Travelore News: Berlin Airport Cancels Flights Ahead Of March 10th Strike. 10 Other Airports Could See Disruptions

Berlin’s airport has canceled all of its flights for Monday ahead of a labor union strike that is expected to impact more than half a million travelers and thousands of flights at 11 airports across Germany.

The ver.di union representing airport ground staff announced the strike on Friday to give travelers time to prepare. It said workers will walk out at the airports that service Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt/Main, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin-Brandenburg and Leipzig-Halle.

More than 510,000 travelers could see delays or cancelations of their flights, according to airport association ADV. An estimated 3,400 flights are expected to be canceled Monday.

The union’s negotiators demand better working conditions, higher wages and additional days off, among other things.

In addition to massive travel disruptions, the strike could also have a major economic impact on hotels, restaurants and retailers, ADV said.

By STEFANIE DAZIO

Discover Airlines Brings Orlando Its First Direct Connection To Munich, Germany Beginning March 5th

Great news for Orlando as Discover Airlines, a member of the Lufthansa Group, launches direct flights between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Munich Airport (MUC). This marks the first-ever scheduled connection between MCO and MUC, with flights now operating three times a week, year-round. In March and April, flights will operate out of Orlando on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the late evening, shifting to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in May.

The inaugural flight 4Y80 is scheduled to take off from Munich today, Wednesday, March 5, at 4:55pm, and land in Orlando at 9:30 PM, marking the inaugural direct connection between the two cities. All times are local.

The Lufthansa Group carrier, Discover Airlines, has been serving Orlando since November 2022, providing several weekly flights from Frankfurt. With the addition of the Munich connection, Discover Airlines now offers a total of 10 weekly flights between Germany and Orlando, including daily service from Frankfurt and three times weekly from Munich. Munich Airport serves the southern part of Germany and is the second largest airport in the country, after Frankfurt.

“We are thrilled to offer this first-ever direct route between Orlando and Munich, marking a significant milestone for our airline and of course both regions. Since we started flying here from Frankfurt, Orlando has been one of the most frequented destinations of our airline. The success of our Frankfurt service made Munich the logical next step. Orlando has always been a strong partner for us. We look forward to further strengthening the connection between both regions and offering even more travel options for our passengers,” said Marco Goetz, Chief Commercial Officer of Discover Airlines.

“Orlando International Airport (MCO) is excited to welcome Discover’s new nonstop service to Munich, marking an exciting milestone for our city,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which operates Orlando International Airport. “For the first time ever, Munich will be a direct destination from Orlando, a testament to the growing demand for international travel. This new service is a perfect reflection of the increased global connectivity at Orlando International Airport, which continues to evolve as a key hub for travelers from around the world and for those who call Central Florida home.”

Lufthansa Group offers vast, worldwide connectivity

As a member of the Lufthansa Group, Discover Airlines offers its passengers seamless transfers via the Group’s main German hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. Furthermore, with the Lufthansa Group being one of the world’s leading aviation organizations, customers have access to an extensive worldwide network. Lufthansa Group is comprised of Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, ITA Airways, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, and Discover and has code share flights with United Airlines and Air Canada, as a result of the Atlantic Joint Venture. Furthermore, due to Discover Airlines’ partnership with Miles&More and Mileage plus, guests are able to collect/redeem miles.

High-quality service and comfort with three travel class options

Discover Airlines operates the Orlando – Munich route with an Airbus A330, featuring up to 300 seats, including 30 Business Class seats with full lie-flat beds, 31 Premium Economy seats, and 244 Economy seats. This diverse seating arrangement ensures a comfortable and enjoyable journey for every traveler, with a high-quality experience across all classes.

In Business Class, passengers can enjoy an all-inclusive experience with meals and beverages included. Premium Economy passengers are treated to complimentary meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and a selection of beer and wine. In Economy, all meals and a variety of soft drinks are included, while alcoholic beverages, including an extensive range of cocktails, are available for purchase from the onboard bar, open to both Premium Economy and Economy passengers.

Beyond dining, passengers can enjoy a comprehensive entertainment experience with personal screens at every seat, offering free, unlimited access to a wide selection of films and TV shows in all classes. Internet access is available for purchase across all classes.

Flights can be booked via discover-airlines.com and lufthansa.com.

