Sir Molwyn Joseph, Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister, has emphasized the urgent need for robust regulatory reforms and increased investment in the nation’s midwifery workforce. Addressing attendees at the opening of a two-day Competency-Based Education Capacity-Building Workshop for Midwifery Educators, Joseph highlighted that while educational initiatives are crucial, they must be complemented by comprehensive policy measures and institutional support. He stressed that achieving safer motherhood and improved newborn care extends beyond training programs, requiring substantial investment in human resources, reinforced regulatory frameworks, and an enabling environment for midwives to fully utilize their expertise. The minister underscored the workshop’s significance in empowering educators to shape the future of midwifery, aligning with international standards such as the International Confederation of Midwives’ Essential Competencies (2019). Joseph reiterated that maternal and newborn health remains a national priority, essential for social equity, human dignity, and national development. He emphasized the importance of ensuring every woman has access to safe, high-quality care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, while midwives are empowered, supported, and respected in their roles. The minister also acknowledged the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Caribbean Regional Midwives Association for their technical and resource contributions, which have bolstered systems, curricula, and capacity in Antigua and Barbuda. The workshop, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and UNFPA, focuses on competency-based education (CBE), a practical training model designed to equip midwives with the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to address real-world challenges. Joseph concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to collaborating with partners to provide midwives with the necessary policy, resources, and institutional support to practice effectively and contribute to national development.
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Maduro says Venezuela has 5,000 Russian anti-aircraft missiles to counter US
CARACAS, Venezuela — In a bold move to counter escalating tensions with the United States, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on Wednesday that the nation has acquired 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S man-portable surface-to-air missiles. These short-range missiles, designed to target low-flying aircraft, have been strategically positioned across key air defense locations to ensure national security and peace, Maduro stated during a televised ceremony with senior military officials.
The announcement comes in response to the US military’s recent deployment of stealth warplanes and Navy ships in the Caribbean, which Washington claims are part of counter-narcotics operations. However, Venezuela views these actions as a prelude to a potential operation aimed at ousting Maduro, whom the US accuses of leading a drug cartel. The US has already destroyed at least eight vessels allegedly smuggling drugs from Venezuela to the United States.
The Igla-S missiles have been integrated into military exercises ordered by Maduro, reflecting Venezuela’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. This development has further inflamed regional tensions, with Latin American leaders expressing outrage over the US military presence. The Pentagon has labeled Latin American drug cartels as terrorist groups and described suspected smugglers as ‘unlawful combatants,’ justifying its aggressive stance.
Meanwhile, diplomatic relations between Colombia and the US have soured, with Colombia recalling its ambassador to Washington following a heated exchange between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump. Trump defended the US deployment, claiming it has significantly reduced drug trafficking by sea and is prepared to extend operations to land-based traffickers.
Experts warn that the US’s summary killings of suspected traffickers, even if confirmed, may violate international law. As tensions continue to rise, the region braces for further geopolitical instability.
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Meta to cut 600 jobs in artificial intelligence — reports
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced the elimination of 600 positions within its artificial intelligence (AI) division, as reported by major U.S. media outlets on Wednesday. This strategic move is part of the company’s broader effort to enhance operational efficiency following a period of rapid expansion and aggressive hiring. Notably, the job cuts will not impact the TBD Lab, a specialized unit established by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, which has been instrumental in recruiting top-tier researchers from competitors such as OpenAI and Apple through lucrative compensation packages. Instead, the layoffs will primarily affect teams dedicated to AI product development and infrastructure, with the goal of optimizing resources while maintaining progress on Meta’s most ambitious projects. According to a Wall Street Journal report, many of the displaced employees may be reassigned to other roles within the company. The New York Times characterized the layoffs as a response to ‘organizational bloat’ resulting from the company’s intensive hiring spree to bolster its AI initiatives. Both publications referenced a memo from Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, who emphasized that the reduction in workforce would lead to ‘fewer conversations required to make decisions,’ thereby streamlining operations. Meta has yet to comment on the matter in response to inquiries from AFP.
