Haiti has issued a heartfelt appeal to the international community for assistance in restoring security and stability in the nation, which is currently grappling with rampant gang violence. Criminal gangs have seized control of nearly the entire capital, Port-au-Prince, and its surrounding areas, plunging the country into chaos. Laurent Saint-Cyr, President of the Transitional President Council (TPC), made the plea during his address at the second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar. He specifically called on nations to contribute effectively to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a United Nations Security Council-approved initiative established on September 30th. Saint-Cyr emphasized that operationalizing the GSF swiftly, while drawing lessons from the Multinational Security Support Mission, is a critical step toward international solidarity. He underscored that peace, stability, and security are essential for the social development that Haitians and people worldwide deserve. The GSF, authorized to deploy up to 5,550 personnel, aims to neutralize, isolate, and deter criminal gangs, secure critical infrastructure, and facilitate humanitarian access through intelligence-led operations. Saint-Cyr highlighted the TPC’s commitment, formed in April 2024, to restore security with international support and prepare for free and credible elections to fulfill the aspirations of the Haitian people. He also addressed the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which claimed 43 lives, left 21 injured, and 13 missing, exacerbating Haiti’s vulnerabilities. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach devastated communities in the southwest, where landslides and flooding have ravaged over 30 towns and villages. The Haitian government is prioritizing security, elections, humanitarian response, and economic recovery, including reintegrating former child soldiers through vocational training and relocating displaced individuals with dignity. Saint-Cyr stressed the urgent need for international support to transition from short-term aid to sustainable investment, ensuring long-term stability and development.
分类： world
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India sends aid to Cuba & Jamaica for recovery from Hurricane Melissa
India has dispatched a significant humanitarian aid shipment to Cuba, Bolivia, and Ecuador, each receiving 20 tons of essential supplies. The consignment, which departed from New Delhi on Tuesday, includes rehabilitation materials, food, medicine, medical equipment, generators, hygiene kits, and other critical items, as confirmed by the Indian Foreign Ministry. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to supporting its Global South partners in times of natural disasters, aiding their recovery and reconstruction efforts. Indian Foreign Minister highlighted the nation’s solidarity with these countries, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing global challenges. India has a longstanding history of providing humanitarian assistance to Cuba, particularly in the aftermath of hurricanes and earthquakes. The aid for Cuba is timed to coincide with the upcoming visit of Pabitra Margherita, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, who will also tour Bolivia and Ecuador. During his visit to Cuba, Margherita is expected to discuss enhancing bilateral relations, with a focus on health and medicine, digital public infrastructure, and capacity building.
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Prensa Latina and AKP highlight positive collaboration
The enduring partnership between the Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) and Prensa Latina, Cuba’s leading news agency, has been a cornerstone in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between Cambodia and Cuba. Initially established in 2012 and revitalized in October 2022, this collaboration is rooted in a shared dedication to truth and the objective dissemination of information about their respective nations. AKP Director General Nimul Sokmom and Cuban Ambassador to Cambodia, Milena Zaldivar, recently highlighted the significance of this alliance during a cordial meeting. Since the renewal of their agreement, AKP has published over 500 news reports about Cuba in English, Khmer, and French, showcasing the resilience, achievements, and unwavering solidarity of the Cuban people. Ambassador Zaldivar emphasized the pivotal role of this media partnership in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. She also commended AKP’s consistent coverage of Cuba’s struggles, particularly its condemnation of the U.S. government’s prolonged economic, commercial, and financial blockade, which has persisted for over six decades.