JetBlue's Plans For Refresh Of John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 5 With 40+ New Concessions And Redesigned Communal Spaces

JetBlue, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Fraport USA, manager of John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 5, today announced a major refresh of the airline’s flagship terminal. The addition of more than 40 new concessions, and new amenities, including art installations and a redesigned center concourse inspired by New York’s iconic parks, will create a unique New York sense of place and an elevated customer experience. The first new concessions are expected to open throughout 2025, with the terminal improvements completed by the end of 2026.

JetBlue’s Terminal 5 improvements, which align with the Port Authority’s $19 billion overhaul of JFK Airport, will spotlight locally owned businesses, featuring beloved brands recognized by both New Yorkers and visitors worldwide. With more than 40 new concessions and customer experiences, including more than 18 new local food and beverage options, customers will have more options to enhance their time at JFK.

At the heart of Terminal 5, the center concourse will transform into a space inspired by the city’s famous parks. Lush greenery, park benches, concrete chess tables, and warm lighting provide city park charm for customers to relax before their next flight. The redesigned center concourse will also feature a dedicated space for pop-up experiences, interactive events, and live performances to highlight New York’s world-renowned culture.

Additionally, an art collection featuring more than 30 works by New York-based artists displayed throughout the terminal will transform Terminal 5 into a vibrant cultural destination. As a dynamic showcase of the city’s creativity, Terminal 5 will become a must-visit artistic experience of its own.

“When it opened, Terminal 5 set a new standard for customer-focused airport design that reflected our mission of bringing humanity back to air travel,” said Marty St. George, president of JetBlue. “Now, in support of the Port Authority’s plan to redevelop JFK, we look forward to further enhancing the experience for all who travel through this world-class terminal. This isn’t just about new dining and shopping—it’s about bringing the energy of New York into the terminal. From local flavors to spaces that capture the city we love, we’re making T5 more uniquely New York while staying unmistakably JetBlue.”

“We are proud to build upon our collaboration with JetBlue and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to reimagine and elevate JFK Terminal 5,” said Sabine Trenk, CEO of Fraport USA Inc. “Together, we share a bold vision of transforming the customer experience — delivering a world-class, dynamic retail and dining destination that captivates customers while driving economic growth and innovation.”

“JetBlue and Fraport’s commitment to delivering world-class amenities and concessions to our customers aligns with the Port Authority’s goal of transforming JFK into one of the world’s great global gateways,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Creating a uniquely New York sense of place at JFK through the additions of iconic local concessions, art and design will make this terminal a memorable part of the customer journey through our region.”

“JetBlue customers traveling through Terminal 5 will soon enjoy authentic products and dining experiences that represent the best of what our region has to offer,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “These improvements by JetBlue and Fraport USA embrace our vision of a world-class customer experience that will serve as the front door of this region to the rest of the world.”

“I am thrilled to see this transformative project take flight, creating good-paying jobs, empowering small businesses, and driving economic growth while establishing JFK Terminal 5 as a state-of-the-art, world-class gateway,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “In addition to bringing the vibrant spirit of New York to the terminal, this project will uplift local communities by ensuring New Yorkers have a direct stake in its success and lasting impact through construction, business partnerships, and over 40 new concessions.”

“The historic $19 billion redevelopment of Kennedy Airport continues to pay incredible dividends for Queens families. A refreshed Terminal 5 will not only give travelers a fantastic first impression of The World's Borough, it will create good-paying jobs for Queens residents and concession opportunities for our small businesses,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I'm deeply grateful to JetBlue, Queens' hometown airline, for its investment in our borough and to all our partners for their commitment to the overall reimagining of Kennedy Airport.”

A Flavor and Feel of New York City

A mix of globally recognized and locally rooted operators will debut an exceptional array of offerings to the terminal, bringing in brands such as Eataly, The Halal Guys and Shake Shack alongside NYC hot spots such as Jacob’s Pickles, Tiki Chick, Serafina, Benetari’s, Gotham Burger, Birch Coffee, Nom Wah, Devoción, Mister Paradise, the Blind Barber, Leon’s Bagels, DiFara Pizza, Neir’s Tavern and much more. These chosen prime operators are dedicated to service and include HMSHost, Hudson Group, SSP America, OTG Management, M&R Concessions, WHSmith, Paradies Lagardere and Half Moon Empanadas.

As part of the federal airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) program, joint-venture partnerships between prime operators and ACDBEs allow for local and small businesses new to airport concessions to be paired with experienced prime operators. These ACDBEs are selected after demonstrating they have the financial capacity and business acumen for the rigorous airport environment. As joint-venture partners, ACDBE firms will learn how to operate concessions at an airport while also strengthening their position in the business community.

