Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Hamas, asserting that Middle Eastern allies are prepared to deploy military forces into Gaza should the group breach the current ceasefire agreement. While Trump refrained from specifying the nations involved, he publicly acknowledged Indonesia for its regional backing. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized his directive to both these allies and Israel to hold off on immediate action, expressing cautious optimism that Hamas would adhere to its commitments. “I told these countries, and Israel, ‘NOT YET!’ There is still hope that Hamas will do what is right,” he stated, adding that any violation would trigger a response that is “FAST, FURIOUS, & BRUTAL!”. Concurrently, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, during his visit to Israel, conveyed measured confidence in the ceasefire’s sustainability. “We’re in a very good place,” Vance remarked to reporters, though he acknowledged the complexities of Hamas disarmament and the prolonged efforts to recover Israeli hostages trapped under rubble. Vance also unveiled plans for a U.S.-led Civilian Military Cooperation Centre in Israel, aimed at coordinating humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. The facility will house 200 American troops, though none will be deployed into Gaza.
分类： politics
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Trump Escalates Tensions with Venezuela and Colombia
In a significant escalation of tensions in Latin America, former U.S. President Donald Trump has ramped up pressure on Venezuela and Colombia, raising concerns of prolonged instability in the region. According to CNN, U.S. officials privately acknowledge that the campaign aims to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is accused of ties to drug cartels and facilitating migrant flows. Trump confirmed authorizing covert operations within Venezuela, hinting at potential military intervention. ‘We are certainly looking at land now because we’ve got the sea very well under control,’ he stated last week. Maduro, in response, has mobilized the Bolivarian Armed Forces and claimed eight million volunteers have joined his militias, though analysts question the accuracy of these figures. Meanwhile, tensions have spilled into Colombia, which recalled its ambassador to Washington after a U.S. strike in the Caribbean killed a Colombian fisherman. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the incident as a ‘direct threat to national sovereignty’ and described the victim as a ‘lifelong fisherman’ and ‘humble human being.’ Trump retaliated by labeling Petro an ‘illegal drug dealer,’ vowing to impose new tariffs and halt U.S. aid. He also demanded Petro shut down drug cultivation sites, warning that the U.S. would intervene forcefully if he did not comply. This deepening rift underscores the growing volatility in U.S.-Latin American relations.
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Camillo’s ‘GATES’ mirrors NDP’s 2023 Youth Guarantee Pledge
In a strategic move during the election campaign, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves announced a youth-oriented initiative, Youth GATES (Guarantee of Apprenticeship Training, Employment, or Scholarship), at a United Labour Party (ULP) rally in Calliaqua. The programme, aimed at providing opportunities for young graduates in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, mirrors a pledge made by the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in 2023. Gonsalves, seeking a third term as MP for East St. George, emphasized the ULP’s longstanding commitment to youth development since 2001, contrasting it with what he described as the NDP’s unfulfilled promises. He criticized the NDP for failing to address critical issues like housing and education in their campaign rhetoric, accusing them of neglecting the nation’s progress. The minister also warned that an NDP victory could jeopardize ongoing projects, such as the Arnos Vale hospital construction, and sever ties with Taiwan, which supports Vincentian students. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has previously expressed confidence in the ULP’s ability to elevate St. Vincent and the Grenadines to first-world status within 15 years. With general elections anticipated by November, the political landscape remains highly charged as both parties vie for public trust.
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John praises Taiwan, says little about plans for South Windward
Darron Rodan John, a 35-year-old first-time political candidate and the youngest contender in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ upcoming general election, has lauded the Unity Labour Party (ULP) for its transformative education policies and strong diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Speaking at a ULP rally in Calliaqua, John credited the party’s initiatives for his academic and professional achievements, emphasizing the role of education in shaping his journey.
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Sanae Takaichi schrijft geschiedenis als eerste vrouwelijke premier van Japan
Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first female prime minister, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s political landscape. The 63-year-old conservative hardliner secured her position through a decisive vote within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which holds a majority in parliament. Takaichi, a former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications and a close ally of the late Shinzo Abe, is renowned for her staunch advocacy of national security, traditional family values, and economic revitalization through technological innovation. In her inaugural address, Takaichi emphasized a vision of ‘continuity with reform,’ pledging to bolster Japan’s defense capabilities amid escalating tensions with China and North Korea. Simultaneously, she vowed to prioritize economic issues such as purchasing power, digital transformation, and family support in a nation grappling with aging demographics and declining birth rates. Her election shatters Japan’s long-criticized male-dominated power structure, with Takaichi asserting that ‘women in leadership should not be an exception but the norm.’