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Cuba nabs suspected Chinese fentanyl kingpin wanted by Mexico, US
Cuba has apprehended Zhi Dong Zhang, a notorious Chinese fentanyl trafficker who escaped from house arrest in Mexico and is wanted by both the United States and Mexico, according to the Mexican Government. Known by the alias ‘Brother Wang,’ Zhang is accused of collaborating with Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, both designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the US. His arrest was confirmed by Mexico’s Security Secretariat, though it remains unclear whether he will be deported to Mexico or undergo a formal extradition process. Zhang was initially detained in Mexico in October 2024 on charges related to money laundering and was awaiting extradition to the US when he escaped custody in July. Mexican Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch described Zhang as a key figure in international money laundering and fentanyl trafficking, facilitating the drug’s distribution from China to Central and South America, Europe, and the US. The arrest comes amid heightened US pressure on Mexico and China to combat fentanyl trafficking, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin and a major contributor to the US overdose epidemic. While Mexico has been the primary source of fentanyl in the US, Washington has increasingly targeted Chinese suppliers of precursor chemicals. Sources in Havana suggest Zhang will be extradited to Mexico, though details remain undisclosed. Cuba has yet to officially comment on the arrest.
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Bahamas gov’t to use dormant accounts to fund disaster emergencies
The Bahamas Government has introduced a groundbreaking legislative proposal aimed at reallocating funds from dormant accounts to the Disaster Emergency Fund. This initiative seeks to enhance the nation’s resilience and recovery capabilities in the face of increasingly frequent and severe storms. Prime Minister Phillip Davis emphasized the necessity of proactive disaster preparedness, stating that the government’s previous reactive approach had left the country ill-equipped for events like Hurricane Dorian in 2019. The proposed resolution authorizes the transfer of US$17 million from dormant accounts, which are currently part of the Consolidated Fund, to the Disaster Emergency Fund. These unclaimed resources will now serve a critical national purpose, providing immediate financial support during disasters without reliance on external funding. The government is also developing stringent regulations to ensure transparent and efficient management of these funds, outlining their permissible uses, investment strategies, and activation protocols. The establishment of the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRMA) marks a significant shift towards risk reduction, mitigation, and preparedness. Prime Minister Davis highlighted that this new strategy, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), could reduce potential disaster-related losses by 45% over the next decade, thereby improving fiscal resilience. The resolution aligns with the Disaster Risk Management Act, 2022, which mandates the maintenance of the Disaster Emergency Fund to finance response, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts. By capitalizing this fund, the Bahamas aims to build a stronger, more resilient nation capable of withstanding and recovering from natural disasters.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Portmore mayor taking precautionary measures to combat flooding
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Portmore Mayor Leon Thompson has reassured residents that drain cleaning operations, which commenced as early as April, are continuing in full swing as the municipality braces for Tropical Storm Melissa. In a statement to Observer Online on Tuesday, Thompson emphasized that equipment is on standby to address potential major flooding, ensuring swift removal of any blockages if necessary.
Thompson highlighted that assessments have identified illegal constructions on drain reservations and walls as significant contributors to recurrent severe flooding in certain areas, particularly the Edgewater community. He specifically pointed out Michelle Crescent, where residents have extended their properties beyond legal boundaries, encroaching on critical drainage infrastructure.
‘Residents have built beyond their property lines, constructing on drain reservations and even on existing drain walls,’ Thompson explained. ‘This has led to the collapse of many drains, obstructing water flow and causing persistent flooding in Edgewater.’
To address these issues, the municipal council has initiated corrective measures, including issuing enforcement notices to violators and maintaining routine drain cleaning. ‘We are systematically serving notices in these communities to ensure compliance,’ Thompson stated. The mayor’s proactive approach aims to mitigate flood risks and safeguard residents as the storm season intensifies.