Local and ACDBE Businesses Selected as Joint-Venture Partners

Neir’s Tavern (Queens)

Brooklyn Tea Seller (Brooklyn)

Sugar Hill Creamery (Manhattan)

Nana’s Love (Queens)

Ranchito Salvadoreno (Queens)

Neat Rules Hospitality (Manhattan)

Byrd Retail Group (Brooklyn)

The Nourish Spot (Queens)

Sullivan Hernandez Group (Nassau County)

M&R Concessions (Queens)

The Terminal 5 project represents an investment in the local community and in New York City. From construction to business partnerships, the project will create jobs, contributing to economic growth and supporting small businesses. JetBlue, Fraport USA, and the Port Authority are actively collaborating with the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council to ensure that the investment in Terminal 5 enhances economic growth and opportunities in the communities surrounding the airport. The partnership is committed to fostering local business engagement, job creation, and long-term economic vitality that extends beyond the terminal walls.

Since opening Terminal 5 in 2008 and expanding it in 2014, the terminal has been recognized for its customer-focused design and amenities. Today, it serves 165 JetBlue flights and more than 35,000 customers per day.

As JetBlue continues its investment at JFK — including growth through the new Terminal 6, which will seamlessly connect with Terminal 5 and a forthcoming customer lounge — these improvements ensure that the airline’s flagship terminal remains a premier destination worthy of the incredible city it’s inspired by.

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline® , and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, Caribbean, Canada and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

Celebrate The 80th Anniversary Of UNESCO In Emilia Romagna

Italy’s Emilia Romagna offers a wealth of UNESCO-inscribed properties that preserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage and offer visitors opportunities to immerse themselves in this legacy.

UNESCO World Heritage Ravenna Basilica San Vitale, one of the most important monuments of Christian artEmilia Romagna Tourism/WALTER FERRETTI

The Emilia Romagna region in northern Italy is a perennial favorite of travelers interested in history, art, and architecture.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of UNESCO, a United Nations agency dedicated to preserving the world’s cultural and natural heritage. An essential part of the agency’s mission is to promote sustainable tourism.

The Emilia Romagna region has 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in total, among Italy’s 60 inscribed properties. The sites in the cities of Bologna, Ferrara, Modena and Ravenna are probably best known.

But other UNESCO-recognized treasures of Emilia Romagna showcase the region's contributions to music, gastronomy, philosophy, literature, natural heritage and more.

Follow The Old Roman Road

A road trip on the Via Emilia is a great way to visit many of these sites.

The 168-mile route itself is a historical marvel of engineering. First built by the Romans in 187 B.C., it is now a modern highway (SS9) running from Piacenza to Rimini. The roads leading off the Via Emilia allow visitors to see the small towns that dot the region.

Here are some of the not-to-be-missed stops on an Emilia Romagna road trip:

Emilia Romagna’s World Heritage Sites

Ferrara and The Po Delta (1 hour, 6 min off SS9 via E45 and A13)

Ferrara, with its 15th-century clock towerEmilia Romagna Tourism/Pierluigi Benini

This Renaissance city with an intact Medieval center was inscribed in 1995 for its innovative urban planning designed by the ruling Estes family. The oversized red brick Castello Estense, now a state-owned museum, dominates the modern city. Known as the City of Bicycles, Ferrara is easy to explore by bicycle or foot.

Also not to be missed is The Jewish Museum of Ferrara (Museo Nazionale Dell’Ebraismo Italiano e della Shoah [MEIS]), a national museum that tells the 2000-year history of Jews in Italy.

The Po Delta represents Italy's largest wetland, a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts. The Delta is also known for its IGP rice production. Carnaroli and Arborio are among the varieties grown here.

Modena (10 minutes off SS9 via SS724)

Modena Cathedral and Civic TowerNacchio Bros/Emilia Romagna Tourism

Modena was inscribed for its striking Middle Age architecture, including the Romanesque Cathedral, Torre Civica (the Cathedral’s Bell Tower that serves as a city symbol) and Piazza Grande (the virtual heart of the town).

Motor enthusiasts make pilgrimages to the Ferrari Museum in Modena, located in the house where Enzo Ferrari was born, to see Formula 1 race cars up close and learn about the company’s history.

Modena is also world-famous for its high-quality balsamic vinegar and for the destination restaurant, Francescana, helmed by Chef Massimo Bottura.

