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  • Trump launches ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos

    Trump launches ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos

    DAVOS, Switzerland — U.S. President Donald Trump formally inaugurated the “Board of Peace” during a high-profile signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum on Thursday. The newly established international body, which requires a $1 billion fee for permanent membership, has already drawn significant criticism over its funding model and controversial list of participant nations.

    Leaders and senior officials from 19 countries joined Trump on stage for the charter signing, including staunch allies such as Argentina’s Javier Milei and Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Trump, who serves as the board’s chairman, remarked that the assembled leaders were “in most cases very popular leaders, some cases not so popular,” acknowledging the divisive nature of some invitations.

    Originally conceived to oversee post-war peace efforts in Gaza following the Hamas-Israel conflict, the board’s charter now envisions a broader mandate in international conflict resolution. This expansion has raised concerns among diplomatic circles that Trump intends to position the organization as a potential rival to the United Nations, though Trump emphasized the board would operate “in conjunction” with the UN.

    The membership criteria have proven particularly contentious. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the invasion of Ukraine four years ago, has received an invitation to join. Trump confirmed Putin’s agreement to participate, while the Kremlin stated the invitation remains under consideration. The $1 billion membership requirement has prompted accusations that the board could become a “pay-to-play” version of the UN Security Council.

    Notable absences marked the ceremony, with key U.S. allies including the United Kingdom and France declining to attend. British officials confirmed their non-participation earlier Thursday, reflecting widespread skepticism among traditional Western partners.

    The signing nations predominantly represented governments with close ties to Trump or those seeking to demonstrate allegiance to the U.S. administration. Participants included officials from Bahrain, Morocco, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to the Gaza conflict, affirmed his intention to join despite not attending the ceremony. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the board’s initial focus would be “first and foremost on making sure that this peace deal in Gaza becomes enduring.” Trump delivered a stern warning that Hamas must disarm under the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire accord or face elimination.

    The board’s launch coincides with Trump’s expressed frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his claims of having ended eight conflicts during his presidency.

    In related diplomatic developments, Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos following the ceremony to discuss ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff revealed that talks with Moscow have made “a lot of progress” and have been narrowed to “one issue,” though he declined to specify the nature of this remaining obstacle. Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Moscow for further discussions before proceeding to Abu Dhabi for military-to-military talks.

    Zelensky has expressed concerns that Trump’s highly publicized effort to acquire Greenland—which has dominated Davos discussions and strained transatlantic relations—might divert attention from Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. In a significant development, Trump announced Wednesday evening that he had reached a “framework of a future deal” with NATO chief Mark Rutte, resulting in the waiver of tariffs scheduled to hit European allies on February 1. Although details remain scarce, sources indicate the agreement will involve renegotiation of a 1951 Greenland defense pact.

  • West Indies under-19 through to Super Six

    West Indies under-19 through to Super Six

    In a commanding display of cricket, the West Indies Under-19 team secured their place in the Super Six phase of the ICC Cricket World Cup with a decisive 55-run victory against South Africa. The match, held at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia, showcased exceptional individual performances that propelled the Caribbean side forward.

    Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, the West Indies posted a competitive total of 234 runs in 47.5 overs. The innings was masterfully anchored by Zachary Carter, who delivered a spectacular Man-of-the-Match performance. Carter’s magnificent 114 runs came off just 109 deliveries, featuring a powerful display of 8 sixes and 8 fours, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 109 percent.

    Carter received valuable support from Jonathan Van Lange (29 runs) and Joshua Dorne (20 runs), though the middle order experienced a brief collapse with three quick wickets falling at 115 runs. South Africa’s JJ Bason emerged as the most successful bowler with remarkable figures of 5-23, while Jason Rowles contributed with 2-44.

    The second half of the match witnessed an equally dominant performance from the West Indies bowling attack. Speedster Shaquan Belle delivered a devastating spell, claiming 6-40 and dismantling the South African batting lineup. He received support from Jakeen Pollard (1-19) and Isra-El Morton (1-27) as the team bowled out their opponents for 179 runs.

