The remnants of an old sugar mill near Golden Grove Road in Buccoo, Tobago, stand as a stark reminder of the island’s colonial past. The establishment of sugar plantations in the British Caribbean colonies was driven by the lucrative global demand for sugar, which spurred heavy investments in the industry. However, this economic boom came at a devastating human cost: the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans to meet the insatiable demand for labor. Despite the fervor of plantation owners, the imbalance between the white and black populations posed significant challenges, leading to the enactment of the Deficiency Laws in an attempt to mitigate the risks of rebellion. These laws, however, failed to achieve their intended balance. By the early 19th century, Tobago’s sugar industry was in decline, and the island faced economic turmoil. The abolition of the British slave trade in 1807 further exacerbated the situation, reducing trade and increasing operational costs. In response, Tobago’s administrators implemented strategies to increase the white population, including fines for non-compliance and bounties for exceeding quotas. They also sought to co-opt the ‘coloured’ population, leveraging their social ambitions to maintain control. Despite these efforts, the population ratio remained unchanged, leaving a legacy of racial inequality and economic decline.
分类： world
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Our six-country tour ends
Traveling through South America offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and bureaucratic systems. A recent journey through Guyana, Suriname, Argentina, Uruguay, and French Guiana highlighted stark contrasts in border efficiency, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. While crossing borders in Guyana and Suriname was marred by cumbersome paperwork and inadequate ferry services, the experience in Argentina and Uruguay was seamless, thanks to modern infrastructure and streamlined processes. The Buquebus ferry in the Southern Cone exemplified efficiency, while the Canawaima ferry between Guyana and Suriname struggled with capacity and service issues. In Suriname, travelers explored Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learned about its rich history, including the impact of mining on indigenous communities. French Guiana offered a different perspective, with well-maintained roads, colonial architecture, and a visit to the European Space Centre, where a rocket launch was witnessed. The journey concluded in Argentina with a tango show in Buenos Aires and a day on the pampas with gauchos. These varied experiences underscored the unique charm and challenges of traveling through South America.
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Palestinian prisoners to be freed after all Gaza hostages confirmed to be in Israel
Jerusalem, Undefined (AFP)—Israel has announced that it will commence the release of Palestinian prisoners only after verifying that all hostages held in Gaza have safely entered Israeli territory. This statement was made by Shosh Bedrosian, a spokeswoman for the prime minister, during a press briefing on Sunday. Bedrosian emphasized that the release of prisoners would be contingent upon the confirmation of the hostages’ arrival, with buses already prepared to transport the detainees once the condition is met. The hostages, who have been held in the Gaza Strip for over two years, are expected to be released early Monday morning. This development is part of the first phase of a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza that began with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. According to the agreement, Hamas is required to release the remaining 47 hostages (both living and deceased) by Monday noon, along with the remains of a soldier killed in the 2014 Gaza war. The identification of deceased hostages will be conducted by forensic experts at Israel’s Abu Kabir Forensic Institute. The living hostages will be transported by the Red Cross in six to eight vehicles to Israeli-controlled areas in Gaza, and then to the Reim base in southern Israel, where they will reunite with their families. Subsequently, they will be taken to one of three central Israeli hospitals—Sheba Medical Center, Beilinson, or Ichilov—for medical treatment. The Palestinian prisoners set for release include 250 security detainees, many of whom were convicted of killing Israelis, and approximately 1,700 individuals detained by the Israeli military in Gaza after the war began.
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News : Zapping…
In a significant move to streamline the processing of Haitian passport applications, the Chancery has announced a reduction in fees. Effective immediately, the cost for an adult passport has been lowered to US$125 from US$170, while minors will now pay US$100, down from US$160. Additionally, emergency or extreme emergency services have been discontinued to ensure a uniform process for all applicants. The updated fee structure is now available on the Embassy of Haiti in the United States’ website.
In a separate development, eight armored vehicles and over thirty police officers from specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH) arrived in Saint-Marc, Artibonite region, on Thursday. This deployment follows a temporary blockade by residents in Pont Sondé. Operations targeting the ‘Gran Grif’ and ‘Korkorat San Ras’ gangs are set to commence once all necessary equipment and personnel are in place.
Meanwhile, Presidential Advisor Emmanuel Vertilaire has confirmed that the term of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) will conclude on February 7, 2026, as per the April 3, 2024 agreement. While Vertilaire is prepared to step down, he remains open to continuing his service if a new consensus is reached among stakeholders.
In the realm of education, the Digicel Foundation has initiated its 195th school construction project at Calvaire Sainte Thérèse in Cap Haïtien. Funded with US$600,000, this project also honors the late artist Michael Benjamin, known as Mikaben, who served as an ambassador for Digicel.
Additionally, the Embassy of Haiti in Canada will be closed on October 13, 2025, in observance of Thanksgiving, with operations resuming the following day. Similarly, the Embassy of Haiti in Washington, D.C., will be closed on October 13, 2025, for Columbus Day, with regular activities resuming on October 14, 2025.
