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  • Transport Authority agrees to relax vehicle seizures after meeting with taxi operators

    Transport Authority agrees to relax vehicle seizures after meeting with taxi operators

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant development for urban mobility, Jamaican transport officials have announced a temporary suspension on impounding public passenger vehicles that operate outside their licensed hackney carriage terms. This decision follows a productive meeting between taxi operators, the Transport Authority, and the Ministry of Transport, addressing long-standing grievances regarding route enforcement.

    Ralston Smith, Managing Director of the Transport Authority, confirmed the pause in vehicle seizures, acknowledging operators’ concerns about current enforcement practices. “They are asking the minister and the authority to consider their application for a route taxi licence on some of these routes,” Smith stated, indicating openness to regulatory reconsideration.

    The authority has committed to conducting comprehensive route assessments, examining passenger load factors, travel patterns, and existing service coverage provided by both Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) and private operators. This data-driven approach aims to identify service gaps and formalize operations in underserved areas.

    Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has requested a formal proposal within one week, emphasizing the need to “regularise especially some of those routes that are either underserved or not served at all.” This initiative represents a collaborative effort to balance regulatory compliance with practical transportation needs.

    Egerton Newman, president of Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS), praised the constructive dialogue, noting that operators would be permitted to work without seizure threats during the assessment period. In return, taxi operators have pledged to participate in the Transport Authority’s Driver Training and Badge program while establishing route leaders to facilitate ongoing communication with regulators.

  • Trinidad says US providing names linked to illegal drug trade

    Trinidad says US providing names linked to illegal drug trade

    TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – In a significant development for regional security cooperation, Trinidad’s Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has confirmed that the United States has furnished the Caribbean nation with a comprehensive list of individuals linked to narcotics trafficking, illegal firearms, and organized violence. The intelligence sharing occurs under the framework of the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, a multilateral initiative spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump.

    Minister Alexander, while maintaining discretion regarding specific operational details for national security reasons, emphasized the profound strategic importance of this collaboration in an interview with the Express newspaper. He articulated that public commentary often overlooks the critical significance of Trinidad and Tobago’s status as a signatory to this coalition, which facilitates coordinated intelligence exchange, joint law enforcement actions, and combined military operations among member states.

    This coalition currently comprises 19 nations, with Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana standing as the sole Caribbean representatives amidst 17 Latin American members. Alexander expressed profound personal conviction regarding this partnership, stating the initiative’s unique character and its alignment with the current government’s strategic direction under Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

    The Minister highlighted the United States’ extensive global intelligence capabilities, noting that American authorities meticulously assess potential international partners based on reliability and trustworthiness in joint security endeavors. This foundation has led to a clear expression of US confidence in collaborating with the Trinidad and Tobago government.

    This enhanced cooperation unfolds against a backdrop of intensified US counter-narcotics operations in the region, including kinetic military strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels since September 2025. These operations have reportedly resulted in over 100 casualties, including citizens from Trinidad and Tobago and St. Lucia.

    Minister Alexander defended the principled use of force within legal boundaries as essential for confronting severe criminality. He voiced strong support for aggressive measures against traffickers whose activities perpetuate violence and societal decay, particularly impacting youth development. With Trinidad and Tobago currently operating under a state of emergency, Alexander positioned the US alliance as a pivotal mechanism for confronting national security threats, predicting this partnership will forge a new chapter in the nation’s history.

  • Targeting mistake led to US missile strike on Iranian school — report

    Targeting mistake led to US missile strike on Iranian school — report

    A comprehensive United States military investigation has concluded that an American Tomahawk missile mistakenly struck an elementary school in southern Iran, according to revelations by The New York Times. The February 28th incident, which resulted in significant casualties, occurred due to targeting coordinates established using obsolete intelligence information.

    Multiple US officials familiar with the ongoing probe indicate preliminary findings confirm American responsibility for the tragic incident in Minab. The military had intended to strike an adjacent Iranian Revolutionary Guard naval base, but target designation relied on outdated Defense Intelligence Agency data that failed to reflect the school’s separation from the military compound.

    President Donald Trump initially speculated that Iran might have been responsible for the strike—despite Iran not possessing Tomahawk missile capability. When questioned about the investigation’s findings, the president responded, “I don’t know about it,” despite previously stating he could “live with” whatever conclusions emerged.

