Tropical Storm Melissa is advancing slowly through the central Caribbean Sea, presenting a grave and potentially devastating risk of flash flooding and landslides to Jamaica and southwestern Haiti. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has released its initial assessment, indicating that Melissa is expected to intensify in the coming days, potentially evolving into a hurricane by October 24. Forecasters predict significant strengthening over the weekend, with the storm possibly reaching Category 4 or even Category 5 status by early next week, fueled by unusually warm Caribbean waters. Hurricane conditions are anticipated for Haiti today, while Jamaica may experience tropical storm conditions by late Thursday or early Friday. Both regions are currently under a Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning. Eastern Jamaica, southern Haiti, and the southern Dominican Republic are projected to receive five to ten inches of rain through Saturday, with some areas potentially seeing up to 14 inches. CDEMA and the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) caution that the prolonged heavy rainfall could trigger severe flash flooding and landslides, particularly in Haiti’s mountainous areas where the soil is already saturated. Tragically, the storm has already claimed at least one life—an elderly man in Haiti. Authorities and CDEMA are urging residents in the affected areas to complete emergency preparations without delay.
分类： world
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Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Monitoring Tropical Storm Melissa
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa is forecasted to escalate into a major hurricane over the weekend. Authorities are actively coordinating with students in Jamaica, the Embassy in Cuba, and CARICOM partners in Haiti to mitigate the potential impacts of the storm. The government has reassured its citizens abroad that their safety is a paramount concern, with emergency teams prepared to provide assistance as necessary. Students at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica have been informed about designated shelters and are urged to register their details with the St. Kitts-Nevis Student Association for timely updates. Nationals in Cuba can contact the Embassy for consular support. The government is also assessing the status of commercial flights in the region, advising travelers to stay updated with airline advisories. All citizens in affected areas are encouraged to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and maintain communication with official contacts. The government emphasizes its commitment to supporting its citizens during this uncertain time, with teams ready to mobilize assistance as needed.
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Dominican Week in Spain 2025 set for October 27–30
Madrid is set to host the Dominican Week in Spain (SEDE) 2025 from October 27 to 30, an event designed to showcase the Dominican Republic’s burgeoning potential as a regional leader in investment, logistics, and creative industries. The gathering will unite government officials, business leaders, cultural ambassadors, and members of the Dominican diaspora, underscoring the nation’s evolving role as a strategic partner for Spain. The opening ceremony, to be held at the Meliá Fénix Hotel, will feature prominent figures including Ambassador Tony Raful, Minister of Industry and Commerce Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, Minister of Culture Roberto Salcedo, and Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía. They will honor the founders of SEDE and celebrate the Dominican community’s contributions to strengthening bilateral relations. The event’s agenda includes panel discussions on international markets, banking transparency, advanced manufacturing, and global services, with participation from key institutions such as MAPFRE, the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, VISA Spain, and Banco Popular Dominicano. Cultural enthusiasts can look forward to the presentation of the book *Our First Settlers*, which delves into the Taíno heritage and the foundational elements of Dominican identity.
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Dominican Consulate in Barcelona joins global leaders at World in Progress 2025
Barcelona, Madrid – The Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in Barcelona played a pivotal role at the World in Progress Barcelona (WIP) 2025, an international forum orchestrated by the Prisa Group. This prestigious event convened political, diplomatic, academic, and business luminaries, including Spain’s King Felipe VI, to deliberate on pressing global challenges and sustainable solutions. Now in its second iteration, WIP Barcelona has emerged as a crucial platform for addressing geopolitical, energy, social, and environmental issues that are shaping the future of Europe and Latin America. Antonio Gómez, the Dominican Consul General, underscored the nation’s unwavering commitment to bolstering its diplomatic presence and forging strategic alliances. He highlighted that participation in such forums underscores the Dominican Republic’s steadfast dedication to democracy, cooperation, and sustainable development. The forum featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera, Josep Borrell, Matteo Renzi, Édouard Philippe, and Juan Manuel Santos, among others. The discussions spanned a wide array of topics, from energy transition and governance to inequality, organized crime, and the formulation of new social contracts. The presence of high-ranking officials from both Europe and the Americas solidified WIP Barcelona’s status as one of the most significant global events fostering cross-regional collaboration and policy dialogue.
