerment of small states. The event will commence at 6:30 PM.
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Barbados Ambassador calls for end to alleged ‘Zone of Peace’ violations
In a passionate address during a ceremony marking the 49th anniversary of the Cubana Airliner tragedy and the third year of CARICOM-Cuba Day Against Terrorism, Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong, called on the United States to dismantle its 63-year-old economic blockade against Cuba. He also denounced the US designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism as “fraudulent and ridiculous.” Speaking on behalf of the Barbados government and the broader Caribbean Community, Comissiong urged the US to terminate the blockade and remove Cuba from its terrorism list, emphasizing that the blockade has been repeatedly condemned by the United Nations. He highlighted the severe impact of the blockade on Cuba’s ability to engage in international trade, conduct financial operations, and secure essential goods for its citizens. Comissiong further argued that Cuba has been a victim of terrorism, citing 713 acts of terrorism, many of which were orchestrated from US soil. He also referenced the 2014 Zone of Peace Declaration, adopted by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which emphasizes non-intervention, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence. Comissiong criticized recent US military actions in the Caribbean, particularly against Venezuela, as a violation of the Zone of Peace principles. He called on CARICOM governments to uphold these principles in the face of such interventions.
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Two decades in: Deepening trust ahead for Dominica and China, says Ambassador Chu
Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Chu Maoming, has expressed optimism about the deepening political trust and cooperation between China and Dominica. Speaking at a reception commemorating the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at the Chinese Embassy in Morne Daniel, Ambassador Chu highlighted the progress in bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 20 years ago. He emphasized the pivotal role of head-of-state diplomacy, particularly the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in Beijing, in guiding the relationship forward. Ambassador Chu reiterated China’s appreciation for Dominica’s steadfast commitment to the one-China principle and outlined future collaboration in areas such as mutual support on core interests, advancing global initiatives, and safeguarding the international order. Practical cooperation in agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure has already yielded significant results, with key projects like the international airport and post-hurricane school reconstruction progressing efficiently. Cultural exchanges have also flourished, with Chinese intangible cultural heritage, Kung Fu, and cuisine making a lasting impact in Dominica. The Confucius Classroom at Dominica State College continues to promote Chinese language and culture, with plans for a study tour to China. Ambassador Chu expressed confidence that closer people-to-people exchanges will further strengthen the foundation of trust and friendship between the two nations.
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OPINION: When friendships rupture, when cooperation becomes collusion
In a dramatic turn of events on the first Monday of October 2025, the spotlight fell on Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed, who were indicted on 11 serious charges including gold smuggling, tax evasion, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. This father-son duo is now accused of running an unprecedented criminal enterprise in Guyana, raising questions about their connections with high-ranking officials and the political elite. The charges, spanning from 2017 to 2024, implicate two successive governments, with leaders at various levels reportedly cultivating close ties with the Mohameds. Their alleged criminal activities were seemingly overlooked for years, with their names evoking both fear and reverence in equal measure. The author reflects on the surreal nature of being entangled in this web of corruption and questions the integrity of the friendships and protections that once shielded the Mohameds. The article also delves into the political ramifications of their indictment, particularly in light of Azruddin Mohamed’s foray into politics and his bold stance against the Exxon oil contract. The author raises critical questions about the timing of the charges and the sudden cooperation between the Guyanese and U.S. governments, suggesting that collusion may have replaced cooperation. The piece concludes with a call for Guyanese citizens to reflect on these developments and consider the broader implications for their nation’s future.
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Defence Force begins training for expanded police powers under new Police Act
The Barbados Defence Force (BDF) has embarked on a transformative journey toward exercising police powers, as the inaugural Law Enforcement Training Course commenced on Monday. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with The Barbados Police Service (TBPS), is a direct result of the recently enacted Police (Amendment) Act 2025. The legislation grants BDF personnel the authority to perform police duties during joint land-based operations with TBPS and under presidential directive. The legal foundation for this expansion of authority is rooted in Section 79A of the amended Police Act Cap 167 and Section 9(2) of the Defence Act Cap 159. However, the move has sparked significant debate, with civil society groups, including the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), voicing concerns over potential abuses of power and the erosion of the police’s exclusive mandate to maintain law and order. Critics have highlighted risks such as arbitrary arrests and the militarization of civil policing. The training program, designed to address these concerns, emphasizes legal literacy, human rights, and coordinated enforcement. Deputy Commissioner of Police Erwin Boyce underscored the importance of ethical enforcement and procedural clarity, while BDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Carlos Lovell hailed the legislative amendment as a historic step in Barbados’ security framework. Assistant Chief of Police Barry Hunte emphasized the necessity of unifying police and military procedures to enhance national sustainability, pointing to shared responsibilities and improved crisis response capabilities. The BDF has framed this initiative as an investment in a more agile and unified security framework, aiming to ensure the peace and security of all Barbadians.
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UPP Supporter Questions Harold Lovell’s Commitment to All Saints West
In a recent development that has stirred significant debate within the United Progressive Party (UPP), a long-time supporter has openly criticized the party’s leadership decisions, particularly focusing on Harold Lovell, the former leader of the UPP. Lovell, who is currently residing in Canada and working as a professor, is reportedly planning to contest the upcoming election for the constituency of All Saints West. This revelation has sparked frustration and disappointment among some party members and supporters.
The supporter expressed admiration for Hon. Anthony Smith, a former UPP member and current Member of Parliament for All Saints West. “Anthony Smith was always someone I admired in his time at the UPP,” they said. “He was seen as the future leader of the party, and his departure was a significant loss. However, he continues to work diligently in his constituency, earning the love and support of many constituents.”
In contrast, the supporter criticized the UPP’s decision to back Barbara Coates for the constituency seat, suggesting she was not the right candidate. “They asked her to step aside for Harold Lovell, but where is Harold now? He initially came out strongly but then disappeared, only to resurface as a professor in Canada. How can he effectively represent and serve the people of All Saints West from overseas?”
The supporter also highlighted concerns about the party’s consistency, recalling that the UPP had previously criticized Michael Browne for living overseas while serving as a representative. “If they criticized Browne for that, how can they justify Harold’s situation now? It doesn’t make any sense,” they lamented.
This criticism extends beyond Lovell’s absence from the constituency. The supporter expressed deep frustration with what they perceive as ongoing dysfunction within the UPP. “Harold is now trying to challenge Pringle for the party leadership while living abroad and having stepped down from leadership roles three times. It just shows how unstable and disorganized the party has become,” they said.
This dissatisfaction reflects a broader concern among some members and supporters who believe the party’s focus should be on genuine leadership and commitment to the country, rather than political maneuvering or personal ambitions. “I love my country, and I want the best for it. Right now, I don’t see the UPP as the party that can lead us forward. We need real leaders who are present, dedicated, and ready to serve, not just political figures living overseas,” they concluded.