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标签： Jamaica

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  • OECS defends CBI programmes in Eastern Caribbean

    OECS defends CBI programmes in Eastern Caribbean

    CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has confirmed its member nations are engaged in substantive technical discussions with United States authorities regarding their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. These dialogues follow recent tensions sparked by US immigration policy announcements affecting two Caribbean nations.

    The OECS Commission emphasized that negotiations have been characterized by frankness and solution-oriented approaches. Member states with active CBI programs – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis – have demonstrated significant progress in enhancing due diligence protocols, improving information sharing mechanisms, and establishing a regional independent regulatory authority to ensure compliance with international standards.

    This development comes after the Trump administration initially announced partial travel restrictions targeting Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica effective January 2026, citing security concerns related to their citizenship programs. The policy has since been suspended following diplomatic engagement.

    The Commission highlighted the critical importance of CBI programs for small island developing states, describing them as essential, non-debt-creating instruments that finance resilience-building, disaster adaptation, and sustainable development initiatives. These programs have funded vital public investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and renewable energy projects.

    While acknowledging the sovereign right of nations to determine immigration policies, the OECS urged consideration of the unique vulnerabilities and limited economic options available to Caribbean states. The organization emphasized the deep economic interdependence between the Eastern Caribbean and the United States, noting longstanding trade, investment, and tourism relationships.

    The Commission expressed full solidarity with affected member states while highlighting the constructive role Caribbean diaspora communities have played in American society, particularly in healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and public service sectors.

  • T&T Appeal Court denies Jamaican lawyer’s bid to go before Privy Council

    T&T Appeal Court denies Jamaican lawyer’s bid to go before Privy Council

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Trinidad and Tobago Court of Appeal has delivered a significant ruling denying Jamaican-born King’s Counsel Vincent Nelson permission to challenge his 2019 corruption conviction before the London-based Privy Council, the nation’s highest judicial authority.

    In a decisive oral judgment delivered by Justice Nolan Bereaux on behalf of Justices James Aboud and Ricky Rahim, the appellate court concurred with state prosecutors that Nelson’s application concerned procedural matters rather than substantive constitutional issues warranting Privy Council intervention. The court determined that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had not violated Nelson’s constitutional rights and that all due process safeguards had been properly observed during the plea agreement proceedings.

    This ruling follows a July decision where the same judicial panel found Nelson failed to demonstrate prosecutorial misconduct and had exceeded acceptable time limits for filing his appeal. The court emphasized that Nelson, a UK-based tax attorney, had voluntarily entered into a plea agreement in 2019 while represented by senior counsel and had ample opportunity to disclose any alleged improper inducements during the original proceedings.

    The case stems from Nelson’s June 2019 guilty plea to conspiracy charges involving corruption and money laundering related to a legal-fee kickback scheme. He received a TT$2.25 million fine in March 2020 after agreeing to testify against former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and former government senator Gerald Ramdeen. Those prosecutions were ultimately discontinued in 2022 when Nelson refused to testify pending resolution of a TT$95 million civil claim, which has since been dismissed by the High Court.

    In his appeal application, Nelson contended that former Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi had promised him immunity, a pardon, and payment of legal fees in exchange for his self-incriminating statement. However, Justice Geoffrey Henderson noted Nelson failed to provide sworn evidence from the attorney who allegedly conveyed these promises, and the court record indicated Nelson acted voluntarily throughout the plea process.

    The court also highlighted the extraordinary delay in Nelson’s appeal filing—submitted more than four years after conviction and three years after sentencing, far exceeding the standard 14-day deadline. Justices rejected Nelson’s explanations of illness and anticipated pardon as insufficient justification for the delay.

    Represented by King’s Counsel Edward Fitzgerald, Nelson’s legal team argued their client had been ‘tricked’ into providing evidence with false promises of protection. Conversely, Senior Counsel Ian Benjamin, representing the DPP, characterized Nelson as a seasoned legal professional who strategically delayed his challenge for leverage purposes, describing Nelson’s affidavit as ‘contradictory and self-serving.’ Nelson remains obligated to pay the outstanding TT$2.25 million fine imposed by the court.

  • Italy fines Apple nearly 100 million euros over app privacy feature

    Italy fines Apple nearly 100 million euros over app privacy feature

    ROME — Italian antitrust regulators have imposed a substantial €98 million (approximately $115 million) penalty against technology behemoth Apple Inc. for alleged anti-competitive practices within its mobile application ecosystem. The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) announced the decisive action on Monday, marking one of Europe’s most significant challenges to Apple’s App Store policies.

