ANTONIO DEYBy: Antonio dey | HGP Nightly news|
Jamaica: Carbon Markets Framework to Launch in 2026
KINGSTON, JAMAICA — The Jamaican government is set to finalize its Carbon Markets Framework by the end of the 2026/27 fiscal year. Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, announced the move during a Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, positioning the island to become a leader in regional clean technology.
- Economic Diversification: The framework will allow Jamaica to tap into global carbon trading revenue streams, attracting significant investment in emission-reduction technologies.
- Tech Transfer: Beyond revenue, the initiative is designed to facilitate the transfer of advanced clean technologies to local businesses, driving growth across multiple industrial sectors.
- Global Standing: Samuda noted that this framework is a critical component of Jamaica’s commitment to international climate goals while simultaneously bolstering the local economy.
Suriname: Blacklist Warning Over AML/CFT Delays
PARAMARIBO, SURINAME — The National Anti-Money Laundering Commission (NAMLAC) has issued a stark warning to President Jennifer Greelings-Simons: Suriname faces a high risk of being blacklisted by international financial watchdogs. Since being placed under “Enhanced Follow-Up” by the CFATF in 2022, the country has struggled to meet technical compliance standards.
- Legislative Gridlock: While 27 of 40 FATF recommendations have been addressed, progress has stalled on the final 13 due to a lack of legislative action.
- Deadlines Looming: Suriname must submit its fourth Follow-Up Report by November 2026. However, all updates must be finalized by August 2026 to be considered.
- The Stakes: Failure to show “institutional strengthening” and political commitment could lead to blacklisting, which would severely restrict Suriname’s access to the international banking system and foreign investment.
International: Iran Threatens “Long and Painful” Strikes on U.S. Bases
TEHRAN, IRAN — Tensions in the Middle East reached a boiling point on Thursday as Iran warned of devastating retaliation should the United States resume military strikes. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, a blockade that has now entered its third month, effectively “choking off” 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply.
- The Impasse: Despite a ceasefire in place since April 8, the Strait remains a no-go zone as Iran continues to protest the U.S. naval blockade of its oil exports.
- Military Warning: Aerospace Force Commander Majid Mousavi stated that any U.S. aggression would result in strikes against warships and regional bases. “We’ve seen what happened to your regional bases; we will see the same thing happen to your warships,” Mousavi was quoted.
- Global Economic Fallout: The continued closure has caused global energy prices to “seesaw,” heightening fears of a worldwide economic downturn as spare capacity remains historically low.
