A significant disruption in Amazon Web Services (AWS) on Monday, October 20, 2025, sent shockwaves across the globe, crippling a vast array of online platforms and digital services. The outage, which commenced around 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time, impacted everything from video conferencing tools like Zoom to social media platforms such as Snapchat, as well as Amazon’s own Alexa-enabled smart devices. Initially, the issue seemed resolved, but Amazon later confirmed the problems had reemerged, leaving numerous services offline for hours. AWS engineers worked tirelessly to address the crisis, issuing regular updates to keep users informed. By 11:00 a.m., the company identified the root cause as a malfunctioning internal subsystem responsible for monitoring network load balancers. To mitigate the issue, AWS throttled requests for new EC2 instance launches and implemented additional recovery measures. By midday, Amazon reported progress in restoring connectivity and API functionality, promising further updates by 10:00 a.m. PDT. The outage highlighted the global reliance on AWS infrastructure, affecting universities, businesses, governments, and media organizations worldwide, many of which were forced offline during the disruption.
标签: Saint Kitts and Nevis
圣基茨和尼维斯
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IMF Managing Director says global economy performing better than expected, but challenges persist
In a press conference held during the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva provided a cautiously optimistic assessment of the global economy. Despite facing significant geopolitical and economic pressures, the global economy has demonstrated unexpected resilience, performing ‘better than expected, but worse than needed.’ Georgieva highlighted the impact of fluctuating tariffs, political uncertainty, and recession fears over the past six months, which have tested economic stability worldwide. The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook reveals that global growth remains steady, with projections indicating a slight slowdown from 3.3 percent in the previous year to 3.2 percent this year and 3.1 percent in 2026. Georgieva attributed this resilience to stronger policy fundamentals in emerging markets and the private sector’s swift adaptation through frontloading imports and reinforcing supply chains. However, she cautioned that medium-term growth prospects remain weak, with public debt nearing record highs and global imbalances persisting. Georgieva emphasized the need for countries to focus on unlocking private sector growth, securing strong macroeconomic fundamentals, and addressing global imbalances to strengthen economic resilience. The meetings concluded on Friday at the IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C.
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From the office to the stage: Sashoné Mitchell charts her own musical path
Jamaican-born musician Sashoné Mitchell has transitioned from a life of office work to pursuing her true passion in music. After years of working behind a desk in St. Kitts and Nevis, Mitchell has stepped into the spotlight with her latest release, ‘Showers of Grace.’ The song and its accompanying music video pay tribute to the resilience and struggles of ordinary working people. Mitchell drew inspiration from everyday encounters, such as individuals offering services at stoplights or mothers working long factory shifts, to craft a message of hope and perseverance. Now back in Jamaica, Mitchell has reconnected with her roots, finding creative inspiration in her homeland. Her journey of self-discovery and artistic expression began when she attended a studio session with a friend, reigniting her passion for music. Mitchell’s goal is not just personal success but to impact lives through her spiritually uplifting music. Despite the competitive nature of the Jamaican music industry, she remains confident in her mission to share meaningful messages with the world. Mitchell’s story serves as an inspiration to others striving to find their voice in the industry.
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CWI Announces Restructured CG United Super50 Cup for 2025
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has introduced a revamped structure for the 2025 CG United Super50 Cup, the premier regional 50-over cricket tournament. Scheduled to take place in Trinidad from November 19 to November 29, the competition will feature six teams instead of the previous eight, with a total of 16 matches replacing the earlier 31-match format. The West Indies Academy and Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) teams have been excluded from this year’s edition. The tournament will adopt a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing directly to the final. Participating teams include Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Barbados Pride, Guyana Harpy Eagles, Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, and Windward Islands Volcanoes. The decision to streamline the event comes amid financial challenges faced by CWI, as highlighted during their recent Quarterly Media Briefing. Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized that the changes aim to enhance competitiveness and quality of play. He noted that the reduced format would require teams to adopt more strategic preparations, while the exclusion of CCC and West Indies Academy players would intensify competition for spots within territorial franchises. The championship purse remains a significant incentive, with the winner set to receive US$100,000, the runner-up US$50,000, and the third and fourth-placed teams each earning US$25,000. The full fixture schedule is expected to be released shortly.
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Cricket West Indies Announces ODI Series against England U19
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced a seven-match Youth ODI series between the West Indies Men’s Under-19 team and England Under-19s. The series, set to take place from November 16 to December 1, 2025, will be hosted at the Grenada National Stadium in St George’s. This series is a pivotal part of the West Indies’ preparation for the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup in January 2026, following their recent 4–3 series victory against Sri Lanka in Antigua. Originally planned for St Vincent, the series was relocated to Grenada due to scheduling conflicts with the National Sports Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both teams will arrive in Grenada on November 8, with three days of training and a warm-up match against a Grenada Under-25 select XI scheduled before the series opener. CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the importance of the series, stating that it provides a critical opportunity for the squad to refine their skills and gain exposure to high-level competition. The matches will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel, with live scorecards available on www.windiescricket.com.
