NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Intense speculation surrounds the Progressive Liberal Party’s selection for the Killarney constituency, with former Senator Robyn Lynes emerging as a prominent potential candidate in what political observers anticipate will be a fiercely contested electoral battle. The Tribune has verified that officials from the PLP’s Killarney branch conducted a meeting with Ms. Lynes on Monday evening, where branch representatives expressed strong support for her potential candidacy, noting she remains the only individual to have shown substantive interest in the seat thus far. Although interviewed by the party’s Candidate Committee recently, Lynes has maintained a strategically ambiguous position, indicating willingness to accept any constituency the party leadership might assign without specifying preferences. Party insiders acknowledge limited available options but confirm active efforts to identify a suitable riding for her nomination. Meanwhile, Killarney branch supporters emphasize their readiness to collaborate with whomever the party ultimately designates, with one committed member stating: ‘We as a branch, whomever the party sends, we work with. No fussing. No fighting.’ The nomination landscape grows increasingly complex as ZNS General Manager Clint Watson also enters consideration amid ongoing uncertainty regarding the Southern Shores constituency where he has sought nomination. Senator Ronald Duncombe, who previously contested Killarney unsuccessfully during the last election cycle, remains noncommittal about his political intentions, declaring he will serve wherever the Prime Minister determines he is most needed. Despite his ambiguous status, Duncombe asserts that both his team and local branch maintain active operations within the constituency, expressing unwavering confidence in the PLP’s electoral prospects regardless of candidate selection. He references potential vote-splitting advantages due to former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis’s independent candidacy as a significant factor that might benefit the PLP. However, some branch members indicate Duncombe has operated somewhat independently from the formal branch structure, acknowledging his consistent financial contributions and event participation while suggesting he could enhance engagement with branch-specific activities. The Free National Movement has already formalized Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis as their candidate, intensifying pressure on the PLP to finalize their nomination strategy ahead of Sunday’s anticipated ratification of remaining candidates.
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Hundreds of flood warnings in effect as UK weathers Storm Chandra
The United Kingdom is grappling with severe disruption and tragedy in the wake of Storm Chandra, which battered the nation with extreme wind and torrential rain on Tuesday. The adverse weather has resulted in at least one fatality and precipitated a major flooding crisis, prompting the issuance of over 200 official alerts across the country.
According to a BBC report, the storm claimed the life of a truck driver in Hampshire after his vehicle was involved in a catastrophic accident, crashing into a swollen river. Widespread scenes of devastation have emerged from multiple regions, depicting submerged streets, abandoned vehicles, and floodwaters breaching residential and commercial properties.
Meteorological analysis indicates that Storm Chandra represents the third officially named tempest to strike the UK this year, arriving shortly after the departure of its predecessor, Storm Ingrid. A critical factor exacerbating the flooding was the already saturated ground condition from previous rainfall, which drastically reduced the land’s capacity to absorb Chandra’s deluge, leading to rapid runoff and overflow.
The severity of the situation necessitated urgent evacuations in high-risk zones. Authorities mandated the immediate evacuation of the Iford Bridge Home Park, a residential area in Dorset, citing an imminent ‘danger to life’ from the rising waters.
While meteorological forecasts for Wednesday suggest a reduction in precipitation, the aftermath remains critically severe. As of Wednesday, 87 high-level flood warnings, indicating expected flooding, remained active alongside 207 flood alerts, which signal potential flooding. This state of high alert extends across England, Wales, and Scotland, as emergency services continue to manage the widespread impacts and assess the full extent of the damage.
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Netherlands ‘insufficiently’ protects Caribbean island from climate change — court
In a groundbreaking environmental justice ruling with potential global implications, a Dutch court has determined that the Netherlands provides “insufficient” climate protection for its Caribbean territory of Bonaire. The Hague District Court delivered the landmark verdict on Wednesday, finding the Dutch government in violation of human rights for treating Bonaire residents differently from those in the European Netherlands without justification.