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Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde to Represent Antigua and Barbuda and CARICOM at Africa Celebrates 2025
Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC), has been selected to represent Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the upcoming Africa Celebrates 2025 event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 4–9. Ambassador O’Marde will serve as a featured speaker and panelist at the Africa Reparation Forum and Diaspora Africa Konnect, both hosted at the African Union and United Nations headquarters in the Ethiopian capital. The event’s theme, aligned with the African Union’s agenda, is “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through and Beyond Reparations.” The forum will delve into the socio-economic implications of reparatory justice and discuss strategies for leveraging diaspora resources to foster investment, heritage preservation, and sustainable economic growth across Africa and the Caribbean. In their invitation, organizers lauded Ambassador O’Marde’s leadership as Chairperson of the ABRSC and Vice-Chair of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, emphasizing his critical role in sharing insights on reparations as a catalyst for development and unity among people of African descent. Africa Celebrates aims to promote cultural exchange, trade, and innovation within Africa and its diaspora. Its objectives include showcasing Africa’s cultural and creative diversity, encouraging the patronage of African-made goods, and advancing intra-African trade, investment, and tourism, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth. Since its inception in 2021, the event has grown exponentially, with participation increasing from 12 countries in its inaugural year to over 40 African nations and diaspora communities by 2024. Organizers anticipate that the 2025 edition will be the largest yet, featuring contributions from 13 countries and a diverse array of cultural, business, and academic leaders.
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Prime Minister to Lead Antigua and Barbuda Delegation to COP30 in Brazil
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is set to spearhead Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil, from November 5 to 21, 2025. The high-profile event will convene global leaders, international organizations, and senior officials to accelerate climate action, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy, carbon markets, and financial mechanisms for adaptation and addressing loss and damage. Browne is anticipated to champion the cause of climate justice and sustainable financing, underscoring the existential threats posed by rising sea levels and extreme weather events to Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The delegation comprises Climate Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, Environment Director Diann Black-Layne, and technical experts from the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs. Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph will participate in the Ministerial Segment, focusing on discussions related to environmental health and resilience.
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Suriname zet stap naar lidmaatschap VN-Toerismeorganisatie
In a significant diplomatic move, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation (BIS), Melvin Bouva, held an inaugural meeting with the leadership of the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) Regional Office in Rio de Janeiro. Established in May this year, the office aims to foster sustainable tourism development across Latin America and the Caribbean. Although Suriname is not yet a member of the global organization, which comprises 160 countries, the meeting sought to lay the groundwork for future collaboration and potential membership. Minister Bouva emphasized that this aligns with the government’s policy, led by President Jennifer Simons, which identifies tourism as a key pillar for economic growth and diversification. Highlighting Suriname’s vast forests, rich biodiversity, and unique cultural heritage, Bouva underscored the country’s potential to become a leader in sustainable tourism. He noted that joining UN Tourism would provide access to international expertise, technical support, and funding opportunities. Heitor Kadri, Director of the UN Tourism Regional Office, affirmed Suriname’s eligibility for membership and praised its strategic location as a bridge between South America and the Caribbean. Kadri also highlighted that membership could unlock funding for tourism projects and investments worth over USD 15 million. Both parties agreed to further develop their collaboration, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for early December, coordinated by Suriname’s diplomatic representative in Brazil, Angeladebie Ramkisoen. This meeting marks a new step in Suriname’s diplomatic efforts to link sustainable development with international cooperation. With its lush nature, cultural diversity, and green ambitions, Suriname aims to position itself as a reliable partner and emerging destination in the global tourism sector.
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OP-ED: A Dream Reawakened—But Let’s Remember Who First Dreamt It
The unveiling of the ‘4 Island – One Escape’ island-hopping experience marks a significant milestone for regional tourism in the Northeast Caribbean. This innovative initiative promises to deliver a seamless, multi-island adventure, highlighting the unique diversity and charm of interconnected destinations. While this development is being celebrated as a fresh approach, it is, in fact, a revival of a visionary concept introduced over three decades ago. The original idea, spearheaded by Brian Meade and the Northeast Caribbean Tourism Alliance (NECTA), aimed to promote the region’s offerings globally, positioning airlines as catalysts for tourism development rather than mere carriers. However, the momentum was tragically halted by Hurricane Luis in 1995, which devastated infrastructure and led to the alliance’s dissolution. Despite this setback, the dream of regional unity and multi-island travel endured. Today, as the ‘4 Island – One Escape’ initiative takes flight, it pays homage to the legacy of NECTA and Meade’s foresight. This new chapter in Caribbean tourism stands on the shoulders of a dream that envisioned the region not as a collection of competitors but as a family of destinations with a shared narrative. The architects of this initiative are encouraged to draw inspiration from the past, as sometimes, the best way forward is to remember where the journey began.
