In a significant escalation of his ongoing legal battles against political adversaries, former U.S. President Donald Trump has seen his long-time critic, former FBI Director James Comey, indicted on two criminal charges. The indictment, announced on Thursday, accuses Comey of making false statements and obstructing justice during his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and potential collusion with the Trump campaign. This development comes just days after Trump publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against Comey and other perceived enemies. Trump, who has repeatedly denounced Comey as ‘one of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to,’ celebrated the indictment. Federal prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, a former personal lawyer to Trump with no prior prosecutorial experience, stated that Comey could face up to five years in prison if convicted. The charges have sparked controversy, with critics alleging that the move is part of a broader pattern of Trump using legal mechanisms to target political opponents. Current FBI Director Kash Patel condemned the ‘politicization of law enforcement’ during the Russiagate investigation, calling it a ‘disgraceful chapter in history.’ The indictment also follows a series of aggressive actions by Trump against critics, including the removal of security clearances from former officials and the withdrawal of federal funding from universities. This latest legal maneuver underscores the deepening political divisions in the U.S. and raises questions about the impartiality of the justice system under Trump’s influence.
标签： Jamaica
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Bus stop brawl lands man in court
A heated morning dispute at the Barnett Street transport center in Montego Bay, Jamaica, resulted in a court appearance for Tavon Thompson on Wednesday. Thompson faced charges of assault causing bodily harm before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton at the St James Parish Court. The incident, which occurred on August 23 around 9:50 am, began when the complainant boarded a PPV bus where Thompson was seated. According to court documents, as the complainant passed Thompson, the latter allegedly raised his leg, causing the complainant to stumble over his foot. Thompson then reportedly pushed the complainant in the face. After the complainant took his seat, Thompson exited the bus and attempted to pull the complainant through the window, resulting in pain and swelling to the complainant’s right hand. A physical altercation ensued outside the bus, during which Thompson allegedly held the complainant in a necklock while gripping his left arm. The confrontation attracted a crowd, prompting nearby police officers to intervene. Both men were taken to the Barnett Street Police Station, where Thompson was arrested and charged. During the court proceedings, Thompson revealed that he had also filed a report against the complainant, though this matter was not addressed in court. Judge Fairclough-Hylton set the next hearing date for October 15, when the cross-case is expected to be reviewed. Thompson’s bail was extended until then.
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Taxi operator charged with child trafficking
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 35-year-old taxi operator, Andre Catnott from Longwall, Stony Hill, has been formally charged with the trafficking of a 16-year-old girl. The case, which has drawn significant attention, underscores the ongoing issue of human trafficking in the region. According to law enforcement officials, Catnott allegedly exploited the teenager after she ran away from home in November 2024. Posing as a driver for a ride-share company, he reportedly offered her a modeling job at his massage business, only to coerce her into engaging in sexual acts with clients for financial gain. Catnott is accused of managing these transactions and profiting from the exploitation. The teenager was eventually located by a family member in February 2025, leading to a formal police investigation. On September 17, officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) executed a raid on Catnott’s residence, resulting in his arrest. Acting Senior Superintendent Victor Barrett of C-TOC emphasized the force’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, stating, ‘The Jamaica Constabulary Force is working tirelessly to locate and arrest those who exploit children and prey on the most vulnerable in our country.’ Catnott was formally charged on September 22 and is set to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on September 26, 2025. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend additional individuals involved in the operation. The public is encouraged to report any information related to human trafficking or organized crime to C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or their nearest police station.
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Reggae North Music Awards set for this weekend
The second edition of the Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) is set to take place on September 28, 2024, at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. This year’s event features 37 categories, including Top Vocalist (male and female), Top Album/EP of The Year, and Top Entertainer of The Year. The awards were initiated last year by veteran singer Tony Anthony, who recognized the need for a dedicated platform to honor Canadian reggae artists following a brief controversy when the Juno Awards considered eliminating their reggae category in 2025. The RNMA aims to fill a historical gap in recognition for reggae and dancehall music in Canada. Leading the nominations is Juno reggae winner Exco Levi, who has secured 10 nods across various categories. Ammoye follows closely with seven nominations. A new category, Top Club/Party Reggae Dancehall DJ, has been introduced this year, generating significant buzz. Additionally, the event will honor reggae stalwarts Nana McLean and Carl ‘Grandmaster Rosa’ Green with Living Legends Awards, celebrating their contributions to the genre. Tony Anthony emphasized the importance of these awards in preserving the legacy of reggae in Canada, acknowledging the pioneers who paved the way for today’s artists. The event also highlights the rich history of Jamaican musicians who thrived in Canada during the 1970s and 1980s, a story chronicled in the 2024 documentary *Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in A Foreign Land* by Chris Flanagan and Graeme Mathieson.