Ravenna (1 hour, 21 minutes off SS9 via E45)

The golden mosaics of RavennaEmilia Romagna Tourism

The city is renowned for its well-preserved Byzantine mosaics in the Basilicas and Baptisteries of Ravenna. Eight monuments comprise the UNESCO site.

History and literature buffs will also want to visit Dante Alighieri’s tomb. The writer, poet and philosopher spent the last five years of his life in Ravenna in exile. British Romantic poet Lord Byron also spent many years in Ravenna.

The Porticoes of Bologna (53 minutes from SS9 via E45)

More than 38.5 miles of picturesque porticoes showcase the city’s commitment to preservation.

Porticoes on Via Indipendenza in BolognaEmilia Romagna Tourism

Other Cultural and Natural UNESCO Sites in Emilia Romagna

The Malatestiana Library in Cesena

This public library in Cesena, a treasure trove for scholars, is recognized as a UNESCO Memory of the World. Its holdings include legal, medical, scientific, literary, theological, and philosophical works as well as 14 Greek codices and seven Hebrew ones.

Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines

Comprised of a landscape of over 900 caves, hikers often explore this natural site. Created by thousands of years of water erosion, it is one of the best-preserved evaporitic karsts in the world.

UNESCO Creative Cities: Bologna, Parma and Modena

Bologna, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, has a rich musical heritage and vibrant contemporary musical scene. The city is home to the International Museum and Library of Music of Bologna.

Parma is recognized as a City of Gastronomy, nestled in the heart of Emilia Romagna’s food valley. It is known worldwide for its culinary namesakes: Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Proscuitto di Parma cured ham.

Modena is designated a City of Media Arts for its prominence in cultural and media services industries.

Natural Attractions

Nature and wildlife lovers will appreciate two other UNESCO-recognized attractions, the Parchi Geologici dell’ Emilia-Romagna and the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano Biosphere Reserve.

Emilia Romagna: Towards Sustainable Tourism

Aerial photo of Parco Regionale dei Gessi BolognesiEmilia Romagna Tourism/Francesco Grarioli

The Emilia-Romagna region plays a pivotal role in the UNESCO mission. It serves as a living testament to how the harmonious integration of heritage, nature, and creativity can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/irenelevine/

Delta’s First flight To Morocco Takes Off October 2025

Delta expands its African footprint with nonstop service from Atlanta to Morocco’s “Red City” and adds seasonal flights to Accra.

Delta is expanding its African network with new nonstop routes from Atlanta, including its first-ever service to Marrakech, Morocco*, starting Oct. 25. The airline is also adding seasonal service from Atlanta to Accra, Ghana, beginning Dec. 1, to meet peak winter demand. With these additions, Delta is making both destinations more accessible while bringing its renowned premium experience to more of Africa.

Since launching service to Africa in 2006, Delta has remained committed to connecting customers between the U.S. and the continent. Today, the airline operates nonstop flights to five African destinations year-round and has carried more than 7.5 million customers on these routes.

“Delta’s new service to Marrakech and added flights to Accra strengthen our presence in Africa, offering more opportunities for customers to enjoy our award-winning service and premium onboard experience,” said Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning at Delta. “Whether discovering Morocco or reconnecting with loved ones in Ghana, these routes enhance our network while reinforcing Atlanta’s role as the world’s largest global hub.”

A new gateway to the magic of Marrakech

With its centuries-old traditions, vibrant souks and world-class luxury, Marrakech is a city that captivates the senses at every turn. As interest in Morocco increases, Delta’s new service—featuring one-stop connections from over 125 cities—opens the door to this UNESCO-listed destination like never before.

Customers can immerse themselves in the lively Medina of Marrakech, weaving through bustling markets and tranquil riads with sun-drenched courtyards. They can marvel at the intricate tilework of the Bahia Palace, feel the energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and unwind with the soothing ritual of a hammam spa; each experience is a perfect blend of culture and relaxation, complemented by Morocco’s bold, aromatic cuisine. Just beyond the city, travelers can trek through the Atlas Mountains or escape to the serenity of a desert retreat.

Delta’s Atlanta-Marrakech flight, ATL-RAK, will operate three-times-weekly on a Boeing 767-400ER, featuring Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. Delta One offers lie-flat seats, premium amenities and chef-curated meals, including a build-your-own ice cream sundae. Delta Premium Select provides a wider seat, deeper recline and an enhanced dining experience. 

