Byu|ANTONIO DEY | HGP Nightly News|
Antigua and Barbuda: Landslide Victory for Gaston Browne
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA — Prime Minister Gaston Browne has secured a historic fourth consecutive term following a landslide victory in Thursday’s general elections. Preliminary data show the Antigua and Barbuda Labor Party (ABLP) dominant, capturing 15 of the 17 seats in Parliament.
- Economic Mandate: Browne, a 59-year-old former banker, centered his campaign on tourism recovery and infrastructure, successfully convincing voters that his administration is best equipped to navigate the current international crisis.
- The Visa Factor: The election was heavily influenced by Washington’s January decision to suspend visa processing for Antiguans. Browne has pledged to continue reforms to the Citizenship by Investment Program to resolve these tensions with the U.S.
- Opposition Setback: The main opposition, the United Progressive Party (UPP), suffered a significant blow, retaining only one seat. A final recount is scheduled for today to formalize the results.
Jamaica: Alert Issued Over Non-Native Monkeys in St. Elizabeth
KINGSTON, JAMAICA — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is urging residents in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth to exercise extreme caution following sightings of White-faced Capuchin monkeys.
- Biosecurity Threat: These monkeys are not indigenous to Jamaica. NEPA warns they pose a “triple threat”: carrying zoonotic diseases, destroying local crops, and disrupting the island’s delicate biodiversity.
- Ongoing Capture: Residents have already captured at least one animal, with videos circulating on social media. NEPA is currently working with Hope Zoo and the police to quarantine and evaluate the primates.
- Warning Against Scams: Authorities are also warning the public to be wary of individuals posing as officials to obtain these monkeys for illegal trade.
International: Mistrust Deepens as Hormuz Impasse Continues
DUBAI, UAE — The geopolitical crisis in the Middle East remains at a dangerous standstill. A high-ranking UAE official stated today that Iran “cannot be trusted” regarding unilateral arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed to 20% of global oil and gas supplies.
- Oil Prices Surge: Global energy prices hit a four-year high on Thursday following reports that U.S. President Trump has been briefed on potential military strikes against Iranian positions.
- Ceasefire on Paper: While an April 8 ceasefire technically remains in place, peace efforts have hit an impasse. Iran has reportedly activated its air defenses and warned of a “broad response” to any U.S. or Israeli escalation.
- Economic Toll: With no new talks scheduled, the blockade continues to fuel fears of a global economic downturn amid the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian oil exports.