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News : Zapping…
Haiti is currently navigating a complex landscape of security challenges and educational opportunities. The Embassy of Haiti in Brazil has announced that the University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC) is offering fully-funded Masters and Doctorate scholarships for international students for the academic year 2026. Applications are open until November 17, 2025, with eligibility requiring a License for Master’s programs and a Master’s degree for Doctorate programs. Interested candidates can apply via the UNISC website.
Meanwhile, Haiti continues to grapple with escalating security issues. Jocelyne Colas, Director of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace, reported a surge in kidnappings, particularly in Delmas and Pétion-ville. In a recent clash in Desarmes, more than a dozen armed bandits were killed by law enforcement and self-defense groups, with no casualties reported among the police or civilians.
In a related development, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Henry Wooste, emphasized the challenges in deploying the new Gang Repression Force (FRG). He acknowledged public impatience but highlighted the complexity of assembling a multinational force of over 5,000 personnel.
On the political front, Jacques Desrosiers, President of the Provisional Electoral Council, announced that elections could be held within eight months, contingent on restored security and adequate funding. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, also presented a comprehensive report on Haiti’s situation to the Security Council, detailing recent developments since June 2025.
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Bij 80 jaar VN: DNA benadrukt noodzaak multilaterale samenwerking
The United Nations (UN) marked its 80th anniversary on Thursday, coinciding with Suriname’s 50th year as a member state. The National Assembly of Suriname held a special session to commemorate these dual milestones, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to dialogue, multilateralism, and international responsibility in a world increasingly marred by conflict. Parliament Speaker Michael Adhin highlighted Suriname’s admission as the 146th UN member on December 4, 1975, and its role in translating UN principles into national legislation. UN Resident Coordinator Joanna Kazana praised Suriname as a ‘small nation with significant moral conviction,’ referencing President Jennifer Simons’ recent UN speech advocating for hope, shared responsibility, and climate justice. Foreign Minister Melvin Bouva underscored the UN’s strategic importance for Suriname’s development, noting efforts toward a potential Security Council candidacy by 2043. Parliamentary factions unanimously stressed the UN’s enduring relevance, with calls for fairness in multilateralism and the preservation of peace, justice, and human dignity. Leaders from various parties echoed the sentiment that Suriname’s diversity exemplifies the UN’s ideals, proving that peace is not just an abstract concept but a lived reality.
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Blockage and fuel shortage: is there a connection?
The ongoing economic blockade against Cuba has intensified financial constraints, severely limiting the country’s ability to repair its thermoelectric power plants and acquire essential technology and fuel for critical sectors of its economy. This has led to a significant reduction in foreign suppliers willing to engage with Cuba, further exacerbating the nation’s energy crisis. Dayana Beyra Fernández, director of the Petroleum Engineering and Projects Company, highlights the profound impact of these sanctions on everyday life, from frequent blackouts to transportation challenges and the rising cost of living. She recounts specific instances where foreign companies withdrew from contracts due to U.S. pressure, forcing Cuba to invest in costly alternatives to maintain operations. The blockade has also hindered access to spare parts and technology, making it increasingly difficult to keep thermoelectric plants running. Despite these challenges, Cuban professionals continue to seek innovative solutions and international support to mitigate the effects of this ‘inhumane policy.’ The financial toll is staggering, with the Energy and Mining sector alone suffering damages exceeding $496 million in just three months. The blockade’s ripple effects extend beyond energy, affecting Cuba’s ability to trade and access global markets, ultimately stifling the nation’s economic growth and development.