    The victory places West Indies second in Group D with four points from three matches, trailing behind undefeated Afghanistan who lead with six points. South Africa remains third with two points, while Tanzania concludes the group stage without points. The West Indies will next face Ireland on Sunday, January 25th, in their second Super Six stage encounter.

  • World Cup winner Hernandez faces human trafficking probe

    World Cup winner Hernandez faces human trafficking probe

    French judicial authorities have launched a formal investigation into World Cup-winning footballer Lucas Hernandez following serious allegations of human trafficking and illegal employment practices involving domestic staff from Colombia. The Paris Saint-Germain defender and his wife are at the center of a case that alleges exploitation of workers within their household.

    According to Versailles prosecutors, the investigation stems from claims made by members of a Colombian family employed by the Hernandez household. The employees assert they were subjected to excessively long working hours without proper rest periods or vacation time, all while lacking the legally required documentation for their employment in France.

    Legal representative Lola Dubois, representing the Colombian family, characterized the situation as a case of “modern slavery,” emphasizing the economic vulnerability of her clients. Dubois revealed that formal work contracts were only established approximately one year after the family commenced their employment, raising significant legal concerns regarding backdated documentation.

    The 29-year-old athlete and his spouse, Victoria Triay, have responded to the allegations with claims of being manipulated and betrayed by the very family they employed. In an official statement, the couple expressed shock and disappointment, stating: “These people shared our life with us with respect and dignity. We feel our trust has been profoundly violated in this matter, which is now being handled through the appropriate legal channels.”

    Hernandez, who played a crucial role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, now faces potential legal consequences as the investigation progresses. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of domestic workers in high-profile households and the responsibilities of employers regarding legal employment practices.

  • NATO chief cannot negotiate for Denmark on Greenland — Danish gov’t

    NATO chief cannot negotiate for Denmark on Greenland — Danish gov’t

    COPENHAGEN (AFP)—The Danish government issued a firm rebuttal on Thursday regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of a negotiated ‘framework’ concerning Greenland, explicitly stating that NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte possesses no authority to negotiate on Denmark’s behalf. This declaration came just one day after Trump announced he had abandoned earlier threats to forcibly acquire the autonomous Danish territory and instead reached a preliminary agreement following discussions with Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

    Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized the nation’s position in a televised statement, clarifying, ‘The position of Denmark and that of Greenland are the same, and no negotiations were held yesterday with NATO about our sovereignty.’ She reiterated that sovereignty is non-negotiable, asserting that only the governments of Denmark and Greenland itself are empowered to make decisions concerning their territory.

    While details of the discussed arrangement remain undisclosed, a source familiar with the Trump-Rutte dialogue revealed that the United States and Denmark are set to renegotiate a longstanding 1951 defense pact pertaining to Greenland. The same source confirmed that the highly sensitive topic of placing U.S. military bases on the island under American sovereignty was not part of the discussions.

    Echoing the Prime Minister’s sentiments, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen took to social media to affirm that Rutte ‘cannot negotiate an agreement on behalf of Denmark or Greenland.’ Despite this, Poulsen acknowledged Rutte’s ‘loyal work to maintain unity within NATO’ and described it as ‘very positive’ that the alliance is seeking to enhance Arctic security measures. He concluded with a definitive national stance: ‘We have a clear red line. We will not cede sovereignty over parts of the kingdom.’

  • Venezuela moves to liberalize oil sector, in boost for Trump

    Venezuela moves to liberalize oil sector, in boost for Trump

    Venezuela’s National Assembly has initiated legislative proceedings to dismantle the state’s monopoly on its oil industry, marking a dramatic reversal from two decades of socialist energy policy. The proposed legislation would permit privately-owned companies registered in Venezuela to conduct independent oil exploration and extraction operations without mandatory partnerships with state-owned PDVSA.

