In a landmark development for Caribbean integration, Barbados has granted indefinite stay and employment rights to ten CARICOM nationals under its newly enacted Full Free Movement Regime. Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong announced this historic milestone on Tuesday, marking a significant step forward in regional cooperation. The beneficiaries, hailing from Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, were among 99 residents who arrived in Barbados last Wednesday, the inaugural day of the initiative. Statistics reveal that Vincentians constitute the majority of new immigrants, with 75 arriving on the first day, compared to 17 from Dominica and seven from Belize. While the new arrivals are entitled to live and work indefinitely, they must reside in Barbados for at least three years before gaining voting rights, as stipulated by Commonwealth migration laws. Ambassador Comissiong emphasized that this initiative is a critical breakthrough in the decades-long effort to establish the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), enabling Caribbean nations to pool resources and compete effectively in the global market. The regime excludes individuals deemed a threat to national security or public health, as well as those likely to burden public finances. Comissiong highlighted the broader context of the initiative, addressing the ‘brain drain’ phenomenon and demographic challenges facing Barbados, including an ageing population and low birth rates. He urged Caribbean nations to create an attractive environment for youth to remain and contribute to regional development, calling for complementary initiatives to enhance the appeal of the Caribbean community.
分类： world
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U.S. authorities intercept US$4 million cocaine shipment from Dominican Republic
In a significant operation at the San Juan port in Puerto Rico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted 365 pounds (165 kilograms) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $4 million. The illicit shipment, originating from the Dominican Republic, was discovered during a routine container inspection conducted by CBP’s Anti-Terrorism and Contraband Team. Officers uncovered eight concealed bags containing 149 brick-shaped packages of cocaine. While no arrests have been made in connection with the seizure, authorities are continuing their investigation. Roberto Vaquero, CBP’s Chief of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, commended the officers for their vigilance, stating that such interceptions play a crucial role in preventing drugs from infiltrating communities and highlight the agency’s dedication to safeguarding the Caribbean border.
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Tropical Storm Watch Possible for Antigua Later Tonight
Authorities across the Caribbean have issued Tropical Storm Watches as Tropical Storm Jerry intensifies, posing significant threats to several islands. The governments of Antigua and Barbuda, France, and Sint Maarten have issued alerts for Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, and Sint Maarten. Residents in the northern Leeward Islands, as well as the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, are urged to monitor the storm’s progress closely. At 5:00 PM AST, Jerry was located near latitude 12.0 North, longitude 46.4 West, moving westward at 23 mph. Forecasters predict a decrease in speed and a turn to the west-northwest in the coming days, with the storm’s core expected to impact the northern Leeward Islands by late Thursday and Friday. Maximum sustained winds are currently at 50 mph, with higher gusts, and Jerry is expected to strengthen into a hurricane within 24 hours. Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 140 miles from the center, with a minimum central pressure of 1003 mb. The storm is expected to bring 2 to 4 inches of rain, raising the risk of flash flooding, particularly in elevated areas. Additionally, life-threatening surf and rip currents are anticipated as swells reach the islands. Residents are advised to stay updated through their national meteorological services and heed local warnings. The next advisory will be issued at 8:00 PM AST, followed by a complete update at 11:00 PM AST.
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Several Caribbean countries placed on watch as Tropical Storm Jerry strengthens
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Caribbean nations are on high alert as Tropical Storm Jerry, currently positioned approximately 835 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, is projected to escalate into a hurricane by Thursday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami has issued a tropical storm watch for multiple islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, St Barthelemy, St Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St Eustatius, and Guadeloupe. Residents in the northern Leeward Islands, the British and US Virgin Islands are also advised to closely monitor the storm’s progression. Jerry, the 10th named storm of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, is advancing west-northwest at 23 mph, with a predicted decrease in speed over the coming days before shifting north-northwest and north by Friday. The NHC forecasts that Jerry’s core will approach or pass north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and Friday, with maximum sustained winds currently at 50 mph and expected to intensify. Rainfall of two to four inches is anticipated across the Leeward Islands, raising concerns of flash flooding, particularly in elevated areas. Additionally, swells generated by Jerry are likely to reach the Leeward and Windward Islands by Thursday, extending westward to the Greater Antilles by Friday, posing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
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Several Caribbean countries rattled by earthquake
A moderate earthquake measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale struck several Caribbean nations early Wednesday morning, as confirmed by the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in St. Augustine, Trinidad. The tremor occurred at 5:07 am local time, with its epicenter located at a depth of eight kilometers. Despite the quake’s intensity, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The seismic event was felt across multiple regions, including 206 kilometers east-northeast of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe; 233 kilometers east of Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda; and 246 kilometers northeast of Roseau, Dominica. Authorities and local residents remain vigilant, though the situation appears to be under control.
