A landmark global initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry has been postponed following opposition led by the United States and Saudi Arabia. The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework (NZF), designed to make maritime trade cleaner and more sustainable, was expected to be adopted during the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s (MEPC) meeting in October 2025. However, the framework faced significant resistance, resulting in a year-long delay. The NZF proposed drastic emission cuts by transitioning vessels from fossil fuels to renewable energy-based alternatives and introduced a carbon levy to fund climate adaptation in developing nations, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The US criticized the emissions pricing as an ‘unsanctioned global tax regime,’ while Saudi Arabia proposed an adjournment, which passed with 57 countries in favor. The decision has left small island nations, already vulnerable to climate change, in a precarious position. Countries like Saint Lucia, which rely heavily on maritime trade, face economic challenges in balancing climate commitments with financial realities. Despite the setback, technical work on the framework will continue, with hopes for renewed dialogue between developed and developing nations.
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Ali awaits Norton’s word on substantive appointment of Chancellor, Chief Justice; Norton unlikely to agree
Guyana’s political landscape is currently embroiled in a tense standoff over the substantive appointments of key judicial positions. President Irfaan Ali has proposed the appointments of Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire as Chancellor and Justice Navindra Singh as Chief Justice, a move that requires the concurrence of Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton. However, sources indicate that Norton is unlikely to support the proposal, citing concerns over the circumstances surrounding the early retirement of Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, the former Chancellor. Norton had previously expressed support for the appointments of George-Wiltshire and Cummings-Edwards in their respective roles. President Ali announced on Friday that Cummings-Edwards would be proceeding on pre-retirement leave, with George-Wiltshire and Singh continuing in their acting capacities. Efforts to reach Norton for comment on Saturday were unsuccessful, and Attorney General Anil Nandlall also remained unreachable. A source within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) suggested that Norton might defer the decision to the incoming Opposition Leader, expected to be Azruddin Mohamed, leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party. Under Guyana’s constitution, the Opposition Leader retains their position until the National Assembly’s opposition parliamentarians elect a new leader following general and regional elections.
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FLASH : Melissa has become a Cat 4 hurricane
On October 26, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that Hurricane Melissa had escalated to a Category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds reaching 220 km/h and a central pressure of 944 millibars. Located 487 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, the hurricane is projected to follow a slow westward trajectory before turning north and northeast by Monday and Tuesday. Its path is expected to impact Jamaica, southeastern Cuba, and the southeastern Bahamas by midweek. A hurricane warning has been issued for Haiti’s southwest peninsula, with the Sud and Grande Anse departments placed on red alert. Other regions, including South-East, Nippes, West, and the central plateau, remain on orange alert. Melissa is anticipated to bring torrential rainfall, with up to 35 inches (89 cm) in some areas, leading to catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, and severe infrastructure damage. Satellite imagery indicates rapid intensification, with hurricane-force winds extending 35 km from the center and tropical storm-force winds reaching 280 km. Swells generated by the storm are expected to create life-threatening surf and rip currents along the coasts of Hispaniola, Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. Haitian authorities have suspended coastal shipping activities and urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid watercourses, and follow safety guidelines. The Departmental Directorate of Civil Protection emphasized the importance of safeguarding documents and assisting vulnerable individuals during this critical period.
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STATEMENT: Update on the safety of Dominican students in Jamaica and Cuba
In response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Melissa, the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence of Dominica has been actively engaged in safeguarding its students abroad. Since Thursday, October 23rd, officials have maintained close contact with Dominican students in Jamaica, who have confirmed they are well-prepared, residing in secure accommodations, and equipped with sufficient supplies. The Ministry is also coordinating with the Students’ Association to address any needs highlighted in their assessment report. Additionally, the Dominican embassy in Cuba has been in communication with local authorities, who have implemented a special protection protocol for foreign students. Dominican students in Cuba have also initiated their own preparatory measures. The Government of Dominica remains vigilant, continuously monitoring the situation and maintaining open lines of communication with students and relevant authorities to ensure their safety and well-being.
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Mottley assures fair competition as Uber expands in Barbados
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has officially outlined the Barbados government’s stance on the entry of international ride-hailing giant Uber into the local market. Addressing attendees on the second day of the Barbados Labour Party’s 86th Annual Conference at Queen’s Park, Mottley reassured citizens that the platform’s expansion would not undermine the livelihoods of local taxi operators. She highlighted specific measures to ensure equitable competition, including restrictions on Uber’s operations at the Bridgetown Port during the winter season and fair practices at the Grantley Adams International Airport. Mottley underscored her administration’s dedication to fostering a balanced environment for all transportation providers, emphasizing that regulatory fairness is paramount as technology-driven services integrate into the island’s economy. This move reflects the government’s broader commitment to harmonizing innovation with the protection of local industries.
