In a significant move, the United States has announced a reduction in its annual contribution to the United Nations, slashing its $1.3 billion commitment to $682 million for the current fiscal year. A portion of this funding, $85 million, is specifically allocated to the future United Nations Support Office in Haiti (BANUH) and the Gang Repression Force (FRG), aimed at addressing the escalating gang violence in the region. This decision comes amidst heightened security concerns in Haiti, where the US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, has issued strong statements against gang leaders destabilizing the region. Concurrently, military cooperation between Haiti and France has been a focal point of discussions, with Haitian Defense Minister Jean-Michel Moïse and French officials meeting to strategize on regional security and stability. In a related development, Haitian customs officials seized a cache of suspicious military-style equipment, including anti-drone devices, raising further questions about the security landscape. On a more optimistic note, Haitian Secretary of Commerce and Industry James Monazard expressed confidence in the renewal of the HOPE/HELP Act, a crucial piece of legislation for economic cooperation with the US, set to expire later this year.
分类： world
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In Cuba, the cry for Palestine is always heard
Cuba has once again raised its voice in solidarity with Palestine, condemning the ongoing violence and calling for peace in the region. The island nation, known for its unwavering commitment to justice and the defense of life, has made it clear that it will not be swayed by those who align themselves with the powerful at the expense of human dignity. The recent escalation of violence in Gaza, marked by the devastating impact of Zionist aggression, has left millions of innocent men, women, children, and elderly people in a state of despair and fear. The Cuban government and its people have expressed their profound sorrow over the suffering of their Palestinian brothers and sisters, emphasizing that shared pain transcends borders. In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, thousands of Cubans gathered at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune in Havana to demand an end to the bloodshed and to call for the restoration of dignity to the Palestinian people. Across the country, acts of solidarity have been organized, driven by the belief that true justice in the region can only be achieved when the cycle of violence and hatred is broken. Cuba’s stance reflects its long-standing principle that silence in the face of injustice is complicity, and it continues to advocate for peace and human rights on the global stage.
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Acts of solidarity with Palestine to be held in Cuba
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Cuba will witness a series of solidarity events in support of Palestine, reflecting the enduring bond between the two nations. The main event in Havana will take place at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune, commencing at 7:30 a.m. and will be broadcast live on Cuban television as part of the ‘Buenos Días’ program. This initiative underscores Cuba’s unwavering condemnation of what it describes as the Israeli genocide against Palestinians, a crisis that continues to evoke global outrage due to the escalating violence and humanitarian suffering. The historical ties between Cuba and Palestine, rooted in the leadership of the late Commander-in-Chief, have evolved into a profound connection between their peoples. These events serve as a reminder of Cuba’s commitment to advocating for justice and peace in the region.
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Possibility of storm force winds from Jerry decreases for both Antigua and Barbuda
As of 5 p.m. AST, Tropical Storm Jerry continues to follow a forecast track that keeps its center passing north of the Leeward Islands, significantly reducing the threat to the region. The probability of sustained tropical-storm-force winds has decreased to 8% for Antigua and 31% for Barbuda, while the chance of hurricane-force winds is now near 0% for both islands. Other nearby islands face even lower risks. Jerry is currently located near latitude 14.8 North, longitude 54.7 West, moving west-northwest at 23 mph (37 km/h). This motion is expected to continue through Thursday, with a slower northwestward movement beginning Thursday night, followed by a northward shift by Friday night and Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h), with gradual strengthening forecasted, potentially elevating Jerry to hurricane status later this week or weekend. Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 175 miles (280 km) from the center, with a minimum central pressure of 1000 mb (29.53 inches). Hazards include possible tropical storm conditions in the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday into Friday, rainfall of 2 to 4 inches (with localized maxima up to 6 inches) across the Leeward Islands, British Virgin Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands, posing a risk of flash flooding. Swells generated by Jerry are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents in the Leeward and Windward Islands by Thursday, spreading westward to the Greater Antilles by Friday. Residents are advised to monitor updates from local weather offices and heed safety warnings.
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InterCaribbean Airways Cancels Flights To Antigua Ahead of Tropical Storm Jerry
October 8th, 2025 – As Tropical Storm Jerry continues its trajectory towards the Leeward Islands, interCaribbean Airways has announced the cancellation of several key flights to ensure passenger safety. The storm, which is currently being closely monitored by the airline, has already caused significant disruptions to travel plans across the region. Affected routes include JY792 and JY793 between Barbados and Antigua, as well as JY631 and JY632 connecting Tortola and Antigua. All flights scheduled for October 9th have been canceled. interCaribbean Airways has urged travelers to stay updated on the storm’s progress and to check for further announcements regarding rescheduled flights. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and efficient communication during this weather event. Meanwhile, residents and visitors in the Leeward Islands are advised to prepare for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Jerry, including heavy rainfall and strong winds.
