In a remarkable display of international cooperation and swift action, the Belize Coast Guard successfully rescued four individuals from a distressed vessel near Gladden Spit over the weekend. The operation, initiated after a distress signal was relayed by the Honduran Navy, saved three U.S. nationals and one Mexican citizen who had embarked from Placencia on November 21, bound for Roatán. The vessel, named The Wet Spot, was discovered grounded on the reef, prompting an immediate response from Belizean authorities. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, provided insights into the rescue, highlighting the challenges of navigation in the area and the seamless coordination between Belize and Honduras. All individuals were evacuated safely, with three transported to Placencia and the captain remaining aboard during the grounding. A comprehensive marine investigation led by the Police Port Authority will determine the cause of the incident, while the Department of Environment will assess the damage to the reef. The rescue underscores the importance of international collaboration in maritime emergencies and the prioritization of human safety in such operations.
分类: world
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First Dominican extradited from the Netherlands faces charges in La Vega
In a landmark legal development, the Netherlands has extradited Luis Adonis Suárez Estévez, a 41-year-old Dominican national, to face charges related to the June 2025 murder of Amín Alfonso Peña Soriano in La Vega. This marks the first extradition of a Dominican citizen from the Netherlands, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and authorities in both countries. Suárez Estévez arrived at Las Américas International Airport after Dutch officials meticulously verified all necessary documentation.
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Delegates from Canadian and Australian governments, and California Agriculture officials, toured IICA booth emphasizing soil vitality’s importance in shaping COP30 agenda
At the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém do Pará, Brazil, delegates from Canada, Australia, and California’s Department of Food and Agriculture gathered at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) pavilion to emphasize the pivotal role of soil health in achieving sustainable development. The event, which drew significant attention, highlighted the urgent need to integrate soil preservation into national climate strategies to ensure resilient food and agricultural systems.
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COP30 Concludes in Belém With Mixed Results on Climate Action
The 30th United Nations Climate Summit, COP30, concluded on November 24, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, after two weeks of intense negotiations. With over 55,000 participants, including 2,500 Indigenous representatives and approximately 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists, the summit was the second-largest in UN history. Dubbed the “COP of Truth,” it aimed to address critical issues such as climate finance, deforestation, and Indigenous rights. However, the outcomes were mixed, reflecting both progress and significant setbacks.
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Guatemala Seeks to Join Belize-Honduras Case Over Sapodilla Cayes at ICJ
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has commenced hearings on Guatemala’s request to intervene in the ongoing sovereignty dispute between Belize and Honduras over the Sapodilla Cayes, known as Cayos Zapotillos in Spanish. The hearings, presided over by Judge Iwasawa at the Peace Palace, mark a significant development in this complex territorial conflict. Guatemala’s application, filed on December 1, 2023, under Article 62 of the ICJ Statute, seeks to protect its interests in the disputed islands, which it also claims as sovereign territory. Ana Cristina Rodríguez Pineda, Guatemala’s Agent, emphasized that the intervention aims to ensure Guatemala’s rights are not overlooked in the Court’s decision. The dispute dates back to Belize’s 2022 filing under the Pact of Bogotá, which sought to resolve the sovereignty issue with Honduras. Guatemala argues that the islands are already part of a separate, long-standing case between Guatemala and Belize, filed in 2019. Guatemala contends that Belize’s unilateral action against Honduras has created procedural complications and risks prejudicing Guatemala’s rights. Honduras, however, opposes Guatemala’s intervention, calling it vague and citing Article 59 of the ICJ Statute, which limits judgments to the parties involved. Guatemala counters that Article 59 does not sufficiently protect third-party interests. The ICJ will continue hearings with oral arguments from Belize and Honduras, followed by Guatemala’s second round of arguments on November 26.
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UN Secretary-General comments on closing of COP30: multilateral efforts must continue
At the close of COP30, held from November 10-21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres commended the significant strides made during the conference, underscoring the critical role of multilateral cooperation in tackling global climate challenges. Guterres extended his gratitude to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, COP30 President André de Largo, the Brazilian government, the people of Belém, and the UNFCCC Secretariat for their exceptional hospitality and tireless efforts in organizing the event.
Guterres emphasized that the conference, held at the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, showcased the enduring power of multilateralism. Nations united to address the pressing issue of climate change, demonstrating that collective action is essential in solving challenges that transcend borders.
Key achievements at COP30 included a commitment to triple adaptation finance by 2035, the establishment of a Just Transition Mechanism to support workers and communities transitioning to renewable energy, and the launch of a new dialogue to enhance international trade cooperation. Additionally, participants acknowledged the likelihood of temporarily exceeding the 1.5°C temperature rise limit, prompting the introduction of a Global Implementation Accelerator to expedite the fulfillment of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Despite these advancements, Guterres acknowledged the limitations of COP30, noting that consensus-driven negotiations in an era of geopolitical fragmentation made comprehensive agreements increasingly difficult. He admitted that the conference fell short of addressing all necessary measures, leaving some stakeholders, particularly youth, Indigenous communities, and climate-affected populations, disappointed.
