President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Thursday, signaling the potential for a government shutdown as tensions escalate between the White House and congressional Democrats. The standoff centers on spending negotiations ahead of the September 30 fiscal deadline, after which critical federal services could face severe disruptions. Trump, in a candid remark from the Oval Office, accused Democrats of being ‘crazed’ and unprepared, further intensifying the political rift. The White House has escalated the confrontation by instructing government agencies to prepare for mass layoffs, a move that goes beyond the typical temporary furloughs during shutdowns. A memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed agencies to consider issuing Reduction in Force (RIF) notices to employees, adding to the strain on federal workers already impacted by earlier layoffs orchestrated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Democrats have firmly rejected Republican proposals, demanding the reversal of certain spending cuts and the extension of healthcare subsidies. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed the layoff threats, urging the White House to ‘get lost’ and accusing OMB chief Russ Vought of being ‘out of control.’ A shutdown would halt non-essential government operations and leave hundreds of thousands of civil servants temporarily unpaid. The White House blamed Democrats for ‘insane demands,’ accusing them of disrupting a decade-long bipartisan tradition of avoiding shutdowns. With both chambers of Congress in recess and senators not returning until Monday, the day before the deadline, the window for reaching a resolution is rapidly closing. House Republicans have warned they will not return before the deadline, leaving the Senate to either accept their proposal or face a shutdown. The proposed bill, if passed, would only provide temporary funding through November 21. This latest impasse echoes the March shutdown, which was resolved at the eleventh hour after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer backed a Republican-drafted proposal.
标签： Jamaica
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‘Bullets, fire and fear’— Haiti is at war, its leader warns
In a stark address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, Laurent Saint-Cyr, head of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, declared the Caribbean nation “at war” with rampant gang violence. He urgently called for international assistance to quell the chaos that has engulfed the country, describing the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding on America’s doorstep. Saint-Cyr painted a grim picture of daily atrocities, including murders, rapes, and the destruction of neighborhoods, which have displaced over a million people and left countless lives shattered. Hospitals, he noted, are being vandalized or burned, forcing medical professionals to flee and leaving the population without essential care. The Haitian leader likened the situation to a modern-day Guernica, emphasizing the urgent need for global intervention. In 2023, the UN Security Council approved the Multinational Security Mission, led by Kenya, to address the crisis. However, the mission has struggled with inadequate resources, deploying only 1,000 personnel out of the planned 2,500. The United States has proposed expanding the force to over 5,500 police and military personnel to combat the gangs more effectively. Saint-Cyr endorsed this plan, warning that the crisis could destabilize the entire region. Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has long grappled with political instability and gang violence, which escalated dramatically in early 2024 when gangs forced then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.
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Former Miss Universe Jamaica finalist found dead amid mental health struggles
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization has expressed profound sorrow over the untimely death of Tyra Spaulding, a cherished finalist in the 2023 competition. The 26-year-old accountant was discovered at her residence on Tuesday evening, hanging from her bed frame with a pink curtain around her neck. Authorities are currently investigating the incident as a suspected suicide. In a heartfelt statement released on Thursday, the organization described Spaulding as more than just a contestant, highlighting her vibrant personality, intelligence, and inspiring nature. ‘Tyra’s grace and spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered,’ the statement read. The organization, along with reigning Miss Universe Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, and National Directors Mark McDermoth and Karl Williams, extended their deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loved ones. ‘We join them in mourning her loss and celebrating her extraordinary life and legacy. May she find eternal peace,’ the statement concluded. Spaulding was also known for her advocacy in mental health and suicide prevention, adding a poignant layer to this tragic event.
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Daley urges young Sunshine Girls to leave all on court vs Aussies
Jamaica’s Under-21 netball team, led by head coach Annett Daley, is gearing up for a challenging quarter-final clash against Australia in the World Netball Youth Cup (WNYC). The match, set to take place at the Europa Sports Complex in Gibraltar, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams. Australia, having topped Pool B, enters the game as a dominant force, while Jamaica, finishing second in Pool C, aims to showcase their resilience and skill. Daley has urged her players to focus on executing the basics—catching, passing, and driving—while maintaining confidence in their abilities. She emphasized the importance of not being intimidated by Australia’s reputation, reminding her team that self-belief is key to success. Despite a recent 33-64 loss to England, Daley remains optimistic, highlighting moments of potential during the match and encouraging her players to trust their skills. With Australia’s impressive WNYC track record—four titles and three runner-up finishes—the young Sunshine Girls face a tough but not insurmountable challenge. Daley’s message is clear: play hard, execute the fundamentals, and let the results speak for themselves.
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FOREX: $161.12 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the latest trading session on Thursday, September 25, the US dollar demonstrated a slight upward trend against the Jamaican dollar, closing at $161.12, an increase of eight cents, as reported by the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. Concurrently, the Canadian dollar also saw a notable rise, ending the day at $117.65, up from its previous close of $115.52. In contrast, the British pound experienced a minor decline, settling at $216.08, down from $216. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of foreign exchange markets and the varying performance of major currencies against the Jamaican dollar. The Bank of Jamaica continues to monitor these trends closely, providing essential data for investors and policymakers.
