By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
Minor Earthquake Felt in Jamaica
A minor earthquake was felt in sections of Jamaica early Wednesday morning.
According to the Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, the 3.6-magnitude tremor was recorded at approximately 3:47 a.m. and was felt in Kingston and St Andrew. The epicentre was located about five kilometres northeast of Gordon Town, with a focal depth of 17 kilometres.
There have been no reports of damage or injuries.
Trinidad PM Confirms Preparations to Receive CARICOM Chair
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says her government is preparing to receive Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, following his indication that he wishes to visit Trinidad and Tobago in his capacity as Chair of CARICOM.
Dr Drew made the disclosure during an interview, stating that the regional bloc does not believe Trinidad and Tobago was complicit in the United States’ arrest of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
He also expressed hope to meet Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar during CARICOM’s 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government scheduled for February, noting that caucus-level discussions are traditionally confidential.
However, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar raised concerns about information leaks within the regional body.
“CARICOM caucus discussions are frequently leaked. I have no confidence that discussions of the caucus will remain confidential,” she said.
She added that perceptions surrounding Trinidad and Tobago’s role in Maduro’s arrest would persist regardless of official explanations, stating, “People will believe what they want regarding Maduro’s arrest. So be it.”
US Intelligence Raises Doubts About Venezuela’s Interim Leader
Meanwhile, United States intelligence reports have raised doubts about whether Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez will fully cooperate with the Trump administration by formally severing ties with U.S. adversaries.
U.S. officials have publicly stated that they want the interim leader to cut relations with countries such as Iran, China and Russia, including expelling their diplomats and advisers from Venezuela.
However, Rodríguez—whose swearing-in ceremony earlier this month was attended by representatives from those nations—has not publicly committed to such actions. She assumed office following the U.S. capture of former President Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
According to U.S. intelligence sources, it remains unclear whether Rodríguez fully supports Washington’s strategy for Venezuela. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity.
Analysts say that breaking ties with U.S. rivals could open the door for increased American investment in Venezuela’s energy sector. However, failure to secure her cooperation could undermine U.S. efforts to influence the country’s interim leadership and potentially increase pressure for deeper U.S. involvement.
