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.
分类： politics
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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.
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PNM, UNC wrangle over ‘new ministry’ being ‘in a mess’
A contentious meeting of the Standing Finance Committee in the House of Representatives unfolded on October 22, as government and opposition members clashed over the approval of a $1.8 billion expenditure for the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training. Minister Prof Prakash Persad defended the ministry’s budget, describing it as a ‘lean, small, and agile’ entity. He acknowledged the challenges of establishing baseline financial figures for the newly reconstituted ministry and hinted at potential mid-year funding adjustments if allocations proved insufficient. However, the meeting quickly devolved into a heated exchange over long-standing vacancies within the ministry. Opposition MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly pressed Persad for clarity on the number of unfilled positions, to which he responded that 126 out of 911 positions had been filled, attributing the disarray to the previous administration. The debate grew increasingly acrimonious, with MPs from both sides interjecting and Speaker Jagdeo Singh repeatedly calling for order. Persad denied evading questions, while Gadsby-Dolly accused him of providing inconsistent answers. The session highlighted the deep political divisions surrounding the ministry’s restructuring and financial management.
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By-election for Golden Isles set for November 24
The Golden Isles constituency is set to witness a pivotal by-election on November 24, 2025, as confirmed by Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe. This announcement comes in the wake of Prime Minister Philip Davis’s recent declaration at the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) headquarters, where the party ratified 14 candidates for the upcoming general election. Notably, among these candidates are businessman Sebas Bastian and Senator Darron Pickstock, the latter of whom has been officially endorsed as the PLP’s representative for the Golden Isles seat. The Free National Movement (FNM) has also named Brian Brown as their candidate for the constituency. This by-election marks the second such event under the Davis administration, which assumed office in 2021. The first by-election occurred in West Grand Bahama and Bimini in 2023, following the untimely demise of MP Obie Wilchcombe. The upcoming vote is expected to be a significant political event, reflecting the ongoing dynamics within Bahamian politics.
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![[UPDATED] CJ Ivor Archie retires, PM extends ‘deep gratitude’ for his service](https://wp.caribscopeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/931f73c75d0c3a572a37ab8119972698.jpg)
[UPDATED] CJ Ivor Archie retires, PM extends ‘deep gratitude’ for his service
After nearly two decades at the helm of Trinidad and Tobago’s Judiciary, Chief Justice Ivor Archie has officially announced his retirement, effective October 22. In a statement released on October 21, Archie reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country and optimism for the future of the Judiciary. He emphasized the importance of leadership succession, stating, “The office of chief justice is not private property… It is a sacred baton held in trust for one’s successors and the nation.” Archie, who became the youngest chief justice in 2008, highlighted his deliberate decision to retire at 65, rather than waiting until the mandatory retirement age of 70, to pursue new challenges and opportunities. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended her “deep gratitude” for Archie’s 18 years of distinguished service, acknowledging his significant contributions to the nation’s judicial landscape. During his tenure, Archie spearheaded judicial reforms, including the modernization of the Judiciary and the expansion of information technology use. However, his leadership was not without controversy, including legal challenges and allegations of misconduct. Archie’s successor will be appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. As he steps down, Archie pledged his full support to his successor, vowing to offer no unsolicited advice. He also expressed heartfelt thanks to his colleagues, staff, and family for their unwavering support throughout his career.
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Delcy: TT economy would collapse without Venezuela gas
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez issued a stark warning to Trinidad and Tobago, asserting that its economy would face collapse without securing gas agreements with Venezuela. Speaking at the Venezuela Productiva 2030 Business Expo Forum on October 22, Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuelan gas must be paid for and criticized Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for relying on U.S. promises to access Venezuelan resources. Rodríguez accused Persad-Bissessar of being misled by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who allegedly promised free access to Venezuela’s gas. She described such claims as “fantasy” and warned that Trinidad’s business sectors would be left vulnerable if the country continued to pursue this path. Rodríguez underscored that Venezuela’s gas exports, including those to Trinidad and Tobago, are governed by international trade principles and require payment. She also highlighted the historical significance of Venezuela’s energy cooperation with Caribbean nations through initiatives like Petrocaribe, which the U.S. allegedly disrupted. Rodríguez’s remarks come amid renewed negotiations over the Dragon Gas project, a cross-border initiative involving Venezuela’s offshore reserves. Trinidad and Tobago recently secured a U.S. license to resume talks on the project, but Rodríguez insisted that only Venezuela’s government can facilitate the gas trade. Persad-Bissessar has yet to respond to Rodríguez’s comments.
