分类： world

As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches Jamaica, the government of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has announced a nationwide collection drive to gather essential relief supplies for its Caribbean neighbor. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized the urgent need for support, particularly for vulnerable communities expected to bear the brunt of the hurricane’s impact. In a statement issued on October 27, Persad-Bissessar expressed her “heartfelt solidarity” with Jamaica and called on TT citizens, businesses, and organizations to contribute to the relief efforts. She highlighted the importance of unity and compassion, urging the people of TT to keep Jamaica in their thoughts and prayers. The TT government is mobilizing resources, including manpower, technical assistance, emergency supplies, and foodstuffs, to aid in Jamaica’s recovery. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), the TT Defence Force (TTDF), and several ministries are collaborating to ensure a coordinated response. The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs is also actively monitoring the situation and providing assistance to TT citizens in Jamaica. Hurricane Melissa was expected to make landfall by nightfall or early the next day, prompting Jamaica to remain on high alert. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed confidence in his administration’s preparedness and thanked Caricom leaders for their prayers and support.

As Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers addressed concerns about the safety of TT nationals studying on the island. Speaking at a press conference on October 26, Sobers detailed the government’s efforts to assist students, though many students claimed the reality on the ground differed significantly from the minister’s assurances. The US National Hurricane Center began monitoring the storm on October 21, warning of potential impacts on Jamaica by October 23. Sobers stated that the ministry acted swiftly after receiving emails from concerned students and parents on October 22. A ‘blast email’ was sent to all 268 students in Jamaica on October 23, offering them the option to return home. However, only 72 students accepted the offer, 13 declined, and 183 did not respond. Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) was informed, and additional flights were arranged on October 24 to accommodate students. Despite these efforts, students reported issues with flight availability and increased ticket prices, with some paying over $700 for one-way tickets. Sobers acknowledged that some students might not afford the flights but defended the government’s decision not to fund the trips, citing the low response rate. He also announced plans for a free flight after the storm. Meanwhile, students criticized the lack of timely communication, with many claiming they were notified too late to book flights. The government provided supplies to students who remained in Jamaica, though social media posts suggested the provisions were insufficient. Sobers condemned the opposition for spreading misinformation and reaffirmed TT’s commitment to assisting Jamaica during the crisis.

The Catholic Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) have issued a fervent plea for peace and dialogue in response to escalating military activities in the Southern Caribbean. In a statement released on October 25 following their annual conference, the bishops expressed deep concern over the increasing presence of naval and military assets in the region, warning that such developments could destabilize the socio-economic and political fabric of Caribbean nations. The bishops emphasized that the well-being of the region’s people is at stake, urging leaders to prioritize dialogue over conflict. Their appeal coincides with the arrival of the USS Gravely, a US warship, in Port of Spain on October 26. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended the vessel’s presence, citing potential benefits such as technical assistance and humanitarian efforts. However, the bishops cautioned that the militarization of the Caribbean could have broader geopolitical implications, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions between the US and Venezuela. Archbishop Jason Gordon, president of the AEC, stressed the need for cooperation and reconciliation to foster lasting peace. The bishops also condemned the arbitrary use of force, particularly in anti-drug operations, and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to protecting human dignity and sovereignty. They called on regional leaders to de-escalate tensions and recommit to unity, emphasizing that war or the threat of war is never a viable solution. The statement concluded with an appeal to the faithful to seek hope through prayer and acts of reconciliation, underscoring the Church’s unwavering mission to safeguard the vulnerable and promote the common good.

The US naval vessel USS Gravely arrived at the Port of Spain on October 26, drawing curious onlookers to the waterfront. The warship, escorted by tugboats and Coast Guard vessels, docked at approximately 9:30 am as part of a joint training exercise with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. The exercise, scheduled to conclude on October 30, involves approximately 60 members of the TT Defence Force, including infantry officers, medics, engineers, and Special Forces troops, alongside members of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Security was heightened at the port, with marked and unmarked police vehicles and officers in both uniform and plain clothes patrolling the area. While onlookers at ground level struggled to view the vessel due to obstructing fences and a moored tug, guests at the Hyatt hotel enjoyed an unobstructed vantage point.

The arrival of the USS Gravely comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. The US has recently claimed to have destroyed 11 vessels in regional waters, killing 49 alleged drug traffickers. President Donald Trump has labeled regional drug traffickers as ‘narco terrorists’ and approved covert military operations in Venezuela, with considerations for targeting land-based drug trafficking hubs.

TT Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has welcomed the US Navy’s presence, praising their efforts against drug traffickers and asserting that the region is ‘not a zone of peace.’ However, some citizens expressed concerns over the potential fallout if the US and Venezuela engage in conflict. One onlooker warned that TT’s alignment with the US could make the country a target for Venezuela, emphasizing the need for transparency from the government.

Despite differing opinions on the warship’s presence, all onlookers shared a common sentiment: they have no plans to leave Trinidad and Tobago, regardless of the potential consequences. ‘This is my country,’ one man stated, ‘Why should I leave?’