Latest news with #AndrewHolness
The Guardian
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Caribbean leaders back Jamaica petition to King Charles for slavery reparations
Caribbean leaders are backing Jamaica's petition to King Charles on reparations as the region prepares to step up its pursuit of reparative justice for slavery, the prime minister, Andrew Holness, said. Speaking at this week's leaders summit for the Caribbean Community (Caricom), a bloc of 20 member and associate member states, Holness said Jamaica had secured 'broad support' from the region for its petition to the king, the island's head of state. The petition asks Charles to use his authority to request legal advice from the judicial committee of the London-based privy council, the final court of appeal for UK overseas territories and some Commonwealth countries, on whether the forced transport of Africans to Jamaica was lawful, if it constituted a crime against humanity, and whether Britain was under obligation to provide a remedy to Jamaica for slavery and its enduring consequences. During the centuries-long transatlantic slave trade more than 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped and forcibly transported to the Americas, including Jamaica, where they were sold into slavery. Holness, acknowledging the Jamaican MP Mike Henry, who brought the resolution, which has now been passed in parliament and affirmed by the country's cabinet, said the petition was a bold step towards justice. It was a 'watershed moment for Caricom and the broader global movement for reparatory justice', he added. He said that if the petition was successful, 'the United Kingdom bears a legal obligation to provide reparations to Jamaica and its people for the enduring harm caused'. Jamaica's culture minister, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, who announced the petition in June, told the Guardian it was 'going to have a far-reaching impact on our efforts in the region to seek reparation'. She emphasised that countries were working together: 'Various countries will be making a determination what action they take. But the bottom line is that they are all onboard in support of the position we have taken. That, to me, is the big statement – we're working together in this effort,' she said. Other leaders reiterated their commitment, with the prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, one of the founding members of the Caricom reparations movement, saying 'we are not giving up the reparations fight'. 'In the Caribbean [we] have a specific primary concern, primary responsibility to address reparations for native genocide and the enslavement of Africans,' he said, adding that the region needed allies. He said the issue would be on the agenda at the Africa-Caricom summit, scheduled for September in Ethiopia. The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, emphasised that it was a matter of justice for those who were exploited and were not paid for their labour. 'We must be able to fight for justice because not only were our forebearers exploited in terms of not being paid, but the profits that were generated were repatriated to Europe and to North America to build out their economies, and they left our countries bereft of important social institutions, hospitals, schools, and they also did not develop the infrastructure within our countries,' he said. The premier of the British Virgin Islaands, Natalio Wheatley, congratulated Caricom and Jamaica for pressing the issue in the face of opposition in the UK. 'Some persons would just prefer not to listen to it. And sometimes when you hear about some of the persons in the United Kingdom, some of the journalists, etc, who almost ridicule the whole concept of reparations, and ridicule those who bring those arguments, you see really what we're up against, but we appreciate the leadership.'
