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.’
分类： politics
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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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UN experts warn Trump’s Gaza peace plan could cause more oppression
In a significant development, a group of 35 United Nations (UN) independent experts issued a stark warning on Friday, asserting that key components of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Gaza contravene international law and could exacerbate the oppression of Palestinians. The experts, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but speaking independently, expressed grave concerns over the 20-point plan, which was unveiled last week and endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While acknowledging certain positive aspects, such as the call for a permanent ceasefire, the release of unlawfully detained individuals, and increased humanitarian aid, the experts criticized the plan for its broader implications. They highlighted that the proposal’s establishment of a transitional ‘Board of Peace’ chaired by Trump and the introduction of an ‘International Stabilisation Force’ could perpetuate colonial practices and undermine Palestinian self-determination. Additionally, the plan’s provision for a security perimeter within Gaza, which would maintain partial Israeli occupation indefinitely, was deemed ‘absolutely unacceptable.’ The experts also condemned the selective focus on de-radicalization in Gaza, ignoring the prevalence of anti-Palestinian rhetoric in Israel. Furthermore, they criticized the unconditional amnesties offered to Hamas and the lack of accountability for Israeli human rights violations. Emphasizing the need for a just and lawful resolution, the experts insisted that the future of Palestine must be determined by its people, free from external coercion.
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US government shutdown seen dragging into next week
The United States government shutdown, which began on Wednesday, shows no signs of resolution as the Senate prepares for a fourth vote on a funding proposal introduced by President Donald Trump’s Republican party. The proposal, however, is widely expected to fail, prolonging the crisis into next week. Federal agencies remain unfunded, leading to widespread disruptions in public services due to the ongoing impasse in Congress. Senate leaders have no plans to convene over the weekend, making Friday’s afternoon vote the final opportunity this week to break the deadlock. Analysts warn that the shutdown could persist, exacerbating the political and economic turmoil. In a significant development, the Trump administration has halted the release of a crucial employment report, obscuring insights into the health of the world’s largest economy. This marks the latest in a series of delayed economic data releases, leaving government officials and business leaders without vital decision-making indicators. The stalemate centers on Democratic demands to extend expiring healthcare subsidies, which, if unaddressed, would significantly increase costs for millions of low-income Americans. Republicans, who control both the legislature and the White House but require Democratic support to pass funding bills, have yet to propose a solution. Democrats are leveraging their position by refusing to assist in funding the government, intensifying the standoff. Amid widespread pessimism, some Republicans hope that a fourth failed vote might pressure moderate Democrats to compromise. Reports suggest that Republican Senate leader John Thune is open to negotiations with Democratic counterpart Chuck Schumer to seek a resolution.
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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.’