    This transformative shift follows the January 3rd ouster of socialist leader Nicolás Maduro, whose government maintained rigid state control over the country’s vast petroleum resources. The legislation is being advanced under the leadership of acting president Delcy Rodríguez, who served as Maduro’s vice president but has rapidly moved to normalize relations with the United States.

    In a significant demonstration of warming diplomatic ties, the United States has appointed Laura F. Dogu, a seasoned diplomat with experience as ambassador to Nicaragua and Honduras, as charge d’affaires to Venezuela. This appointment signals the potential restoration of full diplomatic relations, which were severed following Maduro’s disputed 2019 reelection.

    The Rodríguez administration has already taken concrete economic measures, injecting $300 million from a U.S.-brokered oil sale to stabilize the collapsing bolivar currency. While this initial intervention temporarily strengthened the national currency, economists emphasize that sustained economic recovery will require substantial foreign investment and continuous dollar inflows.

    Concurrently, the new government has begun addressing human rights concerns by releasing dozens of political prisoners, including the son-in-law of opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, who was serving a 30-year sentence on terrorism charges. These actions appear designed to garner domestic support and international legitimacy following years of economic collapse and political repression under Maduro.

    The geopolitical implications extend beyond Venezuela, with the Trump administration leveraging the situation to increase pressure on Cuba by threatening to cut off the island nation’s access to subsidized Venezuelan oil that has sustained its economy for years.

  • Vusi Thembekwayo sets the tone at Sagicor’s annual ‘Blast Off’ event

    Vusi Thembekwayo sets the tone at Sagicor’s annual ‘Blast Off’ event

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Sagicor Group Jamaica convened its largest corporate assembly since 2018, drawing more than 2,500 employees to the National Indoor Sports Centre on January 14 for its annual “Blast Off” event. The gathering, orchestrated under the unifying banner “One Sagicor: One Team, One Future,” served as a powerful demonstration of the financial conglomerate’s expansive growth and deepening internal cohesion across its diverse business divisions, establishing a resolutely ambitious trajectory for the year 2026.

    Christopher Zacca, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sagicor Group Jamaica, addressed the assembled workforce, emphasizing the critical importance of organizational alignment and shared accountability in driving future success. “Blast Off 2026 fundamentally serves to reinforce that our collective strength is rooted in our unity,” Zacca stated. He elaborated that while the specific challenges of the coming year remain uncertain, the company’s fortified collaborative spirit, disciplined execution, and mutual support would be the definitive factors navigating the organization forward.

    Zacca further outlined Sagicor’s dual-focused mandate for the year, which integrates robust commercial performance with sustained humanitarian efforts directed at communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa in October of the previous year. This commitment, he affirmed, is guided by the company’s core philosophical principles and its enduring dedication to fostering national and regional development throughout Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

    The event featured a keynote presentation by Vusi Thembekwayo, the internationally recognized entrepreneur and business strategist, who galvanized attendees with a call to embrace bold thinking and decisive action. Thembekwayo posited that truly successful enterprises are built by individuals who hold themselves accountable for concrete results, not merely their exertion of effort. He expressed strong confidence in the Sagicor team’s appetite for growth and their inherent capability to emerge as a regional leader.

    Andre Mousseau, President and CEO of parent company Sagicor Financial Company, utilized the platform to underscore the strategic significance of the recently announced merger consolidating the firm’s Caribbean operations. This transformative corporate restructuring, first disclosed on December 16, will amalgamate Sagicor Life Inc. and Sagicor Group Jamaica under a new singular holding architecture named Sagicor Group Caribbean (SGC). Pending necessary regulatory consents, this new entity—envisioned as a diversified financial services powerhouse offering integrated insurance, banking, and wealth management products—is slated for listing on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Company leadership anticipates the merger will catalyze enhanced collaboration, accelerate professional development, and facilitate greater mobility for talent across the region.

