In a significant development for Haiti’s education sector, the Spanish Embassy has launched a groundbreaking training program at the State University of Haiti (UEH). Utilizing the Moodle platform and generative AI, the initiative aims to equip instructors with the tools to integrate artificial intelligence into virtual classrooms, marking a leap forward in digital education. Meanwhile, in Jacmel, the Montagne Lavoûte sub-police station witnessed a leadership transition as Divisional Inspector Boursiquot Jean Bernard assumed the role of Head, following an assessment by Acting Departmental Director Magalie Belneau. On the economic front, a report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) revealed that Cuba ranks last in regional labor productivity, citing low growth, social inequality, and skilled migration as key factors. In contrast, countries like Guyana, the Bahamas, and Barbados are thriving. In cultural news, the Haitian community in France continues to grow, with over 4,880 students currently pursuing their education there. Back in Haiti, Port-au-Prince is gearing up for Burger Fest 2025, a culinary extravaganza set to celebrate Haitian creativity and local partnerships from October 17th to 19th. The event will feature Heineken Happy Hour, Bingo Night, and Family Day activities. Lastly, Haitian literature shines as Yanick Lahens advances to the second selection of the 2025 Prix Goncourt with her novel ‘Passagères de nuit,’ competing among eight finalists for the prestigious literary award.
分类： world
-
Jerry Dies as New Atlantic Disturbance Forms
Tropical Storm Jerry has officially dissipated, concluding its life cycle as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued its final advisory on Friday evening. At 5 p.m. AST, the remnants of Jerry were located near latitude 27.6 North, longitude 63.6 West, moving northward at 16 mph. Although the storm has weakened into a remnant trough, it continues to generate gale-force winds of up to 45 mph, extending 240 miles east of its center. While Jerry no longer poses a direct threat to land, forecasters have cautioned that dangerous surf and rip currents will persist, affecting the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas. Additionally, meteorologists are monitoring a disturbance in the eastern Atlantic, which has a medium chance of developing into a tropical system in the coming days. This system currently poses no immediate threat to land but will be closely tracked as it moves westward. Updates on Jerry’s remnants will now be included in the High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.
-
Gaza Ceasefire Holds and Aid Efforts Intensify
A fragile ceasefire in Gaza continues to hold, offering a glimmer of hope for thousands of displaced Palestinians who are now returning to the remnants of their homes. The truce, which follows two years of devastating conflict, has enabled bulldozers to begin clearing the extensive debris in Gaza City, where entire neighborhoods lie in ruins.
UNICEF has emphasized that the ceasefire provides a critical, albeit brief, opportunity to save lives amidst an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The agency revealed that, over the past two years, a child has been killed in Gaza every hour. UNICEF is urgently advocating for unrestricted humanitarian access to deliver essential supplies such as food, medicine, and shelter to those in need.
In a significant development, the United States has deployed 200 troops to Israel to assist in monitoring the ceasefire and facilitating the coordination of aid. Meanwhile, Israel has approved the expansion of food and supply deliveries and is preparing to release prisoners as part of the agreement.
UNICEF has reported that over 1,300 aid trucks, loaded with tents, blankets, and nutritional supplies, are poised to move into the region. Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, stressed the importance of a sustained and respected ceasefire, stating, ‘A genuine ceasefire must be more than words; it must be sustained and respected.’
As the international community watches closely, the focus remains on ensuring the ceasefire’s longevity and addressing the dire humanitarian needs of Gaza’s population.
