By Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News
Haiti Crisis Deepens Despite Regional Concern
Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) expressed deep concern on Sunday over the worsening political, economic, and security crisis in Haiti, a full member of the regional integration bloc.
The country has been in turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021. Armed gangs have since seized control of much of Port-au-Prince, with violent attempts to overthrow the provisional government. The United Nations reports thousands of casualties and widespread displacement of women and children.
Despite efforts like the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados emphasized the need for deeper regional and global engagement.
“Haiti is doing its best to withstand the gang onslaught, but that is not enough,” she said.
“Without realistic conversations and action, citizens will continue to risk their lives and dignity.”
Historic Moment: Suriname Elects First Female President
In Suriname, history was made on Sunday as Jennifer Geerlings-Simons became the country’s first female president. The 71-year-old physician and former Speaker of Parliament won support from 34 members of the National Assembly — the exact number required to secure the presidency in the first round of voting.
This milestone comes during Suriname’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Outgoing President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, whose party did not nominate a candidate, congratulated Simons, saying:
“Power is temporary, glamour is fleeting, but service to the people is eternal.”
Simons’ running mate, Gregory Rusland, will serve as Vice President. Although women have previously served as Speaker of the Assembly, no woman has ever held Suriname’s presidency — until now.
Texas Flood Tragedy: Dozens Dead, More Missing
Internationally, at least 81 people are confirmed dead, with 41 still missing, following catastrophic flash floods in Central Texas. The hardest-hit area is Kerr County, where a Riverside Christian Girls Camp was overwhelmed by rising waters, claiming the lives of several children.
Other counties impacted include Travis, Burnet, Williamson, Kendall, and Tom Green. Rescuers face venomous snakes, deep mud, and debris as the search effort — one of the largest in Texas’ history — shifts from rescue to recovery.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to “stop at nothing” to find every missing person.
