A tropical wave currently situated over the central tropical Atlantic has sparked concerns about potential cyclone formation. As of 8:00 PM EDT on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the system is accompanied by a large area of showers and thunderstorms. Meteorologists predict that gradual development of this disturbance is possible over the next several days as it moves westward at speeds of 15 to 20 mph. The system is expected to traverse the Windward Islands late this weekend, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds, before entering the Caribbean Sea by early to mid-next week. While the likelihood of cyclone formation within the next 48 hours remains low at 10%, the probability increases to 30% over a seven-day period. Residents in the affected regions are advised to monitor updates and prepare for potential adverse weather conditions. For those interested in advertising opportunities, the most visited news site in Antigua offers customizable digital marketing packages. Contact [email protected] for more information.
分类： world
-
Two Trinidadians Killed in U.S. Strike Off Venezuela
Two Trinidadian fishermen from Las Cuevas were tragically killed in a U.S. air strike off the coast of Venezuela earlier this week, as reported by Guardian Media Newsroom. The victims have been identified as Chad “Charpo” Joseph, 26, and a man known only as Samaroo. The incident has ignited widespread anger and sorrow among their families, who vehemently deny any involvement of the men in drug trafficking.
U.S. President Donald Trump, announcing the strike on social media, claimed the targeted vessel was engaged in narcotics trafficking and linked to illicit narcoterrorist networks. This strike is part of Washington’s ongoing anti-drug operations in the Caribbean, aimed at disrupting Venezuela-based trafficking routes.
In Las Cuevas, Joseph’s relatives and friends have condemned the attack as unjust and inhumane. His mother, Lenore Burnley, asserted that her son was not a trafficker and criticized the U.S. for destroying the vessel instead of intercepting it. Joseph’s grandmother, Christine Clement, revealed that her grandson had been living in Venezuela for three months and had previously survived another boat attack, describing the latest strike as an act of ‘wickedness.’
Local residents have also expressed outrage, questioning the legality of the U.S. action. Kern, one of Joseph’s friends, stated, ‘What the U.S. is doing there, I think it is inhumane.’
The deaths bring the regional toll to 27 from five U.S. air strikes since Trump ordered military operations in the Caribbean Sea. Despite mounting criticism, Washington has vowed to continue its campaign.
-
Venezuela ambassador: Many may perish in US action
Venezuela’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Alvaro Sanchez Cordero, has strongly criticized the recent US military strike on October 15, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two Trinidadians and four others aboard a vessel allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking. Cordero described the incident as tragic but inevitable, citing the US government’s persistent disregard for international law. This marks the fifth such strike off Venezuela’s coast, bringing the death toll close to 30. Speaking at the University of the West Indies on October 16, Cordero emphasized Venezuela’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and refuted claims by US President Donald Trump that the country is a hub for narco-trafficking. He presented data showing that only 40% of Venezuela’s 90.64 million hectares of land is classified as drug-producing, and a 2025 UN report confirmed that the country is not a major drug trafficking route. Cordero highlighted Venezuela’s peaceful nature, stating that its 34 million citizens are focused on education, work, and enjoying life, not conflict. He accused the US of targeting Venezuela for its vast oil and gas reserves, the largest proven in the world. David Abdulah, an executive member of the Assembly of Caribbean People, also condemned the strike, calling it a war crime under the Geneva Convention. He urged Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to retract statements supporting the strikes and called for regional collaboration to maintain peace. Abdulah encouraged Caricom chair, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, to convene an emergency meeting to address the escalating tensions.