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Abaco PLP nomination race heats up with rival claims
The race for the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) nomination in Central and South Abaco has taken an unexpected turn, sparking controversy and internal tensions. Acting Director of Local Government Donald Rolle announced his candidacy, claiming strong support from the newly elected PLP branch in the region. Rolle, who consulted with his family and local party members, asserted that he received a letter of endorsement signed by branch President Bradley Fox Jr. He emphasized his deep ties to Abaco, citing his extensive experience in both public and private sectors, and his commitment to advancing local governance. However, the announcement has caused confusion, as Fox himself is reportedly a leading contender for the nomination and has the backing of key party officials. Sources reveal that Fox had previously acknowledged Rolle’s potential candidacy in a letter to party officials but clarified that it was not an endorsement. The PLP’s Candidates Committee is expected to interview the aspirants later this month. Meanwhile, incumbent MP John Pinder’s decision to seek renomination remains uncertain, with some party members criticizing his performance. In a parallel development, the Free National Movement (FNM) has already ratified Jeremy Sweeting as its candidate for the constituency, setting the stage for a competitive electoral battle.
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Bahamas gov’t to use dormant accounts to fund disaster emergencies
The Bahamas Government has introduced a groundbreaking legislative proposal aimed at reallocating funds from dormant accounts to the Disaster Emergency Fund. This initiative seeks to enhance the nation’s resilience and recovery capabilities in the face of increasingly frequent and severe storms. Prime Minister Phillip Davis emphasized the necessity of proactive disaster preparedness, stating that the government’s previous reactive approach had left the country ill-equipped for events like Hurricane Dorian in 2019. The proposed resolution authorizes the transfer of US$17 million from dormant accounts, which are currently part of the Consolidated Fund, to the Disaster Emergency Fund. These unclaimed resources will now serve a critical national purpose, providing immediate financial support during disasters without reliance on external funding. The government is also developing stringent regulations to ensure transparent and efficient management of these funds, outlining their permissible uses, investment strategies, and activation protocols. The establishment of the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRMA) marks a significant shift towards risk reduction, mitigation, and preparedness. Prime Minister Davis highlighted that this new strategy, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), could reduce potential disaster-related losses by 45% over the next decade, thereby improving fiscal resilience. The resolution aligns with the Disaster Risk Management Act, 2022, which mandates the maintenance of the Disaster Emergency Fund to finance response, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts. By capitalizing this fund, the Bahamas aims to build a stronger, more resilient nation capable of withstanding and recovering from natural disasters.
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Maduro says Venezuela has 5,000 Russian anti-aircraft missiles to counter US
CARACAS, Venezuela — In a bold move to counter escalating tensions with the United States, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on Wednesday that the nation has acquired 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S man-portable surface-to-air missiles. These short-range missiles, designed to target low-flying aircraft, have been strategically positioned across key air defense locations to ensure national security and peace, Maduro stated during a televised ceremony with senior military officials.
The announcement comes in response to the US military’s recent deployment of stealth warplanes and Navy ships in the Caribbean, which Washington claims are part of counter-narcotics operations. However, Venezuela views these actions as a prelude to a potential operation aimed at ousting Maduro, whom the US accuses of leading a drug cartel. The US has already destroyed at least eight vessels allegedly smuggling drugs from Venezuela to the United States.
The Igla-S missiles have been integrated into military exercises ordered by Maduro, reflecting Venezuela’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. This development has further inflamed regional tensions, with Latin American leaders expressing outrage over the US military presence. The Pentagon has labeled Latin American drug cartels as terrorist groups and described suspected smugglers as ‘unlawful combatants,’ justifying its aggressive stance.
Meanwhile, diplomatic relations between Colombia and the US have soured, with Colombia recalling its ambassador to Washington following a heated exchange between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump. Trump defended the US deployment, claiming it has significantly reduced drug trafficking by sea and is prepared to extend operations to land-based traffickers.
Experts warn that the US’s summary killings of suspected traffickers, even if confirmed, may violate international law. As tensions continue to rise, the region braces for further geopolitical instability.
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New Chief Justice to be sworn in at 2 pm on October 22
In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s judicial system, Acting President Wade Mark is set to appoint the new Chief Justice at 2 pm on October 22. This appointment comes in the wake of Chief Justice Ivor Archie’s retirement, which took effect today, leaving the nation’s highest judicial position vacant. Archie, who assumed office in 2008, served for over 17 years, marking a notable era in the country’s legal history. The Office of the President has confirmed that the appointment process adheres to Section 102 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. This section mandates that the President appoint the Chief Justice after consulting with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. The swearing-in ceremony will be exclusively covered by the state-owned Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT), ensuring the event is accessible to the public. This transition underscores the importance of maintaining a robust and transparent judicial system in the country.