  • Japan suspends restart of world’s biggest nuclear plant

    Japan suspends restart of world’s biggest nuclear plant

    TOKYO — Japan’s ambitious plan to recommission the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear facility, the world’s largest atomic power station by capacity, encountered a significant setback Thursday when technical complications forced an indefinite suspension of reactor operations.

    The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which operates the Niigata prefecture-based plant, confirmed that an alarm from the monitoring system activated during reactor startup procedures, prompting immediate suspension of the restart process. This development comes just one day after operations commenced following final regulatory approval from Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority.

    Site superintendent Takeyuki Inagaki acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “We don’t anticipate resolution within a day or two. The timeline for identifying and addressing the underlying cause remains uncertain at present.” The company has prioritized comprehensive investigation into the malfunctioning electrical equipment that triggered the alarm.

    According to TEPCO spokesman Takashi Kobayashi, control rods were systematically reinserted into the reactor core once it became apparent that resolving the technical issue would require substantial time. Kobayashi emphasized that “the reactor maintains stable conditions with no detectable radioactive emissions beyond facility boundaries.”

    This incident represents the second technical delay in the plant’s planned reactivation. The initial restart scheduled for Tuesday was postponed due to complications with control rod removal detected last weekend, though those issues were reportedly resolved by Sunday.

    The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility, boasting seven reactors with combined capacity of 8.2 gigawatts, has remained inactive since Japan’s nationwide nuclear shutdown following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi catastrophe. The current restart effort involves bringing just one reactor back online initially.

    Japan’s push to revive nuclear energy stems from multiple factors: the nation’s resource scarcity, carbon neutrality objectives by 2050, and escalating energy demands driven partly by artificial intelligence infrastructure requirements. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa restart marks TEPCO’s first nuclear reactivation since the Fukushima disaster, which the company also operated.

    Public sentiment in Niigata remains sharply divided regarding the plant’s reactivation. A September survey revealed approximately 60% of local residents oppose the restart, while 37% support it. Opposition groups have highlighted seismic concerns, noting the facility’s location on an active fault zone and referencing damage sustained during a 2007 earthquake. Earlier this month, seven activist organizations submitted a petition with nearly 40,000 signatures to regulatory authorities questioning the plant’s safety preparedness.

  • ‘Puppy love’: Man helps to rescue canines from Kingston gully

    ‘Puppy love’: Man helps to rescue canines from Kingston gully

    A routine drive through Kingston’s Industrial Terrace transformed into a rescue mission for local resident Leon Anderson on Wednesday after he discovered a litter of puppies in imminent danger. The animals were found clinging precariously to the eroding bank of a gully, with several already having fallen into the trench below.

    Anderson immediately stopped to assess the situation, realizing that while he could assist the puppies on the bank, those in the gully required professional rescue equipment. His subsequent call to police was met with dismissal, as officers reportedly told him he was ‘wasting their time.’ Undeterred, Anderson contacted the fire brigade, remaining on scene to monitor the vulnerable animals as they faced exposure to garbage, polluted water, and intense heat.

    The delayed response culminated in a successful rescue operation by firefighters, who employed a ladder and reinforced cardboard box to retrieve all puppies from the hazardous environment. Anderson expressed particular frustration with the police response, noting that even a referral to emergency services could have accelerated the rescue.

    In an unexpected development, Anderson assumed responsibility for the entire litter despite initially planning to adopt only two. His decision was guided by personal principles and his wife’s affection for dogs, with confidence that all puppies would receive loving care in their household.

  • ‘I Love Hip Hop’ connects with music fans in Kingston party scene

    ‘I Love Hip Hop’ connects with music fans in Kingston party scene

    Kingston’s music scene has enthusiastically embraced ‘I Love Hip Hop,’ a groundbreaking weekly celebration that honors the rich tapestry and enduring legacy of hip hop culture. Every Thursday evening, Jangas Soundbar in New Kingston transforms into a vibrant hub where enthusiasts gather to immerse themselves in the genre’s evolutionary journey.