The Guardian
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Caribbean leaders pledge to join forces against crime and support for Haiti
Leaders in the Caribbean have pledged to join forces to tackle crime and violence as they reaffirmed their support for Haiti, which the UN says continues to be 'paralysed' by gangs. Taking the reins as chair of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), a bloc of 15 countries, Andrew Holness, Jamaica's prime minister, said security in the region would be a 'matter of great priority' under his chairmanship. The prime minister raised concerns about the current pace of the international momentum to support Haiti, as he addressed the opening of this week's Caricom leaders' summit. He committed to prioritising support for the Caribbean nation, which is a member of Caricom. Speaking to the Guardian at the conference, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, said the challenge of crime and security 'is one of the most significant existential threats facing the region'. 'It requires a collaborative approach among Caricom countries and we recognise that the criminals are getting far more sophisticated and when you look at the issue of transnational criminal activities it is important for us to conjoin our efforts,' he said. Echoing his sentiments, Terrance Drew, the St Kitts and Nevis' prime minister, said he welcomed a regional approach to the issue. 'The region is dealing with the issue of security on multiple levels, Haiti being the area that is most affected. I think this would require, of course, the coordination of all of the member states of the Caricom … so I welcome the reiteration of us working together as a region,' he said. Even as the conference was opening in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Sunday, Haiti's once-iconic Hotel Oloffson, a beloved Gothic gingerbread building in Port-au-Prince that inspired books, hosted parties and attracted visitors from Mick Jagger to Haitian presidents, was burned down by gangs. According to the UN, since January, more than 4,000 people have been killed in Haiti, a 24% increase compared with the same period last year. Speaking at a press conference at the meeting, member of Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council, Laurent Saint-Cyr, joined the calls for stronger regional assistance to curb the illicit arms trade and drug trafficking, which play a part in fueling Haiti's crisis. 'Haiti, today, needs the region to speak with one voice in defense of security, peace and sustainable development,' he said, adding, 'we are also counting on you to intensify advocacy with other regional and global partners for increased support towards more rigorous regional cooperation.' Holness, who has proposed a regional justice and security framework, called for a strong and coordinated response to the escalating violence in the region, which he said had evolved far beyond traditional street-level crime, posing a threat to the region's security. 'We must dismantle the influence of gangs in our communities, disrupt their finances … I am on record as saying that we need to launch a war on gangs of a similar magnitude and nature to the 'war on terror',' he said. In the past, Caribbean leaders have jointly raised concerns about the alarming 'epidemic of crime and violence in the Caribbean, fueled by illegal guns and organised criminal gangs'. In 2024, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica topped Statista's homicide rates ranking for Latin America and the Caribbean. Affirming her commitment to unity on regional justice and security, outgoing chair of Caricom, Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados, in her speech at the conference pointed to the issue of gun trafficking from the US to the Caribbean: 'Regrettably I've said over and over we pay a high price for the second amendment rights of the United States of America's citizens,' she said. In 2024, the New York attorney general, Letitia James, announced new measures and legislation to tackle gun trafficking from the US to the Caribbean. James quoted Jamaican government estimates that at least 200 guns are trafficked into the country from the US every month, and said that the weapons are fuelling violent crime and enabling networks that traffic drugs to the US. But Jamaica has since seen a significant decline in murders. The country has accomplished a more than 40% reduction in murders in the first five months of the year, compared with the same period last year, the result, officials say, of a 'sustained and strategic' multibillion-dollar investment in national security. At the Caricom meeting, Holness showed Caribbean leaders some of the country's crime-fighting tech and strategies, which officials said 'demonstrate how Jamaica has integrated advanced technology into law enforcement operations, improving incident response, investigative processes and strategic deployment'. In her opening speech at the conference, Mottley stressed the importance of regional approach to crime and security as she appealed for more countries to choose the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), whose new president, the Jamaican jurist Winston Anderson, was sworn in during the conference, as their final court of appeal. The CCJ is now the final court of appeal for Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Dominica and St Lucia, but for some other Caribbean countries, which were former colonies, the London-based privy council is the final court of appeal. Mottley urged Caribbean citizens to support the CCJ. 'We are aware that there are some countries that have the requirement of referendum,' she said, pointing to the need for public education on the subject.