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La Marguerite King calls for more recognition
Antoninus Thomas, a revered figure in Saint Lucia’s cultural landscape, has proudly worn the crown as La Marguerite King for four decades. His unwavering dedication to the Dennery Marguerite Society and his advocacy for the recognition of cultural royalties have made him a national icon. On October 17, during the Grande Fete La Marguerite in La Ressource, Dennery, Thomas marked his 40th anniversary as King, reflecting on his profound love for the festival and Saint Lucian culture.
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Kindergartener dead following Vieux Fort collision
The community of Vieux Fort is grappling with profound grief after a devastating three-vehicle collision on October 25, which claimed the life of a young kindergarten student, Rikki Samuel. The tragic incident occurred along the Vieux Fort-Laborie Highway, near the Hewanorra International Airport and the Marine Base (Il Pirata), shortly before 11:00 a.m. Rikki, born on Christmas Eve in 2020, was described by his mother, Alister Antoine, as a joyful and car-loving child. He had accompanied his father, Jonard Samuel, a taxi driver, to refuel their vehicle when the accident occurred. Disturbing footage from the scene showed the child lying on the ground, having been ejected from the vehicle. The collision involved three minibuses, including a public bus with a route band. While Rikki is the only confirmed fatality, 11 others sustained injuries. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and Saint Lucia Fire Service responded promptly, but no official statement has been released. The tragedy has sparked intense social media debates, with calls for stricter driving regulations and heightened road safety awareness.
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One dead, multiple injured after three-vehicle Vieux Fort collision
A devastating incident occurred in Vieux Fort on October 25, as a three-vehicle collision resulted in multiple injuries and the tragic death of a young child. According to reports from St. Lucia Times, several individuals were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, describing the child as motionless at the crash site. Tragically, it was later confirmed that the child succumbed to his injuries. The deceased was identified as a student of Banse La Grace Combined School, leaving the local community in profound grief. The aftermath of the collision, captured in images and videos circulating on social media, has ignited widespread sorrow and anger among residents. Many Saint Lucians have taken to social media to express their frustration, calling for immediate action to enhance road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. One Facebook user emphatically stated, “High time they take the necessary actions to deal with these drivers.” The incident has reignited urgent discussions about the need for improved road safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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Former DLP representative Michael Lashley attends BLP conference
In a surprising turn of events, former Member of Parliament Michael Lashley made a notable appearance at the Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) 86th Annual Conference on Saturday afternoon. The seasoned politician, who represented the St Philip North constituency for three consecutive terms under the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) banner, was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers as he entered Queen’s Park. His presence at the event, held just months after the DLP confirmed he would not contest the upcoming general election, has ignited widespread speculation about his political future. In April, the opposition party announced attorney-at-law Simon Clarke, a political newcomer, as their candidate for St Philip North. While Lashley has remained silent about his next steps, his unexpected attendance at the BLP conference has fueled discussions across Barbados’ political landscape, leaving many to wonder if a party shift is on the horizon.
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Melissa Becomes Category 1 Hurricane
Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a Category 1 storm, boasting sustained winds of 75 mph as of Saturday afternoon. Positioned 145 miles southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, the storm’s sluggish movement at just 1 mph has heightened concerns across the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, Haiti, and Belize. Meteorologists predict rapid intensification over the weekend, with Melissa potentially reaching Category 4 strength before making landfall late Monday or early Tuesday. Torrential rains have already begun to batter Haiti, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness warning of potential rainfall between 15 to 25 inches. The slow-moving nature of the storm poses a unique challenge, as it is expected to linger, causing prolonged and catastrophic flooding. Evan Thompson, Director of the Meteorological Service, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, ‘There is nowhere that will escape the wrath. It’s going to cause significant, widespread, catastrophic, life-threatening floods.’ In response, Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management has fully activated the National Emergency Operations Centre, placing the country at Level 3—the full response phase. Air travel disruptions are already underway, with Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston set to close Saturday night, and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay reviewing operations amid numerous flight cancellations. Meanwhile, Caribbean residents, including students from the University of the West Indies, are scrambling to evacuate. Darwin McFadzean, a second-year law student and police officer, shared his struggles on social media, highlighting the financial strain faced by many students left to ‘fend for themselves’ in the face of the impending disaster.