International tribunal rules in favour of Chevron in high stakes oil dispute in Guyana
The Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Friday gave the green light to the US-based oil company, Chevron to buy into one of the world’s most valuable oil development in the Caribbean country of Guyana, which holds more than 11 billion barrels of oil and is considered one of the most lucrative and fastest growing in the world.
The ruling means that Chevron, America’s second-largest oil company can move forward with its acquisition of a smaller rivel, Hess, for US$53 billion after a two year wait to close the deal.
Energy observers said Chevron’s acquisition, means that the company now gets a piece of a lucrative oil project off the shores of Guyana and that it also gains an array of other assets, from North Dakota to Southeast Asia, that will extend the company’s runway of drilling opportunities and give it the ability to better compete with the likes of Exxon, its larger U.S. rival.
Exxon and Chevron have been fighting over Hess’s stake in Guyana for more than a year, in a dispute rooted in the fine print of a contract that has never been made public..
“We welcome Chevron to the venture and look forward to continued industry-leading performance and value creation in Guyana for all parties involved,” an Exxon spokesman said in a statement.
The Guyana development is a partnership between three companies. Exxon operates the project and holds the largest stake of 45 per cent, followed by Hess 30 per cent and CNOOC, a Chinese state-owned oil company with 25 per cent.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said the project is considered one of the most promising in the world and is expected to single-handedly produce around one per cent of the world’s oil within a few years.
Source- CMC
56 arrested, six guns seized in first 24 hours of State of Emergency in TNT
Police made 56 arrests and seized six illegal firearms and 33 rounds of ammunition during the first 24 hours of the State of Emergency (SoE), the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has reported.
From midnight on July 18 to the same time on July 19, officers carried out 104 operations across multiple divisions, targeting organised criminal and gang-related activity. In the process, they conducted 629 searches and recorded 407 traffic offences from strategic roadblock operations.
In a statement on Saturday, the TTPS said the coordinated actions were part of efforts to dismantle armed criminal networks and restore public confidence and safety.
“These actions formed part of a strategic offensive targeting individuals affiliated with organized criminal syndicates and gangs operating across multiple divisions,” the TTPS said.
“Several zones registered heightened activity, with concentrated efforts aimed at intercepting persons linked to criminal networks.”
The guns recovered in the operations included pistols, a revolver, a shotgun and a rifle.
“These recoveries reflect the TTPS’ focus on dismantling armed elements within known gang corridors and neutralising the identified threat actors who pose a risk to public safety,” the police said.
“The TTPS remains steadfast in its mission to protect citizens and restore order. Law enforcement operations will continue with tactical precision and community sensitivity throughout the emergency period with little disruption to law abiding citizens, who are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity through official channels.”
The SoE was declared last Friday, with authorities reporting that police intelligence had pointed to a criminal network operating from within the prison system, with plans to assassinate senior police officers, members of the judiciary, and employees at the state prosecution office.
The TTPS said it remains resolute in its actions to subdue the identified threat actors, suppress gang activity and uphold the rule of law.
Source- CMC
At least 30 injured after car plows into crowd outside music venue in Los Angeles
At least 30 people were injured after a car plowed through a crowd early Saturday in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, authorities said.
After the crash, the driver was pulled from the car by bystanders and then shot and wounded by an unknown person, who remains at large, police said.
Police identified the driver as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez. He was taken to the hospital after the shooting but has been booked into jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. The district attorney will determine formal charges in the coming days.
The incident began unfolding around 2 a.m. local time outside the music venue The Vermont, near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue in east Los Angeles.
As of Saturday afternoon, at least one person -- a woman in her twenties with leg injuries -- was still in critical condition, police said, with several others in serious condition. In total, 24 patients were taken to the hospital.
Source - ABC
DEPUTY PREMIER ATTENDS CARICOM 49TH REGULAR MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF CARICOM IN JAMAICA
The Forty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the CARICOM brought together regional leaders from Member Countries and Associate Member States in Montego Bay Jamaica, 6-8 July, 2025.
The meeting, held under the theme “People, Partnership, and Prosperity - Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future” saw Chairman of the Caribbean Community, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica making a clarion call for a collaborative action on unified matters of interests and focus. He challenged the region to think strategically and focus on the values of unity in the current environment, emphasising the concern for “small states vulnerabilities to economic global shocks and natural hazards, and the daunting issue of being marginalised in a world where power and influence often outweighs genuine need”.
Key highlights on the conference agenda and of significant importance to the Turks and Caicos Islands were, security issues and matters impacting peace and security across the region, the continuous deteriorating situation in Haiti, climate change and climate finance, food and nutrition security and increase agricultural production, telecommunications matters, external trade negotiations, particularly, pursuing new market opportunities with non-traditional trading partners, common legislative initiative on social media and the need to develop a framework for regional digital safety and associated laws to create safeguards.
