Tropical Storm Jerry is intensifying as it approaches the Caribbean, bringing heightened risks of severe weather conditions to Dominica and surrounding regions. The storm, currently located approximately 140 miles northeast of Dominica, is moving west-northwest at 18 mph with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. Meteorologists predict that Jerry will strengthen further, potentially reaching hurricane status by late Friday or Saturday.
分类: world
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US Air Force plane touches down at Piarco Airport
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.
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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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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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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.