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Come Worship in Pink
The Antioch Baptist Church is extending a heartfelt invitation to the public for a special event titled ‘Worship in Pink,’ scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025. This unique gathering aims to bring the community together in a morning of fellowship, prayer, and uplifting worship. The event is dedicated to honoring those who have battled breast cancer, celebrating survivors, and remembering loved ones who have lost their lives to the disease. Services will be held at 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., providing two opportunities for attendees to participate in this meaningful occasion. The church encourages everyone to join in this act of solidarity and support, fostering a sense of unity and compassion within the community.
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The 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition Commences
The 3rd Annual Regional Schools Investment Competition has officially commenced, bringing together high school and first-year college students from across the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. Organized by the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC) and licensed broker-dealers, the event aims to provide students with a hands-on experience in securities market activities. Running from October 14 to November 7, 2025, the competition offers participants the chance to apply their knowledge, gain practical investing skills, and compete for the prestigious title of Regional Schools Investment Champion. The event began with an Education Webinar on October 2, followed by a Competition Briefing on October 8. This initiative not only fosters financial literacy but also aims to inspire young individuals to explore investment opportunities and build wealth. As the ECSE and ECSRC celebrate their 24th anniversary on October 19, 2025, the competition serves as a platform to cultivate future active participants in the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market. For updates, visit the ECSE’s website and social media pages.
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NIA Invites General Public to a Town Hall Meeting on Proposed “Destiny” Special Sustainability Zone Project
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has announced a public town hall meeting to discuss the proposed Destiny Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) project, underscoring its commitment to transparency and community engagement. Scheduled for October 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall in Charlestown, the event invites residents to voice their opinions and gain insights into the development plans. Premier Mark Brantley emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping the island’s sustainable future. The NIA has already conducted consultations with key stakeholders, including tourism representatives, religious leaders, and business communities, as part of its inclusive approach. Additional meetings with other groups, such as the Police High Command and Nevis Sixth Form College students, are planned. Premier Brantley encouraged citizens to attend the town hall, highlighting the government’s dedication to open dialogue and collective decision-making. The NIA reaffirmed that public involvement is essential to ensuring that the development aligns with the aspirations of the Nevisian people.
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Desalination plant nears completion as Government moves to restore 24-hour water supply in Basseterre
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is making significant strides in addressing the nation’s water supply challenges as the two-million-gallon-per-day Desalination Plant at the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Park approaches completion. This critical infrastructure project is poised to restore a 24-hour water supply to Basseterre, the capital city, marking a major milestone in the Federation’s efforts to improve water accessibility. Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Konris Maynard, announced that the plant was powered up for the first time on October 16, 2025, initiating a series of rigorous tests on its treatment processes, including reverse osmosis systems. These tests are expected to continue for several weeks to ensure operational efficiency. Minister Maynard emphasized the government’s commitment to alleviating water shortages, particularly in Saint Kitts, during a National Assembly sitting on October 17, 2025. Once operational, the plant will provide a reliable water source to meet the increasing demands of households and industries. Beyond Basseterre, efforts to enhance water availability are also underway. A recent hydrological drone survey identified 17 potential sites for underground potable water, with drilling of new wells set to begin in December 2025. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s dedication to securing sustainable water resources for the nation.
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The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Celebrated the 114th National Day and 42nd Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with St. Christopher and Nevis
On October 9, 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in St. Christopher and Nevis hosted a grand reception at the picturesque Palms Court Gardens restaurant to commemorate the 114th National Day of Taiwan and the 42nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The event underscored the enduring partnership and mutual respect shared by Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Ambassador Edward Tao, in his opening address, likened the 42-year friendship to ‘fine rum—smoother and richer with time.’ He extended his gratitude to the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis for their unwavering support in international forums and their commitment to shared values of democracy, freedom, and mutual respect.
The Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of St. Kitts and Nevis, lauded Taiwan as a reliable and valued partner. He highlighted Taiwan’s significant contributions to the Federation’s development across various sectors and reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to advocating for Taiwan on the global stage.
The celebration was graced by prominent figures, including Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Hon. Konris Maynard, Hon. Garth Wilkins, the Acting Commander of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, senior government officials, business leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Attendees were treated to a vibrant showcase of Taiwanese culture, featuring a dynamic Dragon Dance, the traditional Third Prince performance, and a heartfelt rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for Taiwan. The festivities reflected the deep-rooted friendship and shared joy between the peoples of Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis.
