Before departing, the contingent was briefed by Brigadier General Faustin Tinka, Commander of the RDF Mechanised Division, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff. He urged the engineers to apply their technical skills and professionalism to ensure the mission has a visible and positive impact on communities affected by the storm.

Brigadier General Tinka also reminded the team to uphold the core values of the RDF, particularly discipline, which he said was key to earning the trust placed in them by the force’s leadership. He called on both officers and enlisted personnel to maintain these standards throughout the deployment.

Hurricane Melissa hit the Caribbean in late October 2025, causing widespread destruction. Jamaica was among the hardest-hit countries, with severe damage to roads, public facilities and other essential infrastructure. The scale of the devastation prompted a large, multi-agency humanitarian response .

Cuban Ambassador to Venezuela Jorge Luis Mayo Fernández expressed gratitude to Caracas for the assistance and highlighted the solidarity between both nations despite external pressure. "While the empire continues to threaten the peoples of our America , the peoples of the Caribbean, and our sister Venezuela with weapons, the Caribbean is crossed by ships of solidarity, by ships of love, by planes of love and planes of solidarity” he said. The remarks were aired by Venezolana de Televisión (VTV).

He added that this gesture of solidarity reflects “the kind of relationship that should unite all the nations of the world .”

According to regional authorities, while Cuba reported no fatalities, the death toll from the hurricane has risen to more than 40 in Jamaica and Haiti.

He noted a 2% growth in tourism for the first quarter of the year, which contributed to a 1% overall increase in national economic performance during the same period.

“After Hurricane Beryl and all the disruptions, travel advisories, political and geopolitical issues, we are back on the growth path, and that’s going to continue,” Bartlett declared.

The minister anticipates a significant increase in tourism earnings for the current quarter, particularly in comparison to the same period last year, when the island was recovering from Beryl's impact . “I’m worried about how big the growth is going to look for this quarter,” he remarked, “because… you’re comparing a Beryl period to now, a normal period. But that’s how growth goes. The good news is that you’re back to where you were in 2023.”

Addressing the 180 exhibitors and local entrepreneurs showcasing Jamaican-made goods at the trade show, he encouraged them to take advantage of the growing tourism numbers by aligning their products with the sector’s rising demand.

As visualised by World Visualized, these phenomena, known collectively as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), are not just oceanic curiosities. They are key drivers of extreme climate events worldwide.

Backed by insights from the NOAA Climate , the graphics offer a clear breakdown of when these events occurred, how intense they were, and what their global impacts have been.

According to the NASA Earth Observatory , El Niño and La Niña alter atmospheric circulation, impacting rainfall, temperature, and wind patterns globally. The Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) is used to classify their intensity, with anomalies above +0.5°C (El Niño) or below -0.5°C (La Niña) for several consecutive months.

These shifts, particularly when strong, reshape monsoon behaviour , increase wildfire frequency, and even disrupt global trade routes due to abnormal storm tracks.

El Niño: The heat-bringer

El Niño (Spanish for “The Little Boy”) refers to warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. It typically occurs every 2–7 years and disrupts normal weather patterns globally.

Impacts:

The most recent El Niño event was between 2023 and 2024 and was classified as a strong El Niño, which impacted crop yields and global commodity prices.

Since 1952, there have been 27 El Niño events, with 11 weak, 7 moderate, 6 strong, and 3 very strong events recorded.

La Niña: The cold counterpart

La Niña (Spanish for “The Little Girl”) is characterised by cooler-than-average Pacific Ocean temperatures. Often considered El Niño’s opposite, La Niña can persist longer and deliver more intense and erratic weather, according to NOAA and WMO.

Impacts:

Over the last 70 years, 25 La Niña events have occurred: 13 weak, 6 moderate, and 7 strong. 2024 to 2025 is classified as a weak La Niña year.

The Dominican Republic ranks first, with a risk index of 10, closely followed by the Philippines (9.3) and Japan (9.2). These regions are particularly vulnerable due to their location, population density, and geography.