The case was initiated by Bonaire residents collaborating with Greenpeace, who demanded concrete measures to shield the low-lying island from rising sea levels and climate impacts. The court ordered the Netherlands to establish binding interim targets for economy-wide greenhouse gas reductions within 18 months, marking a significant legal development in climate litigation.
This ruling follows the recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, which stated that states violating climate obligations commit unlawful acts. Legal experts note this case represents the first major test of a state’s mitigation and adaptation ambitions following the ICJ’s precedent-setting opinion.
Despite the Netherlands’ renowned expertise in water management through its extensive system of barriers and dykes, campaigners argued the same protective measures haven’t been extended to overseas territories. Researchers from Amsterdam’s Vrije Universiteit project that up to one-fifth of Bonaire could be submerged by century’s end without intervention.
During proceedings, Bonaire’s 27,000 residents shared compelling testimony about their daily climate struggles. Farmer Onnie Emerenciana described how previously habitable areas have become “often unbearable” due to extreme heat and rising waters.
The court emphasized that climate impacts affect Bonaire sooner and more severely than European Netherlands, making the disparity in protection measures particularly unjust. This case establishes important precedent for climate litigation targeting governments regarding their overseas territories and could influence similar legal actions worldwide.
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Davis: Progress is not always ribbon-cutting
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has vigorously defended his administration’s handling of major development initiatives in Grand Bahama, countering criticisms that key projects remain unrealized more than four years after their announcement. During a Tuesday address, the Prime Minister acknowledged public frustration while maintaining that substantial progress continues behind the scenes on complex undertakings including the Grand Lucayan Resort redevelopment, a new international airport, and a modern hospital facility.
Addressing the particularly contentious Grand Lucayan transaction, Davis characterized the process as “a complex transaction requiring careful sequencing,” emphasizing that proper approvals, coordination, and structured execution were paramount. “We are making steady progress,” he asserted, dismissing claims of governmental failure as premature political theater.
The Prime Minister reserved his strongest condemnation for previous administrators, stating that “the criticisms coming loudest from those who created the problem should hang their heads in shame.” He accused political opponents of being “incompetent political scammers who brought us this mess” while vowing his administration would remain focused on protecting workers and advancing projects through credible, sustainable measures.
Davis rejected suggestions that Grand Bahama has been neglected, noting that certain elements appear to be “rooting for the failure of Grand Bahama” for political gain. He emphasized that “success is the only option because the people of Grand Bahama deserve nothing less,” criticizing what he described as a counterproductive mindset focused on “old arguments and old disappointments.”
The Prime Minister contextualized the delays within the broader economic circumstances inherited by his administration in September 2021, referencing International Monetary Fund reports that depicted the nation’s economy as “in the intensive care unit on life support.” Despite this challenging foundation, Davis highlighted economic recovery and growth in Grand Bahama as evidence of progress, pointing to ongoing construction activity at the hospital and Grand Bahama Shipyard as visible signs of advancement.
Regarding the Grand Lucayan’s complex history, the administration canceled a prior sale agreement in December 2021, pursued a failed arrangement with Electra America in 2022, and announced a new $800 million heads of agreement with Concord Wilshire in May 2025. Davis confirmed that former employees laid off from the resort “are being paid,” addressing one aspect of the protracted redevelopment process.
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Proud mom as Edgecombe makes NBA All-Star Rising Star selection
Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard VJ Edgecombe has achieved early career recognition with his selection for the prestigious 2026 NBA All-Star Rising Stars Game. The announcement has sparked celebrations within his family, particularly from his mother Bendra Rolle, who expressed profound pride in both her son’s athletic accomplishments and personal character development.
The upcoming showcase, scheduled for Friday, February 13th at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, will feature the league’s most promising young talents. Edgecombe’s inclusion acknowledges his immediate impact since joining the professional basketball circuit.
