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The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), in collaboration with Rutgers University’s Center for Ocean Observing Leadership (RUCOOL), the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), and the IOC Sub-Commission for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (IOCARIBE-GOOS), successfully completed the recovery of the Vetlesen Caribbean Hurricane Ocean Glider earlier this week.

The recovery marks a major milestone in the region’s efforts to strengthen ocean observation systems that enhance hurricane and tropical cyclone modeling for the Caribbean.

The mission, supported by the G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation, forms part of the 2025 International Challenger Mission, a global initiative promoting ocean science collaboration and data sharing to support climate resilience.

Launched off the west coast of Barbados in mid-July, the glider collected critical data on ocean temperature and salinity from waters around Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.

Models constructed from the data will provide essential inputs for forecasting that will improve understanding of ocean-atmosphere interactions, a key factor in predicting hurricane intensity and trajectory.

Dr. David Farrell, Principal of the CIMH, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project has been a key factor in its success.

‘This mission demonstrates the power of regional and international collaboration in advancing scientific understanding of our oceans,’ remarked Dr. Farrell. ‘By leveraging technology and partnerships, we are taking a major step toward establishing CIMH as a regional hub for marine science and for ocean glider research and innovation. The data collected will directly support improved hurricane forecasting, ocean observing and modelling, and climate resilience across the Caribbean fisheries, among others.’

Dr. Lorna Inniss, Regional Coordinator and Head of IOCARIBE-UNESCO, emphasized that the glider’s mission is not only a scientific achievement but is also contributing to reduced fragmentation of regional ocean governance and the attainment of the 2030 Agenda, based on ‘The Science we Need for the Ocean we Want’. Inniss stated.

‘When we see the how the glider data has positively impacted hurricane forecasting already, it is clear that a fleet of Caribbean gliders and other monitoring platforms, interconnected as a regional ocean observing system, will assist in solving several ocean-related challenges.’

Meanwhile,Dr. Doug Wilson, Director of the UVI Ocean Glider Laboratory and Project Coordinator for IOCARIBE-GOOS, emphasized the importance of regional partnerships in ocean observing. Dr. Wilson said ,’The ocean and atmospheric phenomena that impact all Caribbean nations do not respect international boundaries, and this project – collecting ocean data and sharing with neighboring countries – shows the value of collaboration. Congratulations to CIMH and partners on leading the way in expanding regional ocean observing capabilities.’

The mission also highlights the transformative role of applied ocean science in advancing both regional and global weather research. Dr. Scott Glenn, Co-Director of RUCOOL and co-lead for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) Co-Design Programme’s Tropical Cyclone Exemplar, noted that in addition to strengthening the Caribbean’s observing and forecasting capabilities, the data collected by the glider also contributes valuable insights to global research on ocean-atmosphere interactions. Dr. Dr. Glenn noted, ‘This glider mission is one of five globally coordinated pilot studies to better observe the essential ocean features and processes that impact hurricane intensity. What we learn here will be shared with other regions so that we all benefit from the improved accuracy and lead time for life-saving tropical cyclone forecasts.

Following the recovery of the hurricane glider, a technical session was held at the CIMH, bringing together students, scientists, and marine professionals to explore the glider’s mission and its role in advancing regional ocean observing capabilities. The event also included live data demonstrations and discussions on integrating ocean science into climate resilience and disaster risk reduction planning.

This mission represents the first in a series of collaborative glider recoveries and deployments planned for the Caribbean, furthering efforts to build capacity in marine science, strengthen partnerships, and improve data-driven decision-making for disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation.

The 2025 Canadian horseracing season at Assiniboia Downs (ASD) concluded spectacularly recently, culminating in the crowning of two new dominant forces in the winner’s circle.

Jockey Damario Bynoe and trainer Steve Keplin Jr. both secured their first-ever leading titles, headlining a year of record-breaking handle and thrilling competition.

Jockey Bynoe sealed his championship day with a statement, blazing to victory in two races on the closing card.

His final tally of 60 wins decisively dethroned three-time ASD riding champion Antonio Whitehall, who finished second with 48 victories.

‘This has been an incredible season and a dream come true,’ said an elated Bynoe after securing the title.

With this milestone, Bynoe carves his name into the history books as the 12th jockey from Barbados to win a riding title in North America.

The final jockey standings saw Sven Balroop in third with 36 wins, followed by Prayven Badrie with 29 and Rachaad Knights with 24.

In the trainer’s ranks, Steve Keplin Jr. celebrated a hard-earned championship, saddling 40 winners throughout the meet. He finished eight wins clear of runner-up Mike Nault 32.

The remarkable achievements of the two first-time champions highlighted a banner year for the track. Darren Dunn, CEO of Assiniboia Downs, praised the season’s thrilling conclusion.

