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  • Ex-Ombudsman Files Historic Constitutional Claim Against GOB

    Ex-Ombudsman Files Historic Constitutional Claim Against GOB

    In a groundbreaking legal action that tests the boundaries of institutional independence in Belize, retired Major H. Gilbert Swaso, the country’s former Ombudsman, has submitted a landmark constitutional claim against the Government of Belize. The suit alleges that the state violated its own founding constitution by disregarding the legally mandated terms and protections of the Ombudsman’s office, and that it blocked the renewal of Swaso’s appointment as direct retaliation for a high-stakes Freedom of Information ruling that went against the sitting government.

    The dispute stretches back to a Freedom of Information request filed by Jeremy Enriquez, a prominent local public transparency activist. Enriquez sought the release of details surrounding public funds spent on legal fees paid to outside lawyers hired by the Attorney General’s office. The legal work in question was tied to a controversial redistricting process, a matter widely recognized as politically sensitive in Belize’s domestic politics.

    As the sitting Ombudsman at the time, Swaso was tasked with reviewing the Attorney General’s decision to deny Enriquez’s disclosure request. Exercising the statutory authority granted to his office, Swaso ruled in favor of transparency, ordering the release of both the identities of the contracted legal practitioners or firms and the full sum of public money allocated to their services.

    In comments on the upcoming legal challenge, Swaso defended his original ruling, saying: “I was of the view that the government’s expenditure of public funds — that is, taxpayers’ money — was not a matter that should be kept secret from the people because it was, after all, their money that was being spent. It was therefore necessary for the government to account to the people for same.”

    Swaso emphasized that his 202X ruling was made in good faith, aligned with the core mandates of his role to uphold government accountability. He now maintains that the government’s documented displeasure with that decision was the determining factor behind its refusal to extend his appointment when his term expired.

    The former ombudsman argues that his non-renewal was clearly punitive in nature, designed to send a message to independent public officials. In his constitutional filing, he notes that penalizing any public officeholder for carrying out their statutory duties fairly and without fear undermines the very foundation of the Ombudsman’s constitutionally guaranteed independence. Without protection from retaliation for unpopular but legally sound rulings, the office cannot fulfill its role as a check on executive overreach, Swaso contends.

    Full unredacted details of the constitutional claim will be aired during a special segment on News 5 Live’s 6pm broadcast the same day, with on-the-ground analysis from legal correspondents and interviews with policy experts.

  • 500K Bail for Four Charged in Major Pares Cannabis Case

    500K Bail for Four Charged in Major Pares Cannabis Case

    A high-stakes drug trafficking case unfolding in the Caribbean has taken a new turn, after four men facing charges linked to a multi-million dollar cannabis seizure near Antigua’s Pares Village were granted bail during a court appearance Monday. Arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, each defendant received strict bail terms set at $500,000 ahead of their upcoming trial process.

    The four accused — Rodwell McCurdy, Vincent Isaac, Garry Creighton, and Javen Ryner — face a suite of drug-related charges: possession of cannabis, large-scale drug trafficking, possession of cannabis plants, and illegal cultivation of cannabis. The charges stem directly from a law enforcement raid carried out June 4 on an unlicensed, hidden cannabis plantation located just outside Pares Village.

    When authorities concluded the search of the illicit growing site, they seized more than 1,200 pounds of processed cannabis and live cannabis plants, with an estimated total street value exceeding $3 million, marking one of the larger drug busts in the region in recent weeks. Along with the half-million dollar bail set for each defendant, Chief Magistrate Emanuel imposed a series of strict conditions to mitigate flight risk. Among the requirements are a $50,000 cash payment portion of the bail, two financially viable sureties to back each defendant’s bond, regular mandatory reporting to local law enforcement, full surrender of all valid travel documents, and a blanket ban on any international travel for the duration of the pre-trial process.

    Following the Monday arraignment, the Chief Magistrate formally adjourned the case, scheduling the next critical step — committal proceedings that will determine if there is sufficient evidence to move the case to a higher trial court — for August 26. Legal observers note that the large bail amount and strict conditions reflect the severity of the charges, which carry significant criminal penalties if the four are convicted.

