The government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced the arrival of the USS Gravely, a US guided-missile destroyer, for a five-day visit starting October 26. The warship, carrying members of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit, will dock in Port of Spain and engage in joint military training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF). The USS Gravely, equipped with advanced weapons systems and helicopter capabilities, has recently been involved in counter-narcotics and maritime security operations in the Caribbean. The visit underscores the US commitment to regional security and aims to enhance military cooperation through expert exchanges on infantry tactics, maintenance procedures, and medical capabilities. The exercises are designed to improve tactical proficiency, mutual trust, and operational readiness among partner forces. This development follows a recent advisory from the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago, warning American citizens to avoid US government facilities during the Divali holiday weekend due to heightened security concerns. Additionally, the visit comes amid discussions among Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders regarding regional security dynamics. Trinidad and Tobago’s coalition government, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has reiterated its support for US military operations, emphasizing their role in combating narco-trafficking, human trafficking, and transnational crime to foster a ‘zone of peace’ in the region. The Persad-Bissessar administration has received praise from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for its alignment with regional security initiatives.
标签： Jamaica
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WATCH: Manchester residents call for answers in Jayden Smith’s disappearance
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A somber crowd, predominantly dressed in black, took to the streets of Mandeville on Friday in a unified call for answers regarding the mysterious disappearance of 12-year-old Jayden Smith. The young boy vanished exactly one month ago, leaving his family and community in distress.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Tropical Storm Melissa forecast to strike Jamaica as major hurricane early next week
Tropical Storm Melissa is forecasted to escalate into a major hurricane and make landfall in Jamaica early next week, according to the latest updates from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The storm is currently positioned approximately 360 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and 254 kilometers southeast of Morant Point, Jamaica. As it advances, Melissa is expected to traverse central Jamaica from south to north, potentially reaching Category 4 or 5 intensity upon impact. Principal Director Evan Thompson emphasized the severity of the impending storm, warning of catastrophic consequences including structural damage and widespread flooding. The island is bracing for torrential rainfall, with estimates of 300 to 400 millimeters expected to drench eastern parishes initially, spreading westward over the coming days. Residents are advised to prepare for strong, gusty winds and potential hurricane-force conditions by Sunday.
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Haitians ‘fortitude gives us hope’ says special UN representative
In a powerful address to the United Nations Security Council, Carlos G Ruiz Massieu, the UN Special Representative for Haiti and head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), emphasized the resilience of the Haitian people despite the country’s deepening crisis. Massieu, who has engaged with various political, international, and civil stakeholders over the past two and a half months, underscored the urgent need to address gang violence, humanitarian challenges, and the upcoming political transition. He highlighted the unprecedented scale of internal displacement, with over 1.4 million people forced to flee their homes due to armed group attacks on farming communities and other areas. Massieu expressed deep concern over the human rights situation, citing widespread abuses linked to gang violence, self-defence groups, and certain security operations. He stressed the importance of restoring democratic governance by February 7, 2024, and welcomed Haitian authorities’ efforts to consult with political representatives to avoid a post-February political vacuum. Massieu also praised the Security Council’s support for the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and urged swift action to enhance security, particularly for vulnerable communities and children. Despite the hostile security environment affecting international partners in Port-au-Prince, Massieu reaffirmed BINUH’s commitment to achieving full staff presence in the capital as a top priority. He called on the international community to translate its support into tangible progress to combat violence and restore stability in Haiti.
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#EyeOnMelissa: JUTC buses to continue to operate as long as conditions allow, says Vaz
Commuters depending on the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) can rest assured that bus services will remain operational as long as safety permits. This assurance was provided by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz during a Jamaica House media briefing on Thursday, where he outlined the government’s preparedness measures for Tropical Storm Melissa. Vaz emphasized that JUTC will continue its regular bus operations unless weather conditions pose a risk. Updates on service status will be disseminated through social media and public communication channels. To bolster emergency response, 30 buses have been allocated for deployment across key depots in Portmore, Spanish Town, Rockfort, and Montego Bay. Each depot has activated an emergency operations committee, and JUTC representatives are stationed at national and parish emergency centers to ensure coordinated efforts. Additionally, all depots, fuel stations, and assets have been secured, and the company stands ready to assist with evacuation and transportation if required. Montego Bay Metro and Western Transport Operations are also fully operational and will continue services as long as weather conditions allow. Vaz further noted that toll road operators are on standby to implement emergency measures, including waiving toll fees if necessary to alleviate highway congestion during the storm.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Port Royal fisherfolk unite to secure boats ahead of storm
As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over the Caribbean, fishermen in Port Royal, Jamaica, have banded together to safeguard their livelihoods. On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the community worked tirelessly to pull their boats ashore, ensuring they would be protected from the impending storm. Despite some boat owners being absent, the fishermen demonstrated remarkable solidarity, helping one another without hesitation. ‘Just do what you can do. If you can help another man, you help another man, and that’s it,’ one fisherman declared. John Whimsy, a local fisherman, emphasized the importance of reciprocity, stating, ‘Me have a boat inna the sea so me haffi come out and help them because me ago want help. The boats them heavy.’ Rupert Ramsey, a 73-year-old fisherman, shared that this collaborative effort is a longstanding tradition in the face of storms. ‘Every year we work together. When we ago get high tides, those who fear it might get higher, we draw them up,’ he explained. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has warned that Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it approaches the island over the weekend. Small craft operators, including fishermen, have been urged to take immediate safety precautions. Having weathered numerous storms, Whimsy stressed the necessity of preparation: ‘Every time the hurricane come, you have to draw the boat them up because once the hurricane come, them can’t stay inna the sea.’ The community’s resilience and unity highlight their determination to protect their way of life amidst nature’s unpredictability.
