分类： world

A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7 shook the eastern Caribbean on Saturday morning, causing slight tremors in Antigua and Barbuda and nearby islands. The seismic event occurred at 7:24 a.m. local time (11:24 UTC) at a depth of 25 kilometres, as reported by the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI SRC). The epicenter was pinpointed at 16.40°N latitude and 59.89°W longitude, approximately 231 kilometres north-west of Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. The tremors were also felt in neighbouring regions, including Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, located 184 kilometres to the east, and Roseau, Dominica, 206 kilometres to the north-east. Despite the quake, officials in Antigua and Barbuda confirmed no damage or injuries, categorizing the event as minor. The UWI SRC remains vigilant in monitoring seismic activity in the region, which is part of the seismically active eastern Caribbean fault zone. Authorities have urged residents to stay informed about earthquake preparedness measures and to report any unusual activity to local officials.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, a UK support team stationed in Antigua and Barbuda has taken swift action to coordinate the delivery of emergency supplies to the devastated island nation. Spearheaded by Resident British Commissioner John Hamilton, the team has collaborated with the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority to transport essential relief goods from Deep Water Harbour to V.C. Bird International Airport, where they will be airlifted to Kingston. This initiative is part of the UK’s broader regional response to aid both British nationals and Jamaica’s recovery efforts. Hamilton emphasized the UK’s unwavering commitment to the Caribbean during crises, stating, ‘The scale of damage in Jamaica is heartbreaking. We’re ensuring vital supplies — water, food, medical kits, and temporary shelters — reach those most in need.’ Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, unleashed winds exceeding 190 miles per hour when it struck Jamaica on Tuesday, resulting in widespread flooding, destruction, and significant loss of life. The parishes of St. Elizabeth, Manchester, and Clarendon bore the brunt of the devastation, with at least three fatalities reported and numerous injuries and displacements. Jamaican authorities have designated several areas as disaster zones as recovery operations persist. The Jamaica Defence Force, alongside volunteers and international partners such as CARICOM, the UK, and USAID, are actively supporting relief efforts. Hamilton reaffirmed the UK’s dedication, pledging continued assistance ‘for as long as necessary’ to facilitate regional recovery.

In a swift response to the devastating impact of a recent hurricane, the United Kingdom has organized a critical relief shipment from Antigua to support Jamaica. The initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to assisting Commonwealth nations during natural disasters. The relief package includes essential supplies such as food, water, medical equipment, and temporary shelter materials, aimed at addressing the immediate needs of affected communities. The operation was coordinated through the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with regional partners. This effort highlights the importance of international cooperation in disaster response and the UK’s role as a key player in humanitarian aid. The shipment is expected to arrive in Jamaica within days, providing much-needed assistance to those impacted by the hurricane.

Leroy King, the former head of Antigua and Barbuda’s Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), has passed away at the age of 80 while serving a U.S. prison sentence. The exact circumstances of his death—whether it occurred in prison or at a hospital—remain unclear, but authorities have confirmed that it took place during his incarceration. King, who held dual citizenship in Antigua and the United States, was extradited to the U.S. in 2019 after nearly a decade of legal battles to avoid extradition. He later pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice for his role in concealing information from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) during its investigation into financier Allen Stanford’s $7 billion investment fraud. As the FSRC chief from 2002, King oversaw the operations of Stanford International Bank in Antigua. Prosecutors revealed that he accepted over $520,000 in bribes, gifts, and trips in exchange for shielding Stanford’s fraudulent activities. Stanford himself was convicted in 2012 and sentenced to 110 years in prison for orchestrating a massive Ponzi scheme, while several of his associates received prison terms ranging from three to 20 years.