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STATEMENT: Sen. Delbert Paris calls for ‘Immediate revocation of SRO No. 39 of 2025 to protect citizens’ right to vote’
In a bold move to protect democratic rights, Hon. Delbert R. Paris has formally requested the Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Dominica to revoke Statutory Rule and Order (SRO) No. 39 of 2025. This controversial regulation limits acceptable forms of identification for voter registration and confirmation to passports, driver’s licenses, and social security cards, effectively disenfranchising thousands of Dominican citizens.
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A headache for Divali
In a recent letter to the editor, concerns were raised about the United National Congress (UNC) government’s handling of fireworks regulations during the Divali celebrations. Despite their election slogan, ‘When UNC wins, everybody wins,’ the government has been criticized for its apparent inaction on the indiscriminate sale and use of fireworks, mirroring the previous administration’s approach. Phillip Alexander, a prominent supporter of the UNC, has been vocal in defending the government and criticizing the past administration’s shortcomings. However, the lack of effective enforcement of fireworks bans during the Independence holiday and Divali night has sparked public outrage. The letter highlights the adverse effects of the loud explosions on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, autistic individuals, and those with noise sensitivities. The writer questions whether the UNC is truly different from the People’s National Movement (PNM) or merely a repackaged version of the same policies. The letter concludes by emphasizing the need for legislative reforms to promote responsible fireworks use, similar to practices in other Caribbean nations like Barbados.
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Mohit: UNC working for the people
In a recent address to the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives on October 21, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the nation’s most vulnerable populations. Mohit underscored that every policy, program, and financial allocation is meticulously designed to empower and transform lives, particularly those of the poor, elderly, disabled, women, children, and families in crisis. Despite facing significant fiscal constraints, the ministry has remained steadfast in its focus on impactful expenditure rather than mere cost-cutting. In the previous fiscal year, the government invested over $4.5 billion in senior citizens’ grants, $267 million in public assistance, $79 million in disability grants, and $10 million in relief through the National Social Development Programme. Mohit highlighted that these efforts ensure no citizen is overlooked or unsupported. Looking ahead, the government plans to strengthen the social protection ecosystem by reviewing the standard means test to promote fairness and inclusion, modernizing delivery systems for greater efficiency, and enhancing collaboration with agencies like the Children’s Authority. The committee subsequently approved a budgetary allocation of $6,012,215,208 for the ministry. During the session, Mohit faced scrutiny from PNM MPs regarding the continuation of certain projects initiated under the previous administration. She assured that the government is actively considering these issues, while also addressing concerns about funding discrepancies for NGOs and the allocation of resources for women and children.
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Integrity Commission announces new appointments
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Integrity Commission of Jamaica has taken a significant step forward in its mission to uphold integrity and transparency within the public sector. On Wednesday, a formal swearing-in ceremony at King’s House marked the official appointment of three distinguished directors to the commission’s leadership team. Governor General Sir Patrick Allen presided over the event, endorsing the selection of Craig Beresford as executive director, Roneiph Lawrence as director of corruption prosecution, and Joeth Jones as director of information and complaints. The commission emphasized that these appointments reflect a strategic move to enhance its operational capacity and reinforce its commitment to combating corruption. In a statement released on the same day, the commission highlighted the new directors’ extensive experience and unwavering dedication to their roles. Their leadership is anticipated to bolster the commission’s efforts in safeguarding public interests, addressing unethical practices, and fostering accountability in public life. The commission reiterated its guiding principle: ‘Integrity is the quiet force that compels us to do what is right — even when it is inconvenient, unpopular, or unseen.’ This development underscores Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and promote ethical standards across its institutions.
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WATCH: ‘I’m not going to be bullied,’ says McKenzie amid claims that funds are being withheld from councillors
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has vehemently refuted claims that funds intended for councillors to execute projects in their divisions are being withheld. Speaking at an indigent house handover ceremony in Gayle, St Mary, on October 16, McKenzie dismissed the allegations as ‘a lie from the pit of hell’ and asserted that he would not succumb to pressure from individuals seeking to stir controversy.