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Abinader announces humanitarian aid for Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti
In a significant humanitarian effort, the Dominican Republic has initiated aid deliveries to Caribbean nations severely affected by Hurricane Melissa. President Luis Abinader revealed the details during his weekly program, *LA Semanal con la Prensa*, on Monday. The first consignment of aid has already reached Jamaica via air transport, with additional supplies en route by sea. The president also confirmed plans to extend assistance to Cuba and Haiti, with coordination efforts currently in progress. The Ministry of Defense, spearheading the operation, is set to release a comprehensive report by Thursday, detailing the types and quantities of aid dispatched. Abinader emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting neighboring countries during this crisis. Additionally, the Dominican Embassy in Jamaica is actively monitoring the situation of approximately 2,200 Dominican nationals residing there, many of whom are employed in tourism and construction sectors. In collaboration with the airline Arajet, the government is facilitating the repatriation of those seeking to return home, although the exact number of returnees remains undetermined.
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Belize Will Likely End Hurricane Season Slightly Below Average
As the 2025 hurricane season nears its end, Belize is poised to finish slightly below the average in terms of storm activity. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon has provided insights into the season’s performance and addressed ongoing discussions about potential upgrades to the storm classification system. According to Gordon, regional and international agencies, including the National Hurricane Center and the World Meteorological Organization, have unanimously decided against altering the current system. While future changes remain a possibility, the existing framework will stay intact for now. Gordon highlighted that Belize has experienced thirteen named storms this season, one fewer than the typical fourteen. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had projected a range of thirteen to nineteen storms, placing Belize at the lower end of this spectrum. Gordon emphasized that even a below-average season can be impactful, citing Hurricane Melissa’s significant effects on Jamaica as an example. He reiterated that the current category system, which caps Category 5 storms at winds exceeding 157 miles per hour, remains effective and avoids unnecessary complexity. The season’s final tally will depend on whether any additional storms develop in November.
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CARICOM agencies assist in unified recovery operations in Jamaica after category 5 Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states have rallied together to provide aid and financial support to Jamaica for its emergency response and rebuilding efforts. A coordinated regional response is being led by key agencies, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH).
Jamaica’s Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman, Dr. Andrew Holness, announced on November 2 that discussions with regional partners had focused on enhancing coordination for Jamaica’s recovery. The talks emphasized mobilizing regional assistance, reconstructing resilient infrastructure, and safeguarding public health.
CDEMA’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Riley, expressed confidence in the agency’s efforts, which include collaboration with the Caribbean Development Partners group—a platform involving UN entities, private sector representatives, civil society, and member states. A Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT) from CDEMA, comprising specialists from organizations like UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and PAHO, is currently in Jamaica conducting multi-sector evaluations. These assessments will inform the government’s strategies across critical areas such as agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, and tourism.
The Caribbean Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU), composed of military, police, and firefighting personnel from across the region, remains on standby for potential deployment. Additionally, the Caribbean Operational Support Team (COST) is prepared to assist with ongoing recovery efforts.
CDB President Daniel Best reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery, emphasizing the importance of regional unity. During his visit to Kingston, he highlighted the need for coordinated resource allocation and psychosocial support for citizens and first responders, describing the initiative as a fully integrated post-disaster response.
Other regional institutions, including the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), The University of the West Indies (UWI), and the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), are also contributing to ensure a comprehensive and effective recovery process.