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Hydel edge KC, Charlie stun George’s as Manning Cup second round kicks off
The ISSA Wata Manning Cup second round commenced with a series of thrilling matches on Wednesday, delivering unexpected outcomes and shifting the dynamics of the competition. Defending champions Kingston College (KC) faced a shocking 0-1 defeat at the hands of Hydel High, marking their first loss of the season. The decisive moment came from Abraham Joseph, whose goal secured the victory for the St Catherine-based team. This result propelled Hydel to three points in Group 2, level with Calabar High, who dominated Campion College with a 4-1 win, but trailing on goal difference. Meanwhile, Charlie Smith High delivered a stunning performance, overcoming St George’s College 4-2 at Stadium East, catapulting them to the top of Group 3. In the same group, St Catherine High and Vauxhall High settled for a 0-0 draw, each earning a point. Excelsior High demonstrated their prowess with a commanding 3-0 victory over Wolmer’s Boys, taking the lead in Group 1 on goal difference ahead of St Andrew Technical High (STATHS), who narrowly defeated Tivoli Gardens High 1-0. In Group 4, Mona High asserted their dominance with a 4-1 triumph over St Jago High, while Jamaica College and Eltham High shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw. Mona now leads the group with three points, two ahead of Jamaica College and Eltham High.
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Delcy: TT economy would collapse without Venezuela gas
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez issued a stark warning to Trinidad and Tobago, asserting that its economy would face collapse without securing gas agreements with Venezuela. Speaking at the Venezuela Productiva 2030 Business Expo Forum on October 22, Rodríguez emphasized that Venezuelan gas must be paid for and criticized Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for relying on U.S. promises to access Venezuelan resources. Rodríguez accused Persad-Bissessar of being misled by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who allegedly promised free access to Venezuela’s gas. She described such claims as “fantasy” and warned that Trinidad’s business sectors would be left vulnerable if the country continued to pursue this path. Rodríguez underscored that Venezuela’s gas exports, including those to Trinidad and Tobago, are governed by international trade principles and require payment. She also highlighted the historical significance of Venezuela’s energy cooperation with Caribbean nations through initiatives like Petrocaribe, which the U.S. allegedly disrupted. Rodríguez’s remarks come amid renewed negotiations over the Dragon Gas project, a cross-border initiative involving Venezuela’s offshore reserves. Trinidad and Tobago recently secured a U.S. license to resume talks on the project, but Rodríguez insisted that only Venezuela’s government can facilitate the gas trade. Persad-Bissessar has yet to respond to Rodríguez’s comments.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Sandy Gully gets last minute clean-up as NWA prepares for heavy rain
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, the Jamaican government has ramped up efforts to mitigate potential flooding and infrastructure damage. Sandy Gully, a critical drainage channel in Kingston, has been a focal point of these preparations. Teams from the National Works Agency (NWA), alongside the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), have been conducting inspections and initiating cleanup operations in vulnerable areas. Minister Robert Nesta Morgan, responsible for Economic Growth and Job Creation, emphasized the urgency of these measures during a press briefing. He highlighted the accumulation of silt and debris in Sandy Gully, which poses significant risks to nearby infrastructure, including a vital bridge. The government has allocated approximately $4 billion for the rehabilitation of Sandy Gully and other major drainage systems across the Corporate Area and St James. However, immediate remedial actions are being taken to address the most critical threats posed by the approaching storm. Minister Morgan stressed the importance of protecting life and property, particularly in low-lying areas such as Clarendon Southern, St Elizabeth Southern, Manchester Southern, and St Andrew East Rural. The NWA has also partnered with contractors to stockpile materials like river shingle, ensuring swift response to road closures caused by flooding. Major infrastructure projects, including the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) and the SPARK Programme, have enhanced the country’s disaster resilience. Despite these efforts, Minister Morgan acknowledged that flooding is inevitable during heavy rainfall but assured that the government is prepared to provide necessary assistance.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Flow says it is fully prepared for potential storm
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Telecommunications provider Flow has announced its comprehensive readiness for Tropical Storm Melissa, which is expected to bring severe weather conditions to the island. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a tropical storm watch, predicting strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding as the storm approaches.