  • Belize and Mexico Send 1,700 Tonnes of Aid to Cuba

    Belize and Mexico Send 1,700 Tonnes of Aid to Cuba

    In a striking display of regional solidarity, a cargo vessel carrying 1,700 tonnes of combined food and humanitarian aid collected across Belize and Mexico has arrived at Cuban ports, marking the latest in a growing wave of international support for the island nation as it grapples with one of the most severe economic downturns in modern Cuban history. The arrival of the aid shipment was officially confirmed by Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel on Sunday, who emphasized that the assistance draws together contributions from government bodies, regional allies, and members of the Cuban diaspora living abroad.

    Writing on the social platform X, Díaz‑Canel expressed deep gratitude for the international community’s backing, noting that the gesture comes at a moment of extraordinary hardship for the Cuban people. This delivery arrives against a grim backdrop: a U.S. energy blockade that entered into force in late January has completely halted oil shipments to the island, triggering widespread, prolonged power outages that have further crippled already strained food distribution networks and critical public services.

    Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez framed the joint Belize-Mexico aid shipment as far more than a simple delivery of supplies. He called it a powerful act of fraternal solidarity that carries profound meaning for Cubans, who he described as “heroically resisting the brutal energy blockade, the extreme intensification of the embargo, and the military threat from the U.S. government.”

    This latest delivery is not an isolated gesture of support. It is one of multiple large-scale aid shipments heading to Cuba over the past several weeks. Just on Friday, Colombia’s Presidential Agency for Cooperation announced that a vessel carrying 100,000 tonnes of provisions, including much-needed food supplies, had already departed for the island. At the end of last month, another separate aid ship organized jointly by Mexico and Uruguay successfully docked in Havana, delivering additional critical assistance to the Cuban population.

  • Vernon G. Edwards Employees Secure First Collective Bargaining Agreement

    Vernon G. Edwards Employees Secure First Collective Bargaining Agreement

    After years of deadlocked negotiations, workers at Vernon G. Edwards Limited are set to receive upgraded benefits and improved working conditions, after the company and the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) finalized the firm’s first-ever Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This milestone deal caps off a years-long negotiation process that only gained momentum in recent months, following the company’s appointment of a fresh management and negotiation leadership team. Hazel Luke, ABWU’s Industrial Relations Consultant, attributed the long-awaited breakthrough to two key factors: the cooperative, solution-focused framework adopted by the new management, and the consistent, active engagement of workers throughout every stage of talks.

    “The new management team, headed by Jamil Spencer, showed a real commitment to constructive dialogue and moving negotiations out of the stalled phase they’d been stuck in for years,” Luke explained. “Workers and their elected shop stewards also played an indispensable role, bringing consistent commitment and thoughtful, meaningful input to the table.”

    During bargaining discussions, union representatives recognized that Vernon G. Edwards had already implemented significant, proactive salary adjustments for its workforce outside of the formal CBA process. In acknowledgment of these pre-agreement increases, both sides agreed to a structured wage schedule: a one-year wage freeze for 2025, followed by a 2% wage hike in 2026 and a second 2% increase in 2027. The three-year agreement will run from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027.

    Beyond the structured wage plan, the CBA delivers a suite of tangible improvements to employee benefits that address common worker priorities. These include expanded annual vacation entitlements for all staff, a new policy that allows workers to roll over up to one-third of their unused vacation leave from one calendar year to the next, a 10% discount on freight fees for employees’ personal imported goods, and guaranteed transportation for any employee who works shifts extending past 6:30 p.m.

    ABWU General Secretary David Massiah celebrated the successful conclusion of negotiations, underscoring the union’s core mission of nurturing mutually beneficial working partnerships between labor and management. “Our union works to build collaborative, constructive relationships that deliver gains for both workers and employers,” Massiah said. “We firmly believe that strong, transparent industrial relations lay the groundwork for more resilient businesses, more satisfied workforces, and healthier, more productive workplaces for everyone involved.”

