The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning about the deepening humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where rampant gang violence is severely hindering aid delivery and leaving millions at risk of starvation. Reports from the Caribbean nation reveal that intense fighting, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, has blocked humanitarian access and disrupted the supply of essential goods. The WFP has been forced to cut food rations and suspend critical programs due to funding shortages, exacerbating the hunger crisis. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq highlighted that the agency has had to halt hot meals for displaced families and reduce food rations by half. Additionally, the lack of resources has prevented the WFP from stockpiling food ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season, leaving the country vulnerable to natural disasters. The crisis is further compounded by the fact that many farmers are unable to access markets due to insecurity, driving food prices even higher. Much of Haiti remains under the control of heavily armed gangs, whose influence has expanded beyond Port-au-Prince. Regional leaders, including CARICOM, have attempted to stabilize the situation, but efforts have been met with resistance from gang leaders like Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier. In response, the UN Security Council has approved the creation of a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to replace the Kenyan-led mission. The GSF, comprising 5,550 personnel, will work with Haitian authorities to neutralize gangs, protect critical infrastructure, and facilitate humanitarian access. Despite the challenges, the WFP has assisted over two million people since January and continues to support long-term food security initiatives, including school meal programs and community infrastructure projects. However, Haiti remains one of only five countries globally facing catastrophic hunger levels, with 5.7 million Haitians experiencing acute food insecurity. The WFP has appealed for $139 million in funding over the next year to address the crisis.
分类： world
-
Dominican Navy doubles protection of Baní Dunes amid environmental threats
Peravia, D.R. – The Dominican Navy has significantly bolstered its safeguarding of the Baní (Calderas) Dunes, deploying a substantial contingent of sailors to conduct military exercises while simultaneously monitoring this vital natural monument. Vice Admiral Juan Bienvenido Crisóstomo Martínez revealed that 288 sailors recently participated in rigorous hardening marches and training exercises at the site. These activities not only enhance military preparedness but also serve to deter environmental crimes, including deforestation, illegal farming, and unauthorized sand extraction. Crisóstomo Martínez underscored the Navy’s commitment to prioritizing the Dunes, merging defense readiness with ecological conservation. This initiative complements President Luis Abinader’s broader strategy to formalize the legal ownership of national parks and protected areas by transferring their titles to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. The first phase of this plan encompasses Loma Novillero National Park and Los Haitises National Park, with the Calderas Dunes potentially being integrated into the expanded framework. The move aims to improve management and curb illegal appropriation of these critical natural reserves.
-
Leaked Emails Reveal 70 Drug Planes Landed in Belize
Leaked emails from Mexico’s defense ministry have unveiled a startling revelation: at least 70 drug-laden aircraft landed in Belize between 2020 and 2021. These flights, originating from airstrips near Maracaibo, Venezuela, were part of a sophisticated cocaine pipeline channeling narcotics through Belize and into the United States. American officials reportedly issued dozens of alerts to Mexican authorities, highlighting Belize’s previously underestimated role as a significant player in regional drug trafficking. On average, nearly one aircraft touched down every five days during this period, utilizing remote Belizean airstrips as drop-off points before the drugs were transported northward. Despite law enforcement efforts to dismantle one network in 2020, the so-called “air bridge” between Venezuela and Central America remains operational, albeit at a reduced frequency. Jesús Romero, a former U.S. naval officer who investigated these routes, noted that traffickers increasingly turned to Belize as a “pressure valve” to evade heightened surveillance in Guatemala and Honduras. The scale of these operations prompted the U.S. government to officially designate Belize as a major drug transit country on September 15, 2020. This designation underscores the leaked documents’ findings: Belize is not merely a stopover but a critical corridor in the flow of cocaine into the United States.
-
Atlantic Tropical Wave Could Develop as It Moves Toward Caribbean
A tropical wave has been detected off the African coast, potentially becoming a weather system to watch in the Caribbean, according to meteorologists. The disturbance is forecasted to move westward to west-northwestward at speeds of 15 to 20 mph, interacting with another system in the eastern tropical Atlantic. While slow development is possible, the National Hurricane Center has indicated that the likelihood of cyclone formation remains minimal. The probability of development within the next 48 hours is near 0%, with a slight increase to 20% over the next seven days. Despite the low risk, experts are urging Caribbean residents to remain vigilant, as October is historically an active month during the hurricane season. The situation underscores the importance of preparedness during this period, even as current forecasts suggest limited immediate threat.
-
Earthquake rattles three Caribbean islands
A moderate earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale struck the Caribbean region on Friday, causing tremors across several cities. The seismic event, which occurred at 10:59 am local time, was recorded at a depth of 142 kilometers, according to the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in St. Augustine, Trinidad. The quake was felt in multiple locations, including 33 kilometers northeast of Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 67 kilometers south-southwest of Castries in St. Lucia, and 128 kilometers south of Fort-de-France, the capital of Martinique. Despite the widespread tremors, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The SRC continues to monitor the situation, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols in the event of aftershocks.
-
US says kills four in new attack on alleged drug-smuggling boat in Caribbean
In a significant military operation, US forces targeted an alleged drug-smuggling vessel off the coast of Venezuela on Friday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike in a post on X, accompanied by a video showing the boat engulfed in flames. Hegseth described the operation as targeting ‘narco-terrorists’ transporting ‘substantial amounts of narcotics’ intended for the US, vowing that such strikes would persist until threats to American citizens are eradicated. This marks at least the fourth such attack, with a total of 21 fatalities reported. The US government has classified drug cartels as ‘non-state armed groups’ and ‘terrorist organizations,’ justifying the strikes as part of an ‘armed conflict.’ However, critics argue that the lack of evidence and the summary nature of the killings raise legal and ethical concerns. The operation has escalated tensions between the US and Venezuela, with Caracas condemning recent US military activities in the region as provocations. The deployment of US warships and fighter jets has further strained relations, with Venezuela accusing the US of threatening its national security.