Independent Singapore
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Independent Singapore
'This moment is not just for me, it's for us'— Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce prepares for her last appearance in Jamaica before retirement
Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce recently announced that she would retire from competition after the Jamaica National Championship, being held from June 26 to June 29. In an event hosted by one of her sponsors, Nike, to honour her impressive accomplishments, Fraser-Pryce admitted: 'In the next two days, it will be my final time gracing the National Stadium. Honestly, it's one of those moments that I'm looking forward to… because I have absolutely nothing to lose and all to gain.' The event held at AC Hotel was attended by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, GraceKennedy CEO Frank James, Nike executives, MVP Track Club president Bruce James, Wolmer's Girls' School principal and Pocket Rocket Foundation chair Colleen Montague, members of the parliamentary opposition, her husband Jason Pryce, and their son Zyon. As she prepared for her last appearance at Kingston's National Stadium, where her legacy began, Fraser-Pryce said that her athletic journey was about more than just achieving medals and titles. It has been primarily about making an impact to inspire others and fulfil a greater purpose. 'This moment is not just for me—it's for us… It's how we continue to shift and change the narrative around female or elite sprinting. It's about telling others that no one gets to tell you when or how or where—you get to show up on your own time, in your own moment,' she said. Fraser-Pryce's athletic journey Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made her name known at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, where she achieved her very first global medal as a member of Jamaica's 4x100m relay team. This milestone marked the start of her legendary career that resulted in three Olympic gold medals (100m wins in 2008 and 2012), as well as a World Indoor 60m title, five 100m World Championship golds, and 10 World Championship medals. Moreover, she is ranked as the third fastest woman in history and has been named Jamaica's Sportswoman of the Year multiple times. The athlete shared: 'I've always said that I'm the daughter of the soil… I'm a proud Jamaican because you have shown me love in the ups, in the downs… and it is you who have helped to nurture me and give me that spirit of pride and unwavering support.' The Jamaica Observer shared how Nike vice president Brett Holts acknowledged Fraser-Pryce's legacy. The news outlet shared on social media: 'Vice president of global sports brand Nike, Brett Holts paid tribute to Jamaica's sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on Monday, describing her as 'the most accomplished female sprinter in the history of the sport''. Netizens flooded the comments section with admiration and pride, thanking Shelly for her extraordinary legacy on the track. Many praised her as a national treasure and one of the greatest sprinters of all time. One fan cheered, '👏👏👏👏👏👏Big up Shelly….Congratulations, we love you,' while another added, 'One Shelly!🔥Thanks for your service.🔥🔥🔥' A third simply called her 'The greatest female sprinter ever 🙏🏾.' In another social media post, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce shared: 'As I prepare for my final National Trials, I'm filled with gratitude for the journey, for my partners, and most of all, for my people… Jamaica, your love has carried me, and your pride has fueled me. Every step I've taken has been with you beside me.' Others shared more personal reflections, describing the deep inspiration they've drawn from Shelly's journey. One heartfelt message read, 'Thank you, Shelly. Thank you for being you and showing the world that you can be anything, do anything and reach for the stars… ❤️🚀,' while another wrote, 'We will miss you so much on the track, your energy, your grace and your determination to do great! All the best in your future endeavours ✨.'
Reuters
29-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Jamaica hails 'constructive dialogue' as US eases travel advisory
KINGSTON, May 29 (Reuters) - Jamaican officials on Thursday hailed the United States' decision to lower its travel advisory for the Caribbean nation to "Level 2" from "Level 3," two months after Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the island and pledged to reconsider the guidance. The U.S. State Department said it had reissued the advisory after a periodic review, and now recommended tourists "exercise increased caution." The prior advisory had recommended citizens reconsider travel, citing violent crime rates. However, the U.S. said that due to crime, government personnel remained prohibited from traveling to many neighborhoods on the island. The advisory warned of high crime rates and uneven levels of emergency services and hospital care. Tourism is a key economic driver and provider of jobs across the Caribbean as in Jamaica, where according to government data some 4.75 million visitors last year flocked to its white sand beaches, picturesque waterfalls and rum distilleries - bringing in around $4.35 billion. This year, the government aims to draw in 5 million tourists and $5 billion. "Jamaica remains one of the most vibrant and welcoming destinations in the world, and we are pleased that our progress is being recognized," Jamaican Prime Minster Andrew Holness said on social media, hailing the new travel advisory. "We have maintained open and constructive dialogue with our international partners, including the United States, and this outcome demonstrates the value of that collaboration," Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith added in a statement. During his visit in March, Rubio had pledged to re-evaluate the advisory as he and Holness announced the launch of joint security programs aimed at combating gang activity, including setting up forensic labs and anti-recruitment initiatives. Rubio also pledged to engage with local authorities over U.S. accusations that Jamaica, among other Caribbean countries, are engaging in human trafficking by hiring medical personnel from nearby Cuba on a labor export program. Caribbean leaders reject these accusations and say they engage in fair labor practices.