Now boarding: fast, free Wi-Fi on routes to West Africa

Delta is on a journey to bring fast, free Wi-Fi to its entire global fleet – connectivity at an unprecedented scale that remains unmatched in the industry. SkyMiles Members traveling to Morocco on Delta can look forward to reliable, streaming-quality connectivity from the time the boarding door closes to the moment the plane arrives at the gate, allowing them stay connected and entertained – just like they would at home, for free. Expansion to remaining international routes is well underway, with all additional routes to West Africa (Lagos, Dakar and Accra) expected to be available with fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi in the coming weeks - in addition to Marrakech when it begins service in October.

More Accra Service

With strong demand from U.S.-Africa travelers, Accra remains one of Delta’s most popular African destinations, especially during the holiday season.

To accommodate peak demand, Delta is launching seasonal daily nonstop service from Atlanta to Accra, complementing its daily year-round service from New York-JFK.

Following the debut of the Airbus A330-900neo on the JFK-ACC route last October, the same aircraft type will now also operate on the Atlanta route, offering an elevated onboard experience featuring Delta One Suites and next-generation comfort across all cabins.

“Africa is home to some of the world’s most dynamic cities, rich traditions, and growing economies, and Delta is making it easier than ever to reach them,” said Matteo Curcio, Senior Vice President of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India at Delta. “These new routes open doors for travelers seeking business opportunities, cultural exploration, and meaningful connections.”

Continued Investments in Atlanta

Atlanta is Delta’s largest hub, operating nearly 1,000 daily flights and connecting travelers to 215 destinations worldwide. With the addition of Marrakech, Delta offers 67 international destinations from Atlanta, reinforcing its position as a global gateway with other recent additions including Naples and Brussels.

Additionally, Delta has invested more than $12 billion into modernizing its hub network, including major enhancements at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

A new 24,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club — the largest in the airport — opening this spring on Concourse D, featuring panoramic views and amenities for every type of traveler

Upgrades to Delta Sky Clubs on Concourses A and C designed to elevate the guest experience

The expansion of Concourse D, adding more gate space and improving passenger flow.

Delta Digital ID enabling eligible travelers to move through security and bag drop seamlessly without showing a physical ID or boarding pass.

These investments continue to elevate the travel experience for customers flying through Atlanta, whether they’re heading to Marrakech’s colorful souks, Accra’s lively streets or anywhere else in the world.

*subject to government approval

Jamaican Government Urged To 'Fully Decolonize' With Bill To Ditch King Charles

Many Jamaicans want their country to ditch King Charles as head of state but a bill presented by the government to do just that has frustrated some critics of the monarchy who believe the change should go further to slash colonial ties.

Jamaica gained independence in 1962 but - like 13 other former British colonies - it still retains the British monarch as its head of state.

Public opinion on the Caribbean island of nearly 3 million people has been shifting for years, and in December the government of Prime Minister Andrew Holness presented a bill to remove King Charles.

Hundreds of thousands of enslaved Africans were shipped to Jamaica during transatlantic slavery, and many scholars and advocates say the legacy of slavery and colonialism has resulted in or played a role in enduring inequities. Growing calls by African and Caribbean nations for reparations to address past wrongs have added to a shift in sentiment across the region.

Britain has so far rejected calls for reparations. On the issue of removing the monarchy as head of state, Buckingham Palace usually says such matters are for the local people and politicians to decide. On a visit to the Bahamas in 2022, Prince William - who is now heir to the throne - said he supports and respects any decision Caribbean nations make about their future.

The Jamaican bill - which could be debated in parliament as early as this month or next - would have to be ratified in a referendum if passed.

Before that, some critics - including the opposition People's National Party (PNP) - are raising objections to how a future president would be selected, what his or her role would be, and which court should be Jamaica's final court of appeal.

Steven Golding, head of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, founded more than a century ago by Jamaican civil rights leader Marcus Garvey, said the group and others had long advocated for the removal of "the last vestiges of the colonial umbilical cord".

But he added: "We must make sure that it's not a cosmetic surgery being done... we don't want to swap having a British monarch... to having a titular president. I would like to see an executive president, directly elected by the people."

Longstanding calls by some Jamaicans to abolish the monarchy picked up steam after Barbados, another former colony in the Caribbean, removed the late Queen Elizabeth as head of state in 2021. Holness told Prince William during a visit by the royal in 2022 that his country wanted to be "independent".

