The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) and regional authorities are on high alert as Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a formidable Category 5 storm, posing severe threats to Jamaica and neighboring Caribbean nations. With life-threatening winds, relentless rainfall, and the potential for devastating floods and landslides, the region is bracing for significant impacts. Forecasts predict that Jamaica will bear the brunt of the hurricane starting Tuesday, 28 October, followed by its trajectory toward eastern Cuba and potential effects in the Bahamas later this week. This intensification marks Hurricane Melissa as one of the most powerful storms to menace the Caribbean in recent decades. Wayne M. Caines, Chairman of CARILEC’s Board of Directors, emphasized the urgency of preparedness, noting early reports of flooding in several communities. CARILEC is actively mobilizing resources and coordinating with member utilities, including Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo), to ensure readiness for the storm’s aftermath. The organization is also collaborating with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and regional partners to streamline transportation and logistical support for post-disaster recovery efforts. Jamaica, having endured past storms like Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, remains resilient. Caines expressed solidarity with all affected nations, affirming the Caribbean’s collective determination to rebuild stronger communities and infrastructure once the storm subsides.
分类： world
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Antigua and Barbuda Ranked 54th Globally in 2026 Nations Reputation Index
Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a significant milestone in global recognition, securing the 54th position out of 197 countries in the CEOWORLD Magazine Global Nations Reputation Index 2026, released on October 26. This prestigious annual index evaluates nations based on a comprehensive 50-attribute model, assessing perception and performance across ten critical dimensions, including ethics, governance, innovation, quality of life, sustainability, and social cohesion. With a reputation score of 76.65, the twin-island nation has surpassed many larger and more developed countries, highlighting its growing international stature. Within the Caribbean region, Antigua and Barbuda outperformed Saint Kitts and Nevis (55th), Trinidad and Tobago (62nd), and Saint Lucia (70th), reflecting its rising respect for governance, stability, and cultural identity. The report underscores that national reputation has become a pivotal factor in determining a country’s competitiveness, influencing foreign investment, tourism, trade, and diplomatic relations. CEOWORLD emphasizes that reputation now serves as a measurable and strategic determinant of competitiveness, influence, and prosperity, effectively acting as a global ‘trust index.’ Singapore claimed the top spot in the 2026 rankings, lauded for its consistent governance, innovation, and environmental stewardship. European nations, including Switzerland, Ireland, and the Nordic states, dominated the upper echelons of the index, praised for their integrity, equality, and high-quality governance. The report highlights that countries with robust reputational scores benefit from increased foreign investment, currency stability, and enhanced diplomatic influence, translating directly into economic growth and global engagement. Antigua and Barbuda’s ranking is a testament to its ongoing efforts to bolster its international profile through effective governance, sustainable development, and social cohesion. This achievement reinforces the nation’s growing influence in the Caribbean and its commitment to maintaining a trustworthy and respected image on the global stage.
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Abinader opens International Transport Policy Dialogue 2025 in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader officially launched the 2025 International Transport Policy Dialogue, a pivotal two-day regional conference co-organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the International Transport Forum (ITF). Held under the theme “Transportation as a Driver of Development for Resilience and Competitiveness,” the event convened ministers, industry leaders, and experts from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe to address pressing challenges in the transport sector.
In his opening address, President Abinader emphasized the critical role of transportation as the foundation of economic and social progress. He articulated that investments in mobility are investments in equity, productivity, and future growth. Abinader showcased significant infrastructure advancements under his administration, including the rehabilitation of highways and rural roads, the modernization of the Manzanillo port, and the expansion of integrated Metro, Cable Car, and Monorail systems in Santo Domingo and Santiago. He described these initiatives as transformative milestones in the Dominican Republic’s mobility landscape.
The forum aims to tackle key issues such as sustainable financing, the adoption of electric and clean mobility solutions, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), climate resilience, and road safety. Abinader expressed gratitude to the IDB and ITF for their ongoing partnership and called for a unified regional action pact to promote sustainable, safe, and accessible transportation systems. This dialogue follows the Dominican Republic’s 2024 accession as a full member of the ITF, a significant step in aligning the nation with global sustainable development goals.
