In a significant move for regional collaboration, four Caribbean nations—Anguilla, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Montserrat—have officially joined the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) by signing the Agreement Establishing the organization. The signing ceremony took place during the Sixteenth Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, held as part of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The event, organized under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, marked a milestone in regional fisheries management. Representatives from the four nations, including Hon. Roland Royer of Dominica, Hon. Kyle Hodge of Anguilla, Mr. Montez Williams of The Bahamas, and Hon. John P. Osborne of Montserrat, collectively signed the agreement, underscoring their commitment to sustainable fisheries practices. Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, lauded the decision, emphasizing the importance of their active participation in the organization. Established in 2003 in Belize City, the CRFM is an intergovernmental body under CARICOM dedicated to the sustainable management of marine and aquatic resources. The CRFM has implemented several key policies to enhance governance, including the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), Personal Data Protection Policy, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, and Whistleblower Policy. These initiatives aim to promote transparency, integrity, and sustainable resource management. Dr. Williams also highlighted the CRFM’s efforts to adopt gender-sensitive approaches and incorporate the perspectives of youth and Indigenous communities in its initiatives. With the addition of these four nations, the CRFM now comprises 17 member states, furthering its mission to manage shared, migratory, and straddling fish stocks effectively. The organization continues to provide technical advice and consultative services to national fisheries authorities, supporting the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine resources.
分类： world
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WEATHER (6:00 AM, Wed October 8): Overcast skies, scattered showers today from Tropical wave; heavy rainfall, gusty winds expected from Thursday as TS Jerry approaches
A tropical wave continues to influence weather patterns across the region, bringing overcast skies and scattered showers, some of which may intensify to moderate or heavy levels, accompanied by thunderstorms. Residents in areas susceptible to flooding, landslides, and falling rocks are urged to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution. Meanwhile, the Small Craft Warning and High Surf Advisory have been lifted as sea conditions are anticipated to improve today, with waves expected to reach up to 7 feet along the east coast and 3 feet along the west coast over the next 24 hours. However, the approaching Tropical Storm Jerry is likely to worsen sea conditions by Thursday, with swells predicted to reach 10 to 12 feet in open waters on the east coast and around 7 feet on the west coast. Mariners and coastal users are advised to stay updated on weather developments and remain prepared. As of 5:00 AM, Tropical Storm Jerry was positioned near latitude 13.3°N and longitude 50.7°W, approximately 725 miles east-southeast of Dominica. The storm is moving west-northwest at 23 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1003 mb. Forecasts indicate a gradual decrease in forward speed over the next few days, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest and north by Friday. The core of the storm is expected to pass near or north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and Friday. Dominica is projected to experience rainfall exceeding 4 inches, accompanied by gusty winds, starting Thursday. Residents and stakeholders in Dominica are advised to closely monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Jerry as it moves closer to the islands.
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Tropical Storm Jerry Strengthens as It Moves Toward the Leeward Islands
Tropical Storm Jerry is rapidly advancing west-northwest, with the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) closely monitoring its trajectory. As of 8 a.m. AST on Wednesday, the storm’s center was positioned near latitude 13.3 North and longitude 51.6 West, approximately 835 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Jerry is moving at 23 mph, with maximum sustained winds nearing 50 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1003 millibars. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for multiple islands, including Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe, and adjacent islands. Forecasters predict Jerry will strengthen into a hurricane by Thursday, with its core passing near or north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday into Friday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 125 miles from the center, and rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches could trigger flash flooding, particularly in elevated areas. Swells generated by Jerry are expected to reach the Leeward and Windward Islands by Thursday, potentially causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Residents are urged to stay updated through their national meteorological services and adhere to official guidance. The NHC will issue its next full advisory at 11 a.m. AST.
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TS Jerry forecast to become a hurricane soon, watches in place for Antigua and Barbuda
Tropical Storm Jerry is rapidly advancing toward the northern Leeward Islands, posing significant threats of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous surf conditions. As of 500 AM AST on October 8, 2025, the storm was located near latitude 13.3 North, longitude 50.7 West, approximately 890 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands. With maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a current movement of 23 mph (37 km/h) toward the west-northwest, Jerry is expected to strengthen and potentially escalate into a hurricane by Thursday. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for several islands, including Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Guadeloupe. Residents in these areas are advised to monitor the storm’s progress closely. Forecasters predict that Jerry will bring 2 to 4 inches of rain, increasing the risk of flash flooding, particularly in elevated regions. Additionally, life-threatening surf and rip currents are anticipated as swells generated by the storm reach the islands. The next advisory will be issued at 800 AM AST, with a comprehensive update at 1100 AM AST. Authorities urge residents to prepare for potential impacts and heed safety warnings.