    Iranian media reports indicate funeral services were held for at least 165 victims, including numerous children, though these figures remain unverified independently. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly blamed both the United States and Israel for the attack, while Israeli officials consistently deny any involvement or knowledge of the operation.

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously asserted that the United States would never intentionally target an educational facility. Military investigators are now examining the procedural breakdowns that allowed outdated information to be utilized in strike planning and why proper verification protocols were not followed.

    The targeted school building had been physically separated from the military base between 2013 and 2016, but intelligence databases failed to reflect this significant structural change. The incident highlights critical challenges in modern warfare targeting procedures and the catastrophic consequences of intelligence failures.

  • UN Security Council demands Iran halt attacks on Gulf states

    UN Security Council demands Iran halt attacks on Gulf states

    The United Nations Security Council has issued a formal resolution demanding Iran cease all military operations against Gulf Cooperation Council states, citing violations of international law and threats to global stability. During Wednesday’s session at UN headquarters in New York, the measure received overwhelming support with 13 member nations voting in favor and two abstaining.

    The resolution explicitly calls for the immediate termination of Iranian attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. Additionally, the Council condemned Tehran’s actions and threats toward international maritime navigation, particularly through the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a vital corridor for global energy transportation.

    According to diplomatic sources, Iran’s aggressive maneuvers represent retaliatory measures for recent joint American-Israeli operations that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader. In response to these developments, Iranian forces have targeted commercial vessels transiting the Hormuz Strait, attempting to disrupt international energy markets and inflict economic pressure on Western nations.

    The resolution emphasizes that such activities constitute a severe threat to international peace and security, urging all parties to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions. Security Council members expressed particular concern about potential escalation patterns that could destabilize regional security architectures and impact global economic stability through disrupted energy supplies.

  • Jamaican teen Tajay Dias wins NGVB title in Suriname

    Jamaican teen Tajay Dias wins NGVB title in Suriname

    Jamaican football prospect Tajay Dias, aged 16, has secured his first international youth championship while competing with SV Transvaal’s junior squad in Suriname. The emerging talent contributed significantly to Jong Transvaal U23’s victorious campaign in the NGVB professional youth league, demonstrating notable adaptability and skill during his initial matches with the Surinamese club.

    This athletic achievement has simultaneously spotlighted the developmental frameworks established by Jamaican institutions Dunbeholden FC and Kickers Football Academy. Both organizations provided crucial foundational training that prepared Dias for international competition.

    Kickers Academy Managing Director Jevaun Hutchinson emphasized the broader implications of this success, stating it demonstrates the high potential of Jamaican youth players when they receive proper training infrastructure and international competitive opportunities.

    Echoing this sentiment, Dunbeholden FC Chief Commercial Officer Aubyn Henry characterized the championship as a positive developmental milestone. Henry highlighted the critical importance of patience in athlete development, noting that current priorities should focus on experience accumulation, technical refinement, and learning from high-level competition.

    “Young athletes who demonstrate commitment to their developmental journey often evolve into professionals capable of sustaining long-term careers,” Henry observed. “Dias is displaying promising capabilities in adapting to new challenges and diverse football environments, which bodes well for his future in the sport.”

    Having already captured an international youth title, Dias is rapidly establishing himself as one of Jamaica’s most promising football prospects. His early success further underscores how structured development systems are essential for cultivating the next generation of Caribbean football talent.

  • Two-year delay on $40m security wall raises safety concerns at Naggo Head Primary — MP Terrelonge

    Two-year delay on $40m security wall raises safety concerns at Naggo Head Primary — MP Terrelonge

    ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A critical security project at Naggo Head Primary School remains in bureaucratic limbo despite allocated funding, prompting urgent calls for action from local officials. Member of Parliament for St Catherine East Central, Alando Terrelonge, has intensified pressure on municipal authorities to immediately approve long-delayed plans for constructing a perimeter security wall.

    The project, which has languished for over two years despite more than $40 million in allocated funds from the Ministry of Education, faces ongoing delays at the municipal corporation level. Terrelonge expressed grave concerns about the council’s inaction, emphasizing that student and staff safety should transcend political considerations.