A survey by pollster Don Anderson in 2022 showed 56% of people in Jamaica wanted the monarch removed, up from 40% a decade earlier.

A PRESIDENT AS HEAD OF STATE

According to the government's bill, Charles' representative in Jamaica - the governor general - would be replaced by a president nominated by the prime minister in consultation with the opposition leader.

If the two could not agree on a candidate, the opposition leader could recommend a name, and if that were not accepted, the prime minister could choose a nominee who would then be elected with a simple parliamentary majority.

Donna Scott-Mottley, a spokesperson on justice for the PNP, said removing Charles would be the "final birth of a true nation" but the way the president would be chosen under the bill "compromised everything". "If you (PM) wanted your right-hand man to become president, you simply do the nomination," Scott-Mottley told Reuters.

Former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson has also voiced opposition, saying the president would be a "puppet of the prime minister".

The government did not reply to a request for comment on the criticism.

'FULL DECOLONISATION'

The bill is likely to pass the lower house of parliament as the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) currently has the two-thirds majority required, but it will need at least one opposition vote when it moves to the upper house.

Even if rejected by the upper house, the bill can still be put to a national referendum, which the government hopes to hold by next year. To pass, the referendum would need two-thirds of the vote, rather than just a simple majority.

A general election due this year may delay the process.

Another point of contention is the London-based Privy Council, the final court of appeal for UK overseas territories and some Commonwealth nations. Critics say this should be replaced by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Accessing the Privy Council can be expensive and cumbersome as those who wish to argue their cases there need a visa to travel to Britain. Caribbean nations such as Barbados, Belize and Guyana have replaced the Privy Council with the CCJ.

Accessing the Privy Council can be expensive and cumbersome as those who wish to argue their cases there need a visa to travel to Britain. Caribbean nations such as Barbados, Belize and Guyana have replaced the Privy Council with the CCJ.

The Jamaican government has said matters related to the court would feature later in the "phased reform", and that Jamaicans would be able to weigh in on the matter.

Christopher Charles, professor of political and social psychology at the University of the West Indies, said keeping the Privy Council was like wanting to get divorced while keeping "a room in the matrimonial home". Scott-Mottley said it would be "anachronistic" to drop Charles as monarch but still use his court.

Constitutional change advocate Haile Mika'el Cujo said keeping the Privy Council could put people off from voting in the referendum: "People are not going to sign off on that."

"We believe that time has come for full decolonisation... not piecemeal or partial or phased," said PNP's leader Mark Golding.

Reporting by Zahra Burton in Kingston and Catarina Demony in London; Editing by Frances Kerry Disagreements over the Privy Council have led the PNP to pause its participation in the committee working on the bill.

China Tells Its AI Leaders To Avoid US Travel Over Security Concerns, WSJ Reports

Chinese authorities are instructing the country's top artificial intelligence entrepreneurs and researchers to avoid travel to the United States, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The authorities are concerned that Chinese AI experts traveling abroad could divulge confidential information about the nation's progress, the newspaper said.

Authorities also fear that executives could be detained and used as a bargaining chip in U.S.-China negotiations, the Journal said, drawing parallels to the detention of a Huawei executive in Canada at Washington's request during the first Trump administration.

The U.S. and China are locked in a global AI race, with Chinese startup DeepSeek recently launching AI models that it claims rival or surpass U.S. industry leaders such as OpenAI and Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O), opens new tab Google, at significantly lower cost.

The White House and China's State Council Information Office, which handles media enquiries on behalf of the government, did not immediately respond to requests from Reuters for comment.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told a meeting of top Communist Party officials on Friday to improve China's overall security, including in the realms of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, China's state broadcaster reported on Saturday.

"We should give top priority to defending the country's political security," Xi was quoted as having told other members of the governing Politburo.

Last month, the Chinese leader held a rare meeting with some of the biggest names in the world's second-largest economy's technology sector, urging them to "show their talent" and be confident in the power of China's model and market.

Chinese executives who choose to travel are instructed to report their plans before leaving and, upon returning, to brief authorities on what they did and whom they met, the Journal report said.

DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng declined an invitation to attend an AI summit in Paris in February, according to the report. Another founder of a major Chinese AI startup cancelled a planned U.S. trip last year following instructions from Beijing, the Journal added.

Reporting by Nilutpal Timsina in Bengaluru and Joe Cash in Beijing; Editing by William Mallard, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Muralikumar Anantharaman