In a definitive statement on Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana reaffirmed that cash grants would continue to be distributed on a per-person basis to citizens aged 18 and older. This announcement came in response to circulating claims that the grants would instead be allocated per household. ‘It’s a blatant lie! We never made any such decision,’ Jagdeo asserted during a press conference. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling its pre-election promise of disbursing cash grants before Christmas, as pledged by President Irfaan Ali during his campaign in August 2025. Jagdeo, who also serves as General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), reiterated that all commitments related to cash grants would be honored, with multiple grants planned over the next five years. He also dismissed misinterpretations of Minister Vickram Bharrat’s stance on the issue, highlighting the government’s broader focus on education, tax reduction, home ownership, and social welfare programs.
分类： politics
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Leacock wants to be in security minister post from day 1 if NDP wins
St. Clair Leacock, Member of Parliament for Central Kingstown, has expressed his eagerness to assume the role of Minister of National Security immediately should the New Democratic Party (NDP) secure victory in the upcoming general election. Speaking at the inauguration of the party’s Sion Hill office on Saturday, Leacock emphasized his readiness to tackle national security issues from the outset. He urged NDP Leader Godwin Friday to prioritize his swearing-in, stating, ‘I want to be on the job from the first hour that we win.’ Leacock highlighted the NDP’s commitment to improving the lives of Vincentians, asserting that ‘life gets better the day you vote for the New Democratic Party.’ He criticized the current government for alleged corruption and mismanagement, vowing to restore accountability and economic stability. Leacock also stressed the importance of financial security as a cornerstone of national security, promising to create opportunities for employment and reduce crime. He pledged to make St. Vincent and the Grenadines a ‘country of second chances,’ offering support to those struggling to reintegrate into society. Leacock expressed confidence in the NDP’s electoral success, declaring, ‘We will win it bigly.’
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Antigua and Barbuda welcomes Turkish new OECS Ambassador
In a significant diplomatic event, Her Excellency Emriye Bağdagül Ormancı, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), formally presented her credentials in Antigua and Barbuda. The ceremony took place on Thursday at Government House, where she was warmly received by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams. The discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations and fostering cooperation between Türkiye and the Eastern Caribbean region. Following the credential presentation, Ambassador Ormancı paid courtesy visits to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister of Foreign Affairs E.P. Chet Greene, further solidifying the diplomatic engagement. Ambassador Ormancı, who holds the prestigious rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, will be based in St Lucia and accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, as well as other OECS member states. This appointment marks a pivotal step in strengthening the ties between Türkiye and the Eastern Caribbean, with a focus on mutual development and collaboration.
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LETTER: Is UPP still in politics?
In a candid letter to the editor, a former parliamentarian and staunch supporter of the two-party system has voiced deep concerns over the United Progressive Party’s (UPP) apparent disengagement from the country’s political affairs. The writer laments the lack of meaningful political discourse within the party, criticizing the repetitive and uninspiring nature of their current outreach efforts, such as daily radio programs that fail to resonate with the electorate. The letter highlights a growing perception that the UPP is losing touch with its base, with internal activities like ‘mobilization Sundays’ and social events overshadowing the need for robust political strategies. The writer questions whether the party’s leadership is truly committed to winning the next election, pointing to a lack of operational branches and a top-down leadership style that stifles grassroots involvement. The letter also touches on the uncertain role of Harold Lovell, a key figure in the party, whose recent actions have left many supporters confused about his commitment. The writer concludes with a stark warning: without a renewed focus on political engagement and a clear vision for the future, the UPP risks further decline and irrelevance in the political landscape.
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Kem Warner urges political leaders to embrace universal standards of transparency
Governance expert Kem Warner has unveiled his ‘Ten Essentials of Good Governance’ during a United Progressive Party (UPP) town hall event, emphasizing the critical need for transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in public administration. Warner articulated these principles as universal benchmarks that should guide governments, irrespective of political affiliation, to foster public trust and ensure the responsible management of resources. The ten essentials include accountability to citizens, transparency, integrity, respect for the rule of law, responsiveness, inclusiveness, equity, consensus-based decision-making, efficiency and effectiveness, and stakeholder participation. Warner described these as foundational pillars for effective governance, asserting that their consistent application would enhance institutional trust and decision-making processes. Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle seized the opportunity to critique the current administration, claiming it scored ‘a big fat zero’ in adhering to these standards, particularly in transparency and citizen communication. Warner reiterated that these principles are non-partisan and universally accepted in governance practices, urging leaders to adopt them to better serve their constituents. The event highlighted the opposition’s strategy to center upcoming political debates around governance accountability, positioning Warner’s framework as a critical evaluation tool for leadership performance.