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Indecom investigating four deaths in three police shootings
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has launched probes into three separate fatal shooting incidents that occurred between Wednesday and Thursday, claiming the lives of four men. These incidents have further escalated concerns over police-related fatalities in the country.
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White House threatens mass firings as government shutdown looms
The White House has escalated tensions in a looming government shutdown crisis, instructing federal agencies to prepare for potential mass layoffs under President Donald Trump’s administration. In a memo obtained by AFP, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) warned that this shutdown would deviate from past practices of temporary furloughs, instead considering permanent staff reductions. The memo directed agencies to issue Reduction in Force (RIF) notices and submit plans for workforce cuts, particularly in departments most affected by a shutdown. This approach mirrors the Trump administration’s earlier large-scale firings under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The White House accused congressional Democrats of making “insane demands” and breaking a decade-long bipartisan tradition of avoiding shutdowns. However, the OMB expressed hope that Democrats would avert a crisis. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed the threats, calling OMB chief Russ Vought a “malignant political hack” and vowing not to be intimidated. A shutdown would halt non-essential operations and leave hundreds of thousands of federal employees temporarily unpaid. The standoff stems from a funding dispute ahead of the September 30 fiscal deadline, with Democrats rejecting a stopgap bill passed by the Republican-controlled House. Trump canceled a meeting with Democratic leaders, demanding they “become realistic.” With Congress in recess and time running out, Republicans warned they would not return before the deadline, forcing the Senate to accept their proposal or face a shutdown. The bill, if passed, would only provide temporary funding until November 21. The last shutdown in March resulted from Republican refusal to negotiate over Trump’s budget cuts and layoffs.
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Police ramp up search for ‘Bloodstain’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has escalated its efforts to capture Courtney Ashley, alias ‘Bloodstain,’ the alleged leader of the Bottom Marverly Gang. Ashley, 40, is wanted for his involvement in multiple violent crimes, including murder and assault. His last known residence is Abby Close, Leas Flat, Red Hills in St Andrew.
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EU and Caribbean Export launch BRIDGE to accelerate MSME growth
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, has unveiled a groundbreaking facility to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Caribbean. Named the Building Resilient Innovation for Digital & Green Enterprises (BRIDGE) facility, the program provides co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 to help MSMEs adopt sustainable and digitally advanced business models. The initiative is strategically designed to address two critical priorities for the private sector: green transition and digital transformation. Through two distinct funding streams, MSMEs can secure financial support to accelerate their growth and competitiveness. The Green Transition stream offers co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 (covering 60% of project costs) for initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, blue economy, and green technologies. Meanwhile, the Digital Transformation stream provides up to EUR 50,000 (60% of project costs) for projects in e-commerce, business process automation, cybersecurity, digital products, and supply chain digitization. Beneficiaries are required to contribute at least 40% of project costs, ensuring a shared commitment to success and sustainability. Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, highlighted the transformative potential of BRIDGE, stating, ‘This initiative is about co-investing in the future of our businesses. By supporting green and digital transitions, we are enabling businesses to reduce costs, innovate, and access new export markets, ultimately fostering a more competitive and resilient Caribbean economy.’ Fiona Ramsey, the EU Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean States, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to supporting Caribbean businesses in achieving sustainability and digitalization. Applications for the BRIDGE facility are now open and will close on November 9, 2025. Eligible firms can access detailed guidelines, application forms, and budget templates on the Caribbean Export website.
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Spotify moves to tackle AI abuse with transparency measures
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 35-year-old taxi operator, Andre Catnott from Longwall, Stony Hill, has been formally charged with the trafficking of a 16-year-old girl. The case has drawn significant attention to the issue of human exploitation in the region. According to police reports, Catnott, who was working as a driver for a ride-share company in November 2024, encountered the teenager during one of his trips. Upon learning that she had run away from home, he allegedly offered her a modeling job at his massage company. This offer, however, turned out to be a ruse for exploitation. After exchanging contact information, the girl was reportedly coerced into performing sexual acts for money with various clients in the corporate area, with Catnott allegedly collecting the proceeds. The situation came to light in February 2025 when a family member located the teenager and reported the matter to the police, initiating an investigation. On September 17, officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) conducted a raid at Catnott’s residence, leading to his arrest. Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett emphasized the JCF’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals. ‘The Jamaica Constabulary Force is working tirelessly to locate and arrest individuals who exploit children and prey on the most vulnerable in our country,’ Barrett stated. ‘Public support and information on these individuals are crucial to our investigations; they must be brought to justice.’ The police have indicated that investigations into Catnott’s operations are ongoing, with efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved. Catnott was formally charged on Monday, September 22, and is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday, September 26, 2025. Authorities are urging members of the public with information about human trafficking or other organized crimes to contact C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or their nearest police station.