-
Tropical wave could develop into tropical depression late next week — NHC
A tropical wave is anticipated to emerge off the coast of Africa this Friday, as reported by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC). The meteorological system is projected to interact with another atmospheric disturbance over the eastern tropical Atlantic, subsequently progressing westward. Environmental conditions are expected to favor the gradual development of this system over the coming days. By the end of next week, there is a possibility that the wave could evolve into a tropical depression, potentially forming near or east of the Lesser Antilles. The NHC continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents in the region to stay informed about potential weather developments.
-
CHARGE THE SHIPS!
Caribbean leaders are being called upon to implement a ‘blue tax’ on ships utilizing the region’s ports, with the revenue directed into a Caricom fund aimed at safeguarding fragile marine ecosystems. This proposal emerged during a panel discussion on sustainable shipping at the Caribbean Maritime University Industry Conference, where concerns were raised about cruise lines and foreign shippers profiting while Caribbean waters bear the environmental brunt. Devant Maharaj, Director of Professional Services at ECO Canada and former Trinidad and Tobago transport minister, emphasized the urgency of the issue. ‘Rather than encouraging more cruise ships to dump waste into our seas, we should impose a blue tax,’ he stated. ‘This fund should be managed collectively by Caricom to ensure it is used for marine protection rather than diverted to local projects like road repairs or school construction.’ Maharaj highlighted alarming statistics: 795,000 tonnes of raw sewage and eight tonnes of garbage are dumped into Caribbean waters weekly, with 85% of untreated sewage from cruise liners being released into the ocean. Despite these environmental hazards, individual islands continue to court cruise ships for economic gain. The discussion also addressed the Caribbean’s significant role in global shipping, with logistics strategist Dr. Eric Deans noting that the region accounts for nearly 20% of the world’s shipping tonnage through flags of convenience. However, he warned that the region often forfeits its leverage by ceding port control to foreign operators. Radcliffe Spence, a lecturer in shipping and logistics, criticized Jamaica’s Kingston Freeport Terminal concession for lacking sustainability provisions, contrasting it with efforts in Barbados and Antigua, which are investing in renewable energy for port operations. Meanwhile, private companies like Campari Group Jamaica are stepping up, embedding sustainability into their procurement strategies and influencing carrier practices. Maharaj stressed the need for political unity and a broader definition of sustainability encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions. ‘True sustainability requires breaking the shackles of colonialism and achieving economic self-sufficiency,’ he concluded.
-
Antigua and Barbuda Faces Drought Concerns as Drier-Than-Normal Conditions Expected in October
Antigua and Barbuda is facing heightened drought concerns as the Meteorological Service forecasts drier-than-normal conditions for October, with a short-term drought warning already in effect. Rainfall for the month is projected to remain below or near average, with a 75% likelihood of total accumulation around 120 millimeters (4.72 inches). Specifically, there is a 40% chance of below-normal rainfall, a 35% probability of near-normal levels, and only a 25% possibility of above-normal precipitation. Temperatures are expected to trend warmer, particularly at night, with the mean daily temperature for October estimated at 27.7°C (81.9°F). Daytime highs are anticipated to average 30.7°C (87.3°F), while nighttime lows are predicted to hover near 24.9°C (76.8°F). Looking ahead, the October–December period carries a 70% chance of below to near-normal rainfall, with conditions expected to improve from January to March 2026, shifting to near or above normal levels. Drought monitoring reveals that Antigua has experienced moderate to extreme dryness over the past three months, particularly in the northeast. The Meteorological Service warns that short-term drought is likely to persist through December, though long-term drought is not currently a concern. The situation is further complicated by a La Niña Watch, with a 71% probability of La Niña developing between October and December. This climate phenomenon could exacerbate drought conditions if rainfall deficits continue. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, is closely monitoring the situation, particularly in Barbuda, where limited rainfall data complicates the assessment of drought impacts.
-
Editorial- The Dawn of a New Era in CARICOM Free Movement
On October 1, 2025, the Caribbean integration project achieved a monumental milestone as Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines implemented full free movement for their nationals. This groundbreaking initiative allows citizens of these nations to live, work, study, and reside indefinitely in each other’s countries without the need for work or residence permits. The move, rooted in the Enhanced Cooperation in Free Movement framework, was formalized during the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in Montego Bay earlier this year. It represents a historic shift in policy, transforming a long-standing aspiration into tangible reality. The initiative underscores the Caribbean’s commitment to regional unity and economic integration, echoing the vision of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC). While the implementation requires amendments to domestic legislation, it marks a significant leap toward a more unified Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The decision also reflects lessons from the Caribbean Court of Justice’s landmark Myrie case, which clarified the right to free movement and established safeguards against misuse. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados emphasized the practicalities of the new system, which simplifies cross-border mobility by requiring only a passport for registration. This initiative not only fosters economic opportunities but also strengthens social and cultural bonds across the region. However, its success hinges on diligent implementation, including investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as measures to combat discrimination and xenophobia. As these pioneering nations navigate the challenges of implementation, their journey serves as a beacon of hope for broader regional integration, setting the stage for a shared Caribbean destiny.