Haiti

Melissa is a Category 4-hurricane as the Caribbean prepares for impact

The National Hurricane Center of the United States (NHC) announced on Sunday that Hurricane Melissa had developed into a Category 4, with winds up to 220km/h. It is expected to intensify as it moves towards Jamaica. The NHC reported that Melissa will be about 110 miles south of Kingston, and is expected to hit Jamaica on Monday or Tuesday night. It will also strike southeastern Cuba in the late afternoon. At a Sunday press conference, the authorities announced that both airports international were closed. They also said 881 shelters had been activated across the country. Desmond McKenzie said, "Many communities

Electric Utilities

Doctors without Borders closes Haiti's emergency clinic as a 'last-resort'

Document reveals Trump's 'America First" foreign aid funding plan

According to a document sent by the Trump administration to Congress, $1.8 billion of foreign aid funds will be shifted to "America First" projects, such as investing in Greenland or countering "Marxist anti-American regimes in Latin America." The Congressional Notification, reviewed on Wednesday, stated that "the national security interests" of the United States demand that these funds be used to address new challenges that will make America stronger, safer or more prosperous. The Washington Post was the first to report on the administration's plan. The Washington Post reported that the State Department was looking forward to working with Congress on

Environment

Mutual aid networks are growing as Trump cuts disaster response.

U.N. condemns reported Haitian massacre that killed more than 40 people

The Secretary-General of the United Nations condemned Saturday an attack in which armed gangs killed at least forty people in a village of fishermen north of Haiti's Capital. Local media in Haiti reported widely that the attack occurred on Thursday night in Labodrie. This is another sign that gang violence has escalated outside of the capital. The United Nations released a statement saying that the Secretary-General was alarmed at the level of violence in Haiti. He urged the Haitian authorities "to ensure perpetrators of all human rights violations and abuses are brought to trial." A spokesperson from the National Police

Environment

Bankers in Latin America urge Latin America's governments to lower barriers to attract renewable energy funds

Multilateral bank executives stated on Tuesday that Latin American countries must address regulatory barriers, improve electric interconnection and enhance project structuring for renewable energy to attract the $200 billion investment needed annually to make the energy transformation a reality. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) organized an event in Colombia’s capital Bogota, where executives spoke. Why it's important Energy infrastructure investments in the region are below global averages. This could make it difficult for it to achieve its climate and energy targets. KEY QUOTES Felix Fernandez is the Director for Latin America and the Caribbean of

Haitian gang massacre leaves a minimum of 70 dead, UN says