Regional News Roundup: Jamaica Celebrates Independence, St. Lucia Church Responds to LGBTQ+ Ruling, and Trump Accuses US Banks of Political Discrimination
By Antonio Day | HGP Nightly News
Jamaica Marks 63 Years of Independence with Grand Gala and Global Recognition
KINGSTON, JAMAICA – As Jamaica celebrated its 63rd anniversary of political independence from Britain on Wednesday, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett commended the country for its significant strides in economic and social development.
In a statement to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Dr. Barnett hailed Jamaica’s global influence in sports, music, culture, and diplomacy, and praised the island’s role as a founding member of CARICOM, noting its ongoing contribution to regional integration.
The highlight of the day was the Grand Gala at Kingston’s National Stadium, featuring over 2,500 performers, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, under Minister Olivia Grange. Performers conveyed messages of patriotism and national pride through music, dance, and dramatic displays.
St. Lucia: Catholic Church Responds to Decriminalization of Same-Sex Relations
CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA – The Roman Catholic Church in St. Lucia has issued a statement rejecting violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, while reaffirming its position on traditional marriage and sexual morality.
This follows a landmark ruling last month by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), which struck down laws criminalizing same-sex relations, calling sections of the island’s Criminal Code unconstitutional.
The case was part of a strategic litigation initiative by the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE), in collaboration with LGBTQ+ rights organizations across the region.
While acknowledging the court’s decision as a “significant legal development,” the Archdiocese of Castries emphasized that every person—regardless of sexual orientation—is deserving of dignity, respect, and compassion. The church, however, maintained that it considers sexual acts outside the sacrament of marriage to be “morally disordered.”
USA: Trump Alleges Political Discrimination by Major Banks
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused leading banks—including JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America—of discriminating against him and his supporters by allegedly closing accounts for political reasons.
Trump claimed that after his first term in office, banks rejected his deposits and gave him 20 days to move “hundreds of millions” of dollars out of their institutions. He further stated that a new executive order would instruct regulators to investigate politicized banking practices and prevent financial institutions from “debanking” clients due to their political views.
The draft order, seen by Reuters, would require banks to undergo internal reviews and regulatory checks. JPMorgan reportedly still maintains banking relationships with members of the Trump family and previously serviced multiple campaign accounts.
