KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States has issued a bulletin highlighting the movement of a tropical wave over the Windward Islands. As of its 8:00 am update on Sunday, the NHC anticipates heavy rainfall and gusty winds across the region. However, the system’s rapid progression is expected to hinder significant development over the next 24 to 48 hours.
分类： world
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Belize Takes Over Chairmanship of World Bank’s Small States Forum
Belize has been appointed as the Chair of the World Bank’s Small States Forum (SSF) for the term spanning January 2026 to December 2028. This significant development underscores Belize’s growing influence in addressing the unique challenges faced by small and vulnerable economies on the global stage. The announcement was made during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Washington, D.C., from October 13 to 17, 2025. Prime Minister John Briceño will spearhead the forum’s initiatives, focusing on crafting tailored solutions to economic and environmental issues that disproportionately affect small states. The Small States Forum, a platform uniting finance ministers and central bank governors from over 50 countries, plays a pivotal role in addressing vulnerabilities such as limited economic diversification, climate risks, and external shocks. Belize’s leadership comes at a crucial juncture as the World Bank finalizes its new Small States Strategy, aimed at providing more effective support to these nations. In a pre-recorded address, Prime Minister Briceño expressed his gratitude for the appointment and emphasized Belize’s dedication to securing “fit-for-purpose programmes and initiatives” for small economies. Belize succeeds the Republic of Cabo Verde in this role. The Belizean delegation, led by Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, included key figures such as Central Bank Governor Kareem Michael and Ambassador to the U.S. Nestor Mendez, who outlined Belize’s strategic priorities for the new framework.
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A New World Order – or the formal admission of the Old?
The concept of a ‘rules-based international order’ has long been a cornerstone of global diplomacy, suggesting that laws govern power. However, the reality is starkly different: power has always dictated the rules, often reshaping them to suit its interests. Today, this dynamic is no longer concealed; the alteration of rules occurs openly, with few feigning surprise. From the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 to the United Nations Charter in 1945, the principle of sovereign equality among nations has been more aspirational than actual. Legal sovereignty—the right to be free from interference—is universally proclaimed, but political sovereignty—the ability to act independently—remains the privilege of a few. Small and powerless nations have long understood this disparity through experience, not theory. The current global landscape is marked by a blunt exercise of power, where multilateral commitments are treated as conveniences, treaties are optional, and international courts are ignored. This shift is not about achieving objectives but about discarding pretenses. For small states, sovereignty is not a tool to dictate but a fragile shield of defense—a space to choose partners, legislate priorities, and speak truths. When this space contracts, their independence becomes ceremonial rather than substantive. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), once declared a Zone of Peace by visionary leaders, now faces threats from external military intrusions justified under the guise of security. Former Jamaican Prime Minister P. J. Patterson warns that such actions erode sovereignty and regional autonomy. The paradox of small states lies in their dependence on international law, which they are powerless to enforce when ignored. Sanctions, trade restrictions, and underfunded human-rights mechanisms further marginalize them. The so-called ‘new world order’ is not new but a candid admission of the old hierarchy, where might makes the rules. For small nations, sovereignty may soon mean little more than managing domestic affairs without offending powerful interests. Yet, the response must not be withdrawal or despair but a steadfast insistence on the language of law and principle. The Caribbean’s security and prosperity have long benefited from principled partnerships with larger democracies, and these must remain within the framework of law. The challenge is not to submit to a power-dominated order but to prevent the old hierarchy from becoming unashamedly permanent. When law is silenced, equity collapses, leaving the powerless helpless. Caution and courage are now imperative.
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News : Zapping…
Haiti continues to face significant challenges as it navigates a complex landscape of violence, historical commemoration, and developmental progress. In Kenscoff, Mayor Jean Massillon reported that armed bandits have killed between 400 and 450 people since January 2025 while attempting to seize control of the town. The violence has also resulted in extensive material damage, further exacerbating the region’s instability. Meanwhile, Cap-Haïtien Cathedral hosted a solemn Te Deum on October 17, 2025, to mark the 219th anniversary of the assassination of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Haiti’s independence hero and national founder. The ceremony, filled with prayers and songs, honored Dessalines’ legacy of justice, sovereignty, and unity. In a significant political development, the Haitian government has decided to abandon the proposed constitutional referendum following a technical opinion from the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). The unspent funds will be redirected toward organizing the next elections. On the economic front, Haiti secured a $110 million investment from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to boost agricultural productivity and modernize transportation infrastructure. This funding is part of the 2025 Agenda and 2026 Plan, aimed at strengthening economic ties and technical cooperation. Additionally, a strategic meeting was held between Haitian leaders and security forces to address the country’s security situation and coordinate efforts to protect the population and advance the electoral process. International support was also evident, with the French and U.S. embassies expressing solidarity with Haiti and honoring Dessalines’ legacy.
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World Food Day Highlights Urgent Hunger Crisis
On October 17, 2025, Rome hosted the global observance of World Food Day, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This year’s theme, ‘Hand in hand for better foods and a better future,’ underscored the urgent need for collective action to address the escalating hunger crisis. Leaders, partners, and youth advocates from across the globe convened to emphasize the importance of building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. The event highlighted the devastating impact of extreme weather, climate shocks, economic instability, and widening inequality, which have left hundreds of millions facing hunger and billions unable to afford nutritious meals. Pope Leo XIV delivered a poignant address, drawing attention to the plight of vulnerable populations in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, Haiti, Afghanistan, Mali, the Central African Republic, Yemen, and South Sudan. He called on the international community to share in the suffering of those deprived of basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. The event served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global solidarity to combat hunger and inequality, urging immediate action to secure a better future for all.
