CARIBBEAN

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — United States (US) President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order creating a voluntary framework under which AI developers will share advanced models with the government before public release.The central provision allows companies such as OpenAI, Google or Anthropic to give the government access to their most powerful models for up to 30 days before planned release.The order was triggered by concerns over Anthropic's Mythos model, which the AI […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Science, Technology and Digital Transformation, Christopher Brown, is sounding the alarm about the future of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, whose employees are facing increasing threats from artificial intelligence (AI).Thousands of Jamaicans are employed in the sector.Brown gave the warning and accused the Government of being reactive during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.The […]

The long-awaited Integrity Commission report into the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, uncovering concerns about database records, ammunition inventory controls and information management practices at the agency.The report, officially titled the "Investigation Concerning Allegations of Corruption, Impropriety and Irregularity at the Firearm Licensing Authority", became the subject of intense political controversy in recent weeks after Opposition members […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica — With the increasing frequency of natural disasters and their devastating consequences, Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Dayton Campbell, is calling for the establishment of a permanent Agricultural and Fisheries Disaster Recovery Fund that would help farmers and fisherfolk bounce back more quickly from the natural phenomena.“This fund should not be created after every hurricane, flood, drought, or major weather event. It should not depend on hurried […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr Andrew Wheatley has announced that he will be seeking Cabinet approval for the setting up of a “House of Innovation” to convert knowledge, research, and innovation into national development outcomes.He said this would be the blueprint to drive innovation in Jamaica over the next decade.Wheatley made the announcement Tuesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.“I am […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Local law practice TWP Attorneys-at-Law has launched its inaugural “Lunch and Learn” Initiative, a professional development programme designed to foster mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful engagement between senior and junior attorneys.In a statement, TWP indicated that the initiative was developed in response to the growing need for structured mentorship opportunities within the legal profession.Drawing on observations from local practice and successful […]

Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Dayton Campbell has argued that despite some progress, too many farmers and fisherfolk are still struggling to survive.Campbell made the argument Tuesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.“The Government has presented several figures to show growth and activity in the agriculture sector. I will not deny that work has been done in some areas. I will not deny that some progress has been made. I […]

Legendary R&B singer Peabo Bryson, known for songs including A Whole New World from Aladdin,  passed away on Tuesday, according to a statement shared by his family.“He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 pm ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him,” the statement indicated.Born Robert Peapo Bryson, the singer died less than a month after his 75th birthdayHis death follows news on Sunday that the singer had suffered a […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Six Jamaicans, including Olympic Games men’s discus record holder Roje Stona and former Commonwealth Games women’s shot put gold medalist Danniel Thomas-Dodd, are set to take part in Wednesday’s 2026 Paavo Nurmi Games, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting in Turku, Finland.In form 400m hurdler Assine Wilson, as well as long jumpers Ackelia Smith and Nia Robinson, and high jumper Lamara Distin, are also set to compete.Stona is set to go up against the top […]

PARIS, France (AFP) -- French lawmakers on Tuesday recognised the state's partial responsibility in allowing a toxic pesticide to be used in the French West Indies despite health warnings, inflicting long-term harm on the islands and their people.Chlordecone, also known under the brand name Kepone, is a pesticide that was widely used to eliminate weevils in banana plantations in France's former colonies turned overseas territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique from 1972 until 1993.France banned […]

Taxi fares have now been officially raised, but some Corporate Area taxi drivers were informally charging passengers higher fares in the face of rising operating costs, ahead of the announcement of a staggered fare hike for drivers by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz on Tuesday.The long-delayed 16 per cent rate increase owed to public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators by the Government since 2023 was officially approved in two batches of eight per cent over June and July 2026.But some cabbies told […]

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The Trump administration on Tuesday formally appealed a judge's order for refunds of the United States (US) president's global tariffs after they were struck down by the Supreme Court earlier this year.At stake is some $166 billion in revenue. A refund system handled by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has already begun to process repayments.Last month, the CBP said in a court filing that it was on track to process about $85 billion in repayments, with […]

WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on Tuesday said that there has been a sustained increase in measles cases both globally and across the Americas as the world prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 184,489 measles cases were reported in 155 member states between January 1 and May 13, this year, of which 100,239 or 54.3  per cent had been […]