Other highlights include, special guest presentation my His Excellency Valdency Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, regarding security threats, and the surge on transnational organised criminal networking and gangs, and the trafficking of drug and firearms. His Excellency Albert Ramdi, Secretary General, Organisation of American States (OAS) gave a comprehensive presentation on the global and hemispheric environment relating to climate change, development financing, migration, threats to multilateralism, political instability and particularly, the unprecedented levels of uncertainty, with which the region is faced.
It is also worth noting that Heads of Government received a proposal from Barbados for a Regional Center of Excellence for Policing. This center would serve as a hub for enhancement of policing skills and leadership training and development for policing bodies throughout the region.
The two days meeting was held at a critical time, when, as with the rest of the world, the Caribbean Community is being faced with unprecedented issues that are of grave concern to its citizens. We are however mindful of the words given by CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, in her remarks at the opening ceremony, that the issues we face as a community “compel us to act collectively, with courage and with conviction.’
We commend Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Chairman of CARICOM and the Government of Jamaica, and the CARICOM Secretariat for a most insightful, enlightening, inspiring and successful meeting.
The Turks and Caicos Islands is an Associate Member of CARICOM and its level of participation in conferences and meetings is determined by governing rules. Like other British Overseas Territories, the Turks and Caicos Islands interests are represented by the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Regional integration continues to be an integral part of who are as a country, and we remain grateful for the benefits that being an associate member of CARICOM brings.
Samsung boss cleared of fraud by South Korea's top court
Samsung boss Lee Jae-yong has been cleared by South Korea's top court of fraud charges, concluding a years-long legal battle over his role in a 2015 merger deal.
Lee, the grandson of Samsung's founder and the de facto head of the company since 2014, had been accused of using stock and accounting fraud to try to gain control of the firm.
In its final verdict, the Supreme Court in Seoul upheld a not guilty verdict, after Lee was acquitted of all charges in two earlier trials.
The case drew widespread scrutiny of the technology giant, as the country grapples with corporate corruption scandals involving its powerful family-run conglomerates known as chaebols.
"Today, the Supreme Court has clearly confirmed through its final ruling that the merger of Samsung C&T and the accounting treatment of Samsung Biologics were lawful," said Samsung's lawyers on Thursday.
"We sincerely thank the court for its wise judgment following a thorough five-year trial process."
The Samsung boss faced allegations of fraud in the wake of a merger that prosecutors said was designed to shift control of the company from his father, Lee Kun-hee. His father suffered a heart attack in 2014 and faced legal troubles of his own and died in 2020.
The younger Lee was first arrested in 2017 on charges of bribery to win the government's support for a merger between two Samsung subsidiaries.
Over the course of his legal problems, he had separate jail terms cut short - one due to a special presidential pardon when he was on parole from prison.
At the time, the government said the leader of the country's biggest company was needed to spearhead South Korea's economic recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2024, a district court cleared Lee of all charges linked to the merger worth around $8bn (£5.97bn) between two of its subsidiary companies.
Source- BBC
American Idol music supervisor and husband found shot dead in Los Angeles home
A suspect has been arrested in the murder of an American Idol music supervisor and her songwriter husband, police in Los Angeles said Tuesday, even as many questions about the slayings remain unanswered.
The victims — Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, both 70 — were found shot to death in their Los Angeles home during a welfare check on Monday, authorities said.
The suspect, 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, was arrested at his home on Tuesday, Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Guy Golan told reporters on Tuesday. He said Boodarian had scaled a fence onto the property and was inside when the victims arrived home, and then shot and killed them during a "violent struggle."
It is believed the couple were killed on July 10, when the LAPD received two calls about a possible burglary at the address in Encino after a person was seen jumping the fence onto the property.
Officers responding to the calls that day were unable to go into the home because it is highly fortified, with 8-foot walls with spikes, police sources said earlier. Police flew a helicopter over and saw no signs of a burglary or of any other trouble and left, the official said.
However, surveillance footage later reviewed by police showed the suspect scaling the fence and then apparently entering an unlocked door, Golan said. The victims arrived home about 30 minutes later, he said.
A friend of the victims called police on Monday for a welfare check, Golan said. Responding officers saw blood on the porch and broke a window to get inside, where they found the victims with multiple gunshot wounds. They both had gunshot wounds to the head, police said earlier.
The motive remains unclear, Golan said. He said the house did not appear to be ransacked.
"We're looking into multiple avenues on what the motive may be," he said.
Police do not believe Boodarian knew the victims and said Boodarian is not a suspect in any other burglaries, police sources said earlier.
There is no camera footage from inside the house that shows what went on, the lieutenant said.
The LAPD will look into how police responded to the initial burglary call last week to make sure it was handled appropriately, he said.
Kaye had been with the TV show American Idol since 2009, according to a spokesperson for the ABC singing competition series.
