In a significant development for regional connectivity, Flytosky JSC has announced the launch of a direct charter flight route between Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, and Cancún, Mexico, starting November 15, 2025. This route, exclusively for individuals holding a valid Mexican visa or residency card, aims to streamline travel between the two destinations, eliminating administrative hurdles. Meanwhile, the southern city of Les Cayes faces devastation following torrential rains from Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which triggered severe flooding, landslides, and the destruction of critical infrastructure, leaving neighborhoods like La Savane and Bergeaud isolated. In diplomatic news, the Consul of El Salvador in Haiti, Johny Antoine Handal, passed away on October 25, 2025. His death was mourned by El Salvador’s Vice-President, Félix Ulloa Jr., who expressed heartfelt condolences to Handal’s family. On the political front, uncertainty looms as the Presidential Transitional Council’s (CPT) mandate nears its end in February 2026, prompting the Caricom Group of Eminent Persons to seek clarity from stakeholders. In a positive social initiative, the National Ambulance Center (CAN) launched an awareness campaign for the emergency number 116, engaging children at Casa Bambini Kindergarten in Puits Blain 24 through music and dance. Additionally, the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) distributed 4,700 hot meals to displaced families and vulnerable individuals at the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) site in Delmas, underscoring ongoing humanitarian efforts.
分类： world
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Hurricane : Full activation of the National Emergency Operations Center, Melissa in Cat. 5 (video)
Haiti is bracing for the full impact of Hurricane Melissa, which has escalated to a Category 5 storm, prompting the full activation of the National Emergency Operations Center (COUN). The hurricane, initially classified as Category 4, was upgraded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on October 26, 2025. A joint press conference on Saturday afternoon, attended by representatives from the Presidential Transitional Council, government ministers, and officials from Haiti’s Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM), formalized the maximum alert level. Paul Antoine Bien-Aimé, Minister of the Interior and Communities, confirmed that the South and Grand’Anse departments are on red alert, while other regions face orange alerts for heavy rainfall. Over 350 shelters have been opened across the Grand Sud, accommodating more than 900 families (3,653 people). The provisional death toll remains at four, with 16 injured since October 21. Significant damage has been reported in agriculture, with banana plantations in Nippes and the South severely affected. Road infrastructure has also suffered, with landslides and flooding disrupting traffic in multiple regions. The DGPC has issued recommendations, including preventive evacuations and school closures, to mitigate further risks.
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US warship docks in Trinidad amid fears of military aggression in the Caribbean
The arrival of the USS Gravely, a US warship, in Trinidad on Sunday has intensified concerns over escalating military activity in the Caribbean. This development comes amid warnings from regional leaders and religious figures about the potential destabilization of the area. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago defended the US presence, emphasizing its role in combating drug trafficking and enhancing national security. However, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and former CARICOM leaders have expressed alarm, urging a return to dialogue and peace to avoid regional conflict.
The US military’s increased presence, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, is framed by Washington as part of a counter-drug initiative. However, critics argue it may serve as a pretext for broader geopolitical ambitions, particularly concerning Venezuela. The recent bombing of vessels suspected of drug trafficking, which resulted in casualties including Trinidad and Tobago nationals, has further fueled tensions. The US has yet to provide evidence supporting these actions.
Religious leaders from the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) have also voiced concerns, calling for de-escalation and respect for sovereignty. They highlighted the moral and humanitarian challenges posed by militarization and the narcotics trade, urging leaders to prioritize dialogue and regional unity. Meanwhile, Persad-Bissessar stressed the need for immediate action to address crime and drug-related issues in Trinidad and Tobago, citing the country’s proximity to major trafficking routes.
As the region grapples with these challenges, the call for peace remains a unifying theme. Mottley and other leaders have emphasized the Caribbean’s historical commitment to peace and the importance of resolving disputes through international mechanisms like the United Nations. The situation underscores the delicate balance between security needs and the preservation of regional stability.
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U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo resumes consular services
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced the resumption of both routine and emergency consular services, effective this Monday. This decision comes after the Emergency Operations Center (COE) downgraded the alert level in Santo Domingo province from red to yellow. In a statement shared on the embassy’s official Instagram account, officials confirmed that the Visa Assistance Center at Sambil will also reopen and resume normal operations. The embassy attributed this move to the improved weather conditions and the diligent monitoring of Hurricane Melissa by local authorities. However, the embassy issued a warning, emphasizing that Hurricane Melissa remains a potent and unpredictable storm. It could still bring heavy rainfall and localized damage to certain areas of the Dominican Republic in the days ahead. Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and stay updated on weather developments.
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FLASH : Hurricane Melissa becomes Cat. 5, Haiti on maximum alert
On October 27, 2025, Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, posing a severe threat to Haiti and neighboring Caribbean nations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h and a central pressure of 917 millibars. Located 625 km south of Port-au-Prince, Melissa is expected to move slowly westward before turning north and northeast, potentially impacting Jamaica, Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas. The Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM) has issued a red alert for the South and Grand’Anse departments, with orange alerts for other regions. Catastrophic flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage are anticipated, with rainfall projections of up to 40 inches in some areas. Tropical storm conditions are expected along Haiti’s western coast, with hurricane-force winds extending 30 miles from the center. The Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) has suspended coastal shipping activities, and residents are urged to follow civil protection guidelines. Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas are also under hurricane watches, with life-threatening storm surges and heavy rains predicted. Authorities emphasize the need for vigilance and preparedness as Melissa continues its destructive path.
