The families of Trinidadian nationals allegedly killed in a US military airstrike on October 14 are seeking closure, but international law expert Dr. Safiya Ali emphasizes that such efforts would require significant political and diplomatic support from local authorities. The US military, which has been increasing its presence in the Caribbean to combat what it describes as Venezuela’s narco-terrorism, began targeting small boats suspected of facilitating illegal activities in September. These operations have resulted in five confirmed attacks, claiming 27 lives, with unconfirmed reports of a sixth strike on October 16, where some survivors were reportedly found. The October 14 attack killed six individuals, two of whom are believed to be Trinidadian nationals: Chad Joseph of Las Cuevas and another identified only as Samaroo. Despite President Donald Trump’s announcement of the strike, no official details about the victims’ identities or nationalities have been released. Dr. Ali, an international law lecturer at the University of the West Indies and former general counsel at Caricom, outlined potential avenues for justice, including diplomatic channels under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, appeals to the Association for Caribbean States or Caricom, and representations to the United Nations Security Council. However, she expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures, particularly given the US’s veto power. Dr. Ali also noted that the Trinidad and Tobago government’s stance, as indicated by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s support for the US military actions, could hinder efforts to pursue justice. The Prime Minister has consistently taken a hardline approach against Venezuela and illegal trade, refusing to allocate state resources to assist Trinidadian nationals involved in such activities. Dr. Ali urged caution in supporting the US military’s actions, citing the lack of transparency and the potential for wrongful acts under international law. Meanwhile, fishermen in Cedros have expressed growing fears for their safety due to increased patrols by Venezuela’s Guardia Nacional in the surrounding waters. Marlon Parmel, president of the Bonasse Fisherfolk, reported that fishermen have observed continuous patrols, deterring them from venturing far from Trinidad’s shores. The situation has escalated since the alleged arrest of Rex James, a local fisherman, by the Guardia Nacional in June, with his current whereabouts unknown. The US military’s latest airstrike on October 16, reported by Reuters, marks the sixth such attack, with survivors reported for the first time. However, details remain scarce, as the Pentagon has yet to comment on the incident.
分类： world
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King Charles III to make first visit with Pope Leo
In a landmark event for Anglo-Catholic relations, Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to embark on an historic state visit to the Vatican on October 22-23, 2025. This visit, announced by Buckingham Palace on Friday, will mark the first meeting between the British monarchs and Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025. The trip follows a private visit by the royal couple to Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, just months before his passing in April 2025. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope with a background in missionary work in Peru, was elected on May 8, 2025. The visit coincides with the special jubilee year, celebrated every 25 years, and will include a service in the Sistine Chapel highlighting the shared environmental commitments of the Pope and the King. Additionally, King Charles will visit a seminary training Commonwealth priests, while Queen Camilla will engage with Catholic sisters involved in girls’ education programs addressing issues like sexual violence and human trafficking. This visit is seen as a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, emphasizing themes of unity and hope. The Church of England, established in the 16th century by Henry VIII after his split from the Catholic Church, has historically had strained relations with Rome. However, modern times have seen a more amicable relationship between the two faiths. King Charles, who has previously visited the Vatican five times as Prince of Wales, last met Pope Francis in April 2025, despite the pontiff’s declining health. The King, currently undergoing cancer treatment, has long been an advocate for environmental protection, a cause he shares with both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV.
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Dominican Week 2025 launches in Canada
The Dominican Republic Embassy in Canada has officially inaugurated Dominican Week in Canada 2025, with a series of events set to take place in Ottawa and Toronto on October 15 and 16. This initiative is designed to highlight the nation’s leadership, economic vitality, cultural richness, and investment potential on a global stage. The opening ceremony, held in Ottawa, featured Ambassador José Blanco Conde, who underscored the event’s significance in positioning the Dominican Republic as a dependable and competitive partner for Canada. The celebration included cultural showcases, such as a presentation of Creole cuisine by acclaimed chef Dayanny de la Cruz, who was honored for her efforts in promoting Dominican gastronomy worldwide. Sculptor Juan Trinidad was also recognized for his contributions to advancing Dominican art and culture internationally. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe presented an official city proclamation, while Ambassador Blanco gifted a bust of national hero Juan Pablo Duarte to Ottawa City Hall, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations. The Dominican delegation will participate in a packed agenda, including meetings with federal, provincial, and parliamentary leaders, as well as business executives. Key activities will feature panel discussions on air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, and logistics, alongside a roundtable on critical minerals and rare earths. The delegation will also visit Bombardier’s aviation facilities. This year’s edition aligns with Hispanic Heritage Month and the Toronto Global Forum, serving as a strategic precursor to the 10th Summit of the Americas, which will be hosted by the Dominican Republic in December.