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USA : The Mayor of Cap
In a significant step towards fostering international collaboration, Angie Bell, the Mayor of Cap-Haitien, actively participated in the Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE 2025) on October 22 and 23, 2025. The event, hosted at the Broward County Convention Center in Florida, was orchestrated by the Broward County Office of Economic & Small Business Development, attracting municipal leaders, investors, diplomats, and economic stakeholders from over fifty nations. Mayor Bell was a featured speaker on a panel discussing investment opportunities in the Caribbean and Latin America. During her address, she underscored Cap-Haitien’s strategic advantages, including its youthful population, proximity to the U.S. market, and potential in sectors like light processing, agribusiness, and cultural tourism. ‘Cap-Haitien is a historic city, globally oriented, and eager to forge lasting partnerships rooted in trust, innovation, and respect for our identity,’ she remarked. Beyond the panel, Mayor Bell engaged in productive dialogues with private sector representatives, Broward County officials, and influential members of the Haitian diaspora dedicated to Haiti’s economic progress. This participation aligns with Cap-Haitien’s broader strategy of decentralized cooperation and municipal diplomacy, aiming to strengthen ties with the diaspora and unlock sustainable growth opportunities for the city.
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Storm Melissa : Partial death toll, already 3 dead and 5 injured (provisional toll)
Haiti is grappling with the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which has already claimed three lives and left five injured. The storm, located 340 km south of Les Cayes and 475 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, is moving north-northwest at 3-5 km/h, with forecasts predicting intensification over the weekend. The Civil Protection Department’s latest report highlights severe weather conditions across multiple regions, including landslides, flooding, and infrastructure damage. In Port-au-Prince, a landslide in Fontamara resulted in two fatalities and one injury, adding to the storm’s toll. The Artibonite, Southeast, North, and West departments have experienced heavy rains, coastal flooding, and rough seas, with significant damage to coastal facilities in Jacmel. Rivers such as the Artibonite, Lociane, and Saint-Martin have overflowed, causing further destruction. Infrastructure has been severely affected, with landslides blocking roads and a bridge destroyed in Sainte-Suzanne. The storm has also damaged homes in Port-de-Paix. Forecasts warn of heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides in the Grand Sud and Ouest departments, with hurricane-like conditions possible within 48 hours. Emergency operations are underway, with the Haitian National Police and Civil Protection Directorate mobilizing resources for rescue and evacuation efforts. Authorities urge vigilance, preventive evacuations, and the closure of schools and public gatherings to mitigate risks.
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Brazil recognizes the Dominican Republic as a benchmark in traceability system implementation
The Dominican Republic has emerged as a global leader in combating illicit trade and adulterated alcohol, showcasing its innovative traceability and inspection system to the Brazilian Senate as a benchmark for public-private collaboration and sustainable success. This multifaceted strategy has achieved remarkable outcomes, including zero fatalities from adulterated alcohol, the confiscation of over 135 million illicit products, and a substantial decline in smuggling activities across the nation. Deputy Minister of Internal Trade Ramón Pérez Fermín, representing the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM), presented these achievements to Brazil’s Senate Committee on Social Affairs. He emphasized the coordinated efforts of various Dominican institutions, such as Customs (DGA), Public Health, Pro Consumidor, Ceccom, the National Police, and the private sector through the Association of Industries (AIRD). Central to this success is the Traffico system, a digital traceability and fiscal control platform for alcohol and tobacco, developed by Sicpa and implemented by the General Directorate of Internal Revenue (DGII). Each product is assigned a unique tax stamp with both visible and digital security features, enabling authorities and consumers to monitor its journey from production to sale. The ‘Revísame’ mobile app further empowers citizens to verify product authenticity through code scanning, fostering transparency and consumer safety. The World Bank has lauded this system as a global best practice, commending its integration of technology and institutional cooperation to combat tax evasion and safeguard consumers.