By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
— The Caribbean and Latin American regions are facing a week of humanitarian crises and high-stakes institutional clashes. From the devastating floods in Brazil to a constitutional stand-off in the Jamaican judiciary, here is your Friday evening news wrap.
Brazil: Death Toll Hits 68 in Minas Gerais Floods
The southeastern state of Minas Gerais is currently the epicenter of a major climate catastrophe. Torrential downpours, which began late Monday, have triggered widespread landslides and flash floods, particularly in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá.
- The Human Cost: As of Friday afternoon, authorities confirmed the death toll has risen to 68, with at least five people still missing.
- Mass Displacement: Over 5,500 people have been forced from their homes. In Juiz de Fora, schools and public buildings are being utilized as emergency shelters.
- The “Climate Crisis” Context: This disaster follows a 2024 flood in southern Brazil that killed over 200 people. Scientists warn that the frequency of these “extreme rainfall events” in Brazil has increased significantly due to human-induced climate change.
- Presidential Visit: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is scheduled to visit the affected region tomorrow, Saturday, to meet with local leaders and coordinate federal aid packages.
Jamaica: “Nobody Can Dictate to Judges” — Chief Justice vs. Justice Minister
A rare public clash between the executive and the judiciary has ignited in Jamaica over the interpretation of the Child Diversion Act 2018.
- The Accusation: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck alleged that some judges are misinterpreting the law by requiring minors to enter a guilty plea before being referred to rehabilitation programs, thus burdening children with permanent criminal records.
- The Rebuttal: Chief Justice Bryan Sykes issued a sharp response on Thursday, reminding the Minister that the judiciary is a “separate but equal” arm of the government.
- The Principle: Sykes stressed that judges are guided by the actual text of the statute—not ministerial intentions. He told journalists, “Ministerial statements are not part of the law… if the law is unclear, go to Parliament and change the law.”
Bahamas: A Historic Bid for the UN Security Council
The Bahamas has officially signaled its intent to seek a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2032–2033 term.
- The Vision: Under the theme “Resilience, Relationships, Representation,” Attorney General Ryan Pinder told the UN Human Rights Council that small island developing states (SIDS) need a stronger voice in global decision-making.
- Geopolitical Waters: Pinder highlighted that in an era of declining trust and conflict, small nations rely on a “rules-based order” for protection. This is the first time the archipelago has sought a seat on the Council since joining the UN.
