In a significant escalation of U.S. efforts to combat drug trafficking, President Donald Trump has officially declared that the United States is in a state of ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels. This declaration was formalized in a notice sent to Congress, which was obtained by AFP on Thursday. The notice serves as a legal justification for recent military strikes in international waters off Venezuela, which resulted in the deaths of at least 14 individuals. The Trump administration has deployed multiple military vessels to the Caribbean Sea, intensifying its campaign against drug smugglers and further straining relations with Venezuela’s leftist President Nicolas Maduro. The Pentagon’s notice labeled drug cartels as ‘non-state armed groups’ and designated them as terrorist organizations, asserting that their actions constitute an armed attack against the United States. Suspected smugglers were also described as ‘unlawful combatants.’ While the White House maintains that these actions are lawful and necessary to protect national security, legal experts have questioned the legality of the strikes. Tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela have heightened, with Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino accusing the U.S. of provocations after detecting five U.S. fighter jets near its shores. Trump’s recent military deployment to the Caribbean, including 10 F-35 aircraft, eight warships, and a nuclear submarine, marks the largest such operation in the region in over three decades. Maduro has accused Trump of attempting to orchestrate a regime change in Venezuela.
标签： Jamaica
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Caribbean-American legislators blame Trump, Republicans for US gov’t shutdown
NEW YORK, United States (CMC) – Prominent Caribbean-American Democratic leaders have squarely placed the blame for the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown on President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Brooklyn representative and daughter of Jamaican immigrants, articulated the frustration felt by many in her community during a statement to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
Clarke accused the Trump administration of systematically undermining the nation’s affordability, equity, and core values since taking office. She described the government shutdown as the inevitable result of these efforts, emphasizing that the American public is fully aware of the Republicans’ control over the House, Senate, and White House. She stressed that the responsibility to fund the government lies with the majority party.
The congresswoman criticized the GOP for failing to engage in meaningful dialogue with Democratic leaders, instead resorting to divisive and racially charged rhetoric on social media. Clarke, who also chairs the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), vowed that Democrats would remain united in their opposition to Republican policies that threaten healthcare access and increase financial burdens on working families.
Clarke highlighted the healthcare crisis exacerbated by proposed cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, warning that Black communities would bear the brunt of these policies. She reiterated the CBC’s commitment to opposing any spending bill that jeopardizes healthcare for millions, eliminates federal jobs, or raises living costs for working-class Americans.
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Heat-related deaths in Spain up 88 per cent from last year
Spain has witnessed a staggering 87.6% increase in heat-related fatalities between May 16 and September 30, with the health ministry reporting 3,832 deaths. This sharp rise, compared to the same period in 2024, underscores the devastating impact of extreme temperatures on vulnerable populations. Nearly two-thirds of the victims were aged over 85, while almost 96% were above 65, highlighting the heightened risk for older adults. The figures, derived from Spain’s Mortality Monitoring System (MoMo), utilize statistical models to estimate deaths linked to heatwaves. MoMo tracks daily mortality trends and incorporates external factors, such as weather data from the national meteorological agency AEMET, to identify potential causes of mortality spikes. Although MoMo cannot definitively attribute deaths to heat, it provides the most reliable approximation of fatalities where high temperatures likely played a decisive role. This year, Spain endured its hottest summer since records began in 1961, with an average temperature of 24.2°C. Heatwaves persisted for 33 of the 90 summer days, including a 16-day event in August that triggered wildfires, claiming four lives and devastating vast areas of land. Scientists have repeatedly warned that human-induced climate change is intensifying global weather extremes. Notably, nine of Spain’s 10 hottest summers since 1961 have occurred in the 21st century. Similar trends were observed in Britain, Japan, and South Korea, which also experienced their hottest summers on record this year.
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Ammoye wins big at 2025 Reggae North Music Awards
The 2025 Reggae North Music Awards, held on September 28 at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, witnessed a stellar performance by Ammoye, who clinched two of the most prestigious awards: Entertainer of The Year and Female Vocalist of The Year. Originating from Halse Hall in Clarendon, Jamaica, Ammoye moved to Toronto as a teenager and has since been a multiple nominee for the Juno Award in the Reggae Recording of The Year category. The event also celebrated other luminaries of Canadian reggae, including Manchester-born Exco Levi, who won Album of The Year for his work ‘Born to Be Free,’ and Steele, who was honored as Male Vocalist of The Year. Inoah’s ‘Chosen’ and Blk Orchid’s ‘How Long’ were recognized as Reggae Single of The Year for male and female artists, respectively. This year marked the second edition of the Reggae North Music Awards, founded by Jamaican singer and music producer Tony Anthony in response to the Juno Awards’ initial decision to eliminate the reggae category, which was later reversed. The awards ceremony aims to bolster Canada’s reggae community by acknowledging its own talents. Additional accolades were bestowed upon Eyesus and Phenique as Male and Female DJ of The Year, Trueace and Tiffanie Malvo for their dancehall singles, and Skystar and Kae Music for their contributions to the trap/fusion genre. Neto Youth and Tim Dubb were celebrated as Songwriter and Producer of The Year, respectively, while Inoah took home the Video of The Year award. The event also honored Carl ‘Grandmaster Rosa’ Green and Nana McLean with the Living Legend Award, presented by the Consul General of Jamaica, Kurt Davis. The evening concluded with a performance by Kairo Mclean and a special citation from Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown to Reggae North President Mark ‘Tony Anthony’ Bennett.
