In a significant development in Colombia, Nicolas Petro, the 39-year-old son of President Gustavo Petro, has been formally indicted on six corruption-related charges. The charges stem from his tenure as a lawmaker and include allegations of illicit enrichment, money laundering, embezzlement, and document forgery. The case centers on a state contract intended to support elderly citizens and children with disabilities, with prosecutors asserting that funds were misappropriated. This indictment follows his arrest in mid-2023, after which he was granted conditional release to prepare his defense. The initial allegations surfaced from his ex-wife, Daysuris Vasquez, who accused him of receiving illicit funds from Samuel Santander Lopesierra, a convicted drug trafficker in the United States. While Nicolas Petro admitted to receiving the money, he maintains it was unrelated to his father’s 2022 presidential campaign and insists President Petro was unaware of the transactions. The case has drawn international attention, particularly due to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusations against Gustavo Petro of drug trafficking and the imposition of financial sanctions on the Petro family. Nicolas Petro was notably absent from Monday’s court hearing, with his lawyer citing financial constraints caused by U.S. sanctions as the reason for his inability to attend.
标签： Jamaica
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WATCH: Taxi operators patch potholes on Red Hills Road
In a proactive move to address a pressing safety concern, a group of taxi operators in Kingston, Jamaica, took matters into their own hands on Sunday by repairing hazardous potholes near Calabar High School and Lees Food Fair. The operators emphasized that the deteriorating road conditions posed significant risks to both lives and property, particularly during peak traffic hours.
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Rapid clean water response
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which left many Jamaicans without access to clean water, Mission Mules, a Christian non-profit disaster response organization, has stepped in to provide a vital solution. The organization has deployed a reverse osmosis machine to purify water in Great Bay, near Treasure Beach in southern St Elizabeth. The machine, operational since Sunday, has been supplying thousands of gallons of purified water daily from a local pond that formed due to flooding caused by the hurricane. This initiative has become a lifeline for the community, especially after the nearby water pumping station’s generator was damaged during the Category 5 storm, leaving residents without a reliable water supply.
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USF deploys mobile Wi-Fi station in Hanover to support hurricane recovery
In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Universal Service Fund (USF) launched a mobile Wi-Fi and charging station in Montpelier, Hanover, on November 7. This initiative aims to restore critical connectivity for residents who have been cut off from communication since the hurricane struck on October 28. The USF’s community Wi-Fi infrastructure suffered extensive damage during the storm, prompting the agency to adopt Starlink Wi-Fi technology to bridge the digital gap in affected areas.
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US pledges additional US$10 million for Jamaica’s hurricane recovery
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States has announced an additional $10 million in aid to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. This latest contribution elevates the total financial assistance from the US Government to $22 million. The announcement was made by Jeremy Lewin, US Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, during a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Monday. Holness expressed profound gratitude, highlighting the US as one of the first international partners to respond swiftly after the disaster. He emphasized the critical role of US military assets, particularly heavy-lift helicopters, in reaching isolated communities during the initial relief operations. Preliminary estimates suggest the hurricane caused approximately $68 billion in damages, with assessments still ongoing. Holness stressed the necessity of sustained international support for Jamaica’s recovery, particularly in infrastructure investment, technology transfer, and commerce. Lewin reaffirmed the US commitment, noting that financial aid is just one aspect of their comprehensive support, which includes military personnel and search-and-rescue operations. He expressed confidence in Jamaica’s resilience and pledged continued assistance throughout the recovery process.
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CAPACITY TO COPE
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation in Jamaica nearly two weeks ago, particularly in the island’s western parishes, the question of when to resume sporting activities has ignited a national debate. While some argue that restarting events like the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) could restore a sense of normalcy and hope, others contend it is premature, given the physical and psychological toll on athletes, coaches, and communities. The JPL organizers have adopted a cautious approach, prioritizing the well-being of players and staff before considering a return to competition. Communication disruptions persist across much of the island, and several clubs, including Montego Bay United and Treasure Beach FC, report severe damage to their facilities and personal impacts on players. Beyond logistical challenges, the psychological aftermath of the disaster adds complexity. Dr. André Bateman, a clinical and sports psychologist, highlights the disproportionate impact on the western side of the island, where recovery efforts are more arduous. He emphasizes the importance of sensitivity in resuming sports, noting the psychological divide between those ready to move forward and those still grappling with loss. Athletes, even in less affected areas, may carry emotional burdens, including survivor’s guilt, which can hinder their performance. Bateman stresses the need for open communication and accessible mental health support, urging the Government and sporting authorities to provide resources like group therapy. While sports can serve as a therapeutic outlet for athletes, Bateman warns against using them as a distraction, which may exacerbate trauma. For now, the consensus among organizers leans toward patience and compassion, recognizing the delicate balance between recovery and the desire to return to normalcy.
