Trinidad and Tobago experienced heightened anxiety on October 31 as the nation’s Defense Force was placed on high alert, prompting schools to dismiss students early and businesses to close as a precaution. The alert followed escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with reports suggesting an imminent US military strike on Venezuelan installations suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. While US President Donald Trump denied these claims, the uncertainty fueled widespread concern among citizens. Schools across Trinidad, including La Horquetta South Government Primary and a denominational school in Curepe, urged parents to collect their children early. Businesses, including a prominent law firm and a software development company, also sent staff home by mid-afternoon. The Supermarket Association of Trinidad and Tobago reassured the public that supply chains remained intact, discouraging panic buying. Despite the unease, many residents maintained their daily routines, with some expressing skepticism about the likelihood of war. However, others, like Arlene Alexander of Vistabella, prepared for potential conflict by stocking up on essentials. Jeremy Deonarine of Retrench criticized Trinidad’s involvement in the US-Venezuela tensions, while Samantha of Princes Town condemned the spread of misinformation on social media. As the Defense Force mobilized, with soldiers reporting to bases like Camp La Romaine, the nation remained on edge, balancing fear with resilience.
分类： world
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WATCH: Americans stranded in Jamaica amid Hurricane Melissa brought home by US non-profit
KINGSTON, Jamaica – More than 300 American tourists stranded in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms in recent history, were safely evacuated on Friday. The rescue mission was orchestrated by Grey Bull Rescue, a Florida-based non-profit organization. The evacuees, primarily vacationers in Montego Bay, were transported to Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and flown back to the United States.
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Wave of aid floods in
In the wake of the catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across southwestern and western Jamaica on Tuesday, the international community has swiftly mobilized to deliver emergency relief supplies to the island nation. The devastation, described as unprecedented, has prompted a global outpouring of support, with governments, NGOs, and charitable organizations rallying to assist the affected regions.
During a media briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Daryl Vaz expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming aid. ‘The support is truly remarkable,’ Vaz stated, highlighting the resumption of commercial flights at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and the influx of over 20 cargo flights expected at Norman Manley International Airport on Friday. He emphasized the critical need for efficient logistics to distribute aid swiftly, acknowledging the growing desperation among citizens.
To expedite relief efforts, the Jamaican government has deployed Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Desmond McKenzie, alongside teams from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, to Black River in St. Elizabeth. Helicopters, including eight to ten from the U.S. government, are en route to assist in transporting supplies and providing medical aid. Private helicopters from charitable organizations are also expected to bolster these efforts.
Information Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon underscored the severity of the situation, noting that the Cabinet has established subcommittees, including the Relief and Recovery Oversight Committee, to streamline recovery operations. Despite these measures, challenges persist in the hardest-hit parishes, where entire communities have been obliterated. The National Works Agency is working tirelessly to restore access to critical areas, with hopes of reopening routes by Sunday.
Minister McKenzie painted a grim picture of the destruction in historic towns like Falmouth, where municipal buildings, markets, and essential infrastructure have been decimated. Communication remains a significant hurdle in the worst-affected parishes, prompting the government to deploy Starlink satellite internet services to restore connectivity.
As Jamaica begins the arduous task of rebuilding, the resilience of its people and the solidarity of the global community offer a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
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Venezuela ships 46 tonnes of aid supplies to Jamaica, Cuba
In a significant display of regional solidarity, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has dispatched 46 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Cuba and Jamaica, both nations grappling with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The operation, orchestrated by Venezuela’s Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, underscores the country’s commitment to supporting its Caribbean neighbors during times of crisis. The aid packages, airlifted to the affected regions, include critical supplies such as food, medicines, medical equipment, and mattresses, aimed at addressing the most pressing needs of the impacted communities. Cuba received 26 tonnes of aid, while Jamaica was allocated 20 tonnes, with the shipments supervised by Minister Gil and Vice Minister Raúl Li Causi, respectively. Minister Gil emphasized the cooperative spirit of Venezuela’s efforts, contrasting it with the actions of other regional actors. “While some nations resort to threats and destabilization, Venezuela and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) stand united in promoting peace, solidarity, and cooperation,” he stated. This initiative holds symbolic significance, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Bolívar–Martí Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, a historic pact signed in 2000 by Commanders Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro, which embodies the enduring bond between Venezuela and Cuba. Cuban Ambassador to Venezuela, Jorge Luis Mayo Fernández, lauded the gesture, noting, “Venezuela’s solidarity is unwavering. While others threaten, Venezuela sends planes filled not with weapons, but with love, food, and medicines.” Venezuelan authorities also announced plans for a subsequent maritime shipment, which will deliver over 3,000 tonnes of additional aid to Cuba in the coming days. Through these efforts, Venezuela reaffirms its Bolivarian Diplomacy of Peace, rooted in integration, cooperation, and solidarity, as Caribbean nations confront the escalating challenges of climate change.