    The AGCM’s comprehensive investigation concluded that Apple holds a ‘super-dominant position’ in the app distribution market and has abused this power through its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework. According to the regulatory body, Apple unilaterally imposed privacy regulations that created unfair disadvantages for third-party developers while simultaneously benefiting Apple’s own advertising services.

    Introduced in 2021, Apple’s ATT system requires applications to display explicit pop-up notifications seeking user permission before tracking their activity across other applications and websites. While marketed as a privacy enhancement feature, Italian authorities found the implementation disproportionately restricted competitors’ ability to deliver targeted advertising while preserving Apple’s advertising capabilities.

    Apple has immediately contested the ruling, stating its intention to appeal the decision. The Cupertino-based company defended its privacy framework as providing ‘strong privacy protections for our users’ that have received widespread praise from privacy advocates and data protection authorities globally.

    This enforcement action represents the latest escalation in Europe’s ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech’s market practices. French competition authorities previously levied a €150 million fine against Apple for similar concerns regarding its app tracking policies. Multiple European regulatory bodies have initiated parallel investigations into whether Apple’s privacy safeguards potentially violate antitrust regulations by creating uneven competitive playing fields.

    The Italian decision highlights the growing tension between privacy protection initiatives and antitrust enforcement, particularly concerning how technology giants implement controls that may simultaneously serve both user privacy and corporate competitive interests.

  • Ecuador soldiers sentenced to 35 years in deaths of 4 children

    Ecuador soldiers sentenced to 35 years in deaths of 4 children

    In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through Ecuador, eleven military personnel have been convicted and sentenced to 34 years and eight months imprisonment for the forced disappearance and brutal killing of four children in Guayaquil. The sentencing, announced by Ecuador’s Attorney General’s Office on Monday, concludes a harrowing case that exposed severe human rights violations within the nation’s armed forces.

    The victims, aged 11 to 15, had left their homes to play soccer in the port city of Guayaquil—a region plagued by escalating gang violence—when they were detained by members of the Ecuadoran Air Force. Their charred remains were discovered on Christmas Eve, bearing evidence of execution-style gunshot wounds to the head and signs of torture.

    During the trial, video evidence presented in court depicted one soldier shooting a child at point-blank range and another assaulting a minor with a rifle. Five additional military personnel who cooperated with investigators received reduced sentences of 30 months.

    Nataly Morillo, head of Ecuador’s Ministry of Government, declared the verdicts ‘a definitive step toward truth and justice,’ emphasizing that ‘nobody is above the law.’ The case has drawn intense scrutiny from international human rights organizations, with Amnesty International repeatedly urging the armed forces to acknowledge institutional responsibility.

    The killings occurred against the backdrop of President Daniel Noboa’s aggressive anti-gang campaign, which has deployed military forces for urban policing duties in Guayaquil. Once considered one of Latin America’s safest nations, Ecuador has transformed into a major cocaine transit corridor, with Guayaquil recording 1,900 murders between January and September alone—the highest homicide rate in the country.

    In January, Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo issued a public apology for the incident, though the verdict has intensified debates about military accountability and the ethical boundaries of state-led security operations.

  • EU slams China dairy duties as ‘unjustified’

    EU slams China dairy duties as ‘unjustified’

    BEIJING — China has escalated its trade confrontation with the European Union by implementing provisional anti-subsidy tariffs ranging from 21.9% to 42.7% on imported EU dairy products, effective immediately. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Brussels, which labeled the measures as “unjustified” and based on insufficient evidence.

    The tariffs target various dairy commodities including fresh and processed cheeses, curd, blue cheese, and specific milk and cream products. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that these measures follow an anti-subsidy investigation initiated in August 2024, prompted by a formal request from the Dairy Association of China. Preliminary findings from the investigation allegedly demonstrate a direct correlation between EU subsidies and significant harm to China’s domestic dairy sector.

    European Commission trade representatives immediately challenged the validity of China’s conclusions. “Our assessment indicates the investigation relies on questionable allegations and inadequate evidence, making these measures both unjustified and unwarranted,” a Commission spokesperson stated, adding that the EU is currently reviewing the preliminary determination and will submit formal comments to Chinese authorities.

