Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

September 6, 2025 – In a dramatic escalation along the southern Caribbean, U.S. forces on September 2 launched a military strike on a boat allegedly carrying illicit narcotics from Venezuela.  Officials say the strike killed 11 members of the Tren de Aragua cartel, which the U.S. has designated a terrorist organization, part of a broader “war on narco-terrorism” tied to the deadly spike in fentanyl and other drug deaths among Americans.

Within CARICOM ranks, reactions were deeply divided.  Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, voiced unequivocal support—saying drug traffickers “should be killed violently,” citing the nation’s struggle against cartel-driven violence and addiction.

Conversely, Barbados Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds and other regional diplomats expressed reservations about the U.S. operation’s legality, calling for greater diplomatic coordination and transparency to prevent further destabilization.

On the U.S. domestic front, Democratic lawmakers demanded answers.  Many were excluded from a scheduled briefing, fueling concerns over executive overreach.  Critics questioned the legality of a lethal strike in international waters without Congressional approval, warning of constitutional and international law violations.

A former Biden administration official, Juan González, also warned that the U.S. risks becoming entangled in a “disastrous” intervention in Venezuela—a conflict scenario more complex than past U.S. operations in the region.

In response to mounting regional pressure, the U.S. is ramping up its military presence.  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed continued operations against narco-terrorists.  The Pentagon has deployed ten F-35 stealth fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a broader naval and air buildup.  Senator Marco Rubio echoed the aggressive stance, stating more such strikes “will happen again.”

Meanwhile, Venezuela denounced the strike and dismissed U.S. claims as fabricated.  Venezuelan officials pointed to the video evidence released by President Trump as misleading or manipulated.

What’s at Stake:

• International law & sovereignty: Experts have questioned the legality of using lethal military force against suspected traffickers on the high seas without clear legal justification.
• CARICOM unity: The divided responses highlight deeper tensions over U.S. security policy and Caribbean sovereignty.
• Escalating militarization: The strike signals how Washington is blending drug interdiction with geopolitical pressure on Caracas, setting the stage for ongoing regional friction.

As Washington defends the strike as necessary for protecting American lives against a fentanyl-fueled crisis, Caribbean leaders worry the fallout may bring greater instability, not safety.

PHOTOS: Screenshots from U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) video

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

August 15, 2025 – At least nine people, including four children, were killed in flash flooding on the island of São Vicente, Cabo Verde, when the storm that would become Hurricane Erin swept through the West African archipelago last week. Authorities there say another five remain missing and more than 1,500 residents were displaced after torrential rains inundated homes and swept vehicles from the streets.

Now a major hurricane over the Atlantic, Erin has moved past the Leeward Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where residents endured heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas over the weekend. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has issued an official all clear for the Leeward and British Virgin Islands, though forecasters caution that flood watches, high surf, and rip current risks remain in place.

Damage assessments from the Virgin Islands are still under way, with reports of localized flooding, power outages, and disrupted transport. No fatalities have been reported in the Caribbean to date.

Attention has now shifted to the Turks and Caicos Islands, which are beginning to feel tropical storm conditions as Erin tracks northwest. Heavy rainbands and gusty winds are expected to continue there into Monday, bringing the potential for flooding and coastal erosion.

Meanwhile, in The Bahamas, a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued, with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall, dangerous seas, and possible tropical-storm-force winds later this week. Travelers to both The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are being urged to monitor advisories closely, check travel plans with airlines and hotels, and follow local safety instructions.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 5 August 2025 – The Primary Health Care Department within the Ministry of Health and Human Services proudly joins the global observance of World Breastfeeding Week 2025, celebrated annually from August 1–7, under the theme: “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”

This year’s theme underscores the critical need for long-term, equitable systems of support that empower and enable mothers to breastfeed successfully. Breastfeeding remains one of the most powerful and cost-effective interventions to promote child survival, health, and development. Yet, globally, fewer than half of infants under six months old are exclusively breastfed — a concerning statistic that highlights the urgent need for stronger, more sustainable solutions.

The Ministry of Health recognizes the pivotal role breastfeeding plays in the health and well-being of both infants and mothers and is committed to creating environments that encourage, protect, and support breastfeeding practices throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Activities Planned for World Breastfeeding Week 2025:

To commemorate this year’s observance, the Primary Health Care Department has planned a week of interactive, community-centered activities to raise awareness and offer support to mothers and families:

• Daily Breastfeeding Education Sessions
  Held in the waiting areas of all community clinics, these informative sessions will provide parents with essential knowledge on breastfeeding techniques, benefits, and common challenges.
• “Ask the Midwife” Booth
  An interactive booth staffed by experienced midwives and nurses where mothers and families can ask questions, seek guidance, and receive up-to-date information about breastfeeding practices.
• Leaflet and WHO Guidelines Distribution
  Educational materials and World Health Organization (WHO) breastfeeding guidelines will be distributed to the public to promote informed and evidence-based breastfeeding practices.
• Breastfeeding Wall of Fame
  A heartwarming display showcasing photographs (shared with consent) of local mothers breastfeeding their babies. Accompanied by empowering quotes and testimonies, this wall will celebrate the beauty, strength, and dedication of breastfeeding moms in our communities.
• Nutrition Talk and Demonstration
  A live demo will be hosted focusing on nutrition for breastfeeding mothers, offering practical meal and snack ideas using affordable, locally available foods to support maternal health and milk production.
• Poster and Bulletin Board Campaign
  Health facilities will be decorated with colorful, informative posters that highlight the global theme, local messages, and key facts about breastfeeding. This visual campaign will help reinforce the importance of community-wide support for breastfeeding.

Commenting on World Breastfeeding Week 2025, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services stated that “As the Minister of Health, I am  encouraging all residents, especially partners, families, employers, and community leaders, to prioritize breastfeeding and play an active role in supporting mothers in their journey. By working together to create sustainable systems — from healthcare and policy to community and workplace environments — we can improve breastfeeding outcomes, the health of our children and ultimately, the health of our nation.”

For more information on activities or to participate, please contact your nearest Community Clinic, the Primary Health Care Department or via email ldwilson@gov.tc and phone at 338-5470. Also, please visit the Ministry of Health’s facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.