The US Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, has issued a security alert for US nationals, urging them to avoid all US government facilities in the country during the holiday weekend. The advisory, posted on the embassy’s Facebook page on October 18, cited a heightened state of alert as the reason for the warning. The embassy emphasized the importance of vigilance, advising US citizens to remain aware of their surroundings and monitor reputable news outlets for updates. Additionally, the embassy reminded travelers to ensure they possess a valid US passport for any planned trips to the United States. US nationals were also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to local authorities and to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely alerts and updates. This precautionary measure underscores the embassy’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of US citizens abroad.
分类： world
-
US Embassy issues security alert for Americans in T&T
The US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago has issued a critical security alert, urging American citizens to exercise heightened caution during the Divali holiday weekend. In a statement released on Saturday, the embassy advised US nationals to avoid visiting all US government facilities in the twin-island republic due to an elevated state of alert. The embassy emphasized the importance of vigilance, encouraging Americans to remain aware of their surroundings, stay updated through reliable news sources, and promptly report any suspicious activities to local authorities. This advisory comes as the region prepares for the vibrant Divali celebrations, a significant Hindu festival of lights. While the specific nature of the threat remains undisclosed, the embassy’s warning underscores the need for precautionary measures to ensure the safety of US citizens during this period.
-
Huthi rebels raid UN building in Yemen
In a concerning development, Huthi rebels in Yemen forcibly entered a United Nations (UN) compound in Sanaa on Saturday, according to a UN official. Jean Alam, spokesperson for the UN Resident Coordinator for Yemen, confirmed the incident, stating that 15 international staff members were present at the time. Alam assured that all personnel were safe and had contacted their families, emphasizing that the UN is taking all necessary measures to address the situation. This latest raid follows a similar incident on August 31, when Huthi forces stormed UN offices and detained over 11 employees, accusing them of espionage for the United States and Israel. UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric condemned the accusations as ‘dangerous and unacceptable,’ reiterating calls for the release of 53 detained UN colleagues. The Huthi leader, Abdelmalek al-Huthi, had previously claimed to have dismantled a spy network linked to humanitarian organizations like the World Food Program and UNICEF. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, now in its tenth year, has exacerbated one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with the UN reporting the arrest of 21 personnel since August 31, 2025, alongside 23 NGO workers. In September, the UN humanitarian coordinator relocated from Huthi-controlled Sanaa to Aden, the interim capital of Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
-
US Embassy warning puts Trinidad and Tobago on edge
A recent advisory issued by the US Embassy in Port of Spain has stirred significant concern among Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) population, already uneasy due to the presence of US warships in the southern Caribbean. The embassy’s warning, issued on October 18, urged US nationals to avoid government facilities during the Divali holiday weekend, citing a heightened state of alert. This move has fueled speculation and anxiety, particularly in light of ongoing US military operations in the region, including the destruction of a narco-submarine off Venezuela’s coast, which resulted in 29 fatalities. Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin sought to calm public fears, denying rumors that high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister and Attorney General, had been relocated to safe houses. He emphasized that police tactical units were on high alert as a precautionary measure, but assured the public there was no cause for panic. Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her silence on the matter, accusing her of neglecting her duties and isolating TT within the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The Caricom statement, which reaffirmed the region as a zone of peace, highlighted TT’s decision to ‘reserve its position,’ raising questions about the government’s foreign policy stance. US President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Venezuela, including a $50 million bounty on President Nicolas Maduro, have further intensified regional tensions. The British High Commission in TT stated that the US travel advisory was a matter for the US, while reaffirming its commitment to updating its own travel advice as needed.
-
Weather system expected to bring heavy rains by Sunday
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services announced on Friday that they are closely monitoring a tropical wave currently positioned near 40 degrees west, approximately 1,000 miles east of the Windward Islands. The wave is accompanied by a significant area of showers and thunderstorms. According to the National Hurricane Centre (NHC), there is a low probability of tropical cyclone formation, with a 10% chance within the next 48 hours and a 30% chance over the next seven days. Despite the uncertainty regarding its development, the system is expected to bring cloudy skies, moderate to heavy showers, and thunderstorms to St. Vincent and the Grenadines from late Sunday into Monday. Weather models predict rainfall accumulations of 50–75 mm (2–3 inches), with higher amounts likely in mountainous regions. Additionally, strong surface winds are anticipated, which could agitate coastal waters. The bulletin warned that flash flood watches or warnings may be issued as the wave approaches, urging residents to stay informed about its progress.
-
Garth Simon represents Antigua and Barbuda at Adaptation Futures 2025 Conference in New Zealand
Antigua and Barbuda made a significant impact at the 8th International Adaptation Futures Conference (AF2025), held in Christchurch, New Zealand. The event, a global gathering of climate leaders, scientists, policymakers, and innovators, focused on advancing adaptation research and practical solutions to enhance climate resilience worldwide. Representing the Caribbean nation, Mr. Garth Simon, Monitoring and Evaluation Associate at the Department of Environment (DoE), participated as a featured panelist in a side event titled ‘Lessons Learned and Findings from Adaptation Interventions in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs): Experiences from the Adaptation Fund Portfolio.’ The session, organized by the Adaptation Fund Secretariat, brought together Implementing Entities from the Pacific, Caribbean, and African regions to share insights from adaptation projects in vulnerable island contexts. Mr. Simon highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s experiences with the Adaptation Fund–financed ‘Integrated Approach to Physical Adaptation and Community Resilience in the Northwest McKinnon’s Watershed’ project. He emphasized the importance of community-based adaptation, blended finance, and cross-sector collaboration in achieving long-term resilience outcomes. The discussions also explored innovative strategies for building resilience, enhancing community engagement, and strengthening institutional capacities to address climate risks. The conference underscored the critical role of global cooperation in tackling the escalating challenges posed by climate change.