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PM Mitchell delivers call to action at sargassum conference
At the 3rd EU–Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, held on 8 October 2025 in Brussels, Grenada’s Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell delivered a compelling and action-oriented speech, highlighting the critical need for scalable and sustainable solutions to the sargassum crisis plaguing the Caribbean region. The conference, part of the Global Gateway Forum, united high-level officials, industry leaders, academics, and financial institutions from the Caribbean, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Europe to transition from pilot projects to commercially viable solutions for sargassum management. Prime Minister Mitchell emphasized Grenada’s commitment to transforming the environmental challenge into an opportunity for resilience, innovation, and green economic growth. He outlined three strategic measures for international support: immediate technical assistance to establish monitoring systems and pilot units, blended finance and grant support to de-risk investments and empower local enterprises, and market and policy support to stimulate demand and facilitate regional trade. Mitchell urged the global community to move from research to actionable results, stressing the importance of turning the crisis into a driver of sustainable growth, job creation, and environmental renewal. The conference, organized under the EU–LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda, marked a significant step in fostering cooperation between the EU, Latin America, and the Caribbean, setting the stage for the upcoming EU–CELAC Summit 2025. Mitchell’s leadership in sargassum innovation and blue economy development resonated strongly with partners dedicated to sustainable pathways for the Caribbean.
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“This Win Is an Honour,” Says ABTA as Antigua and Barbuda Named Caribbean’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination 2025
In a landmark achievement, Antigua and Barbuda has been named the Caribbean’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination for 2025 at the prestigious World Travel Awards Caribbean and North America Gala Ceremony. This accolade marks the first time the twin-island nation has received this honor, solidifying its growing reputation as a hub for global events. The World Travel Awards, recognized as the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry, celebrates outstanding contributions across tourism, hospitality, and related sectors, with winners determined by industry professionals and consumers worldwide. Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Charles Fernandez, attributed this success to the collaborative efforts of government officials, tourism authorities, hotel partners, and destination management companies in enhancing the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The nation’s strategic focus on positioning itself as a premier destination for major events has been validated by this recognition. Recent high-profile conferences hosted by Antigua and Barbuda include the United Nations 4th International Conference of Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in May 2024, the 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May 2025, and the 55th General Assembly of the Organization of American States in June 2025. Looking ahead, the country is set to host the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2026, its largest international event to date, which will welcome His Majesty King Charles III and leaders from 56 Commonwealth nations. Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, emphasized the nation’s readiness to deliver exceptional service for event planners and delegates, citing seamless air connections, modern infrastructure, and diverse accommodation options. Known for its UNESCO-listed Nelson’s Dockyard, 365 pristine beaches, and vibrant cultural calendar, Antigua and Barbuda seamlessly blends business with unforgettable experiences. For more information, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.
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2pm Update: Tropical Storm Jerry Strengthens as It Moves Toward the Leeward Islands
Tropical Storm Jerry is advancing westward across the Atlantic, with meteorologists predicting it could intensify into a hurricane by the weekend as it approaches the northern Leeward Islands. According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm’s center was located at latitude 14.3°N, longitude 53.7°W, approximately 680 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, as of 2:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time (1800 UTC). Jerry is moving at a rapid pace of 23 mph (37 km/h), with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h). Forecasters anticipate gradual strengthening, potentially elevating Jerry to hurricane status in the coming days. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for several islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, St Barthelemy, St Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St Eustatius, and Guadeloupe. The storm’s center is expected to pass near or northeast of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday, bringing 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of rain, with isolated areas receiving up to 6 inches (15 cm). This heavy rainfall raises concerns of flash flooding, particularly in mountainous regions. Additionally, swells generated by Jerry are predicted to reach the Leeward and Windward Islands by Thursday, potentially causing life-threatening surf and rip currents. Residents are urged to stay informed and follow guidance from local meteorological offices. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters are currently assessing the storm, while NOAA buoys have recorded winds of up to 47 mph (76 km/h) with higher gusts. The NHC will issue its next advisory at 5:00 p.m. AST.
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US grants Trinidad permit to explore Venezuela gas field
In a significant development, the United States has authorized Trinidad and Tobago to proceed with the exploration of the Dragon gas field, located in Venezuelan waters near the maritime border of the Caribbean nation. The announcement was made by Trinidadian authorities on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment in regional energy cooperation. The Dragon field, which holds an estimated 120 billion cubic meters of natural gas, is a critical resource for Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean’s second-largest natural gas producer. The US Treasury Department’s approval comes six months after Washington revoked the initial permit, allowing Trinidad and Tobago to negotiate with Venezuela without breaching US sanctions imposed on Caracas in 2019. This decision follows a series of fluctuating US policies regarding Venezuelan energy operations, including the suspension of licenses for oil companies in March and the subsequent authorization of limited operations by Chevron. The Dragon field’s proximity to Trinidadian fields operated by Shell underscores its strategic importance. Despite heightened regional tensions, including a major US naval deployment near Venezuela, the permit signals a potential easing of restrictions, offering Trinidad and Tobago a lifeline to bolster its declining gas production.
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Antigua welcomes ceasefire between Israel, Hamas
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The government of Antigua and Barbuda has expressed its support for the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, facilitated through the mediation efforts of the United States, with backing from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. In a statement released on Thursday, the government aligned itself with the United Nations Secretary-General, France, China, and Saudi Arabia in advocating for an immediate and sustainable cessation of hostilities, alongside unimpeded humanitarian access to affected regions.
The government emphasized that this ceasefire represents a critical opportunity to address urgent humanitarian needs, restore essential services, secure the release of hostages and detainees, and ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza. These measures, the statement noted, are fundamental to achieving long-term security and stability in the region.
Furthermore, Antigua and Barbuda urged all parties to seize this fragile moment to forge a credible political pathway toward a just and comprehensive peace. The government reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution, envisioning an independent and sovereign Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel. The statement concluded by affirming the nation’s dedication to supporting these efforts in accordance with international humanitarian law.