In an emotional statement, Rolle attributed her son’s success to divine intervention, noting: “God continues to demonstrate that he can accomplish all things. Our family remains overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for VJ’s rapid ascent in the NBA.” She emphasized that beyond his on-court abilities, she takes greater pride in his personal growth and values.
Describing Edgecombe as “consistently humble yet fiercely determined,” Rolle highlighted his team-first mentality despite individual recognition. She stressed that her son views the honor as a collective achievement rather than personal glory, consistently recognizing the Philadelphia 76ers organization as an integrated unit.
The Rising Stars selection represents a significant milestone in Edgecombe’s budding career, positioning him among basketball’s next generation of elite players. As family, friends, and supporters celebrate this achievement, Rolle concluded: “While we commemorate this extraordinary accomplishment, we give all glory to God.”
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$30 million worth of cocaine seized at Sangster airport, St Elizabeth farmer being sought
Jamaican authorities have launched an intensive search for a St. Elizabeth farmer following the interception of a substantial cocaine shipment weighing approximately 50.2 kilograms at Sangster International Airport. The significant narcotics seizure occurred on Monday evening during routine security operations.
Law enforcement officials from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) have identified the wanted individual as Renaldo Brooks, who is now considered a person of interest in the ongoing investigation. The discovery was made around 7:00 pm when advanced scanning equipment detected irregularities within a suitcase scheduled for transit to Canada.
Upon thorough inspection, narcotics officers uncovered multiple sealed packages containing what was later confirmed to be high-purity cocaine. The confiscated drugs, totaling over 100 pounds, carry an estimated street value of J$30 million (approximately US$192,000), representing one of the major drug interdictions at Jamaican ports this year.
Superintendent Patrae Rowe, Director of FNID, emphasized the critical importance of enhanced security measures at Jamaica’s entry points. “Our intensified vigilance at port facilities continues to yield significant results in combating narcotics trafficking,” Rowe stated. “This successful operation demonstrates our unwavering dedication to dismantling drug networks and prosecuting individuals who attempt to exploit our aviation infrastructure for illegal purposes.”
The recent seizure follows a similar incident earlier this month that resulted in the arrest and charging of two senior municipal corporation employees. Those arrests were connected to another cocaine interception at the same airport valued at over J$5 million, indicating persistent challenges with drug smuggling operations through Jamaican transportation hubs.
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China added record wind and solar power in 2025, data shows
BEIJING — China’s energy landscape witnessed unprecedented transformation in 2025, with the National Energy Administration reporting simultaneous record-breaking expansions in both renewable infrastructure and fossil fuel capacity. The world’s foremost manufacturing powerhouse added 543 gigawatts of total new energy capacity—equivalent to double Germany’s entire power generation infrastructure—as it navigates competing priorities of industrial growth and environmental commitments.
The renewable sector achieved remarkable milestones with 315 gigawatts of new solar capacity and 119 gigawatts of wind installations, representing the largest annual additions ever recorded globally. This substantial clean energy deployment increased China’s total installed power generation capacity by 16.1% compared to 2024 levels. Energy analysts noted the physical scale of these installations would approximate 17,000 wind turbines and approximately 500 million solar panels throughout the year.
However, parallel expansion occurred in thermal power generation, with coal and gas capacity surging by approximately 93 gigawatts—a 75% increase over 2024 additions. This substantial fossil fuel development elevated China’s total thermal power capacity by 6.3%, creating a complex energy landscape where clean energy advances coincide with persistent carbon-intensive infrastructure growth.
Lauri Myllyvirta, lead analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, characterized the deployment pace as ‘two wind turbines per hour, and solar panel surface area covering 20 football fields per hour.’ While acknowledging these renewable additions would ‘help replace power generation from fossil fuels well into next year,’ Myllyvirta warned that concurrent coal and gas plant expansions risk creating ‘plummeting utilization rates and new obstacles to clean energy integration.’