-
News : Zapping…
In a series of significant developments across Haiti, the nation grapples with both internal strife and international cooperation. On October 16, 2025, the locality of Chandèl in the Artibonite Department was subjected to a brutal attack by the ‘Kokorat San Ras’ gang. The assailants looted rice crops, destroyed farmland, and opened fire on residents, resulting in at least two fatalities and multiple injuries. The following day, the gang further devastated the area by burning agricultural plots and homes, leaving the community in ruins.
In a contrasting move towards progress, Haiti’s Minister of Agriculture, Vernet Joseph, and Taiwan’s Ambassador, Cheng-Hao Hu, signed a $1.6 million agreement to bolster the Strengthen National Rice Seed Production (REPONSE) project. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural yields and improve hydro-agricultural infrastructure, marking a significant step towards food security in Haiti.
Diplomatic activities also saw notable updates. The Canadian Embassy in Haiti closed on October 17 to honor the death of Emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines, with operations resuming on October 20. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy expressed profound condolences over the passing of Robert Denis, a revered figure in Haitian media and a staunch advocate for press freedom.
On the environmental front, the Swiss Cooperation launched the GÉRER-Sud program, focusing on enhancing community resilience in southern Haiti against natural hazards and environmental challenges. The program emphasizes the inclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, in governance and decision-making processes.
In international cultural news, Haiti’s Ministry of Culture and Communication celebrated the election of Egyptian archaeologist Khaled El-Enany as UNESCO’s Director-General, extending heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for his tenure.
-
Forecasters monitoring two new areas for tropical cyclone formation
A tropical wave currently situated over the central tropical Atlantic has sparked concerns about potential cyclone formation. As of 8:00 PM EDT on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the system is accompanied by a large area of showers and thunderstorms. Meteorologists predict that gradual development of this disturbance is possible over the next several days as it moves westward at speeds of 15 to 20 mph. The system is expected to traverse the Windward Islands late this weekend, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds, before entering the Caribbean Sea by early to mid-next week. While the likelihood of cyclone formation within the next 48 hours remains low at 10%, the probability increases to 30% over a seven-day period. Residents in the affected regions are advised to monitor updates and prepare for potential adverse weather conditions. For those interested in advertising opportunities, the most visited news site in Antigua offers customizable digital marketing packages. Contact [email protected] for more information.
-
Two Trinidadians Killed in U.S. Strike Off Venezuela
Two Trinidadian fishermen from Las Cuevas were tragically killed in a U.S. air strike off the coast of Venezuela earlier this week, as reported by Guardian Media Newsroom. The victims have been identified as Chad “Charpo” Joseph, 26, and a man known only as Samaroo. The incident has ignited widespread anger and sorrow among their families, who vehemently deny any involvement of the men in drug trafficking.
U.S. President Donald Trump, announcing the strike on social media, claimed the targeted vessel was engaged in narcotics trafficking and linked to illicit narcoterrorist networks. This strike is part of Washington’s ongoing anti-drug operations in the Caribbean, aimed at disrupting Venezuela-based trafficking routes.
In Las Cuevas, Joseph’s relatives and friends have condemned the attack as unjust and inhumane. His mother, Lenore Burnley, asserted that her son was not a trafficker and criticized the U.S. for destroying the vessel instead of intercepting it. Joseph’s grandmother, Christine Clement, revealed that her grandson had been living in Venezuela for three months and had previously survived another boat attack, describing the latest strike as an act of ‘wickedness.’
Local residents have also expressed outrage, questioning the legality of the U.S. action. Kern, one of Joseph’s friends, stated, ‘What the U.S. is doing there, I think it is inhumane.’
The deaths bring the regional toll to 27 from five U.S. air strikes since Trump ordered military operations in the Caribbean Sea. Despite mounting criticism, Washington has vowed to continue its campaign.
-
Venezuela ambassador: Many may perish in US action
Venezuela’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Alvaro Sanchez Cordero, has strongly criticized the recent US military strike on October 15, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two Trinidadians and four others aboard a vessel allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking. Cordero described the incident as tragic but inevitable, citing the US government’s persistent disregard for international law. This marks the fifth such strike off Venezuela’s coast, bringing the death toll close to 30. Speaking at the University of the West Indies on October 16, Cordero emphasized Venezuela’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and refuted claims by US President Donald Trump that the country is a hub for narco-trafficking. He presented data showing that only 40% of Venezuela’s 90.64 million hectares of land is classified as drug-producing, and a 2025 UN report confirmed that the country is not a major drug trafficking route. Cordero highlighted Venezuela’s peaceful nature, stating that its 34 million citizens are focused on education, work, and enjoying life, not conflict. He accused the US of targeting Venezuela for its vast oil and gas reserves, the largest proven in the world. David Abdulah, an executive member of the Assembly of Caribbean People, also condemned the strike, calling it a war crime under the Geneva Convention. He urged Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to retract statements supporting the strikes and called for regional collaboration to maintain peace. Abdulah encouraged Caricom chair, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, to convene an emergency meeting to address the escalating tensions.