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News : Zapping…
In a series of significant developments across Haiti, the nation witnessed a mix of resilience, progress, and recognition on October 15, 2025. Businessman Cedrick Vorbe made headlines after successfully escaping a kidnapping attempt on Airport Road. Viral social media footage captured Vorbe opening fire on his captors, forcing them to flee. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region. Meanwhile, the Industrial Development Company (CODEVI) resumed operations after a two-week shutdown. Workers were instructed to arrive in uniform and with their ID cards, while law enforcement units were deployed to ensure peace and stability. In a symbolic move, all Cabinet Meetings will now be held at the National Palace, reaffirming the government’s presence in downtown Port-au-Prince. On the cultural front, Haitian writer Louis-Philippe Dalembert was celebrated for receiving the prestigious Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation Literary Prize, adding to his long list of accolades. The judicial system also saw progress, with the President of the Court of Cassation reviewing the past year’s achievements, including 1,097 decisions rendered by the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance. Additionally, the United States announced its support for the Haitian National Police, funding the training of 892 new recruits to combat gang activity and restore stability.
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Tourism : Celebrity Cruises suspends its stops in Haiti until 2026
Celebrity Cruises, a prominent Miami-based cruise line under the Royal Caribbean Group, has announced the suspension of its stops at Labadee, Haiti, through 2026. This decision stems from escalating safety concerns in the region, prompting the company to revise 11 of its itineraries, primarily affecting voyages aboard the Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond. In lieu of Labadee, the cruise line will now redirect its ships to alternative destinations, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico. This move mirrors a similar announcement by Royal Caribbean in September 2025, which also canceled all Labadee visits until at least spring 2026. Haiti has been under a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory since March 2024, issued by the U.S. State Department due to persistent political instability, rampant crime, kidnapping threats, and terrorist activities. The advisory highlights the presence of gangs designated as terrorist organizations, further exacerbating the nation’s security crisis. The suspension of cruise visits to Labadee underscores the ongoing challenges facing Haiti’s tourism industry and its broader socio-political landscape.
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Insecurity : 1.4 million people displaced fleeing violence
Haiti is grappling with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as violence and instability have forced over 1.4 million people to flee their homes, marking the highest displacement figure ever recorded in the country. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this represents a staggering 36% increase since late 2024. Grégoire Goodstein, IOM Haiti Chief of Mission, emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for sustained international support to address the crisis and restore dignity to affected populations. He highlighted the resilience of Haitian communities, which are hosting approximately 85% of displaced individuals despite severe resource constraints. The crisis has extended beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince, with 64% of new displacements occurring in regions like Centre and Artibonite. Displacement sites are severely overcrowded, lacking basic services, while spontaneous sites have surged by 68% since December 2024. Women and children, comprising over half of the displaced, are disproportionately affected, with many families resorting to sending children to safer areas. Additionally, the return of over 250,000 Haitians expelled from the Dominican Republic since January 2025 has exacerbated the situation along the border. In response, IOM has expanded its operations, providing emergency shelter, clean water, health services, and psychosocial support to vulnerable families. The organization has also appealed for increased international funding, warning that without immediate action, the suffering of displaced Haitians will only intensify.
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Half of Escaped Guatemalan Inmates Recaptured
In a significant development, Guatemalan authorities have successfully recaptured ten out of the twenty inmates who escaped from the high-security Fraijanes II prison. The escape, which reportedly occurred over the past two months, was only disclosed to the public on October 12, 2025. Guatemala’s Interior Minister, Francisco Jiménez, stated that officials had been investigating rumors of the escape for weeks. Initial investigations suggest that some inmates may have exploited routine prison visits to flee, exposing a critical security lapse in one of the nation’s most secure facilities. Among those apprehended is Byron Fajardo Revolorio, alias “Black Demon,” who was serving a 180-year sentence. His capture marks a crucial victory for law enforcement, but the search for the remaining fugitives remains ongoing. Regional police forces are intensifying their efforts to locate the escapees, with neighboring Belize also on high alert. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith emphasized Belize’s vulnerability as a potential transit point for the fugitives due to its proximity to Guatemala. She urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly.
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Caribbean Sea: Zone of Peace and prosperity
The Caribbean Sea, a vital lifeline for numerous sovereign nations and dependent territories, is under threat as recent US military strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats have sparked outrage and fear across the region. Since September 2, 2025, the US Southern Command has conducted four strikes in the southern Caribbean near Venezuela, resulting in at least 21 deaths. Washington justifies these actions as part of its fight against ‘narcoterrorism,’ targeting the Venezuelan gang ‘Tren de Aragua,’ which it designated a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025. However, these strikes have raised serious concerns about sovereignty, legality, and the potential for escalating militarization in a region historically committed to peace.
