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.
分类： world
-
Antigua and Barbuda Urged to Stay Alert as Tropical System Nears Caribbean
A low-pressure system situated over 1,000 miles east of the Windward Islands is rapidly gaining strength and could evolve into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, meteorologists have warned. Currently designated as Invest AL95, the system is moving west-northwest across the central tropical Atlantic and has a 90% likelihood of developing into a more significant weather event within the next 48 hours. Forecasters predict that if the system continues to intensify, it could pass near or north of the northern Leeward Islands between Thursday and Friday, potentially unleashing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and turbulent seas across the northeastern Caribbean. While the precise trajectory and intensity remain uncertain, residents of Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands are being advised to remain vigilant and stay updated with official weather bulletins. Regional meteorological agencies and disaster management teams are poised to issue further advisories as the situation unfolds. The potential storm underscores the importance of preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather patterns, particularly in vulnerable island nations.
-
UN Secretary-General calls for end to Israel-Hamas war
As the Israel-Hamas conflict marks its second anniversary, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a renewed plea for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The war, which erupted on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians and left more than 1,000 Israelis dead or injured. Guterres described the situation as a ‘humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defies comprehension,’ urging all parties to ‘end the suffering for all’ and prioritize civilian lives and futures. The conflict has not only destabilized the Middle East but also strained relations among Israel’s allies, who continue to advocate for a resolution. The United States has proposed a new plan currently under review by Hamas, which Guterres characterized as a critical opportunity to end the tragedy. He emphasized the necessity of a permanent ceasefire and a credible political process to prevent further bloodshed and foster peace, reiterating the UN’s unwavering commitment to supporting these efforts. Momentum for a two-state solution has grown, with several nations formally recognizing Palestine. However, ongoing shelling in Gaza exacerbates what the UN calls a ‘full-scale humanitarian crisis.’ In response, the UN has allocated $9 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to sustain fuel supplies for essential services in Gaza. Despite a slight reduction in airstrikes, shelling and gunfire persist, with 21 killed and 96 injured in a single day. Humanitarian efforts, including the delivery of wheat flour to bakeries, have provided some relief, with bakeries producing 100,000 bundles of bread daily. As the conflict enters its third year, global voices express hope for peace before another grim anniversary passes.
-
No concessions to oblivion
On the 49th anniversary of the tragic bombing of Cubana de Aviación flight CU-1201, Cuba paid solemn tribute to the 73 victims at the Colón Necropolis in Havana. The mid-flight explosion in 1976 claimed the lives of 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese, and five North Koreans, marking one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history. The annual commemoration saw floral tributes placed on behalf of prominent figures, including Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and various Cuban institutions. Families of the victims, alongside officials and citizens, gathered to honor the memory of those lost. Wilfredo Pérez Rodríguez, son of the flight’s captain, shared his enduring grief, emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of the victims and condemning the U.S. government’s alleged protection of the perpetrators. The ceremony also highlighted the unfulfilled dreams of the victims, including young athletes and crew members, whose lives were tragically cut short. The event underscored Cuba’s ongoing struggle against terrorism and its call for justice, as the island continues to grapple with the repercussions of this historic atrocity.
-
No concessions to oblivion
On the 49th anniversary of the tragic bombing of Cubana de Aviación flight CU-1201, Cuba paid solemn tribute to the 73 victims at the Colón Necropolis in Havana. The mid-flight explosion in 1976 claimed the lives of 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese, and five North Koreans, marking one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history. The annual commemoration saw floral tributes placed on behalf of prominent figures, including Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and various Cuban institutions. Families of the victims, alongside officials and citizens, gathered to honor the memory of those lost. Wilfredo Pérez Rodríguez, son of the flight’s captain, shared his enduring grief, emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of the victims and condemning the U.S. government’s alleged protection of the perpetrators. The ceremony also highlighted the unfulfilled dreams of the victims, including young athletes and crew members, whose lives were tragically cut short. The event underscored Cuba’s ongoing struggle against terrorism and its call for justice, as the island continues to grapple with the repercussions of this historic atrocity.