However, besides a general definition of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and low-pressure centres, there are several types of tropical cyclones, such as hurricanes and typhoons, which usually impact different regions worldwide.

Hurricanes occur in the North Atlantic & Eastern Pacific (impacting the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and SE USA). In contrast, typhoons occur in the Northwestern Pacific (affecting countries like Japan, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines). Cyclones tend to impact the Indian Ocean & South Pacific (impacting areas like India and Australia).

While South Korea only ranks 6th on the list with an 8.3 score, Japan is on top because of its unique geographical location. Its location in the northwestern Pacific, coupled with warm ocean waters and complex atmospheric patterns, makes it a hotspot for typhoons.

However, climate change could be one of the reasons behind it. Research from the Climate Council reveals that the growing temperature may strengthen tropical cyclones, resulting in stronger wind speed and move slower. For instance, Tropical Cyclone Yasa caused massive damage to Fiji’s northern island of Vanus Levu in December 2020.

Authorities said on September 24 that the storm had weakened into a tropical storm.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador urged residents to prioritise their safety.

"Seek higher ground, protect yourselves, and do not forget that the most important thing is life; material things are replaceable," he was quoted as saying.

The incident has reminded residents of Hurricane Otis, a scale-topping Category 5 storm which left a trail of destruction and several dozen people dead.

"We were panicking. I actually got sick with nerves because two days before it was windy like with Otis, and it kicked up dust, roof sheets, everything. So yes, we panicked a lot. The children became hysterical," Marta Sotelo, a resident, told the AFP.

Meanwhile, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned of heavy rains of up to 15 inches and possible flash floods over the coming days particularly in the southern states of Chiapas, Oaxaca and Guerrero.

People living along the coast have also been cautioned.

"There is a lot of damage. The branches hit each other and broke. After the rain, there was flooding. The river rose, submerged everything, and the trees died. During the storm, we propped the trees back up. The next day, they were flooded again. This year, it's a total loss. No harvest," she said.

Do Thi Hoa, further counting her losses shared with AFP "It’s heartbreaking because I’ve put in so much effort since the beginning of the year. Money for pesticides and labour. So much money was spent with the hope of a harvest by the end of the year. Now, with this loss, everyone in the village is worried. "

Beyond the destruction of the farms, the human cost of Typhoon Yagi is equally tragic. As of Friday, September 13, 233 people have been reported dead with many more injured or missing.

The CNT x Finsus Digital Platform is revolutionising the tortilla production landscape in Mexico by enabling approximately 18,000 vendors to transition from cash-based transactions to electronic payments. This app not only facilitates financial management for these vendors but also allows them to process utility bill payments, effectively increasing their income. The projected financial uplift for users ranges from 6,000 to 38,000 pesos monthly, and the integration of small-business loans and insurance services further enhances the utility of this platform. Mexico News Daily reports that CNT's target to have 40% of its members adopt this technology within a year signifies a significant step towards financial inclusion in the Mexican tortilla industry. Homero López García, CNT president, highlights the historical financial restrictions that this initiative aims to address.

Hurricane disruptions

Hurricane Francine has severely impacted energy production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, causing around 39% of crude oil and 49% of natural gas outputs to cease. This disruption translates to approximately 675,000 barrels of oil and 907 million cubic feet of natural gas being compromised due to the storm's intensity, with winds reaching up to 90 mph. According to Offshore Engineer , The evacuation of 171 offshore platforms, accounting for 46% of total installations, underscores the storm's widespread effects, considering that the Gulf typically contributes about 15% of U.S. oil and 2% of natural gas.

Escaped tiger found

A Bengal tiger named Tony created a stir after escaping from a zoo in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. The tiger's escapades included attacking a local pig farm and chasing sheep; however, no significant injuries were reported. After a five-day search, Tony was captured using a chicken-baited trap in the vicinity of Los Longoria and is scheduled to be transferred to Tamatán Zoo in Ciudad Victoria. As an endangered species with a dwindling population of 2,000 to 2,500 specimens in the wild, his care and management are critical, leading to the closure of Quinta La Fauna Zoo until further notice post-escape, Mexico News Daily reported.