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Rubio says US is ready to offer ‘immediate humanitarian aid’ to people of Cuba impacted by Hurricane Melissa
In a swift response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday that the United States is ready to provide immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Cuba. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica on Tuesday, has left eastern Cuba grappling with severe damage and unmet basic needs. The State Department has mobilized teams expected to arrive in the Caribbean as early as Thursday to assist in disaster response efforts. Rubio emphasized the Trump Administration’s solidarity with the Cuban people, stating, ‘In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation of eastern Cuba, the Trump Administration stands with the brave Cuban people who continue to struggle to meet basic needs.’ The U.S. is issuing a Declaration of Humanitarian Assistance for Cuba and plans to deliver aid both directly and through local partners to ensure effective distribution to those most affected.
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Barbados sends aid to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
In a swift response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados has announced a comprehensive humanitarian aid initiative for Jamaica. Addressing the media at the World Food Hub within Grantley Adams International Airport on Thursday, Mottley revealed that Barbados has already commenced the coordination of relief shipments. The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) has dispatched two containers filled with essential supplies, including tarpaulins, cots, and emergency generators. Additionally, the World Food Programme is contributing 5,000 food kits, with the Barbadian government pledging to match this number. Each kit is designed to sustain a family of three for one week. Mottley emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that her conversation with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the critical need for immediate support in the form of food, monetary donations, and logistical supplies. The Prime Minister also called on Barbadian citizens to participate in the national relief effort, with the DEM set to announce specific ways for the public to contribute. Plans are underway to establish a dedicated bank account and designated drop-off points for monetary and item donations, ensuring a streamlined and effective response to the crisis.
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Nearly 50 dead after Hurricane Melissa thrashes Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most devastating storms in recent history, has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, claiming nearly 50 lives and causing widespread damage. Early Friday, the storm began moving away from Bermuda, but its impact continues to be felt across the region. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa is expected to transition into an extratropical cyclone, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. The storm has already caused catastrophic flooding, power outages, and structural damage in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. In Jamaica, the death toll has risen to 19, with significant damage reported in the parishes of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth. Communications and transportation remain severely disrupted, hampering recovery efforts. In Haiti, the situation is dire, with 30 confirmed deaths, 20 injuries, and 20 people still missing. Over 1,000 homes have been flooded, displacing approximately 16,000 people. Cuba, already grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, faced extensive flooding and property damage. Residents like Felicia Correa from La Trampa near El Cobre described the storm as ‘devastating,’ exacerbating existing hardships. A study by Imperial College London suggests that human-induced climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
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Antigua and Barbuda Shaken by 20th Earthquake in a Week
Antigua and Barbuda has been struck by its 20th earthquake in less than a week, as a relentless series of tremors continues to unsettle the eastern Caribbean. The most recent quake, registering a magnitude of 4.0, occurred at 2:13 am local time, approximately 264 kilometers east-southeast of St. John’s, according to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (SRC). The quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers. This seismic activity began on Monday, October 27, with a significant magnitude 6.7 earthquake, followed by numerous aftershocks, including magnitudes 6.1 and 5.4. The majority of these tremors have been concentrated offshore between Antigua and Barbuda, Guadeloupe, and Dominica. The SRC is actively monitoring the situation and has indicated that preliminary data for the latest quake may be subject to revision. The eastern Caribbean is situated on the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the area. Local authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant and adhere to guidance from disaster management officials.
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Barbados calls for global recognition of small islands after Hurricane Melissa devastation
The aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has reignited urgent calls from Barbados for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to be formally acknowledged as a vulnerable group within international climate agreements. Environment Minister Adrian Forde emphasized the dire financial challenges Caribbean nations face during disasters, describing them as ‘political contortionists’ forced to reallocate resources to address immediate crises.
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Orkaan Melissa verwoest Caribische landen, op weg naar Bermuda
Hurricane Melissa intensified as it moved toward Bermuda on Thursday, leaving a path of devastation across the northern Caribbean. Local authorities reported nearly 30 fatalities, with significant damage to infrastructure and communities. The storm, now a Category 1 hurricane, was located 526 kilometers southwest of Bermuda, where hurricane-like conditions were anticipated by evening. Melissa’s maximum sustained winds reached 169 km/h, but residents remained calm as the storm was expected to pass relatively wide of the island. Authorities announced road closures and the suspension of schools and ferries as a precautionary measure. In the Bahamas, storm warnings were lifted, but officials have yet to declare the area fully safe. Hundreds of evacuees may return home by Saturday, pending safety assessments. Although Haiti was not directly hit, heavy rains caused a river to overflow, resulting in at least 25 deaths in Petit-Goave. The collapse of a riverbank also destroyed part of a national highway, further isolating communities. Jamaica, directly struck by Melissa as a Category 5 hurricane, reported at least four deaths in the southwestern region. The storm’s winds far exceeded the threshold for the highest hurricane category, making it the third strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Caribbean. Satellite images revealed widespread destruction in Jamaica, with forests and homes flattened. Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed concern for affected citizens during a helicopter tour of the hardest-hit areas. Over 70% of Jamaica’s electricity customers remained without power, and many schools lacked essential services. Rescue operations were underway, with U.S. search and rescue teams en route to assist. Cuba, which experienced Melissa as a Category 3 storm, reported significant infrastructure and crop damage but no fatalities. The storm isolated 241 communities, affecting up to 140,000 residents. Authorities evacuated 735,000 people to shelters and relocated tourists to inland hotels. The U.S. pledged immediate humanitarian aid to Cuba, despite longstanding tensions between the two nations.