A United States Air Force (USAF) C17 aircraft touched down at Piarco International Airport on October 9, sparking widespread speculation on social media. Many speculated that the arrival was linked to ongoing US military operations in the Caribbean Sea, particularly against Venezuelan narco-terrorists. However, the US Embassy in Port of Spain clarified that the aircraft was there to repatriate the remains of a US embassy official who had passed away on October 2. The embassy expressed gratitude for the support of the Trinidad and Tobago government and its people during this challenging time. Despite the official explanation, social media users remained skeptical, with some claiming the US military was using Trinidad as a staging ground for actions against Venezuela. The aircraft departed Piarco later that afternoon after completing its mission.
分类： world
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Havenbeheer: faciliteiten voldoen aan internationale veiligheidsnormen
The N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname has issued a statement reaffirming that its port facilities fully comply with international safety standards. This declaration comes in response to Suriname’s inclusion on the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) ‘Condition of Entry’ list, which mandates additional inspections for ships originating from countries where deficiencies have been identified. The Dr. Jules Sedney Terminal and the Oil Terminal, both managed by N.V. Havenbeheer, are ISPS-certified and meet all requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The company clarified that the USCG’s concerns pertain to other facilities not under its jurisdiction. During the most recent USCG visit last month, no deficiencies were found at the Dr. Jules Sedney Terminal, which was even recognized as a ‘Best Practice’ example. N.V. Havenbeheer conducts regular training, drills, and safety checks in collaboration with local police, fire departments, customs, emergency services, and international partners. On September 12, a meeting was held with U.S. Ambassador Robert Faucher, who explained the USCG’s decision. Havenbeheer presented its recent inspection results and safety initiatives during the discussion. The company also highlighted that the temporary suspension of ISPS certificates in early September has since been lifted. N.V. Havenbeheer remains committed to investing in safety and professionalism, stating, ‘Our ports meet all international standards. We will continue to collaborate with national and international agencies to further strengthen Suriname’s maritime security.’
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Tropical Storm Jerry Expected Near Northern Leeward Islands This Evening and Tonight
A tropical storm warning has been activated for the Northern Leeward Islands as Tropical Storm Jerry advances toward the region. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has alerted residents to brace for strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hazardous marine conditions expected to impact the area later this evening and into the night. As of the latest advisory, Jerry is projected to pass near or just north of the Leeward Islands within the next several hours, with maximum sustained winds recorded at 65 mph (100 km/h) and potential for higher gusts. The storm’s center is currently located approximately 200 miles east of Antigua, moving west-northwest at a speed of 17 mph (28 km/h). Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and neighboring islands have urged residents to take immediate precautions. Flash flooding in low-lying areas and dangerous surf conditions are anticipated, with swells from Jerry expected to affect the Lesser Antilles, producing life-threatening rip currents. Meteorologists predict slight strengthening of the storm before it encounters less favorable conditions over the weekend. Residents are advised to stay informed through official updates and adhere to instructions from local disaster management authorities.
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Tropical Storm Jerry Moves West-Northwest as Islands Stay on Alert
A tropical storm warning has been activated for the Northern Leeward Islands as Tropical Storm Jerry advances toward the region. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has alerted residents to brace for strong winds, torrential rainfall, and hazardous marine conditions, expected to intensify later this evening and persist into the night. Jerry is projected to pass near or just north of the Leeward Islands within the next few hours, with maximum sustained winds recorded at approximately 65 mph (100 km/h) and potential gusts reaching higher speeds. At the latest advisory, the storm’s center was located about 200 miles east of Antigua, moving west-northwest at 17 mph (28 km/h). Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and neighboring islands have issued urgent calls for residents to prepare for tropical storm conditions, which could trigger flash flooding in low-lying areas and create perilous coastal conditions. The NHC forecasts that tropical storm-force winds and heavy rainfall will impact the warning zones through early Friday, accompanied by dangerous surf and rip currents. While Jerry may experience slight strengthening in the short term, meteorologists predict less favorable conditions over the weekend. Residents are strongly advised to stay updated through official channels and adhere to guidance from local disaster management authorities.
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Certainty in an uncertain world
The recent Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, spanning from October 1 to 8, showcased unprecedented levels of domestic and international travel, as well as robust consumer activity. Cross-regional passenger trips surged to a record 2.43 billion, marking a 6.3% year-on-year increase. Cross-border travel also hit historic highs, with daily inbound and outbound travelers exceeding 2.04 million, an 11.5% rise from the previous year. Bookings for flights to China by foreign tourists soared by over 40%, reflecting both the enthusiasm of Chinese tourists traveling abroad and the growing interest of international visitors in China. These trends underscore China’s steady economic growth, openness, and resilience amid global economic uncertainties. China’s ability to maintain stability and growth is attributed to several key factors: First, a consistent development strategy and scientific macroeconomic policies. Since 1953, China has implemented 14 Five-Year Plans, ensuring policy coherence and long-term vision. Second, a super-large market with over 1.4 billion people and a complete industrial system, which provides economic resilience. Third, a friendly investment environment, with over 1.24 million foreign-funded companies established by the end of 2024 and actual utilised foreign capital reaching 20.6 trillion yuan ($2.83 trillion). Fourth, an innovative and green development pattern, with China’s Global Innovation Index ranking rising to 10th in 2025 and significant progress in green transformation. Fifth, an inclusive development philosophy, exemplified by President Xi Jinping’s people-centered approach, which has lifted nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty since 2012. China’s global initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI), have further solidified its role in promoting inclusive and sustainable development worldwide. By 2030, the BRI is expected to lift 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million out of moderate poverty in participating countries. Over 150 countries have joined the BRI, and more than 100 support the GDI. China remains committed to fostering a community with a shared future for humanity, bringing certainty to the global economy and contributing to global prosperity.