    “The municipal council’s delay is profoundly concerning,” Terrelonge stated in an official release. “I reiterate my call for the mayor to act decisively in approving these plans. We cannot await a tragedy affecting students or teachers before taking action. This security infrastructure must be constructed without further delay.”

    The urgency is underscored by multiple security breaches documented in recent years. Naggo Head Primary School, serving hundreds of students in Portmore, currently lacks proper perimeter protection, enabling unauthorized access to school grounds.

    Principal Andria Givans provided disturbing details of the security challenges: “The absence of proper perimeter security continues to expose our vulnerability. We’ve experienced numerous incidents involving unauthorized individuals disrupting classes and school events. During our February sports day, I faced verbal attacks and threats. We’ve dealt with mentally unstable individuals throwing stones at teachers and students, and in 2022, gangs entered campus armed with knives, causing widespread panic and trauma.”

    The school has also suffered repeated break-ins and thefts during the 2024-2025 academic year, including stolen security cameras, wall fans, chairs, and classroom furniture.

    Councillor Damara Lawson of the Southboro Division emphasized the project’s critical importance: “Naggo Head Primary serves as a central institution for our communities. Hundreds of students, parents, and teachers depend on having safe, secure school grounds. This perimeter wall will dramatically enhance safety and protect school facilities.”

    All stakeholders continue to advocate for immediate approval to utilize the allocated funds and address the pressing security concerns threatening the school community.

  • FID warns of strict action for breaches of pecuniary penalty orders

    FID warns of strict action for breaches of pecuniary penalty orders

    Jamaica’s Financial Investigations Division (FID) has issued a stern warning regarding strict enforcement measures against individuals failing to meet court-mandated pecuniary penalty orders (PPOs) under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). This declaration follows recent criminal charges filed against two individuals for non-compliance with financial penalty requirements.

    The enforcement actions target Jason Kameka and Orville Barriffe, both charged with violating previously imposed PPOs. The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Specialised Investigation Branch, particularly its Constabulary Financial Unit, conducted the operational investigations leading to these charges. The branch had previously investigated the predicate offenses that resulted in the initial PPOs—fraud charges in Kameka’s case and narcotics offenses in Barriffe’s case.

    Kameka, currently detained on unrelated matters, faces a court appearance scheduled for March 13, 2026, regarding his PPO violation. His original conviction in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court included conspiracy to defraud, aiding cybercrimes, and obtaining money under false pretenses. Despite a 2020 court order requiring payment of J$18.1 million, investigations revealed complete non-compliance with the financial penalty.

    Barriffe, granted bail, is scheduled for court appearance on April 7, 2026. His conviction for cocaine possession and trafficking resulted in a consent order requiring J$6 million payment through structured installments. While partial payments were made, the majority remains outstanding with no evidence of appeal or payment extension requests.

    The legal framework under POCA establishes serious consequences for non-compliance. Section 12(6) categorizes payment failure as a criminal offense punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment. Section 13 mandates automatic interest accrual on outstanding amounts at six percent annually until full payment is completed.

    Current statistics reveal significant enforcement challenges: as of September 30, 2025, courts have issued PPOs totaling over J$114 million against 17 individuals. Only three are fully compliant with payment schedules, while twelve are delinquent with at least one month in arrears. Two cases remain under appellate review.

    FID’s enforcement protocol involves formal written notifications upon initial payment default, followed by criminal charges if non-compliance persists. Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations Keith Darien emphasized that “pecuniary penalty orders are binding court requirements that must be treated as such,” noting that the agency will “pursue the matter fully and without hesitation” when violations occur.

    Senior Director of Legal Services Courtney Smith reinforced that PPO compliance is essential for depriving criminals of illicit gains, stating that “the Proceeds of Crime Act is intended to ensure that crime does not pay.” The FID reminded defendants that legitimate payment difficulties require formal court relief applications rather than ignored deadlines and unresponsive behavior.

  • ‘Any time I want it to end, it will end’, Trump says on Iran war

    ‘Any time I want it to end, it will end’, Trump says on Iran war

    WASHINGTON — In a recent interview with Axios, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the military engagement with Iran could conclude imminently, stating that there is “practically nothing left to target” and emphasizing that the conflict would end “soon.” Trump asserted unilateral control over the timeline, remarking, “Any time I want it to end, it will end.”