"We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing," the spokesperson said in a statement. "Robin has been a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009 and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her. Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time."
Source-ABC
Tropical rainstorm to drench Gulf Coast as renewed flood threat hits Northeast and Midwest
A tropical threat on the Gulf Coast has a 40% chance for development into a tropical depression by Friday, according to the National Hurricane Center Wednesday morning.
The system, which could currently be considered a tropical rainstorm or tropical disturbance, is likely to bring heavy rain to the central Gulf Coast for days — especially to Louisiana.
The disturbance is expected to move along the coast, but the closer it stays to shore, the less chance it will have to grow into a tropical depression or storm, though a change to a more southerly track would give it a chance to gain steam.
This tropical disturbance is expected to produce long duration heavy rainfall and, if it develops into a tropical storm, it would be named Dexter.
Source- ABC
Trump blasts 'past supporters' for demanding release of more Epstein files
President Donald Trump continued Wednesday to dismiss calls within his own party for more transparency into the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and made claims, without evidence, that the controversy was designed to undermine him.
In a lengthy social media post, which included references to the president's previous claims about the 2017 Russian election interference probe, Trump blamed Democrats for creating what he called a "scam" and "hoax."
Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have come under fire from conservatives on the Hill and across the country for declining to release the Epstein probe files in their entirety.
The Justice Department and FBI last week stated they found no evidence the deceased financier kept a "client list" of associates whom he blackmailed or conspired with to victimize dozens of women.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday that Bondi should explain the administration's handling of the case, especially after she told Fox News in February that Epstein's alleged "client list" was "sitting on my desk now to review."
In his post, Trump disavowed those who focus on the Epstein story rather than his accomplishments.
Source - ABC
WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE TCI- JULY 16TH 2025
GENERAL SITUATION: A surface high pressure ridge extends across the islands, however, tropical moisture combined with upper-level support will bring a chance of convective activity near the island chain today.
WEATHER: Partly sunny and breezy with a low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers this afternoon. Fair and breezy tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 25 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 3 to 6 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 90°F 32°C
HEAT INDEX 103°F 39°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 79°F 26°C
SUNSET: 07:34 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 01:17 PM (2.6 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 07:38 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The Atlantic high pressure will build gradually westward across the region, leading to breezy to windy conditions across the islands through Friday night.
THURSDAY: A medium (40 percent) chance of scattered showers in the morning. Partly sunny, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 80°F (26°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 25 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 4 to 6 feet
SUNRISE: 06:15 AM
SUNSET: 07:34 PM
HIGH TIDE: 01:36 AM (2.3 FT) 02:20 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 07:52 AM (0.7 FT) 08:46 PM (1.0 FT)
FRIDAY: A low (20 percent) chance of showers in the morning. Partly sunny, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 80°F (26°C).
WINDS: Easterly at 10 to 20 knots.
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:16 AM
SUNSET: 07:34 PM
HIGH TIDE: 02:35 AM (2.3 FT) 03:24 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 08:46 AM (0.7 FT) 09:59 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK:
Northeastern and north-central Gulf (AL93): A broad area of low pressure is moving westward across the Florida Panhandle between Tallahassee and Panama City. This system is forecast to continue moving westward, and could emerge or redevelop over the far northeastern to north-central portion of the Gulf later today or tonight. This system has a medium chance of formation over the next 7 days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
3-DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: A middle to upper level trough centered over the Turks and Caicos Islands is generating some shower and thunderstorm activity in the vicinity of the islands.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: The Saharan Dust Advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands has been discontinued.
WEATHER: Partly sunny with a low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers this afternoon. Mostly fair with isolated showers tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 2 to 4 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 88°F 31°C
HEAT INDEX 98°F 37°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 05:40 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 11:57 PM (2.6 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The trough will drift westward, while the high pressure over the central Atlantic builds westward across the region, maintaining generally fair conditions with some isolated showers.
TUESDAY: A low (20 percent) chance of isolated showers in the morning. A mix of sun and clouds, with a high near 89°F (31°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 81°F (27°C)
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:14 AM
SUNSET: 07:34 PM
LOW TIDE: 06:18 AM (0.7 FT) 06:36 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 12:20 PM (2.3 FT)
WEDNESDAY: A low (20 percent) chance of showers in the morning. A mix of sun and clouds, with a high near 89°F (31°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots, with gusts up to 25 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 4 to 6 feet
SUNRISE: 06:15 AM
SUNSET: 07:34 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:44 AM (2.6 FT) 01:17 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 07:03 AM (0.7 FT) 07:38 PM (0.7 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: An area of low pressure located offshore the east coast of Florida is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms this morning. This disturbance is forecast to move westward across Florida during the next day or so, and into the northeastern Gulf by late Tuesday. This system has a low chance of formation over the next seven days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON