Despite the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s south-western region on Tuesday, the parish of St Thomas largely escaped severe damage. However, for residents living near the Plantain Garden River in Bath, the storm brought chaos and fear as landslides tore through the riverbank, threatening homes and livelihoods. A viral video on social media captured the dramatic evacuation of residents as sections of the riverbank collapsed, sweeping away a parked car in the process.
作者： admin
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Disaster!
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most ferocious hurricanes ever recorded, unleashed its fury on Jamaica’s south-western coast on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. With maximum wind speeds reaching 185 miles per hour (300 kilometres per hour), the storm obliterated homes, uprooted trees, and severed power lines across the island. Torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides, compounding the devastation. Even as wind speeds subsided to 150 miles per hour, the hurricane continued to inundate communities, causing widespread damage that may take days to fully assess, particularly as communication networks remain largely incapacitated. In response to the catastrophe, Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness declared the island a disaster area under the Disaster Risk Management Act. The Government also enacted the Trade (Sale of Goods During Period of Declaration of Threatened Area) (Tropical Storm Melissa) Order, 2025, which took immediate effect. These measures, Holness emphasized, provide the Government with the necessary tools to manage its ongoing response to the crisis. Hurricane Melissa now stands as the most destructive hurricane to ever strike Jamaica, marking a grim milestone in the nation’s history.
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NO BEEF!
Jamaican long jump sensation Tajay Gayle has expressed gratitude towards his former coach, Stephen Francis, despite parting ways with the MVP Track and Field Club. Gayle, who recently clinched a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, attributes his successful transition to Kerry-Lee Ricketts’ training camp to Francis’s guidance. The 29-year-old athlete, who leaped an impressive 8.34 meters in Tokyo, has been regaining his form since joining the St Elizabeth-based Ricketts Performance Club in late 2024. This marked his first major achievement since leaving MVP, where he had trained under Francis. Gayle admitted to initial apprehensions about the move but now views his podium finish as validation of his decision. He emphasized that the split with Francis was amicable, with no lingering animosity. Gayle also revealed that Francis recommended Ricketts, a decision he initially questioned but ultimately embraced after a conversation with the coach. The athlete praised the positive and supportive environment at Ricketts’ camp, highlighting its role in his recent success and future aspirations.
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PM Browne Secures LIAT Aircraft to Evacuate Antiguan Students from Jamaica if Needed After Hurricane Melissa
In a proactive response to the impending threat of Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has finalized arrangements with LIAT Airlines to evacuate 53 students currently residing in Jamaica. The Prime Minister held discussions with LIAT’s CEO, Mrs. Hafsa Abdulsalam, on October 28, 2025, securing assurances that an aircraft will be on standby for evacuation if conditions necessitate. The students, who have been safely housed at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston since the previous Friday, are equipped with all necessary amenities to continue their studies while awaiting the storm’s impact. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane, is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, moving at a slow pace with ferocious winds that pose significant risks to life and property. Prime Minister Browne has urged the nation to pray for Jamaica and its residents, seeking divine intervention to mitigate the storm’s potential devastation. Drawing from Antigua and Barbuda’s own experiences with hurricanes, the Prime Minister has pledged post-hurricane recovery assistance to Jamaica, emphasizing solidarity and support in times of crisis.
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China presenteert Global Governance Initiative als antwoord op wereldwijde uitdagingen
At the 23rd Lanting Forum in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi introduced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), positioning it as a cornerstone of China’s contribution to reforming and strengthening global governance. In his keynote address on October 27, 2025, Wang emphasized the critical need for multilateralism, solidarity, and collaboration to address escalating global challenges and build a shared future for humanity. He highlighted the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) as a reminder of the UN’s central role in maintaining global peace and development, while warning against the rise of unilateralism and the urgent need for governance reform. The GGI, championed by President Xi Jinping, is built on five core principles: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and tangible results. Wang asserted that the initiative not only aligns with the UN Charter but also represents an innovative step toward a more just, inclusive, and effective global governance system. Supported by over 140 countries and organizations, the GGI calls for unity in a world increasingly fragmented by division. Wang stressed that only through cooperation and shared efforts can sustainable peace, development, and prosperity be achieved. He cautioned against the politicization of economic and trade issues, warning against market fragmentation and trade wars. Wang underscored the importance of prioritizing development on the global agenda, advocating for equitable partnerships and mobilizing global resources. China’s commitment to high-quality cooperation, exemplified by initiatives like the Belt and Road, has already benefited over three-quarters of the world’s nations. The speech also addressed key priorities such as strengthening the UN, promoting sustainable development, combating climate change, and amplifying the voices of developing nations. Wang reiterated China’s dedication to active participation in international cooperation and reform, particularly in support of the Global South. He concluded with a call for collective action and open dialogue, reaffirming China’s resolve to work with the international community toward a fairer and more stable global order. Following Wang’s address, discussions featured prominent voices like Omar Razzaz, former Prime Minister of Jordan, who likened the current global situation to a ‘law of the jungle’ and called for UN reform. Erik Solheim, co-chair of the Europe-Asia Center, advocated for greater Asian representation in the UN, while Lin Yifu, former dean of Peking University’s National School of Development, warned of the escalating tensions between the US and China and emphasized the need for soft power over hard power.
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Venezuela Cuts Energy Ties with Trinidad Amid Tensions
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Venezuela has severed all energy ties with Trinidad and Tobago, citing “hostile” actions by its Caribbean neighbor. The decision was announced by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during his weekly television address on Monday night. Maduro accused Trinidad of becoming “the aircraft carrier of the US empire” and stated that Venezuela had no alternative but to withdraw from energy agreements established with Port of Spain a decade ago. This move follows the arrival of the US Navy destroyer USS Gravely in Trinidad’s capital for joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. While US and Trinidadian officials emphasized that the drills are part of routine security cooperation, Venezuela perceives them as a direct threat to its sovereignty. The USS Gravely is scheduled to remain in port until Thursday, further intensifying the diplomatic rift between the nations.
