In the midst of geopolitical tensions between the United States and Canada, smaller nations often find themselves navigating the ripple effects. However, for Barbados, this turbulence has unveiled a unique opportunity to strengthen its tourism sector. The recent tariff war and cooling diplomatic relations between the two North American giants have disrupted traditional travel patterns, prompting Canadians to seek alternative destinations. Barbados, with its century-long ties to Canada, is poised to capitalize on this shift.
分类： world
-
News : Zapping…
In a significant development for Haiti, the White House has formally communicated its endorsement to the U.S. Congress for the renewal of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement (HOPE) Act and the extension of the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act. James Monazard, Secretary of Commerce and Industry, confirmed this move during a radio broadcast in the capital, highlighting the administration’s commitment to bolstering Haiti’s economic prospects.
In a separate initiative, the French Embassy in Haiti has pledged €2 million to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to aid the reintegration of deported Haitians. This funding will facilitate border assistance, food aid, healthcare access, and the establishment of income-generating activities, aiming to provide sustainable support for returnees.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Voodoo of Haiti has announced a national vigil on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with the feast of the Guédés, to promote peace across the nation. This spiritual gathering underscores the cultural significance of Voodoo in Haitian society.
In a milestone for regional connectivity, the Antoine Simon International Airport in Les Cayes is set to welcome its first international commercial flight between October 28th and November 2nd, 2025. This development marks a new chapter in Haiti’s aviation history.
On the diplomatic front, French Ambassador Antoine Michon met with the Franco-Haitian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss strengthening economic ties between France and Haiti. The talks focused on fostering job creation and enhancing bilateral trade.
In sports, the Inter-University Peace Tournament saw a tense match between the Institute of Advanced Business and Economic Studies (IHECE) and GOC University, ending in a 0-0 draw. The event continues to promote unity and sportsmanship among Haitian youth.
-
Tropical Storm Melissa forms in the Caribbean, hurricane watch issued for Haiti
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced the emergence of Tropical Storm Melissa in the Caribbean early Tuesday morning, issuing initial warnings and watches. A hurricane watch has been activated for parts of Haiti as the storm intensifies. Currently situated approximately 300 miles off Port-au-Prince, Melissa boasts sustained winds of 50 mph. Environmental conditions are increasingly favorable for its development as it moves slowly across the central Caribbean Sea. Strengthening low-level winds and atmospheric dynamics suggest the storm could gain strength within the next 24 hours. Melissa is projected to bring heavy rainfall, powerful gusts, and hazardous waves to the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) in the coming days. Additionally, the storm’s instability and moisture may impact Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba, heightening the risk of localized flooding and river swells by the week’s end. The Dominican Republic faces a significant threat of heavy rains and potential mudslides. While the storm’s precise trajectory remains uncertain, current forecasts do not indicate an immediate threat to South Florida. Authorities are urging residents across the Caribbean, particularly from the Dominican Republic to eastern Cuba, to remain vigilant and monitor updates closely.
-
President Simons: Chinese gemeenschap onverbrekelijk deel van Surinaamse identiteit
The Suriname Chinese United Association (SCUA), in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, commemorated the 172nd anniversary of Chinese immigration to Suriname today. The event, marked by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Friendship Monument on Trefossa Square in Paramaribo, saw President Jennifer Simons and Vice President Gregory Rusland express their gratitude for the enduring contributions of the Chinese community to Surinamese society. President Simons highlighted the deep integration of the Chinese community since the 19th century, stating, ‘The first Chinese immigrants became deeply embedded in our communities, building relationships, supporting their surroundings, and becoming an integral part of our families and culture.’ She emphasized that their contributions extend far beyond trade and entrepreneurship, with Surinamese of Chinese descent now active in all professional fields, from business to politics. The President also announced the establishment of a national Heritage Month starting next year, honoring all ethnic groups within the broader narrative of nation-building. Chinese Ambassador Lin Ji praised the role of the Chinese community in Suriname’s development, noting their hard work and resilience. He announced plans to build a new commemorative pavilion in Friendship Park as a lasting symbol of the bond between the two nations. Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, Ambassador Lin Ji reaffirmed the commitment to deepening cooperation, stating, ‘The relationship between China and Suriname is deeply rooted and steadfast. May our friendship continue to flourish and contribute to the prosperity of our peoples.’
-
Tropical storm watch now in effect for Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities in Jamaica have issued a tropical storm watch as a developing weather system in the central Caribbean threatens to escalate into a tropical cyclone. The alert, effective immediately, indicates that tropical storm conditions could impact the island within the next 48 hours.