Al Arabiya
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Jamaican government urged to ‘fully decolonize' with bill to ditch King Charles
Many Jamaicans want their country to ditch King Charles as head of state but a bill presented by the government to do just that has frustrated some critics of the monarchy who believe the change should go further to slash colonial ties. Jamaica gained independence in 1962 but - like 13 other former British colonies - it still retains the British monarch as its head of state. Public opinion on the Caribbean island of nearly 3 million people has been shifting for years, and in December the government of Prime Minister Andrew Holness presented a bill to remove King Charles. Hundreds of thousands of enslaved Africans were shipped to Jamaica during transatlantic slavery, and many scholars and advocates say the legacy of slavery and colonialism has resulted in or played a role in enduring inequities. Growing calls by African and Caribbean nations for reparations to address past wrongs have added to a shift in sentiment across the region. Britain has so far rejected calls for reparations. On the issue of removing the monarchy as head of state, Buckingham Palace usually says such matters are for the local people and politicians to decide. On a visit to the Bahamas in 2022, Prince William - who is now heir to the throne - said he supports and respects any decision Caribbean nations make about their future. The Jamaican bill - which could be debated in parliament as early as this month or next - would have to be ratified in a referendum if passed. Before that, some critics - including the opposition People's National Party (PNP) - are raising objections to how a future president would be selected, what his or her role would be, and which court should be Jamaica's final court of appeal. Steven Golding, head of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, founded more than a century ago by Jamaican civil rights leader Marcus Garvey, said the group and others had long advocated for the removal of 'the last vestiges of the colonial umbilical cord'. But he added: 'We must make sure that it's not a cosmetic surgery being done... we don't want to swap having a British monarch... to having a titular president. I would like to see an executive president, directly elected by the people.' Longstanding calls by some Jamaicans to abolish the monarchy picked up steam after Barbados, another former colony in the Caribbean, removed the late Queen Elizabeth as head of state in 2021. Holness told Prince William during a visit by the royal in 2022 that his country wanted to be 'independent'. A survey by pollster Don Anderson in 2022 showed 56 percent of people in Jamaica wanted the monarch removed, up from 40 percent a decade earlier. A president as head of state According to the government's bill, Charles' representative in Jamaica - the governor general - would be replaced by a president nominated by the prime minister in consultation with the opposition leader. If the two could not agree on a candidate, the opposition leader could recommend a name, and if that were not accepted, the prime minister could choose a nominee who would then be elected with a simple parliamentary majority. Donna Scott-Mottley, a spokesperson on justice for the PNP, said removing Charles would be the 'final birth of a true nation' but the way the president would be chosen under the bill 'compromised everything'. 'If you (PM) wanted your right-hand man to become president, you simply do the nomination,' Scott-Mottley told Reuters. Former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson has also voiced opposition, saying the president would be a 'puppet of the prime minister'. The government did not reply to a request for comment on the criticism. 'Full decolonization' The bill is likely to pass the lower house of parliament as the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) currently has the two-thirds majority required, but it will need at least one opposition vote when it moves to the upper house. Even if rejected by the upper house, the bill can still be put to a national referendum, which the government hopes to hold by next year. To pass, the referendum would need two-thirds of the vote, rather than just a simple majority. A general election due this year may delay the process. Another point of contention is the London-based Privy Council, the final court of appeal for UK overseas territories and some Commonwealth nations. Critics say this should be replaced by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Accessing the Privy Council can be expensive and cumbersome as those who wish to argue their cases there need a visa to travel to Britain. Caribbean nations such as Barbados, Belize and Guyana have replaced the Privy Council with the CCJ. The Jamaican government has said matters related to the court would feature later in the 'phased reform', and that Jamaicans would be able to weigh in on the matter. Christopher Charles, professor of political and social psychology at the University of the West Indies, said keeping the Privy Council was like wanting to get divorced while keeping 'a room in the matrimonial home'. Scott-Mottley said it would be 'anachronistic' to drop Charles as monarch but still use his court. Constitutional change advocate Haile Mika'el Cujo said keeping the Privy Council could put people off from voting in the referendum: 'People are not going to sign off on that.' Disagreements over the Privy Council have led the PNP to pause its participation in the committee working on the bill.