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St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union holds its Eighty-Sixth Annual Conference
The St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union marked its 86th Annual Conference on October 26, 2025, at the St. Kitts Solid Waste Management Corporation Conference Room in Basseterre. The event, themed ‘Social Protection for All Workers: Strengthening Collective Bargaining and Trade Union Rights,’ highlighted the Union’s enduring commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and social protection. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, in a message read by General Secretary Ms. Precious Mills, praised the Union for its decades-long dedication to justice, dignity, and empowerment for workers. He emphasized the Union’s historic alliance with the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party as a cornerstone of national progress. The conference featured a health and wellness exercise led by Executive Floor Member Ms. Jutambien Kelly, inspired by last year’s presentation by Dr. Sharon Osborne. Notable attendees included His Excellency David Rivero Perez, Cuba’s Resident Ambassador, and His Excellency Edward Ling-Wen Tao, Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador. Representatives from opposition parties, the Peoples Labour Party (PLP) and the People’s Action Movement (PAM), also participated. President Mr. Sydney Bridgewater addressed the pressing global challenges faced by workers, including rising living costs and job insecurity. Guest Speaker Ms. Sybil Welsh, Senior Projects Specialist at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, emphasized the importance of financial planning for institutional growth, urging organizations to adopt strategic planning to ensure sustainable development. The conference concluded with General Secretary Ms. Mills reaffirming the Union’s commitment to championing workers’ rights in St. Kitts and Nevis.
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Melissa now making catastrophic landfall in Jamaica; Cuba and Bahamas on alert for destructive impacts
Jamaica is bracing for unprecedented devastation as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, makes landfall. With wind gusts reaching up to 215 mph, storm surges as high as 18 feet, and rainfall exceeding 3 feet, the island faces life-threatening conditions. AccuWeather experts warn that the hurricane’s slow forward speed of just 4.6 mph will prolong its destructive impact, making it one of the most severe storms in Jamaica’s recorded history. The eyewall’s wind gusts, comparable to an EF-3 or EF-4 tornado, could level entire communities, leaving critical infrastructure like power plants, water treatment facilities, and airports in ruins. The storm’s slow movement also increases the risk of catastrophic flooding and mudslides, which could render roads and bridges impassable for weeks or even months. After Jamaica, Melissa is expected to strike Cuba with winds of 120-140 mph and up to 24 inches of rain, followed by impacts in the Bahamas and Bermuda. The U.S. East Coast may also experience coastal flooding and rough surf. Recovery efforts in Jamaica could take years, with international aid likely required to address the widespread destruction.
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Culture Minister: Jounen Kwéyòl a ‘success’
Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister responsible for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, and Culture, expressed his satisfaction with the success of Jounen Kwéyòl celebrations on October 27. The event, held on October 26, showcased Saint Lucia’s rich cultural heritage through food, music, dance, and traditional attire, centered around the Kwéyòl language. While the main activities were concentrated in Belle Vue, Vieux Fort, and Babonneau, the festivities extended island-wide, beginning on October 24 with schools and workplaces participating. Dr. Hilaire emphasized the need for a decentralized approach to the celebrations, encouraging more communities to host authentic Kwéyòl experiences. He highlighted the organic growth of the event, with communities like Monchy and Anse Gere drawing large crowds. The weekend-long celebration featured Church services in Kwéyòl, breakfast events, bamboo bursting competitions, and live performances of traditional music and dance. The culinary offerings, including avocado and farine, cashew tea, bakes, cocoa tea, smoked herring, pig tail, and dumplings, were a major attraction. Dr. Hilaire’s vision is to transform Jounen Kwéyòl into a national celebration, moving beyond the focus on designated communities.
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LETTER: Women in Politics Deserve More Than Tokenism, UPP Must Face the Truth
In a scathing critique of the United Progressive Party (UPP), the author expresses profound disappointment with the party’s current trajectory, accusing it of lacking purpose and engaging in political theatrics. The letter highlights the party’s failure to genuinely empower women in politics, arguing that their approach to gender representation is superficial and tokenistic. Instead of fostering capable and competent female leaders, the UPP has allegedly sidelined intelligent and qualified women, many of whom have found recognition and roles of influence within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).
The author contrasts the UPP’s approach with that of the ABLP, which has placed women in key administrative positions based on merit, thereby fostering true empowerment. The letter questions the UPP’s commitment to gender equality, pointing out the absence of meaningful efforts to elevate women within their ranks. It also criticizes the party’s focus on Barbara Coates, suggesting that her role is emblematic of the UPP’s tendency to exploit individuals for political convenience.
A significant portion of the letter is dedicated to defending Hon. Maria Browne, who has faced criticism from the opposition for a recent error. The author commends Browne for her accountability and leadership, contrasting her response with the UPP’s alleged hypocrisy. The letter accuses UPP members of deflecting attention from their own controversies, such as Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle’s business dealings and the East Bus Station project, which has been described as a financial burden on the public.
The author concludes by urging the UPP to focus on rebuilding its leadership and addressing national issues with maturity, rather than engaging in shallow theatrics and personal attacks. The letter expresses confidence in Maria Browne’s ability to emerge stronger from her challenges and praises the ABLP for its commitment to empowering women of substance and ability. Ultimately, the author asserts that the UPP is not a viable opposition and lacks the vision, coherence, and competence required to lead the nation.