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Billboard charting DJ Walshy Fire joins Xodus Wet Fete Music Fest lineup
Renowned DJ and producer Walsh Fire, a key member of the multi-platinum EDM group Major Lazer, has been confirmed as part of the star-studded lineup for the upcoming Xodus Wet Music Festival. Scheduled for this Saturday, the event will take place at the Kingston Waterfront from 4:00 am to 11:00 am, marking the grand opening of Jamaica’s 2026 carnival season.
Pierre Goubault, CEO of Xodus Carnival, expressed his excitement about Walsh Fire’s participation, highlighting his global influence in blending soca, dancehall, reggae, and house music. Goubault promised an unforgettable experience, featuring special remixes, dub plates, and new releases. The festival will also include paint, powder, water, foam, and an electrifying mix of soca music, making it a multi-sensory extravaganza.
Carlos Phillpotts, the festival director, emphasized that Xodus Wet is more than just a music festival—it’s a full-blown sensory escape. This year’s event aims to push boundaries with immersive experiences, top-tier performances, and water-infused vibes. Headliners include Trinidadian soca stars Bunji Garlin and GBM Nutron, alongside a stellar lineup of international and local DJs such as Jus Jay, Major Penny, Nocturnal Sound, Tony X, Zess, Rico the DJ, Franco, and Brush 1.
Phillpotts described the festival as a fusion of music, culture, and freedom, urging attendees to bring their coolers, crew, and enthusiasm for an unforgettable experience. Sponsors like Wata, KFC, and Chas E Ramson will enhance the event with their offerings. With fog cannons, drones, and new activations from title sponsor Campari, Goubault confidently declared this festival as the most epic event of the decade.
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Mt Pleasant FC to meet Defence Force in two-way Concacaf semis
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The semifinal matchups for the Concacaf Caribbean Cup have been finalized, with Jamaica’s Mt Pleasant FA set to clash against Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force FC. The announcement came a day after the conclusion of the group stages on Wednesday. Mt Pleasant FA secured their spot by dominating Group A, amassing a flawless 12 points from four victories without conceding a single goal. Meanwhile, Defence Force FC emerged as Group B runners-up with seven points, narrowly surpassing Barbadian team Weymouth Wales on goal difference. Their qualification was sealed with a decisive 2-0 victory over group leaders Cibao FC in the Dominican Republic. The first leg of the semifinal will take place on October 22 in Trinidad, followed by the return leg in Kingston on October 29. In the other semifinal, Dominican Republic clubs O&M FC and Cibao FC will face off on October 23 and 30 to determine the second finalist. Notably, defending champions Cavalier SC of Jamaica, who had reached the previous two finals, were eliminated in the group stages this year.
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Jamaican woman faces 13 felony charges in US over car theft scheme
In a startling case of insider involvement in organized crime, a 24-year-old Jamaican woman, Savannah Harsha Phillips, is confronting 13 felony charges for her alleged role in a car theft ring targeting Hertz vehicles at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Phillips, who previously worked as a security guard at the airport’s car rental center, is accused of conspiring with three men to steal a dozen vehicles from Hertz.
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Whitmore demands more from Mt Pleasant despite Carib Cup semi berth
Mount Pleasant Football Academy has emerged as a formidable contender in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, securing a flawless group stage performance with a 2-0 victory over O&M of the Dominican Republic. Despite this achievement, Head Coach Theodore Whitmore remains focused on the challenges ahead as the team aims for its first championship title. The St Ann-based club finished Group A with a perfect record of 12 points, six clear of their closest rivals, thanks to goals from Gadail Irving and Ranaldo Biggs. This marks a significant turnaround for the 2023 Jamaica Premier League champions, who struggled in their debut 2024 tournament. Whitmore praised his team’s professionalism and defensive solidity, having not conceded a goal in their last four matches. However, he emphasized the need for continuous improvement and consistency as they prepare for the semi-finals, set to begin on October 21. Whitmore highlighted the importance of squad management, particularly with the team competing in both local and regional tournaments. Mount Pleasant joins defending champions Cavalier FC and Harbour View as the third Jamaican team to reach the Caribbean Cup semi-finals, underscoring their growing dominance in regional football.
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Angus Young promoted to executive VP of NCB corporate banking and investment
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited (NCBJ) has announced the promotion of Angus Young to the position of executive vice president, corporate and investment banking. Young, who will retain his role as CEO of NCB Capital Markets Limited, will now also oversee the bank’s corporate banking division. This consolidation aims to enhance client experiences and amplify the bank’s capacity to deliver scalable solutions.
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Cowan receives Mountain Masters award
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Tommy Cowan, a celebrated singer, songwriter, and producer, was bestowed with the Mountain Masters Award at the Kingdom Keepers Association’s Pinnacle Conference & Awards Ceremony. The accolade recognized his enduring contributions to the arts and entertainment industry over six decades. The event, held on September 20 at the Shortwood Teachers’ College Auditorium, featured notable speakers such as Pastor Christopher Morgan and Dr. Lance Wallnau.