The Caribbean has long been a major transshipment route for narcotics moving from South America to North America, and regional nations have cooperated with the US in counter-narcotics efforts for decades. Yet, the recent strikes are deeply intertwined with the deteriorating US-Venezuela relations, which have worsened under successive US administrations. The deployment of 4,000 US troops near Venezuela’s coast has fueled speculation of a potential regime change, prompting Venezuela to declare a state of emergency and bolster its military defenses. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has also condemned the strikes, noting that Colombian nationals may have been among the victims.
The UN Security Council held an emergency session on October 10, 2025, at Venezuela’s request, but meaningful action is unlikely due to the US veto power. Critics, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the strikes as extrajudicial killings and violations of international law, with no credible evidence provided to confirm the targeted vessels were involved in drug smuggling. There are fears that the victims could have been innocent migrants or fishermen.
The Caribbean Sea, though less than 1% of the world’s ocean area, accounts for 27% of the global ocean economy and 18% of regional GDP, according to the Inter-American Development Bank. Its waters are crucial for fisheries, tourism, shipping, and other industries. Escalating military tensions threaten the region’s blue economy, which many Caribbean nations are developing through sustainable fisheries, renewable energy, and maritime transport. Increased militarization could deter investment, disrupt livelihoods, and imperil future prosperity.
Historically, the Caribbean has prided itself on being a ‘Zone of Peace,’ a principle reaffirmed by regional leaders at the 80th UN General Assembly. However, cracks are emerging in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) unity, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly supporting the US actions. Reports also suggest the US has approached Grenada to host radar equipment, further complicating regional solidarity.
Caricom must engage diplomatically with the US, leveraging support from the Caribbean diaspora, civil society, and international allies to prevent further escalation. Over 60 US civil society organizations have expressed concerns about the legality and morality of the strikes, while senior Democrats have demanded evidence. The UN has called for restraint, emphasizing that efforts to combat transnational crime must comply with international law.
The Caribbean must unite to defend its shared patrimony, ensuring that the Caribbean Sea remains a zone of peace and prosperity. Preserving this principle is not just a diplomatic goal but a moral, social, and economic necessity.
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Police probe alleged Trinidadian deaths in US boat bombing
Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) are set to engage with the families of two men believed to have been aboard a boat targeted by a US missile strike off Venezuela’s coast on October 14. The incident, which marks the fourth such operation by US forces in the region, has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the attack. The family of Chad Joseph, a resident of Las Cuevas, TT, has come forward, claiming that Joseph and another individual identified only as “Samaroo” were on the vessel returning from Venezuela when it was destroyed. US officials have consistently asserted that the targeted boats were involved in drug trafficking, though no concrete evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate these claims. President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have defended the actions, citing what they describe as undeniable intelligence. However, neither US, Venezuelan, nor TT authorities have confirmed the identities of those aboard the vessel in the latest incident. Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin revealed that TT police were unaware of the potential local connection until Joseph’s family spoke to the media. He confirmed that officers from the North Eastern Division will visit the family to gather further information and investigate the matter.
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Trinidadians among those killed in latest US bombing at sea
In a tragic incident earlier this week, two Trinidad and Tobago nationals were among six individuals killed in a United States military airstrike on a small vessel in international waters near Venezuela. Gary Aboud, secretary of the non-governmental organization Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, confirmed the deaths of Richie Samaroo and Chad “Charpo” Joseph during a radio broadcast on Thursday. Aboud expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, condemning the act as a violation of judicial processes and international law. He also warned local fishermen to avoid venturing far from the shoreline due to the heightened risk of being targeted. The Trinidad and Tobago Government and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) have yet to issue an official statement on the matter. However, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar has publicly supported the US military’s anti-narcotics campaign in the Caribbean, stating that she has no sympathy for drug traffickers. The US military has intensified its presence in the region, deploying additional assets, including a nuclear-powered attack submarine and reconnaissance aircraft, as part of its efforts to combat drug cartels. This latest strike marks the fifth such operation in the Caribbean, resulting in a total of 27 fatalities. Relatives of the deceased have vehemently condemned the attack, describing it as “inhumane” and “unjustified.” Lenore Burnley, the mother of Chad Joseph, insisted that her son was not involved in drug trafficking, while Christine Clement, his grandmother, revealed that he had been living in Venezuela and had previously survived another attack while attempting to return home. Aboud has called for Prime Minister Persad Bissessar to be held accountable before the International Criminal Court for her support of the US military actions.