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Tropical Storm Conditions Expected in Barbuda later this afternoon or evening and continue into the night
Tropical Storm Jerry is rapidly approaching the northern Leeward Islands, with Barbuda expected to experience its impact by Thursday afternoon. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that as of 11 a.m. AST, Jerry was positioned near latitude 15.9 North and longitude 59.1 West, approximately 310 miles east-southeast of the region. The storm is advancing west-northwest at 18 mph, boasting maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Barbuda, signaling that severe conditions are imminent within the next 12 hours. Additionally, tropical storm watches are in place for Antigua, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Guadeloupe, along with its adjacent islands. Forecasters predict that Jerry will intensify in the coming days, potentially reaching hurricane status by late Friday or Saturday. Currently, tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 175 miles from the storm’s center, with a minimum central pressure of 999 millibars. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall, with totals ranging from 2 to 4 inches and isolated areas receiving up to 6 inches across the Leeward and Virgin Islands through Friday. This raises concerns of flash flooding in low-lying and mountainous regions. Puerto Rico is also likely to experience similar rainfall due to the storm’s moisture. Swells generated by Jerry are already affecting parts of the Leeward and Windward Islands and are expected to spread toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico tonight, creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Authorities urge residents to finalize preparations, stay informed through official updates from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, and monitor advisories from the National Hurricane Center. The next full update is scheduled for 5 p.m. AST.
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Body of embassy official repatriated to home state — US Air Force plane lands in Piarco
A United States Air Force (USAF) C17 aircraft landed at Piarco International Airport in Trinidad on October 9, igniting widespread speculation on social media about potential military operations in the Caribbean. Many speculated the arrival was linked to ongoing U.S. efforts to combat Venezuelan narco-terrorism. However, U.S. embassy officials clarified that the aircraft was there to repatriate the remains of a senior embassy official who had passed away earlier in October. The embassy expressed gratitude for the support of the Trinidadian government and people during this difficult time. Despite the official explanation, social media users remained unconvinced, with some claiming the aircraft’s presence signaled a broader military strategy. The aircraft departed later that afternoon after completing its mission. Additionally, reports emerged of a U.S. Navy reconnaissance plane, possibly a Boeing P-8 Poseidon, flying over southern Trinidad multiple times since October 7. Retired aviation expert Ramesh Lutchmedial noted that such activities are typically coordinated between governments and not disclosed publicly. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has requested permission to install radar equipment at Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport, a move currently under review by Grenadian authorities. The request follows the Trump administration’s deployment of military assets to the Caribbean in late August to address narco-terrorism concerns.
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Flash flooding threat as Tropical Storm Jerry makes its way across the Leeward Islands
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Tropical Storm Jerry, the 10th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, is projected to pass north of the Leeward Islands on Friday morning before moving away later in the day. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings for residents to prepare for potential flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Currently located approximately 80 miles north-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands, Jerry boasts maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. A tropical storm warning is active for St Barthelemy, St Martin, Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe, and adjacent islands, while a tropical storm watch remains in place for Saba and St Eustatius. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has lifted warnings for Barbuda, Anguilla, Antigua, St Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat. Jerry is moving northwest at 17 mph, with a northward turn expected tonight into Saturday, followed by a north-northeast trajectory through the weekend. The NHC forecasts four to six inches of rain for Barbuda and two to four inches for other Leeward and Virgin Islands, raising concerns of flash flooding in urban and steep terrain areas. Additionally, swells generated by Jerry are creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across the region, with impacts expected to spread to the Greater Antilles on Friday.
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Eight killed as strong quakes strike southern Philippines
The southern Philippines was struck by two powerful earthquakes on Friday, resulting in at least eight fatalities and widespread panic. The initial quake, measuring 7.4 in magnitude, occurred approximately 20 kilometers off the coast of Manay town in the Mindanao region at around 10 am local time, as reported by the United States Geological Survey. A significant aftershock of magnitude 6.7 followed nearly 10 hours later, compounding the devastation. These seismic events came just 11 days after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu province claimed 75 lives and injured over 1,200 people. Among the victims were three miners who perished in a tunnel collapse west of Manay during the initial quake. Rescue efforts saved one miner, while several others sustained injuries. In Mati city, one individual died from a collapsing wall, and two others succumbed to heart attacks. Davao city, located over 100 kilometers from the epicenter, reported another fatality due to falling debris. Philippine authorities issued tsunami warnings following both quakes, prompting evacuations along the eastern seaboard. However, no significant waves were observed, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center lifted its alert by noon. The tremors caused minor structural damage, landslides, and bridge cracks, leading to the evacuation of over 200 patients from Manay district hospital. Classes were suspended, and non-essential workers were sent home. The Philippines, situated on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ frequently experiences seismic activity. The 1976 Mindanao earthquake, which triggered a deadly tsunami, remains the country’s worst natural disaster.
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Brace for unstable weather conditions this weekend — Met Service
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a weather advisory, warning residents to prepare for rainy conditions as a broad trough sweeps across the western Caribbean this weekend. The weather system is expected to linger over the region for several days, bringing unstable weather patterns to Jamaica and neighboring countries.