HAVANA, Cuba (AFP) — With a United States (US) deadline to sever ties with Cuba's military conglomerate GAESA fast approaching, foreign companies had by Tuesday vastly reduced their presence on the island.The departures are wreaking havoc on Cuba's already devastated economy, as the island creaks under the weight of an energy blockade imposed in January by the United States, which has piled on further sanctions since then.As President Donald Trump openly muses about seizing control of the […]

ISTANBUL, Turkey (AFP) — Turkey on Tuesday expressed alarm over a weekend gig by Kanye West in Istanbul attended by nearly 120,000 fans, saying it included elements that offended its spiritual sensitivities.The United States (US) rapper has had shows banned in several European venues over his antisemitic remarks, but Muslim-majority Turkey's objections were focused elsewhere.In a post on X, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's chief advisor Oktay Saral said the show featured "rhetoric and symbols […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The United States (US) dollar on Tuesday, June 2, ended trading at $158.77, up 33 cents, according to the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary.Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar ended trading at $115.51, up from $114.47, and the British pound at $214.84, up from $211.34.

PARIS, France (AFP) — French lawmakers on Tuesday recognised the state's partial responsibility in allowing a toxic pesticide to be used in the French West Indies despite health warnings, inflicting long-term harm on the islands and their people.Chlordecone, also known under the brand name Kepone, is a pesticide that was widely used to eliminate weevils in banana plantations in France's former colonies, turned overseas territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique from 1972 until 1993.France […]

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – Nevis has achieved a landmark milestone in science, education, and innovation with the successful launch of the first space life sciences experiment from the Caribbean region.The Government said the experiment is positioning the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis among a growing community of nations contributing to global space research.It launched on May 31, 2026, aboard the SSC SubOrbital Express SIX-5/M17 mission from Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden.The project […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica —  The Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has approved combined insurance coverage of US$106.6 million, via a parametric insurance framework proposed by the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) for implementation during the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.The proposal, which was submitted to the OUR in May, sets out a risk-mitigation framework for the electricity grid as a corollary to the Electricity Disaster Fund (EDF), providing a much-needed disaster […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) has presented a proposal for the change in electoral boundaries in Portmore and St Catherine following the passage of legislation in February 2025 to establish Portmore as Jamaica’s 15th parish.In a statement on Tuesday, the ECJ noted that the realignment exercise is being undertaken based on instruction from the Boundaries Committee of Parliament and in accordance with the Constitution of Jamaica, which states that […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lawyer and six-time Jamaican Davis Cup player Brandon Burke has been re-elected to the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour Board of Directors as player alternate representative for a fourth consecutive two-year term, which will begin in September.In this role, Burke will continue to work closely with fellow player board members to engage with singles and doubles players, ensuring their perspectives are represented and their interests advanced at both board and management […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Transport, Mikael Phillips, has criticised the Government’s decision to implement a two-phase increase in public passenger vehicle (PPV) fares, describing the move as “highly unusual” and “extremely disrespectful” to commuters.In a statement on Tuesday, Phillips said the fare adjustment announced by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz exposed what he described as the Government’s continued lack of a comprehensive transport policy.READ: PPV […]

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — A drug-related case against Jamaican-born businessman Francis Young has been dismissed after Antigua and Barbuda’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to proceed with the matter.Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel formally discontinued the case, although no explanation was provided by the DPP for the decision.Young had been jointly charged with Nadeem Brandon Doumith following the discovery of 62 pounds of cannabis hidden in a cargo […]

PARIS, France (AFP) — Airbus said Tuesday its A350-1000ULR widebody aircraft, capable of flying up to 22 hours non-stop, has successfully completed a first test flight."The aircraft, fitted with special flight test instrumentation, flew for three hours 43 minutes reaching an altitude of slightly above 41,000 feet (12,500 metres)," the European aircraft manufacturer said in a statement.The aircraft, marketed with the ULR designation that stands for ultra-long-range, is one of 12 ordered by […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica — More than three weeks after a chilling video of a masked gunman directing threats at administrators at  Stella Maris Preparatory School went viral, causing a rush on the Shortwood Road, St Andrew institution by fright-stricken parents, the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) has renewed its call for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual, who demanded $50 million while brandising a pistol.In addition to monitoring varying allegations […]