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Water to return to Catherine Hall and West Green by Monday says Mayor
Residents of Catherine Hall and West Green in Montego Bay, Jamaica, can expect water to be restored to their taps by Monday, according to Mayor Richard Vernon. The National Water Commission (NWC) confirmed the timeline, attributing the delay to extensive infrastructure damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The storm necessitated significant repairs and technical interventions, which have now been completed.
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Unbreakable spirit
In a powerful display of resilience and commitment, Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, addressed travel advisors at the CruiseWorld conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last Thursday. Stewart emphasized Jamaica’s determination to recover and thrive following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. He urged the travel industry to continue promoting Jamaica and the Caribbean, highlighting tourism as a vital economic lifeline for the region. Stewart’s message was clear: Jamaica will emerge stronger from this setback.
Stewart, who also serves as Executive Chairman of the Jamaica Observer, revealed that the three Sandals resorts most severely impacted by the hurricane—Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast—are set to reopen by May 30, 2026, with enhanced facilities. Five other resorts, less affected, will resume operations by December 6. Stewart’s decision to attend the November 5-7 conference underscored his personal dedication to Jamaica’s recovery.
Sandals Resorts has already contributed $3 million to hurricane relief efforts and made its corporate aircraft hangar available for relief operations. Additionally, the Sandals Foundation donated $6 million worth of medical equipment to Bustamante Hospital for Children, enabling the facility to care for critically ill neonates and children transferred from hurricane-affected areas.
During the hurricane, Sandals provided free accommodations to guests until it was safe for them to return home. Stewart chartered a plane to transport 150,000 pounds of relief materials to Jamaica. At the conference, Gary Sadler, Executive Vice-President of Unique Vacations, joined Stewart in promoting Caribbean tourism, offering free trips to incentivize travel advisors to support the region’s recovery.
CruiseWorld, a premier event for the travel industry, fosters growth through educational workshops, networking, and product showcases. Stewart’s appearance and the initiatives announced at the event reflect a united effort to rebuild and strengthen Jamaica’s tourism sector.
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Cathy Matete takes Kenyan politicians to task in new song
In a bold artistic move, Kenyan singer Cathy Matete has channeled her frustration with political corruption and social injustice into her latest song, ‘We Won’t Be Silenced.’ Produced by Jamaican Garfield Cowan for Natures Way Entertainment, the track is set for release in November and is part of the Roots Rock Reggae compilation album, scheduled for early 2026. Matete’s powerful anthem reflects the growing disillusionment among Kenyans, particularly the youth, who feel betrayed by unfulfilled promises of jobs and empowerment. The song’s accompanying video further amplifies its message, critiquing the lack of accountability among Kenya’s political elite. Matete, who will perform at the Jamhuri Reggae Festival in Nairobi on November 29, describes the song as a declaration of resistance against silence and complacency. She also hints at upcoming projects exploring similar themes, signaling her commitment to using music as a platform for social commentary.
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‘Melissa, why you break Melissa leg?’
When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica two weeks ago, Melissa Hutchinson Malcolm found herself in an ironic and perilous situation. While attempting to secure her mother’s house in Jericho, Hanover, Hutchinson Malcolm broke her right leg as the storm ravaged the area. The house, which included an attached shop, collapsed, trapping her, her two sons, her mother, and three others. As they tried to escape, the hurricane lifted part of the shop, striking her foot and causing the injury. Despite the trauma, Hutchinson Malcolm found humor in the irony of being injured by a hurricane bearing her name. She expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, acknowledging that many others were not as fortunate. The 41-year-old chef, now temporarily unemployed due to the storm’s impact on the tourism industry, faces challenges in her recovery. She relies on crutches and a chair to move around her home, which is on an incline. Hutchinson Malcolm has appealed for assistance to cover transportation, food, and medical expenses. Her mother, Janet Gray, also shared her harrowing experience of losing her home and shop but remains hopeful about rebuilding. Gray emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, ‘While there is life, there is hope.’ Both women are thankful to be alive, despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.