By: ANTONIO DEY | HGP Nightly News|
Jamaica Monitors Middle East Conflict; Finance Minister Cites US$6.8B Buffer
KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Energy Minister Daryl Vaz confirmed that the Jamaican government is keeping a “close watch” on the escalating Middle East conflict as international oil prices begin an upward climb.
- Market Nuance: Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing, Minister Vaz clarified that while crude prices are rising, local pump prices are determined by Petrojam monitoring US Gulf reference prices, which operate in a separate market.
- Financial Safeguard: Finance Minister Fayval Williams reassured the public that Jamaica is well-positioned to weather global volatility. She pointed to a robust Net International Reserve (NIR) of US$6.8 billion as a critical shield to maintain national productivity despite the country’s heavy reliance on imported fuel.+1
Saint Lucia Defends CIP; UK Visa Decision Linked to Asylum Claims
CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA — Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire has issued a staunch defense of Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) following the UK’s decision to impose new visa requirements on Saint Lucian nationals.
- The Asylum Influx: UK officials stated the visa requirement—effective March 6, 2026—is a response to a surge in asylum applications from Saint Lucian passport holders.
- Misinterpretation: Dr. Hilaire argued that the UK has failed to provide evidence distinguishing between natural-born citizens and CIP holders in these asylum claims. “No responsible government can fix a problem that is not properly placed before it,” he stated, calling for specific data to address the UK’s concerns.
- Transition: Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has noted a six-week transition period for the new travel rules.
International: Tankers Ablaze in Basra as Iranian Strikes Escalate
BASRA, IRAQ — The Middle East energy corridor faced a major blow on Thursday as two oil tankers were engulfed in flames at an Iraqi port following a strike by suspected Iranian explosive-laden boats.
- The Conflict: The attack directly contradicts U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claims of a swift victory in the two-week-old war.
- Verified Destruction: Reuters verified footage from the Port of Basra showing massive fireballs lighting up the night sky.
- Human Cost: Iraqi authorities have confirmed at least one crew member was killed in the assault, which has further strangled the global oil supply.
