The United States government is on the brink of its first shutdown in six years, as funding expired at midnight on Tuesday following a heated standoff between Democrats and Republicans. Despite intense negotiations in Congress, no agreement was reached to extend government funding beyond the fiscal year’s end. Senate Republicans attempted to pass a temporary funding measure approved by the House but fell short of the necessary Democratic support to send it to President Donald Trump’s desk. Trump, anticipating the shutdown, told reporters in the Oval Office, “We’ll probably have a shutdown.” This prediction followed a failed last-minute meeting at the White House on Monday, where Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer noted “large differences” remained between the parties. The negotiations were further strained by a controversial AI-generated video posted by Trump, which House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned as “racist and fake.” The video mocked Schumer and Jeffries, falsely depicting them as promoting benefits for illegal immigrants. Trump blamed Democrats for the impasse and threatened to target progressive priorities and implement mass public sector job cuts during the shutdown. He suggested that a shutdown could be an opportunity to eliminate Democratic policies. This potential shutdown comes amid ongoing tensions in Congress, where Democrats, despite being in the minority, are leveraging their influence to push for restored healthcare spending for low-income households. The House Republicans have proposed a stopgap measure to extend funding until late November, but Democrats are demanding significant healthcare investments. Government shutdowns, which halt nonessential operations and leave hundreds of thousands of civil servants without pay, are deeply unpopular. The longest shutdown in US history occurred during Trump’s first term, lasting 35 days from December 2018.
分类： politics
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PNP criticises govt’s silence on Palestine at UN
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP), Jamaica’s primary opposition party, has strongly criticized the current administration for its perceived lack of solidarity with the Palestinian people during critical moments at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
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US judge temporarily halts mass layoff of Voice of America employees
In a significant legal development, a U.S. federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s plan to terminate more than 500 employees of the Voice of America (VOA). The decision, issued on Monday by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, suspends the layoffs that were scheduled to take effect on September 30. The move comes as part of an ongoing legal battle over the administration’s efforts to restructure government-funded media. Kari Lake, a senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has been leading the charge to reduce the workforce, arguing it is a necessary step to dismantle what she describes as a ‘bloated, unaccountable bureaucracy.’ However, Judge Lamberth ruled that Lake’s actions were ‘arbitrary and capricious and not in accordance with law,’ and emphasized the need for USAGM to fulfill its statutory mandate. The court also expressed concerns that the defendants lacked a plan to comply with an earlier injunction issued in April. The USAGM, established during World War II, plays a crucial role in promoting democracy and countering propaganda through entities like VOA, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Free Asia. President Trump has frequently criticized VOA, accusing it of being overly critical of his administration and undermining its editorial independence.
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PNP appoints Shameel Brown as chair of OT Fairclough Trust Fund
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) has unveiled Shameel Brown as the incoming chair of the OT Fairclough Trust Fund Grants Board, marking a significant transition in leadership. Brown takes over from Richard Azan, a Member of Parliament, who has been lauded for his dedicated service in steering the board towards its mission of empowering party workers through various opportunities.
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PM Drew bats for Taiwan, calls for end to Cuba embargo, and pushes support for Haiti at UN
During the 80th United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan, New York, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis delivered a compelling address, advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations, the lifting of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, and increased global support for Haiti. Speaking at the General Debate on September 27, 2025, Dr. Drew emphasized the importance of collective engagement in addressing global challenges, warning that excluding willing contributors weakens the international system. Under the theme ‘Better Together,’ he highlighted Taiwan’s exclusion from UN agencies, despite its significant contributions to technology, public health, and disaster response. Dr. Drew urged the international community to prioritize diplomacy over confrontation in the Taiwan Strait, stressing the need for dialogue to protect livelihoods. Turning to Cuba, he joined Caribbean leaders in calling for an end to the U.S. embargo, which he described as a relic that harms ordinary citizens and undermines regional solidarity. He also urged greater international support for Haiti, which faces political instability, violence, and economic hardship, emphasizing that the Caribbean cannot bear the burden alone.
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Blackmoore calls on entire law enforcement to up the ante on gun violence following recent tragic incident
In the wake of the tragic shooting death of 24-year-old Juwan Warner in Georgetown, Portsmouth, Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore has issued a fervent call for intensified law enforcement efforts to combat illegal firearms and gun violence. Warner was fatally shot on his porch on September 26, prompting Blackmoore to emphasize the need for a unified and robust response.
Blackmoore stressed that community engagement must be amplified, and law enforcement must adopt a more concentrated approach to apprehend those involved in gun-related crimes. He warned against complacency, stating that simplistic views of the issue, such as attributing it to isolated retaliatory acts, only exacerbate the problem.
The Minister underscored the importance of respecting citizens’ rights while urging the police to act decisively against perpetrators and their accomplices. He also highlighted the shared responsibility of the criminal justice system and the public in addressing gun violence. Blackmoore pointed to recent cases where suspects were arrested but later released on bail or by court decisions, emphasizing the need for serious treatment of such matters at all levels of the justice system.
To bolster these efforts, Blackmoore announced that additional magistrates would be appointed in October to expedite court proceedings, marking the highest number of magistrates in the country’s history. He also revealed that three Supreme Court judges are currently operating independently, ensuring the judiciary’s capacity to handle cases effectively.