-
UN youth advisor from Barbados represents Caribbean at Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi
Ashley Lashley, a prominent youth advocate from Barbados, recently made her international debut as one of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Youth Advisors on Climate Change at the prestigious International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The event, held every four years, serves as a global platform for setting conservation and sustainable development priorities. This year’s congress attracted over 1,400 participants, including government officials, civil society organizations, Indigenous representatives, and corporate leaders. Lashley’s participation was hailed as a significant milestone, as she actively contributed to high-level discussions aimed at accelerating global climate action and conservation efforts. She was a key speaker in the Special Session titled “Nature’s Promise for Climate & People — A Call and Commitment from the Conservation Community to Belém and Beyond,” which focused on enhancing nature preservation, climate resilience, and human well-being. Additionally, Lashley participated in the session “Alliances Fit for the Post-2030 Era – Driving the Next Wave of Multilateralism,” exploring innovative partnerships to sustain environmental initiatives beyond 2030. Drawing from her experience as a former recipient of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), Lashley emphasized the critical role of youth-led organizations in developing scalable environmental solutions. She also highlighted the interconnectedness of human health, biodiversity, and ecosystems in the high-level session “One Health: The Only Healthy Future for People, Animals, and Ecosystems.” Lashley candidly addressed the tension between capitalism and environmental sustainability, advocating for economic models that support sustainable communities and healthy ecosystems. Her participation underscored the importance of youth voices in shaping global climate and conservation policies, particularly from the Caribbean region.
-
Monday – can’t trust that day
As the world braces for pivotal moments, millions await outcomes with a blend of hope and trepidation. In Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the impending budget presentation looms large, poised to determine whether the government has the fortitude to steer the nation out of economic turmoil or consign it to a bleak future. The stakes are high, as the budget could either mark a turning point toward recovery or a descent into chaos.
-
Tobago’s failure: not enough whites
The remnants of an old sugar mill near Golden Grove Road in Buccoo, Tobago, stand as a stark reminder of the island’s colonial past. The establishment of sugar plantations in the British Caribbean colonies was driven by the lucrative global demand for sugar, which spurred heavy investments in the industry. However, this economic boom came at a devastating human cost: the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans to meet the insatiable demand for labor. Despite the fervor of plantation owners, the imbalance between the white and black populations posed significant challenges, leading to the enactment of the Deficiency Laws in an attempt to mitigate the risks of rebellion. These laws, however, failed to achieve their intended balance. By the early 19th century, Tobago’s sugar industry was in decline, and the island faced economic turmoil. The abolition of the British slave trade in 1807 further exacerbated the situation, reducing trade and increasing operational costs. In response, Tobago’s administrators implemented strategies to increase the white population, including fines for non-compliance and bounties for exceeding quotas. They also sought to co-opt the ‘coloured’ population, leveraging their social ambitions to maintain control. Despite these efforts, the population ratio remained unchanged, leaving a legacy of racial inequality and economic decline.
-
Our six-country tour ends
Traveling through South America offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and bureaucratic systems. A recent journey through Guyana, Suriname, Argentina, Uruguay, and French Guiana highlighted stark contrasts in border efficiency, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. While crossing borders in Guyana and Suriname was marred by cumbersome paperwork and inadequate ferry services, the experience in Argentina and Uruguay was seamless, thanks to modern infrastructure and streamlined processes. The Buquebus ferry in the Southern Cone exemplified efficiency, while the Canawaima ferry between Guyana and Suriname struggled with capacity and service issues. In Suriname, travelers explored Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learned about its rich history, including the impact of mining on indigenous communities. French Guiana offered a different perspective, with well-maintained roads, colonial architecture, and a visit to the European Space Centre, where a rocket launch was witnessed. The journey concluded in Argentina with a tango show in Buenos Aires and a day on the pampas with gauchos. These varied experiences underscored the unique charm and challenges of traveling through South America.