    This dairy tariff imposition follows closely on Beijing’s recent decision to enforce five-year anti-dumping duties on EU pork imports, which took effect December 17th with rates between 4.9% and 19.8%. These developments represent the latest escalation in a broader trade conflict that began when the EU moved toward implementing substantial tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, citing unfair subsidy practices.

    The ongoing trade tensions occur against the backdrop of a significant trade imbalance, with the EU reporting a $350 billion trade deficit with China in 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron recently indicated Europe’s willingness to consider stronger measures, including additional tariffs, if the trade disparity remains unaddressed. Beyond commercial disputes, the two economic powers also remain divided on geopolitical issues including the Ukraine conflict, where the EU has repeatedly urged China to leverage its influence with Moscow.

  • WPM Waste Management focusing on restoring regular collection in Westmoreland

    WPM Waste Management focusing on restoring regular collection in Westmoreland

    WPM Waste Management Ltd is confronting significant operational hurdles in the wake of a recent hurricane as it strives to reinstate regular garbage collection services throughout Westmoreland, Jamaica. Dramaine Jones, Regional Operations Manager, provided a detailed assessment during the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s monthly assembly in Savanna-la-Mar, highlighting the severe impact on both personnel and infrastructure.

    The company’s workforce suffered substantial disruption, with approximately 73 local employees experiencing considerable personal impacts from the storm. Jones emphasized that the challenges extended beyond visible damage, noting the psychological and logistical complexities of resuming operations. ‘We encountered difficulties restarting as it required several days to mobilize our team members. Locating personnel and ensuring they were mentally prepared to return to work presented significant obstacles,’ Jones explained.

    Despite these setbacks, WPM has achieved partial service restoration with six operational units currently active in the region. However, supplementary contractors remain unable to contribute due to persistent staffing shortages and mechanical failures. The company has successfully recommenced daily sweeping activities in major urban centers and public areas, while cleanup initiatives are progressively expanding to include Savanna-la-Mar town center, Whitehouse, and Waterworks Lane.

    Jones conveyed optimism regarding augmented support, revealing that additional resources from other regions are being deployed to address the accumulated waste backlog. This reinforcement is expected to accelerate recovery efforts and facilitate a return to normal service levels across the affected communities.

  • Burger King New Kingston reopens following major renovation

    Burger King New Kingston reopens following major renovation

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Burger King Jamaica has triumphantly reopened its New Kingston establishment, marking a significant milestone exactly one year after a devastating fire caused extensive damage to the premises. The fast-food outlet resumed operations last week following an extensive renovation program, signaling the company’s strengthened dedication to enhancing customer experience and elevating operational benchmarks. This reopening occurs alongside ambitious plans for island-wide expansion in the near future.

    Orion Aitken, Senior Brand Manager for the New Kingston location, revealed that the restaurant has undergone complete modernization with state-of-the-art equipment and redesigned layouts specifically engineered to maximize guest comfort. “Patrons visiting our renovated New Kingston facility will encounter what essentially constitutes an entirely new establishment,” Aitken stated. “The redesign prioritizes operational efficiency and service excellence while ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining stringent safety protocols for all stakeholders.”

    Throughout the renovation period, Burger King implemented comprehensive employee support measures, reassigning team members where feasible and maintaining support through ongoing staff initiatives. The majority of personnel have now returned to work across various locations, resuming their service roles within the community.

    This reopening underscores Burger King’s commitment to upholding premium standards throughout its restaurant network while continuing to serve one of Kingston’s most vibrant commercial districts. The upgraded facility represents a crucial component of Burger King’s broader growth strategy across Jamaica, driven by parent company Restaurant Associates Limited (RAL).

    RAL continues to make substantial investments in its quick-service restaurant portfolio, with each new or renovated location representing an average investment of approximately $250 million while creating significant employment opportunities within local communities.

    To celebrate the reopening, Burger King New Kingston will host a Customer Appreciation Day on December 30, offering the first 500 customers a complimentary large serving of fries. This gesture acknowledges the brand’s return to the community and expresses gratitude to loyal patrons.

    Rashai Graham, Community Communications and Strategy Executive for RAL, commented: “New Kingston serves as a vital commercial hub, and we’re delighted to welcome customers back to a revitalized Burger King that embodies our commitment to quality, safety, and exceptional service.” Graham further announced RAL’s plans to open two additional locations at Old Harbour and Spanish Town Road before year-end, continuing the company’s mission of strategic expansion and community investment throughout Jamaica.