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US high court lets Trump strip Venezuelans of protected status
In a significant ruling, the US Supreme Court has once again sided with the Trump administration, allowing the removal of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from approximately 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants. This decision, handed down on Friday, marks the second time the conservative-majority court has supported the administration’s efforts to revoke this protective measure. The court’s three liberal justices dissented, highlighting the ongoing legal and humanitarian debate surrounding the issue. The ruling overturns a September decision by US District Judge Edward Chen in California, which had blocked the administration’s move to strip Venezuelans of TPS. TPS is a critical program that shields individuals from deportation and permits them to work legally in the US, typically granted to those facing extreme dangers such as war, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions in their home countries. Venezuela, currently grappling with a severe economic crisis and governed by a regime widely criticized as autocratic and corrupt, remains a focal point of this contentious policy. The Supreme Court’s brief order emphasized that, absent a new directive from it or a lower court, Judge Chen’s earlier ruling remains suspended. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, one of the dissenting justices, criticized the majority for prioritizing the administration’s urgency over the welfare of TPS beneficiaries and the legal reasoning of lower courts. This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, aimed at fulfilling his campaign promise to expel millions of undocumented individuals. However, his efforts have faced repeated legal challenges, including from the Supreme Court, which has upheld the right of targeted individuals to contest their deportation in court. TPS for Venezuelans was initially granted under President Joe Biden, who characterized the Maduro regime as repressive.
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US Treasury Department mulls minting $1 coin with Trump’s image
The United States Treasury Department is exploring the creation of a one-dollar coin featuring former President Donald Trump to mark the nation’s 250th independence anniversary in 2026. Officials revealed the initiative on Friday, sharing early design drafts on social media. US Treasurer Brandon Beach posted preliminary sketches on X, expressing eagerness to provide further details once the government shutdown concludes. The proposed design portrays Trump raising his fist with the words “Fight, Fight, Fight” emblazoned above, referencing his response to an assassination attempt during his 2020 campaign. The Treasury spokesperson defended the design, stating it embodies the resilience of American democracy despite challenges. The plan stems from 2020 legislation signed by Trump, permitting the Treasury to issue commemorative coins for the semiquincentennial. However, legal hurdles may arise, as Congress restricts featuring living individuals on currency.
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Election campaign financing reports due October 15
KINGSTON, Jamaica — With the September 3, 2025 General Election on the horizon, the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) has issued a stern reminder to all candidates and contributors to adhere to the stringent election financing reporting deadlines. Under the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), all election financing reports must be submitted by Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
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Trump says Hamas ready for peace, tells Israel to stop bombing
In a significant development, former US President Donald Trump has called on Israel to cease its bombing campaign in Gaza, asserting that Hamas is prepared to engage in peace negotiations. This follows a statement from the Palestinian militant group indicating its willingness to release hostages under Trump’s proposed ceasefire plan. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, emphasized the urgency of halting military operations to ensure the safe and swift release of hostages, stating, ‘Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza.’ He further highlighted that the ongoing discussions are not solely about Gaza but are aimed at achieving long-term peace in the Middle East. The Hamas statement, issued hours after Trump’s Sunday deadline for a response, expressed approval for the release of all hostages and readiness to discuss the details of the proposal. Trump’s unusual move to share the Hamas statement on his social media platform was mirrored by the White House. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump would address Hamas’s acceptance of the deal, sharing a behind-the-scenes image of him preparing for the announcement. Trump’s 20-point peace plan, unveiled earlier in the week alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had warned of severe consequences if rejected. However, a senior Hamas official, Mahmoud Mardawi, criticized the plan as ‘vague, ambiguous, and lacking clarity.’
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American Citizens Services Town Hall cancelled after US gov’t shutdown
The United States Embassy in Jamaica has officially called off its American Citizens Services Town Hall, originally slated for Friday in Montego Bay, St. James. The cancellation, announced via a social media post on Thursday, is attributed to a lapse in appropriation, a direct consequence of the ongoing US federal government shutdown. The shutdown commenced on Wednesday following a deadlock between Republican and Democratic lawmakers over budget negotiations, particularly concerning Democratic demands for extended health care funding. At the heart of the congressional impasse is the Democrats’ push for the continuation of health care subsidies set to expire, which would otherwise lead to significant cost hikes for millions of low-income Americans. Despite controlling both the legislature and the White House, Republicans require Democratic support to pass government funding bills. However, they have yet to propose any solutions to address the health care subsidy issue. Democrats, in turn, are leveraging their position by withholding support for government funding, intensifying the political stalemate.