BOGOTA, Colombia—The Colombian government has formally requested the United States to cease its maritime strikes in the Pacific and Caribbean, which Washington claims are part of an anti-drug smuggling operation. The appeal follows a recent announcement by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding attacks on two alleged drug-running vessels in the Pacific, resulting in five fatalities. According to US figures, these strikes bring the total number of such operations to at least nine, with 37 casualties reported. Colombia’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Wednesday evening, urging the US to halt these actions and adhere to international law. The statement emphasized the government’s rejection of the destruction of a vessel allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean. The diplomatic tension escalated further as Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former US President Donald Trump exchanged heated remarks. Trump labeled Petro a ‘thug’ and accused him of leading Colombia to ruin, while Petro vowed to defend himself legally with American lawyers. The US also announced the suspension of military aid to Colombia, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling Petro a ‘lunatic.’ Colombia reiterated its call for diplomatic dialogue to continue the joint fight against drug trafficking in the region, a collaboration that has spanned decades.
标签： Jamaica
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#EyeOnMelissa: Higher electricity bills possible due to Melissa, warns JPS President
Hugh Grant, President and CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), has issued a stark warning about potential increases in electricity bills for Jamaicans as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. Speaking at a special press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday, Grant highlighted the challenges posed by the storm, which is expected to intensify into a hurricane by the weekend.
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#EyeOnMelissa: NWC says its ready for storm
The National Water Commission (NWC) has reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining uninterrupted water supply during and after Tropical Storm Melissa. Acting President Kevin Kerr emphasized the commission’s proactive measures during a press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday.
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Police corporal dies after Bog Walk crash
A fatal collision occurred in Bog Walk, St. Catherine, on Wednesday night, resulting in the death of a police officer. The victim has been identified as Corporal Nevada English, who was stationed at the Spanish Town Police Station in St. Catherine North. Details regarding the incident remain scarce, with authorities yet to disclose the exact circumstances leading to the crash. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information emerges. The community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer, and the police force has expressed its condolences to the family and colleagues of Corporal English.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Petrojam has enough fuel to ride out storm, says Vaz
As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has assured the public that the nation’s state-owned oil refinery, Petrojam, is fully prepared to meet the country’s fuel needs. Vaz confirmed that Petrojam has activated all emergency systems and maintains robust fuel reserves, including over two weeks’ worth of refined products and 10 days’ supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These measures are critical as the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to areas already saturated from weeks of persistent rain. Speaking at a special Jamaica House media briefing on Thursday morning, Vaz emphasized the importance of readiness and outlined additional steps to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability. Petrojam’s loading facilities in Kingston and Montego Bay will operate extended hours to facilitate pre-storm deliveries. Furthermore, Jamaica Aircraft Refueling Services has ensured ample stocks of jet fuel and aviation gasoline to maintain continuous aircraft refueling operations. The government’s proactive measures aim to mitigate potential disruptions and safeguard essential services during the storm.
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Colombian president accuses US of ‘executions’ in Caribbean, Pacific
In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions, Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro on Thursday intensified his criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s military strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific, while dismissing threats to cut millions in U.S. aid. Petro accused Trump of engaging in “extrajudicial executions” that violate international law, referring to the U.S. strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats. According to U.S. reports, these operations have destroyed nine vessels and claimed at least 37 lives, including a Colombian fisherman who Petro suggested may have turned to trafficking “intermittently” due to poverty. Trump retaliated by labeling Petro a “thug” and drug trafficker, announcing cuts to U.S. aid and threatening tariffs on Colombian goods. These measures, if implemented, could end decades of security cooperation aimed at curbing cocaine flow from Colombia, the world’s largest producer, to the U.S., its biggest consumer. Petro downplayed the impact of aid cuts, arguing that the funds primarily support U.S. NGOs and arms purchases. He also rejected Trump’s decision to blacklist Colombia as an “insult,” asserting that Colombia has been effective in combating cartels despite record cocaine production. Petro accused Trump of being misled by Colombia’s “far right” opponents, who he claimed aim to influence the 2026 presidential election and undermine Colombian progressivism. The rift has deepened with Colombia recalling its ambassador from Washington and calling for dialogue, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio branded Petro a “lunatic.”
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King Charles, Pope Leo pray together in historic first
In a landmark event bridging centuries of religious division, King Charles III of the United Kingdom participated in a public prayer service with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. This historic gathering, held on Thursday, marked the first time a reigning British monarch has prayed publicly with a pope since the 16th-century schism initiated by King Henry VIII. The 76-year-old monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla, joined the US-born pontiff for a 30-minute ceremony that seamlessly blended Catholic and Anglican traditions. The service, held beneath Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, symbolized a significant step toward reconciliation between the two Christian denominations. King Charles, who serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and Pope Leo, leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, underscored their shared commitment to environmental conservation during the event. The ceremony featured choirs from both the Sistine Chapel and Saint George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, further highlighting the unity of the occasion. The visit also comes amid renewed scrutiny of the British royal family, following Prince Andrew’s decision to relinquish his Duke of York title amid ongoing controversies.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Ministry of Labour gears up for storm
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has announced comprehensive preparations to mitigate the potential effects of Tropical Storm Melissa. Emphasizing the safety and welfare of its citizens, the ministry has implemented a coordinated response strategy across all 14 parishes. Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no individual is overlooked during disaster scenarios. He stated, ‘Our teams are fully prepared, equipped, and mobilized to address any needs that may arise.’
In preparation for the storm, all parish offices have been activated and are ready to handle emergencies. The Humanitarian Assistance Committee (HAC) has convened to finalize coordination among essential partners, while training sessions on the Jamaica Household Disaster Impact Needs Assessment (JHDINA) Lite tool are ongoing. Preemptive measures include the distribution of care packages and supplies to the parishes of St Thomas, Portland, and St Mary. Additionally, the ministry has bolstered its communication systems, ensuring swift contact with field officers through a Closed User Group (CUG) network, with each parish manager, administrator, and social worker assigned a mobile phone.
Minister Charles Jr. reassured the public, stating, ‘All mechanisms are in place to provide effective and timely assistance to those affected.’ The ministry is also collaborating with telecommunications partner Starlink to enhance connectivity during and after the storm. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, stay informed, and adhere to local authorities’ instructions as Jamaica braces for potential severe weather conditions associated with Tropical Storm Melissa.
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#EyeOnMelissa: ISSA calls off games due to approaching storm
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to an approaching weather disturbance across the Caribbean, the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) has decided to postpone all scheduled games for the remainder of the week. The announcement, made on Thursday, cited updates from the Meteorological Office as the basis for the decision.
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PNP calls on JLP to clarify reported US$201,500 payment from Cemex
The People’s National Party (PNP) has urged the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to provide immediate clarification regarding a reported payment of US$201,538 from Cemex, a Mexico-based company and parent of Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCC). The payment, initially disclosed in Cemex’s filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), was later omitted in an amended filing, raising questions about its nature and purpose.