  • Restored police stations to withstand category five hurricanes

    Restored police stations to withstand category five hurricanes

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the catastrophic damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has initiated an ambitious reconstruction program for critical law enforcement infrastructure. The Accelerated Infrastructure Restoration (AIR) Plan mandates that all damaged police stations be rebuilt to withstand category-five hurricane forces, marking a significant shift in national construction standards.

    Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, characterized the October 28 hurricane as a ‘once-in-a-century’ weather event that exposed vulnerabilities in Jamaica’s infrastructure. The unprecedented storm generated sustained winds exceeding 157 miles per hour, prompting a comprehensive reassessment of building specifications for essential facilities.

    The restoration program incorporates enhanced engineering protocols including upgraded roofing systems, flood barrier installations, and hurricane-rated windows and doors specifically designed to resist extreme weather conditions. Six police stations—Amity Hall, Cave Valley, Bull Bay, and Savanna-la-Mar among them—have advanced to final design phases with construction approvals pending municipal corporation review in the upcoming quarter.

    Concurrently, smaller-scale construction projects are progressing under the complementary Rebuild, Overhaul and Construct (ROC) programme, with an estimated 24-month completion timeline. Minister Cuthbert-Flynn acknowledged that the Granville (St James) and Mocho (Clarendon) stations present particular engineering challenges and will require extended development timelines compared to other priority sites.

    The government’s infrastructure strategy represents a proactive approach to climate resilience, ensuring that critical security operations can maintain continuity during future extreme weather events that may increase in frequency and intensity due to changing climatic patterns.

  • WATCH: Man’s body found on Manchester haul road

    WATCH: Man’s body found on Manchester haul road

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A grim discovery unfolded early Monday morning in the Brokenhurst area of Manchester, where local authorities recovered the body of an unidentified male exhibiting injuries consistent with fatal gunshot wounds. The victim was located on a secluded haul road, prompting an immediate investigative response from the Manchester police force.

    Superintendent Carey Duncan, head of the Manchester Police Division, addressed media personnel at the crime scene, revealing that preliminary reports from residents indicated multiple loud explosions were heard around 9:00 p.m. on Sunday evening. Despite the auditory evidence of potential violence, law enforcement officials were not notified until the following morning when a civilian passerby chanced upon the deceased individual.

    Investigative units remained actively engaged at the location throughout Monday morning, meticulously examining the vicinity for forensic evidence, potential ballistic materials, and any additional clues that might illuminate the circumstances surrounding the death. The identity of the victim, along with the precise motive and perpetrators behind the apparent homicide, remains undetermined as detectives continue their inquiry into this violent incident.

  • Gayle sacked, replaced by Argentine in Waterhouse head coach spot

    Gayle sacked, replaced by Argentine in Waterhouse head coach spot

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Waterhouse FC has initiated a significant managerial shakeup, dismissing head coach Marcel Gayle following a string of disappointing performances in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL). The club is set to appoint Argentine tactical expert Javier Ainstein as his successor.

    Gayle, who had held the managerial reins since 2018, was relieved of his duties after the team secured victory in only one of their last seven league encounters. The decision culminated growing pressure from a particularly humiliating 2-1 defeat to the newly promoted and historically weak side, Spanish Town Police. This loss was especially damaging as it came after Spanish Town Police had suffered heavy defeats, including a 10-2 thrashing by Arnett Gardens.

    The club’s management had reportedly finalized the decision prior to Sunday’s narrow 1-0 victory over Montego Bay United, which ended the team’s winless streak but proved insufficient to save Gayle’s position. Attempts to contact Gayle for commentary were unsuccessful.

    An impeccable internal source at Waterhouse FC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the transition and the imminent arrival of Javier Ainstein. Hailing from Argentina, Ainstein brings a wealth of experience from Central American football. Having first arrived in Panama as a player for Tauro FC in 2003, he has resided there for over two decades, profoundly contributing to the nation’s football development. His coaching career, which includes a tenure in Costa Rica, has earned him the moniker ‘the Genius’ due to his acclaimed tactical acumen and documented success.

    This move marks a swift return to a head coaching role for Gayle, who had only earlier this month been appointed head coach of St George’s College, succeeding Neville Bell after two decades serving as his assistant.