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WHEN IN ROME
Jamaican winger Leon Bailey made his much-anticipated AS Roma debut in Serie A, coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute in a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan. Despite the defeat, Bailey’s brief appearance has already sparked optimism about his potential to elevate Roma’s performance this season. The 28-year-old, who joined Roma on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, became only the third Jamaican-born player to feature in Serie A, following in the footsteps of Luther Blissett (1983) and Trivante Stewart (2023).
Bailey’s journey to this moment has been fraught with challenges. After falling out of favor at Aston Villa under manager Unai Emery, he sought a fresh start in Italy. However, his transition was delayed by a leg injury sustained during his first training session, which sidelined him for eight matches and prevented him from participating in Jamaica’s Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers in September and October.
Despite the setback, Bailey remains optimistic. ‘I’m not happy with the result, but I’m glad to be back on the pitch,’ he said. ‘I hope to help the team and fit in as soon as possible. We have to stay positive and move in the right direction.’ His performance caught the attention of legendary Italian sporting director Walter Sabatani, who praised Bailey’s potential to revitalize Roma’s attack. ‘He has the right quality to make an impact,’ Sabatani remarked.
Italian journalist Daniele Aloisi also highlighted Bailey’s dribbling skills and explosiveness, suggesting he could be the missing piece in manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s offensive strategy. ‘Bailey’s elegance and explosiveness are exactly what Roma needs,’ Aloisi noted. ‘He’s not yet at 100%, but his desire to succeed is evident.’
Bailey is expected to make his first start for Roma in the UEFA Europa League against Viktoria Plzen and could rejoin Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz for their final World Cup Qualifiers next month. His journey in Serie A is just beginning, but the early signs suggest he could become a key figure for both club and country.
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Nigerian military says 50 jihadists killed in army base raids
In a significant counterinsurgency operation, Nigeria’s military announced on Thursday that it had eliminated over 50 jihadists in coordinated drone and ground assaults. The attacks targeted militant groups who had launched simultaneous strikes on army bases in the volatile northeast region. The operation, supported by fighter jets, focused on locations in Borno and Yobe states, including Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko. While the military did not specify the faction responsible, intelligence sources attributed the attacks to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter group of Boko Haram. Both factions have been waging a 16-year insurgency aimed at establishing a caliphate in the region. Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, a military spokesman, confirmed the success of the operation but noted that several soldiers were injured and infrastructure, including vehicles and buildings, was damaged by armed drones and rocket-propelled grenades. Local residents in Mafa reported seeing charred trucks, allegedly set ablaze by militants. The conflict, which has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced two million people, has also spilled into neighboring countries, prompting a regional military coalition to combat the Islamist threat.
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Venezuela defence minister vows any CIA operation against country ‘will fail’
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino issued a stern warning on Thursday, asserting that any covert operations by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) against his nation would be unsuccessful. This statement came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent authorization of clandestine CIA activities targeting Venezuela. Padrino emphasized that while the CIA’s presence in the country is acknowledged, any attempts to destabilize Venezuela through covert means would be met with failure. Trump’s decision to greenlight such operations follows his earlier announcement of considering strikes against alleged drug cartels on land, complementing an ongoing maritime campaign against suspected drug-trafficking vessels. The escalating tensions between the two nations underscore the deepening geopolitical rift, with Venezuela firmly positioning itself against perceived U.S. interference.
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Trinidad PM says she will not engage in tit-for-tat with Venezuelan VP
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has sought to downplay potential tensions with Venezuela regarding the Dragon gas project. This follows remarks by Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who warned that Trinidad and Tobago’s economy would falter without a gas deal with Venezuela. Rodriguez emphasized that any gas exports to Trinidad and Tobago must be paid for, dismissing claims that the U.S. would facilitate free access to Venezuelan gas. She accused Persad-Bissessar of being misled by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, likening her to a “puppet” and warning of dire economic consequences if Venezuela halts gas exports. Persad-Bissessar, however, refrained from engaging in a public dispute, stating she had no official communication from Venezuela and remained focused on advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s economy. She also dismissed fears of regional conflict, urging citizens to remain calm. Earlier this month, Trinidad and Tobago secured a six-month U.S. license to negotiate the Dragon gas project with Venezuela, a move criticized by former Energy Minister Stuart Young for its short-term nature and lack of transparency. The project, previously declared “dead” by the current government, remains a contentious issue in bilateral relations.