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Antiguan Officials Participate in EU-Funded Study Tour on Rural Development in Spain
A high-level delegation from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, recently concluded a three-day visit to Andalucía, Spain. The trip, held from October 22 to 24, was part of the EU-CaN: Nurturing Futures Together project, an initiative funded by the European Commission and coordinated by the Foundation for the Internationalisation of Public Administrations (FIAP). The project aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between European and Caribbean regions to enhance sustainable agri-food systems, rural development, and the inclusion of women and youth in agriculture. During their visit, the delegation explored key agricultural sites in the Axarquía area of Malaga province, including a subtropical fruit company in Vélez-Málaga, the Monte Faco vineyard, and the village of Moclinejo. They also engaged with local mayors and sampled regional cuisine. Manuel Gómez, Secretary General for Agriculture of the Andalusian regional government, emphasized the region’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in agriculture, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in achieving food security and rural revitalization. The delegation’s itinerary also included stops in Cádiz, Seville, and Madrid, further strengthening ties between Spain and the Eastern Caribbean in their shared pursuit of sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth.
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News : Zapping…
Haiti is grappling with the dual impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which has disrupted daily life and posed significant threats to the nation’s agricultural sector. Sunrise Airways announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Haiti on October 28 and 29, affecting key destinations such as Miami, Port-au-Prince, Les Cayes, Cap-Haïtien, and Providenciales. The airline has pledged to update passengers on the resumption of services once conditions improve. Meanwhile, the storm’s potential to devastate crops has raised alarms, with over 330,000 farm households at risk. Given that more than half of Haiti’s population faces acute food insecurity, safeguarding national food production is critical. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Haiti’s Ministry of Agriculture are closely monitoring the situation and preparing to assist affected families. In addition to these challenges, projections indicate that 720,000 people in southern Haiti will be impacted by Melissa. The World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the government and partners, has already provided advance payments to 47,000 vulnerable individuals and plans to expand food and financial aid. The international community has also expressed concern, with the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) offering solidarity and support to Haiti and other affected nations. Amid these crises, a glimmer of hope emerges as Shelenchie Jeanty, a Haitian woman, becomes the first to pass the bar exam in Chile, a milestone celebrated by the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) as a source of pride for the diaspora.
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Belizean Students Plead for Help as Hurricane Melissa Nears
As Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, barrels toward Jamaica, Belizean students studying on the island are voicing their distress over the lack of support from their home country. The hurricane, described as the most powerful storm Jamaica has ever faced, has left many students feeling abandoned and unprepared. Among them is a Belizean mother who took to social media to express her desperation, pleading for assistance to secure shelter and essential supplies for herself and her two children. Despite her emotional appeal, no help has arrived.
Isareli Cal, a third-year law student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), shared that while the university has made significant preparations, including distributing care packages and securing the campus, the support from Belizean authorities has been minimal. Cal and other students have resorted to purchasing their own supplies to weather the storm.
In response to the crisis, the National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) has launched a fundraising initiative to provide financial aid to affected students. NSUB President Tomas Serrut emphasized the union’s commitment to supporting Belizean citizens during this critical time, calling on the public to contribute to their efforts.
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Commonwealth Student Association, led by Ashley Langford, is coordinating with regional student organizations to gather resources and assist students in need. Langford highlighted the challenges students face in securing basic supplies and stressed the importance of collective action.
Despite the challenges, Belize’s Honorary Consul in Jamaica has opened her home to students seeking shelter, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that all Belizeans on the island are safe. As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the Belizean community continues to rally together, hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.
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PM Briceño, “Belizean Students in Jamaica Safe Amid Hurricane Melissa”
Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has assured the public that Belizean students in Jamaica are safe despite the ongoing threat of Hurricane Melissa. In a statement made on October 27, 2025, Briceño highlighted the unique logistical challenges Belize faces in evacuating its students compared to other Caribbean nations. Approximately seventy Belizean students remain in Jamaica, with many sheltered at their schools, the home of Belize’s honorary consul, or designated safe zones. While evacuation is not currently feasible, the government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the students. Briceño emphasized that the government is in contact with the students and will provide necessary supplies once the hurricane passes. He also noted that the Ministry of Education is coordinating efforts to assist the students, including funding for those who need to leave Jamaica. Despite the difficulties, the Prime Minister reiterated that the safety of Belizean students abroad remains the government’s top priority.