-
Palestinian prisoners to be freed after all Gaza hostages confirmed to be in Israel
Jerusalem, Undefined (AFP)—Israel has announced that it will commence the release of Palestinian prisoners only after verifying that all hostages held in Gaza have safely entered Israeli territory. This statement was made by Shosh Bedrosian, a spokeswoman for the prime minister, during a press briefing on Sunday. Bedrosian emphasized that the release of prisoners would be contingent upon the confirmation of the hostages’ arrival, with buses already prepared to transport the detainees once the condition is met. The hostages, who have been held in the Gaza Strip for over two years, are expected to be released early Monday morning. This development is part of the first phase of a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza that began with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. According to the agreement, Hamas is required to release the remaining 47 hostages (both living and deceased) by Monday noon, along with the remains of a soldier killed in the 2014 Gaza war. The identification of deceased hostages will be conducted by forensic experts at Israel’s Abu Kabir Forensic Institute. The living hostages will be transported by the Red Cross in six to eight vehicles to Israeli-controlled areas in Gaza, and then to the Reim base in southern Israel, where they will reunite with their families. Subsequently, they will be taken to one of three central Israeli hospitals—Sheba Medical Center, Beilinson, or Ichilov—for medical treatment. The Palestinian prisoners set for release include 250 security detainees, many of whom were convicted of killing Israelis, and approximately 1,700 individuals detained by the Israeli military in Gaza after the war began.
-
News : Zapping…
In a significant move to streamline the processing of Haitian passport applications, the Chancery has announced a reduction in fees. Effective immediately, the cost for an adult passport has been lowered to US$125 from US$170, while minors will now pay US$100, down from US$160. Additionally, emergency or extreme emergency services have been discontinued to ensure a uniform process for all applicants. The updated fee structure is now available on the Embassy of Haiti in the United States’ website.
In a separate development, eight armored vehicles and over thirty police officers from specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH) arrived in Saint-Marc, Artibonite region, on Thursday. This deployment follows a temporary blockade by residents in Pont Sondé. Operations targeting the ‘Gran Grif’ and ‘Korkorat San Ras’ gangs are set to commence once all necessary equipment and personnel are in place.
Meanwhile, Presidential Advisor Emmanuel Vertilaire has confirmed that the term of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) will conclude on February 7, 2026, as per the April 3, 2024 agreement. While Vertilaire is prepared to step down, he remains open to continuing his service if a new consensus is reached among stakeholders.
In the realm of education, the Digicel Foundation has initiated its 195th school construction project at Calvaire Sainte Thérèse in Cap Haïtien. Funded with US$600,000, this project also honors the late artist Michael Benjamin, known as Mikaben, who served as an ambassador for Digicel.
Additionally, the Embassy of Haiti in Canada will be closed on October 13, 2025, in observance of Thanksgiving, with operations resuming the following day. Similarly, the Embassy of Haiti in Washington, D.C., will be closed on October 13, 2025, for Columbus Day, with regular activities resuming on October 14, 2025.
In healthcare, the Ministry of Public Health, supported by the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health (UNFPA) and the ‘Timama 2’ project, has inaugurated a new operating room at the South Departmental Hospital’s maternity ward. This initiative includes the provision of materials, equipment, supplies, and human resources.
-
FLASH : At least 24 armed attacks in Artibonite in 9 months (investigation report)
A recent investigative report by the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), released on October 9, 2025, has unveiled a disturbing surge in violence in Haiti’s Artibonite department. Between January and September 2025, at least 24 armed attacks and massacres were carried out by notorious gangs, including ‘Kokorat San Ras,’ ‘Gran Grif,’ and ‘Taliban/Mawozo.’ These brutal incidents occurred across 25 localities and cities within eight municipalities, with Petite-Rivière being the most heavily targeted area, suffering eight attacks. The Artibonite region, once hailed as Haiti’s agricultural heartland, has now become a focal point of escalating insecurity and lawlessness. The report highlights daily occurrences of armed clashes, extrajudicial executions, rapes, arson, looting, and mass displacement of citizens. Hundreds of homes were looted or burned, nearly 100 people were killed, and numerous vehicles, including police armored cars, were destroyed or stolen. Additionally, at least six state institutions, such as police stations and magistrates’ courts, were vandalized or set ablaze. The full 25-page report, available for download, provides a comprehensive account of the crisis.