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CARICOM nationals claim right to live and work in Barbados under freedom of movement regime
In a landmark development for Caribbean integration, Barbados has granted indefinite stay and employment rights to ten CARICOM nationals under its newly enacted Full Free Movement Regime. Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong announced this historic milestone on Tuesday, marking a significant step forward in regional cooperation. The beneficiaries, hailing from Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, were among 99 residents who arrived in Barbados last Wednesday, the inaugural day of the initiative. Statistics reveal that Vincentians constitute the majority of new immigrants, with 75 arriving on the first day, compared to 17 from Dominica and seven from Belize. While the new arrivals are entitled to live and work indefinitely, they must reside in Barbados for at least three years before gaining voting rights, as stipulated by Commonwealth migration laws. Ambassador Comissiong emphasized that this initiative is a critical breakthrough in the decades-long effort to establish the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), enabling Caribbean nations to pool resources and compete effectively in the global market. The regime excludes individuals deemed a threat to national security or public health, as well as those likely to burden public finances. Comissiong highlighted the broader context of the initiative, addressing the ‘brain drain’ phenomenon and demographic challenges facing Barbados, including an ageing population and low birth rates. He urged Caribbean nations to create an attractive environment for youth to remain and contribute to regional development, calling for complementary initiatives to enhance the appeal of the Caribbean community.
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U.S. authorities intercept US$4 million cocaine shipment from Dominican Republic
In a significant operation at the San Juan port in Puerto Rico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted 365 pounds (165 kilograms) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $4 million. The illicit shipment, originating from the Dominican Republic, was discovered during a routine container inspection conducted by CBP’s Anti-Terrorism and Contraband Team. Officers uncovered eight concealed bags containing 149 brick-shaped packages of cocaine. While no arrests have been made in connection with the seizure, authorities are continuing their investigation. Roberto Vaquero, CBP’s Chief of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, commended the officers for their vigilance, stating that such interceptions play a crucial role in preventing drugs from infiltrating communities and highlight the agency’s dedication to safeguarding the Caribbean border.
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Tropical Storm Watch Possible for Antigua Later Tonight
Authorities across the Caribbean have issued Tropical Storm Watches as Tropical Storm Jerry intensifies, posing significant threats to several islands. The governments of Antigua and Barbuda, France, and Sint Maarten have issued alerts for Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, and Sint Maarten. Residents in the northern Leeward Islands, as well as the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, are urged to monitor the storm’s progress closely. At 5:00 PM AST, Jerry was located near latitude 12.0 North, longitude 46.4 West, moving westward at 23 mph. Forecasters predict a decrease in speed and a turn to the west-northwest in the coming days, with the storm’s core expected to impact the northern Leeward Islands by late Thursday and Friday. Maximum sustained winds are currently at 50 mph, with higher gusts, and Jerry is expected to strengthen into a hurricane within 24 hours. Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 140 miles from the center, with a minimum central pressure of 1003 mb. The storm is expected to bring 2 to 4 inches of rain, raising the risk of flash flooding, particularly in elevated areas. Additionally, life-threatening surf and rip currents are anticipated as swells reach the islands. Residents are advised to stay updated through their national meteorological services and heed local warnings. The next advisory will be issued at 8:00 PM AST, followed by a complete update at 11:00 PM AST.
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Four Caribbean countries sign CRFM agreement
BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has announced that four Caribbean nations—Anguilla, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Montserrat—have officially formalized their membership in the 22-year-old organization. The signing ceremony took place during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture held recently in St Kitts and Nevis. Established in March 2003 in Belize, the CRFM now boasts 17 member states actively engaged in the sustainable management of regional fisheries. Dr. Marc Williams, CRFM Executive Director, emphasized the organization’s commitment to meeting member needs with available resources while addressing governance and financial challenges. He highlighted key policies such as the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), which facilitates collaborative scientific research, fish stock assessments, and sustainable fisheries management. Additionally, the CRFM has implemented policies like the Personal Data Protection Policy, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, and Whistleblower Policy to enhance governance and transparency. Dr. Williams also noted the CRFM’s focus on gender sensitivity and inclusivity, ensuring that initiatives consider the needs of youth and indigenous communities.
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Several Caribbean countries placed on watch as Tropical Storm Jerry strengthens
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Caribbean nations are on high alert as Tropical Storm Jerry, currently positioned approximately 835 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, is projected to escalate into a hurricane by Thursday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami has issued a tropical storm watch for multiple islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, St Barthelemy, St Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St Eustatius, and Guadeloupe. Residents in the northern Leeward Islands, the British and US Virgin Islands are also advised to closely monitor the storm’s progression. Jerry, the 10th named storm of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, is advancing west-northwest at 23 mph, with a predicted decrease in speed over the coming days before shifting north-northwest and north by Friday. The NHC forecasts that Jerry’s core will approach or pass north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and Friday, with maximum sustained winds currently at 50 mph and expected to intensify. Rainfall of two to four inches is anticipated across the Leeward Islands, raising concerns of flash flooding, particularly in elevated areas. Additionally, swells generated by Jerry are likely to reach the Leeward and Windward Islands by Thursday, extending westward to the Greater Antilles by Friday, posing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
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Several Caribbean countries rattled by earthquake
A moderate earthquake measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale struck several Caribbean nations early Wednesday morning, as confirmed by the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in St. Augustine, Trinidad. The tremor occurred at 5:07 am local time, with its epicenter located at a depth of eight kilometers. Despite the quake’s intensity, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The seismic event was felt across multiple regions, including 206 kilometers east-northeast of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe; 233 kilometers east of Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda; and 246 kilometers northeast of Roseau, Dominica. Authorities and local residents remain vigilant, though the situation appears to be under control.