    The war, which commenced on February 28, has been characterized by ambiguous strategic objectives and fluctuating rhetoric from the White House. Mounting political pressure and accusations of inadequate preparedness have placed the administration under scrutiny, particularly as Iran’s disruptive actions in the Strait of Hormuz trigger global oil price surges.

    On Wednesday, Iranian forces attacked two commercial vessels in the Gulf, igniting at least one ship. In response, Trump assured rapid restoration of safety in the region while en route to an economy-focused event. He claimed that U.S. forces had incapacitated most of Iran’s mine-laying capabilities in a single night, though he noted no evidence of actual mine deployment.

    Trump further declared that Iran’s military infrastructure—including its navy, air force, and air defenses—had been largely neutralized, and its leadership significantly degraded. However, he cautioned, “we’re not finished yet.”

    The administration’s stated war aims include preventing nuclear weapon development and dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile program. While regime change has not been explicitly declared, the killing of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has fueled speculation. Trump declined to comment on whether victory would be proclaimed while Mojtaba Khamenei, his successor, remains in power.

    Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. Central Command warned that Iranian civilian ports in the Strait of Hormuz could be treated as legitimate military targets, alleging their use for hostile operations. This comes amid reports of a U.S. missile striking an Iranian elementary school due to a targeting error—an incident Trump claimed no knowledge of when questioned.

    As November midterm elections approach, analysts suggest Trump may seek a swift resolution to mitigate political fallout. Nonetheless, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that operations would continue indefinitely until all objectives are met. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reiterated their readiness to retaliate, underscoring the persistent volatility in the region.

  • Mexico considering social media restriction for minors — minister

    Mexico considering social media restriction for minors — minister

    MEXICO CITY — Mexican education authorities are actively developing regulatory proposals to restrict social media access for minors, mirroring Australia’s stringent approach to digital child protection. Public Education Secretary Mario Delgado confirmed to AFP that the government has initiated comprehensive consultations with civil society groups, targeting June for formal proposal development.

    This move aligns with a growing international trend where nations including France, Britain, Spain, Denmark, India, Indonesia, and Portugal are implementing or considering similar age-based social media restrictions. Australia’s December 2023 mandate requires major platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat to remove under-16 accounts under threat of substantial penalties, while France recently approved legislation banning social media for under-15s.

    Delgado emphasized the state’s fundamental responsibility in minor protection and education, stating: “What Meta, Facebook and TikTok are interested in is having followers, and there are no filters on content that could affect children’s emotional health.” He specifically cited concerns about minors’ exposure to violent material, pornography, and cyberbullying through unrestricted platform access.

    However, the secretary stressed that effective regulation must originate “from the grassroots, from the lived experiences of parents, different communities and teachers” rather than top-down imposition. The consultation process aims to establish boundaries through collaborative input rather than prohibition, with tech companies also participating in discussions to foster “responsible, critical and conscious” digital citizenship.

    Australian officials report their restrictions have already yielded positive outcomes including reduced cyberbullying incidents and improved student concentration in educational settings. While Delgado expressed personal approval of Australia’s model and acknowledged the parental challenges of limiting social media use, Mexico currently isn’t considering Brazil-style classroom smartphone bans that prohibit non-emergency device use in schools.

  • Iran will not compete in 2026 World Cup, says sports minister

    Iran will not compete in 2026 World Cup, says sports minister

    In a significant development for international football, Iran has officially declared its withdrawal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made by Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, during an interview with the IRIB Sports Network on Tuesday.

    The decision comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions following military strikes by the United States and Israel that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory attacks toward Israel and nations hosting US military installations.

    Despite earlier statements from US President Donald Trump expressing welcome for Iran’s participation in the North American-hosted tournament, Minister Donyamali asserted that security concerns for Iranian athletes made participation impossible. “Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali stated.

    The minister further elaborated on the challenging circumstances, noting: “Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist. Over the past eight or nine months, two wars have been imposed on us and several thousand of our people have been killed and martyred. Therefore, we definitely do not have the possibility for participation.”

    Iran had been scheduled to compete in Group F matches against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21 respectively, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is set to commence on June 11, 2026.