Influx of fake drugs

The health authorities in Mexico, through Cofepris, have raised alerts regarding counterfeit medications, specifically calling attention to six Bayer products including Cafiaspirina and Aspirina. These questionable batches have been deemed unsafe due to improper manufacturing protocols, and their problematic details were outlined, including incorrect batch numbers, lack of active ingredients, and unrecognised products. As reported by Mexico News Daily , consumers are strongly advised to verify lot numbers and steer clear of unregulated vendors when purchasing any related medications, highlighting the importance of product integrity in health and safety.

Investor confidence

The president of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE), Sergio Cardenas, has assured stakeholders that recent judicial reforms enacted by the federal government will not deter foreign investments, despite concerns about the judiciary's politicisation. Notably, foreign direct investment (FDI) has surged, with a notable increase of 7% in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, accumulating over $31 billion. According to Mexico News Daily , projections indicate that FDI could surpass $40 billion by year-end, buoyed by Mexico's robust export capabilities and vital role in trade with the U.S. The performance of multinational corporations such as Pirelli further illustrates the lucrative business environment within Mexico, reinforcing a positive outlook for ongoing investment initiatives.

India's T20 World Cup victory is a fitting tribute to cricket legends Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and coach Rahul Dravid. The win is especially meaningful for Sharma, who led the team to victory after a disappointing loss in the 50-over World Cup final. The victory also showcased the skills of India's bowlers, including Hardik Pandya, who experienced a moment of redemption after a tough season in the IPL. Overall, the win was a moment of poetic justice and heartwarming triumph for the team, BBC reports.

Food Safety

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has revoked the manufacturing licenses of 111 spice producers across India. This action was taken due to concerns about the quality and safety of the products, Times of India reports.

Hurricane aftermath

Team India is stuck in Barbados due to a hurricane, which has led to a curfew and shut down of the airport until further order and curfew are imposed in the city, Economic Times reports.

Republican National Convention election

Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a prominent Indian-American physician and community leader, has been elected as an official delegate to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. This will be his sixth time serving as a National Delegate. He has been a lifelong member of the Republican Party and has lobbied for several bills in the U.S. Congress on behalf of India. Dr. Shivangi sees this as a unique opportunity to represent the Indian-American community at the national level. According to The Hindu , he will also be part of a luncheon hosted by Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi in honour of the delegates.

Cricket games

India defeated South Africa in a one-off Test match by 10 wickets in Chennai. According to Times of India , it was a hard-fought victory against a resilient South African team.

The Grenada Ministry of Health has verified that the norovirus, often referred to as the 'stomach flu,' is the main cause behind the current widespread gastroenteritis outbreak on the island. This conclusion comes after thorough lab tests by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago. Known worldwide as a common source of acute gastroenteritis, the norovirus induces symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. It is especially known for its rapid spread through tainted food and water, contact with contaminated surfaces, and person-to-person interaction, reports Loop .

Firearm offences elevated

Grenada has elevated firearm-related offences to the same level as murder and treason. Magistrates are no longer authorised to issue bail for those charged under the Firearms Act, as the government aims to address the high number of firearm offences in the country. Offences under the act will now be considered "very serious" and non-bailable. As reported by the Jamaica Observer , the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code now includes offences under the Firearms Act that are punishable by imprisonment for five years or more as non-bailable. Grenada confiscated 35 firearms between January to June 2024, leading to the implementation of these changes.

New pricing for Citizenship by Investment Programme

IMA Grenada has announced a new pricing structure for its Citizenship by Investment Programme, aligning with standardised rates across the OECS. The minimum investment requirement will be US$235,000, in line with other member states. This change aims to end price competition and strengthen governance infrastructure, while enhancing transparency and accountability in the investment migration industry, according to Loop .

