From September 23 to October 3, 2025, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will convene its 42nd Assembly in Montreal, themed ‘Safe Skies, Sustainable Future.’ However, Taiwan, a key player in East Asia’s aviation landscape, remains excluded from the organization’s meetings and data-sharing platforms. This exclusion not only undermines regional safety but also contradicts ICAO’s mission of fostering global cooperation. Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) oversees the Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR), a strategic hub connecting Northeast and Southeast Asia, handling over 1.6 million flights annually. Despite its critical role, Taiwan’s absence from ICAO limits coordination and poses risks in one of the world’s busiest airspaces. Taiwan’s aviation sector is deeply integrated into global networks, with its 17 airports serving 64 million passengers in 2024. Taoyuan International Airport ranks among the top globally, and Taiwan’s aviation safety record is exemplary, with zero accidents per million departures from 2020 to 2024. Additionally, Taiwan supports ICAO’s sustainability goals, implementing initiatives like CORSIA and launching a sustainable aviation fuel pilot program. However, China’s unilateral actions, such as declaring danger zones and activating new air routes without ICAO-required notice, have disrupted operations and endangered passengers. The 2022 missile exercises around Taiwan further highlighted the need for ICAO-facilitated dialogue and risk mitigation. Rising turbulence linked to climate change has also impacted global flights, and while Taiwan has enhanced its training and planning protocols, its lack of access to ICAO’s Secure Portal and real-time data hampers its ability to adapt. ICAO’s ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative emphasizes universal participation, and granting Taiwan access to its platforms would improve data sharing, coordination, and compliance with global standards. As ICAO opens its 42nd Assembly, it has an opportunity to align principle with practice by including Taiwan in its Assembly, technical bodies, and data platforms. This would enhance global oversight and advance ICAO’s vision of an inclusive, sustainable aviation system. The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has long supported Taiwan’s efforts to engage meaningfully with ICAO, and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) deeply appreciates this continued support.
分类： world
-
Antigua and Barbuda Spotlighted as Top Family Destination by The Sunday Times
Antigua and Barbuda, a picturesque twin-island nation in the Caribbean, has recently been celebrated as one of the region’s most family-friendly destinations. This recognition comes following a feature in *The Sunday Times*, which lauded the islands for their unique blend of luxury, relaxation, and child-centric activities. Under the headline ‘This Caribbean Island is Perfect for Families,’ the publication highlighted Antigua’s serene resorts, exceptional kids’ clubs, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, describing it as a ‘crowd-pleaser’ that caters to every family member. The article emphasized Antigua’s famed 365 beaches—’one for every day of the year’—and its safe, shallow waters, ideal for children to explore. Resorts like Carlisle Bay and Blue Waters were praised for offering a range of activities, from bracelet-making workshops and reggae dance sessions to turtle-watching excursions. While children engage in these activities, parents can enjoy yoga, spa treatments, or simply relax on sun loungers. The islands’ rich marine life was also highlighted, with families often encountering hawksbill turtles, stingrays, and parrotfish during snorkeling and boat trips. Beyond the beaches, Antigua’s cultural and historical attractions, such as Nelson’s Dockyard—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and Shirley Heights, known for its steel bands and sunset barbecues, add depth to the visitor experience. Road trips through vibrant villages, stops at local fruit stalls, and visits to Catherine’s Café in English Harbour were recommended for those seeking to immerse themselves in the islands’ charm. The feature also noted the islands’ appeal to celebrities, including Eric Clapton, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, and Robert De Niro, who owns the luxurious Nobu Hotel on Barbuda. With direct flights from the UK and a growing array of family-oriented resorts, Antigua and Barbuda continues to solidify its reputation as a top choice for holidaymakers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
-
Haiti Needs a Single Strategy, Real Money, and Political Discipline
Haiti, a nation long plagued by instability, faces an escalating crisis that demands immediate and coordinated international intervention. The situation, as highlighted by recent reports from the Réseau National de Défense des Droits Humains (RNDDH) and the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), reveals a fragmented and ineffective approach to security, governance, and humanitarian relief. Armed gangs have seized control of critical infrastructure, roads, and revenue streams, while the Haitian National Police, even with support from the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, remains overstretched and inconsistent in its efforts. The Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) has stalled, and the planned November 2025 elections are unlikely to proceed, leaving the country in a governance vacuum. Political elites continue to engage in power struggles, further weakening the state and emboldening armed groups. A viable solution requires a unified strategy that includes securing transport infrastructure, cutting off arms and illicit financing to gangs, and establishing humanitarian corridors. The international community, particularly the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), must act decisively. A transparent, audited Haiti Fund, financed by key stakeholders like the United States and France, should be established to support a comprehensive plan that integrates security, governance transition, and economic measures. The UN Security Council must back this plan with a unified mandate and operational support. Without immediate action, Haiti risks further state collapse, with dire consequences for the Caribbean and the Americas.