-
Expert: Government help needed to get justice if Trinis killed in US strike
The families of Trinidadian nationals allegedly killed in a US military airstrike on October 14 are seeking closure, but international law expert Dr. Safiya Ali emphasizes that such efforts would require significant political and diplomatic support from local authorities. The US military, which has been increasing its presence in the Caribbean to combat what it describes as Venezuela’s narco-terrorism, began targeting small boats suspected of facilitating illegal activities in September. These operations have resulted in five confirmed attacks, claiming 27 lives, with unconfirmed reports of a sixth strike on October 16, where some survivors were reportedly found. The October 14 attack killed six individuals, two of whom are believed to be Trinidadian nationals: Chad Joseph of Las Cuevas and another identified only as Samaroo. Despite President Donald Trump’s announcement of the strike, no official details about the victims’ identities or nationalities have been released. Dr. Ali, an international law lecturer at the University of the West Indies and former general counsel at Caricom, outlined potential avenues for justice, including diplomatic channels under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, appeals to the Association for Caribbean States or Caricom, and representations to the United Nations Security Council. However, she expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures, particularly given the US’s veto power. Dr. Ali also noted that the Trinidad and Tobago government’s stance, as indicated by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s support for the US military actions, could hinder efforts to pursue justice. The Prime Minister has consistently taken a hardline approach against Venezuela and illegal trade, refusing to allocate state resources to assist Trinidadian nationals involved in such activities. Dr. Ali urged caution in supporting the US military’s actions, citing the lack of transparency and the potential for wrongful acts under international law. Meanwhile, fishermen in Cedros have expressed growing fears for their safety due to increased patrols by Venezuela’s Guardia Nacional in the surrounding waters. Marlon Parmel, president of the Bonasse Fisherfolk, reported that fishermen have observed continuous patrols, deterring them from venturing far from Trinidad’s shores. The situation has escalated since the alleged arrest of Rex James, a local fisherman, by the Guardia Nacional in June, with his current whereabouts unknown. The US military’s latest airstrike on October 16, reported by Reuters, marks the sixth such attack, with survivors reported for the first time. However, details remain scarce, as the Pentagon has yet to comment on the incident.
-
King Charles III to make first visit with Pope Leo
In a landmark event for Anglo-Catholic relations, Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to embark on an historic state visit to the Vatican on October 22-23, 2025. This visit, announced by Buckingham Palace on Friday, will mark the first meeting between the British monarchs and Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025. The trip follows a private visit by the royal couple to Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, just months before his passing in April 2025. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope with a background in missionary work in Peru, was elected on May 8, 2025. The visit coincides with the special jubilee year, celebrated every 25 years, and will include a service in the Sistine Chapel highlighting the shared environmental commitments of the Pope and the King. Additionally, King Charles will visit a seminary training Commonwealth priests, while Queen Camilla will engage with Catholic sisters involved in girls’ education programs addressing issues like sexual violence and human trafficking. This visit is seen as a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, emphasizing themes of unity and hope. The Church of England, established in the 16th century by Henry VIII after his split from the Catholic Church, has historically had strained relations with Rome. However, modern times have seen a more amicable relationship between the two faiths. King Charles, who has previously visited the Vatican five times as Prince of Wales, last met Pope Francis in April 2025, despite the pontiff’s declining health. The King, currently undergoing cancer treatment, has long been an advocate for environmental protection, a cause he shares with both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV.
-
Dominican Week 2025 launches in Canada
The Dominican Republic Embassy in Canada has officially inaugurated Dominican Week in Canada 2025, with a series of events set to take place in Ottawa and Toronto on October 15 and 16. This initiative is designed to highlight the nation’s leadership, economic vitality, cultural richness, and investment potential on a global stage. The opening ceremony, held in Ottawa, featured Ambassador José Blanco Conde, who underscored the event’s significance in positioning the Dominican Republic as a dependable and competitive partner for Canada. The celebration included cultural showcases, such as a presentation of Creole cuisine by acclaimed chef Dayanny de la Cruz, who was honored for her efforts in promoting Dominican gastronomy worldwide. Sculptor Juan Trinidad was also recognized for his contributions to advancing Dominican art and culture internationally. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe presented an official city proclamation, while Ambassador Blanco gifted a bust of national hero Juan Pablo Duarte to Ottawa City Hall, symbolizing the strong ties between the two nations. The Dominican delegation will participate in a packed agenda, including meetings with federal, provincial, and parliamentary leaders, as well as business executives. Key activities will feature panel discussions on air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, and logistics, alongside a roundtable on critical minerals and rare earths. The delegation will also visit Bombardier’s aviation facilities. This year’s edition aligns with Hispanic Heritage Month and the Toronto Global Forum, serving as a strategic precursor to the 10th Summit of the Americas, which will be hosted by the Dominican Republic in December.