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Grenada and Ghana sign landmark health cooperation agreement
In a landmark move to enhance bilateral health cooperation, Grenada and Ghana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will facilitate the temporary deployment of Ghanaian registered nurses to Grenada. The agreement, formalized in Accra, Ghana, marks a significant step in addressing Grenada’s healthcare workforce shortages while providing Ghanaian nurses with international exposure and professional development opportunities. The MOU was signed by Grenada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, the Honourable Joseph Andall, and Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during an official visit by Grenada’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell. This initiative is expected to improve healthcare delivery in Grenada, strengthen public health responses, and foster sustainable development in Ghana’s health sector. Beyond healthcare, the agreement symbolizes a broader effort to deepen Caribbean-African ties and advance South-South cooperation. Both governments anticipate that this partnership will serve as a model for future collaboration in education, trade, and capacity building under the Africa–Caricom framework. Prime Minister Mitchell emphasized the shared commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life through enhanced healthcare services, reinforcing the friendly relationship between the two nations. The MOU will take effect upon the completion of internal ratification processes in both countries.
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Haiti now under umbrella of ILO Caribbean, as organization increases engagement with regional branch
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has announced a significant restructuring of its operational framework in Haiti, marking a pivotal shift in its regional strategy. Effective January 1, 2026, the oversight of Haiti’s institutional engagement will transition from the ILO Office for Central America in San Jose, Costa Rica, to the ILO Office for the Caribbean in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. This strategic decision, endorsed by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, stems from a thorough review of the organization’s regional structures as it nears the 56th anniversary of its Caribbean presence. The move aims to enhance technical assistance, responsiveness, and support mechanisms tailored specifically for Haiti, while fostering stronger collaboration with tripartite stakeholders—government authorities, workers’ representatives, and employers. Ana Virginia Moreira Gomes, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasized that the relocation underscores the ILO’s commitment to optimizing its support in the Caribbean and ensuring uninterrupted progress toward productive employment, decent work, and social justice. The transition process, though in its early stages, is being meticulously managed to ensure a seamless shift, with existing commitments and initiatives in Haiti expected to continue without disruption. This realignment also opens new avenues for regional cooperation under the Caribbean Office’s guidance. Since its inception in 1969, the ILO Office for the Caribbean has worked closely with governments, worker organizations, and employer groups to advance the Decent Work Agenda and promote inclusive economic growth across the region. The inclusion of Haiti into this framework further solidifies the ILO’s regional commitment and expands its influence. Joni Musabayana, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of increased engagement with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which Haiti is a member. He reiterated the ILO’s dedication to collaborating with Haitian partners to strengthen labor institutions, improve employment outcomes, and support the country’s journey toward social justice and sustainable development.
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T&T natives’ lives allegedly cut short in U.S. military strikes in Caribbean Sea; country’s leadership says they know nothing
The family of Chad Joseph, a 26-year-old from Trinidad and Tobago, has accused the U.S. military of killing him in a recent strike on vessels near Venezuela. Joseph, who had been living in Venezuela for several months, informed his family of his plan to return home by boat but never arrived. Reports suggest he was among six individuals on a vessel allegedly involved in drug trafficking, which the U.S. targeted and destroyed. This incident is part of a series of strikes initiated by the Trump administration, resulting in 27 deaths so far. However, the identities of the deceased remain undisclosed, leaving families in distress. Joseph’s mother, Lenore Burnley, expressed her disbelief and anguish, stating, ‘I don’t want to believe that this is my child. Is this really true?’ The family vehemently denies any involvement of Joseph in illegal activities. Another Trinidadian, Rishi Samaroo, from the same fishing village, is also missing and believed to be on the vessel. Trinidad and Tobago’s Defense Minister Wayne Sturge confirmed that the government has not received official confirmation of the victims’ identities and lacks jurisdiction to investigate, as the incident occurred in international waters. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has supported Trump’s anti-drug efforts, despite criticism from some who view it as undermining CARICOM’s stance on maintaining the Caribbean as a ‘Zone of Peace.’ Legal experts and international observers have questioned the legality of the U.S. military’s actions, arguing that targeting civilians without due process violates international law. Families of the missing have received no communication from the government, adding to their grief and frustration.
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US Embassy raises alert level over Divali weekend
The US Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, has issued a security alert for US nationals, urging them to avoid all US government facilities in the country during the holiday weekend. The advisory, posted on the embassy’s Facebook page on October 18, cited a heightened state of alert as the reason for the warning. The embassy emphasized the importance of vigilance, advising US citizens to remain aware of their surroundings and monitor reputable news outlets for updates. Additionally, the embassy reminded travelers to ensure they possess a valid US passport for any planned trips to the United States. US nationals were also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to local authorities and to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely alerts and updates. This precautionary measure underscores the embassy’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of US citizens abroad.
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US Embassy issues security alert for Americans in T&T
The US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago has issued a critical security alert, urging American citizens to exercise heightened caution during the Divali holiday weekend. In a statement released on Saturday, the embassy advised US nationals to avoid visiting all US government facilities in the twin-island republic due to an elevated state of alert. The embassy emphasized the importance of vigilance, encouraging Americans to remain aware of their surroundings, stay updated through reliable news sources, and promptly report any suspicious activities to local authorities. This advisory comes as the region prepares for the vibrant Divali celebrations, a significant Hindu festival of lights. While the specific nature of the threat remains undisclosed, the embassy’s warning underscores the need for precautionary measures to ensure the safety of US citizens during this period.