分类： world

The United States has significantly increased its humanitarian support for Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, announcing an additional $10 million in aid. This brings the total U.S. contribution to $22 million, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. The announcement was made by Jeremy Lewin, Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, during a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness in St. Andrew on Monday. Lewin highlighted the U.S.’s rapid and robust response, which included deploying a disaster response team, search and rescue personnel, and heavy-lift helicopters to deliver life-saving aid to isolated communities. He emphasized that the U.S. would remain committed to Jamaica’s recovery efforts throughout all stages, from immediate relief to long-term reconstruction. Prime Minister Holness expressed deep gratitude for the U.S.’s swift and comprehensive assistance, particularly in logistics operations that were critical in reaching marooned communities. However, he cautioned that the scale of destruction was immense and called for sustained international and local cooperation to ensure Jamaica’s full recovery.

In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Panamanian authorities intercepted a staggering 12 tons of cocaine on a ferry in the Pacific Ocean, marking one of the largest drug seizures in the nation’s history. The operation, conducted on Monday, led to the arrest of 10 individuals, including nationals from Venezuela, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. The ferry had departed from Colombia, a major source of cocaine production, with the U.S. as its intended destination. Panama, a critical transit hub for narcotics from South America, has intensified its anti-drug efforts, seizing a total of 119 metric tons of drugs in 2023 alone. This operation comes amid heightened U.S. military deployment in Latin America, part of a broader anti-drug campaign. However, the initiative has sparked controversy, with Venezuela accusing Washington of using the campaign as a pretext to target its president, Nicolas Maduro. The seizure underscores the ongoing challenges in combating drug trafficking in the region, as Latin American nations strive to demonstrate their commitment to curbing the narcotics trade.

The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) commenced in Belém, Brazil, on Monday, delivering a resounding message: the era of incremental measures is over. Climate change is wreaking havoc on communities and economies, but solutions are within reach. UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasized that global emissions are beginning to decline, thanks to commitments from previous COPs. However, he stressed that much work remains, urging delegates to transform ambition into action. Stiell highlighted the Amazon as a symbol of inspiration, likening its vast river system to the multifaceted international cooperation needed to address the crisis. He warned that no nation can tackle climate change alone, as disasters like droughts and hurricanes slash GDP and drive food prices sky-high. Stiell outlined key priorities for COP30, including a just transition from fossil fuels, tripling renewable energy capacity, and mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually for climate action in developing countries. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva echoed the urgency, calling COP30 ‘the COP of truth’ and denouncing climate denialism. He announced a new fund to support energy transitions in developing countries, financed by oil revenues. The conference also saw the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, which has already secured $5.5 billion to protect rainforests. Indigenous land rights, sustainable fuel production, and climate justice were also central to discussions. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) brought the region’s climate agenda to the forefront, advocating for concessional financing and innovative solutions to address escalating climate impacts. CDB President Daniel Best emphasized the need for global support to help small island states adapt to the crisis. COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago called for a focus on implementation, adaptation, and scientific integrity. The conference, held in the heart of the Amazon, aims to inspire decisive action to combat the climate crisis and secure a sustainable future.