    Jake Taylor, an industrial relations consultant who participated in the negotiations, also shared his satisfaction with the final outcome, pointing to the company’s demonstrated commitment to collaborative problem-solving. “We’re thrilled to have reached this milestone after so many years of impasse,” Taylor said. “Our goal moving forward is to build a lasting culture of collaboration. Too often, outdated narratives frame management and unions as inherent adversaries, but this deal proves that when both sides come to the table in good faith, we can reach outcomes that serve employees well and support the long-term success of the business.”

  • Nighttime Detour Planned for All Saints Road Works

    Nighttime Detour Planned for All Saints Road Works

    The Ministry of Works of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a public advisory announcing upcoming major infrastructure upgrades along a key stretch of All Saints Road (ASR). The construction work will take place between the Buckley Line Roundabout and Herberts Junction, with an overnight road closure and detour system set to go into effect starting at 7:00 pm on Friday, June 5, 2026, running through 7:00 am the following morning.

    To ensure ongoing connectivity during the closure, marked detour routes have been designed for both outbound (out of town) and inbound (into town) traffic, allowing commuters to return to All Saints Road after navigating the work zone. Trained flag persons will be stationed along the detour network to help regulate traffic flow and guide drivers through unfamiliar routes. Some sections of the temporary detour will operate as one-way traffic zones, consistent with markings on official project maps, and clear directional signage will be placed along the entire route to assist travelers moving in both directions.

    Residents who live in the immediate area surrounding the construction site will retain full local access to their properties. Authorities have urged all drivers to exercise extra caution when traveling near the work zone, as large, heavy-duty construction equipment will be active throughout the overnight work period. Importantly, all commercial establishments located along the affected stretch of road will remain open for business during the works.

    This infrastructure project forms part of the broader government-led All Saints Road upgrading initiative, which aims to improve the long-term safety and functionality of this key transport corridor. Stakeholders, including regular commuters and local business operators, have been asked to proactively adjust their travel plans ahead of time to account for potential travel delays. Members of the public with questions about the works or detour arrangements can contact the Project Implementation Management Unit directly at 562-9173 for further information.

  • CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE: WCPL fixtures confirmed as Jamaica Empress joins reimagined women’s cricket festival

    CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE: WCPL fixtures confirmed as Jamaica Empress joins reimagined women’s cricket festival

    The Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) is stepping into a transformative new chapter, with the official match schedule for its 2026 edition now publicly released alongside a groundbreaking strategic overhaul designed to elevate women’s cricket across the entire Caribbean region. Eight of the tournament’s total matches will be hosted at Barbados’ world-famous Kensington Oval, one of the most iconic cricket venues in the West Indies.

    This iteration of the WCPL has been redesigned from the foundation up, built with the explicit goal of creating a dedicated platform that centers and amplifies the unique perspectives of Caribbean women in sport. Organizers emphasize that the talent and influence of female cricketers from the region have long deserved their own prominent spotlight, and the reimagined league delivers exactly that.

    At the core of the refreshed WCPL is a non-negotiable commitment to putting Caribbean women front and center, with a long-term mission to inspire the next generation of female athletes. By establishing a visible, high-profile professional competition, the league aims to demonstrate to young girls across the region that a place at the pinnacle of competitive sport is within their reach.

    The tournament’s updated brand identity is rooted in three foundational values: female empowerment, competitive determination, and deep community connection. These guiding principles are brought to life through the league’s new creative campaign “She’s In”, which will be rolled out across region-wide social media channels focused on women’s audiences throughout the coming months.

    Unlike previous editions, the entire 2026 WCPL tournament will be hosted in Barbados, with all matches condensed into a 10-day cricket festival running through the first half of September. Four franchise teams will compete for the 2026 championship title: the Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Trinbago Knight Riders, and the newly launched Jamaica Empress. The new Jamaica-based franchise was added as part of the league’s expansion and renewed commitment to elevating female athletic excellence across every Caribbean nation, with custom brand assets for the new side available for public download via the league’s official portal.

    More than just a professional cricket competition, every matchday of the 2026 WCPL will double as a vibrant community gathering open to fans of all ages. Attendees will have access to dedicated children’s activity zones, hands-on cricket skills training clinics, free public health and wellness screenings, and a marketplace showcasing products and services from female entrepreneurs from across the Caribbean. Every matchday is intentionally designed to be a celebration of sport, community, and economic opportunity, creating an inclusive space where women and girls can connect with one another, participate in activities beyond match play, and leave feeling inspired.

