分类： politics

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP), Jamaica’s primary opposition party, has issued a stern call for the government to provide full transparency regarding a contentious $150 million (J$24 billion) loan extended to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) and its handling of the company’s license negotiations. The PNP’s Spokesperson on Energy and Telecommunications, Phillip Paulwell, voiced significant concerns over the lack of critical details surrounding the loan in a statement released on Wednesday. Paulwell emphasized that the government has failed to address key questions, including the risks to taxpayers, the valuation of JPS assets, and the interest rate attached to the loan. He criticized the administration for committing such a substantial sum without disclosing terms that safeguard public interest. Paulwell further revealed that if the loan remains unpaid within two years, the government plans to convert the debt into equity, effectively acquiring JPS assets. He questioned the current valuation of these assets and whether such an assessment has been completed. Additionally, Paulwell raised concerns about JPS’s ability to secure the remaining $200 million of the $350 million it claims is necessary for full service restoration. He demanded clarity on which state agency will oversee the loan disbursement. The opposition also criticized the government for creating instability by sending JPS a letter hinting at a possible termination of its license in 2027. Paulwell urged the government to release the letter in full, asserting that Jamaicans deserve to understand the rationale behind such a destabilizing move. He highlighted the urgency of restoring power to thousands of Jamaicans and recommended leveraging the loan to secure concessions from JPS, including suspending its monopoly during national emergencies and allowing alternative energy sources to supply nearby households. Paulwell also warned of potential electricity price hikes and stressed the need for transparency on the restoration of liquefied natural gas (LNG) generation, which offers cost advantages over heavy fuel oil and diesel. The PNP reiterated its willingness to support responsible and transparent strategies to restore electricity and strengthen Jamaica’s energy resilience but vowed to oppose decisions that unduly burden taxpayers.

Members of Parliament (MPs) from the People’s National Party (PNP) have voiced strong criticism against the Jamaican Government’s handling of the recovery process following Hurricane Melissa. At a press conference held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, PNP legislators from Westmoreland and Hanover expressed their frustration over the widespread homelessness and suffering experienced by thousands of Jamaicans. Dr. Dayton Campbell, MP for Westmoreland Eastern, highlighted the extensive damage, estimating that approximately 5,000 houses were completely destroyed, with many others suffering significant damage to infrastructure. He praised the efforts of private sector entities and non-governmental organizations for stepping in to provide relief, but criticized the Government’s response as inadequate, delayed, and politically motivated. Campbell emphasized the need for urgent intervention to provide temporary housing for displaced individuals and called for greater involvement of elected officials in the distribution of aid. Other MPs, including Duane Vaz, Ian Hayles, Heatha Miller-Bennett, and Andrea Purkiss, also expressed disappointment with the Government’s approach, citing issues with shelter conditions, relief distribution, and the under-reporting of devastation in their constituencies. They urged the Government to take more decisive action to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure that affected communities receive the support they need.

The Dominican Republic has authorized the United States to utilize restricted areas at the San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport for logistical operations, including refueling and the transport of equipment and personnel. This decision, announced by President Luis Abinader during a press conference, comes as part of the US’s intensified efforts to combat alleged drug trafficking networks, which have reportedly resulted in over 80 fatalities. The announcement coincided with a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Santo Domingo, where he emphasized Washington’s commitment to counter-narcotics missions, describing them as a critical step toward regional security. Hegseth stated that the US is prepared to take aggressive measures to dismantle narco-terrorist operations, which he claims threaten stability in the Caribbean and beyond. This development follows the US designation of Venezuela’s alleged Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, providing legal justification for expanded military actions against Venezuelan authorities. The US has already conducted strikes on suspected drug smugglers, destroying more than 20 vessels allegedly used for trafficking. However, critics argue that these operations lack transparency, as Washington has not publicly disclosed evidence linking the targets to narcotics smuggling. The US has also deployed significant military assets to the region, including the world’s largest aircraft carrier and strategic bombers, escalating tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who accuses the US of using anti-drug efforts as a pretext for regime change. Maduro denies any involvement in drug cultivation, asserting that Venezuela is merely a transit route for Colombian cocaine. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic has actively collaborated with US anti-drug initiatives, recently seizing 500 kilograms of cocaine in a joint operation.