The United States has issued a stern warning to countries, including those in the Caribbean, ahead of a crucial vote later this month on the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) proposed Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF). The framework aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector by 2050. However, the US has labeled the initiative as a ‘European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations’ and vowed to impose economic penalties on nations that support it.
分类： world
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Rising temperatures see Saint Lucians trying to beat the heat
The sweltering heat in Saint Lucia has become a daily struggle for its residents, with many expressing their discomfort as they navigate the island’s streets under the relentless midday sun. “Wah, it really hot, I never feel it so!” exclaimed a woman on Castries Boulevard, her words echoing the sentiments of countless Saint Lucians. This intense heat is not just a local anomaly but part of a global phenomenon driven by climate change. Climate policy advisor Jevanic Henry explained, “The increasing temperatures we are experiencing are becoming a new normal not only in Saint Lucia but around the world.” He attributed this trend to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, manufacturing, and deforestation. Data from the World Meteorological Organisation confirms that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record, with 2025 likely to follow suit. The rising temperatures have altered daily routines, prompting residents to seek shade and adjust their schedules to avoid peak heat hours. Retailers have reported mixed responses, with some noting steady sales of fans while others observe a significant surge in demand. The heat has also intensified water and electricity consumption, straining the island’s already challenged utilities. Henry emphasized the need for sustainable solutions, including renewable energy and water conservation, to address these issues. “Islands such as Saint Lucia, which receive a consistent supply of energy from the sun, can capitalize on advancing their renewable energy transition,” he said. While immediate relief comes in the form of umbrellas and fans, long-term strategies like solar energy adoption and improved water management may be essential to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures.
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Hamas bevestigt vrijlating gijzelaars vanaf maandag
Hamas has officially announced that the release of hostages will commence this Monday, in accordance with the newly brokered ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Israel. This development is part of a broader effort to de-escalate tensions in the Gaza Strip. In exchange, Israel has agreed to release a number of Palestinian prisoners. Both parties are under significant international pressure to execute the agreement meticulously and without incident. The first groups of hostages are expected to be handed over to representatives of the International Red Cross on Monday. Preparations for logistics and medical care on the Israeli side are already underway. Security sources indicate that dozens of hostages, some in poor health, have been held since the escalation of the conflict. Israeli medical teams are on standby to immediately examine and assist the released individuals. The announcement comes as the international community hopes this agreement marks the beginning of a prolonged period of calm. Diplomatic mediation led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States played a pivotal role in reaching the deal. While the implementation of the agreement is a crucial step, the region remains tense. Israel has stated it reserves the right to military action if Hamas violates the ceasefire terms.
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News : Zapping…
In a significant development for Haiti’s education sector, the Spanish Embassy has launched a groundbreaking training program at the State University of Haiti (UEH). Utilizing the Moodle platform and generative AI, the initiative aims to equip instructors with the tools to integrate artificial intelligence into virtual classrooms, marking a leap forward in digital education. Meanwhile, in Jacmel, the Montagne Lavoûte sub-police station witnessed a leadership transition as Divisional Inspector Boursiquot Jean Bernard assumed the role of Head, following an assessment by Acting Departmental Director Magalie Belneau. On the economic front, a report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) revealed that Cuba ranks last in regional labor productivity, citing low growth, social inequality, and skilled migration as key factors. In contrast, countries like Guyana, the Bahamas, and Barbados are thriving. In cultural news, the Haitian community in France continues to grow, with over 4,880 students currently pursuing their education there. Back in Haiti, Port-au-Prince is gearing up for Burger Fest 2025, a culinary extravaganza set to celebrate Haitian creativity and local partnerships from October 17th to 19th. The event will feature Heineken Happy Hour, Bingo Night, and Family Day activities. Lastly, Haitian literature shines as Yanick Lahens advances to the second selection of the 2025 Prix Goncourt with her novel ‘Passagères de nuit,’ competing among eight finalists for the prestigious literary award.
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Jerry Dies as New Atlantic Disturbance Forms
Tropical Storm Jerry has officially dissipated, concluding its life cycle as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued its final advisory on Friday evening. At 5 p.m. AST, the remnants of Jerry were located near latitude 27.6 North, longitude 63.6 West, moving northward at 16 mph. Although the storm has weakened into a remnant trough, it continues to generate gale-force winds of up to 45 mph, extending 240 miles east of its center. While Jerry no longer poses a direct threat to land, forecasters have cautioned that dangerous surf and rip currents will persist, affecting the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas. Additionally, meteorologists are monitoring a disturbance in the eastern Atlantic, which has a medium chance of developing into a tropical system in the coming days. This system currently poses no immediate threat to land but will be closely tracked as it moves westward. Updates on Jerry’s remnants will now be included in the High Seas Forecasts issued by the National Weather Service.
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Gaza Ceasefire Holds and Aid Efforts Intensify
A fragile ceasefire in Gaza continues to hold, offering a glimmer of hope for thousands of displaced Palestinians who are now returning to the remnants of their homes. The truce, which follows two years of devastating conflict, has enabled bulldozers to begin clearing the extensive debris in Gaza City, where entire neighborhoods lie in ruins.