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Belize Kicks off 2025 International Partners Conference
Belize has officially inaugurated the 2025 International Partners Conference, a pivotal event aimed at fostering global collaboration to address the nation’s development challenges amidst the escalating climate crisis. The conference, now in its third iteration, brings together international allies to strategize on sustainable growth and resilience-building initiatives. This year’s theme, “Investing in the Green Transition,” underscores the urgency of transitioning to a climate-resilient economy. Key areas of focus include clean energy, e-mobility, sustainable infrastructure, and green education, all designed to position Belize as a leader in climate-smart development. Prime Minister John Briceño emphasized the significance of the event, stating, ‘Your presence here signals a commitment to action, not just ideas.’ He highlighted the enduring partnerships that have supported Belize through natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing gratitude for the continued collaboration. The Prime Minister reiterated that the nation’s development efforts are rooted in trust and a shared vision of achieving transformative change. The conference serves as a platform to accelerate Belize’s progress toward a sustainable and resilient future.
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Hurricane Melissa may be ‘catastrophic’ for Jamaica, say experts
Hurricane Melissa has escalated to a Category 5 storm, the most severe classification, with wind speeds peaking at 165 mph (270 km/h). The hurricane is expected to make landfall early Tuesday, posing significant threats to Jamaica and other Caribbean nations. Already, Melissa has claimed lives in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with four fatalities reported. Meteorologists have issued warnings about the storm’s slow movement, which is likely to result in prolonged heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides. Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The extreme rainfall potential due to the slow motion will create a catastrophic event for Jamaica.” In response, the Jamaican government has ordered evacuations in parts of Kingston and declared the entire island as “threatened.” Forecasters predict that Melissa could strengthen further in the next 12 to 24 hours, bringing destructive winds and life-threatening storm surges to Jamaica overnight Monday and early Tuesday. The NHC anticipates that the hurricane’s core will move near or over Jamaica by Monday night, followed by southeastern Cuba on Tuesday night and the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday. Despite potential fluctuations in intensity, Melissa is expected to remain a major hurricane as it traverses these regions. The NHC forecasts up to 40 inches (100 cm) of rain in some areas of Jamaica over the next four days, heightening flood risks. Local authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to seek safer shelter. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in a social media post, called for thorough preparation and adherence to evacuation orders, expressing resilience with the message, “We will weather this storm and rebuild stronger.”
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NOAA Hurricane Hunters Cut Short Mission as Hurricane Melissa’s 200-mph Winds Batter Aircraft
In an unprecedented move, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters were compelled to cut short their reconnaissance mission on Monday as Hurricane Melissa unleashed ferocious winds exceeding 200 miles per hour. The aircraft encountered severe turbulence in the storm’s southwestern eyewall, prompting the rare decision to abort the mission. Melissa, now a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, is on a collision course with Jamaica, raising alarms across the Caribbean region. Forecasters predict the storm will approach or directly hit Jamaica late Monday night or early Tuesday, October 28–29, before traversing eastern Cuba and heading toward the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos by Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that hurricane-force winds extend nearly 195 miles from the storm’s center, with Melissa’s sluggish 3 mph forward motion expected to prolong devastating conditions, including destructive winds, flash flooding, and landslides. Even before making landfall, Melissa has already claimed lives in Jamaica, with at least three fatalities reported. Among the victims was a healthcare worker in St Elizabeth, tragically killed by a falling tree during storm preparations. Jamaican authorities have issued urgent warnings, urging residents to remain in safe shelters as catastrophic flooding and landslides loom. The NHC emphasized that whether Melissa strikes as a Category 4 or 5 hurricane, the impact will be equally devastating, with both categories capable of causing catastrophic wind damage. As the storm continues its menacing path, the Caribbean braces for days of destruction and peril.