分类： world

The Trinidad and Tobago government has reiterated its lack of concrete evidence regarding the alleged deaths of two Trinidadian nationals during a United States military operation targeting illegal drug trafficking in international waters near Venezuela. Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers addressed the issue during a press conference in Port of Spain, emphasizing that the individuals, Richie Samaroo and Chad ‘Charpo’ Joseph, are currently considered missing rather than confirmed deceased. Sobers urged the families to file missing persons reports with the police, as no definitive proof of their deaths has been established. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, a former senior police officer, expressed skepticism about the innocence of the two men, citing unverified reports of their involvement in criminal activities. Meanwhile, Gary Aboud, secretary of the NGO Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, confirmed the deaths of Samaroo and Joseph among six fatalities resulting from the US operation. Aboud extended condolences to the bereaved families and highlighted the growing fear among local fishermen about venturing out to sea. The incident has sparked concerns over the collateral impact of international anti-drug operations on innocent civilians.

Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a Category 4 storm, wreaking havoc across the Caribbean as it advances toward Jamaica and Hispaniola. The hurricane, moving at a sluggish pace of 5 mph, has already claimed three lives in Haiti due to heavy rains and landslides. In the Dominican Republic, a 79-year-old man was found dead after being swept away by floodwaters, while a 13-year-old boy remains missing. Angelita Francisco, a 66-year-old homemaker, described the devastation as she fled her flooded home, her belongings adrift in the rising waters. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of ‘life-threatening and catastrophic’ flooding and landslides, with Melissa expected to make landfall in Jamaica by Monday night or Tuesday morning, and southeastern Cuba by late Tuesday. The storm, currently 120 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 280 miles southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, could unleash up to 40 inches of rain in some areas. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged residents in flood-prone zones to evacuate, while Norman Manley International Airport and all seaports have been closed. Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, following the destructive Hurricane Beryl in early July 2024.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, residents of St Ann, particularly fishermen and craft vendors, are making urgent preparations while grappling with the looming threat. On Sunday afternoon, amidst grey skies and persistent rain, Harold Bloomfield, a seasoned fisherman, voiced his concerns while cleaning a marlin. ‘I’m going to lose a lot of fish pots and other things, but I’m just bracing for it. I’m trying my best to survive,’ he said, reflecting the somber mood among locals. Bloomfield acknowledged the inevitability of the storm, stating, ‘We can’t stop God’s work. It’s going to hit us hard, but we have to stand strong.’

Nearby, Dennis Gordon, a vendor at the Ocho Rios Craft Market, was busy securing his goods under tarpaulins. He expressed anxiety about the hurricane’s potential aftermath, recalling the devastation caused by Hurricane Gilbert in the past. ‘When it passes, the place will be locked down—no tourists, no business. It will take us a long time to recover,’ he said. Gordon’s fears are echoed by meteorologists, who warn that Hurricane Melissa could bring catastrophic flooding and landslides to the island.

The community’s resilience is being tested as they face the dual challenge of safeguarding their livelihoods and ensuring their safety. Fishermen were seen pulling their boats ashore, while others reinforced their homes and businesses. The memory of past hurricanes looms large, with many hoping that Melissa’s impact will not be as severe. As the storm nears, the island remains on high alert, with residents doing their utmost to prepare for the worst while clinging to hope.

As Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm, approaches Jamaica, international organizations are ramping up efforts to provide critical aid to affected residents. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) are leading the charge, coordinating a comprehensive relief operation to address the anticipated devastation. The storm is expected to bring severe flooding, powerful winds, landslides, and storm surges, posing a significant threat to the island nation.