    “The WCPL is about much more than what happens on the cricket pitch,” shared Pete Russell, Chief Executive Officer of the WCPL. “We are building something far greater than a tournament: we are creating a platform where women are celebrated, regional communities can come together, and young girls can see a clear, accessible pathway to success in sport and every other area of their lives.”

    Hayley Matthews, a star WCPL player, shared her firsthand perspective on the league’s impact across the region. “I’ve seen for myself what the WCPL means to women and girls across the Caribbean. The change it creates is powerful and extends far beyond the boundary rope. It shines a light on the untapped potential in every young girl, giving them not just visibility, but something to believe in and a dream to work toward.”

    With the 2026 match schedule now officially live, cricket fans across the region and around the world can begin planning their attendance for what is set to be the largest and most influential edition of the tournament in its history. This 2026 relaunch is only the first step in the WCPL’s long-term growth: as early as 2027, league officials plan to expand further by inviting competing teams from outside the Caribbean, with the ultimate goal of establishing the WCPL as a leading truly global women’s cricket competition.

    The full 2026 match schedule is as follows:
    – September 5: Barbados Tridents vs Trinbago Knight Riders, 3:00 PM local time
    – September 6: Jamaica Empress vs Guyana Amazon Warriors, 2:00 PM local time
    – September 10: Trinbago Knight Riders vs Jamaica Empress, 10:00 AM local time
    – September 12: Trinbago Knight Riders vs Guyana Amazon Warriors, 10:00 AM local time
    – September 12: Barbados Tridents vs Jamaica Empress, 3:00 PM local time
    – September 13: Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Barbados Tridents, 2:00 PM local time
    – September 16: Playoff (2nd place vs 3rd place), 10:00 AM local time
    – September 17: Final (1st place vs Playoff Winner), 2:00 PM local time

    The fixtures are live, the grassroots movement for Caribbean women’s cricket has begun. She’s In. Are You?

  • Millions of Flies Released Against Screwworm Outbreak in U.S.

    Millions of Flies Released Against Screwworm Outbreak in U.S.

    After more than six decades of absence from the United States, a dangerous flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm, has re-emerged in southern Texas, prompting an urgent large-scale response from federal and state authorities that has put the nation’s $113 billion cattle industry on high alert.

    The first confirmed detection of the parasite in U.S. territory in more than 60 years was reported last week: a three-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas. Within days, three more confirmed cases have been documented across the state, spread across hundreds of miles in disparate locations that include a second calf and an infected domestic dog, according to reports from ABC News. Prior to this 2026 outbreak, the New World screwworm had been completely eradicated from the U.S. since the 1960s, making this reappearance an unprecedented public and agricultural animal health emergency.

    Dudley Hoskins, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, confirmed that the agency is pursuing a dual-track strategy: addressing immediate active infections while launching a full-scale eradication campaign to eliminate the pest entirely before it becomes established across the country. Rear Admiral Michael Schmoyer, a senior member of the USDA’s dedicated screwworm response task force, emphasized that proactive action is critical to stopping the spread, noting that the greatest risk lies not in the parasite’s current locations, but in how far it could expand in the coming weeks without intervention.

    The core of the federal response leverages a decades-proven biological control method: the release of millions of sterile male screwworm flies. Because female screwworm flies only mate a single time during their lifespan, mating with a sterile male prevents any viable offspring from being produced, gradually collapsing wild populations over time. Since the start of 2026, the USDA has already released 130 million sterile flies across at-risk regions of Texas, but agency officials note that historical successful eradication efforts required the release of up to 500 million sterile flies per week to contain outbreaks.

    To ramp up production of the sterile flies to meet demand, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered accelerated construction of a purpose-built $750 million fly-breeding facility just outside Edinburg, Texas. Once operational, the facility is projected to produce up to 300 million sterile flies per week, supporting coordinated eradication efforts across not just the U.S., but also partner programs in Mexico and Central America, where screwworm populations have long posed a persistent threat to livestock and companion animals.

