By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
Venezuela Takes ‘Wait-and-See’ Approach on Dragon Gas Deal
Venezuela is reportedly taking a “wait-and-see” approach following the announcement of the revived Dragon Gas Deal with Trinidad and Tobago.
Sources within President Nicolás Maduro’s administration told Guardian Media that recent comments made by both the Trinidadian and U.S. governments about Venezuela were considered insulting, and that a different diplomatic approach would be required for the Maduro regime to move forward.
Recent High Court injunctions in Trinidad and Tobago revealed that proceeds from the Dragon Gas Deal will go directly to ConocoPhillips, not Caracas — raising questions about what economic benefit, if any, Venezuela stands to gain from the agreement.
UN Raises Alarm Over Deteriorating Human Rights in Haiti
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has sounded the alarm on the worsening human rights crisis in Haiti, noting a surge in violence and lawlessness.
Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, Türk reported that over 16,000 people have been killed and 7,000 injured in gang-related violence since January 2022. He welcomed the UN Security Council’s decision to expand the Kenya-led multinational mission, describing it as crucial international support for a country on the brink.
Gangs continue to expand beyond Port-au-Prince, spreading into rural regions and facilitating arms, drugs, and human trafficking, with an estimated 270,000–500,000 illegal firearms in circulation. Widespread kidnappings, extortion, and attacks on public infrastructure have deepened Haiti’s humanitarian crisis.
US Government Shutdown Delays Key Jobs Data Release
The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown has led to a temporary suspension of economic data releases, including the monthly jobs report, a critical indicator closely watched by Wall Street.
The Labor Department’s suspension means no new employment figures this Friday — a rare disruption that analysts say will lead to a tranquil day in global financial markets.
Economists and traders described it as “a long lunch Friday,” with some noting it’s the first time in years they won’t be “eye-twitching while waiting for the jobs data.”