UNICEF has emphasized that the ceasefire provides a critical, albeit brief, opportunity to save lives amidst an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The agency revealed that, over the past two years, a child has been killed in Gaza every hour. UNICEF is urgently advocating for unrestricted humanitarian access to deliver essential supplies such as food, medicine, and shelter to those in need.
In a significant development, the United States has deployed 200 troops to Israel to assist in monitoring the ceasefire and facilitating the coordination of aid. Meanwhile, Israel has approved the expansion of food and supply deliveries and is preparing to release prisoners as part of the agreement.
UNICEF has reported that over 1,300 aid trucks, loaded with tents, blankets, and nutritional supplies, are poised to move into the region. Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, stressed the importance of a sustained and respected ceasefire, stating, ‘A genuine ceasefire must be more than words; it must be sustained and respected.’
As the international community watches closely, the focus remains on ensuring the ceasefire’s longevity and addressing the dire humanitarian needs of Gaza’s population.
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UN youth advisor from Barbados represents Caribbean at Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi
Ashley Lashley, a prominent youth advocate from Barbados, recently made her international debut as one of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Youth Advisors on Climate Change at the prestigious International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The event, held every four years, serves as a global platform for setting conservation and sustainable development priorities. This year’s congress attracted over 1,400 participants, including government officials, civil society organizations, Indigenous representatives, and corporate leaders. Lashley’s participation was hailed as a significant milestone, as she actively contributed to high-level discussions aimed at accelerating global climate action and conservation efforts. She was a key speaker in the Special Session titled “Nature’s Promise for Climate & People — A Call and Commitment from the Conservation Community to Belém and Beyond,” which focused on enhancing nature preservation, climate resilience, and human well-being. Additionally, Lashley participated in the session “Alliances Fit for the Post-2030 Era – Driving the Next Wave of Multilateralism,” exploring innovative partnerships to sustain environmental initiatives beyond 2030. Drawing from her experience as a former recipient of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), Lashley emphasized the critical role of youth-led organizations in developing scalable environmental solutions. She also highlighted the interconnectedness of human health, biodiversity, and ecosystems in the high-level session “One Health: The Only Healthy Future for People, Animals, and Ecosystems.” Lashley candidly addressed the tension between capitalism and environmental sustainability, advocating for economic models that support sustainable communities and healthy ecosystems. Her participation underscored the importance of youth voices in shaping global climate and conservation policies, particularly from the Caribbean region.
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Monday – can’t trust that day
As the world braces for pivotal moments, millions await outcomes with a blend of hope and trepidation. In Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the impending budget presentation looms large, poised to determine whether the government has the fortitude to steer the nation out of economic turmoil or consign it to a bleak future. The stakes are high, as the budget could either mark a turning point toward recovery or a descent into chaos.
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Tobago’s failure: not enough whites
The remnants of an old sugar mill near Golden Grove Road in Buccoo, Tobago, stand as a stark reminder of the island’s colonial past. The establishment of sugar plantations in the British Caribbean colonies was driven by the lucrative global demand for sugar, which spurred heavy investments in the industry. However, this economic boom came at a devastating human cost: the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans to meet the insatiable demand for labor. Despite the fervor of plantation owners, the imbalance between the white and black populations posed significant challenges, leading to the enactment of the Deficiency Laws in an attempt to mitigate the risks of rebellion. These laws, however, failed to achieve their intended balance. By the early 19th century, Tobago’s sugar industry was in decline, and the island faced economic turmoil. The abolition of the British slave trade in 1807 further exacerbated the situation, reducing trade and increasing operational costs. In response, Tobago’s administrators implemented strategies to increase the white population, including fines for non-compliance and bounties for exceeding quotas. They also sought to co-opt the ‘coloured’ population, leveraging their social ambitions to maintain control. Despite these efforts, the population ratio remained unchanged, leaving a legacy of racial inequality and economic decline.
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Our six-country tour ends
Traveling through South America offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and bureaucratic systems. A recent journey through Guyana, Suriname, Argentina, Uruguay, and French Guiana highlighted stark contrasts in border efficiency, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. While crossing borders in Guyana and Suriname was marred by cumbersome paperwork and inadequate ferry services, the experience in Argentina and Uruguay was seamless, thanks to modern infrastructure and streamlined processes. The Buquebus ferry in the Southern Cone exemplified efficiency, while the Canawaima ferry between Guyana and Suriname struggled with capacity and service issues. In Suriname, travelers explored Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learned about its rich history, including the impact of mining on indigenous communities. French Guiana offered a different perspective, with well-maintained roads, colonial architecture, and a visit to the European Space Centre, where a rocket launch was witnessed. The journey concluded in Argentina with a tango show in Buenos Aires and a day on the pampas with gauchos. These varied experiences underscored the unique charm and challenges of traveling through South America.