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US Embassy warns against travelling while pregnant for birthright citizenship
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US Embassy in Kingston has issued a stern warning to women considering traveling to the United States primarily to give birth and secure US citizenship for their children. This practice, commonly referred to as ‘birth tourism,’ has been explicitly labeled as impermissible under US visa regulations. The embassy emphasized its stance in an Instagram post on Wednesday, stating, ‘Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have US citizenship is not permitted.’ The post further cautioned that consular officers are authorized to reject visa applications if they suspect such intentions. This advisory underscores the US government’s efforts to curb misuse of its immigration policies and ensure that visas are used for their intended purposes. The move aligns with broader measures to address concerns over immigration and citizenship practices.
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Four Caribbean countries sign CRFM agreement
BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has announced that four Caribbean nations—Anguilla, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Montserrat—have officially formalized their membership in the 22-year-old organization. The signing ceremony took place during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture held recently in St Kitts and Nevis. Established in March 2003 in Belize, the CRFM now boasts 17 member states actively engaged in the sustainable management of regional fisheries. Dr. Marc Williams, CRFM Executive Director, emphasized the organization’s commitment to meeting member needs with available resources while addressing governance and financial challenges. He highlighted key policies such as the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), which facilitates collaborative scientific research, fish stock assessments, and sustainable fisheries management. Additionally, the CRFM has implemented policies like the Personal Data Protection Policy, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, and Whistleblower Policy to enhance governance and transparency. Dr. Williams also noted the CRFM’s focus on gender sensitivity and inclusivity, ensuring that initiatives consider the needs of youth and indigenous communities.
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Antigua and Barbuda Urged to Stay Alert as Tropical System Nears Caribbean
A low-pressure system situated over 1,000 miles east of the Windward Islands is rapidly gaining strength and could evolve into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, meteorologists have warned. Currently designated as Invest AL95, the system is moving west-northwest across the central tropical Atlantic and has a 90% likelihood of developing into a more significant weather event within the next 48 hours. Forecasters predict that if the system continues to intensify, it could pass near or north of the northern Leeward Islands between Thursday and Friday, potentially unleashing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and turbulent seas across the northeastern Caribbean. While the precise trajectory and intensity remain uncertain, residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands are being advised to remain vigilant and stay updated with official weather bulletins. Regional meteorological agencies and disaster management teams are poised to issue further advisories as the situation unfolds. The potential storm underscores the importance of preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather patterns, particularly in vulnerable island nations.
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UN Secretary-General calls for end to Israel-Hamas war
As the Israel-Hamas conflict marks its second anniversary, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a renewed plea for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The war, which erupted on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians and left more than 1,000 Israelis dead or injured. Guterres described the situation as a ‘humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defies comprehension,’ urging all parties to ‘end the suffering for all’ and prioritize civilian lives and futures. The conflict has not only destabilized the Middle East but also strained relations among Israel’s allies, who continue to advocate for a resolution. The United States has proposed a new plan currently under review by Hamas, which Guterres characterized as a critical opportunity to end the tragedy. He emphasized the necessity of a permanent ceasefire and a credible political process to prevent further bloodshed and foster peace, reiterating the UN’s unwavering commitment to supporting these efforts. Momentum for a two-state solution has grown, with several nations formally recognizing Palestine. However, ongoing shelling in Gaza exacerbates what the UN calls a ‘full-scale humanitarian crisis.’ In response, the UN has allocated $9 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to sustain fuel supplies for essential services in Gaza. Despite a slight reduction in airstrikes, shelling and gunfire persist, with 21 killed and 96 injured in a single day. Humanitarian efforts, including the delivery of wheat flour to bakeries, have provided some relief, with bakeries producing 100,000 bundles of bread daily. As the conflict enters its third year, global voices express hope for peace before another grim anniversary passes.
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No concessions to oblivion
On the 49th anniversary of the tragic bombing of Cubana de Aviación flight CU-1201, Cuba paid solemn tribute to the 73 victims at the Colón Necropolis in Havana. The mid-flight explosion in 1976 claimed the lives of 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese, and five North Koreans, marking one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history. The annual commemoration saw floral tributes placed on behalf of prominent figures, including Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and various Cuban institutions. Families of the victims, alongside officials and citizens, gathered to honor the memory of those lost. Wilfredo Pérez Rodríguez, son of the flight’s captain, shared his enduring grief, emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of the victims and condemning the U.S. government’s alleged protection of the perpetrators. The ceremony also highlighted the unfulfilled dreams of the victims, including young athletes and crew members, whose lives were tragically cut short. The event underscored Cuba’s ongoing struggle against terrorism and its call for justice, as the island continues to grapple with the repercussions of this historic atrocity.