标签： Jamaica

In a significant political development, the US House of Representatives is set to vote on Tuesday for the release of government records related to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender whose case has sparked widespread controversy. This move comes despite initial resistance from President Donald Trump, who had sought to suppress the documents. However, mounting pressure from within his own party has forced a reversal of his stance. The Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the publication of unclassified documents detailing the investigation into Epstein’s operations and his 2019 death in custody, is expected to pass, potentially unanimously. Lawmakers argue that the public deserves transparency in a case involving over 1,000 alleged victims. Trump has claimed the files will expose powerful Democrats’ ties to Epstein, but his own long-standing friendship with the financier has drawn scrutiny. While the House vote appears decisive, the Justice Department retains the authority to withhold information if it jeopardizes an active investigation. The saga has revealed rare divisions within the Republican Party, with some members defying Trump to push for the release. Epstein survivors have expressed skepticism about the president’s motives, emphasizing the need for accountability. The case continues to cast a shadow over Washington, with potential revelations likely to fuel further political and public debate.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC)—Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on the United States to address its ongoing tensions with Venezuela through diplomatic channels, emphasizing the Caribbean’s commitment to maintaining peace in the region. Browne’s appeal comes in response to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who hinted at decisive action regarding Venezuela following extensive briefings and a significant military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the USS Gerald Forde, the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Browne urged, “We encourage President Trump to resolve the differences between the US and Venezuela through diplomacy and dialogue. Let’s continue to preserve our hemisphere as a zone of peace.” This sentiment echoes the Caribbean Community (Caricom)’s recent declaration, which reaffirmed the region’s stance as a Zone of Peace, advocating for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. Caricom leaders, with the exception of Trinidad and Tobago, unanimously supported this principle during a meeting last month. Additionally, Caricom foreign ministers have previously expressed concerns to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting assurances that any military action against Venezuela would not destabilize the region and would involve prior consultation. Meanwhile, the US has intensified its military presence in the Caribbean, deploying an amphibious squadron, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, and reconnaissance aircraft as part of efforts to combat drug cartels in Latin America. Venezuela has responded by mobilizing troops along its borders, citing perceived threats from the US.