  • Abandoned vehicles removed during coordinated initiative

    Abandoned vehicles removed during coordinated initiative

    In a targeted multi-agency effort to address longstanding public health and safety risks across the island, the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) partnered with three local government and service entities to carry out a coordinated derelict vehicle removal operation between June 3 and 4, 2026.

    The operation focused on four residential and high-traffic communities: Bath Estate, Goodwill, River Street, and Loubiere, where abandoned vehicles had been reported as a growing nuisance by local residents. Joining the CDPF in the initiative were the National Authorising Office (NAO), the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC), and Rapid Response Recovery, a local service group specializing in waste and debris clearance.

    In an official public statement released following the sweep, the CDPF emphasized that this removal drive is not a one-off intervention, but part of a sustained, island-wide initiative. The core goal of the program is to eliminate abandoned and derelict vehicles from public streets and communal spaces, where they have been linked to a range of threats to community well-being.

    The statement outlined the multiple hazards posed by unremoved derelict vehicles. Beyond cluttering public areas and dragging down the visual appeal of neighborhoods, these abandoned cars and trucks often collect standing rainwater, creating ideal breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes. They also attract rodent populations, block emergency and regular traffic lanes, and in some cases have been used as hiding spots for illegal goods and criminal activity.

    As part of its public advisory, the CDPF issued a clear reminder to vehicle owners across Dominica: any unused, derelict vehicle parked on public roads or communal land must be removed immediately by its registered owner. The force confirmed that systematic sweeps to identify and clear abandoned vehicles will continue across every district of the island, as part of a broader collective goal to build cleaner, more secure, and more inviting communities for all residents.

    Closing the statement, the CDPF expressed its sincere gratitude to all participating partner agencies for their coordinated logistical support, as well as to local community members who shared reports of abandoned vehicles and cooperated with the operation team throughout the two-day sweep.

  • Somalia backs referee after he is denied entry to US

    Somalia backs referee after he is denied entry to US

    What was set to be a landmark moment for both Somalia and African football has crumbled into disappointment, after top Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States and stripped of his spot officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days before the tournament kicks off. Somalia’s government has publicly stood by Artan, condemning the U.S. decision that cut short what would have been a history-making opportunity for the decorated official.

    Artan, who was named 2025 Men’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), landed at Miami International Airport on Saturday ahead of the quadrennial tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Despite holding all required documentation and a valid visa – a claim confirmed by a Somali government advisor to AFP – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials detained Artan for more than 14 hours, splitting his processing between an 11-hour interview and a multi-hour hold in a separate detention cell, before putting him on a return flight to Istanbul. A CBP spokesperson only described the denial as the outcome of a routine inspection, offering no further explanation.

    Somalia remains on the U.S. travel ban first implemented under former President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a sweeping immigration crackdown, a policy that has restricted entry for citizens of multiple majority-Muslim nations. FIFA later confirmed that Artan would be removed from the 52-person roster of referees selected for the finals, which opens its first matches on Thursday. CAF officials added that the continental governing body had no power to override the U.S. decision, and expressed sympathy for the referee.

    For Somalis, Artan’s selection to the World Cup was far more than a personal achievement: it was a source of national pride, and a beacon of hope for young people across the country. Earlier this year, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called Artan “a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis”, a reputation the country’s Ministry of Sports reaffirmed this week. In an official statement released Tuesday, the ministry expressed deep regret that diplomatic efforts with U.S. authorities and FIFA failed to reverse the entry ban. “Artan represents the very best of Somali talent,” the statement read, adding the country maintains “full confidence in his integrity, professionalism, and continued contribution to the advancement of football both in Somalia and internationally.”

    From Istanbul after his deportation, Artan spoke to the New York Times about the shattering of his life’s biggest goal. “The biggest dream of my life has been ripped away,” he said. “I’m very, very disappointed. I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.”

    News of Artan’s rejection has sparked widespread outrage across Somalia and the wider African football community. Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire wrote on X that he was “deeply disappointed” and assured Artan that “Africa and the world stand with you.” He added that Artan “represents not only Somalia, but also the aspirations of millions of young Africans who believe excellence should be recognized on the world stage.”

