Carib Scope

分类： world

  • Resilience lesson from Gaza

    Resilience lesson from Gaza

    The World Health Organization’s (WHO) report on Gaza, released on October 2, paints a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. Over two years of relentless conflict have left Palestinians grappling with severe injuries, inadequate healthcare, and widespread devastation. The report highlights that 42,000 Gazans are living with life-altering injuries, including damage to the face, eyes, head, limbs, and spinal column, with many suffering from thermal burns. The WHO has recommended medical evacuations for specialized treatment outside Gaza, but the feasibility of such measures remains uncertain due to ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid and the blockade of essential supplies.

    Pregnant women in Gaza face dire conditions, giving birth to premature and underweight babies outside healthcare facilities. Even if these children survive, they are likely to inherit the biological scars of war, with environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals, malnutrition, and psychological stress altering their genes. This phenomenon, observed in the descendants of Holocaust survivors and Vietnamese children exposed to Agent Orange, underscores the long-term impact of conflict on future generations.

    Despite the overwhelming challenges, global citizens continue to advocate for Palestinian rights. Recent protests in New York and across Europe have called for a permanent ceasefire, the release of detained activists, and an end to the transfer of arms to Israel. The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for resilience, symbolizes the steadfastness of Palestinians and the international community’s commitment to their cause.

    As the world watches, the question remains: how will Palestinians rebuild their lives amidst the ruins? Their infrastructure, healthcare systems, and schools have been destroyed, and the psychological trauma will require extensive rehabilitation. Yet, the resilience of the Palestinian people serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and fight for justice.

  • Global Gateway Forum: New value chains and new jobs in the Caribbean as the EU and Caribbean tackle the sargassum crisis together

    Global Gateway Forum: New value chains and new jobs in the Caribbean as the EU and Caribbean tackle the sargassum crisis together

    For over a decade, Caribbean coasts have been plagued by extensive sargassum seaweed blooms, causing significant disruptions to fisheries, tourism, and local communities, and resulting in multi-million-dollar damages. However, through the European Union’s (EU) Global Gateway Investment Agenda, the EU, Team Europe, and Caribbean partners are now working to turn this environmental challenge into a source of cleaner coastlines, new employment opportunities, and a boost for local businesses. The third EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, held recently, marked a pivotal shift from studies and pilot projects to actionable solutions. Governments, the private sector, academia, and international financiers convened to explore practical ways to transform sargassum into economic opportunities and improve its collection and management. European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, emphasized that the sargassum crisis, which has long harmed local livelihoods and the tourism sector, can now be a catalyst for job creation, innovation, and even clean energy across the region. At the conference, Grenada, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico pledged to collect and process a combined 660,000 tonnes of sargassum between 2026 and 2027. This initiative is the first step toward establishing a regional market for sargassum-based products, supported by EU investments and policy frameworks. The conference concluded with the announcement of the fourth EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, set to take place in Mexico, ensuring continued momentum and scaling of operations across the region. The Global Gateway strategy, which aims to mobilize up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, has prioritized sargassum since 2023, fostering collaboration among Caribbean partners to develop economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions.

  • Tropical Storm Jerry nears hurricane strength

    Tropical Storm Jerry nears hurricane strength

    Tropical Storm Jerry has gained significant strength, with sustained winds now reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) as it advances east of the Lesser Antilles. The storm is unleashing heavy rainfall, powerful wind gusts, and turbulent seas across the region, raising concerns among residents and authorities. Meteorologist Jean Suriel reports that Jerry is moving west-northwest at a speed of approximately 31 km/h and is on the verge of escalating to hurricane status. ‘Jerry is merely 19 kilometers shy of becoming a hurricane and could achieve Category 1 intensity within the next 24 hours,’ Suriel stated. The storm is projected to pass northeast of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic over the weekend, roughly 640 kilometers east of Punta Cana. While Jerry does not pose an immediate threat to these areas, it is expected to bring overcast skies, mild wind gusts, and warm air from Friday through the weekend, potentially affecting local weather patterns.

  • News : Zapping…

    News : Zapping…

    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.

  • In Cuba, the cry for Palestine is always heard

    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.

  • Acts of solidarity with Palestine to be held in Cuba

    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.

  • Possibility of storm force winds from Jerry decreases for both Antigua and Barbuda

    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.

  • InterCaribbean Airways Cancels Flights To Antigua Ahead of Tropical Storm Jerry

    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.

  • PM Mitchell delivers call to action at sargassum conference

    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.

  • “This Win Is an Honour,” Says ABTA as Antigua and Barbuda Named Caribbean’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination 2025

    “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.