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Trump warns of shutdown as White House threatens mass firings
President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Thursday, signaling the potential for a government shutdown as tensions escalate between the White House and congressional Democrats. The standoff centers on spending negotiations ahead of the September 30 fiscal deadline, after which critical federal services could face severe disruptions. Trump, in a candid remark from the Oval Office, accused Democrats of being ‘crazed’ and unprepared, further intensifying the political rift. The White House has escalated the confrontation by instructing government agencies to prepare for mass layoffs, a move that goes beyond the typical temporary furloughs during shutdowns. A memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed agencies to consider issuing Reduction in Force (RIF) notices to employees, adding to the strain on federal workers already impacted by earlier layoffs orchestrated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Democrats have firmly rejected Republican proposals, demanding the reversal of certain spending cuts and the extension of healthcare subsidies. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed the layoff threats, urging the White House to ‘get lost’ and accusing OMB chief Russ Vought of being ‘out of control.’ A shutdown would halt non-essential government operations and leave hundreds of thousands of civil servants temporarily unpaid. The White House blamed Democrats for ‘insane demands,’ accusing them of disrupting a decade-long bipartisan tradition of avoiding shutdowns. With both chambers of Congress in recess and senators not returning until Monday, the day before the deadline, the window for reaching a resolution is rapidly closing. House Republicans have warned they will not return before the deadline, leaving the Senate to either accept their proposal or face a shutdown. The proposed bill, if passed, would only provide temporary funding through November 21. This latest impasse echoes the March shutdown, which was resolved at the eleventh hour after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer backed a Republican-drafted proposal.
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‘Bullets, fire and fear’— Haiti is at war, its leader warns
In a stark address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, Laurent Saint-Cyr, head of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, declared the Caribbean nation “at war” with rampant gang violence. He urgently called for international assistance to quell the chaos that has engulfed the country, describing the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding on America’s doorstep. Saint-Cyr painted a grim picture of daily atrocities, including murders, rapes, and the destruction of neighborhoods, which have displaced over a million people and left countless lives shattered. Hospitals, he noted, are being vandalized or burned, forcing medical professionals to flee and leaving the population without essential care. The Haitian leader likened the situation to a modern-day Guernica, emphasizing the urgent need for global intervention. In 2023, the UN Security Council approved the Multinational Security Mission, led by Kenya, to address the crisis. However, the mission has struggled with inadequate resources, deploying only 1,000 personnel out of the planned 2,500. The United States has proposed expanding the force to over 5,500 police and military personnel to combat the gangs more effectively. Saint-Cyr endorsed this plan, warning that the crisis could destabilize the entire region. Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has long grappled with political instability and gang violence, which escalated dramatically in early 2024 when gangs forced then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.
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Former Miss Universe Jamaica finalist found dead amid mental health struggles
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization has expressed profound sorrow over the untimely death of Tyra Spaulding, a cherished finalist in the 2023 competition. The 26-year-old accountant was discovered at her residence on Tuesday evening, hanging from her bed frame with a pink curtain around her neck. Authorities are currently investigating the incident as a suspected suicide. In a heartfelt statement released on Thursday, the organization described Spaulding as more than just a contestant, highlighting her vibrant personality, intelligence, and inspiring nature. ‘Tyra’s grace and spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered,’ the statement read. The organization, along with reigning Miss Universe Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, and National Directors Mark McDermoth and Karl Williams, extended their deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loved ones. ‘We join them in mourning her loss and celebrating her extraordinary life and legacy. May she find eternal peace,’ the statement concluded. Spaulding was also known for her advocacy in mental health and suicide prevention, adding a poignant layer to this tragic event.
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Daley urges young Sunshine Girls to leave all on court vs Aussies
Jamaica’s Under-21 netball team, led by head coach Annett Daley, is gearing up for a challenging quarter-final clash against Australia in the World Netball Youth Cup (WNYC). The match, set to take place at the Europa Sports Complex in Gibraltar, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams. Australia, having topped Pool B, enters the game as a dominant force, while Jamaica, finishing second in Pool C, aims to showcase their resilience and skill. Daley has urged her players to focus on executing the basics—catching, passing, and driving—while maintaining confidence in their abilities. She emphasized the importance of not being intimidated by Australia’s reputation, reminding her team that self-belief is key to success. Despite a recent 33-64 loss to England, Daley remains optimistic, highlighting moments of potential during the match and encouraging her players to trust their skills. With Australia’s impressive WNYC track record—four titles and three runner-up finishes—the young Sunshine Girls face a tough but not insurmountable challenge. Daley’s message is clear: play hard, execute the fundamentals, and let the results speak for themselves.
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FOREX: $161.12 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the latest trading session on Thursday, September 25, the US dollar demonstrated a slight upward trend against the Jamaican dollar, closing at $161.12, an increase of eight cents, as reported by the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. Concurrently, the Canadian dollar also saw a notable rise, ending the day at $117.65, up from its previous close of $115.52. In contrast, the British pound experienced a minor decline, settling at $216.08, down from $216. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of foreign exchange markets and the varying performance of major currencies against the Jamaican dollar. The Bank of Jamaica continues to monitor these trends closely, providing essential data for investors and policymakers.
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Indecom investigating four deaths in three police shootings
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has launched probes into three separate fatal shooting incidents that occurred between Wednesday and Thursday, claiming the lives of four men. These incidents have further escalated concerns over police-related fatalities in the country.