    Former Somali government minister Abdirashid Hashi called the denial a politically motivated decision, and urged FIFA to take action to support Artan. “Football is supposed to unite people, not exclude,” Hashi said. “He should be judged by his merit and professionalism — not by the passport he carries.” Hashi also pointed to the tournament’s three-nation host format, arguing that FIFA could still arrange for Artan to officiate matches held in Canada and Mexico. “I hope Canada and Mexico issue visas to Artan,” he said. “There is no reason a referee denied entry to one host country cannot still contribute to a World Cup being hosted across three countries.”

  • Bill Gates faces questioning in US Congress over Epstein ties

    Bill Gates faces questioning in US Congress over Epstein ties

    In Washington D.C., Microsoft co-founder and global billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates was scheduled to answer questions from United States congressional lawmakers on Wednesday regarding his past connections to disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, a once-powerful financier who built a sprawling network of high-profile wealthy and influential associates, died by suicide in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges involving underage girls. His death and the tangled web of connections he left behind have spawned years of intense public scrutiny, unsubstantiated conspiracy theories, and ongoing congressional probes.

    This transcribed, closed-door interview was called by the House Oversight Committee, a panel that has been conducting a wide-ranging investigation into how federal authorities handled the Epstein case and the release of court documents tied to his crimes. The request for Gates’ testimony came after newly unsealed files released by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sparked fresh unanswered questions about the frequency and nature of contacts between Gates and Epstein.

    Gates is not the only high-profile figure to be questioned by the committee: former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and current Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have all previously appeared before the panel to answer questions about their own links to Epstein.

    In an official statement provided to Agence France-Presse, a spokesperson for Gates confirmed that the billionaire welcomed the opportunity to testify before the committee and reiterated that Gates “never witnessed or participated in Epstein’s illegal conduct.”

    The unsealed Epstein documents contain a controversial 2013 draft email that appears to claim Epstein helped Gates mitigate public fallout from extra-marital affairs, including arranging for access to antibiotics after a sexually transmitted infection exposure. Gates has publicly rejected the email as fabricated and denied all the allegations contained within it. In a February interview with Australian television, Gates described his decision to associate with Epstein as “foolish,” but stressed that his relationship never involved any involvement with the financier’s criminal activity.

    “Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologize that I did that… It’s factually true that I was only at dinners. I never went to (his) island, I never met any women,” Gates stated in the interview.

    Legal experts have stressed that simply being named in Epstein-related documents does not constitute evidence of any criminal wrongdoing on Gates’ part. The billionaire has confirmed that his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to state charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution. A 2024 Wall Street Journal report also revealed that Gates admitted to foundation staff he had carried out extra-marital affairs with two Russian women, but he has repeatedly denied ever interacting with any of Epstein’s underage victims.

    Gates has also acknowledged that his then-wife Melinda French Gates raised explicit concerns about his contact with Epstein as early as 2013, yet he continued to maintain a relationship with the financier for at least another 12 months. The couple divorced in 2021, and French Gates has said all lingering questions about her ex-husband’s ties to Epstein are for Gates and other involved parties to address.

    The House Oversight Committee’s broader probe extends beyond just high-profile associates to examine the role of Epstein’s long-time accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in the sex trafficking ring, as well as how federal agencies handled the investigation and prosecution over decades. Former President and current President Donald Trump, who also maintained a years-long social relationship with Epstein, initially blocked the full release of Epstein-related documents, sparking persistent accusations of a cover-up that have followed him throughout his second term in office.

    Committee Democrats have confirmed they plan to press Gates on what knowledge he had of Epstein’s criminal activities, as well as push for full transparency around the full scope of their professional and personal relationship. Unlike many of the previous high-profile interviews the committee has released to the public, this questioning of Gates will not be videotaped, a choice that has drawn quiet criticism from transparency advocates. U.S. media has also reported that Gates has retained former DOJ lawyer John Moran to represent him during the testimony, and received preparatory coaching from Jake Greenberg, a former senior investigator for the House Oversight Committee itself. Ethics experts have noted that while the move raises ethical optics concerns, it does not technically violate any congressional or executive branch rules.