    The event showcases an eclectic mix of musical eras, from the golden age of 1990s emcees to contemporary rap innovations. Attendees enthusiastically recreate iconic dance moves including ‘Crank That (Soulja Boy),’ ‘Walk It Out,’ and ‘The Wobble’ from the 2000s alongside synchronized line dances like the ‘Cha Cha Slide.’ The atmosphere buzzes with energy as participants demonstrate classic techniques such as the ‘Stanky Legg’ and ‘Lean Back.’

    Founded on December 4, 2025, by visionary organizer Tricia Stone in partnership with Starcore Productions, the series has rapidly evolved into a cultural institution. Stone describes the initiative as emerging from ‘a deep-rooted passion for hip-hop and its lasting cultural impact.’ She emphasizes, ‘My love for hip-hop runs deep, and it felt only fitting to create a space where that passion could be shared. I Love Hip Hop is more than an event—it’s a movement rooted in culture, connection, and evolution.’

    The carefully curated experience merges classic hip-hop sounds with contemporary nightlife aesthetics, attracting a diverse and dedicated audience. The event features an impressive rotation of talented DJs including Marc Chin of CopperShot, DJ Narity, and DJ Delano, each contributing their distinctive auditory signature. January’s lineup has particularly impressed attendees with standout performances from Sanjay and Delano, who made a memorable return alongside his son, DJ 3D. The month concludes with emerging talent Kevi Kinetic and resident DJ Bishop from Starcore Productions.

    Audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, with patrons consistently praising the event’s energetic atmosphere, musical selection, and communal vibe. The series has developed a loyal following, with many attendees incorporating it into their weekly routines. Stone notes the encouraging mix of regular enthusiasts and new participants each week, indicating the event’s growing appeal within Kingston’s nightlife landscape. While currently hosted at Jangas Soundbar, organizers envision expanding the movement to reflect hip-hop’s continuously evolving nature.

  • Spanish hotel group commits to helping Jamaica recover stronger from Melissa

    Spanish hotel group commits to helping Jamaica recover stronger from Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s tourism sector has initiated a strategic partnership with Spanish hospitality conglomerate Inverotel to accelerate post-hurricane recovery and enhance global market competitiveness. The landmark discussions occurred during the FITUR international tourism fair in Spain on Wednesday, marking a significant development in cross-continental tourism collaboration.

    Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett characterized the alliance as essential for rebuilding traveler confidence and stimulating demand across key source markets. “This recovery requires all available resources,” Bartlett stated. “We particularly welcome Inverotel’s support in highlighting Jamaica’s diverse offerings spanning resort tourism, cultural experiences, and gastronomic excellence.”

    The negotiations centered on developing integrated promotional strategies, facilitating knowledge exchange, and implementing coordinated marketing initiatives. These efforts are designed to reinforce Jamaica’s status as a premier Caribbean destination amid ongoing recovery challenges.

    Bartlett emphasized the partnership’s significance, noting: “Genuine partnerships reveal themselves during difficult periods. Inverotel has demonstrated unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s tourism sector, for which we extend our heartfelt appreciation.”

    Inverotel, which operates approximately 100,000 hotel rooms across the Americas and Caribbean, reaffirmed its substantial commitment to Jamaica’s tourism resilience. The group emphasized that collaborative marketing between public and private entities remains crucial for achieving sustainable industry recovery.

    Tourism Director Donovan White welcomed the development as strategically timed. “By synchronizing marketing approaches and utilizing international networks,” White explained, “we can accelerate recovery while establishing foundations for prolonged growth. This collaboration becomes particularly vital as we intensify destination marketing efforts.”

    White highlighted Jamaica’s continued importance to Spanish hotel investors, noting billions of dollars in committed investments encompassing new hotel infrastructure, worker welfare programs, housing initiatives, training schemes, and strategies to increase local procurement that will bolster both economic and tourism sustainability.