‘What a finish this year with record wagering and the remarkable achievements from Damario and Steve Keplin Jr.,’ Dunn said. ‘We are so grateful for our growing fanbase of loyal horseplayers, the horsepeople that are giving it their all every day, and all the staff that helps to bring it all together. Thank you for another outstanding season.’

Barbados has been named the Caribbean’s leading wedding destination for the second consecutive year, cementing its position as the region’s premier spot to tie the knot.

The accolade was confirmed at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean and North American Gala Ceremony held earlier this month at Sandals Grande in Saint Lucia.

In a release the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), hailed the win as a reflection of the island’s ongoing dedication to fostering a world-class wedding industry.

Chief Operations Officer at BTMI, Cheryl Carter said in the statement: ‘Barbados is deeply honoured to receive this prestigious recognition as the Caribbean’s Leading Wedding Destination. This award is a testament to the pride our nation feels when welcoming couples to begin their lives together.

‘The dedication, flair, creativity, and expertise of our many wedding planners ensure that every wedding, regardless of the size or style, is truly a memorable occasion. Over the years, Barbados has staged weddings of every description from intimate to extravagant, drawing on our rich culture, stunning venues, and world-class hospitality. With this accolade, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence in delivering exceptional destination weddings.’

Director of BTMI’s Caribbean department, Graham Clarke welcomed the continued recognition of Barbados in the face of tough competition from neighbouring destinations.

‘I am happy that the title remains in Barbados this year, as we were able to eclipse some of our neighbours who were also competing for the honour,’ Clarke said in the release. He further credited local industry stakeholders for their role in securing the award.

‘This honour reflects not only our island’s unique appeal but also the dedication of our exceptional tourism stakeholders, whose hard work makes every celebration extraordinary,’ he added.

WTA founder Graham Cooke described the ceremony as an opportunity to recognise the region’s highest achievers.

‘Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark across the region,’ Cooke said.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are regarded as the benchmark for industry excellence, celebrating outstanding achievements in travel, tourism, and hospitality worldwide.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Thursday, October 16, 2025

BRIDGETOWN – Barbados has been named the Caribbean’s leading wedding destination for the second consecutive year, cementing its position as the region’s premier spot to tie the knot.

KINGSTON – The two leading newspapers in the island , Jamaica Observer Limited (JOL) and Gleaner Company Media Limited (GCML) on Wednesday announced that they have agreed to enter a formal joint venture (JV) by the close of the calendar year.

GEORGETOWN – President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, while making clear that the country will also stand firm against transnational crime, the illicit drug trade, and any form of destabilisation that threatens regional stability.

NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) ihas joined the Center for Constitutional Rights in filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking the Office of Legal Counsel’s (OLC) guidance and other related documents regarding lethal strikes on alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean.

SPORTS

NEW DELHI – While the scoreline reads a dominant 2-0 series victory for India, the story of the recently concluded Test series against the West Indies was one of resolute spirit and a powerful tribute from an unlikely source, the home side’s coach, Gautam Gambhir.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) ihas joined the Center for Constitutional Rights in filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking the Office of Legal Counsel’s (OLC) guidance and other related documents regarding lethal strikes on alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean.

The ACLU noted that, in testifying last week before the US Senate Judiciary Committee, US Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to confirm the existence (or nonexistence) of such guidance.

But the ACLU said on the same day, in a different hearing, Charles Young, who is nominated to serve as the US Army’s general counsel, acknowledged the existence of this opinion in an exchange with Senator Jeanne Shaheen, explaining that the ‘opinion was derived through an interagency lawyers working group’ including representatives from the White House and several executive branch agencies.

The ACLUC said public reporting also indicates that the OLC has issued an opinion, and that it asserts ‘sweeping, unprecedented claims of presidential authority to use military force against people alleged to be affiliated with drug cartels.’

Jeffrey Stein, staff attorney with the ACLU’s National Security Project, said: ‘All available evidence suggests that President Trump’s lethal strikes in the Caribbean constitute murder, pure and simple.

‘The public deserves to know how our government is justifying these attacks as lawful, and, given the stakes, immediate public scrutiny of its apparently radical theories is imperative,’ he added.

The ACLU said that, since early September, President Donald Trump has ordered five strikes on private boats traveling in the Caribbean Sea, reportedly killing at least 27 people.

In attempting to defend the legality of the strikes, the ACLU noted that the Trump administration has stated that drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations are ‘non-state armed groups’ whose ‘actions constitute an armed attack against the United States.’

‘But the United States is not in an armed conflict with drug cartels, and the people the government’s strikes have killed are civilians under international law,’ the ACLUC said. ‘For this reason, members of Congress from across the political spectrum, former government officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations, legal experts, civil society groups, and international bodies say the attacks appear to violate both international and domestic law.’

Baher Azmy, legal director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, said ‘in a constitutional system, no president can arbitrarily choose to assassinate individuals from the sky based on his whim or say-so.

‘The Trump administration is taking its indiscriminate pattern of lawlessness to a lethal level,’ he said. ‘The public understanding of any rationale supporting such unprecedented and shocking conduct is essential for transparency and accountability.’