-
News : Zapping…
In a series of significant developments across Haiti, the nation witnessed a mix of resilience, progress, and recognition on October 15, 2025. Businessman Cedrick Vorbe made headlines after successfully escaping a kidnapping attempt on Airport Road. Viral social media footage captured Vorbe opening fire on his captors, forcing them to flee. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region. Meanwhile, the Industrial Development Company (CODEVI) resumed operations after a two-week shutdown. Workers were instructed to arrive in uniform and with their ID cards, while law enforcement units were deployed to ensure peace and stability. In a symbolic move, all Cabinet Meetings will now be held at the National Palace, reaffirming the government’s presence in downtown Port-au-Prince. On the cultural front, Haitian writer Louis-Philippe Dalembert was celebrated for receiving the prestigious Prince Pierre of Monaco Foundation Literary Prize, adding to his long list of accolades. The judicial system also saw progress, with the President of the Court of Cassation reviewing the past year’s achievements, including 1,097 decisions rendered by the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance. Additionally, the United States announced its support for the Haitian National Police, funding the training of 892 new recruits to combat gang activity and restore stability.
-
Tourism : Celebrity Cruises suspends its stops in Haiti until 2026
Celebrity Cruises, a prominent Miami-based cruise line under the Royal Caribbean Group, has announced the suspension of its stops at Labadee, Haiti, through 2026. This decision stems from escalating safety concerns in the region, prompting the company to revise 11 of its itineraries, primarily affecting voyages aboard the Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond. In lieu of Labadee, the cruise line will now redirect its ships to alternative destinations, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico. This move mirrors a similar announcement by Royal Caribbean in September 2025, which also canceled all Labadee visits until at least spring 2026. Haiti has been under a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory since March 2024, issued by the U.S. State Department due to persistent political instability, rampant crime, kidnapping threats, and terrorist activities. The advisory highlights the presence of gangs designated as terrorist organizations, further exacerbating the nation’s security crisis. The suspension of cruise visits to Labadee underscores the ongoing challenges facing Haiti’s tourism industry and its broader socio-political landscape.
-
Insecurity : 1.4 million people displaced fleeing violence
Haiti is grappling with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as violence and instability have forced over 1.4 million people to flee their homes, marking the highest displacement figure ever recorded in the country. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this represents a staggering 36% increase since late 2024. Grégoire Goodstein, IOM Haiti Chief of Mission, emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for sustained international support to address the crisis and restore dignity to affected populations. He highlighted the resilience of Haitian communities, which are hosting approximately 85% of displaced individuals despite severe resource constraints. The crisis has extended beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince, with 64% of new displacements occurring in regions like Centre and Artibonite. Displacement sites are severely overcrowded, lacking basic services, while spontaneous sites have surged by 68% since December 2024. Women and children, comprising over half of the displaced, are disproportionately affected, with many families resorting to sending children to safer areas. Additionally, the return of over 250,000 Haitians expelled from the Dominican Republic since January 2025 has exacerbated the situation along the border. In response, IOM has expanded its operations, providing emergency shelter, clean water, health services, and psychosocial support to vulnerable families. The organization has also appealed for increased international funding, warning that without immediate action, the suffering of displaced Haitians will only intensify.
-
Half of Escaped Guatemalan Inmates Recaptured
In a significant development, Guatemalan authorities have successfully recaptured ten out of the twenty inmates who escaped from the high-security Fraijanes II prison. The escape, which reportedly occurred over the past two months, was only disclosed to the public on October 12, 2025. Guatemala’s Interior Minister, Francisco Jiménez, stated that officials had been investigating rumors of the escape for weeks. Initial investigations suggest that some inmates may have exploited routine prison visits to flee, exposing a critical security lapse in one of the nation’s most secure facilities. Among those apprehended is Byron Fajardo Revolorio, alias “Black Demon,” who was serving a 180-year sentence. His capture marks a crucial victory for law enforcement, but the search for the remaining fugitives remains ongoing. Regional police forces are intensifying their efforts to locate the escapees, with neighboring Belize also on high alert. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith emphasized Belize’s vulnerability as a potential transit point for the fugitives due to its proximity to Guatemala. She urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly.