In a contentious move, 200 Texas National Guard troops have arrived in Illinois, as confirmed by a Pentagon official on Tuesday. This deployment is part of a broader strategy by US President Donald Trump to station military personnel in various cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Memphis, and Portland. Trump has threatened to invoke emergency powers to bypass any legal obstacles that may arise.
分类： politics
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PNP raises alarm over ‘continued leaks’ of untabled Integrity Commission reports
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) has voiced significant concerns regarding the repeated leaking of Integrity Commission (IC) reports to a specific media outlet before their official presentation in Parliament. The party has labeled this practice as a severe violation of the law and a threat to the principles of good governance. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the PNP highlighted a recurring pattern where IC reports are disclosed on the Nationwide News Network (NNN) prior to their formal tabling, a process mandated by the Integrity Commission Act. This law stipulates that such reports must first be submitted to Parliament and officially tabled before being made public. The PNP emphasized that these leaks undermine the authority of Parliament, erode public trust, and suggest a potential breakdown in the official chain of custody. ‘This is not merely a procedural issue; it strikes at the heart of good governance and the rule of law,’ the PNP stated, noting that the existing process is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability, rather than allowing for selective or premature disclosures that could distort public understanding or prejudice individuals and institutions. PNP Spokesperson on Justice, Zuleika Jess, underscored the importance of safeguarding the Integrity Commission’s work from any perception of political interference or manipulation. ‘These recurring leaks before Parliamentary tabling represent a breach of lawful process and a threat to institutional integrity. Parliament’s role as the guardian of accountability must be respected, and the law must be applied evenly and consistently,’ Jess asserted. PNP Spokesperson on Information, Nekeisha Burchell, also expressed concern, pointing out that the leaks have consistently involved the same media house. ‘It is deeply troubling that official information intended for Parliament’s consideration continues to appear in the media before it is properly tabled, and even more concerning that it is consistently the same media house. This recurring breach undermines not only confidence in our governance structures but also the credibility of the information ecosystem that underpins democracy,’ she said. The PNP is urging an immediate and transparent investigation to identify the source of the leaks and to restore public confidence in the handling of Integrity Commission reports. The party reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, due process, and respect for the laws that underpin Jamaica’s democracy.
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Lawyers urge judge to drop criminal case against Ruel Reid and co-accused
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The high-profile fraud trial involving former Education Minister Ruel Reid and his co-accused took a dramatic turn on its first official day as the defence team moved to have the charges dismissed. The legal representatives argued that the prosecution’s evidence was obtained in violation of the Financial Investigations Division Act (FIDA), rendering it inadmissible in court.
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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.