In responding to the October 14 announcement of an airstrike killing six people in the Caribbean, Amnesty International USA’s Director for Security and Human Rights, Daphne Eviatar, described the airstrike as ‘murder-plain and simple.

‘There is no plausible legal justification for the Trump administration to use the US military to kill whoever it unilaterally deems a ‘terrorist”, she said. ‘This was the fifth US strike in the Caribbean since early September, bringing the body count-by the administration’s own admission-to 27.

‘These airstrikes outrageously flout international law and set a dangerous precedent for other leaders around the world,’ Eviatar added. ‘Congress must do everything in its power to stop these murders and hold those responsible accountable.’

She noted that, on September 3, the US claimed it bombed a boat allegedly departing from Venezuela, killing 11 people.

On September 15, Eviatar said Trump claimed responsibility for another lethal strike on a boat in the Caribbean, reportedly killing three people.

Days later, she noted that Trump announced a third strike killing three more people.

On October 2, Eviatar said US media reported that President Trump had declared drug cartels as ‘unlawful combatants’ and that the US is in a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with them.

‘Such pronouncements reveal an incorrect understanding and application of international law, and do not change the fact that these airstrikes are clearly illegal under international human rights law,’ Eviatar said.

The next day, she noted that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a fourth strike that he said killed four people near Venezuela.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI), is continuing to position itself as a key player in the world of crypto and digital finance.

The push was made as BVI Finance recently showcased the territory’s digital finance offerings at TOKEN2049 Singapore, one of Asia’s premier Web3 and blockchain gatherings, held earlier this month.

The participation formed part of the BVI’s ongoing campaign to promote the jurisdiction as a trusted hub for digital innovation, fintech regulation, and global financial services.

BVI Finance said its participation in TOKEN2049 highlighted the territory’s capacity to meet the needs of fintech companies seeking clarity, stability, and access to international markets. These efforts align with the findings of the group’s global report, Destination Digital, which found that 94 percent of fintech leaders view cross-border expansion as key to their growth, with many looking to international finance centres like the BVI for their balanced regulatory approach.

BVI Finance said events like TOKEN2049 strengthen the territory’s standing as a forward-thinking, stable jurisdiction committed to maintaining world-class regulatory standards while embracing digital transformation.

The participation in Singapore adds to a series of global outreach efforts this year as the BVI seeks to modernise its financial services offerings and protect its reputation amid ongoing international reforms targeting tax transparency and beneficial ownership.

The secretary of the non-governmental organization, Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, Gary Aboud, Thursday confirmed that two Trinidad and Tobago nationals were among the six people killed following a United States military airstrike on a small vessel off the coast of Venezuela earlier this week.

‘We would like to offer our condolences to the families, friends, children, wives of the deceased. Very, very sorry that they were murdered like this. I am very very sorry,’ Aboud said on a radio broadcast on Thursday with regards to the killings of Richie Samaroo and Chad ‘Charpo’ Joseph.

Aboud said as a result of the killings, local fisherfolk are now afraid of going out to sea.

‘People are terrified at the risk of being killed at sea. Personally I am very upset with our national position of bringing American warships and allowing them to by pass the judicial process.

‘We have law and order. We are a civilised nation. Yet we have adopted and given blessing to warmongering murderers to come into our territory and kill people outside of the judicial process.

In a pivotal step towards the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a seven-match Youth ODI series against England U19S, set for Grenada this November.

The high-stakes contest, running from November 16 to December 1 at the Grenada National Stadium, will serve as a critical testing ground for the young Windies squad.

The series was relocated from its originally intended venue in St. Vincent after the National Sports Council there confirmed the grounds were unavailable due to international scheduling.

This tour comes on the heels of the West Indies’ hard-fought 4-3 series victory over Sri Lanka U19S in Antigua, providing the team with valuable momentum.

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasised the strategic importance of the upcoming fixtures. ‘This series against England forms an important part of our strategic plan to refine the squad through consistent, high-quality competition,’ Bascombe stated.

‘The group has already gained valuable experience and confidence from the recent win against Sri Lanka, and this next assignment provides another crucial opportunity for growth,’ he added. ‘We expect another highly competitive contest in Grenada. These matches are vital in ensuring our players continue to develop their skills, temperament, and match awareness.’

Both teams will arrive in Grenada on November 8 for an intensive preparation period. They will have three days of training at the stadium before England faces a Grenadian Under-25 select XI in a warm-up match on November 12.

The full series schedule is as follows (all matches at Grenada National Stadium):

1st Youth ODI: Sunday, November 16

2nd Youth ODI: Wednesday, November 19

3rd Youth ODI: Friday, November 21

4th Youth ODI: Monday, November 24

5th Youth ODI: Wednesday, November 26

6th Youth ODI: Saturday, November 29

7th Youth ODI: Monday, December 1