This energy development occurs against China’s stated climate targets: peaking carbon emissions by 2030, reducing them by at least 7% by 2035, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The simultaneous expansion of renewable and fossil fuel capacity reflects the challenges facing the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter as it balances economic growth demands with environmental responsibilities.
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Gauff defends epic racquet smash and hits out at it being broadcast
MELBOURNE, Australia — American tennis star Coco Gauff has openly addressed her emotional outburst following a decisive quarterfinal loss to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina at the Australian Open. The world No. 3 described her post-match racket-smashing episode as a necessary emotional release after suffering a 6-1, 6-2 defeat on Tuesday.
Gauff, who cut a dejected figure after exiting Rod Laver Arena, was captured by television cameras repeatedly striking her racket in a stadium corridor. The 21-year-old acknowledged the incident while expressing disappointment that what she believed was a private moment had been broadcast publicly.
‘I understand my emotional nature and didn’t want to direct that frustration toward my team,’ Gauff explained. ‘They’re good people who don’t deserve that. Taking a moment to release that pressure helps me avoid being snappy with those around me.’
The two-time Grand Slam champion emphasized she intentionally sought a non-public area for her emotional release, noting: ‘I don’t like breaking rackets and try to avoid doing it in front of children on court. At this tournament, the locker room seems to be our only truly private space.’
Despite her disappointment, Gauff credited Svitolina’s dominant performance, stating: ‘She forced me to play poorly today. Bad days are often caused by your opponent’s excellence, and she performed exceptionally well.’
Svitolina, seeded 12th, advances to face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Thursday’s semifinal, continuing her impressive comeback to professional tennis following motherhood.
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Amazon to cut 16,000 jobs worldwide
NEW YORK — Amazon has confirmed a significant escalation in its corporate restructuring efforts, announcing plans to eliminate approximately 16,000 positions globally. This decision expands upon the previously disclosed workforce reduction strategy initiated in October 2022, when the e-commerce conglomerate first indicated intentions to cut 14,000 roles.
According to senior vice president Beth Galetti, the substantial job cuts form part of a comprehensive organizational streamlining initiative designed to ‘reduce layers, increase ownership, and remove bureaucracy’ within the company’s operational framework. The restructuring primarily targets corporate and office-based positions rather than warehouse and distribution center personnel.
Media reports from late 2022 suggested Amazon’s total workforce reduction could eventually approach 30,000 positions, potentially affecting nearly 10% of the company’s 350,000 office employees worldwide. These cuts would represent approximately 2% of Amazon’s global workforce of 1.5 million, which remains predominantly composed of logistics and fulfillment center staff.
The company has declined to provide specific geographical or departmental breakdowns of the latest job reductions. In an official statement, Amazon indicated that ‘every team will continue to evaluate the ownership, speed, and capacity to invent for customers, and make adjustments as appropriate,’ suggesting potential further organizational changes.
This restructuring occurs alongside substantial investments in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, though Amazon has not explicitly connected the workforce reduction to these technological initiatives. The company is scheduled to release its full-year 2025 financial results on February 6, accompanied by a live broadcast of its earnings conference call, where executives may address the restructuring’s financial implications.
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Minor earthquake felt in Jamaica
Residents across multiple regions of Jamaica experienced a minor seismic event during the early hours of Wednesday morning. The tremor occurred precisely at 3:47 a.m. local time, according to initial reports. While the earthquake’s intensity appears to have been relatively low, it was sufficiently noticeable to awaken some residents and prompt immediate social media activity across the island nation. The exact epicenter location and magnitude measurements remain unconfirmed at this time, with seismic monitoring agencies expected to release detailed technical data shortly. Jamaica, situated within the active seismic zone of the Caribbean Plate boundary, experiences periodic tremors due to complex tectonic interactions between the North American and Caribbean plates. Observer Online, a prominent Jamaican news outlet, has indicated it will provide comprehensive coverage as additional information becomes available from geological authorities and emergency response agencies. No immediate reports of damage or injuries have been substantiated, though standard protocol advises citizens to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks following any seismic activity.