-
Gifts for the school whose name speaks of heroism
On Monday morning, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, paid a visit to Vo Thi Thang Primary School in Playa municipality, Havana. The school, named after the iconic Vietnamese resistance figure Vo Thi Thang, became the focal point of a historical and cultural exchange. Díaz-Canel, accompanied by Cuba’s Minister of Education Naima Ariatne Trujillo Barreto, arrived just before the morning assembly to present the students with replicas of significant Vietnamese landmarks. These gifts, including models of the Vietnam Military History Museum and Independence Square, were acquired during his recent visit to Vietnam for the 80th anniversary of its independence declaration by Ho Chi Minh. The President emphasized the shared history between Cuba and Vietnam, particularly the Cuban contributions to Vietnam’s liberation struggle, which are commemorated in the museum. He also shared anecdotes about Ho Chi Minh’s modest lifestyle, including his preference for a simple gardener’s house over the colonial governor’s mansion. The visit concluded with a heartfelt exchange of cultural performances by the students, who also commemorated the tragic 1976 Barbados bombing that claimed the lives of 73 people, including members of the Cuban Youth Fencing Team.
-
Dominica and Barbados sign MOU to advance sustainable tourism
In a landmark move to bolster their tourism sectors, the governments of Dominica and Barbados have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing the allure of both destinations and crafting innovative vacation experiences for international travelers. The agreement was officially sealed at the Hilton Barbados Resort during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), a key regional event dedicated to advancing tourism development.
Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), unveiled the partnership, underscoring its strategic importance. ‘Through this MOU, Dominica and Barbados, via their respective tourism marketing entities—the Discover Dominica Authority and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.—are taking a significant step to amplify their appeal, promote sustainable tourism, and create novel travel experiences,’ Williams remarked.
The MOU establishes a collaborative framework focused on joint marketing efforts, knowledge exchange, and enhancing the visitor experience across both nations. Williams highlighted the agreement’s timely nature, coinciding with rising interest in Caribbean travel from major markets such as Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Latin America. ‘This partnership is particularly opportune as the Caribbean continues to draw travelers seeking diverse and enriching experiences,’ she noted.
To ensure the MOU’s effective execution, a joint working group will be formed to oversee the development of a detailed action plan. ‘The group will monitor progress, provide biannual updates, optimize strategies as needed, and ensure that both nations reap economic benefits,’ Williams explained.
Williams also emphasized the broader regional implications of the agreement, connecting it to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s ‘Re-imagine Tourism’ initiative. ‘Dominica and Barbados will serve as exemplars of unity, embodying the ‘one sea, one voice, one Caribbean’ ethos through this collaboration,’ she concluded.
-
Newly formed Tropical Storm Jerry could strengthen into hurricane
Meteorologists are on high alert as Tropical Storm Jerry, currently brewing in the central Atlantic, is projected to escalate into the 10th hurricane of the season by Wednesday. According to CNN Weather, the storm is advancing near or north of the northern Leeward Islands, threatening to unleash heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and turbulent seas as it strengthens into a Category 1 hurricane. While early forecasts predict intensification, the storm’s precise trajectory remains uncertain. Some models suggest it may veer out to sea, while others indicate a potential approach toward land. This hurricane season, which began unusually late with most storms forming in late September, has experts cautiously optimistic. If Jerry remains at sea, it would mark the first hurricane season in a decade without a U.S. landfall, offering a rare respite for coastal communities.
-
Pope Leo to make first papal trip to Turkey and Lebanon
VATICAN CITY, Holy See — Pope Leo XIV is set to undertake a significant six-day journey to Turkey and Lebanon, marking his first international trip since ascending to the papacy. The Vatican announced on Tuesday that the 70-year-old American pontiff will commence his visit on November 27, with a three-day stay in Turkey followed by a two-day visit to Lebanon.
-
There is a high chance of a tropical depression forming during the next few days
A significant weather disturbance is brewing in the tropical central Atlantic, with meteorologists predicting a high likelihood of a tropical depression forming in the coming days. As of 8:00 AM EDT on October 6, 2025, a broad area of low pressure associated with a low-latitude tropical wave has been observed, producing widespread disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions are favorable for gradual development, and the system is expected to move rapidly west-northwestward, potentially approaching the northern Leeward Islands by the end of the week. The National Hurricane Center has issued advisories, urging residents in the region to closely monitor the system’s progress. The probability of cyclone formation stands at 50% within the next 48 hours and increases to 70% over the next seven days. This developing weather event underscores the importance of preparedness as the Atlantic hurricane season remains active.