Guterres warned of the dangers of overshooting the 1.5°C threshold, urging humanity to treat it as an inviolable red line. He called for rapid emissions reductions, credible plans to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, and enhanced climate justice, adaptation, and resilience efforts. He also stressed the urgent need for increased climate finance to support developing nations in mitigating emissions and addressing loss and damage.
While COP30 has concluded, Guterres emphasized that the global fight against climate change must continue. He pledged to advocate for higher ambitions and greater international solidarity, urging all participants to remain steadfast in their efforts. ‘History is on your side, and so is the United Nations,’ he concluded.
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FLASH : 4.1 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Môle Saint-Nicolas
A 4.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of Môle Saint-Nicolas, Haiti, on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 2:57:21 PM. The seismic event occurred 40 kilometers northwest of Môle Saint-Nicolas in the Northwest Department. The epicenter was pinpointed at coordinates 19.99° North latitude and 73.71° West longitude, with a depth of 8 kilometers. The quake was also situated 115 kilometers west of Île de la Tortue and 124 kilometers northwest of Gonaïves in the Artibonite Department. According to the Civil Protection Directorate (DPC), there have been no reports of casualties or property damage as of now. The DPC continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring public safety and preparedness for any potential aftershocks.
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FLASH : The PNH wins the battle of Kenscoff
In a decisive operation on November 22, specialized units of the Haitian National Police (PNH), the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd’H), and the Gang Repression Force (FRG) launched a large-scale offensive against terrorist gangs in Kenscoff. The operation targeted key areas including Viard, Bélot, Godé, Clairmanso, Carrefour Konbit, and Téléco. Law enforcement successfully dislodged criminals, cleared strategic routes, and neutralized several bandits in intense firefights, while others fled the scene. The operation also led to the safe rescue of two hostages, Thony Ermilus and Berline Bazile, who had been kidnapped earlier in November. The PNH advanced toward Furcy, forcing the remaining gang members to retreat to Thomassin, where they were intercepted and neutralized. This operation marks a significant turning point in the battle for Kenscoff, particularly with the recapture of Bélot, and underscores the effectiveness of the new ‘Anticipate, attack, and no longer be subjected’ strategy. The successful mission highlights the growing capability of Haitian forces in combating organized crime and restoring security in the region.
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FLASH : All Sunrise Airways flights to and from Port-au-Prince suspended
In a sudden announcement, Sunrise Airways has suspended all flights to and from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, citing ‘strictly security reasons.’ The decision, effective immediately, was made to safeguard passengers, crew, and operations amidst an escalating security situation. The airline emphasized that safety remains its top priority and assured the public that no risks would be taken until conditions are deemed fully secure. Passengers affected by the suspension will be contacted directly by the airline’s sales team to arrange rescheduling, credits, or refunds in line with company policies. Sunrise Airways expressed gratitude for passengers’ understanding and reiterated its commitment to safety, transparency, and well-being. While the airline did not specify the exact cause of the suspension, a statement from Haiti’s National Civil Aviation Office (OFNAC) revealed that preliminary investigations indicate a bullet impact on one of Sunrise Airways’ aircraft, resulting in structural damage. OFNAC confirmed that authorities are preparing a detailed report and reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the safety of air transport in Haiti. For further updates, passengers are advised to visit the airline’s official website or contact customer service.
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US, GDF in joint exercise offshore Guyana; GDF participates in Conference of American Armies
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the United States have deepened their military collaboration through a series of joint exercises and participation in regional security forums. On November 22, the GDF’s patrol vessel, GDFS Shahoud, conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer, USS Winston S. Churchill, off Guyana’s eastern coast. This exercise aimed to enhance interoperability, communication, and tactical readiness between the two maritime forces, reinforcing their commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The US military emphasized that these operations align with the US Southern Command’s mission and the American president’s priorities to disrupt drug trafficking and protect national security. The GDF highlighted the success of the PASSEX as a testament to the growing security partnership between Guyana and the United States. Separately, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, representing the GDF, attended the 36th Cycle of the Conference of American Armies (CAA) in Mexico City. During the conference, Colonel Roberts underscored the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation in addressing emerging security threats. The CAA, supported by the US Army South, serves as a platform for senior military leaders across the Western Hemisphere to discuss shared security concerns and opportunities for collaboration. Colonel Roberts’ participation reinforced Guyana’s commitment to regional security and its strategic partnerships within the Americas.