-
Trini in US boat strike related to dead gang leader
A recent US military strike targeting an alleged Venezuelan drug boat has left two Trinidad and Tobago (TT) citizens dead, including Chad Joseph, a resident of Las Cuevas. The incident, which occurred on October 14 in international waters off Venezuela’s coast, has sparked controversy as Joseph’s family questions the relevance of his familial ties to the deceased drug lord Vaughn “Sandman” Mieres. Joseph, believed to be among the six men killed in the strike, was Mieres’ nephew. Mieres, a notorious figure, was charged during the 2011 state of emergency as a gang leader but was released due to insufficient evidence. He was later killed in a 2019 attack on his fortified home. Joseph’s aunt, Lynette Burnley, emphasized that Joseph had distanced himself from his past and was leading a normal life, urging the public not to tarnish his character. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, has advised Joseph’s family to file a missing person’s report, referencing a 2018 incident where Joseph was arrested on a drug-carrying vessel. This strike marks the fifth such operation by the US in its campaign against alleged narco-traffickers in the southern Caribbean, with the death toll now exceeding 30. Survivors from the latest strike, two men from Colombia and Ecuador, have been repatriated to their respective countries.
-
Wife of Colombian killed in US strike says life taken unjustly
In a tragic incident that has sparked widespread debate, Alejandro Carranza, a 40-year-old fisherman from Santa Marta, Colombia, was killed in a US military strike last month. Carranza’s family insists he was an innocent man devoted to his craft, while US authorities claim he was among 32 alleged drug traffickers targeted in the Caribbean.
-
Severe weather alert in effect for Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Meteorological Service has activated a severe weather alert, effective until 6:00 am on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, as a tropical wave over the central Caribbean Sea evolves into a more organized system. This developing low-pressure area, currently lacking a well-defined center but exhibiting winds nearing 72 km/h (45 m/h), is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm later today. Environmental conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for further development, raising concerns about the potential formation of a tropical cyclone near Jamaica. Satellite, radar, and surface observations confirm the system’s progression, with its slow movement over the central Caribbean Sea expected to bring significant impacts to the island. Tropical storm conditions, including locally heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds, are anticipated to affect eastern and southern parishes from late Wednesday through Thursday, with rainfall potentially extending into the weekend. Marine areas are also at risk, with widespread showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds predicted to impact all zones, particularly inshore and offshore the south coast. Fishermen operating on the cays and banks are urged to finalize preparations and remain vigilant for possible evacuation orders.
-
Tropical System Leaves Caribbean Region After Threat of Cyclone Formation
A tropical wave that had been causing significant rainfall and strong winds across the eastern Caribbean Sea has now moved away from the region, according to the National Weather Service’s latest update on Monday. The system, identified as AL98, had been under close scrutiny by meteorologists, who initially projected an 80% likelihood of cyclone formation within a seven-day period. Moving westward at speeds of 15 to 20 mph, the wave had raised alarms for the Windward, Leeward, and ABC Islands. Forecasters had warned that environmental conditions were increasingly favorable for the development of a tropical depression or storm. However, the system has since shifted, leaving the affected areas with clearer skies and calmer waters. Earlier in the week, residents of the Windward and Leeward Islands experienced bouts of heavy rain and gusty winds, though these conditions have now subsided. Mariners were advised to stay updated through High Seas Forecasts, with a 50% risk of formation over the next 48 hours and an 80% probability over seven days. Authorities remain vigilant in monitoring tropical activity in the Caribbean, urging preparedness as the hurricane season continues.
-
Tropical Weather Outlook: Monday, 20 October 2025 (2 am)
A significant tropical wave is currently active over the eastern Caribbean Sea, situated a few hundred miles west of the Windward Islands. This weather system is generating widespread but disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Satellite data reveals that the disturbance lacks a closed circulation, though it is producing winds of 30 to 40 mph to the north and east of its axis. Moving swiftly westward at 20 to 25 mph, the wave is expected to limit significant development in the immediate future. However, as it slows over the central Caribbean Sea later this week, environmental conditions are predicted to become more favorable, increasing the likelihood of a tropical depression forming. Regardless of development, heavy rainfall and gusty winds are anticipated to persist across the Windward and Leeward Islands. The probability of formation within the next 48 hours is low at 30%, but it rises to 70% over the next seven days. Additionally, another tropical wave in the central Atlantic, with its axis near 45°W, is moving westward at 10-15 kt, accompanied by scattered moderate convection. Flash flood and landslide advisories are currently in effect, and the next update will be issued at 8 am by the Meteorological Services of the Grenada Airports Authority.