-
WEATHER (6:00 PM, Sept 17): Tropical Storm Gabrielle slows as it tracks toward northern Leeward Islands
Tropical Storm Gabrielle is steadily progressing toward the northern Leeward Islands, currently moving northwest at a reduced speed of 14 mph. As of 5:00 PM, the storm’s center was positioned near latitude 19.4°N and longitude 48.0°W, approximately 990 miles east of the island chain. The storm’s maximum sustained winds have slightly increased to 50 mph, with stronger gusts extending up to 205 miles east of its core. Meteorologists predict Gabrielle will maintain its current intensity over the next 48 hours, with potential slow intensification over the weekend. The storm is expected to pass north of the northern Leeward Islands during this period, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain vigilant and stay updated with official weather bulletins. Concurrently, unstable atmospheric conditions associated with an upper-level trough are anticipated to bring intermittent cloudiness and scattered showers to Dominica over the next 12 to 24 hours. Light winds and elevated daytime temperatures may exacerbate these conditions, increasing the likelihood of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Marine conditions remain relatively calm for now, with wave heights reaching up to 3 feet along the west coast and up to 5 feet on the east. However, eastern coastal waters are forecast to experience a surge in wave activity by Friday, with swells potentially climbing to near 8 feet and the possibility of ground swells. Residents, particularly those in coastal and flood-prone areas, are urged to exercise caution and stay informed through official weather updates.
-
WEATHER (12:00 PM, Sept 17): Tropical Storm Gabrielle forms in Central Atlantic; weather system to influence local conditions
The Dominica Meteorological Service has officially announced the formation of Tropical Storm Gabrielle, which evolved from Tropical Depression 7 early Wednesday morning in the central tropical Atlantic. As of 11:00 AM, Gabrielle was positioned roughly 1,085 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, advancing north-northwestward at a speed of 22 mph. The storm is generating maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, with gusts reaching higher velocities, and its wind fields extend up to 175 miles, predominantly east of its center. Forecast models predict a gradual shift to a northwestward to west-northwestward trajectory, accompanied by a slowdown in speed over the next few days. While significant intensification is not anticipated within the next 48 hours, gradual strengthening is expected over the weekend. The storm is projected to pass north of the northern Leeward Islands, prompting residents to stay vigilant and monitor official updates. In Dominica, unstable atmospheric conditions tied to an upper-level trough are likely to result in increased cloud cover and scattered showers over the next 12 to 24 hours. Light winds and higher daytime temperatures may further fuel cloud formation and isolated thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon. Marine conditions are expected to remain slight to moderate in the coming days, with wave heights reaching up to 3 feet along the west coast and up to 5 feet along the east coast. However, eastern coastal waters may experience heightened wave activity, with heights nearing 8 feet and ground swells anticipated by Friday.
-
IOM launches project to improve frameworks for human movement and deal with displacement after disasters
The Caribbean region, increasingly vulnerable to natural hazards such as hurricanes, flooding, and the intensifying effects of climate change, is set to benefit from a groundbreaking initiative led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Launched on September 16, 2025, the project, themed ‘RESILIENT CARIBBEAN: Prepared, Protected, and United,’ seeks to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities across 13 Caribbean nations. These include Dominica, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. The initiative, spanning from April 2025 to March 2027, builds on lessons from recent emergencies, including the response to Hurricane Beryl in 2024. It aligns with the priorities of CARICOM’s Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the European Union, leveraging a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding on integrated disaster risk management between the EU and Latin America and Caribbean regions. Key objectives include integrating displacement and mobility considerations into disaster management mechanisms, improving evidence-based planning for risk reduction, enhancing coordination in emergency shelter and non-food item sectors, and ensuring vulnerable populations receive critical humanitarian aid. The project aims to foster resilience, reduce vulnerabilities, and empower governments and communities to better manage displacement and climate-related threats. The launch event provided a platform for engaging with stakeholders, gathering feedback, and promoting public awareness of the initiative’s goals.