In healthcare, the Ministry of Public Health, supported by the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health (UNFPA) and the ‘Timama 2’ project, has inaugurated a new operating room at the South Departmental Hospital’s maternity ward. This initiative includes the provision of materials, equipment, supplies, and human resources.
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FLASH : At least 24 armed attacks in Artibonite in 9 months (investigation report)
A recent investigative report by the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), released on October 9, 2025, has unveiled a disturbing surge in violence in Haiti’s Artibonite department. Between January and September 2025, at least 24 armed attacks and massacres were carried out by notorious gangs, including ‘Kokorat San Ras,’ ‘Gran Grif,’ and ‘Taliban/Mawozo.’ These brutal incidents occurred across 25 localities and cities within eight municipalities, with Petite-Rivière being the most heavily targeted area, suffering eight attacks. The Artibonite region, once hailed as Haiti’s agricultural heartland, has now become a focal point of escalating insecurity and lawlessness. The report highlights daily occurrences of armed clashes, extrajudicial executions, rapes, arson, looting, and mass displacement of citizens. Hundreds of homes were looted or burned, nearly 100 people were killed, and numerous vehicles, including police armored cars, were destroyed or stolen. Additionally, at least six state institutions, such as police stations and magistrates’ courts, were vandalized or set ablaze. The full 25-page report, available for download, provides a comprehensive account of the crisis.
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Indomet forecasts very hot temperatures and heavy rains in some regions due to Storm Jerry.
The Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) has issued a weather forecast for this Saturday, predicting scorching temperatures and scattered showers across various regions. These conditions are attributed to the indirect effects of Tropical Storm Jerry, which is currently active in the Atlantic.
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WEATHER (11:00 AM, October 10): Flood watch extended to 6 PM
The aftermath of Tropical Storm Jerry persists, bringing unstable weather conditions to the island. Increased cloud cover, frequent showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are expected to continue throughout the day as the storm gradually moves away from the area. Authorities have extended the Flood Watch until 6 PM, urging residents in flood-prone zones, as well as areas susceptible to landslides and falling rocks, to remain vigilant. The saturated soil heightens the risk of these hazards, necessitating extreme caution. Coastal regions are also under alert, with seas forecasted to be moderate to rough. Waves are expected to reach up to 5 feet along the west coast and 8 feet along the east coast, though conditions are anticipated to improve as the day progresses. Marine users and coastal residents are advised to exercise heightened caution, and sea-bathers are strongly discouraged from entering the water. As of 11 AM, the center of Tropical Storm Jerry was positioned near latitude 20.2°N and longitude 63.4°W, approximately 140 miles north of the northern Leeward Islands.
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Schengen Area travel-free entry inches closer to extinction
The European Union (EU) has introduced stricter regulations that could revoke visa-free access to the Schengen Area for nationals of countries with Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes, particularly affecting Caribbean Community (Caricom) nations. The European Parliament approved the new rules on October 7, 2025, making it easier for the EU to suspend visa-free travel for countries whose citizens pose security risks or fail to uphold human rights. The legislation, which passed with 518 votes in favour, 96 against, and 24 abstentions, will take effect 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal. The reform expands the grounds for visa suspension to include hybrid threats, security concerns linked to CBI schemes, non-alignment with EU visa policy, and violations of international human rights or humanitarian law. Additionally, the EU will have greater flexibility to suspend visa privileges for government officials implicated in human rights abuses. This move aims to strengthen the EU’s ability to address security and compliance issues while deterring third countries from breaching visa waiver agreements.
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VIDEO: Widespread Flooding Reported Across Antigua, Heavy Rains Continue
Tropical Storm Jerry has unleashed torrential rains across Antigua, leading to widespread flooding in key areas such as St. John’s, Bolans, All Saints, and Clare Hall. Residents reported rapidly rising waters, with motorists facing treacherous driving conditions as drains overflowed and roads became partially submerged. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service confirmed that while Jerry has moved northwest of the Leeward Islands, its trailing moisture continues to fuel heavy showers and thunderstorms. A flash flood advisory remains in effect, with forecasters predicting up to two inches of additional rainfall in the coming hours. Emergency officials have issued urgent warnings, advising residents to stay indoors, avoid flooded zones, and report hazardous conditions to the National Office of Disaster Services. The situation remains critical as authorities monitor the persistent rainfall and its potential to exacerbate the flooding.
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Lightning strikes British Airways flight bound for Nassau
A British Airways flight bound for The Bahamas encountered a dramatic mid-air incident on Friday when it was struck by lightning. The Boeing 777, departing from London Heathrow Airport and heading to Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau, was hit by the lightning bolt at approximately 2:30 PM, according to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA). Despite the alarming event, the aircraft managed to continue its journey without further complications and landed safely in Nassau. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew members. The AAIA has initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the lightning strike and to assess any potential impact on the aircraft. This incident highlights the resilience of modern aviation systems and the expertise of flight crews in handling unexpected challenges.