KINGSTON, Jamaica — Everald Warmington, the Member of Parliament for St Catherine South Western representing the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has once again drawn attention for his unconventional behavior during the official swearing-in ceremony for MPs on Thursday. Warmington arrived at Gordon House independently, bypassing the customary procession from the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) headquarters on Duke Street, where his JLP colleagues traditionally gather. Upon arrival, Warmington took his oath of office but conspicuously avoided engaging with other parliamentarians. He notably refrained from shaking hands with House Speaker Juliet Holness, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, or any members from either political faction. Immediately after being sworn in, he exited the chamber, leaving representatives from both sides visibly stunned. This incident follows a public apology issued by Warmington in July for using inappropriate language during a political rally in Westmoreland. At the time, Prime Minister Holness emphasized the need for candidates to uphold the highest standards of conduct, while the People’s National Party (PNP) condemned Warmington’s remarks and urged law enforcement to intervene.
分类： politics
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US again vetoes UN Security Council Gaza ceasefire call
The United States has once again exercised its veto power at the United Nations Security Council, obstructing a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This move shields Israel from significant diplomatic pressure, even as the other 14 Council members unanimously supported the resolution. The proposal, introduced in August, was a response to the UN’s declaration of famine in Gaza following nearly two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. The vote coincided with intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza City, displacing countless Palestinians and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The resolution demanded an unconditional and permanent ceasefire, along with the immediate release of hostages. However, the US has consistently opposed such measures, most recently in June. Denmark’s UN ambassador, Christina Lassen, emphasized the urgency of addressing the plight of civilians, warning of a generation lost to war, hunger, and despair. Pakistan’s ambassador, Asim Ahmad, described the veto as a “dark moment,” urging the international community to heed the suffering of Gaza’s children. The US decision has drawn widespread criticism, with other Council members expressing frustration over their inability to influence Israel. A recent UN-mandated report accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza since October 2023, a claim that will likely dominate discussions at the upcoming UN summit in New York. Israeli ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the resolution as a “performance,” criticizing its failure to condemn Hamas for the October 7 attacks. Algerian ambassador Amar Bendjama lamented the Council’s inability to protect Palestinian lives, calling for forgiveness in the face of continued suffering.
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US visa bond plan sparks uncertainty in Barbados
Barbadian officials are grappling with uncertainty as the United States gears up to implement a contentious visa bond policy later this month. The policy, disclosed by the US State Department, mandates visa applicants from select countries to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to secure a US visa. Initially, the pilot program will target citizens of Malawi and Zambia, with the possibility of expanding to other nations identified as having high visa overstay rates, inadequate vetting procedures, or citizenship-by-investment programs. Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kerrie Symmonds, expressed ambiguity about the policy’s potential impact on Barbadian travelers, stating, ‘I’m not entirely certain at this point, if, and how this will actually relate to us.’ The visas issued under this scheme will be valid for a single entry, with a maximum stay of 30 days within a three-month period. Applicants who comply with all visa conditions, including timely departure or proper filing for extensions, will receive a full refund of their bond. The pilot program is set to run until August 5, 2024, with its outcomes informing future decisions on visa bond implementation to address national security and foreign policy concerns.