-
Haitian police confirm fatal shooting of senior gang member
In a dramatic turn of events, the Haitian National Police (PNH) announced on Thursday that they had fatally shot Wilfort Ferdinand, a former rebel leader, during a confrontation at a police checkpoint in Gonaïves. Ferdinand, also known by his alias ‘Ti Will,’ was reportedly involved in a shootout with officers who were executing a warrant in the Canal Bois area. The incident occurred when Ferdinand, traveling in a vehicle with tinted windows, approached the checkpoint, reversed, and opened fire on the police. Officers returned fire, resulting in the deaths of Ferdinand and an unidentified companion. Ferdinand was a suspected gang leader and a key figure in the 2004 uprising that led to the ousting of former President Jean Bertrand Aristide. The police operation was part of a broader effort to dismantle the Kokorat San Ras gang, notorious for its violent activities in the Artibonite region. Following the incident, heavy gunfire was reported in the area, and images of the confrontation circulated widely on social media. Ferdinand had previously led the Artibonite Resistance Front and was an ally of Guy Philippe, another prominent figure in Haiti’s turbulent political history, who was involved in the coup against Aristide in 2004.
-
6.1-magnitude quake hits Indonesia’s Central Papua— USGS
A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 jolted Central Papua province in Indonesia early Friday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event’s epicentre was situated 28 kilometres south of Nabire, a town located on the Indonesian portion of the large Pacific island shared with Papua New Guinea. The USGS reported the quake at a depth of 10 kilometres, while Indonesia’s BMKG agency recorded it as a 6.6 magnitude earthquake with a depth of 24 kilometres. The BMKG also noted several smaller aftershocks following the main event. Indonesia, an expansive archipelago, is prone to frequent earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, a region known for intense seismic activity where tectonic plates collide. This geological hotspot extends from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin, making Indonesia particularly vulnerable to such natural occurrences.
-
Breaking: US strikes another Venezuelan vessel, killing three
In a significant escalation of tensions, the United States has launched a second military strike on a Venezuelan vessel, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation on Monday, stating that U.S. forces targeted “extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists” in international waters. According to Trump, the vessel was allegedly transporting narcotics destined for the United States. This latest strike follows a previous U.S. attack that killed 11 alleged smugglers, which had already drawn sharp criticism from regional leaders. Trump defended the action, emphasizing that these cartels pose a severe threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and vital interests. He also confirmed that no American forces were harmed in the operation. The incident has sparked widespread concern across the Caribbean and Latin America, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar being one of the few regional leaders to express support for Washington. In response to the escalating situation, CARICOM foreign ministers are expected to convene to discuss the matter and its implications for regional stability.
-
A call to support Taiwan’s participation in ICAO
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is set to hold its 42nd Assembly from September 23 to October 3, 2025, in Montreal, Canada. This triennial event brings together member states, nonmember states, NGOs, and private enterprises to establish global civil aviation regulations and standards. Chen Shih-kai, Minister of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China (Taiwan), has called for Taiwan’s full participation in ICAO’s Assembly, technical meetings, and mechanisms to address regional aviation safety and development needs. The Taipei Flight Information Region (FIR), managed by Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAA), is one of the busiest airspaces in East Asia. Despite its critical role, Taiwan has faced challenges in participating directly in ICAO due to geopolitical tensions. China’s unilateral actions, such as declaring temporary danger zones within the Taipei FIR without proper notice, have compromised flight safety. Taiwan has demonstrated its commitment to aviation safety and sustainability through initiatives like the State Safety Program and the adoption of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). However, Taiwan’s exclusion from ICAO’s technical meetings hinders its ability to access timely information and collaborate effectively. ICAO’s theme for the 42nd Assembly, “Safe Skies, Sustainable Future,” underscores the need for inclusivity. Taiwan’s participation is essential to achieving ICAO’s vision of a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive international aviation system.