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A new gateway to growth: Celebrating Kingstown Port and the power of partnership
The United Kingdom and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) have marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship with the inauguration of the newly modernized Kingstown Port. British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Mustard, expressed his pride in the UK’s support for this transformative project, which symbolizes the strength of their partnership rooted in mutual respect. The port’s modernization, funded with over US$35 million in grants from the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), represents a total investment exceeding US$250 million, making it the second-largest infrastructure project in SVG’s history and the most substantial UK-funded initiative in the Eastern Caribbean. The project is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, enhance trade, and bolster the nation’s resilience to climate change. Already, the port has generated over 400 construction jobs, injected US$37 million into the local economy, and facilitated over US$50 million in exports to the UK in 2024. Additionally, the port’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a new mobile scanner, have enhanced border security. Beyond infrastructure, the UK-SVG partnership spans health, energy, environment, culture, security, and trade. Notable initiatives include the SMART hospital project, solar panel installations, and support for creative industries and heritage preservation. The UK remains a staunch advocate for small island developing states, championing their unique vulnerabilities in international forums. As multilateralism faces challenges, the UK and SVG are committed to defending an inclusive, rules-based international system and fostering a future grounded in resilience, equity, and shared prosperity. High Commissioner Mustard emphasized the importance of this partnership, particularly in the face of global fragmentation, and expressed optimism for continued collaboration.
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Categorie 4 orkaan Melissa: Jamaica bereidt zich voor op ramp
Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 4 storm, posing a severe threat to Jamaica with destructive winds, torrential rains, flooding, and landslides. Currently, the storm’s unofficial center is located approximately 120 to 130 miles southeast of Kingston, moving slowly westward, escalating the danger to the island. Meteorologists warn that Melissa could potentially strengthen further into a Category 5 hurricane. The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued alerts for rainfall amounts reaching up to 760 mm across Jamaica, with localized areas potentially experiencing up to 1,010 mm. Additionally, storm surges of up to 4 meters are expected along the southern coastline. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged residents to take all warnings seriously and prepare for prolonged impacts, stating, ‘All of Jamaica will be affected in the coming days.’ Over 650 shelters have been activated, the Norman Manley International Airport has been closed, and emergency supplies have been distributed across the island. The storm is also expected to impact Haiti and parts of Cuba, further extending its reach across the Caribbean region.
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Hurricane Melissa Leaves Four Dead in Haiti and the Dominican Republic
Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 4 storm, has wreaked havoc across Haiti and the Dominican Republic, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive destruction. The hurricane triggered deadly floods and landslides, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. In Haiti, at least three individuals lost their lives due to landslides and falling trees, while in the Dominican Republic, one fatality has been confirmed, and another person remains missing. Additionally, five people sustained injuries when a wall collapsed under the force of relentless rains and powerful winds. The Dominican Republic has placed four provinces under red alert, with 13 in yellow and 13 in green, as torrential rains continue to inundate the northern and southwestern regions. President Luis Abinader conducted an inspection of several dams on Sunday, expressing concerns over potential overflow due to the heavy rainfall. The Centre for Emergency Operations (COE) in the Dominican Republic reported that over 2,900 people are without electricity following the failure of 18 power circuits. Furthermore, more than 625,000 residents are without access to clean water after 60 aqueducts were shut down. In response, the COE has deployed drones to deliver food and essential supplies to remote communities isolated by flooding and landslides. Haiti has also reported collapsed bridges and destroyed homes as river levels surged dramatically.
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US warship docks in Trinidad amid fears of military aggression in the Caribbean
The arrival of the USS Gravely, a United States warship, in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday has ignited a heated debate across the Caribbean region. While Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized the importance of safety and security in combating drug trafficking, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley raised concerns over the “menacing military” presence of US vessels in the Caribbean Sea, urging dialogue to prevent potential conflicts. Mottley, speaking at the 86th annual conference of her ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP), highlighted the region’s vulnerability to external threats, including the looming Hurricane Melissa and the escalating US military build-up. The Trump administration recently announced the deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean as part of its counter-drug initiative. However, critics argue that this move could be a pretext for a potential land invasion of Venezuela. The US Southern Command claims the enhanced military presence aims to disrupt illicit activities threatening regional security. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Ministry stated that the USS Gravely’s visit includes joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), focusing on tactical proficiency and mutual trust. Persad-Bissessar defended the collaboration, citing the country’s high crime rates and proximity to drug trafficking routes. In contrast, Mottley and former Caribbean leaders, including PJ Patterson and Bruce Golding, reiterated the need to maintain the Caribbean as a “zone of peace,” warning against the destabilizing effects of military escalation. Mottley emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and resolving disputes through peaceful means at the United Nations. The contrasting perspectives underscore the region’s complex challenges as it navigates security concerns and the preservation of peace.
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Catastrophic Impact Feared as Hurricane Melissa Bears Down on Jamaica
Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 4 storm, continues its slow advance towards the island. The hurricane, currently positioned south of Jamaica, has already unleashed heavy rains and fierce winds across eastern parishes, including Portland, St Thomas, and parts of Kingston. Forecasters predict that conditions will deteriorate further as the storm edges closer, with the worst expected between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
The Jamaican Meteorological Service has issued dire warnings, anticipating rainfall totals of 15–30 inches, which could trigger flash floods, landslides, and a storm surge of 9 to 13 feet along the south coast. In a press conference, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, emphasized the severity of the situation, urging citizens to take evacuation orders seriously. ‘We did not get a direct hit from Beryl, and we are due to get a direct hit from a Category 4, possibly a Category 5,’ Vaz stated. ‘This may be the one.’
Meanwhile, Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture, and Immigration has reassured the public that Belizean students in Jamaica are being cared for. The ministry confirmed that no foreign students have been asked to evacuate, as their safety remains the top priority. The Government of Jamaica has pledged to continue accommodating all regional and international students residing in UWI Halls of Residence.
As Hurricane Melissa looms, the potential for catastrophic damage is immense, with authorities urging residents to prepare for the worst and heed all safety advisories.