Grenada economy gets ‘high marks’ from IMF

In a notable shift from the usual narrative, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has highlighted Grenada's economic prospects in a positive light, a rare occurrence for Caribbean nations, particularly those labelled as Less Developed Countries (LDCs). The IMF's latest evaluation following their visit to the 'Spice Isle' forecasts an impressive nearly four percent economic growth. The team noted that Grenada is witnessing 'sustained, strong growth,' supported significantly by its thriving tourism industry. According to Stabroek News , Grenada, like several other CARICOM countries, continues to rely heavily on costly food imports from outside the region despite its active agricultural sector.

Preparation for Hurrican Beryl

Authorities have issued a call to action for Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique inhabitants to finalize their preparations in anticipation of Hurricane Beryl. The collective islands of Grenada were declared to be under a Hurricane Warning as of 8 pm on Saturday, a status shared with Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines. Gerard Tamar, a forecaster at the Meteorological Office, has indicated that, given Beryl's current trajectory and location, the storm's eye is predicted to traverse the Grenadine Islands early on Monday, June 24. Tamar emphasised that, in addition to the hurricane's powerful winds, the expected rainfall poses a significant threat, with projections estimating up to 100 millimetres of rain along the hurricane's course, reports Loop .

On Thursday, May 30, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its forecast for the upcoming hurricane season, and the outlook is concerning. The organisation predicts an “above average” season, with 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and 4 to 7 major hurricanes of category 3 or higher. According to Dominica News Online , this forecast significantly exceeds the average season, which typically has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes. NOAA Administrator Dr Rick Spinrad highlighted that this forecast is the highest ever issued by NOAA for its May outlook.

Over $30 million worth of drugs destroyed by police

On Friday, May 21, over $30 million worth of drugs were incinerated at the Special Service Unit compound at Morne Bruce. Police Inspector Fixton Henderson reported that on May 24, 2024, the Drug Squad of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) burned 9,988 kilogrammes of cannabis valued at $14,982,000 and 606.64 kilogrammes of cocaine valued at $16,075,960. He explained that the drugs had been seized during various police operations and some were held as exhibits in court cases that have now concluded. Dominica News Online adds that Henderson emphasised the CDPF's commitment to transparency and its ongoing efforts to enforce the Drugs Prevention of Misuse Act of Dominica, aiming to mitigate the impact of illegal drugs on Dominican society.

Rising national debt

Concerns over Dominica's national debt persist, despite optimistic economic growth forecasts. The country's aim to become the world's first climate-resilient nation by 2030 has created a funding gap of $1.5 billion. With a heavy reliance on the Citizenship By Investment Programme for development funding, concerns over the sustainability of the economy have been raised. As reported by Dominica News Online , the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised that Dominica ranks as the third most indebted island in the Caribbean. The Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) has suggested sovereign debt restructuring to address the significant debt distress. The CPDC also highlighted the impact of rising debts on vulnerable sectors such as education, health, and farming.

Livestock artificial insemination Initiative

The Livestock Development Unit (LDU) within the Division of Agriculture has initiated a proactive engagement with farmers interested in artificial insemination for their small ruminants. In 2023, a group of 34 farmers collectively decided to import 150 straws of Boer and Nubian goat semen from the United States. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the genetic quality of local herds and boost overall productivity in the region, reports Dominica News Online . Since its inception, the LDU has been providing technical assistance to farmers, offering guidance on the intricacies of artificial insemination, and creating favourable conditions for successful conception and pregnancy. As of April 2024, the initial batch of eighteen farmers has begun the insemination process, which is expected to be completed within the next seven weeks. Additional sessions will be scheduled based on farmers’ requests.

Catholic church mourns cardinal

His Eminence Cardinal Kelvin Felix passed away at 3 pm today in Castries, St. Lucia, leaving the Catholic Church in deep mourning. He was 91. Born on February 15, 1933, in Roseau, Dominica, Kelvin Edward Felix, OBE, SLMH, DAH, served as the Roman Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Castries, St. Lucia. According to Dominica News Online , Cardinal Felix's path to the priesthood began with his ordination on April 8, 1956. In 1962, he left the West Indies to attend St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, where he earned a Diploma in Adult Education. He later obtained a master’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana in 1967 and completed post-graduate studies in Sociology at the University of Bradford in England in 1970.