Blackmoore extended his condolences to the families affected by senseless killings but issued a stern warning against the cultivation of gangs. He pledged his unwavering commitment as Minister for National Security to create an environment where law-abiding citizens can live without fear.
The Minister called for public cooperation and support for law enforcement, emphasizing that collective action is essential to rid the streets of illegal firearms and restore peace.
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China’s envoy to Grenada vows to deepen bilateral ties
China’s newly appointed Ambassador to Grenada, His Excellency Yang Shu, has pledged to deepen cooperation and foster stronger ties between the two nations. During his inaugural address at a reception commemorating three significant milestones, Ambassador Yang emphasized the importance of mutual respect and collaboration. The event marked the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the 20th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Grenada. Yang expressed his gratitude for being appointed by President Xi Jinping and highlighted the warm reception he received from the Grenadian government and people. Reflecting on shared history, he honored Grenada’s contributions during World War II, acknowledging the bravery of its soldiers. Yang also reiterated China’s unwavering stance on the one-China principle, stating that Taiwan’s reunification with mainland China is inevitable. He underscored China’s remarkable economic progress over the past 76 years, noting its significant contributions to global growth. Additionally, Yang highlighted President Xi’s Global Governance Initiative, which promotes sovereign equality, international rule of law, and multilateralism. He praised the 20-year diplomatic relationship between China and Grenada, crediting Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s recent visit to China for strengthening bilateral ties. The ambassador concluded by expressing his commitment to supporting Chinese nationals in Grenada and toasting to the enduring friendship and prosperity of both nations.
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ABDF Accused of Misleading High Court Judge into Erroneous Decision
A significant controversy has emerged involving the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), as a recent court filing accuses its leadership of deliberately providing false information to the High Court. This alleged misinformation reportedly led to what the plaintiff describes as an erroneous and unjust decision. The case, brought forward by Captain Javonson Willock, alleges misconduct in public office against Brigadier General Telbert Benjamin and Lieutenant Colonel Dalton Graham. The trial is set to commence on October 8, 2025, and tensions have escalated following revelations that critical information presented to the Court may have been misleading. Captain Willock sought permission to cross-examine Lieutenant Colonel Alando Michael and Sergeant Manyakie Edwards, key witnesses for the defense. During a recent hearing, Willock argued that Sergeant Edwards’ testimony was crucial in demonstrating the alleged malice and misconduct of the defendants. The defense opposed the application, claiming that Sergeant Edwards was in China, where time-zone differences and communication challenges made remote testimony impractical. Acting on this information, the Court denied Willock’s request and ordered him to pay $750 in costs to the defendants for his late application. However, Willock has since filed new evidence suggesting that Edwards is not in China but in the United States, where time-zone differences and communication barriers are minimal. This revelation raises serious questions about the integrity of the defense’s submissions to the Court and the fairness of the judicial process. The allegation that the ABDF may have misled a sitting High Court judge strikes at the heart of public confidence in state institutions. If senior members of the Defence Force are found to have knowingly misrepresented facts to the judiciary, it could erode trust in the justice system and the armed forces. The High Court is now expected to consider Captain Willock’s fresh application to cross-examine Sergeant Edwards in light of the new evidence. Willock continues to represent himself, while the defendants are represented by Mrs. Joy Dublin-Baptiste, Ms. Rose-Ann Kim, and Ms. Chandera Codrinton.
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Social Security Director Confirms UPP Added $127M to Arrears
The Social Security Director of Antigua and Barbuda has revealed that the United Progressive Party (UPP) government significantly increased the arrears owed to the Social Security scheme during its first term in office. According to David Mathias, who appeared on the Browne and Browne Show, the arrears grew by $127 million between 2003 and 2009. By October 2003, just before the UPP assumed power, the outstanding amount was approximately $366 million. However, by 2009, this figure had surged to nearly $494 million. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, also present on the show, emphasized that this increase occurred within the UPP’s first five years in office. Mathias confirmed that the arrears stemmed from unpaid premiums, including employee deductions that were not remitted to the scheme. By 2010, the UPP government consolidated the debt into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Social Security Board, resulting in a total liability of $550 million, which included unpaid contributions, loans, and penalties. This revelation highlights the substantial financial burden added during the UPP’s tenure and underscores the long-standing issue of arrears accumulation across successive administrations.
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PM Browne Says Gov’t Will Clear Social Security Arrears
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to clearing outstanding Social Security arrears, emphasizing that the fund remains robust with substantial cash reserves. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne highlighted his administration’s efforts to reduce inherited liabilities, including paying down a $330 million bond to approximately $218 million. He announced a new bond deal aimed at settling the remaining $100 million owed to the Social Security Scheme. Browne stressed that his government has consistently paid full premiums since 2014, unlike previous administrations that made partial payments based on estimates. However, he acknowledged that monthly contributions became inconsistent following the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, Browne dismissed concerns about the sustainability of pensions or benefits, noting that the scheme maintains liquidity of $35 to $40 million. His remarks come amid opposition accusations of financial mismanagement, which Browne countered by asserting that his administration is the first to address decades of accumulated arrears effectively.